theirishtimes--2020-12-07--Two men due to appear in court over death of man in Cabra last year

Two men are to appear in court this morning charged in connection with the death of a 55-year-old in Dublin @ @ @ @ @ man was the victim of a serious assault at Darling Estate on the Navan Road @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 , the Garda said in a statement on Sunday .
He died in @ @ @ @ @ November 27th .
Gardaí in Cabra opened a murder investigation a short time later .
@ @ @ @ @ and 31 , were charged in Ronanstown Garda Station on Sunday in relation to the @ @ @ @ @ the Dublin area earlier in the day .
The men are due to appear before @ @ @ @ @ on Monday morning where details of arrest and charge will be heard .

Two men, aged 40 and 31, were charged in Ronanstown Garda Station on Sunday. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Two men are to appear in court this morning charged in connection with the death of a 55-year-old in Dublin last year.
The dead man was the victim of a serious assault at Darling Estate on the Navan Road in Cabra on November 14th, 2019, the Garda said in a statement on Sunday. He died in hospital two weeks later on November 27th. Gardaí in Cabra opened a murder investigation a short time later.
Two men, aged 40 and 31, were charged in Ronanstown Garda Station on Sunday in relation to the death following their arrest in the Dublin area earlier in the day.
The men are due to appear before Blanchardstown District Court at 10.30am on Monday morning where details of arrest and charge will be heard.


theirishtimes--2020-12-06--Several crashes reported as drivers contend with fog on the roads

Several crashes have taken place on the roads this morning , particularly in Co Meath with foggy conditions across much of the country .
Gardaí are dealing with collisions on the M3 southbound between Junction 7 Skryne/Kilmessan and Junction 6 Dunshaughlin , where black ice has been reported .
Crashes have also happened northbound before Junction 7 as well as on the N52 between Ardee and Kells at Castletown .
Traffic approaching Dublin is experiencing icy conditions on roads around Portlaoise and in the Glen of the Downs in Co Wicklow .
Icy roads have also been reported by Transport @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Castleknock , and the southern end of the Dublin Tunnel .
A status yellow fog warning remains place for the country until 1pm on Monday and AA Roadwatch has asked drivers to slow down in affected areas , and use fog lights where necessary .
Met Éireann warned of freezing fog this morning , particularly in the midlands .
The country-wide fog warning is in place as temperatures are unlikely to rise beyond one to four degrees today .
The fog is forecast to slowly clear in most places this afternoon leaving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Met Éireann has also issued a Small Craft Warning for force 6 or higher , north to northwest winds late on Monday night on Irish coasts from Valentia to Rossan Point to Howth Head .
Scattered showers are expected along the coasts throughout the day .
It will be cold with temperatures between one and five degrees , coolest where the fog lingers , in a light northerly breeze .
Monday night will be mainly dry with an ongoing risk of showers on coasts but temperatures may fall to minus two degrees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while the rest of the country will be largely dry .
There will be moderate to fresh northwest winds with temperatures of six or seven degrees in the afternoon , falling to between minus two and two degrees on Tuesday night .
Wednesday will be another cold day with light variable winds but mostly dry conditions in the morning apart from showers near coasts .
Rain will develop in the southwest and west during the afternoon , becoming widespread through the late afternoon and early evening .
Highest temperatures will be between 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to near freezing again at night with the rain clearing through .
Thursday will be largely dry to start with light westerly winds .
The winds will turn southerly and freshen with another spell of rain coming from the west later .
It will remain quite cold with afternoon temperatures of seven to 10 degrees and overnight temperatures of between five and seven degrees .
A reduced speed limit of 60km/h is in place for works on the N11 in both directions between Junction 7 Bray South and Junction 8 Kilmacanogue , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The work is expected to continue until February 2021 .
In Dun Laoghaire a new two-way cycle lane is in operation along most of the route between Newtown Avenue in Blackrock and Sandycove Avenue .
Vehicular traffic is now one-way , northwards , on a stretch of Queen ’ s Road between the Park Road and the Lexicon , and again from the Old Dunleary Road as far as Seapoint Avenue .
A further stretch of one-way operated south towards Sandycove , from Windsor Terrace out to Sandycove Avenue West .

Dublin’s Ha’penny bridge and the River Liffey are shrouded in fog on Sunday. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times
Several crashes have taken place on the roads this morning, particularly in Co Meath with foggy conditions across much of the country.
Gardaí are dealing with collisions on the M3 southbound between Junction 7 Skryne/Kilmessan and Junction 6 Dunshaughlin, where black ice has been reported.
Crashes have also happened northbound before Junction 7 as well as on the N52 between Ardee and Kells at Castletown.
Widespread fog in many areas overnight with patches of freezing fog. Frost & some icy patches developing too as temps fall to between -3 to +1C. Dry for much of the country with just patchy rain at times in the southwest & isolated showers in Leinster.https://t.co/9gKN6SVok4 pic.twitter.com/fILbngdVLa — Met Éireann (@MetEireann) December 6, 2020
Traffic approaching Dublin is experiencing icy conditions on roads around Portlaoise and in the Glen of the Downs in Co Wicklow. Icy roads have also been reported by Transport Infrastructure Ireland on the M50 at Ballymount, Castleknock, and the southern end of the Dublin Tunnel.
READ MORE
A status yellow fog warning remains place for the country until 1pm on Monday and AA Roadwatch has asked drivers to slow down in affected areas, and use fog lights where necessary.
Met Éireann warned of freezing fog this morning, particularly in the midlands. The country-wide fog warning is in place as temperatures are unlikely to rise beyond one to four degrees today.
The fog is forecast to slowly clear in most places this afternoon leaving a mostly dry day with sunny spells.
Met Éireann has also issued a Small Craft Warning for force 6 or higher, north to northwest winds late on Monday night on Irish coasts from Valentia to Rossan Point to Howth Head.
Scattered showers are expected along the coasts throughout the day. It will be cold with temperatures between one and five degrees, coolest where the fog lingers, in a light northerly breeze.
Monday night will be mainly dry with an ongoing risk of showers on coasts but temperatures may fall to minus two degrees.
Tuesday will see rain affecting Ulster while the rest of the country will be largely dry.
There will be moderate to fresh northwest winds with temperatures of six or seven degrees in the afternoon, falling to between minus two and two degrees on Tuesday night.
Wednesday will be another cold day with light variable winds but mostly dry conditions in the morning apart from showers near coasts.
Rain will develop in the southwest and west during the afternoon, becoming widespread through the late afternoon and early evening.
Highest temperatures will be between 5 and 7 degrees by day and falling to near freezing again at night with the rain clearing through.
Thursday will be largely dry to start with light westerly winds. The winds will turn southerly and freshen with another spell of rain coming from the west later.
It will remain quite cold with afternoon temperatures of seven to 10 degrees and overnight temperatures of between five and seven degrees.
A reduced speed limit of 60km/h is in place for works on the N11 in both directions between Junction 7 Bray South and Junction 8 Kilmacanogue, which causes delays, particularly at peak times. The work is expected to continue until February 2021.
In Dun Laoghaire a new two-way cycle lane is in operation along most of the route between Newtown Avenue in Blackrock and Sandycove Avenue. Vehicular traffic is now one-way, northwards, on a stretch of Queen’s Road between the Park Road and the Lexicon, and again from the Old Dunleary Road as far as Seapoint Avenue. A further stretch of one-way operated south towards Sandycove, from Windsor Terrace out to Sandycove Avenue West.


theirishtimes--2020-12-08--Covid-19: Over-70s set to be among first to be vaccinated

The over-70s will be among the first groups to be given Covid-19 vaccinations , alongside long-term care residents and frontline healthcare workers , under plans to be considered by Cabinet on Tuesday .
The Government will consider more than a dozen different population cohorts , determined by a range of criteria , including age , employment and vulnerability to underlying conditions .
It is understood that the first priority group identified to receive the vaccine is those aged 65 and above who are resident in long-term care institutions , such as nursing homes .
The second group will be frontline @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by the over-70s .
The plan is to immunise this final category in phases beginning with those aged over 85 , followed by those aged 80-84 , then 75-79 year-olds , and finally those between 70-74 .
Government sources indicated a final decision has not been made on whether the three categories will overlap , or whether one group will be immunised before the process begins with the next group .
The plan , which was drawn up by the Department of Health and the National Immunisation Advisory Council , and approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Nphet ) , will be brought to Cabinet by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly .
Government sources said it will be a “ living document ” , subject to change depending on the efficacy of different vaccines for different cohorts , and the timing of their rollout .
It comes as representative groups for frontline workers indicated their expectation that their members should be considered for priority access to the inoculation programme .
Groups representing gardaí , members of the Defence Forces , teachers and transport workers said that while they accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in line , their members should also be considered for priority access due to their role in the State ’ s response to the pandemic .
The Irish Prison Service has requested priority access for the State ’ s 3,800 inmates .
No new deaths of Covid-19 patients were reported on Monday for the second day in a row .
This leaves at 2,099 the total number of Covid-related deaths .
Nphet reported 242 confirmed cases of the virus , bringing to 74,468 the total number of cases in the Republic .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Holohan said it is “ more likely than not ” that Ireland will experience “ challenging ” levels of Covid-19 transmission in January due to increased socialisation over Christmas .
It was less likely that the country will be able to avert significant levels of infections , he told the Nphet media briefing on Monday .
Asked what Nphet ’ s alternative was to recurrent lockdowns , Dr Holohan said officials did not want to be in a position where the only recommendation they made to Government was for tight and challenging restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it , we will ” .
The Representative Association of Commissioned Officers ( Raco ) and PDForra , the organisation representing rank-and-file Defence Forces personnel , said their members who have been involved in swabbing should be considered at the same time as other frontline healthcare workers , as should personnel deploying overseas .
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said it was not seeking preferential treatment , but its members are at the “ front face ” of policing the pandemic and it had raised the matter with Garda HQ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would decide on priority groups but “ we would expect to be a high priority among frontline workers ” .
The Irish Prison Service has requested the country ’ s prisoners be among the priority groups to receive a vaccine ahead of its distribution to the general population .
In a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Monday , the National Bus and Rail Union also recognised that vulnerable cohorts and healthcare staff would be prioritised , but said those working in public transport “ should be high on your Government ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
The Irish National Teacher ’ s Organisation wrote to the Taoiseach last week , saying that while it “ unequivocally recognises ” that vulnerable people , the elderly and healthcare workers should be first , it is “ imperative ” that education staff are included among essential workers prioritised for a vaccine .
The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland agreed on prioritising vulnerable groups , and said it would be guided by medical advice but believed “ strong consideration ” must be given to those working in schools .

The over-70s will be among the first groups to be given Covid-19 vaccinations, alongside long-term care residents and frontline healthcare workers, under plans to be considered by Cabinet on Tuesday.
The Government will consider more than a dozen different population cohorts, determined by a range of criteria, including age, employment and vulnerability to underlying conditions.
It is understood that the first priority group identified to receive the vaccine is those aged 65 and above who are resident in long-term care institutions, such as nursing homes.
Hospital Report
The second group will be frontline healthcare workers with direct patient contact, followed by the over-70s. The plan is to immunise this final category in phases beginning with those aged over 85, followed by those aged 80-84, then 75-79 year-olds, and finally those between 70-74.
READ MORE
Government sources indicated a final decision has not been made on whether the three categories will overlap, or whether one group will be immunised before the process begins with the next group.
The plan, which was drawn up by the Department of Health and the National Immunisation Advisory Council, and approved by the National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet), will be brought to Cabinet by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.
Government sources said it will be a “living document”, subject to change depending on the efficacy of different vaccines for different cohorts, and the timing of their rollout.
It comes as representative groups for frontline workers indicated their expectation that their members should be considered for priority access to the inoculation programme.
Groups representing gardaí, members of the Defence Forces, teachers and transport workers said that while they accept the elderly and vulnerable should be first in line, their members should also be considered for priority access due to their role in the State's response to the pandemic. The Irish Prison Service has requested priority access for the State's 3,800 inmates.
Daily figures
No new deaths of Covid-19 patients were reported on Monday for the second day in a row. This leaves at 2,099 the total number of Covid-related deaths. Nphet reported 242 confirmed cases of the virus, bringing to 74,468 the total number of cases in the Republic.
It comes as chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said it is "more likely than not" that Ireland will experience "challenging" levels of Covid-19 transmission in January due to increased socialisation over Christmas. It was less likely that the country will be able to avert significant levels of infections, he told the Nphet media briefing on Monday.
Asked what Nphet’s alternative was to recurrent lockdowns, Dr Holohan said officials did not want to be in a position where the only recommendation they made to Government was for tight and challenging restrictions “but if we have to do it, we will”.
Lobby groups
The Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (Raco) and PDForra, the organisation representing rank-and-file Defence Forces personnel, said their members who have been involved in swabbing should be considered at the same time as other frontline healthcare workers, as should personnel deploying overseas.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said it was not seeking preferential treatment, but its members are at the “front face” of policing the pandemic and it had raised the matter with Garda HQ. The Garda Representative Association said medical professionals would decide on priority groups but “we would expect to be a high priority among frontline workers”.
The Irish Prison Service has requested the country’s prisoners be among the priority groups to receive a vaccine ahead of its distribution to the general population.
In a letter to Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Monday, the National Bus and Rail Union also recognised that vulnerable cohorts and healthcare staff would be prioritised, but said those working in public transport “should be high on your Government’s prioritisation list for access to the vaccine”.
The Irish National Teacher’s Organisation wrote to the Taoiseach last week, saying that while it “unequivocally recognises” that vulnerable people, the elderly and healthcare workers should be first, it is “imperative” that education staff are included among essential workers prioritised for a vaccine. The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland agreed on prioritising vulnerable groups, and said it would be guided by medical advice but believed “strong consideration” must be given to those working in schools.


theirishtimes--2020-12-08--Inmates should be among first to get Covid-19 vaccine, says prison service

The Irish Prison Service has requested the country ’ s 3,800 prisoners be among the priority groups to receive a Covid-19 vaccine .
Prison staff are expected to get some sort of priority access to a vaccine as they are classified as front-line workers , but no decision has been made regarding the prisoner population .
It is understood the prison service ’ s infection control team has contacted the National Public Health Emergency Team to request prisoners be given any approved vaccine ahead of its distribution to the general population .
The infection control team cited the confined nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of immunosuppressive conditions among the inmate population , sources said .
A total of 22 prisoners have contracted the virus to date .
A prison service spokesman said the majority of these cases involved people becoming infected in the community before entering prison .
A decision on when prisoners and other vulnerable groups will receive the vaccine is expected this week .
“ Policy in relation to the order in which people should be offered vaccination is being developed as a priority in conjunction with the national experts on immunisation , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its advice to Government in this regard , ” a Department of Health spokeswoman said .
The vaccination of prisoners has not yet featured in public discussions .
It is understood healthcare workers and nursing home residents are likely to be at the top of any priority list .
Vaccinations are expected to start some time in January 2021 .
Any priority for prisoners is likely to cause some public upset as various groups lobby for access to what will initially be limited supplies .
According to a University of Oxford study , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to receive a vaccine to prevent further spread of the disease .
It said prisons could act as a “ reservoir ” for Covid-19 due to the high numbers entering and leaving facilities .
“ The prison population is generally at higher risk of complications from infection because of the increased prevalence of underlying health conditions , and the over-representation of marginalised groups that have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19 , ” it said .
Similar recommendations have been made by the American Medical Association .
“ The State has a duty to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in it , ” said Fíona Ní Chinnéide , executive director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust .
Prisoners , as well as people in other residential settings such as mental health facilities , should be among the groups given priority access , she said .
“ People in prison have no control over their environment .
Measures to prevent the spread of the virus , such as hand hygiene and physical distancing , are less effective in crowded facilities where people live , eat , and sleep in close proximity.
” A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the strict infection control methods in place in prisons including the ban on visits and cocooning for older prisoners , which Ms Ní Chinnéide compared to solitary confinement .

The Irish Prison Service has requested the country’s 3,800 prisoners be among the priority groups to receive a Covid-19 vaccine.
Prison staff are expected to get some sort of priority access to a vaccine as they are classified as front-line workers, but no decision has been made regarding the prisoner population.
It is understood the prison service’s infection control team has contacted the National Public Health Emergency Team to request prisoners be given any approved vaccine ahead of its distribution to the general population.
Hospital Report
The infection control team cited the confined nature of prison environments and the high rate of immunosuppressive conditions among the inmate population, sources said.
READ MORE
A total of 22 prisoners have contracted the virus to date. A prison service spokesman said the majority of these cases involved people becoming infected in the community before entering prison.
A decision on when prisoners and other vulnerable groups will receive the vaccine is expected this week.
"Policy in relation to the order in which people should be offered vaccination is being developed as a priority in conjunction with the national experts on immunisation, and it is expected that Nphet will shortly finalise its advice to Government in this regard," a Department of Health spokeswoman said.
The vaccination of prisoners has not yet featured in public discussions. It is understood healthcare workers and nursing home residents are likely to be at the top of any priority list.
Public upset
Vaccinations are expected to start some time in January 2021. Any priority for prisoners is likely to cause some public upset as various groups lobby for access to what will initially be limited supplies.
According to a University of Oxford study, prisoners should be among the first groups to receive a vaccine to prevent further spread of the disease. It said prisons could act as a “reservoir” for Covid-19 due to the high numbers entering and leaving facilities.
“The prison population is generally at higher risk of complications from infection because of the increased prevalence of underlying health conditions, and the over-representation of marginalised groups that have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19,” it said.
Similar recommendations have been made by the American Medical Association.
"The State has a duty to protect the life and health of everyone in it," said Fíona Ní Chinnéide, executive director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust.
Prisoners, as well as people in other residential settings such as mental health facilities, should be among the groups given priority access, she said.
“People in prison have no control over their environment. Measures to prevent the spread of the virus, such as hand hygiene and physical distancing, are less effective in crowded facilities where people live, eat, and sleep in close proximity.”
A vaccination campaign would also bring an end to the strict infection control methods in place in prisons including the ban on visits and cocooning for older prisoners, which Ms Ní Chinnéide compared to solitary confinement.


theirishtimes--2020-12-08--Irish haemophilia patients given ‘functional cure’ for condition

Three Irish people with haemophilia have been given a “ functional cure ” for the condition using ground-breaking gene therapy .
The three are among 54 patients worldwide who participated in a trial for severe haemophilia that started earlier this year .
The positive early results of the trial are being presented at the prestigious annual meeting of the American Society of Haematology on Tuesday .
Haemophilia is a group of inherited blood disorders in which there is a defect in the clotting mechanism of the blood .
Patients can be treated with a clotting factor , but this requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ provides patients with a new “ working copy ” of the genes for clotting factor protein .
Once this is administered there is no need for injections for at least 10 years .
The Irish patients were dosed last spring at St James ’ s Hospital and have been monitored closely since then , despite Covid-19 restrictions .
They received the gene therapy in a single intravenous dose to the liver and it started to produce the missing clotting factor .
One of the patients , Irish Haemophilia Society head Brian O ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cured ” .
“ I ’ ve had no side-effects and my factor IX level has stayed normal .
After living my entire life with severe haemophilia , at the moment I don ’ t have it.
” The pandemic posed a challenge because it was known some patients might have to be administered steroids to prevent liver inflammation and this could increase their risk of getting Covid-19 .
In the event , only nine out of the 54 patients , and none in Ireland , required steroid treatment .
Dr Niamh O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in St James ’ Hospital says the new therapy provides patients with a constant and lasting level of protection for the first time .
The potential of gene therapy for creating the condition had long been known but it has taken 20 years to realise , she says .
About 30 people with haemophilia B will benefit from the treatment ; new gene therapies are also being developed for haemophilia A .
In the 1980s , hundreds of Irish people with haemophilia were infected with HIV and hepatitis C are being given contaminated @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Haemophilia is a group of inherited blood disorders in which there is a defect in the clotting mechanism of the blood. Photograph: iStock
Three Irish people with haemophilia have been given a “functional cure” for the condition using ground-breaking gene therapy.
The three are among 54 patients worldwide who participated in a trial for severe haemophilia that started earlier this year.
The positive early results of the trial are being presented at the prestigious annual meeting of the American Society of Haematology on Tuesday.
Haemophilia is a group of inherited blood disorders in which there is a defect in the clotting mechanism of the blood. Patients can be treated with a clotting factor, but this requires weekly injections.
READ MORE
The new gene therapy provides patients with a new “working copy” of the genes for clotting factor protein. Once this is administered there is no need for injections for at least 10 years.
‘No side-effects’
The Irish patients were dosed last spring at St James’s Hospital and have been monitored closely since then, despite Covid-19 restrictions.
They received the gene therapy in a single intravenous dose to the liver and it started to produce the missing clotting factor.
One of the patients, Irish Haemophilia Society head Brian O'Mahony, describes himself as "functionally cured".
“I’ve had no side-effects and my factor IX level has stayed normal. After living my entire life with severe haemophilia, at the moment I don’t have it.”
The pandemic posed a challenge because it was known some patients might have to be administered steroids to prevent liver inflammation and this could increase their risk of getting Covid-19.
In the event, only nine out of the 54 patients, and none in Ireland, required steroid treatment.
Lasting protection
Dr Niamh O’Connell from the National Coagulation Centre in St James’ Hospital says the new therapy provides patients with a constant and lasting level of protection for the first time.
The potential of gene therapy for creating the condition had long been known but it has taken 20 years to realise, she says.
About 30 people with haemophilia B will benefit from the treatment; new gene therapies are also being developed for haemophilia A.
In the 1980s, hundreds of Irish people with haemophilia were infected with HIV and hepatitis C after being given contaminated blood products supplied by the State.


theirishtimes--2020-12-08--Haemophilia treatment: Successful long road to being ‘functionally cured’

Forty years after their members were infected by blood products provided by the State , the haemophilia community in Ireland is making news again for altogether better reasons .
That scandal saw hundreds of people with the condition contract the HIV and hepatitis C viruses from contaminated anti-clotting products they were administered .
More than 100 died .
Now , the community is celebrating the success of the first gene therapy to provide an “ effective cure ” for the condition .
Ironically , the treatment uses another virus to deliver the therapy intravenously to the liver of the haemophilia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new “ working copy ” of the genes for clotting factor protein .
In another irony , one of the three Irish patients who took part in a worldwide trial to test the gene therapy is Brian O ’ Mahony , long-time head of the Irish Haemophilia Society .
For years , O ’ Mahony has needed regular intravenous injections to ensure his blood clots ; twice a week until recently , when a new product pushed out the time interval to a week to 10 days .
“ Often there ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I could be just sitting at a desk and it could happen , spontaneously .
With the injections , you ’ d suffer peaks and troughs , as your levels went up and then down again and you needed a fresh jab.
” Nine months into the trial , he describes himself as “ functionally cured ” .
“ It has worked very well .
I haven ’ t had a single bleeding episode since February and I haven ’ t had an injection since then.
” Dr Niamh O ’ Connell from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Hospital says the problem with current treatments is that they require intravenous injection and their effects start wearing off immediately .
In contrast , gene therapy provides a constant and lasting level of protection .
The potential of gene therapy for curing the condition has taken 20 years to be realised , she says .
The trial uses so-called adeno-associated virus ( AAV ) to get the gene into the body .
AAV are small viruses that are not currently known to cause disease but can cause a very mild immune @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haemophilia in Ireland , 60 of whom have a deficiency in factor IX ( haemophilia B ) .
The severity of haemophilia is categorised according to the percentage of blood clotting factor the person can produce .
Severe cases produce less than 1 per cent of the normal level , moderate cases between 2 and 5 per cent and mild cases anywhere between 5 and 40 per cent .
In the trial , factor IX levels in patients rose from under 2 per cent to an average of over 37 per cent after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Although patients on the trial are functionally cured they can still pass on the genetic condition to their children , Dr O ’ Connell points out .
Referring to the “ horrendous events ” of the 1980s and 1990s , when people with haemophilia were infected with contaminated blood products , she says the new therapy shows “ good things can come from tragedies ” with services better-organised as a result of what had happened .
“ This could not have been achieved without our partnership with the patient community , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at St James ’ s and the support of the hospital over 50 years.
” “ It ’ s been a long journey , ” O ’ Mahony says of his work for the community since the tragedies of the 1980s .
“ If you ’ d told me 38 years ago I ’ d still be here , I don ’ t think I would have believed it .
”

The potential of gene therapy for curing haemophilia has taken 20 years to be realised. The trial uses so-called adeno-associated virus (AAV) to get the gene into the body.
Forty years after their members were infected by blood products provided by the State, the haemophilia community in Ireland is making news again for altogether better reasons.
That scandal saw hundreds of people with the condition contract the HIV and hepatitis C viruses from contaminated anti-clotting products they were administered. More than 100 died.
Now, the community is celebrating the success of the first gene therapy to provide an “effective cure” for the condition.
Ironically, the treatment uses another virus to deliver the therapy intravenously to the liver of the haemophilia B patient, where it provides a new “working copy” of the genes for clotting factor protein.
READ MORE
In another irony, one of the three Irish patients who took part in a worldwide trial to test the gene therapy is Brian O'Mahony, long-time head of the Irish Haemophilia Society.
For years, O’Mahony has needed regular intravenous injections to ensure his blood clots; twice a week until recently, when a new product pushed out the time interval to a week to 10 days.
“Often there’d be no cause for a bleed; I could be just sitting at a desk and it could happen, spontaneously. With the injections, you’d suffer peaks and troughs, as your levels went up and then down again and you needed a fresh jab.”
Nine months into the trial, he describes himself as “functionally cured”. “It has worked very well. I haven’t had a single bleeding episode since February and I haven’t had an injection since then.”
Dr Niamh O’Connell from the National Coagulation Centre in St James’s Hospital says the problem with current treatments is that they require intravenous injection and their effects start wearing off immediately. In contrast, gene therapy provides a constant and lasting level of protection.
The potential of gene therapy for curing the condition has taken 20 years to be realised, she says.
The trial uses so-called adeno-associated virus (AAV) to get the gene into the body. AAV are small viruses that are not currently known to cause disease but can cause a very mild immune response.
Severity levels
There are 860 people with haemophilia in Ireland, 60 of whom have a deficiency in factor IX (haemophilia B).
The severity of haemophilia is categorised according to the percentage of blood clotting factor the person can produce. Severe cases produce less than 1 per cent of the normal level, moderate cases between 2 and 5 per cent and mild cases anywhere between 5 and 40 per cent.
In the trial, factor IX levels in patients rose from under 2 per cent to an average of over 37 per cent after six weeks. Most reported no bleeding.
Although patients on the trial are functionally cured they can still pass on the genetic condition to their children, Dr O’Connell points out.
Referring to the “horrendous events” of the 1980s and 1990s, when people with haemophilia were infected with contaminated blood products, she says the new therapy shows “good things can come from tragedies” with services better-organised as a result of what had happened.
“This could not have been achieved without our partnership with the patient community, the clinical research facilities which have been developed at St James’s and the support of the hospital over 50 years.”
“It’s been a long journey,” O’Mahony says of his work for the community since the tragedies of the 1980s. “If you’d told me 38 years ago I’d still be here, I don’t think I would have believed it.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-08--I’m in my 40s and thinking of college next year. Should I apply now?

I lost my job recently after 20 years in the hospitality sector .
I never went to college and am thinking of applying to third level .
Also , my eldest daughter , who has dyslexia , is due to sit the Leaving Cert in June and hopes to go to college .
Have you any advice in terms of our applications ?
The most important action for both of you is to apply immediately to the CAO .
I give this advice to all prospective applicants , but particularly to those applying under the mature application route and those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ routes .
The Hear scheme ( Higher Education Access Route ) for example , applies to students such as your daughter who have a designated disability , while Dare ( Disability Access Route to Education ) applies to those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds .
Mature students are generally considered to be those over 23 years of age .
The CAO has already noticed an increase in early applications – up by 1,000 based on the same date last year – so it looks like people are getting organised early .
For schemes that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urging applicants to submit such documents well in advance of the published deadlines .
I offer this advice every year but it is particularly important this year given the uncertainty around future Covid-19 restrictions which may cause difficulties or delays in getting access to vital documentation to support your application .
CAO closing dates for the submission of documents are agreed with the colleges and these dates are final and can not be extended as there is a huge amount of work entailed in processing the data once it is received .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ room in the processing schedule after the closing dates , as all must be completed in time for the offer season , so the timely receipt of documentation is essential .
In the case of both mature and Dare/Hear applicants , the success of your application often depends on third parties to provide information to support the application .
For example , applicants to Dare will require their “ educational impact statement ” to be completed and signed by their schools , medical consultant reports may also be required , etc .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to obtain documents from Revenue and the Department of Social Welfare .
In the present environment , when there is still great uncertainty as to whether normal services will operate in organisations central to third-party information required for such applications post-Christmas , it would be extremely important that all applicants complete their mature , Hear and Dare applications without delay , By submitting all supporting documentation well in advance of closing dates , and as early as possible , you will have the peace of mind of knowing that the cases both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an offer under the mature and Dare schemes will be fully considered .

The most important action for mature CAO applicants is to apply immediately to ensure all your paperwork is in order. Photograph: iStock
I lost my job recently after 20 years in the hospitality sector. I never went to college and am thinking of applying to third level. Also, my eldest daughter, who has dyslexia, is due to sit the Leaving Cert in June and hopes to go to college. Have you any advice in terms of our applications?
The most important action for both of you is to apply immediately to the CAO. I give this advice to all prospective applicants, but particularly to those applying under the mature application route and those who are seeking places using special entry routes.
The Dare scheme (Disability Access Route to Education) for example, applies to students such as your daughter who have a designated disability, while Hear (Higher Education Access Route) applies to those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Mature students are generally considered to be those over 23 years of age.*
The CAO has already noticed an increase in early applications – up by 1,000 based on the same date last year – so it looks like people are getting organised early. For schemes that require supporting documentation, the CAO is urging applicants to submit such documents well in advance of the published deadlines.
READ MORE
I offer this advice every year but it is particularly important this year given the uncertainty around future Covid-19 restrictions which may cause difficulties or delays in getting access to vital documentation to support your application.
CAO closing dates for the submission of documents are agreed with the colleges and these dates are final and cannot be extended as there is a huge amount of work entailed in processing the data once it is received.
In a normal year there is very little room in the processing schedule after the closing dates, as all must be completed in time for the offer season, so the timely receipt of documentation is essential.
In the case of both mature and Dare/Hear applicants, the success of your application often depends on third parties to provide information to support the application. For example, applicants to Dare will require their “educational impact statement” to be completed and signed by their schools, medical consultant reports may also be required, etc.
For the Hear scheme, applicants may be required to obtain documents from Revenue and the Department of Social Welfare.
In the present environment, when there is still great uncertainty as to whether normal services will operate in organisations central to third-party information required for such applications post-Christmas, it would be extremely important that all applicants complete their mature, Hear and Dare applications without delay,
By submitting all supporting documentation well in advance of closing dates, and as early as possible, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that the cases both you and your daughter present to secure an offer under the mature and Dare schemes will be fully considered.
* This article was amended to correct an error which occurred during the editing process.


theirishtimes--2020-12-08--Brexit is a big risk – and an opportunity to become a global centre for learning

Brexit poses significant challenges for relationships on these islands .
But it also provides an opportunity for Ireland in higher education and research .
There has long been close collaboration in this area on these shores .
Ireland and the UK share a common quality assurance and peer-review culture and there is extensive co-operation between universities and higher education and research organisations .
There are over 10,000 students in UK universities who have Republic of Ireland home addresses ( this number has fallen a little in recent years ) while there are over 1,100 British and 1,300 Northern Irish students @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are over 2,300 Irish staff working in UK Universities .
There have been over 900 links between Irish and UK research projects under the EU Horizon 2020 research programme .
Free movement of staff and students is something from which the Republic ’ s universities benefit as well as the UK ’ s .
And cross-border flows within the island of Ireland for educational purposes are a key part of supporting a peaceful and prosperous relationship between north and south .
The Government ’ s work in ensuring that Irish students who wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be treated as they were before for fees and financial support purposes is welcome .
The challenge is there to maintain – strengthen even – the close historic relationship in education and research .
A good starting point is a recognition across the UK and Ireland that cross-border ( real and virtual ) collaboration is hugely valuable .
Joint professorships between the UK and Ireland and the establishment of a UK-Ireland Joint PhD scheme are key developments to be supported .
Moves by Science Foundation Ireland and others in promoting north-south education @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cooperation .
Networking and policy conferences held by the Royal Irish Academy , the British Irish Chamber and others will foster trust and collaboration .
Developing a University of the North-West ( honouring the legacy of John Hume ) that could partner the future Connaught Ulster Technological University with Magee and Coleraine campuses of Ulster University could be a gamechanger .
It is welcome that the Taoiseach has signalled that one key focus of the shared island initiative in his department will be on education and research .
But along with increased co-operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ talent , we also need to see the opportunities for Ireland .
Brexit allows us to attract academics currently based in the UK to come and work in an open environment that is part of the EU , and Ireland must more strongly market ourselves as an English-speaking , highly educated and welcoming island at the heart of Europe in attracting international students and staff .
While increased use of technology may now mean that students can access courses anywhere in the world , post-pandemic there will still be a strong desire to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultures .
Ireland has never fully realised the value of education as an export product but also the potential long term gains of international students having positive experiences here .
From English language schools to intense research collaboration , Ireland can position ourselves to benefit from an England that is increasingly inward-looking .
( I specify England as the future of Scotland , its approach to education and our relationship to Caledonia will need to be the subject of further consideration ) .
With Britain looking increasingly likely to withdraw from the Erasmus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much greater extent for continental students wishing to improve their English language skills by studying in an English language speaking country .
While Ireland ( in normal circumstances ) sends over 3,500 students and trainees abroad on Erasmus each year , we take in over 8,000 from continental Europe .
The UK had been a destination for nearly 32,000 Erasmus students - many could now be drawn to Ireland but we need to address how we will house them given the ongoing challenge in student accommodation .
The long term benefits to Ireland @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The UK has talked about replicating the Erasmus scheme but its own House of Lords Committee on Brexit warns how difficult this would be and even if initiated , would take years to develop fully .
Even with some ongoing current disputes about the size of the EU ’ s research budget over the next seven years , it will still be in excess of euro80 billion .
Irish higher education institutions and research agencies need to ramp up our presence in Brussels and with EU partners to ensure that we can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ researchers here .
It is still unclear , even at this late stage , as to whether the UK will pay to take part in the EU research programmes .
We need to be prepared for whatever scenario emerges .
We also need to make sure that our visa and immigration rules for talented individuals from outside the European Union are more attractive than whatever the UK may choose to offer when the Brexit transition period ends .
Ireland is in an ideal position to be the bridge between the European Union and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the world in the development and regulation of new technologies – but in addition to supporting domestic talent , we need to make it easy for international talent to base themselves here .
In the same way that EU membership allowed Ireland to escape the shadow of Britain in trade and foreign policy , Brexit presents Ireland with the opportunity to present ourselves as the global centre for learning and research .
Senator Malcolm Byrne is the Seanad Spokesperson on Further & Higher Education , Research , Innovation & Science

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has signalled that one key focus of the shared island initiative in his department will be on education and research. Photograph: Julien Behal
Brexit poses significant challenges for relationships on these islands. But it also provides an opportunity for Ireland in higher education and research.
There has long been close collaboration in this area on these shores. Ireland and the UK share a common quality assurance and peer-review culture and there is extensive co-operation between universities and higher education and research organisations. There are over 10,000 students in UK universities who have Republic of Ireland home addresses (this number has fallen a little in recent years) while there are over 1,100 British and 1,300 Northern Irish students studying full time in Ireland. There are over 2,300 Irish staff working in UK Universities. There have been over 900 links between Irish and UK research projects under the EU Horizon 2020 research programme.
The challenge is there to maintain – strengthen even – the close historic relationship in education and research
Free movement of staff and students is something from which the Republic’s universities benefit as well as the UK’s. And cross-border flows within the island of Ireland for educational purposes are a key part of supporting a peaceful and prosperous relationship between north and south. The Government’s work in ensuring that Irish students who wish to study in the UK and vice-versa will be treated as they were before for fees and financial support purposes is welcome.
The challenge is there to maintain – strengthen even – the close historic relationship in education and research. A good starting point is a recognition across the UK and Ireland that cross-border (real and virtual) collaboration is hugely valuable. Joint professorships between the UK and Ireland and the establishment of a UK-Ireland Joint PhD scheme are key developments to be supported.
READ MORE
Moves by Science Foundation Ireland and others in promoting north-south education research centres will be invaluable to research cooperation. Networking and policy conferences held by the Royal Irish Academy, the British Irish Chamber and others will foster trust and collaboration.
Brexit allows us to attract academics currently based in the UK to come and work in an open environment that is part of the EU
Developing a University of the North-West (honouring the legacy of John Hume) that could partner the future Connaught Ulster Technological University with Magee and Coleraine campuses of Ulster University could be a gamechanger. It is welcome that the Taoiseach has signalled that one key focus of the shared island initiative in his department will be on education and research.
But along with increased co-operation, in the twenty-first century battle for talent, we also need to see the opportunities for Ireland.
Brexit allows us to attract academics currently based in the UK to come and work in an open environment that is part of the EU, and Ireland must more strongly market ourselves as an English-speaking, highly educated and welcoming island at the heart of Europe in attracting international students and staff.
While increased use of technology may now mean that students can access courses anywhere in the world, post-pandemic there will still be a strong desire to travel to learn and to experience other cultures.
Ireland has never fully realised the value of education as an export product but also the potential long term gains of international students having positive experiences here. From English language schools to intense research collaboration, Ireland can position ourselves to benefit from an England that is increasingly inward-looking. (I specify England as the future of Scotland, its approach to education and our relationship to Caledonia will need to be the subject of further consideration).
With Britain looking increasingly likely to withdraw from the Erasmus programme, Ireland will feature to a much greater extent for continental students wishing to improve their English language skills by studying in an English language speaking country. While Ireland (in normal circumstances) sends over 3,500 students and trainees abroad on Erasmus each year, we take in over 8,000 from continental Europe. The UK had been a destination for nearly 32,000 Erasmus students - many could now be drawn to Ireland but we need to address how we will house them given the ongoing challenge in student accommodation. The long term benefits to Ireland of fostering such links could be immense.
The UK has talked about replicating the Erasmus scheme but its own House of Lords Committee on Brexit warns how difficult this would be and even if initiated, would take years to develop fully.
Even with some ongoing current disputes about the size of the EU's research budget over the next seven years, it will still be in excess of euro80 billion. Irish higher education institutions and research agencies need to ramp up our presence in Brussels and with EU partners to ensure that we can target resourcing of major research projects and researchers here. It is still unclear, even at this late stage, as to whether the UK will pay to take part in the EU research programmes. We need to be prepared for whatever scenario emerges.
We also need to make sure that our visa and immigration rules for talented individuals from outside the European Union are more attractive than whatever the UK may choose to offer when the Brexit transition period ends. Ireland is in an ideal position to be the bridge between the European Union and the United States and the rest of the world in the development and regulation of new technologies – but in addition to supporting domestic talent, we need to make it easy for international talent to base themselves here.
In the same way that EU membership allowed Ireland to escape the shadow of Britain in trade and foreign policy, Brexit presents Ireland with the opportunity to present ourselves as the global centre for learning and research.
Senator Malcolm Byrne is the Seanad Spokesperson on Further & Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science


theirishtimes--2020-12-07--Cold snap: temperatures to fall to -2 degrees overnight

Temperatures are expected to drop to -2 degrees in the first half of this week , with Met Éireann forecasting widespread frost and icy patches throughout the country .
The national forecaster said there were would be scattered showers over the north and west of the country on Monday night , with some isolated showers extending inland .
These showers may become wintry over higher ground , it said .
Lows of -2 to 2 degrees with a widespread frost , and some icy patches are predicted , with the weather becoming less cold by morning .
Tuesday is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the northeast of the country by the morning .
There will be sunny spells and scattered showers elsewhere .
Overnight , rain will continue to affect parts of Ulster but it will be mainly dry elsewhere with clear spells .
Cloud will thicken in the west towards dawn .
Temperatures will be between -2 to 3 degrees , with the east of the country being the coldest .
Patches of frost are expected .
Wednesday will be warmer , with dry weather forecast for much of the country in the morning .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evening , there will be countrywide rain , which will turn heavy at times .
Light easterly winds will back southeasterly and freshen ahead of the rain .
Highest temperatures will be between 5 to 9 degrees .
Outbreaks of rain will linger in Ulster and Leinster overnight , with clearer conditions and scattered showers elsewhere .
Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees and light breezes are expected .
Thursday will have a cloudy and largely dry start to the day , with light westerly winds .
Later that day another spell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at times , will come from the west .
On Thursday night there will be outbreaks of rain that are heavy at first but turn patchy later .
Lows of 4 to 6 degrees in moderate southeasterly breezes .
The outlook for next weekend is for conditions to remain unsettled with rain at times .

Temperatures are expected to drop to -2 degrees in the first half of this week, with Met Éireann forecasting widespread frost and icy patches throughout the country.
The national forecaster said there were would be scattered showers over the north and west of the country on Monday night, with some isolated showers extending inland. These showers may become wintry over higher ground, it said.
Lows of -2 to 2 degrees with a widespread frost, and some icy patches are predicted, with the weather becoming less cold by morning.
Tuesday is expected to be blustery with patchy rain in the northeast of the country by the morning. There will be sunny spells and scattered showers elsewhere.
READ MORE
Overnight, rain will continue to affect parts of Ulster but it will be mainly dry elsewhere with clear spells. Cloud will thicken in the west towards dawn.
Temperatures will be between -2 to 3 degrees, with the east of the country being the coldest. Patches of frost are expected.
Wednesday will be warmer, with dry weather forecast for much of the country in the morning.
However, by the afternoon and into the evening, there will be countrywide rain, which will turn heavy at times.
Light easterly winds will back southeasterly and freshen ahead of the rain. Highest temperatures will be between 5 to 9 degrees.
Outbreaks of rain will linger in Ulster and Leinster overnight, with clearer conditions and scattered showers elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of 1 to 5 degrees and light breezes are expected.
Thursday will have a cloudy and largely dry start to the day, with light westerly winds. Later that day another spell of rain, which will be heavy at times, will come from the west.
On Thursday night there will be outbreaks of rain that are heavy at first but turn patchy later. Lows of 4 to 6 degrees in moderate southeasterly breezes.
The outlook for next weekend is for conditions to remain unsettled with rain at times.


theirishtimes--2020-12-07--Irish students hook up with International Space Station

Twenty quick-fire questions from students at Athlone Community College delivered live to the International Space Station ( ISS ) on Monday provided a brilliant indication of mundane life aboard and a graphic indication of the state of planet Earth .
The students had just a few minutes to put their school on the astronomical map as they made contact directly with the ISS as it passed overhead at a speed of 27,600km/h .
The opportunity was made possible by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station ( Ariss ) programme .
And US astronaut Shannon Walker on board responded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interviewers by name .
So what you do when you have an itchy nose while dressed in your space suit ?
“ There ’ s not a darn thing you can do about it.
” Is there indication of how climate change is affecting the planet ?
“ The evidence is very clear ” in the form of disappearing glaciers visible from space .
Best place on board ?
Where you can sit and observe Earth .
The most surprising thing ?
“ How thin our atmosphere [ around the planet ] is.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ isn ’ t much – bar a chance to call her husband just before going to bed , she explains .
Daily exercise to counter muscle weakness involves using a treadmill , gym bike or movement equivalent to lifting weights .
The one thing Walker will miss when she returns to terra firma is “ floating around everywhere we go ” , while the hardest part of becoming a member of the ISS crew was learning the Russian language and how to walk in space .
A total of 300 questions were submitted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixed secondary school .
But the inquiries were distilled for brevity , confirmed Laura Donnellan , science teacher and co-ordinator of the event which was a year in planning .
“ The whole school community were delighted by this once in a lifetime opportunity that both staff and students will not forget , ” she said afterwards .
“ It is a massive opportunity for the students to see the possibilities and opportunities life has to offer and for all of us to see just how far technology has come , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the live event , the school has been delivering engaging , fun-filled and educational events to prepare students and awaken a deeper interest in space and space travel , she said .
“ Students got inspired to ‘ aim for the moon , even if you miss you will land among the stars ’ .
” To carry out this real-time Earth-to-space radio contact – which uses amateur radio equipment to beam a line-of-sight signal to the ISS – the school established a temporary amateur radio station .
This included a tracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to speak directly with Walker as she took a break from her duties and experiments on fibre optics .
The station was operated by Irish members of Ariss Europe with support from the local Shannon Basin Radio Club .
The school was a stand-out choice due to its inspirational science education methodologies that promote hands-on , inquiry-based , collaborative and student-centred learning , according to Ariss national co-ordinator Séamus McCague .
Four Irish schools have participated in the programme over the past 20 years .
The ISS was tracked via satellite crossing central @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He made initial contact ; heightening the sense of drama initially when noting there was only a “ weak but readable ” signal .
But it sooner became stronger .
Earlier , he explained , it was “ not like tuning into Midlands 103 ” radio station .
The team had to take into account “ dopler shift ” – the change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source .
Ariss is a global voluntary group that has created a programme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a channel for further educating schools across the world on the work of the international space programme , life aboard the space station and expeditions which astronauts are undertaking as well as appreciation of the importance of amateur radio in society .

Earth to space station: students from Athlone Community College have been engaging in in fun-filled and educational events to cultivate an interest in space and space travel.
Twenty quick-fire questions from students at Athlone Community College delivered live to the International Space Station (ISS) on Monday provided a brilliant indication of mundane life aboard and a graphic indication of the state of planet Earth.
The students had just a few minutes to put their school on the astronomical map as they made contact directly with the ISS as it passed overhead at a speed of 27,600km/h .
The opportunity was made possible by the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (Ariss) programme. And US astronaut Shannon Walker on board responded equally quickly, acknowledging each of her interviewers by name.
So what you do when you have an itchy nose while dressed in your space suit? “There’s not a darn thing you can do about it.”
READ MORE
Is there indication of how climate change is affecting the planet? “The evidence is very clear” in the form of disappearing glaciers visible from space.
Best place on board? Where you can sit and observe Earth.
The most surprising thing? “How thin our atmosphere [around the planet] is.”
As for spare time, there isn’t much – bar a chance to call her husband just before going to bed, she explains. Daily exercise to counter muscle weakness involves using a treadmill, gym bike or movement equivalent to lifting weights.
The one thing Walker will miss when she returns to terra firma is “floating around everywhere we go”, while the hardest part of becoming a member of the ISS crew was learning the Russian language and how to walk in space.
A total of 300 questions were submitted by students at the more than 1,200-strong mixed secondary school. But the inquiries were distilled for brevity, confirmed Laura Donnellan, science teacher and co-ordinator of the event which was a year in planning.
“The whole school community were delighted by this once in a lifetime opportunity that both staff and students will not forget,” she said afterwards.
“It is a massive opportunity for the students to see the possibilities and opportunities life has to offer and for all of us to see just how far technology has come,” she added.
An Athlone Community College pupil rehearses the interview with US astronaunt Shannon Walker who fielded questions aboard the International Space Station.
Students are inspired to ‘aim for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars’.
In the months building up to the live event, the school has been delivering engaging, fun-filled and educational events to prepare students and awaken a deeper interest in space and space travel, she said. “Students got inspired to ‘aim for the moon, even if you miss you will land among the stars’.”
To carry out this real-time Earth-to-space radio contact – which uses amateur radio equipment to beam a line-of-sight signal to the ISS – the school established a temporary amateur radio station. This included a tracking antenna and two-way system which allowed students to speak directly with Walker as she took a break from her duties and experiments on fibre optics.
The station was operated by Irish members of Ariss Europe with support from the local Shannon Basin Radio Club.
Tracking via satellite
The school was a stand-out choice due to its inspirational science education methodologies that promote hands-on, inquiry-based, collaborative and student-centred learning, according to Ariss national co-ordinator Séamus McCague. Four Irish schools have participated in the programme over the past 20 years.
The ISS was tracked via satellite crossing central America and heading out into the Atlantic. He made initial contact; heightening the sense of drama initially when noting there was only a “weak but readable” signal. But it sooner became stronger.
Earlier, he explained, it was “not like tuning into Midlands 103” radio station. The team had to take into account “dopler shift” – the change in frequency of a wave in relation to an observer who is moving relative to the wave source.
Ariss is a global voluntary group that has created a programme for utilising radio equipment aboard the ISS as a channel for further educating schools across the world on the work of the international space programme, life aboard the space station and expeditions which astronauts are undertaking as well as appreciation of the importance of amateur radio in society.


theirishtimes--2020-12-07--Trevor Deely: 'He's the baby of our family and we've spent 20 years doing all we can to find him'

Family and friends of Trevor Deely gathered on Monday night near the spot he was last seen to renew an appeal for information on his disappearance .
Mr Deely was last seen 20 years ago on December 8th , 2000 after he spent the evening in Dublin city centre with his Bank of Ireland colleagues following a Christmas party .
Despite 20 years of Garda investigations and multiple false leads , his family still do not know what happened to the 22-year-old .
Marking the two decades since his disappearance , Garda issued a fresh appeal for information , particularly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CCTV walking behind Mr Deely before he went missing .
“ We ’ re entirely reliant on the public .
We ’ re entirely reliant on that person or persons who knows what happened to Trevor and where he is .
That ’ s all we ’ re interested in , where he is .
It ’ s not even what happened .
It ’ s where he is , ” Trevor ’ s sister Michelle said on Monday .
On Monday evening , Ms Deely gathered with friends and family of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street Bridge – the spot where Mr Deely was last seen on CCTV .
Supporters stood in the rain , carrying posters appealing for information on his disappearance .
The continuing investigation is being led by gardaí at Pearse Street station .
“ After spending the night socialising in Dublin city without incident 22-year-old Trevor Deely was last seen on CCTV passing the Bank of Ireland ATM on Haddington Road , at approximately 4.14am on the 8th December 2000 , ” Insp Katherina Joyce said .
“ Our investigation continues to focus on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man dressed in dark / black clothing pictured in CCTV footage talking to Trevor at a gate on Wilton Terrace at the rear entrance to Trevor ’ s work place .
“ We believe the same man can later be seen walking a short distance behind Trevor in CCTV footage at the Bank of Ireland ATM on Haddington Road , he has never been identified .
“ This was the last known sighting of Trevor Deely and we believe the man pictured in this CCTV may have vital information that help us to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this man or anyone who can identify him to come forward .
New missing posters have been put up around the Haddington Road area in the hope of stirring people ’ s memories of the night Mr Deely went missing .
“ He is the baby of our family and we have spent the last two decades doing all we can to find him .
But we are still stuck in the same place of not knowing anything beyond his last confirmed sighting at the top of Haddington Road , ” Michelle said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ search operation was launched in the Chapelizod area after a tip-off to gardaí .
No human remains were found at the site .
A handgun was located but it is not believed to be linked to the Deely case .
The search was halted two months later .
“ It ’ s very difficult to me , the whole mystery surrounding his disappearance , ” Trevor ’ s father Michael said .
“ You ’ re wondering about this and wondering about that .
You just can never get away from it no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or walk out the town of Naas .
It ’ s the same thing , there ’ s always something to remind you of Trevor.
” A reward of €100,000 from Crimestoppers is still available to anyone who comes forward with information leading to the location of Mr Deely or significantly progressing the case .
Anyone with any information can contact any Garda station , the confidential line on 1800 666111 , or Crimecall on 1800 405060 .

Friends and family gathered at Baggot Street Bridge, Dublin, on Monday to mark the 20th anniversary of Trevor Deely’s disappearance. Photograph: Collins Photos
Family and friends of Trevor Deely gathered on Monday night near the spot he was last seen to renew an appeal for information on his disappearance.
Mr Deely was last seen 20 years ago on December 8th, 2000 after he spent the evening in Dublin city centre with his Bank of Ireland colleagues following a Christmas party.
Despite 20 years of Garda investigations and multiple false leads, his family still do not know what happened to the 22-year-old.
Marking the two decades since his disappearance, Garda issued a fresh appeal for information, particularly for information on a man seen on CCTV walking behind Mr Deely before he went missing.
READ MORE
“We’re entirely reliant on the public. We’re entirely reliant on that person or persons who knows what happened to Trevor and where he is. That’s all we’re interested in, where he is. It’s not even what happened. It’s where he is,” Trevor’s sister Michelle said on Monday.
On Monday evening, Ms Deely gathered with friends and family of her brother on Haddington Road, near Baggot Street Bridge – the spot where Mr Deely was last seen on CCTV. Supporters stood in the rain, carrying posters appealing for information on his disappearance.
The continuing investigation is being led by gardaí at Pearse Street station.
"After spending the night socialising in Dublin city without incident 22-year-old Trevor Deely was last seen on CCTV passing the Bank of Ireland ATM on Haddington Road, at approximately 4.14am on the 8th December 2000," Insp Katherina Joyce said.
"Our investigation continues to focus on trying to establish the identity of a man dressed in dark / black clothing pictured in CCTV footage talking to Trevor at a gate on Wilton Terrace at the rear entrance to Trevor's work place.
“We believe the same man can later be seen walking a short distance behind Trevor in CCTV footage at the Bank of Ireland ATM on Haddington Road, he has never been identified.
“This was the last known sighting of Trevor Deely and we believe the man pictured in this CCTV may have vital information that help us to solve this case. We would ask this man or anyone who can identify him to come forward.
New missing posters have been put up around the Haddington Road area in the hope of stirring people’s memories of the night Mr Deely went missing.
“He is the baby of our family and we have spent the last two decades doing all we can to find him. But we are still stuck in the same place of not knowing anything beyond his last confirmed sighting at the top of Haddington Road,” Michelle said.
Three years ago a large-scale Garda search operation was launched in the Chapelizod area after a tip-off to gardaí. No human remains were found at the site. A handgun was located but it is not believed to be linked to the Deely case. The search was halted two months later.
“It’s very difficult to me, the whole mystery surrounding his disappearance,” Trevor’s father Michael said. “You’re wondering about this and wondering about that. You just can never get away from it no matter if I drive down the country or walk out the town of Naas. It’s the same thing, there’s always something to remind you of Trevor.”
A reward of €100,000 from Crimestoppers is still available to anyone who comes forward with information leading to the location of Mr Deely or significantly progressing the case.
Anyone with any information can contact any Garda station, the confidential line on 1800 666111, or Crimecall on 1800 405060.


theirishtimes--2020-12-07--NUJ holds protests over threats to reporters in Northern Ireland

The National Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) staged socially distanced protests in Belfast and Derry on Monday in support of reporters who recently came under paramilitary threat .
Members of the NUJ held a lunchtime demonstration at Writer ’ s Square in the Cathedral Quarter of central Belfast before walking together to the steps of St Anne ’ s Cathedral , where they stood for a minute ’ s silence in memory of murdered colleagues , Lyra McKee and Martin O ’ Hagan .
At the same time , members of the NUJ in Derry and the north-west mounted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Derry .
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions much of the journalistic protest and commentary took place online .
They were also protesting over threats made against Northern Ireland journalists this year .
These included Ulster Defence Association ( UDA ) threats against two journalists working for the Sunday World in Belfast and a loyalist paramilitary threat against a journalist working for the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life newspapers .
They also cited the threats against Sunday World journalist Patricia Devlin .
In October she lodged a complaint to the North ’ s Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ failure to investigate a threat to rape her baby son .
In September this year the NUJ accused the British and Irish governments of turning a blind eye to the failure of the PSNI to secure a conviction for the murder of Sunday World journalist and NUJ member Martin O ’ Hagan .
He was shot by the Loyalist Volunteer Force in Lurgan , Co Armagh in September 2001 .
Lyra McKee was murdered by the New IRA in Derry in April last year .
The Irish secretary of the NUJ Seamus Dooley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under threat .
“ Threats are occurring nearly every week in Northern Ireland .
Women journalists in particular are being targeted with vile and misogynist abuse , ” he said .
“ Threats should never be accepted as part of the job of a journalist or any other worker .
Intimidation , harassment and online abuse should not be normalised , ” he added .

Kathy Johnson, equality officer of NUJ Belfast & District Branch, with Brian Pelan, secretary of NUJ Belfast & District Branch, Anton McCabe, NUJ NEC job-share, and Robin Wilson, chair of NUJ Belfast & District Branch, at a protest in Belfast in support of threatened NUJ colleagues. Photograph: Kevin Cooper, Photoline
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) staged socially distanced protests in Belfast and Derry on Monday in support of reporters who recently came under paramilitary threat.
Members of the NUJ held a lunchtime demonstration at Writer’s Square in the Cathedral Quarter of central Belfast before walking together to the steps of St Anne’s Cathedral, where they stood for a minute’s silence in memory of murdered colleagues, Lyra McKee and Martin O’Hagan.
At the same time, members of the NUJ in Derry and the north-west mounted a similar protest at the Guildhall in Derry. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions much of the journalistic protest and commentary took place online.
They were also protesting over threats made against Northern Ireland journalists this year. These included Ulster Defence Association (UDA) threats against two journalists working for the Sunday World in Belfast and a loyalist paramilitary threat against a journalist working for the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life newspapers.
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They also cited the threats against Sunday World journalist Patricia Devlin. In October she lodged a complaint to the North's Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson over an alleged PSNI failure to investigate a threat to rape her baby son.
In September this year the NUJ accused the British and Irish governments of turning a blind eye to the failure of the PSNI to secure a conviction for the murder of Sunday World journalist and NUJ member Martin O'Hagan. He was shot by the Loyalist Volunteer Force in Lurgan, Co Armagh in September 2001.
Lyra McKee was murdered by the New IRA in Derry in April last year.
The Irish secretary of the NUJ Seamus Dooley said journalists must publicly stand with those under threat. "Threats are occurring nearly every week in Northern Ireland. Women journalists in particular are being targeted with vile and misogynist abuse," he said.
“Threats should never be accepted as part of the job of a journalist or any other worker. Intimidation, harassment and online abuse should not be normalised,” he added.


theirishtimes--2020-12-07--Court Service faces ‘significant challenges’ over venues for jury trials amid pandemic

The Courts Service has said it is facing “ very significant challenges resuming and operating jury trials ” within the parameters of current health guidance .
It is not possible to run jury trials in every court venue which was in use for such work up to February this year .
Some 12 provincial venues nationwide have been deemed suitable with enough safe capacity for jurors and others in circuit court trials , it said .
The statement has come in response to growing unease in Co Kerry that justice is being delayed .
No courthouse in Co Kerry has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considered inadequate to be able to host trials in the rundown courthouse in Tralee this term .
Instead , some 23 Co Kerry trials have been run in the new complex in Limerick .
Witnesses as well as legal teams have to travel to and from Limerick , a two- or three-hour journey .
It is highly unlikely there will be any criminal court trials in Co Kerry next term , it has emerged .
Killarney solicitor Padraig O ’ Connell said the prospect of no Kerry trials next term was “ utterly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been on remand and in custody since last March , awaiting trial , and have been unable to receive family visits because of Covid-19 restrictions .
Meanwhile , thousands of summons have also backed up in the district courts in Co Kerry where space is hugely curtailed because of the pandemic .

Jury facilities were considered inadequate to be able to host trials in the rundown courthouse in Tralee this term. Above, Ashe Street from Tralee courthouse, Co Kerry. Photograph: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus
The Courts Service has said it is facing “very significant challenges resuming and operating jury trials” within the parameters of current health guidance.
It is not possible to run jury trials in every court venue which was in use for such work up to February this year. Some 12 provincial venues nationwide have been deemed suitable with enough safe capacity for jurors and others in circuit court trials, it said.
The statement has come in response to growing unease in Co Kerry that justice is being delayed.
No courthouse in Co Kerry has video link facilities and jury facilities were considered inadequate to be able to host trials in the rundown courthouse in Tralee this term. Instead, some 23 Co Kerry trials have been run in the new complex in Limerick.
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Witnesses as well as legal teams have to travel to and from Limerick, a two- or three-hour journey.
It is highly unlikely there will be any criminal court trials in Co Kerry next term, it has emerged.
Killarney solicitor Padraig O’Connell said the prospect of no Kerry trials next term was “utterly unacceptable.” A number of people have been on remand and in custody since last March, awaiting trial, and have been unable to receive family visits because of Covid-19 restrictions.
Meanwhile, thousands of summons have also backed up in the district courts in Co Kerry where space is hugely curtailed because of the pandemic.


theirishtimes--2020-12-07--Nursing home visits: ‘We have come through a troubled time’

Families across the country are rejoicing at being able to visit their loved ones in nursing homes after the easing of restrictions .
New health guidance rules that came into effect on Monday will permit one visit to nursing home residents per week by one person under the Government ’ s Level 3 restrictions currently in place .
In Co Roscommon , Lynda Ryan ’ s 87-year-old father Peter is a fanatic West Ham supporter so getting Sky Sports into his room in the Plunkett Home in Boyle was one way of easing lockdown loneliness .
But Peter who spent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smiling broadly as he was wheeled to the visitors room in the community nursing unit at the appointed time of 3pm where Lynda , togged out in a disposable bib and face mask , was waiting for him .
It was a relief to the pair from nearly Ballinameen that on this frosty December afternoon there was no waving through windows , and no shouting to pass on the family news .
Her father moved into the community nursing unit , following a hip injury last March .
But he was given a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visitors to at least wave in to keep his spirits up .
“ We got Sky Sport for him because he is West Ham fan all his life .
The window visits were hard because of his hearing , and the masks don ’ t help , ” said Lynda .
Like relatives and neighbours of all 28 residents , she got a phonecall from director of nursing Dr Mary Butler last week asking when it suited her to visit .
“ There is a great sense of anticipation today and a sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly normal , ” said Dr Butler .
“ We feel we have come through a troubled time and we are into the light.
” Staff at the nursing home made sure residents had 24-hour access to a mobile phone and a tablet for FaceTime calls to counter loneliness since face-to-face visits were banned but it has been a tough few months for many .
Seamus Beirne ( 91 ) from Lodge near Carrick on Shannon has lived in the home for 21 years .
A bachelor who loves to chat with neighbours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed people coming and going , but he also misses the camaraderie of the dining room at meal times .
“ I am at a table on my own now , ” he said .
“ We have to be separated even in the dining room .
But it is great that we have all escaped the virus so far and now they are talking about a vaccine so we won ’ t be as worried.
” Paddy Horan ( 87 ) , from Brougher near Keash , had a visit on Monday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was in upbeat mood and wasn ’ t even thinking about the vaccine .
“ I think the heavy frost will kill the virus , ” he said .
“ If it doesn ’ t , nothing will.
” Ms Snee said the atmosphere in the nursing home changed overnight once visitors were allowed back in .
“ It ’ s nice for them to have visitors and not to be shouting out the window .
”

Families across the country are rejoicing at being able to visit their loved ones in nursing homes after the easing of restrictions .
New health guidance rules that came into effect on Monday will permit one visit to nursing home residents per week by one person under the Government’s Level 3 restrictions currently in place.
In Co Roscommon, Lynda Ryan’s 87-year-old father Peter is a fanatic West Ham supporter so getting Sky Sports into his room in the Plunkett Home in Boyle was one way of easing lockdown loneliness.
But Peter who spent most of his life in London was smiling broadly as he was wheeled to the visitors room in the community nursing unit at the appointed time of 3pm where Lynda, togged out in a disposable bib and face mask, was waiting for him.
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It was a relief to the pair from nearly Ballinameen that on this frosty December afternoon there was no waving through windows, and no shouting to pass on the family news.
Window visits
Her father moved into the community nursing unit, following a hip injury last March. But he was given a room with an accessible window which allowed visitors to at least wave in to keep his spirits up.
“We got Sky Sport for him because he is West Ham fan all his life. The window visits were hard because of his hearing, and the masks don’t help,” said Lynda.
Like relatives and neighbours of all 28 residents, she got a phonecall from director of nursing Dr Mary Butler last week asking when it suited her to visit.
“There is a great sense of anticipation today and a sense of things returning to normal, or slightly normal,” said Dr Butler. “We feel we have come through a troubled time and we are into the light.”
Staff at the nursing home made sure residents had 24-hour access to a mobile phone and a tablet for FaceTime calls to counter loneliness since face-to-face visits were banned but it has been a tough few months for many.
Meal times
Seamus Beirne (91) from Lodge near Carrick on Shannon has lived in the home for 21 years . A bachelor who loves to chat with neighbours when they pop in, he has missed people coming and going, but he also misses the camaraderie of the dining room at meal times.
“I am at a table on my own now,” he said. “We have to be separated even in the dining room. But it is great that we have all escaped the virus so far and now they are talking about a vaccine so we won’t be as worried.”
Paddy Horan (87), from Brougher near Keash, had a visit on Monday from his neighbour, Noreen Snee. He was in upbeat mood and wasn't even thinking about the vaccine. "I think the heavy frost will kill the virus," he said. "If it doesn't, nothing will."
Ms Snee said the atmosphere in the nursing home changed overnight once visitors were allowed back in. “It’s nice for them to have visitors and not to be shouting out the window.”


theirishtimes--2020-12-07--‘Miracle Man’ rescued by RNLI urges festive donations

A swimmer saved off the Waterford coast earlier this year has urged people to support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution ( RNLI ) charity in its Christmas appeal .
The RNLI is trying to raise cash after being forced to cancel fundraising events because of the Covid 19 pandemic .
Michael Power ( 55 ) from Tramore was swimming at the Guillamene swimming cove on the western side of Tramore Bay last January when he got caught in a strong rip current .
“ I ’ m a regular swimmer but I became aware that I was not moving even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got caught in a rip current and although I tried to get to safety .
I began to lose energy .
.
.
I later discovered I had developed hypothermia and slipped into a coma , ” he said .
Fortunately for Mr Power , there were several people in the area and they raised the alarm .
Tramore RNLI Inshore Lifeboat , crewed by brothers David and Fergal McGrath and Alec Fitzmaurice , raced to the scene and rescued Mr Power .
The crew found Mr Power face down in the water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aboard their inshore boat and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation on him as they returned to port , from where he was transferred to University Hospital Waterford in Ardkeen .
His family were at his bedside as doctors feared the worst , but after spending a day in a coma he regained consciousness the following day and has made a full recovery .
“ I am so grateful to my rescuers .
.
.
I am known as the miracle man around here now .
The doctors told me that I should not have survived @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my life .
So , this is my way of saying , ‘ thank you ’ by urging people to donate to the RNLI this Christmas .
Mr Power returned recently to Tramore RNLI Lifeboat Station where he met his rescuers and they filled him in on details of the rescue before presenting him with a personal memento of the day .
“ When I visited the lifeboat station they presented me with my swimming cap and goggles that they had kept , unsure if I would survive but unwilling to dispose of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moment and I have plans to frame them as a reminder of that day that I can ’ t even remember .
“ I know there are so many families out there who have reason to be grateful to the RNLI and mine certainly have .
The RNLI are tremendous people and I would urge everyone to support them in whatever way they can with donations in the run up to Christmas.
” RNLI Ireland spokeswoman Niamh Stevenson said they have launched their Christmas appeal this year as so many traditional community fundraising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days and sea swims have had to be cancelled due to pandemic restrictions .
“ This year the charity has spent funds on PPE [ personal protection equipment ] , including face masks , gloves and thousands of litres of hand sanitiser .
This is money the charity hadn ’ t budgeted for but needed to be spent to keep our lifesavers and the public protected during the coronavirus crisis , ” she said .
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the RNLI ’ s Christmas Appeal can do so by visiting @ @

A swimmer saved off the Waterford coast earlier this year has urged people to support the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) charity in its Christmas appeal.
The RNLI is trying to raise cash after being forced to cancel fundraising events because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Michael Power (55) from Tramore was swimming at the Guillamene swimming cove on the western side of Tramore Bay last January when he got caught in a strong rip current.
“I’m a regular swimmer but I became aware that I was not moving even after increasing my strokes. I had got caught in a rip current and although I tried to get to safety. I began to lose energy . . . I later discovered I had developed hypothermia and slipped into a coma,” he said.
Fortunately for Mr Power, there were several people in the area and they raised the alarm. Tramore RNLI Inshore Lifeboat, crewed by brothers David and Fergal McGrath and Alec Fitzmaurice, raced to the scene and rescued Mr Power.
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The crew found Mr Power face down in the water and unresponsive. But they got him aboard their inshore boat and started cardiopulmonary resuscitation on him as they returned to port, from where he was transferred to University Hospital Waterford in Ardkeen.
Michael Power with Tramore RNLI Inshore Lifeboat crew David and Fergal McGrath and Alec Fitzmaurice. Photograph: Patrick Browne
Michael Power was swimming off the Tramore Coast when caught by a rip tide. He was rescued by the three RNLI volunteers
His family were at his bedside as doctors feared the worst, but after spending a day in a coma he regained consciousness the following day and has made a full recovery.
"I am so grateful to my rescuers . . . I am known as the miracle man around here now. The doctors told me that I should not have survived and that the lifeboat crew undoubtedly saved my life. So, this is my way of saying, 'thank you' by urging people to donate to the RNLI this Christmas.
Emotional day
Mr Power returned recently to Tramore RNLI Lifeboat Station where he met his rescuers and they filled him in on details of the rescue before presenting him with a personal memento of the day.
“When I visited the lifeboat station they presented me with my swimming cap and goggles that they had kept, unsure if I would survive but unwilling to dispose of them. It was an extremely emotional moment and I have plans to frame them as a reminder of that day that I can’t even remember.
“I know there are so many families out there who have reason to be grateful to the RNLI and mine certainly have. The RNLI are tremendous people and I would urge everyone to support them in whatever way they can with donations in the run up to Christmas.”
RNLI Ireland spokeswoman Niamh Stephenson said they have launched their Christmas appeal this year as so many traditional community fundraising events such as raft races, open days and sea swims have had to be cancelled due to pandemic restrictions.
“This year the charity has spent funds on PPE [personal protection equipment], including face masks, gloves and thousands of litres of hand sanitiser. This is money the charity hadn’t budgeted for but needed to be spent to keep our lifesavers and the public protected during the coronavirus crisis,” she said.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the RNLI's Christmas Appeal can do so by visiting: RNLI.org/Xmas


theirishtimes--2020-12-07--Two men seek to have murder convictions overturned

Two men are seeking to have their convictions for the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly overturned in a five-day hearing before the Court of Appeal .
Sharif Kelly ’ s legal team on Monday submitted that the evidence given by former murder accused-turned State witness David Cullen to the Special Criminal Court was not capable of being relied on .
Mr Butterly ( 35 ) , was chased and shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn , Gormanston , Co Meath in view of students waiting for their school bus on the afternoon of March 6th , 2013 .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his neck and upper back .
In March 2017 Edward McGrath ( 38 ) , of Land Dale Lawns , Springfield , Tallaght and Sharif Kelly ( 50 ) , the getaway driver of Pinewood Green Road , Balbriggan , were convicted by the Special Criminal Court of murdering Mr Butterly .
It was their second trial , with the first trial having collapsed in January 2015 after 55 days .
McGrath was also found guilty of firearms offences .
David Cullen was originally charged with the murder of Peter Butterly , from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 , Cullen pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting .
His plea was accepted by the DPP and a nolle prosequi – a decision not to proceed – was entered on the count of murder and he turned State ’ s witness .
Cullen was sentenced to seven years in prison , with three and a half years suspended , for possession of the firearm in July 2014 .
Cullen gave evidence for four and a half days during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ focus of three days of legal submissions , during which the defence barristers argued that his evidence was tainted and should have been excluded from the trial .
Opening an appeal against Kelly ’ s conviction today , Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC said the trial judges erred in refusing to find that in all the circumstances , the evidence of Cullen was not worthy of any credit , whether or not that evidence could be regarded as having been corroborated ; and in failing to address adequately the matters relevant to his credibility @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adamant that Kelly attended at his apartment the evening before the murder during which one of the other participants in the meeting discussed with those present the planned killing in explicit terms .
Cullen asserted that Kelly had brought him to Gormanstown on the day before the murder whereupon Cullen dug a hole .
Furthermore , Mr Ó Lideadha said that Cullen had dishonestly used “ don ’ t know ” and “ don ’ t remember ” in the trial and had used “ possibly ” as an answer when confronted with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anything is possible ” in order leave open all possibilities and purport to devalue concessions he had made .
The lawyer asked the three-judge court to consider the various factors raised in Cullen ’ s cross-examination and submitted that it should find that the nature of such evidence was not capable of being relied on .
The remote appeal hearing will continue tomorrow before President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham , who sat with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy .

Two men are seeking to have their convictions for the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly overturned in a five-day hearing before the Court of Appeal.
Sharif Kelly’s legal team on Monday submitted that the evidence given by former murder accused-turned State witness David Cullen to the Special Criminal Court was not capable of being relied on.
Mr Butterly (35), was chased and shot dead outside The Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath in view of students waiting for their school bus on the afternoon of March 6th, 2013. The father-of-three died from gun shot wounds to his neck and upper back.
In March 2017 Edward McGrath (38), of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield, Tallaght and Sharif Kelly (50), the getaway driver of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan, were convicted by the Special Criminal Court of murdering Mr Butterly. It was their second trial, with the first trial having collapsed in January 2015 after 55 days. McGrath was also found guilty of firearms offences.
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David Cullen was originally charged with the murder of Peter Butterly, from Dunleer, Co Louth.
In July 2014, Cullen pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the Huntsman Inn on the day of the shooting. His plea was accepted by the DPP and a nolle prosequi – a decision not to proceed – was entered on the count of murder and he turned State’s witness. Cullen was sentenced to seven years in prison, with three and a half years suspended, for possession of the firearm in July 2014.
Cullen gave evidence for four and a half days during the trial. His testimony was the focus of three days of legal submissions, during which the defence barristers argued that his evidence was tainted and should have been excluded from the trial.
Opening an appeal against Kelly’s conviction today, Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC said the trial judges erred in refusing to find that in all the circumstances, the evidence of Cullen was not worthy of any credit, whether or not that evidence could be regarded as having been corroborated; and in failing to address adequately the matters relevant to his credibility.
The barrister submitted that Cullen was adamant that Kelly attended at his apartment the evening before the murder during which one of the other participants in the meeting discussed with those present the planned killing in explicit terms. Cullen asserted that Kelly had brought him to Gormanstown on the day before the murder whereupon Cullen dug a hole.
Furthermore, Mr Ó Lideadha said that Cullen had dishonestly used “don’t know” and “don’t remember” in the trial and had used “possibly” as an answer when confronted with clear proof; but also used “anything is possible” in order leave open all possibilities and purport to devalue concessions he had made.
The lawyer asked the three-judge court to consider the various factors raised in Cullen’s cross-examination and submitted that it should find that the nature of such evidence was not capable of being relied on.
The remote appeal hearing will continue tomorrow before President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy.