Japan proves it: Whether cheering at a FIFA match or immigrating to a new country, Japanese visitors and newcomers show respect for the host nation. They express gratitude and leave every place better than they found it.
That’s how it’s done. Assimilate. Honor. Improve.
source: @FIFAcom
Why do Japan fans clean up after games?
“That’s the culture. It’s respect for everything: the players, supporters, and the stadium. We’re honored to be here, so we don’t want to make a mess and leave it.”
I love Japan 🇯🇵
This is a brilliant conversation, Steven even gets a word in edgeways against my sister, something I never achieve…
Barrister Steven Barrett and Politico Annunziata Rees-Mogg launch a new ... https://t.co/0kJO4d8l4K via @YouTube
We took this Labour government to court and won.
In collusion with the Tories, Keir Starmer tried to stop 4.6 million people voting on May 7th.
Only Reform UK fights for democracy.
Stabbings in schools, women being knifed to death on our streets. Suspended sentences for men and boys - even if they are caught carrying MULTIPLE times.
Our Government petition is live - 41,000 signatures so far.
WE NEED 100,000
Please sign - ✍🏽 https://t.co/NrHDuuLVom
BRIAN MAY QUIETLY WALKED INTO A SMALL RESCUE SHELTER ON THE BRINK OF CLOSING — WITH JUST 48 HOURS LEFT BEFORE EVERY CAT INSIDE WOULD BE PUT DOWN
The bills were overdue. Donations had dried up. The owner had run out of options. In less than 48 hours, 39 cats were scheduled to be euthanized—not because they were sick or aggressive, but because there was nowhere left for them to go.
Then, without cameras, a film crew, or any announcement, Brian May walked through the door.
Known to millions as the legendary guitarist of Queen and a lifelong animal-rights advocate, Brian didn’t ask for recognition. He didn’t lead with his iconic status. Dressed simply, with his familiar calm presence, he walked straight to the back of the shelter—to the quietest row of enclosures, where the oldest and weakest cats lay unnoticed.
There, curled up in the corner of a worn blanket, was an 11-year-old tabby mix named Buddy.
Too tired to lift his head.
Too old to be adopted.
Too close to the end.
Brian knelt beside him, his gentle hands resting softly on the cat’s head. He spoke quietly, careful not to startle him. For several moments, he said nothing at all. Then he looked up at the owner and asked softly,
“How many cats are here?”
“Thirty-nine,” the owner replied, her voice breaking.
Brian nodded. No hesitation. No phone calls to assistants. He said calmly—with a steady certainty that stilled the room:
“All 39 cats deserve a future.”
What followed felt unreal to the shelter staff. The very next morning, delivery trucks began arriving.
New bedding and climate-safe flooring.
High-quality food and medical supplies.
Scratching posts, grooming stations, and enrichment areas.
Every enclosure was repaired and restored. All outstanding debts were paid in full. Veterinarians were brought in to examine every single animal. Above each enclosure, a small wooden sign appeared: “Forever home — with love from Brian.”
But the moment that brought everyone to tears came from the quietest corner of the room. Buddy was being lifted gently for a checkup when Brian stepped forward.
“I’ll take him,” he said.
The room went silent. Buddy—overlooked for a decade—finally belonged.
“He’s waited long enough,” Brian said later, a soft smile on his face. “I think it’s time he came home.”
Brian May didn’t post about it. He didn’t mention it on stage. He didn’t call the press. The story surfaced days later when a volunteer, overwhelmed by what she’d witnessed, decided people needed to know.
He didn’t just save a shelter.
He didn’t just save cats.
He saved 39 lives—and reminded the world that compassion doesn’t need applause.
Sometimes, the greatest acts of kindness happen when the spotlight is off.
Pubs will fail because of the below:
▪️Covid debts.
▪️Energy crisis debts.
▪️Aggressive Government taxes & NIC contributions hikes.
▪️Disproportionately high business rates compared to other businesses.
▪️Customers struggling with the cost of living.
A simple Irish blessing for the year ahead
May 2026 be kinder, lighter, and full of small wins for you and yours.
Wherever you’re starting this New Year from, you’re never far from home 💚
#Newyear#Ireland