Adrian Phelan

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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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24 October

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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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Past posts

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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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Past posts

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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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Past posts

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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.

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 28

Wrong Coat Season update

I won’t complain about the weather this week. I’ll take the colder ending to it for the 25C we had on Wednesday. Although in the spirit of Wrong Coat Season I was totally over-dressed. The queue in Gregg’s was like that bit in Notting Hill when Hugh Grant walks through all four seasons in the one scene. The temperature plummeted again on Thursday mind, when I did wear the lighter clothes, so I looked silly then as well. You can’t win.

Late development: I’ve just bought a new coat, which is designed for better weather. I promise not to give it its own blog section, but I can’t promise there won’t be regular updates.

Welcome home Artemis 2

Talking about a team who must wear the right clothes, I stayed up to watch the Artemis 2 crew return to Earth on Friday night. I’ve totally bought into the mission. Everything about it was cool and I agree necessary. The team were a PR dream as well. They looked great. The picture of the mission for me is the one I’ve used for this piece. The moon has clearly been used for target practice suggesting we’ve had it easy.

It does look like we will see a team take a visit to the moon over the next couple of years and I do hope it is another opportunity for us to learn more about our planet and ourselves.

I also hope we will see opportunities for our children to get involved. It might be worth keeping an eye on the UK Space Agency’s website for developments in that area.

The friendly bit

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday and Monday, spent with friends who did us amazing spreads and were great company; even their cats. We’ve been very lucky to meet like-minded people at the time when our kids were very young and then to share our lives as we watched them grow up together. Friendships like that can seem seamless, quite frankly because they are.

Reading that back it reminded me of the lyrics to an Aerosmith Ballad from the 90s. As I’m in danger of becoming over-sentimental, I should say they can also be very annoying. That’s not true.

New music

Talking of friendships, new live music has always been my friend, but it’s been years since I’ve been to a new music showcase. However I had a rare Thursday window this week and popped to see one at our local band venue. Despite being at least 20 years older than most of the people there, it was brilliant. I saw three of the four bands and was impressed by all of them (Decorum, Slumber, Kontra, Give me your teeth); in particular Kontra who had everyone in the palm of their hand. I would describe them as palatably heavy. They threw in a Korn and a Muse cover, which might give you an idea of their influences. But all of the bands are worth a Google. Other search engines are available.

The filim bit

I was in two minds about doing the filim bit this week as I saw the movie Fuze and there will be little for anyone to gain by me doing a review. It wasn’t very good. With a few twists and turns, it’s about the discovery of an unexploded supposed WW2 bomb at a building site in Paddington, just outside central London and the army/police drama that unfolds around that. Simultaneously, a bank heist is taking place in the area (which is naturally evacuated) and the film works towards showing how both are connected. It has a relatively unknown cast. You might recognise Gugu Mbatha-Raw from Dr Who back in the day or Theo James from The Inbetweeners Movie. The film is far-fetched, disjointed and the conclusion completely implausible. The only positive thing I can say is that it is not boring. For that reason I give it two stars. You can wait until it comes out on TV, however and if there’s nothing else on, give it a whirl.

Do Good Well

I posted last month about a fundraiser for the London Irish Centre and as the half marathon Gary Dunne is undertaking is this weekend I’m posting a link to his page again. Please support him and the centre if you can.

Saturday was also World Parkinson’s Day. Check out the website for more information.

Goodbye and thanks

Thanks for reading. A slightly more modest length this week, but we keep going. Here is a link to my CV. If you have any projects you think I can support, get in touch for a chat.

Socially viable

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Adrian’s All – fairy tales of a beta male

Posted on April 5, 2026 by Adrian Phelan

Adrian Phelan

Post 27

The week that was

If you’re reading this you’ve survived April Fool’s Day, the first week of losing an hour in bed and you’ve probably smudged your phone screen with chocolate having opened your first Easter Egg early. That’s ok. You’re among friends.

We’re posting on Sunday, so Happy Easter, particularly to my Christian friends and family. Enjoy your services and so far so good for the weather. I hope you get out for a few nice walks as well.

I had a three-day working week this week. I spent Thursday in Coventry, taking in a trip to the cathedral which I think is one of the most historically significant sites in the UK. We also went to Kenilworth Castle which I’d barely heard of but really enjoyed. I give it a section below.

I briefly mentioned in last week’s blog that I fell over doing Park run, and it’s a humdinger. Left ribs done in. I can’t grab enough breath to sneeze, or sleep on that side. It’s a right pain, ironically; and will most-likely linger for a few weeks. It really is one for people who don’t like me. You can enjoy a chuckle. Not you, Mam.

But let’s park the self-pity for now.

We have a winner

The winner of the half-year comp was Jonathan Bown. He is now the proud owner of a £20 book token (as he is UK based). The answer to the question (What was number one on 29 September 1976?) was of course Dancing Queen, by ABBA. If you haven’t heard of the song, it’s one of those weird avant-garde numbers that graced the charts very briefly and was never heard of again.

Up, up, and away

It was very exciting to see Nicola Fox, who grew up in our town doing the comms for the Artemis II mission which successfully launched during the week and is heading to t’other side of the moon as I write. I’m not a deep space person but I like close space stuff like this and always try and catch the International Space Station when it passes over. I once had the pleasure of meeting Tim Peake, so I have shaken the hand of someone who has done a spacewalk.

I hope the Artemis crew have a safe and successful mission and I’m looking forward to following along and seeing what the legacy is over the coming weeks and years. It will hopefully inspire some more local kids to consider a career in the space industry.

April Fools

There weren’t many April Fools jokes this year but one of the best was a fake picture of the Beatles in the Botanic Gardens in Dublin in 1964. I fell for it hook, line and sinker, and in my head was planning to go and find the spot, as it’s near my parents’ house. Then realising it was a hoax, I did feel like an idiot but thought, as long as I don’t tell anyone my credibility should remain intact.

Castles in the air

We went to Kenilworth Castle on Thursday, and it was great. I’d scarcely heard of it but I’m glad we took a punt on it. We were in Coventry anyway and it was in the right direction for heading home. There was lots to take pictures of and cool castle walls to climb which offered great views of the surrounding area.

It’s run by English Heritage, and it might be the poor relative to Warwick Castle, but it was packed with foreign tourists and that was no surprise. It’s also not that expensive, so check it out.

The filim bit

I went to see what must have been the first showing of ‘The Drama’ on Saturday and it was very good. It stars Zendaya (Emma) and Robert Pattinson (Charlie). Zendaya, you should remember from Spiderman. The third star really is the direction and editing. I haven’t seen other Kristoffer Borgli films but he ekes every drop of talent out of each of the actors in this, both lead and supporting.

The film is based around a bombshell that is dropped just days before Emma and Charlie get married, with the drama unfolding from there. I can’t say much more than that without giving too much away but I would say it’s worth the ticket price. We can debate the ending at another point but it’s a very good film. Go see it.

Do Good Well

I know cancer charities get more than their fair share of coverage, but it is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month which is a dedicated health awareness campaign that runs annually. It aims to break down the stigma and embarrassment that often prevents young men from checking themselves or seeking medical advice.

I hope, at 49 I’m in still in that ‘young men’ bracket but suffice to say if I did find a lump, I would act.

Do spread the key messages where you can.

Goodbye and thanks

That’s everything for now. Thanks for reading and thanks to everyone who entered the competition.

You can view my CV online and as ever, do keep me in mind for any projects or campaigns you have that need a lead for comms and engagement.

Socially viable

Connect with me on Facebook and:

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Past posts

29 March

22 March

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