Willie John McBride – Pride of the Lions – Rugby Icon

Willie John McBride – Pride of the Lions – Rugby Icon

An interview with the Ballymena-born rugby star Willie John who took part in a remarkable five tours and, with 17 Lion Tests, and remains the most caped player in the series. The Irish lock forward captained the last tour, during which the Lions tore South Africa...
Giles Blundell (d. 2000) of Slievenamon (Fethard)

Giles Blundell (d. 2000) of Slievenamon (Fethard)

Lt Cdr Giles R Blundell was a mechanical engineer who became a test pilot for the Royal Navy. He was originally from Kenya although his parents eventually retired in County Cork. My father met him when he was at Dartmouth. In the mid-1960s, Giles joined my late...
Peter the Great – Ulster Damask & The Beard Tax

Peter the Great – Ulster Damask & The Beard Tax

The Russian emperor is said to have visited Ireland to study the latest developments in the manufacture of damask, but could this have been so? A quick look at the Tsar and his Irish links. Complete access to all articles on this website for €12 / year...
The Irish Dames of Ypres – Escape from the Western Front

The Irish Dames of Ypres – Escape from the Western Front

The dramatic story of the Irish Benedictine nuns of Ypres and their escape from Belgium and France at the height of World War One to Ireland where they went on to establish Kylemore Abbey. Complete access to all articles on this website for €12 / year...