A year ago - almost to the day - 2015 signed off with the perfect depiction of modern drinking culture.
Professional snapper Joel Goodman was at hand on New Year's Eve in the Shudehill area of Manchester to capture a photograph for the ages. Such were the golden ratios, plots and sub-plots, and perfect timing of the image that it was quickly acknowledged as something of a timeless classic.
Mike Deveney, the sprawling pint-saving hero of the piece, may have been unaware of his part in what was subsequently dubbed the 'Manchester Masterpiece', but future generations will study and admire every inch of him and his co-stars in the quite beguiling scene. We could - and did - stare at it for hours.
https://twitter.com/Filp_Your_Wig/status/682914387275976704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
But a turbulent year on, 2016 finally has a moment in time to rival Goodman's incredible work. Twenty-sixteen may have proved the most hurtful, poisonous and soul-destroying twelve months in living memory, but it has been in some way redeemed by 19 seconds of unadulterated joy.
We don't want to ruin it for you, but the scene is a city centre at the dead of night. It could be anywhere along the length and breadth of our post-Brexit land. Suffice to say there is a scuffle, raised arms and voices, and then, quite beautifully, a moment of breathtaking audacity. It fills the heart with joy and hints at a better tomorrow.
Never have moving pictures moved us so. Never has an empty chicken meal deal box been upgraded to a half full Burger King bag with such elan. Enjoy...
https://twitter.com/Eazyy23/status/813881932991918080
Some of the best Irish books of all time I am aware that I’m completely biased when I say Irish authors are the greatest in the world, but it’s hard to disagree when you read something like Sally Rooney’s Normal People, Michael Magee’s Close to Home, or Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes. This little island […]
Here’s what you’re doing wrong One expert has called on people to “stop feeding the birds”, outlining three crucial reasons why. Millions of pounds are splashed out each year on bird feed in the expectation that filling tables and feeders will draw a diverse range of species to their outdoor spaces. However, according to BBC […]
The most popular baby boy names in the country Trying to pick a name for your baby boy can feel like an impossible task at times, but some monikers are proving incredibly popular with Irish parents at the moment. The Central Statistics Office recently revealed the most popular baby names in Ireland for 2025. Rían and Lily […]