Adrian Phelan

Welcome to my blog

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 22, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 25

Mama Mia

It was remiss of me last week not to pay tribute to my amazing mother who has been the rock of our family our whole lives; even from the wheelchair she has been using since 2009. The song Tub Thumping by Chumba Wumba could easily have been written for her. She really is a true inspiration and is deserving of every day being Mother’s Day. My bloody card still hasn’t arrived yet either so I’m grovelling slightly as well.

Hi Ho Silver

Now that we’ve got to 25 posts, I feel a bit silly having made a song and dance about post 10, but hey ho. I was young and needed the clicks. I’m going to run a competition at post 26 instead as that will mark a full half year of posts. Make sure you check back in next week for a chance to win

Shamrocking

So, I survived St Patrick’s Day. It turns out most of the places in our town including our one Irish bar did the bulk of their celebrations at the weekend, so there wasn’t much going on. It just meant I got to bed at a reasonable hour. The one place that did step up (and I’m not usually one for a plug) was our local, The Anchor. They had back-to-back Irish groups and didn’t run out of Guinness. We met a few friends in there and had a lovely time.

This blog is mainly apolitical, but I have to say I was impressed with Taoiseach Micheal Martin’s Whitehouse visit on the day. What he said made a lot of sense and it was a nice touch for him to remind Trump that his once-close relationship with the UK, could be close again. I thought he represented Ireland well and hope the Irish Americans enjoyed having him over.

If music be the food of love

I went to the spring music concert at my sons’ school this week, and boy what a treat it was. It was a school gig, so par for the course it felt like there were105 performances (we were in there for four hours) but they had amazing talent on show. One of the kids who performed is going on to The Brits School following his GCSEs and another to another top music college in London’s East End which gives you an idea of the standard. But no one was outdone with everyone giving a good account of themselves, and there was a great mix of styles to keep us all interested.

I have grade 6 piano and classical guitar myself. I was on the cusp of the Grade 7 exams before I gave them both up which was a bit heartbreaking for my parents. But what these school music experiences teach us is that kids don’t need classical music to learn their instruments. There is plenty of music to take them to the same level. And if the truth be told, it probably makes music more accessible which is great.

The Job Bit

I’ve been in and out of love with LinkedIn over the last year, but I have to say it is helpful when it informs you that recruiters have viewed your application. I’m experimenting with being a bit more liberal with applying.

I’ve also added my bridging role to my CV, which I wasn’t sure about. But on advice it is better to have it on there than have a gap. Why not take a look and bear me in mind for any relevent projects. Here’s the summary from my CV to give you a flavour of what I offer:

Communications and engagement specialist with 20+ years’ experience across the charity, NHS, and central government sectors. Skilled in strategic campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and crisis response, with a strong focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion. Proven ability to lead impactful public health campaigns and foster collaboration across complex systems.

My full CV is here.

The filim bit

I’m literally just back from seeing Project Hail Mary. It’s a 12A and an ideal movie to take your older kids to over Easter. It’s a mish mash of movies like The Martian and Wall-e so it is very cute and has a sci-fi edge. It’s also entirely shot in England so you can have fun spotting the locations. Ryan Gosling is in every scene so if you’re a fan, this is also for you. He is very watchable either way.

So thumbs up and it is one for the cinema. Put it in the diary for the school holidays.

I have to say I’m enjoying The Apprentice yet again as well so if you have the time of a Thursday, it’s worth catching up on.

Do Good Well

This week there’s an easy choice as Friday was Red Nose Day. Comic Relief should need no introduction so here’s a straight link to donate if you can spare the cash.

Goodbye and thanks

So that’s a quarter of a century of posts done. Again, thanks for getting this far. Be it one or 1,000 of you it’s worth it for me, nonetheless.

See you next week when we’ll have another competition and do connect with me on socials.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adrianphelan.bsky.social

X: @AdrianPhelan1

TikTok: @adrian.phelan

Threads: adrian_phelan1

Past posts

15 March

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 24

A receding hare line

Welcome to this week’s blog. Post 24 no less; like an angsty Keifer Sutherland. Don’t forget I promised another prize at 25 so make sure you keep coming back.

I’m starting off with the serious job bit so as a trade-off I’ll give you a joke. ‘What do you call a line of rabbits walking backwards?’ A receding hare line.

The Job bit

As we’re about to enter a new quarter and financial year, I want to open with a request that wherever you are in the world you continue to keep me in mind for your projects that need extra capacity. Securing my next substantial role remains crucial. So if you’re accruing some of your budget or have just secured funding for new projects, I could be a valuable piece of the jigsaw. My CV is here and I’m also on LinkedIN.

Wrong Coat Season

Following on from my clothes confusion piece when we had unexpected warm weather, someone else (cleverer than me) has hilariously coined this phase of spring as ‘Wrong Coat Season’. It simply is a roughly six-week period when anyone can be wearing anything; even the Costco guy. I still need all the pockets in my big coat, or I risk wearing a bumbag and that’s too close for comfort to socks and sandals and then you‘d have to call the police, fashion or otherwise.

But remember you are forgiven for whatever you wear over the next few weeks, to a point.

The ‘wha’ of march?

It’s the Ides of March, whatever that means. I knew it was a filim from about fifteen years ago but never questioned what it was all about.

It turns out it (15 March) is the day in 44 BCE when Julius Caesar was assassinated and so it’s considered a bad omen. I’m not superstitious myself but having it two days after Friday the 13^th is a bit much. And this year it’s two days before St Patrick’s Day so by the 19^th there’ll be no hope left. Shakespeare is responsible apparently for keeping it lit in his play of the same name. He liked a pint of the black stuff on St Patrick’s Day as well apparently. It inspired some of his best work.

Physical jerks

I had another physio appointment this week. My ankle is the best it’s been for years but that might be down to the fact that I’ve not been doing a lot of running. I’m not torn by the choices mind. I’d rather get back into running with a bit of discomfort than carry on the hiatus. The Bourbon Creams are winning the battle at the moment, and I can’t let them win the war.

But I mention this again because I am so grateful to the NHS for the support, they are giving me to make my ankle better, and all signs are there that it’s working. I will aim to be a good patient and do my home exercises to keep it strong.

The filim bit

Even if it’s not totally the same, The Bride gave me similar feels to Poor Things (Emma Stone, Willem Defoe) and I also thought there was some resonance with the last Joker movie. Both contain dance routines and other eccentricities. It’s not easy to describe but it’s a kind of road movie that pauses in various places to facilitate some whacky and violent capers involving our co-leads. Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley star as Frankenstein and Frankenstein’s Bride and the rapport between the two is spot on. You would think they had been acting together for years. The story is possibly secondary to the point which is, If you thought Jessie Buckley was good in Hamnet, wait and see what she does in this. It is one for the cinema so go and see it.

Jumping to the TV briefly, the next series of The Capture kicked off on Sunday, and it went off with a bang. You don’t need to have seen previous series to get into it, so give it a go. You have nothing to lose.

Happy St Patrick’s Day/Week/Year

I mentioned in a previous post that St Patrick’s Day was the one respite day from Lent for most kids, so sweets will be had. In my case you might replace sweets with pints but nonetheless there is lots going on over the next few days and with the finale of the rugby as well there will be great craic.

To round off this bit with a nod to friendship, I’ll be welcoming a good friend to town to watch proceedings in the Six Nations unfold. Come on Ireland. (Last minute insert – it wasn’t to be)

Do Good Well

As it is St Patrick’s Day this week, I’m going to share a link to the fundraising page of Gary Dunne, who is running a half marathon in aid of the London Irish Centre who do great work to support the Irish living in London. If you have a few quid, do donate.

Goodbye and thanks

So, thanks for getting this far. We’re almost at 25 which is another milestone. I’ll round off as I began with an ask to consider where your projects might need capacity and keep me in mind as a plug for that gap.

See you next week.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adrianphelan.bsky.social

X: @AdrianPhelan1

TikTok: @adrian.phelan

Threads: adrian_phelan1

Past posts

8 March

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 8, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 23

Double-inn

First things first, I spent about 36 hours in Dublin at the end of the week and have to apologise again for not fitting more people in. It was a flying visit for my dad’s birthday which was on Wednesday. Because of his situation I was keen to get to see him in and around the day. I took him for a coffee and cake which was nice, but as he got up to leave, his legs went from under him and he had a fall. He was a bit shook but no bones broken and I was glad I was there to support him. A steady walk home and a snooze on the sofa and he was right again. After spending the day together, I popped out to see my boyhood team Shelbourne play in the Irish Premier League. It was a big crowd considering the rugby was on, and a five-goal thriller, but alas they were on the wrong side of the odd goal. At full time it was straight home to bed, to be up at 5am to catch the ferry back to blighty.

Ferry good

My passport expired on Friday, and my new one hasn’t arrived yet. Because of that (you now need a passport to fly between the UK and Ireland) I had to rail sail back to London, which was long, but a novelty. The weather was lovely and the sailing very smooth. For those who might be passing through Holyhead, a new pub has opened right next to the terminal and it’s just £4 for a pint. There are worse places you could go if you have time to kill before or after your train. It’s been many years since I’ve travelled to the UK by ferry, but when I do, I always think that for most of our existence, this was the only way you could leave. One day James Joyce got on a ferry and never came back. Oscar Wilde and GB Shaw probably came back a bit more often and would have walked the same route under the shadow of Skinner’s Monument on top of the hill. My grandad made the journey once and then onward to Birmingham where he met my Nana. So it’s an important part of my own personal history as well.

The first leg of the journey between Holyhead and Chester is stunning. I’m not sure what the mountains are called but they were snowcapped and looked amazing.

Everything was on time and the wi-fi worked a treat, so happy days.

50/50

Another week, another 50th and this time it was the turn of someone I possibly met on the first day I moved to the UK. We were in halls in Leeds together. The room was full of people I’d known for 30 years or more, one of whom flew from New York just to be there. Others travelled down from up north and of course I had trekked across from Dublin.

It was again a top night. My wife and I even had Tequila (get us). I’ll never pass up an opportunity to mark how lucky we are to have good friends, and the do was another reminder of that. It also served to remind how quickly kids grow as well. Their eldest must be over six foot now and he was in his mother’s tummy at our wedding. Time and tide as they say. In early May we go again and I’m looking forward to it already.

Do Good Well

Sunday, 8 March is International Women’s Day. The theme this year is ‘Give to Gain’. The website says, When we give, we gain. Together, let’s help forge gender equality through abundant giving. The IWD 2026 ‘Give to Gain Campaign’ encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. Read more on the website and donate where you can.

Goodbye and thanks

This week’s post has been a bit of a ramble and slap another tardy on me for being late. It also hasn’t been a laugh a minute but sometimes weeks go that way. The blog is a largely sports-free zone but I think all my teams won this week (apart from Shels) so that is something to smile about any way.

I started this blog to help me find work so as ever take another look at my CV and keep me in mind.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adrianphelan.bsky.social

X: @AdrianPhelan1

TikTok: @adrian.phelan

Threads: adrian_phelan1

Past posts

1 March

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on March 1, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 22

Marching on

And that was February. Who’d have thunk it. This is the first year for a while that I haven’t fawned over the first sightings of daffodils by now, such has been the poor nature of the weather in 2026 so far. It’s hard to spot them through the drizzle.

As such, random days of sunshine like we had on Wednesday are very welcome. They’re also a source of natural comedy because people don’t know what to wear. You have the Costco guy (who’s been wearing shorts all winter anyway) next to the old lady in a duffel coat. I’m known for my chunky jumpers, and I didn’t disappoint, even though it was 18 degrees. And I needed my big coat for the pockets as well, so it was a sticky day. I ended up sweating my decision.

On Thursday, even the COSTCO guy had long trousers on. The brief glimpse of Spring was short-lived.

Beautiful BAFTAs

I was really chuffed for Robert Aramayo who won not one, but two BAFTAs last Sunday including ‘Best Actor’ for his turn in I Swear. I’ve seen all the nominated movies except Frankenstein and although it was a surprise to some, I think he was the clear winner.

The movie hasn’t been released in the US yet so isn’t up for Oscars but hopefully 2027 will be its year over there. It comes out on Netflix this month so don’t miss it. Maxine Peake and Shirley Henderson were also very good in the movie, although for some reason they didn’t make the BAFTA shortlist. But well done again Robert. Well-deserved.

Brits hits

One of the reasons I held off this week’s post was so I could cover the BRITS. However, I fell asleep half an hour in. It was a long day and the couple of half-time beers at the football didn’t help.

However, I did see Noel Gallagher’s acceptance speech, and I was chuffed that he name checked every member of the group both past and present. It was proper order that after all that has been said and done, Tony McCarroll got a nod. There are good reasons why he was asked to leave the band but the opening drum riff to Live Forever on its own, justifies any acknowledgement he is due. Fair play to you Noel. Well done to Olivia Dean as well, who was the big winner on the night.

My Man Friday

Sticking to music for a moment, Gavin Friday was on The Late Late Show this week performing a track (quite masterfully) from his album Ecce Homo.

He went to my school so I will always champion him. He was in a band in the 1970s called The Virgin Prunes. The Virgin Prunes consisted of a bunch of mates who dared to be different. They had a post-punk attitude and delivery that was probably frowned upon at the time but would be embraced and celebrated today. They disbanded in the mid-eighties but you can check out their music online.

Incidentally, the vinyl copy of Ecce Homo that was in stock in HMV Stevenage has gone missing. If you’ve nicked it, bring it back.

The job bit

So the job I took to see me through Christmas rolls on into March. I have huge respect for all my teammates for the help they provide to our callers and wonder if it is fair that such a job is banded at a low grade. I have faced challenges in this role that I would have never come across in jobs that pay twice as much and more. But that is the way of things I suppose.

I’m in touch with an agency currently who are filling an NHS role they think I might be a good match for. It’s a role I’m very much interested in so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

As ever, don’t forget to check out my CV.

Do Good Well

4 March is International HPV Awareness Day. I’m a vaccination advocate and have been lucky enough to work on HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine campaigns over the last couple of years with the NHS and partners. The day itself, ‘serves as a beacon, rallying the global community to raise awareness about HPV, its associated risks, and the measures we can adopt for prevention.’

If you’re in a position to tell people how important this vaccine is then please do, and if your child is due their HPV vaccine at school (usually Year 8) make sure you sign the consent form.

Goodbye and thanks

Sorry the blog was late this week, but I had to prioritise one or two other things. My Dad is continuing his fight against cancer, and it is his birthday on Wednesday so a big Happy Birthday to him. If my passport arrives on time, I’ll be there to celebrate with him.

That’s it for now. Have a good first week of March and I’ll see you next weekend.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

Instagram: @adrian_phelan1

Bluesky: @adrianphelan.bsky.social

X: @AdrianPhelan1

TikTok: @adrian.phelan

Threads: adrian_phelan1

Past posts

21 February

14 February

7 February

1 February

23 January

16 January

9 January

2 January

26 December

20 December

12 December

5 December

28 November

21 November

14 November

7 November

31 October

24 October

17 October

10 October

3 October