We all know that De Valera’s vision of a Gaelic utopia manifested itself as a bit of a psychologically terrifying clusterfuck. Here, Síofra Gallagher looks at the cultural wing of his endeavours, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Society of the Musicians of Ireland), the organisation entrusted with promoting traditional dance and music since 1951, and asks the question: has Dev’s cultural wet dream become a crusty old wankstain? Before we look … Read More
Here Popey, T’is Time For Me To Retire.
A few days ago, his most arseholey eminence Cardinal Brady offered his resignation to the big papa priest in Rome. Survivors of sexual abuse urged a speedy acceptance but we’re still left waiting for the pope’s sign off. Frustrated with waiting, Paul Doyle turned his imagination to the contents of Brady’s resignation letter. Dear Pope, It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that I must today request that you … Read More
The Missionary Position Or How The Irish Learnt To Have Sex.
Whilst the rest of the western world was in the midst of the STI-swapping frenzy that was the sixties, Ireland was on its knees waiting outside a confession box. Sheila Lafferty, gets under the covers and gets to grips with Irish sexual cluelessness. A sordid mix of Victorian neurosis and Rome rule meant that sex in 20th-century Ireland was a silent taboo that only happened behind closed doors, under blankets, with … Read More
All’s loud on the Christian Front
In the 1930s a number of religious anti-communist organisations emerged in Irish society. Donal Fallon profiles the Irish Christian Front, a short lived but influential body. In recent months there has been major debate on the role of religious organisations in public life and discourse, though there is nothing new about conservative Catholic organisations attempting to influence decision makers here. If there was a monster under the bed for … Read More
Anyone Buying Or Selling?
Outraged at the rates scalpers are charging for Garth Brook’s tickets, Jamie Goldrick rifles through the back pockets of ticket tout culture. The support act has just finished, a fan has been trying to sell a spare ticket to anyone who is looking. A tout approaches, “I’ll give ya 25 quid”. The punter replies, “no thanks”, “who ya going to sell it to then, the support has just finished?” … Read More
All The Little Piggies.
Figures taken from Finfacts.