SMOKES & DAGGERS

A mischievous mix of (mostly) news

THE Connacht Tribune is reporting that a Galway county councillor is calling for the removal of a plaque honouring a Confederate hero at Tuam Town Hall. The hero is Milltown native and American Civil War Commander Major Richard Dowling, who left Ireland for the US in 1846 and prevented an invasion of Texas by defeating Union forces at the Second Battle of the Sabine Pass in 1863. Cllr Shaun Cunniffe says the monument should be removed in light of the recent violence. Charlottesville today, Tuam tomorrow… BRENDAN COURTNEY is to present a web show where he invites well-known people over to cook for him and he asks them questions. Called Feed and hosted on Facebook, the series begins on September 26 with Health Minister Simon Harris. Courtney, left, also has Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy ready to appear. Does this make them the kitchen cabinet? AN INVITE came to Smokes from a PR firm inviting us to The 95th annual Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith commemoration at Glasnevin Cemetery, which takes place today. We were told that in attendance would be journalist Stephen Collins and Social Protection Minister Regina Collins… What? We’ve heard of blueshirts jealously guarding the mantle of the Big Fella, but changing their names? Hats off to the former Regina Doherty for her total devotion to the cause… SMOKES could not put down an article by Kerry’s Paul Galvin, left, explaining ‘How to be a man’ billed as the great man’s guide to life. Particularly the part about hair care. Apparently, and we’re quoting here, ‘Clothes, hair, appearance and style are all intrinsically linked to masculinity. If you take care of your hair, your clothes and your appearance, then your woman, your partner, your employer or your family will feel you can take care of them, too.’ Not a word on how a bald man could prove himself to the world.