Nations League enthusiasm

WEDNESDAY: SEPTEMBER 29

PART of this particular deadline day was spent listening to a version of Siamese Dream (the iconic album by Smashing Pumpkins) that uses the sound effects of the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive) game console system. I turned to prayer during United’s Champions League game against Villareal. At half-time it should have been at least 4-0 to Villareal but for a series of fine saves from David de Gea. Villareal manager Unai Emery eerily resembled Tom MacSharry, a Sligo County Councillor and solicitor. United’s unforeseen comeback, as dramatic as it was, still couldn’t disguise the fact that they were awful, lacked a coherent midfield and are suddenly utterly reliant on Ronaldo, who, although he may score 35 goals this season, can’t disguise the team’s glaring deficiences elsewhere. THURSDAY: SEPTEMBER 30

I COMPLETED the sixth and final series of Justified on Amazon Prime. After watching the last of the 78 episodes I shed a tear, having enjoyed the storylines and the acting, but the poignancy of my reaction was devalued by the fact that I watched the series’ conclusion as I was sitting on the toilet. Whereas people once brought newspapers to the bathroom for the duration of nature’s call, now it is either Netflix or Amazon Prime. Unexpected pints are usually the nicest as myself and herself had a most enjoyable evening, firstly at Thomas Connolly and then at Shoot The Crows. The multiple servings of lovely Guinness were followed by a takeaway from Roberto’s.

FRIDAY: OCTOBER 1

WHO deserves to get a pandemic bonus? Everyone and no one. We’ve all lived through the Covid-19 crisis, obviously some have endured more stress than others. Frontline workers, the new heroes, deserve a bonus, for sure, but the government can’t win – because one sector can’t be elevated over another.

As president (and sole member) of NUSH, the National Union of Scribes and Hacks, I will be lobbying my local politicians, including my cousin, Councillor Joe Queenan, to ensure that NUSH gets a slice of the pie. A sports hack may not be a frontline worker but we deserve to be at the front of the line for any payouts, yes? For the GAA road trip to Tourlestrane, I ditched the shorts. It is October and colder now. Happily for the folk at the floodlit match, I wore my new Columbia trousers, one of several items from a shopping splurge at Call of the Wild. SATURDAY: OCTOBER 2

I SPENT an hour watching a YouTube video about how to avoid tired and blurry eyes which, ironically, led to tired and blurry eyes.

Going on the premise that you are what you eat, there’s a chap in Lithuania who can be considered an Iron Man – according to an item on The Guardian website, doctors found over a kilogram of nails and screws in man’s stomach. He was admitted to hospital after suffering severe abdominal pain (really?). Apparently, he turned to swallowing metal objects after giving up the drink. In between pints I turn to heavy metal (music). At Hamilton Park, Sligo RFC’s first XV showed their steel when beating Wanderers. Sligo Rovers, however, wilted when only drawing 1-1 with the relegation-threatened Waterford FC.

TUESDAY: provide answers – there are ongoing investigations into Mars and if there was once life there. We could end up there, but not in my lifetime. SATURDAY: OCTOBER 9

NEWCASTLE United, reborn. Not affliated to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, of course, just 80% owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). In the ultra-conservative Saudi Arabia, women are allowed to drive and soon to be allowed to support Newcastle. It will be interesting to see just how long it takes for Newcastle to become big players in the transfer market and powerhouses like City and PSG.

At Markievicz Park, the two GAA games I watched both went to extratime and there was also overtime at the Mercy College for Sligo All-Stars first game of the new season (where I got to say hello to an old mucker of mine, Ian McMorrow). Back at the house, herself was immersed in a new history series called Dancing With The Tsars (or so I thought), but it was actually just the latest serving of Strictly Come Dancing, the theme tune of which is surprisingly catchy. SUNDAY: OCTOBER 10

STEPHEN Kenny’s first competitive victory (after 12 games without a win) as ROI boss is (almost) everyone’s breakfast chit-chat this morning.

A 3-0 defeat of Azerbaijan doesn’t make Kenny’s team world-beaters but it is a start. Of course it would have to be Callum ‘I Don’t Need a Covid-19 Vaccination’ Robinson, who sparked this win – a positive result for the nation. If I’m honest, I don’t think Robinson should have been selected at all – he’s already had Covid-19 twice, remember, and his stance (and that of several teammates) endangers his own health and that of others. I didn’t get to see all of the Nations Cup decider – France overcoming Spain 2-1 – but there was time for this week’s episode of Kin, the Love/Hate remix on RTÉ. Why the villians, Frank Kinsella (Aidan Gillen) and Eamon Cunningham, as played by Ciarán Hinds, have to talk out the side of their mouths remains an ongoing mystery.

MONDAY: OCTOBER 11

HAVING had occasion to walk past Sligo Courthouse, I’ve often wondered why those who have to attend a sitting there dress up in their ‘Sunday best’. Surely the law applies equally to a citizen who is well-dressed and one who is in plain underpants. Does justice look more favourably on those who have the latest Brioni suit or

Ciao Lucia dress?

TUESDAY: OCTOBER 12

I ALWAYS set aside certain items of interest for this particular day of the diary, usually because the deadline is approaching and I have to complete the remaining wordcount.

According to recent item in The Guardian, scientists believe that two-legged dinosaurs may have swung their tails to run faster – just like women and men of a certain age annoyingly swing their arms when out power-walking.

Junior ‘A’ Football C’ship Semi-Final

St Michael’s

Owenmore Gaels 1-17 1-6

Mackey is on form as Saints earn final berth