Tweed off
- 19 Sep 06, 11:23 AM
STRAFFAN - I promised not to talk about the traffic in the Dublin area so I won't say anymore about the French farmers' style roadblock that is the M50.
I will say, however, that this is . I wouldn't want to be here - in any kind of a hurry - any other week of the year.
But far more interesting than traffic is the Irish reaction to the arrival of the two teams on Monday.
That reaction, as far as I can tell, is a mixture of amusement and horror. But I don't blame them...did you see the Americans were wearing?
Now I can't work out if Tom Lehman (who is looking more and more like Kevin Costner every day) and co are just playing along with the whole thing or they do actually think it is smart to turn up looking like the posh bloke from the Fast Show's Ted and Ralph sketches. I fear it is the latter.
What is it with American men of a certain age and their obsession with "classic" looks? What next, the toga?
I have a feeling that this librarian meets poacher creation was inspired by some old-fashioned view of what the Irish themselves wear when enjoying the great outdoors. The "begorrah, top o' the mornin' ta yer" Ireland of or or celebrations.
Well those days are ancient history. In 2006, the Irish wear jeans and man-made fabrics, they even have traffic.
But in keeping with the corinthian ideals of Samuel Ryder and the post- detente between the two sides I should probably mention the Europeans' travel outfits too.
Put it this way, we're winning the fashion stakes but it's going to be a close-run thing. It was very much a case of the proverbial mixed bag for Team Europe at Dublin airport on Monday.
Some, like Darren Clarke and Luke Donald, managed to make their grey zip-up and black suede donkey jacket combo look quite trendy. After all, as anybody who has flicked through a or recently knows, grey is this season's in colour.
Others, such as Ian Woosnam, looked like what the man on the radio this morning described as "newly separated, middle-aged men being dressed by their new, young girlfriends". Colin Montgomerie, ironically, looked pretty good in his team duds.
My real worry is that having just witnessed Woosnam give a press conference dressed in a shocking pink fleece, once more zipped up to the neck, the airport outfit was the high-water mark of Europe's wardrobe this week.
You've been warned.
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A little inside fashion tip gents - when Cap'n Tom and I had a chat in NYC last week he let me know that plus fours and Tam O'Shanters will be worn by the U.S. team on Friday, plus two's on Saturday. Not sure of Sunday ... will keep you posted if I learn more.
Yours,
Calvin
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There seems to be some ignorant people taking jibes at the Irish for their infrastructure regarding roads in Dublin. Firstly, since the Celtic Tiger came into full force, billions of euro have been pumped into the road network all over the country. It takes time to achieve the level of infrastructure which all Irish citizens desire not to mention tourists for a major sporting event. Please remember Ireland is a small country with a tiny population compared to the UK. A bit of respect please, we are putting on a major sporting event which would be far beyond other countries our size. Given the Irish success in the Ryder Cup I would expect we deserve it. Come on Clarke, Harrington & McGinley and do your country proud.
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As someone who lives in Dublin, I would say the remarks about the traffic have been polite and restrained, and it's nothing to do with the Ryder Cup. Still, come on Europe! Let's hope Tiger gets stuck on a toll road without any euros...
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If we are bringing up respect what about showing respect to the players and fans coming to a world class event, which is a priveledge for any country to host. Not starting additional roadworks to coincide with the event would have been a good start!
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What really worries me is that Mrs Woosnam and Mrs Lehman were both carrying hat boxes on arrival in Ireland. I dread to think what fashion disasters might be hidden inside.
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I thought that in terms of fashion statements the US team could go no lower than the final day outfit of 99, which for those who don't remember consisted of green/grey "slacks" and a burgandy polo shirt with cream collars. Emblazened all over the shirt were framed photographs of all previous US Ryder Cup Teams. It looked like bad wrapping paper from Woolworths. Really, really bad .
Yesterday, however,they walked down the steps of the plane in this confused, tweed, leather patch, tie and roundnecked aaron sweater affair. It looked like a Miss Marple convention.
Ours wasn't great either. Suede jackets and grey zip up tops! And who approves these outfits never mind who designs them. I think there must be bungs in the fashion world of golf as well as in football agency.
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Dublin traffic is a nightmare at the best of times and that's before the Ryder Cup starts, imagine what it will be like with thousands of people trying to get to Kildare via the Naas bypass etc. Heaven help 'em. As for the roads infrastructure itself, well for a people who claim to have "built Britain, America etc." Maybe we should have tried building a few decent roads in our own country first! Still, we are getting there, some day we might even have a rail link to the airport, now that's progress for you! C'mon Europe give the lash!
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Lets state for the record, and hopefully for the last time, our traffic is terrible and its not going to improve anytime this week.
Also Its Ireland, it will rain and theyre is alwaysd the danger on dying from hypotermia out on a golf course. I can only suggest to the bloggers that they take a Zen approach to travelling to the K Club, that being you'll get there when you get there.
Enjoy the golf, enjoy the Guinness and enjoy what should be for the most part, the hospitality of the irish...oh and enjoy Europe's victory.
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Had a great day at the K club today, saw some wonderful golf, mixed in with the various spectators and indulged in a few beverages. To top it off had a wonderful train ride back to the city in less than an hour with a glancing view of the backed up traffic. It's the train for the week.
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"Still, we are getting there, some day we might even have a rail link"
to hell with roads, lets play golf!!! And to all those fellow countrymen getting upset about a few home truths, build a bridge and get over it :) excuse the pun.
Now lets concentrate on the ridiculous clothes and GOLF
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wow, with all the compliments i have read re the 'roads' and other infrastructure , i am really looking forward to visit Ireland in the near future. Common fellows, give the poor Irish a fair go. Tot we dont need roads in Ireland, tot we just enjoy strolling along farm trails, in your tweed jacket, and a shooting stick, and trusty farm dog tagging along, late spring ? with conveinently situated pit-stops for guinness, and that ' water of life '?
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RE contributor number 1. A Tam O'Shanta in IRELAND? I know the Yanks have a little trouble identifying anything not American, but please.... RE style, I think I would rather laugh at the Yank team if they wore tee shirts and baseball hats and those stupid mid calf length long shorts.. The tweeds were a disaster, please don't add insult to injury. There is a saying. "When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging."
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