Fiction book of the year: Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. I read it twice. And gave a few copies as Christmas presents. It brought me deep into a world about which I knew nothing.
Non-fiction book of the year: Your Music and People by Derek Sivers. Close second was Hell Yeah or No by Derek Sivers. This guy is smart. A musician, entrepreneur and writer, he doesn’t always agree with himself, but he has some brilliant insights into how to do things a bit differently as a musician and a person.
Best new experience this year: Cliff-jumping in Raghly. The first time in years I put on a wetsuit. A great way to spend a Monday morning. Thanks Rory Maitland and crew for making it happen.
Best (public) conversations of the year: I loved, in no particular order, the chats with Leon Mooney, Leo Moran, Eamonn O’Hara and Kian Egan. Available on In The Lamplight wherever you get your podcasts.
Community of the year: An online group that came together in the early months of the year to take part in a 100-Day Challenge. Helped provide me with some meaning and purpose in the dark and uncertain early days of 2021.
Best Film/TV Show/Documentary: Get Back. I have only watched the first 90 minutes but already it’s worthy of this title. Witnessing the moment where Paul comes up with the bones of Get Back is one thing, but seeing George pour his heart out to Paul about his insecurities as a musician and his place in the band brought home how crazy it is that we are actually getting to see this stuff.
Best old song making a reappearance in my life: With honourable mention to There’s a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears he’s Elvis, my son’s infatuation with Eminem’s Without Me has been a pleasant addition to car journeys.
Sporting highlight of the year: Coolera-Strandhill scoring for fun on the way to the county final.
Sporting disappointment of the year: Coolera-Strandhill not having very much fun at all when they got to said final.
Sort-of musical moment of the year: The birdsong that woke me at 4am one summer’s morning. Dozens of birds providing a stereo welcome to the day. Not in harmony at all but beautiful nevertheless.
Musical moment of the year: The deserved, lengthy and incredibly warm applause given to Theme Night Newcomer Joanne Stenson after she sang on our Welcome Back gig in September. Audience and performers in perfect harmony.