Tag: news

Liverpool’s Istanbul: A Miracle Documentary Review

Atletico Madrid players celebrating with fans after 3-3 draw vs Liverpool

Untold UK: Liverpool’s Miracle of Istanbul is not just another documentary about that legendary 2005 Champions League final—it’s the one fans have been waiting for. Streaming on Netflix, this 78-minute film captures the drama, emotion, and sheer improbability of Liverpool’s comeback from 3-0 down at half-time against AC Milan with a freshness and intimacy that makes it feel brand new, even two decades later.

I still remember the night unfolding as a Liverpool supporter. The horror, then the very unexpected elation. I was the only person in the house so I could shout as loud as I wanted.

From the opening minutes, director Matt Rudge sets the stage perfectly. The 2004/05 season was turbulent: a new manager in Rafael Benítez, key departures (including the looming exit of Michael Owen), squad uncertainty, and a rocky path through the competition.

Jamie Carragher gives an intriguing insight into what is happening. He is at an England and newly appointed Benitez arrives to have a meeting with his three star Liverpool players – Owen, Gerrard and Owens. Carragher expects him to give them a warm embrace and his plans for the future of the team. Instead, he concentrates on where they need to improve as individuals – Owen leaves the club. Gerrard thinks about it. It takes time for them to warm to Benitez, but things gradually click.

The film doesn’t rush to the final. It builds the context beautifully—Liverpool’s struggles, the tactical masterclass that got them to Istanbul, and the underdog spirit that defined the club. Archive footage is crisp, evocative, and plentiful, blending seamlessly with modern interviews that feel raw and reflective.

The real magic lies in the voices. Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Xabi Alonso, and Rafa Benítez (among others) speak with the hindsight of champions but the passion of men who still can’t quite believe what happened. Gerrard’s leadership and that iconic half-time team talk, Carragher’s never-say-die attitude, Alonso’s cool penalty, and Benítez’s tactical tweaks come alive in ways that go beyond the highlights we’ve all seen a thousand times. You feel the tension in the dressing room, the roar of the Liverpool fans in the stands, and the disbelief as goals from Gerrard, Šmicer, and Alonso turned the game on its head before the dramatic penalty shootout.

Five stars out of five from me. A must watch for all Liverpool supporters, or people who love the beautiful game.

Malcolm in the Middle Revival: A Nostalgic Return

Man sleeping on beige couch in a cluttered living room with TV on and empty cups on table

Twenty years ago, Malcolm in the Middle was a mainstay on television. It was a single-camera comedy series that followed a dysfunctional working-class family and starred Frankie Muniz in the lead role as Malcolm, a child prodigy. The ensemble cast included Bryan Cranston and Jane Kaczmarek as Malcolm’s parents, Hal and Lois.

It was a show that I watched with my friends and family.

So, what’s the latest series like? Well, it appears life is still unfair..

This four-episode limited revival, which dropped on Hulu (and Hulu on Disney+) on April 10, 2026, brings back the original magic with Frankie Muniz as Malcolm, Bryan Cranston as the ever-optimistic Hal, and Jane Kaczmarek as the formidable Lois. Nearly 20 years after the original series ended, it feels like no time has passed — except now the kids are grown, Malcolm has a daughter, and the family dysfunction has evolved into even wilder, more relatable territory.

The premise is pure Malcolm: After years of keeping his distance to build a stable life for himself and his daughter, Malcolm gets pulled back into the family vortex for Hal and Lois’s 40th wedding anniversary. What follows is a rapid-fire barrage of slapstick, awkward family revelations, gross-out humor, and surprisingly touching moments about growing up, parenting, and the unbreakable (if exhausting) bonds of family.

The cast chemistry is electric. Cranston steals scenes as the aging but still manic Hal — his physical comedy and wild energy are peak form. Muniz slips back into Malcolm’s exasperated genius with ease, while Kaczmarek’s Lois remains the unstoppable force of nature we love (and fear). The brothers (Reese, Dewey — with a recast that works surprisingly well — and Francis) bring their distinct flavors of chaos, and the whole ensemble feels lived-in and authentic.

I found the end of the first series particularly hilarious, but I won’t spoil.

The show keeps the signature fourth-wall breaks, fast-paced editing, and irreverent tone, but adds emotional depth around adulthood, legacy, and what happens when the “genius” kid becomes the reluctant adult trying to escape the cycle.

Five stars out of five from me. You know what to do.

Speech at 25-year celebration of Westmeath CIL

Well, readers, this post is slightly different from usual. This is a speech I gave last night at the 25-year celebration for Westmeath CIL for anyone who may have an interest –

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to be here with you for this celebration of Westmeath CIL tonight. I am sure I already know a good number of you here. The first time I heard about the organization was when it was in its infancy. It was based on a revolutionary concept at the time, and it brought me joy to know Westmeath would not be left behind – that people with disabilities should be able to chart their futures, whether it is deciding what education to pursue, where to live, and with whom, and the ability to socialize. It is a concept as critical today as all those years ago. 

The role of Westmeath CIL in my life greatly increased a few months after I completed college with my first Personal Assistant from the service, Patricia Gorman, who ended up doing many years with me.


Her work had a great effect on my life straight away. It increased my independence and gave me a solid basis for planning my future. We got along very well, and I occasionally ring her now,  many years after she stopped working. 

Of course, there were times when she was unwell or on leave, and people like Linda McKinley and Grainne Nea, among others, would step into the breech. Throughout those years, Mary Mooney was there for me to contact if I had difficulties. 

During those years, I first worked in the Mullingar Arts Centre and then joined Westmeath County Council as a Clerical Officer. I still remember my excitement on my first day, not thinking I’d still be there nearly twenty-three years later. 

I now live in my house most days of the week thanks to Westmeath CIL. This involved a large increase in my hours, which were done by Thomas McCormack at the start. In my career, I am currently the Resource Worker with the Westmeath Public Partnership Network. A challenging role that makes use of everything that I’ve learned to date. Hopefully, I’ll still go up the ladder a bit more. Chief Executive has a nice ring to it. 

I know that there are challenges, but this would not have been possible without the independent living movement. Currently, I have three PAs from Westmeath CIL. Gerry Marie, Dermot Smith, and Kathleen Carr. Peter Bradley also fulfills the role from time to time. Westmeath CIL continues to play a vital role in my life, and I hope that it continues to make a huge impact, not only in my life but in the lives of all people with disabilities in the region.

Speech at Disability and Older Persons Event in Bloomfield 27/5/24

Due to the death of my grandmother, my fellow Director Demot Hope read out the following speech on my behalf earlier today –

Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for your attendance here today. Many of you already know me but for those that don’t my name is Mark Ahern, and I am a Director with Independent People with Disabilities. We are one of the sponsors of this event, which has been a marvellous success down through the years. The address of our office is 96 Sean Costello Street, Athlone and we have a stand here, today. If you are running into a disability related issue, please contact us and we will endeavour to do our best for you.

At the heart of my work and the work of Independent People with Disabilities is a profound commitment to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has equal access to opportunities and resources. It is our fundamental belief that no one should be left behind, and we are dedicated to breaking down the barriers that stand in the way of a just and inclusive society.

This has been another very busy year for Independent People with Disabilities.  We continue to represent our members on various committees such as the Disability subgroup of Westmeath Community Development and the Westmeath Sports Partnership. One of our achievements this year, will be mixed ability outdoor gym equipment going into Mullingar Town Park. This should happen by the end of the summer.

This year I would like to take some time to discuss how senior people and people with disabilities are natural allies. We face many but not all the same issues.

I had an interesting conversation about this a few weeks ago with a user of a scooter. He wants ramps up and down smooth footpaths just as much as I do.  We both want good healthcare, housing without steep stairs and a peaceful place in which to live.

I would ask that, those of you here today who are involved in groups for older people to consider if alliance with disability groups could be of mutual benefit.

Through leveraging our greater numbers more can be achieved.

I would like to thank all the Directors of Independent People with Disabilities for all their hard work during the year. People like Dermot Hope and Noel Mulvihill who give so much to the cause.

Finally, I’d like to put my ppn hat for a moment as I’m the current Resource Worker which has a stand her today. If you’re community or voluntary group is not members you should consider doing so. Not only does it let your group play a role in developing policy it also gives you information about funding and training that can be sought.

Thank you for your attention.