Movie matters.

Well, I wasn't at the premier of 'The Wind That Shakes the Barley' at Cork's Mahon Point recently (sob!) but I did see the movie during the week and it was fantastic. Very thought provoking, and yes I did shed a tear or two as well. The acting was superb too - and very natural, I thought. On a few occasions they seem to stumble over their words but carry on going - just like we would in everyday life. It was also great to hear the Cork accents. Usually in Irish films the accent is either a generic rural one or else an inner city Dublin one - so this was a refreshing change.
I'm delighted the film is getting recognition both artistically and politically. A lot of people skimmed over the history books and didn't quite grasp the horror that took place in our country.
Well done to Ken Loach for having the courage to bring the story to life on the big screen, despite the criticism from his fellow Brits, who still like to think that the rulers and enforcers of their empire simply handed out sweets to the people from the countries they invavded.

Meanwhile, RedFM had a special preview screeing of 'Just My Luck' at both the Gate in Mallow and the City Centre last night. It was our first time having simultaneous previews and it all went off very well. The romantic comedy (albeit rather far fetched) is worth seeing on a girly night out, so check it out!

A good weekend for music and sport.

So much going on in Cork at the moment! It's great to see!

For my part, I saw the wonderful Camille O'Sullivan at the Spiegeltent last Thursday night. She was as eccentric and beguiling as always although the show has changed slightly to less Jacque Brel (a pity I think) and the introduction of songs from the likes of David Bowie. Afterwards she signed and sold her CDs - and I was surprised by how strict the Spiegeltent people were when I saw Camille being ejected and left to sell her wares on the street! She may sing about street urchins and ladies of the night - but she's not one!!

Last night I availed of an unexpected opportunity to see Bob Dylan live at the Marquee. Now, his performance wouldn't change my mind about him - I won't be rushing out to buy his back catalogue - but it was interesting to see such a legend in the flesh. Well, from what I could see that is... he never performed centre stage but simply hovered behind his keyboard quite close to the drumkit. And what's with never saying anything? No banter between songs - just churning out the tunes. While the rumours had abounded that Michael Jackson was going to be there, there certainly was one celebrity in our midst... Roy Keane was there to catch the concert. Sporting a beard, perhaps he hoped this was going to offer some disguise. Well, it didn't have me fooled... much to his chagrin, I suspect. Let's just say he didn't like my camera lens.

I also made it to the Lord Mayor's Picnic in the Park at Fitzgerald Park yesterday afternoon. The weather was lovely and everyone looked to be having a good time. I developed a new intolerance though for bratty kids who skip the queue for the slides etc. And an even bigger intolerance for their parents who stand by motionless and heedless. Whatever happened to manners?!

Finally well done to our sporting heroes - Cork City did well at the Cross on Friday night and then the Cork Hurling team did us proud in Semple Stadium in the Munster Final yesterday afternoon. It's their 50th Munster title and hopefully it will be three in a row for the All Ireland title come September!

Top of the Pops - RIP.

Today I spoke on air about the demise of Top of the Pops which is to be axed after 42 years. I was disappointed that it didn't spark much interest amongst listeners. I guess that despondency is the reason it has failed as a programme.

The BBC has blamed its decline on the proliferation of 24-hour digital music channels and the accessibility of music via internet downloads. Hell, people are even watching music videos on their mobile phones now so it's not too surprising that the show, with its simple chart count-down formula, has failed to remain relevant.

A BBC spokesperson said: "In a rapidly changing musical landscape Top of the Pops no longer occupies the central role it once did". I grew up in two-channel land and certainly have fond memories of it. Yes, it was central to my TV viewing week. Those were the days... when finding out if my favourite song had crept up to number one, was of utmost importance in my life. Those were the days... when an appearance on Top of the Pops would guarantee a band ultimate exposure and a chart climb the following week. How things have changed. Now I get to worry about my mortgage and all the other bills. As for the bands, they are doing things a different way. Arctic Monkeys didn't need Top of the Pops to succeed, neither did Sandi Thom or Gnarls Barkley. And good luck to them!

The show had it's kitch factor and could sometimes be awful. The bands mimed... and there were those ridiculous dancers Legs and co. and Pan's People for a time. All part of the fun though. One of the iconic moments I remember was Madonna perorming 'Like a Virgin' in studio in her pink wig. Another big memory, albeit for all the wrong reasons, was All About Eve sitting in confused silence because their backing track to 'Martha's Harbour' failed to start. They were invited back the following week to make up for the embarrassment.

I was sad to hear of the show's passing - although I hadn't watched it for years - but it is the end of an era - just as the death of Smash Hits magazine was last February. That was another insitution from my youth which had outstayed its welcome in the wider world.

So the last Top of the Pops will be broadcast on July 30th - I might tune in to pay my last respects.

A bit of fiction and reality.

It's been an eventful few days in Ireland... the death of former Taoiseach Charles J Haughey... and the announcement of Roy Keane's retirement. Both news stories that one could not possibly ignore, regardless of what one's feelings on the individuals concerned might be...

And in the land of fiction, two of my favourite programmes had the last in their current series on TV over the past few days. Firstly The O.C. on TG4 on Monday night concluded with the death of Marissa in Ryan's arms following a car accident... it might just have been her best acting moment yet as her eyes rolled around and her face went a horrid pale colour... Then there was the last in the second series of 'Desperate Housewives'. Mike Delfino had a car incident of his own. Can't really call it "accident" as he was deliberately knocked down... is he dead? We'll have to wait until January to find out! What's the story with the perpetrator, the creepy dentist played by yer man from 'Twin Peaks' (remember that?) He's making a bee-line for Bree... how does she manage to attract all these looney characters? Afterall, he's not too unlike her former amour, the creepy pharmacist George.

Back to reality... the world cup is underway and on The Red Zone, I am supporting Mexico. Cummins Sports have kindly sent us in the relevant t-shirts and I tried on mine yesterday. Happily, last Sunday we had our first game and won 3-1 against Iran. Tomorrow we meet Angola so fingers crossed. Meanwhile, The Red Rooster, who are getting behind Trinidad and Tobego, are hosting a party in The Bodega Bar this afternoon from 4pm. As their team is playing England, I'm sure there will be a good turn-out....

My weekend.

The weather wasn't quite as good as the previous weekend - Saturday in particular was a bit of a washout - but still managed to do loads on a weekend that flew by.

A lovely dinner for my friend's birthday in Jacques on Friday night, surrounded by "lovely girls" at a Cork Rose selection night in the Rochestown Park Hotel on Saturday night and yesterday a barbeque (thanks for the lovely food Luca!) followed by a party for 'Le Metro' vintage clothing store in the Newport Bar. So I wasn't idle!

But it wasn't all fun and games either and domestic issues needed to be seen to - namely an overgrown hedge which was threatening to overtake my whole garden! Having bought an electric hedge trimmer last year, and used it only once, it was time to uncover it again and get to work... but no, despite having been used only once, my much rested piece of machienery wouldn't cut butter for me! Why do I always seem to make these useless purchases?? Luckily a handome knight in shining armour came to my rescue and did the job with his reliable version of my banjaxed one... Hate being a damsel in distress though!

Republic of Loose gig at RedFM.

It was a first for us at RedFM yesterday... a live gig on the office floor! The band in question was Republic of Loose, who of course are playing The Savoy tomorrow night. The audience was made up of listeners who won the chance to be there in competitions we've been running for the past week or so. So much preparation went into the event so well done to everyone involved... yesterday while I was on air, desks were being moved around, gear arrived, cables were pinned down and gradually the scene was set. The band played a concise but rockin' set of material including all the singles we know and love on the airwaves. With the sun shining outside, we chilled out with our Coronas and 7ups (not a typical work day at all!). Everyone enjoyed it and it was great to meet our listeners, many of whom came armed with cameras to document the occasion. Apologies again for my rather uncolourful blog... Philip has some great ones up on his though so check it out. It was a great success so I certainly hope we'll be doing it again soon... watch this space!

Congrats to all at McCarthy's Bar on Model Farm Road who were celebrating a "twinning" with McCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere during the week. The one in Castletownbere is, incidently the now famous one which is pictured on the cover of Pete McCarthy's best selling book 'McCarthy's Bar'. The weather was perfect for the barbecue and simply for all the people sitting outside soaking up the sun. Later, following a training session, Sean Og O Hailpin and Tom Kenny arrived with the Liam McCarthy cup and were beseiged by autograph hunters and those seeking photos with our local heroes. Girls - the pair are even better looking in the flesh, I must testify!! To continue the McCarthy theme the entertainment was provided by Joe Mac. Thanks to everyone for a great evening...

And what of our lovely weather... Enjoy if you get the chance...and keep tuned to RedFM for your sunny soundtrack!