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All-Ireland Chewers League

post #1 of 176
Thread Starter 
Hello!

A long CHUD reader, recent forum-joiner from Belfast, Northern Ireland (Norn' Iron') here. I want to start a thread for discussing all things Ireland, North/South/East/West/Back/Front/whatever. Any ex-pats out there? Anyone of Irish ancestry? It'd be great to hear from you, as well as anyone not from here who wants to share something/shoot it about our wee island.

For starters, anyone out there going to see Morrissey here next year? I'm going to the Belfast date at the Waterfront. Excitement is high.
post #2 of 176
Hey Bobby, I'm a Dublin lad, nice to hear from yah!
post #3 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raziel View Post
Hey Bobby, I'm a Dublin lad, nice to hear from yah!
Hiya! You too, thanks. I was hoping you'd swing by. So many obligatory questions vying for contention... I'll start with:

1. You going to see "Mozza" on his impending tour?
2. Favourite Irish city/town/provincial locale?
3. Are there many more of us 'round here?

As I recently said to Sackley, I'm a big Dublin fan.
post #4 of 176
Wow, look at that there are three of us.. Im actually surprised!
post #5 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scott_nappo View Post
Wow, look at that there are three of us.. Im actually surprised!
The Irish are massing!
post #6 of 176
Bad times.
post #7 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scott_nappo View Post
Bad times.
Debatable.
post #8 of 176
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobby Bear View Post
1. You going to see "Mozza" on his impending tour?
2. Favourite Irish city/town/provincial locale?
3. Are there many more of us 'round here?
1. No, not a huge fan really. Although I love The Smiths.
2. Well, I suppose I'd have to be biased and say Dublin. But only because I grew up in one of the nicer parts.
3. Not sure, actually!

Gotta go up North some time soon, never been up there but have a yearning to ramble that way!
post #9 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raziel View Post
1. No, not a huge fan really. Although I love The Smiths.
2. Well, I suppose I'd have to be biased and say Dublin. But only because I grew up in one of the nicer parts.
3. Not sure, actually!

Gotta go up North some time soon, never been up there but have a yearning to ramble that way!
1. Fair dues.
2. Understandable.
3. Scott seems to think 'tis just we three. If that's the case, let the three-pronged round-table begin! Considering the name, we could legitimately form some sort of clandestine outfit. With pseudonyms and everything.

At the risk of sounding like the tourist board, coming up North really is worth it for the people. Not that there isn't stuff to see/do, but, in the right company, "the banter" trumps all. I've not seen nearly as much Southwards as I should.
post #10 of 176
Come up North is a good option purely for the current exchange rate. I.e.the chaos happening in border towns and Newry!
post #11 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scott_nappo View Post
Come up North is a good option purely for the current exchange rate. I.e.the chaos happening in border towns and Newry!
There are other reasons (see above) to come up North. You used to be proof... diserter.
post #12 of 176
Ahem.. where did yougo to university?
post #13 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by scott_nappo View Post
Ahem.. where did yougo to university?
England. But I have returned! Absence, hearts grown fonder, and all that.
post #14 of 176
Celtic CHUDsters unite!
post #15 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raziel View Post
Celtic CHUDsters unite!
Huzzah! Bagsy "weapons specialist." Now, to think of a suitable super-mantle that isn't too stereotypical!*

*note to self: throw out Shamrock Ranger prototype suit.
post #16 of 176
So how is everybody? I just got back from a week in Spain on Monday. Sadly, weather not great. Some cold spells, but when the sun came out it was pretty hot!
post #17 of 176
Im going through University work for this month so not having too great a time.. Spain.. lucky bugger!
post #18 of 176
Thread Starter 
Alright, Raziel! Hope it wasn't a total wash out 'cos of the weather?

I'm grand, thanks. Been writing and getting all ooh-rahh'd up with Call Of Duty, lately. Good times.
post #19 of 176
Sorry to crash in here fellas but Bobby. I got to ask. Why only a PSN? Too high and mighty for an Xbox like the rest of us yank bastards?
post #20 of 176
Thread Starter 
No worries, Ed. I wish more outlanders would get involved 'round here!

No, not at all! Too thrifty more like. There could be only one console. I've always been a bit of a Sony monogamist and the Blu-ray factor kinda swung it for me. After only having one for a short time, I love it. Call of Duty (Modern Warfare & World At War) as well as The Dark Knight on B.R. are the stuff of dreams.
post #21 of 176
Thanks BB. Nah, not a total washout, nice to get away for a week. Spaeaking of Blu-Ray, I've got Hellboy II sitting there (birthday prezzie from a friend last month), now I just need to invest in a player and HD TV!
post #22 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Raziel View Post
Thanks BB. Nah, not a total washout, nice to get away for a week. Spaeaking of Blu-Ray, I've got Hellboy II sitting there (birthday prezzie from a friend last month), now I just need to invest in a player and HD TV!
Good stuff.

As a recent convert, I would heartily endorse that investment. Especially, if it means you getting a full HD jobber. 1080p is so very worth it. As sometimes the words of another are more suitable than your own...

If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up. It is so choice.

Also, belated happy birthday!
post #23 of 176
I can't really afford a BR player or TV right now, but have been mulling over Xtra-Vision's €250+films deal, and considering getting a HD TV onhire-purchase-and yes indeed, a full 1080p would be the ideal!
post #24 of 176
Thread Starter 
Superb. I only made the 1080p angle so overt because, while constructing my extensive search, HD Ready's were being shifted around shops at an impressive rate. I'd imagine a Chewer would naturally be leaning towards the top brass, but I just wanted to make sure that, if you were on the fence, I did my part to see you right.
post #25 of 176
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bobby Bear View Post
The Irish are massing!
Four now. I'm actually surprised that there aren't more. I must admit to being a sponge as regards the forum- usually just read without taking part*


*not that my post count didn't give that away.
post #26 of 176
Thread Starter 
Hey, Oafley! Good to have you aboard. I know the feeling about posting. Raziel inspired me to start this to see how many are out (t)here.
post #27 of 176
Thread Starter 
Ok, I have a question: who is your favourite Irish stand-up comedian/funnyman or woman? I'll go with Colin Murphy.
post #28 of 176
He is just more a radio/tv presenter isnt he? Im going for Dylan Moran.
post #29 of 176
Thread Starter 
I definitely know him more for television work so, yeah, he's definitely falling under the "funnyman" heading more than outright "comedian."

Good choice, by the way.

Conversely, Dara O Briain is someone I enjoy more for his stand-up than TV work. On 'Mock The Week' he's decent but not as memorable as when he's flying solo.
post #30 of 176
Went to a recording of The Panel in Wicklow-O' Briain's home turf-a couple of years ago. Haven't really seen any much of his stand-up. Colin Murphy, Ed Byrne and Neil Delamere were in attendance. Watching Dylan Moran on E4 recently, I came to the conclusion that he is indeed a very funny man. What about classic Irish stand-ups? Dave Allen (although he sat down a lot, heh)...Frank Carson is a bit hackneyed, but can raise a chuckle or two. Any thoughts?
post #31 of 176
Thread Starter 
That sounds awesome! I love The Panel. I'm definitely more of a modern Irish stand-up guy. I can go in for some Allen (on religion, especially) and Carson, but it would be in small doses. Ed Byrne's commendable, and not just for his great Last Exit To Nowhere Aliens Sulaco shirt from Mock the Week.
post #32 of 176
Hi Bob! Heh, yeah, he does seem to be a movie buff. And a Pearl Jam fan, he always seems to be wearing PJ shirts, at least in repeats of shows he's appeared on!!
post #33 of 176
Thread Starter 
As if his comedy and perpetual student appearance weren't reason enough to love him! He had to throw P.J. into the mix.

I was ragin' the other week... there was meant to be a 'Father Ted' Stand-Up special at a club (in The Odyssey?) featuring comics from the series and what have you. Alas, even the wonder of the Internet failed me in my search for details. Gutted. Probably, would've been brilliant.
post #34 of 176
So how is everybody?
post #35 of 176
Thread Starter 
Pretty good, thanks, Raz. Well, I was a whole lot better until this happened. I'm pretty gutted about it, really.

How are you keeping?
post #36 of 176
Aw christ. This shit is still going on? Fuck!

Anyway, Bobby hope you got my e-mail. Sorry about not realizing the UK did in fact got Watchmen last week.
post #37 of 176
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the support, Ed. That's the thing, it hadn't been going on (not like this anyway) for a very long time. There have been reports about "the highest threat level from dissident Republicans in years", but no murders. This just confirms what I was saying to Christophe the other day about living here being pretty tough sometimes.

Speaking of Chris, he usually handles the letters. Thanks for sending in, Ed! No worries. I look forward to genuine mail more than I do peanut butter sandwiches. Honestly. That is high praise, indeed.
post #38 of 176
Thread Starter 
At the risk of this becoming a thread for sectarian murders, I didn't post about this until now. It's been days and my disgust is continuing to bring me down. Worse yet, the exposure is making it harder and harder to try and get on with a normal life. Does anyone actually believe we can ever get past this or are we forever doomed to make the same mistakes?
post #39 of 176
Well Bobby, you'd be in the best position to know about these things unfortunately.

I can't say that you'll be completely free of the rivalry. No society is ever completely free of such things unless the population is completely homogenious. Then there's class warfare but that's another story.

I would've also suggested for you to take my advice and drink heavily. But to an Irishman, that goes without saying.
post #40 of 176
Thread Starter 
Good points, Ed. The cynic in me just can't see us getting past it. We made it a decade and change (just) and then imploded. Looking at what's happened in the U.S. - the ability shown there for significant progress - is hugely comforting. Then again, with our Olympic capacity for grudge-bearing, similar breakthroughs seem shamefully doubtful here. I know it's a massive generalization to make between us and America, but it's a valid one, nonetheless. People here should be looking West and thinking "it's possible. This really doesn't matter anymore." However, en masse, too many people are too scared to do their own thing, vote for who they want to vote for, like who they want to like, etc. As long as that remains, I can't see us surpassing our usual tit-for-tat nonsense.

Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
I would've also suggested for you to take my advice and drink heavily. But to an Irishman, that goes without saying.
I could stand to up my intake. Good call!
post #41 of 176
Now imploded? Of course I say this all the way across the states but it doesn't appear the government is shutting down. No one is putting up with this nonsense. It's the work of ultra-fringe groups who will never back down and have to either be brought down or brought to justice.

The only sort of connection to all of this is that had my parents named me Sean compounded with my last name. It would've made for a very awkward start if and when I ever got to Nothern Ireland. Having your name sound like the political arm of the IRA is not a good thing.
post #42 of 176
To add a British perspective to whats going on, boo hiss etc, I have some friends in the army, boo hiss etc., who have started calling Ireland the Third Front again. They seem to be convinced that there's going to be a stronger military presence in Ireland over the next few months and they've all convinced that its going to heighten the tension. We could be going back to the glory days of the 80s, early 90s.
post #43 of 176
Christ, hope it doesn't come to that. Not to mention it would be a massive bitch slap to Blair's legacy.
post #44 of 176
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by EdHocken View Post
Now imploded? Of course I say this all the way across the states but it doesn't appear the government is shutting down. No one is putting up with this nonsense. It's the work of ultra-fringe groups who will never back down and have to either be brought down or brought to justice.

The only sort of connection to all of this is that had my parents named me Sean compounded with my last name. It would've made for a very awkward start if and when I ever got to Nothern Ireland. Having your name sound like the political arm of the IRA is not a good thing.
It's no exaggeration to say that's how it feels here, Ed. The media have really done little to stem the panic. It's more "PEACE SHATTERED!" than anything else, in the headlines. Local MLA's are trying to put a brave face on it, but the mood on the street is one of panic.

I don't know about that, Ed. There's no shortage of Mc's and Murphys round here. You'd be just as welcome and probably never have to pay for a beer in your life, in the right company. If we have any ultra-nationalist Chewers, get ready for a bit of an earful about the Sinn Fein remark, though.

All joking aside, Spike, the Brits don't need to do that to heighten the tension, we're doing a good enough job of that ourselves. Plus, according to local politicians, that's not happening. A friend of mine from work has friends who live in Armagh and Fermanagh. According to him, the things they hear about what goes on and doesn't make the news is frightening.
post #45 of 176
No, you misread what I wrote (Although I admit to not having the most coherent writing). My last name is Fein (pronounced 'fine') and even though it's german and I'm jewish my father had the forsight to tell my Mom that naming me Sean was not a good idea.
post #46 of 176
Thread Starter 
Oh, I didn't think your name was Sinn Fein (and pronounced accordingly), Ed. Apologies. I just meant that a number of Republicans would take exception to being referred to as the political wing of the IRA.
post #47 of 176
Thread Starter 
Happy St Patrick's Day, everyone!
post #48 of 176
And with that, I'm going to blow up a John Bull's Fish and Chips while wearing a barrel on my head and screaming that I'm the Prime Minister of Ireland.
post #49 of 176
Thread Starter 
hahahaha...

No amount of Hindu requests will see me naked this day.
post #50 of 176
Thread Starter 
Did anyone see the Irish 'Simpsons' episode on St. Patrick's Day? It was pretty poor, but the U2 sign gag almost made up for the blandness elsewhere. Glen Hansard was far and away the highlight, and he was only in a for a minute tops.
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