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Dublin, Ireland
Hi, I'm Dermot Nolan, and I became a Master of Wine (MW) in 1997, and resigned from the Institute of Masters of Wine in 2023 after being an MW for exactly 26 years. I opened a wine shop in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, called The Wine Library, which closed in 2018, and this is my personal wine blog. I will do my utmost to be fair and responsible in my posts – please read my Who Pays article in re the ethics of wine trips and writing. I have worked in wine education, retail, and consultancy since 1990. I was a Director of the Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) from 2008 to 2014 and was also a member of the Events Committee, founder of the Trips Committee, and member of the Governance Committee. Having had problems with potentially libellous comments from unidentifiable posters, I now require that if you post a comment, you must identify yourself properly or it won't be published. Please note that I do not review products or services on request so kindly don't ask. I value my independence and I believe my readers (few that they may be) do so also.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Stone the Crows...

Well well, stone the Crows – or rather, don’t stone them but praise them. The first footie game I’ve been to and the Adelaide Crows beat Hawthorn against the odds. Not at all fancied before the game, playing last year’s out of form Grand Final winners they showed some great spirit more or less throughout.

Having scored first, Adelaide then went behind as Hawthorn got a goal and a behind but then went on to score 4 goals and a behind to take a fairly commanding lead. Over the first two quarters Adelaide kept up the pressure and were, I think, about 40 points clear by half-time. Then came the dreaded “third quarter fade” for which Crows are, apparently, renowned. They lacked the same zip and for the first time in the game were second to nearly every ball. The Hawks got back into the game but not enough to really make a difference and the Crows ended up winning by 27 points. Go Crows!!

This was an enjoyable afternoon, spent with the guys from Orlando Wines – James Keane, Bernard Hickin with Matt, Sam & Nola, John, Eddie, Carries and others I didn’t get to meet fully. There was great craic in the box we were in, especially as a few Hawks fans were there and none too happy at the end of the game.

Later that evening, the Landmark Dozen (likely to be a dirty dozen at the end of a gruelling week) met for the first time. After a lovely supper at Sparrow Kitchin & Bar the tired 11 went to bed whereas I went into the Casino beside the hotel. Two hours later, after a 143% return on my investment I also retired. Overall, as good a day as you can have!!

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