Billy Keane

Oct 25, 2024 | independent.ie | Billy Keane

Billy Keane: The man who couldn’t get a word in edgeways when his wife was alive made up for it when he visited her graveTourists visit the grave of Oscar Wilde at Perer Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Photo: GettyThis is the strange but true Halloween story of the pale Italian who spoke to his late wife in her grave every day. We cannot confirm, though, if the wife communicated with the pale husband in any way. But she might have.

Oct 18, 2024 | independent.ie | Billy Keane

Billy Keane: The Vat is killing us. The vaping might be too, but at least no one died on our flight home – except the gooseSadly, the barnacle goose population down by oneI was involved not that long ago in a mid-air collision with a bird, close enough to an airport. I know now why airports employ false sparrowhawks to fly around on a piece of rope attached to a stick. They are bird scarers. Birds must be desperate naive to fall for the old bird-on-the-rope trick.

Oct 11, 2024 | independent.ie | Billy Keane

Billy Keane: The Leinster and Munster rivalry never gets old – some of them are us and some of us are themBrian O'Driscoll of Leinster breaks away to score his side's third try during the Heineken Cup semi-final match against Munster at Croke Park on May 2, 2009. Photo: GettyThe old rivalries usually involve borders, cattle raids, sledging and giving the neighbours a good hiding. Leinster and Munster have been going head to head since the Normans and before that.

Oct 4, 2024 | independent.ie | Billy Keane

Billy Keane: I’m looking on the bright side of life, and hereby banish all those niggling worriesLadies' Day at Listowel Races last week was a spectacle of colour and joy. Photo: Amelie Hussey-MacMonagleHe skipped up the back lane, singing to himself and picking his dainty steps on plimsolled feet. All was good with his world. He already had a few drinks in, even though it was only 11.30 in the morning. For many more in our town, the Monday after Listowel Races was the beginning of winter.

Sep 27, 2024 | independent.ie | Billy Keane

Billy Keane: Racing body HRI should get off its high horse and give Listowel punters what they want – more jumps actionFlooring Porter with Keith Donoghue on board jumps the last on the way to winning the Guinness Kerry National at Listowel. Photo: Patrick McCann/Racing PostThere’s this big tall funfair ride towering over the town at Bird’s Amusements. Listowel Races is the reason. The town is packed and buzzing. The cash registers go jingle-jangle all along the banks of the River Feale.