HAVING spent more than 45 years working, living and travelling in many countries, my wife and I were always comfortable in and proud of our Irishness, our history and culture.

A NEW highway tunnel under the river Shannon, opened by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen yesterday, is being projected as catalyst for the delivery of major economic, environmental and commercial benefits to the mid-west and the wider Atlantic Corridor stretching from Kerry to Donegal.

TWO cities separated by a long history of friendly rivalry have just got that bit closer.