Almanac Motor-racing: Remembering Ayrton Senna

Neil Drysdale reflects on a legend.

Almanac Review: Upbeat – how art can thrive in adversity

Neil Drysdale presents a unique and inspirational story on Paul MacAlindin in his effort to establish a youth orchestra in Iraq.

Almanac Cricket: Afghanistan pitch for ICC Test Status

Neil Drysdale writes of Afghanistan Cricket’s opportunity as they press for ICC Test status.

Almanac Cricket: Gary Sobers at 80

Sir Gary Sobers turns 80 and Neil Drysdale shares his experience in meeting the great man.

Almanac Music: Bay City Rollers kilted up for encore

Neil Drysdale chats with Bay City Rollers Les McKeon as they prepare for their comeback concert at T in the Park.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

As we approach the centenary of the Battle of the Somme next week, Neil Drysdale highlights the difference between so called sporting “tragedies” and “disasters” and those that occurred on the battlefields of war.

Almanac Weekend Read – The Scottish Women of the Great War

Neil Drysdale details the contribution of the Scottish Women’s Hospital Unit in Greece and Serbia during the First World War. Aided by some hardy Australian women. Bold women. (Fantastic read Neil -ed)

Almanac Cricket: Have you met your Heroes?

Neil Drysdale tells us about his five favourite Australian sporting identities, all with a Scottish connection of course.

Almanac Cricket- The Day the West Indies Were Bowled Out For 25. By Ireland.

Neil Drysdale ran into an Irishman in Aberdeen who was at the famous game 47 years ago, when Ireland bowled the West Indies out for 25.

Irish bareknuckle Paddy Monaghan, the petition and Muhammad Ali

Neil Drysdale with a heartening story of the relationship between Dublin’s bareknuckle boxing champion Paddy Monaghan and Muhammad Ali, which lasted well beyond the Vietnam petition that forged it. “He said ‘Paddy, you don’t realise how much you’ve helped me, but can you help me one more time? I’m over here for Ovaltine: what the hell is Ovaltine?’ “

Almanac Cricket: Player Spotlight – Ireland’s Captain William Porterfield

Neil Drysdale talks to Ireland cricket captain William Porterfield ahead of the upcoming ODI series in Dublin against Sri Lanka, and in wake of the ICC’s announcement of a possible two division Test league featuring extra teams such as the Irish.

Muhammad Ali

Neil Drysdale pens a wonderful tribute to the late, great Muhammad Ali. Add your Ali tributes and memories.

Warren Deutrom – CEO of Cricket Ireland

Despite #WT20 losses Neil Drysdale found Ireland Cricket CEO in optimistic form this week.

Reducing Cricket World Cup Nations limits game development

Neil Drysdale questions the ICC decision in reducing the number of competing World Cup nations

T20 has transformed Cricket and not for the better

Neil Drysdale is not a fan of T20 Cricket and the climate it creates.

Davie Cooper – A Kind of Magic

Neil Drysdale remembers one of Scotland’s most talented footballers, Davie Cooper

Almanac Boxing: Ken Buchanan, Scotland’s greatest boxer, turns 70

Ken Buchanan, Scotland’s greatest ever fistic champion, turns 70 this year. Neil Drysdale has sent us the story he wrote when he met Ken Buchanan 15 years ago. [Terrific profile – Ed]

When Scotland defeated England in two sports – on the same day

Neil Drysdale recalls a unique afternoon in 1946 when Scotland defeated England in Rugby and Football

Almanac Music: What will the cat drag in (from Steely Dan Reader)

It’s been 10 years since Neil Drysdale interviewed Steely Dan’s Donald Fagen. His piece is linked here.

What St Kilda tells us about St Kilda

Neil Drysdale, a new voice at the Almanac, sent us this seven-minute film (made by one of his Scottish colleagues) about St Kilda, thinking it may be of interest to our audience. This is a must-see for all Sainters and fellow travellers. And what impact does the origin of its name have on the St Kilda Football Club?