Gifts galore

First, I accidentally rejected a comment from West of the Bann, mo leithscéal and could he/she please submit again and I will post.

Second, I started off the day standing up to the waist in an ice bath — a treatment which allegedly will ease the pain in my knackered knees, and ended it in the spectacular new Waterfoot Hotel in Derry (enterpreneur Garvan O'Doherty's new baby).

In between, I went to a top class management training course at Galgorm Castle, just yards from the centre of Ballymena, which, judging by the flags is the bull's eye of the Empire. What did I find out at this training seminar: that if I was a Simpsons' character, I would be Krusty the Clown. The other insights didn't rise to just that level, but believe me, it was the best day out I've had in a long time.

That's probably because at one point, they gave us all laser rifles and told us to shoot the bejesus out of one another. It's all fun, taking part is more important than winning, it's really so you can take out a greater life lesson from the 'game' etc. etc. But let's get this on the record: WE WON. I'm pictured above with the invincible Belfast Media Group management team: Michelle, Connla, Maria, Jacqueline, Linda, Gavin, Kevin, Robin, and Alison.

Then it was back to Belfast from Ballymena, then up to Derry for the opening of the new Cultúrlann. Ar fheabhas. Tuilleadh fá sin amárach.