Eoin Butler: writer, journalist and Mayoman of the Year
Tripping Along The Ledge
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Published: Irish Times, December 17 2011The rebel priest
IN THE MUDDY SLUMS OF JUBA, the people are preparing for a party. By 11pm, tens of thousands of them have poured out onto the streets: cheering, honking car horns and waving the flag of their new country, as well as those of the US, Norway and Israel.
At the stroke of midnight, South Sudan becomes the world’s 192nd independent nation. In the new capital, joy is unconfined. In the mud huts that stretch for miles in every direction, residents can be heard singing and ululating well into the night.
By 7am, the BBC World Service reports a crowd of a hundred thousand already gathered at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum. The speeches here will last late into the afternoon. But despite a complete lack of respite from the sun, the people never once cease to sing, sway and chant… Read the rest of this article here.
December 21st, 2011 at 12:57 pm
Great story could make a film out of that. Well done Eoin and Ross.
December 21st, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Amazing story what a life!
December 21st, 2011 at 4:26 pm
I saw that in the Times on Saturday fair play Eoin good piece and fair balls for going out there in the first place. Scary stuff out there was it or did you have your own security with you?
December 21st, 2011 at 5:40 pm
@ Pete – thanks!
@ Sheena – His, yours or in general?
@ Sean – No security, never felt threatened. Alto our Ugandan driver said atmosphere changed markedly when the white journalists weren’t around.
December 21st, 2011 at 5:41 pm
A talented man wrote this. What a pleasure to read this article.
Be careful, Africa is an enchantress.
December 21st, 2011 at 10:20 pm
Africa is a place I’ve always wanted to visit and this article has only made me want to visit there even more. Fantastic story about a fascinating man. Maith thu Commander Dan!
December 23rd, 2011 at 11:51 am
Eoin: Wow, this is really excellent. You’ve gotten some great work out of that trip. Is there more coming?
December 23rd, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Great article man. Is there a relevant charity or help organization that is operating in South Sudan?
December 23rd, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Thanks all.
TAD – Just the Christmas megamix then we’re done.
Darragh – Good idea. I’ve mailed Dan to ask if he has any suggestions, will post on here when I hear back!
December 30th, 2011 at 8:46 am
This really is an excellent article Eoin. It’s so refreshing to read something like this these days that isn’t awash in cliche. This sort of naturalistic deceptively easy going style of writing is a rarity in Irish newsprint. More power to ye Butler. Great photos too.