Roddy L'Estrange

Roddy L'Estrange

Roddy L'Estrange writes a Betting Column for The Irish Times

As a blushing Santa retreated to the brighter lights of the lounge, Vinny called for a refill. Photograph: Sebastian Kahnert/AFP/Getty Images
Roddy l’Estrange: A Christmas Tale for Vinny

Out of work and out of sorts, but charity raffle presents an opportunity

Vinny was shortlisted for driver of the year four times but never won the award. “A scurrilous oversight” said Brennie
Roddy L’Estrange: ‘A bus driver of the people, for the people, by the people’

Vinny’s colleagues pay respect to a man who gave 38 years of unstinting service

Vinny had long since kicked religion into touch. He only bothered to go to church now on Christmas Day, and for funerals
Roddy L’Estrange: Blinking lights and other revelations for Vinny

Trip to annual outdoor mass offers a chance for bus driver to unwind

Enjoying the spectacular sunshine on Dollymount Strand, Dublin yesterday. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny feels the heat as Mister Sprinkle is rumbled

Competition not best pleased as battle for seasonal ice-cream business hots up

On one side was Angie, slim, dark and tanned; on the other was Norma Farquarhson, stumpy, straw-haired and pale as a bottle of milk.
Roddy L’Estrange: Fury tempts Vinny to make a bad call

Misfortune for Angie in tennis final sees her devoted husband lose the plot

“This is the big kahuna, lads. This isn’t a loose change gig like the Irish Lotto where a million between us would barely cover the holliers”
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny regrets missing out on bus men’s bonanza

Time at the dogs, or the ‘Lotto on legs’, might ease the pain of not winning EuroMillions

Christy O’Connor: inspired generations of golfers during his long successful career. Photograph: A. Jones/Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny revels in memories of hero Christy O’Connor

Lads pay a ‘Homage to Himself’ at golfer’s beloved Royal Dublin club

For Fonsie, clean pipes were vital to proper porter and the pints he pulled weren’t just plain, they were perfect.
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny keeps friends close and his secret closer

Stories are told and songs are sung as Mr Clontarf makes his final journey

The ball crossed the apex of Vinny’s upright and Vinny quickly signalled a point. But the ‘Go Go Gobnait’s’ Gael waved his arms furiously to indicate a wide. Photograph: Cathal Noonan/Inpho
Roddy L’Estrange: Gaels in clover as wily Vinny makes his point

Burly busman has the vital final say as Dollymount lads scale new heights at Féile

For all of Martinez’s hand-wringing about giving young players their chance, of transfer market prudence, of progress, the stark facts were as bald as Vinny’s dome. Under the reign of Roberto, Everton were rooted in the bottom half of the table
Vinny feeling blue but fellow Evertonians soon see red

Fran’s attempt to stand up to United fans turns out to be our hero’s downfall

Everton flags outside Goodison Park in Liverpool. It was time for Vinny to show solidarity with his boys in blue. Photograph: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Against the odds: Vinny shows his hand and legs it to jeers of ‘scab’

Our hero makes it clear that drivers do not renege on their responsibilities

K for Jackie stood back and pointed to a screen overhead. “Perhaps you can explain what are we all doing in the wrong terminal?”Photograph: David Sleator
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny’s homecoming plan for Angie hits a big snag

Burly busman in flying form as he leads welcoming crew for his beloved wife

Ger Fox celebrates on Rogue Angel after winning the Boylesports Irish Grand National Chase at the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse. Photograph: PA Wire
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny’s mark of respect pays off in spades

Decision to back number eight at Fairyhouse in memory of Ashbourne dead proves lucky

“I’m like Kojak,” grinned Vinny as he looked in the mirror as he went to pay his bill. “Who loves ya, baby?” he said, popping a complimentary lollypop on offer into his mouth and reaching for his shades. Photograph: Photoshot/Getty Images
Against the Odds: From bookies to the beauty parlour for a blissful Vinny

He’s dubious about parade to commemorate Rising but he still wants to look like shiny pin

There was only one way Vinny’s happy lot could be improved, and that was by way of a bountiful Cheltenham. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Roddy L’Estrange: Will our heavily favoured hero fall for a frisky filly at the last?

With Cheltenham here, lucky Vinny hopes to stay out of trouble on the home stretch

Like many of his colleagues, Vinny was aghast at the strong-arm tactics of the Dublin Bus hierarchy in banning the use of radios in the drivers’ cabins. Photograph: Alan Betson
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny set to face the music for taking a firm stand

Busman carpeted for fighting fire with fire as employer bans the use of radios in the cab

Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny craving light at the end of the tunnel

Like the rowing heroes of The Boys in the Boat, Angie now facing her biggest battle

Against The Odds: The umpire strikes back with ‘where there’s life there’s hope’

It struck Vinny that the politicos might have missed a trick with the Gaels

‘Vinny had always taken comfort in Mother Nature’s whims, and the way her moods affected the seas, skies, and soil.’ Photograph: Alan Betson
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny happy to invest in his biggest outside bet

Desperate busman grasps at chance to let Angie undergo radical treatment in USA

“Chaps, we have the bus, so let’s use it, I say,” said Charlie. “I suggest our first port of call should be Leopardstown . . .”.
Roddy L’Estrange: Sporting day out an ideal break for Vinny

Burly busman gets out and about as he puts worries about Angie on hold

It was Monday morning, the first day of spring, and from the west-facing corner of Beaumont Hospital, Vinny spied a cluster of daffodils enjoying a sprightly dance.
Roddy L’Estrange: No spring in Vinny’s step as Angie lies becalmed

Burly busman told to prepare for the worst as his wife’s condition deteriorates

Players from both sides react to Everton’s Irish defender Seamus Coleman’s late miss against Swansea at Goodison Park. Photograph: Paul Ellis/AFP /Getty
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny’s black Monday goes from bad to worse

Everton’s struggles leave normally chirpy busman in an unusually foul mood

As dead-eye Dick rolled four bowls in a tight cluster around the jack, Vinny’s frailties were exposed. Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Roddy L’Estrange: Team-mates bowled over by Vinny’s winning roll

Burly busman steps into the breach to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory

A Green Bay Packers fan wears a cheese hat as he supports his favourite team. Photograph: Joel Auerbach/Getty
Roddy L’Estrange: Starman helps Vinny scalp Redskins’ fan

Costly night for Washington fan The Reverend as Rodgers proves Green Bay’s hero

Vinny made it to Howth harbour but he was forced to take the Dart home. Photograph: David Sleator/The Irish Times
Roddy L’Estrange: Mirror-mirror has some hard facts for Vinny

Size of those love handles inspires our roly-poly hero to get back on the bike

Derek O’Connor riding Gurteen to victory at Leopardstown. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny’s day at races spirals out of control

It all started so well, with a pint of porter and a wallet full of crisp €50 notes

When I hear that Barry’s Tea ad on the radio, each toot from the toy train prompts a tear, as I think of me Ma and Da, and all they did for me.
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny asks Santa for a special Christmas gift

Burly busman firmly focused on wife Angie’s ongoing health battle

Rush golf club in north county Dublin, where Vinny struggled to find the fairways
Roddy L’Estrange: Struggling Vinny suffers rough justice

A comedy of errors on the golf course leads to downfall of The Three Stooges

Proven master: Willie Mullins on the gallops at Cheltenham racecourse. Photo: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny rides to rescue of his hero Willie Mullins

Burly busman convinces Foley’s crew renowned trainer is ‘real’ manager of the year

‘And then, after a bit, all went quiet. Except for the raucous starlings, and the sobbing of the middle-aged man in the schoolyard.’ Photograph: Stoyan Nenov/Reuters
Roddy L’Estrange: Helpless Vinny cries tears of frustration

Burly busman scared as his beloved Angie undergoes major surgery

“You can also take these,” said Vinny, reaching for Socket’s envelope. “Go home to your Ma and tell them you’re going to the match.” Photo credit: Brian Lawless/PA Wire.
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny’s kind gesture proves just the ticket

Football and Foleys take a back seat as Angie’s health concerns come first

““I’m growing one for Movember. So are the lads. Everyone is doing it. It’s part of male health awareness,” said Vinny.
Roddy L’Estrange: Angie’s bolt from the blue knocks Vinny for six

Humdrum cares about Movember fade away as threat of a serious illness emerges

For most of his 57 years, Vinny had lived off the fat of the pig, from sausies, rasher rinds and pork chops, to black and white pudding and his Ma’s honey-baked ham. Photo: Eitan Abramovich/AFP/Getty
Roddy L’Estrange: Full-scale porker blow-out for Vinny and the lads

Foley’s regulars go on the offensive disregarding UN warning on processed meat

Right to the end, the gimlet-eyed spinster had been a demon for the twos in rummy.
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny trumped by wily old aunt’s final hand

Burly busman and his sisters head to solicitors to hear details of a will

“How has it comes to this? How can a true-blue supporter, who has been at every All-Ireland final involving the Dubs since ’63, and whose Da played against Heffo, be turned away?”
Roddy L'Estrange: Luck intervenes for Vinny at his moment of dark despair

Vinny Fitzpatrick did something he had never done before; he ditched his bus and high-tailing it to Croker

The Great Dublin Bike Ride: against the odds, Vinny was at the head of the Great Dublin Bike peloton which numbered 3,267, including celebs such as Ray D’Arcy, and his stumpy 57-year-old pins were pumping like pistons. Photograph: Sportsfile
Roddy L’Estrange: Twists and turns on a not so great Dublin bike ride

A short-cut turns out to be the long way home for Vinny Fitzpatrick and some ‘friends’

Aiden McGeady: “While he vividly recalled McGeady’s wonder goal against Georgia a year ago, few other imprints sprang to mind.” Photograph: Inpho.
Vinnie has Georgia and heroes of old on his mind

The lads in Foley’s rake their studs over the Republic of Ireland’s reputation

Some 500 Vikings descend on St Anne’s Park, Raheny as Dublin City Council staged the largest-ever living history battle re-enactment in Ireland at the Battle of Clontarf Festival. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill
Roddy L’Estrange: All’s well that ends well as shocked Vinny sheds tears of joy

Stint promoting famous Clontarf landmark finishes on a real high note for burly busman

Renovations had been helping Vinny pack up his troubles
Against the Odds: Vinny’s home is on mend but his heart is another story

News of Angie’s imminent return sees our hero’s eyes well up

The Perseid meteor shower: lighting up the night sky - and Vinny’s day. Photograph: Getty Images
Roddy L’Estrange: Stars come out to play but only in the night sky

Foray into ‘Fantasy Football’ is a fiasco but Roddy’s night is saved by a close encounter

Vinny’s remarks were tantamount to an accusation of cheating, the worst slur on any golfer’s character
Roddy L’Estrange: Whole new ball game for furious Dial-A-Smile

Photographic evidence turns the tables on Vinny’s cheating golf rival

Dial-A-Smile stole a glance up towards the green – there was no one there – reached in to his pocket and placed a second ball in an advantageous lie. Photograph: Getty
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny knocked for six as barman resorts to foul play

Dial-A-Smile stoops low to conquer burly busman in match play showdown

Pádraig Harrington in action during the final round of the British Open. After his round as the wind died down, a Dublin voice called out. “Sorry, I couldn’t find your Titleist, Pádraig.” Photo: Lee Smith/Reuters
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny crestfallen as thick gorse ends Harry’s game

Despite the efforts of Foley’s fab four, their hero’s lost Titleist proves elusive at St Andrews

The pinniped barked, rolled on to its back and flapped its flippers across its belly, like it was having a laugh
Roddy L'Estrange: Coastal stroll and Prufrock nearly seal it for our hero

It was time for Vinny to seek sanctuary in a caravan bolt-hole in Curracloe

Roddy L’Estrange: ‘If Khan wasn’t mistaken, No 1 Causeway Avenue was on fire

Khan lived a frugal life – except when it came to cricket

The future looks grim for the former Driver of the Year award for Dublin Bus.. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
Roddy L’Estrange: Surprise attack leaves Vinny facing his final journey

That old adversary Lugs should be his executioner seemed, sadly, almost inevitable

Always a nimble climber, Vinny was quickly up and over, and soon dodging between the snorting steeds of the road, as he shimmied towards Foley’s.
Roddy L’Estrange: Offer of sanctuary proves attractive to scared Vinny

Lithuanian lovely Petra encourages burly busman to take up Fran’s kind offer

When the burly bus driver heard Eircom were being asked by politicians to remove all phone boxes in the city, on the claim they were attracting anti-social elements, he raged.
Roddy L’Estrange: Frightening call spoils Vinny’s ’phone box vigil

Burly bus driver’s public-spirited action backfires with a vengeance

‘As the telly beamed out pictures of the throng gathered in Dublin Castle, Vinny felt a sense of pride in the steps taken by the ordinary folk of little ol’ Ireland.’ Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times.
Love is all around as Vinny abandons wheelchair to toast the rainbow revolution

Busy Foley’s falls silent as two locals take courage from referendum

Vinny fancies Juventus to finish the job against Real Madrid in the Bernabéu and qualify for the Champions League final in Berlin. Photograph: Andrea di Marco/EPA
Lurking shadow in the chapel spells trouble for Vinny

A First Holy Communion to forget becomes memorable when his nemesis arrives

Horses in the winners enclosure after the Novae Bloodstock Insurance Craven Stakes during the The Craven Meeting at Newmarket Racecourse. Photo: David Davies/PA
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny relieved as stewards’ inquiry lifts a heavy load

Inadvertent sneeze almost proves very costly for the accident-prone burly busman

Kevin Mirallas celebrates scoring the third goal for Everton against Manchester United at Goodison Park. Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters
Roddy L’Estrange: Depressing sting in the tail spoils Vinny’s perfect day

Sporting success and a fine night in Foley’s marred by big late-night news

Events of the past days had forced Vinny tto disown the values shaped by his old man and by his own 35 years behind the wheel. Photograph: Frank Miller.
Cemetery visit sees Vinny ponder life’s hard choices

His cause may not be a popular one but he is determined to fight for it

Vinny proves he has his finger on the pulse as Many Clouds wins the Grand National at Aintree. Photograph: Mike Egerton/PA Wire
Vinny keeps his eye on Lugs as he ponders leap into the unknown

Umpire duties get a little complicated when a certain lady arrives on the scene

Vinny and Ms Mysterious found they shared a passion for the movies of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Photograph: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Vinny the would-be Bogart fluffs his lines on racecourse rendezvous

A romantic overture swiftly becomes an embarrassing scene for our leading man

“It was Passion Sunday, which he felt was appropriate for the day that was in it, and Vinny was needed for the 11.30 Mass.” Photo: AFP/Getty Images
Roddy L’Estrange: Things start to look up for Vinny on Passion Sunday

Lonely separated dad gets a quick response to his ad on a dating online website

Vinny had a new canine pal, Connie, a chestnut mutt with four white paws, and a white blaze on her nose, which reminded Vinny of Champion Chase winner Sire De Grugy. Photograph: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny’s lightbulb moment exposes a dark secret

Burly busman’s old nemesis Lugs O’Leary looms large in the frame once again

Trainer Willie Mullins leads his famous team from the gallops at Closutton, Carlow, Ireland. Photo: Niall Carson/PA
Roddy L’Estrange: Angie’s summons spoils a magical day for Vinny

Burly busman chuffed as he enjoys a memorable trip to Willie Mullins yard in Carlow

“We could call it the Garden of Renewal, to reflect the Easter theme of rebirth,” said Vinny. Photograph: Getty Images.
Roddy L’Estrange: A great revelation follows Vinny’s Lenten sacrifice

A period of reflection in holy service leads to overhearing a heated exchange

Vinny’s confession hadn’t offered the cathartic release he was searching for. If anything, he plunged deeper into the pit of shame.
Roddy l’Estrange: Heart-broken Vinnie makes a stab at confession

Fate intervenes to prevent a murder but our hero remains in his own living hell

Tony McCoy salutes the adoring crowds as he celebrates his Hennessy Gold Cup victory on Carlingford Lough at Leopardstown Racecourse. Photo: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny joins Leopardstown throngs to stalks his quarry

The crowds come out to see AP McCoy but the burly busman’s eyes seek another man

New England Patriots’ Malcolm Butler makes a vital interception to deny Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette during the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIX at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, USA. Photo: Larry Smith/EPA
Against the odds: Vinny plots a way to get even with his nemesis

The burly bus driver is all set to blame the ‘Dodger’ for his marriage breakdown

Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny rocked to the core by a bolt from the blue

What appeared to be a successful day concludes on an ominous note

Cliff Avril (56) of the Seattle Seahawks tackles Aaron Rodgers (12) of the Green Bay Packers during the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. Photo: Tom Pennington/Getty Images
Roddy L’Estrange: Fright night at Vinny’s as Packers come unstuck

Cheese party host left speechless as Seattle Seahawks swoop for victory

Republic of Ireland International Stephanie Roche with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the Ballon d’Or awards in Zurich. Valeriano Di Domenico/Inpho
Roddy L’Estrange: Puskás palaver leaves Vinny a little hot under collar

After a liquid lunch, the ladies give it bit of Stephanie Roche in the back garden

Everton’s predicament this season has been bothering Vinny. Seamus Coleman has been a wonder going forward but if Vinny was in charge he’d remind him of his primary duty – defending. Photograph: Anna Gowthorpe/PA Wire.
Roddy L’Estrange: Vinny’s catwalk by sea turns into a right dog day afternoon

Shrieking woman ruins attempt to achieve a PB on the promenade

Joan and Aideen Goggin with passengers on a Cork bus demanding that a tradition of bus drivers dressing as Santa be reinstated. Pic Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision
Roddy L’Estrange: Christmas spirit alive and well as Vinny lends a helping hand

Having entertained his passengers all day, the burly busman has a final trick up his sleeve

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy with the Claret Jug after winning the 2014 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA
Roddy L’Estrange: Shock of snub for McIlroy knocks Vinny’s crew for six

Burly busman and his buddies try to fathom a great sporting injustice

Christmas trees awaiting a good home. Photo: Bart Maat/EPA
Bandit of the bark forces Vinny to abandon protocol

Burly bus driver abandons his chariot to right a grievous wrong

The late Dessie Hughes: “Dessie was Dessie to everyone, from the well-heeled to the down at heel and all those in between.” Photo: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Hard road proves too taxing for Hardy fan Vinny

Thoughts of his new fitness regime disappear as he raises a toast to National Hunt hero Dessie

The new-look Darren Clarke shows the fruits of his fitness regime. Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images
Chastened Vinny joins the battle against the bulge

Inspired by golfer Darren Clarke, the burly busman vows to shed a few stone by St Stephen’s Day

Water charge protesters from Dublin gather in front of the GPO last week. Photo: Barbara Lindberg.
Wily Welsh lass leaves Vinny in deep water

Burly busman bustled into becoming an advocate for conroversial new utility company

“We’re about to ramp up the installation of water meters on the northside, specifically the working-class areas, which you drive through every day,” said Tabitha. Photograph: Alan Betson
Welsh rose leaves Vinny feeling the worse for wear

Tempting Irish Water PR lady uncorks the genie in Vinny’s bottle

“Vinny had first cried foul over the upheaval made on the pavement outside the house by the meter installation folk.”
Vinny Fitzpatrick gets a surprise when he vows to bring war to door of Irish Water

With her shock of flame hair, she was like Maureen O’Hara in her prime

Everton’s Aiden McGeady: “Capable of lighting up any game, the Glaswegian conjurer could also vanish down a tunnel by the corner flag at the start of games”. Photograph: Getty Images.
Martinez’ misfiring men leave Vinny feeling blue

Europa distraction threatens to bring 60-year stay in top flight to an end

The USA’s Webb Simpson on the first tee during day one of the 40th Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Golf Course, Perthshire. Photograph: Lynne Cameron/PA.
Vinny and the boys bear witness to Ryder Cup victory

Five days in the high sierra of Perthshire took its toll on our five-ball from Dublin

Victor Dubuisson and Graeme McDowell of Europe warm up on the first tee during practice ahead of the 2014 Ryder Cup on the PGA Centenary course at Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Scotland. Photo: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
Drama in the Wee Dram as shrewd Vinny makes a difficult call

Ryder Cup fever is all the rage as Clontarf’s finest five decamp to Scotland

Port Vale hailed from Burslem in nearby Stoke, they had a decent travelling support, who filled most of the enclosures opposite, bizarrely named the Ice Cream Van Stand at Grest Road. Photograph: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
All change at Crewe as Vinny comes to grips with Roberto ‘the Rat’

Our hero takes family matters into his own hands at Gresty Road

Vinny on a mission to Manchester to accost Tuscan terror

Heartbreaking visit from daughter and grandson sparks journey to tackle a swarthy ex-pro footballer

Paul McGinley: “The Donegal link reminded the lads of their darkest hour on Sunday, and there was no joy either as McGinley flourished his wild card trio.” Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images.
Donegal connection dupes Vinny and the Dubs once again

McGinley’s wild card selections leave Foley’s finest nonplussed

“The stretch of water between the Bull Island and St Anne’s Park was the venue for a unique rowing challenge involving the four pubs fronting Clontarf Road – The Schooner, Foley’s, Shingles and The Dollymount Inn”. Photograph: Frank Miller.
Vinny trades union blues for rowing crews

The busdriver and his pals strike out for the Blue Lagoon Row fundraiser

All’s well that ends well for Vinny’s belle

Clontarf Harriers’ annual women’s two-mile race concludes in a somewhat unusual fashion

Rory McIlroy: Vinny’s shout of encouragement for the bould Rors seemed a tad half-hearted. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh
Vinny caught cold by divine providence

Our hero isn’t the first to succumb to temptation and he won’t be the last

Northern Ireland’s Paddy Barnes (left) on his way to gold against India’s Devendro Laishram during the light flyweight bout at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Commonwealth Games does not float Vinny’s boat

Charlie Vernon unwittingly hits a teatime raw nerve in Foley’s bar

It had been a grim Sunday, only a part of which was to do with the mauling suffered by the Dublin hurlers in Thurles, a result which cost Vinny a score, as he felt evens on a plus four-point advantage was worth a punt. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho
A grim Sunday almost gets worse as ‘Eggo’ looks to have run his last race

Vinnie and the gang nervously make their way to the Curragh for an equine vigil

Gerry McIlroy’s successful lucrative bet on his son’s British Open success inspired Vinny Fitzpatrick to wager on his son’s future sporting successes. Photograph: Facundo Arrizabalaga/RPA
Vinny bets on sporting son rise

Little Oisín’s art prowess a more likely path to fame and fortune

Vinny Fitzpatrick’s efforts at building the biggest sandcastle ever seen on Kilmore Quay beach in Wexford were looking good until the tide turned.
Tide scuppers Vinny’s designs on sandcastle supremacy

Bereft busman’s beach bailiwick battered and broken

The sun shines along the passage floor into the inner chamber at newgrange during the Winter Solstice at Newgrange. The passage tomb in Co Meath was built over 5000 years ago. Photograph: Alan Betson
Vinny finds himself bathed in a special light on the longest day of the year

What he was doing in a darkened tomb at dawn was a mystery the ancient druids would have struggled to solve

A spectator emerging from the gorse during an Irish Amateur Open Championship at Portmarnock Golf Club. Photo: Alan Betson
Vinny lends a crucial helping hand at the spiritual home of Irish golf

Six hours caddying for his pall ensures a pleasant and profitable day at the famed Portmarnock course

Tonalist (Joel Rosario) lands the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park, New York.
Mother Nature proves costly for Vinny Fitzpatrick in his pursuit of fast buck

Clontarf’s finest has to pinch himself as wife Angie sets up a trip to Belmont Park

Runners, joggers and walkers of all sorts were part of the 40,000 people who took to the streets of Dublin for the annual Women’s Mini-Marathon. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Vinny and pals grin and bear it for Mini-Marathon

Five amigos don bear outfits and pink singlets for a great cause

It started as a joke, a throwaway line over a late night Lenten jar by Vinny Fitzpatrick about having a public house representative for Clontarf, but it had gathered momentum to the point of no return
How to drink your way to the top in local politics

Vinny makes a big splash on Holy Communion Day

Good deed backfires when the burly bus driver steps forward to aid an old pal in a sudden crisis

Vinny Fitzpatrick’s pal Nicolas Roche leads his Tinkoff-Saxo team-mates across the line during the Team Time Trial of the Giro D’Italia in Belfast. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Giro hits Clontarf and Vinny takes a ride to remember

Our steward for the day helps out team Roche and pulls a cheeky stunt

Long weekend allows enough time for tennis

‘May Day Scramble’ ends on a high as Vinny makes a return to his youth

Cardiff City fans show their support during the Premier League match against Stoke City at Cardiff City Stadium. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images
Red brigade in no mood for unruly Bluebird

Awash in Liverpool livery, Foleys was no place to be for a wiry Welsh Cardiff blue

St Anne’s Park, Raheny over the Easter weekend as Dublin City Council staged the largest-ever living history battle re-enactment in Ireland at the Battle of Clontarf Festival. Photograph; Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
All far from rosy in the St Anne’s garden as clueless Vinny presides over a debacle

Burly busdriver nearly cremed as Dollymount Gaels Easter Egg Hunt goes wrong

Masters winner Bubba Watson is presented with his green jacket by 2013 winner Adam Scott after winning the US Masters at the Augusta National golf club in Augusta, Georgia. Photo: Jim Young/Reuters
Rough justice as Vinny’s finest hour turns to nought

Dial-A-Smile’s dramatic late intervention changes the course of what had seemed a perfect day

Pineau de Re, ridden by Leighton Aspell, on his way to victory in the 2014 Grand National Steeple Chase at Aintree, with not a penny of Vinny Fitzpatrick’s money on him. Photograph: Russell Cheyne/Reuters
Vinny seeks an Augusta pick-me-up after his Aintree debacle

A Grand National faller, the burly busman bounces back up to seek Masters salvation

Vinny left bereft of bottle for rerun of Brian Boru’s finest battle moments

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