May 3, 2018 Craic & Codology

Favourite film: Trading Places Favourite song: Mess Around, Ray Charles Favourite TV show: Deal Or No Deal Favourite exercise: Jumping ship Favourite food: Crumbs Favourite musician: Tom Petty Favourite hobby: Coin collecting Favourite shape: Obtuse Favourite actor: Henry Cavill Favourite animal: Grouse

May 3, 2018 Craic & Codology

Canoeing  – Deep water challenge to stay afloat somehow while up a very unsavoury creek without a paddle. Treasure hunt – Hoping to get a few quid from  Minister Zappone. Backtracking – Not meeting those scary  Oireachtas scout leaders after all. Cookery challenge – Finding the most creative ways to make a dog’s dinner of… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

FANATIC: Cult leader Cody in one of his frenzies of religious devotion RESIDENTS in Kilkenny have expressed grave concerns over plans to construct a deeply controversial cultural centre in the county. Many worry the hub could encourage young people in the area to get sucked into a life of ideological rigidity and fanatical levels of… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

56 – Unpublished Paul Kimmage articles about Paul Kimmage  92 – Spiked Rosanna Davison photo shoots  1400 – Joe Brolly eulogies for Tyrone footballers  3000 – Meghan Markle profiles  5000 – Barry Egan tributes to Bono  81000 – Contradictory Eoghan Harris opinion pieces  1.5million – Brendan O’Connor scoops on Norah Casey’s new mascara

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

Goldhawk breaks  down Communicorp’s whopping €34m price-tag for Newstalk Chris Donoghue’s hair gel bill: €3m Large collection of clichés and resignations: €4m 10 mixing desks: €14m Cost of teaching Paul Williams about current affairs: €10m Motley crew of jaded, uninspiring presenters  cowering in a corner: €3m One sensitive owner: Priceless

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

Reader’s Question: I’m told Israel is warm at this time of year and is very welcoming. Would you recommend it? Mícheál Mac Donncha: I’ve just returned from visiting the region as part of my research into the ancient practice of cage-rattling which remains very popular in both Israel and the north to this day. To… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

An occasional service to readers offering selected meanings of certain words  that have suddenly become newsworthy ‘Fodder’ 1. (noun) Food that is given to farm animals – and journalists! (Is that last bit true? – Ed). 2. (noun) People or things that are useful for the stated purpose. Denis O’Brien continues to provide great fodder… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

By Muhreeum O’Callaghan MANY of you will by now have read at your breakfast table or received texts from family and friends that I have decided, this time, not to run for president of our wonderful little country. It is not a decision lightly made. Truly I have been humbled and a little embarrassed these… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

By All Hacks IT’S ALL too easy to become cynical about the political impasse in the north, but even a hard-bitten commentator like myself was forced to shed a tear yesterday. Yes, I have to admit that the floodgates opened when my editor asked me to write a 1,000 words by lunchtime on the 20th… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

By Barry Ego AS dramatic details emerge of an alleged data breach at Independent News & Media, the state’s watchdogs have claimed that sensational emails have been doing the rounds belonging to prominent journalists – or “persons of interest”. Quelle surprise! Of course they’re of interest – they work for the Sindo! As I said… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

Martin Callinan’s version of events Jim Daly’s ministerial car Miriam O’Callaghan’s presidential hopes  Michael Oliver’s house Manchester City’s dream James Comey’s publisher

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

At Your Service – RTÉ 2: Sunday, 8.30pm  Fussy little men with way too much time on their hands decide to go through a struggling media company with a fine toothcomb to see what secrets lie inside (allegedly). National Treasures – RTÉ: Saturday, 6.30pm  This week John Creedon meets celebrity solicitor Gerald Kean who has… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

After a Sunday Times survey revealed Fianna Fáil voters prefer male candidates, we take a look at some of those other Fianna Fáil voter preferences: Big strong arms (to carry brown envelopes) A deep voice (for speaking out the side of his mouth) Several senior county medals Has an uncle who can sort out that little… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

Carrig-on Cowen: Sleepy backwater where everything can be deferred until tomorrow as you idle among the beer gardens surrounded by such unforgettable scenery as the Mountain of Debt and the Tide of Emigration. Ballymingflanagan: Often referred to as ‘just a bit Irish” because of its tiresome efforts to present itself as of “European” importance, this… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

AS PART of the Letters I Wish I’d Sent series, assistant editor of the Sunday Independent Brendan O’Connor puts into words a letter he wishes he’d sent to himself many years ago. Dear Brendan, ow are you? Can’t believe Twink and Linda Martin agreed to appear on this week’s show. Tubridy must be bricking it…. Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

Fill in shock jock  Syrian rugby team coach  DUP MP  Sunday Independent columnist  Data Protection Commissioner Kevin Sharkey’s presidential campaign manager  Conor McGregor’s sparring partner

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

Britain’s Foreign Secretary tells it like it isn’t QUADRUPLE CRIPES! What a busy week with all this bombing hoo-ha happening in Syria or wherever. Which means non-stop round-the-clock pressure for poor old Bozza. Let’s face it, the whole Middle East desert business is all a tad complex, but the MI6 chaps in the know reckon… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

Favourite film: Escape from New York Favourite song: Walking on Broken Glass, Annie Lennox Favourite TV show: Arrested Development Favourite band: The Trashmen Favourite chocolate: Double Decker Favourite accessory: Cuffs Favourite holiday: Rikers Island Favourite clothing: Jumpsuit Favourite food: Porridge Favourite exercise: Throwing shade

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

By Mal Ware COMMUNICATIONS firm Eir executives have said plans to deliver high speed broadband to 300,000 businesses and upgrade the system across rural Ireland will “remain unaltered” despite a voluntary redundancy package that will cut its workforce by 750. An Eir executive reassured the public today, saying: “There’s nothing to fear. The lad we… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

GOLFER LOSES AGAIN A FAMOUS golfer struggled in the final round of a golfing competition in Augusta, Georgia. An eye-witness said: “From what I could gather, the golfer who lost wore a pale blue v-neck sweater and did not play very well on the final day. The American golfer who won the tournament wore a… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

By Our Political Staff – Phil Pockets ARLENE FOSTER, who was minister in charge of the department that set up the renewable heat incentive scheme, has strenuously denied all allegations that she was involved in the botched green energy project. Giving evidence in Belfast yesterday at the public inquiry into RHI, the DUP leader blamed… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

PRIME TIME host Miriam O’Callaghan has paid tribute to Winnie Mandela who was laid to rest recently. The RTÉ presenter said she was deeply moved by the plight of the ANC activist who many had predicted was destined for the top job in South African politics. “It’s genuinely heartbreaking to think that a woman who… Read more »

April 19, 2018 Craic & Codology

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has reiterated his opposition to working with Sinn Féin. The Fine Gael leader ruled out any prospect of a coalition between the two parties in the immediate future. Speaking to the media at a charity sock launch in Leinster House the Dublin West TD said he didn’t wish to join forces with… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

INDEPENDENT News and Media has announced plans to diversify its business operations over the coming months. The corporate media giant wants to enter into the highly lucrative field of natural resources and data mining in particular. The move comes hot on the heels of a decision to dig for info at the offices of the Irish… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

AUSTRALIAN cricket captain Steve Smith has denied tampering with Simon Coveney’s balls. The Tánaiste and part-time circus performer had spent months trying to keep the items up in the air while simultaneously checking to see which way the wind was blowing. But disaster struck when he yet again tripped up over his oversized shoes and… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

Three canny canines give their reaction Leo – Owned by Mr E. U. Brussels “Hard to judge” Mick – Owned by Mr M Wallace of Wexford.   “Dinner at Ross’s place? I wouldn’t bother me arse getting all dressed up for that.” Brendan Howling – Owned by Mr B Howlin of Wexford. “Why was I… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

This week attorney general and faithful companion Séamus Woulfhound delivers his verdict on the latest dog food to hit the shelves. As Ireland’s best known expert on canine nutrition I cannot say how appalled I am at the depreciating quality of dog’s dinners coming on the market these days! Take this new ‘Shane’s Dog Dinner’… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

Abortion Referendum Bill The original proposal has been clarified and involves reassuring protocols allowing a lot more time for consideration of this crucial issue.This has given me additional time to assess the impact on my future career prospects – so, in fact, my sudden u-turn was not an embarrassing u-turn at all. Brexit Border negotiations… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

Spokesperson on Greystones: Stephen Donnelly Spokesperson on hand-wringing: Barry Cowen Spokesperson on conspiracy theories: Niall Collins Spokesperson for Coppers: Jack Chambers Spokesperson on disgruntled TDs: Darragh O’Brien Spokesperson on hard borders: Lisa Chambers Spokesperson on regime change: Michael McGrath Spokesperson on dog’s dinners: Jim O’Callaghan

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has reiterated that Ireland remains “fully neutral” on the international stage, despite his decision to expel a Russian diplomat. Speaking on a leisurely plane-spotting trip to Shannon, the Taoiseach insisted, “As I recently advised Donald as we watched the moon rise above Washington together, we are neither for nor against our wonderful,… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

Hardy Bucks, Sunday 10.35pm – Comedy about four twenty-somethings who unexpectedly find themselves temporarily in trouble with the law. In this week’s episode Paddy, Stuart, Rory and Blane decide to get back on the dating scene. Catastrophe, Thursday,  9.00pm – Sitcom about an ageing politician (Micheál) whose brief affair with a dashing Indian doctor turns into a… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

Favourite film: Flashbacks of a Fool  Favourite song: Think Twice, Celine Dion  Favourite TV show: WWE Smackdown Favourite book: Fifty Shades of Grey  Favourite food: Ham-fisted  Favourite clothing: Turncoat  Favourite holiday: Route 66 (per cent)  Favourite chocolate: Flake  Favourite passtime: Flying kites Favourite prayer: Hail Mary 

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

Corky Simon: Light-weight challenger who competed with a string of career duck eggs behind him. Was desperate to put highly embarrassing display behind him after he was put firmly in his place by stablemate Show Pony Leo in the Twelve Week Mind Changers Chase. As always, was absent when the honours were handed out. Belfast… Read more »

April 5, 2018 Craic & Codology

An occasional service to readers offering selected meanings of certain words that have suddenly become newsworthy This week: ‘Concannon’ Concannon is a new culinery marketing favourite based on a traditional Irish dish of mixed metaphors wit  guff, hyperbole, mashed potato and some green stuff such as kal  or cabbage thrown in. (what about avocado? –… Read more »