Dave Allen *is* one of all time sketch maestros of this century. In my opinion, he probably never actually got the full credit [in the fame/ acclaim sense] that he deserved - but you can be sure that those who sat in [and who had 6 channels - at the time - ah the good oul' days] throughout the late ’70’s and ’80’s will remember the genius that he was; Those who don’t but consider themselves comedy buffs - I know you will appreciate this.

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There was a recent post on Donegan Landscaping about wasting tax payers money, this is another example. You could argue its job creation. I just don’t get it. I thought this was a serious sign of the recession, with the contractor coming back to rip up his hard work for not getting paid

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...opens November 24th

there’s already one at no.1 Palace Street [just at the gates of Dublin Castle] and Max is alomost there at Chez Max no. 2. This time he and Florian will open at 133 Baggot Street [just opposite Tesco].

I like Chez Max. It’s really good food. The staff are ‘people’ and it’s not overly expensive. One can’t complain really with that? If you dont take my word - I reckon every ‘proper’ restaurant critic has given it a glowing reference.

Anyhow. Bulaidh bós to the two boys - credit must go to them both. With all the McWilliams and George Lee sound-a-likes out there lurking around the corner waiting for the next faux pas [Max is obviously reading the Happy Times Publications] - it is great to see people with the cahunas to go and make something of themselves… A standing ovation - I should think so!

Congratulation Max and Florian… I know for sure restaurant no .2 will be to the same high standards that you already have. Enjoy

happy days max and florian...

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i feckin have

people say theres a recession. I say my arse there is. I get my pension. What do I care. I get my coal dropped around to me as well at Christmas time. Houses aren’t selling? What do I care. I have my house. You builders were too greedy anyway. So your houses wont sell. Here’s a tip. Stop asking for so much money. You boys did for years. Drove prices through the roof so ye did. Now prices have come down. What do I care. I have my house and Im not moving anywhere. Years ago people were saying to me your house and that bit of lad is worth so much money. Says who? McMahon? I only get the millions if I sell it. And where will I live in another house in Ballyboughal that I cant afford? How about I move in with you Mc Mahon? How would you like that?

Recession my arse. I see you were in the pub Mc Mahon. I didn’t see you in there. I just read your piece on this website. What do I care. I’m not going in there. I’m not going out. I’ve not been well again. It’s been cold. At least I don’t have to look a your mug. Recession my arse.  I told you before Mc Mhon I don’t like you. I am old man. I’m a very old man. I dont have to like you. People ask me why I m not going out anymore. I tell them ‘theres a recession going on, did you not hear about it?’ Is there really. No. I get my medical card.

People in this place are obseessed with money and big houses. People say recession. I say my arse. How many houses are being built in ballyboughal?And what did they do to the pub Mc Mahon. A lick of paint and a bit of new carpet from Des Kelly you say! And the whole town goes mentel. Heres a tip for ye. Go to Kettles. They flattened the place and rebuilt it. Maths? Did it you do it?. I’m nt going to kettles. Not for a while. I heard Donegan was there playing guitar. I didnt hear you there McMahon. Shut up Donegan I dont like you either. You should stick to gardens. Instead of playing that claptrap you call music.

Everybodys out. Everybodys building. This town has changed. Recession? Park outside the school and count the old bangers of cars - how many did you see. Recession my arse.

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About two and half years ago O’Connors pub closed its doors. There was a lot of talk and speculation about why. I don’t know the actual facts so we’ll park that story. When that last pint was pulled and the taps dripped dry the social hub of the village died, well unless you were into a bit of tip-tap-toe in the local hall.

Many people in Ballyboughal had to go else where to find a pint, for some it was Oldtown, The Naul or Kettles Hotel

You’d often hear people repeating the same conversation about if they owned the pub they’d do this and that.  The stories on the grape vein were classic…groups of locals getting together to purchase it, others talked about those who were “officially in talks” about same. But, most were ripping it down build apartments which was countered by the “Its a protected building” argument.  All expert opinion and great foundation for hours on endless conversations, brilliant stuff.

The pub may have been closed but there wasn’t a day were someone didn’t mention it. Its not protected, its not being ripped down and did Walt Disney is not purchasing it. The true facts may remain undisclosed but do you really care, I don’t, it would be nice to know but its of little benefit here or there. You can always believe what you hear on the grape vein

Finally O’Connor’s re-opened its doors while I was away on Hong Kong last week. I’ve heard it was jam packed just like old times. So, last night I paid my first visit (which reminds me my car is still in the car park!). As expected it got more than just a B&Q make over. The layout is the same, no change there but as you enter you notice the smell of fresh paint and new carpets in the air.

The lounge now sports a huge plasma TV which must be for the football fans. The bar’s got a new wooden floor, a huge benefit for the set dancers. All the seat , chairs and bar stools have been nicely recovered and the walls, a lick of coluorful paint and some new art.

It’s great to see if open again. Last night I saw some folks there that I’ve not seen since it closed. The new bar staff seemed very friendly. Some say they wont return, they’ll stay where they are and thats fine, but I’m happy to have the ability to “walk” home from the pub hail rain or shine. Mind you it was freezing when we left to go home.

So did you hear about yer man whose opening the chipper?

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the reason for doing this is because of george lee this… and I believe life is good… I dont have a gizillion dollar$… but life is good! If you’re smile isn’t as big as it normally should be… then this is for you enjoy!

so here are 10 that have nothing to do with plants…. just my ten things

• the rain on my face while walking the dogs
• a real fire… smells lovely
• writing poetry and reading ones written for me
• homemade things from the farmers market
• and cake
• fresh coffee and grinding beans
• playing old vinyls and new strings on my guitar
• sund-ireland although i’m an arsenal fan
• my good friends and people who smile sweetly
• laughing at silly movies on Christmas day…

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...well more 'boughal

there are certain things I write about on my own blog there are pretty easy to do, relevant to Ballyboughal or just somethings that should be here. Of couse you don’t need to live in ‘boughal to do them….

There’s quite a bit of info there - and whilst Aido is busy abroad - and I’ve got better things to be doing - here’s an easy post for me.

So here’s [the top 10] what and why?

• In Fingal baleally dump is due to close for good - there’ll be nowhere left open now and all the politicans know about it!
• its that time of year - you need to get the garden in groove - here’s what you need to do
• couldn’t be bothered doing the garden… how about birds
• Jamesie the postman for ‘boughal - give the postman a Christmas present!
• Bulbs! how? what? where? when? I planted them on the verge outside my house - pop up and nab some if you don’t get around to it
• the farmers market poll - should i? shouldn’t i?
• sign yourself up for free gardening updates… it’s costs nothing [click the last line!]
• buying topsoil - buyer be happy? or buyer beware?
• weed free gardening?
• and finally Trevor Sargeant

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