All posts by midnightmurphy

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About midnightmurphy

Limerick to Dublin to Amsterdam to Dublin to Limerick

Men v women – why I will go straight to hell

Dublin, Travels to work, Uncategorized, , , ,

offaly
When I get my driving license (whenever that may be – I have the test in a month, but I am well aware of how tricky it can be to pass, so I need to stay realistic) I do not ever want to get into breakfast discussions with colleagues, about the traffic on the way to work in the morning. I’ve just had the most mind-numbingly dull bowl of porridge, and boiled egg of my life – and these are not thrilling foodstuffs at the best of times.

This morning my breakfast companions were all male. I don’t want to engage in stereotypes about the sexes, and I am a firm believer in equal opportunity for everyone. However I have observed that there is a distinct difference in the topics of conversation over morning gruel, depending on whether you sitting with men or women. Continue reading Men v women – why I will go straight to hell →

‘You’re terrible, Muriel’

Australia, Film, Uncategorized

jazz
Over the weekend I watched the film ‘Muriel’s Wedding’.

I have seen this film  more times than any other – except for one – in my life. (The only film that I know for certain, that I have seen more often is ‘Heathers’).

I know that it’s the only movie I went to see three times in the cinema on its release, back in 1994/1995. Since then, I have owned a DVD of the film, which I watched repeatedly. It’s also one of those pictures that has become a modern classic, so it is still a regular feature on the television schedules. Continue reading ‘You’re terrible, Muriel’ →

Cars

Uncategorized, ,

Car
I am of a certain age.
I don’t have a driving license.
Until the age of 41 I had never sat behind the wheel of a car.
I lived in Amsterdam for 15 years.
You don’t actually need to drive in the Netherlands seeing as the public transport network is highly developed, regular and reliable.
Driving is bad for the environment.
I moved back to Dublin.
It takes me 75 minutes each day, each way to get to work.
On the few occasions I have gotten a lift, it takes me 40 minutes.
On a weekly basis that would save me six hours.
I started lessons.
I was not very good.
Slowly I started to improve.
I am still not very good though.
My brutally cruel driving instructor Attila roared at me on a regular basis.
When he was not on a toilet break.
I am not very good at dealing with criticism.
I persisted.
Attila applied for a driving test on my behalf.
I received confirmation of the date.
It is in November.

Hell’s bells.

Writer’s block

Dublin, Ireland, Uncategorized,

FD
As avid readers of this blog will tell you, I occasionally write more than blathering blog posts.

I started this MidnightMurphy venture shortly after I arrived in Dublin.  During the months before I moved here, I was engaged in a readjustment phase to Ireland, from my childhood home in Limerick. I was also detoxifying after decades in Amsterdam. To help me deal with these major life decisions I started writing. Continue reading Writer’s block →

The smell of adventure

Dublin, Travels to work

jazz
I had an early night last night. I wanted to feel refreshed and energetic for the day. The long weekend in Amsterdam was still working its way through my system. By Thursday however I ought be feeling revivified.

Having finished my bottle of manly anti-perspirant the previous morning, I got dressed after my shower today, without dousing myself in freshness. Continue reading The smell of adventure →

Theatre times: ”Show me your everything’

Dublin, Theatre, Uncategorized

jazz
The International Bar close to Dame Street was the venue for the new one act play ‘Show me your everything’ by Canadian playwright Rose Ugoalah which is playing this week. Having seen and enjoyed her short play ‘Love me Tinder’ in the same location last year, I was looking forward to this new piece. Continue reading Theatre times: ”Show me your everything’ →

Oktoberfest Dublin – the scam

Dublin, Uncategorized,

TRCl
A friend invited me for a midweek beverage. This would be a rare Tuesday night excursion for me. However seeing as the location was in George’s Dock in the IFSC, close to my house I had no excuse.

Running for a fortnight at the end of September, is the German festival of Oktoberfest. This was our destination.

I’ve never been to the German version – although I am aware that it is massive beer festival originating in Munich in Germany, where the German delicacies of beer and bratwurst and lederhosen are celebrated. People drink massive steiners of beer served by comely farm wenches. Or something. Continue reading Oktoberfest Dublin – the scam →

Seaside on Sunday

Dublin, Ireland, Uncategorized, ,

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My plans were noble for this Sunday. I was going to visit the Irish Jewish Museum on the South Circular Road. Sadly, by the time I had pulled myself together it was already 3pm – and almost closing time.

Wanting to have a somewhat productive Sunday I decided that a coastal walk would be an enjoyable alternative excursion. I had once heard loose talk in some sleazy tavern, that the Dalkey to Killiney coast walk was a  pleasant stroll. Continue reading Seaside on Sunday →