theirishtimes--2020-01-25--I found this carcass on a beach: Readers’ nature queries

I encountered this carcass on a beach in Ballyconneely , Co Galway .
It looks much bigger than a seal and has a fur-like covering that appears much like a walrus .
– Dr Ben Keatinge , TCD , Dublin 2 It is a walrus that has been around in the sea for a long time ; the remains of a tusk are visible in your photo .
A live one appeared in Clew Bay , Co Mayo , in 1999 .
We found a few of these wee critters washed up near Wicklow town .
The body length was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crabs ?
– Patrick O ’ Donnell , Wicklow It ’ s an adult slender spider crab , which has lost its first pair of legs that bear the pincers .
The rosemary or lavender beetle in the January 14th Eye on Nature is a very destructive beetle which seems to have arrived in Wicklow and east coast counties .
It is as destructive of lavender as the red lily beetle is on lilies .
– Angela Jupe , Shinrone , Co Offaly My five-year-old son discovered this shield bug near the log @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have never seen the colouring before .
– Niall and Hugo O ’ Toole , Waterford We saw a couple of redwings on Achill Head in early November .
– Michael Flanagan , Rathfarnham , Dublin 14 They can appear on coastal headlands in late autumn .
At the People ’ s Park I saw a raven at the top of an old chestnut tree calling as if distressed until he was hoarse , and facing in the same direction .
It was like what you would expect from a fledgling at nesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Co Wicklow It sounds like a young bird being driven off to find a new territory by its parents .
Ethna Viney welcomes observations and photographs at Thallabawn , Louisburgh , Co Mayo , F28 F978 , or by email at viney @ anu.ie .
Include a postal address .

I encountered this carcass on a beach in Ballyconneely, Co Galway. It looks much bigger than a seal and has a fur-like covering that appears much like a walrus. – Dr Ben Keatinge, TCD, Dublin 2
It is a walrus that has been around in the sea for a long time; the remains of a tusk are visible in your photo. A live one appeared in Clew Bay, Co Mayo, in 1999.
The carcass of a walrus found on a beach in Ballyconneely, Co Galway
We found a few of these wee critters washed up near Wicklow town. The body length was about 3cms. Are they juvenile spider crabs? – Patrick O'Donnell, Wicklow
It’s an adult slender spider crab, which has lost its first pair of legs that bear the pincers.
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The rosemary or lavender beetle in the January 14th Eye on Nature is a very destructive beetle which seems to have arrived in Wicklow and east coast counties. It is as destructive of lavender as the red lily beetle is on lilies. – Angela Jupe, Shinrone, Co Offaly
The gorse shield bug in overwintering colours.
My five-year-old son discovered this shield bug near the log basket in our sitting room. We have never seen the colouring before. – Niall and Hugo O'Toole, Waterford
It’s the gorse shield bug in overwintering colours.
Redwings spotted on Achill Head.
We saw a couple of redwings on Achill Head in early November. – Michael Flanagan, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
They can appear on coastal headlands in late autumn.
At the People's Park I saw a raven at the top of an old chestnut tree calling as if distressed until he was hoarse, and facing in the same direction. It was like what you would expect from a fledgling at nesting time. – Paddy Demery, Kilcoole, Co Wicklow
It sounds like a young bird being driven off to find a new territory by its parents.
Ethna Viney welcomes observations and photographs at Thallabawn, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, F28 F978, or by email at viney@anu.ie. Include a postal address.


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Storm Brendan rattles the nature-depleted North

Storm Brendan roared through the old beeches of the Kingsroad , as addicts of Game of Thrones , heedless of punctuation , learned to call the Dark Hedges of Stranocum , Co Antrim .
Brendan uprooted yet another casualty of the kind that now threatens that magical avenue .
Four years ago Storm Gertrude toppled two of the 200-year-old trees .
Their timber was swiftly transfigured into 10 heavy doors , quite masterfully engraved with dragons , direwolves and the odd kraken sigil .
Installed in tourist pubs and restaurants and featured on the glossy Thrones website , this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , perhaps , helped carry Northern Ireland through the three-year vacancy game of Stormont ’ s own thrones .
At the North ’ s Department for Agriculture , Environment and Rural Affairs , for example , civil servants decided it was time the province had an environment strategy .
“ Under normal circumstances , ” its website confided , “ officials would have taken our policy direction from the minister .
.
.
” Without a political boss , it invited “ big ideas ” from the public for use when the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this month from the ranks of the DUP has strong views of his own .
Edwin Poots is a Free Presbyterian , creationist and denier of evolution .
He concurs with the 17th century Archbishop Ussher of Armagh that the date of creation could be set at 4004 BC .
None of this , it must be said , should predispose Poots against the conservation of biodiversity , composed of all God ’ s creatures and an indispensable thread of any environment strategy .
In 2010 , as then minister for the environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hare coursing , readily endorsed by the Assembly .
How Poots feels about badgers is not on record , but his new responsibility for agriculture lands him with the problem of high levels of bovine TB that join Brexit at the head of farmers ’ concerns .
His department chiefs again took new initiatives on their own .
A scientific partnership , announced in 2018 , seems bound to lead to some urgent decisions on preemptive badger culling .
The spur for developing an environment strategy was publication of the UK ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An earlier report , in 2016 , showed that Northern Ireland was the most nature-depleted part of the UK , itself one of the most nature-depleted places in the world .
After a long decline , the new report shows no let-up in loss of wildlife in the North .
Some of its figures are all-Ireland threat estimates .
But warnings , for example , on the future of breeding curlews and other waders , speak from a long record of local research .
“ Most original habitats have gone , ” mourns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ natural ecosystems are fragmented .
One in five of our species face extinction.
” Intensive farming takes up three-quarters of Northern Ireland .
Framed often by neat , close-cropped hedges , its cattle , poultry and pig farms generate quite a disproportionate share of UK levels of ammonia , the report shows .
The impact was illustrated dramatically at Moninea Bog in the southwest , a raised bog and Special Area of Conservation .
Ammonia from a neighbouring farm severely damaged the bog vegetation , bleaching its mosses and killing algae on trees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expected to benefit biodiversity “ within five to 10 years ” .
Farming run-off has historically polluted Lough Neagh , the biggest lake in these islands and a special arena for the North ’ s wildlife .
It holds a notable population of pollan , a herring-like freshwater fish left over from the last ice age , and its eels continue to support a precarious traditional industry .
The lake in winter also attracts thousands of migrant European waterbirds .
But in 2013 , researchers at Quercus , the Centre for Biodiversity and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , reported a dramatic decline in the wintering duck population .
It had fallen from 100,000 to less than 21,000 , or 75 per cent over a decade .
Some of the decline could be attributed to climate change , as the lakes feeding waterbirds in northeastern Europe stay ice-free in winter .
But the Quercus team drew another conclusion : that the North ’ s farming environment schemes have reduced the organic run-off that boosted populations of water snails and other invertebrates , the food of wintering ducks .
This finds no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report , which does note six additional ducks for the region ’ s threatened red list .
Nor does it delve into the long campaign by environmentalists to stop the commercial licensed dredging from Lough Neagh of some 1.5 millions of tonnes of sand a year .
And Northern Ireland still has no national park , 18 years after the Mourne Mountains were selected .
Resistance from resident farmers has delayed every effort at decision .
In 2010 Poots put it off further .
“ We need to think carefully , and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ what a Northern Ireland National Park should be like.
” With farmers , environment and rural affairs in his care , he still has everyone to please .

Storm Brendan roared through the old beeches of the Kingsroad, as addicts of Game of Thrones, heedless of punctuation, learned to call the Dark Hedges of Stranocum, Co Antrim. Brendan uprooted yet another casualty of the kind that now threatens that magical avenue.
Four years ago Storm Gertrude toppled two of the 200-year-old trees. Their timber was swiftly transfigured into 10 heavy doors, quite masterfully engraved with dragons, direwolves and the odd kraken sigil. Installed in tourist pubs and restaurants and featured on the glossy Thrones website, this was an impressive initiative. A similar spirit, perhaps, helped carry Northern Ireland through the three-year vacancy game of Stormont's own thrones.
At the North’s Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, for example, civil servants decided it was time the province had an environment strategy. “Under normal circumstances,” its website confided, “officials would have taken our policy direction from the minister . . .” Without a political boss, it invited “big ideas” from the public for use when the next one came along.
The minister appointed this month from the ranks of the DUP has strong views of his own. Edwin Poots is a Free Presbyterian, creationist and denier of evolution. He concurs with the 17th century Archbishop Ussher of Armagh that the date of creation could be set at 4004 BC.
READ MORE
None of this, it must be said, should predispose Poots against the conservation of biodiversity, composed of all God’s creatures and an indispensable thread of any environment strategy. In 2010, as then minister for the environment, he introduced a permanent ban on hare coursing, readily endorsed by the Assembly.
How Poots feels about badgers is not on record, but his new responsibility for agriculture lands him with the problem of high levels of bovine TB that join Brexit at the head of farmers’ concerns. His department chiefs again took new initiatives on their own. A scientific partnership, announced in 2018, seems bound to lead to some urgent decisions on preemptive badger culling.
The spur for developing an environment strategy was publication of the UK's State of Nature report for 2019. An earlier report, in 2016, showed that Northern Ireland was the most nature-depleted part of the UK, itself one of the most nature-depleted places in the world.
After a long decline, the new report shows no let-up in loss of wildlife in the North. Some of its figures are all-Ireland threat estimates. But warnings, for example, on the future of breeding curlews and other waders, speak from a long record of local research. “Most original habitats have gone,” mourns the Ulster Wildlife Trust, “and natural ecosystems are fragmented. One in five of our species face extinction.”
Lough Neagh
Intensive farming takes up three-quarters of Northern Ireland. Framed often by neat, close-cropped hedges, its cattle, poultry and pig farms generate quite a disproportionate share of UK levels of ammonia, the report shows.
The impact was illustrated dramatically at Moninea Bog in the southwest, a raised bog and Special Area of Conservation. Ammonia from a neighbouring farm severely damaged the bog vegetation, bleaching its mosses and killing algae on trees. Measures to reduce ammonia emissions are expected to benefit biodiversity "within five to 10 years".
Farming run-off has historically polluted Lough Neagh, the biggest lake in these islands and a special arena for the North's wildlife. It holds a notable population of pollan, a herring-like freshwater fish left over from the last ice age, and its eels continue to support a precarious traditional industry.
The lake in winter also attracts thousands of migrant European waterbirds. But in 2013, researchers at Quercus, the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science at Queen's University, reported a dramatic decline in the wintering duck population. It had fallen from 100,000 to less than 21,000, or 75 per cent over a decade.
Dredging
Some of the decline could be attributed to climate change, as the lakes feeding waterbirds in northeastern Europe stay ice-free in winter. But the Quercus team drew another conclusion: that the North’s farming environment schemes have reduced the organic run-off that boosted populations of water snails and other invertebrates, the food of wintering ducks.
This finds no place in the 2019 State of Nature report, which does note six additional ducks for the region’s threatened red list. Nor does it delve into the long campaign by environmentalists to stop the commercial licensed dredging from Lough Neagh of some 1.5 millions of tonnes of sand a year.
And Northern Ireland still has no national park, 18 years after the Mourne Mountains were selected. Resistance from resident farmers has delayed every effort at decision. In 2010 Poots put it off further. “We need to think carefully, and to debate fully,” he said, “what a Northern Ireland National Park should be like.”
With farmers, environment and rural affairs in his care, he still has everyone to please.


Church services

Armagh - St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland -- Sunday services at 10am ( Holy Communion ) , 11am ( Sung Eucharist ) and 3:15pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Mon to Sat at 9:30am ( Said Matins ) and 12:30pm ( 1st Wednesday of every month ) .
Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm ( Nov-March ) and until 5pm ( April-Oct ) .
Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward .
You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful architecture .
The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan , Dean of St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland Cathedral , Armagh City -Further information is available by , visiting : www.stpatricks-cathedral.org Belfast Cathedral ( St Anne ’ s ) Eucharist at 8am , 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm .
The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm .
on Sunday .
There will always be a quiet area available .
The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays .
( It will be closed to visitors during services ) .
People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us , Dean Stephen Forde .
Visit : www.belfastcathedral.org Christ Church Cathedral , Dublin City -- Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm .
Weekday services at 10am ( morning prayer ) 12 midday ( Peace Prayers ) and 12:45pm ( Eucharist ) .
On Monday and Friday at 5pm , there is a Said Evening Prayer .
During term time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays .
Sung service times may vary , especially out of cathedral choir terms .
Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times .
A warm welcome awaits you , The Very Revd Dermot Dunne , Dean of Christ Church Cathedral .
Cork City ( St Finn Barre ’ s ) Sunday Services are at 8am ( Said Eucharist ) , 11:15am ( Choral Eucharist ) and 3:30pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am ( Morning Prayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm .
The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays .
Very Rev .
Nigel Dunne ( Dean of Cork ) .
For more information , visit : https : //corkcathedral.webs.com/ Derry/Londonderry ( Saint Columb ’ s Cathedral ) Services are at 8am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays , and Coral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Choral Evensong ) .
The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon , Wed , Thur and Fri ( The Litany ) in The Baptistery .
The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel .
( For any changes to our regular services , please check the magazine online ) .
www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally , nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities .
This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all sections of the community .
The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart , Dean Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Sundays at 11:30am and Thursdays at 10am with Holy Communion .
You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral .
Monday to Saturday , between 9.30am and 4pm .
It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre .
Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship , not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick .
It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations .
VISIT downcathedral.org for further information Enniskillen -St Macartin ’ s Cathedral -- Services are at 9am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Holy Communion on first and third Sundays , Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays , and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays ) .
Evening service at 7pm ( Evening Prayer on first , second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services are at 11am on Thursdays ( Holy Communion ) and other services are as announced .
Visitors are welcome outside of service times , and admission is free -you will be most welcome .
The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall , Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral .
For further information , visit www.enniskillencathedral.com Ferns , Co Wexford ( St Edan ’ s Cathedral ) Services are at 10am each Sunday and Wednesday morning .
On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am ( Family Eucharist ) .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you will be most welcome .
The Very Revd Leslie Forrest ; Rector and Dean .
Tel : 053 9366 124 National Cathedral of Saint Patrick , Dublin THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel .
11.15 CHORAL MATINS sung by the Cathedral Choir - Responses : Shephard , Britten in C , Psalm : 119 vv105-112 , Dove : Seek him that maketh , Preacher : The Revd J.K.McWhirter , B.Sc.
, B.Th.
, M.Th.
, Prebendary of Kilmactalway .
15.15 A CEREMONY OF CAROLS @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Third Service , Britten : A Ceremony of Carols .
MATINS is sung at 9.00 and EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday to Friday .
EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday , Thursday and Saturday .
For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472 .
All Saints Church , Belfast is located on University Street ( near to Queens University ) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm .
We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening .
This is a new initiative that has a more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome .
Rev Trevor Johnston .
Visit www.ascbelfast.com All Saints Church , Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday .
On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am .
Wednesdays at 10am ( Eucharistic Service ) .
An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month ( Wholeness and Healing Service ) .
We are located on the Howth Road , next to Raheny Village , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Norman McCausland .
Visit http : //allsaintsraheny.org for more information Bangor Parish Church Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am ; with refreshments served between each service .
We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street , Bangor , Co. Down .
For more information , visit : bangorparishchurch.org.uk Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road , West , Clontarf , Dublin 3 .
Sunday 12th January at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( Morning Prayer ) and Sunday Club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am .
All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after 10:30am services .
Revd Lesley Robinson .
Visit : clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/ Church of St John the Evangelist -Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome .
We are located at Coolock , Dublin 5 , between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road ; next to the Odeon Cinema .
Rector : Rev .
Norman McCausland .
Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org Cork Carrigaline Union .
930am- Holy Communion - St @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Service with Holy Baptism -St Mary ’ s Carrigaline .
Every Wednesday at 1030am Holy Communion St Mary ’ s Carrigaline .
www.carrigalineunion.org Howth , Co Dublin ( St Mary ’ s Parish ) Sundays at 9:30am ( Morning Prayer ) and 11am ( Holy Communion ) .
Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time .
Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am .
We look forward to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rector ) .
Visit : www.stmaryshowth.com Immanuel Church , Dublin City , meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building , 28 Bachelors Walk , Dublin 1 .
We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background .
Pastor Kieron Lynch .
For more details , visit : www.immanuelchurchdublin.org Kill O The Grange , Dublin -we are an evangelical church , belonging to the Church of Ireland , and rooted in the community .
We aim to make worship , learning from the Bible , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Spirit , a priority in our life together .
Services are on Sundays at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( All Age Service ) .
Wednesdays at 10:30am ( Holy Communion Service ) .
Visit http : //kotg.ie to find out more .
Rev .
Alan Breen , Rector Killarney ( St Mary ’ s -Church of the Sloes ) 11am at Kenmare Place , Killarney , Co. Kerry .
Family Service is on the first Sunday of the month , and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James Church , Crinken , Bray , Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am .
Rector , Trevor Stevenson .
We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live , and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus .
We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill .
For more information , visit : www.crinken.ie Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m. , Holy Communion .
10.30 a.m. , Morning Prayer .
*Sunday Club .
7.00 p.m. , A Service of Healing and Wholeness .
About @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Presbyterian form of the Christian faith is best described as Reformed ; with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God , the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible .
For more information , and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland , visit : www.presbyterianireland.org Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church , Dublin City 11am .
All Welcome , Rev Sam Mawhinney .
Church is located at the intersection of Earlsfort Terrace and Adelaide Road , Dublin 2 .
Supervised creche is available .
To find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( St Andrew ’ s ) 11:30am at corner of Eglinton Road and Quinsborough Road , Bray , Co. Wicklow .
All Welcome .
Reverend Andrew Gill Bushmills , Co Antrim 10:30am , Main Street , Bushmills .
Rev Nancy Cubitt .
Whether you are visiting Bushmills or have always lived in the area , you will be most welcome at Bushmills Presbyterian Church .
Visit : bushmillspresbyterian.co.uk Cahir Presbyterian Church , Co Tipperary 12 noon .
All Welcome .
We are located at Abbey Street , Tipperary Road ( just before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contact Rev William Montgomery ( Minister of Fermoy Presbyterian ) 086 3729 144 Cavan Presbyterian Church 11:15am .
Rev G.J .
Mackarel .
Located at junction of Town Hall Street and Farnham Street , Cavan Town .
All Welcome Christ Church , Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church .
11am at Sandymount Green , Dublin 4 -all welcome .
Reverend K P Meyer Clones Group of Presbyterian Churches -serving the Monaghan and Fermanagh border region .
Ballyhobridge and Clones at 10am and 11am on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , and Newbliss at 12:15pm each and every Sunday .
There is a United Family Service on the 5th Sunday of appropriate months -held in rotation -in either the Ballyhobridge , Clones or Stonebridge .
For further information , visit our website : http : //clonesgrouppresbyterianchurches.btck.co.uk Corraneary , Ervey and Bailieborough Churches 10am at Trinity Presbyterian Church , Virginia Road , Bailieborough .
11:15am at First Bailieborough Presbyterian Church ( Corglass ) and 12:30pm at Corryneary Presbyterian Church .
For further details visit : www.trinitybailieborough.com or contact Rev .
Daryl Edwards ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 456 Donabate Presbyterian Church , Co Dublin 10:30am .
Rev .
Andy Carroll .
We meet at Donabate and Portrane Community Centre .
Everyone is welcome .
Visit www.donabatepc.org to find out more and for directions Enniskillen Presbyterian Church 11am ( with creche available from 10:40am ) .
We are located at East Bridge Street , Enniskillen .
Our aim is to be a church which glorifies God ; by enabling people to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ .
We would love to see you at our Sunday services , and promise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cupples .
Visit : eknpres.org to find out more .
Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place ; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel .
We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome .
For further details , visit our website : http : //unitedchurchgalway.ie Glennan and Monaghan ( Ballyalbany ) Glennan Church meets at 10:30am at Glaslough , Co Monaghan and Ballyalbany Church meets at 11:45am for tea and coffee followed by the service at 12 noon .
Ballyalbany is located on the northern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ welcome .
Rev .
Stephen McNie .
For more information and how to find us , visit : www.facebook.com/glennan.church or www.facebook.com/ballyalbany Howth and Malahide Presbyterian Church -Sunday 26th January at 10am in Malahide and in Howth at 11:45am .
Rev Alastair Dunlop .
Everyone is welcome to join us , as we share in the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ .
Creche facilities are available , as well as a programme for children during the service .
You are welcome to stay with us for tea and coffee after each service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more Kilkenny City 11:30am ( Tea and Coffee served from 10:45am ) .
All Welcome .
Further information available at : www.kilkennychurch.com Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist .
11:30am .
Rev V Lynch .
All welcome .
We are located at 51 O ’ Connell Street , Limerick City ; and known locally as Christ Church Monaghan ( First ) Sunday Worship at 11:30am .
Rev Alan S McQuade .
First Monaghan Presbyterian Church is located at Dublin Street , Monaghan Town .
All welcome .
Visit : www.facebook.com/firstmonpres/ Newcastle Presbyterian Church @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 7pm , Main Street , Newcastle , Co. Down .
Rev Andrew Boreland .
All are welcome .
Visit : facebook.com/newcastlepresbyterianchurch Portadown ( First ) , Co Armagh Sunday 26th January at 11am and 6:30pm .
( Prayer meeting in Session Room at 5:45pm ) .
We are a Christ-centred , Bible-believing and prayer-focused Church .
We meet at Watson Street , Portadown , and you can be assured of a warm welcome .
Rev .
Robin Brown .
To find out more , visit : www.firstportadown.org Smithborough Presbyterian Church , Co @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We are located 6 miles ( 10km ) west of Monaghan Town on the N54 toward Clones .
On arrival in Smithborough , turn right toward Roslea ( just before the petrol station ) and we are located a further 100 metres on the right .
You will be most welcome .
Visit Facebook ( Smithborough Presbyterian Church ) to find our more .
Wexford and Enniscorthy churches meet on Sunday 26th January at 10am at Ann Street , Wexford Town , ( Beside the Post Office ) and 12 noon at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Conkey .
There is a prayer time 20 minutes before each service .
For regular updates , and to find out more , visit our new website : https : //wexfordchurch.com or our Facebook page : facebook.com/wexfordpresbyterians Belfast Central Mission , Sandy Row Sunday Service at 11am -Rev J Parke .
For further information , visit : belfastcentralmission.org or our Facebook page : facebook.com/SandyRowMethodistChurch Christ Church , Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church .
11am at Sandymount Green , Dublin 4 -all welcome .
Reverend K P Meyer Dublin Central Mission , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekly healing services at 1:05pm on Wednesdays .
Visit dublincentralmission.ie to find out more .
Dun Laoghaire , Co Dublin The Methodist Church , Northumberland Avenue , Dun Laoghaire .
Sunday Service 11am .
All Welcome .
For further details www.dlmc.org Dundrum Methodist Church Services at 10am ( Worship Service ) and 11.30am ( Contemporary Service ) .
There is one service at 11am on the first Sunday of the month .
All are welcome , Rev .
Stephen Taylor .
For more information , visit dundrummethodist.com Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel .
We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome .
For further details , visit our website : http : //unitedchurchgalway.ie Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist .
11:30am .
Rev V Lynch .
All welcome .
We are located at 51 O Connell Street , Limerick City ; and known locally as Christ Church Sutton Methodist Church , Dublin Rev Rowan Zeelie .
10:30am on 1st and 3rd Sundays and at 11:30am on 5th Sunday ( United Service Augher , Aughnacloy , Ballynanny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 517 or 048 8676 2639 for details .
Sutton Methodist Church , Dublin 10am at corner of Howth Road and Church Road , Sutton , Dublin 13 .
Service of Worship and Sunday school .
We warmly invite you to join with our Church family as we meet together on Sunday mornings to worship and praise God for all He has done for us .
Please stay after the service for a cup of tea/coffee and fellowship .
Revd David Nixon .
Visit : www.irishmethodist.org/suttonmethodist The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ churches who have voluntarily agreed to work together .
These churches represent a Baptist community of over 20,000 across Ireland -North and South .
For further information and for a full list of congregations , please visit : www.baptistsinireland.org Calvary Church , Castlebar , Co Mayo -we meet at Anchor House , 9 Humbert Mall in the centre of Castlebar .
Sunday Service is at 11am , and Bible study is at 7:30pm on Thursdays .
There is also an after-school Bible Club for children on Tuesdays from 4-5pm .
Pastor Stephen Childs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Church , Charlestown , Co Mayo meets in the Charlestown Community Enterprise Building for Sunday Service at 11am , and for Bible study at 8pm on Wednesdays .
Pastor David Murphy .
All Welcome .

CATHEDRALS
Armagh - St Patrick's Church of Ireland --Sunday services at 10am (Holy Communion), 11am (Sung Eucharist) and 3:15pm (Choral Evensong). Mon to Sat at 9:30am (Said Matins) and 12:30pm (1st Wednesday of every month). Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm (Nov-March) and until 5pm (April-Oct). Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward. You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either in quiet reflection or looking at the beautiful architecture. The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan, Dean of St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh City -Further information is available by, visiting: www.stpatricks-cathedral.org
Belfast Cathedral (St Anne's) Eucharist at 8am, 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm. The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm. on Sunday. There will always be a quiet area available. The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm (last audio tour at 4.30pm), and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays. (It will be closed to visitors during services). People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us, Dean Stephen Forde. Visit: www.belfastcathedral.org
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin City --Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm. Weekday services at 10am (morning prayer) 12 midday (Peace Prayers) and 12:45pm (Eucharist). On Monday and Friday at 5pm, there is a Said Evening Prayer. During term time, Compline begins at 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sung service times may vary, especially out of cathedral choir terms. Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times. A warm welcome awaits you, The Very Revd Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.
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Cork City (St Finn Barre's) Sunday Services are at 8am (Said Eucharist), 11:15am (Choral Eucharist) and 3:30pm (Choral Evensong). Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am (Morning Prayer) and 12 noon (The Eucharist). Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm. The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays. Very Rev. Nigel Dunne (Dean of Cork). For more information, visit: https://corkcathedral.webs.com/
Derry/Londonderry (Saint Columb's Cathedral) Services are at 8am (Holy Communion) 11am (Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays, and Coral Matins on 2nd 4th Sundays) 4pm (Choral Evensong). The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon, Wed, Thur and Fri (The Litany) in The Baptistery. The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel. (For any changes to our regular services, please check the magazine online). www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities. This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as a religious venue, which is acceptable to all sections of the community. The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart, Dean
Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Sundays at 11:30am and Thursdays at 10am with Holy Communion. You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral. Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 4pm. It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre. Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship, not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese, but for all those in Ireland and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick. It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations. VISIT downcathedral.org for further information
Enniskillen -St Macartin's Cathedral --Services are at 9am (Holy Communion) 11am (Holy Communion on first and third Sundays, Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays, and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays). Evening service at 7pm (Evening Prayer on first, second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing on fifth Sundays). Weekday services are at 11am on Thursdays (Holy Communion) and other services are as announced. Visitors are welcome outside of service times, and admission is free -you will be most welcome. The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall, Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral. For further information, visit www.enniskillencathedral.com
Ferns, Co Wexford (St Edan's Cathedral) Services are at 10am each Sunday and Wednesday morning. On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am (Family Eucharist). The cathedral is open daily to visitors and you will be most welcome. The Very Revd Leslie Forrest; Rector and Dean. Tel: 053 9366 124
National Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Dublin THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 11.15 CHORAL MATINS sung by the Cathedral Choir - Responses: Shephard, Britten in C, Psalm: 119 vv105-112, Dove: Seek him that maketh, Preacher: The Revd J.K.McWhirter, B.Sc., B.Th., M.Th., Prebendary of Kilmactalway. 15.15 A CEREMONY OF CAROLS sung by the Cathedral Choir Moore: The Third Service, Britten: A Ceremony of Carols. MATINS is sung at 9.00 and EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday to Friday. EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472.
CHURCH OF IRELAND
All Saints Church, Belfast is located on University Street (near to Queens University) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm. We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening. This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style. Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome. Rev Trevor Johnston. Visit www.ascbelfast.com
All Saints Church, Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday. On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am. Wednesdays at 10am (Eucharistic Service). An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month (Wholeness and Healing Service). We are located on the Howth Road, next to Raheny Village, Dublin 5. All Welcome. Rev. Norman McCausland. Visit http://allsaintsraheny.org for more information
Ardamine Group, Co Wexford Monamolin 9.00am (Morning Prayer) Kilmuckridge 10.15am (Holy Communion) Clonevan 11.30am (Holy Communion)
Bangor Parish Church Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am; with refreshments served between each service. We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street, Bangor, Co. Down. For more information, visit: bangorparishchurch.org.uk
Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road, West, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Sunday 12th January at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (Morning Prayer) and Sunday Club in the Parish Centre. Wednesday morning services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am. All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after 10:30am services. Revd Lesley Robinson. Visit: clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/
Church of St John the Evangelist -Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome. We are located at Coolock, Dublin 5, between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road; next to the Odeon Cinema. Rector: Rev. Norman McCausland. Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org
Cork Carrigaline Union. 930am- Holy Communion - St John's Monkstown. 11am- All-Age Service with Holy Baptism -St Mary's Carrigaline. Every Wednesday at 1030am Holy Communion St Mary's Carrigaline. www.carrigalineunion.org
Howth, Co Dublin (St Mary's Parish) Sundays at 9:30am (Morning Prayer) and 11am (Holy Communion). Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time. Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am. We look forward to seeing you, Canon Kevin Brew (Rector). Visit: www.stmaryshowth.com
Immanuel Church, Dublin City, meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building, 28 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1. We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background. Pastor Kieron Lynch. For more details, visit: www.immanuelchurchdublin.org
Kill O The Grange, Dublin -we are an evangelical church, belonging to the Church of Ireland, and rooted in the community. We aim to make worship, learning from the Bible, mission and being open to the Holy Spirit, a priority in our life together. Services are on Sundays at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (All Age Service). Wednesdays at 10:30am (Holy Communion Service). Visit http://kotg.ie to find out more. Rev. Alan Breen, Rector
Killarney (St Mary's -Church of the Sloes) 11am at Kenmare Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Family Service is on the first Sunday of the month, and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome. Visit: http://churchofthesloes.ie/
Rathmichael Parish 08.30 hrs. Holy Communion. 11.00 hrs. Morning Prayer. 19.00 hrs. Holy Communion.
St James Church, Crinken, Bray, Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am. Rector, Trevor Stevenson. We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live, and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus. We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill. For more information, visit: www.crinken.ie
Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m., Holy Communion. 10.30 a.m., Morning Prayer. *Sunday Club. 7.00 p.m., A Service of Healing and Wholeness.
PRESBYTERIAN
About The Presbyterian Church in Ireland --The Presbyterian form of the Christian faith is best described as Reformed; with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God, the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible. For more information, and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland, visit: www.presbyterianireland.org
Adelaide Road Presbyterian Church, Dublin City 11am. All Welcome, Rev Sam Mawhinney. Church is located at the intersection of Earlsfort Terrace and Adelaide Road, Dublin 2. Supervised creche is available. To find out more, visit: www.adelaideroadchurch.ie
Blackrock St Andrew's 9.45 a m.Reverend Andrew Gill.. All Age Service.Everyone welcome.
Bray (St Andrew's) 11:30am at corner of Eglinton Road and Quinsborough Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow. All Welcome. Reverend Andrew Gill
Bushmills, Co Antrim 10:30am, Main Street, Bushmills. Rev Nancy Cubitt. Whether you are visiting Bushmills or have always lived in the area, you will be most welcome at Bushmills Presbyterian Church. Visit: bushmillspresbyterian.co.uk
Cahir Presbyterian Church, Co Tipperary 12 noon. All Welcome. We are located at Abbey Street, Tipperary Road (just before the railway bridge) For more details, contact Rev William Montgomery (Minister of Fermoy Presbyterian) 086 3729 144
Cavan Presbyterian Church 11:15am. Rev G.J. Mackarel. Located at junction of Town Hall Street and Farnham Street, Cavan Town. All Welcome
Christ Church, Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church. 11am at Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 -all welcome. Reverend K P Meyer
Clones Group of Presbyterian Churches -serving the Monaghan and Fermanagh border region. Ballyhobridge and Clones at 10am and 11am on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Stonebridge at 11am on 1st and 3rd Sunday, and Newbliss at 12:15pm each and every Sunday. There is a United Family Service on the 5th Sunday of appropriate months -held in rotation -in either the Ballyhobridge, Clones or Stonebridge. For further information, visit our website: http://clonesgrouppresbyterianchurches.btck.co.uk
Corraneary, Ervey and Bailieborough Churches 10am at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Virginia Road, Bailieborough. 11:15am at First Bailieborough Presbyterian Church (Corglass) and 12:30pm at Corryneary Presbyterian Church. For further details visit: www.trinitybailieborough.com or contact Rev. Daryl Edwards (Convener). Tel: 049 5555 456
Donabate Presbyterian Church, Co Dublin 10:30am. Rev. Andy Carroll. We meet at Donabate and Portrane Community Centre. Everyone is welcome. Visit www.donabatepc.org to find out more and for directions
Enniskillen Presbyterian Church 11am (with creche available from 10:40am). We are located at East Bridge Street, Enniskillen. Our aim is to be a church which glorifies God; by enabling people to become mature disciples of Jesus Christ. We would love to see you at our Sunday services, and promise you a warm welcome. Rev David Cupples. Visit: eknpres.org to find out more.
Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel. We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome. For further details, visit our website: http://unitedchurchgalway.ie
Glennan and Monaghan (Ballyalbany) Glennan Church meets at 10:30am at Glaslough, Co Monaghan and Ballyalbany Church meets at 11:45am for tea and coffee followed by the service at 12 noon. Ballyalbany is located on the northern side of Monaghan Town. All are welcome. Rev. Stephen McNie. For more information and how to find us, visit: www.facebook.com/glennan.church or www.facebook.com/ballyalbany
Howth and Malahide Presbyterian Church -Sunday 26th January at 10am in Malahide and in Howth at 11:45am. Rev Alastair Dunlop. Everyone is welcome to join us, as we share in the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ. Creche facilities are available, as well as a programme for children during the service. You are welcome to stay with us for tea and coffee after each service. Visit: www.hmpchurch.org to find out more
Kilkenny City 11:30am (Tea and Coffee served from 10:45am). All Welcome. Further information available at: www.kilkennychurch.com
Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist. 11:30am. Rev V Lynch. All welcome. We are located at 51 O'Connell Street, Limerick City; and known locally as Christ Church
Monaghan (First) Sunday Worship at 11:30am. Rev Alan S McQuade. First Monaghan Presbyterian Church is located at Dublin Street, Monaghan Town. All welcome. Visit: www.facebook.com/firstmonpres/
Newcastle Presbyterian Church, Co Down 11am and evening service at 7pm, Main Street, Newcastle, Co. Down. Rev Andrew Boreland. All are welcome. Visit: facebook.com/newcastlepresbyterianchurch
Portadown (First), Co Armagh Sunday 26th January at 11am and 6:30pm. (Prayer meeting in Session Room at 5:45pm). We are a Christ-centred, Bible-believing and prayer-focused Church. We meet at Watson Street, Portadown, and you can be assured of a warm welcome. Rev. Robin Brown. To find out more, visit: www.firstportadown.org
Smithborough Presbyterian Church, Co Monaghan 10am. Rev. Alan McQuade. We are located 6 miles (10km) west of Monaghan Town on the N54 toward Clones. On arrival in Smithborough, turn right toward Roslea (just before the petrol station) and we are located a further 100 metres on the right. You will be most welcome. Visit Facebook (Smithborough Presbyterian Church) to find our more.
Wexford and Enniscorthy churches meet on Sunday 26th January at 10am at Ann Street, Wexford Town, (Beside the Post Office) and 12 noon at Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy. Rev David Conkey. There is a prayer time 20 minutes before each service. For regular updates, and to find out more, visit our new website: https://wexfordchurch.com or our Facebook page: facebook.com/wexfordpresbyterians
METHODIST
Belfast Central Mission, Sandy Row Sunday Service at 11am -Rev J Parke. For further information, visit: belfastcentralmission.org or our Facebook page: facebook.com/SandyRowMethodistChurch
Christ Church, Sandymount -United Presbyterian and Methodist Church. 11am at Sandymount Green, Dublin 4 -all welcome. Reverend K P Meyer
Dublin Central Mission, Abbey Street Sunday Service at 11am and weekly healing services at 1:05pm on Wednesdays. Visit dublincentralmission.ie to find out more.
Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin The Methodist Church, Northumberland Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Sunday Service 11am. All Welcome. For further details www.dlmc.org
Dundrum Methodist Church Services at 10am (Worship Service) and 11.30am (Contemporary Service). There is one service at 11am on the first Sunday of the month. All are welcome, Rev. Stephen Taylor. For more information, visit dundrummethodist.com
Galway City -United Methodist and Presbyterian Church is located at Victoria Place; just off Eyre Square and next to the Victoria Hotel. We meet at 11:30am and all Welcome. For further details, visit our website: http://unitedchurchgalway.ie
Gorey 11.00am Morning Worship, Rev Katherine Kehoe
Limerick City -United Presbyterian and Methodist. 11:30am. Rev V Lynch. All welcome. We are located at 51 O Connell Street, Limerick City; and known locally as Christ Church
Sutton Methodist Church, Dublin Rev Rowan Zeelie. 10:30am on 1st and 3rd Sundays and at 11:30am on 5th Sunday (United Service Augher, Aughnacloy, Ballynanny Monaghan rotating venue. Contact 087 2787 517 or 048 8676 2639 for details.
Sutton Methodist Church, Dublin 10am at corner of Howth Road and Church Road, Sutton, Dublin 13. Service of Worship and Sunday school. We warmly invite you to join with our Church family as we meet together on Sunday mornings to worship and praise God for all He has done for us. Please stay after the service for a cup of tea/coffee and fellowship. Revd David Nixon. Visit: www.irishmethodist.org/suttonmethodist
BAPTIST
The Association of Baptist Churches in Ireland is a Gospel Partnership of 117 independent local churches who have voluntarily agreed to work together. These churches represent a Baptist community of over 20,000 across Ireland -North and South. For further information and for a full list of congregations, please visit: www.baptistsinireland.org
EVANGELICAL
Calvary Church, Castlebar, Co Mayo -we meet at Anchor House, 9 Humbert Mall in the centre of Castlebar. Sunday Service is at 11am, and Bible study is at 7:30pm on Thursdays. There is also an after-school Bible Club for children on Tuesdays from 4-5pm. Pastor Stephen Childs. All Welcome. Visit www.calvarychurchcastlebar.ie
Calvary Church, Charlestown, Co Mayo meets in the Charlestown Community Enterprise Building for Sunday Service at 11am, and for Bible study at 8pm on Wednesdays. Pastor David Murphy. All Welcome.


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Bodies of three young children found in house in Dublin

Gardaí are expected to launch a triple murder investigation as early as today after the bodies of three young children were found in a house in Co Dublin last evening .
A woman , believed to be the children ’ s mother , is being treated in hospital after she was found in a distressed and disorientated state outside the property at Parson ’ s Court , Newcastle last night .
Garda sources last night stressed the investigation into the deaths of the children , two boys and a girl aged four , eight and 10 years , was only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no evidence so far of anyone else in the house around the time the children died and there were no signs of a break-in at the property .
The deaths of the three children are being treated by the Garda as “ sudden ” and “ unexplained ” and the inquiry into their deaths is criminal in nature .
One strong line of investigation was that the children met with foul play , though early indications were they had no obvious injuries on their bodies .
Gardaí were hoping to speak to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as early as today .
She was being treated at Tallaght Hospital , Dublin , and gardaí believe she has vital information about how the children met their deaths .
When gardaí and paramedics arrived at the scene just after 7pm the children were pronounced dead inside the house .
It was unclear how long they had been dead .
Gardaí believe the children were living with their mother at the property , in a private estate of houses and apartments .
The scene was sealed off by gardaí and the bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pending the arrival of a pathologist this morning from the State Pathologists Office .
The bodies were removed from the scene on Saturday morning .
Garda sources said a pathologist would carry out a preliminary examination of the bodies at the scene before their removal from the house for a full post mortem .
The same sources said all the resources of a homicide investigation had been committed to the case .
As well as a pathologist due to the property early on Saturday morning , the Garda Technical Bureau was also set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was expected to continue through the weekend .
By Saturday afternoon , several bunches of flowers had been placed at the house .
Locals described the area as “ nice and quiet ” .
Austin Cooney who lives on the next road said “ I was born and reared here and I ’ ve never seen anything like this .
It ’ s desperate , three small children .
.
.
it ’ s not pleasant to hear something like this anywhere.
” A woman who did not want to be named said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Devastated is the only word I can think of .
The shock of it , three small children , ” she said .
Tusla on Saturday said it would put in place necessary supports as part of a critical incident protocol developed by the South Dublin Children and Young People ’ s Service Committee .
The protocol is activated following serious incidents likely to impact a community , it said .

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


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Men ‘delighted’ to be invited to Citizens’ Assembly on gender equality

Men ’ s groups have felt excluded from the “ gender equality ” debate , and are “ delighted ” to have been invited to the Citizens ’ Assembly on the issue , according to its chairwoman .
Dr Catherine Day , former secretary general of the European Commission , said men want to be part of the discussion on equality between the sexes , including the pay-gap , care responsibilities , the under-representation of women in politics and poverty among lone-parent families .
She was speaking in advance of the assembly ’ s inaugural meeting on Saturday .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s organisations , and I was very struck by the opening statement one of the men made in one of the meetings where he said ‘ we ’ ve been waiting a long time to get to tables like this.
’ “ I thought : ‘ thirty years ago the women ’ s organisations would have said that ’ , that they want to be brought in , to be invited .
Gender equality is not just a women ’ s issue .
It ’ s an ‘ everybody ’ issue , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not yet considered to be part of that debate and they want to be .
“ They were delighted to be included and to be seen not just as the problem but part of the solution.
” The Citizens ’ Assembly on gender Equality will meet over six weekends between now and July .
It comes on foot of an Oireachtas resolution and Cabinet decision last June , and will consist of 99 citizens , broadly representative of the electorate , plus the chair .
They are tasked with considering how to best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resolution calls on the assembly to bring proposals that will “ challenge the remaining barriers and social norms and attitudes that facilitate gender discriminations towards girls and boys , women and men ” , “ dismantle economic and salary norms that result in gender inequalities ... reassess the economic value placed on work traditionally held by women ” , and , “ ensure women ’ s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership ” .
It is asked to suggest ways society can “ recognise the importance of early-years parental care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , examine who is responsible for care-work in the family , and “ scrutinise ” why women are over-represented in low-paid work .
Its recommendations could relate to constitutional , policy or legal changes .
While Saturday ’ s meeting will hear from Dr Evelyn Mahon from Trinity College on broad social changes , future meetings will be addressed by advocacy groups and “ real-life ” people about their experiences of issues like gender inequality , discrimination and care-work .
Other genders will be included in the discussions , predicts Dr Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks about boys and girls and women and men , but we will certainly interpret gender equality as applying to however people define or identify themselves.
” She says the fact the assembly is being held at all is testament to gender equality being firmly “ back on the agenda ” after several years where it was not widely considered important .
“ Younger people in particular have said there has been progress on gender equality , but there hasn ’ t been enough .
Gender equality is not a finished journey , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering because of gender discrimination of one kind or another.
” Following the assembly ’ s deliberations , Dr Day will have 12 months to write her report for the Oireachtas , though she hopes to submit before the end of the year .
“ The timing is good because there will be a new government settling in by then .
”

Men’s groups have felt excluded from the “gender equality” debate, and are “delighted” to have been invited to the Citizens’ Assembly on the issue, according to its chairwoman.
Dr Catherine Day, former secretary general of the European Commission, said men want to be part of the discussion on equality between the sexes, including the pay-gap, care responsibilities, the under-representation of women in politics and poverty among lone-parent families.
She was speaking in advance of the assembly’s inaugural meeting on Saturday.
“We have been talking to men’s organisations, and I was very struck by the opening statement one of the men made in one of the meetings where he said ‘we’ve been waiting a long time to get to tables like this.’
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“I thought: ‘thirty years ago the women’s organisations would have said that’, that they want to be brought in, to be invited. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue. It’s an ‘everybody’ issue, but they [men] feel they are not yet considered to be part of that debate and they want to be.
“They were delighted to be included and to be seen not just as the problem but part of the solution.”
The Citizens' Assembly on gender Equality will meet over six weekends between now and July. It comes on foot of an Oireachtas resolution and Cabinet decision last June, and will consist of 99 citizens, broadly representative of the electorate, plus the chair. They are tasked with considering how to best "advance gender equality".
Barriers
The resolution calls on the assembly to bring proposals that will “challenge the remaining barriers and social norms and attitudes that facilitate gender discriminations towards girls and boys, women and men”, “dismantle economic and salary norms that result in gender inequalities...reassess the economic value placed on work traditionally held by women”, and, “ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership”.
It is asked to suggest ways society can “recognise the importance of early-years parental care and...facilitate greater work-life balance”, examine who is responsible for care-work in the family, and “scrutinise” why women are over-represented in low-paid work.
Its recommendations could relate to constitutional, policy or legal changes.
While Saturday's meeting will hear from Dr Evelyn Mahon from Trinity College on broad social changes, future meetings will be addressed by advocacy groups and "real-life" people about their experiences of issues like gender inequality, discrimination and care-work.
Other genders will be included in the discussions, predicts Dr Day. “This [Oireachtas resolution] only talks about boys and girls and women and men, but we will certainly interpret gender equality as applying to however people define or identify themselves.”
On the agenda
She says the fact the assembly is being held at all is testament to gender equality being firmly “back on the agenda” after several years where it was not widely considered important.
“Younger people in particular have said there has been progress on gender equality, but there hasn’t been enough. Gender equality is not a finished journey, and there are a lot of people suffering because of gender discrimination of one kind or another.”
Following the assembly’s deliberations, Dr Day will have 12 months to write her report for the Oireachtas, though she hopes to submit before the end of the year. “The timing is good because there will be a new government settling in by then.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Government must ‘come clean’ on children’s hospital delays and costs

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has called on the Government to “ come clean ” on emerging delays and budget concerns at the new children ’ s hospital .
According to documents seen by The Irish Times , the builder of the project , BAM , has questioned the “ validity ” of an instruction by the board to proceed with the second phase of the build .
The creation of a specific communications plan to deal with the issue was discussed .
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board ( NPHDB ) , which oversees the construction of the project @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to defend itself against the high level of ongoing claims being made by contractors .
Top officials were told in October that the board overseeing the project was trying to find “ realistic construction timelines ” after a new programme was given by the builders BAM , which the board believes is “ not in line with what is in the contract ” .
Mr Martin said the project has been “ dogged in secrecy along the way ” .
“ It is a defining illustration of this Government ’ s hands-off approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interested in the photo than they were in getting it done on time and within budget.
” He said the Government needs to “ come clean ” because “ we all need to know what we are facing into here ” .
Minister for Health Simon Harris said the issue was being used as a “ political football ” .
“ Let ’ s first remember we are building the children ’ s hospital , no other Government has bothered to do this .
They play politics with it .
Yes , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the national children ’ s hospital.
” He also said the board is “ robustly fighting claims ” and that “ parts of the project will run behind and parts will run ahead ” .
Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said the board of the hospital is doing “ all they can to manage the costs ” .
Minutes of the Government and HSE oversight group also reveal that because of an “ exceptional level of claims ” for additional costs being made by contractors , the project ’ s construction contingency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a project of this scale and complexity ” .
Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin said the new information was “ bitterly disappointing , but hardly surprising ” .
On the issue of delays , the minutes show that BAM has reported delays of 88 days at a Tallaght satellite centre which was scheduled to open later this year .
A 131-day delay for the facade of the main hospital building and a 58-day delay for the structural frame of the hospital were also notified to senior officials .
The “ potential cost implications @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A spokeswoman for the NPHDB said BAM had “ provided a number of different draft timelines for construction ” .
“ They are still being reviewed , and there is currently no change to the programme schedule .
Any delivery outside of the timelines agreed under the contract could potentially be a matter for dispute resolution , and as such we are not in a position to comment at this time.
” While the board did inform meetings of the Oireachtas Health Committee and Public Accounts Committee that the main contractor was behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the documents for the first time .

The builder of the project, BAM, has questioned the ‘validity’ of an instruction by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board to proceed with the second phase of the build. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has called on the Government to “come clean” on emerging delays and budget concerns at the new children’s hospital.
According to documents seen by The Irish Times, the builder of the project, BAM, has questioned the “validity” of an instruction by the board to proceed with the second phase of the build. The creation of a specific communications plan to deal with the issue was discussed.
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB), which oversees the construction of the project, said it would need €15 million to defend itself against the high level of ongoing claims being made by contractors.
Top officials were told in October that the board overseeing the project was trying to find “realistic construction timelines” after a new programme was given by the builders BAM, which the board believes is “not in line with what is in the contract”.
READ MORE
Mr Martin said the project has been “dogged in secrecy along the way”.
“It is a defining illustration of this Government’s hands-off approach to major projects. They were more interested in the photo than they were in getting it done on time and within budget.”
He said the Government needs to “come clean” because “we all need to know what we are facing into here”.
‘Political football’
Minister for Health Simon Harris said the issue was being used as a "political football".
“Let’s first remember we are building the children’s hospital, no other Government has bothered to do this. They play politics with it. Yes, there are lessons to learn in relation to the national children’s hospital.”
He also said the board is “robustly fighting claims” and that “parts of the project will run behind and parts will run ahead”.
Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe said the board of the hospital is doing “all they can to manage the costs”.
Minutes of the Government and HSE oversight group also reveal that because of an “exceptional level of claims” for additional costs being made by contractors, the project’s construction contingency fund is “now not sufficient for a project of this scale and complexity”.
Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin said the new information was “bitterly disappointing, but hardly surprising”.
“Answers are needed. Change is needed too.”
Satellite centre
On the issue of delays, the minutes show that BAM has reported delays of 88 days at a Tallaght satellite centre which was scheduled to open later this year. A 131-day delay for the facade of the main hospital building and a 58-day delay for the structural frame of the hospital were also notified to senior officials. The “potential cost implications” were to be advised later.
A spokeswoman for the NPHDB said BAM had “provided a number of different draft timelines for construction”.
“They are still being reviewed, and there is currently no change to the programme schedule. Any delivery outside of the timelines agreed under the contract could potentially be a matter for dispute resolution, and as such we are not in a position to comment at this time.”
While the board did inform meetings of the Oireachtas Health Committee and Public Accounts Committee that the main contractor was behind schedule, specific details are set out in the documents for the first time.


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Irish explorer who discovered Antarctica honoured in home village

Edward Bransfield , the pioneering Irish polar explorer and the first person to officially record discovering Antarctica , has been honoured with the unveiling of a monument in his home village of Ballinacurra in East Cork .
More than 400 people gathered in the small village near Midleton to see Elisa Gallo from Boston , a descendant of Bransfield ’ s brother William , unveil the limestone monument recording his feat in discovering Antarctica in 1820 .
Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces , Vice Admiral Mark Mellett , recalled how Bransfield was press-ganged into the Royal Navy in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , before proving himself an expert navigator and rising through the ranks .
He noted how , after fighting with the Royal Navy in the Napoleonic Wars , Bransfield was sent to Valparaíso , Chile , in 1817 .
Two years later , he embarked from there on the voyage that would lead to the discovery of Antarctica .
“ In 1819 , William Smith on the Merchant Vessel MV Williams , while in search of better wind as he carried a cargo of tobacco , cloth and medicine , south of Cape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probably the South Shetland Islands .
“ Captain William Sheriff ordered Edward Bransfield , who was an expert navigator , to accompany William Smith on MV Williams to investigate and they left Valparaíso in December 1819 and sailed south.
” Vice Admiral Mellett noted how Bransfield landed on an island on January 22nd , 1820 , which he named after King George , before sailing a further 60km south where they sighted Trinity Peninsula , Antarctica .
“ At 3pm on 30th January , 1820 , Midshipman Charles Poynter logged “ Immense mountains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ snow ” .
The Antarctic continent was no longer in dispute – he had discovered the slopes of Trinity Peninsula.
” He recalled how Bransfield went on to explore the region , crossing the Weddell Sea before sailing by Elephant Island , where Ernest Shackleton ’ s crew were marooned on the Endurance , almost 100 years later .
Describing Bransfield as “ an extraordinary man ” , Vice Admiral Mellett paid tribute to the Remembering Edward Bransfield Committee who had spent since 2016 campaigning and fundraising to erect a monument to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McCarthy , said it was important to recognise Ireland ’ s rich polar heritage , and paid tribute to the committee for its tenacity in working to have Bransfield recognised in his home village .
The committee chair , Jim Wilson , paid tribute to sculptor Matthew Thompson for his work in capturing the nautical theme when carving a block of Ballinacurra Limestone into the shape of a marker beacon .
He said the limestone beacon , bearing an account of Bransfield ’ s exploits in discovering Antarctica , was set on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s other great polar explorers who followed in his wake .
Among those recorded were Francis Crozier , Ernest Shackleton , Tom Crean and fellow Corkmen Robert Forde from Bandon , Patrick Keohane from Courtmacsherry and brothers Tim and Mortimer McCarthy from Kinsale .

Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, with the chair of the Remembering Edward Bransfield Committee, Jim Wilson, at the unveiling of a monument to Bransfield in his home village of Ballinacurra in East Cork. Photograph: Barry Roche
Edward Bransfield, the pioneering Irish polar explorer and the first person to officially record discovering Antarctica, has been honoured with the unveiling of a monument in his home village of Ballinacurra in East Cork.
More than 400 people gathered in the small village near Midleton to see Elisa Gallo from Boston, a descendant of Bransfield's brother William, unveil the limestone monument recording his feat in discovering Antarctica in 1820.
Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett, recalled how Bransfield was press-ganged into the Royal Navy in 1803 while out fishing with his father, before proving himself an expert navigator and rising through the ranks.
He noted how, after fighting with the Royal Navy in the Napoleonic Wars, Bransfield was sent to Valparaíso, Chile, in 1817. Two years later, he embarked from there on the voyage that would lead to the discovery of Antarctica.
READ MORE
"In 1819, William Smith on the Merchant Vessel MV Williams, while in search of better wind as he carried a cargo of tobacco, cloth and medicine, south of Cape Horn, sighted some land, most probably the South Shetland Islands.
Expert navigator
"Captain William Sheriff ordered Edward Bransfield, who was an expert navigator, to accompany William Smith on MV Williams to investigate and they left Valparaíso in December 1819 and sailed south."
Vice Admiral Mellett noted how Bransfield landed on an island on January 22nd, 1820, which he named after King George, before sailing a further 60km south where they sighted Trinity Peninsula, Antarctica.
"At 3pm on 30th January, 1820, Midshipman Charles Poynter logged "Immense mountains and crude crags, barren ridges with snow". The Antarctic continent was no longer in dispute – he had discovered the slopes of Trinity Peninsula."
He recalled how Bransfield went on to explore the region, crossing the Weddell Sea before sailing by Elephant Island, where Ernest Shackleton’s crew were marooned on the Endurance, almost 100 years later.
Describing Bransfield as "an extraordinary man", Vice Admiral Mellett paid tribute to the Remembering Edward Bransfield Committee who had spent since 2016 campaigning and fundraising to erect a monument to him.
Deputy County Mayor, Cllr Susan McCarthy, said it was important to recognise Ireland's rich polar heritage, and paid tribute to the committee for its tenacity in working to have Bransfield recognised in his home village.
The committee chair, Jim Wilson, paid tribute to sculptor Matthew Thompson for his work in capturing the nautical theme when carving a block of Ballinacurra Limestone into the shape of a marker beacon.
He said the limestone beacon, bearing an account of Bransfield's exploits in discovering Antarctica, was set on a limestone plinth bearing the names of Ireland's other great polar explorers who followed in his wake. Among those recorded were Francis Crozier, Ernest Shackleton, Tom Crean and fellow Corkmen Robert Forde from Bandon, Patrick Keohane from Courtmacsherry and brothers Tim and Mortimer McCarthy from Kinsale.


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Gender equality: Citizen’s Assembly moves to fulfil 1916 Proclamation aims

Gender could be the reason for barriers and constraints in Ireland , former secretary-general of the European Commission Dr Catherine Day said in Dublin on Saturday afternoon .
Gender had an important impact “ on the choices we are free to make – or that are pre-determined for us by society ” , she said , at the inaugural meeting of the Citizen ’ s Assembly on Gender Equality in Dublin Castle .
Dr Day , chairing the assembly , said “ there is history in why we are here today ” .
Those present were “ making the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the promise of ‘ equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens ’ in the 1916 Proclamation .
We will be looking at parts of our 1937 Constitution and discussing whether or not they should be changed.
” The members would be “ discussing public policy , representations of women and men in the worlds of work and care , participation in public life and sharing responsibility in our home lives ” , she said .
She recalled how in the summer of 2019 the Dáil and Seanad adopted the resolution @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work .
In summary , it asked , she said , that the assembly “ advance gender equality by making proposals on a range of issues and to prioritise those issues which may include policy , legislative or constitutional change ” .
It had also asked that the assembly do this “ while having regard to the legal requirements and the costs versus the potential impact of these proposals ” .
Issues for consideration , as set out by the TDs and Senators , ranged from “ challenging the barriers and social ways @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reassessing the economic value placed on work traditionally done by women ” .
They included “ looking at where the responsibility for care lies , especially within the family , assessing early years parental care and facilitating greater work/life balance , and scrutinising the structural pay inequalities that result in women being disproportionately represented in low pay sectors ” , she added .
“ Some may feel that this assembly will be about women ’ s issues – and it certainly will be .
But gender equality equally affects and involves men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be inclusive , and we will only succeed in advancing gender equality if everyone engages , ” she said .
In a presentation to the meeting , Dr Evelyn Mahon , retired associate professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin , traced the evolving status of women in Ireland from the 1937 Constitution to the present .
She noted how fatherhood had no protections in Irish law .
In that context , there was , she said , “ a patriarchal deficit ” in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Malahide , Co Dublin , over the coming months , on dates as follows : February 15th-16th , March 21st-22nd , April 25th-26th , May 30th-31st , and July 4th-5th .
The Oireachtas resolution setting it up stated that it could engage independent researchers “ to monitor and record , amongst other things , the perceived deliberative quality of the assembly ” .
Dr Jane Suiter of Dublin City University is to conduct this research in collaboration with Prof David Farrell of UCD , Prof Yvonne Galligan of TU Dublin , and Prof @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Any person , group or organisation with views on achieving greater gender equality may contribute to the work of the assembly between Monday next , January 27th , and Friday , March 6th .
Details on how to do so are available at the assembly ’ s website , citizensassembly.ie The assembly consists of 100 people entitled to vote in a referendum , including the chair , Dr Day .
Amárach Research selected citizens by calling door to door and members are broadly representative of demographic variables as reflected in the national census @ @ @ @ @ @ @ class and regional spread .
There was also a two-stage validation process to rescreen and ensure the integrity of the selection process .
Politicians , officers in political parties , journalists , employees of polling companies and members of advocacy groups active in the area of gender equality were not eligible to serve .
All its plenary meetings are broadcast live at citizensassembly.ie and its documentation is available on the website .
It can be found on Twitter @ CitizAssembly and YouTube : The Citizens ’ Assembly .

Gender could be the reason for barriers and constraints in Ireland, former secretary-general of the European Commission Dr Catherine Day said in Dublin on Saturday afternoon.
Gender had an important impact “on the choices we are free to make – or that are pre-determined for us by society”, she said, at the inaugural meeting of the Citizen’s Assembly on Gender Equality in Dublin Castle.
Dr Day, chairing the assembly, said “there is history in why we are here today”. Those present were “making the next steps on a journey that goes back to the promise of ‘equal rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens’ in the 1916 Proclamation. We will be looking at parts of our 1937 Constitution and discussing whether or not they should be changed.”
The members would be “discussing public policy, representations of women and men in the worlds of work and care, participation in public life and sharing responsibility in our home lives”, she said.
READ MORE
She recalled how in the summer of 2019 the Dáil and Seanad adopted the resolution which would guide the assembly’s work. In summary, it asked, she said, that the assembly “advance gender equality by making proposals on a range of issues and to prioritise those issues which may include policy, legislative or constitutional change”.
It had also asked that the assembly do this “while having regard to the legal requirements and the costs versus the potential impact of these proposals”.
‘Challenging the barriers’
Issues for consideration, as set out by the TDs and Senators, ranged from “challenging the barriers and social ways of behaving that facilitate gender discrimination, to reassessing the economic value placed on work traditionally done by women”.
They included “looking at where the responsibility for care lies, especially within the family, assessing early years parental care and facilitating greater work/life balance, and scrutinising the structural pay inequalities that result in women being disproportionately represented in low pay sectors”, she added.
Issues for consideration by the Citizen’s Assembly on Gender Equality ranged from “challenging the barriers and social ways of behaving that facilitate gender discrimination, to reassessing the economic value placed on work traditionally done by women”. Illustration: Getty
“Some may feel that this assembly will be about women’s issues – and it certainly will be. But gender equality equally affects and involves men and the LGBT+ community. Our debates will be inclusive, and we will only succeed in advancing gender equality if everyone engages,” she said.
In a presentation to the meeting, Dr Evelyn Mahon, retired associate professor in the School of Social Work and Social Policy at Trinity College Dublin, traced the evolving status of women in Ireland from the 1937 Constitution to the present. She noted how fatherhood had no protections in Irish law. In that context, there was, she said, " a patriarchal deficit" in the Constitution.
The assembly will meet in Malahide, Co Dublin, over the coming months, on dates as follows: February 15th-16th, March 21st-22nd, April 25th-26th, May 30th-31st, and July 4th-5th.
The Oireachtas resolution setting it up stated that it could engage independent researchers "to monitor and record, amongst other things, the perceived deliberative quality of the assembly".
Dr Jane Suiter of Dublin City University is to conduct this research in collaboration with Prof David Farrell of UCD, Prof Yvonne Galligan of TU Dublin, and Prof Simon Niemeyer, University of Canberra.
Making contributions
Any person, group or organisation with views on achieving greater gender equality may contribute to the work of the assembly between Monday next, January 27th, and Friday, March 6th. Details on how to do so are available at the assembly’s website, citizensassembly.ie
The assembly consists of 100 people entitled to vote in a referendum, including the chair, Dr Day. Amárach Research selected citizens by calling door to door and members are broadly representative of demographic variables as reflected in the national census, including age, gender, social class and regional spread.
There was also a two-stage validation process to rescreen and ensure the integrity of the selection process. Politicians, officers in political parties, journalists, employees of polling companies and members of advocacy groups active in the area of gender equality were not eligible to serve.
All its plenary meetings are broadcast live at citizensassembly.ie and its documentation is available on the website. It can be found on Twitter @CitizAssembly and YouTube: The Citizens' Assembly.


theirishtimes--2020-01-25--Teenager (17) attacked with samurai sword in Dundalk

Gardaí in Dundalk have arrested a man after a teenager , believed to be aged 17 , was assaulted with @ @ @ @ @ afternoon .
Gardaí were called to the scene in the Castletown Road area of the @ @ @ @ @ Gardaí confirmed that “ a male youth sustained serious injuries in what is believed to @ @ @ @ @ himself and a number of youths ” .
“ Three males entered a house armed @ @ @ @ @ to be a samurai sword and allegedly assaulted another male .
The injured man was @ @ @ @ @ Lady of Lourdes Drogheda Hospital where his condition is described as stable.
” It is @ @ @ @ @ his arm .
One man was arrested and taken to Dundalk Garda station .
The @ @ @ @ @ Garda investigations are continuing .

Gardaí investigating a samurai sword attack on a teenager were called to the Castletown Road area (general view above) of Dundalk at about 2.10pm on Saturday. File photograph: Google Street View
Gardaí in Dundalk have arrested a man after a teenager, believed to be aged 17, was assaulted with a samurai sword on Saturday afternoon.
Gardaí were called to the scene in the Castletown Road area of the town at about 2.10pm.
Gardaí confirmed that “a male youth sustained serious injuries in what is believed to have been an altercation between himself and a number of youths”.
"Three males entered a house armed with what's believed to be a samurai sword and allegedly assaulted another male. The injured man was taken by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda Hospital where his condition is described as stable."
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It is understood he suffered injuries to his arm.
One man was arrested and taken to Dundalk Garda station.
The weapon was not recovered and Garda investigations are continuing.