Houdi McCabe

Originally from Clones Co. Monaghan, Houdi McCabe is a legend in his own mind. He worked as a Branch Manager with Dunnes Stores all over Northern Ireland for 42 years. Retired, he now writes and acts on a full time basis, with over thirty films/plays within his oeuvre. Some of his stories have been adapted for short films, by himself and with other collaborators. He is a regular performer at literary events TENX9, Soundwaves Portrush, Pub Poetry Causeway Coast, First Drams NI and Flash Fiction Armagh. Resident in Portrush Co. Antrim he is married to local girl Carole Robinson. They have three adult children and one grandchild, Genevieve. Houdi doesn’t have any pets as he loves himself too much.

Storytime with Houdi: Colin O’Scopy…

Houdi McCabe on March 7, 2026, 8:50 am

| Readers 626

The World Cup final of 2006 was remembered for only one thing. Zinedine Zidane being sent off for head butting Italian Marco Materazzi in the chest. Despite Zidane winning the Golden Ball award he returned to France somewhat tainted despite his achievements. That’s how I felt a couple of weeks later, turning the key for the last time on the shutters of the department store I managed on Crumlin Road Belfast. In the first instance it was a risky decision …

Storytime with Houdi: It Could Have Been Me…

Houdi McCabe on February 28, 2026, 7:00 am

| Readers 1016

In 1985 at 24 years old he became the WBA World Boxing Champion. The BBC Sports Personality of the Year followed shortly after. As I watched him lift both these awards I kept thinking ‘that could have been me’ as I defeated him in a competition some years previously in St. Tiarnach’s Park in our hometown of Clones Co. Monaghan. Finbar Patrick Mc Guigan and I attended the same schools. He was always very competitive at every activity. But so …