It is raining again late morning in Belfast, but it reached 24 Celsius in Armagh yesterday, well short of the 31C it got to in southern England. For all the damp spells, I still love to be in Northern Ireland in July.

When Rory McIlroy scored seven over in his first round at the Open, I hoped it would be a reverse of the 2011 US Master's collapse when he soared in the first three days, then blundered to seven over in the last. But no, he is already out of the UK major tournament. Maybe Portrush next year will be his moment.

The former civil servant Sue Gray is reported to have been pushing for funding for the now badly over priced Casement GAA stadium. Just as significant, I say in my column, is her support for citizens' assemblies.

It is 50 years today since Turkey invaded Cyprus. No-one of my age can remember it but it was a huge moment. The island has been divided ever since, and I visited Northern Cyprus earlier this year.

Here is Samuel Morrison accusing the BBC of negative coverage of the Twelfth, Alf McCreary expressing concern at Donald Trump suggesting he has divine help, and Ruth Dudley Edwards saying she backs Trump-Vance.

And Trevor Ringland remembering the recently deceased US consul to Northern Ireland Dean Pittman.

Enjoy your reading, and your Saturday.

Ben