it'sallinthename: May 2013

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Hiking; Good for the Soul

I am no expert and the furthest I have hiked in years is over to the bookies, but I could get used to this.

My hill-walking adventure began at the entrance to the forrest alongside the top of Ticknock Hill. The moment you step into the forrest, there is an instant atmospheric change in the air. It feels as though we are miles from civilisation, but when things look this this green and brown wonder of nature, one is not particularly bothered. The air just felt cleaner and the sound of nature echoed through the forrest.

Ten minutes on the track, a decision was made to go off-track, through the misleading trees but before long we were close to an opening after a fall and a trip along the way. Through the opening lay open fields and rather large rock mounds where we enjoyed a picnic and a splendid view (apart from the masts), while the sun roasted the back of my neck.

Picnic over on we went, off-track again, only this time ending up in the middle of prickly gorse bushes with no way out and no option but to get through them. It was not a good time to be wearing shorts. After dashing through relatively scaved, we persisted up the mountain to the mound of small rocks that lay on the top of this mountain. Again we stopped to enjoy the view and the serenity.

After my adventures out in the bush, I look forward to my next expedition and may have found a new hobby. It wont be long before Mount Everest starts calling my name.

Me and my Manchester

Alex Ferguson Tribute

Source - http://www.footballgeeza.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-The-Treble.jpg

Born in 1989, I have seen many players come and go but Sir Alex Ferguson has been the only constant to my version of Manchester United Football Club. After 26 years at the helm of one of the greatest football clubs, the constant I have known for so long will now be gone. This is my tribute to the greatest football manager the world will ever know. Alex Ferguson, full statement http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/alex-ferguson-s-full-statement-1.1386053

Over the course of my life and love of football, three things stand out to me about why he is the greatest manager ever to have walked the earth. The first is an obvious one, and that is his consistency at winning trophies from the days at St Mirren, Aberdeen and Manchester United. Forty-nine trophies over the course of his managerial career can not be ignored. His trophy record can be found here http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/ferguson-s-49-trophies-1.1386046

The second, is his ability to adapt and evolve with the game. Over the years he has built side after side capable of winning trophies year in and year out. He has always believed in the ability of his players, especially the young players coming through the academy. Players like Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, David Beckam and probably his greatest asset, Ryan Giggs.

Finally, his character has been the reason for much of the success. It was his ability to suck other managers into mind games leading to infamous rants such as the Keegan and Benitez rants. His charisma and presence was felt everywhere he went; most importantly in the dressing room. His total control over team affairs allowed him to build not just squad after squad, but the foundations for continued success.

We are left now lost and optimistic for the future with the knowledge that his involvement will not cease in club affairs. Goodbye Sir Alex, happy retirement. I think after 26 years, you deserve it.

See more info and pictures below

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/english-soccer/ferguson-s-best-quotes-1.1386084

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/gallery/2011/nov/04/sir-alex-ferguson-manchester-united-in-pictures

Sunday, May 5, 2013

The Passenger

All aboard to see the Passenger.

Source - http://thankfolkforthat.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/passengerband.jpg

What a set he did play. His style of music is soft and easy on the ear and yet there is so much emotion in most of his songs. When he wasn't playing he was making us laugh with his cool wit and charisma.

I really enjoyed the gig, especially hearing his hate song which to me was hilarious. The stories of busking from country to country, Australia to Switzerland. All of these gave a real insight into the person behind the music and the life of this artist that has come from nowhere to dominate the airwaves, still remaining in the Irish top 20 singles.

The audience were asked to quiet down to listen, really listen to a few songs but easier said than done. As the Tayto ads say, 'there is always one', but in this case there was quite a few that just couldn't settle. It was a small bump on an otherwise enjoyable journey and I would recommend you catch the next gig.

Manchester United Legends v Rosemount F.C Legends

Rosemount Legends - http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/p480x480/225676_154233534753697_44203353_n.jpg

After ninety minutes of football that only dreams are made of, there was only ever going to be one winner - Diabetes Ireland, the charity in which the game was set up to benefit and benefit they did. Other benefactors were the sell-out crowd and the Rosemount Legends who played with their hearts on their sleeves to see out a two all draw.

Rosemount legend in his own right, referee Ian Morgan blew the whistle to signal kick-off, also encouraging the crowd into a burst of energy and the first of many cheers and the match was under way. It didn't take long for Rosemount to quickly set the pace of the game. With a long through ball played by John Bennet along the grass, the United defence of Bryan Robson and David May, were split and the older sibling Alan Bennet superbly lobbed the keeper who was diving at the feet of the striker.

Dreams can come true and Rosemount began to believe that they were living one. Ten minutes gone and they found themselves one nil up after brothers-in-arms and life linked up to inspire the rest of the team to dream. United were slow to get into the game but with every passing minute, they began to find their feet. Rosemount were getting the better of the chances but just couldn't put the ball beyond the United keeper.

After 24 minutes, United midfielder Ray Wilkins fouled an opponent in a dangerous position, ten yards outside the box. A looping cross into the box created pandemonium in the box and the ball eventually surfaced, bouncing itself towards the feet of Rosemount defender Mousy who struck it first time and the ball flew into the corner of the net. Twenty-five minutes gone and Rosemount found themselves two up thanks to a defender who hasn't scored all season for the league team.

United quickly began to find their feet after that and the momentum began to switch. United players seemed to either slip, trip or just embarass themselves when they found themselves with decent opportunities. Rosemount would go in at the half-time whistle (35 minutes) leading by two goals and half-way to living the dream.

The second-half got under way and United started the better, creating chances and gathering momentum. It wasn't long before United had their goal after some good play. Rosemount hadn't found their feet in the second half and were soon punished again, leaving the score at two a piece. They did eventually find their feet in the end, and the defence was solid until the final whistle.