Lough Neagh

Seamus Heaney’s poem, published in 1969, captures much of what makes Lough Neagh unique. It has long been a place of myth and fable, where the palace of the Tuatha Dé Danann is supposed to lie beneath its waves. It is said that Lough Neagh was created by the giant Finn McCool who legend claims scooped out a huge chunk of earth and threw it after the Scottish giant Benandonner. He missed and thus created the Isle of Man. Richard believes that the Lough was created 400 million years ago as a result of massive tectonic events.

Tory backing for Pinochet

Many of my generation will remember the military coup in Chile in September 1973 that overthrew the socialist President of Chile Salvador Allende. The images of the bombing of the Presidential Palace, of an armed and courageous Allende defending the building and the quickly emerging reports of brutality by the Chilean military, horrified many around the world.

Siúlóid An Taoisigh.

This column had a great day out in Derry last Sunday at The Chieftain’s Walk organised by The Martin McGuinness Peace Foundation and Martin’s family led by his wife Bernie. There was a similar event in New York. Well done to all involved. It was good to meet many of Martin’s old friends and to walk the ground he trod on many, many times. Despite the rain there was a great turn out.