This blog will be shutting its doors soon. I am moving on to a new challenge.

The decision was not an easy one because the Akron Beacon Journal has been a good place to work these past 11 years. The daily newspaper means a lot to me, as does being part of a local community. The Beacon Journal was gracious in providing both. I am fortunate and blessed, and grateful to the Beacon for the many opportunities.

As for you loyal readers … in a weird way it feels like we are all friends. Along the way we've shared opinions, traded barbs, endured insults, enjoyed music and laughed a little. You know about my daughters, I about your feelings toward the Browns, Cavs and Indians. It's been a lot more fun than I ever envisioned a blog (note the correct term) could be.

I hope to cross paths with many of you in the future. If you'd like to keep in touch, drop a line at mcmanamon.pat@gmail.com.

Hopefully this is not goodbye, but see you soon. I wish you all the best.

I sign off the way my father always did … God bless.

Pat

Finally … I leave you with this weekend's entertainment, which, appropriately, is by two of my favorite Irish musicians, Liam Clancy and Tommy Makem. The fact that it's dated does not diminish the sentiment:

And … because he's Neil Young … a bonus …

I would add that a friend of mine once was covering Wimbledon and he strolled into a pub in London for a pint. Lo and behold, who sat across from him but Mark Knopfler. He bought Knopfler a glass, then Knopfler returned the favor and they chatted for a while. You like a guy who buys the pint back.