Adrian Phelan

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on September 7, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 48

A Croker for Katie

It’s Friday and the most eventful thing about the week so far is that it has been totally uneventful. Even the kids going back to school was like ‘whatever’. I’m so over ironing shirts now and I’ve only done two.

But fast forward to Saturday night and whoosh, an absolute shot of happy descended on the northside of Dublin as the nation hoisted up one of its most celebrated stars and cheered her on for one last time. That’s 88,000 in attendance and countless millions around the world.

I am of course talking about Katie Taylor, who for many years carried the hope and expectations of the Irish nation solely on her shoulders through every round of boxing she fought.

When she won, we all won. When she didn’t (and that was rare) we all shared a little bit of the disappointment.

In London 2012 where she won gold, her light shone as bright as the Usain Bolts, Jessica Ennis’s and Mo Farah’s. She did us proud.

So, a convincing win against France’s Flora Pili may have left her three-time undisputed world champion but the night belonged to the farewell with pomp and circumstance that she so deserved.

Enjoy your retirement Katie and don’t be a stranger.

National Cinema Weekend

It’s National Cinema Weekend in the UK and Ireland so most tickets are £4 or €4. I’ve re-typed this to say that I went to see a preview screening of Bad Apples starring Saoirse Ronan with my older son. It doesn’t come out for a couple of weeks so I’m going to save my review to next week. I’m seeing the Oasis movie as well so we can have a bumper filim section then.

My younger son has gone off to see Moana with his friends so as a family we have made the most of it. If you ask me there should be more screenings throughout the year at those prices but hey ho, we grabbed them while we could.

I forgot to mention in last week’s post that we went to see Toy Story 5 and it was worth the look. It was an out and out kids’ movie with little or no panto-style appeal to adults but on its merits it was very much appreciated. I think they went with this one because Disney themselves were disappointed with the last outing, so they definitely pulled it back with this one.

If you have kids of the right age, take them to see it or stream it when it comes online.

50 to 50 update

A big thank you to The London Irish Centre, Comic Relief, Trussell Trust, NHS Blood and Transplant and the Irish Blood Transfusion Service who have kindly liked and commented on 50 to 50 posts so far. We’re past half way now, so there’s no going back :). Today’s post signposted to bereavement support services in the UK and Ireland and to connect the dots the ‘Do Good Well’ section will feature Suicide Prevention Day which is on 10 September.

Brimful of parkrun

I completed my 45^th parkrun on Saturday and I’m very proud to have gotten to the milestone. I will miss getting 50 by my 50th by a couple of weeks but that was a bit contrived anyway. I brought a friend along to the last couple who was doing his first two ever and I think he is converted. We will have to navigate it through an autumn and winter of kids’ football but where there’s a will…

As ever, if you’re tempted, look for your nearest one online.

Do Good Well – World Suicide Prevention Day 2026

I said above that I was featuring World Suicide Prevention Day 2026 in this section. The key information is on the Mental Health First Aid England website which says:

Thursday 10 September marks World Suicide Prevention Day. It takes place globally each year to raise awareness of suicide, reduce stigma, and encourage action on suicide prevention.

The theme spanning 2024, 2025, and 2026 is ‘changing the narrative on suicide’. It’s about moving from a culture of silence towards one of understanding and support.

Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 47

Lost Weekend

I’m leaning on the flexibility of it being a bank holiday to publish the blog a bit late this week. I was up at the crack of dawn for my annual 13-mile walk which was pleasant in the late summer weather but I’m aching a bit now and have discovered muscles in places I didn’t realise I had places.

I also have a corn on my little toe, which is inconvenient. I’ve never had one before and it’s bringing out the worst in me.

The bank holiday Monday is rounding off what was a great weekend, the highlight of which was seeing Maximo Park and The Libertines at The Priory in Hitchin, which is just a short taxi ride from my house.

To my shame I’m not familiar with the music of either so it was very much a new-music experience for me, albeit watching everyone else singing along. In truth I did recognise some of The Libertines songs and Pete Doherty and Carl Barrett have familiar faces, so I wasn’t totally lost.

Also on the bill was local up and coming musician Kit Bottomley who won a competition to open the show. I didn’t get down early enough to catch him but lo and behold The Libertines brought him on to play on their last song. What an experience for Kit, and he totally took it in his stride.

He’s one to keep an eye on. A star of the future for sure.

Wrong Coat Season returns – mini diary

Whatever the weather was last week it would seem I was committed to wearing inappropriate clothing for it. On Tuesday I wore a jumper and it turned out to be 25 degrees. I also had chinos on, so I looked like I’d lost my golf course. On Wednesday I wore a precautionary coat because of the threat of rain, but then having not needed it left it at the office.

Then of course the heavens did open on Thursday, and my coat was at the office, so I got somewhat drowned before dashing to the local shop to buy the worst umbrella in Christendom.

In all seriousness, the rain was very bad on Thursday evening and I was concerned for those affected by the flooding a couple of years ago. I was glad to hear everyone was ok.

On Friday, the weather acted like nothing had happened and butter wouldn’t melt…

I can’t wait for this week.

Good golly Miss Dolly

I think Dolly Parton was worth her weight in gold for the song ‘9 to 5’ on its own, and that only scratches the surface. She was also an extremely positive and very insightful person. She was a natural interviewee and was always uncompromising about her looks, which were of course defining.

We’ve lost so many famous people in 2026, but globally, Dolly’s loss must be the hardest felt.

We’ll be eternally grateful for the songs she left us.

The job bit

Q3 of the financial year is just about to begin so reminder that if any of your campaigns could do with a little extra communications or engagement support, I am still available at short notice. There are 47 weeks’ worth of copy on my website if you want to check the quality of my writing and of course there is much more video content on my Instagram if you want to see what I’m like in front of a camera or might be like facilitating an engagement session.

Here is my CV for consideration as well. Do keep it to hand.

Do Good Well

It’s blood cancer awareness month and this one is quite close to home as my mother had Burkitts Lymphoma in the late noughties which would ultimately shape the rest of her life and our lives as well. If you’re in the emerald isle, check out Blood Cancer Network Ireland and in the UK check out more about the campaign on the Blood Cancer UK website.

I’m looking to raise awareness with this one, but you can also donate some money if you are in a position to do so.

Goodbye and thanks

At the time of writing, we’re up to day 22 of the 50 to 50 mini charity plugs and a big thank you in particular to Trussell Trust, NHS Blood and Transplant and The Irish Blood Transfusion Service who have all engaged so far. It is much appreciated.

And of course, to everyone who has got this far, thanks for sticking with me. We’re getting ever closer to post 51.

See you next week.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 24, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 46

Stoney mile

The good folk at WordPress have sent me through some stats and including this post I have clocked up 53,500 words for the blog, and nearly 3,500 different people have popped by. If I was being harsh on myself, I could probe other stats but instead I’m choosing to be proud of my efforts, particularly the volume of content I have produced.

If you are two or 200 people reading this, it doesn’t matter, you are very welcome and I hope you enjoy post 46.

It’s far from grim up north

The highlight of the last week is undoubtedly the trip up north with my two boys, taking in Liverpool, Blackpool and a quick hop to Lytham St Annes. The driving was long, with traffic and road closures but the rewards were worth it, with a Liverpool win, first visit to a couple of Beatles sites and a maiden voyage to Blackpool.

We had a stroll around The Albert Dock. It has some nice bars and restaurants and a huge Harry Potter-style wizarding shop if your kids are into that sort of thing.

And what can you say about Blackpool? It’s everything people say it is and more, and from our experience I would say good value for money. There are other seaside resorts like it, such as Southend, but there is nothing on the same scale. The trip to the top of the tower was great quality (they have a swish 4D cinema and a glass floor) and a must if you visit.

15 minutes away is Lytham St Annes, and we popped there for tea. I went once when I was a student and I never forgot it. I thought it was very nice. I was glad to take the boys there for a quick look.

Overall, it was a great two days up north. We packed a lot in and had lots of fun. There was a lot of driving, but it was a small price to pay.

We will see you again soon.

The filim bit – The End of Oak Street

Well, what can I say about The End of Oak Street other than it must be seen to be believed, as in you’ll never believe how terrible it is. That the actor (Ewan McGregor) from one of the most iconic movies of all time, Trainspotting, would lower himself to this, is mind boggling. Same goes for Anne Hathaway.

They play Denise and Greg, the parents of two kids in 1980s suburban America. Overnight, a cosmic wormhole teleports their neighbourhood into the Mesozoic era, forcing them to battle feathered dinosaurs for survival. After Greg sacrifices himself, the rest escape through a time portal back to 1982, creating a time loop where Denise saves Greg.

I promise I didn’t make that up. It is as far-fetched as it sounds and to me a complete mystery that it was ever made. It’s trying to be an homage to Stephen Spielberg and Stranger Things all at once but fails miserably. Add to that a random scene of dinosaur ‘loving’ revelled in by McGregor’s character and I can’t give this film more than one star.

Now, I’m nothing if not fair and balanced, and some friends of mine did enjoy it, and my 13-year-old son thinks I’m being a bit harsh. As ever, you must make up your own mind, but I thought it was awful.

The job bit

September is almost upon us. It’s a new quarter and people are arriving back after the summer holidays. I’m still here if you need me, ready and willing to lead or support your communications and engagement projects. I’m available at short notice and can be flexible to your needs. Look at my CV, and if you fancy a chat, pick up the phone. I’m on 07974669338.

North Herts Pride

There were great vibes in Hitchin at the weekend for North Herts Pride festival. There was live music and cabaret acts throughout the day, roaming performers and lots of stalls selling baked and other goods to add to the festive fayre. A big shout out to @themissfroufrou who rounded off the day with an epic performance in the Osinsky’s space on the square. At one stage I got my own private dance. You can check out the video on Instagram.

I’m already looking forward to next year.

Do Good Well – Grief Awareness Day

National Grief Awareness Day is a day dedicated to raising awareness about grief and loss, encouraging open dialogue and highlighting the need for bereavement support.

I stumbled upon this and I’m glad I did. Having lost a parent this year I will be interested to see what resources are available and I hope this signpost helps others too.

Goodbye and thanks

It is late and I am very tired, so a quick plug for my 50 to50 series. I continue to post daily. Please like, comment and share and I will see you next week.

Thanks for your support.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 16, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 45

Eclipse of a kind

I’m starting this bit with a note on the kindness of a stranger who gave me their eclipse glasses on Wednesday as they headed home just after the peak. I got to experience most of it through the glasses which was great, and I am very thankful for that. Whoever you are you spread more than a little bit of happiness.

I have to say, there were a lot of expectations not managed well regarding the eclipse. There were so many people underwhelmed. The long and the short of it was that without the glasses the sun was never going to look much different. In terms of my experience both the light and the temperature dropped significantly in the open field where I was, creating a definite hue. As it ended, the temperature shot back up again and the blue sky returned. You can see the contrast at the top.

So in summary, I say eclipse 1-0 naysayers. I was less than impressed with the eclipse in ’99 myself, but now I say, ‘silly me’.

Open mic

Perhaps I need a personal eclipse or epiphany but I’m a bit disillusioned with the lack of music nights locally, places where singer songwriters can play their own tunes. So I was very happy that on Thursday I stumbled upon an open mic night where no fewer than five original songs were performed by two separate artistes. And good songs they were too.

I understand why covers are appealing. At the end of a hard day, we don’t necessarily want to sit in a pub listening to loads of songs we’ve never heard before, but I think there must be a platform that is explicitly and exclusively for original music. I know I should put my money where my mouth is so if anyone is up for collaborating on this, let me know.

50 days to 50

From one showcase aspiration to another, at the time of writing, I’ve done 5 posts in the 50 days to 50 series signposting to The Big Issue, The Best Before Cafe, Dementia and Parkinson’s charities in the UK and Ireland and Black History Month.

Viewing numbers are modest compared to some of my posts (I regularly get over 1,000 views) but the frequency will have something to do with that. However, I am not deterred. I am always learning and optimistic I can keep the momentum building, up to 29 September. Self-indulgence will not be dead while I’m alive. Again, if there is a good cause that you would like me to promote then get in touch.

The filim bit or lack there of

Talking about live entertainment, I haven’t been to the cinema for a while, which is unlike me, however I checked in with my brother and one or two others and The End of Oak Street should be the next one on the list. If you’ve seen it, let me know what you think. There’s also a Scorsese season on at my local cinema so I’m keeping an eye on what’s on for that.

Talking about turning 50, Taxi Driver turns 50 this year and so does Rocky. I was in good company in 1976. My Dad was a boxing fan and I’m hoping it’s just a coincidence that with Rocky coming out when I was born, that I was given the same name as his wife. Everyone in my youth thought they had the best Rocky impression. For years people thought my first name was ‘Yo’. We did love all the Rocky films, however. They keep coming and that’s no bad thing.

(The Graduate has just come on the telly and I’m quite enjoying it I have to say)

Do Good Well – Daffodil Day in Australia

The blog gets read all over the world and my search for a good cause this week has taken me to Australia. It’s the Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day next Friday, 20 August. The campaign is asking people to take a cold dip in an ocean, lake, river, pool, or even a bath to raise vital funds for Australians affected by cancer. Similar perhaps to the ice bucket challenge we all did a few years ago.

If you don’t live in Australia (including those who are currently there for a year of debauchery), maybe consider donating to your local cancer charity.

Goodbye and thanks

Right now, even I’ve lost count of what issue we’re on now. I think we’re in the mid-forties. It’s possibly only my family reading at this stage so to each of you I say thanks. This blog and related projects remains the bridge to my next substantial role whatever that will be. As ever, do keep my CV on file and contact me if you need any extra capacity for your projects.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 10, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 44

50 days to 50

10 August marks 50 days to 50 for me as I build up to the big day on 29 September. I wanted to find a way to be even more annoying, so I’ve decided I’m going to do daily micro video blogs plugging each one of the charities or good causes that we have featured in Adrian’s All up to now.

I’ll start tonight and they’ll all be short, I promise. I will have space towards the end to squeeze in a few new ones so if you have a good cause that could do with a plug, get in touch.

I do like to be by it…

From good causes to good times. I’m writing this on my way back from Deal in Kent having spent two nights with an old college buddy.

It was very cool down there. The weather was great and there was a real buzz around the restaurants and bars by the seafront.

The ‘friends’ bit is a recurring theme in the blog and because of my friends down there I got to do a new parkrun (Walmer and Deal), visit a new football ground (Deal Town FC v Sutton in the FA Cup) and eat and drink in some of the nicest bars and restaurants in the southeast. Saturday night was rounded off with a glass of port and a bodhran lesson from local musician Stuart Smith. It really was a top weekend.

On the way back to Herts, I stopped off at a gig in North London being curated by an old friend and it was great. If you’re ever in the mood for a shot of Americana, check out Dave Sutherland and Dom Glynn. They put on a top show.

There’s more

From country music to a fellow countryman, I was sad to hear Jimmy Cricket has died, aged 80.

He stood out from other comedians of his time because his material was always clean, making him accessible and quite commissionable for TV. Part memory and part Google reminds me that his act regularly featured him reading humorous letters from his Mammy back in Ballygobackwards. His character may have been very much the bachelor but in real life he was married with four children. It also strikes me how different he was to Frank Carson, his fellow compatriot showing that resonance takes on many guises.

Have a GOD moment with Gary O’Donoghue

I’m getting through the backlog of Desert Island Discs and while I was out for a run the other night, I took a chance on the one with Gary O’Donoghue, the BBC’s North America correspondent. I have to say I found it very moving. His story is fascinating and his life journey very touching, from his relationship with his parents to the friendships he formed and how he rose to be one of the most recognisable journalists on TV despite being blind. He also had good anecdotes and a good mix of tunes too.

I think Lauren Laverne is the perfect choice of host for the show as well It was a great hour. Give it a listen.

Bingo

I stumbled on a small pub hosting a bingo night last Wednesday and although I was too late to join, in it was one of the most relaxing things ever listening to the guy reading out the numbers. I was mesmerised as they appeared on the big screen as well. It reminded me of being a kid at the local summer project when we had a rogue caller who would say things like, ‘All the sevens, 23’, which was hilarious when you were 12 but confusing at the same time. No one won anything. You couldn’t follow it.

I work next to a Mecca and I’ve never been in. I’m tempted now I have to say.

Do Good Well

Wednesday, 12 August is International Youth Day. The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs says, “it raises awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing young people around the world and celebrates their role as essential partners in achieving sustainable development.”

I’d never heard of the campaign before going rooting today, so I suppose the call to action is to read up on it and perhaps a new lens through which to view young people is on offer.

Goodbye and thanks

So I’ve launched 50 days to 50 and I hope the 50 good causes get a few clicks. To those returning to work from a summer break who might need extra capacity. Do keep me in mind. Here’s my CV.

As ever, thanks for sticking with me and I’ll see you next week.

Socially viable

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on August 2, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 43

The .com generation

I’ve taken the plunge and bought my domain name which means you should no longer see random ads in these blog posts. I also have access to new features so as the weeks go on, I’ll look to continue to improve the look and feel. If anyone has any tips or expertise and you’re feeling generous then do share.

To all the other Adrian Phelans out there (now cringing and hiding their heads in shame), I will try and do our name proud. Chances are the domain will be up for grabs again in a year. I’ll let you know.

Falling Slowly – Goodnight Glen

I’m typing this just a few hours after the news broke about the tragic death of Glen Hansard. Non-Irish readers might remember him best as the guitarist in The Commitments, but he was far more than that to most across the Irish sea. I managed to listen to a bit of Liveline on RTE during my lunchbreak which was just one drop in an ocean of love that was outpoured for the Ballymun man throughout the day. It would be pretentious of me to say I was a fan of The Frames or his solo stuff – I was lukewarm on both – but I did view him as an elder statesman of Irish music, or maybe even just an elder statesman of Ireland. It is unbelievable that he has died so suddenly, so young, and I hope his family get all the love and support they need.

You led the sing-song Glen and for you the night will always be young.

The filim bit – does whatever a spider can

And so, to Spiderman – Brand New Day with Tom Holland in the lead role again which came out last week. The ages in our party watching were 49 (me) 15 (older son) and 13 (younger son). I thought it was good, younger son thought it was his second best turn as Spiderman behind 2019’s ‘Far From Home’ and eldest popped it towards the bottom of the ratings but still thought it was good.

There are some great characters in this one. Jon Bernthal as the very alpha combined friend and foe The Punisher is particularly good, as is Sadie Sink whose character Jean Grey is the nemesis whose unusual superpowers weave through the movie dictating the pace. Peter’s old pals Ned (Jacob Batalon) and MJ (Zendaya) return providing the friendship and romance that are key ingredients for the franchise.

It’s 2 hours and 25 minutes long which is not far off Odyssey proportions, but a lot is packed in.

For me, cinema was the winner with this one. Ours was full and I love that. Don’t wait for this one to come out on TV.

One and one

How good are fish and chips! We don’t have them very often because they’re not the cheapest on the takeaway menu, but my word we had them on Friday before the cinema and they were delicious.

Preferences tend to be different depending on where you live. For example, in Dublin, I would only ever have smoked cod; In Leeds – where I lived for four years – Haddock; and down here in the south of England, fresh cod.

Our local fish and chip shop here in Hitchin, Polcaros, nails it every time. The size can sometimes be modest, but when they taste that good, size doesn’t matter.

A quick look on Macari Google tells me, ‘Fried fish first arrived in Britain via Sephardic Jewish immigrants from Spain and Portugal, who prepared pescado frito — white fish coated in flour and fried in oil. This method was brought to English port cities as early as the 17th century, becoming popular in London and Manchester.

Sometimes fish and chips can taste quite good when you prepare it yourself so if you’re deciding what to have for tea tonight, perhaps I’ve decided for you.

Don’t be shy with the salt and vinegar.

Do Good Well – Love Parks Week

I spotted a post on my work intranet for Love Parks Week | Keep Britain Tidy and I thought it was a great idea. It’s an ‘annual campaign celebrating parks and green spaces, the people who care for them, and the countless benefits they bring to people, communities and our planet.’

Check your borough council website for events happening locally or perhaps just a simpler call to action is just to get out there and enjoy your local park, and keep it tidy.

This is one of my favourite campaigns this year.

Goodbye and thanks

It’s been a week of mixed emotions, lovely time spent with friends and family, but sadly saying a sudden goodbye to Glen Hansord, a national treasure.

Grief of course is the price we pay for love, and I have to say it’s a fair deal.

I hope like me you’re glad to see the back of the ads, and I’ll see you next week for more.

Socially viable

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