Comments on The Pensive Quill: Friends of Irish Freedom

You have wonder where those true believers in the ...

2011-02-20T22:27:23.818Z

You have wonder where those true believers in the socialist revolution, the so called 'Army of the People', the sticks are now. Surely if thats what they wanted now would be the opportune time and if it's not now, when would it be?
Nowhere to be seen, but you'll find a number of them in the free state labour party. Abandoned their past associates when they got the sniff of power. Wonder how many of the shinners will hang around once they have their foot in the door of the dail.

Larry this place is overlyripe for a proper revolu...

2011-02-20T18:12:25.631Z

Larry this place is overlyripe for a proper revolution,pity those f##kers destroyed the weapons, mind you had we had a proper revolution !they would have been amongst the first to go against the wall!

Helen I'd say you're bang on the money. Th...

2011-02-20T10:34:33.414Z

Helen
I'd say you're bang on the money. The crazy thing is the amazing lack of reality among politicians in the south. I suppose 30yrs at a stint in the Dail breeds a feeling of insular safety, complacency. Total contempt?

Fact is in 90yrs they have consistently wrecked the place whilst feeding themselves like pigs at the trough. Rather than address the running of a 3.5 million population they are already thinking MONEY whilst the youth of the country depart in droves all around them. Even after all the free money from Europe we have no landmark of note, no opera house a la Sydney, no tower as in Seatle...no effort. We have hundreds of ghost housing estates and a needle. All wasted, now bankrupt. If you take a bus tour round Dublin you are looking at what the English built, [hundreds of years ago] not what we built. You have to go to the empty housing estates to see what we've done.

The IRA were shooting the wrong people here. It seems by the talk 'between the lines' which is the only way you can get a morsle of truth; this IMF thing is estimated to be good until 2012, then there's going to be another major problem and a further fall. It aint over yet. A good time for a gathering, just in time for the ship totally submerging.

At 47 yrs old, I have neither the time nor the stomach to put myself through angst for the likes of those turds in both Irish houses of bullshit, Stormont and the Dail. But I do think those who are in Jail desrve support even if I personally feel they are on a wasted mission. Constitutionalism has them where it wants them for now at least and the political scene has a population nullified. Dangerous times.

SF if it had held it's principles or even some of them could be in a good position just now. But their North South strategy merely exposes the duplicity and lying that so many republicans have been aware of for a decade and a half.

Perhaps the only way to wake TD's up here would be to make it uncomfortable for them in the USA. They run over there all too often getting fetted whilst this country lays in ruins. Educate the diaspora about what these 'pigs' are doing in oirland.

Republicanism needs to 'haul ass' into 2011. Get out of the 1916/21 mindset. Charlie Haughey, Albert Reynolds, Bertie Ahern and Cowan and Martin are what stepped into the void after 1916. Sure glad I didn't die for that. Anyone listening in Maghaberry? Shift in priorities methinks if yer going to be taken seriously.

Just my obsevation, not trying to force anyone to agree with it.

Larry, Than I did understand you correctly. The Ir...

2011-02-20T01:16:59.394Z

Larry,
Than I did understand you correctly. The Irish at one time were considered the largest illegal immigrants in the USA. Ireland and the UK never provided for them to have any type of future. I think the Irish, by far, are one of the most educated and intelligent people I've met, and yet they have had little opportunity for a future without migration.

Years ago I read a book called "How the Irish Saved Civilization" and I never forgot it.

I think the majority of American's of Irish decent, have no clue as to what is really going on in the north or the south. For whatever reason, they pledge themselves to support anything Irish because of their heritage, but don't seem to have an in-depth understanding of Ireland's tragic history or its political and economic dynamics.

Outside of the few years of economic bliss, when the Irish were returning home for jobs because Ireland was becoming the new 'silicon valley'; and its economy was being labeled the "Celtic Tiger," I can't remember when the north or the south of Ireland had much to offer their educated young.

Please correct me, Larry, if I'm off base.

Helen yes it is a one off holiday experience to bo...

2011-02-19T23:51:21.918Z

Helen
yes it is a one off holiday experience to boost hoteliers and the oirish economy, whilst 1000 per week are heading off. Was just curious about your take on it. Thanks.

irishblog Brian, ive been in the states several ti...

2011-02-19T22:56:16.368Z

irishblog
Brian, ive been in the states several times and it scared me how important money is every second of the day there. Anyone gathering anything there is doing a truely great job. Those giving cant afford and if they can they certainly don't do it without due consideration.
Fair play to those who do so there, that's my verdict. RESPECT.

Saint?MaryHedgehoG a Chara, Your statement is Ma...

2011-02-19T17:24:34.396Z

Saint?MaryHedgehoG a Chara,

Your statement is Mad! You must be turning into a dry ould frustrated cailleach, with that sort of a rant!.

I'm not one for thsi old boy network thing but I'm very glad Jim McAlister and FOIF brought this out into the open. In fact thats one of the problems with Ireland. Its as sick as its secrets and the place is full of them.

How can young republicans choose the right path without understanding who and what they are getting involved with. Would you allow your children to be led by an organization that can't deliver X-mas cards by mid February ? Would I trust their lives or mine with the series of excuses and management we have witnessed, I would go so far as to say Jim and FOIF may well have saved a few lives by bringing this out into the open. WHO'S AFRAID OF THE TRUTH ?
Do we give a fiddlers what the Brits think ? I mean they are fucking up every day, themselves anyway !

No I trust the truth ! I'm sick of the secrets, talking out of the sides of their mouths. Talking behind peoples backs. Character assassination,back stabbing, etc, Its time for it to stop and people to talk out straight to people's faces, like proper women and men and not like crawling two faced slaves and treacherous cute whores !

I have the utmost respect for the good people in the States who gathered all of this money, worked to keep the cause and faith alive since Fenian tmes. I as an Irish person am indebted to them in the same way as my heart goes out to the parents who have sacrificed their sons and daughters to British Gaols and early graves for the cause of self-determination in Ireland and a future of freedom not slavery!

MaryHedgehog you have a great spirit but sometimes you say truly daft stuff !

beir bua,

brian clarke

larry, "may i ask a question?? i shall anyhow...

2011-02-19T05:26:19.431Z

larry,
"may i ask a question?? i shall anyhow, FF who just destroyed this country in 14 yrs worse than the Tans could have and who have a 'conservatively' estimated 1000 Irish youth emigrating PER WEEK are intending to draw on the diaspora in the USA in particular to invite people 'home' to a ' GATHERING' [holiday] in 2012 to assist an economic recovery. FG are even going to address the American public.
Q. how do you think Irish America will view that?"

Larry, are you saying the "invite" is strictly a one time venue to boost the local economy by bringing in "tourism" from America at this holiday gathering? I'm not sure I totally understand? Or are they trying to intice the diaspora in the USA to return home for good?

I'm not quite sure how IA would feel about either issue, except for the fact that a good majority of Irish-Americans have a very strong affinity for Ireland and see it as their 2nd home, so to speak. A good number of Irish-American even carry dual citizenship.

For some reason FF has always had a very large following among the more "elite" IA here? These "elite" supporters raise a lot of money to help FF during elections. So I would think their response would be a positive one. Then again, the US economy is suffering just as badly and that could have a negative impact on the response as well.

It's a terrible thing when people are forced to migrate in order to survive economically, especially when corrupt and greedy politicians are the cause of the economic downfall forcing that migration.

I hope I answered your question, based on how I understood it?

martydownunder and saint?maryhedgehog great posts...

2011-02-18T09:12:02.341Z

martydownunder and saint?maryhedgehog

great posts, just what the Dr. ordered. [Not mackers, the abstract Dr.] I'll ponder those comments on the skool bus.

yes Martydownunder you are in a 'better place' and not even dead yet. ha ha. I saw on RTE vatican tv 40 young ones are in perth from Manorhamilton co. Leitrim with similar stories in countless other towns recently. I wonder can poor Australia suffer it or need it?

Maybe they should 'GATHER'every TD with more than ten years service sic [most of em have been in the Dail bar for 30yrs+] stick them in a container and place them with the British nuclear waste wherever that goes. just an idea...

@ Marty jokes & waffle & my vitriol aside...

2011-02-18T01:10:36.254Z

@ Marty jokes & waffle & my vitriol aside I’ve no doubt u have given your all and to live to see what is now, must be the most gutwrenching, enraging feel on one... Re your comments... There be imo - no noose or incarceration needed any more.. they have just crushed the people, destroyed the spirit of resistance and mocked all the pain, integrity and suffering that has been... Divide and conquer at its hideous peak in a new way.

@ Larry Hughes RE ‘might i ask your opinion/response on behalf of the diaspora in Australia as to what you think of FF + FG idea of regenerating the economy the Dail destroyed by inviting people like yourself 'home' for a 'GATHERING/HOLIDAY' in 2012.particularly in light of 1000 young people presently leaving each week at to a new life because FF wrecked Ireland?’ I cannot speak on behalf of anyone but self. Re the gathering holiday even the title is cringeworthy is it not. A frantic attempt to garner interest, support and money into Ireland and is the final insult coming from those who wrought the devastation.... NB I also think this article here and the hysteria over it is directly related more to the financial pressure people are under as it be just blown all out of proportion into something monumental... and people r buying into it... Says much that they do... There is no pride left just sadness and anger on the many and fragmentation. Those who are young need to leave to get a life – who can blame them... It i think is when they are older they will grasp what was perpetrated on them... see the big picture. Cannot see the frame when one is in the picture... Everyone has to survive in this world and do what they have to to get there. The gathering should be titled $Funeral for Eire $ pls make a donation if u can and try dreg up some patriotic fervour and ignore how we got here...

@martydownunder there will never be free fares let me know if there are ahaha not that long hell flight is unbearable as one ages... I think frantic, embarrassing attempts like come to Ireland folks lookithere – kulcha! Orish, your heritage etc and no doubt more on the backburner to come - to inject money into the economy by appealing to Irish of disapora and promoting culture... but it will not change a thing for those unemployed, homeless, those whose homes will be repoed, the poor will suffer even more and the despair is on the place... more suicides, addiction and domestic violence related to poverty will ensue. The health services creaking under the load as they do already... It is totally tragic. The pinch is happening here in Oz marty and undercurrents of tight times well on their way... . U did the right thing at the right time – one of the fortunate... Re ‘latest batch of exiles from Erin, victims of a rampant greed’ - yes it be tragic stuff with long term ramifications in every facet. Good job the Irish are well liked in Oz ain't it else they would be experiencing what some of the Romanians did in the North...

Yep Marty that sounds like me, any time I've b...

2011-02-18T00:06:31.314Z

Yep Marty that sounds like me, any time I've been back i've fallen into that beer brewing tank!
I have sympathy for the latest batch of exiles from Erin, victims of a rampant greed that has well and truly bit the south in the arse, but like many whos future was a live time on the rock n roll due to living with the wrong postcode I've no regrets for leaving.

Martydownunder coming back here reminds me of the ...

2011-02-17T22:35:57.090Z

Martydownunder coming back here reminds me of the guy who drowned in a beer brewing tank,yeah mo cara apparently he climed out 3 times for a piss before he drowned.

Larry, Should I be expecting an invite in the po...

2011-02-17T19:43:21.719Z

Larry,

Should I be expecting an invite in the post then (saying as i'm from the black north and might not count in their eyes) and are they going to pay for the flights?

saint?maryhedgehog might i ask your opinion/respo...

2011-02-17T19:07:05.527Z

saint?maryhedgehog

might i ask your opinion/response on behalf of the diaspora in Australia as to what you think of FF + FG idea of regenerating the economy the Dail destroyed by inviting people like yourself 'home' for a 'GATHERING/HOLIDAY' in 2012.
particularly in light of 1000 young people presently leaving each week at to a new life because FF wrecked Ireland?

i await with interest.

St Mary Hedgehog,this old burnt out rep did his bi...

2011-02-17T15:55:25.699Z

St Mary Hedgehog,this old burnt out rep did his bit for the cause a few moments ago, I gave that f##ker Eddie a right royal salute in Kennedy way a wee while ago,the ignorant f##ker was to busy texting,but his minders didnt seem to pleased ,never seen as many blue lights in my life ,thought Mickeyboy was buying drink,so I may be getting a free trip to the tower very soon,if they intend to hang me ,my last request will be "put the noose around my belly as I,ve a boil on my neck"

Larry, pints still available in Donnellys and the ...

2011-02-17T15:34:15.382Z

Larry, pints still available in Donnellys and the Lie and easy but all the pubs are very quiet now, different scene now,

Here a link for that song and it's sang well'hope it works but i'm not great at this stuff.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itUUe8CWEog

@ Helen the whole debacle is pathetic & hardly...

2011-02-17T14:42:14.185Z

@ Helen the whole debacle is pathetic & hardly warrants attention really other than ho hum usual crap rerun Shades of the past revisited.. Anything good coming from it? Hardly... but i know what i think of FOIF
F is for fucked
O is for off the air,
I is for a do gooder yank havin’ a spasm
F again? Fucked up fund raisers.
The whole article comes across like a pack of histrionic idiots C. Obrien “ i will call the pOlise if they threaten me again” in the Belfast rag. haha touch theatrical... that’s right Catherine trot off to Officer Plod cos u dealing with big bad thugs and millions of bucks... Catherine knows the pOlice are the picture of integrity and uprightness cos she a decent citizen. (always very telling when someone says i agonna call the coppers..) Catherine is (insert drum roll) A fundraiser for the boyos.. a concerned citizen for the welfare of Irish republican prisoners and their fams... (who is this auld moll i ask – do some work for your boyos in the Big House in the States Catherine, wind your stupid head and mouth in) The mere fact it all ended up in the press is even more telling... And Jim in here flapping his gums about it all comes across like an old woman hanging over the back fence with a morsel of gossip. Expect more depth and maturity from u Jim. Bit long in the tooth aint u to buy into this crap. Rollon Irish freedom from rancid old tarts, decrepit two faced fools, burnt out republicans , and truckloads of spooked hysterical gossip... I have no respect left - not a morsel. Yay for non censorship Nexxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxt....

Jim used to love hearing you on the radio in the 8...

2011-02-17T14:27:27.826Z

Jim
used to love hearing you on the radio in the 80s. had many a pint in donnellys and the light+easy.
just wondering is the tune of that song 'The Master Mc Grath'tune lol.

you've seen my mrs Marty, you know there'l...

2011-02-17T14:24:32.858Z

you've seen my mrs Marty, you know there'll be no chasing required, i'm finito'd!!

Helen
i'm only on here because after about 15yrs of near total disinterest the blog appeared in the Sunday press after Nassareen.
i dabble to keep up to date and chew the fat. No desire for political involvement these days.

The episode here has me in wonderment that decent souls like yourself stil abound and depressed more than a tad at what i see.

For me yesterdays RNU ONH 'merger' if that's what it was signifies the long route by none conformist republicans into constitutionalism in their turn. FF did it the sticks did it and SF did it. Nothing i see justifies those galant lads on the above list being where they are today. Not for one minute. Stormont+the Dail aint goin away you know, IMO. Even if change was realised, good men die and turds float, we'd be back to square one in no time.

maybe i'm out of order here or my judgement off kilter...if so someone enlighten me please.

in the meantime Helen, more power and strength to you. may i ask a question?? i shall anyhow, FF who just destroyed this country in 14 yrs worse than the Tans could have and who have a 'conservatively' estimated 1000 Irish youth emigrating PER WEEK are intending to draw on the diaspora in the USA in particular to invite people 'home' to a ' GATHERING' [holiday] in 2012 to assist an economic recovery. FG are even going to address the American public.
Q. how do you think Irish America will view that?

Marty; here's sth armagh song from the hare&#...

2011-02-17T14:21:12.807Z

Marty;
here's sth armagh song from the hare's point of view.

Granemore Hare.

Last Saturday morning, the horns they did blow,
To the green hills 'round Tassagh the huntsmen do go
To meet the bold sportsmen from around Keady town,
For none loved the sport better than the boys from May Down.

And when we arrived they were all standing there,
So we took to the green fields to search for the hare.
We had not gone far when someone gave a cheer.
Over high hills and valleys the puss she did steer.

With our dogs all abreast and that big mountain hare,
And the sweet sounding music it rang through the air;
Straight for the black bank for to try them once more,
And it was her last sight 'round the hills of Granemore.

And as they trailed on to where the pus she did lay,
She sprang to her feet for to bid them goodbye.
Their music,it ceased; and her cry we could hear saying
Cursed be the ones brought you May Down dogs here.

Last night as I lay content in the glen
It was little I thought about dogs or of men,
But when going home at the clear light of day
I could hear the long horn that young Toner did play.

And it being so early I stopped for a while ,
It was little I thought they were going to meet Coyle.
If I had known that I'd have lain near the town,
Or tried to get clear 'round those dogs from May Down.

And now I am dying, the sport is all done.
No more through the green fields 'round Keady I run
Nor feed in the glen on the cold winter's night,
Or go home to my den when it's breaking daylight.

And my curse on McMahon for bringing Coyle here,
He's been at his old capers for manys the year.
From Friday to Sunday, he'll never give o'er,
With a pack of strange dogs 'round the hills of Granemore.

Jim I,m more inclined to think that hare was sayin...

2011-02-17T12:38:14.105Z

Jim I,m more inclined to think that hare was saying top of the morning to you and good luck,and to think it wasnt that long ago I,d thought nothing of shooting such creatures, old age may have put her hand on me mo cara but she must have kissed some gentleness in as well,they are becoming such a rare sight these days,thats also correct about Pats family ,met a good few of them, been a hell of a while snice I,ve been in S,Armagh,Larry mo cara the reason that I have you running up and down those Donegal hills is so that you,ll be a bit fitter when I have you in the Leitrim hills chasing sheep,

Would giving RNU a GPS help? Perhaps they would th...

2011-02-17T12:14:57.677Z

Would giving RNU a GPS help? Perhaps they would then not get quite so lost and realize money in Derry doesn't necessarily have to leave Derry and return via Belfast! I know that probably sounds confusing but I think the underlying tone is clear!

Cathleen can't talk to anyone in Ireland but Carl Reilly??? Please her family was involved in this while he was still in diapers and before!

Friends of Irish Freedom has my total support as always and is the best!

Marty, I like your 'time and patience will tak...

2011-02-17T10:44:51.086Z

Marty, I like your 'time and patience will take a snail to Jerusalem' saying but the big problem is that by the time the snail reaches Jerusalem it may well be a totally different Jerusalem than the one poor old snailly set out to reach and one he didn't want to go to in the first place. Let's hope it's still Jerusalem, though.

One a lighter note, I was just driving along the road there from Cross' to Cullyhanna 20 mins ago and saw a great big hare which was almost completely white, the first white hare I've ever seen or heard about outside balladry. He crossed into a field then stopped and looked back at me as if to say 'g'wan about yer business.'

February the 17th and still no card delivered by R...

2011-02-17T10:35:33.996Z

February the 17th and still no card delivered by RNU to my son or to me. Urgency not a strong point in RNU.

Marty, yes, the top of Sturgon Btrae is where Pat was born and raised. It was a big family on a very small holding but every one bar one became teachers.

JamesConnolly; I remember the wake all right, another sad day among many and now it's hard to reconcile what we have today with what we thought we all believed then.

Jim its away of the thread I know but seeing you p...

2011-02-17T09:50:47.145Z

Jim its away of the thread I know but seeing you post here has brought back memories, yes Pat is from outside Camlough and a few good days I have spent in that part of the world, his father was a gentleman and he gave me a piece of advice once which is relevant to us all here who are in this for the long haul,"time and patience will take a snail to Jerusalem"best regards Jim.