Why is Rory Mc Ilroy getting married in the Free State?

[Avondhu star]

My parents called it the Free State.

When I'm in east Belfast I call it the free state to wind up the locals.

It's understandable how Her Majesty's subjects from both traditions would get mixed up

[Orior]

The term is derived from being free from british rule. Seems reasonable.

[omochain]

Free state is used by those still living in the time capsule of 1922 and who are usually poorly educated
Much similar to their political opponents who are still living in the year 1690

So you are well read on the history of Ireland 1918 thru 1949. Pity you are not showing much sign of it. Try reading some in depth stuff about the Boundary Commission and you will start to notice the lack of empathy that successive Dublin governments had for northern nationalists. Even the soldiers of destiny under Dev gave them the cold shoulder on many occasions. The Free State was the last entity in modern Ireland they thought might bring them to freedom. They soon lost that illusion when the new constitution (courtesy of John Charles McQuaid and DeValera) were introduced in 1937 and the Repubublic Act of 1949 was enacted. Both of which paid lip service to northern nationalists. So the term "Free State" can be a term of fondness and derision for northern nationalists. Fondness in that it was their last shot at realizing the freedom they had fought for and derision because of the hypocrisy of particularly the anti-treaty party who scoffed at their pragmatic approach to negotiating partition when the Boundary Commission was in session.

[yellowcard]

In my experience very few people in the north refer to the 26 counties as the free state, most would just term it as down south. I think it's more of an older generation thing as I have heard a few people, mostly older people, refer to it as such.

[rrhf]

Free state is used by those still living in the time capsule of 1922 and who are usually poorly educated
Much similar to their political opponents who are still living in the year 1690

So you are well read on the history of Ireland 1918 thru 1949. Pity you are not showing much sign of it. Try reading some in depth stuff about the Boundary Commission and you will start to notice the lack of empathy that successive Dublin governments had for northern nationalists. Even the soldiers of destiny under Dev gave them the cold shoulder on many occasions. The Free State was the last entity in modern Ireland they thought might bring them to freedom. They soon lost that illusion when the new constitution (courtesy of John Charles McQuaid and DeValera) were introduced in 1937 and the Repubublic Act of 1949 was enacted. Both of which paid lip service to northern nationalists. So the term "Free State" can be a term of fondness and derision for northern nationalists. Fondness in that it was their last shot at realizing the freedom they had fought for and derision because of the hypocrisy of particularly the anti-treaty party who scoffed at their pragmatic approach to negotiating partition when the Boundary Commission was in session.

Dublins approach to shame is ostrich and forgetfulness. Very well put.

[T Fearon]

The Free state has had a lot of names since it's foundation,Free State,Eire,Irish Republic,Down South,26 counties etc.I have no doubt that when the Free State is used everyone knows immediately where people are referring to.I remember years ago,a club mate bemoaning the fact that a "free state"referee was appointed to an Armagh Louth game.

[seafoid]

We call Norn Irn the Orange Free State in our house. The kids make jokes about the Voortrekkers who went in their wagons from South Belfast to the promised land of North Down .

[bennydorano]

I still hear Free State used ocassionally. Why do the Mexicans find it so offensive?

[weareros]

Has anyone ever stayed in Ashford Castle, what was it like?

Good while ago with the missus. Found the rooms dated with wallpaper geared towards grandmothers, the food excellent and the grounds lovely, in particular the view of Lough Corrib.

[BennyCake]

I can just picture Rory and the missus flying round the streets of Cong on a tandum.

[illdecide]

Tony do you think it's any of your business where Rory gets married? and more importantly who gives a f**k.

[Milltown Row2]

We call Norn Irn the Orange Free State in our house. The kids make jokes about the Voortrekkers who went in their wagons from South Belfast to the promised land of North Down .

Does that include Newtownards? You know that place you said was well off  ?



It's funny how we hear the name for the South, free staters was common enough (i'm 45) when I was young in Belfast,  we heard it a lot, deserters could be used depending on how you viewed history. A sense of how the South left the North behind and basically washed its hands of the troubles...

[Tony Baloney]

The most important question is what sort of service are they having. Priest, minister, civil? The public have a right to know!

[Tony Baloney]

I was at a wedding in Tipp a couple of years ago and some of the guests (students to he fair) had a a bottle of vodka and a bag of Bud hidden in a bush outside the venue.
The most important question is what sort of service are they having. Priest, minister, civil? The public have a right to know!

??
The important questions are:
1) How much is a pint?
2) Could you keep drink in your room to do ye?

[ONeill]

3) If ye have a bottle of vodka in yer bag would you be turfed out?
4) Can you bring in a manbag?