When Irish Eyes...

Belfast’s David Trimble visits Vermont for the first time this weekend for talks with Sen. Patrick Leahy and other senatorial types, and Dublin's Padraig Harrington [left] wins the hallowed Open Championship on the Scottish links at Carnoustie - even after a choke-ridden "twice-in-the-water" double-bogey on the 18th hole?

Interesting times.

All Spain's Sergio Garcia with his new belly putter had to do was par the 18th to win his first major. Just par it, as he had in the three previous rounds.

But his eight-footer lipped out.

Such is life, eh? Maybe there is a God?

Harrington’s home course is the Royal Dublin. It’s located on the “Bull Wall,” a sandbar in Dublin Bay. Yes, I’ve been there. More than a few times in the early chapters of my life.

Yours truly got an early taste of it early because cousins Oliver and Cyril Freaney, All-Ireland Gaelic footballers in the mid-1950s, were members. I caddied for Ollie starting at seven (pulling the hand cart), and played it as a teenager.

Back in “The Troubles” of 1920-21, the Bull Wall was a place dear ol’ dad and others in Michael Collins’ Dublin Brigade took informants and the like for their “last ride.” I heard it as a boy from Daddy's lips, the victims were always allowed to say the Act of Contrition before taking a round in the back of their head.

Back to Carnoustie. Watching Sergio lose the Open, throw away victory, or have god almighty yank it from his grasp, was tragic. Painful to watch, as the tears in Padraig's eyes attested.

I guess that’s why “golf” is just a four-letter word, eh?

Like "life."

Comments

[2nd VT]

Please Peter, spare me the golf news.

[dirtfarmer]

There is no way the 6 counties are part of Britain

Ireland for the Irish

Trimble is no Irishman - he's a fucking drone for Maggie Thatcher

[dirtfarmer]

There is no way the 6 counties are part of Britain

Ireland for the Irish

Trimble is no Irishman - he's a fucking drone for Maggie Thatcher

[bigbadbrad]

As a fellow mic, Dirt Farmer I'm loathe to admit, The "Irish" are better of at peace with its loyalist majority than continuous futile bloodshed and stagnation. Hopefully, the issue you raise can find an eventual, peaceful resolution. I'm loathe to difine any ones "Irishness" for them. However, The loyalists follow a different allegaince, which is half the problem.