Philip O'Connor
@philipoconnor.bsky.social
"Love dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night."
Irish journalist based in Stockholm, covering the world.
Irish journalist based in Stockholm, covering the world.
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
Sometimes I think it’s going to be the librarians who will save us all.
November 25, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Sometimes I think it’s going to be the librarians who will save us all.
I said what I said.
Had a BIG chat with @philipoconnor.bsky.social on the #TortoiseShack recently and because I’m very generous* I’ve lifted the paywall.
*wracked with anxiety and existential dread
podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/t...
*wracked with anxiety and existential dread
podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/t...
I Hate To Say I Told You So!
Podcast Episode · The Echo Chamber from Tortoise Shack · 25/11/2025 · 55m
podcasts.apple.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:33 PM
I said what I said.
I'm not even sure how this fight could be sanctioned by an athletic commission. All things being equal, it should effectively amount to euthanasia.
Matt Brown argues ‘Anthony Joshua murders Jake Paul … You don’t even give him a Hail Mary chance’ https://www.mmafighting.com/boxing/458394/matt-brown-argues-anthony-joshua-murders-jake-paul-you-dont-even-give-him-a-hail-mary-chance
Matt Brown argues ‘Anthony Joshua murders Jake Paul … You don’t even give him a Hail Mary chance’
Jake Paul will square off against Jake Paul next month
www.mmafighting.com
November 25, 2025 at 2:07 PM
I'm not even sure how this fight could be sanctioned by an athletic commission. All things being equal, it should effectively amount to euthanasia.
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
Google at its peak was basically the best information retrieval system in human history and they and every competitor decided going from there to “you didn’t want answers you wanted half-assed auto-complete 80%-wrong hallucinations” in a few years was the right idea
November 25, 2025 at 1:57 AM
Google at its peak was basically the best information retrieval system in human history and they and every competitor decided going from there to “you didn’t want answers you wanted half-assed auto-complete 80%-wrong hallucinations” in a few years was the right idea
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 9:26 AM
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
It's called "socialism". 👍
The Trump administration is trading billions of dollars of taxpayer money for ownership stakes in private companies it deems essential to national security. The unusual practice shows no sign of slowing.
Trump Administration Is Taking Billions in Stakes in Firms Like Intel
The Trump administration is trading billions of dollars of taxpayer money for ownership stakes in companies. The unusual practice shows no sign of slowing.
nyti.ms
November 25, 2025 at 1:55 PM
It's called "socialism". 👍
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
This is the damage that legitimising transphobic groups does.
If this was a story about a man harassing a gay person for their identity, it would be framed as a homophobic attack.
Transphobes have been allowed frame trans rights as open for debate, and the media frames it as activist vs activist.
If this was a story about a man harassing a gay person for their identity, it would be framed as a homophobic attack.
Transphobes have been allowed frame trans rights as open for debate, and the media frames it as activist vs activist.
November 25, 2025 at 12:14 PM
This is the damage that legitimising transphobic groups does.
If this was a story about a man harassing a gay person for their identity, it would be framed as a homophobic attack.
Transphobes have been allowed frame trans rights as open for debate, and the media frames it as activist vs activist.
If this was a story about a man harassing a gay person for their identity, it would be framed as a homophobic attack.
Transphobes have been allowed frame trans rights as open for debate, and the media frames it as activist vs activist.
Doireann's "A Ghost in the Throat" is one of the most stunning Irish books in recent years - I'll be in the queue for one of these editions when it comes out!
We are delighted to announce our Exclusive Signed Limited Edition of Doireann ní Ghríofa's new novel, Said the Dead. Our Edition will be signed by the author, have an exclusive design and feature an exclusive poem by Doireann, not in any other edition. Out May 2026. www.kennys.ie/shop/said-th...
November 25, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Doireann's "A Ghost in the Throat" is one of the most stunning Irish books in recent years - I'll be in the queue for one of these editions when it comes out!
The fact that he was found guilty of criminal damage doesn't make the headline, and the person whose property he damaged is described as a "transgender activist" but Linehan has "well-publicised strong views on gender issues". 🙄
This is not journalism failing trans people - it's failing EVERYONE.
This is not journalism failing trans people - it's failing EVERYONE.
November 25, 2025 at 10:57 AM
The fact that he was found guilty of criminal damage doesn't make the headline, and the person whose property he damaged is described as a "transgender activist" but Linehan has "well-publicised strong views on gender issues". 🙄
This is not journalism failing trans people - it's failing EVERYONE.
This is not journalism failing trans people - it's failing EVERYONE.
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
This is one of the illustrations from my thesis project for my Masters in Editorial Illustration, all about the role of art in sustainability/biodiversity
I'm real happy with it!
Get me to illustrate your articles and reports pls
Prints here: selkiesstudio.com/shop/here-they-come
I'm real happy with it!
Get me to illustrate your articles and reports pls
Prints here: selkiesstudio.com/shop/here-they-come
November 24, 2025 at 7:52 PM
This is one of the illustrations from my thesis project for my Masters in Editorial Illustration, all about the role of art in sustainability/biodiversity
I'm real happy with it!
Get me to illustrate your articles and reports pls
Prints here: selkiesstudio.com/shop/here-they-come
I'm real happy with it!
Get me to illustrate your articles and reports pls
Prints here: selkiesstudio.com/shop/here-they-come
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
1. Use a password manager to create unique, complex passwords
2. Don't use SMS for 2FA if at all possible: use an app or a hardware key
3. Never type your password into a site that's been sent to you as a link you weren't expecting
4. If your phone number stops working, go straight to your provider
2. Don't use SMS for 2FA if at all possible: use an app or a hardware key
3. Never type your password into a site that's been sent to you as a link you weren't expecting
4. If your phone number stops working, go straight to your provider
Scammers hacked her phone and hijacked her digital life - so how did they get her details? We tried to work out how 3 victims of scams were targeted and which data breaches criminals used. The results once again highlight how data breaches cause real harm to individuals
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Scammers hacked her phone and stole thousands of pounds - how did they get her details?
Sue Shore told the BBC how scammers targeted her - and we found her information had been leaked online.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 8:51 AM
1. Use a password manager to create unique, complex passwords
2. Don't use SMS for 2FA if at all possible: use an app or a hardware key
3. Never type your password into a site that's been sent to you as a link you weren't expecting
4. If your phone number stops working, go straight to your provider
2. Don't use SMS for 2FA if at all possible: use an app or a hardware key
3. Never type your password into a site that's been sent to you as a link you weren't expecting
4. If your phone number stops working, go straight to your provider
This might finally herald the end of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ...
Singapore orders Apple, Google to prevent government spoofing on messaging platforms reut.rs/44x2rRE
Singapore orders Apple, Google to prevent government spoofing on messaging platforms
Singapore's police have ordered Apple AAPL.O and Google GOOGL.O to prevent the spoofing of government agencies on their messaging platforms, the home affairs ministry said on Tuesday.
reut.rs
November 25, 2025 at 9:01 AM
This might finally herald the end of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ...
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
Man Who Thought Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ Was Over In For Thrill Of His Fucking Life https://theonion.com/man-who-thought-fleetwood-macs-the-chain-was-over-in-for-thrill-of-his-fucking-life/
November 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Man Who Thought Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’ Was Over In For Thrill Of His Fucking Life https://theonion.com/man-who-thought-fleetwood-macs-the-chain-was-over-in-for-thrill-of-his-fucking-life/
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre — when white attackers killed as many as 300 people, most of them Black — has died at age 111, the mayor said. She told Congress in 2021 that she lived through the massacre 'every day' reut.rs/4pt18LJ
November 24, 2025 at 10:58 PM
Viola Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre — when white attackers killed as many as 300 people, most of them Black — has died at age 111, the mayor said. She told Congress in 2021 that she lived through the massacre 'every day' reut.rs/4pt18LJ
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
The entire migration debate is just three racist bitches telling eachother "exactlyyyy" (Jim O'Callaghan, Matt Carthy and Peadar Tóibín)
November 24, 2025 at 10:18 PM
The entire migration debate is just three racist bitches telling eachother "exactlyyyy" (Jim O'Callaghan, Matt Carthy and Peadar Tóibín)
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
You never get tired of watching the northern lights from this amazing view in Nuuk, Greenland 🇬🇱
November 24, 2025 (9:11pm)
Temp: +1°C.
November 24, 2025 (9:11pm)
Temp: +1°C.
November 24, 2025 at 11:16 PM
You never get tired of watching the northern lights from this amazing view in Nuuk, Greenland 🇬🇱
November 24, 2025 (9:11pm)
Temp: +1°C.
November 24, 2025 (9:11pm)
Temp: +1°C.
I have a copy of Soundings.
I am 54 and have lived in Sweden for 26 years.
But I STILL have a copy of Soundings in my home.
I am 54 and have lived in Sweden for 26 years.
But I STILL have a copy of Soundings in my home.
every poster on #speirgorm has a copy of Soundings
Twitter accounts are based in Russia. BlueSky accounts are based in homes with, frankly, too many books, plants, obsolete cables, and pieces of rustic pottery, that could do with a bit of a tidying up, to be honest.
November 24, 2025 at 10:10 PM
I have a copy of Soundings.
I am 54 and have lived in Sweden for 26 years.
But I STILL have a copy of Soundings in my home.
I am 54 and have lived in Sweden for 26 years.
But I STILL have a copy of Soundings in my home.
A hearty "fuck you" to everyone involved in creating the trans panic that has led to a 12-year-old girl being verbally abused by a parent and, worse still, Irish clubs and governing bodies doing what they do best - hushing it up.
I hope yizzer Culture War Hero medals are worth it, yiz gowls.
I hope yizzer Culture War Hero medals are worth it, yiz gowls.
Genuinely mental story. The obvious intersection of trans panic and deranged sports parents: adults gleefully bullying the shit out of a kid
Looking for answers to ‘case closed’ following troubling events at a girls’ football match in Cavan
On a Friday in August, a WhatsApp message describing troubling events at a girls’ football match began to spread in Cavan GAA circles. It read:
m.independent.ie
November 24, 2025 at 7:47 PM
A hearty "fuck you" to everyone involved in creating the trans panic that has led to a 12-year-old girl being verbally abused by a parent and, worse still, Irish clubs and governing bodies doing what they do best - hushing it up.
I hope yizzer Culture War Hero medals are worth it, yiz gowls.
I hope yizzer Culture War Hero medals are worth it, yiz gowls.
Oh lordy ...
#TheWaterboys are bringing their Fisherman's Blues Revue tour to both OSLO & STOCKHOLM in September 2026.
7 Sept- Oslo Spektrum
Tickets go on sale 27 Nov at
ticketmaster.no/event/410529549
8 Sept- Filadelfia Convention Center
Tickets go on sale 27 Nov at
www.ticketmaster.se/event/129865...
7 Sept- Oslo Spektrum
Tickets go on sale 27 Nov at
ticketmaster.no/event/410529549
8 Sept- Filadelfia Convention Center
Tickets go on sale 27 Nov at
www.ticketmaster.se/event/129865...
November 24, 2025 at 6:42 PM
Oh lordy ...
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
The real and true story of why Police Squad (the TV series Naked Gun was based on and easily the funniest tv show of its time) was canceled is legitimately insane and one of the most egregious examples of TV malpractice I’ve ever heard:
November 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
The real and true story of why Police Squad (the TV series Naked Gun was based on and easily the funniest tv show of its time) was canceled is legitimately insane and one of the most egregious examples of TV malpractice I’ve ever heard:
Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I think the fact that he was suspended over allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour belongs in the lede.
NEWS: The New Orleans Saints have invited former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker in for a tryout, league sources have confirmed to The Athletic.
Tucker, who served a 10-game suspension stemming from violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, was officially available as of Nov. 11.
Tucker, who served a 10-game suspension stemming from violations of the NFL’s personal conduct policy, was officially available as of Nov. 11.
November 24, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but I think the fact that he was suspended over allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour belongs in the lede.
Get. To. F**k.
"FANTASTIC!" This autumnal side, inspired by tabbouleh, swaps the usual parsley and tomatoes for shaved Brussels sprouts, scallions, chopped fresh mint, juicy pomegranate seeds and roasted pistachios, all tossed together in a tangy sumac-lemon dressing. nyti.ms/4i9n4c9
November 24, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Get. To. F**k.
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
Ah yeah great
Pretax profits more than double at Airbnb’s Irish unit
Pretax profits more than double at Airbnb’s Irish unit
Average pay for 2024 in was $158,994
www.irishtimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Ah yeah great
I was sent an Instagram real where a former Irish MMA fighter (not THAT one, another one) is up in arms because no-one checked his passport when boarding a ferry from Belfast to Holyhead. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The comments are exactly what you'd expect, and I don't think I've ever been as tired.
The comments are exactly what you'd expect, and I don't think I've ever been as tired.
November 24, 2025 at 6:31 PM
I was sent an Instagram real where a former Irish MMA fighter (not THAT one, another one) is up in arms because no-one checked his passport when boarding a ferry from Belfast to Holyhead. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
The comments are exactly what you'd expect, and I don't think I've ever been as tired.
The comments are exactly what you'd expect, and I don't think I've ever been as tired.
Reposted by Philip O'Connor
Gentlemen of #Bluesky/#SpeirGorm!
Contacted a friend to go for a drink the other day, he couldn't as he had an operation for cancer a month ago and is undergoing chemo.
He went to the doctor for something different, and a test showed he had cancer.
Get yourselves checked out regularly.❤️
Contacted a friend to go for a drink the other day, he couldn't as he had an operation for cancer a month ago and is undergoing chemo.
He went to the doctor for something different, and a test showed he had cancer.
Get yourselves checked out regularly.❤️
November 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Gentlemen of #Bluesky/#SpeirGorm!
Contacted a friend to go for a drink the other day, he couldn't as he had an operation for cancer a month ago and is undergoing chemo.
He went to the doctor for something different, and a test showed he had cancer.
Get yourselves checked out regularly.❤️
Contacted a friend to go for a drink the other day, he couldn't as he had an operation for cancer a month ago and is undergoing chemo.
He went to the doctor for something different, and a test showed he had cancer.
Get yourselves checked out regularly.❤️