Shauna Fannin

The beautiful city of Kilkenny plays host this weekend to the wonderful festival of economics and comedy that is @kilkenomics.bsky.social Fabulous speakers and political thinkers from across the globe.

Enjoying Rathlin Folk Tales compiled from the late Tommy Cecil’s archive by Colin Urwin.
On Rathlin Island, of course.

A lovely mug by Highland Stoneware, Bog Cotton design, from Breakwater Studio, Rathlin Island.
Sun’s up!

DISTANCE

Sometimes
most times

the distance
is too far

Like trying
to touch

your own face
in the mirror

By Belfast-born poet Adrian Rice (from Hickory Station, Press 53)

One for the Autumn. Who could resist the three ‘weird sisters’?

“When shall we three meet again
In thunder, lightning, or in rain?”
“When the hurly-burly's done,
When the battle's lost and won.”

A stand out performance by Conleth Hill, superb cast.
Wonderful writing by William Shakespeare!

The setting sun, Portstewart, North Coast, N Ireland.
A stunner!

Leaving by Carmen Bugan
Today’s @irishtimes.com

The incredible ceiling of the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Rome, as reflected in its mirror.

Pat Ingoldsby, August 25th 1942 - March 1st 2025

A quote from Joyce seems apt.
Ulysses

Brilliant!

Congratulations to you Linda and the lovely staff members. What an achievement to bring the fabulous benefits of both bilingualism and integrated schooling to children.

For the day that’s in it.
Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs by Frederic William Burton
Voted Ireland’s favourite painting
National Gallery of Ireland

Save the date: 18th February, Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.
Focusing on health and the environment. Hear from both CMOs on the island of Ireland Prof Mary Horgan and Prof Sir Michael McBride
Tickets online
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-vision-f...

For those ( just about everyone) in need of a feel-good story.

Today marks James Joyce’s birthday and the date of publication of Ulysses in 1922.
Copy no 1, first edition
Museum of Irish Literature, Dublin

Guess where funding of the arts is lowest in the UK-N Ireland- by a large margin. Go to the ROI to see proper funding. A plethora of year round festivals in towns across the country. Enriches the community, brings tourism revenue, supports writers and artists.
So short sighted of the UK govt.

What a canon of work he left us.

Tickets for FrieldDays: A Homecoming-on sale from February 1. This should be a great festival of his work
Artsoverborders.com

W.B. Yeats who died on this day 1939

“I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.”

The Widow’s Son stained glass windows by Harry Clarke. Fabulous detail, considered to be some of his finest work.
Saints Peter and Paul’s Church, Balbriggan

Apricity- the warmth of the sun in winter.
Rathlin Island 14/1/25

Just bought. Can’t believe it’s 21 years since The Line of Beauty was published. It was a fabulous novel.

This super production comes to the Viking Theatre, Clontarf, Dublin. Worth grabbing a ticket.

‘May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
May the clarity of light be yours,
May the fluency of the ocean be yours,
May the protection of the ancestors be yours.’
from Beannacht: A Blessing for the NewYear
by John O’Donohue
📸 Sunset Portstewart Strand 2024

My nativity set has been a source of wonder to clumsy toddler hands and has crashed to the floor more than once. Baby Jesus has been repaired and two of the Wise Men have lost an arm. Each carefully positioned to avoid embarrassment.
Imperfectly perfect.
The Spirit of Christmas❤️

Childhood images of my grandfather in this beautiful poem.

Looks like the Spanish Armada are answering Ireland’s call. They are a little late…
Vessels sheltering off the West Cork Coast 6/12/24
#StormDarragh