What should we talk about today?
The world according to Kirkey
Since the dawn of consciousness, humanity has wrestled with one question more than any other: What is the meaning of life? Philosophers have pondered it, poets have wept over it, and pub philosophers have debated it between sips of lukewarm lager. From Plato’s cave to Camus’ absurdity, from Nietzsche’s will to power to Sartre’s existential … Read more
There’s something irresistibly paradoxical about Poole Pirates. In a sport built on speed, chaos, and heroism, they’ve mastered the art of stillness – of sustained success that feels almost certain. Year after year, while other clubs flail in the dust of reinvention, Poole simply win. Not necessarily always with swagger, but with the quiet efficiency … Read more
The curse of the underdog is an idea that suggests that while smaller fry often have an advantage in motivation, they can frequently struggle when they transition into a position of success. There exists an argument that, once an underdog achieves victory, they lose the hunger and drive that made them successful in the first … Read more
Storytelling has been a feature of my life. I wrote this piece in 1991 (typed by my late wife Theresa in the typing pool at Bracknell Police Station) but only recently rediscovered it whilst clearing out the attic. A true account – embellished for comedic value – that recounts a period of my life lost … Read more
With the new speedway Grand Prix season gearing up for the first round at Landshut, Germany, on 3rd May, I caught up with British gladiators Robert Lambert and Dan Bewley. Acknowledging that they had already endured an earlier, and no doubt exhausting, full-on press conference, my mission sought to change the tempo and talk about … Read more
I was surprised, stumped, and a tad star struck when national speedway treasure Scott Nicholls asked me to write his autobiography. We had collaborated earlier on a fun piece for Speedway Star that, amongst other things, focussed upon his trademark shirts – which he introduced to the pundit fold during his showtime on BT Sports … Read more
2024 review: Matches: 31 New grounds: 4 (Bradford City, Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United and Barrow AFC) Miles travelled: 9,317 Money spent in the club shop: a ridiculous amount Kits bought: 3 adult shirts and 4 children’s kits Medically insane? Yes Memories: to last a lifetime COYP! © Ian Kirke 2024 @ iankirke.bsky.social
A recent Facebook post provoked a sudden synaptic spasm: Some people think it’s peculiar that I am a Notts County season ticket holder and follow them all over the country whilst living in Berkshire, questioning my sanity and the amount of money that I spend on this enduring pursuit. But I’m not daft! In comparison … Read more
“Some people are on the pitch; they think it’s all over. It is now!” is one of the most iconic moments of sporting commentary – delivered by the BBC’s Kenneth Wolstenholme at the conclusion of the 1966 FIFA World Cup: objectivity and subjectivity beautifully fused together to capture not only the finality of the game … Read more
The Rule of Three is a writing technique that suggests listing three words, phrases, sentences, images, or ideas in succession to accentuate an idea. Examples include the stirring salute, “Blood, sweat and tears,” and Prime Minister Tony Blair’s oratory, “Our priorities are education, education, education.” The domestic speedway scene may seem somewhat divorced from this … Read more