Brian O'Neill

As the aul rebel song went, ‘Only our rivers run free’. Well, it seems not even our rivers have much freedom these days. A new report from the Rivers Trust shows what a dire situation our waterways are in. Via Niamh Campbell in the Beltel: Not one stretch of river in Northern Ireland has managed to meet ‘good’ overall status, while Lough Neagh is an “ecological disaster”, according to the latest report from the Rivers Trust. The environmental charity has …

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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. 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 stuck in front of …

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The idea for Open Sunday is to let you discuss what you like. Just two rules. Keep it civil and no man/woman playing. 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 stuck in front of a screen, I am …

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It is not that long ago since Ireland was an economic basket case and NI had the good roads, now the roles are reversed with Ireland having a massive budget surplus the past few years. Today the Irish government approved a massive spending commitment for projects in Northern Ireland. Is it an act of charity? Goodwill? Or pragmatism that in a decade or two all these assets will be in a United Ireland? Whatever the reason who does not like …

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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. 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 stuck in front of …

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The idea for Open Sunday is to let you discuss what you like. Just two rules. Keep it civil and no man/woman playing. 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 stuck in front of a screen, I am …

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The North Belfast Festival is back for a third year. It runs from Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th Feb 2024. It is a great wee festival with a diverse range of activities. Best of all, most events are free or a fiver at most. I had a great time last year. The tour of Clifton St Orange Lodge and the history walk was fascinating. Did you know Patrick Pearse’s dad carved the statue of St Patrick at the front of …

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Hearing lots of reports about people’s car insurance costs rising dramatically, with some quotes more than doubling. In the third quarter of 2023, the average price of motor insurance hit a record £561, a rise of 29% compared to the same period in 2022. Has your renewal price gone up? Be specific with what it was and what it went up to. Has it got you thinking of ditching the car, or if you are a two-car family, could you …

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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. 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 stuck in front of …

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The idea for Open Sunday is to let you discuss what you like. Just two rules. Keep it civil and no man/woman playing. 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 stuck in front of a screen, I am …

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It’s a dirty aul day here in Belfast so a bit of apocalyptic news to cheer you all up. From the BBC: For the first time, global warming has exceeded 1.5C across an entire year, according to the EU’s climate service. World leaders promised in 2015 to try to limit the long-term temperature rise to 1.5C, which is seen as crucial to help avoid the most damaging impacts. This first year-long breach doesn’t break that landmark “Paris agreement”, but it …

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Stormont is back!  Join us for an informative but fun evening looking ahead to the challenges facing the new Assembly and Executive.  Chaired by Alan Meban. Our panel of experts will be: Megan Fearon is a former Sinn Fein MLA for Newry and Armagh and was Junior Minister from 2016-17. Dr Patricia O’Lynn is a former special advisor to the Justice Minister and was the first woman elected as MLA for North Antrim. David Sterling was Head of the Civil Service from June 2017 until his retirement in August 2020. Suzanne Wylie …

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The Justin McNulty saga took a dramatic twist this weekend with the news that he left the first sitting of the new Assembly to fly to a GAA game in a helicopter. From Brett Campbell in The BelTel: The SDLP has defended its decision to suspend Justin McNulty after he left the first sitting of the new Assembly to fly to a GAA game in a helicopter. The Newry and Armagh MLA, who manages Laois, made a swift exit before …

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The statement from The UK Royal Family: During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties. Throughout this period, His Majesty will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual. The King is grateful to his medical team …

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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. 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 stuck in front of …

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The idea for Open Sunday is to let you discuss what you like. Just two rules. Keep it civil and no man/woman playing. 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 stuck in front of a screen, I am …

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For those glued to today’s events up on the hill, this is an open thread to share your thoughts, tweets and links. 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 stuck in front of a screen, I am a …

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