The idea for Open Sunday is to let you discuss what you like. Just two rules. Keep it civil and no man/woman playing. Comments will close at 12 pm on Monday. Brian O'NeillManaging Editor of Slugger O’Toole. I help to manage Slugger by taking care of the site as well as running our live events. My background is in business, marketing and IT. My politics tend towards middle-of-the-road pragmatism; I am not a member of any political party. When not …
In addition to our normal open Sunday, we have a politics-free post to give you all a break. So discuss what you like here, but no politics. Comments will close at 12 pm on Monday. Brian O'NeillManaging Editor of Slugger O’Toole. I help to manage Slugger by taking care of the site as well as running our live events. My background is in business, marketing and IT. My politics tend towards middle-of-the-road pragmatism; I am not a member of any …
In the face of recent rejections, the Integrated sector, rather than doubling down on its founders’ ecumenical approach, must now change if it is to meet the demands of an increasingly plural and secular Northern Ireland.
A few days ago TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell was caught using AI to exaggerate the crowd at a rally in Portadown the other night, when questioned about the photo he claimed it was a joke. TUV deputy leader Ron McDowell has posted an image from a rally in support of the Drumcree Orangemen that appears to have been altered using AI. The image, posted on social media, appears to exaggerate the size of the crowd at the protest in Portadown. …
From the BelTel: The SDLP has deselected MLA Justin McNulty with Crossmaglen councillor Pete Byrne, who has been chosen to run in Newry and Armagh in next year’s Assembly election. Mr Byrne won the vote at a selection convention in Newry Golf Club on Thursday night. Sources said Mr McNulty was now “examining all his options”. They said he would take time to “consult with family, friends and his advisers” on the way forward. Mr McNulty has been an MLA …
The Northern Ireland Executive is currently consulting on its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, and I would encourage anyone interested in our economic and social future to respond before the consultation closes on 7 October. [Northern Ireland’s Draft Artificial Intelligence Strategy | The Executive Office ] This consultation might appear to be an unlikely subject to connect with the events at Drumcree and the Garvaghy Road over the weekend, but I believe it raises an important question: how do we …
Peadar Ó Doirnín (1700-1769) was a native of north Louth (Raskeagh townland), just north of Dundalk. Ó Doirnín was an exuberant sort of character. I imagine him to have been as fond of women and drink as his near-contemporary Robert Burns (1759-96). His songs are still sung today by Irish-speakers, most notably Úrchnoc Chéin Mhic Cáinte (Killin Hill, just northwest of Dundalk) {slow air; and amhrán}. Ó Doirnín was likely in contact with Arthur Brownlow, of the north Armagh Brownlow …
From USA Today: Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, in his latest effort to boost the role of religion in military life, announced the establishment of the Office of Religious Affairs during his Sept. 30 “State of the Force” address in Quantico, Virginia. “Accordingly, our department, therefore, has a sacred duty – first-class religious support wherever we send our warriors,” he said. He referenced Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,” and noted that President George Washington, who …
In September 2026, Queen’s University Belfast published the latest in a long line of reports Exploring Academic Selection and Grammar Schools in Northern Ireland. The authors of this Nuffield Foundation-funded study reviewed the UK research, interviewed parents, principals and stakeholders, conducted pupil focus groups, and held a deliberative event. Their review of the evidence suggests little or no overall attainment gain from selection at 10 or 11, because gains for some grammar pupils tend to be offset by losses elsewhere. …
