I have been encouraged to return to my efforts to make some conversation on my trusty blog, Garvan Hill. I have not been silent but I have neglected posting to GH. Health issues can be a conversation-stopper in more ways than one. Medical professionals have been paying more attention to me over the past year and as you may know, that means consuming large chunks of available time. I am resolving now not to let them take any more from Garvan Hill. Don’t be concerned. I’m well and I’m grateful for all their attention – because they are keeping me well!

As I said, I’ve not been idle and have kept up writing a monthly In Passing column for Position Papers. I had just neglected to post the content of those columns to my loyal readers via Garvan Hill.

This is the service which I now hope to resume, beginning this week with the first of two pieces on that great and noble Irishman, Edmund Burke. Burke’s image – his statue at the entrance to Dublin University on College Green – has been gracing the masthead of Garvan Hill for a few years. On either side of the entrance to Trinity College stand two larger than life (I think) statues of two of its 18th century graduates, one of Burke and the other of his friend, the gentle Oliver Goldsmith.

Please do not be hesitant about engaging with me in this effort to make conversation. Life is more interesting when you are not just talking to your self. I try to put links to Garvan Hill on Facebook, X (formerly called Twitter), LinkedIn and other platforms.

‘Looking forward to hearing from you.

Michael