Larry Donnelly
@LarryPDonnelly
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Boston lawyer. U of Galway Law Lecturer. Political columnist: https://t.co/JiR9u8to8c, https://t.co/JRsC1X6sew, https://t.co/yRzzSrJZGT. Media pundit. ⛳️.
Galway/Wicklow/Boston
Joined October 2012
Really can’t fathom some of the cynical and negative reaction to the Taoiseach’s rejoining the medical register. He’s doing one shift a week - not giving up the day job. It’s a thoroughly decent thing to do. Full stop.
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It’s absolutely extraordinary that some TDs declined to applaud President Zelensky’s speech. One would think that - for just a moment - they could extend a small courtesy to a leader whose country is under wholly unjustified attack. But that’s clearly a bridge too far. Sad.
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President Higgins is right when he says Israel’s public pronouncements and diplomatic withdrawal are deliberate and meant to damage Ireland. But it’s not the attention of the world they want; they want the attention of America. The timing is no accident.
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A forthright apology from Eileen Dunne and others in @rte who posed for a picture with a retiring colleague at a non-party. A mistake, yes. But I challenge their attackers who’ve evidently never had a momentary lapse since March. Gimme a break.
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Will Smith’s slap is the best thing that has ever happened to the Cashel Palace Hotel.
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I really, really feel awful for @EamonRyan. To those lambasting him today here and elsewhere with a strange mix of vitriol and glee, have you ever said something you regret - ever? Get real. He’s a decent man and a sincere politician. This is all seriously disturbing.
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27 thousand visitors. 100 million euro boost to the city and country immediately, with many more millions to come after they spread the word to family and friends about the great time they had. Benefits to Ireland are immeasurable. But no. It’s awful. And why? Because…America.
Quite upset yesterday over how we shut down our city for American football. I want to live somewhere that loves all who live there. We have a country that exists as a playground for multinational corporations and American dollars. I wish our city was for people, not power.
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My brother on Dublin Airport this morning (after arriving at 7 AM for an 11:30 flight and just barely making it): “I have never seen anything run worse in my life.” It honestly is a disgrace.
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I thought Dad had months, not nearly 3 years, left when I wrote this. Today, he’s reunited with our Mum in heaven. Sadly, I can’t be in Boston. But it’s for the best. Recent days were tough. Thanks to the many who sent good wishes and always asked for him.
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Just days after a 15 year old boy blows away classmates with a gun his moronic parents bought for him, we get this tweet. This guy should be ashamed of himself. A total f**king disgrace. And to my fellow Americans, this is why the rest of the world wonders about us.
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Quick referendum day rant: I just saw a very elderly couple literally willing themselves into our polling station, with help from others, to exercise their sacred right to vote. Meanwhile, half of the citizenry (and possibly a lot more) won’t bother. Sad.
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In the wake of entirely appropriate concern about planes arriving from the US, it is important to note that there are tens of thousands of dual American/Irish citizens living here. Our accents do not make us tourists!.
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Whether you like his politics or not - and I know a lot of people are very angry about the decision made yesterday - but @MichealMartinTD is a thoroughly decent person and politician - and that decency is manifest in this interview with @RadioBrendanRTE.
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Sorry to all the soccer fans. But in IRELAND, in IRISH pubs, one should be able to watch a hurling match. A serious struggle thus far today.
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Very sorry to confirm that the man in the middle of this photo at @USAmbIreland’s residence only last November - former US Congressman and Ambassador Brian Donnelly - has passed away. He was my uncle, my godfather and a best friend to Ireland. Thinking of my aunt and cousins.
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Important to call out this crap from very nasty people for what it is: total bullshit.
This NoNo Vote is just the beginning of a Nationalist comeback. It's a clear statement that we've had enough of weirdo Transsexual indoctrination of our kids, mass immigration into our country, and Uniparty instruction. We will not have mothers and sex-based rights removed from
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Most people I talk to are just taking the 15 cents as a loss and continuing to put cans and plastic bottles in their green bins as before. The payoff at the end of the new process isn’t worth the pain of returning them.
Deposit Return Scheme is ‘absolutely daft’ - @kierancuddihy
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Today, the absurdity of the licencing laws is laid bare. Many people out in supermarkets early collecting/buying Christmas dinner items. And lots of them have a good distance to drive to family. BUT they can’t get a bottle of wine because it’s not 12:30 yet. Bonkers.
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That the Taoiseach even has to defend this is ridiculous. Some people wouldn’t be happy unless he rowed a boat to the UN.
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Depressing how some people seem to take such pleasure in kicking unsuccessful candidates when they are already down. Not nice. #GE2020.
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It truly is extraordinary the way the Paschal Donohoe controversy has run and run and continues to run. I understand why some are demanding answers, but it is objectively trifling in the grand scheme of things.
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I don’t always agree with @LeoVaradkar, but I concur 100% here. Well said.
Extraordinary rows in Dáil. Varadkar intervenes in procedural debate to launch unprecedented attach on “smaller parties and far-left” who he claims bully people in the Dáil & online day in and day out. Tánaiste said he is “embarassed” to be a member of the Chamber tonight.
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I know people are quite understandably weary of these 6 PM addresses, but that was a very good speech - politically and otherwise - from @MichealMartinTD.
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Some news I’ve really been looking forward to sharing. On October 15, @Gill_Books will publish my book, “The Bostonian: Life in an Irish American Political Family.” It’s part memoir and family history, part transatlantic political and cultural analysis. #TheBostonian
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Imagine how many small (or large) countries around the world that would give anything to have the incoming President of the United States engaging in banter about two sparsely populated areas that he is very familiar with - in the context of appointing his cabinet?.
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Imagine how embarrassed he’ll be twenty years from now….
The Book of Kells is now closed indefinetly. No business as usual during a genocide. @tcddublin cut ties with the genocidal state of Israel!
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Worth saying that the media coverage in Ireland from the various legal affairs correspondents of the high profile case just concluded was superb. Proceedings detailed accurately and sensitively. Not an iota of sensationalism. It wasn’t easy. Hope they have a nice weekend. 👏.
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Very cool that @garthbrooks and @trishayearwood had dinner tonight in my sister-in-law’s restaurant, the @wicklowheather in Laragh. By all accounts - wish I was there! - they couldn’t have been nicer.
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The former president - Mary McAleese - is an extraordinary person. She’s reminded us tonight. #LateLateShow.
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You have to respect Joe Biden. He’s been through a lot of tragedy in his life. He’s not the most gifted politician. He was knocked back badly in his two previous runs for the White House. This time last year he was crushed in Iowa and NH. But he’s about to be POTUS. Some journey.
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They’ve come in for a lot of criticism lately. Their popularity cannot be denied, however. One wouldn’t think Electric Picnic goers would be the target demographic for three elderly men. But the size of the crowds there - with everyone singing every word - is extraordinary.
Thank you @EPfestival for having us tonight! Thank you to the massive crowds who thronged the Electric Arena tent, we are truly humbled. Our sincerest thanks!
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11 years ago today. Time flies. It will certainly be a quieter celebration this year, but @Eileenwhelanrte and I will celebrate nonetheless!
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Very scary scenes in DC right now. What a profoundly sad moment in American history.
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There’s no sugarcoating it. These two are embarrassing us.
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Just voted for POTUS, US Senate, US House, multiple local offices and referendum questions. More than a month ahead of time. On my phone in Galway. Appropriately high level of security to do so, but still very easy to exercise the sacred right to vote. 🇺🇸.
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Noel was a friend, a @JFK_SS colleague and, above all, someone I admired and respected. An extraordinary person with a generous spirit to match. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially Sinead and Seamus.
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This stuff on outdoor drinking in Galway is absolute f**king rubbish. I was there Thursday and Friday. Great atmosphere. Businesses on their knees for more than a year. Bit of discretion, bit of leeway, bit of cop on and all will be fine. I’d say ordinary Gardai are mortified.
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In an absolutely horrific time, @EileenMagnier has done some extraordinary journalism in #Creeslough.
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No. Dan is a gentleman and a very thoughtful, insightful commentator - whether you agree with him or not.
Dan is a nasty piece of work.
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It will take a while to fully digest that Trump phone call. An appalling, revolting attempt to subvert democracy by the holder of an office we were brought up to revere. A new low. And I say none of this lightly or gleefully - as some might. I say it with profound regret. My God.
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Great to see @JohnKingCNN fast becoming a household name in Ireland. One of the best in the business. My new claim to fame over here may be that John’s father and mine grew up together in Dorchester (Boston’s best neighbourhood).
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Yet countless doctors and nurses say that even ex-Catholics often opt to be anointed, to receive Communion and to be prayed for. I understand the law of the land and the concerns of many. But I’m very, very tired of the antipathy to my Church that drives much of this controversy.
Thank you to the person who sent me these pictures taken an hour ago in the “fully secular” St Vincent’s Hospital. Mass in hospital oratory ☑️.Mass on hospital TV ☑️.Blessed Sacrament exposed daily ☑️.Stations of the Cross ☑️.Core Values of Sisters of Charity posted on campus ☑️
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Could anyone do this as well as Ryan Tubridy does? I honestly don’t think so. #LateLateToyShow.
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Great to come home and see there’s still a few old school Boston bars left in a city that has changed utterly. This is Biddy Early’s on Pearl Street.
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@Chris_Noone_ These are memorial benches commemorating peoples’ loved ones. The Book of Kells is a big part of a trip of a lifetime for many. Protest? Yes. By all means. But disrespect the dead and do something nasty to people who did nothing to deserve it? Not nice or moral, no matter what.
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When I eventually ask myself if there was a moment I realised I wasn’t going back to America, it may be this one: when little Larry demanded a crisp sandwich at the pub after (last minute) Christmas shopping.
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I tell you, it’s a real shame that the weather here in Wicklow Town is absolutely miserable - lashing rain and very windy - for the “Ireland First” protesters who are visiting us today. A real shame….
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He did a good job in a tough time. And he’s always been a thoroughly decent person in a tough business.
I’m just on my way to the Áras to meet the President. It’s been the honour of a lifetime to serve you as Taoiseach. Looking forward to the second phase of this Government. We’ve done a lot, and we’ve still lots to do.
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To those who say that Irish America’s clout is gone or that there are no “Irish issues” that animate US politicians anymore, please watch @RepBrendanBoyle. And note that Speaker Pelosi is on the exact same page.
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A very bad guy and I get the sentiments behind this. But I cannot fathom why the city council spent even one minute of their time on pointless gesturing.
Isreali Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been banned from the city limits by a vote of Galway City Council.
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She’s always sharing my columns, so it’s a real pleasure to share this lovely piece by my other, much better half, @Eileenwhelanrte, on what life has been like for our family in this sad and strange 2020.
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Fascinating, depressing conversation I overheard today among three middle-aged Irish emigrants at a golf course near Boston: “they’re out to get Trump”; “he’s done so much good, that’s why the establishment hate him”; “people at home haven’t a f**kin’ clue.” All quotes verbatim.
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Imagine standing outside a house with a three week old baby in it with huge, angry signs on a Sunday afternoon.
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This country has blessed me in many ways. A big one of those is my father-in-law, John Whelan. He was laid to rest today at 93. A wonderful man who touched the lives of so many. A celebration of a life so well lived today. Only missing him at a party I know he’d have loved.
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Never before has the transatlantic gulf in thinking on the long-running conflict in the Middle East been more apparent than it is right now. Sinn Féin politicians voicing full support for and solidarity with the Palestinians are taking a serious risk with their big $ US donors.
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In different ways and from different angles, @TomClonan and @SenatorMcDowell played absolutely enormous roles in these referendums.
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This is a superb programme on the late Marian Finucane. A real privilege to have met her and been a guest on her programme. A brilliant journalist and a warm person. #marian.
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@Ilantoren0 Nothing conspiratorial or secretive about it. A straightforward, very public attempt to damage Ireland for the stance its government has taken on Gaza.
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An enormous percentage of the people from Rosscahill and surrounds went to and/or have family and friends in my native city. Short memories indeed.
The burning of a hotel in #Rosscahill in Connamara last night is sickening. Empty for years, they would rather burn it down than help people. They have cold hearts & short memories. How many people fled Connamara over the centuries looking for sanctuary in other countries? 1/3.
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Very well put. I cannot fathom the objections to what almost every other country in the world would give anything for.
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I don’t often agree with John and Gript’s editorial line is not in tune with my thinking, but this headline is way OTT.
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I’ve read this a couple of times now. Politics is the toughest business there is and those who get in know what they are signing up for (or soon find out). This is very, very harsh, however. Some are saying “right on, Una!” But it’s OTT if you ask me.
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.@GerardHowlin is absolutely right on @TodaywithClaire. The Taoiseach would be wrong to decline an invitation for a bilateral meeting in the White House that most other countries would give anything for. It is foolish to risk Ireland’s incredible access on March 17th. Come on!.
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Texter to @TodaySOR says all golf courses must be closed and should already be closed. Agreed re: clubhouses. But as someone who’s played most of these days, golf is easily physically distance-able, a great open air walk and a distraction. Love to hear a medical opinion on it.
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Lots of talk about an America still divided. And it is. But my friends back in Boston - who are Trump devotees, Trump haters and in-betweeners - are meeting now to drink beers for the day. A scene being duplicated around the country, no doubt. Reason for optimism. #Election2020.
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My 5 year old son crying. Me, the returned Boston/Galway Yank, raging. My 89 year old father in law from Limerick rejoicing. And all of his children so happy - especially for him. The GAA is an extraordinary institution. Sport and so much more. #GalvLim #AllIrelandHurlingFinal.
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There is an important point here. Shane was a person of faith. He was flawed, but so is every one of us. It was right that his life was celebrated - and kudos to the great priests who let it flow - in our Church. Our churches should be welcoming and vibrant, not staid and boring.
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Easy to lose track of it - I am guilty on this front - with all that’s been going on, but Kamala Harris becoming the first woman VP is a great (and overdue) moment in American history. #Election2020.
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.@donie doing an absolutely outstanding job reporting from that chaotic and dangerous area around Capitol Hill.
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Home in Boston for a few days to mind my Dad. Two guys from Inishowen cashing checks in the pub. Won’t name it. The numbers/volume might change. But there will forever be Irish people chasing their American dream. Just like the ones who came before them and built this country.
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Night and day, day and night, @suzannelynch1 and @BrianOD_News have been relentlessly superb on #Election2020. They deserve a long, peaceful sleep!.
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Well worth having a look at the @POTUS account, which has 30 million followers. There may be sceptics, but President Biden and his team clearly view his trip “home” to Ireland as politically significant and advantageous ahead of 2024. For myriad reasons, I think they’re right.
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His terrific interview with @MiriamOCal only enhanced the already legendary status of Dorchester’s @JohnKingCNN in Ireland. The man won’t be able to buy a pint when he gets here!.
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This is a very tough @morningireland interview for Mary Lou McDonald. SF in serious crisis at multiple levels.
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Fantastic interview with Tommie Gorman just now. Never have we more missed the round of applause on @RTELateLateShow that he so richly deserved for his outstanding work in so many extraordinary circumstances for so long. Also hope his son makes it to Boston soon!.
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We all know that Fox News is ridiculous on the right. But CNN is giving it a run for its money these days from the left. I watch Wolf Blitzer most nights and it’s a relentless anti-Trump rant. Reasoned political analysis is a near extinct species in the US. Sad and unedifying.
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With apologies for yet another tweet about #TheBostonian, I absolutely adore this photo from our launch on Friday at @nuigalway.
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Some see election posters as a nuisance, a blight upon the landscape. I couldn’t disagree more. I think they’re an important sign of a vibrant democracy. Great to see them up this morning. And good luck to all the #LE19 candidates brave and committed enough to stand for office.
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What kind of people do what was done to that poor 73 year old man? Just an horrendous story on @morningireland. Here’s hoping Tom pulls through.
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No matter what anyone believes about immigration, you’d have to be pretty heartless not to feel for these little kids - what they have been through already and what they are being put through today. Those protesting should remember that it’s not the fault of children.
I really feel for all the children on that bus arriving at the Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea this afternoon. Being a small boy or girl, seeking international protection, confused & scared as a group of people shout at them with signs telling them they're not welcome. Awful.
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Trump is really flailing - and sabotaging his candidacy - here. I suspect that he is unable to contain his anger that he’s not running against Biden anymore and that he’s made a big mistake in selecting Vance as his running mate.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has questioned whether Democratic rival Kamala Harris is black, during a contentious appearance at a National Association of Black Journalists event. The White House has called the comments "repulsive"
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This is a terrible, embarrassing night for America.
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What possible sense can it make to stop pubs from selling takeaway pints (trying to make a little bit of money in a backbreaking time for the industry) when cans are available just about everywhere?.
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It was both an honour and a privilege to be a part of this. A great week for the two countries I am hugely proud to call home.
Behind the scenes @rtenews #bideninireland putting the #Ballina event to air tonight on @RTEOne with @MiriamOCal @LarryPDonnelly @TheGinaLondon currently on stage @TheCoronas
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My quadrennial tradition of a good feed at the Merrion Inn prior to a long night in @rte studios. #USElection2024
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Start of a long stretch on #Election2020 . I’ll be contributing extensively on radio, TV and @thejournal_ie for the next 36 hours (probably with no 💤), including on a great overnight panel of guests here and in the US on @RTEOne with host @CaitrionaPerry from 11:15 PM. Join us!.
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People outside America think the Trump tax story is big. Sorry - it’s nothing. Americans of all stripes despise the IRS. Tax avoidance is a uniter. This is a nothing story.
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I’m sorry. I despair that Trump won. But this is beyond pathetic. It will only make Trump voters even more certain that they did the right thing. Good lord.
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No matter who wins today, I think future generations will look back aghast that climate change barely featured at all in the campaign. #USElection2024.
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More than two decades ago, my family/friends made this Bostonian a passionate @Galway_GAA supporter. Great fun, lots of travel, a pint or two, good days and bad days since. Being in Croke Park yesterday with Larry Óg made it all worthwhile. Indescribable joy! #gaillimhabú.
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There is a very strong moral case for the Occupied Territories Bill. But as @DanMulhall points out here, passing it is not without peril in an already fraught milieu. It could cost Ireland and its people dearly. I got a real sense of this when in DC and Boston recently.
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Anyone else who seriously couldn’t give a sh*t about the royal family, yet weirdly tempted to watch this interview? #HarryandMeghanonOprah.
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