Category Archives: Uncategorized

Winter Solstice

In the Christmas madness I’m only finding a moment to post my latest Guardian Country Diary today – a nice reminder, even to myself, of how the pause can be the moment of change. Thanks, as ever, to Paul Fleckney, … Continue reading

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The Last Word

Well, hopefully not quite. I may well have more to say after the event but for now this is my last posting ahead of the launch of A Poet’s Life, Adrian Frazier’s biography of John Montague. Scroll through the programme … Continue reading

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Return to the Rough Field

As we approach both John Montague’s 8th anniversary and the launch of his biography this Thursday in Garvaghey, it was lovely to see this perceptive reflection on migration and poetry by Stephen Colton, in Saturday’s Irish News. On the heels … Continue reading

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The Joy of Reading

If I’d been able to add my tuppence worth as a comment to this article, I wouldn’t be writing this blog. But a couple of weeks ago, I read it and was dying to add this book to the list … Continue reading

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John Montague: A Poet’s Launch

My late uncle, John Montague, is acknowledged as one of the greatest poets 20th century Ireland produced. While his work is loved and admired by many, I think it’s also fair to say that he’s also something of a well-kept … Continue reading

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Autumn in Lagan Valley Park, Belfast

My latest Guardian Country Diary came out yesterday. Some lovely comments on it, for which, many thanks! And thanks as always to the editor, Paul Fleckney.

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Ardnamurchan

My latest Country Diary on recent efforts to get to Ardnamurchan lighthouse: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/17/country-diary-at-last-we-reach-mainland-britains-most-westerly-point

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Under the Changing Skies

I was on holidays in Scotland recently (with a brief sojourn in England’s Peak District of which more anon). I came home to this: My contributor’s copy! What a pleasure and honour it is to be part of this collection … Continue reading

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The Irish Hare

Here’s my latest offering for The Guardian’s Country Diary. It was a wonderful subject to write about and I have come to appreciate and delight in our native hare even more than I did before. I would like to thank … Continue reading

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A plague among the ash trees

I was away for a while in Malin Head, Co Donegal (see souvenir photo), so I’m late posting this. However, I want to thank John Maguire for inspiring and facilitating this particular Country Diary; and Paul Fleckney, editor, for accepting … Continue reading

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