Category Archives: Northern Ireland

Flegs and Anthems

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

Originally posted on Slugger O’Toole… I was interested to note the Union Flag carefully positioned immediately beside Belfast PUP Councillor Julie-Anne Corr Johnson for her interview with BBC NI’s The Viewrecently. “On one hand they tell us the British identity of … Continue reading →

Posted in Global, Northern Ireland, South Africa, USA | Comments Off on Flegs and Anthems

Gay Life in NI if the Conscience Clause Were Enacted

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Gerry Lynch

Originally posted on Slugger O’Toole… It was a summer Friday in 2008, and we were in a provincial town West of the Bann. Jordin Sparks was Number 1 and Ian Paisley’s tenure as leader of Our Wee Country had ended … Continue reading →

Posted in LGBT, Northern Ireland | Comments Off on Gay Life in NI if the Conscience Clause Were Enacted

Praying for Ian Paisley’s Soul

Posted on September 12, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

Crossposted to Slugger O’Toole… I have prayed for the happy repose of the soul of Ian Paisley. Initially almost to make him turn in his grave, but then with sincerity. The Book of Common Prayer says that Christ died as … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Northern Ireland | Comments Off on Praying for Ian Paisley’s Soul

Two Ceasefires and A Coming Out: A Memoir

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

Cross-posted at Slugger O’Toole… I’ve been thinking about coming out. There have been a few horror stories doing the rounds recently: Vicky Beeching’s harrowing life and those of Lyra McKee’s friends. It’s made me think about how it was for me, all those … Continue reading →

Posted in LGBT, Northern Ireland | Comments Off on Two Ceasefires and A Coming Out: A Memoir

BBC News Report – Good Friday Agreement Referendum Results

Posted on August 12, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

BBC News report from referendum results day 1998. A very youthful me briefly appears in in the background 34 seconds in. Paisley being a bad tempered bad loser in denial is particularly choice. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORZDh30BYLw&w=560&h=315]

Posted in Northern Ireland, UK | Comments Off on BBC News Report – Good Friday Agreement Referendum Results

The Good Samaritan Visits North Belfast

Posted on May 29, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

And, behold, a certain pastor stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Global, Middle East, Northern Ireland | Comments Off on The Good Samaritan Visits North Belfast

Anna Lo, and the Myth that Northern Ireland Politics is about the Border

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

Cross-posted at Slugger O’Toole… I very much doubt Anna Lo’s Irish News interview was in the Alliance Party’s 2014 elections gameplan. While almost all members of the party will remain loyal to her in public, I have equally little doubt … Continue reading →

Posted in Northern Ireland | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Anna Lo, and the Myth that Northern Ireland Politics is about the Border

Address at the Memorial Service for the Revd Mervyn Kingston

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Gerry Lynch

This was one of three adresses celebrating the life of the Reverend George Mervyn Kingston at a memorial service held at St George’s Church, Belfast on 8 February 2014. Mervyn was a wonderful priest, a loyal friend and an unlikely … Continue reading →

Posted in Anglicanism, Christianity, Northern Ireland | Comments Off on Address at the Memorial Service for the Revd Mervyn Kingston

Ryanair Takeover of Aer Lingus Blocked by EU Commission

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Gerry Lynch

The European Commission has blocked Ryanair’s proposed takeover of Aer Lingus. Good news for Northern Ireland, as Dublin Airport’s rapid growth and improved northern road connections has made it the key long-haul transport hub for the region. Although locally in … Continue reading →

Posted in Europe, Northern Ireland | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Ryanair Takeover of Aer Lingus Blocked by EU Commission

The Sad State of North Belfast’s Riverside…

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Gerry Lynch

Crossposted at Slugger O’Toole… A bright, cold, day earlier this week saw me head out for a constitutional along what is now rather a pleasant route along the banks of the Lagan past the Odyssey and up to the Titanic … Continue reading →

Posted in Northern Ireland | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on The Sad State of North Belfast’s Riverside…