Adam Maguire

Welcome to this week’s That was the week that blogged. It’s been a sport-heavy couple of days lately with GAA action-aplenty and Saturday’s Soccer to contend with too. Unfortunately the reaction of Kilkenny (and Cork) fans wasn’t quick enough to make the cut this week and it seems that all the soccer fans were far too depressed to write too much too, but maybe next week.
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Enjoy!!

Last week got underway with a dark cloud hanging over the Irish capital and a somber tone resonating the voices of many bloggers.

While it may seem like a distant memory to some, pushed aside in people’s minds by yesterdays superb All Ireland Hurling final, the unexpected exit of Dublin at Croke Park certainly left its mark. Aodhán Ó Ríordáin pays his respects to the team in what he saw as a proud performance this season, saying “Winning the Leinster title back to back for the first time in 11 years, and reaching a semi-final for only the second time in the same period are achievements to build on for the future. Because of their success this summer, young Dubliners are wearing their county GAA colours, flags have been flying across the city and a new generation of footballers will surely emerge form the excitement of the summer.”

Sarah Carey at GUBU, feeling somewhat alienated by the Meath media that surrounds her, instead highlights the political implications the win has, no matter how symbolic they may be; “it was also noted, in deadly serious tones, that politically it was much better since now Enda Kenny, and Pat Rabbitte, who is from Mayo, could hold their heads high in Croker and not let Bertie have the run of the place. A good omen for the opposition.”

Kevin Peyton at The Health Tech Blog seems to be the token Mayo-man amongst the bloggers of Ireland but he’s rightly enjoying his county’s well deserved victory; “Back in July, I was less than confident facing Galway of our chances in the Connacht Final – but then again, I was not alone. With days like this, 10 years ago against Meath becomes grainier and more distant…On All-Ireland Final day on 17th September, the Kingdom will still go in as clear favourites – I hope this remains the case; but the dream of captain David Heaney bringing Sam Maguire to a small parish called Killasser on the Mayo-Sligo Border – that’s special. that’s home.”

Isadub on the other hand, perhaps hurting from his county’s defeat is nothing but cynical about the sport; “GAA football is a pretty stupid game, full of thuggish violence, but devoid of any skill. isadub hates to admit it but the Dub fans are an annoying bunch at the best of times. Maybe I’d feel different if I had a moustache or my name was Micko, or Caffo?” While his skill-less jibe can be considered heresy by most people paying attention to what was widely seen as the best game in many years perhaps the thuggish violence aspect is supported somewhat by the antics of the Dublin team; although this wasn’t to come during the match but shortly before hand as Blogorrah points out; “We have yet to check as to whether the maverick ‘shoulder charge into the back of an opposing team’s selector before the game even starts’ manoeuvre is strictly legal. But if not, why not?”

Moving away from sport many still had reason to feel down this week as the Government progressed plans for the sale of national airline Aer Lingus. It’s difficult to find support for this outside of Government circles and as always the bloggers reflected the general feeling on the issue. Diarmaid MacAonghusa of Shankill Falls voices his opinion on what he sees as an illogical sale, saying “I do not know why they are doing this. I can only assume it is the tail wagging the dog syndrome that Fianna Fáil suffers from and that the PDs policies are forcing them into this…The whole thing is madness. Martin Cullen is the worst Irish Government minister since Conor Crusie O’Brien.” MacAonghusa also posted the text of a letter he had published in The Irish Times which largely reiterates his oritorates points made in his original post (another sign of blogs being a potential source for the letters pages, anyone?). Branedy isn’t questioning the sale itself however, but instead the fact that the public won’t benefit from it; “If the Irish government owns 80% shares in Aer Lingus, then the Citizens of Ireland own 80% of Aer Lingus… The Citizens of Ireland should automatically receive their shares as a part of the transaction. No if’s, and’s or But’s. This airline is owned by the people of Ireland and should have their money looked after by themselves, not some lowlife politician taking brown envelopes under the table to line their own pockets. This time let everyone watch who gets rich on this deal.”.

And Finally;

If you’re looking for a quick laugh while you shake off your weekend/GAA blues look no further than Google itself. As some eagle-eyed bloggers have noticed the worlds favourite search engine has some interesting results for the term ‘Telecoms Poodle’. I’m starting to understand why Google is so relied upon for factual information now.