Monthly Archives: April 2018
Homage to Iniesta
Few people will lament Andres Iniesta’s departure from FC Barcelona as much as Messi. In a book of personal tributes to Iniesta published last year, that of his Argentine colleague speaks volumes about how integral to Barca’s success the two have been, largely because of the unique personal understanding between them as individuals. Messi tells how he never feels more comfortable than when knowing Iniesta is playing alongside him, for the players both feel and live for their football, without letting politics intrude, instinctively playing to each other’s strength, …
Catalonia & Northern Ireland
Twenty years ago today I was among a large assembly of journalists from around the world who had gathered in the freezing cold of an Easter-tide Belfast to celebrate a magnificent political achievement. Today I simply reflect on that memory. In the days of fake news and intense and generally justified popular scepticism with the absence of sound political leadership, I have no hesitation in supporting Tony Blair in his assertion that the peace agreement for Northern Ireland was something that those involved in it should feel justifiably proud …
