The votes are in.

Last Sunday, with a special heart-shaped €50 Golden Discs voucher on offer, I asked you to share a Valentine dedication.

You answered in your doe-eyed dozens.

But there could be only one winner:

Friends In Time by The Golden Horde (ft Larry Gogan)

Andy Pipkin writes:

“When I discussed this competition with herself and I told her I was going too dedicate a song to the first love of my life which is, music (and live music) let’s just say it didn’t go down so well!

“So I thought I better do the right thing and dedicate my choice to my best friend, my soul mate, my beautiful angel and hopefully soon to be Mrs Pipkin!

“Unbelievably she’s not really into music but this has been our song since I first introduced her to it.”

Nick says: Aww.

Last Sunday: Win Nick’s Valentine Voucher

Golden Discs

1924.

6.30am.

One more croon!

In case you mizzed it.

A short based on an anecdote by Michael Dignam, animated by the Brothers McLeod, directed and voiced by comedian, Bowie fan and noted wuzza-wuzzist Adam Buxton.

You may also care for a previous McLeod/Buckles/Bowie outing, to wit: David Bowie, Brian Eno And Tony Visconti Record ‘Warszawa’

adambuxton

He’s only ickle.

This afternoon.

Lanky psycho ref Darren Drysdale has apologised for squaring uplast night  to compact 5ft 7ins Republic of Ireland and Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge (top).

After menacingly ghosting a ‘Glasgow Kiss’ toward Judge, the bald headcase then booked him, enlivening an otherwise dull goalless draw against Northampton.

FIGHT!

Meanwhile…

‘One question: Can you see the f**king sky?’

An uncharacteristically shorn and lairy-looking Niall Quinn on the telly last night.

Anyone?

Via Highland Paddy

From top: The Stardust commemoration last Saturday: Gary Gannon on the plinth at Leinster House yesterday

This afternoon.

Dáil Eireann.

Further to a row over legal aid that may delay the start of the The Stardust fire inquests, due to begin in May….

….Darragh Mackin, solicitor for the families, said he had been unable to instruct barristers as the Department of Justice has not released any funding despite his application for their legal aid being approved.

Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon told deputies:

“The delay in the commencement of the Stardust Inquest – due to the Department of Justice’s refusal to release funds – is absolutely unacceptable. Releasing funding to allow the legal team of the families to carry out research and preparation is essential.

“The Stardust Inquest will be one of the largest ever to be conducted in the State. It is vital that resources are provided in advance so that the families’ legal team can carry out research and preparations. There needs to be special arrangements for large-scale inquests like this. We should be following the good practice established at the Hillsborough Inquest.

“I am calling on the Minister for Justice to immediately meet with the legal representative of the families to resolve the issue of funding so that the inquest can begin without more delays.”

Previously: Stardust fire inquests delayed over legal aid row (Irish Times, February 13)

RollingNews

This morning.

The UK’s Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has said the case of Princess Latifa (top left) is “concerning” and the pictures of her are “very distressing”, adding that people want to see that “she is alive and well”.

The Dubai princess has accused her father –  Dubai’s billionaire ruler Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum (top right) of holding her hostage in secret videos released yesterday, following attempts to flee the United Arab Emirates.

Princess Latifa: People want to see missing Dubai princess is ‘alive and well’, says Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab (Sky News)

Yesterday: “I Was Particularly Tricked When The Photographs Went Public”

This morning/afternoon.

Details of a proposal to establish a mandatory hotel quarantine system, initially for visitors from 20 ‘hot’ states, are still being worked on by the cabinet. The legislation is ‘likely to take two to three weeks’ to come into law.

Via RTE News:

…It is agreed that those who stay in mandatory quarantine for 14 days will have to pay for their stay and will take a number of tests for Covid-19 during that time.

Private security firms are likely to be involved in the day-to-day running of the facilities but gardaí will have a role if any laws are breached.

It is also expected that the Defence Forces could play a part in the logistical planning to set up the system…

Mandatory hotel quarantining legislation could take three weeks to pass (RTÉ)

RollingNews

Birdy

‘sup?

Would you like to adopt Birdy, a 5-7-year-old Pittie, newly arrived at Dogs Trust, Ashbourne Road, Finglas, Dublin 11?

Dogs Trust write:

Birdy can be a little shy at first but will make friends on her terms. She likes to play with a ball and is gentle when taking food. She enjoys going for walks and relaxing with a chew.

Birdy would be suited to an adult only home as the only dog. Adopters will need to be patient with her as she adjusts to her new surroundings…

Adopt A Dog – Birdy (Dogs Trust Ireland)

 

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