Anthony Neeson began his career in journalism with the Tyrone Times in Dungannon in 1995 before freelancing with Belfast daily and Sunday titles in both news and sport. He joined the Andersonstown News as Sports Editor, before moving across to the News Desk as a reporter, eventually becoming Deputy Editor. Anthony also spent time as Deputy Editor of Daily Ireland and was appointed Editor of the Andersonstown News in 2016. Anthony is also the Ireland correspondent with the Irish Echo in New York.
FIRST Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has called for work to 'start urgently' on the new Casement Park – to ensure the West Belfast venue is ready as a potential host for Euro 2028 matches.
St Patrick's Day festivities were off and running early this morning as the ninth annual SPAR Craic 10K got underway from City Hall at 9am.
A WEST Belfast man is bringing a little taste of Ireland to the States this week in the run-up to the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Brendan Neeson is the Executive Chef at Northern Quest & Casino in Spokane in Washington State, where he oversees several restaurant venues and banquet facilities. The venue welcomes 4.5 million visitors a year and is run by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. At the Highball restaurant in the sprawling complex this week Brendan has introduced a special St Paddy’s Day menu for patrons with U2 themed Irish-inspired dishes over three courses, however, it was his decision to bake his own Irish breads and put them on the menu that has proved to be a real hit with customers. “When coming up with the idea for the Irish-themed menu I knew I wanted to do something a little bit different and that is where the bread came in,” said Brendan. “We have great breads in Ireland but we kind of just take it for granted. Outside of Ireland they’re completely unknown.
Children's Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma has praised teachers for "standing beside" young people "as they reach for their potential".
No Middle Path – The Civil War in Kerry by Owen O’Shea (Merrion Press) IN no part of Ireland was the Civil War more vicious and bitter than in County Kerry.One hundred years ago this month both the National Army and the anti-Treaty IRA were engaged in a campaign of total war, the brutality of which emphasised the visceral divisions of the split that followed the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. No Middle Path – The Civil War in Kerry by Owen O’Shea gives an insight into the cause of that split in one particular county, and the atrocities that occurred in its aftermath and offers an explanation into why old scars take a long time to heal, if they heal at all. This well-researched book is also well-written, in that it doesn’t get bogged down in unnecessary detail. Having said that it makes for uncomfortable reading at times as the brutality meted out from both sides can shock even this reviewer who remembers well our most recent conflict and how we are still living today with its legacy and consequences. Of course what makes the brutality of this fratricide all the more poignant is the knowledge that most of those involved in military action on both sides were once comrades in arms in the cause against the British. The young age of those who perished also adds to the sadness that hangs over these pages. With campaigning across the country in the wake of Collins’ return from London, the vast majority of the IRA in Kerry came out against the Treaty, although there were divisions within IRA companies within the county. O’Shea argues that the IRA split in Kerry had much to do with internal power struggles and “hostility towards headquarters in Dublin as it had with the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty”. I would have liked to have heard more about the pros and cons of the Treaty debate from those on the ground. Uncomfortable as it is, partition of the country doesn’t appear to be at the forefront of most people’s concerns. While the oath of allegiance was an anathema to those opposed to the Treaty; having their own army and control over the economy and education was a big draw for the Treaty’s backers. And so Kerry’s Sinn Féin TDs split down the middle over the issue, while the country voted in favour.
Thomas Meagher, Forgotten Father of Thomas Francis Meagher (Irish Academic Press) THE first thing that strikes you when lifting up this biography of Thomas Meagher is the title. The author feels the need to explain his subject by referencing him to his more illustrious son, the charismatic Young Ireland leader whose star shone and fell over a relatively short period in the politically charged 1840s in Ireland, but whose name lives on today. The father, on the other hand, was a political activist for more than 40 years. An ardent O’Connellite he helped shape political nationalism in the decades leading up to the Famine, both in his adopted city of Waterford and nationally. Eugene Broderick’s excellent biography on Meagher not only gives us an insight into the man dedicated to the cause of his beleaguered country and people, but also explores the relationship with his son, whose own exploits in the cause of Irish freedom would see him emerge from his father’s shadow and leave the older Meagher forever confined to his son’s.
Tributes have been paid to former republican prisoner and Sinn Féin councillor Bobby Lavery who has died in San Francisco after a short illness.
BACK in April 1988 the father of the new Envoy to the North of Ireland was on the streets of West Belfast, touring Divis flats with the late Fr Matt Wallace.
IF you’re struggling to get into the festive spirit this year and despite your best intentions are failing miserably to step into Christmas 2022, then get yourself along to Cinderella at The Mac Theatre. No, it’s not a pantomime – so there are no dames, no corny jokes, no slapstick – but what you do get are great songs, special effects, and – above all – a great night out. Yes, it’s still a love story with Corrie Early in the lead role and Conor Quinn as the Prince, but there’s a lot going on around the edges that will keep you occupied and entertained – a lot of credit must go to creator and director Paul Bosco McEneaney. The story begins in unfamiliar territory in a garden with a talking bird. However, the traditional Cinderella that we all know arrives with the sudden entrance of the Ugly Sisters – Philippa O’Hara and Catriona McFeely, who bring some Belfast street cred to the roles. From then on we’re on track for a rip-roaring night of Belfast humour and gags from a cast that clearly knows its audience.
Community champions from across Belfast were the toast of the Europa Hotel at the 26th annual Aisling Awards last night.
A QUARTER of a century after the Aisling Awards were born in a bar on the Falls Road, the annual salute to our community heroes will take place in the glittering surrounds of the Europa Hotel ballroom this Friday night.
U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin has pledged to refresh relationships between America and Ireland. In a video message to the 14th annual Golden Bridges conference luncheon in her native Boston, she stressed the importance of reminding young people of their strong bonds between both countries.
THE Lyric Theatre Belfast bagged a double at the UK Theatre Awards in London's historic Guildhall on Sunday past.
TRIBUTES have been paid to former Antrim footballer Frankie Wilson who has passed away after a battle with cancer. The Lámh Dhearg clubman was described by Derry All-Ireland football winner Joe Brolly as “an incredible sportsman” and "a wonderful human being". Frankie not only excelled on the Gaelic football pitch but he was also an accomplished soccer player. He was the head of PE at Our Lady and St Patrick's College in Belfast.
A MAJOR conference is set to take place in Dublin on Saturday as a panel of politicians and people from civic society and the arts world come together to discuss what a future united Ireland could look like.