Category: Reviews

A Kerry man goes to war for the Empire

A Kerry Odyssey: The Boer War and Great War Experiences of John J. Moore, by Martin Moore (Gabha Beag Publications, Tralee, €24.00/ £20.99)   This is a fascinating account of the remarkable military career of John J. Moore, written by his grandnephew. It is a remarkable record of an Ireland we have almost lost sight…

Boy meets fish in Disney extravaganza

The “meet-cute” is a hallowed tradition in Hollywood romances. It’s how the hero first encounters the heroine. In The Little Mermaid (PG), a live action re-imagining of the Hans Christian Anderson classic directed by Rob Marshall, it acquires an innovative spin, occurring after a shipwreck when disgruntled Prince Eric (Jonah Hauer-King) has his life saved…

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Seeing the healing power of the arts

With so much emphasis on razzamatazz in the media, with so much having to be big, loud, brash, and celebrity focused, it’s great to see something low-key and dignified. The Centenary Commemoration of the Civil War (RTÉ One, Sunday) certainly fitted that description. The ceremony was short, with no speeches – the centre-piece was the…

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Mozart turns his hand to comedy with great effect

Following Gluck’s death in November 1787, Emperor Joseph II appointed Mozart as imperial and royal court composer. Among his formal duties the composer was expected to provide music for court balls and other such state occasions and, to fit the bill, Mozart supplied over 30 minuets and German dances in a relatively short time. However,…

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Recent books in brief

A New Ireland: Memories and Reflections of Cardinal Cahal B. Daly edited by Gemma Loughran, foreword by Archbishop Paul Gallagher (Veritas, €12.99 / £11.50) This little book was edited by Northern Ireland barrister Gemma Loughlan, who knew Cahal Daly from her days as a student. To mark the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement she…