Brian
@brianofarrell.bsky.social
Rugby, cycling, Irish politics, boardgames, video games and ttrpg
A Dub working in media, parent to two, married to a super awesome woman.
A Dub working in media, parent to two, married to a super awesome woman.
Pinned
Brian
@brianofarrell.bsky.social
· Oct 27
A 🧵 #SpéirGorm on our presidential campaigns.
This was the 15th #Áras campaign
6 were uncontested
Only 3 have had 4+ candidates, the only 3 with council nominations. 1997, 2011 and 2018.
How many and how did they do?
In 97 it was 2 w/ 18.5% combined 1st pref votes
11, 4 w/ 37.9%
18, 4 w/ 31.9%
This was the 15th #Áras campaign
6 were uncontested
Only 3 have had 4+ candidates, the only 3 with council nominations. 1997, 2011 and 2018.
How many and how did they do?
In 97 it was 2 w/ 18.5% combined 1st pref votes
11, 4 w/ 37.9%
18, 4 w/ 31.9%
The panic and over reaction to multiple props being sin binned in one match is so over the top.
The number of yellow cards at scrum is so far below other areas like ruck & maul. There were 0 YC in 2025 m6n for scrums.
Carley gave back to back yellows in Italy v Wales at maul.
Maybe its the ref?
The number of yellow cards at scrum is so far below other areas like ruck & maul. There were 0 YC in 2025 m6n for scrums.
Carley gave back to back yellows in Italy v Wales at maul.
Maybe its the ref?
November 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
The panic and over reaction to multiple props being sin binned in one match is so over the top.
The number of yellow cards at scrum is so far below other areas like ruck & maul. There were 0 YC in 2025 m6n for scrums.
Carley gave back to back yellows in Italy v Wales at maul.
Maybe its the ref?
The number of yellow cards at scrum is so far below other areas like ruck & maul. There were 0 YC in 2025 m6n for scrums.
Carley gave back to back yellows in Italy v Wales at maul.
Maybe its the ref?
Poland will likely comply with this, since their current government is more liberal, and are trying to bring in civil unions. Bill introduced this summer.
But what about Romania, which is still ignoring ECHR order from 2023 to implement civil unions?
Either way, this is a huge positive day
But what about Romania, which is still ignoring ECHR order from 2023 to implement civil unions?
Either way, this is a huge positive day
⚖️ Judgment in Case C-713/23 Wojewoda Mazowiecki:
Can a Member State refuse to recognise a same-sex marriage concluded in another Member State?
🎥 💬 Judge Jan Passer explains — with subtitles in all EU languages 👉 curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/p1...
📰 PR 👉 curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/Jo...
Can a Member State refuse to recognise a same-sex marriage concluded in another Member State?
🎥 💬 Judge Jan Passer explains — with subtitles in all EU languages 👉 curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/p1...
📰 PR 👉 curia.europa.eu/jcms/jcms/Jo...
November 25, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Poland will likely comply with this, since their current government is more liberal, and are trying to bring in civil unions. Bill introduced this summer.
But what about Romania, which is still ignoring ECHR order from 2023 to implement civil unions?
Either way, this is a huge positive day
But what about Romania, which is still ignoring ECHR order from 2023 to implement civil unions?
Either way, this is a huge positive day
Reposted by Brian
Mannix makes a lot of noise about defending his working class constituents. I find it odd that at the precise moment his vote would make a decisive difference, he was not in the chamber. In a close vote, an abstention is the same as voting with the majority, so I guess he supports FF/FG now? 3/ end
November 25, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Mannix makes a lot of noise about defending his working class constituents. I find it odd that at the precise moment his vote would make a decisive difference, he was not in the chamber. In a close vote, an abstention is the same as voting with the majority, so I guess he supports FF/FG now? 3/ end
Reposted by Brian
A huge ECJ win for many same-sex couples in Europe
November 25, 2025 at 8:26 AM
A huge ECJ win for many same-sex couples in Europe
Reposted by Brian
In Dublin specifically, 27% of tenancies are with landlords who have 100+ tenancies. 27%!
The one property landlords are only 21%. Don't give me this "mom and pop fleeing the market" guff. Mom and pop don't own hundreds of properties.
The one property landlords are only 21%. Don't give me this "mom and pop fleeing the market" guff. Mom and pop don't own hundreds of properties.
November 24, 2025 at 12:40 PM
In Dublin specifically, 27% of tenancies are with landlords who have 100+ tenancies. 27%!
The one property landlords are only 21%. Don't give me this "mom and pop fleeing the market" guff. Mom and pop don't own hundreds of properties.
The one property landlords are only 21%. Don't give me this "mom and pop fleeing the market" guff. Mom and pop don't own hundreds of properties.
In Ireland, there are 122 landlords with 101+ tenancies. A further 130 with 50-101 tenancies. There is quite literally no need for anyone to own that much property.
November 24, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Lies, damn lies and statistics.
The official set piece stats say that it was our line out not scrum that lost the match. Look only 75% for the South Africans on their own scrums!! Shocking terrible.
What was the penalty earned count on those 12 scrums they won, 9 or 10? Penalty try & 2 cards!
The official set piece stats say that it was our line out not scrum that lost the match. Look only 75% for the South Africans on their own scrums!! Shocking terrible.
What was the penalty earned count on those 12 scrums they won, 9 or 10? Penalty try & 2 cards!
What do you mean the Irish scrums were bad? They won all their own ball!
20 scrums and 31 penalties total is an insane amount especially in a game in dry conditions.
20 scrums and 31 penalties total is an insane amount especially in a game in dry conditions.
November 24, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Lies, damn lies and statistics.
The official set piece stats say that it was our line out not scrum that lost the match. Look only 75% for the South Africans on their own scrums!! Shocking terrible.
What was the penalty earned count on those 12 scrums they won, 9 or 10? Penalty try & 2 cards!
The official set piece stats say that it was our line out not scrum that lost the match. Look only 75% for the South Africans on their own scrums!! Shocking terrible.
What was the penalty earned count on those 12 scrums they won, 9 or 10? Penalty try & 2 cards!
Reposted by Brian
If you’re a journalist who’s still on Twitter, from now on in your writing you have to replace “the American people want” with “troll bots in Eastern Europe demand”
Being there makes your judgment suspect. I don’t care how savvy you think you are, you’re marinating in a disinformation campaign.
Being there makes your judgment suspect. I don’t care how savvy you think you are, you’re marinating in a disinformation campaign.
November 23, 2025 at 4:27 PM
If you’re a journalist who’s still on Twitter, from now on in your writing you have to replace “the American people want” with “troll bots in Eastern Europe demand”
Being there makes your judgment suspect. I don’t care how savvy you think you are, you’re marinating in a disinformation campaign.
Being there makes your judgment suspect. I don’t care how savvy you think you are, you’re marinating in a disinformation campaign.
Journalists (and politicians) need to get off Twitter. It is so unrepresentative of Ireland.
And it is full of foreign interference that is manufactured rage.
And it is full of foreign interference that is manufactured rage.
what a surprise, majority of fash "Ireland is full" posts on shitter are from outside Ireland
November 24, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Journalists (and politicians) need to get off Twitter. It is so unrepresentative of Ireland.
And it is full of foreign interference that is manufactured rage.
And it is full of foreign interference that is manufactured rage.
Reposted by Brian
When Dunnes staff refused to handle S African goods they were denounced by politicians from FF/FG, as well as "business leaders". The same groups blocking the OTB today. They were spat on, beaten by Gardaí and followed by Special Branch. It took 3 years to shame the govt. into acting. Reluctantly.
The Taoiseach is visiting the home of Nelson Mandela in South Africa today, as he pays tribute to civil rights activists from the country's apartheid era www.thejournal.ie/micheal-mart...
Taoiseach visits Mandela home and memorials to civil rights leaders in South Africa
Martin has told crowds this weekend that the two countries have forged ‘eternal’ bonds with each other.
www.thejournal.ie
November 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM
When Dunnes staff refused to handle S African goods they were denounced by politicians from FF/FG, as well as "business leaders". The same groups blocking the OTB today. They were spat on, beaten by Gardaí and followed by Special Branch. It took 3 years to shame the govt. into acting. Reluctantly.
Reposted by Brian
The Irish Times published and lauded John Collison's op-ed, but did they fact-check it?
Andrew Jackson did. Thoroughly.
If you spent time reading the original, you'd want to give time to this counterpoint as well.
Andrew Jackson did. Thoroughly.
If you spent time reading the original, you'd want to give time to this counterpoint as well.
I’ve written something on John Collison’s Op-Ed and environmental democracy
Next time you’re out in Dublin, check if you’re being “socially de-risked” by a friendly face from his think-tank
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
Next time you’re out in Dublin, check if you’re being “socially de-risked” by a friendly face from his think-tank
elajucd.com/2025/11/21/o...
On Environmental Democracy and the Collisons’ “Abundance-Verse”
Andrew Jackson 21 November 2025 I. Introduction A clamour of praise greeted John Collison’s “how to get Ireland moving” Op-Ed following its publication in the Irish Times on 25th October: the Irish…
elajucd.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:28 AM
The Irish Times published and lauded John Collison's op-ed, but did they fact-check it?
Andrew Jackson did. Thoroughly.
If you spent time reading the original, you'd want to give time to this counterpoint as well.
Andrew Jackson did. Thoroughly.
If you spent time reading the original, you'd want to give time to this counterpoint as well.
Reposted by Brian
During Israel's Gaza genocide, @Reebok became sponsor of the Israel Football Assoc, which includes teams in illegal Israeli settlements and has a league for Israeli soldiers.
Join 367 Palestinian teams demanding Reebok end its sponsorship. #BoycottReebok
Join 367 Palestinian teams demanding Reebok end its sponsorship. #BoycottReebok
November 22, 2025 at 7:59 PM
During Israel's Gaza genocide, @Reebok became sponsor of the Israel Football Assoc, which includes teams in illegal Israeli settlements and has a league for Israeli soldiers.
Join 367 Palestinian teams demanding Reebok end its sponsorship. #BoycottReebok
Join 367 Palestinian teams demanding Reebok end its sponsorship. #BoycottReebok
Israel's military launched airstrikes on Gaza in the latest test of the ceasefire that began on 10 October.
Health officials in Gaza reported at least 24 people killed and another 54 wounded, including children jrnl.ie/6883001
Health officials in Gaza reported at least 24 people killed and another 54 wounded, including children jrnl.ie/6883001
At least 24 die as Israel launches fresh airstrikes on Gaza
Health officials in Gaza reported at least 24 people killed and another 54 wounded, including children.
jrnl.ie
November 22, 2025 at 8:23 PM
November 22, 2025 at 7:54 PM
good day in the parish
A High Court jury has found that businessman Denis O'Brien and spokesperson James Morrissey defamed two solicitors in 2016 by implying in a press release that they acted for the IRA.
jrnl.ie/6882148
jrnl.ie/6882148
Denis O'Brien and spokesman must pay over €400k each to two solicitors they defamed, jury finds
Denis O’Brien and spokesperson James Morrissey defamed two solicitors by implying that they acted for the IRA.
jrnl.ie
November 21, 2025 at 4:41 PM
good day in the parish
Glad that it appears RTÉ are not falling for this minor (compared to genocide) infraction by Israel.
I would expect Spain won't either, but this might be enough for the Dutch and Swiss broadcasters unfortunately, hopefully not.
#FreePalestine
I would expect Spain won't either, but this might be enough for the Dutch and Swiss broadcasters unfortunately, hopefully not.
#FreePalestine
The voting rules for the Eurovision will be “majorly overhauled” after controversy regarding the public vote for Israel at this year’s Song Contest.
Earlier this year, a report found that an Israeli government agency paid for adverts targeting the Eurovision public vote.
jrnl.ie/6881740
Earlier this year, a report found that an Israeli government agency paid for adverts targeting the Eurovision public vote.
jrnl.ie/6881740
Major changes to Eurovision voting as organisers aim to head off vote on Israel's inclusion
Earlier this year, a report found that an Israeli government agency paid for adverts targeting the Eurovision public vote.
jrnl.ie
November 21, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Glad that it appears RTÉ are not falling for this minor (compared to genocide) infraction by Israel.
I would expect Spain won't either, but this might be enough for the Dutch and Swiss broadcasters unfortunately, hopefully not.
#FreePalestine
I would expect Spain won't either, but this might be enough for the Dutch and Swiss broadcasters unfortunately, hopefully not.
#FreePalestine
Fair play to Judge Cregan, finally got Burke to not show up to the school. And he wasn't even in court or prison this morning.
#SpéirGorm
#SpéirGorm
Gardaí have been unable to locate Enoch Burke after twice calling to his house yesterday to imprison him for contempt of court.
A High Court judge ordered the former teacher's return to prison on Tuesday.
jrnl.ie/6880578t
A High Court judge ordered the former teacher's return to prison on Tuesday.
jrnl.ie/6880578t
Gardaí can't find Enoch Burke after calling to his house to imprison him for contempt of court
Burke was ordered back to prison by the High Court on Tuesday.
jrnl.ie
November 20, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Fair play to Judge Cregan, finally got Burke to not show up to the school. And he wasn't even in court or prison this morning.
#SpéirGorm
#SpéirGorm
Like what the absolute fuck.
Yeah, your apathy to the carnage does make you a monster. Never again, wasn't just for the Jews, it was for all people, stop genocide isn't a crazy concept that you can statistic or contextualise away.
#FreePalestine
Yeah, your apathy to the carnage does make you a monster. Never again, wasn't just for the Jews, it was for all people, stop genocide isn't a crazy concept that you can statistic or contextualise away.
#FreePalestine
I'm struck by this clip of former Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz saying Holocaust education has backfired in part because people Palestinians as victims: "They think the lesson of the Holocaust is…you fight the big powerful people hurting the weak people."
www.reddit.com/r/JewsOfCons...
www.reddit.com/r/JewsOfCons...
From the JewsOfConscience community on Reddit: Former Obama speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz speaking to the Jewish Federation and lamenting that young people are learning the wrong lessons from Holocaust e...
Explore this post and more from the JewsOfConscience community
www.reddit.com
November 19, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Like what the absolute fuck.
Yeah, your apathy to the carnage does make you a monster. Never again, wasn't just for the Jews, it was for all people, stop genocide isn't a crazy concept that you can statistic or contextualise away.
#FreePalestine
Yeah, your apathy to the carnage does make you a monster. Never again, wasn't just for the Jews, it was for all people, stop genocide isn't a crazy concept that you can statistic or contextualise away.
#FreePalestine
Reposted by Brian
“Opinion: Beware of the judicial review red herring
..restricting access to justice unlikely to speed up housing & infrastructure. What it will do is undermine one of few tools left to hold govt to account in midst of climate, biodiversity & pollution crises”
www.irishlegal.com/articles/opi...
..restricting access to justice unlikely to speed up housing & infrastructure. What it will do is undermine one of few tools left to hold govt to account in midst of climate, biodiversity & pollution crises”
www.irishlegal.com/articles/opi...
Opinion: Beware of the judicial review red herring
Dr Orla Kelleher pushes back against the narrative that judicial reviews are to blame for the housing crisis. In recent weeks, journalists, developers, tech entrepreneurs, the Minister for the Environ...
www.irishlegal.com
November 16, 2025 at 12:29 PM
“Opinion: Beware of the judicial review red herring
..restricting access to justice unlikely to speed up housing & infrastructure. What it will do is undermine one of few tools left to hold govt to account in midst of climate, biodiversity & pollution crises”
www.irishlegal.com/articles/opi...
..restricting access to justice unlikely to speed up housing & infrastructure. What it will do is undermine one of few tools left to hold govt to account in midst of climate, biodiversity & pollution crises”
www.irishlegal.com/articles/opi...
November 15, 2025 at 8:44 PM
November 15, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Japan will be gutted, they had the absolute winning of that match. Lineout on Welsh 22 with less than 2 minutes left, and 2 point lead.
But huge effort by Welsh to get the ball back, and get it up to the Japanese line to force the game winning penalty.
#WalvJap
But huge effort by Welsh to get the ball back, and get it up to the Japanese line to force the game winning penalty.
#WalvJap
November 15, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Japan will be gutted, they had the absolute winning of that match. Lineout on Welsh 22 with less than 2 minutes left, and 2 point lead.
But huge effort by Welsh to get the ball back, and get it up to the Japanese line to force the game winning penalty.
#WalvJap
But huge effort by Welsh to get the ball back, and get it up to the Japanese line to force the game winning penalty.
#WalvJap
Honestly Carley bottled that one sending to the bunker, instead of reviewing himself like other recent refs who were able to hand out straight reds.
#WalvJap
#WalvJap
November 15, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Honestly Carley bottled that one sending to the bunker, instead of reviewing himself like other recent refs who were able to hand out straight reds.
#WalvJap
#WalvJap