Prince Charles’s visit to Donegal earlier is being hailed as a significant moment in the long process of normalisation in Anglo-Irish relations. Up until today, the only royalty of world renown who managed to visit the north west was Sara Jessica Parker, Mick Hucknall, and Meryl Streep.
After a century of UK embargoes on travel, work, and sanctions on sexual relations between the two nations, the Prince opened a new era in the history of these islands. And he proclaimed it not with a speech or a grand political gesture. He did it by graciously donning the local traditional costume – a Manchester United jersey.
Charles yesterday Charles lines up for 5-a-side
His choice of a red and white ensemble (his staff called it ‘crimson and ivory ’) was as demonstrative a gesture as the late Pope kissing the tarmac.
It was underlined by another colossal gesture soon afterwards as the future King (by now in taupe) took to the podium and greeted the crowds in their own language. “Hello”, he announced smiling, drawing audible gasps of admiration at his flawless pronunciation. Mickey Joe Boyle, President of Donegal Tidy Towns Association, who was standing beside the Prince, turned to the crowd open-mouthed, exclaiming “wow”.
While distant jeers could be heard from a small group of protesters in Arsenal jerseys, by far the most significant sound was that of a twin-cam engine giving her dixie in the distance.
Everyone appeared to be full of praise for the address, which was delivered in front of dignitaries from both sides of the Donegal border, including the King of Tory, Patsy Dan, Members of the Donegal Association of Bridge Players, religious leaders including Dana and Bibi Baskin, the Nobel laureate Daniel O’Donnell, and various members of the extended Blaney family. They gave Prince Charles and Camilla rapturous applause and a standing ovation.
The King of Tory lines up for 5-a-side
Some Sinn Féin politicians claimed “Tá brón orainn” – and found themselves roundly attacked for failing to speak in a language local people could understand.
The Royal visit continues tomorrow with the party expected to sample the local delicacies of Lough Derg.
Charles and Camilla have difficulty understanding the local Sinn Fein Councillor
department of speculation 
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed reading this. Glad I had yet to begin drinking or the couch would be wearing my wine as I spat it out. Brilliant. As soon as I saw the preview of the lovely prince decked out in my reader, under your blog name I knew I was in for a treat.
Thanks, tric. It was truly a great day. National Fish & Chip Day will be forever special to me.
So will you need dental treatment to get that tongue out of your cheek? I’m being kind here, there are some who might think your tongue was attached to another cheek altogether….;-)
Hang on a second there, birdie. Are you seriously implying I’m talking through my arse? You’d be absolutely right.
Naw. It was a remark on your wry observation/arse lickin’
How’s that Elvis emoticon coming along???
*curled lip*
I found a werewolf on my smart phone – figured he might look like that these days; the sideburns would be a bit out of control. I sent it to you, but turns out it’s in my comments trail, not here. Can’t keep up with where you’ve been!
Oh. Share more with the group. I was on a fancy ipad yoke when I found the clapping hands. I didn’t realise I had latent emoticon envy.
It’s there in my last post. Turns out any eejit can do fancy emojis with a smart phone….or ipad
It’s the future.
Hah. Just remembered I uesd emojis as illustration to a post aaaaages ago. I’m so post modern
I was just thinking how I quaint I am with my ’emoticons’. Or retro. Therefore, hip. I don’t know which is worse.
So long as you don’t have a hipster beard you’ll get away with it. As someone who is very proper with an apostrophe and the non- use of predictive text, I surprise mysel at my love of the emoticon😄
Is it retro to use only one thumb??😉
Night night😪
God Bless 😀
I did NOT know this, Specuness. Bibi Baskin is still alive?????
She sure is, Tara. She was running a sex phone line from India for a few years but is back now and rumoured to be the new voice of eircom’s talking clock.
Christ, I thought that was Thelma Mansfield. I’m so out of the loop. Glad you’re there to set me straight.
I’m here all week.
Brilliant!
*places ceremonial swords of thanks on your shoulders*
Really interesting