Weekend in Paris #RWC2023

I was very lucky to get tickets for the Rugby World Cup 2023 Ireland vs Scotland rugby match in Stade de France last Saturday. It was a great occasion for the Irish and we thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the build up to the match. It was a pity that the game was over as a contest before half-time - Scotland were as poor as Ireland were brilliant. The All-Blacks in the quarter-final will be a much different proposition, but Ireland definitely have the skill, ability, and power to win. Bring it on!

That soccer shower at the rugby!

We also took the opportunity to see some of the iconic sights in Paris while we were there. Here are a few photos (some already published to Facebook) to mark the occasion:

With Roma at the Arc de Triomphe.

On the banks of the Seine.

Posing with Gustav Eiffel at his Tower.

In the crowded Metro tunnel on way to the match.

At the restoration of Notre Dame.

At my new restaurant in Place du Tertre, Montmartre.

When I'm Sixty Four

One of my favourite all time Beatles songs is the catchy "When I'm Sixty Four". Paul McCartney wrote this song in 1956 before the Beatles group was formed, and of course before I was born. It was one of the first songs he ever wrote, and it eventually ended up on the Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. I recall singing it down the phone to my Dad Joe on his 64th birthday (in 1995) - never did I think that my own 64th birthday would creep up on me so quickly.

Every time I hear it, and sing it, I wondered what it would be like to be 64 years old. Well today is the last day I can sing this song with 64 in mine, as I reach this landmark age tomorrow. According to the Birthday Ninja website, the estimated number of babies born in the world on 7th October 1959 was 289,242. That’s the equivalent of about 201 babies every minute - imagine us all crying at the same time!

Forgive the ego moment, but I just had to do it... When I'm Sixty Four: