| Dutch Antilles no longer exists The Dutch Caribbean dependency the Netherlands Antilles ceases to exist with a change of the five islands' constitutional status. bbc.co.uk |
UN to boost Sudan border security UN troops will be deployed to "hotspots" along the border of north and south Sudan, amid fears of violence ahead of next year's vote on southern independence. bbc.co.uk |
How to spend $140m Former eBay boss spends part of fortune on political campaign bbc.co.uk |
Pat Conneely obituary My friend Pat Conneely, who has died of a heart attack aged 57, was one of the finest traditional Irish singers in County Galway – where there is fierce competition. Every Sunday morning for 30 years, carrying a scuffed guitar-case, he would hitchhike from the small town of Oughterard to Galway, to MC the famous Crane Bar sessions, with Sean Ryan or Tim Lyons. Everyone knew Pat, who resembled a Gaelic warrior, which indeed he was.Instead of a sword, he used a beautiful old Yamaha guitar and a majestic, dark-brown voice, with exotic Celtic bends and harmonies. It was like running across Robert Johnson or Howlin' Wolf, for Pat was the real Irish blues incarnate, long eyelids closed, head thrown back, that voice a primal keening.Pat had been a welder for most of his life, but it affected his hearing and vision, so he dropped it and scratched a living from music sessions. He could play with anyone, and was totally responsive to other musicians, generously encouraging novices, experts and wizened veterans alike. When he sang solo, Pat often went into his own space, a spiritual trance.Pat was also a passionate republican and socialist. We bonded via a common reverence for the music of Sweeney's Men (close friends of his), the struggle for a united Ireland, and a mutual detestation of Margaret Thatcher.In spring, Pat was diagnosed with throat cancer, then lung cancer. When I visited him in hospital, he led me straight over to the pub, then wandered into the bookie's, won €25 and bought a round. He is survived by his wife, Grace, and sons Gavin, Daire and Cean.IrelandFolk musicguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
The Mystery of Norway Norway's Olympic team has won a surprising 17 medals.The only problem is that nobody outside Norway seems to take them seriously. online.wsj.com |