theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Man dead in ‘superloo’ for up to 20 hours before discovery

Members of an Ennis family fear that that their late son and brother , Niall Mahony could have lay undetected in a ‘ superloo ’ for up to 20 hours in Ennis before his body was discovered .
At an inquest into the death of the 38-year-old father of two on May 2nd last , Mr Mahony ’ s sister Katherine Mahony told the inquest in Ennis “ we reckon he might have been there from 12pm the previous day ” .
His body was discovered by a maintenance worker for JCDecaux Ireland , Steven Wragg at the Clare County @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after 8am on May 2nd last .
A doctor who attended the scene reported that rigor mortis had set in and the post mortem reported that there was the possibility that Mr Mahony had been in the public toilet from the previous day .
At the inquest , Katherine Mahony asked “ why was it so long before he was found ?
” Another family member said she phoned the gardaí the previous night at 9.30pm when she couldn ’ t contact Mr Mahony as he was on a curfew at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not have been considered high risk but that Garda patrols would have been informed of the call .
Mr Wragg told the inquest that usually after people are inside a public toilet for longer than 20 minutes , the alarm goes off and the door opens and stays open .
“ So I would say he [ Mr Mahony ] pulled the door behind him after it opened so it would stay closed unless he pressed the button from inside to open it.
” Clare County Coroner , Isobel O ’ Dea said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ died as a result of drug poisoning .
There were multiple drugs in his system made up of recreational and medical drugs .
Ms O ’ Dea describe Mr Mahony as “ a well known character around town ” .
He lived at home with his mother , Maralyn at Clancy Park in Ennis .
The mother of nine was the last person to see him alive .
She told the inquest in a deposition that she was “ heartbroken and so upset ” by his death .
“ No family should have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .

Niall Mahony’s family questioned why it took so long for him to be discovered in the public toliet in Clare. File photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Members of an Ennis family fear that that their late son and brother, Niall Mahony could have lay undetected in a 'superloo' for up to 20 hours in Ennis before his body was discovered.
At an inquest into the death of the 38-year-old father of two on May 2nd last, Mr Mahony’s sister Katherine Mahony told the inquest in Ennis “we reckon he might have been there from 12pm the previous day”.
His body was discovered by a maintenance worker for JCDecaux Ireland, Steven Wragg at the Clare County Council Abbey Street car-park public toilets shortly after 8am on May 2nd last.
A doctor who attended the scene reported that rigor mortis had set in and the post mortem reported that there was the possibility that Mr Mahony had been in the public toilet from the previous day.
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At the inquest, Katherine Mahony asked “why was it so long before he was found?”
Another family member said she phoned the gardaí the previous night at 9.30pm when she couldn’t contact Mr Mahony as he was on a curfew at the time.
Insp Helen Costello said he would not have been considered high risk but that Garda patrols would have been informed of the call.
Mr Wragg told the inquest that usually after people are inside a public toilet for longer than 20 minutes, the alarm goes off and the door opens and stays open.
“So I would say he [Mr Mahony]pulled the door behind him after it opened so it would stay closed unless he pressed the button from inside to open it.”
Clare County Coroner, Isobel O’Dea said the post mortem found that Mr Mahony died as a result of drug poisoning. There were multiple drugs in his system made up of recreational and medical drugs. Ms O’Dea describe Mr Mahony as “a well known character around town”.
He lived at home with his mother, Maralyn at Clancy Park in Ennis. The mother of nine was the last person to see him alive.
She told the inquest in a deposition that she was “heartbroken and so upset” by his death.
“No family should have to suffer the loss of a child,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--Injunction lifted as row over dog track protests resolved

A High Court injunction limiting the extent of a protest against the greyhound racing industry outside Shelbourne Park in Dublin track has been lifted .
The order was discharged as part of an agreement reached between the protesters and the operators of Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium Ltd , which had obtained the ex-parte injunction last November .
As part of the settlement , the protesters will continue their peaceful protests outside the track on Saturday evenings and will abide by certain agreed conditions .
The protesters , whose legal costs are to be paid by the track operators , acknowledge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ greyhound racing events at the track and the entitlement of the track ’ s patrons and employees to attend such events .
As part of the agreement , the operators said they were happy to remove any insinuations made during the proceedings that the protesters had any involvement with leaflets sent to the track ’ s neighbours , which contained threats that the residents ’ property would be damaged unless they supported the protests .
The protesters denied any involvement with the leaflets , which are subject of a Garda investigation .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any other person with knowledge of the order , conducting an ongoing action within 50m of the track ’ s entrance .
It also restrained the defendants interfering with access to the stadium .
The protests began last year after an RTÉ documentary highlighted certain practices in the greyhound industry .
As part of the agreement Catherine Woods of East Wall , Ringsend , Dublin ; Bernie Wright , of Foxhaven , Shallon , The Ward , Co Dublin ; and Conor Brady and Noiren Carrigg , both of Carnoustie , Annaghlong , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protocols will be put in place during the protests .
They will ensure stewards , in high visibility jackets , will be in place during the protests .
The stewards will ensure certain protocols will be put in place .
The protesters will also confine the content of their posters , banners and slogans to the plight of greyhounds and not about customers , of employees of the track operators .
Two other defendants , Laura Broxson and Tawnie Ocampo , of Burnell Green , Northern Cross , Malahide , Co Dublin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any future protest outside the track they attend .
Mr Justice O ’ Connor welcomed the settlement .
He said he was not being critical of any party in the action , or their advisers .
With the benefit of hindsight , it would have been better for all sides had the defendants been put on notice of the proceedings before the ex-parte injunction was sought last November , he said .
The Irish Council of Civil Liberties ( ICCL ) was involved as an ‘ amicus curiae ’ or friend to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ important issues concerning the rights to freedom of speech and to assembly .

A High Court injunction limiting the extent of a protest against the greyhound racing industry outside Shelbourne Park in Dublin track has been lifted. File photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho.
A High Court injunction limiting the extent of a protest against the greyhound racing industry outside Shelbourne Park in Dublin track has been lifted.
The order was discharged as part of an agreement reached between the protesters and the operators of Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium Ltd, which had obtained the ex-parte injunction last November.
As part of the settlement, the protesters will continue their peaceful protests outside the track on Saturday evenings and will abide by certain agreed conditions.
The protesters, whose legal costs are to be paid by the track operators, acknowledge the operators right to promote and organise greyhound racing events at the track and the entitlement of the track’s patrons and employees to attend such events.
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As part of the agreement, the operators said they were happy to remove any insinuations made during the proceedings that the protesters had any involvement with leaflets sent to the track’s neighbours, which contained threats that the residents’ property would be damaged unless they supported the protests. The protesters denied any involvement with the leaflets, which are subject of a Garda investigation.
The injunction prevented six named protesters, and any other person with knowledge of the order, conducting an ongoing action within 50m of the track’s entrance. It also restrained the defendants interfering with access to the stadium.
Documentary
The protests began last year after an RTÉ documentary highlighted certain practices in the greyhound industry.
As part of the agreement Catherine Woods of East Wall, Ringsend, Dublin; Bernie Wright, of Foxhaven, Shallon, The Ward, Co Dublin; and Conor Brady and Noiren Carrigg, both of Carnoustie, Annaghlong, Gorey, Co Wexford will ensure certain protocols will be put in place during the protests.
They will ensure stewards, in high visibility jackets, will be in place during the protests. The stewards will ensure certain protocols will be put in place. The protesters will also confine the content of their posters, banners and slogans to the plight of greyhounds and not about customers, of employees of the track operators. Two other defendants, Laura Broxson and Tawnie Ocampo, of Burnell Green, Northern Cross, Malahide, Co Dublin, agreed to abide by the protocol at any future protest outside the track they attend.
Mr Justice O’Connor welcomed the settlement. He said he was not being critical of any party in the action, or their advisers. With the benefit of hindsight, it would have been better for all sides had the defendants been put on notice of the proceedings before the ex-parte injunction was sought last November, he said.
The Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) was involved as an ‘amicus curiae’ or friend to the court. It said the case raises important issues concerning the rights to freedom of speech and to assembly.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--‘Excuse of ignorance’ not open to ex-tax inspector jailed for not filing returns

A former tax inspector has been jailed for two years after a judge said “ the excuses of ignorance or incompetence ” were not available to him considering his previous employment .
James Daly ( 62 ) , of Kinvara , Woodleigh Park , Model Farm Road , Co Cork , pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to delivering an incorrect income tax return in 2005 and failing to deliver tax returns in 2006 , 2007 and 2008 .
The court heard that Daly was employed by the Office of Revenue Commissions for approximately eight years as a tax @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business as a tax consultant and financial advisor and was registered as a tax agent for the purpose of filing returns on behalf of clients .
Judge Melanie Greally said “ the excuses of ignorance or incompetence ” were not available to Daly considering his experience as a tax inspector .
She said he also gave no explanation for his offending and “ the court is entitled to infer that his conduct was strategic ” and financially motivated .
Judge Greally acknowledged that Daly ’ s plea of guilty saved a trial in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ confusing case ” and took into account his lack of previous convictions , his professional credentials and “ excellent ” testimonials handed in on his behalf .
She noted “ an absence of co-operation with Revenue ” and the fact that there had been “ no expression of remorse ” .
Judge Greally said there were multiple offences “ encompassing a range of misconduct , over a number of years ” which represented a “ grave breach of trust ” due to Daly ’ s previous role .
“ There was dishonesty associated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” she added .
The judge noted that Daly was described as “ an inspiring father and devoted grandfather ” in testimonials from his adult children and as “ a trusted and capable financial adviser and friend ” from his previous clients .
Inspector of Taxes Bernadette Dorigan told Conor Devally SC , prosecuting , at an earlier sentence hearing that Revenue became interested in Daly after noticing assets associated with him were out of proportion with his returns .
Ms Dorigan said Daly used four different Vat numbers on invoices paid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was his own and three of which related to other companies .
One of the companies was Straight Deals Ltd , which was dissolved in 2000 .
Daly filed a tax return in 2005 which claimed he received a €28,000 salary from Straight Deals Ltd .
The returns he submitted for 2006 , 2007 and 2008 were deemed as not being acceptable by Revenue .
A bank account in the name of Straight Deals Ltd , which was controlled by Daly , had more than €1 million lodged in it between 2005 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obtained for Daly ’ s home and his office .
Ms Dorigan said a bankruptcy petition was discovered in his office which was dated for the following day .
Ms Dorigan said Daly agreed to a meeting with her on a subsequent date which he later cancelled by text .
It was later discovered that he left the jurisdiction and a European arrest warrant was obtained to bring him back from Spain .

A former tax inspector has been jailed for two years after a judge said ‘the excuses of ignorance or incompetence’ were not available to him considering his previous employment.
A former tax inspector has been jailed for two years after a judge said “the excuses of ignorance or incompetence” were not available to him considering his previous employment.
James Daly (62), of Kinvara, Woodleigh Park, Model Farm Road, Co Cork, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to delivering an incorrect income tax return in 2005 and failing to deliver tax returns in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
The court heard that Daly was employed by the Office of Revenue Commissions for approximately eight years as a tax inspector. He then started his own business as a tax consultant and financial advisor and was registered as a tax agent for the purpose of filing returns on behalf of clients.
Judge Melanie Greally said “the excuses of ignorance or incompetence” were not available to Daly considering his experience as a tax inspector. She said he also gave no explanation for his offending and “the court is entitled to infer that his conduct was strategic” and financially motivated.
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Judge Greally acknowledged that Daly’s plea of guilty saved a trial in “the context of a complicated and confusing case” and took into account his lack of previous convictions, his professional credentials and “excellent” testimonials handed in on his behalf.
No remorse
She noted “an absence of co-operation with Revenue” and the fact that there had been “no expression of remorse”.
Judge Greally said there were multiple offences “encompassing a range of misconduct, over a number of years” which represented a “grave breach of trust” due to Daly’s previous role.
“There was dishonesty associated with the commission of the offences,” she added.
The judge noted that Daly was described as “an inspiring father and devoted grandfather” in testimonials from his adult children and as “a trusted and capable financial adviser and friend” from his previous clients.
Inspector of Taxes Bernadette Dorigan told Conor Devally SC, prosecuting, at an earlier sentence hearing that Revenue became interested in Daly after noticing assets associated with him were out of proportion with his returns.
Ms Dorigan said Daly used four different Vat numbers on invoices paid to him for services rendered, one of which was his own and three of which related to other companies. One of the companies was Straight Deals Ltd, which was dissolved in 2000.
Not acceptable
Daly filed a tax return in 2005 which claimed he received a €28,000 salary from Straight Deals Ltd. The returns he submitted for 2006, 2007 and 2008 were deemed as not being acceptable by Revenue.
A bank account in the name of Straight Deals Ltd, which was controlled by Daly, had more than €1 million lodged in it between 2005 and 2008.
A search warrant was obtained for Daly’s home and his office. Ms Dorigan said a bankruptcy petition was discovered in his office which was dated for the following day.
Ms Dorigan said Daly agreed to a meeting with her on a subsequent date which he later cancelled by text. It was later discovered that he left the jurisdiction and a European arrest warrant was obtained to bring him back from Spain.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Funeral of McGinley children to take place tomorrow

The funeral of three young children who were found dead at their family home in southwest Dublin last week will take place on Friday morning .
The bodies of Conor ( 9 ) , Darragh ( 7 ) and Carla ( 3 ) McGinley were discovered in their home at Parson ’ s Court in Newcastle just before 8pm on Friday , January 24th .
The children ’ s death notice says a Mass of the Angels will be held in the Church of The Holy Family , Rathcoole , on Friday morning at 11am , followed by a burial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are requesting family flowers only and donations , if desired , should be sent to the Rathcoole Boys Football Club , Scoil Chrónáin , Rathcoole or Happy Feet Early Learning Centre , Rathcoole .
The notice says the three were “ cherished children ” who are “ sorrowfully missed by everyone ” .
On Friday evening , before the bodies were found , Deirdre Morley , the children ’ s mother , was found in a disorientated state near her home .
She was taken to Tallaght Hospital and was treated there until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by gardaí and taken to Clondalkin Garda station .
On Thursday , Ms McGinley was charged with three counts of murder and is due to reappear at Dublin District Court on Wednesday , February 5th .
Earlier this week , the children ’ s father , Andrew McGinley , released a statement via the Garda saying the three siblings had “ beautiful , bright futures ” ahead of them and since their deaths “ every breath is a struggle ” .
“ There are no words .
There is only devastation , grief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ struggle , ” he said .
“ Conor , Darragh and Carla are adored .
They all had beautiful , bright futures ahead of them with family , friends and a community who love them .
“ To all parents , cuddle your children whenever you get a chance , tell them how much you love them as often as you can , spend every spare minute with them reading , playing and enjoying their wonderfulness .
“ The future has now become our enemy but we will battle it every day to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Carla alive.
” Sports club Rathcoole FC is offering the community counselling services because of the family ’ s close connection with the club .
Conor played for the under-10s team and Darragh was about to start with the under-8s after going through the club ’ s kids ’ soccer academy .
A vigil was organised earlier this week and a GoFundMe page set up by neighbours had raised almost €25,000 by Friday morning .

Conor (9), Carla (3) and Darragh McGinley (7) with their father Andrew McGinley. Photograph: An Garda Síochána
The funeral of three young children who were found dead at their family home in southwest Dublin last week will take place on Friday morning.
The bodies of Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla (3) McGinley were discovered in their home at Parson's Court in Newcastle just before 8pm on Friday, January 24th.
The children's death notice says a Mass of the Angels will be held in the Church of The Holy Family, Rathcoole, on Friday morning at 11am, followed by a burial in Newcastle Cemetery.
The McGinley family are requesting family flowers only and donations, if desired, should be sent to the Rathcoole Boys Football Club, Scoil Chrónáin, Rathcoole or Happy Feet Early Learning Centre, Rathcoole.
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The notice says the three were “cherished children” who are “sorrowfully missed by everyone”.
On Friday evening, before the bodies were found, Deirdre Morley, the children's mother, was found in a disorientated state near her home.
She was taken to Tallaght Hospital and was treated there until Tuesday evening, when she was arrested by gardaí and taken to Clondalkin Garda station.
On Thursday, Ms McGinley was charged with three counts of murder and is due to reappear at Dublin District Court on Wednesday, February 5th.
Earlier this week, the children’s father, Andrew McGinley, released a statement via the Garda saying the three siblings had “beautiful, bright futures” ahead of them and since their deaths “every breath is a struggle”.
“There are no words. There is only devastation, grief and anguish. Every breath is a struggle,” he said.
“Conor, Darragh and Carla are adored. They all had beautiful, bright futures ahead of them with family, friends and a community who love them.
“To all parents, cuddle your children whenever you get a chance, tell them how much you love them as often as you can, spend every spare minute with them reading, playing and enjoying their wonderfulness.
“The future has now become our enemy but we will battle it every day to keep the memory of Conor, Darragh and Carla alive.”
Sports club Rathcoole FC is offering the community counselling services because of the family’s close connection with the club.
Conor played for the under-10s team and Darragh was about to start with the under-8s after going through the club’s kids’ soccer academy.
A vigil was organised earlier this week and a GoFundMe page set up by neighbours had raised almost €25,000 by Friday morning.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Gardaí travel to Romania to interview suspect in Cork murder

Gardaí investigating the murder of a homeless man in Cork last month have travelled to Romania to interview a 29-year-old man .
A team of four detectives , accompanied by a Romanian member of An Garda Síochána , flew to Bucharest earlier this month to question the man in connection with the death of father of three Frankie Dunne ( 64 ) .
Mr Dunne , who was from Churchfield on Cork ’ s Northside but had been living rough , was murdered after leaving Cork Simon ’ s Clanmornin House on the Boreenmanna Road at 7pm on December 27th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back garden of a derelict house less than 500m away at about 4pm the next day .
Gardaí believe he was murdered on the grounds of the house and his killer began dismembering his body but was disturbed .
Investigations quickly led gardaí to focus on a Romanian man living in Cork , who travelled to Belfast on December 30th , caught a flight to Edinburgh and from there flew to Romania .
Gardaí made contact through Europol with Romanian police in the man ’ s home town near Bucharest and travelled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police had located the man and requested he voluntarily attend at the local police station for interview in the presence of investigating gardaí .
The man spent several hours answering questions put to him by Romanian police on behalf of the gardaí who sat in on the interview .
It is understood the man was cautioned that anything he said could be used in evidence against him as part of the investigation into the killing of Mr Dunne .
The man also provided forensic samples which will be sent to the Forensic Science @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they match samples taken from the murder scene .
Gardaí hope to receive a statement in the coming weeks from their Romanian colleagues based on the interview with the man which gardaí will include in a file sent to the DPP .
If the DPP decides there is sufficient evidence to charge the man with Mr Dunne ’ s killing , it will then be open to gardaí to apply for a European Arrest Warrant .

Gardaí investigating the murder of a homeless man in Cork last month have travelled to Romania to interview a 29-year-old man.
A team of four detectives, accompanied by a Romanian member of An Garda Síochána, flew to Bucharest earlier this month to question the man in connection with the death of father of three Frankie Dunne (64).
Mr Dunne, who was from Churchfield on Cork's Northside but had been living rough, was murdered after leaving Cork Simon's Clanmornin House on the Boreenmanna Road at 7pm on December 27th.
His dismembered remains were found in the back garden of a derelict house less than 500m away at about 4pm the next day.
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Gardaí believe he was murdered on the grounds of the house and his killer began dismembering his body but was disturbed. Investigations quickly led gardaí to focus on a Romanian man living in Cork, who travelled to Belfast on December 30th, caught a flight to Edinburgh and from there flew to Romania.
Gardaí made contact through Europol with Romanian police in the man's home town near Bucharest and travelled to Romania on January 15th. Romanian police had located the man and requested he voluntarily attend at the local police station for interview in the presence of investigating gardaí.
The man spent several hours answering questions put to him by Romanian police on behalf of the gardaí who sat in on the interview.
It is understood the man was cautioned that anything he said could be used in evidence against him as part of the investigation into the killing of Mr Dunne.
The man also provided forensic samples which will be sent to the Forensic Science Ireland laboratory for analysis to see if they match samples taken from the murder scene.
Gardaí hope to receive a statement in the coming weeks from their Romanian colleagues based on the interview with the man which gardaí will include in a file sent to the DPP.
If the DPP decides there is sufficient evidence to charge the man with Mr Dunne’s killing, it will then be open to gardaí to apply for a European Arrest Warrant.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Naval Service forced to delay mission due to lack of crew

The Naval Service was forced to delay the deployment of one of its ships for three days recently because it could not find the minimum number of sailors required .
The LÉ Ciara Patrol Vessel is supposed to have 39 crew but in late December it had a crew of only 34 , the minimum number of sailors required to safely operate the ship .
By the time it received orders to set sail from Haulbowline Naval Base on December 30th on a routine maritime defence and security operations patrol , two of its crew had reported in sick .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ sail because it did not have what is known as the “ damage control and fire fighting bubble ” , ie it did not have enough crew to safely deal with fires or other emergencies if they occurred .
It remained in port for three days while replacement crew were found .
The ship was eventually able to depart on its mission on January 1st .
Four days after it eventually deployed , LÉ Ciara was called to act as on scene commander of search operations for the Alize trawler off Hook Head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described the delay to The Irish Times , said that it is symptomatic of the worsening retention crisis affecting the Defence Forces in general and the Naval Service in particular and expressed concern it could lead to another ship being tied up on a long-term basis .
The Naval Service is currently 168 personnel below the establishment strength of 1,094 .
It suffered a net loss of 50 members in 2019 – roughly the equivalent of a ship ’ s crew .
Two of its nine ships , including the flagship LÉ Eithne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reserve ” due to lack of personnel .
Another ship the LÉ Róisín is currently undergoing a mid-life refit , leaving the fleet with only 60 per cent of its ships .
The manpower crisis is affecting the Naval Service ’ s ability to conduct drug interdiction operations and fisheries patrols , said the representative group for military officers .
“ At what point of dysfunction will urgent retention policies be implemented ?
Are we waiting to fail ?
” asked Conor King , general secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it is not the first time a ship has been unable to sail due to its crew dropping below the minimum safe number .
“ The Navy ’ s ships are routinely operating on the edge of the minimum workable crewing numbers .
“ When a ship ’ s crew is diminished like this , it must get relief personnel either from other ships or from personnel who are not supposed to be on sea rotation , thereby exacerbating an already stressed working environment.
” He pointed to the Naval Service Diving section @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Head search operation .
It currently had six personnel out of an establishment strength of 27 and “ and has had to pull in divers from other units to conduct operations ” .
Asked about the LÉ Ciara delay , the Defence Forces said it does not comment on changes to operational scheduling or patrol plans .
“ The final authority as to whether a ship deploys operationally is vested with the ship ’ s captain and thereafter with the flag officer commanding the Naval Service .
There are a variety of reasons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sail as scheduled , ” a spokesman said .

An LÉ Ciara deployment was delayed for three days recently because it could not find the minimum number of sailors required.
The Naval Service was forced to delay the deployment of one of its ships for three days recently because it could not find the minimum number of sailors required.
The LÉ Ciara Patrol Vessel is supposed to have 39 crew but in late December it had a crew of only 34, the minimum number of sailors required to safely operate the ship.
By the time it received orders to set sail from Haulbowline Naval Base on December 30th on a routine maritime defence and security operations patrol, two of its crew had reported in sick.
This meant LÉ Ciara was unable to sail because it did not have what is known as the “damage control and fire fighting bubble”, ie it did not have enough crew to safely deal with fires or other emergencies if they occurred.
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It remained in port for three days while replacement crew were found. The ship was eventually able to depart on its mission on January 1st.
Retention crisis
Four days after it eventually deployed, LÉ Ciara was called to act as on scene commander of search operations for the Alize trawler off Hook Head in Wexford.
Military personnel, who described the delay to The Irish Times, said that it is symptomatic of the worsening retention crisis affecting the Defence Forces in general and the Naval Service in particular and expressed concern it could lead to another ship being tied up on a long-term basis.
The Naval Service is currently 168 personnel below the establishment strength of 1,094.
It suffered a net loss of 50 members in 2019 – roughly the equivalent of a ship’s crew. Two of its nine ships, including the flagship LÉ Eithne, have been placed into “operational reserve” due to lack of personnel. Another ship the LÉ Róisín is currently undergoing a mid-life refit, leaving the fleet with only 60 per cent of its ships.
The manpower crisis is affecting the Naval Service’s ability to conduct drug interdiction operations and fisheries patrols, said the representative group for military officers.
"At what point of dysfunction will urgent retention policies be implemented? Are we waiting to fail?" asked Conor King, general secretary of the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (Raco).
Mr King said it is not the first time a ship has been unable to sail due to its crew dropping below the minimum safe number.
Diminished
“The Navy’s ships are routinely operating on the edge of the minimum workable crewing numbers.
“When a ship’s crew is diminished like this, it must get relief personnel either from other ships or from personnel who are not supposed to be on sea rotation, thereby exacerbating an already stressed working environment.”
He pointed to the Naval Service Diving section which was also involved in the Hook Head search operation. It currently had six personnel out of an establishment strength of 27 and “and has had to pull in divers from other units to conduct operations”.
Asked about the LÉ Ciara delay, the Defence Forces said it does not comment on changes to operational scheduling or patrol plans.
“The final authority as to whether a ship deploys operationally is vested with the ship’s captain and thereafter with the flag officer commanding the Naval Service. There are a variety of reasons as to why a ship may not sail as scheduled,” a spokesman said.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Local sports club draws community together following McGinley children’s deaths

Rathcoole Football Club might have been forgiven for cancelling its training sessions this week .
The large southwest Dublin club , which fields about 30 teams , has close links to the McGinley family and its members have been deeply affected by the deaths of Conor ( 9 ) , Darragh ( 7 ) and Carla ( 3 ) , whose bodies were discovered last Friday evening by their father Andrew .
Conor played for the under-10s team and Dara was about to start with the under-8s after going through the club ’ s kids ’ soccer academy , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ explained the decision not to cancel training sessions at the club after the news broke was a deliberate one .
“ We made sure not to cancelled any training sessions just to allow the children and the coaches and the parents to come together because the club is such a focal point in the community.
” Training sessions are being treated as an opportunity for the children , coaches and parents to meet and process their grief .
The club has brought in counsellors who are available for anyone who wants to avail @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid to the teammates of Conor and Darragh .
“ That ’ s been a great help , ” said Mr Hennessy .
“ We have them down there last night and the night before .
It has had a huge impact on the community and a big impact on the club itself.
” Mr Hennessy said that if there is anything good to come from the tragedy , it is that it has brought the community of Rathcoole together in a way never seen before .
“ Everybody has come together and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Like many in the Rathcoole and Newcastle areas , Mr Hennessy is wary of talking to the media in case it intrudes on the McGinley family ’ s grief .
“ People are curious .
One half of me wants to say nothing and the other half wants to acknowledge how great the community has been about coming together , ” he said .
“ Children are very resilient .
But it will take some time to get over this , for the family and for the community.
” The club ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast community effort to process the tragedy and offer support to those affected .
Most people want to feel like they are helping in some way , even though there is little they can actually do , said Shelley Kavanagh , who lives close to the McGinley family .
This prompted her to set up an online fundraiser for the family , with their permission , which as of Wednesday evening had raised more than €21,000 .
All of this will be transferred to Mr McGinley , “ probably sometime after the funeral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The whole of Newcastle , like the rest of the country is in absolute shock .
There ’ s a huge sense of loss and sadness and darkness in the community .
Everyone wants to do something .
We need to channel that grief.
” Dozens of messages of sympathy have been posted on the fundraising page including many from fathers , Ms Kavanagh said .
“ They are coming through from dads who just can ’ t imagine Andrew ’ s grief.
” Ms Kavanagh has two children , aged four and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep them from news of the deaths .
But older children in the area are aware of it , she said .
“ The schools have been fantastic and have sent out links of ways to explain these tragic events to the children .
I couldn ’ t imagine having to explain my two .
”

Andrew McGinley pictured with his three children Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla (3). Rathcoole Football Club has close links to the McGinley family and its members have been deeply affected by the deaths of the children. Photograph: Family Handout/PA Wire
Rathcoole Football Club might have been forgiven for cancelling its training sessions this week.
The large southwest Dublin club, which fields about 30 teams, has close links to the McGinley family and its members have been deeply affected by the deaths of Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla (3), whose bodies were discovered last Friday evening by their father Andrew.
Conor played for the under-10s team and Dara was about to start with the under-8s after going through the club’s kids’ soccer academy, said Rathcoole FC chairman Dave Hennessy.
He explained the decision not to cancel training sessions at the club after the news broke was a deliberate one.
READ MORE
“We made sure not to cancelled any training sessions just to allow the children and the coaches and the parents to come together because the club is such a focal point in the community.”
Training sessions are being treated as an opportunity for the children, coaches and parents to meet and process their grief. The club has brought in counsellors who are available for anyone who wants to avail of them and special attention is being paid to the teammates of Conor and Darragh.
A vigil was held for Conor, Darragh and Carla outside the house where their remains were discovered at Parsons Court in Newcastle, Co Dublin on Friday night. Photograph: Stephen Colllins
“That’s been a great help,” said Mr Hennessy. “We have them down there last night and the night before. It has had a huge impact on the community and a big impact on the club itself.”
Coming together
Mr Hennessy said that if there is anything good to come from the tragedy, it is that it has brought the community of Rathcoole together in a way never seen before.
“Everybody has come together and the local businesses have been fantastic.”
Like many in the Rathcoole and Newcastle areas, Mr Hennessy is wary of talking to the media in case it intrudes on the McGinley family’s grief.
“People are curious. One half of me wants to say nothing and the other half wants to acknowledge how great the community has been about coming together,” he said.
“Children are very resilient. But it will take some time to get over this, for the family and for the community.”
The club’s response is just one part of a vast community effort to process the tragedy and offer support to those affected.
Most people want to feel like they are helping in some way, even though there is little they can actually do, said Shelley Kavanagh, who lives close to the McGinley family. This prompted her to set up an online fundraiser for the family, with their permission, which as of Wednesday evening had raised more than €21,000.
All of this will be transferred to Mr McGinley, “probably sometime after the funeral,” Ms Kavanagh said. “The whole of Newcastle, like the rest of the country is in absolute shock. There’s a huge sense of loss and sadness and darkness in the community. Everyone wants to do something. We need to channel that grief.”
Sympathy
Dozens of messages of sympathy have been posted on the fundraising page including many from fathers, Ms Kavanagh said.
“They are coming through from dads who just can’t imagine Andrew’s grief.”
Ms Kavanagh has two children, aged four and five, and has so far managed to keep them from news of the deaths. But older children in the area are aware of it, she said.
“The schools have been fantastic and have sent out links of ways to explain these tragic events to the children. I couldn’t imagine having to explain my two.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Ingenious Ireland a window on a not so distant past

I was late for an appointment with my chiropractor when I spotted the book .
It jumped out at me from a prime position on a front-window shelf of a charity shop on Dundrum ’ s main street in Dublin .
Over the years , I had often asked by devotees of the illustrious but largely hidden history of Irish science and technology , if it was still in print , or if anyone had seen a copy available online .
Delighted at the prospect of finally acquiring my own copy – and one clearly in good nick – I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after what is invariably an intense session working on knotted muscles .
Later , stepping out on the street in my usual daze , I was immediately distracted by a phone call that dragged on .
I walked homewards and forgot to go back and make my purchase of Mary Mulvihill ’ s Ingenious Ireland .
I returned a few days later to find it was gone – and not merely moved inside to the non-fiction section .
That was two years ago .
However , I got a second chance , unexpectedly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Courts Press re-issued Mulvihill ’ s book , first published in 2002 .
While the book has been reviewed elsewhere , this column offers another view on its significance .
The Irish are reputed to have the gift of the gab , the renowned astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell notes in the preface to the second edition ; so Ireland is a place where writers and poets are revered ; scientists do not get much of a look in .
Ingenious Ireland , “ the county-by-county exploration of Irish mysteries ” , rebalances matters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our scientists in the broadest sense have made .
“ Scientists ” in this case include engineers ; naturalists , inventors , physicists , climatologists ( long before their discipline was recognised ) and geographers ; those whose global legacy can not be disputed .
Moreover , Mulvihill encapsulates endeavour brilliantly , thereby revealing why scientists combined to put Ireland at the forefront of experimentation , technological development and discovery during the 19th and early 20th century .
There have been , admittedly , more than a few hot shots since .
Critically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a directory of visitor centres turned into a six-year odyssey , where listings were transformed into short , yet in many ways definitive , accounts of many who merit the title colossus .
The breadth of the book , however , goes beyond individuals .
It ranges from natural history to industrialisation to sociology , but as you delve deeper into it , what binds it so strongly becomes more obvious ; the sense of place – whether that is Irish topography before arrival of humans or the subsequent built environment .
Being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at what she wrote about that area and its scientific trail-blazers .
It was birthplace of Robert Boyle of Boyle ’ s Law fame and Ernest Walton , who helped split the atom .
The former heralded the end of alchemy and start of modern chemistry , while the latter transformed lithium into helium , “ a modern act of alchemy ” .
In the 17th century , Boyle sought to transmute the elements and 300 years later Walton and Cockroft achieved it , says Mulvihill .
Her detail and quirkiness adds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So within my territory there is the invention of bacon rashers and cream cracker biscuits ; the Copper Coast , the establishment of Crystal City and the connection with England ’ s Galileo ( Thomas Harriot ) .
We live in the era of short attention spans and bite-size content , Ingenious Ireland is for this time ; the perfect alternative to screen time .
It even has its own listicles , notably Ireland ’ s top 10 treasures including the Burren , Birr telescope and our raised and blanket bogs with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conserve and treasure what little is left of these ecosystems ” – we realise now their vital role in capturing carbon .
The opening chapter is a beautifully succinct account of the physical emergence of the island of Ireland .
Though Mulvihill , a supreme science communicator , died in 2015 , her greatest work in print , Ingenious Ireland , has re-asserted itself and sits with the best Irish science books of recent times including Humanology : A Scientist ’ s Guide to Our Amazing Existence ( Luke O ’ Neill – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( John Cryan and Ted Dinan – National Geographic books ) and The Ascent of John Tyndall : Victorian Scientist , Mountaineer , and Public Intellectual ( Roland Jackson – Oxford University Press ) .
DCU and Dublin Port Company are to be commended for supporting its republication , which enabled a book of almost 500 pages to sell for €19.95 – and offering no excuse to those who missed buying it before .

A notable entry in Mary Mulvihill’s Ingenious Ireland: The Coelostat from Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies which provided proof of Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. Maria Koutoulakis pictured with the Grubb Coelostat and Einstein Lens. Photograph: Mark Steadman
I was late for an appointment with my chiropractor when I spotted the book. It jumped out at me from a prime position on a front-window shelf of a charity shop on Dundrum’s main street in Dublin.
Over the years, I had often asked by devotees of the illustrious but largely hidden history of Irish science and technology, if it was still in print, or if anyone had seen a copy available online. Delighted at the prospect of finally acquiring my own copy – and one clearly in good nick – I made a mental note to purchase it after what is invariably an intense session working on knotted muscles.
Later, stepping out on the street in my usual daze, I was immediately distracted by a phone call that dragged on. I walked homewards and forgot to go back and make my purchase of Mary Mulvihill's Ingenious Ireland. I returned a few days later to find it was gone – and not merely moved inside to the non-fiction section.
The Grubb stamp. From his works in Rathmines, Howard Grubb made hundreds of telescopes for leading observatories worldwide. Photograph: courtesy DIAS
That was two years ago. However, I got a second chance, unexpectedly, in late 2019, when Four Courts Press re-issued Mulvihill’s book, first published in 2002.
READ MORE
While the book has been reviewed elsewhere, this column offers another view on its significance. The Irish are reputed to have the gift of the gab, the renowned astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell notes in the preface to the second edition; so Ireland is a place where writers and poets are revered; scientists do not get much of a look in.
Ingenious Ireland, “the county-by-county exploration of Irish mysteries”, rebalances matters between magnificent literary history and the contribution our scientists in the broadest sense have made. “Scientists” in this case include engineers; naturalists, inventors, physicists, climatologists (long before their discipline was recognised) and geographers; those whose global legacy cannot be disputed.
Moreover, Mulvihill encapsulates endeavour brilliantly, thereby revealing why scientists combined to put Ireland at the forefront of experimentation, technological development and discovery during the 19th and early 20th century. There have been, admittedly, more than a few hot shots since.
Critically, what was originally supposed to be a directory of visitor centres turned into a six-year odyssey, where listings were transformed into short, yet in many ways definitive, accounts of many who merit the title colossus.
The breadth of the book, however, goes beyond individuals. It ranges from natural history to industrialisation to sociology, but as you delve deeper into it, what binds it so strongly becomes more obvious; the sense of place – whether that is Irish topography before arrival of humans or the subsequent built environment.
Being from Waterford, I took a close look at what she wrote about that area and its scientific trail-blazers. It was birthplace of Robert Boyle of Boyle's Law fame and Ernest Walton, who helped split the atom. The former heralded the end of alchemy and start of modern chemistry, while the latter transformed lithium into helium, "a modern act of alchemy".
In the 17th century, Boyle sought to transmute the elements and 300 years later Walton and Cockroft achieved it, says Mulvihill. Her detail and quirkiness adds to the mix at every turn. So within my territory there is the invention of bacon rashers and cream cracker biscuits; the Copper Coast, the establishment of Crystal City and the connection with England's Galileo (Thomas Harriot).
We live in the era of short attention spans and bite-size content, Ingenious Ireland is for this time; the perfect alternative to screen time. It even has its own listicles, notably Ireland's top 10 treasures including the Burren, Birr telescope and our raised and blanket bogs with the observation, "we urgently need to conserve and treasure what little is left of these ecosystems" – we realise now their vital role in capturing carbon. The opening chapter is a beautifully succinct account of the physical emergence of the island of Ireland.
Though Mulvihill, a supreme science communicator, died in 2015, her greatest work in print, Ingenious Ireland, has re-asserted itself and sits with the best Irish science books of recent times including Humanology: A Scientist's Guide to Our Amazing Existence (Luke O'Neill – Gill Books); The Psychobiotic Revolution (John Cryan and Ted Dinan – National Geographic books) and The Ascent of John Tyndall: Victorian Scientist, Mountaineer, and Public Intellectual (Roland Jackson – Oxford University Press).
DCU and Dublin Port Company are to be commended for supporting its republication, which enabled a book of almost 500 pages to sell for €19.95 – and offering no excuse to those who missed buying it before.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--A better forecast for space weather

A better forecast for space weather

What does your day at work involve ?
That depends .
During term time , on a given day I might be lecturing to students at Trinity College Dublin .
Then for my research , I am based at Trinity and at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies .
I work on improving approaches to space weather forecasts – particularly how we can better detect activity such as solar flares of radiation that travel out from the Sun towards Earth .
I also do outreach at Dunsink Observatory , where we give and host talks , and we help people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stars and planets .
Do you encounter misconceptions about your work ?
Yes , when I tell people that I work on solar flares , some have a perception from science fiction of apocalyptic flares zapping out of the Sun and ripping into the Earth ’ s atmosphere .
But really it ’ s not that dramatic .
The planet ’ s magnetic field protects us on the ground from the radiation of solar flares .
That said , solar flares can affect satellite-based telecommunications and power supplies , so it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take action to shield the satellites from flares and minimise their effects on us .
How do you improve space weather forecasts ?
My research is about taking new discoveries about space weather – the changes in the environment in Earth ’ s upper atmosphere and beyond – and using that information to improve how we make forecasts .
I work with data from spacecraft that pick up information about solar flares and other activity on the Sun ’ s surface , and I use physics and maths to better understand how to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as good yet at forecasting space weather as we are at forecasting Earth weather , and we can learn a lot from talking to meteorologists who work on Earth weather .
A lot of my research at the moment is taking computing techniques for weather forecasting and implementing them in space weather .
How did you get interested in this area ?
At school I really wanted to work on space science , and I studied astrophysics in Trinity .
For my final year project , I did a space weather study and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the practical aspect , and I liked being able to work on something with an immediate impact on society .
Also , forecasting space weather is a really important aspect of crewed missions that leave Earth ’ s atmosphere , we need to protect people on spacecraft from that radiation .
What gets you through the harder days of research ?
I ’ m really lucky in that I love my job .
There are days , of course , when maybe the research is difficult or there are obstacles in the way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lectures and plan outreach activities .
I find that a really positive way to keep focused .
And finally , how do you take a break ?
We have an energetic Labradoodle , so walking the dog is always an option .
My husband is from Alaska , and when we go hiking with the dog in the Dublin mountains , he questions whether they are actually mountains !
But we both agree there is nothing like getting out walking in the Irish winter air to clear the head .

What does your day at work involve?
That depends. During term time, on a given day I might be lecturing to students at Trinity College Dublin. Then for my research, I am based at Trinity and at Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
I work on improving approaches to space weather forecasts – particularly how we can better detect activity such as solar flares of radiation that travel out from the Sun towards Earth. I also do outreach at Dunsink Observatory, where we give and host talks, and we help people to use the telescopes to look at the stars and planets.
Do you encounter misconceptions about your work?
Yes, when I tell people that I work on solar flares, some have a perception from science fiction of apocalyptic flares zapping out of the Sun and ripping into the Earth’s atmosphere. But really it’s not that dramatic.
The planet’s magnetic field protects us on the ground from the radiation of solar flares. That said, solar flares can affect satellite-based telecommunications and power supplies, so it’s important that we can predict them and take action to shield the satellites from flares and minimise their effects on us.
READ MORE
How do you improve space weather forecasts?
My research is about taking new discoveries about space weather – the changes in the environment in Earth’s upper atmosphere and beyond – and using that information to improve how we make forecasts.
I work with data from spacecraft that pick up information about solar flares and other activity on the Sun’s surface, and I use physics and maths to better understand how to use that information.
We are not as good yet at forecasting space weather as we are at forecasting Earth weather, and we can learn a lot from talking to meteorologists who work on Earth weather. A lot of my research at the moment is taking computing techniques for weather forecasting and implementing them in space weather.
How did you get interested in this area?
At school I really wanted to work on space science, and I studied astrophysics in Trinity. For my final year project, I did a space weather study and I was hooked. I really liked the practical aspect, and I liked being able to work on something with an immediate impact on society.
Also, forecasting space weather is a really important aspect of crewed missions that leave Earth’s atmosphere, we need to protect people on spacecraft from that radiation.
What gets you through the harder days of research?
I’m really lucky in that I love my job. There are days, of course, when maybe the research is difficult or there are obstacles in the way. When that happens, I write lectures and plan outreach activities. I find that a really positive way to keep focused.
And finally, how do you take a break?
We have an energetic Labradoodle, so walking the dog is always an option. My husband is from Alaska, and when we go hiking with the dog in the Dublin mountains, he questions whether they are actually mountains! But we both agree there is nothing like getting out walking in the Irish winter air to clear the head.


theirishtimes--2020-01-29--'He has a nice tone' - kids give their verdict on Ireland's politicians

Seven political party leaders squawked , harranged and interrupted their way through what passed for an election debate earlier this week .
Many were quick to label some of their behaviour as petty and childish .
So , The Irish Times wondered , how do children feel about being compared to the cast of characters seeking to run the country ?
A panel of primary school pupils from St Audoen ’ s National School in Dublin 8 , aged 10 to 12 years , was assembled to review the debate footage , and it is fair to say that , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t impressed .
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar got a mostly sceptical response .
“ He ’ s saying all these promises and all , but how do we know it ’ s really going to happen ?
” said Emily Evans ( 11 ) .
“ You feel like you could trust him – but there wasn ’ t that much of a change the last time , was there ?
” Emmie Keating ( 11 ) has first-hand experience of the housing crisis .
“ People have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve been waiting for very long , and we still haven ’ t got a house .
.
.
it ’ s a big problem .
.
.
instead , they ’ re building student accommodation , ” she said .
If Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was hoping this was his moment to shine , the panel had other ideas .
“ I wouldn ’ t want him to be taoiseach .
He was , like , shouting over people and never letting other people talk , ” said Kayden Spooner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s going to lead , he ’ ll have to to listen to other people ’ s problems.
” Emmie offered some helpful career advice : “ He ’ d be better off as a lawyer.
” Her attack on the Government over the ballooning cost of the “ most expensive hospital in the world ” went down well .
“ I like her , ” said Giorgi Khachirashvili ( 11 ) .
“ I would trust her .
She seems to have a lot of followers judging by the applause .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ have a woman in charge instead of a man for a change.
” Kayden adds that gender should not matter all that much anyway : “ When you are in your ma ’ s tummy , you ’ re a girl before you ’ re a boy .
.
.
that ’ s the truth.
” Denisa Baci ( 10 ) would also be happy with McDonald as taoiseach .
“ It would good to say to a woman that you can be the same as the men.
” “ He has a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” said Ali Mooney ( 12 ) .
“ He mentions homelessness , housing , safety.
” “ He had a nice tone , ” adds Kayden .
“ Not too rude , he just wants his voice heard.
” When they hear it is Green Party policy to end homework at primary level , Ryan ’ s popularity soars even higher .
“ It ’ s pointless spending so many hours doing it , ” added Emmie .
People Before Profit ’ s Richard Boyd-Barrett emerged as an unofficial winner from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The way he speaks , it ’ s like , ‘ I ’ m coming after you ’ , ” said Kayden .
“ I think Leo was a bit scared of him the way he looked .
.
.
” “ Just explain your point , you don ’ t have to make it all aggressive , ” adds Emmie .
Ali , too , wasn ’ t impressed .
“ He wasn ’ t very positive .
Instead of just complaining about it , just try to fix it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Róisín Shortall should be worried , too , if our panel is anything to go by .
“ She looks like an old person .
She has a load of knowledge , but I think we need some new minds in .
.
.
” “ He looks like he goes out with Róisín , ” said Kayden .
“ They ’ d be a good couple .
.
.
They could go on Love Island .
.
.
they ’ d be there in their bikinis and their wrinkles.
” It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that they had enough – but they were willing to share some helpful advice ahead of Thursday night ’ s debate .
“ Don ’ t talk over people , ” said Crystabele Adenuyi ( 11 ) .
“ Be patient and take your turn.
” Denisa Baci ( 10 ) wanted a wider focus on issues beyond the housing crisis .
“ They keep talking on the same topics .
.
.
We need to focus on kids , play and safety and nature.
” Emily made a point which will resonate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what feels like a very long election campaign .
“ We ’ ve all these debates , but there ’ s barely any taoiseach in charge and no one ’ s doing anything while the debates are going on .
.
.
so who ’ s going to run the country .
.
.
When is all this over , anyway ?
”

Seven political party leaders squawked, harranged and interrupted their way through what passed for an election debate earlier this week.
Many were quick to label some of their behaviour as petty and childish.
So, The Irish Times wondered, how do children feel about being compared to the cast of characters seeking to run the country?
A panel of primary school pupils from St Audoen's National School in Dublin 8, aged 10 to 12 years, was assembled to review the debate footage, and it is fair to say that, for the most part, they weren't impressed.
READ MORE
Pupils from St Audeon's National School in Dublin 8 review the performances of the politicians on RTÉ's leader's debate. Video: Enda O'Dowd
Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar got a mostly sceptical response.
"He's saying all these promises and all, but how do we know it's really going to happen?" said Emily Evans (11). "You feel like you could trust him – but there wasn't that much of a change the last time, was there?"
Emmie Keating (11) has first-hand experience of the housing crisis.
“People have been on the waiting lists, and I’ve been waiting for very long, and we still haven’t got a house . . . it’s a big problem . . . instead, they’re building student accommodation,” she said.
If Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin was hoping this was his moment to shine, the panel had other ideas.
“I wouldn’t want him to be taoiseach. He was, like, shouting over people and never letting other people talk,” said Kayden Spooner (11). “If he’s going to lead, he’ll have to to listen to other people’s problems.”
Emmie offered some helpful career advice: “He ’d be better off as a lawyer.”
Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald, by contrast, got a warm reception.
Her attack on the Government over the ballooning cost of the “most expensive hospital in the world” went down well.
“I like her,” said Giorgi Khachirashvili (11). “I would trust her. She seems to have a lot of followers judging by the applause . . . it would be nice to have a woman in charge instead of a man for a change.”
Kayden adds that gender should not matter all that much anyway: “When you are in your ma’s tummy, you’re a girl before you’re a boy . . . that’s the truth.”
Denisa Baci (10) would also be happy with McDonald as taoiseach.
“It would good to say to a woman that you can be the same as the men.”
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan also received a positive reception.
"He has a point, we need more buses," said Ali Mooney (12). "He mentions homelessness, housing, safety."
“He had a nice tone,” adds Kayden. “Not too rude, he just wants his voice heard.”
When they hear it is Green Party policy to end homework at primary level, Ryan’s popularity soars even higher.
“It’s pointless spending so many hours doing it,” added Emmie.
People Before Profit’s Richard Boyd-Barrett emerged as an unofficial winner from the debate, but our panel thought otherwise.
“The way he speaks, it’s like, ‘I’m coming after you’,” said Kayden. “I think Leo was a bit scared of him the way he looked . . .”
“Just explain your point, you don’t have to make it all aggressive,” adds Emmie.
Ali, too, wasn’t impressed. “He wasn’t very positive. Instead of just complaining about it, just try to fix it,” she said
Social Democrat co-leader Róisín Shortall should be worried, too, if our panel is anything to go by.
“She looks like an old person. She has a load of knowledge, but I think we need some new minds in . . .”
Labour's Brendan Howlin fared little better.
“He looks like he goes out with Róisín,” said Kayden. “They’d be a good couple . . . They could go on Love Island . . . they’d be there in their bikinis and their wrinkles.”
It’s fair to say at this point that they had enough – but they were willing to share some helpful advice ahead of Thursday night’s debate.
“Don’t talk over people,” said Crystabele Adenuyi (11). “Be patient and take your turn.”
Denisa Baci (10) wanted a wider focus on issues beyond the housing crisis.
“They keep talking on the same topics . . . We need to focus on kids, play and safety and nature.”
Emily made a point which will resonate with most voters, two weeks into what feels like a very long election campaign.
“We’ve all these debates, but there’s barely any taoiseach in charge and no one’s doing anything while the debates are going on . . . so who’s going to run the country . . . When is all this over, anyway?”


theirishtimes--2020-01-31--Shane Ross promises ‘new milestone and a new dawn’ for Irish football

Minister for Sport Shane Ross has promised a “ new milestone and a new dawn ” for Irish football after a rescue package worth more than €30 million was agreed in exchange for far-reaching corporate governance reforms at the Football Association of Ireland .
Speaking yesterday after a cabinet meeting to approve the State ’ s involvement in the rescue package , Mr Ross said : “ Today marks a new milestone and a new dawn for Irish football .
We have had very dark days in recent times .
Some days I thought we would never get to where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the interim chief executive of the FAI , said it was a “ hugely important day for staff ” .
“ We needed to regain public trust and with the key stakeholders to get them to continue to fund our sport .
I ’ m confident we have the framework to move forward with confidence.
” The FAI ’ s chairman Roy Barrett said he had been struck by “ the enthusiasm and the support that each of the stakeholders have brought to each of the discussions and the ultimate agreement ” .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the acute phase of the crisis at the FAI .
However , the association still faces multiple challenges if it is to recover from a year that saw sustained controversy , culminating in the revelation that the association has liabilities of €62 million .
Most immediately , the association must address the future of its employees .
All parties yesterday indicated that the threat of widespread redundancies at the association had receded .
However , one source that was involved in the refinancing negotiations said some staffing changes were inevitable .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ source said .
The FAI must also await the outcome of an investigation into its finances by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement .
The findings of an earlier forensic audit have also been sent to the gardaí .
It must also enter talks with the League of Ireland clubs with a view to improving a relationship which had been widely seen as being neglected .
Meanwhile , it must find a new shirt sponsor as the association looks to shore up its finances and wider commercial performance .
The Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new funding over the next four years , split between grants and a €7.6 million interest-free loan .
Supports from Uefa and Bank of Ireland are worth at least another €10 million , it is understood .
However , none of the parties present yesterday would be drawn on the precise detail of Uefa and Bank of Ireland ’ s contribution .
Minister of State Brendan Griffin said that there was “ serious concern ” during negotiations over the plan to host two Uefa 2020 games in Dublin this summer due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ payments for use of the Aviva stadium .
He also said there was a risk that “ contagion ” could have affected the IRFU , which is part-owner of the stadium alongside the FAI .
New interim deputy chief executive Niall Quinn , a former Ireland striker , promised yesterday that “ the power of football will come home and resonate far more loudly than the shadow that has cast itself over it over the last year ” .

Minister of Sport Shane Ross: ‘We have had very dark days in recent times. Some days I thought we would never get to where we are now.’ Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA
Minister for Sport Shane Ross has promised a "new milestone and a new dawn" for Irish football after a rescue package worth more than €30 million was agreed in exchange for far-reaching corporate governance reforms at the Football Association of Ireland.
Speaking yesterday after a cabinet meeting to approve the State’s involvement in the rescue package, Mr Ross said: “Today marks a new milestone and a new dawn for Irish football. We have had very dark days in recent times. Some days I thought we would never get to where we are now.”
Gary Owens, the interim chief executive of the FAI, said it was a "hugely important day for staff".
“We needed to regain public trust and with the key stakeholders to get them to continue to fund our sport. I’m confident we have the framework to move forward with confidence.”
READ MORE
The FAI's chairman Roy Barrett said he had been struck by "the enthusiasm and the support that each of the stakeholders have brought to each of the discussions and the ultimate agreement".
The deal heralds a likely end to the acute phase of the crisis at the FAI.
However, the association still faces multiple challenges if it is to recover from a year that saw sustained controversy, culminating in the revelation that the association has liabilities of €62 million.
FAI interim deputy chief executive Niall Quinn (centre) speaks to the media alongside Minster for Sport Shane Ross on Thursday. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
Employees
Most immediately, the association must address the future of its employees.
All parties yesterday indicated that the threat of widespread redundancies at the association had receded.
However, one source that was involved in the refinancing negotiations said some staffing changes were inevitable. “The beast is too big,” the source said.
The FAI must also await the outcome of an investigation into its finances by the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement.
The findings of an earlier forensic audit have also been sent to the gardaí.
It must also enter talks with the League of Ireland clubs with a view to improving a relationship which had been widely seen as being neglected.
Meanwhile, it must find a new shirt sponsor as the association looks to shore up its finances and wider commercial performance.
The Government has committed to providing €19.2 million in new funding over the next four years, split between grants and a €7.6 million interest-free loan.
Supports from Uefa and Bank of Ireland are worth at least another €10 million, it is understood.
However, none of the parties present yesterday would be drawn on the precise detail of Uefa and Bank of Ireland’s contribution.
Minister of State Brendan Griffin said that there was "serious concern" during negotiations over the plan to host two Uefa 2020 games in Dublin this summer due to the FAI falling behind on its licence fee payments for use of the Aviva stadium.
He also said there was a risk that “contagion” could have affected the IRFU, which is part-owner of the stadium alongside the FAI.
New interim deputy chief executive Niall Quinn, a former Ireland striker, promised yesterday that "the power of football will come home and resonate far more loudly than the shadow that has cast itself over it over the last year".


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Party leaders’ debate: Martin puts in his best performance of the campaign to date

The only missing ingredients from the latest leaders ’ debate were individual entrance tunes for each of the participants , just like in professional wrestling .
Despite that omission , there was just as much shouting and posturing during the Virgin Media seven-way contest as would be expected at the hammiest WWE encounter .
The tone was set early on by Ivan Yates , moderating alongside Matt Cooper , who looked across at Leo Varadkar , Micheál Martin , Mary Lou McDonald , Brendan Howlin , Eamon Ryan , Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats and Mick Barry of Socialist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charlatans and chancers because of the commitments in their manifestos .
Both Cooper and Yates were aggressive from the off but backed off in the second half of the 90-plus minutes show , allowing the leaders more space to debate the issues .
There were some trends amid the noise , however .
It came only days after the first multi-party leaders ’ debate with Claire Byrne on RTÉ but the intervening period had seen an important point in the campaign with the publication of the Sinn Féin manifesto .
McDonald ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public spending funded by billions of euro in tax increases on businesses and higher earners .
Both Varadkar and Martin attacked Sinn Féin on their policies , with the Fianna Fáil leader saying McDonald will tax everyone “ out of existence ” .
Varadkar said Sinn Féin would bring in €4 billion in new taxes and cause capital flight .
Both clearly feel the way to peg Sinn Féin ’ s campaign momentum so far is to highlight these policies .
McDonald ’ s party may come to regret laying such a manifesto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out to be a drag on their support .
McDonald herself was more subdued on Thursday than during the RTÉ debate , where she seemingly drew energy from the live studio audience .
She was at her strongest when criticising Martin , in particular , for his attitude to her party .
“ It is always the jibe , it is always the put down to the side regarding the North , ” she told Martin .
The standard Sinn Féin lines on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael being the same were rolled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the party of the developers , Fine Gael are the party of the landlords.
” She was , however , clearly more complimentary of Varadkar than Martin .
While both Martin and Varadkar ruled out Sinn Féin as a coalition partner , the Taoiseach said it was because of what their policies would do in future rather than what had been done in the past .
Varadkar , in line with the Fine Gael campaign as it enters the final week , attempted to wheel most of his answers back around to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t pay for any of these things unless we have a strong economy.
” “ Which party do you trust ?
” he asked , as he also made the case for tax cuts and putting money back in people ’ s pockets .
Other strong points came when he admitted the abandoned commemoration of the RIC had been a mistake and argued his position that landlords are often small investors , are needed in the housing sector and should not be vilified Martin put in his best debate performance of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times and playing the grown up when proceedings became loud and unruly .
“ Just calm it , ” he told the moderators at one point .
He probably emerged the narrow winner because he acted with calm authority at times , whilst also mixing emotive argument .
“ Leo , I don ’ t know if you get it , ” he said to Varadkar .
“ There are thousands of people looking social houses.
” Eamon Ryan also improved his performance from the RTÉ debate , and spoke with a passion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more precise that he had been earlier in the week .
At one point , Yates tried to make him feel uncomfortable on the issue of €15 billion of costs associated with his plan to retrofit houses but the Green leader explained himself well .
Howlin is a polished debate performer and can be content with how he has pushed his party ’ s message over both debates this week .
Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats seemed to get lost in the early chaos and struggled to get her point across when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boyd Barrett on Monday , Mick Barry made the most of his appearance and the other leaders seemed content to let him have the floor .
One of the few occasions he was challenged was when Varadkar pulled him up on his general criticism of landlords .
Yet it was a messy and noisy affair overall , and the next and final debate - the head to head between Martin and Varadkar next Tuesday , shortly ahead of polling day on Saturday , February 8th - will be the key broadcast event of @ @ @

Representatives from seven political parties took part in a boisterous Election 2020 debate special on Virgin Media One with Ivan Yates and Matt Cooper presenting the show. Video: Virgin Media News
The only missing ingredients from the latest leaders’ debate were individual entrance tunes for each of the participants, just like in professional wrestling.
Despite that omission, there was just as much shouting and posturing during the Virgin Media seven-way contest as would be expected at the hammiest WWE encounter.
The tone was set early on by Ivan Yates, moderating alongside Matt Cooper, who looked across at Leo Varadkar, Micheál Martin, Mary Lou McDonald, Brendan Howlin, Eamon Ryan, Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats and Mick Barry of the Socialist Party, and asked if they were charlatans and chancers because of the commitments in their manifestos.
Both Cooper and Yates were aggressive from the off but backed off in the second half of the 90-plus minutes show, allowing the leaders more space to debate the issues. There were some trends amid the noise, however.
READ MORE
It came only days after the first multi-party leaders' debate with Claire Byrne on RTÉ but the intervening period had seen an important point in the campaign with the publication of the Sinn Féin manifesto. McDonald's radical proposals envisage a dramatic increase in public spending funded by billions of euro in tax increases on businesses and higher earners.
Both Varadkar and Martin attacked Sinn Féin on their policies, with the Fianna Fáil leader saying McDonald will tax everyone "out of existence". Varadkar said Sinn Féin would bring in €4 billion in new taxes and cause capital flight.
Both clearly feel the way to peg Sinn Féin’s campaign momentum so far is to highlight these policies. McDonald’s party may come to regret laying such a manifesto before the public, if it turns out to be a drag on their support.
McDonald herself was more subdued on Thursday than during the RTÉ debate, where she seemingly drew energy from the live studio audience.
She was at her strongest when criticising Martin, in particular, for his attitude to her party. "It is always the jibe, it is always the put down to the side regarding the North," she told Martin. The standard Sinn Féin lines on Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael being the same were rolled out.
“If Fianna Fáil are the party of the developers, Fine Gael are the party of the landlords.” She was, however, clearly more complimentary of Varadkar than Martin.
While both Martin and Varadkar ruled out Sinn Féin as a coalition partner, the Taoiseach said it was because of what their policies would do in future rather than what had been done in the past.
Varadkar, in line with the Fine Gael campaign as it enters the final week, attempted to wheel most of his answers back around to the economy, arguing: “We can’t pay for any of these things unless we have a strong economy.”
“Which party do you trust?” he asked, as he also made the case for tax cuts and putting money back in people’s pockets. Other strong points came when he admitted the abandoned commemoration of the RIC had been a mistake and argued his position that landlords are often small investors, are needed in the housing sector and should not be vilified
Martin put in his best debate performance of the campaign to date, interjecting successfully at times and playing the grown up when proceedings became loud and unruly.
“Just calm it,” he told the moderators at one point. He probably emerged the narrow winner because he acted with calm authority at times, whilst also mixing emotive argument.
“Leo, I don’t know if you get it,” he said to Varadkar. “There are thousands of people looking for social houses.”
Eamon Ryan also improved his performance from the RTÉ debate, and spoke with a passion on subjects whilst also managing to be more precise than he had been earlier in the week. At one point, Yates tried to make him feel uncomfortable on the issue of €15 billion of costs associated with his plan to retrofit houses but the Green leader explained himself well.
Howlin is a polished debate performer and can be content with how he has pushed his party’s message over both debates this week.
Catherine Murphy of the Social Democrats seemed to get lost in the early chaos and struggled to get her point across when the opportunity arose. Much like Richard Boyd Barrett on Monday, Mick Barry made the most of his appearance and the other leaders seemed content to let him have the floor.
One of the few occasions he was challenged was when Varadkar pulled him up on his general criticism of landlords.
Yet it was a messy and noisy affair overall, and the next and final debate - the head to head between Martin and Varadkar next Tuesday, shortly ahead of polling day on Saturday, February 8th - will be the key broadcast event of Election 2020.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Coronavirus deemed of ‘international concern’ by WHO

The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus outbreak that started in China a public health emergency “ of international concern ” .
The decision by the WHO ’ s emergency committee was not unanimous and the organisation is not recommending further limiting trade and movement of people .
The decision should not be taken as a vote of no confidence in China and the measures it has taken , WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said when announcing the escalation of the crisis at a press conference in Geneva on Thursday evening .
“ We don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could do if it were to spread in a country with a weaker health system .
We must act now to help countries prepare for that possibility , ” he said .
“ The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China , but because of what is happening in other countries.
” The WHO 's decision was taken as the number of confirmed cases jumped to 9,320 , with the vast majority in China .
So far , 212 people have died from the virus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The WHO held back from declaring a global emergency last week , but since then cases have been reported in 18 countries , including at least 10 cases in Europe .
At a briefing in Dublin on Thursday , Health Service Executive officials repeated their view that the risk of coronavirus cases occurring here remains moderate and Ireland is well-prepared for any outbreak .
There have been no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus in Ireland .
However , Prof Nigel Stevenson , an immunologist at Trinity College Dublin , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the country and to make quarantine preparations .
The Government must ensure it is not “ complacent ” in the face of the threat posed by the virus , he said .
Prof Stevenson said it was very unlikely the virus would spread in Ireland and there was no reason for a “ freak-out ” about the situation .
Prof Karina Butler , an infectious disease specialist at Crumlin children ’ s hospital , told the briefing the virus threat showed the need for a proper national isolation unit .
Ireland is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to isolation facilities to protect against threats such as Sars and the new coronavirus , she said .
From next week , testing facilities for the new virus will be available in Dublin .
The Department of Foreign Affairs said its embassy in China was in ongoing contact with Irish citizens in Hubei province , “ regarding their intentions ” for evacuation .
“ Only a small number have indicated an interest in leaving Hubei province , and arrangements are being put in place to assist them in this regard.
” Three Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early on Friday on a flight arranged by the British government for its nationals .
Ireland and many other countries have advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to mainland China , and more than 30 airlines , include British Airways and Lufthansa , have suspended or cut back flight services .

World Health Organisation health emergencies programme head Michael Ryan and director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: not recommending further limiting of trade and movement of people. Photograph: Fabrice Coffrini
The World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus outbreak that started in China a public health emergency "of international concern".
The decision by the WHO’s emergency committee was not unanimous and the organisation is not recommending further limiting trade and movement of people.
The decision should not be taken as a vote of no confidence in China and the measures it has taken, WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said when announcing the escalation of the crisis at a press conference in Geneva on Thursday evening.
“We don’t know what sort of damage this virus could do if it were to spread in a country with a weaker health system. We must act now to help countries prepare for that possibility,” he said. “The main reason for this declaration is not because of what is happening in China, but because of what is happening in other countries.”
READ MORE
Fatalities so far
The WHO's decision was taken as the number of confirmed cases jumped to 9,320, with the vast majority in China. So far, 212 people have died from the virus, which originated in Hubei province in December.
The WHO held back from declaring a global emergency last week, but since then cases have been reported in 18 countries, including at least 10 cases in Europe.
At a briefing in Dublin on Thursday, Health Service Executive officials repeated their view that the risk of coronavirus cases occurring here remains moderate and Ireland is well-prepared for any outbreak.
There have been no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus in Ireland.
However, Prof Nigel Stevenson, an immunologist at Trinity College Dublin, said Ireland needs to start screening passengers arriving into the country and to make quarantine preparations.
The Government must ensure it is not “complacent” in the face of the threat posed by the virus, he said.
Prof Stevenson said it was very unlikely the virus would spread in Ireland and there was no reason for a “freak-out” about the situation.
Isolation facilities
Prof Karina Butler, an infectious disease specialist at Crumlin children's hospital, told the briefing the virus threat showed the need for a proper national isolation unit.
Ireland is lagging far behind other countries in relation to isolation facilities to protect against threats such as Sars and the new coronavirus, she said.
From next week, testing facilities for the new virus will be available in Dublin.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said its embassy in China was in ongoing contact with Irish citizens in Hubei province, “regarding their intentions” for evacuation.
“Only a small number have indicated an interest in leaving Hubei province, and arrangements are being put in place to assist them in this regard.”
Three Irish citizens will be evacuated out of Wuhan early on Friday on a flight arranged by the British government for its nationals.
Ireland and many other countries have advised their citizens to avoid non-essential travel to mainland China, and more than 30 airlines, include British Airways and Lufthansa, have suspended or cut back flight services.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Institution investigated by Ryan Commission should be memorial – priest

A residential institution for children investigated by the Ryan Commission should be set aside as a memorial to the suffering of survivors , Fr Vincent Twomey has proposed .
The former Professor of Moral Theology at Maynooth also called for an annual Day of Reparation so clergy might repent for abuses perpetrated on the children by priests and religious “ In this week commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz , we can learn from the Germans as to how they faced up to their horrendous past .
.
.
by creating monuments and museums lest they be forgotten – and so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an event at the University Church on Dublin ’ s Stephen ’ s Green .
“ The abuse scandals have left a trail of devastation and suffering behind , which only God can heal .
“ Repentance begins with the courageous facing-up to the past and the frank acknowledgment of wrongdoing .
This is a long-term task for historians , but in general the various reports , Ferns , Murphy , Cloyne and Ryan give us a good though grim indication , even though they may in the future be subject to more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to date .
“ I would like to propose that one or other of the institutions mentioned in Ryan ( Artane , Letterfrack , Goldenbridge ) should be turned into a public memorial to that dark chapter by a combined effort of both Church and State .
We must not forget , even though we might like to do so .
“ The German Church went one important step further than preserving the camps and erecting monuments , like the impressive memorial to the Holocaust erected in the capital by the State ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walls of Dachau and Plötzensee , Berlin , to make reparation for the sins of their ancestors committed in those concentration camps and prisons.
” There was also “ a great need for us to make reparation .
One way would be an annual day of public fast and abstinence on the part of us priests and religious in reparation for both clerical and institutional abuse .
“ One day at the beginning of Lent – perhaps the first Friday in Lent – could be designated as a Day of Reparation .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as secular ) would undertake a day of fasting and prayer , and go to confession , culminating in an evening Prayer Service of Reparation and a Celebration of Reconciliation in every Cathedral in the country .
“ It should be a cry from the heart for God ’ s infinite mercy and forgiveness , and include prayers for the inner healing of the victims , for the damage done to their faith and to the credibility of the Church , but also prayers for the conversion of the perpetrators , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday night in a wide-ranging lecture on The Church in Ireland : The Present State and the Path Ahead , co-hosted by the Iona Institute and the Notre Dame-Newman Centre for Faith & Reason .

Fr Vincent Twomey: ‘Repentance begins with the courageous facing-up to the past and the frank acknowledgment of wrongdoing.’
A residential institution for children investigated by the Ryan Commission should be set aside as a memorial to the suffering of survivors, Fr Vincent Twomey has proposed.
The former Professor of Moral Theology at Maynooth also called for an annual Day of Reparation so clergy might repent for abuses perpetrated on the children by priests and religious
"In this week commemorating the liberation of Auschwitz, we can learn from the Germans as to how they faced up to their horrendous past . . . by creating monuments and museums lest they be forgotten – and so possibly repeated," he said during an event at the University Church on Dublin's Stephen's Green.
“The abuse scandals have left a trail of devastation and suffering behind, which only God can heal.
READ MORE
"Repentance begins with the courageous facing-up to the past and the frank acknowledgment of wrongdoing. This is a long-term task for historians, but in general the various reports, Ferns, Murphy, Cloyne and Ryan give us a good though grim indication, even though they may in the future be subject to more critical scrutiny than they have been given to date.
"I would like to propose that one or other of the institutions mentioned in Ryan (Artane, Letterfrack, Goldenbridge) should be turned into a public memorial to that dark chapter by a combined effort of both Church and State. We must not forget, even though we might like to do so.
"The German Church went one important step further than preserving the camps and erecting monuments, like the impressive memorial to the Holocaust erected in the capital by the State; Carmelite convents were founded just outside the walls of Dachau and Plötzensee, Berlin, to make reparation for the sins of their ancestors committed in those concentration camps and prisons."
Public fasting
There was also “a great need for us to make reparation. One way would be an annual day of public fast and abstinence on the part of us priests and religious in reparation for both clerical and institutional abuse.
“One day at the beginning of Lent – perhaps the first Friday in Lent – could be designated as a Day of Reparation. On that day the clergy (religious as well as secular) would undertake a day of fasting and prayer, and go to confession, culminating in an evening Prayer Service of Reparation and a Celebration of Reconciliation in every Cathedral in the country.
“It should be a cry from the heart for God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness, and include prayers for the inner healing of the victims, for the damage done to their faith and to the credibility of the Church, but also prayers for the conversion of the perpetrators,” he said.
Fr Twomey was speaking on Tuesday night in a wide-ranging lecture on The Church in Ireland: The Present State and the Path Ahead, co-hosted by the Iona Institute and the Notre Dame-Newman Centre for Faith & Reason.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Cash, stun gun seized in Limerick match fixing inquiry

Gardaí have discovered evidence of betting , cash and a stun gun as part of an investigation into League of @ @ @ @ @ said a number of searches on properties in Limerick City uncovered mobile phones and electronic @ @ @ @ @ on Thursday morning .
The operation was carried out by members of the Anti-Corruption Unit @ @ @ @ @ Crime Bureau ( GNECB ) , and detectives from the Limerick Division .
No arrests @ @ @ @ @ ongoing , gardaí said .
The searches follow the launch of two investigations into unusual @ @ @ @ @ Limerick FC last September .
In the previous instance , mobile phones held by Limerick @ @ @ @ @ a garda search as part of an investigation into suspected match-fixing in a game the @ @ @ @ @ That operation was carried out by the Garda ’ s National Economic Crime Unit alongside @ @ @ @ @ FAI confirmed it was investigating unusual betting on a Limerick FAI Cup match against Sligo @ @ @ @ @ following tip-offs from football ’ s European governing body Uefa .

Gardaí have discovered evidence of betting, cash and a stun gun as part of an investigation into League of Ireland match fixing.
Gardaí said a number of searches on properties in Limerick City uncovered mobile phones and electronic devices and €20,000 in cash on Thursday morning.
The operation was carried out by members of the Anti-Corruption Unit, the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB), and detectives from the Limerick Division.
No arrests were made and investigations are ongoing, gardaí said.
READ MORE
The searches follow the launch of two investigations into unusual betting patterns on matches involving Limerick FC last September.
In the previous instance, mobile phones held by Limerick FC players were seized during a garda search as part of an investigation into suspected match-fixing in a game the club played against Shelbourne.
That operation was carried out by the Garda’s National Economic Crime Unit alongside local officers.
Separately the FAI confirmed it was investigating unusual betting on a Limerick FAI Cup match against Sligo Rovers.
Both investigations began following tip-offs from football’s European governing body Uefa.


theirishtimes--2020-01-30--Dozens of charges struck out after women in ‘feud’ withdraw complaints

Dozens of charges were struck out and a number of convictions not proceeded with after several women , representing both sides of an ongoing Killarney “ feud ” withdrew complaints against each other at a special sitting of Killarney District Court .
A large garda presence and a number of Garda vans secured the court .
The parties left by separate entrances .
Padraig O ’ Connell , solicitor for six of the accused , welcomed what he described as “ a period of rapprochement ” .
Mr O ’ Connell described the striking out of 30 charges as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
A recent charge alleging a threat to kill against a man known as “ sexy ” is proceeding , the court heard , The special sitting on Thursday is the second such involving the dispute between a number of closely connected families in Hazlewood Drive and Ballyspillane area of Killarney .
Last November a case before the Circuit Court in Tralee was told the feud was sparked by a row over a bouncy castle in May 2018 during a First Communion gathering of closely connected families , some of them related @ @ @ @ @ @ @ include public order , road traffic , and assault in a dispute which had spilled over onto nightclubs and shops in Killarney .
A fresh allegation of a threat to kill by 34 -year-old Daniel O ’ Brien of Piercetown , New Bridge , Co Kildare , is to proceed , the court heard .
Mr O ’ Brien is alleged to have made a threat to kill or cause serious harm to “ Patrick O ’ Brien ( otherwise known as sexy ) ” and this threat was made to Margaret Avanzo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carried out on December 22nd last at Ballyspillane , Killarney .
He made “ no reply ” when charged on Thursday , the court heard .
Judge David Waters remanded Daniel O ’ Brien to appear again on March 3rd .
The conditions include that he is to abide by a curfew in Kildare and is not to enter Kerry unless in connection with his case .
Mr O ’ Connell assured Judge Waters his client “ will leave Killarney once the bond is signed ” .

A large garda presence and a number of Garda vans secured the court during the hearing. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien / THE IRISH TIMES
Dozens of charges were struck out and a number of convictions not proceeded with after several women, representing both sides of an ongoing Killarney “feud” withdrew complaints against each other at a special sitting of Killarney District Court.
A large garda presence and a number of Garda vans secured the court. The parties left by separate entrances.
Padraig O’Connell, solicitor for six of the accused, welcomed what he described as “a period of rapprochement” .
Mr O’Connell described the striking out of 30 charges as “an opportunity to let the dust settle”.
READ MORE
A recent charge alleging a threat to kill against a man known as “sexy” is proceeding, the court heard,
The special sitting on Thursday is the second such involving the dispute between a number of closely connected families in Hazlewood Drive and Ballyspillane area of Killarney.
Last November a case before the Circuit Court in Tralee was told the feud was sparked by a row over a bouncy castle in May 2018 during a First Communion gathering of closely connected families, some of them related.
The charges struck out on Thursday include public order, road traffic, and assault in a dispute which had spilled over onto nightclubs and shops in Killarney.
A fresh allegation of a threat to kill by 34 -year-old Daniel O’Brien of Piercetown, New Bridge, Co Kildare, is to proceed, the court heard .
Mr O’Brien is alleged to have made a threat to kill or cause serious harm to “Patrick O’Brien (otherwise known as sexy)” and this threat was made to Margaret Avanzo intending her to believe it would be carried out on December 22nd last at Ballyspillane, Killarney .
He made “no reply” when charged on Thursday, the court heard.
Judge David Waters remanded Daniel O’Brien to appear again on March 3rd. The conditions include that he is to abide by a curfew in Kildare and is not to enter Kerry unless in connection with his case.
Mr O’Connell assured Judge Waters his client “will leave Killarney once the bond is signed”.