Manchán 🕯️

The older I get, the more important it feels to remember to turn up for birthdays. #MyOldestFriend

Absolutely sublime Philip Glass from James McVinnie and Maki Namekawa - on organ and piano respectively - at the National Concert Hall this evening. Everyone in the audience was holding their breath at the end! National Concert Hall James McVinnie Philip Glass

One of jazz’s greatest songs, and one of Mingus’s most personal — “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat”

She Who Must be Obeyed returned from #Dublin yesterday bearing bookish gifts. The best kind of gifts there are. “The Dublin Pub” by Donal Fallon is truly a thing of considerable beauty. #Books #reading.

I started devilling at The Bar of Ireland on this day in 1997, but in the intervening 28 years nothing has given me more pleasure than to be able to attend the Supreme Court today to see one of my own former Devils - James Burke SC - called to the Inner Bar. #AGreatDayForTheParish

A few days ahead of schedule, but delighted to see 'The Dublin Pub' is now widely available in bookshops. If you're picking it up, please support an independent bookshop. You can get it with free post and packaging from thebookshop.ie at: shorturl.at/L4iO4

A great book list. #PhilipRoth

No skin in the game, but I don't think criticising a barrister for barristering is entirely productive. One of the things I like about members of the bar that I have had dealings with is that they take their instructions, do their job and that's it.

Niall Donald talking about how Jim Gavin ripped him off included the truest, most Irish statement I’ve ever heard in my life, like this absolutely would be what your friends would say to you in these circumstances

It’s a special kind of fame in Dublin when they put your name on the beer! A memorable night at Chapters Bookstore toasting Donal Fallon’s ‘The Dublin Pub’ at its launch party. It’s perfect reading with a pint! Donal Fallon Rascals Brewing Company Chapters Bookstore Dublin New Island Books

I’m hugely unhappy with the implication that the clients you had as a barrister say something about your character or fitness for office. Barristers represent any client that comes to them that they are competent to represent and that doesn’t compromise their professional ethics.

Statement from the Council of The Bar of Ireland: The fundamental importance of an independent referral Bar It is the duty of barristers to be independent and free from any influence, especially such as may arise from their personal interests or external pressure, in the

Law professor explaining how legal profession works. Irish Times reporting implies that the character of a doctor, barrister, or nurse can be inferred from who they treat or represent. It’s a disgraceful attempt at a smear.

Nor is it hypocritical to speak out against homelessness in the Council chamber while working as a barrister subject to the cab rank rule & acting for banks. It might mean you don’t get the bank work anymore but you cannot just refuse to take it. It’s an important principle.

"The resulting volume lets us see Heaney’s work...for the colossal achievement it is" ✨Congratulations to Dr. Rosie Lavan on publication of this amazing edition of Seamus Heaney's complete works, which she edited alongside Bernard O’Donoghue. theguardian.com/books/2025/oct…

Yes

An absolutely tour de force show - The Last Wolf - from Ann Quinn at the Taylor Gallery this evening. Wonderful to see an old favourite - My Father’s Final Journey - which I had the privilege to view in her studio. What a painter! Taylor Galleries RHA Gallery

Swim 348/365…celebrating my oldest friend’s birthday in the sea! #AYearInTheDrink #365Swims #9thOctober #KnocknaginBeach #Gormanston #15MinuteSwim #86800mIn348Swims Outdoor Swimming Society Love Fingal Dublin