Perhaps the oddest dispatch of the day comes from theHoganStand.com who today reported on some David Bowie-related shenanigans at this week's meeting of the Meath County Board.
At the close of Monday's meeting, county board vice-chairman Peter O'Hallaron was dutifully reading out the 'vote of sympathies', perhaps the most sombre part of any county board meeting. Yet he caused general shock in the room when he announced that the Meath County Board would like to express condolences to “the Bowie family in London on the death of David”.
Bowie famously played Slane in 1987 but Ziggy Stardust was not a known Royaler, and in fact, seemed disinterested in all sport. The laughter that followed O'Halloran's announcement confirmed that the expression towards Bowie and his family were not out of genuine grief but were the workings of an unidentified prankster delegate.
O'Halloran was not impressed and made clear that even though there is great sadness about the passing of one of the 20th century's greatest rock stars throughout the Royal County, a county board meeting is not the proper venue to express mourning for this or any Starman.
“I was caught off guard and unwittingly read it out.
“It drew a short bout of laughing from the delegates before everyone realised it was a prank and the seriousness and reverance that is normally given to this part of a county committee meeting.
“This is an item reserved for deceased Meath gaels who have given different levels of service to the GAA in Meath and is always given the respect it deserves.
“I am sure Mr Bowie is entitled to a vote of sympathy but by the correct body and the correct manner.
“I will do my best to ensure that something like this doesn't happen again and I am disappointed that a delegate took this action.
“I have to admit that in the cold light of day I can't understand why someone would do this. It shows a deep lack of respect to Meath gaels and, indeed, to Mr Bowie also.”
