Photo of Trinity College library

Still here! Sorry for absence. Visitors to Dublin and domestic events etc etc.

Ah here in Dublin!

A sunset

A very happy 2026 to all my followers here. A sunset from Connemara in the west of Ireland. X

West of Ireland

Omey island

Nighttime

Seafood

Such a lovey Christmas in Connemara. Walks, great food, family. Perfect.

Photo of Edward O’Rahilly.

Have recorded a piece for RTE’s Sunday Miscellany about my grandfather Edward O’Rahilly and how the people of the County Clare town of Corofin came to his aid and saved him from an imminent death. This Sunday, RTE Radio One, 9.10am. Hope you enjoy!

Mobile hanging

Got a lovely Danish designed mobile in @twentytwentyone in London. Hanging temporarily in my hallway to sort out the balance. I love Alexander Calder and this reminds me of his work. Adds a bit of joy to the house. Cats intrigued but out of reach of paws..so far.

Cambridge

Columbia road flower market London

Angela flanders perfume shop Columbia road london

Wonderful break in Cambridge and London this weekend. Seeing the brother in the university city and cousins in London. A little shopping may have been done!

Image of woman scientist

Sent this to my good pal today - ok it’s from Temu but she loved it!

Photo of Manchan Magan

I don’t think I’ve seen such a genuine outpouring of grief, love and appreciation for an Irish person since the passing of Seamus Heaney. All so deserved. A unique talent, a man who plugged into our deep connections with language and land. A profound loss. #ManchanMagan

Photo of Ozempic pack

After 4 months on Ozempic (.25mg for a month and .5mg for 3 months), my blood sugar has normalised. Side effects are 22 pounds lost and a BMI of 25, normal for my height and weight. I feel energised, sleeping better, walking more. Initial hiccoughs but proving to be a life saver.

The last roses of “Monica”. A summer reminder of my late Aunt - beautiful blossoms this season.

Arbour Hill cemetery wall

Death mask of Michael Collins and his rosary beads

Military exhibition

Barracks recreation

Lovely Dublin walk today - the Arbour Hill cemetery where some signatories of the 1916 rebellion are buried. Then the National Museum at Collins Barracks - fine exhibition of Irish military through the years. Plus the death mask of Michael Collins - his anniversary this weekend.

Has many outcomes for many people. The sugar is most important.

My #Ozempic journey continues. Month 3. Have lost a stone. Jeans falling off me. Nearly mooned Dublin commuters this morning as I made my way to the dentist. apologies.

Gracie update…

Oh I’m around!

You have had that in spades for years xx

How you doing John?

Passion flower open

A sudden burst of sun in Dublin and out pops this passion flower! Such beautiful design.

Photo of exhibition sign

Marvellous exhibition at the National Galleryof Ireland of the two women pioneers of Cubist art in Ireland.finishes on Sunday. Go see!

Jesus in a crib

On my walk today in Dublin I found Jesus. Literally.

I’ve been on #Ozempic for two months now. Was diagnosed as pre-diabetic. So having it to lower blood sugar. Has worked well and, as a side effect, I’ve lost 5-6kg. Some vomiting which was unpleasant. Huge appetite suppressant so eating small amounts. Dad died from diabetes at 65. I am 60.

Had a marvellous holiday in Tuscany recently. Only wish it had been longer....

Cat with shaved patch

Cat with patch

Little Gracie’s surgery shave…already growing a little bit in the last week.

Cat ointment tube

Eye ointment for a cat. 31€! I spend more on the cats than I do on myself. 😏

Heron in back garden

Heron eating from bowl

Harold the Heron is back!

LOL

All to do with not producing litters - not fair on her. Already too much stress on pet charities to look after and rehome litters. The right thing to do.

No! Spayed!

Spayed today.