NO PASARAN | Mícheál

NO PASARAN!Across Europe, in the USA, the Middle East and in England regressive political elements are gathering strength. In the North of Ireland we have always had to contend with these forces. And historically the right wing have played a significant role in our affairs across the island. They were well represented in the conservatism  of the Catholic hierarchy which like its fundamentalist protestant counterparts in the North, had a privileged position for far too long.  Everyone deserves full civil and religious rights. But no religious grouping should have the state to uphold its positions.Fascists also emerged at different times. Cumann Na Gael – now Fine Gael – grew from the Blue Shirts.  Today we live in more enlightened times but the Far Right and other right wing tendencies are raising their heads once again. They must be vigorously, peacefully and resolutely resisted by citizens and be subject also to the rule of law. TOMMIE AND MICHEÁL. I was very shocked to hear of Tommie Gorman’s death.  I had been with Tommie just two weeks before at an event in Dublin.  He had already texted me to tell me his cancer was back. He told me as he always did that he was  “Never better”. That was one of his little sayings, and the name of his book incidentally.He said to me “it's ok”, it's no problem” and he gave me a hug. We had a yarn and subsequently we texted each other again after that. Approaching his operation I also reached out to wish him good luck. I want to send my heartiest condolences to Ceara, Joe and Moya, to Tommi’s sister Mary and his brother Michael.  He  really missed his sister Paula who died recently also.My memories of Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh are the same as everybody else who loves Gaelic games. It's that lilting, poetic West Kerry  voice in and out of Irish and English telling the story, lyrically lifting the game beyond at times what was happening on the pitch.  I used to love listening to his commentary on the radio