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Irish Examiner
14 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Books are my business: Bookbinder Tommy Duffy
Tommy Duffy is a bookbinder with Duffy Bookbinders, a family-run business based at Seville Terrace, Dublin. How did you become a bookbinder? I am a fourth-generation bookbinder; the business spans three generations. My great-grandfather Paddy was the first bookbinder in the family; then my grandfather Tommy followed him into bookbinding and he and his wife Kathleen set up the business. My father Tom and my uncle Patrick are the proprietors now. Paddy was involved in the 1916 Rising, which interrupted his apprenticeship as a bookbinder. He ended up in Frongoch internment camp, and when he came back, Kathleen Lynn was organising nurses to look after the men. My great grandmother Brigid was designated to Paddy, and that's how they met. He also would have been involved in the War of Independence and the Civil War, and eventually he was able to serve out his time and qualified as a bookbinder. My mother Patricia has always helped out in the business as well. I was always around the business — if you had a day off school or it was the summer holidays, you might find yourself in the place pottering about. When I got to my teens, it was a natural progression to become a bookbinder. I started my apprenticeship in 1997, so I worked here and also attended the school of printing in Bolton Street [Dublin Institute of Technology]. My grandfather Tommy used to teach in Bolton Street part-time, and he would have taught the people who were teaching me, so it came full circle. What does your role involve? Things have changed a lot since I did my apprenticeship. We would have done hardback binding for printers, as there were very few in Ireland with their own bindery. Another big thing was thesis binding and that has completely stopped now; covid was the final blow. Hospital registers is something we still do, as a record of certain information still needs to be kept. We would also have done one-off binds and limited editions. A number of years ago, we started doing our own notebooks. We wanted to do it right, with good-quality paper and binding cloth, and to do as much of the process by hand. It is not just a notebook but also a story about where we have come from. The notebooks are now a huge part of our business because they really took off. At the start, we were producing our own design — the Five Lamps range — and then we also started doing a Celtic collection. We started doing notebooks with logos for bookshops, museums, businesses, and conferences. It all expanded from there. What do you like most about it? It might sound a bit old and boring nowadays but it is nice to make something with your hands, there is a lot of satisfaction in it and people really appreciate what you do. It is lovely to have a sense of pride in something you have made, and we often get thank you messages from people who have bought our notebooks. What do you like least about it? Like a lot of people, it's the day to day admin involved in running a business. Sometimes I think a five-minute phone call could save a lot of emailing back and forth. Three desert island books I live in Drogheda and I commute on the train so I always have a book on the go. My first pick would be Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby — I have a signed first edition. He really captures what it is like to be a fan, and the obsession and the passion that goes with it. The second one is That They May Face the Rising Sun by John McGahern. It is one of those books that is hard to define but the landscape, the characters, the story — it sums up Irish people and what we are about. My third pick would be local histories in general. All through the years we would have bound local histories, and we would get caught up in all the stories. They are hugely important in terms of keeping the past alive. Many people sitting at their kitchen tables have done a lot of work and research on local histories and people are still really interested in them.
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Business
- Indian Express
As China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh inch closer to each other, India must explore feasible diplomatic options
Written by Udayan Das On June 19, China, Bangladesh, and Pakistan had their first-ever trilateral meeting at the Foreign Office level hosted in Kunming, Yunnan. What might look like a sudden development is actually a steady culmination of geopolitical alignments of the past year. It is no secret that the relationship between China and Pakistan is on a firm footing. For one, the recent India-Pakistan standoff has only hardened this relationship. It is also commonplace to argue that Bangladesh has been working with China on several aspects for a long time now. What has changed, then, to bring about this realignment? There are two key shifts since Bangladesh's dramatic regime change in August last year that explain this. First, the weak link in the triangle, Bangladesh-Pakistan ties, is notably improving. Second, with the Delhi-Dhaka rift, Bangladesh is decisively inclined towards China. Bitter history and lingering issues notwithstanding, Bangladesh and Pakistan are in a convergence of convenience and opportunism. A meeting between Muhammad Yunus and Shehbaz Sharif in December 2024 initiated military and economic engagement. A high-level military delegation from Bangladesh held talks in Pakistan with the Chief of Army Staff, Asim Munir, in January. In February, the Bangladeshi Navy participated in Aman 2025 in Karachi after a gap of 12 years. In a historic first since 1971, the two states started direct trade from March 2025. Bangladesh's new regime is in search of partners in the region as it has firmly resolved to undo Hasina's and the Awami League's legacy of prioritising India in foreign relations. For Pakistan, it is an opportune moment to engage with Bangladesh on several fronts. Strategically, it balances and offsets India's asymmetry in South Asia. It is not surprising that one of the notes in the first meeting between the heads of state was about reviving the SAARC. With Pakistan's continuing economic woes, a new trade partner in Bangladesh is welcome too. Culturally, challenging the legacy of the 1971 War of Independence and the rise of Islamism can be the preface for an interesting period of relations between Dhaka and Islamabad. Yunus made an economic outreach when he went to China in March. A total of nine economic and technical agreements were signed on diverse issues. With US investments drying up and Bangladesh deliberately looking beyond India, China becomes its best option to resolve its economic difficulties. Interestingly, engagements are not limited to state interactions alone. China has been hosting delegations from Bangladesh's political parties and striving to develop people-to-people ties as well. Under the Hasina regime, China-Bangladesh ties had only grown, but with some tacit acknowledgement from India (seemingly lacking now). It was primarily about giving priority to India in major economic projects and making sure that India's security concerns were addressed. Yunus, however, has now welcomed Chinese companies to the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), while Hasina had preferred Indian involvement. Reportedly, Bangladesh and China are in talks to develop the Lalmonirhat Airbase, which is 135 kilometres away from the Siliguri Corridor. This is concerning as China's assistance cannot rule out its presence and surveillance near India's strategically vulnerable location. India's unease was further aggravated when Yunus touched a raw nerve by showcasing the Northeast as almost like a landlocked captive market sandwiched between China and the sole guardian of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. In a sharp response, India curbed the import of ready-made garments from Bangladesh, a move intended to financially hurt Bangladesh and force it to acknowledge India's security sensitivities. The main concern for India in this triad is China's entry into its strategically crucial and vulnerable zones through an eastern front in Bangladesh. What options does India have? There is little to mend with Pakistan now that the hard lines are drawn. It is also a reality that China will attempt to intrude in South Asia and widen the chasm between India and other South Asian countries. There aren't many options for India other than to diplomatically engage and have a functional relationship with its regional counterparts for a stable neighbourhood. A punishing move, like India's restrictions on Bangladeshi imports, is only likely to harm its interests. It will provoke an even stronger anti-India narrative and create a vacuum that will be capitalised on by China. India's diplomacy has to pursue substantive gains amidst a neighbourhood where it is entangled in the identity politics of other states and an unforgiving asymmetric structure. The triad's cooperation also highlights that the longstanding features of South Asian politics show remarkable consistency. The Bangladesh-Pakistan bonhomie shows that small states may unite over rifts and grievances with big states in the region. Despite India's previously good relations with Bangladesh, Delhi always aligned itself with a particular regime and political party. India, therefore, is not merely an external player but is embedded in the corrosive domestic equations of the South Asian states. The lines between domestic and foreign policy remain blurred in the region. Finally, the smaller states will always be inclined to draw in an extra-regional balancer, here in the form of China, when rifts with the regional big power widen. The writer teaches at the Department of Political Science, St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Kolkata
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
'The War of Independence in East Cork' is the story of conflict in one of Ireland's bloodiest eras
Probably the most extensive history of the War of Independence in one of the bloodiest regions in the country will be published later this year following years of painstaking research by three men. The War of Independence in East Cork, which is being published by The History Press, will focus on East Cork which was a particularly violent area with many IRA ambushes and attacks on Crown Forces. It will feature never before published pictures and specially commissioned drawings and maps. It has been extensively researched and complied by East Cork historians, Tom O'Neill and Eugene Power from Midleton, and Paul Busteed from Cobh. The 400-page book will feature a comprehensive lists of local IRA men and Crown Forces who were involved in the actions. The War of Independence in East Cork - by historians Tom O'Neill and Eugene Power from Midleton and Paul Busteed from Cobh. HISTORY HUB If you are interested in this article then no doubt you will enjoy exploring the various history collections and content in our history hub. Check it out HERE and happy reading East Cork was the area of operations of the 4th Battalion, First Cork Brigade IRA. The 4th Battalion consisted of 17 companies, located in the towns and villages in the region. The three principal IRA Companies in East Cork were Cobh, Midleton, and Youghal, the activities of which will be extensively covered in the book. It will also include details of IRA activities in the rural company areas, including the formation of the companies, actions carried out, and lists of the members in the companies. One of the authors, Tom O'Neill, told the Irish Examiner the information regarding the company activities was compiled from accounts written by the IRA veterans involved in these actions. IRA's first significant national success 'During the War of Independence, the first significant national success for the IRA was the attack, capture, and destruction of Carrigtwohill RIC Barracks on January 3, 1920,' Mr O'Neill said "This was followed by the capture of Castlemartyr RIC Barracks the following month and the capture and destruction of Cloyne RIC Barracks that May." Two of the book's co-authors — Eugene Power with a photo of the men who died at Clonmult in 1921, and Tom O'Neill with the Ballykinlar Cross. Clonmult ambush anniversary procession passing through Main St, Midleton, Co Cork, on February 26, 1935. Picture: Irish Examiner Archive These three successful barrack attacks are extensively documented and lists of the local IRA members and Crown Forces involved in the three attacks will be included in the book. Several other actions are covered in detail, including the ambushes at Mile Bush, Ballyedekin, Churchtown North; the Midleton ambush, Bunker Hill in Cobh, and Youghal Bridge. It will also include detailed information about 'the blowing up' of the band of the Hampshire Regiment near Youghal, and the attempted raids to capture arms from Ballyquirke Airship Station. The IRA and Crown Forces killings in Youghal, Castlemartyr, Cloyne, Whitegate, Ballycotton, and Ballymacoda, are all thoroughly examined. Clonmult ambush 'There were also reversals for the IRA,' Mr O'Neill said. "Its worst tragedy of the War of Independence was at Clonmult near Midleton, when the East Cork flying column was wiped out. "There were several IRA, British Army, RIC, and civilian fatalities in East Cork and the details of all are covered." The accounts of the actions in the book are taken from primary sources, contemporary newspapers, and official documents. The authors made extensive use of documents and lists from the Irish Military Archives in Dublin and the UK National Archives in Kew, London. Newspaper archives from across Ireland and the UK were also used for research material. Mr O'Neill said the book presents 'a balanced history of the exciting, dangerous, and dramatic times of the war between the IRA and Crown Forces in East Cork, and will be an outstanding addition to the depth of our knowledge of the time.' The authors aim to launch the book throughout East Cork during November.
The 42
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
'Close to the ground': The Cian Lynch prototype who lifted the MacCarthy Cup in troubled times
BOB McCONKEY WAS only a few months younger than Cian Lynch is now when he captained Limerick to the 1921 All-Ireland. And when the Young Irelands clubman passed away in early 1961, the write up they gave him in the local newspaper sounded a lot like Lynch too. He weighed 11 stone when playing, around what current captain Lynch might be if he hadn't embraced modern strength and conditioning training so regimentally. Bob McConkey: The first man EVER to receive the Liam MacCarthy cup after Limerick's 1921 All-Ireland success (final played in 1923) — Cuimhnigh ar Luimneach : Limerick Supporters Group (@LimerickFanPage) January 6, 2022 And he wasn't particularly tall either, described at his funeral by one defender who competed against him as being 'close to the ground' with a 'knack of cleverly rounding his man . . . with lightning rapidity' and capable of delivering 'a terrific crack of the leather'. Echoes of Lynch for sure. A life and times piece published after the full-forward's passing suggested that 'many would rate McConkey the best man that ever stood on the edge of the square'. Born in Clare, he played in four All-Ireland finals for Limerick, in cluding one at 40, and finished up with three winner's medals. But it was the 1921 win that's worth recalling for the week that's in it as Limerick and Dublin, who met in that final, prepare to battle all over again, 102 years later. Those maths are correct because the 1921 final was delayed until 4 March, 1923, due to the War of Independence. Limerick scored eight goals at Croke Park that Sunday afternoon, half of which were supplied by McConkey. Advertisement The following morning, the Irish Independent trumpeted a 'poor hurling contest' despite the 'big attendance' of 19,000 and 'fine weather'. It was, in fact, 'one of the most disappointing finals ever played' with Limerick 4-1 to 0-2 up and cruising at half-time. Only the Dublin defence, despite conceding all those goals, 'showed any semblance of their usual hurling prowess'. At midfield and in attack, 'they were completely outclassed'. So what makes it so memorable and worthy of recall? It was the first time, for starters, that the Liam MacCarthy Cup was handed out, making McConkey the first player to hoist it skywards. MacCarthy, the son of a Limerick woman, from Bruff, grew up in a distinctly Irish household in London and donated the £50 – about €3,500 in current terms – to commission Edmond Johnson Jewellers on Grafton Street to make the cup. MacCarthy didn't actually attend the final though his cup, modelled on an old Irish drinking vessel was said to be 'an object of admiration during the day'. McConkey's brilliance, Dublin's desperation, the gleam from the freshly minted MacCarthy Cup and even the victory celebrations all seemed to count for very little within days, however. The following Wednesday, the sitting mayor of Limerick, George Clancy, his predecessor Michael O'Callaghan, and another Limerick resident, Joseph O'Donoghue, were murdered within hours of each other. British auxiliaries, in particular a five-strong death squad operating out of a hotel in the city, were blamed for what, in a time of curfew, became known as The Limerick Curfew Murders. Former Limerick captain Mark Foley moderated a two-hour discussion on that remarkable week in the county's history in 2021, the 100th anniversary of Limerick's 1921 success. Limerick players wearing their special jersey in 2021 to commemorate Limerick's All-Ireland hurling victory in 1921. Tommy Dickson / INPHO Tommy Dickson / INPHO / INPHO Limerick native Gearoid O Tuathaigh, Professor Emeritus in History, spoke at the event and recalled how ripples of discontent spread out from that week, and the turbulent era generally, for decades afterwards. The official line regarding the murders of the two mayors was that they were at odds with extreme republicans, so were executed. Historian and writer Tom Toomey said it is more likely there was collusion between the British military and RIC, allowing the murders to go ahead unpunished. Two of Limerick's most popular quayside streets were later named after Clancy and O'Callaghan, both shot and killed in their homes. The two men were in their 40s, established nationalists, Irish speakers and volunteers. O'Donoghue was younger, at 24, and was a Westmeath native though lived in Limerick and was a volunteer too. Thousands poured onto the streets as their coffins passed and there were a number of days of national mourning. All three were committed GAA members. Limerick beat Dublin again after an All-Ireland final replay in 1934. McConkey was involved that year too, though the counties didn't meet again in a Championship game until 2006. And this weekend's All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park will be their first Championship game there since that 1934 All-Ireland decider. John Kiely will hope that the present day side shows the spirit of McConkey and all of those Limerick greats. And perhaps they might even benefit from some of the preparation techniques employed at the time. Speaking at the discussion in 2021, Foley read from an interview given by Limerick's 1918 All-Ireland winner Dan Troy who was speaking about how legendary trainer Jim Dalton – regarded as the Paul Kinnerk of his day – would prepare the team. According to Dalton, it was 'desirable to prepare for the fray with a light dose of Epsom salts before breakfast'. And as the ground was 'likely to be heavy', it was advised that 'constant practice of the muscles is necessary so that the men will retain their hitting power until the end of the match'. Players should be in bed and asleep by 10.30pm and up again at 7.30am. Smoking was a no-no while alcohol, or any 'fermented drinks' for that matter, was seen as 'poison' for a top hurler. Most of those nuggets still hold good. Like the advice that players must 'practice with the hurley' as often as possible and that they should keep up their training to avoid becoming 'mechanical and slow'. It's a replica of the original MacCarthy Cup that they give out these days but if Limerick follow Dalton's advice, there's a decent chance they'll get the better of Dublin again and that Lynch will do what McConkey did and captain an All-Ireland winning team.
Irish Examiner
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Book review: A fresh perspective on reflection
Best known as a poet, Theo Dorgan has turned his hand to the novel for the second time having published Making Way in 2013. That was a voyage of discovery while Camarade is a sort of reckoning, an examination of a life defined by one act of violence. Getting straight to the point, the opening sentence reads: 'All things considered, I wonder if shooting that policeman made me the man that I am?' The protagonist, Joseph, from Blackpool in Cork (like Dorgan) has to go into exile after firing a single shot that injured a nasty misanthropic cop who had been persecuting him. But Joseph does not exactly end up in some sort of Purdah. On the contrary, thanks to contacts, he carves out an enviably civilised life for himself in Paris. It's all coffees and cognac, books and conversation. Joseph's parents died in a car accident when he was a boy. He was brought up by his thoroughly decent grandfather, Michael John (known as Mick) who had quite a reputation as a guerrilla fighter in the War of Independence. He refused to participate in the Civil War as he couldn't shoot those that he had previously fought for. It was while fighting against fascism in the Spanish Civil War that Mick met Frenchman, Henri, to whom Joseph was sent when he needed to start a new life. The novel unfolds in a dual timeline: There's Joseph's present-day existence in Paris where he lives in a book lined apartment, and his youth in 1960s Ireland, raised on Mick's stories of revolution. Sometimes inclined towards ponderousness, Joseph is very much self-aware. He realises he can be distant and a little behind most other people when it comes to registering an emotional response to something that merits one. In Paris, Joseph lands on his feet. He is given a lowly job in the library of the Sorbonne, but the understanding is that he can embark on his own education there, reading and analysing. His life in the City of Light takes in the turbulent decades of the Algerian Crisis and May '68 where he discovers comradeship. But Joseph is quite a solitary man. Friendships are fairly important to him but love affairs are only alluded to in passing apart from a short-lived liaison with a Frenchwoman who is quite disturbed. But Joseph likes women. And what is perhaps a little unusual in this novel, the men are — apart from an occasional spiteful policeman — good and decent. Henri is a kind of mentor to Joseph and in turn, Joseph (who ends up as a teacher of English) gives an Algerian man a useful steer in his burgeoning political career. It is the Algerian, Vincent, who suggests to Joseph that he write an account of his life. Joseph takes on this project. He is 70 years of age when we first encounter him, an age when looking back is perhaps more fruitful than projecting ahead. The premise of writing a book about his life is interesting. It means that the reader is inside Joseph's head at times. Billed as a 'literary thriller', Camarade certainly has tension and is well-paced. This is quite an accomplishment, given that the novel is, in ways, one of ideas and fairly introspective. Joseph is a serious man but not without odd flashes of humour and self-deprecation. Early in the novel, while thinking about the book he is going to write, he scolds himself for being precious. 'Oh for fuck's happens, for the love of Jesus, do not become an author.' It's his 'Cork instinct' to 'pull down the high flown'. This is an intelligent book but not too high flown. It's an easy read that flows, revealing a character who, despite his once-off crime, is one of the good guys.
