Going Your Own Way
Whether it's Phil Lynott or Zack Elbouzedi, there's a lot to be said for choosing your own path.
This week was a reset of sorts after the summer that contained elements old and new; what they had in common was that they illustrated the value of dancing to the beat of your own drum.
When I grew up in Ireland, there were very few visible Black people. The few there were could be seen around the environs of Trinity College and practically nowhere else, which made seeing Phil Lynott on Grafton Street an unforgettable experience.
He had that aura that only the truly, transcendentally famous people enjoy. Everything about him - his clothes, his demeanour, the works - exuded confidence. Having come through the baptism of fire that was being Black in Ireland, being famous was a doddle in comparison.
On Wednesday night RTE aired a documentary about him called “Songs For While I’m Away”. Much has been made of his tragic early death, but this film was a celebration of his humour, his art, his roots and his heart.
The story was beautifully constructed and given Thin Lizzy’s penchant for twin harmony guitars it was fitting that the two best contributors were Eric Bell and Scott Gorham.
The warmth and humanity of Gorham in particular was a sight to behold, as was Bell’s decision to walk away from what he always wanted, which was rock ‘n roll success.
It’s a beautiful film and well worth your time if you can find it. Lynott’s legacy is not just for music or for Black Ireland. It has something for us all to either enjoy or learn from.
Earlier on Wednesday I went to AIK’s training ground to talk to a young man who aslo chose a road less travelled.
Zack Elbouzedi is a footballer with Stockholm club AIK. Like many young men he has plied his trade in Ireland, England and Scotland; like only a handful he has taken his talents beyond the isles, plotting a path for himself and his career that is as daring as it is desirable.
On Saturday I saw him play live for the second time, and he did something that only the most mercurial footballers can do - he got the crowd on their feet simply be running after the ball.
When he caught up with it he cut inside and smacked a shot off the crossbar - something Johan Cruyff once said is sometimes more memorable than scoring a goal. Everyone in the crowd probably wanted to see him score, but maybe it was better this way; maybe the best is yet to come.
The recording of our conversation became one of two podcasts this week that is well worth your time, especially if you know anyone trying to make it in sports.
The other podcast was recorded with Graham Merrigan, activist, athlete, wheelchair-user and heart-throb from Ballybrack who is one of the nicest, sharpest, cleverest people I know.
Graham loves sport, and with the Paralympics taking place he is in his element - or he would be, if it was more accessible in Irish media. He’s also a proud Irishman who has represented his country in several different sports.
We had a long conversation about broadcasting and representation before the conversation turned to the subject of sex and romance; it’s something people don’t think of in relation to people with disabilities, it’s not talked about other than in clumsy, often drunken conversations.
I’ve known Graham for a few years, and through him I have learned a lot about the challenges of living in Ireland as a wheelchair user.
Interestingly, the conversation with Zack garnered many hundreds of listens, while the one with Graham managed a lot less - I may be biased, but I believe the two to be of equal importance, which is why I make my editorial decisions based on the subject matter, and not the clicks or views or listens.
It sounds very high-falutin’, but it’s always been that way. If I was in this for money I’d only write about Lionel Messi and Ronaldo; in fact, I wouldn’t - I’d just make TikTok videos about them all day.
But there’s enough people doing that, and not nearly enough giving space to interesting people with interesting stories to tell - the kind of people who choose their own path.
People like Philo and Zack and Graham.
Have a great week, wherever you may be.