theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Thousands march in Drogheda to ‘take back control’ from drug gangs

Some 4,000 people walked from Drogheda ’ s Peace Bridge to the centre of the town on Saturday , accompanied by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and several party leaders , to hear politicians excoriated for their alleged lack of action over illegal drugs .
“ We are about the business of taking back control of our town ” from the criminals , Lord Mayor , Councillor Paul Bell of the Labour Party told a crowd gathered in front of St Peter ’ s Church on West Street .
He said residents would not fail to rid “ our cities of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are convinced they are invincible.
” The crowd of mostly local people , some parents with children , and some anti-drug and community activists , were galvanised into action by the recent murder of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods , who is believed to have been killed in the town but whose dismembered remains were then strewn between a holdall bag flung from a car in Coolock in Dublin .
His severed head was later found in a burnt out vehicle - all an apparent warning from one side to the other in Drogheda ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the remaining parts of his body continues and his funeral date has not been set .
“ Today , ” said the Mayor , “ Drogheda speaks for all of us on this island : the issues we have are shared by citizens all over the country .
.
.
“ There is no place for you to live among us , ” he said to those involved in drugs .
Standing with him , on the steps of St Peter ’ s , was Mr Varadkar and Fianna Fail leader , Micheál @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mary Lou McDonald , the leader of the Labour Party Brendan Howlin , the leader of Aontú , Peadar Tóibín , and several outgoing and aspirant TDs , among them Helen McEntee , Fergus O ’ Dowd , Gerry Adams , Dermot Ahern , Jim O ’ Callaghan and Thomas Byrne .
Earlier , people assembled on the bridge , several carrying banners urging tougher government and judicial action against the illegal drugs trade .
The procession across the bridge and into the town was led by four local women – Anne Nolan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rosie Condra , accompanied by her 13-year-old son Jacob .
They carried posters proclaiming “ Drogheda says Stop !
” with an image of a handgun and a red line slashed through it .
Not long after the murder of Keane Muldready-Woods , the bridge was the scene of the shooting of taxi driver John Myles who was wounded during a gun attack on passengers in his taxi just yards from the town ’ s Garda station and courthouse .
“ We need to come together as a community , ” said Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Joshua and Joe .
She said young people needed adults to advocate for them and show them there was a better life than the temptations offered by those in the illegal drugs trade .
The march also featured a row of town councillors , bedecked in their red robes and carrying a wide banner that said : ‘ Drogheda - standing together against violence ’ .
Outside the church , Jackie McKenna of the Family Addiction Support Network ( FASN ) , begged the politicians present “ for help to deal with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our town ” .
She said firm government action over 20 years had seen a sharp decline in road deaths .
But over the same period , she said , drug deaths had gone from 630 a year to 786 most recently .
She said her organisation of some 30 volunteers spread across four counties had seen no increase in their grant since 2008 .
By her estimate , FASN ’ s volunteers had saved the State €174,000 in the man hours they provided .
And what did her organisation get in return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked ?
State aid of “ €7,508 a year ” .
Most volunteers had given 10 to 20 years ’ work trying to combat drug abuse and help young people .
That was 10 to 20 years away from the workplace and accrued pension entitlements , she said .
“ Although we are only in the first month of year , ” she said , “ there are days when we are swamped ” by people and families seeking help over drug abuse .
Louise O ’ Mahony , manager of the Red @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen “ no meaningful increase in funding in the last 10 years ” .
“ Today , we march to say enough is enough , ” she told the crowd .
“ Enough of Drogheda being treated as a second-class town.
” Taoiseach , party leaders and the other politicians listened attentively and while they were criticised , they were given , for the most part , a cordial reception .
Speaking to reporters , Mr Varadkar said he was there “ really to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the town ” .
No one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue , he added .
Mayor Bell thanked the politicians for coming and for making what he said was “ a massive gesture of solidarity ” with the town .
He urged the government to consider tackling gangland and its illegal drugs trade with the sort of determination , policing and legal tools used to combat illegal paramilitaries in the 1970s .
“ We want the government to consider and change the laws that deal with drug activity , ” he said , adding that there was no such thing as “ recreational @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said he wanted to echo the view of the town ’ s gardaí .
“ All who take drugs , in this town , at this time , are complicit ” in the death and violence that came with the drugs trade , he said .
The march was , he said , a display of “ solidarity [ and of ] shared valued and determination ” .

Politicians on the steps of St Paul’s Church on West Street in Drogheda during a protest march over drug-related violence in the town. Photograph: PA
Some 4,000 people walked from Drogheda's Peace Bridge to the centre of the town on Saturday, accompanied by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and several party leaders, to hear politicians excoriated for their alleged lack of action over illegal drugs.
"We are about the business of taking back control of our town" from the criminals, Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Bell of the Labour Party told a crowd gathered in front of St Peter's Church on West Street.
He said residents would not fail to rid “our cities of those who, as of today, are convinced they are invincible.”
Protesters during a rally in Drogheda, Co Louth on Saturday in opposition to drug-related violence in the town. Photograph: Patrick Logue/The Irish Times
The crowd of mostly local people, some parents with children, and some anti-drug and community activists, were galvanised into action by the recent murder of 17-year-old Keane Mulready-Woods, who is believed to have been killed in the town but whose dismembered remains were then strewn between a holdall bag flung from a car in Coolock in Dublin.
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His severed head was later found in a burnt out vehicle - all an apparent warning from one side to the other in Drogheda’s drugs feud. The search for the remaining parts of his body continues and his funeral date has not been set.
"Today," said the Mayor, "Drogheda speaks for all of us on this island: the issues we have are shared by citizens all over the country. . . "There is no place for you to live among us," he said to those involved in drugs.
Drogheda Mayor Paul Bell during the protest march in Drogheda on Saturday. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Standing with him, on the steps of St Peter's, was Mr Varadkar and Fianna Fail leader, Micheál Martin, the Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of the Labour Party Brendan Howlin, the leader of Aontú, Peadar Tóibín, and several outgoing and aspirant TDs, among them Helen McEntee, Fergus O'Dowd, Gerry Adams, Dermot Ahern, Jim O'Callaghan and Thomas Byrne.
Banners
Earlier, people assembled on the bridge, several carrying banners urging tougher government and judicial action against the illegal drugs trade.
The procession across the bridge and into the town was led by four local women – Anne Nolan, Catherine Baker, Emma Cutlip and Rosie Condra, accompanied by her 13-year-old son Jacob. They carried posters proclaiming "Drogheda says Stop!" with an image of a handgun and a red line slashed through it.
Protesters on the peace march in Drogheda, Co Louth on Saturday. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
Not long after the murder of Keane Muldready-Woods, the bridge was the scene of the shooting of taxi driver John Myles who was wounded during a gun attack on passengers in his taxi just yards from the town's Garda station and courthouse.
“We need to come together as a community,” said Ms Condra, mother to two other boys, Joshua and Joe. She said young people needed adults to advocate for them and show them there was a better life than the temptations offered by those in the illegal drugs trade.
The march also featured a row of town councillors, bedecked in their red robes and carrying a wide banner that said: ‘Drogheda - standing together against violence’.
Volunteers
Outside the church, Jackie McKenna of the Family Addiction Support Network (FASN), begged the politicians present “for help to deal with the horrific effect drugs are having on our town”.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Lord Mayor of Drogheda Paul Bell speak to reporters during the march. Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times
She said firm government action over 20 years had seen a sharp decline in road deaths. But over the same period, she said, drug deaths had gone from 630 a year to 786 most recently.
She said her organisation of some 30 volunteers spread across four counties had seen no increase in their grant since 2008.
By her estimate, FASN’s volunteers had saved the State €174,000 in the man hours they provided. And what did her organisation get in return by way of financial held, she asked? State aid of “€7,508 a year”.
Crowds march in Drogheda on Saturday. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Most volunteers had given 10 to 20 years’ work trying to combat drug abuse and help young people. That was 10 to 20 years away from the workplace and accrued pension entitlements, she said.
“Although we are only in the first month of year,” she said, “there are days when we are swamped” by people and families seeking help over drug abuse.
Louise O’Mahony, manager of the Red Door Project, said her organisation had seen “no meaningful increase in funding in the last 10 years”.
“Today, we march to say enough is enough,” she told the crowd. “Enough of Drogheda being treated as a second-class town.”
Politicians
Taoiseach, party leaders and the other politicians listened attentively and while they were criticised, they were given, for the most part, a cordial reception.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Varadkar said he was there “really to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the town”. No one wanted to score political points on this issue, he added.
Keane Mulready-Woods (17) from Drogheda was killed and dismembered earlier this month as part of an feud between rival drugs gangs.
Mayor Bell thanked the politicians for coming and for making what he said was “a massive gesture of solidarity” with the town.
He urged the government to consider tackling gangland and its illegal drugs trade with the sort of determination, policing and legal tools used to combat illegal paramilitaries in the 1970s.
“We want the government to consider and change the laws that deal with drug activity,” he said, adding that there was no such thing as “recreational” drug use.
Father Eugene Sweeney said he wanted to echo the view of the town's gardaí. "All who take drugs, in this town, at this time, are complicit" in the death and violence that came with the drugs trade, he said.
The march was, he said, a display of “solidarity [and of] shared valued and determination”.


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--ASTI secondary teachers to ballot on strike over two-tier pay

Second-level teachers who are members of the ASTI are to ballot for strike action over the two-tier pay system in schools .
Hundreds of schools are already expected to close on February 4th as members of the Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) get set to stage a one-day strike on the same issue .
The ASTI ’ s central executive council decided to ballot its 17,000 members for industrial action at a meeting on Saturday in protest at the “ unequal pay of teachers who entered the profession since 2010 ” .
Details of the timing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determined next week .
However , if the union secures a mandate for industrial action , this is expected to take place only as part of co-ordinated campaign with at least one other education union .
The ASTI will not be taking part in the strike planned by the TUI for February 4th as it will not have concluded a ballot in time .
Any action undertaken by ASTI members will take place at a later date .
The ASTI said on Saturday that it had taken industrial action , including strike action @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It said that since then there had been some improvements to the pay of new entrants to teaching .
“ However , despite ongoing campaigning by the ASTI and the other teacher unions , unequal pay remains , ” the union stated .
ASTI president Deirdre Mac Donald said : “ It is unthinkable that in 2020 some teachers have inferior pay arrangements even though they are doing the same work as their colleagues in the next classroom .
In taking industrial action in 2016 , ASTI members lost pay and were further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legislation , and are still suffering the consequences .
However , their action put unequal pay firmly on the agenda .
In addition , the ASTI ’ s actions led to some gains for lower-paid teachers , but full pay equality remains to be achieved and we intend to achieve it.
” At its meeting on Saturday , the ASTI central executive passed a motion which stated : “ That the ASTI ballot for industrial action up to and including strike action for equal pay , to be taken in conjunction with one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” In recent days , the ASTI issued instructions to members including principals and deputies not to provide cover for their striking colleagues during the forthcoming stoppage by TUI members on February 4th .
The ASTI told members that they should turn up for work as normal on February 4th on the basis that if they refused to work on the day , they would be deemed to be engaging in unofficial industrial action .
The union says ASTI members would be paid even if their school was closed as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ union guidance states that “ no member of ASTI , including principal teachers , deputy principal teachers and/or other post holders may undertake any duties that are normally done by colleagues who are members of TUI ” .
The union ’ s instruction to members also stated : “ No ASTI member can undertake the supervision/substitution duties of an absent TUI colleague on 4th February who will be engaged in industrial action .
Redesign of the roster with a view to having ASTI members cover supervision slots normally undertaken by TUI colleagues is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most secondary schools will shut on health and safety grounds , even if only a small number of teachers are TUI members .

Details of the timing of an ASTI ballot on whether to strike over the two-tier pay system for teachers are likely to be determined next week. File photograph: Cyril Byrne
Second-level teachers who are members of the ASTI are to ballot for strike action over the two-tier pay system in schools.
Hundreds of schools are already expected to close on February 4th as members of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) get set to stage a one-day strike on the same issue.
The ASTI’s central executive council decided to ballot its 17,000 members for industrial action at a meeting on Saturday in protest at the “unequal pay of teachers who entered the profession since 2010”.
Details of the timing of the ASTI ballot are likely to be determined next week.
READ MORE
However, if the union secures a mandate for industrial action, this is expected to take place only as part of co-ordinated campaign with at least one other education union.
The ASTI will not be taking part in the strike planned by the TUI for February 4th as it will not have concluded a ballot in time. Any action undertaken by ASTI members will take place at a later date.
The ASTI said on Saturday that it had taken industrial action, including strike action, over unequal pay in 2016.
It said that since then there had been some improvements to the pay of new entrants to teaching.
“However, despite ongoing campaigning by the ASTI and the other teacher unions, unequal pay remains,” the union stated.
‘Inferior pay arrangements’
ASTI president Deirdre Mac Donald said: "It is unthinkable that in 2020 some teachers have inferior pay arrangements even though they are doing the same work as their colleagues in the next classroom. In taking industrial action in 2016, ASTI members lost pay and were further penalised under FEMPI ( financial emergency) legislation, and are still suffering the consequences. However, their action put unequal pay firmly on the agenda. In addition, the ASTI's actions led to some gains for lower-paid teachers, but full pay equality remains to be achieved and we intend to achieve it."
At its meeting on Saturday, the ASTI central executive passed a motion which stated: “That the ASTI ballot for industrial action up to and including strike action for equal pay, to be taken in conjunction with one or both of the other teacher unions.”
In recent days, the ASTI issued instructions to members including principals and deputies not to provide cover for their striking colleagues during the forthcoming stoppage by TUI members on February 4th.
The ASTI told members that they should turn up for work as normal on February 4th on the basis that if they refused to work on the day, they would be deemed to be engaging in unofficial industrial action. The union says ASTI members would be paid even if their school was closed as a result of the TUI strike.
Union guidance
Crucially, the union guidance states that “no member of ASTI, including principal teachers, deputy principal teachers and/or other post holders may undertake any duties that are normally done by colleagues who are members of TUI”.
The union’s instruction to members also stated: “No ASTI member can undertake the supervision/substitution duties of an absent TUI colleague on 4th February who will be engaged in industrial action. Redesign of the roster with a view to having ASTI members cover supervision slots normally undertaken by TUI colleagues is not acceptable.”
The move means that most secondary schools will shut on health and safety grounds, even if only a small number of teachers are TUI members.


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Community in shock after three children die: ‘It is just horrific’

From early this morning in Newcastle , Co Dublin young women began placing bunches of flowers at the entrance of Parson ’ s Court , the estate where the bodies of three young children were found at their home last night .
The bodies of Conor ( 9 ) , Darragh ( 7 ) and Carla McGinley ( 3 ) were removed from the house on Saturday morning .
One woman who was pushing a buggy and holding a large bunch of white and pink flowers , told The Irish Times : “ I didn ’ t know the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I just thought it was the right thing to do .
“ I ’ ve been living in the area for two years and it is just horrific .
Nobody can believe what has happened.
” The bodies of the children were discovered at 7pm on Friday .
A woman in her forties and believed to be the children ’ s mother is being treated at Tallaght hospital .
A special Mass was organised by co-parish priest Fr Kevin Doherty at St Finian ’ s Church on Saturday morning for the community @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ What we prayed for at Mass today was , we prayed out of the fact that we have no words to speak but our presence is words speaking , ” Fr Doherty told The Irish Times .
“ We pray especially for parents and children .
We spoke about the darkness [ that ] has come but the light is present among us and that each one of us will be a light to another.
” Fr Doherty said when grief comes to a family or parish “ it leaves its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of darkness and loss and disillusionment ” .
He added local Church of Ireland members had also attended the Mass which was “ nice to see ; because everybody is trying to make this journey together for the family ” .
A father-of-four whose children played with the McGinley children in a local playground said : “ they were just normal little kids ... they were out there playing and they were happy ” .
The man , who lives close to Parson ’ s Court with his family , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s something you don ’ t want to hear .
You always think it happens in other places .
You don ’ t think it ’ s going to happen on your doorstep , ” he said .
Local councillor Emer Higgins said the community in Newcastle and surrounding areas was “ heartbroken ” .
“ This is just an unthinkable tragedy , we ’ ve really tight knit communities right across Newcastle , Rathcoole and Saggart .
We ’ re all just heartbroken , ” the Fine Gael councillor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this morning to pray for the family and my own thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is grieving with them .
I think in times like this it ’ s really good for a community to come together .
”

An ambulance outside a house Newcastle, Co Dublin where three children were found dead on Friday. Photograph: PA
From early this morning in Newcastle, Co Dublin young women began placing bunches of flowers at the entrance of Parson's Court, the estate where the bodies of three young children were found at their home last night.
The bodies of Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla McGinley (3) were removed from the house on Saturday morning.
A family handout of Conor McGinley (9), Carla McGinley (3) and Darragh McGinley (7) and with their father Andrew McGinley. The three children were found dead in a house in Parson’s Court, in Newcastle, Co Dublin on Friday night. Photograph: An Garda
One woman who was pushing a buggy and holding a large bunch of white and pink flowers, told The Irish Times: “I didn’t know the family, but when I heard what happened, I just thought it was the right thing to do.
“I’ve been living in the area for two years and it is just horrific. Nobody can believe what has happened.”
READ MORE
The bodies of the children were discovered at 7pm on Friday. A woman in her forties and believed to be the children’s mother is being treated at Tallaght hospital.
Parson's Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin
A special Mass was organised by co-parish priest Fr Kevin Doherty at St Finian's Church on Saturday morning for the community and a book of condolences was opened.
“What we prayed for at Mass today was, we prayed out of the fact that we have no words to speak but our presence is words speaking,” Fr Doherty told The Irish Times.
“We pray especially for parents and children. We spoke about the darkness [that] has come but the light is present among us and that each one of us will be a light to another.”
Fr Doherty said when grief comes to a family or parish “it leaves its calling card; and its calling card is one of darkness and loss and disillusionment”.
He added local Church of Ireland members had also attended the Mass which was "nice to see; because everybody is trying to make this journey together for the family".
A father-of-four whose children played with the McGinley children in a local playground said: “they were just normal little kids...they were out there playing and they were happy”.
The man, who lives close to Parson’s Court with his family, said the community is “shocked”.
“It’s something you don’t want to hear. You always think it happens in other places. You don’t think it’s going to happen on your doorstep,” he said.
Local councillor Emer Higgins said the community in Newcastle and surrounding areas was "heartbroken".
"This is just an unthinkable tragedy, we've really tight knit communities right across Newcastle, Rathcoole and Saggart. We're all just heartbroken," the Fine Gael councillor said.
“The community came together this morning to pray for the family and my own thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is grieving with them. I think in times like this it’s really good for a community to come together.”
Helplines
The Samaritans (24 hours): 116 123
Aware: (10am to 10pm): 1800 80 48 48


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Temperatures to plunge but forecasters rule out widespread snow

Temperatures are expected to plunge below freezing over the weekend but forecasters are ruling out widespread snowfall .
Liz Coleman , of Met Éireann , said it won ’ t be “ too cold ” on Saturday night – between 3 and 7 degrees – because of rain and cloud cover coming in over the country .
But the mercury will start to fall sharply on Sunday evening , bringing with it the likelihood of “ wintry precipitation ” in the form of showers .
“ In terms of blankets of snow – no , ” said Ms Coleman .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Showers might fall as sleet or snow on higher ground.
” Showers are predicted in parts of the West on Sunday , with a risk of some of them turning into “ wintry falls on higher ground ” .
“ On Sunday night , there will be a more organised band of showers coming in across country , and with that a higher risk of some wintry precipitation , ” the meteorologist said .
Temperatures on Sunday are expected to remain 3 to 6 degrees during the day , but dropping to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ north west is probably most at risk from sleet or snow showers .
The pattern is set to continue into Monday and Tuesday – with scattered showers , some wintry – before a band of rain coming from the south west on Wednesday is expected to increase temperatures .

Temperatures will begin to fall sharply on Sunday evening. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
Temperatures are expected to plunge below freezing over the weekend but forecasters are ruling out widespread snowfall.
Liz Coleman, of Met Éireann, said it won’t be “too cold” on Saturday night – between 3 and 7 degrees – because of rain and cloud cover coming in over the country.
But the mercury will start to fall sharply on Sunday evening, bringing with it the likelihood of “wintry precipitation” in the form of showers.
“In terms of blankets of snow – no,” said Ms Coleman.
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“We don’t expect that. Showers might fall as sleet or snow on higher ground.”
Showers are predicted in parts of the West on Sunday, with a risk of some of them turning into “wintry falls on higher ground”.
“On Sunday night, there will be a more organised band of showers coming in across country, and with that a higher risk of some wintry precipitation,” the meteorologist said.
Temperatures on Sunday are expected to remain 3 to 6 degrees during the day, but dropping to as low as -1 overnight.
The north west is probably most at risk from sleet or snow showers.
The pattern is set to continue into Monday and Tuesday – with scattered showers, some wintry – before a band of rain coming from the south west on Wednesday is expected to increase temperatures.


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Dublin house deaths: Three young children named

The three young children whose bodies were discovered in a Co Dublin house on Friday evening have been named .
Gardaí are expected to begin a triple murder investigation as early as Saturday after the discovery of the bodies at Parson ’ s Court , Newcastle , just after 7pm on Friday .
The children were named by gardaí on Saturday as Conor ( 9 ) , Darragh ( 7 ) and Carla McGinley ( 3 ) .
A woman , believed to be the children ’ s mother , is continuing to be treated at Tallaght hospital after she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state outside the property .
It is understood the children ’ s father Andrew McGinley was not at the house at the time .
The deaths of the children are being treated by gardaí as “ sudden ” and “ unexplained ” and the inquiry into their deaths is criminal in nature .
One strong line of investigation was that the children met with foul play , though early indications are they had no obvious injuries to their bodies .
Gardaí were hoping to speak to the woman , who is in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When gardaí and paramedics arrived at the scene just after 7pm on Friday the children were pronounced dead inside the house .
It was unclear how long they had been dead .
The emergency services were alerted by a taxi driver who found the woman on the street and took her home .
When the driver arrived at the house he saw a note with instructions not to go upstairs but to call to call 999 instead .
The driver then called the emergency services and when gardai and Dublin Fire Brigade entered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead upstairs .
As the children had no visible signs of injury it was expected that toxicology tests would be needed as part of the postmortem process to confirm how the children died .
Gardaí believe the children were living with their mother at the property , in a private estate of houses and apartments .
It is understood two of the children were attending Scoil Chrónáin in Rathcoole .
The scene was sealed off by gardaí and the bodies of the children were removed from the property after 10am on Saturday and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a postmortem examination will take place .
The scene was examined by members of the Garda Technical Bureau , while Assistant State Pathologist Margot Bolster also attended .
Sources said all the resources of a homicide investigation had been committed to the case .
Gardaí said a family liaison officer has been appointed and is in contact with Mr McGinley and the extended family .
Several bunches of flowers were placed at the scene on Saturday .
A special Mass was held at St Finian ’ s Church and a book of condolences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for at Mass today was , we prayed out of the fact that we have no words to speak but our presence is words speaking , ” co-parish priest Fr Kevin Doherty told The Irish Times .
“ We pray especially for parents and children , and we just spoke about the darkness has come but the light is present among us and that each one of us will be a light to another.
” A father-of-four whose children played with the McGinley children in a local playground said “ they were just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there playing and they were happy ” .
The man , who lives close to Parson ’ s Court with his family , said the community has been left “ shocked ” .
“ It ’ s something you don ’ t want to hear .
You always think it happens in other places , you don ’ t think it ’ s going to happen on your doorstep , ” he said .
Local councillor Emer Higgins said the community of Newcastle and surrounding areas are “ heartbroken ” .
“ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve really tight knit communities right across Newcastle , Rathcoole and Saggart .
We ’ re all just heartbroken , ” the Fine Gael councillor said .
“ The community came together this morning to pray for the family and my own thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is grieving with them .
I think in times like this it ’ s really good for a community to come together.
” Tusla said on Saturday it would put in place necessary supports as part of a critical incident protocol developed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Service Committee .
The protocol is activated following serious incidents likely to impact a community , it said .
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to , contact the Samaritans on 116 123 .

Conor (9), Carla (3) and Darragh McGinley (7) with their father Andrew McGinley. The children were found dead in a house in Co Dublin on Friday night. Handout photograph: Andrew McGinley/An Garda
The three young children whose bodies were discovered in a Co Dublin house on Friday evening have been named.
Gardaí are expected to begin a triple murder investigation as early as Saturday after the discovery of the bodies at Parson's Court, Newcastle, just after 7pm on Friday.
The children were named by gardaí on Saturday as Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla McGinley (3).
A woman, believed to be the children's mother, is continuing to be treated at Tallaght hospital after she was found in a distressed and disorientated state outside the property.
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A garda at the scene at Parson’s Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin where the bodies of Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla McGinley (3) were discovered in a house on Friday night. Photograph: Sarah Burns
It is understood the children’s father Andrew McGinley was not at the house at the time.
The deaths of the children are being treated by gardaí as “sudden” and “unexplained” and the inquiry into their deaths is criminal in nature.
One strong line of investigation was that the children met with foul play, though early indications are they had no obvious injuries to their bodies. Gardaí were hoping to speak to the woman, who is in her 40s, as early as Saturday.
When gardaí and paramedics arrived at the scene just after 7pm on Friday the children were pronounced dead inside the house. It was unclear how long they had been dead.
The emergency services were alerted by a taxi driver who found the woman on the street and took her home.
When the driver arrived at the house he saw a note with instructions not to go upstairs but to call to call 999 instead.
The driver then called the emergency services and when gardai and Dublin Fire Brigade entered the property they discovered the three children dead upstairs.
As the children had no visible signs of injury it was expected that toxicology tests would be needed as part of the postmortem process to confirm how the children died.
Private estate
Gardaí believe the children were living with their mother at the property, in a private estate of houses and apartments. It is understood two of the children were attending Scoil Chrónáin in Rathcoole.
Flowers placed near the house where the bodies of Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla McGinley (3) were discovered. Photograph: Caroline Quinn/PA Wire
The scene was sealed off by gardaí and the bodies of the children were removed from the property after 10am on Saturday and brought to the city morgue, where a postmortem examination will take place.
The scene was examined by members of the Garda Technical Bureau, while Assistant State Pathologist Margot Bolster also attended.
Sources said all the resources of a homicide investigation had been committed to the case.
The scene at Parsons Court on Saturday morning. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Gardaí said a family liaison officer has been appointed and is in contact with Mr McGinley and the extended family.
Several bunches of flowers were placed at the scene on Saturday. A special Mass was held at St Finian’s Church and a book of condolences was opened.
"What we prayed for at Mass today was, we prayed out of the fact that we have no words to speak but our presence is words speaking," co-parish priest Fr Kevin Doherty told The Irish Times.
A garda at the scene on Saturday. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
“We pray especially for parents and children, and we just spoke about the darkness has come but the light is present among us and that each one of us will be a light to another.”
Gardaí at the scene at Parsons Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin on Friday. Photograph: Damien Eagers
A father-of-four whose children played with the McGinley children in a local playground said “they were just normal little kids...they were out there playing and they were happy”.
Community ‘shocked’
The man, who lives close to Parson’s Court with his family, said the community has been left “shocked”.
“It’s something you don’t want to hear. You always think it happens in other places, you don’t think it’s going to happen on your doorstep,” he said.
Local councillor Emer Higgins said the community of Newcastle and surrounding areas are "heartbroken".
Flowers outside the Dublin house where three children were found dead on Friday. Photograph: Aoife Moore/PA Wire
"This is just an unthinkable tragedy, we've really tight knit communities right across Newcastle, Rathcoole and Saggart. We're all just heartbroken," the Fine Gael councillor said.
“The community came together this morning to pray for the family and my own thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is grieving with them. I think in times like this it’s really good for a community to come together.”
Gardaí at the scene on Parson’s Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin where the bodies of three children were discovered. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Tusla said on Saturday it would put in place necessary supports as part of a critical incident protocol developed by the South Dublin Children and Young People’s Service Committee.
The protocol is activated following serious incidents likely to impact a community, it said.
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, contact the Samaritans on 116 123.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Dublin house deaths: woman still being treated in hospital

A woman in her forties remains in Tallaght hospital on Sunday where is been treated after she was found in a distressed state outside a property where the bodies of three young children were discovered on Friday .
The discovery was just after 7pm at a house at Parson ’ s Court , Newcastle , Co Dublin .
The children were named by gardaí as Conor ( 9 ) , Darragh ( 7 ) and Carla McGinley ( 3 ) .
The deaths of the children are being treated by gardaí as “ sudden ” and “ unexplained ” and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in nature .
One strong line of investigation was the children met with foul play , though early indications are they had no obvious injuries to their bodies .
It was expected that toxicology tests would be needed as part of the postmortem process to confirm how the children died .
Gardaí have said the results of the postmortem will not be released for operational reasons .
Gardaí hope to speak to the woman , who is in her 40s , about what happened at the house .
The woman is understood to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The emergency services were alerted by a taxi driver who found the woman on the street on Friday evening and took her home to Parson ’ s Court .
When the driver arrived at the house he saw a note with instructions not to go upstairs but to call to call 999 instead .
It is understood the children ’ s father , Andrew McGinley , arrived at the house from work at around the same time .
When gardaí and paramedics arrived at the scene just after 7pm on Friday the children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was unclear how long they had been dead .
The deaths of the children are being treated by gardaí as “ sudden ” and “ unexplained ” and the inquiry into their deaths is criminal in nature .
One strong line of investigation was that the children met with foul play , though early indications are they had no obvious injuries to their bodies .
As the children had no visible signs of injury it was expected that toxicology tests would be needed as part of the postmortem process to confirm how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Court is a private estate of houses and apartments .
It is understood two of the children were attending Scoil Chrónáin in Rathcoole .
The scene remains sealed off by gardaí and the bodies of the children were removed from the property after 10am on Saturday and brought to the city morgue .
The scene has been examined by members of the Garda Technical Bureau , while Assistant State Pathologist Margot Bolster also attended .
Sources said all the resources of a homicide investigation had been committed to the case .
Gardaí said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and is in contact with Mr McGinley and the extended family .
Flowers were placed at the scene on Saturday .
A special Mass was held at St Finian ’ s Church and a book of condolences has been opened .
Co-parish priest Fr Kevin Doherty told The Irish Times on Saturday that those attending the Mass “ have no words to speak but our presence ” .
“ We pray especially for parents and children , and we just spoke about the darkness has come but the light is present among us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be a light to another.
” A father-of-four whose children played with the McGinley children in a local playground said “ they were just normal little kids ... they were out there playing and they were happy ” .
The man , who lives close to Parson ’ s Court with his family , said the community has been left “ shocked ” .
“ It ’ s something you don ’ t want to hear .
You always think it happens in other places , you don ’ t think it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
Local councillor Emer Higgins said the community of Newcastle and surrounding areas are “ heartbroken ” .
“ This is just an unthinkable tragedy , we ’ ve really tight knit communities right across Newcastle , Rathcoole and Saggart .
We ’ re all just heartbroken , ” the Fine Gael councillor said .
“ The community came together this morning to pray for the family and my own thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is grieving with them .
I think in times like this it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come together.
” Tusla said on Saturday it would put in place necessary supports as part of a critical incident protocol developed by the South Dublin Children and Young People ’ s Service Committee .
The protocol is activated following serious incidents likely to impact a community , it said .
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to , contact the Samaritans on 116 123 .

Conor (9), Carla (3) and Darragh McGinley (7) with their father Andrew McGinley. The children were found dead in a house in Co Dublin on Friday night. Handout photograph: Andrew McGinley/An Garda
A woman in her forties remains in Tallaght hospital on Sunday where she is being treated after she was found in a distressed state outside a property where the bodies of three young children were discovered on Friday.
The discovery was just after 7pm at a house at Parson’s Court, Newcastle, Co Dublin. The children were named by gardaí as Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla McGinley (3).
The deaths of the children are being treated by gardaí as “sudden” and “unexplained” and the inquiry into their deaths is criminal in nature.
One strong line of investigation was the children met with foul play, though early indications are they had no obvious injuries to their bodies.
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It was expected that toxicology tests would be needed as part of the postmortem process to confirm how the children died. In a statement on Sunday gardaí said an interim postmortem had been carried out but that the results were not being published for operational reasons. Further toxicology results are still awaited.
Gardaí hope to speak to the woman, who is in her 40s, about what happened at the house. The woman is understood to be the children’s mother.
The emergency services were alerted by a taxi driver who found the woman on the street on Friday evening and took her home to Parson’s Court.
When the driver arrived at the house he saw a note with instructions not to go upstairs but to call to call 999 instead.
It is understood the children’s father, Andrew McGinley, arrived at the house from work at around the same time.
When gardaí and paramedics arrived at the scene just after 7pm on Friday the children were pronounced dead inside the house.
It was unclear how long they had been dead.
A woman leaves flowers outside the house in Parson’s Court in Newcastle in which the bodies of three children were found. Photograph: Collins
Sudden
The deaths of the children are being treated by gardaí as “sudden” and “unexplained” and the inquiry into their deaths is criminal in nature.
One strong line of investigation was that the children met with foul play, though early indications are they had no obvious injuries to their bodies.
As the children had no visible signs of injury it was expected that toxicology tests would be needed as part of the postmortem process to confirm how the children died.
Parson’s Court is a private estate of houses and apartments. It is understood two of the children were attending Scoil Chrónáin in Rathcoole.
The scene remains sealed off by gardaí and the bodies of the children were removed from the property after 10am on Saturday and brought to the city morgue.
The scene has been examined by members of the Garda Technical Bureau, while Assistant State Pathologist Margot Bolster also attended.
Sources said all the resources of a homicide investigation had been committed to the case.
Flowers are seen outside the house where the bodies of three children were found in a house in Newcastle. Photograph: Collins
Gardaí said a family liaison officer has been appointed and is in contact with Mr McGinley and the extended family.
Flowers were placed at the scene on Saturday.
Mass
A special Mass was held at St Finian’s Church and a book of condolences has been opened.
Co-parish priest Fr Kevin Doherty told The Irish Times on Saturday that those attending the Mass “have no words to speak but our presence”.
“We pray especially for parents and children, and we just spoke about the darkness has come but the light is present among us and that each one of us will be a light to another.”
A father-of-four whose children played with the McGinley children in a local playground said “they were just normal little kids...they were out there playing and they were happy”.
Flowers are seen outside the house at Parson’s Court. Photograph: Collins
The man, who lives close to Parson’s Court with his family, said the community has been left “shocked”.
“It’s something you don’t want to hear. You always think it happens in other places, you don’t think it’s going to happen on your doorstep,” he said.
Local councillor Emer Higgins said the community of Newcastle and surrounding areas are “heartbroken”.
“This is just an unthinkable tragedy, we’ve really tight knit communities right across Newcastle, Rathcoole and Saggart. We’re all just heartbroken,” the Fine Gael councillor said.
“The community came together this morning to pray for the family and my own thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is grieving with them. I think in times like this it’s really good for a community to come together.”
Tusla said on Saturday it would put in place necessary supports as part of a critical incident protocol developed by the South Dublin Children and Young People’s Service Committee.
The protocol is activated following serious incidents likely to impact a community, it said.
If you or someone you know needs someone to talk to, contact the Samaritans on 116 123.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Seamus Mallon tributes: Sharon Stone among those to sign book of condolence

A book of condolence has opened in Belfast after the death of former deputy first minister of Northern Ireland Seamus Mallon .
Mr Mallon ’ s death at the age of 83 on Friday has led to an outpouring of gratitude as thousands of people paid tribute to the former SDLP deputy leader .
A book of condolence opened in Belfast City Hall on Saturday , and another is due to open at the Guildhall in Derry later on Sunday morning .
American actor Sharon Stone was among those to sign the book in Belfast , alongside her friend , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ms Stone called Mr Mallon “ a legend , a real warrior of peace ” as she signed the book along with hundreds of others , including his party colleagues in the SDLP .
The actor ’ s message in the book reads : “ With respect and admiration.
” The ex-deputy leader of the nationalist SDLP was an architect of the Northern Ireland peace process and a key figure in negotiating the 1998 Belfast Agreement , which largely halted violence .
Former US senator George Mitchell , who was heavily involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid tribute to Mr Mallon , who was deputy to Lord Trimble at Stormont from 1998 to 2001 .
“ It ’ s a great loss for me personally as it is for the people of Northern Ireland , ” Mr Mitchell told Q Radio .
“ Seamus Mallon was a strong and effective political leader for many decades including the period during which the negotiations were held among all of the parties in Northern Ireland that led to the agreement that brought an end to the violence of the Troubles.
” Former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in office at the time of the Belfast Agreement and championed peace talks in the 1990s , also paid a touching tribute to former Newry and Armagh MP Mr Mallon .
He said : “ From his earliest entry into politics , Seamus never wavered from his vision for a shared future where neighbours of all faiths could live in dignity , or from the belief he shared with John Hume and the entire SDLP that non-violence was the only way to reach that goal .
“ As his party ’ s chief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Good Friday Agreement , he was respected by all parties for his intelligence and integrity , his candour and convictions.
” Mr Mallon was a former teacher who lived in Markethill , Co Armagh , a largely Protestant town .
He is survived by his daughter , Orla.–PA

American actress Sharon Stone (centre) with Nobel Peace Prize winner Betty Williams and the lord mayor of Belfast Daniel Baker signing a book of condolence in Belfast. Photograph: Presseye/PA Wire
A book of condolence has opened in Belfast after the death of former deputy first minister of Northern Ireland Seamus Mallon.
Mr Mallon’s death at the age of 83 on Friday has led to an outpouring of gratitude as thousands of people paid tribute to the former SDLP deputy leader.
A book of condolence opened in Belfast City Hall on Saturday, and another is due to open at the Guildhall in Derry later on Sunday morning.
American actor Sharon Stone was among those to sign the book in Belfast, alongside her friend, the Nobel Peace Prize winner Betty Williams.
READ MORE
Ms Stone called Mr Mallon “a legend, a real warrior of peace” as she signed the book along with hundreds of others, including his party colleagues in the SDLP.
The actor’s message in the book reads: “With respect and admiration.”
The ex-deputy leader of the nationalist SDLP was an architect of the Northern Ireland peace process and a key figure in negotiating the 1998 Belfast Agreement, which largely halted violence.
Former US senator George Mitchell, who was heavily involved in creating the Belfast Agreement, also paid tribute to Mr Mallon, who was deputy to Lord Trimble at Stormont from 1998 to 2001.
“It’s a great loss for me personally as it is for the people of Northern Ireland,” Mr Mitchell told Q Radio.
“Seamus Mallon was a strong and effective political leader for many decades including the period during which the negotiations were held among all of the parties in Northern Ireland that led to the agreement that brought an end to the violence of the Troubles.”
Former US president Bill Clinton, who was in office at the time of the Belfast Agreement and championed peace talks in the 1990s, also paid a touching tribute to former Newry and Armagh MP Mr Mallon.
He said: "From his earliest entry into politics, Seamus never wavered from his vision for a shared future where neighbours of all faiths could live in dignity, or from the belief he shared with John Hume and the entire SDLP that non-violence was the only way to reach that goal.
“As his party’s chief negotiator in the talks leading to the Good Friday Agreement, he was respected by all parties for his intelligence and integrity, his candour and convictions.”
Mr Mallon was a former teacher who lived in Markethill, Co Armagh, a largely Protestant town. He is survived by his daughter, Orla.–PA


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Man in his 40s dies in apartment fire in Cavan

A man has died following an apartment fire in Cavan on Saturday evening .
Firefighters rescued two adults and a @ @ @ @ @ the alarm was raised at aroundf 8pm and taken to Cavan General Hospital where they @ @ @ @ @ .
When the fire was brought under control , the body of a man , @ @ @ @ @ was found in the apartment It is understood two firemen were also treated for minor @ @ @ @ @ the dead man remains at the scene whish has been preserved for forensic and technical @ @

Firefighters on Saturday rescued two adults and a child from the an apartment in Cavan town
A man has died following an apartment fire in Cavan on Saturday evening.
The man, believed to have been in his 40s, died following a fire at an apartment on Cavan town’s Main Street. Locals called the emergency services after smoke and flames were seen inside the apartment shortly after 8pm. At least two units of the local fire brigade attended the scene.
Firefighters rescued two adults and a child from the building after the alarm was raised, and they were taken to Cavan General Hospital, where they were treated for smoke inhalation.
Two firemen were also injured in the fire, and were treated for minor injuries.
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The body of the dead man was discovered on the floor in the apartment’s sitting room when the fire was brought under control. It is thought he died from smoke inhalation.
The body remained at the scene early on Sunday, and a postmortem was expected to take place in Cavan Hospital on Monday.
Garda technical experts spent much of the day at the apartment on Sunday. It is understood that foul play is not suspected.
Gardaí said they were not in a position to name the man who died as he was not an Irish national and efforts to contact his family were ongoing.
A Garda spokesman said efforts were being made to contact the dead man’s friends in Cavan town to ascertain his family connections.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Man (33) dies following suspected stabbing in Co Wexford

A man ( 33 ) has died after a suspected stabbing incident at a house in Co Wexford in the @ @ @ @ @ Shortly before 2am , gardaí were called to a house at Ramsgate Village in Gorey @ @ @ @ @ man with apparent stab wounds in the front garden .
The man was treated at @ @ @ @ @ emergency services but was pronounced dead a short time later .
A woman in her @ @ @ @ @ is being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act , 1984 at Gorey @ @ @ @ @ ’ s body remains at the scene and the services of the State Pathologist and @ @ @ @ @ requested .
An incident room has been established and Gardaí have appealed for anyone with @ @ @ @ @ station ( 053-9430690 ) or the Garda confidential line ( 1800 666 111 ) .

Gardaí are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of Bray native Philip Doyle following a stabbing in a house in Gorey. File photograph: Handout/David Looby
A woman is being questioned in relation to the death of a father-of-three in Co Wexford in the early hours of Sunday.
Gardaí in Gorey are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Bray native Philip Doyle following a stabbing in a house in Gorey.
Shortly before 2am gardaí received reports from neighbours of an incident at a house in Ramsgate Village, the largest housing estate in the north Wexford town, located a short walk from Gorey's main street.
The dead man had been living in Ramsgate Village, Gorey, with his wife and young children.
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Gardaí at the scene in Gorey on Sunday. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
He suffered stab wounds and was discovered in the front garden of the house.
A Garda spokesperson said the injured man was treated by gardaí and emergency services personnel “but was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.”
It is understood Mr Doyle and his wife had been socialising in Gorey on Saturday and a row occurred at the house in Ramsgate Village.
A woman was later arrested.
The body remained at the scene throughout Sunday morning and the services of the State Pathologist were requested.
The scene was preserved by gardaí and members of the Garda Technical Bureau attended on Sunday afternoon.
The woman was removed to Wexford General Hospital for treatment prior to being taken to Gorey Garda sation where she was being questioned under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
A lot of noise
The body was removed to hospital for a postmortem on Monday. Neighbours reported a lot of noise coming from the house in the early hours of Sunday.
Fianna Fáil TD Malcolm Byrne, who lives in an estate at Ramsgate Village, said he was shocked and surprised to learn of Mr Doyle’s death.
The scene at Ramsgate Village, Gorey, Co Wexford on Sunday. Photograph Nick Bradshaw
“It is a large estate of around 400 houses with a number of different parts to it.
A lot of the houses are rented by families or young couples, many of whom are commuting to work.
“The [dead] man doesn’t seem to be that well known in the estate. Our thoughts would be with his family at this time.
“From chatting with neighbours of the man everyone is quite shocked. Gorey is a rapidly growing town and it’s not the first (violent) incident here over the years.
“It has a reputation of being a good and quiet town but unfortunately incidents like this happen and it’s very sad.”
An incident room has been established at Gorey Garda station and investigators have held two case conferences.
Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them at Gorey Garda station 053-9430690 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.


theirishtimes--2020-01-27--Patient advocate on HSE board resigns in protest at ‘tokenistic’ treatment

One of two patient advocates on the board of the Health Service Executive ( HSE ) has resigned after only six months in protest at the “ tokenistic ” treatment of patients in the health service .
Mark Molloy also said he feels “ let down ” by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Health Simon Harris over the under-funding of the national maternity strategy .
Mr Molloy , who stepped down earlier this month , told The Irish Times he felt he could no longer be part of board decisions that were serving to erode the integrity of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were doing on behalf of patients .
The Molloys ’ son , also Mark , was one of a number of babies who died unnecessarily as a result of failings at Portlaoise hospital , and they have campaigned since for greater accountability and patient representation in the health service .
At the weekend , they marked what would have been Mark ’ s eighth birthday .
Asked what board decisions he was referring to , Mr Molloy referenced the HSE service plan , published last month .
He said he was unable to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was providing only a fraction of the funding originally promised for the national maternity strategy .
“ Medical negligence claims are going through the roof , and most of them are obstetric .
And yet the plan could only fund a fraction – 12 per cent – of the €8 million a year that was promised for the strategy.
” The plan , which aimed to develop quality , safe , consistent and well-resourced care in the State ’ s 19 maternity units , was developed in response to official recommendations following the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital in 2012 .
Many of its 77 recommendations have yet to be fully implemented .
Launched by Mr Varadkar when he was minister for health in 2016 , the 10-year maternity strategy was originally provided with ringfenced funding but most of this money was diverted last year to pay for the new abortion service .
Mr Molloy said he felt let down that the ringfenced funding originally promised by Mr Varadkar had been removed .
“ We should not have to go cap in hand when this money was promised .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the money is done and dusted , ” said Mr Molloy , a quantity surveyor .
Mr Harris and HSE chairman Ciarán Devane both tried to persuade Mr Molloy to stay on the board , but he held to his decision to resign .
Mrs Molloy said the representation of patients in the health service was still marked by “ tokenism ” .
“ Patients are being brought in , and that ’ s good , but they are not being listened to , ” she said .
Patient advocates were included in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a recommendation by Dr Gabriel Scally , the Northern Ireland public health doctor who investigated the CervicalCheck controversy .
A second patient representative , Dr Sarah McLoughlin , remains on the board .

Patient advocate Mark Molloy, pictured with his wife Roisin, said he feels ‘let down’ by Minister for Health Simon Harris and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar over the under-funding of the national maternity strategy. Photograph: Cyril Byrne
One of two patient advocates on the board of the Health Service Executive (HSE) has resigned after only six months in protest at the "tokenistic" treatment of patients in the health service.
Mark Molloy also said he feels "let down" by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Health Simon Harris over the under-funding of the national maternity strategy.
Mr Molloy, who stepped down earlier this month, told The Irish Times he felt he could no longer be part of board decisions that were serving to erode the integrity of the work he and his wife Róisín Molloy were doing on behalf of patients.
The Molloys’ son, also Mark, was one of a number of babies who died unnecessarily as a result of failings at Portlaoise hospital, and they have campaigned since for greater accountability and patient representation in the health service. At the weekend, they marked what would have been Mark’s eighth birthday.
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Claims
Asked what board decisions he was referring to, Mr Molloy referenced the HSE service plan, published last month.
He said he was unable to sign off on the plan as it was providing only a fraction of the funding originally promised for the national maternity strategy. “Medical negligence claims are going through the roof, and most of them are obstetric. And yet the plan could only fund a fraction – 12 per cent – of the €8 million a year that was promised for the strategy.”
The plan, which aimed to develop quality, safe, consistent and well-resourced care in the State's 19 maternity units, was developed in response to official recommendations following the death of Savita Halappanavar in a Galway hospital in 2012. Many of its 77 recommendations have yet to be fully implemented.
Launched by Mr Varadkar when he was minister for health in 2016, the 10-year maternity strategy was originally provided with ringfenced funding but most of this money was diverted last year to pay for the new abortion service.
Ringfenced
Mr Molloy said he felt let down that the ringfenced funding originally promised by Mr Varadkar had been removed. “We should not have to go cap in hand when this money was promised. In my line of work, ringfenced means the money is done and dusted,” said Mr Molloy, a quantity surveyor.
Mr Harris and HSE chairman Ciarán Devane both tried to persuade Mr Molloy to stay on the board, but he held to his decision to resign.
Mrs Molloy said the representation of patients in the health service was still marked by “tokenism”. “Patients are being brought in, and that’s good, but they are not being listened to,” she said.
Patient advocates were included in the HSE board last year on foot of a recommendation by Dr Gabriel Scally, the Northern Ireland public health doctor who investigated the CervicalCheck controversy.
A second patient representative, Dr Sarah McLoughlin, remains on the board.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Body of a man found in Letterkenny

Body of a man found in Letterkenny

Gardaí are treating as suspicious the discovery of a body close to the Riverside Apartments in Letterkenny , Co Donegal @ @ @ @ @ The body of the man , believed to be aged in his 30s , was @ @ @ @ @ about 5pm .
An area of the town ’ s lower Main Street was sealed @ @ @ @ @ technical examination of the scene got underway .
A garda source said few details were @ @ @ @ @ a post mortem would be held on Monday .
Following the postmortem , gardaí said @ @ @ @ @ .
The State pathologists office has been informed .

Following the postmortem Gardaí said they would have more information. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien/The Irish Times
Gardaí are treating as suspicious the discovery of a body close to the Riverside Apartments in Letterkenny, Co Donegal, on Sunday evening.
The body of the man, believed to be aged in his 30s, was found by a passerby at about 5pm.
An area of the town’s lower Main Street was sealed off by gardaí as a technical examination of the scene got under way.
A Garda source said few details were available but it was expected a post mortem would be held on Monday.
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The State pathologists office has been informed.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Indian independence commemoration to remember former Cork mayor

The international impact that Lord Mayor of Cork Terence MacSwiney had when he died in hunger strike in 1920 in Ireland ’ s struggle for freedom will be recalled on Monday in an event to commemorate Indian independence .
MacSwiney , who was elected Lord Mayor of Cork in succession to his friend , Tomas MacCurtain when he was murdered by the RIC , was sentenced to two years in jail on August 16th 1920 for possession of “ seditious documents ” .
He told his court martial by the British authorities that he had taken no food since his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shall be free , alive or dead , within a month , ” said MacSwiney , who was also a Commandant of the Cork IRA .
At the time , it was generally believed that a person could not live more than a month without solid food but MacSwiney garnered huge international attention for the Irish cause as he continued on hunger strike in Brixton prison .
He died some 74 days later on October 25th , 1920 with his death sparking protests not just among the Irish Americans in cities such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chicago but also in Europe including in Barcelona .
Among the many political activists influenced by Mac Swiney ’ s death was Vietnamese leader , Ho Chi Minh , who was working in London at the time and said of him : “ A nation that has such citizens will never surrender ” .
A collection of his writings , entitled Principles of Freedom , was published posthumously in 1921 and it had a huge impact , particularly in India where Jawaharlal Nehru took inspiration from MacSwiney ’ s example and writings .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ acknowledging his influence in his implicit reference to his death on hunger strike , when he wrote : “ It has been the magnitude of the Irish sacrifice which has been the deciding factor.
” The Indian revolutionary , Bhagat Singh was also an admirer of MacSwiney and wrote about him , recalling how he told his father about MacSwiney when his father petitioned the British Government in India to pardon him .
Bhagat Singh , who was executed in 1931 for killing a British officer , quoted MacSwiney and said “ I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more to smash the British Empire than my release ” and told his father to withdraw the petition .
MacSwiney ’ s influence on India ’ s struggle for Independence will be recalled on Monday when as part of India ’ s Republic Day celebrations , Cork City Librarian Liam Roynane will speak about MacSwiney ’ s influence in the sub-continent .
“ The life and writings of Terence MacSwiney struck a chord with people all over the world in the aftermath of World War I – people seeking freedom for their own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ He was described as inspirational by the father of the Indian nation , Mahatma Gandhi who had returned to India five years earlier to devote his life to making his native country free of the British Empire.
” Mr Roynane will deliver his address as part of Cork City Council ’ s Decade of Centenaries programme with the Indian Ambassador , Mr Sandeep Kumar and the Lord Mayor of Cork , Cllr John Sheehan among those scheduled to attend .
India ’ s Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 26th 1950 and Mr Kumar will also speak about India ’ s relationship with Ireland at the event which takes place at Cork City Hall .
The celebrations will include an Irish ballet/Indian Bollywood Fusion Dance Performance by students of the Joan Denise Moriarty Dance School , an Indian medley dance by the Cork Indian Dance Troupe and some modern Indian dance .

Terence MacSwiney was sentenced to two years in jail on August 16th 1920 for possession of ‘seditious documents’.
The international impact that Lord Mayor of Cork Terence MacSwiney had when he died in hunger strike in 1920 in Ireland's struggle for freedom will be recalled on Monday in an event to commemorate Indian independence.
MacSwiney, who was elected Lord Mayor of Cork in succession to his friend, Tomas MacCurtain when he was murdered by the RIC, was sentenced to two years in jail on August 16th 1920 for possession of “seditious documents”.
He told his court martial by the British authorities that he had taken no food since his arrest four days earlier. “I shall be free, alive or dead, within a month,” said MacSwiney, who was also a Commandant of the Cork IRA.
At the time, it was generally believed that a person could not live more than a month without solid food but MacSwiney garnered huge international attention for the Irish cause as he continued on hunger strike in Brixton prison.
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He died some 74 days later on October 25th, 1920 with his death sparking protests not just among the Irish Americans in cities such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago but also in Europe including in Barcelona.
Among the many political activists influenced by Mac Swiney’s death was Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh, who was working in London at the time and said of him: “A nation that has such citizens will never surrender”.
Influence
A collection of his writings, entitled Principles of Freedom, was published posthumously in 1921 and it had a huge impact, particularly in India where Jawaharlal Nehru took inspiration from MacSwiney's example and writings.
Mahatma Gandhi also admired Mac Swiney, acknowledging his influence in his implicit reference to his death on hunger strike, when he wrote: "It has been the magnitude of the Irish sacrifice which has been the deciding factor."
The Indian revolutionary, Bhagat Singh was also an admirer of MacSwiney and wrote about him, recalling how he told his father about MacSwiney when his father petitioned the British Government in India to pardon him.
Bhagat Singh, who was executed in 1931 for killing a British officer, quoted MacSwiney and said “I am confident that my death will do more to smash the British Empire than my release” and told his father to withdraw the petition.
MacSwiney's influence on India's struggle for Independence will be recalled on Monday when as part of India's Republic Day celebrations, Cork City Librarian Liam Roynane will speak about MacSwiney's influence in the sub-continent.
"The life and writings of Terence MacSwiney struck a chord with people all over the world in the aftermath of World War I – people seeking freedom for their own nations," said Mr Ronayne.
“He was described as inspirational by the father of the Indian nation, Mahatma Gandhi who had returned to India five years earlier to devote his life to making his native country free of the British Empire.”
Celebrations
Mr Roynane will deliver his address as part of Cork City Council's Decade of Centenaries programme with the Indian Ambassador, Mr Sandeep Kumar and the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr John Sheehan among those scheduled to attend.
India's Republic Day honours the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on January 26th 1950 and Mr Kumar will also speak about India's relationship with Ireland at the event which takes place at Cork City Hall.
The celebrations will include an Irish ballet/Indian Bollywood Fusion Dance Performance by students of the Joan Denise Moriarty Dance School, an Indian medley dance by the Cork Indian Dance Troupe and some modern Indian dance.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Snow expected as Met Éireann issues status yellow weather alert

Snow showers are expected on Monday morning , especially on high ground , as Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for Connacht , Cavan and Donegal .
According to Met Éireann , many hilltops will appear white on Monday but some snow is also likely to fall on lower ground , particularly in parts of Ulster and Connacht .
There is also a continuing risk of thunder , mainly on Atlantic coasts .
Lowest temperatures will be -1 to 2 degrees , with frost and ice in sheltered areas .
Winds will be mostly moderate southwesterly , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas .
The national outlook is for cold and wintry conditions over the next few days , possibly turning milder from Wednesday , but staying unsettled especially in the west and north .
Some of the coldest weather will be felt on Monday night when it will be very cold with clear spells and a widespread sharp frost .
Blustery wintry showers of hail , sleet and snow will occur .
Showers are expected to be most frequent in the west , with lying snow possible .
The lowest temperatures will be between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to strong and gusty west to southwest winds , with gales possible near the north coast .
Tuesday is expected to be another cold and blustery day , with a mix of rain , sleet and hail , with some snow on high ground .
Afternoon temperatures will range from 4 to 6 degrees , in fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds .
It is expected to get milder on Wednesday with a mix of cloud and sunny spells .
It is expected to be generally dry , with some scattered outbreaks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northern areas .
Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees , in moderate southwesterly winds .
Thursday is set to be mostly dry with some sunny spells and just a few isolated showers , mainly in the northwest .
Continuing mild , with highest afternoon temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees , in light to moderate westerly winds , fresher along northwest coasts .

Sleet falling near Purteen, Achill Island, Co Mayo. Blustery wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow will occur on Monday, mostly in Connacht and Ulster. File photograph: Cyril Byrne
Snow showers are expected on Monday morning, especially on high ground, as Met Éireann has issued a status yellow weather warning for Connacht, Cavan and Donegal.
According to Met Éireann, many hilltops will appear white on Monday but some snow is also likely to fall on lower ground, particularly in parts of Ulster and Connacht.
There is also a continuing risk of thunder, mainly on Atlantic coasts. Lowest temperatures will be -1 to 2 degrees, with frost and ice in sheltered areas. Winds will be mostly moderate southwesterly, but fresh to strong in Atlantic coastal areas.
The national outlook is for cold and wintry conditions over the next few days, possibly turning milder from Wednesday, but staying unsettled especially in the west and north.
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Some of the coldest weather will be felt on Monday night when it will be very cold with clear spells and a widespread sharp frost.
Blustery wintry showers of hail, sleet and snow will occur. Showers are expected to be most frequent in the west, with lying snow possible. The lowest temperatures will be between -1 to 1 degree, in fresh to strong and gusty west to southwest winds, with gales possible near the north coast.
Tuesday is expected to be another cold and blustery day, with a mix of rain, sleet and hail, with some snow on high ground. Afternoon temperatures will range from 4 to 6 degrees, in fresh to strong and gusty westerly winds.
It is expected to get milder on Wednesday with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. It is expected to be generally dry, with some scattered outbreaks of rain, mainly in western and northern areas. Highest temperatures of 7 to 10 degrees, in moderate southwesterly winds.
Thursday is set to be mostly dry with some sunny spells and just a few isolated showers, mainly in the northwest. Continuing mild, with highest afternoon temperatures of 9 to 11 degrees, in light to moderate westerly winds, fresher along northwest coasts.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Exhibition marks Jennifer Johnston’s 90th birthday

The author Jennifer Johnston , who turned 90 earlier this month , celebrated her birthday on Saturday at DLR Lexicon @ @ @ @ @ the opening of an exhibition on her life and work .
Ms Johnston has won @ @ @ @ @ her writing , including the Whitbread Book Award for The Old Jest in 1979 and @ @ @ @ @ the Irish Book Awards in 2012 .
The Old Jest was later made into a @ @ @ @ @ starring Anthony Hopkins .
The opening of the exhibition , undertaken in partnership with her @ @ @ @ @ Ms Johnston ’ s sons Paddy and Malachi , daughters Sarah and Lucy , and @ @ @ @ @ Last year , Ms Johnston donated her writing desk and nearly 2,000 of her books @ @ @ @ @ book collection includes numerous translations of her novels and signed gifts received from many fellow @ @ @ @ @ .
The exhibition runs until March 31st .
She donated her archive to Trinity College @ @ @ @ @ the archive of her father , Denis Johnston .

Paddy Smyth speaking at an event for his mother, author Jennifer Johnston, who celebrated her 90th birthday at DLR Lexicon library in Dún Laoghaire and the opening of an exhibition of her work. Photograph: Alan Betson
The author Jennifer Johnston, who turned 90 earlier this month, celebrated her birthday on Saturday at DLR Lexicon library in Dún Laoghaire with the opening of an exhibition on her life and work.
Ms Johnston has won a number of awards for her writing, including the Whitbread Book Award for The Old Jest in 1979 and a Lifetime Achievement prize from the Irish Book Awards in 2012. The Old Jest was later made into a film called The Dawning, starring Anthony Hopkins.
The opening of the exhibition, undertaken in partnership with her family, was attended by Ms Johnston’s sons Paddy and Malachi, daughters Sarah and Lucy, and grandson Attikos Lemos Smyth.
Last year, Ms Johnston donated her writing desk and nearly 2,000 of her books to DLR Libraries. Her book collection includes numerous translations of her novels and signed gifts received from many fellow writers, dramatists and artists. The exhibition runs until March 31st.
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She donated her archive to Trinity College Dublin, which also houses the archive of her father, Denis Johnston.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Activists push for emissions cuts on climate canvass

As a group of two dozen people collected pamphlets before fanning out and knocking on doors throughout the Liberties area of Dublin on Sunday afternoon , they looked like any other group out on the election trail , but there was a crucial difference .
The canvassers said they were not seeking voters ’ support for any party or person , but for the environment .
In recent weeks , Extinction Rebellion Ireland ( ERI ) activists have been knocking on doors across the country highlighting the climate crisis and their view that tackling it should become a key election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been encouraging voters to ask one question of candidates : “ Will you reduce Ireland ’ s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 8 per cent per year ?
” That is the level of reduction scientists say is needed if the worst consequences of climate change are to be averted in the years ahead .
The outgoing administration has outlined plans to reduce emissions by 2 per cent each year , a number ERI says is woefully inadequate .
The group said the election was “ our only chance of ensuring meaningful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and stressed that if it was left until another election cycle “ the challenges to prevent climate chaos will be monumental ” .
Maria Arnold was amongst the canvassers on Sunday .
She told The Irish Times the movement was not recommending people vote for one political party over another .
“ What we are asking them to do instead is to look at a party ’ s policies and their past actions and to make decisions based on that.
” She said voters had responded positively to the message and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doing this out of self-interest ” .
“ We have nothing to gain personally from our canvassing .
It ’ s not like we ’ re going to get jobs in a new administration or a boost in our pensions .
We are only thinking about our children and our grandchildren.
” She asked why 15- and 16-year-olds “ should have all of the responsibility for climate action thrust upon them while us adults sit back and do nothing like it is the last days of the Roman Empire .
” Jo Smith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said she was out canvassing , in part , on behalf of her 13-year-old daughter , and said canvassing for the climate had allowed the movement to reach people who were “ not aware of the climate situation and the crisis that the world is in ” .
Most of those who answered their doors to the canvassers listened carefully and there were no angry words exchanged .
Andrew Clarke was among those canvassed although he was already “ singing from the same hymn sheet ” .
He described climate change as being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it needs to be talked about , but I don ’ t know if the short-term election cycle that we have helps ” .

Liberties resident Colin Martin gives a hearing to Lana Bruens and Shane Roberts of climate action groups Extinction Rebellion and One Future during a joint canvass in the area. Photograph: Alan Betson
As a group of two dozen people collected pamphlets before fanning out and knocking on doors throughout the Liberties area of Dublin on Sunday afternoon, they looked like any other group out on the election trail, but there was a crucial difference.
The canvassers said they were not seeking voters’ support for any party or person, but for the environment.
In recent weeks, Extinction Rebellion Ireland (ERI) activists have been knocking on doors across the country highlighting the climate crisis and their view that tackling it should become a key election issue.
The climate change movement has been encouraging voters to ask one question of candidates: “Will you reduce Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 8 per cent per year?”
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That is the level of reduction scientists say is needed if the worst consequences of climate change are to be averted in the years ahead. The outgoing administration has outlined plans to reduce emissions by 2 per cent each year, a number ERI says is woefully inadequate.
Meaningful climate action
The group said the election was “our only chance of ensuring meaningful climate action while there is still time” and stressed that if it was left until another election cycle “the challenges to prevent climate chaos will be monumental”.
Maria Arnold was amongst the canvassers on Sunday. She told The Irish Times the movement was not recommending people vote for one political party over another. "What we are asking them to do instead is to look at a party's policies and their past actions and to make decisions based on that."
She said voters had responded positively to the message and to “the fact that we are not doing this out of self-interest”.
“We have nothing to gain personally from our canvassing. It’s not like we’re going to get jobs in a new administration or a boost in our pensions. We are only thinking about our children and our grandchildren.”
She asked why 15- and 16-year-olds "should have all of the responsibility for climate action thrust upon them while us adults sit back and do nothing like it is the last days of the Roman Empire. "
Jo Smith was talking about children too. She said she was out canvassing, in part, on behalf of her 13-year-old daughter, and said canvassing for the climate had allowed the movement to reach people who were "not aware of the climate situation and the crisis that the world is in".
Most of those who answered their doors to the canvassers listened carefully and there were no angry words exchanged.
Andrew Clarke was among those canvassed although he was already "singing from the same hymn sheet". He described climate change as being among "the biggest issues being faced and it needs to be talked about, but I don't know if the short-term election cycle that we have helps".


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--‘Ugly anti-migrant sentiment’ on rise in Ireland – Michael D Higgins

President Michael D Higgins has warned that “ an ugly anti-migrant sentiment is attempting to rear its head in Ireland ” .
This “ corrupted form of populism has not abated across Europe , and anti-Semitism has not been eliminated from the extreme rhetoric of those seeking to scapegoat the vulnerable ” , he said .
Speaking at the annual Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in the Mansion House on Sunday night , he said “ refugees , immigrant communities and other minority groups are increasingly described as a threat to the rights of the majority ” .
On Monday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau near Kraków in Poland .
On Tuesday morning in Kraków he will meet Leonard Abrahamson , president of the Jewish Representative Council in Ireland , following which he will visit Jewish centres in the city at Kazimierz and Podgórze .
Holocaust survivors at Sunday night ’ s Mansion House ceremony included Tomi Reichenthal and Suzi Diamond .
Also in attendance was Kinga Paszko , whose Polish family received the honour of Righteous Among the Nations for saving a Jewish family during the Holocaust .
Mr Higgins spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bogus , indeed mythical , type of nationalism on virtually every continent ” .
He said : “ The toxicity of anti-Semitism is not absent from this rhetoric , and it should be identified and condemned for what it is – an invitation to hatred and hate speech .
“ Three-quarters of a century ago , the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front arrived at Auschwitz , and when they entered the concentration camp complex , it remains hard to imagine fully the horrors they uncovered – the mass graves and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ murdered , their possessions and personal belongings , ” he said .
These events “ were preceded by the hate of an anti-Semitism , and the excluding stereotypes of minorities , something we must be vigilant to ensure is recognised and unequivocally opposed now and in the future ” .
In remembering the Holocaust , he said , “ we respectfully and solemnly commemorate those who died or suffered at the hands of the Nazis , and we vow to do all we can to ensure that such a horror never occurs again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to observe an emerging trend of the rise of extremist language and politics across the streets of Europe ” , he added .
“ What a great failure it is that less than three generations after the catastrophe that was World War II ” , so much was reduced “ to a discourse coarsened by its acceptance of aggression as the language of media and the street ” .
Mr Higgins said it was depressing that obvious parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and contemporary humanitarian and democratic crises appeared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As anti-Semitism , xenophobia , racism and intolerance are once again on the rise across Europe and many parts of the world , we must remember the Holocaust collectively and work together to ensure that hatred and inhumanity is not allowed to spread its dark shadow across Europe and the world , ” he said .
It was why “ we must preserve sites such as Auschwitz and Birkenau , where I will be tomorrow [ Monday ] to represent the Irish people at the 75th anniversary of the camp ’ s liberation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mansion House attendees were Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan ; Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe ; Ms Justice Iseult O ’ Malley of the Supreme Court ; Rabbi Zalman Lent ; the Israeli ambassador Ophir Kariv ; Col Stephen Ryan of the Defence Forces ; secretary general of the Department of Foreign Affairs Niall Burgess ; Secretary general of the Department of Justice and Equality Aidan O ’ Driscoll , and chair of Holocaust Education Trust Ireland , Eibhlín Byrne .

Holocaust survivor and former prisoner of Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, Miriam Ziegler, shows a picture of her and other prisoners taken in January 1945, at the camp museum on Sunday, one day before the 75th anniversary of its liberation. Photograph: Wojtek Radwanski/AFP/Getty
President Michael D Higgins has warned that "an ugly anti-migrant sentiment is attempting to rear its head in Ireland".
This "corrupted form of populism has not abated across Europe, and anti-Semitism has not been eliminated from the extreme rhetoric of those seeking to scapegoat the vulnerable", he said.
Speaking at the annual Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in the Mansion House on Sunday night, he said “refugees, immigrant communities and other minority groups are increasingly described as a threat to the rights of the majority”.
On Monday, Mr Higgins will attend the 75th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau near Kraków in Poland. On Tuesday morning in Kraków he will meet Leonard Abrahamson, president of the Jewish Representative Council in Ireland, following which he will visit Jewish centres in the city at Kazimierz and Podgórze.
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Holocaust survivors at Sunday night's Mansion House ceremony included Tomi Reichenthal and Suzi Diamond. Also in attendance was Kinga Paszko, whose Polish family received the honour of Righteous Among the Nations for saving a Jewish family during the Holocaust.
Mr Higgins spoke of the rise of an “often bogus, indeed mythical, type of nationalism on virtually every continent”.
‘An invitation to hatred’
He said: “The toxicity of anti-Semitism is not absent from this rhetoric, and it should be identified and condemned for what it is – an invitation to hatred and hate speech.
“Three-quarters of a century ago, the 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front arrived at Auschwitz, and when they entered the concentration camp complex, it remains hard to imagine fully the horrors they uncovered – the mass graves and the remains of the 1.1 million people systematically murdered, their possessions and personal belongings,” he said.
These events “were preceded by the hate of an anti-Semitism, and the excluding stereotypes of minorities, something we must be vigilant to ensure is recognised and unequivocally opposed now and in the future”.
In remembering the Holocaust, he said, “we respectfully and solemnly commemorate those who died or suffered at the hands of the Nazis, and we vow to do all we can to ensure that such a horror never occurs again”.
It was “deeply worrying to observe an emerging trend of the rise of extremist language and politics across the streets of Europe”, he added. “What a great failure it is that less than three generations after the catastrophe that was World War II”, so much was reduced “to a discourse coarsened by its acceptance of aggression as the language of media and the street”.
Mr Higgins said it was depressing that obvious parallels between the rise of fascism in the 1930s and contemporary humanitarian and democratic crises appeared to be lost on many.
‘Remember the Holocaust collectively’
“As anti-Semitism, xenophobia, racism and intolerance are once again on the rise across Europe and many parts of the world, we must remember the Holocaust collectively and work together to ensure that hatred and inhumanity is not allowed to spread its dark shadow across Europe and the world,” he said.
It was why “we must preserve sites such as Auschwitz and Birkenau, where I will be tomorrow [Monday]to represent the Irish people at the 75th anniversary of the camp’s liberation”, he said.
Among the Mansion House attendees were Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan; Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe; Ms Justice Iseult O'Malley of the Supreme Court; Rabbi Zalman Lent; the Israeli ambassador Ophir Kariv; Col Stephen Ryan of the Defence Forces; secretary general of the Department of Foreign Affairs Niall Burgess; Secretary general of the Department of Justice and Equality Aidan O'Driscoll, and chair of Holocaust Education Trust Ireland, Eibhlín Byrne.


theirishtimes--2020-01-26--Auschwitz commemoration ‘a truly remarkable achievement’

Last week ’ s commemoration at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem of the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz 75 years ago was “ a truly remarkable achievement , ” the chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland has said .
Maurice Cohen told The Irish Times it was such an achievement on the part of organisers “ to get so many together to remember the end of a premeditated slaughter of human beings , mostly Jews , and to say ‘ Never Again ’ .
” The event was “ hosted by Israeli president Reubin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of State including president Putin of Russia , president Macron of France , president Steinmeier of Germany , Britain ’ s prince Charles and many others , ” he said .
“ All heads of State gathered the previous evening for dinner as guests of President Rivlin at his home for an historic informal evening .
The event was also attended by many survivors and their families , ” he said .
US vice-president Mike Pence and Donald Trump ’ s son-in-law Jared Kushner , who oversees US policy on Israel-Palestine , were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Higgins was unable to attend but did forward a letter of support .
On Sunday night , Mr Higgins addressed the annual National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in Dublin ’ s Mansion House .
He travels to Kraków in Poland on Monday where he will attend 75th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops and on Tuesday he will visit the Jewish centres of Kazimierz and Podgórze in Kraków before returning to Ireland .
Earlier this month , Ireland attended a meeting in Brussels of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victims of the Holocaust and committed to a world without genocide .
Auschwitz was Nazi Germany ’ s most notorious extermination camp .
An estimated 1.1 million Jewish adults and children , over 200,000 Poles , Roma , Soviet prisoners , and homosexuals were killed there between 1940 and 1945 .

Last week's commemoration at the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem of the liberation of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz 75 years ago was " a truly remarkable achievement," the chair of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland has said.
Maurice Cohen told The Irish Times it was such an achievement on the part of organisers "to get so many together to remember the end of a premeditated slaughter of human beings, mostly Jews, and to say 'Never Again'."
The event was "hosted by Israeli president Reubin Rivlin and attended by almost 50 Heads of State including president Putin of Russia, president Macron of France, president Steinmeier of Germany, Britain's prince Charles and many others," he said.
“All heads of State gathered the previous evening for dinner as guests of President Rivlin at his home for an historic informal evening. The event was also attended by many survivors and their families,” he said.
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US vice-president Mike Pence and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who oversees US policy on Israel-Palestine, were also in attendance.
Presidential attendance
President Michael D Higgins was unable to attend but did forward a letter of support. On Sunday night, Mr Higgins addressed the annual National Holocaust Memorial Day Commemoration in Dublin's Mansion House.
He travels to Kraków in Poland on Monday where he will attend 75th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops and on Tuesday he will visit the Jewish centres of Kazimierz and Podgórze in Kraków before returning to Ireland.
Earlier this month, Ireland attended a meeting in Brussels of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance which universally adopted a declaration honouring the victims of the Holocaust and committed to a world without genocide.
Auschwitz was Nazi Germany's most notorious extermination camp. An estimated 1.1 million Jewish adults and children, over 200,000 Poles, Roma, Soviet prisoners, and homosexuals were killed there between 1940 and 1945.