Adrian Phelan

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on June 28, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 38

Blood’s relative

It was remiss of me last week not to mention my latest blood donation. As I always say, it costs nothing and it’s one of the few times you’ll get Seabrooks crisps for free. I bumped into a couple of friends at the donation centre which was nice. I’m happy knowing I hang out with like-minded people.

I found out during the week that my donation went to The Whittington Hospital which is where my eldest son was born and where I held a short contract, so I’m very happy with that. My wuss levels were once again quite high though. I winced a bit when the needle went in but because I had friends there, I just styled it out.

I like it warm

From a hot arm to a hot everything. I’m typing this bit on Tuesday and it’s very hot. I know I probably banged on during the last heatwave, but I don’t mind the high temperatures, despite the life-limiting sweat patches they give me.

They manifested themselves most profusely on Wednesday, when I had to wear a jumper to work. I ironed a shirt and was ready to go but before I’d even left the house (and I was quite late) it was drenched in sweat, and I just couldn’t go out looking like that. I dried out by lunchtime though and could take the jumper off then. No one came near me for the afternoon. I don’t know why.

Just to labour the heat a bit, it was over 30 degrees by 10 am on Friday. Out of interest, I checked Albufeira in Portugal at the same time, and it was only 22. When we were there a few years ago in August it was 30 by 10 as well so the UK is blazing a trail with the hot weather this year. Who’d of thunk it. Saying hello to my Mam now, who is the only one likely to have persevered with this section. 😊

Russians around

And on Friday evening it was off to Pushkin House (very interesting venue and worth reading up on) in Bloomsbury where I attended the UK launch of Jason Corcoran’s Leaving Russia – How Putin forced a country’s future to flee, a book I have mentioned a couple of times in this blog.

I had slight imposter syndrome I’m not too proud to admit. I was there in the capacity of ‘rooting for an old friend’ but found myself in the company of some of journalism’s sharpest minds, and others with a personal interest in the book’s topic which is the exodus from Putin’s Russia of some of its brightest talent.

Jason and the team made me feel very welcome and he kindly signed a copy of the book for my two boys.

The event itself was hosted by respected journalist and fellow Russia expert Edward Lucas; he himself the author of The New Cold War: Putin’s Russia and the Threat to the West. Jason and Edward were something of a double act with Jason clearly a fan and Edward modestly defecting any praise by reminding him they were there to promote his book. Great rapport.

It was a fitting London/UK launch for a book that is flying off the shelves in Ireland, and it also doubled up as a reunion for Jason, seeing friends he had not caught up with for a while including me.

Top night and long may the book’s success continue.

Football friend

Every time I include football in this blog, I pre-empt it with ‘this is largely a football-free blog’, but we had a top ‘almost’ completely impromptu night last night watching the England game out in the back garden. I was even forgiven for cheering on Panama, who let’s face it did quite well. But it was one of those chilled evenings, warm into the night where the chat flowed easy and the kids larked about on the trampoline fuelled by a bit of soft drink. I always like to shine a light on kindness and friendship and this one deserves a lot of light.

It was a lovely evening despite the result 🙂

(Jut a quick aside. A big congratulations to my son Hughie who was voted Parents’ Player of the Season this week. A great achievement. He goes about his football business quietly so it was great that he received this recognition.

Do Good Well – Small Charity Week

I speculate most weeks on this section and was thrilled to come across Small Charity Week which celebrates the impact of small charities across the UK. A small charity is a voluntary organisation with a social or charitable purpose with an annual income of less than £1 million. This includes registered charities, community groups, community interest companies (CICs) and other structures.

This is all copied and pasted but I do love the idea and perhaps the call to action this week is to chuck a few quid in the direction of a small charity you might care about.

Goodbye and thanks

A quick update on the job hunt, I was recently down to the last stages of a comms job in the civil service but alas I didn’t get over the line. But it is a massive step in the right direction and a boost of confidence. A shoutout to Frequency Cafe where I have been doing my interviews from. You have been very accommodating.

As ever, thanks for sticking with me and I’ll be back again, similar time, next week.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on June 21, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 37

It’s a short night

I’m writing as the summer solstice is being dimmed slightly by the clouds. I know we have hotter-than-hot weather to come this week but there’s always something poignant for me about the beginning of the wind down as the nights get longer up to Christmas. A quick look online tells me that the solstice tradition has a focus on fire, fertility, protection, and honouring the sun at its peak. I can do all of them, if there’s any jobs going in those areas. 😊

I admit I’m being morose and will snap out of it. Sunset will be at a whopping 9.24pm and I’ll sit out and enjoy that, maybe even with a beer which I only usually have at Christmas and on special occasions.

I have readers in Ireland and sunset in Dublin will not be until 9.56 and in Galway it won’t go down until 10.08pm. It barely gets dark there before the sun rises again.

Wherever you are I hope you made the most of the ‘longest stretch’ and I suppose it will be a while before any noticeable changes to the light, so I’ll stop moaning.

Make sure you wear your sun cream and keep hydrated this week. It’s going to be a hot one.

The filim bit

I saw Disclosure Day on Monday and I’m still processing it. I didn’t think too deeply about the film until I read The Gurdian’s review. They delved a bit deeper into Director Steven Spielberg’s soul than I did.

I’ve stolen a quick summary from them which says, “The film follows cybersecurity expert Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) and weather presenter Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) as they become state-secret whistleblowers, working with Hugo (Colman Domingo) to expose nearly eight decades’ worth of evidence that the US government has known about extraterrestrial life.”

Colin Firth also stars as the villain of the piece, trying to scupper Daniel and Margaret’s plans and Eve Hewson (Go the Irish) stars as Kellner’s girlfriend who goes along on the adventure with him.

If you’ve read other film reviews in this blog you know that during a film I can blow hot and cold on whether I like it or not and this was a bit like that. Overall, I enjoyed it, but I didn’t think it was very good, and the ending goes a bit too over the top for me.

It is probably one for the cinema though so do catch it before it goes.

She never mentioned the word addiction

I went back to The Crick on Wednesday to attend a podcast recording and I’m declaring Matt Willis (from Busted) my new man crush. He was part of a panel gathered by Professor Brian Cox to discuss addiction and specifically if it can be cured. It was an insightful hour. Matt was very open about his struggles with addiction and that he has ADHD, and the experts all spoke about it in a non-patronising way. Because it was mainly medical information and I’m not a qualified clinician I won’t say too much more about it, but I will be giving it a mention when it is put out because it’s definitely worth a listen.

Faith of our fathers

So I’m guessing when a parent passes, their birthday and Fathers’/Mothers’ Day are quite significant for the family. This is the first Father’s Day since my own dad passed and it is sad to ponder there was no card to buy this year. Or should I rephrase that to ‘nothing to feel guilty about for forgetting to send one or sending one very late’.

But I still get to share the day with my own two boys and that means everything. Every petty fight between the two of them will be like nectar for my heart.

I do have a father-in-law still; two in a way, both of whom are very good to us, so I am more than happy to borrow them for the day if they’ll accept my gratitude.

Whatever way you are keeping Father’s Day I hope you have/have had a good one.

Do Good Well

I’m highlighting two awareness weeks that have just passed as the messages are relevant all year round.

Learning Disability Week (15–21 June): A national campaign to highlight and celebrate the lives of people with learning disabilities and to tackle discrimination.

Cervical Screening Awareness Week (15–21 June), raising awareness about the importance of regular smear tests and early detection.

Do take a look at these campaigns if they are relevant to you and if you can, please help share the information.

Goodbye and thanks

So Happy Father’s Day and Happy summer solstice. I hope those who are into it are enjoying the World Cup. It’s been a good start.

I’ll have a more substantive job update next week but in the meantime keep my CV in mind.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on June 15, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 36

Welcome to this week’s blog.

There’s only one place to start and that’s with acknowledgment of the 9^th anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire. I spent a year working on the NHS team set up in response to the tragedy and it was one of the biggest privileges of my life to have been welcomed into a community of survivors and bereaved to support them with accessing health services.

I understand this anniversary is the last before the tower will be taken down so it is significant. My thoughts at this time are with everyone affected by the tragedy.

Forever in our hearts.

Gazza doc

The Gareth Southgate documentary which filmed in Hitchin (where I live) aired on Monday, and it was a bit boring to be honest; not taking anything away from the young men who were interviewed, particularly the three in Middlesborough.

It was a novelty to see Hitchin on the telly though and the interviews with youth worker Dan Gaze were insightful. But I’d been looking forward to it for a couple of months, particularly as the father of two young boys and it fell flat, a sentiment mirrored in one or two of the newspaper reviews the next day.

But nothing ventured… I suppose. I still like you Gareth.

Double-Inn and a great zoo joke

We popped to Dublin briefly at the start of the weekend. It was the first trip back since my dad passed. We went down to see him. The grave was as it was on the day he was buried but without the flowers. By coincidence, a school friend who was home from The US text me to say his mother was buried close by, and he was there that day as well; but alas at a different time.

Ironically – as he was tea total – my dad is buried about a five-minute walk from one of Ireland’s most famous pubs, The Grave Diggers. It’s known for its decor, frozen in time (early 20^th century) and its quaint atmosphere so there are no tv’s, and no music or music sessions for that matter. British readers might identify with Sam Smiths pubs that offer a similar vibe. Here’s a clip from a movie shot there back in 1970 and trust me it looks the exact same now.

And a quick nod to Dublin Zoo as well. We went on Friday and it was very good. Nothing like I remembered from when I was a child. No spoilers but it was well worth the entrance fee.

And my zoo joke: I went to the zoo and all there was, was a dog. It was a shiatzu.

The World Cup

And so to 85 matches a day on the telly for the men’s World Cup. I always caveat sports-related posts by saying this blog is a ‘largely’ sport-free zone but so many of you will be watching it, particularly when England play on whatever day that is 😊.

I didn’t see Scotland’s game, but they won and are top of their group for now. To their supporters, have a great few days until your next one and I hope you progress from the group. My younger son is quite into it and has a brighter mind than mine so he’s a good resource for checking fixtures and results.

Whatever way you’re keeping it or if not at all, I hope the buzz resonates with you, one way or another.

The job bit

I had an interview with an NHS Trust last week but alas, wasn’t offered the role. It came and went quite quickly so I’m not mourning it too much but again it’s another opportunity that has passed me by. The feedback was positive though and I wish the person who did get the job, all the best, really.

I have another application in, so we’ll just have to wait and see with that one. I’m going to try and be ruthless with the process now as my ‘leaving the NHS’ anniversary approaches.

As ever, keep me in mind and you can access my CV here. A reminder I’m a communications and public engagement specialist with lots of not-for-profit experience but I’m open to any sector and any roles where I can transfer my skills.

Do Good Well

It’s Men’s Health Week 2026. The campaign is an annual observance that aims to raise awareness about the health challenges faced by men and promote strategies for better physical and mental well-being.

There’s no dash for cash with this one, just spread awareness where you can.

Goodbye and thanks

There was no movie review this week but I’m off to see Disclosure Day so will let you know how that is in the next one.

As ever, thanks for sticking with the blog. Post 37 will be here before you know it.

Have a great rest of your week.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on June 7, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 35

Important please read – The job bit

I’m going straight for the jobular this week, remembering what this blog was originally established for.

June is here and that marks the 12^th month since I left my last substantial role, the type of year that would have been unthinkable at any point in my career. It would seem I have a CV only a mother could love 😊

I’ve reeled off 35 of these blog posts now and I hope I am giving a flavour of what I might be like as a colleague. I’m not too modest to say I think I can throw a sentence together. I’m just looking for a home now.

My amended CV is done and can be viewed here. A reminder that I am a communications and public engagement/involvement manager with experience in major campaigns like the COVID-19 vaccine campaign and the North Kensington Recovery Programme established following the Grenfell Tower Fire. If any of your projects need extra capacity and you think I could make your life easier, get in touch.

I think she’s got it – the bad weather that is

One job that is secure in this country is that of the weather people. If the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain, the rain in Britain stays mainly on the people. The weather has been a bit rubbish this week. I’ve been snorting my treble dose of vitamin D. However, it’s an unfortunate expression but every cloud does have a silver lining. The weather did bring some amazing clouds, at least one rainbow and spectacular lightning. There was some fine drying weather on Sunday as well.

Our lavender has returned for the summer and with it, hundreds of the big type of bees, whatever they’re called. They don’t mind the rain at all. And the birds who have spent the winter and spring avoiding us have started to return to the feeders.

Springwatch has nothing on us, I tell you.

Southgate’s ‘ere’

I can’t remember if I mentioned in a previous post that former England manager Gareth Southgate has been hanging around Hitchin a bit over the last couple of months filming a documentary for the BBC called ‘Gareth Southgate: Changing the game for young men.’ The documentary reveals the struggles many boys and young men face, asking why some feel left behind and what could help them move forward.

My son had told me back in March that he was in town meeting some of the boys from his school and then he turned up at Hitchin’s game against London Lions on Good Friday. I was alerted to the fact that he was there when I was leaving the bar at the club and someone behind me said ‘Southgate’s ‘ere’.

I haven’t seen the documentary yet but I have to say that he was very generous with his time, posing for selfies for everyone who wanted one, staying for the whole game to chat to supporters and I understand he went and spoke to both teams in the dressing rooms as well. It’s a shame about some of his CV, but top bloke.

The filim bit

I didn’t get to the cinema this week but I did watch John Carpenter’s The Thing on Saturday. I don’t know if the version I watched was digitally enhanced or touched up but boy has it stood the test of time. It would have been a huge task to film under those extreme conditions but to a man (there were no women in it) it was acted extremely well, and the special effects to create the creatures in it were ahead of their time.

It’s not a new film so I am assuming knowledge with the write-up but if you see it on any of your platforms – and there should be no additional cost – give it a go. It’s not for the faint-hearted but who has one of those anymore.

Pride 2026

I love the headline ‘Explore the most welcoming and inclusive bars to experience Pride 2026 in the UK,’ that’s on the Pride 2026 website. I have a strong held belief that whoever you are and whatever your creed or persuasion you should be welcoming and inclusive and I do wish all those celebrating, a very successful campaign. Info on events in cities in the UK are online. Here also is a link to Dublin Pride.

Do Good Well – Carers’ Week

8-14 June is Carers’ Week. Throughout my NHS career I have promoted and supported this campaign and carers, in particular promoting what services they have access to such as vaccinations. The campaign site says, ‘Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. ‘And they certainly do. Please raise awareness of this campaign where you can and if you can spare a few bob you can also donate to Carers UK.

Goodbye and thanks

I’ll end where I began, with an appeal to keep me in mind for any of your projects that need extra capacity. Once again, here is my CV and a link to my LinkedIn profile.

Have a great week and I’ll see you next week for number 36.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on May 31, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 34

‘You fell over’

Comms people know you should never use caps for emphasis, but I have fallen over while running AGAIN and I feel like a complete arse. If only I’d ended up on my arse, but I landed straight on my left knee. It must be something to do with my technique. This wasn’t one I could ride out either like with my ribs; I had to pop to the minor injury unit to get seen to.

Nothing was broken. I got a precautionary tetanus shot and was on my way within a couple of hours. I’m glad things have improved in that respect. Some of you will remember very long waits when we were kids and I have to say I had a few when I lived in North London as well.

But one door closes and another one opens; I volunteered at yesterday’s Parkrun which was a great experience. I scanned barcodes at the finish. No one got their right times but it’s the taking part that counts.

Ten degrees of separation – there’s warm and there’s warm

It was another hot one at Parkrun yesterday and on the weather theme there was a ten-degree difference in the temperature between Dublin and London on Tuesday, with no prizes for guessing where was hotter. It was an absolute scorcher, with overnight temperatures only getting down to about 20.

I like the heat so there were no complaints from me. It was nice to head to work in just a shirt for the five days. And even though they said it was due to turn today, as I type on Sunday morning it’s still rather pleasant out there. June, no pressure.

It’s but a 50-minute flight from Dublin to any of the 85 London airports, so if you were looking for a city break where it’s a bit warmer, you don’t have to go to Paris, Berlin or Rome; you’ll get the warm temperatures here.

I’ve just realised I’m not getting paid for that so when you’re here, why not stay at Premier Inn…😊 I’ll let you know if I get a bunce for that.

Go FTD Brothers – doing good well

As mentioned, the temperature in Ireland has been a little bit cooler and I was delighted to see online footage of Jordan and Cian Adams, the FTD brothers running past my estate in Dublin as part of their 33 marathons in 33 days challenge across Ireland.

I posted about this on socials during the week. They really have captured the imaginations of everyone in the UK and Ireland as they raise awareness of Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), the condition which cruelly took the life of their mother and will one day also claim theirs unless a cure is found.

So this week’s ‘do good well’ request is to go to their website, find out more about FTD and if you can, add to their amazing fundraising total.

The Madness of ÓWander

My cousin whose artiste name is ÓWander has released a new single called ‘The Madness of it All and it is very catchy and instantly likeable. He describes it as ‘a simple song about the everyday’. I’d call it a piano-fuelled indie pop tune. You can get it in various places, but I bought it on Apple music for 79p. ÓWander is a great artiste. Another song by him to seek out is Road Left to Go, which is a personal favourite.

Colin and Cillian turn 50

One of my oldest school friends turns 50 today. By coincidence he was born on the same day as Colin Farrell and in the same hospital.

Both Colin Farrell and Cillian Murphy turn 50 this week and as this blog often features film I think it’s worth giving them a nod as I think they are two very talented actors who have achieved so much during their modest stays so far here on planet earth. Standout films they’re in for me would be The Wind that Shakes the Barley for Cillian and Minority Report for Colin, with Phonebooth and The Banshees of Inisherin as highly commendeds.

So Happy Birthday to everyone turning 50 this week. It’s the age to be it would seem. I’ll see you in September.

The filim bit – Power up

So on to another Irish film release this week. Power Ballad, by John Carney is great. It stars Paul Rudd who plays Rick Power, a Dublin-based American wedding band singer who has a chance jamming session with pop star Danny Wilson, played by Nick Jonas. Wilson makes a hit of one of Rick’s songs and gives him no credit for it. The film is based on the fallout from that as Rick becomes obsessed with seeking the acknowledgement he deserves. The beauty of this film is the seamless way Rudd’s character slots into Dublin suburban life and the dynamic between him and his four Irish band mates; in particular the unhinged Sandy, played by Peter McDonald.

I don’t want to give too much more away but although I would also say it is one you can enjoy on TV, it’s too good to wait for that. Go and see it.

Goodbye and thanks

There was no job bit this week but as ever I remain a keen comms campaigner waiting in the wings to help you with your next project. While I do some further work on my CV do check out my LinkedIn profile. I would be very happy to work with you and I’m open to offers of support to help me secure my next substantial role.

As ever, thanks for your support.

Adrian

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on May 24, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 33

All the 3s

So we’ve reached post 33. For over 30 years people over here have been asking me to say, ‘33 and a third.’ That and ‘Curly Wurly’; and it’s never been funny. Ok, it’s a little bit funny. Elton John, you can have that line.

I don’t help myself by having a section in this blog called the ‘filim’ bit but hey ho. I stop short at wearing an Aran sweater though. God bless Val Doonican and The Clancy Brothers.

The Book bit

Staying on matters Irish, in a recent post I mentioned the release of the book Leaving Russia by an old friend Jason Corcoran. It’s flying off the shelves in Ireland and still available everywhere over there. Go and grab yourself a copy if you haven’t already and I’ll let you know when things start to ramp up over in the UK. Well done on your success Jason. It’s well deserved.

And in other book news, my good friend Liza Hoeksma and her colleague Patrick Regan OBE have just released a book, Small Steps for a Big Change and would you believe it, it has already hit number 3 on The Sunday Times Bestsellers List. A very well done to you both. Again, check it out, and if you can support Patrick and Liza, do buy a copy.

Premium Dad

A poignant thing happened the other day. My Dad wasn’t one for WhatsApp and his house phone has been on the blink for some time so the only way to contact him was mobile to mobile, which of course wasn’t economical but absolutely no problem. My phone bills have been consistent for the last six months or so, but the last one, covering the month since he passed, was noticeably cheaper, reflecting the calls I no longer make to him. (My Mam is on WhatsApp). It stopped me in my tracks when I saw the amount. The comedian in me wants to say ‘Ah well every cloud…’ but no, I wish I was still paying that little bit extra every month.

Some of you know my mother-in-law passed just ten days after my Dad and I know my Mam and step father-in-law have so much to do so are carrying a heavier weight than the rest of us. We are very lucky to have them heading up the support networks that are keeping us going and we are grateful every day.

The job bit

The job bit is also the kindness bit this week as I had an hour plus Teams chat with a former manager who kindly reviewed both my CV and LinkedIn profile and reminded me of some of my achievements during my time working with them. This has been a huge help and if anyone is in the same boat as me jobwise, I couldn’t give networking like this a higher recommendation.

You can probably tell from this blog that I sometimes struggle to be succinct (no really, it’s true) so one of the things I will be working on is tightening my wording so I can fit more achievements in. One other piece of advice I was given was to try and look and sound a bit more like myself, so if you check my LinkedIn profile you’ll see I have updated my profile pic to something that’s a little more true. I’m also reviewing my CV and will send a link to that in next week’s post.

Bank holiday again, and ridiculous degrees

When I was a contractor and not getting paid for them it felt like there were eight bank holidays in May. I’m in a different situation now so bring them on. It was 25 degrees before 11am on Sunday, so an absolute scorcher.

With my potato complexion I’m better off out of the sun but sometimes I risk it, just for the vitamin D. I took a picture after Parkrun yesterday and I was so red I had to post it in black and white. You can see it at the top of this piece.

I hope everyone enjoys the weather, but if you’re Irish make sure you apply that factor 500.

The filim bit

There are so few 18s movies released these days, but horror ‘Obsession’ which came out last week is one (16s if you’re in Ireland). In a nutshell, it’s a ‘Big’ scenario where a guy wishes that a girl he has a crush on will love him more than anything else. And let’s just say his wish comes true. The guy in question is Bear, played by Michael Johnston and his achievement in this movie is staying in unison with co-star Inde Navarrette who plays or should I say completely indulges herself in the character of former friend but newly-obsessed Nikki. The film is full-on physical and psychological gore literally from every orifice and although a comparison to Emma Stone in Poor things is probably a bit too much, Navarette puts her body and soul into the performance. The film starts too slowly for my liking but overall it’s alright. You will not be expecting some of the jump scares so brace yourself. It’s certainly for you if you are a fan of horror. Three stars.

Do Good Well

As a key message for the week should be staying safe in the sun, a nod to Melanoma UK, the charity for one of the fastest-rising cancers. The charity, ‘believes through collaboration, education and support, they can help save lives, prevent avoidable cases of skin cancer, and make sure that no one faces melanoma alone.’ Find out more on their website, help spread the key messages about staying safe in the sun and maybe donate a few bob if you can.

Goodbye and thanks

So the sun sets on another issue of Adrian’s all. I did go a little longer this week so we can claim it to be 33 and a third. Ok, I’ll stop that talk for now.

Thanks so much for sticking with us and go and enjoy the sun.

See you next week.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on May 17, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 32

My lovely horse

And then it was Eurovision. I can’t get enough of it, and everyone else in our house likes it as well. I started writing this before the first semi-final but now know our winner is Dara from Bulgaria with the song ‘Bangaranga’ which was once a working title for this blog (that’s not true). Top performance. Only the UK did better for me on the night but a highly commended could also go to Delta Goodram representing Australia.

I’ve had a couple of brushes with Eurovision in the past. I got to hang out at the soundchecks the year it was in Dublin and Riverdance stole the show, and my dad once nearly ran over Johnny Logan in a car park in my sister’s hometown, where he was living at the time. Three winning entries could have been wiped out in one foul move. Hold Me Now! 😊

Ireland boycotted the competition this year, but nearly deceased Mr Logan said in a recent interview that watching the competition was an individual choice and he doesn’t mind if others do. I went with that.

I’m guessing for viewers in Ireland the only option was to watch on the BBC. And once again it was commentated on by Graham Norton, so a local accent anyway; like when it was commentated on by Terry Wogan back in the day.

I won’t dispute the winner, but I think the strongest evidence of political voting could be seen with the UK coming last, or next to last. I’m far from an anglophile but I loved the song. Eins, Zwei, Drei.

Politic

I’m pleased to see engagement in politics this week. I’m not expressing views either way but thank goodness there isn’t apathy surrounding the important matters affecting our countries. There’s a slight ‘same sh1t, different day’ feel about some of what is happening but in an apolitical way I will find myself rooting for whoever is the underdog; not naming any names. I’m just hoping for the best possible outcome for us all, including off course Ireland where events from the UK can have a knock-on effect.

The job bit

I haven’t written a substantial job bit for a while. The fact is events in April derailed plans somewhat. But I’m approaching the headspace once again. I still face the same issue mind; lot of jobs that I’m partly and sometimes mostly qualified for, but overlooked for, and I’m desperate to fill that gap. “Change the record, Adrian” I hear you shout and I intend to. But please do keep me in mind. Here is my CV.

The Filim bit

So the film bit this week is about flagging that I’m seeing a special screening of Jurassic Park on Monday (18 May). There’s a Stephen Spielgerg season at Cineworld. I’m not sure why. But this one sold fast and I’m glad I secured a couple of tickets for it. I love the soundtrack to the movie, and it gives me the tingles. I can’t wait.

I’m keen to see a new release as well so I’ll pick one and include a review next week.

Do Good Well – get involved

Instead of promoting one issue this week, I’m going to signpost to the campaign calendar of the London Association of Directors of Public Health where links to all important health and public health contains are publicised. I draw upon resources like this just to highlight one campaign so why not link you to a resource that can raise awareness of multiple.

Goodbye and thanks

I often round off these blogs with a reflection on length, disingenuously stating them to be shorter than they actually are. But if I stop rattling on this will be a shorter issue,

Thanks for sticking with me and I’ll be back again next week.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on May 10, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 31

I’m quite enjoying May so far. Birthday season has kicked off in our house and beyond, and the weather’s not too bad. The lavender in our front garden is also starting to show which is very exciting. I’m looking forward to that blossoming over the coming week. (What am I like!)

Make a wish

Speaking of birthdays, I was at two 50ths this weekend, both with connections to Leeds. The first was for an old course friend from London who I met on my first day at Leeds Met over 30 years ago. Top night, which like all these occasions was a reunion as well. The second was for a friend who grew up in Leeds but now lives in our town. Our families are close and we have both recently suffered bereavements, so it was nice to have everyone together.

Again, I’m glad to have the opportunity through this blog to highlight how important friendship is and this is certainly the week for it.

It was a wonderful life

On a similar theme I was honoured to attend the memorial for Dave Dix, who sadly passed away last year. Dave was a much-loved music all-rounder but will be remembered mainly for his skills as a sound engineer making many many up and coming music artistes sound amazing, giving them the best possible chance to shine in their live showcases. His talent along with his words of encouragement and industry insight has been a key part of the development of many who are gracing our airwaves today. He was also a cherished Dad, husband, partner and friend so it was an honour to be there to toast his memory.

A pleasant surprise on the evening was short performances by Dave Sutherland, Daniel Caner, Annabel Lamb, and Ash Grey, artistes who have had their lives touched one way or another by Dave. I hope it was some comfort to everyone who came to the memorial to see how much he was loved and respected.

The Filim bit

It can’t be a bad week when your biggest dilemma is wondering whether you have to have seen The Devil Wears Prada to enjoy The Devil Wears Prada 2. Any takers on that one? I’ve had mixed luck with the cinema this week. It’s always good to go and even better when it’s quite full, but Hokum (a folk‑horror story about a novelist who retreats to a remote Irish inn to scatter his parents’ ashes and becomes entangled in terrifying legends surrounding a witch that haunts the honeymoon suite) was a strange movie. It ticked most boxes to make a good, haunted house horror, but it was totally bizarre and, in the end, (spoiler alert) suggested that some of the experiences were down to hallucinogenic drugs. It’s well-acted though and worth a look at the cinema as opposed to on telly if you get the chance.

I cut my Hokum review short to squeeze in a few words about the Iron Maiden pic which I’m guessing was just out on a limited release. Of course it was one for the fans (and in my cinema they came in their t-shirts), but it was also an enjoyable watch for the likes of me who doesn’t really know their music. One thing you have to say is that they really put on a good show. And by their own admittance they are a bit shy so hide behind their visuals, but what visuals and that is all part and parcel of what has made them the legends they are. In addition, from what I saw today their songs are also good and what a voice Bruce Dickinson has. Up there with any opera tenor. I’m not on commission for plugging this but the concert at Knebworth is going to be something special if you were thinking about getting tickets.

Do Good Well – Mental Health Awareness Week, get involved

11-17 May is Mental Health Awareness Week. Mind is leading with the slogan, ‘Great mental health care is human’. They go on to say, ‘It’s the kind voice at the end of the phone when you’re worried about rent and too unwell to work. It’s the advisor who listens actively, rather than waiting for their turn to speak. It’s the therapist who talks through what’s happened to you, not what’s ‘wrong’ with you.’

If you’re in a position to support Mind, find out how you can get involved or donate, on their website.

Goodbye and thanks

I thought this week’s post was going to be shorter than average but it seems I didn’t have enough time to do that.

As ever, thanks for sticking with it. We’re into the 30s now and still going strong. My CV is here for your perusal, and I will see you next week.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on May 3, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 30

Working class

I did my first full week of work for a while after the events of the last few weeks. My sister has described normal life as a parallel universe now my dad is no longer with us and I know exactly what she means. However, in my mind I’m rich in that parallel universe, making reality that little bit harsher :).

But even though they say kindness costs nothing, it is still very much appreciated when it comes. And everyone has been very kind and for that I am grateful.

Run for your life

My body is also showing a bit of kindness currently and I’m back running after my rib incident a month ago.

It’s a real tonic I have to say. I did a couple of miles around St Albans on Thursday, and I trundled around the Parkrun on Saturday. It was my first one in about five weeks, so I was happy. I was lapped by a couple of the faster runners which gives you an indication of my pace but just taking part was what it was all about. 5K was about as much as I had energy for but big trees from little acorns grow and I’m looking forward to getting the miles in during the upcoming nicer months. The local Poundland has sold out of Bourbon Creams so that will help the campaign as well.

Blue Saturday

Something I wasn’t running from was the bluebells which we went to see last Saturday. We go every April and once again they didn’t disappoint. We got some great pictures and the weather was stunning. We’re spoiled for bluebells in this area with three big woods and a couple of small ones dotted about the place. The area is more famous for its lavender (search Hitchin Lavender on Instagram) but for this small window in April, the bluebells take over.

They’re a real shot of happy I have to say.

Wife matters

Talking of beautiful things, a big happy birthday to my wife who turned ‘I dare not say’ at the weekend. She has been a rock since I left work in June and the engineer of the quality of life we are trying to maintain. This blog tends to be a family-free zone, but I want to break protocol to wish her a happy birthday and to thank her for all she does.

20 years since…

Because I have a significant birthday this year, I’m reminded of some great times I have had in years ending with a ‘6’. In 2016 I was treated to a trip to New York by my wife. In 2006 I went to Barcelona and ran The Dublin Marathon and in 1997 (the year of my 21st so cheating slightly) I spent the summer in New York and took in a trip to Canada to visit family. 1986 I don’t remember too much but hitting double figures is special for every child.

This year who knows but at some point, over the next twelve months I’d like to visit the Champagne region of France. If anyone has any recommendations, do send them on.

Oil of what?

One thing that’s unavoidable through these milestone ages is ageing itself. Because I went grey before I was conceived, like my dad, my ageing is all in the face. I have developed a pouch under my chin which is useful only for storing fish, and all signs of youth are fading away. I’m also learning that weight that takes months to lose can go back on in a matter of days. So if you’re wondering what you can get me for my 50^th, think products that will make me look ten years younger.

Do Good Well

It’s British Red Cross Week which is an annual celebration of the movement’s work across the world. The Red Cross needs no introduction as the world’s emergency responder. Check out the campaign pages to see how you can support their work during the week and other fundraising opportunities like Shake that bucket.

Football addendum

This blog is largely a sports-free zone but it has been a week of comings together for football play-offs and I wouldn’t be reflecting the week accurately if I didn’t give a nod to the couple we went to.

First up was Hitchin (our hometown team) v Thame in the playoff semi-final to get out of the 7th tier of English football. It was won 1-0 by Hitchin in the second period of extra time so right down to the wire. I must commend both teams for the quality of the football and with well over 1,000 supporters in attendance it was a great occasion. It seems few were drawn away by the Arsenal Atletico Madrid Game. The play-off final is on 4 May. I’ll let you know how it goes. At the time of writing the game is sold out.

The second what I’m calling ‘play-off’ was Stevenage v Wigan in the final game of the EFL League 1 season. Stevenage needed a win of any type to secure 6^th place and get into the playoffs. Throughout the game they moved in and out of the play-off spot as goals went in, in other games, but in dramatic fashion they clinched a 91^st winner so secured 6^th. There were amazing scenes at the end of the game which is included in the Sky Sports’ coverage on YouTube.

So Biggleswade up next for Hitchin and Stockport up next for Stevenage. I’ll let you know next week how they get on.

Goodbye and thanks

So that’s it for now. Sorry for being a bit late but thanks for sticking with me. Take a look at my CV and then you are dismissed. 🙂

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on April 26, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 29

Goodbyes

It’s fair to say it’s been some week. I want to thank everyone who’s been in touch with kind messages following my Dad’s passing.

As a family we have pulled together and very much felt the love of extended family and friends.

The teams at Kirwan’s Funeral Home in Ballygall and Our Lady of Victories Church made sure all proceedings ran smoothly and my Mam has been a rock, showing amazing strength that the rest of us have drawn from.

It’s not new technology but being able to live stream the funeral felt very inclusive. My parents have a sister each who live abroad so it was great that they could be with us one way or another.

Apart from my immediate arrival in Dublin the weather has been uplifting. My memory of this time will be of sunshine, blue skies and cherry blossoms scattered at the foots of their trees across the roads and parks. On the morning after the funeral, I popped back down to the grave to say a final goodbye before heading back to the UK, and it was lovely alone time to have with my dad. I couldn’t find the grave at first so you could say ‘I lost the plot,’ but a quick call to my Mam steered me back to where it was.

So goodbye Dad. It is so sad that you have passed, but we gave you the best-possible send-off.

Do Good Well

There’s only one place to go this week, given the loss we have suffered. I’m not too proud to say that if I feel I need to, I’ll reach out to someone to discuss how I’m feeling. An online resource I found was Cruise Bereavement Support who say they “help people through one of the most painful times in life – with bereavement support, information and campaigning.”

If you think it’s something you might need to lean on, then do reach out.

Just as a quick addendum, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t mention World Immuniization Week. Over the last 50 years vaccines have saved more than 150 million lives. Make sure you and your family take up all vaccines recommended to you.

A quick roundup on a couple of other things

An old friend of mine Jason Corcoran is releasing his first book, Leaving Russia on 30 April. You can read an article on Jason which includes background to the book on the Irish Times website. The article was in Saturday’s print edition. I’ll be pre-ordering the book before Wednesday. It’s also available on a number of other sites including Waterstones.

In brief, I went to see the Michael Jackson movie on Thursday. I’m confused as to whether or not we’re supposed to be listening to Michael Jackson. But leaving that aside I didn’t think it was as bad as all the reviews I’d read. It’s a tough watch in places but the concert footage at the end is very good. One to make your own call on I’d say.

Goodbye and thanks

Just a check-in this week. Thanks again for your thoughts, kind words and support. As ever, here is my CV. Do keep me in mind for any projects you have on the go.

Socially viable

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Past posts

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