Opinion

Jarlath Kearney: Ed Sheeran might just help us navigate the Irish-Anglo relationship post-Brexit

Fierce redhead: Ed Sheeran
Fierce redhead: Ed Sheeran Fierce redhead: Ed Sheeran

Think beyond the mire of Brexit for a moment, the fine details and the fallouts; the politics and the pantomime. Whatever happens, we all still have to live here – striving for a framework of interdependent dignity, respect and cooperation.

That reality poses an important question: how do we do it?

I’m wondering whether we need to try and 'Sheeran-ise' the relationships on, and between, these islands, Ireland and Britain? It’s a new verb, as in to (Ed) 'Sheeran-ise' something. It might help to put ideas onto the concept.

First, as a poet-musician Ed Sheeran understands the importance of thinking before speaking; how thoughtful words can convey much more than just their literal meanings. His various anthems – like 'Perfect' – can soothe one to stroll through the pasture of heart’s memory (or maybe just imagination) in the warmest embrace of a truest love.

Second, Ed Sheeran is a 'ging'-er, a fierce red head - Red Ted, Éamonn Rua. And the man clearly understands that much of life's richness lies in its diversity, and the creativity of rainbow celebrations. He gives an impression of being fairly grounded, driven and comfortable in his own skin - even dumping his Twitter account (19.3 million followers) because of the rubbish he read.

Third, Ed Sheeran grasps the Irish-Anglo relationship in a way that could teach many political and public figures. Just ask thon blade of his, the Galway Girl, about the time his Derry friends Beoga toasted The Parting Glass to his granny Nancy Mulligan at the Castle on the Hill while rattling away on an ’aul bodhrán and tin whistle.

Fourth, and most importantly, Ed Sheeran is still in his twenties, a young English-born Irish-heart from 1991, a product of a different era, far removed from the world in which many of us grew up.

His art reflects an attitude of youth, an insight of hope that can crack through the cold mirror of middle age. He lights candles, especially for a younger generation - many of whom are ground down by social media, social pressures and social inequalities – and he puts love right at the centre of their futures.

Maybe it’s all just sentimental claptrap, and we should let the sharpened cynics colonise the public square, with their angry heads, and brittle brains, and no vision.

But, then again, what’s to stop us trying a bit of ‘Sheeran-ising' across these islands? Finding ways to be prouder and more productive in our respective but inter-related cultures, even with our diversity of conflicting values. Finding new words and new ways of thinking about ourselves - and the ‘other’. Focusing on attitudes of hope, honesty and love, for the future; and lifting young people to the point of self-determining the society they collectively wish to design – not the one that older generations wish to impose.

Interestingly, powers of commerce got their heads around the importance of free-flowing Irish-Anglo relationships a long time ago. Two observations struck me visiting London over the last year.

The first was on the way into Wembley stadium for the FA Cup semi-final with my daughter’s boyfriend (both of whom work and live in London). Cranes were towering over the building sites around the stadium. Plastered on their sides was the company name McAleer & Rushe – the former sponsors of the Tyrone GAA county gaelic team.

The second happened as my other daughter (also living and working in London) and I went to get a photograph outside the ‘Kingsman’ shop, from the film of the same name. We walked past The Ritz hotel then turned down a street and I noticed hoardings where a famous cigar shop was being refurbished. The name of the firm doing the work was Structure Tone, a global group that also has strong links to Tyrone and Irish America.

It was notable to think that here, in the midst of Brexit’s turmoil and Stormont’s stasis, prominent Irish-linked firms were steadily bridging their lucrative commercial work across borders and seas, while building up the heart of European capitals, like Wembley and Mayfair in London.

Equally notable, commerce – rather than community – is the vehicle through which those successful partnerships and mutual relationships have been built between (EU) Ireland and (Brexit) Britain.

In the past, Britain was a last resort for many Irish people trying to find work. Today it’s a common choice for weekly commuters, education, entertainment, sports, or even families settling down.

Which brings me back to whether we might ‘Sheeran-ise’ these islands’ communal relationships a bit more – just as culture and commerce have already been doing. Maybe Ed should give us all a wee seisún.