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Brendan Donlon

@brendandonlon

Dad; hubby; brand comms; biz owner; cat lover; campanologist; colon cancer in 2018 - no evidence of disease since then..

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26.09.2023
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Latest posts by Brendan Donlon @brendandonlon

The Simon And Garfunkel 'Sounds Of Silence ' album cover except they're being chased by a Cylon from Battlestar Galactica.

The Simon And Garfunkel 'Sounds Of Silence ' album cover except they're being chased by a Cylon from Battlestar Galactica.

Simon And Garfunkel next. #totp

06.03.2026 20:58 πŸ‘ 395 πŸ” 89 πŸ’¬ 10 πŸ“Œ 20
Ballinteer, 18:58
Behold! A Dublin suburb at 6:58pm β€” and yes, this absolutely counts as golden hour now, because we’ve collectively decided that any March evening where you can see your hand without a torch is practically midsummer.
The streetlight casts its amber benediction upon the footpath with all the theatrical grandeur of a West End spotlight β€” illuminating precisely nothing of dramatic interest, yet somehow making a parked Nissan look like a Vermeer.
That bare tree stands silhouetted against the deepening blue with the dignity of something that has witnessed forty years of planning permission disputes and still has strong feelings about the local recycling centre’s opening hours.
In the distance: more houses. The horizon, unwilling to commit to anything so vulgar as a view, offers instead a faint blush of pink β€” the sky’s apologetic shrug after five months of horizontal rain and collective despair.
And yet. And yet.
There is something genuinely, stubbornly beautiful here β€” the path glowing like a small promise, the last light clinging to the rooftops.
It’s nearly 7pm and still bright. Not bright bright. But bright enough.
We’ll take it. God knows we’ve earned it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Ballinteer, 18:58 Behold! A Dublin suburb at 6:58pm β€” and yes, this absolutely counts as golden hour now, because we’ve collectively decided that any March evening where you can see your hand without a torch is practically midsummer. The streetlight casts its amber benediction upon the footpath with all the theatrical grandeur of a West End spotlight β€” illuminating precisely nothing of dramatic interest, yet somehow making a parked Nissan look like a Vermeer. That bare tree stands silhouetted against the deepening blue with the dignity of something that has witnessed forty years of planning permission disputes and still has strong feelings about the local recycling centre’s opening hours. In the distance: more houses. The horizon, unwilling to commit to anything so vulgar as a view, offers instead a faint blush of pink β€” the sky’s apologetic shrug after five months of horizontal rain and collective despair. And yet. And yet. There is something genuinely, stubbornly beautiful here β€” the path glowing like a small promise, the last light clinging to the rooftops. It’s nearly 7pm and still bright. Not bright bright. But bright enough. We’ll take it. God knows we’ve earned it.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Look - *look* at the nearly 7pm light in early March... #GrandStretch #SpeirGorm

06.03.2026 19:01 πŸ‘ 12 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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(By emielscartoons on IG)

06.03.2026 04:18 πŸ‘ 198 πŸ” 53 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 2

Contrary to what science fiction would have you believe, tractor beams do very little other than illuminate a very small area of farmland.

05.03.2026 07:25 πŸ‘ 16 πŸ” 2 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
An expat in Dubai has a startling revelation: the Stephen Collins cartoon Reality check …

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

03.03.2026 17:26 πŸ‘ 1120 πŸ” 416 πŸ’¬ 30 πŸ“Œ 47
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sample ✨

02.03.2026 19:00 πŸ‘ 1079 πŸ” 226 πŸ’¬ 8 πŸ“Œ 11

You can always tell the kids who just had to be reading _something_ at all times, because they know what Riboflavin is.

02.03.2026 09:41 πŸ‘ 19 πŸ” 4 πŸ’¬ 2 πŸ“Œ 0

Spent a good two hours wandering round my house one evening trying to locate the intermittent weird whistling noise. Turned out it was my left nostril.

28.02.2026 11:20 πŸ‘ 395 πŸ” 14 πŸ’¬ 9 πŸ“Œ 3
ye 4 panele comic...e

P1: A stereotypical grim reaper looms over a little guy, and ask "childe. The endless slumber of death. Do you wish it?"

The kid looks on, unimpressed, before answering with--

P2: "...well, is it *actually* endless? Or does it just feel that way? Big difference, y'know"

P3: A beat, as both characters stare at one another.

P4: The lad continues: "I just need my full eight hours, otherwise I can't function"

ye 4 panele comic...e P1: A stereotypical grim reaper looms over a little guy, and ask "childe. The endless slumber of death. Do you wish it?" The kid looks on, unimpressed, before answering with-- P2: "...well, is it *actually* endless? Or does it just feel that way? Big difference, y'know" P3: A beat, as both characters stare at one another. P4: The lad continues: "I just need my full eight hours, otherwise I can't function"

26.02.2026 14:41 πŸ‘ 114 πŸ” 19 πŸ’¬ 5 πŸ“Œ 0
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Do they though

21.02.2026 15:30 πŸ‘ 1272 πŸ” 185 πŸ’¬ 56 πŸ“Œ 21
BBC headline: Cats may hold clues for human cancer treatment

Full article here: Cats may hold clues for human cancer treatment https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg3n7j8xyqo

BBC headline: Cats may hold clues for human cancer treatment Full article here: Cats may hold clues for human cancer treatment https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg3n7j8xyqo

Possibly, but good luck getting that information out of them.

20.02.2026 07:03 πŸ‘ 100 πŸ” 19 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 1
Something is Going on with Colorectal Cancer An interactive data journalism piece exploring the rise of young-onset colorectal cancer, with population simulations, risk factors, and prevention information.

You've heard that something is going on with colon cancer. I'm working on a thing...let me know what you think!! Is it helpful? What would you do different?

hankgreen.com/crc

19.02.2026 22:13 πŸ‘ 1007 πŸ” 114 πŸ’¬ 96 πŸ“Œ 15

watching curling is like waiting for the dvd logo to land perfectly in the corner of the screen

18.02.2026 19:39 πŸ‘ 391 πŸ” 71 πŸ’¬ 8 πŸ“Œ 3
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notorious radical left communist rag says tax the rich

18.02.2026 16:03 πŸ‘ 20524 πŸ” 6594 πŸ’¬ 468 πŸ“Œ 456

[an olympic skating pair finishes their routine]

me: wow that was amazing

the commentator: what a shame

16.02.2026 14:36 πŸ‘ 339 πŸ” 49 πŸ’¬ 3 πŸ“Œ 0
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hold on i gotta take this

13.02.2026 02:33 πŸ‘ 5006 πŸ” 1393 πŸ’¬ 5 πŸ“Œ 0

Welcome to your 50’s

Your body parts now predict the weather

07.02.2026 16:44 πŸ‘ 56 πŸ” 23 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
Group of smiling Taney Bellringers volunteers standing behind a long table set with rows of white mugs and stainless steel coffee pots. Each person holds up a small purple Java Republic coffee packet. They are indoors in a community hall doorway, wearing casual clothes and some purple Taney Ringers tops.

Group of smiling Taney Bellringers volunteers standing behind a long table set with rows of white mugs and stainless steel coffee pots. Each person holds up a small purple Java Republic coffee packet. They are indoors in a community hall doorway, wearing casual clothes and some purple Taney Ringers tops.

Close-up of a purple Java Republic coffee sachet resting across the rims of several white ceramic mugs arranged in neat rows, ready for serving at a coffee morning.

Close-up of a purple Java Republic coffee sachet resting across the rims of several white ceramic mugs arranged in neat rows, ready for serving at a coffee morning.

Plate of biscuits on a table, with several purple Java Republic biscotti spread in front. A mug sits blurred in the background, suggesting refreshments being served.

Plate of biscuits on a table, with several purple Java Republic biscotti spread in front. A mug sits blurred in the background, suggesting refreshments being served.

Wide view of a busy community hall during the Taney Ringers coffee morning. Groups of adults and children, including brownies and scouts, chat while holding cups. Wooden floors, high ceilings, and blue wall panels frame the lively, social atmosphere.

Wide view of a busy community hall during the Taney Ringers coffee morning. Groups of adults and children, including brownies and scouts, chat while holding cups. Wooden floors, high ceilings, and blue wall panels frame the lively, social atmosphere.

Thanks, once again to #JavaRepublic for providing coffee to the Taney Ringers coffee morning… every cup helps to pay for the ropes, stays and maintenance costs it takes to keep our busy bell-tower going!

08.02.2026 12:25 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
Preview
Young onset cancer: β€˜I was diagnosed on Valentine’s Day, lying by myself in a hospital bed’ There has been a rise in cancer diagnoses among under-50s, and getting cancer at a young age brings added challenges

Young onset cancer: β€˜I was diagnosed on Valentine’s Day, lying by myself in a hospital bed’

08.02.2026 07:21 πŸ‘ 2 πŸ” 1 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0
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This amused me greatly πŸ˜‚ especially the fox painting πŸ˜‚

Thank yoooo @cheekybudgie.bsky.social

07.02.2026 13:03 πŸ‘ 1300 πŸ” 436 πŸ’¬ 4 πŸ“Œ 71
A photograph I took quite early on New Year's Day, 2019, while walking on the Isle of Purbeck during the research for my book Ring The Hill, not long before I did a tweet using the photo and this same caption. I imagine it won't have as much impact here, since loads of people have since reused it, and the phrase is now more widely known. It is still very very true, though. Lots of things are solved by walking. Although not everything, obviously.

A photograph I took quite early on New Year's Day, 2019, while walking on the Isle of Purbeck during the research for my book Ring The Hill, not long before I did a tweet using the photo and this same caption. I imagine it won't have as much impact here, since loads of people have since reused it, and the phrase is now more widely known. It is still very very true, though. Lots of things are solved by walking. Although not everything, obviously.

Solvitur ambulando is my favourite Latin phrase. It means "it is solved by walking".

05.02.2026 15:32 πŸ‘ 408 πŸ” 108 πŸ’¬ 8 πŸ“Œ 7
a brown wire-haired pup stands on a wooden deck in a grassy yard. he looks at us with golden eyes and his right ear flipped inside out. he has a pipe-shaped stick in his mouth, giving him the appearance of a sophisticated and dapper gentleman. just give him a deerstalker cap and a cloak, and he'd give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money.

a brown wire-haired pup stands on a wooden deck in a grassy yard. he looks at us with golden eyes and his right ear flipped inside out. he has a pipe-shaped stick in his mouth, giving him the appearance of a sophisticated and dapper gentleman. just give him a deerstalker cap and a cloak, and he'd give Sherlock Holmes a run for his money.

This pup found a stick shaped like an old timey pipe earlier today and has already solved three mysteries. 13/10

04.02.2026 21:59 πŸ‘ 19003 πŸ” 3013 πŸ’¬ 315 πŸ“Œ 251

Pouring coffee into the water tank in my filter coffee machine to make a jug of my new invention: Megacoffee

25.11.2024 15:16 πŸ‘ 2371 πŸ” 111 πŸ’¬ 46 πŸ“Œ 8
Luna perched on the cream cat tree:

β€œWinter light, warm perch, and nowhere else to be - she has mastered the art of stillness.”

Luna perched on the cream cat tree: β€œWinter light, warm perch, and nowhere else to be - she has mastered the art of stillness.”

Luna curled on the sofa, paws tucked in:

β€œA quiet afternoon, a soft cushion, and relaxed paws folded like a tiny secret. The world can wait.”

Luna curled on the sofa, paws tucked in: β€œA quiet afternoon, a soft cushion, and relaxed paws folded like a tiny secret. The world can wait.”

Luna loafing in the window light, peering out of her half-closed eyes:

β€œSun on fur, sky beyond the glass. Even the coldest days have a warm corner.”

Luna loafing in the window light, peering out of her half-closed eyes: β€œSun on fur, sky beyond the glass. Even the coldest days have a warm corner.”

Luna settled on a blanket atop the top of a chair, alert but calm:

β€œWrapped in wool, watching the world gently pass. Calm isn’t found - it’s from within, like Luna."

Luna settled on a blanket atop the top of a chair, alert but calm: β€œWrapped in wool, watching the world gently pass. Calm isn’t found - it’s from within, like Luna."

A batch of bank-holiday #Caturday pics of #luna for anyone who needs a few minutes of cozy calm amidst their Leaving Cert mocks... πŸ€žπŸ»πŸ“–πŸˆβ€β¬› #SpeirGorm #Cat

02.02.2026 19:17 πŸ‘ 11 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
The team of eight bellringers from Christ Church Taney stand on gravel in front of large white church doors, smiling at the camera. They wear casual coats and several purple tops, posing together after competing at the Boyne Cup in St Peter’s Church, Drogheda.

The team of eight bellringers from Christ Church Taney stand on gravel in front of large white church doors, smiling at the camera. They wear casual coats and several purple tops, posing together after competing at the Boyne Cup in St Peter’s Church, Drogheda.

Exterior of St Peter’s Church in Drogheda, a large grey stone church with a tall central spire and classical faΓ§ade. Several cars are parked in front under a pale winter sky on the day of the Boyne Cup bellringing competition.

Exterior of St Peter’s Church in Drogheda, a large grey stone church with a tall central spire and classical faΓ§ade. Several cars are parked in front under a pale winter sky on the day of the Boyne Cup bellringing competition.

Silver trophy cup on a dark wooden base engraved β€œSt Peter’s Guild of Bellringers Drogheda – The Boyne Cup,” displayed indoors. The polished surface reflects the ringing room and people gathered around.

Silver trophy cup on a dark wooden base engraved β€œSt Peter’s Guild of Bellringers Drogheda – The Boyne Cup,” displayed indoors. The polished surface reflects the ringing room and people gathered around.

Inside the bell ringing chamber at St Peter’s Church, Drogheda, several adult ringers stand at their bell ropes around the circular room. Red and white sally ropes hang from above, with wooden panelled walls, noticeboards, and a chalkboard showing ringing numbers, as the Taney team prepares to ring in the Boyne Cup.

Inside the bell ringing chamber at St Peter’s Church, Drogheda, several adult ringers stand at their bell ropes around the circular room. Red and white sally ropes hang from above, with wooden panelled walls, noticeboards, and a chalkboard showing ringing numbers, as the Taney team prepares to ring in the Boyne Cup.

First time ringing in the Boyne Cup today - a relatively new event to promote method ringing in Irish towers. Great hospitality from our Drogheda hosts, and a well-deserved win for the team from St Patrick's Cathedral... Roll on the rest of the spring season of competitions! #campanolgy #SpeirGorm

31.01.2026 19:09 πŸ‘ 5 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

Get Rachel running some elections. The way she organised them transfers at the end was incredible #TheTraitors

23.01.2026 23:04 πŸ‘ 87 πŸ” 5 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0
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UKNATO πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ on Instagram: "Standing together in support of Ukraine πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Yesterday, πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Prime Minister @keirstarmer co-chaired the Coalition of the Willing meeting alongside πŸ‡«πŸ‡· President Macron and πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Cha... 27K likes, 852 comments - ukatnato on January 7, 2026: "Standing together in support of Ukraine πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡¦ Yesterday, πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ Prime Minister @keirstarmer co-chaired the Coalition of the Willing meeting alongside...

www.instagram.com/p/DTNd-aDDCo...

22.01.2026 20:25 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 0 πŸ“Œ 0

I presumed this was a joke in poor taste, but no - the UK at NATO Instagram account (which, even in itself, is a truly bizarre concept) has actually used β€œWe’re all in this together” from High School Musical to soundtrack these photos...

22.01.2026 20:22 πŸ‘ 0 πŸ” 0 πŸ’¬ 1 πŸ“Œ 0