theirishtimes--2020-02-23--When the RIC opened fire on a crowd in Ennis during the Clare grain riots

That a band of Royal Irish Constabulary ( RIC ) policemen fired at a crowd of civilians in Ennis was not disputed .
Less clear-cut in the aftermath was who , if anyone , gave the order .
On June 6th , 1842 , a group of constables attempting to contain a “ tumultuous ” gathering in Ennis began shooting into the crowd .
The events leading up to the “ wanton massacre ” , as it was later described , were not unusual for the place and time ; a section of a hungry population had stolen grain from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clarecastle .
Some of the grain was tracked down and it was decided it would be returned to the stores of its owners , Messrs Bannatyne , for safekeeping .
The RIC , in turn , were deployed to protect the stores .
About 40 constables and officers were lined out and a crowd numbering about 100 - including women and children - promptly showed up to “ plunder ” the grain .
Something of a stand-off ensued , ending in bloodshed .
The decades preceding that night saw cycles of famine impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Clare .
The county , along with others , had suffered decimation at the hands of disease in the early 19th century ; first with typhus and later cholera .
Historian Timothy O ’ Neill , writing in Studia Hibernica in 1974 , said Co Clare took “ centre stage ” during a potato famine in 1842 ; the evidence shows famine “ was a regular occurrence in Clare and other counties and something which was well understood .
Many indeed feared that a great famine would come.
” One newspaper report at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be subsisting exclusively on wild rape , or brassicas .
In short , June 6th was not the first food “ riot ” in the district .
It wasn ’ t even the first one that year .
Those in charge of the police on the night were county inspector Brown and sub-inspector Fitzsimon .
Two magistrates were at the scene ; Laurence Smyth , who had organised the police , and Captain De Ruvynes .
By all accounts , the scene was tense .
However , the threat posed by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that led to bloodied bodies on the streets of Ennis differed from witness to witness .
It was established that 16 constables armed with carbines opened fire on the crowd , reports indicate they killed three people : Catherine Sheehan , Michael McNamara and a man with the surname Davey .
In all , more than a dozen were reported injured .
One policeman had an eye “ knocked out ” after being hit with a stone , according to the London Illustrated News .
Outrage followed and an investigation began .
Witnesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave evidence over three days of inquest hearings .
From the outset , it appeared there was confusion among the ranks .
Amid the agitation , Mr Smyth , the magistrate in charge , swiftly went missing while trying to get the crowd to retreat .
Witnesses swore they heard Captain De Ruvynes , who insisted on the night that he had no authority to direct the police , say that the men must shoot if the crowd did not back down .
Whether he was talking to the police or the crowd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard that Mr Brown , the inspector , distinctly said “ fire ” , which he denied .
He told the hearing : “ I appeal to your feelings ; no man deplores it more than I do , it was done without my sanction or approbation ... ” Mr Smyth was heavily criticised .
He had failed to read the riot act to the mob and was not present to direct the police when it mattered .
According to a Nenagh Guardian report , he said : “ I induced them ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back with them about 30 yards , when I heard several shots fired .
I then turned back and saw flashes from five or six pans .
I was amazed , and in as much danger as anybody else.
” The mob was loud , certainly , but had posed no physical threat to the police , he said .
The sub-inspector , Fitzsimon , was heard telling the constabulary to fire over the heads of the mob ; another witness said Fitzsimon ordered the shooting to stop once it began .
Captain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ declared : “ So help me God , I never ordered the police to fire , I swear I am not guilty of the charge , and trust I shall be able to rebut it.
” The jury concluded that “ the people were in the act of retiring when said shot was fired , and that no necessity existed for firing .
We further find that the word ‘ Fire !
’ was given to the police by Mr Brown and Mr Fitzsimon , immediately after Captain De Ruvynes said ‘ If @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must fire ’ : but we consider his saying so no justification for the order so given.
” Mr Brown , Mr Fitzsimon and a group of constables were eventually conveyed to jail , but nobody was convicted for the killings , according to reports .
When the case was brought up , a grand jury failed to find a true bill against the officers , meaning it did not go to trial at the assizes .
The episode occurred just short of 17 years before the first issue of The Irish Times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ newspaper do contribute to the history of the case .
In 1886 , more than four decades after the incident , The Irish Times ran a series on the RIC and Dublin Metropolitan Police , written by members of the force .
One story , told first-hand by an unnamed policeman , was titled the Clare Grain Riots .
“ It is difficult nowadays , when the mighty power of steam has worked its miracles in cheapening the food of poor people by the import of corn and meat from America and elsewhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wretched peasantry of over-populated districts in old times , who saw the oats and wheat reared around them sold to factors who carried it off and transported it wholesale to feed foreign countries , while they at home hungered in vain for a decent meal , ” began the piece , setting the scene for the evening of June 6th , 1842 - which was incorrectly recalled as June 4th .
The policemen lined out and stones were thrown overhead at those inside the stores .
Gradually , the piece says , stones @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The force was drawn up four deep ; and , as a man got struck , he naturally tried to fall back , and the ranks became unsteady .
The head constable on duty , seeing one man make a sudden lurch forward ran at him and pushed him back saying : ‘ Keep steady , man , don ’ t leave the ranks.
’ The poor fellow had his hands on his face , and cried : ‘ Oh sir , my eye ’ s out !
’ and sure enough , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his head , as the result of a blow from a paving stone .
“ Just then , the police began to fire , and a quick discharge ran down the ranks , each man loading and firing independently .
The night was dark , and the effect of the rapid discharge of shots , the blaze , the smell of gunpowder and the noise was overpowering .
The people at once turned and ran for their lives .
“ The firing ceased ; and in an instant a dead silence succeeded to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on : the police were alone in the street , but in front , in the fair light ; could be discerned several indistinct dark masses on the ground .
These were the killed and wounded , to the number of about fifteen .
A sense of the awful result of their fire weighed on all the police ; and no man moved for a while .
A few women issuing from the side streets ran over to the prostrate bodies and raised in the silence the wild and mournful ‘ keen ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ situation.
” The piece goes on to summarise the legal proceedings , ending with nobody being charged and constables being sent , after one month in jail , to the newly-formed depot at the Phoenix Park .
The account does not name any particularly official who gave the order - nor does it say that a specific order was given .
The piece does provide the fate of the policeman who lost his eye : “ The poor man who lost his eye lingered for some time after his discharge on pension , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the injury .
While this poor fellow lay suffering at the infirmary , other patients in sympathy with the rioters used to come to his bed , remove the bandages from his face and otherwise ill treat and abuse him .
”

That a band of Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) policemen fired at a crowd of civilians in Ennis was not disputed. Less clear-cut in the aftermath was who, if anyone, gave the order.
On June 6th, 1842, a group of constables attempting to contain a "tumultuous" gathering in Ennis began shooting into the crowd. The events leading up to the "wanton massacre", as it was later described, were not unusual for the place and time; a section of a hungry population had stolen grain from vessels tasked with exporting provisions abroad from Clarecastle. Some of the grain was tracked down and it was decided it would be returned to the stores of its owners, Messrs Bannatyne, for safekeeping.
The RIC, in turn, were deployed to protect the stores. About 40 constables and officers were lined out and a crowd numbering about 100 - including women and children - promptly showed up to “plunder” the grain. Something of a stand-off ensued, ending in bloodshed.
The decades preceding that night saw cycles of famine impact a growing, poverty-stricken population in Co Clare. The county, along with others, had suffered decimation at the hands of disease in the early 19th century; first with typhus and later cholera. Historian Timothy O'Neill, writing in Studia Hibernica in 1974, said Co Clare took "centre stage" during a potato famine in 1842; the evidence shows famine "was a regular occurrence in Clare and other counties and something which was well understood. Many indeed feared that a great famine would come."
READ MORE
One newspaper report at the time said entire families were found to be subsisting exclusively on wild rape, or brassicas. In short, June 6th was not the first food “riot” in the district. It wasn’t even the first one that year.
Tense
Those in charge of the police on the night were county inspector Brown and sub-inspector Fitzsimon. Two magistrates were at the scene; Laurence Smyth, who had organised the police, and Captain De Ruvynes.
By all accounts, the scene was tense. However, the threat posed by the crowd and the exact sequence of events that led to bloodied bodies on the streets of Ennis differed from witness to witness.
It was established that 16 constables armed with carbines opened fire on the crowd, reports indicate they killed three people: Catherine Sheehan, Michael McNamara and a man with the surname Davey. In all, more than a dozen were reported injured. One policeman had an eye “knocked out” after being hit with a stone, according to the London Illustrated News.
Outrage followed and an investigation began. Witnesses from the crowd and the officials involved gave evidence over three days of inquest hearings.
From the outset, it appeared there was confusion among the ranks. Amid the agitation, Mr Smyth, the magistrate in charge, swiftly went missing while trying to get the crowd to retreat. Witnesses swore they heard Captain De Ruvynes, who insisted on the night that he had no authority to direct the police, say that the men must shoot if the crowd did not back down. Whether he was talking to the police or the crowd was not fully clear.
Evidence was heard that Mr Brown, the inspector, distinctly said “fire”, which he denied. He told the hearing: “I appeal to your feelings; no man deplores it more than I do, it was done without my sanction or approbation...”
Mr Smyth was heavily criticised. He had failed to read the riot act to the mob and was not present to direct the police when it mattered. According to a Nenagh Guardian report, he said: “I induced them (the crowd) to retire and went back with them about 30 yards, when I heard several shots fired. I then turned back and saw flashes from five or six pans. I was amazed, and in as much danger as anybody else.” The mob was loud, certainly, but had posed no physical threat to the police, he said.
The sub-inspector, Fitzsimon, was heard telling the constabulary to fire over the heads of the mob; another witness said Fitzsimon ordered the shooting to stop once it began.
Captain De Ruvynes, for his part, declared: “So help me God, I never ordered the police to fire, I swear I am not guilty of the charge, and trust I shall be able to rebut it.”
‘No necessity’
The jury concluded that “the people were in the act of retiring when said shot was fired, and that no necessity existed for firing. We further find that the word ‘Fire!’ was given to the police by Mr Brown and Mr Fitzsimon, immediately after Captain De Ruvynes said ‘If you don’t disperse the men must fire’: but we consider his saying so no justification for the order so given.”
Mr Brown, Mr Fitzsimon and a group of constables were eventually conveyed to jail, but nobody was convicted for the killings, according to reports. When the case was brought up, a grand jury failed to find a true bill against the officers, meaning it did not go to trial at the assizes.
The episode occurred just short of 17 years before the first issue of The Irish Times. But, the archives of this newspaper do contribute to the history of the case. In 1886, more than four decades after the incident, The Irish Times ran a series on the RIC and Dublin Metropolitan Police, written by members of the force.
One story, told first-hand by an unnamed policeman, was titled the Clare Grain Riots.
“It is difficult nowadays, when the mighty power of steam has worked its miracles in cheapening the food of poor people by the import of corn and meat from America and elsewhere, to realise the feelings of the wretched peasantry of over-populated districts in old times, who saw the oats and wheat reared around them sold to factors who carried it off and transported it wholesale to feed foreign countries, while they at home hungered in vain for a decent meal,” began the piece, setting the scene for the evening of June 6th, 1842 - which was incorrectly recalled as June 4th.
The policemen lined out and stones were thrown overhead at those inside the stores. Gradually, the piece says, stones were aimed at the police.
“The force was drawn up four deep; and, as a man got struck, he naturally tried to fall back, and the ranks became unsteady. The head constable on duty, seeing one man make a sudden lurch forward ran at him and pushed him back saying: ‘Keep steady, man, don’t leave the ranks.’ The poor fellow had his hands on his face, and cried: ‘Oh sir, my eye’s out!’ and sure enough, his eye was hanging clean out of his head, as the result of a blow from a paving stone.
“Just then, the police began to fire, and a quick discharge ran down the ranks, each man loading and firing independently. The night was dark, and the effect of the rapid discharge of shots, the blaze, the smell of gunpowder and the noise was overpowering. The people at once turned and ran for their lives.
‘Mournful keen’
“The firing ceased; and in an instant a dead silence succeeded to the horrible din which had been going on: the police were alone in the street, but in front, in the fair light; could be discerned several indistinct dark masses on the ground. These were the killed and wounded, to the number of about fifteen. A sense of the awful result of their fire weighed on all the police; and no man moved for a while. A few women issuing from the side streets ran over to the prostrate bodies and raised in the silence the wild and mournful ‘keen’ which added to the horror of the situation.”
The piece goes on to summarise the legal proceedings, ending with nobody being charged and constables being sent, after one month in jail, to the newly-formed depot at the Phoenix Park. The account does not name any particularly official who gave the order - nor does it say that a specific order was given.
The piece does provide the fate of the policeman who lost his eye: “The poor man who lost his eye lingered for some time after his discharge on pension, but eventually died from the effects of the injury. While this poor fellow lay suffering at the infirmary, other patients in sympathy with the rioters used to come to his bed, remove the bandages from his face and otherwise ill treat and abuse him.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-24--Spread of coronavirus triggers European travel curbs

The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is “ closely monitoring ” developments in the coronavirus outbreak , following a sharp rise in cases outside China .
Irish airlines also said they were keeping a watching brief on Sunday after Italian authorities announced closures in the north of the country following a surge in the number of coronavirus cases .
Austria suspended train services over the Alps to Italy for about four hours late on Sunday before restarting them after two travellers tested negative for coronavirus .
With Italy reporting three deaths , and South Korea a 20-fold increase in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is growing over the spread of the disease .
The first major travel restrictions to be imposed in Europe has seen more than 50,000 people in a number of towns in the Veneto and Lombardy regions of northern Italy quarantined .
Italian officials have cancelled sporting events , closed schools and businesses and cut short the Venice carnival .
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was updating its travel advice regularly to reflect developments in the outbreak .
Its current travel advice for Italy notes the presence of cases in the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Ryanair and Aer Lingus both fly to Milan in Lombardy .
Ryanair said that flights to and from Milan were continuing as normal .
Aer Lingus said that it was “ monitoring the situation and following all guidelines from the relevant authorities in relation to this issue ” .
Meanwhile , two Irish citizens have arrived at a quarantine block near Liverpool in England after being evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship moored off Japan .
They were among a group of 32 people – the rest of whom are British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Saturday .
Four of the group have tested positive for coronavirus , according to British officials .
Across the world , the number of cases of the virus , Covid-19 , has begun to mount .
South Korea went on high alert after the number of infections surged over 600 , with six deaths .
Iran has reported 43 cases , with eight deaths .
A third fatality in Italy , on Sunday , was an elderly woman from the town of Crema , east of Milan , who was also suffering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has seen the vast majority of cases , authorities reported 648 new infections – higher than a day earlier – but only 18 were outside of Hubei province , the lowest number outside the epicentre since authorities began publishing data a month ago and locked down large parts of the country .
President Xi Jinping said that while measures to deal with the virus had been effective , the battle to contain it was still at a crucial stage .
State run television urged people to avoid complacency , drawing attention to people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ without wearing masks .
The virus has killed 2,442 people in China , which has reported 76,936 cases , and has cut growth in the world ’ s second-largest economy .
Since January , it has spread to 26 countries and territories , with a death toll of about two dozen .
It has been fatal in 2 per cent of reported cases , with the elderly and ill the most vulnerable , according to the World Health Organisation ( WHO ) , which said on Saturday it was worried by the detection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
The three airports that serve Milan , including Bergamo – where Ryanair has a base – continued their services as normal at the weekend .
Lombardy and Veneto said they would close schools for a week beginning on Monday while the affected regions postponed carnivals , football matches and fashion shows .

Almost a dozen towns in northern Italy are on lockdown as the worst coronavirus outbreak in Europe continues to grow. Video: Reuters
The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is "closely monitoring" developments in the coronavirus outbreak, following a sharp rise in cases outside China.
Irish airlines also said they were keeping a watching brief on Sunday after Italian authorities announced closures in the north of the country following a surge in the number of Coronavirus cases.
Austria suspended train services over the Alps to Italy for about four hours late on Sunday before restarting them after two travellers tested negative for coronavirus.
With Italy reporting three deaths, and South Korea a 20-fold increase in cases in five days, international concern is growing over the spread of the disease.
READ MORE
The first major travel restrictions to be imposed in Europe has seen more than 50,000 people in a number of towns in the Veneto and Lombardy regions of northern Italy quarantined. Italian officials have cancelled sporting events, closed schools and businesses and cut short the Venice carnival.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it was updating its travel advice regularly to reflect developments in the outbreak. Its current travel advice for Italy notes the presence of cases in the country but does not offer any country-specific advice.
Ryanair and Aer Lingus both fly to Milan in Lombardy. Ryanair said that flights to and from Milan were continuing as normal.
Aer Lingus said that it was “monitoring the situation and following all guidelines from the relevant authorities in relation to this issue”.
Meanwhile, two Irish citizens have arrived at a quarantine block near Liverpool in England after being evacuated from the Diamond Princess cruise ship moored off Japan. They were among a group of 32 people – the rest of whom are British nationals – who arrived at the centre on Saturday. Four of the group have tested positive for coronavirus, according to British officials.
Across the world, the number of cases of the virus, Covid-19, has begun to mount. South Korea went on high alert after the number of infections surged over 600, with six deaths. Iran has reported 43 cases, with eight deaths.
A third fatality in Italy, on Sunday, was an elderly woman from the town of Crema, east of Milan, who was also suffering from cancer.
China eases restrictions
In China, which has seen the vast majority of cases, authorities reported 648 new infections – higher than a day earlier – but only 18 were outside of Hubei province, the lowest number outside the epicentre since authorities began publishing data a month ago and locked down large parts of the country. China has now relaxed restrictions on movements in several places including Beijing as its rates of new infections dropped. Yunnan, Guangdong, Shanxi and Guizhou provinces lowered their coronavirus emergency response measures from the most serious level, joining the provinces of Gansu and Liaoning to relax restrictions on movements. Excluding central Hubei province, the epicentre of the outbreak, mainland China reported 11 new cases, the lowest number since the national health authority started publishing nationwide figures on January 20th.
The Hubei capital of Wuhan, a city of 11 million people which has been under virtual lockdown for weeks, officials said healthy people would be allowed to leave the city for crucial operations only.
President Xi Jinping said that while measures to deal with the virus had been effective, the battle to contain it was still at a crucial stage. State run television urged people to avoid complacency, drawing attention to people gathering in public areas and tourist spots without wearing masks.
The virus has killed 2,442 people in China, which has reported 76,936 cases, and has cut growth in the world’s second-largest economy. Since January, it has spread to 26 countries and territories, with a death toll of about two dozen.
It has been fatal in 2 per cent of reported cases, with the elderly and ill the most vulnerable, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), which said on Saturday it was worried by the detection of infections without a clear link to China.
The three airports that serve Milan, including Bergamo – where Ryanair has a base – continued their services as normal at the weekend.
Lombardy and Veneto said they would close schools for a week beginning on Monday while the affected regions postponed carnivals, football matches and fashion shows.–Additional reporting Reuters


theirishtimes--2020-02-24--Why Sinn Féin will not call the State by its name

What ’ s in a name ?
Quite a lot if you are engaged in the linguistic contortions Sinn Féin use to avoid calling the two political administrations on this island by their officially-recognised names .
“ The name of the State is Éire , or , in the English language , Ireland , ” declares Article 4 of the Irish Constitution though not for Sinn Féin for which Ireland is the politically divided island and not the State .
Neither will the party use the Republic of Ireland , or the Republic for short .
This is , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the description of the State though not its name .
Similarly , the name “ Northern Ireland ” is regarded as a British construct and is anathema to Sinn Féin supporters who prefer “ north of Ireland ” which sounds like a slip of the tongue but is intended to convey , in their eyes , the illegitimacy of the political entity north of the border .
This extends to its ministers in the Northern Executive not using the name Northern Ireland , though they are in government there .
Such use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bizarre ” , says Professor Jonathan Tonge of the University of Liverpool who has previously written about Sinn Féin ’ s dilemma of “ serving in a government of a northern state ( let ) whilst refusing to use the state ( let ’ s ) name ” .
The language Sinn Féin uses to describe the Republic , or rather to avoid describing it , has come into sharper focus since the party won the largest share of votes in the general election .
In a long blog post on the An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chairman Declan Kearney referred to the Republic as the “ Southern State ” to which Irish Times columnist Kathy Sheridan responded in terms echoed by other people on social media : “ If the objective really is change , an easy place for Sinn Féin to start would be with language .
We do not refer to our Republic as ‘ the Southern State ’ or ‘ the Free State ’ .
The name is Ireland.
” In her column in An Phoblacht , Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O ’ Neill described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” , while excitable party activist Michael Doyle - the election agent of Waterford TD David Cullinane - exclaimed that “ we broke the bastards .
We broke the Free State ” in a now notorious “ Up the ’ Ra ” video that was posted online .
The linguistic contortions extend to the party ’ s more mild-mannered housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin .
In his book Home : Why Public Housing is the Answer , he calls the Republic “ Southern Ireland ” - the same name given by the British @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a result of the Government of Ireland Act ( 1920 ) as a counterpoint to Northern Ireland .
Ó Broin explains : “ Throughout the book the term South of Ireland refers to the entity officially known as the Republic of Ireland .
Given that I am a Sinn Féin TD and committed Irish republican , I doubt you need me to explain the rationale for this.
” But the reasons for the convoluted language are not always apparent to many people in the Republic .
“ That language might come as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republic of Ireland , but don ’ t forget it was used in official Irish documents that would refer to the ‘ Six Counties ’ .
That changed when Sean Lemass came into power , ” says Dr Peter McLoughlin , a lecturer in Irish politics in Queen ’ s University Belfast .
“ You still have a position where Sinn Féin are really committed ideologically and want to stress that to their supporters .
It ’ s a way for Sinn Féin constantly and subliminally in using those terms to continually convey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they do not accept it.
” The language choice is deliberate , adds Prof Tonge .
“ I think the discourse/terminology reflects a commitment to republican principles and a determination to be seen as committed , ” he explains .
“ I understand why they would not use the term Irish Republic as a true Republic , in the Sinn Féin worldview , can not be established until a 32 county united Ireland is established .
“ There is a sensitivity regarding being seen as sellouts and also it ’ s useful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its radicalism and difference from Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael in the terminology.
” Both academics state that the language of republicans is changing .
The phrase “ occupied Six Counties ” is a relic of the Troubles except among dissident republicans .
Similarly , “ Free State ” and the people in it , known as “ Free Staters ” is less used now and has been replaced by the phrase “ 26 counties ” .
This could be more than a matter of linguistics if Sinn Féin are the lead party in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Sinn Féin taoiseach or a foreign minister , you would have to get some agreement on the terms to be used , ” says Dr McLoughlin .
“ There is a constant calibration of language .
There has been a continued evolution in the South .
I guess those conversations will be ongoing.
” Given that Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald has aspirations to be taoiseach , what will be the name of the state in front of her when she sits down at the negotiating table with the 26 other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she be the only EU leader at the table not to recognise the name of the state she is representing ?
“ I don ’ t follow why they [ Sinn Féin ] don ’ t the use term Ireland , ” says Prof Tonge .
“ It would be ‘ ideologically sound ’ as it represents the nation even if part of that nation is under the control of another sovereign power .
It wouldn ’ t cost Sinn Féin anything to simply use that term .
”

Language the party uses to describe the Republic, or rather to avoid describing it, has come into sharper focus since the general election.
What’s in a name? Quite a lot if you are engaged in the linguistic contortions Sinn Féin use to avoid calling the two political administrations on this island by their officially-recognised names.
"The name of the State is Éire, or, in the English language, Ireland," declares Article 4 of the Irish Constitution though not for Sinn Féin for which Ireland is the politically divided island and not the State.
Neither will the party use the Republic of Ireland, or the Republic for short. This is, according to the 1948 Republic of Ireland Act, the description of the State though not its name.
Similarly, the name “Northern Ireland” is regarded as a British construct and is anathema to Sinn Féin supporters who prefer “north of Ireland” which sounds like a slip of the tongue but is intended to convey, in their eyes, the illegitimacy of the political entity north of the border.
READ MORE
This extends to its ministers in the Northern Executive not using the name Northern Ireland, though they are in government there.
Such use of language can seem "childish or bizarre", says Professor Jonathan Tonge of the University of Liverpool who has previously written about Sinn Féin's dilemma of "serving in a government of a northern state(let) whilst refusing to use the state(let's) name".
The language Sinn Féin uses to describe the Republic, or rather to avoid describing it, has come into sharper focus since the party won the largest share of votes in the general election.
In a long blog post on the An Phoblacht website after the poll, party chairman Declan Kearney referred to the Republic as the "Southern State" to which Irish Times columnist Kathy Sheridan responded in terms echoed by other people on social media: "If the objective really is change, an easy place for Sinn Féin to start would be with language. We do not refer to our Republic as 'the Southern State' or 'the Free State'. The name is Ireland."
In her column in An Phoblacht, Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill described the Republic as the "26 counties", while party activist Michael Doyle - the election agent of Waterford TD David Cullinane - exclaimed that "we broke the bastards. We broke the Free State" in a now notorious "Up the 'Ra" video that was posted online.
The linguistic contortions extend to the party’s more mild-mannered housing spokesman Eoin Ó Broin. In his book Home: Why Public Housing is the Answer, he calls the Republic “Southern Ireland” - the same name given by the British to the shortlived entity which was created as a result of the Government of Ireland Act (1920) as a counterpoint to Northern Ireland.
Sinn FéinTD Eoin Ó Broin says, as a ‘committed Irish republican’, it should be obvious why he refers to the Republic as ‘the South of Ireland’. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
Ó Broin explains: “Throughout the book the term South of Ireland refers to the entity officially known as the Republic of Ireland. Given that I am a Sinn Féin TD and committed Irish republican, I doubt you need me to explain the rationale for this.”
But the reasons for the convoluted language are not always apparent to many people in the Republic.
"That language might come as a surprise to some people in the Republic of Ireland, but don't forget it was used in official Irish documents that would refer to the 'Six Counties'. That changed when Seán Lemass came into power," says Dr Peter McLoughlin, a lecturer in Irish politics in Queen's University Belfast.
“You still have a position where Sinn Féin are really committed ideologically and want to stress that to their supporters. It’s a way for Sinn Féin constantly and subliminally in using those terms to continually convey the idea that partition is still there and they do not accept it.”
The language choice is deliberate, adds Prof Tonge. “I think the discourse/terminology reflects a commitment to republican principles and a determination to be seen as committed,” he explains.
“I understand why they would not use the term Irish Republic as a true Republic, in the Sinn Féin worldview, cannot be established until a 32-county united Ireland is established.
"There is a sensitivity regarding being seen as sellouts and also it's useful for Sinn Féin to continue to show its radicalism and difference from Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael in the terminology."
Both academics state that the language of republicans is changing. The phrase “occupied Six Counties” is a relic of the Troubles except among dissident republicans. Similarly, “Free State” and the people in it known as “Free Staters”, is less used now and has been replaced by the phrase “26 counties”.
This could be more than a matter of linguistics if Sinn Féin are the lead party in a future government.
“If you had a Sinn Féin taoiseach or a foreign minister, you would have to get some agreement on the terms to be used,” says Dr McLoughlin.
“There is a constant calibration of language. There has been a continued evolution in the South. I guess those conversations will be ongoing.”
Given that Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald has aspirations to be taoiseach, what will be the name of the state in front of her when she sits down at the negotiating table with the 26 other EU leaders? Currently it is Éire/Ireland.Will she be the only EU leader at the table not to recognise the name of the state she is representing?
“I don’t follow why they [Sinn Féin] don’t the use term Ireland,” says Prof Tonge. “It would be ‘ideologically sound’ as it represents the nation even if part of that nation is under the control of another sovereign power. It wouldn’t cost Sinn Féin anything to simply use that term.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-24--Court to deliver judgment on Graham Dwyer’s phone data

The Supreme Court ’ s first ever sitting in Waterford will see it deliver a key judgment with potentially huge implications for the State ’ s fight against serious crime and for Graham Dwyer ’ s bid to have his murder conviction overturned .
The court , as part of a programme of sittings outside Dublin , will make history on Monday when it sits for the first time in Waterford courthouse to hear two days of cases before moving to Kilkenny on Wednesday for its first ever sitting there .
The sittings involve delivery of some important judgments , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a sitting being broadcast live on RTÉ News Now , will rule on the State ’ s appeal over a High Court decision allowing Dwyer ’ s challenge to a phone data retention law .
On Wednesday the court will determine what sentence should be imposed on a man for rape of his wife after applying rape sentencing principles set out in an earlier ruling in the case .
Monday ’ s judgment concerns a late 2018 High Court decision upholding Dwyer ’ s challenge to a 2011 law under which mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and later used in his trial for the murder of childcare worker Elaine O ’ Hara .
The remains of 36-year-old Ms O ’ Hara were found on Killakee mountain , Rathfarnham , Dublin , on September 13th , 2013 .
Phone data played a significant role in identifying Dwyer as a suspect for the murder and in securing his 2015 conviction , including data related to two phones referred as the “ master ” and “ slave ” phones .
It enabled gardaí to track Dwyer ’ s phone contact with Ms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the location of his phone at important times .
If the Supreme Court upholds the High Court ruling , Dwyer ’ s lawyers will seek to use that to his benefit in his conviction appeal , for which a date has yet to be fixed .
During the criminal trial Dwyer ’ s challenge to the admissibility of the phone evidence was rejected by the trial judge .
The State ’ s concern over the High Court decision extends well beyond the Dwyer case .
An “ enormous ” amount is at stake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serious crime and for national security , its lawyers told the Supreme Court .
They said Dwyer ’ s case underlined the significance of phone metadata for criminal investigations and trials , and if the High Court decision stands a person ’ s past phone history would not be available for future investigations .

Phone data played a significant role in identifying Graham Dwyer as a suspect for the murder of childcare worker Elaine O’Hara, and in securing his 2015 conviction
The Supreme Court’s first ever sitting in Waterford will see it deliver a key judgment with potentially huge implications for the State’s fight against serious crime and for Graham Dwyer’s bid to have his murder conviction overturned.
The court, as part of a programme of sittings outside Dublin, will make history on Monday when it sits for the first time in Waterford courthouse to hear two days of cases before moving to Kilkenny on Wednesday for its first ever sitting there.
The sittings involve delivery of some important judgments, including on Monday when the court, in a sitting being broadcast live on RTÉ News Now, will rule on the State’s appeal over a High Court decision allowing Dwyer’s challenge to a phone data retention law.
On Wednesday the court will determine what sentence should be imposed on a man for rape of his wife after applying rape sentencing principles set out in an earlier ruling in the case.
READ MORE
Monday’s judgment concerns a late 2018 High Court decision upholding Dwyer’s challenge to a 2011 law under which mobile phone data was accessed in 2013, and later used in his trial for the murder of childcare worker Elaine O’Hara.
The remains of 36-year-old Ms O’Hara were found on Killakee mountain, Rathfarnham, Dublin, on September 13th, 2013.
Phone data played a significant role in identifying Dwyer as a suspect for the murder and in securing his 2015 conviction, including data related to two phones referred as the “master” and “slave” phones. It enabled gardaí to track Dwyer’s phone contact with Ms O’Hara, and to show the location of his phone at important times.
Trial judge
If the Supreme Court upholds the High Court ruling, Dwyer’s lawyers will seek to use that to his benefit in his conviction appeal, for which a date has yet to be fixed. During the criminal trial Dwyer’s challenge to the admissibility of the phone evidence was rejected by the trial judge.
The State’s concern over the High Court decision extends well beyond the Dwyer case. An “enormous” amount is at stake for the State’s fight against serious crime and for national security, its lawyers told the Supreme Court.
They said Dwyer’s case underlined the significance of phone metadata for criminal investigations and trials, and if the High Court decision stands a person’s past phone history would not be available for future investigations.


theirishtimes--2020-02-24--Libraries: Remarkable places we should cherish

If something seems too good to be true , then it is too good to be true has long been a guiding principal of this page .
It is has served us well for many years as we have steered people - and sometimes ourselves - away from the latest scam or cautioned readers against falling for “ bargains ” which turn out to be ginormous rip offs .
But there is an exception to this golden rule .
Our libraries .
By almost every single measure we can think of , Irish libraries are remarkable places and something we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sense .
Many people seem to agree .
The level of consensus about the importance of libraries became very clear to us last week when we asked Twitter a simple question .
This is what we asked : “ Do you think libraries have relevance today or are they an out-of date throwback to times past ?
” Within hours we had received close to a thousand responses , the vast , vast majority of which were singing the praises of our libraries .
Many of the resposes were a joy to read @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that sometimes seems to be drowing in technolgy-fuelled toxicity there is a place for pleasant positivity .
There was also - sadly - much evicdence of that technology-fuelled toxicity too .
In fact some people were gravely offended that we would have the temerity to pose the question .
“ Just reading the tone of this question annoyed me , ” one Twitter user responded .
“ It takes a single Google to discover the sheer vast social power libraries bring .
To every organisation and group they touch.
” “ If you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of touch , ” another user said .
“ How could you even ask that question ?
” wondered someone else .
Our question was called daft and one person said they were so angered by it that they would most certainly not be reading any subsequent article on the topic that Pricewtch might write .
Most of the others who responded were not so annoyed and were happy to be given the opportuntiy to rave about their local libraries and the wider system as it operates across the country .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an alien were to fall to earth and only read the responses to the question we posed on Twitter they would be forgiven for thinking that the vast , vast majority of Irish people genuinely cherish their libraries and use them all the time .
But that is not the case , not by a long shot .
Rather than cherish our libraries and take advantage of all they have to offer the vast majority of Irish people seem , in fact , happier to turn their backs on them entirely .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 20 per cent of Irish people describe themselves as regular library users which means that more than three million people in this country rarely or never use libraries .
The three million are making a terrible mistake .
They are missing out on free books – both physical and electronic – free internet access , free DVDs , free Wi-Fi , free self-improving talks , free readings , free newspapers , free magazines and free book clubs .
We could go on and on and on .
In fact there ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close to 400 libraries around the country that it is hard to know where to start .
Actually , it ’ s easy to know where to start .
We should start at the National Library Open Day which takes place this coming Saturday in a library near you .
The Open Day is “ a special invitation to everyone to come in and see for themselves all that ’ s on offer at their local library ” and as part of the event , libraries across the country will showcase some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ friendly staff on hand to join you up and show you around in-library and online services ” .
It is a brilliant idea and one which should be embraced by everyone .
Among the experiences on offer in libraries on Saturday will be a comic illustration workshop and lace making demonstration in Carlow ; 3D printing and a chance to meet robots in South Dublin ; a board game bonanza , Lego club and ‘ Match Attax Meet Up ’ in Cork city .
There is a ukulele workshop in Co Cork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
That is not all .
There will be the chance to play with virtual reality , sow sunflowers and take part in a treasure hunt in Co Wexford .
A library in Co Galway will be offering free health checks while there will be chair exercise classes in Co Leitrim .
And did we mention that everything which will take place in many of the 330 librries around the State is free ?
Despite the fact that most people in Ireland seem happy to turn their backs on libraries these are good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were over 17 million visits to Irish libraries in 2018 , and nearly 14 million items were issued that year .
They have shown themselves to be wonderfully deft at moving with changing times and give access to more than 500 e-learning courses and 114 language courses .
There are 28,000 e-books available and 20,000 e-audio books , as well as 300 international magazine titles and 3,200 accessible newspapers .
People who have not set foot inside a library since they last read about Aunt Fanny dispensing lashings of ginger beer and tongue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Quentin glowered in his study might , in fact , be shocked by how much libraries have changed since they gave up on them .
One big change in recent times has meant that when you join one library in Ireland today you join all of them .
You can now order online and pick up a book in Dublin and leave in back in Donegal - the first such library set up in the world .
You can browse and download eBooks , audiobooks , eMagazines and e-Newspapers on your phone or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ equipment including virtual reality , 3D printing , sensory equipment and laptops .
There is free internet access , space to study , work or read and relax , resources to support people looking for work or setting up businesses and information for those interested in local history .
And while libraries are about so much more than money , that is to be saved too ?
How much ?
Well , an avid reader can cut costs quite a bit by joining a library .
Even if you buy a newly released @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cost more than that – by reading five a month someone could handily spend over €700 a year on books , most of which they will only read once .
With all the benefits it is a wonder that just 16 per cent of the population are active members of the library .
Maybe things will change though .
That is certainly the aim of the National Library Strategy which wants to see membership grow to 30 per cent in the next few years .
Strategies that have been put in place so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extension of opening hours to better suit busy lives and the removal of late fees and fines to ensure everyone has access to services without fear of penal charges .
The strategy aims to expand self-service facilities and widen the My Local Library scheme - a self service system which currently is open 8am – 10pm 365 days a year - to 100 library branches across the country and then 200 branches over the next decade .
The strategy will also see greater investment in digital technologies to enhance the service and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning centres and offering STEAM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , Arts and Maths ) and coding workshops .
It also seeks to “ firmly establish the library as a welcoming , go-to-place locally with skilled staff providing guidance and support and access to communal spaces , services and resources for all people and communities ” .
While we get many things very wrong in Ireland - and Pricewatch is rarely found wanting when it comes to highlighting the bad stuff - libraries are one thing we appear to be getting very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UK and US , have experienced severe cuts to their library services over the past decade which have resulted in reduced library use and book lending , reduced opening hours and library closures .
By contrast , in Ireland between 2012 and 2017 there were 45 new or extended library branches and more are planned while expenditure on stock increased by 15 per cent from 2012 to 2016 .
The last budget saw an increase of investment in libraries from €6.2 million to €7.2 million while almost €3.5 million has been committed from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Library scheme and is being matched by local authorities to the value of around €1 million giving a total investment of almost €4.5 million .
What our libraries need more than money is your support .
If you are one of the millions who are not a member , do something good this week and join up .
You ’ ll be glad you did .
There is no question about that .
The librarian ’ s view : ‘ It is a joy to work here ’ If Pricewatch sounds enthusiastic about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Waterford Libraries Tracy McEneaney talk for a few minutes .
“ Libraries are for every single person .
Everyone who is a member realises how great the service is and we rely on word of mouth to a huge degree .
Membership is free and we have abolished the fines that might have been putting people off and also widened the service so when you join one library you are a member of all the libraries so you can take a book out in Waterford and return it in Donegal.
” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ e-books are a big thing for us now and work with an app called borrowbox .
You select your library , input your library number and pin and download the books or audio books you fancy .
It is that simple and it is free .
I sometimes go to funerals and people will come up to me and tell me that borrowbox kept their granny going .
It is lovely to hear that .
“ And it is not just books we have electronically .
We have almost 500 magazines from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hello available and they are all free .
It is brilliant and 10 or 20 years ago none of this stuff was available .
“ They are not quiet places anymore and the nosiest people are likely to be the librarians and we don ’ t really shush people .
Libraries have become community hubs and there is always something going on .
There are thousands of events across the country from talks and book clubs to yoga and health eating workshops .
“ We get to know our customers – especially in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the births and the deaths and the hardships and the joys .
Come in and ask us what we have on offer .
We are practically pulling people off the street .
It is a joy to work in a library .
But we have to reach the people in Ireland who maybe have not been in a library since they were children .
It is great when people come back .
I love seeing people who I remember as babies brining their own children through the doors .
My message to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haven ’ t been to a library in years come back and have a look Your view : ‘ Libraries have never been more relevant ’ “ My local library was a godsend when I was completing my 2 Dissertations in my final year of college.. staff were great too .
If I needed a book for reference and it was in another branch they ’ d transfer it.. Definitely still a much needed & wanted facility , ” - Babs McMahon “ I can read all the local and national papers there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reading /author events .
PCs and printers are always busy .
Relevant ?
Never more relevant , ” - Frank Smith “ The library system in Ireland is brilliant .
I am now effective a member of every library .
I order my books on their website , they are delivered from whatever library they are in , I get a text to collect them in the local library .
I ’ ve stopped buying books .
Our local library at Kevin Street is much loved - refurbished a couple of years ago @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , always busy , and staffed by the loveliest people .
I also often drop in to the Cavan Town library , which is brilliant .
A sign of civilisation , ” - Patricia Reilly “ The library in Clonakilty is buzzing with people from the direct provision centre in town , people who don ’ t have desktop computers using the internet , kids & all sorts of other people using it ’ s many facilities - they ’ re community hubs , in rural towns at least , ” - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekly .
My kids love it .
They always have books rented out .
I order books I want to rent from the library through their website .
They e-mail me when they come in .
I wish they would open on a Saturday though , ” - Guillaume L ’ Hiver “ So relevant and vital - real , untainted information in a peaceful place of refuge , ” - Gerr Walsh “ I ’ d a granda who would go every Saturday and get his five novels and read them in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rarity back then .
But how society entertains itself has changed .
Libraries have had to adapt to that .
They seem to be doing a great job of this in the face of severe adversity , ” - Abby Oliveira “ Granted I work in a library but it ’ s not a public library .
Public libraries are one of the most human and democratic social spaces .
I love mine , ” - Ger Gregory “ How dare you even question their relevance , ” - Eoin Murphy “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inner city disadvantaged secondary school .
Cabra library supplies us with the books and has been so helpful .
We ’ re currently reading Pride and Prejudice .
It ’ s a real life line for the students- couldn ’ t run it without the support of the library , ” - Lorraine Ni Mhathuna “ Completely relevant .
They are more than just book lending facilities , they are community learning and information centres offering facilities people may not have access to at home .
They ’ re also one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free , ” - Bessie Burgers “ I use mine weekly !
So relevant and important .
Such a great community hub , ” - Melanie May “ If it wasn ’ t for one of the local well stocked libraries running a University outreach course , I ’ d wouldnt be a mature student in TCD right now .
Dublin City Libraries doesn ’ t get a lot of credit or recognition for the stellar work it does in communities that are otherwise bereft of books , ” - Mark Egan “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone indeed ) can go and get books without having to ask for money for it or have anyone breathing down their neck about it is the kind of freedom that ’ s getting a bit too scarce these days , ” - Stephen Bourke “ I would be LOST without my library !
!
!
I am an avid reader .
I get a new book for my birthday and Christmas .
Besides that I get books at my local library once every few weeks .
Call me a nerd but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about six books in hand ... can ’ t beat it !
” - Sharon Mulry

If something seems too good to be true, then it is too good to be true has long been a guiding principal of this page. It is has served us well for many years as we have steered people - and sometimes ourselves - away from the latest scam or cautioned readers against falling for “bargains” which turn out to be ginormous rip offs.
But there is an exception to this golden rule. Our libraries.
By almost every single measure we can think of, Irish libraries are remarkable places and something we should cherish and support in every convievable sense.
Many people seem to agree. The level of consensus about the importance of libraries became very clear to us last week when we asked Twitter a simple question. This is what we asked: “Do you think libraries have relevance today or are they an out-of date throwback to times past?”
READ MORE
Within hours we had received close to a thousand responses, the vast, vast majority of which were singing the praises of our libraries. Many of the responses were a joy to read and an affirmation that in a world that sometimes seems to be drowning in technology-fuelled toxicity there is a place for pleasant positivity.
There was also - sadly - much evidence of that technology-fuelled toxicity too. In fact some people were gravely offended that we would have the temerity to pose the question.
“Just reading the tone of this question annoyed me,” one Twitter user responded. “It takes a single Google to discover the sheer vast social power libraries bring. To every organisation and group they touch.”
Indeed.
“If you’re asking, you’re out of touch,” another user said. “How could you even ask that question?” wondered someone else. Our question was called daft and one person said they were so angered by it that they would most certainly not be reading any subsequent article on the topic that Pricewatch might write.
Right so.
Most of the others who responded were not so annoyed and were happy to be given the opportuntiy to rave about their local libraries and the wider system as it operates across the country.
Terrible mistake
But here’s the thing. If an alien were to fall to earth and only read the responses to the question we posed on Twitter they would be forgiven for thinking that the vast, vast majority of Irish people genuinely cherish their libraries and use them all the time.
But that is not the case, not by a long shot. Rather than cherish our libraries and take advantage of all they have to offer the vast majority of Irish people seem, in fact, happier to turn their backs on them entirely.
The numbers don’t lie. Less than 20 per cent of Irish people describe themselves as regular library users which means that more than three million people in this country rarely or never use libraries.
The three million are making a terrible mistake. They are missing out on free books – both physical and electronic – free internet access, free DVDs, free Wi-Fi, free self-improving talks, free readings, free newspapers, free magazines and free book clubs.
We could go on and on and on. In fact there’s so much free stuff going in the close to 400 libraries around the country that it is hard to know where to start.
Actually, it’s easy to know where to start. We should start at the National Library Open Day which takes place this coming Saturday in a library near you.
The Open Day is “a special invitation to everyone to come in and see for themselves all that’s on offer at their local library” and as part of the event, libraries across the country will showcase some of the services they offer and will have “friendly staff on hand to join you up and show you around in-library and online services”.
It is a brilliant idea and one which should be embraced by everyone.
Among the experiences on offer in libraries on Saturday will be a comic illustration workshop and lace making demonstration in Carlow; 3D printing and a chance to meet robots in South Dublin; a board game bonanza, Lego club and ‘Match Attax Meet Up’ in Cork city. There is a ukulele workshop in Co Cork and a slime workshop in Co Westmeath.
That is not all. There will be the chance to play with virtual reality, sow sunflowers and take part in a treasure hunt in Co Wexford. A library in Co Galway will be offering free health checks while there will be chair exercise classes in Co Leitrim.
And did we mention that everything which will take place in many of the 330 librries around the State is free?
Despite the fact that most people in Ireland seem happy to turn their backs on libraries these are good times for the precious resources. There were over 17 million visits to Irish libraries in 2018, and nearly 14 million items were issued that year.
Change
They have shown themselves to be wonderfully deft at moving with changing times and give access to more than 500 e-learning courses and 114 language courses. There are 28,000 e-books available and 20,000 e-audio books, as well as 300 international magazine titles and 3,200 accessible newspapers.
People who have not set foot inside a library since they last read about Aunt Fanny dispensing lashings of ginger beer and tongue sandwiches to beat the band while Uncle Quentin glowered in his study might, in fact, be shocked by how much libraries have changed since they gave up on them.
One big change in recent times has meant that when you join one library in Ireland today you join all of them . You can now order online and pick up a book in Dublin and leave in back in Donegal - the first such library set up in the world. You can browse and download eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines and e-Newspapers on your phone or other device.
There is access to equipment including virtual reality, 3D printing, sensory equipment and laptops. There is free internet access, space to study, work or read and relax, resources to support people looking for work or setting up businesses and information for those interested in local history.
And while libraries are about so much more than money, that is to be saved too? How much? Well, an avid reader can cut costs quite a bit by joining a library. Even if you buy a newly released paperback for a tenner – and many cost more than that – by reading five a month someone could handily spend over €700 a year on books, most of which they will only read once.
With all the benefits it is a wonder that just 16 per cent of the population are active members of the library.
Maybe things will change though. That is certainly the aim of the National Library Strategy which wants to see membership grow to 30 per cent in the next few years.
Growing numbers
Strategies that have been put in place so far to grow the numbers include the extension of opening hours to better suit busy lives and the removal of late fees and fines to ensure everyone has access to services without fear of penal charges.
The strategy aims to expand self-service facilities and widen the My Local Library scheme - a self service system which currently is open 8am – 10pm 365 days a year - to 100 library branches across the country and then 200 branches over the next decade.
The strategy will also see greater investment in digital technologies to enhance the service and to bridge the digital divide by developing digital learning centres and offering STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) and coding workshops.
It also seeks to “firmly establish the library as a welcoming, go-to-place locally with skilled staff providing guidance and support and access to communal spaces, services and resources for all people and communities”.
While we get many things very wrong in Ireland - and Pricewatch is rarely found wanting when it comes to highlighting the bad stuff - libraries are one thing we appear to be getting very right.
Some countries, including the UK and US, have experienced severe cuts to their library services over the past decade which have resulted in reduced library use and book lending, reduced opening hours and library closures.
By contrast, in Ireland between 2012 and 2017 there were 45 new or extended library branches and more are planned while expenditure on stock increased by 15 per cent from 2012 to 2016. The last budget saw an increase of investment in libraries from €6.2 million to €7.2 million while almost €3.5 million has been committed from Government to date for the My Open Library scheme and is being matched by local authorities to the value of around €1 million giving a total investment of almost €4.5 million.
What our libraries need more than money is your support. If you are one of the millions who are not a member, do something good this week and join up. You’ll be glad you did. There is no question about that.
The librarian’s view: ‘It is a joy to work here’
If Pricewatch sounds enthusiastic about libraries, then listen to executive librarian from Waterford Libraries Tracy McEneaney talk for a few minutes.
“Libraries are for every single person. Everyone who is a member realises how great the service is and we rely on word of mouth to a huge degree. Membership is free and we have abolished the fines that might have been putting people off and also widened the service so when you join one library you are a member of all the libraries so you can take a book out in Waterford and return it in Donegal.”
“We have all the best sellers and e-books are a big thing for us now and work with an app called borrowbox. You select your library, input your library number and pin and download the books or audio books you fancy. It is that simple and it is free. I sometimes go to funerals and people will come up to me and tell me that borrowbox kept their granny going. It is lovely to hear that.
“And it is not just books we have electronically. We have almost 500 magazines from the New Yorker and the Economist down to Hello available and they are all free. It is brilliant and 10 or 20 years ago none of this stuff was available.
“They are not quiet places anymore and the nosiest people are likely to be the librarians and we don’t really shush people. Libraries have become community hubs and there is always something going on. There are thousands of events across the country from talks and book clubs to yoga and health eating workshops.
“We get to know our customers – especially in the smaller braches and we know all about the births and the deaths and the hardships and the joys.
Come in and ask us what we have on offer. We are practically pulling people off the street. It is a joy to work in a library.
But we have to reach the people in Ireland who maybe have not been in a library since they were children. It is great when people come back. I love seeing people who I remember as babies brining their own children through the doors.
My message to people would be simply be if you haven’t been to a library in years come back and have a look
Your view: ‘Libraries have never been more relevant’
“My local library was a godsend when I was completing my 2 Dissertations in my final year of college.. staff were great too. If I needed a book for reference and it was in another branch they’d transfer it.. Definitely still a much needed & wanted facility,” - Babs McMahon
“I love the library and withdraw books regularly,” - Oonagh Duggan
“They are great resource and learning centres,” - Michael Kelly
“I can read all the local and national papers there, and they have book clubs and reading /author events. PCs and printers are always busy. Relevant? Never more relevant,” - Frank Smith
“The library system in Ireland is brilliant. I am now effective a member of every library. I order my books on their website, they are delivered from whatever library they are in, I get a text to collect them in the local library. I’ve stopped buying books. Our local library at Kevin Street is much loved - refurbished a couple of years ago, it’s a really welcoming place, always busy, and staffed by the loveliest people. I also often drop in to the Cavan Town library, which is brilliant. A sign of civilisation,” - Patricia Reilly
“The library in Clonakilty is buzzing with people from the direct provision centre in town, people who don’t have desktop computers using the internet, kids & all sorts of other people using it’s many facilities - they’re community hubs, in rural towns at least,” - Beth Wallace
“I use my library weekly. My kids love it. They always have books rented out. I order books I want to rent from the library through their website. They e-mail me when they come in. I wish they would open on a Saturday though,” - Guillaume L’Hiver
“So relevant and vital - real, untainted information in a peaceful place of refuge,” - Gerr Walsh
“I’d a granda who would go every Saturday and get his five novels and read them in a week. That wasn’t a rarity back then. But how society entertains itself has changed. Libraries have had to adapt to that. They seem to be doing a great job of this in the face of severe adversity,” - Abby Oliveira
“Granted I work in a library but it’s not a public library. Public libraries are one of the most human and democratic social spaces. I love mine,” - Ger Gregory
“How dare you even question their relevance,” - Eoin Murphy
“I run a lunchtime bookclub in an inner city disadvantaged secondary school. Cabra library supplies us with the books and has been so helpful. We’re currently reading Pride and Prejudice. It’s a real life line for the students- couldn’t run it without the support of the library,” - Lorraine Ni Mhathuna
“Completely relevant. They are more than just book lending facilities, they are community learning and information centres offering facilities people may not have access to at home. They’re also one of the few places people can sit indoors for free,” - Bessie Burgers
“I use mine weekly! So relevant and important. Such a great community hub,” - Melanie May
“If it wasn’t for one of the local well stocked libraries running a University outreach course, I’d wouldnt be a mature student in TCD right now. Dublin City Libraries doesn’t get a lot of credit or recognition for the stellar work it does in communities that are otherwise bereft of books,” - Mark Egan
“A place where kids and teenagers (anyone indeed) can go and get books without having to ask for money for it or have anyone breathing down their neck about it is the kind of freedom that’s getting a bit too scarce these days,” - Stephen Bourke
“I would be LOST without my library!!! I am an avid reader. I get a new book for my birthday and Christmas. Besides that I get books at my local library once every few weeks. Call me a nerd but the feeling I get leaving my library with about six books in hand ... can’t beat it!” - Sharon Mulry


theirishtimes--2020-02-23--Homes in Co Clare village turned to islands as Shannon flooding continues

A number of houses in a Co Clare village have been evacuated as the flooded river Shannon swept around their homes and threatened to burst its banks in other parts of the country .
Several residents of Springfield , Clonlara , Co Clare , were moved from their homes and around 7,000 sandbags and pumping stations were delivered to 10 houses in the village , some of which have been cut off from roads , and are now effectively languishing on islands .
In Carrick-on-Shannon , Co Leitrim , businesses and homeowners were bracing themselves for the impact of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Éireann forecasting accumulations of 20mm to 25mm – “ with higher totals possible in upland areas ” – overnight .
St Mary ’ s football pitch in the centre of Carrick was submerged in water on Sunday , as was part of the car park in the retail and business park on the Sligo road .
Grainne Caldbeck , owner of Enhance Health & Beauty , close to the Carrick Cineplex , couldn ’ t access her salon on Sunday because of the depth of the flood waters .
However , following promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a raised platform provided to allow customers get to her premises , she is hoping it will be business as usual this week .
“ Four years ago we had this for nine weeks but we stayed open , ” she said .
“ If we can get in tomorrow we will be open because I have five staff and they all have kids and they need their wages.
” While it is a “ stressful time ” , she said she was thinking of those people struggling to keep water out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about livestock .
Joe Dolan , owner of the Bush Hotel in the centre of town , and a director of Fáilte Ireland , is getting worried too .
“ It ’ s getting uncomfortable , ” he conceded .
In 2015 , 170 car-parking spaces at the back of his property were submerged in water and he struggled to keep going , conscious that he had a a workforce of 60 who needed their jobs .
“ In 2015 we were in the early stages of recovery and that set us back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Nothing much has changed since then .
We can manage the floods a little better but we are still at the behest of the elements.
” Farmer Michael Heslin has 40 acres of farmland under water on the Boyle side of town and has moved a lot of his livestock to high ground .
“ I am lucky that I have high ground to move them to , ” he pointed out .
Like Sean Murtagh , owner of Cryans Hotel , which faces the river but is so far unaffected by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gates up the river in Jamestown are part of the problem .
“ The water would be 300mm lower if those gates were lifted , ” said Mr Heslin .
“ Instead , the County Council is running around with sandbags.
” Mr Murtagh said the sluice gates were not fit for purpose .
“ They are blocking the water and if there is more heavy rain , Leitrim village , Carrick and Drumshanbo will suffer.
” The hotelier is also worried that if floodwater keeps coming down from Lough Allen , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gates to release water .
“ The problem is they may not have any choice if this continues because the water will burst through the gates and that will be a disaster , ” he said .
Local county councillor Enda Stenson says that despite all the promises made in 2009 and when the floods struck again in 2015 , there has been no major remedial work or protections put in place .
“ We are on very thin ice and with our tourist season due to start in three weeks at St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crossed , ” he said .
“ This is about people ’ s livelihoods and to be honest with you if this continues we are facing disaster .
We were promised the sun , moon and stars the last time this happened and I know it ’ s a cliche , but if this was the Dodder in Dublin 4 I wonder would it be allowed to happen.
” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is on Monday due to visit Carrick as well as Athlone , where Westmeath County Council said high water levels had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ roads in the lower parts of the town ” .
In Springfield , Co Clare , the council ’ s senior engineer John Leahy said an increase in rainfall was forecast for the area overnight which would likely result in floodwaters rising .
“ We ’ ve had crews here all week making preparations .
There are some houses that have been cut off and some of those residents have been put up in local hotels , ” Mr Leahy said .

Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, Minister of State with responsibility for flooding, stands in flood water in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Sunday. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
A number of houses in a Co Clare village have been evacuated as the flooded river Shannon swept around their homes and threatened to burst its banks in other parts of the country.
Several residents of Springfield, Clonlara, Co Clare, were moved from their homes and around 7,000 sandbags and pumping stations were delivered to 10 houses in the village, some of which have been cut off from roads, and are now effectively languishing on islands.
In Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, businesses and homeowners were bracing themselves for the impact of more rain on Sunday night, with Met Éireann forecasting accumulations of 20mm to 25mm – “with higher totals possible in upland areas” – overnight.
St Mary’s football pitch in the centre of Carrick was submerged in water on Sunday, as was part of the car park in the retail and business park on the Sligo road.
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Grainne Caldbeck, owner of Enhance Health & Beauty, close to the Carrick Cineplex, couldn’t access her salon on Sunday because of the depth of the flood waters .
However, following promises that the area would be pumped and a raised platform provided to allow customers get to her premises, she is hoping it will be business as usual this week.
“Four years ago we had this for nine weeks but we stayed open,”she said. “If we can get in tomorrow we will be open because I have five staff and they all have kids and they need their wages.”
Livestock
While it is a “stressful time”, she said she was thinking of those people struggling to keep water out of their homes as well as farmers worried about livestock.
Joe Dolan, owner of the Bush Hotel in the centre of town, and a director of Fáilte Ireland, is getting worried too.
“It’s getting uncomfortable,” he conceded. In 2015, 170 car-parking spaces at the back of his property were submerged in water and he struggled to keep going, conscious that he had a a workforce of 60 who needed their jobs. “In 2015 we were in the early stages of recovery and that set us back a year,” he explained.
“Nothing much has changed since then. We can manage the floods a little better but we are still at the behest of the elements.”
Farmer Michael Heslin has 40 acres of farmland under water on the Boyle side of town and has moved a lot of his livestock to high ground. “I am lucky that I have high ground to move them to,” he pointed out.
Like Sean Murtagh, owner of Cryans Hotel, which faces the river but is so far unaffected by these floods, he believes that sluice gates up the river in Jamestown are part of the problem.
“The water would be 300mm lower if those gates were lifted,” said Mr Heslin. “Instead, the County Council is running around with sandbags.”
Ciara McCrann from Mohill photographs the flooded car park at the Carrick Retail & Business Park in Carrick-on-Shannon. Photograph: Brian Farrell/The Irish Times
This is about people's livelihoods and to be honest with you if this continues we are facing disaster
Mr Murtagh said the sluice gates were not fit for purpose. “They are blocking the water and if there is more heavy rain, Leitrim village, Carrick and Drumshanbo will suffer.” The hotelier is also worried that if floodwater keeps coming down from Lough Allen, the ESB will be forced to open the gates to release water.
“The problem is they may not have any choice if this continues because the water will burst through the gates and that will be a disaster,” he said.
Remedial work
Local county councillor Enda Stenson says that despite all the promises made in 2009 and when the floods struck again in 2015, there has been no major remedial work or protections put in place.
“We are on very thin ice and with our tourist season due to start in three weeks at St Patrick Day we all have our fingers crossed,” he said.
“This is about people’s livelihoods and to be honest with you if this continues we are facing disaster. We were promised the sun, moon and stars the last time this happened and I know it’s a cliche, but if this was the Dodder in Dublin 4 I wonder would it be allowed to happen.”
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is on Monday due to visit Carrick as well as Athlone, where Westmeath County Council said high water levels had led to “water on the minor roads in the lower parts of the town”.
In Springfield, Co Clare, the council’s senior engineer John Leahy said an increase in rainfall was forecast for the area overnight which would likely result in floodwaters rising.
“We’ve had crews here all week making preparations. There are some houses that have been cut off and some of those residents have been put up in local hotels,” Mr Leahy said.


theirishtimes--2020-02-23--Man to appear in court in connection with Donegal firearms incident

A man in his 20s arrested in connection with a firearms incident in Glenties , Co Donegal on Friday is expected to appear before Donegal District Court on Monday morning .
Two other men in their 20s and 40s arrested in connection the incident have been released without charge .
A man in his early 20s was arrested after shooting a rifle in the direction of gardaí in Glenties , Co Donegal on Friday night .
Gardaí were called to Mill Road shortly after midnight following reports of shots being fired by a man with a rifle .
During a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ direction of gardaí , hitting a patrol car but not injuring anyone .
The man was apprehended by armed gardaí and taken to Ballyshannon Garda Station .
A rifle , a hunting knife and a number of rounds of ammunition were seized .
During a follow-up search at a house on Main Street , Glenties , a second firearm was seized and two men , in their 20s and 40s , were arrested and taken to Ballyshannon Garda Station for questioning .
A statement released by the Garda press office said no shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and there have been no reports of any injuries .

A rifle, a hunting knife and a number of rounds of ammunition were seized following the incident. Photograph: Cyril Byrne/The Irish Times
A man in his 20s arrested in connection with a firearms incident in Glenties, Co Donegal on Friday is expected to appear before Donegal District Court on Monday morning.
Two other men in their 20s and 40s arrested in connection the incident have been released without charge.
A man in his early 20s was arrested after shooting a rifle in the direction of gardaí in Glenties, Co Donegal on Friday night.
Gardaí were called to Mill Road shortly after midnight following reports of shots being fired by a man with a rifle.
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During a brief stand-off the man shot in the direction of gardaí, hitting a patrol car but not injuring anyone.
The man was apprehended by armed gardaí and taken to Ballyshannon Garda Station. A rifle, a hunting knife and a number of rounds of ammunition were seized.
During a follow-up search at a house on Main Street, Glenties, a second firearm was seized and two men, in their 20s and 40s, were arrested and taken to Ballyshannon Garda Station for questioning.
A statement released by the Garda press office said no shots were fired by gardaí during the incident and there have been no reports of any injuries.


theirishtimes--2020-02-23--Youth arrested in connection with alleged assault on garda

A garda was receiving hospital treatment on Sunday for injuries after she was allegedly assaulted by a male youth in @ @ @ @ @ was responding to a report of a number of males acting aggressively in the city @ @ @ @ @ Armed gardaí also responded to the scene on Cruises Street , at about 11.30pm on @ @ @ @ @ the garda was allegedly pushed and knocked over by a youth .
She fell and @ @ @ @ @ ground .
A 17 year old was arrested on suspicion of assaulting the garda .
@ @ @ @ @ at University Hospital Limerick for minor injuries , according to gardaí .
A man in @ @ @ @ @ connection with an alleged public order offence during the same incident .
He has since @ @ @ @ @ to appear before Limerick District Court on March 9th .

Armed gardaí also responded to the scene on Cruises Street, Limerick, at about 11.30pm on Saturday. Photograph: Gareth Chaney Collins
A garda was receiving hospital treatment on Sunday for injuries after she was allegedly assaulted by a male youth in Limerick city.
The garda was responding to a report of a number of males acting aggressively in the city centre at the time.
Armed gardaí also responded to the scene on Cruises Street, at about 11.30pm on Saturday.
A source said the garda was allegedly pushed and knocked over by a youth. She fell and hit her head off the ground.
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A 17 year old was arrested on suspicion of assaulting the garda.
The garda was being treated at University Hospital Limerick for minor injuries, according to gardaí.
A man in his 20s was arrested in connection with an alleged public order offence during the same incident.
He has since been charged and is due to appear before Limerick District Court on March 9th.


theirishtimes--2020-02-23--Cork GAA honours martyred Lord Mayors with commemorative jerseys

The families of Cork ’ s martyred Lord Mayors , Tomas MacCurtain and Terence MacSwiney have welcomed the decision by Cork GAA to honour the two men with special commemorative jerseys worn by Cork team to mark the 100th anniversaries of their deaths .
MacCurtain ’ s granddaughter , Fionnuala MacCurtain and Mac Swiney ’ s grandson , Cathal Mac Swiney Brugha both spoke of their pride at the fact that the Cork hurlers will take to the field today for their league game against Limerick wearing the specially designed commemorative jerseys .
Ms MacCurtain told The Irish Times that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cork hurlers would wear the jersey bearing her grandfather ’ s image as it was important that people celebrated his life and not just the circumstances of his death at the hands of the RIC .
“ We ’ re delighted that they are acknowledging the centenary and from my point of view , it ’ s nice that people are looking at my grandfather ’ s achievements including his love of Irish culture including Gaelic games rather than just the circumstances of his death , ” she said .
“ He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language and music and for Irish sport and he was a proud champion of Irish culture and heritage and it ’ s nice that he is remembered for that and not just remembered for being murdered by the RIC 100 years ago next month , ” she added .
MacCurtain was shot dead by a party of RIC at his home in Blackpool on March 20th 1920 two months after he was elected Lord Mayor of Cork and a jury at an inquest later returned a verdict of murder against British prime minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the RIC .
MacCurtain was succeeded as Lord Mayor of Cork by his close friend , Terence MacSwiney who died in Brixton Prison on October 25th 1920 after 73 days on hunger strike and he too is remembered on the Cork jersey which was welcomed by his grandson , Cathal MacSwiney Brugha .
“ I think it ’ s a great idea Cork GAA are honouring my grandfather in this way - both himself and Tomas MacCurtain were very much inspired by Irish culture - that really was at their core and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at sport and he was proud of anything to do with Irish culture.
” Both the MacCurtain and MacSwiney families will be represented at today ’ s match between Cork and Limerick at Pairc Uí Chaoimh and Fionnuala MacCurtain and another descendant of Terence MacSwiney , Terry MacSwiney will be presented with the commemorative jerseys at half time .
Cork County Board Chairperson , Tracey Kennedy said that organisation was proud to commission its jersey suppliers , O ’ Neills to produce the commemorative jersey which also marks a number of other significant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
“ It ’ s a commemorative jersey that marks a number of events that took place in 1920 – obviously the deaths of MacCurtain and MacSwiney but the Kilmichael Ambush and the Burning of Cork which were hugely important events in the War of Independence are also featured on the jersey .
“ We were due to a bring out a special jersey this year – that ’ s part of our deal with O ’ Neills to bring out a special jersey and the last one we had was in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and our teams work a replica Cork jersey from the time – a blue jersey with a saffron C for Cork on the chest .
“ Our CEO , Kevin O ’ Donovan came up with the concept this time and O ’ Neills did the jersey for us – they are only going to be worn once by each time – the hurlers will wear them today against Limerick and the footballers will wear them on Sunday week against Derry in the league .
”

The Cork team wear the commemorative jerseys displaying Tomas MacCurtain and Terence Mac Swiney ahead of their Allianz Hurling League match against Limerick in Pairc Ui Chaoimh on Sunday. Photograph: Ken Sutton/Inpho
The families of Cork’s martyred Lord Mayors, Tomas MacCurtain and Terence MacSwiney have welcomed the decision by Cork GAA to honour the two men with special commemorative jerseys worn by Cork team to mark the 100th anniversaries of their deaths.
MacCurtain's granddaughter, Fionnuala MacCurtain and Mac Swiney's grandson, Cathal Mac Swiney Brugha both spoke of their pride at the fact that the Cork hurlers will take to the field today for their league game against Limerick wearing the specially designed commemorative jerseys.
Ms MacCurtain told The Irish Times that the MacCurtain family were very proud that the Cork hurlers would wear the jersey bearing her grandfather’s image as it was important that people celebrated his life and not just the circumstances of his death at the hands of the RIC.
“We’re delighted that they are acknowledging the centenary and from my point of view, it’s nice that people are looking at my grandfather’s achievements including his love of Irish culture including Gaelic games rather than just the circumstances of his death,” she said.
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“He had such a love for the Irish language and music and for Irish sport and he was a proud champion of Irish culture and heritage and it’s nice that he is remembered for that and not just remembered for being murdered by the RIC 100 years ago next month,” she added.
A close up of the jersey. Photograph: Ken Sutton/Inpho
Close friends
MacCurtain was shot dead by a party of RIC at his home in Blackpool on March 20th 1920 two months after he was elected Lord Mayor of Cork and a jury at an inquest later returned a verdict of murder against British prime minister, Lloyd George and the certain members of the RIC.
MacCurtain was succeeded as Lord Mayor of Cork by his close friend, Terence MacSwiney who died in Brixton Prison on October 25th 1920 after 73 days on hunger strike and he too is remembered on the Cork jersey which was welcomed by his grandson, Cathal MacSwiney Brugha.
“I think it’s a great idea Cork GAA are honouring my grandfather in this way - both himself and Tomas MacCurtain were very much inspired by Irish culture - that really was at their core and though my grandfather wasn’t good at sport and he was proud of anything to do with Irish culture.”
Both the MacCurtain and MacSwiney families will be represented at today’s match between Cork and Limerick at Pairc Uí Chaoimh and Fionnuala MacCurtain and another descendant of Terence MacSwiney, Terry MacSwiney will be presented with the commemorative jerseys at half time.
O’Neills deal
Cork County Board Chairperson, Tracey Kennedy said that organisation was proud to commission its jersey suppliers, O'Neills to produce the commemorative jersey which also marks a number of other significant events in Cork 100 years ago this year.
"It's a commemorative jersey that marks a number of events that took place in 1920 – obviously the deaths of MacCurtain and MacSwiney but the Kilmichael Ambush and the Burning of Cork which were hugely important events in the War of Independence are also featured on the jersey.
“We were due to a bring out a special jersey this year – that’s part of our deal with O’Neills to bring out a special jersey and the last one we had was in 2016 to mark the centenary of 1916 and our teams work a replica Cork jersey from the time – a blue jersey with a saffron C for Cork on the chest.
“Our CEO, Kevin O’Donovan came up with the concept this time and O’Neills did the jersey for us – they are only going to be worn once by each time – the hurlers will wear them today against Limerick and the footballers will wear them on Sunday week against Derry in the league.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-23--Boy (11) dies after being struck by van in Co Donegal on Friday

An 11-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a crash in Co Donegal on Friday evening died in hospital in Belfast on Sunday evening .
The child was struck by a van shortly after 5.30pm at Slavery Road in Buncrana .
The victim was with a friend when he was struck by the van being driven by a local man .
He was treated at the scene by emergency services personnel and removed by ambulance to Altnagelvin Hospital in Co Derry but was later been transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he died on Sunday .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his 50s , was uninjured .
Gardaí have appealed for anybody who was in the area and who may have witnessed anything to come forward .
Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 932 0540 , the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station .
Separately on Sunday evening a man in his 40s died in a single vehicle crash in Co Wicklow .
The incident happened on the L2166 near Glenealy Village at around 7.50pm .
Gardaí believe the car the man @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and emergency services attended the scene .
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information about crash , particularly any road users with camera footage , to contact Ashford Garda Station on 0404-49220 , the Garda Confidential Line or any Garda station .
Another man in his 40s was killed when the van he was driving hit with a tree between Goresbridge and Bagenalstown in Co Kilkenny in the early hours of Saturday morning .
He was critically injured during the incident and was later pronounced dead at St Luke ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who may have information , particularly any road users with camera footage who were travelling the R705 road between Goresbridge and Bagenalstown between midnight and 1.00am on Saturday to contact Thomastown Garda Station on 056 775 4150 , the Garda Confidential Line or any Garda station .

Gardaí are appealing for information about the three incidents. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill/The Irish Times
An 11-year-old boy who was seriously injured in a crash in Co Donegal on Friday evening died in hospital in Belfast on Sunday evening.
The child was struck by a van shortly after 5.30pm at Slavery Road in Buncrana. The victim was with a friend when he was struck by the van being driven by a local man.
He was treated at the scene by emergency services personnel and removed by ambulance to Altnagelvin Hospital in Co Derry but was later been transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where he died on Sunday.
The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, was uninjured .
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Gardaí have appealed for anybody who was in the area and who may have witnessed anything to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Separately on Sunday evening a man in his 40s died in a single vehicle crash in Co Wicklow.
The incident happened on the L2166 near Glenealy Village at around 7.50pm . Gardaí believe the car the man was driving hit a ditch. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information about crash, particularly any road users with camera footage, to contact Ashford Garda Station on 0404-49220, the Garda Confidential Line or any Garda station.
Another man in his 40s was killed when the van he was driving hit with a tree between Goresbridge and Bagenalstown in Co Kilkenny in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was critically injured during the incident and was later pronounced dead at St Luke’s Hospital.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information, particularly any road users with camera footage who were travelling the R705 road between Goresbridge and Bagenalstown between midnight and 1.00am on Saturday to contact Thomastown Garda Station on 056 775 4150, the Garda Confidential Line or any Garda station.