From Cork, now living between Lake Annecy in the French Alps and Friedrichshain in Berlin.
This blog was begun in 2011, but in reality it is nothing new to me, as I have been a journalist since 1970 and have written diary essays, both personal and aligned to current affairs right through my career. “Leesides” in the Irish Press ran weekly for several years in the ‘eighties and “Newswatch” in the Irish Examiner for 7 years.
I live with my husband. I love nature, art, creativity, beauty, words, shoes, walnuts and the joy of physical activity.
Thank you for your comments on the closure of the Irish embassy in Tehran on the blog at The Journal. Having being in Tehran in 1976 when it was opened and remain a frequent visitor stay with ” the Dominican” mentioned I am very disappointed at the news as will the few Irish remaining there. Indeed the future of Iran in the area can only grow and our interests can never be fuly met by the Uk embassy ( always strained by history and current policies). Iran has a fine and noble culture.
With regards
Hi Isabel,
As an ex-Presser you may be interested in joining this new Facebook group … https://www.facebook.com/groups/Irishpress/
Dear Isabel
I have just found your blog by chance, prowling the web for material on Alex Cockburn. Now I see your wonderful piece on him, and on his mother, whom I was myself honoured to meet maybe 25 years ago. At the time I was too young and too dim to realise just how remarkable she was, and how interesting her own life had been, not to mention those of her husband and sons.
I am really delighted to see your piece, as the Irish media response to Alex’s death has been completely disgraceful. I have now posted a piece on him on Irish Left Review.
Congratulations on your blog, and on your writing on Patricia especially -
Very best wishes
Conor
Dear Isabel. I will be in geneva from 9 to 13 september so wonder if u r around. Would be great to catch up. Hugs. Elvira from Sydney and Tashkent
Hi Isabel,
I’m not sure how I found your blog entry about your memories of Sherkin but very pleased that I have. It’s a beautifully written, evocative piece. Regards, Patsy
Hi Isabel,
I thought I would send you a quick message via your blog to say how nice it was to meet you at Le Presbytère at the weekend. We enjoyed our stay there so much. Martin and Síle are such wonderful hosts and we were, of course, charmed by the other guests! I’m sorry we didn’t get to say goodbye to you properly at the car boot sale – did you find any bargains?
I just thought I would let you know that I am doing some research for my next essay (on animal welfare law in Spain) and I have just stumbled across a paper by Temple Grandin! It seems surprising now that I hadn’t heard of her before.
Best wishes
Laetitia