Not exactly Ireland, but Andrew O'Hagan grew up in that unsettled extension of Northern Ireland's political and cultural norms, the west of Scotland. This piece for the London Reveiw of Books is an excellent account of what it takes to be a dissident to your own (footballing) tradition. John Lancaster kicks off his reminiscence of the latest World Cup re-visiting the McCarthy - Keane stand-off, whilst Niall Quinn is rewarded for his efforts with an honourary degree.

If you can get a copy of the latest paper edition there is a previously unpublished article by Murray Sayle, one of the Sunday Times Insight team (remember them?), which was written in the immediate aftermath of Bloody Sunday - well worth the read!