Another stalwart of ‘Last of the Summer Wine‘ has died. Kathy Staff who played the infamous Nora Batty died on Saturday the 13th at the age of 80.

She played the character from the very first episode in 1973 until her last appearance in August.

The loss of Bill Owen (Compo) in 1999 was a big blow to the programme. To me, his chasing of Nora, and her chasing of him with a broom, brush, mop or whatever was at hand was the heart of the programme.

Read more »

A few weeks ago my friend and I were driving around Sneem looking at property for sale and we came across a 1970′s style house up for sale near Bunnow Harbour. The house was called Kinlough House.

We decided to take a look around. The first thing that struck me was the fact that it had the 70′s written all over it … timber cladding, a 70′s style conservatory, a garden that oozed years of love and dedication, crazy paving, seating areas and a feature pond.

Looking in the windows it was obvious to see that the place had been cleared out. One particular room had personal possessions piled on a bed awaiting their new home/disposal.

We deduced there and then that the previous owner had probably died and that the executors of his/her will were disposing of the property.

Read more »

The shameful killing of Shane Geoghegan is to be condemned.

To his family, friends and people of Limerick I extend my sympathies.

Rest In Peace Shane.

Michael Crichton of ‘Jurassic Park’ fame has died.

Read more »

Tom Crean (1877-1938) was born on a farm near the village Annascaul in Co. Kerry.

At the age of 15 he joined the British Navy and ended up being on three of the four major British Antarctic expeditions:

1. The “Discovery” (1901 – 1904)
2. The “Terra Nova” (1910 – 1913)
3. The “Endurance” (1914 – 1916)

Read more »

John Denver (1943-1997)

Read more »

“My life burned inside me. Even such as it was, it was the only record of me, and it was my only creation, and something in me would not accept that it was insignificant.” ~ Nuala O’Faolain