theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Just a quarter of recent Covid-19 cases occurred in Dublin, officials say

Only one in four of recent confirmed cases in Covid-19 occurred in Dublin , according to public health officials who say a regionalised approach to restrictions is not appropriate to Ireland .
Chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said there was a “ misperception ” that the vast majority of cases to date have occurred in the Capital .
While this was true over the period of the entire outbreak , he said that in recent weeks only one in four cases have been recorded in Dublin .
Significant number of cases have occurred in recent weeks in counties Kildare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Galway and Mayo , he said , and people had also tested positive in counties Cavan , Meath , Wexford , Kerry and Cork .
A further 45 new cases of Covid-19 were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) on Tuesday , of which 33 were in Co Kildare .
Many are believed to be linked to an outbreak at a local meat processing plant .
Dr Glynn said the evidence did not support a “ more nuanced approach ” as Covid-19 moves quickly .
A county can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a significant number of cases with no obvious link to other cases .
A regionalised approach to restrictions “ sounds good in principle ” , he said , and may work in large geographical areas .
However , in small areas such as Irish counties , “ it ’ s not that simple ” , he told a Government briefing in Dublin Castle .
No further deaths were reported by NPHET on Tuesday , for the ninth day in a row .
Of the 45 new cases , 35 were in men and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ per cent involved people aged under 45 .
Aside from the 33 cases in Co Kildare , seven were in Dublin and five were spread across four other counties .
NPHET said 31 were associated with outbreaks or were close contacts of confirmed cases , and just four were identified as community transmission , for which the cause has yet to be identified .
Speaking at the briefing , Dr Glynn said the decision by the Government not to move to phase 4 of the lifting of restrictions was difficult but the right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , such as the number of patients hospitalised , there has been a “ concerning ” increase in cases in the past seven days .
He said Ireland must ensure it is in the best position possible to tackle the pandemic , even if the recommendation would be disappointing to many .
“ We don ’ t want to see stricter measures imposed , ” he said , adding that “ every effort ” had to be made to contain the virus so schools can re-open as planned later this month .
People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their guard ” when at home , at the workplace or meeting people , he said .
Meanwhile , eight more positive cases of coronavirus have been detected in Northern Ireland over the weekend , the North ’ s Department of Health said on Tuesday .
The total number of people who have been infected is now 5,996 .
No new deaths were recorded , leaving the total at 556 , according to official figure

Only one in four of recent confirmed cases in Covid-19 occurred in Dublin, according to public health officials who say a regionalised approach to restrictions is not appropriate to Ireland.
Chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said there was a “misperception” that the vast majority of cases to date have occurred in the Capital.
While this was true over the period of the entire outbreak, he said that in recent weeks only one in four cases have been recorded in Dublin.
Significant number of cases have occurred in recent weeks in counties Kildare, Offaly, Clare, Limerick, Galway and Mayo, he said, and people had also tested positive in counties Cavan, Meath, Wexford, Kerry and Cork.
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A further 45 new cases of Covid-19 were reported by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on Tuesday, of which 33 were in Co Kildare. Many are believed to be linked to an outbreak at a local meat processing plant.
Dr Glynn said the evidence did not support a “more nuanced approach” as Covid-19 moves quickly. A county can “look okay” and then experience a significant number of cases with no obvious link to other cases.
A regionalised approach to restrictions “sounds good in principle”, he said, and may work in large geographical areas. However, in small areas such as Irish counties, “it’s not that simple”, he told a Government briefing in Dublin Castle.
No further deaths were reported by NPHET on Tuesday, for the ninth day in a row.
Of the 45 new cases, 35 were in men and 10 were in women. Some 77 per cent involved people aged under 45. Aside from the 33 cases in Co Kildare, seven were in Dublin and five were spread across four other counties.
NPHET said 31 were associated with outbreaks or were close contacts of confirmed cases, and just four were identified as community transmission, for which the cause has yet to be identified.
Speaking at the briefing, Dr Glynn said the decision by the Government not to move to phase 4 of the lifting of restrictions was difficult but the right one.
While some indicators remained positive, such as the number of patients hospitalised, there has been a “concerning” increase in cases in the past seven days.
He said Ireland must ensure it is in the best position possible to tackle the pandemic, even if the recommendation would be disappointing to many.
“We don’t want to see stricter measures imposed,” he said, adding that “every effort” had to be made to contain the virus so schools can re-open as planned later this month.
People must ensure they do not “drop their guard” when at home, at the workplace or meeting people, he said.
Meanwhile, eight more positive cases of coronavirus have been detected in Northern Ireland over the weekend, the North’s Department of Health said on Tuesday. The total number of people who have been infected is now 5,996.
No new deaths were recorded, leaving the total at 556, according to official figure


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Dublinbikes annual charge to increase by 40 per cent

The annual membership charge for the highly-popular Dublinbikes rental scheme is to rise by 40 per cent from next month , Dublin City Council has announced .
The service , which has been operating in the city since 2009 , is funded though subscription and usage charges along with sponsorship and advertising , with the council making up the rest .
The current annual charge is €25 .
Members can use a bike for free for the first 30 minutes .
The next half hour costs 50 cent , with charges thereafter increasing on an hourly basis .
From next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to increase the annual charge to €35 , but not to raise per-trip charges , or the €5 three-day subscription , frequently used by tourists .
The charge in 2009 was set at €10 a year and was increased to €20 in 2013 .
The last increase was in 2017 when it was raised to €25 .
The council had planned to increase the charge in 2018 to €30 , but did not do so .
Saying that the charge for most members will be “ less than 68 cent a week ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 94 per cent of all trips last less than 30 minutes , so most users pay no more than their annual fee .
Saying the increases were “ very short-sighted ” given efforts to encourage cycling , Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said it was not “ appropriate to be increasing the charge at a time when we are trying to get people out of their cars ” .
Calling for an examination of the contract with JC Decaux , which operates the scheme on behalf of the council , Mr Flynn said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the cream on the cake , without taking any expense.
” In a statement JC Decaux said the council sets membership fees , and they are used “ in full to contribute the running ” of the scheme , which has 1,600 Dublinbikes at stations .
The council had planned to expand the service to the city ’ s suburbs , beyond its current operations within the city centre , between the Royal and Grand canals , but income would not cover the extra costs .

From next month, Dublin City Council plans to increase the Dublinbikes annual charge to €35, but not to raise per-trip charges, or the €5 three-day subscription. Photograph: Conor McCabe Photography
The annual membership charge for the highly-popular Dublinbikes rental scheme is to rise by 40 per cent from next month, Dublin City Council has announced.
The service, which has been operating in the city since 2009, is funded though subscription and usage charges along with sponsorship and advertising, with the council making up the rest.
The current annual charge is €25. Members can use a bike for free for the first 30 minutes. The next half hour costs 50 cent, with charges thereafter increasing on an hourly basis.
From next month, however, the council plans to increase the annual charge to €35, but not to raise per-trip charges, or the €5 three-day subscription, frequently used by tourists.
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The charge in 2009 was set at €10 a year and was increased to €20 in 2013. The last increase was in 2017 when it was raised to €25 . The council had planned to increase the charge in 2018 to €30, but did not do so.
Saying that the charge for most members will be “less than 68 cent a week” after September 3rd, the council said 94 per cent of all trips last less than 30 minutes, so most users pay no more than their annual fee.
Saying the increases were “very short-sighted” given efforts to encourage cycling, Independent councillor Mannix Flynn said it was not “appropriate to be increasing the charge at a time when we are trying to get people out of their cars”.
Calling for an examination of the contract with JC Decaux, which operates the scheme on behalf of the council, Mr Flynn said: "They seem to be getting all the cream on the cake, without taking any expense."
In a statement JC Decaux said the council sets membership fees, and they are used “in full to contribute the running” of the scheme, which has 1,600 Dublinbikes at stations.
The council had planned to expand the service to the city’s suburbs, beyond its current operations within the city centre, between the Royal and Grand canals, but income would not cover the extra costs.


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Former TV presenter dies after car enters water in Co Down

A former UTV presenter , Brian Black has died after his car plunged into Strangford harbour on Tuesday morning .
@ @ @ @ @ Black was freed from the car and taken to hospital , but later died .
@ @ @ @ @ environmental issues , Mr Black ’ s death was met with shock by former colleagues @ @ @ @ @ was a special man , great communicator with a special passion for improving our environment @ @ @ @ @ s political editor , Ken Reid .
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service ( @ @ @ @ @ the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service , coast guard and RNLI – were helped by members @ @ @ @ @ alarm was raised shortly before noon “ The coast guard helicopter carried out an aerial @ @ @ @ @ rescue team and the RNLI carried out search on the water to make sure there @ @ @ @ @ ” he said .
Mr Black was taken by ambulance to Belfast ’ s Royal @ @ @ @ @ later died .
– PA

A car is examined after it entered the water at the harbour in Strangford, Co Down. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
A former UTV presenter, Brian Black has died after his car plunged into Strangford harbour on Tuesday morning. In his 70s, Mr Black was freed from the car and taken to hospital, but later died.
Known for his reporting on environmental issues, Mr Black’s death was met with shock by former colleagues and friends: “He was a special man, great communicator with a special passion for improving our environment,” said UTV’s political editor, Ken Reid.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) – along with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, coast guard and RNLI – were helped by members of the public after the alarm was raised shortly before noon
I am devastated to learn of the tragic death of my former UTV colleague Brian Black.May he rest in peace. — Gerry Kelly (@GerryKellyShow) August 4, 2020
“The coast guard helicopter carried out an aerial search, while NIFRS specialist rescue team and the RNLI carried out search on the water to make sure there were no other casualties,” he said.
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Mr Black was taken by ambulance to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, where he later died. – PA


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--PSNI arrests 10 in historical sexual abuse investigation

Detectives investigating allegations of historical sexual abuse in Co Fermanagh have arrested 10 people .
All 10 are aged between 63 and 78 and were arrested in the Fermanagh , Belfast and Derry areas on Tuesday .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said one property in the Fermanagh area was searched .
Det Supt Gary McDonald of the Public Protection Branch said : “ We are not in a position to elaborate further at this time as to the specific detail of each arrest as these are very much live and ongoing investigations , however I want to give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local community that we are continuing to work on the reports made to us over the past year.
” “ There has been much local and social media speculation and commentary regarding these investigations .
Our enquiries are ongoing and this includes ascertaining if there are any significant or relevant links between the alleged offending .
“ As our inquiries are still continuing it would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail of specific cases at this time and we would encourage people to refrain from speculation as we continue our @ @ @

Detectives investigating allegations of historical sexual abuse in Co Fermanagh have arrested 10 people.
All 10 are aged between 63 and 78 and were arrested in the Fermanagh, Belfast and Derry areas on Tuesday. The Police Service of Northern Ireland said one property in the Fermanagh area was searched.
Det Supt Gary McDonald of the Public Protection Branch said: “We are not in a position to elaborate further at this time as to the specific detail of each arrest as these are very much live and ongoing investigations, however I want to give reassurance to the both victims and the local community that we are continuing to work on the reports made to us over the past year.”
“There has been much local and social media speculation and commentary regarding these investigations. Our enquiries are ongoing and this includes ascertaining if there are any significant or relevant links between the alleged offending.
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“As our inquiries are still continuing it would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail of specific cases at this time and we would encourage people to refrain from speculation as we continue our investigations.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-04--Court approves €35,000 payment to parents of boy who died after birth

The High Court has approved a payment of €35,000 by a Dublin maternity hospital to the family of an infant boy who died a few hours after he was delivered .
Couple Asumpta Sweeney and Jason Butler , and their family , had sued Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital arising out of the death of Rory Jason Sweeney Butler at the hospital on November 19th , 2015 last .
The family claimed the hospital had been negligent , and for the nervous shock they suffered due to Rory ’ s wrongful death in the hospital ’ s neo-natal intensive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was admitted by the defendant .
The payment , which is statutory compensation known as the solatium for distress , to the family was formally approved at the High Court on Tuesday by Mr Justice Robert Eager .
Richard Kean SC , instructed by solicitor Caoimhe Haughey for the plaintiffs said that the case arose out of what the untimely and “ very tragic ” death of Rory .
The money , counsel said , is to be paid to parents , with an address at Lissadel Drive , Drimnagh , Dublin 12 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other family members had waived any entitlement to any payment out of the award , counsel added .
Counsel added that other related but separate proceedings have been brought arising out of Rory ’ s death .

The High Court has approved a payment of €35,000 by a Dublin maternity hospital to the family of an infant boy who died a few hours after he was delivered.
The High Court has approved a payment of €35,000 by a Dublin maternity hospital to the family of an infant boy who died a few hours after he was delivered.
Couple Asumpta Sweeney and Jason Butler, and their family, had sued Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital arising out of the death of Rory Jason Sweeney Butler at the hospital on November 19th, 2015 last.
The family from Drimnagh, Dublin 12, claimed the hospital had been negligent, and for the nervous shock they suffered due to Rory’s wrongful death in the hospital’s neo-natal intensive care unit.
Liability in the case was admitted by the defendant.
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The payment, which is statutory compensation known as the solatium for distress, to the family was formally approved at the High Court on Tuesday by Mr Justice Robert Eager.
Richard Kean SC, instructed by solicitor Caoimhe Haughey for the plaintiffs said that the case arose out of what the untimely and “very tragic” death of Rory.
The money, counsel said, is to be paid to Rory’s parents and to his siblings.
Other family members had waived any entitlement to any payment out of the award, counsel added.
Counsel added that other related but separate proceedings have been brought arising out of Rory’s death.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Sex offenders are least likely criminals to be convicted again after jail release

Sex offenders are the least likely group of criminals to be convicted for a second time after their release from jail , a major new study on Irish recidivism rates has revealed .
Some 19 per cent of sex offenders who were released from jail in 2014 had re-offended within a three-year period , the lowest figure for any crime type .
The new study by the Central Statistics Office ( CSO ) also shows that one third of all offenders who avoid a prison sentence , and are instead fined by the courts , have committed more crimes within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ type of crimes .
Thirty three per cent of people sentenced by way of fine had re-offended within a year and 40 per cent of those who are jailed for their crimes had reoffended within a year of being released from jail .
The CSO recidivism study shows 55 per cent of all prisoners released from jail in 2014 had re-offended within three years , though that is an improvement on previous trends .
Of those prisoners who were released from jail in 2011 , for example , some 64 per cent had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study also reveals a number of other trends in rates of re-offending in the Republic , including : * Younger prisoners are much more likely to re-offended , with 80 per cent of prisoners under the age of 21 years re-offending within three years of release compared with 30 per cent of prisoners over the age of 50 years .
* In 2014 the vast majority of prisoners , at 93 per cent , released from jails in the Republic were male .
* Female offenders released in 2014 were slightly more likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released from prison in the same year , with 58 per cent of female prisoners re-offending compared to 55 per cent of men .
* Of prisoners released in 2017 , some 40 per cent had re-offended within one year , lower than the 46 per cent rate of re-offending within a year among those prisoners released from jail in 2011 .
While sex offenders were the least likely to be convicted for new offences within three years of release from jail , those convicted of “ damage of property or the environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; some 79 per cent of that group re-offended in the three-year period after their release in 2014 .
Rates of re-offending within three years of release from jail differed for those convicted of different crime types .
For public order offences , the rate was 76 per cent ; for burglary , 70 per cent ; theft , 68 per cent ; kidnapping and related offences , 67 per cent .
Meanwhile , for robbery , extortion and hijacking , the rate was 66 per cent ; attempts and threats to murder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons and explosives offences , 48 per cent ; road traffic offences , 48 per cent ; dangerous and negligent acts , 46 per cent ; fraud and related crimes , 43 per cent ; drugs offences , 30 per cent ; homicide offences 24 per cent ; sex offences 19 per cent .
The study by the CSO has been carried out by using information from the Irish Prison Service and also from the Garda ’ s computerised database PULSE .
Like all crime-related data , the study ’ s results have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means the CSO was still working with the Garda in a bid to improve the way the force records information about crimes .
The CSO said this publication released on Wednesday “ introduces a shorter time period over which to measure re-offending ( one-year rate ) to aid with a more timely understanding of re-offending in Ireland ” .

The CSO recidivism study shows 55 per cent of all prisoners released from jail in 2014 had re-offended within three years. File photograph: Gareth Chaney/ Collins
Sex offenders are the least likely group of criminals to be convicted for a second time after their release from jail, a major new study on Irish recidivism rates has revealed.
Some 19 per cent of sex offenders who were released from jail in 2014 had re-offended within a three-year period, the lowest figure for any crime type.
The new study by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) also shows that one third of all offenders who avoid a prison sentence, and are instead fined by the courts, have committed more crimes within one year. Most commit the same type of crimes.
Thirty three per cent of people sentenced by way of fine had re-offended within a year and 40 per cent of those who are jailed for their crimes had reoffended within a year of being released from jail.
READ MORE
The CSO recidivism study shows 55 per cent of all prisoners released from jail in 2014 had re-offended within three years, though that is an improvement on previous trends.
Of those prisoners who were released from jail in 2011, for example, some 64 per cent had re-offended within three years.
The new study also reveals a number of other trends in rates of re-offending in the Republic, including:
* Younger prisoners are much more likely to re-offended, with 80 per cent of prisoners under the age of 21 years re-offending within three years of release compared with 30 per cent of prisoners over the age of 50 years.
* In 2014 the vast majority of prisoners, at 93 per cent, released from jails in the Republic were male.
* Female offenders released in 2014 were slightly more likely to re-offended within three years than males released from prison in the same year, with 58 per cent of female prisoners re-offending compared to 55 per cent of men.
* Of prisoners released in 2017, some 40 per cent had re-offended within one year, lower than the 46 per cent rate of re-offending within a year among those prisoners released from jail in 2011.
While sex offenders were the least likely to be convicted for new offences within three years of release from jail, those convicted of “damage of property or the environment” were most likely to have re-offended; some 79 per cent of that group re-offended in the three-year period after their release in 2014.
Rates of re-offending within three years of release from jail differed for those convicted of different crime types. For public order offences, the rate was 76 per cent; for burglary, 70 per cent; theft, 68 per cent; kidnapping and related offences, 67 per cent.
Meanwhile, for robbery, extortion and hijacking, the rate was 66 per cent; attempts and threats to murder or assault, 56 per cent; weapons and explosives offences, 48 per cent; road traffic offences, 48 per cent; dangerous and negligent acts, 46 per cent; fraud and related crimes, 43 per cent; drugs offences, 30 per cent; homicide offences 24 per cent; sex offences 19 per cent.
The study by the CSO has been carried out by using information from the Irish Prison Service and also from the Garda’s computerised database PULSE. Like all crime-related data, the study’s results have been published “under reservation” which means the CSO was still working with the Garda in a bid to improve the way the force records information about crimes.
The CSO said this publication released on Wednesday “introduces a shorter time period over which to measure re-offending (one-year rate) to aid with a more timely understanding of re-offending in Ireland”.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Two former solicitors remanded on bail after being charged with fraud offence

Two former solicitors have appeared in court charged with a fraud offence following a garda investigation into the theft of sums totaling several hundred thousand euros from a number of banks over an 18 month period .
Keith Flynn ( 46 ) and Lyndsey Clarke ( 37 ) , who both have the same address at Blarney Street in Cork city , were each charged with a single offence of conspiracy to commit fraud when they appeared at a vacation sitting of Cork District Court on Wednesday .
Mr Flynn is charged with conspiring with Ms Clarke between January 1st @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defraud AIB , Bank of Ireland , Ulster Bank and other financial institutions by creating false identities for the purpose of obtaining credit dishonestly with the effect of causing financial loss to the banks .
And Ms Clarke was similarly charged with conspiring with Mr Flynn between the same dates to defraud AIB , Bank of Ireland , Ulster Bank and other financial institutions by creating false identities for the purpose of obtaining credit dishonestly with the effect of causing financial loss to the banks .
At Cork District Court , Sgt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the matters be tried on indictment by a judge and jury at circuit court level or , if the defendants so chose , the DPP was consenting to them being sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on a signed plea .
Defence solicitor Graham Hyde applied for a four-week adjournment in respect of Mr Flynn for service of the book of evidence and he applied for free legal aid for his client , saying he was currently working as a chef , was in receipt of €500 a week and was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also made a similar application for a four-week adjournment in respect of Ms Clarke , again for service of the book of evidence and similarly applied for free legal aid , saying that Ms Clarke , a mother of two , was in receipt of €217 a week on a back-to-work scheme .
Sgt Davis suggested adjourning both matters to September 2nd for service of the book of evidence and Judge Olann Kelleher agreed .
The judge remanded both accused on continuing bail to that date while he also granted both of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former solicitors who practiced as Keith Flynn & Company , the Capel Building , Mary ’ s Abbey in Dublin and Ms Clarke is a former Fine Gael candidate who ran for the party in the Cork North West ward in the 2014 Cork City Council local elections when she polled 239 votes .

Former solicitors Keith Flynn and Lyndsey Clarke, who practised as Keith Flynn & Company in Dublin 7 pictured at Cork District court. Photograph: Cork Courts Limited
Two former solicitors have appeared in court charged with a fraud offence following a Garda investigation into the theft of sums totaling several hundred thousand euros from a number of banks over an 18-month period.
Keith Flynn (46) and Lyndsey Clarke (37), who both have the same address at Blarney Street in Cork city, were each charged with a single offence of conspiracy to commit fraud when they appeared at a vacation sitting of Cork District Court on Wednesday.
Mr Flynn is charged with conspiring with Ms Clarke between January 1st, 2016 and June 26th, 2018 to defraud AIB, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and other financial institutions by creating false identities for the purpose of obtaining credit dishonestly with the effect of causing financial loss to the banks.
And Ms Clarke was similarly charged with conspiring with Mr Flynn between the same dates to defraud AIB, Bank of Ireland, Ulster Bank and other financial institutions by creating false identities for the purpose of obtaining credit dishonestly with the effect of causing financial loss to the banks.
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At Cork District Court, Sgt Gearoid Davis said the DPP had directed that the matters be tried on indictment by a judge and jury at circuit court level or, if the defendants so chose, the DPP was consenting to them being sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court on a signed plea.
Defence solicitor Graham Hyde applied for a four-week adjournment in respect of Mr Flynn for service of the book of evidence and he applied for free legal aid for his client, saying he was currently working as a chef, was in receipt of €500 a week and was fully supporting four children.
Mr Hyde also made a similar application for a four-week adjournment in respect of Ms Clarke, again for service of the book of evidence and similarly applied for free legal aid, saying that Ms Clarke, a mother of two, was in receipt of €217 a week on a back-to-work scheme.
Sgt Davis suggested adjourning both matters to September 2nd for service of the book of evidence and Judge Olann Kelleher agreed. The judge remanded both accused on continuing bail to that date while he also granted both of them free legal aid.
Both accused are former solicitors who practiced as Keith Flynn & Company, the Capel Building, Mary's Abbey in Dublin and Ms Clarke is a former Fine Gael candidate who ran for the party in the Cork North West ward in the 2014 Cork City Council local elections when she polled 239 votes.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Documentary aims to platform ‘brushed aside’ black Irish voices

Irish black voices are being “ muffled and brushed aside ” according a new documentary released later this week which examines racism in Ireland .
The Unsilencing Black Voices documentary , which will be available to watch on YouTube from Friday , features the voices of nearly two dozen black Irish people in their 20s and 30s detailing the racism they have experienced throughout their lives growing up in Ireland .
The short film is part of a wider multimedia project set up by University of Limerick ( UL ) students Sandrine Ndahiro and Cathy Osikoya .
The goal of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is to “ keep the conversation going and continuously educate the white and black community about all the different types of racism ” in Ireland , Ms Ndahiro told The Irish Times .
“ It ’ s so when someone witnesses racism they ’ ll know how to call it out .
Our hope is this won ’ t go on for another 20 years and that the platform will provide a safe place for people to share their experiences.
” The PhD student , who is originally from Rwanda but grew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ African literature , said the project was borne out of the global resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement which “ awakened the need to amplify black voices in Ireland ” .
Racism in Ireland – an issue that has been “ overlooked for so long ” - has now become centre stage , she said .
Ms Ndahiro and her college friend Ms Osikoya , a fifth year architecture student , decided to start collecting racism testimonies after sharing their own experiences of rejection in school and at university with one another @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Instagram for young black Irish people to share their stories through voice messages or short videos and about 20 people from Limerick , Mayo , Galway , Carlow and Kilkenny got in touch .
The two students discovered many of their peers had never spoken before about the racial abuse they had suffered before .
“ A pattern we found was when people first experienced racism they didn ’ t understand so remained silent and didn ’ t call it out.
” The pair found some people had experienced racism as early as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the documentary how her first experience of racism occurred in secondary school .
“ There were kids that would come up to me and call me dirty monkey .
‘ You should go wash yourself .
You smell , ’ ” she said .
Other participants recall the frustration of everyday racist comments .
“ We as black people are tired ; tired of being complemented on how well we speak English , even though a lot of us have been here all our lives , ” said one young woman from Co @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has “ acted as a healing process ” for many involved , said Ms Ndahiro .
“ We found that the more we talked about experiences which we buried deep inside made us feel more empowered.
” The project aims to celebrate what it means to be black and Irish and platform the voices of people which tend to be “ muffled and brushed aside ” , said Ms Osikoya .
The students hope it will serve as an “ educational platform ” for people of all ethnicities which provides links to resources @ @ @ @ @ @ @ well as organisations who are working to highlight and end racial abuse in this country .
The website will also feature a blog to platform the work of young Irish black people across Ireland , said Ms Osikoya .
“ We hope that by watching our documentary you stop and actively listen to the pain in the black individuals who are sharing their stories , ” said Ms Ndahiro .
“ We hope to continuously dismantle the issue of racism within Irish society .
Just because you do not see it does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there .
If you are still in denial just listen to our experiences .
”

'Unsilencing Black Voices,' is an upcoming documentary produced and directed by two Black academic students from the University of Limerick, Sandrine Uwase Ndahiro and Cathy Osikoyo.
Irish black voices are being "muffled and brushed aside" according a new documentary released later this week which examines racism in Ireland.
The Unsilencing Black Voices documentary, which will be available to watch on YouTube from Friday, features the voices of nearly two dozen black Irish people in their 20s and 30s detailing the racism they have experienced throughout their lives growing up in Ireland. The short film is part of a wider multimedia project set up by University of Limerick (UL) students Sandrine Ndahiro and Cathy Osikoya.
The goal of the 25-minute documentary, and accompanying website, is to “keep the conversation going and continuously educate the white and black community about all the different types of racism” in Ireland, Ms Ndahiro told The Irish Times. “It’s so when someone witnesses racism they’ll know how to call it out. Our hope is this won’t go on for another 20 years and that the platform will provide a safe place for people to share their experiences.”
The PhD student, who is originally from Rwanda but grew up in Carlow and is studying contemporary African literature, said the project was borne out of the global resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement which "awakened the need to amplify black voices in Ireland". Racism in Ireland – an issue that has been "overlooked for so long" - has now become centre stage, she said.
READ MORE
Ms Ndahiro and her college friend Ms Osikoya, a fifth year architecture student, decided to start collecting racism testimonies after sharing their own experiences of rejection in school and at university with one another. The pair posted a call-out on Instagram for young black Irish people to share their stories through voice messages or short videos and about 20 people from Limerick, Mayo, Galway, Carlow and Kilkenny got in touch.
Cathy Osikoya
The two students discovered many of their peers had never spoken before about the racial abuse they had suffered before. “A pattern we found was when people first experienced racism they didn’t understand so remained silent and didn’t call it out.”
The pair found some people had experienced racism as early as primary school. Ms Osikoya recalls in the documentary how her first experience of racism occurred in secondary school. “There were kids that would come up to me and call me dirty monkey. ‘You should go wash yourself. You smell,’” she said.
Other participants recall the frustration of everyday racist comments. “We as black people are tired; tired of being complemented on how well we speak English, even though a lot of us have been here all our lives,” said one young woman from Co Mayo.
Speaking out about these experiences has “acted as a healing process” for many involved, said Ms Ndahiro. “We found that the more we talked about experiences which we buried deep inside made us feel more empowered.”
The project aims to celebrate what it means to be black and Irish and platform the voices of people which tend to be “muffled and brushed aside”, said Ms Osikoya. The students hope it will serve as an “educational platform” for people of all ethnicities which provides links to resources, books and movies about racism as well as organisations who are working to highlight and end racial abuse in this country. The website will also feature a blog to platform the work of young Irish black people across Ireland, said Ms Osikoya.
“We hope that by watching our documentary you stop and actively listen to the pain in the black individuals who are sharing their stories,” said Ms Ndahiro. “We hope to continuously dismantle the issue of racism within Irish society. Just because you do not see it does not mean that the issue isn’t there. If you are still in denial just listen to our experiences.”
www.unsilencingblackvoices.com goes live on Friday, August 7th


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--10 suspected stolen dogs recovered by gardaí in Co Limerick

Dog owners have been reminded that by law they must microchip their pets , after 10 suspected stolen dogs were recovered during a planned Garda search operation in Co Limerick .
The dogs were discovered when gardaí executed a search warrant at a property in Rathkeale on August 1st .
The planned search operation involved gardaí from the Newcastle West District Drugs Unit , assisted by Rathkeale gardaí and Limerick City and County Councils ’ veterinary services and dog wardens .
“ During the course of the search gardaí found a large number of dogs on the property .
Upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ licenses or proper identification papers , ” a Garda spokesman said .
The breed of dog recovered included “ Labrador , springer spaniels , English setters , Cavalier King Charles and huskies ” which were “ being cared for in a local shelter ” .
Gardaí said that “ through initial enquiries ” they had “ reunited one of the dogs , a cavalier King Charles , with its owner ” after the dog was “ stolen in the Drumcollogher area of Co Limerick on June 9th , 2020 ” .
During the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ a small quantity of suspected cannabis herb ” .
“ No arrests have been made but gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry and expect to progress the investigation in the near future , ” the force said .
Photos of the nine other dogs recovered have been posted on An Garda Síochána social media channels in a bid to “ help reunite ” them with their owners .
“ Owners are asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station via email to Newcastle_West_DS @ _at_garda.ie ” .
There have been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recently and speaking on Monday , crime prevention officer Sgt Ber Leetch advised dog owners to “ to take precautions for their dog ’ s safety ” .
Dog owners must have their pets microchipped by law and for the purposes of making it easier to identify the animal if they are found , she said .
“ For your dog ’ s security , I would recommend they are microchipped so that they can be easily identified if found and returned to the owner .
Remember if you have just purchased a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chip updated to reflect your details , and also place contact details on their collar in the event that they escape .
Ensure that your home and garden are secure to prevent theft and deter potential culprits , ” Sgt Leetch said .
“ If you have a high value breed of animal you may wish to consider CCTV and other crime prevention measures .
If you are buying a dog , or returning a dog to its suspected owners , make sure the person is bona fide , ” Sgt Leetch said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for their assistance in the operation .

One of the dogs recovered by gardaí following the operation. Photograph: An Garda Síochána Facebook page
Dog owners have been reminded that by law they must microchip their pets, after 10 suspected stolen dogs were recovered during a planned Garda search operation in Co Limerick.
The dogs were discovered when gardaí executed a search warrant at a property in Rathkeale on August 1st.
The planned search operation involved gardaí from the Newcastle West District Drugs Unit, assisted by Rathkeale gardaí and Limerick City and County Councils' veterinary services and dog wardens.
“During the course of the search gardaí found a large number of dogs on the property. Upon checking the dogs they had no dog licenses or proper identification papers,” a Garda spokesman said.
READ MORE
The breed of dog recovered included “Labrador, springer spaniels, English setters, Cavalier King Charles and huskies” which were “being cared for in a local shelter”.
Gardaí said that “through initial enquiries” they had “reunited one of the dogs, a Cavalier King Charles, with its owner” after the dog was “stolen in the Drumcollogher area of Co Limerick on June 9th, 2020”.
During the search operation in Rathkeale, gardaí seized “a small quantity of suspected cannabis herb”.
“No arrests have been made but gardaí are following a definite line of enquiry and expect to progress the investigation in the near future,” the force said.
Photos of the nine other dogs recovered have been posted on An Garda Síochána social media channels in a bid to "help reunite" them with their owners.
“Owners are asked to contact Newcastle West Garda Station via email to Newcastle_West_DS@garda.ie”.
Source: An Garda Siochana
There have been a string of dog thefts around the country recently and speaking on Monday, crime prevention officer Sgt Ber Leetch advised dog owners to “to take precautions for their dog’s safety”.
Dog owners must have their pets microchipped by law and for the purposes of making it easier to identify the animal if they are found, she said.
"For your dog's security, I would recommend they are microchipped so that they can be easily identified if found and returned to the owner. Remember if you have just purchased a dog to get the details on the chip updated to reflect your details, and also place contact details on their collar in the event that they escape. Ensure that your home and garden are secure to prevent theft and deter potential culprits," Sgt Leetch said.
“If you have a high value breed of animal you may wish to consider CCTV and other crime prevention measures. If you are buying a dog, or returning a dog to its suspected owners, make sure the person is bona fide,” Sgt Leetch said. She also thanked the Limerick councils for their assistance in the operation.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--NPHET calls for ban on non-essential travel from countries with high Covid-19 rates

The State ’ s public health team has asked the Government to consider implementing a travel ban on non-essential travel from countries with high rates of Covid-19 .
In a letter to Government , the National Public Health Emergency Team said it had previously recommended mandatory quarantine for all passengers travelling to Ireland from overseas .
“ While this remains NPHET ’ s preferred recommendation , if this is deemed unworkable or disproportionate , the NPHET again recommends that consideration is given to the introduction of a travel ban on non-essential travel for those countries with particularly high incidence rates.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases notified over the last fortnight are associated with travel .
They recommended in their letter that “ all measures be utilised to discourage travel from overseas to Ireland at this time.
” The team also warned the Government that “ behavioural and message fatigue ” is a risk “ as the population disengages from Covid-19-related news.
” Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was also warned about the increased risk of community transmission .
“ Ireland is no different to other countries and there remains a continuing and heightened risk that the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lead to increasing levels of community transmission in the coming weeks.
” NPHET recommended a closing time of 10.30pm for the restaurant and cafe sector except for take-out and delivery and the mandatory wearing of masks for staff .
The Government opted instead to implement a closing time of 11pm .
NPHET said that while the vast majority of restaurants and gastropubs had adhered to guidelines , there should be “ continued robust inspection and enforcement arrangements and the enhancement of these arrangements where necessary.
” The team said pubs and bars “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Covid 19 as alcohol can make people less aware of social distancing and hygiene and respiratory behaviours , loud atmospheres can increase particles emitted and many pubs and bars can be small spaces with poor ventilation.
” A paper was given to the team which detailed international evidence of outbreaks associated with pubs .
NPHET said it had “ significant and growing concerns ” around the increasing case numbers reported each day and incidence of the disease nationally .
The public health team also had concerns about the increasing number of cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ levels of cases in younger people and in particular those aged between 25 to 34 years .
There was also an “ observed shift ” in the location of the majority of cases from the greater Dublin region to other counties over the past seven to ten days .
“ The majority of cases are no longer predominantly limited to the greater Dublin region.
” The positivity rate for all tests processed nationally in the last week was 0.7 per cent which had increased over the previous week .
The NPHET said that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were notified in the last week in relation to direct provision centres .
There were also ten Covid 19 outbreaks involving the Irish traveller community , involving 89 cases Four outbreaks open in meat processing plants have also been associated with 94 cases .
Some 49 per cent of all cases have occurred from “ close contact with a confirmed case ” .
“ The proportion of cases that are noted as being attributable to community transmission appears to be stable.
” The team said it was critically important that there be low @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protect vulnerable people , open schools and resume healthcare .

A file image of Dublin Airport. NPHET said 7.8% of cases notified over the last fortnight are associated with travel. Photograph: Collins Photos
The State’s public health team has asked the Government to consider implementing a ban on non-essential travel from countries with high rates of Covid-19.
In a letter to Government, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) said it had previously recommended mandatory quarantine for all passengers travelling to Ireland from overseas.
“While this remains NPHET’s preferred recommendation, if this is deemed unworkable or disproportionate, the NPHET again recommends that consideration is given to the introduction of a travel ban on non-essential travel for those countries with particularly high incidence rates.”
Currently, there are no travel bans, or “red list” of countries from which visitors would be prohibited. Rather, passengers from all countries, except those on the “green list”, are advised to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival.
READ MORE
The team said 7.8 per cent of cases notified over the last fortnight are associated with travel. They recommended in their letter that “all measures be utilised to discourage travel from overseas to Ireland at this time”.
The team also warned the Government that “behavioural and message fatigue” was a risk “as the population disengages from Covid-19-related news”.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was also alerted about the increased risk of community transmission.
“Ireland is no different to other countries and there remains a continuing and heightened risk that the already evident increase in cases could potentially lead to increasing levels of community transmission in the coming weeks.”
NPHET recommended a closing time of 10.30pm for the restaurant and cafe sector except for take-out and delivery and the mandatory wearing of masks for staff. The Government opted instead to implement a closing time of 11pm.
NPHET said that while the vast majority of restaurants and gastropubs had adhered to guidelines, there should be “continued robust inspection and enforcement arrangements and the enhancement of these arrangements where necessary.”
The team said pubs and bars “pose a particular risk to the spread of Covid 19 as alcohol can make people less aware of social distancing and hygiene and respiratory behaviours, loud atmospheres can increase particles emitted and many pubs and bars can be small spaces with poor ventilation”.
A paper was given to the team which detailed international evidence of outbreaks associated with pubs.
NPHET said it had “significant and growing concerns” around the increasing case numbers reported each day and incidence of the disease nationally. The public health team also had concerns about the increasing number of cases in vulnerable groups, workplaces and increased levels of cases in younger people and in particular those aged between 25 and 34 years.
There was also an “observed shift” in the location of the majority of cases from the greater Dublin region to other counties over the past seven to ten days. “The majority of cases are no longer predominantly limited to the greater Dublin region.”
The positivity rate for all tests processed nationally in the last week was 0.7 per cent which had increased over the previous week.
NPHET said that 47 new cases and four new clusters were notified in the last week in relation to direct provision centres. There were also ten Covid 19 outbreaks involving the Irish Traveller community, involving 89 cases
Four outbreaks open in meat processing plants also been associated with 94 cases.
Some 49 per cent of all cases have occurred from “close contact with a confirmed case”.
“The proportion of cases that are noted as being attributable to community transmission appears to be stable.” The team said it was critically important that there be low levels of community transmission in order to protect vulnerable people, open schools and resume healthcare.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Ten arrests in North over historical sex abuse investigation

Ten people have been arrested in Northern Ireland in connection with an investigation into historical sex abuse .
The Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) said it could not provide details on the arrests but assured victims of abuse that they were continuing to work on recent reports given to officers .
Detectives from the Public Protection Branch arrested the ten people who are aged between 63 and 78 .
The operation was carried out on Tuesday in various locations in Fermanagh , Belfast and Derry .
A property in the Fermanagh area was also searched .
Det @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much local and social media speculation and commentary regarding the investigations .
“ We are not in a position to elaborate further at this time as to the specific detail of each arrest as these are very much live and ongoing investigations , however I want to give reassurance to the both victims and the local community that we are continuing to work on the reports made to us over the past year , ” he said .
The ongoing enquiry is also assessing any “ significant or relevant links ” exist between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect the integrity of each individual investigation and to allow for prompt and effective investigations , the team of investigating officers from Public Protection Branch felt it important that these 10 people were arrested and interviewed simultaneously to ensure the integrity of the interview process , ” Det Supt McDonald said .
“ As our inquiries are still continuing it would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail of specific cases at this time and we would encourage people to refrain from speculation as we continue our investigations .
”

The PSNI said the 10 people were arrested and interviewed simultaneously to maintain the ‘integrity of the interview process’. Photograph: Getty
Ten people have been arrested in Northern Ireland in connection with an investigation into historical sex abuse.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it could not provide details on the arrests but assured victims of abuse that they were continuing to work on recent reports given to officers.
Detectives from the Public Protection Branch arrested the ten people who are aged between 63 and 78.
The operation was carried out on Tuesday in various locations in Fermanagh, Belfast and Derry.
READ MORE
A property in the Fermanagh area was also searched.
Det Supt Gary McDonald said there had been much local and social media speculation and commentary regarding the investigations.
“We are not in a position to elaborate further at this time as to the specific detail of each arrest as these are very much live and ongoing investigations, however I want to give reassurance to the both victims and the local community that we are continuing to work on the reports made to us over the past year,” he said.
The ongoing enquiry is also assessing any “significant or relevant links” exist between the alleged offending.
“In order to protect the integrity of each individual investigation and to allow for prompt and effective investigations, the team of investigating officers from Public Protection Branch felt it important that these 10 people were arrested and interviewed simultaneously to ensure the integrity of the interview process,” Det Supt McDonald said.
“As our inquiries are still continuing it would not be appropriate to comment further on the detail of specific cases at this time and we would encourage people to refrain from speculation as we continue our investigations.”


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Paul Mescal’s GAA shorts worn in Normal People to be auctioned for charity

The GAA shorts worn by Normal People star Paul Mescal in the show and the script from the first episode of the hit series are set to be auctioned to raise funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation .
Connell ’ s shorts and Irish rugby international Conor Murray ’ s boots are to be sold in a bid to make up the charity ’ s funding shortfall .
Every year the Jack and Jill Children ’ s Foundation needs to raise more than €3.5 million to fund its home nursing care and respite service , which is provided to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age .
But like other charities , the emergence of Covid-19 has severely impacted on fundraising events .
So celebrities have donated their clothes as part of “ Auction Thrill for Jack & Jill ” , which will take place online from Friday , August 21st at 10am to Friday , August 28th at 7pm .
The auction at www.jackandjill.iefeatures more than 40 lots , including : * Conor Murray ’ s rugby shirt and boots from the Rugby World Cup 2019 .
*Golfer Shane Lowry ’ s souvenir flag from the 18th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Royal Portrush in 2019 , as well as a signed cap and glove .
*The script from episode one of the critically-acclaimed Normal People , which has been nominated for a slew of Emmy Awards , signed by director Lenny Abrahamson , and actors Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones .
*An Ireland rugby ball signed by members of the team .
Carmel Doyle , chief executive of the Jack and Jill Children ’ s Foundation , said the charity had been “ overwhelmed ” by the support for the auction .
“ People @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prized personal possessions of huge sentimental value , ” she said .

Paul Mescal as Connell in the Normal People wearing the GAA shorts that will go on sale to raise money for charity. Photograph: Enda Bowe/PA Wire
The GAA shorts worn by Normal People star Paul Mescal in the show and the script from the first episode of the hit series are set to be auctioned to raise funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation.
Connell’s shorts and Irish rugby international Conor Murray’s boots are to be sold in a bid to make up the charity’s funding shortfall.
Every year the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation needs to raise more than €3.5 million to fund its home nursing care and respite service, which is provided to sick children up to five years of age.
But like other charities, the emergence of Covid-19 has severely impacted on fundraising events.
READ MORE
The GAA shorts worn by Paul Mescal as Connell during the hit series Normal People, which are going under the hammer to raise money for a charity which helps sick children. Photograph: SON Photographic Ltd T/A Coalesce/PA Wire
Episode one script from the show Normal People, signed by stars Paul Mescal, Daisy Edgar-Jones and director Lenny Abrahamson. Photograph: SON Photographic Ltd T/A Coalesce/PA Wire
So celebrities have donated their clothes as part of “Auction Thrill for Jack & Jill”, which will take place online from Friday, August 21st at 10am to Friday, August 28th at 7pm.
The auction at www.jackandjill.iefeatures more than 40 lots, including:
* Connell’s GAA shorts from Normal People signed by actor Paul Mescal.
* Conor Murray’s rugby shirt and boots from the Rugby World Cup 2019.
*Golfer Shane Lowry’s souvenir flag from the 18th hole following his Open Championship win at Royal Portrush in 2019, as well as a signed cap and glove.
*The script from episode one of the critically-acclaimed Normal People, which has been nominated for a slew of Emmy Awards, signed by director Lenny Abrahamson, and actors Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
*A Munster rugby team’s shirt signed by the 2019/2020 squad.
*An Ireland rugby ball signed by members of the team.
Carmel Doyle, chief executive of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, said the charity had been “overwhelmed” by the support for the auction.
“People have been incredibly generous in offering often prized personal possessions of huge sentimental value,” she said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Funeral of John Hume hears peacemaker ‘gave dignity and life to so many people’

John Hume was “ a man who gave his life for his country ” and who saved the lives of others , a priest has told mourners at his funeral .
“ Make no mistake about it - there are people alive today who would not be alive had it not been for John ’ s vision and his work , ” Fr Paul Farren said .
“ It could be any one of us , ” he added .
He gave “ thanks to God for the gift of life itself that so many people have today simply because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , commitment to peace and to making peace a reality ” .
Fr Farren also paid tribute to Mr Hume as “ a proud Derry man first and foremost ” , whose “ aim was to bring life and prosperity to this city - to lift people out of poverty and he did everything possible to make that a reality ” .
John and Pat Hume , he said , “ have secured their place in the history of Ireland , John being Ireland ’ s Greatest ” .
He said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his place not in Ireland , not in Europe but in paradise.
” In his homily , Fr Farren described Mr Hume as a man who “ never passed by on the other side .
John never kept a distance .
He stopped .
He showed compassion .
He got involved .
He gave dignity and he gave life to so many people .
“ In a time in our world when often small mindedness and self-focus seems to be the driver , John never put anybody or any specific group first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t focus on difference and division .
“ He focused on unity and peace and giving that dignity to every person .
We should never underestimate how difficult it was for John to cross the road and do what was intensely unpopular for the greater good , ” he said .
Fr Farren spoke of Mr Hume ’ s compassion , recalling the tears shed by him at the funerals of those killed in the Greysteel massacre in Co Derry in 1993 , and the renewed determination it had given him to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was compassion - a compassion that visibly bubbled over in the cemetery in Greysteel that drove John on the final and often lonely and always difficult road to peace .
“ Even in the darkest moments , when people would have been forgiven for having no hope , John made peace visible for others .
“ His vision revealed what could be and with time and determination and single-mindedness and yes , with absolute stubbornness , he convinced others that peace could be a reality .
“ John never lost faith in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his ability to convince others that peace was the only way .
“ If ever you want to see a man who gave his life for his country , and his health , that man is John Hume , ” he said .
“ The world knows it , ” Fr Farren said .
“ He is the only person in the world to have received the Nobel Peace Prize , The Gandhi Peace Prize and the Martin Luther King Peace Prize .
Pope Benedict XVI made him a Knight Commander of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Mr Hume ’ s son , John jnr , also paid a personal tribute to his father , recalling his love for his wife Pat - whom he met in a well-known ballroom , Borderland , in Muff , Co Donegal and whom he described as his father ’ s “ greatest achievement ” - and for his family ; his love for his home city of Derry and for Donegal , and for his favourite Crunchie chocolate bars .
He also thanked the people of Derry and Donegal for their kindness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to talk to him in the street every day , guided him to protect his independence , and received him with gentleness if he was agitated , was a profound gift to all of us .
We are eternally grateful to all those that helped over the years , ” he said .
He also thanked the staff of Owen Mor care home in Derry , where Mr Hume spent his final years , saying that the “ care Dad received in the last years of his life allowed him to retain his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of character , despite his overwhelming disabilities ” .
“ It allowed him to overcome , ” he said .
If his father were here , Mr Hume said , he would “ urge us to look at those young carers and the incredible and heroic daily work they do as a model for future leadership - their ethos of deep respect , a respect for everyone regardless of where they come from or stage of life ” .
He said : “ These are the foundation stones that are critical to all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might describe it as the politics of love .
“ Dad would urge us to listen , so that in spite of it all ; we shall overcome .
Thank you Dad for a life well lived , ” he said .
Due to the coronavirus restrictions only about 120 people could be present inside St Eugene ’ s Cathedral in Derry for Requiem Mass .
The cathedral grounds were closed to the public , but local people had gathered along the railings since about 10am to pay their final respects .
Inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hume was placed at the side of altar , with candles in front of it .
Among those present were the President Michael D Higgins , the Taoiseach Micheál Martin , Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney , the North ’ s First and Deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O ’ Neill , and the North ’ s Secretary of State Brandon Lewis .
Also in attendance were friends and colleagues from throughout Mr Hume ’ s life , including civil rights leader and co-founder of the SDLP Austin Currie , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and songwriter Phil Coulter , as well as staff from the Derry care home where Mr Hume spent his final years .
Pope Francis said he had been “ saddened ” to learn of Mr Hume ’ s death , and sent his prayers and blessings .
He paid tribute to Mr Hume ’ s achievements as a peacemaker , saying he was “ mindful of the Christian faith that inspired John Hume ’ s untiring efforts to promote dialogue , reconciliation and peace among the people of Northern Ireland.
” The Dalai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the power of dialogue and negotiations in resolving problems in his homeland ” , which he said had been an “ example of non-violent resolution of issues.
” Mr Hume ’ s “ steady persistence ” message of “ peace and nonviolence in the resolution of conflict , no matter how protracted or difficult it may seem to be , will long survive him , ” he said .
“ He has lived a truly meaningful life.
” Tributes were also read by the Bishop of Derry , Dr Donal McKeown , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the UK prime minister Boris Johnson .
Mr Clinton said he and his wife Hillary had been “ deeply saddened ” by the passing of their friend , Mr Hume , “ who fought his long war for peace in Northern Ireland , his chosen weapons an unshakeable commitment to non-violence , persistence , kindness and love .
“ He was Ireland ’ s Martin Luther King , ” he said .
Mr Johnson said that “ last night a candle was lit and placed in the door of Downing Street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said : “ The world has lost a giant of a politician , who was recognised the world over for the immense contribution he made to Northern Ireland .
“ We should never forget the lasting impact he made and will continue to have on Northern Ireland .
His unending determination and courage paved the way for peace and because of all he did then Northern Ireland is a safer stronger and better place .
This will be his legacy , ” he said .
A tribute was also sent by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a man whose life made all our lives bigger.
” “ We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant , ” he said .
Arriving at the cathedral , the North ’ s First Minister , the DUP leader Arlene Foster , said she was pleased to have been able to come and pay her respects as an individual and on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland .
“ It ’ s a very sad day but it ’ s also a very proud day for the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many friends of John Hume , ” she said .

The funeral of Nobel Laureate and former SDLP leader John Hume has taken place in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry. His son John Hume jr paid tribute to his father in a powerful and emotional eulogy. Video: RTE News Now
John Hume was "a man who gave his life for his country" and who saved the lives of others, a priest has told mourners at his funeral.
“Make no mistake about it - there are people alive today who would not be alive had it not been for John’s vision and his work,” Fr Paul Farren said. “It could be any one of us,” he added.
Even in the darkest moments, Fr Farren said, "John never lost faith in peace and he never lost faith in his ability to convince others that peace was the only way. "If ever you want to see a man who gave his life for his country, and his health, that man is John Hume, " he said.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 John Hume jnr speaks at the funeral of his father at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry. Photograph: Stephen Latimer/PA Wire
The Nobel Laureate and former SDLP leader who was one of the architects of the North’s peace process and the 1998 Belfast Agreement, Mr Hume died on Monday after a long illness. He was 83, and had been suffering from dementia.
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Tributes from the Pope, the Dalai Lama, Bono, the US President Bill Clinton and the UK prime minister Boris Johnson were read at the funeral. Numbers inside the cathedral were limited to around 120 people due to the coronavirus pandemic, but members of the public gathered outside the cathedral’s railings to pay their last respects.
The President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins arrives at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Among those who attended were the President, Michael D Higgins, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, the North's First and Deputy First Ministers, Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill, and the North's Secretary of State, Brandon Lewis.
Also present were friends and colleagues from throughout Mr Hume’s life, including civil rights leader and co-founder of the SDLP Austin Currie and many other current and former SDLP politicians, and staff from the Derry care home where Mr Hume spent his final years.
Fr Farren also paid tribute to Mr Hume as “a proud Derry man first and foremost”, whose “aim was to bring life and prosperity to this city - to lift people out of poverty and he did everything possible to make that a reality”.
John and Pat Hume, he said, "have secured their place in the history of Ireland, John being Ireland's Greatest".
In his homily, Fr Farren described Mr Hume as a man who “never passed by on the other side. John never kept a distance. He stopped. He showed compassion. He got involved. He gave dignity and he gave life to so many people.
“In a time in our world when often small mindedness and self-focus seems to be the driver, John never put anybody or any specific group first. He put everybody first. He didn’t focus on difference and division.
“He focused on unity and peace and giving that dignity to every person. We should never underestimate how difficult it was for John to cross the road and do what was intensely unpopular for the greater good,” he said.
‘A life well lived’
During the Mass Mr Hume’s son, John Junior, paid a personal tribute to his father on behalf of the family, recalling his love for his wife Pat - whom he described as his father’s “greatest achievement” - as well as for his family, his home city of Derry and adopted home of Donegal, and for his favourite Crunchie chocolate bars.
He also thanked the staff at Owen Mor nursing home, where Mr Hume spent his final years, and the people of Derry and Donegal for their kindness towards his father, “who stopped to talk to him in the street every day, guided him to protect his independence, and received him with gentleness if he was agitated.” Their actions, he said, were “a profound gift to all of us.”
John Hume jnr speaks at the funeral of his father at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry. Photograph: Stephen Latimer/PA Wire
If his father were here, Mr Hume said, he would “urge us to look at those young carers and the incredible and heroic daily work they do as a model for future leadership - their ethos of deep respect, a respect for everyone regardless of where they come from or stage of life”.
He said: “These are the foundation stones that are critical to all communities. The Reverend Martin Luther King might describe it as the politics of love.
“Dad would urge us to listen, so that in spite of it all; we shall overcome. Thank you Dad for a life well lived,” he said.
Songwriter Phil Coulter performed The Town I Loved So Well - a favourite of Mr Hume’s - as his remains left the cathedral following Requiem Mass. Mr Hume was applauded by those watching outside the cathedral as he left the grounds and by people lining the short route to the cemetery.
Restrictions
Due to the coronavirus restrictions only about 120 people could be present inside St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry for Requiem Mass. The cathedral grounds were closed to the public, but local people had gathered along the railings since about 10am to pay their final respects.
Inside the cathedral, a portrait of Mr Hume was placed at the side of altar, with candles in front of it.
Tributes
Speaking to The Irish Times after the funeral, Mr Coveney described Mr Hume as “the most impactful politician of the last 50 years on this island” and one who had an “extraordinary message that’s associated with his name and his life’s work.”
He described how he had stayed overnight in Derry the night before, and how he and his friend Fr Paul Farren had gone into the cathedral at midnight “and said a quiet prayer, and John’s coffin was there.
“It was certainly a reminder to me of the power of John Hume as a personality but also as a carrier of a message that my generation of politicians now needs to deliver on,” he said.
Mr Coveney said he had sat alongside the Northern secretary, Brandon Lewis, during the funeral, and described it as “important” that the first and deputy first minister sat together.
Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill outside St Eugene’s Cathedral. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
“We need to work together and to ensure that [WITH]a peace process that needs to be reinvigorated and reinforced every week every day every month every year, that energy is still there, and the determination to ensure that the politics of difference and division and hatred that undermines society as well as the possibilities for politics, that that doesn’t take hold again,” he said.
The North’s first minister, the DUP leader Arlene Foster, said she was pleased to have been able to come and pay her respects as an individual and on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.
“It’s a very sad day but it’s also a very proud day for the city and for the family and the many, many friends of John Hume,” she said.
In a message Pope Francis said he had been “saddened” to learn of Mr Hume’s death, and sent his prayers and blessings.
He paid tribute to Mr Hume’s achievements as a peacemaker, saying he was “mindful of the Christian faith that inspired John Hume’s untiring efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peace among the people of Northern Ireland.”
The Dalai Lama praised his “deep conviction in the power of dialogue and negotiations in resolving problems in his homeland”, which he said had been an “example of non-violent resolution of issues.”
Mr Hume’s “steady persistence” message of “peace and nonviolence in the resolution of conflict, no matter how protracted or difficult it may seem to be, will long survive him,” he said. “He has lived a truly meaningful life.”
Tributes were also read by the Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown, from the former US president Bill Clinton, and the UK prime minister Boris Johnson.
Mr Clinton said he and his wife Hillary had been “deeply saddened” by the passing of their friend, Mr Hume, “who fought his long war for peace in Northern Ireland, his chosen weapons an unshakeable commitment to non-violence, persistence, kindness and love.
“He was Ireland’s Martin Luther King,” he said.
Mr Johnson said that “last night a candle was lit and placed in the door of Downing Street, to pay respects to John Hume”.
He said: “The world has lost a giant of a politician, who was recognised the world over for the immense contribution he made to Northern Ireland.
“We should never forget the lasting impact he made and will continue to have on Northern Ireland. His unending determination and courage paved the way for peace and because of all he did then Northern Ireland is a safer stronger and better place. This will be his legacy,” he said.
A tribute was also sent by Bono, who described him as “a man whose life made all our lives bigger.”
“We were looking for a great leader and found a great servant,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Scally says alcohol is ‘best friend’ of Covid-19 and pubs must stay shut

Public health expert Dr Gabriel Scally has said that alcohol is the “ best friend ” of the coronavirus and the only safe option was to keep those pubs not serving food closed .
Dr Scally drew a clear distinction between pubs that only serve alcohol and those that also serve food .
“ They are like chalk and cheese .
I ’ ve never had to shoulder my way to the counter to get a drink in a restaurant.
” NPHET recommended a closing time of 10.30pm for the restaurant and cafe sector except for take-out and delivery and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Government opted instead to implement a closing time of 11pm .
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One ’ s Today with Sarah McInerney Show , Dr Scally pointed to Scotland where pubs had reopened and 32 people were infected with Covid-19 having all been in one pub .
He said keeping the virus under control was not good enough , and said the aim should be to have zero cases .
Keeping the pubs closed was the way to do that .
A “ zero Covid ” strategy would require co-operation North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and putting controls in place to ensure no cases were imported , he said .
When asked about Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon ’ s proposed Four Nations Elimination Strategy , Dr Scally said he admired her and the plan but said he was pessimistic about the response from Whitehall .
Dr Scally was speaking following a Cabinet decision on Tuesday evening to delay the already-paused phase four of reopening society for a further three weeks .
Pubs which do not serve food and nightclubs will remain closed until September at least , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on numbers congregating indoors , and 200 outdoors , will remain in place .
Face masks are set to become mandatory in all shops and retail centres from Monday , and pubs serving food and restaurants will be required to close at 11pm .
Separately , the Cabinet also decided to remove five states or territories from the “ green list ” of 15 from which passengers arriving into Ireland would not need to quarantine .
They are Malta , Cyprus , San Marino , Gibraltar and Monaco .
Earlier , Minister for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointed the restrictions were not being eased the decisions were made with the safety of citizens in mind .
Mr Donnelly said the Government had to take a cautious approach to lifting coronavirus restrictions and said keeping people safe , opening schools and restarting the economy was the priority .
He said the Government would look closely at the possibility of having regional or county decisions in the future .
The concern , the Minister told Morning Ireland , was that things were finely balanced and could get out of control .
Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government must respond dynamically , said Mr Donnelly .
Meanwhile Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae said the Government was treating publicans and their customers with contempt and he claimed reopening pubs would protect the public ’ s health .
The dangers that might arise in bigger pubs could not be compared with smaller rural pubs where there might be just six or seven customers , he said .
The decision to retrench the current phase of lockdown came after a further 45 confirmed cases was confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ justified the decision in light of recent coronavirus figures which have seen the 14-day incidence of cases triple in the last month .
“ I know that this will come as a blow to pub owners and I want them to know that I have enormous sympathy for their plight , ” said Mr Martin .
“ This virus is taking away their ability to earn a living.
” He said : “ International evidence shows very clearly that pubs and nightclubs reopening too early leads directly and inextricably to increased community transmission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost some ground in its battle with coronavirus .
“ The truth is the pandemic is blazing around the world .
In fact it is worse than ever , ” he said .
In a joint statement on Tuesday , the Licensed Vintners Association ( LVA ) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland ( VFI ) said publicans were now in “ fury and despair ” , and called for “ immediate ” aid .
“ This is Groundhog Day for the trade as twice now the reopening of pubs has been postponed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cribben .
“ The Government has effectively denied pubs the ability to trade .
As a result it will have to provide substantial supports to our members , many of whom are deeply agitated at what they feel is the State abandoning a vital part of the hospitality sector.
” Donall O ’ Keeffe , chief executive of the LVA , said pubs have been abandoned : “ We ’ re repeatedly being told that opening the pubs ‘ could lead to an increase in the virus ’ .
Well , when will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 25,000 people working in pubs now faced “ intolerable pressure ” , said the bodies , who complained about a lack of guidance from the Government or reassurance about the future .

Closed pubs in Dublin’s Temple Bar. Publicans had hoped they would be able to reopen on August 10th. Photograph: Collins
Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe has not committed to any specific compensation package for publicans who will have to keep their pubs closed for at least another three weeks.
Mr Donohoe said on Wednesday afternoon he would look at support for particular parts of the country and the economy that were affected by Covid-19 and Tuesday’s Cabinet decision, but did not refer specifically to pubs.
He was speaking after the announcement of the Government’s latest exchequer figures. His comments which did not mention a specific plan or compensation for public houses will bring little comfort to vintners who have said the second delay to their reopening plans has led to a “full-blown crisis” in the industry.
“My first priority is to implement the July jobs plan and that has many measures that will help,” said Mr Donohoe when asked.
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“I am going to be engaging with (Minister for Public Expenditure) Michael McGrath and Minister for Media, Arts and Culture, and the Gaeltacht) Catherine Martin on the consequences (of Tuesday’s Cabinet decision).
He said he would be working with Mr McGrath and Ms Martin on “further measures that will be needed for some parts our our country and other parts of our economy”.
He said many of measures in the July stimulus plan could have a “really positive affect on a really difficult problem”.
He added: “Work is underway to what else may need to be done.” Following the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and other senior Ministers indicated at a briefing that the Minister and others would be looking at solution to address the challenges facing pubs.
Asked about the decision on RTE Radio’s Drivetime, Mr Donohoe said the Cabinet had looked at doing things geographically by county or by region. “We’re a very small country with high levels of mobility within it,” meaning options open to larger countries aren’t open to Ireland, he said.
Alcohol and coronavirus
Earlier public health expert Dr Gabriel Scally said that alcohol is the “best friend” of the coronavirus and the only safe option was to keep those pubs not serving food closed.
Dr Scally drew a clear distinction between pubs that only serve alcohol and those that also serve food.
“They are like chalk and cheese. I’ve never had to shoulder my way to the counter to get a drink in a restaurant.”
NPHET recommended a closing time of 10.30pm for the restaurant and cafe sector except for take-out and delivery and the mandatory wearing of masks for staff. The Government opted instead to implement a closing time of 11pm.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio One’s Today with Sarah McInerney Show, Dr Scally pointed to Scotland where pubs had reopened and 32 people were infected with Covid-19 having all been in one pub.
He said keeping the virus under control was not good enough, and said the aim should be to have zero cases. Keeping the pubs closed was the way to do that.
A “zero Covid” strategy would require co-operation North and South, no domestic cases, and putting controls in place to ensure no cases were imported, he said.
When asked about Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s proposed Four Nations Elimination Strategy, Dr Scally said he admired her and the plan but said he was pessimistic about the response from Whitehall.
Dr Scally was speaking following a Cabinet decision on Tuesday evening to delay the already-paused phase four of reopening society for a further three weeks.
Pubs which do not serve food and nightclubs will remain closed until September at least, and the current strict limits of 50 on numbers congregating indoors, and 200 outdoors, will remain in place.
Face masks are set to become mandatory in all shops and retail centres from Monday, and pubs serving food and restaurants will be required to close at 11pm.
Separately, the Cabinet also decided to remove five states or territories from the “green list” of 15 from which passengers arriving into Ireland would not need to quarantine. They are Malta, Cyprus, San Marino, Gibraltar and Monaco.
Earlier, Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said while he was disappointed the restrictions were not being eased the decisions were made with the safety of citizens in mind.
Mr Donnelly said the Government had to take a cautious approach to lifting coronavirus restrictions and said keeping people safe, opening schools and restarting the economy was the priority.
He said the Government would look closely at the possibility of having regional or county decisions in the future. The concern, the Minister told Morning Ireland, was that things were finely balanced and could get out of control.
Ireland is in a dynamic situation and the Government must respond dynamically, said Mr Donnelly.
Meanwhile Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae said the Government was treating publicans and their customers with contempt and he claimed reopening pubs would protect the public’s health.
The dangers that might arise in bigger pubs could not be compared with smaller rural pubs where there might be just six or seven customers, he said.
The decision to retrench the current phase of lockdown came after a further 45 confirmed cases was confirmed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) on Tuesday.
Mr Martin justified the decision in light of recent coronavirus figures which have seen the 14-day incidence of cases triple in the last month.
“I know that this will come as a blow to pub owners and I want them to know that I have enormous sympathy for their plight,” said Mr Martin.
“This virus is taking away their ability to earn a living.”
He said: “International evidence shows very clearly that pubs and nightclubs reopening too early leads directly and inextricably to increased community transmission.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said Ireland had lost some ground in its battle with coronavirus. “The truth is the pandemic is blazing around the world. In fact it is worse than ever,” he said.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) and the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) said publicans were now in “fury and despair”, and called for “immediate” aid.
“This is Groundhog Day for the trade as twice now the reopening of pubs has been postponed,” said VFI chief executive Pádraig Cribben. “The Government has effectively denied pubs the ability to trade. As a result it will have to provide substantial supports to our members, many of whom are deeply agitated at what they feel is the State abandoning a vital part of the hospitality sector.”
Donall O’Keeffe, chief executive of the LVA, said pubs have been abandoned: “We’re repeatedly being told that opening the pubs ‘could lead to an increase in the virus’. Well, when will that not be the case?”
The 25,000 people working in pubs now faced “intolerable pressure”, said the bodies, who complained about a lack of guidance from the Government or reassurance about the future.


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Fresh investigation into the murder of Michaela McAreavey in Mauritius

The widower of a honeymooner murdered in Mauritius in 2011 has said the country ’ s government has launched a new investigation into her death .
John McAreavey confirmed the fresh investigation into his wife Michaela ’ s death on social media , but questioned the timing of the latest probe which comes one week after he criticised Liverpool FC ’ s commercial partnership with Mauritius .
Mr McAreavey has pursued a campaign for justice since his wife was strangled in their hotel room at the luxury Legends Hotel resort in the fishing village of Grande Gaube in the north @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He has accused Mauritian authorities of indifference and inaction on the case , claiming they are more interested in preserving the island ’ s reputation as a holiday destination than catching the killers .
Mrs McAreavey , a 27-year-old teacher who was the only daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football boss Mickey Harte , was murdered when she returned to the room alone and disturbed a burglary .
Two former hotel workers were acquitted after a high-profile trial on the holiday island in the summer of 2012 .
Ms McAreavey ’ s family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” that acquitted the two men and Mr McAreavey said the high-profile nature of the trial had turned it into a “ big circus act ” .
He said his quest for justice would not end until those responsible had been jailed , and that he and Ms McAreavey ’ s family had spent nine years working with the Mauritian authorities to get justice .
“ Our approach was there is no point shouting and roaring here and getting their backs up , ” he said during an interview with Newstalk FM .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we felt we should support them and give them an opportunity to right the wrongs that happened in 2012 .
Mr McAreavey previously offered a €50,000 reward in 2017 for information leading to the prosecution of his late wife ’ s murderer after police investigating the death set up an elite task force .
During a trip to Mauritius at the time , Mr McAreavey made a “ direct appeal to the people of Mauritius ” to come forward with any information in relation to the killing .
Last month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” by Liverpool FC ’ s commercial link-up with the Indian Ocean island .
Liverpool unveiled Mauritius as its new official tourism and economic development partner .
Hours later , Mr McAreavey said that the decision by the football club was “ really disappointing ” .
He tagged Liverpool FC on Twitter and posted : “ Mauritius can ’ t guarantee tourists safety and have complete disregard for victims of murder.
” On Tuesday he tweeted : “ I note that the Mauritius Gov has launched a ‘ new ’ police investigation into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one week after I questioned their partnership with LFC “ Perhaps people will now understand the type of bullsh*t I have had to put up with for so long .
# justiceformichaela .
”

John and Michaela McAreavey on their wedding day at St Malachy’s Church, Ballymacilrory. McAreavey has pursued a campaign for justice since his new bride was strangled in their hotel room at a luxury resort in January 2011. Photograph: Irish News/PA Wire
The widower of a honeymooner murdered in Mauritius in 2011 has said the country's government has launched a new investigation into her death.
John McAreavey confirmed the fresh investigation into his wife Michaela's death on social media, but questioned the timing of the latest probe which comes one week after he criticised Liverpool FC's commercial partnership with Mauritius.
Mr McAreavey has pursued a campaign for justice since his wife was strangled in their hotel room at the luxury Legends Hotel resort in the fishing village of Grande Gaube in the north east of the country in January 2011.
He has accused Mauritian authorities of indifference and inaction on the case, claiming they are more interested in preserving the island’s reputation as a holiday destination than catching the killers.
READ MORE
Mrs McAreavey, a 27-year-old teacher who was the only daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football boss Mickey Harte, was murdered when she returned to the room alone and disturbed a burglary.
Two former hotel workers were acquitted after a high-profile trial on the holiday island in the summer of 2012.
Ms McAreavey’s family last year criticised the “kangaroo court” that acquitted the two men and Mr McAreavey said the high-profile nature of the trial had turned it into a “big circus act”.
He said his quest for justice would not end until those responsible had been jailed, and that he and Ms McAreavey’s family had spent nine years working with the Mauritian authorities to get justice.
“Our approach was there is no point shouting and roaring here and getting their backs up,” he said during an interview with Newstalk FM. “We needed these guys on side, and we felt we should support them and give them an opportunity to right the wrongs that happened in 2012.
Mr McAreavey previously offered a €50,000 reward in 2017 for information leading to the prosecution of his late wife’s murderer after police investigating the death set up an elite task force. During a trip to Mauritius at the time, Mr McAreavey made a “direct appeal to the people of Mauritius” to come forward with any information in relation to the killing.
Last month, Mr McAreavey said he was “sickened” by Liverpool FC’s commercial link-up with the Indian Ocean island.
Liverpool unveiled Mauritius as its new official tourism and economic development partner.
Hours later, Mr McAreavey said that the decision by the football club was “really disappointing”.
He tagged Liverpool FC on Twitter and posted: “Mauritius can’t guarantee tourists safety and have complete disregard for victims of murder.”
On Tuesday he tweeted: “I note that the Mauritius Gov has launched a ‘new’ police investigation into Michaela’s murder. This comes one week after I questioned their partnership with LFC
“Perhaps people will now understand the type of bullsh*t I have had to put up with for so long. #justiceformichaela.”
Additional reporting from PA


theirishtimes--2020-08-05--Kenmare eyes busy period after lockdown and flooding

The loss of foreign visitors is being compensated for by a growth in the number of “ staycationers ” , Kenmare businesses , hit by heavy flooding last week , have said .
Patrick Foley of Foley ’ s restaurant on Henry Street , who avoided last week ’ s flooding , remains confident about the future .
“ Something like 500,000 have opted to stay at home rather than go to Spain this year , ” he said .
“ Yes , there are no accents , no Yanks and no dollars , but we have lots of Irish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Kerry complaining in August , there ’ s something wrong with them.
” However , Jer Foley , who has run Ó Donnabháin ’ s restaurant for the past 26 years , said his holiday-home business had been affected by Covid-linked cancellations .
Last week , 14 Germans who regularly stay each September cancelled their booking amid concerns that they would have to self-isolate and quarantine for a fortnight if they were to holiday in Ireland .
“ I think we will have a lot of reputational damage from how we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Ireland are very different to those who go to Magalouf that you end up fighting over the sun lounger – they are very good for us in September and October but a lot of them are cancelling .
“ Health authorities across Europe should be able to test people before flying and give those who pass a certificate saying that they are clear of Covid to present at the airport , rather than having to undergo a 14-day quarantine .
“ For us , between Easter to the end of October , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be foreign and 30 per cent would be Irish , save in July and August when it would be 50/50 – it ’ s good at the moment with Irish tourists but I would be worried about September and October when the Irish market ends , ” he said .
Less than a week after it was hit by rising waters , Quill ’ s Irish Gift Shop is once open again for business .
Owner Joe Quill said he was looking forward to a busy August .
“ We had about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the shop but the local Kerry County Council lads , Connie Cremin and Donal Casey , were out to us with sandbags , ” he said .
“ If it wasn ’ t for them we would have lost 100 per cent of the stock on the flooded part of the shop and we were able to reopen on Friday , ” said Mr Quill , whose family also runs the Wander Inn restaurant and the Lansdowne Hotel .
Half of Kenmare ’ s usual tourist trade comes from abroad , compared with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ [ Those towns ] are hugely dependent on bus tours .
That said , we are missing out on probably 30-40 coaches a day , ” he said .
Usually , continental European visitors dominate in May and June , while English and Americans have tended to dominate in the town in July , August and particularly September .
He said the Lansdowne Hotel had “ good bookings for all of August and the first two weeks of September ” , while Irish tourists were spending more on food in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ That ’ s what is keeping us afloat at the moment , ” he said , though the reopening of smaller pubs would help him since it would “ help to turn my tables quicker ” .
“ What ’ s happening now is somebody comes into the Wander Inn and they are trying to stay at the same table for as long as they can , ” said Mr Quill , who fears that business will drop sharply after the middle of September .

Half of Kenmare’s usual tourist trade comes from abroad, compared with 80% in Killarney and Sneem. Photograph: Alan Betson
The loss of foreign visitors is being compensated for by a growth in the number of "staycationers", Kenmare businesses, hit by heavy flooding last week, have said.
Patrick Foley of Foley's restaurant on Henry Street, who avoided last week's flooding, remains confident about the future. "Something like 500,000 have opted to stay at home rather than go to Spain this year," he said.
“Yes, there are no accents, no Yanks and no dollars, but we have lots of Irish people spending money here instead and anyone in Kerry complaining in August, there’s something wrong with them.”
However, Jer Foley, who has run Ó Donnabháin's restaurant for the past 26 years, said his holiday-home business had been affected by Covid-linked cancellations.
READ MORE
Last week, 14 Germans who regularly stay each September cancelled their booking amid concerns that they would have to self-isolate and quarantine for a fortnight if they were to holiday in Ireland.
“I think we will have a lot of reputational damage from how we are handling this – the Germans who come to Ireland are very different to those who go to Magalouf that you end up fighting over the sun lounger – they are very good for us in September and October but a lot of them are cancelling.
“Health authorities across Europe should be able to test people before flying and give those who pass a certificate saying that they are clear of Covid to present at the airport, rather than having to undergo a 14-day quarantine.
“For us, between Easter to the end of October, 70 per cent of our business would be foreign and 30 per cent would be Irish, save in July and August when it would be 50/50 – it’s good at the moment with Irish tourists but I would be worried about September and October when the Irish market ends,” he said.
Flooding
Less than a week after it was hit by rising waters, Quill's Irish Gift Shop is once open again for business. Owner Joe Quill said he was looking forward to a busy August.
Flooding in Kenmare, Co Kerry this morning after heavy rain. Photograph : Kerry County Council
Flooding in Kenmare, Co Kerry this morning after heavy rain. Photograph : Kerry County Council
"We had about a foot and a half of water in the shop but the local Kerry County Council lads, Connie Cremin and Donal Casey, were out to us with sandbags," he said.
"If it wasn't for them we would have lost 100 per cent of the stock on the flooded part of the shop and we were able to reopen on Friday," said Mr Quill, whose family also runs the Wander Inn restaurant and the Lansdowne Hotel.
Half of Kenmare's usual tourist trade comes from abroad, compared with 80 per cent in Killarney and Sneem. "[Those towns] are hugely dependent on bus tours. That said, we are missing out on probably 30-40 coaches a day," he said.
Usually, continental European visitors dominate in May and June, while English and Americans have tended to dominate in the town in July, August and particularly September.
He said the Lansdowne Hotel had “good bookings for all of August and the first two weeks of September”, while Irish tourists were spending more on food in the Wander Inn than Americans usually would.
“That’s what is keeping us afloat at the moment,” he said, though the reopening of smaller pubs would help him since it would “help to turn my tables quicker”.
“What’s happening now is somebody comes into the Wander Inn and they are trying to stay at the same table for as long as they can,” said Mr Quill, who fears that business will drop sharply after the middle of September.