Tim’s Diary.

Well the snow and ice has finally gone away. We were hit very badly by water shortages in work, at one stage the centre was without water for twenty two hours. Thankfully it returned and we were able to maintain a service. Looking at the difficulties that South Dublin County Council experienced makes me appreciate our own local authority. The workers in Kildare County Council are deserving of praise, the way that they kept the Naas- Ballymore – N81 route clear was excellent. Well done to you all.

Contrary to previous reports Willie (Bill) Ryan has not retired! He had simply got very lazy in the last few months. I am pleased to report that he is now back at work. We have made a donation to the sick & indigent (or should that back indignant) carpenters fund in recompense.

Finally got racing again in Punchestown on the last day of January. “Big Zeb” looks the part. H s jumping has come on a lot since the last fence loss to Master Minded. Whilst Inoma James took the National Trial I think that he only has an outside chance at Aintree, if he goes.

As far as Irish Cheltenham prospects, surely our bankers will be Solwhit and Dunguib. Will Go Native handle Punjabi? And maybe Voler La Vedette in the David Nicholson. The Champion Bumper is always a bit of a lottery; I oppose all the Mullins clan to go for a horse of DK’s who won pulling up in Leopardstown, Hidden Universe. Our exchange friends Betfair have him at twenties at the moment. And don’t write off Weapons Amnesty to put one over on Pandorama and give Mr. O’Leary some of his sponsorship money back.

Coverage of the People of the year elsewhere. Colette & I went to the Ballymore Inn to see one of the nominees Liam Lawler performing at a fundraiser for Haiti. Well done to all concerned.

What about George Lee, the shortest political career that I can ever remember. It will be interesting to see if the Chief Blueshirt comes out of it OK. Is George U.S. bound to take over from the homesick Bird?