Greetings from the distinctly unique atmosphere of Dalkey in County Dublin. I’m currently staying here to participate in the Dalkey Book Festival this weekend. Alongside literature and politics, my interest has been piqued this week by camogie techniques, enthusiastic parents on the sidelines, insight into Smarties, and an interesting geographical sketch of Germany. Below, you’ll discover a curated list of what I have been engrossed in reading recently.
1. Perhaps it’s only my perception, but it appears to me that the ambience surrounding the upcoming Paris Olympics bears similarity to that of Italia ’90. The Irish athletics team, notably the women – featuring Rhasidat Adeleke, Ciara Mageean, who received a reminder not to underrate a camogie player, Sharlene Mawdsley, and Sophie Becker, have been performing superbly around the track. They’ve won numerous medals, prompting a sudden surge of interest in athletics across the nation. The prevailing query isn’t about the timing of the election but about when to start reducing, either now or during the Olympics.
If you’ve not done so yet, I highly recommend watching the mixed 400-metre relay video which includes Chris O’Donnell, Adeleke, Thomas Barr, and Mawdsley.
Our sports correspondents have been providing up-to-the-minute coverage of the events, including not only the impressive medal haul but also three new Irish records, twelve season’s best performances, and three additional personal bests. Ian O’Riordan astutely encapsulates the enormity of the Irish accomplishment: “In the 90-year history of the European Athletics Championships, which began in Turin in 1934, no Irish squad could have ever hoped to break into the top 10 nations on the final medal table. Especially not above continental powerhouses like Germany and Sweden.”
In her post second-medal win interview, Adeleke expressed her gratitude to the one individual who made it all attainable, her mother, Ade. She stated, “She has always prioritised me from my childhood. She adjusted her work schedule, even taking her annual leave to attend my sporting events … I’m immensely grateful to her because without her, I wouldn’t be here.”
Johnny Watterson observes that a vocal yet small group on social media are being unsettled by her victory – I presume it’s due to her might, conviction, and unstoppable persona. The permanent and unquantifiable effects of her success on Irish youngsters who see themselves reflected in her and share similar experiences are undeniable. While she ascends in her sporting career, there are mentalities steeped in victimization and bitterness that perceive this thriving 21-year-old sportswoman as a fundamental threat. Still, it’s doubtful that Adeleke is particularly perturbed by them.
Indeed, it was not solely Adeleke reflecting on those uncelebrated heroes off the field this week. Dave Hannigan also followed suit in his column, addressing what may be the last parenting taboo that remains unspoken. It’s safe to say that Dave probably won’t be capitalizing on additional days off to attend more of his children’s football matches. He said in his column: “My penance has been delayed for too long, but I seek forgiveness, for I have faltered. I’m a sports-loving dad, yet I take no pleasure in seeing my sons compete. Even though it’s expected of me, I simply don’t. Not in the slightest.”
What he truly desires are “boundless driveway rounds of HORSE at twilight, and every swimming pool visited transformed into a stage for our makeshift mix of Olympic handball and water polo. Sacred arenas formed by a father and his sons, the young men who learnt way too early that time is the singular genuinely valuable currency and treasure each moment of these interactions.”
In the midst of all the fervour, you might have overlooked the other passionate displays of tireless efforts, anguish and sores occurring in the past few days. The frenzy has now ended but soon – maybe sooner than we think, potentially prematurely – we’ll be anticipating another election. Miriam Lord offers an amusing, exhaustive guide to identifying the key signs of election fever one should look out for. Apparently, “Everything is prepped for execution. Government MPs are buzzing with excitement. Junior ministers are ecstatic. The primary opposition is weakened. Simon Harris is literally bursting with decision-making prowess.” Rest assured, there’s no slowing down.
Justine McCarthy, in her column, critically brings to light that the term “woman” is still challenging for numerous Irish people to use, especially in the political and sports sectors. She correctly highlights that when paired, “ladies” and “football” feel obsolete; the same can be said for terms like “ladies’ committee”, “lady members” and “ladies’ day”, they have a dated feel in this modern age, much like crinoline hoops and horsehair skirts.
ICYMI
The podcast crew of ‘In The News’ recently discussed the issue surrounding XL bully dogs, a topic I’ve written upon recently too. There are serious whispers that these breeds may soon face prohibition. Despite this, breeders will probably continue to create new pitbull hybrids regardless. We’re left with a choice – we either come to terms with the specified fact that every year we’ll see fatalities from these dogs (16 in the previous 18 months), or we initiate action.
Graphic of the Week
Post the European elections in Germany, Derek Scally’s article focuses on the dramatic shift in the political map of Germany by 2024, as seen in Monday’s newspapers. The traditional Berlin coalition colours – red, green and yellow – are barely discernible. We can once again starkly distinguish between the old West and East Germany.
Worth a listen is the ‘Good On Paper’ podcast with guest John Burn-Murdoch, chief data reporter for Financial Times. His discussion on the topic – The Truth About Immigration and Public Opinion – provided an interesting insight. He suggests that the amalgamation of various forms of immigration into a single term ‘immigration’, doesn’t do justice to the vastly different types. This approach, he believes, is undermining the debate.
Top read articles this week
1. Local and European election results: Fine Gael likely to be leading party, Sinn Féin ‘displeased’ and Independents make gains
2. European Election: Results from Ireland South
3. Local election results: Numerous seats remain vacant with a FF and FG showdown looming for largest party.
4. Local election results: Potential showdown between FF and FG as several seats remain unclaimed.
The struggle for the last position in Midlands-North-West might conclude with a minor faction achieving a significant advancement.