theirishtimes--2020-09-18--Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart has worst Covid-19 rate in country

The Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart region of west Dublin has the highest rate of Covid-19 in the State , according to the first national breakdown of incidence of the disease by local area .
Large parts of south Dublin , which went into near-lockdown overnight along with the rest of the county , have lower incidence than many areas not affected by the new restrictions , the analysis shows .
For the first time , data on the real-time incidence of the disease by local electoral area has been published on the Government ’ s online Covid-19 data hub .
The information is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the disease in their area , thereby enabling them to tailor their behaviour appropriately .
Blackrock , with 35 cases per 100,000 people in the past 14 days , has the lowest incidence in Dublin .
This figure is lower than that recorded in 12 other counties across the State unaffected by Dublin-specific restrictions on indoor dining , “ wet pubs ” and movement .
Stillorgan , with an incidence of 39 , and Dún Laoghaire and Killiney-Shankill , both at 55 , have the next-lowest incidences in Dublin .
In contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the disease , with an incidence of 189 .
The next-highest figures nationally are in Tallaght central at 175 ; Celbridge , Co Kildare , at 171 ; and Dublin South-West Inner City , at 162 .
Big contrasts within the same city are not confined to Dublin ; in Limerick , the north of the city has an incidence of 127 while in the west it is just 17 .
Virus levels in Cork are comparatively low , with the highest incidence recorded in Fermoy , at 24 ; Cork City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the west of the county at 16 .
Connemara South has the highest rate in Galway at 56 ; with Tuam on 36 ; and Galway City Central at 26 .
The localised information about virus trends is being published on foot of a request by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly .
“ The Minister asked for incidence rates to be published at a more local level .
He wanted people to be able to access more detailed information about this virus and how it is affecting their communities , ” a spokeswoman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Louth , Leitrim and Waterford also feature as hot-spots for the disease on the map published on the Government ’ s website .
The new data is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Health , the Health Protection Surveillance Centre , the Health Service Executive , Health Intelligence Unit , Central Statistics Office , Ordnance Survey Ireland and Maynooth University .

Large parts of south Dublin have lower incidence than many areas not affected by the new restrictions. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart region of west Dublin has the highest rate of Covid-19 in the State, according to the first national breakdown of incidence of the disease by local area.
Large parts of south Dublin, which went into near-lockdown overnight along with the rest of the county, have lower incidence than many areas not affected by the new restrictions, the analysis shows.
For the first time, data on the real-time incidence of the disease by local electoral area has been published on the Government's online Covid-19 data hub. The information is designed to inform people about the spread of the disease in their area, thereby enabling them to tailor their behaviour appropriately.
Blackrock, with 35 cases per 100,000 people in the past 14 days, has the lowest incidence in Dublin. This figure is lower than that recorded in 12 other counties across the State unaffected by Dublin-specific restrictions on indoor dining, "wet pubs" and movement.
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Stillorgan, with an incidence of 39, and Dún Laoghaire and Killiney-Shankill, both at 55, have the next-lowest incidences in Dublin.
In contrast, Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart is the national hot spot for the disease, with an incidence of 189. The next-highest figures nationally are in Tallaght central at 175; Celbridge, Co Kildare, at 171; and Dublin South-West Inner City, at 162.
City contrasts
Big contrasts within the same city are not confined to Dublin; in Limerick, the north of the city has an incidence of 127 while in the west it is just 17.
Virus levels in Cork are comparatively low, with the highest incidence recorded in Fermoy, at 24; Cork City South-West at 21; and Skibbereen in the west of the county at 16.
Connemara South has the highest rate in Galway at 56; with Tuam on 36; and Galway City Central at 26.
The localised information about virus trends is being published on foot of a request by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. “The Minister asked for incidence rates to be published at a more local level. He wanted people to be able to access more detailed information about this virus and how it is affecting their communities,” a spokeswoman said.
Specific local election areas in Louth, Leitrim and Waterford also feature as hot-spots for the disease on the map published on the Government's website.
The new data is the result of a collaboration between the Department of Health, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, the Health Service Executive, Health Intelligence Unit, Central Statistics Office, Ordnance Survey Ireland and Maynooth University.
[ Covid-19 is spreading most in deprived areas, the figures suggest ]


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--Dublin business ‘ecosystem’ under enormous strain, business group says

Dublin ’ s city centre is facing an existential crisis and a fresh shutdown which sees more business closing for good will have a devastating impact with the repercussions felt for decades , a business group has warned .
Richard Guiney , chief executive of business umbrella group Dublin Town , told The Irish Times that the city ’ s economy was “ an ecosystem with all businesses feeding from each other ” .
He said that if businesses kept closing then the city would become increasingly less attractive and footfall would decline further .
He said the general rule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when 25 per cent of businesses closed , then the centres were at real risk of going into terminal decline .
He said the hospitality sector has been under “ enormous strain financially ” and added that curtailments in how restaurants and pubs which serve food are allowed to trade in the weeks ahead will heap more pressure on many businesses and could see a raft of fresh closures in the weeks before Christmas .
“ Over recent years we have seen more people coming in to Dublin city centre to dine rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospitality sector in the city has seen a massive drop in turnover under which has put it under huge pressure .
“ Many of them have been hoping to simply keep the doors open and keep trading until Christmas after which there may be light at the end of the tunnel , ” he said .
He listed some of the larger retailers which have already closed including Debenehams , Oasis , Warehouse and Monsoon and said he had been “ speaking to property owners and there isn ’ t along queue of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
He pointed towards of O ’ Connell Street , which he said was “ the preeminent street in Dublin in the 1950s and 1960s before being allowed to decline in the 1970s ” .
Then footfall declined and its reputation declined and the impact of what had happened in the seventies was still being felt today .
He also said he had yet to see a clear rational for targeting restaurants .
“ We would like to see the evidence that the virus is transmitted in restaurants we have not had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and hospitality .
”

Dublin’s city centre is facing an existential crisis and a fresh shutdown which sees more business closing for good will have a devastating impact with the repercussions felt for decades, a business group has warned.
Richard Guiney, chief executive of business umbrella group Dublin Town, told The Irish Times that the city's economy was "an ecosystem with all businesses feeding from each other".
He said that if businesses kept closing then the city would become increasingly less attractive and footfall would decline further.
He said the general rule of thumb in urban centres was that when 25 per cent of businesses closed, then the centres were at real risk of going into terminal decline.
READ MORE
He said the hospitality sector has been under “enormous strain financially” and added that curtailments in how restaurants and pubs which serve food are allowed to trade in the weeks ahead will heap more pressure on many businesses and could see a raft of fresh closures in the weeks before Christmas.
“Over recent years we have seen more people coming in to Dublin city centre to dine rather than to shop and since March the hospitality sector in the city has seen a massive drop in turnover under which has put it under huge pressure.
“Many of them have been hoping to simply keep the doors open and keep trading until Christmas after which there may be light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
He listed some of the larger retailers which have already closed including Debenehams, Oasis, Warehouse and Monsoon and said he had been “speaking to property owners and there isn’t along queue of people willing to take up those spaces”.
He pointed towards of O’Connell Street, which he said was “the preeminent street in Dublin in the 1950s and 1960s before being allowed to decline in the 1970s”. Then footfall declined and its reputation declined and the impact of what had happened in the seventies was still being felt today .
He also said he had yet to see a clear rational for targeting restaurants.
“We would like to see the evidence that the virus is transmitted in restaurants we have not had that feedback from our members both retail and hospitality.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--RNLI launches multilingual water safety campaign for Ireland’s immigrant community

A multilingual water safety campaign has launched this summer as part of efforts to ensure Ireland ’ s growing immigrant community is fully aware of the dangers associated with swimming in open waters .
RNLI Lifeboats has partnered with the Irish Refugee Council ( IRC ) to print posters with messaging in a number of languages about how to stay safe on beaches and to teach swimmers about rip currents and tides on Irish coasts .
The decision to translate water safety advice follows two incidents during the summer – on the same day in June a father and his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raft off the coast of Donegal and a group of men without life-jackets drifted out from Clonea beach in Waterford on another inflatable .
When RNLI water safety delivery support officer Lisa Hollingum was informed of the two incidents involving Arabic speakers she decided a more concentrated effort was needed to get the word out .
She contacted the IRC who agreed to help translate the messaging and disperse the posters through their networks .
“ We didn ’ t just print off a whole load of posters and hope they ’ d @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do targeted promotion .
The landscape of Ireland is so vast now , we have people from across the world living here .
Our work shouldn ’ t just be for English speaking people , everyone in Ireland should be educated about water safety.
” People who have moved to Ireland from countries that are landlocked may not have experience of tidal waters or rip currents , she warned .
“ On a hot , sunny day , the water never looks threatening but the rip currents are always there .
There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available on the nationalities and languages spoken by people rescued by the RNLI , it can be difficult to build an accurate picture of exactly who is swimming off Irish coasts , said Ms Hollingum .
However , based on the incidents from this summer , the first translation was done through Arabic and the IRC is now working to gather information on what other languages the safety message should be disseminated through , she added .
“ As an organisation we ’ re trying to target at risk groups but we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s a challenge but we need to find out who these people are .
Ideally we ’ d like some of them to become part of the RNLI as it would be a way of getting the message out to a more diverse group.
” Ms Hollingum urged all swimmers to continue to take care through the autumn and to beware of cold water shock when swimming .
Swimmers should not use inflatables , always have a means to call for help and contact 999 or 112 if they do get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive Nick Henderson said he hoped the poster translations would be the beginning of a wider partnership to ensure safety messages are spread to all immigrant communities in Ireland .
“ Initiatives like the Covid World Service ( established to spread Covid health messaging ) have demonstrated the importance of communicating to people in their own languages on emergency and health issues , ” he said .

RNLI Lifeboats and the Irish Refugee Council have partnered up to spread the water safety message through different languages to Ireland’s immigrant community.
A multilingual water safety campaign has launched this summer as part of efforts to ensure Ireland’s growing immigrant community is fully aware of the dangers associated with swimming in open waters.
RNLI Lifeboats has partnered with the Irish Refugee Council (IRC) to print posters with messaging in a number of languages about how to stay safe on beaches and to teach swimmers about rip currents and tides on Irish coasts.
The decision to translate water safety advice follows two incidents during the summer – on the same day in June a father and his daughter got into trouble on an inflatable raft off the coast of Donegal and a group of men without life-jackets drifted out from Clonea beach in Waterford on another inflatable.
When RNLI water safety delivery support officer Lisa Hollingum was informed of the two incidents involving Arabic speakers she decided a more concentrated effort was needed to get the word out. She contacted the IRC who agreed to help translate the messaging and disperse the posters through their networks.
READ MORE
"We didn't just print off a whole load of posters and hope they'd be picked up, we wanted to do targeted promotion. The landscape of Ireland is so vast now, we have people from across the world living here. Our work shouldn't just be for English speaking people, everyone in Ireland should be educated about water safety."
Rip currents
People who have moved to Ireland from countries that are landlocked may not have experience of tidal waters or rip currents, she warned.
“On a hot, sunny day, the water never looks threatening but the rip currents are always there. There are always hidden dangers.”
With no data available on the nationalities and languages spoken by people rescued by the RNLI, it can be difficult to build an accurate picture of exactly who is swimming off Irish coasts, said Ms Hollingum. However, based on the incidents from this summer, the first translation was done through Arabic and the IRC is now working to gather information on what other languages the safety message should be disseminated through, she added.
“As an organisation we’re trying to target at risk groups but we’re going in a bit blind. It’s a challenge but we need to find out who these people are. Ideally we’d like some of them to become part of the RNLI as it would be a way of getting the message out to a more diverse group.”
Ms Hollingum urged all swimmers to continue to take care through the autumn and to beware of cold water shock when swimming. Swimmers should not use inflatables, always have a means to call for help and contact 999 or 112 if they do get into distress, she said.
IRC chief executive Nick Henderson said he hoped the poster translations would be the beginning of a wider partnership to ensure safety messages are spread to all immigrant communities in Ireland.
“Initiatives like the Covid World Service (established to spread Covid health messaging) have demonstrated the importance of communicating to people in their own languages on emergency and health issues,” he said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--‘It will be hard for people . . . they’ll miss it’: Dublin’s religious once again close their doors

Dublin ’ s religious are closing their doors this weekend , reluctantly but accepting “ it has to be done ” .
In messages to their clergy on Friday the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin and the Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson warned their churches would almost certainly have to close .
The Government decided that from midnight tonight , Dublin city and county would move to Level Three alert for the next three weeks .
Archbishop Jackson said the prospect was “ both frustrating and frightening ” but added : “ It is important that we face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Archbishop Martin said churches would remain closed “ except for private prayer , weddings and funerals ” .
Attendances at these would be limited to 25 with religious services going online only .
Fr John Collins , co-parish priest in Swords described the intensification of restrictions as “ disappointing ” .
“ We have to listen to what the scientists are telling us but it is understandable that people will be upset .
It is not easy to say but some people have just not been behaving responsibly .
And yes people missed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Most of our congregation would be older and very responsible .
We are a sedate lot , but I do think people will be pleased to see the Government sending a strong message .
“ The whole webcam experience , with Mass broadcast online , is now a reality but it ’ s just not the same spiritual experience.
” Smaller numbers at baptism ceremonies and holy communions , however , had been welcomed by many parishioners , he said .
“ People have found them more prayerful ” .
Canon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Church in Dawson Street , said it was “ unfortunate ” people would not be able to attend Sunday prayer services .
“ I do feel for people for whom getting to church every week is important , especially at a time of such heightened anxiety , but the wellbeing of people is more important than getting to a church .
“ We are fortunate that at the beginning of this we installed the equipment to broadcast services online .
I was not quite dragged kicking and screaming to the online @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I would always prefer to see people in the pews in front of me than a camera , but it has been well worth doing .
It has allowed us to keep the community together and even build it .
“ Where we would have had 100 people at church on a good Sunday , we have had 200 people watching in on devices , from all over the world .
We will without a doubt keep up the online broadcast even after the pandemic.
” Fazel Ryklief , senior administrator at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Circular Road said the community would close the mosque “ very reluctantly ” .
“ When we closed before it was more like a mortuary than a mosque .
The Imam was doing Friday prayers live on Facebook when no-one was allowed in the mosque .
Then we had 50 people inside for prayers and about 60 people prayed outside .
“ We have to observe the rules , but it will be hard for people .
In Islam going to mosque raises the spirits .
They will miss it.
” Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there will be some scope this weekend to mark Rosh Hashanah , their new year .
Maurice Cohen , chair of the Jewish Representative Council , said the Orthodox synagogue had been “ operating at a very low level ” since the start of the pandemic , while Hilary Abrahamson , past president of the Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation said their synagogue in Rathgar had not reopened since March .
“ It is a small and with social distancing we would only fit 20 people .
How would we choose who ?
So @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very sad , but we have got on with it.
” The community had been staying in close contact by phone and Zoom .
Mr Cohen said those who attended synagogue would miss it .
“ But we will abide by whatever rules we have to .
”

Dublin’s religious are closing their doors this weekend, reluctantly but accepting “it has to be done”.
In messages to their clergy on Friday the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin and the Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson warned their churches would almost certainly have to close.
The Government decided that from midnight tonight, Dublin city and county would move to Level Three alert for the next three weeks.
Archbishop Jackson said the prospect was "both frustrating and frightening" but added: "It is important that we face this with resilience and hope". Archbishop Martin said churches would remain closed "except for private prayer, weddings and funerals". Attendances at these would be limited to 25 with religious services going online only.
READ MORE
Fr John Collins, co-parish priest in Swords described the intensification of restrictions as "disappointing".
“We have to listen to what the scientists are telling us but it is understandable that people will be upset. It is not easy to say but some people have just not been behaving responsibly. And yes people missed attending Mass a lot during the lockdown.
“Most of our congregation would be older and very responsible. We are a sedate lot, but I do think people will be pleased to see the Government sending a strong message.
“The whole webcam experience, with Mass broadcast online, is now a reality but it’s just not the same spiritual experience.” Smaller numbers at baptism ceremonies and holy communions, however, had been welcomed by many parishioners, he said. “People have found them more prayerful”.
Canon David Gillespie, vicar of St Ann's Church in Dawson Street, said it was "unfortunate" people would not be able to attend Sunday prayer services.
“I do feel for people for whom getting to church every week is important, especially at a time of such heightened anxiety, but the wellbeing of people is more important than getting to a church.
“We are fortunate that at the beginning of this we installed the equipment to broadcast services online. I was not quite dragged kicking and screaming to the online services but I was not enthusiastic. I would always prefer to see people in the pews in front of me than a camera, but it has been well worth doing. It has allowed us to keep the community together and even build it.
“Where we would have had 100 people at church on a good Sunday, we have had 200 people watching in on devices, from all over the world. We will without a doubt keep up the online broadcast even after the pandemic.”
Fazel Ryklief, senior administrator at the Islamic Foundation of Ireland mosque on the South Circular Road said the community would close the mosque "very reluctantly".
"When we closed before it was more like a mortuary than a mosque. The Imam was doing Friday prayers live on Facebook when no-one was allowed in the mosque. Then we had 50 people inside for prayers and about 60 people prayed outside.
“We have to observe the rules, but it will be hard for people. In Islam going to mosque raises the spirits. They will miss it.”
Dublin’s small Jewish community is hoping there will be some scope this weekend to mark Rosh Hashanah, their new year.
Maurice Cohen, chair of the Jewish Representative Council, said the Orthodox synagogue had been "operating at a very low level" since the start of the pandemic, while Hilary Abrahamson, past president of the Dublin Jewish Progressive Congregation said their synagogue in Rathgar had not reopened since March.
“It is a small and with social distancing we would only fit 20 people. How would we choose who? So we have stayed shut. It is very sad, but we have got on with it.” The community had been staying in close contact by phone and Zoom.
Mr Cohen said those who attended synagogue would miss it. “But we will abide by whatever rules we have to.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--Covid-19: Garda presence in Dublin to be significantly increased

The Garda presence throughout Dublin will be significantly increased from midnight as the authorities seek to ensure compliance with public health measures imposed after the county entered level 3 of the Government ’ s Plan for Living with Covid-19 .
Operation Fanacht will see a high level of visibility of gardaí on foot , in cars and on bikes to support new health guidelines particularly when it comes to social distancing and gathering in large groups in public spaces .
Garda checkpoints will also be established throughout the county with personnel from surrounding counties focussing on patrols of destination public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spokesman said the force would continue to adopt “ a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent ” .
“ This has seen [ gardaí ] engage , educate , encourage and , as a last resort , enforce , ” he said .
Meanwhile Operation Navigation , which focuses on compliance with public health regulations by licensed premises , will continue nationwide with files prepared for the DPP in cases of potential breaches .
“ As a community we all need to come together to once again protect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for Policing and Security , John Twomey .
“ It is vital that every person plays their part and adheres to the public health regulations and guidelines to reduce the increasing spread of Covid-19 , ” he added .
He stressed that gardaí were ready to support individuals and local communities , in particular the most vulnerable .
“ If you are feeling isolated or need help with shopping , collecting your prescription or anything else similar , please contact your local Garda station , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully aware of the impact increased restrictions may have on those who are subject to domestic abuse and do not feel safe in their homes ” .
And he stressed that people who felt they were in danger could call 999 at any time .
“ If you feel you are not in immediate danger and you require advice and assistance , you can visit or call your local Garda station and ask to speak with a Garda in private .
If you know of someone who can not speak for themselves please @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he concluded .

Garda checkpoints will also be established throughout the county with personnel from surrounding counties focussing on patrols of destination public amenities and open spaces. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins
The Garda presence throughout Dublin will be significantly increased from midnight as the authorities seek to ensure compliance with public health measures imposed after the county entered level 3 of the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19.
Operation Fanacht will see a high level of visibility of gardaí on foot, in cars and on bikes to support new health guidelines particularly when it comes to social distancing and gathering in large groups in public spaces.
Garda checkpoints will also be established throughout the county with personnel from surrounding counties focussing on patrols of destination public amenities and open spaces.
A Garda spokesman said the force would continue to adopt “a graduated policing response based on its tradition of policing by consent”.
READ MORE
“This has seen [gardaí] engage, educate, encourage and, as a last resort, enforce,” he said.
Meanwhile Operation Navigation, which focuses on compliance with public health regulations by licensed premises, will continue nationwide with files prepared for the DPP in cases of potential breaches.
"As a community we all need to come together to once again protect ourselves and our most vulnerable," said Deputy Commissioner with responsibility for Policing and Security, John Twomey.
“It is vital that every person plays their part and adheres to the public health regulations and guidelines to reduce the increasing spread of Covid-19,” he added.
He stressed that gardaí were ready to support individuals and local communities, in particular the most vulnerable.
“If you are feeling isolated or need help with shopping, collecting your prescription or anything else similar, please contact your local Garda station,” he said.
He added that gardaí were “fully aware of the impact increased restrictions may have on those who are subject to domestic abuse and do not feel safe in their homes”. And he stressed that people who felt they were in danger could call 999 at any time.
“If you feel you are not in immediate danger and you require advice and assistance, you can visit or call your local Garda station and ask to speak with a Garda in private. If you know of someone who cannot speak for themselves please contact your local Garda station,” he concluded.


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--President Higgins says British must face up to their history of reprisals

Reprisal-based violence was a key element of the military imperialist strategy throughout the British Empire , President Michael D Higgins has said .
Writing on the centenary of the sack of Balbriggan , which occurred 100 years ago this weekend , President Higgins said reprisals by British forces were not unique to Ireland .
The British used similar tactics in India and in supressing the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya in 1952 and in 1956 in Cyprus .
It was also a policy carried out by the United States during the Vietnam war , the president pointed out .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Crown forces based in nearby Gormanston , Co Meath went on the rampage in Balbriggan .
Their actions were in response to the shooting dead of Royal Irish Constabulary ( RIC ) District Inspector Peter Burke and the wounding of his brother Sergeant William Burke in Smyth ’ s bar ( now the Millrace ) in the town .
The Black and Tans burned a whole street of houses , four pubs and the Deeds and Templar hosiery factory which was the biggest employer in the town .
It left 200 people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dead two Republican activists , Seán Gibbons and Séamus Lawless and left their bodies on the steet .
Balbriggan ’ s proximity to Dublin meant that many foreign correspondents were quickly on the scene and the sack made international headlines .
Recalling the violence , President Higgins said British reprisals were rooted in “ ideological assumptions , of superiority and inferiority in terms of race , culture or capacity , in the notion of the collective as a disloyal , hopeless or threatening version of the ‘ other ’ .
” The president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who wrote in his History of England : “ The Irish from the beginning of time had been buried in the most profound barbarianism and ignorance ; and as they were never conquered , even , indeed , by the Romans from whom all the Western world derives its culture , they continued still in the most rude state of society and were distinguished by those vices to which human nature , not tamed by education , nor restrained by laws , is for ever subject.
” The president continued : “ Indeed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would write , ‘ We have always found the Irish to be a bit odd .
They refuse to be English ’ .
The ‘ othering ’ of Irish people and their culture was undeniably ingrained at all levels of British society.
” The president described the Sack of Balbriggan as an “ act of collective punishment , a reprisal , a term that would become the mark of a policy aimed at subjugation , installation of fear in a public that had in its midst those that sought independence ” .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herbert Asquith deplored the violence and compared it to what had happened in France and Belgium during the First World War .
President Higgins said it was important that the British recognised these facts about their previous relationship to Ireland .
“ If we are to be serious about ethical remembrance and the creation of diverse , complex , shared memory at peace with the past in the interest of a present or future understanding , it is important to recognise these facts .
It constitutes a prerequisite for any meaningful healing.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acts of violence would be judged illegal by today ’ s international standards of war and conflict.
” He said that it is only through “ forms of ethical remembering that we can avoid retreating to the blinding categories of censure or denunciation , or indeed revenge and bitterness , that blighted this island for so long .
“ Let us all continue with , indeed embrace , the new beginning that the Belfast ( Good Friday ) Agreement represented as we continue to carve out our peaceful co-existence on the island of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that all plans to commemorate the centenary by the Balbriggan and District Historical Society has had not be cancelled including a mass scheduled for Sunday .
Instead Professor Diarmaid Ferriter and local historians Frank Whearity and Jim Walsh recorded a commemorative seminar which will be broadcast on YouTube at a later date .
The Rineen ambush , the largest of the War of Independence to date , and the reprisals that followed will be marked on Tuesday with the unveiling of a plaque at Flanagan ’ s Bar in Lahinch , Co @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the ambush .

In one of the most violent reprisals of the War of Independence the Sack of Balbriggan saw two people murdered and dozens of homes and businesses burnt to the ground. Video: Enda O'Dowd/ Balbriggan & District Historical Society
Reprisal-based violence was a key element of the military imperialist strategy throughout the British Empire, President Michael D Higgins has said.
Writing on the centenary of the sack of Balbriggan, which occurred 100 years ago this weekend, President Higgins said reprisals by British forces were not unique to Ireland.
The British used similar tactics in India and in supressing the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya in 1952 and in 1956 in Cyprus. It was also a policy carried out by the United States during the Vietnam war, the president pointed out.
On the night of September 20th and 21st, Crown forces based in nearby Gormanston, Co Meath went on the rampage in Balbriggan.
READ MORE
Their actions were in response to the shooting dead of Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) District Inspector Peter Burke and the wounding of his brother Sergeant William Burke in Smyth's bar (now the Millrace) in the town.
The Black and Tans burned a whole street of houses, four pubs and the Deeds and Templar hosiery factory which was the biggest employer in the town. It left 200 people out of work.
They also shot dead two Republican activists, Seán Gibbons and Séamus Lawless and left their bodies on the steet.
Balbriggan’s proximity to Dublin meant that many foreign correspondents were quickly on the scene and the sack made international headlines.
Recalling the violence, President Higgins said British reprisals were rooted in “ideological assumptions, of superiority and inferiority in terms of race, culture or capacity, in the notion of the collective as a disloyal, hopeless or threatening version of the ‘other’.”
The president quoted from the Scottish philosopher David Hume who wrote in his History of England: "The Irish from the beginning of time had been buried in the most profound barbarianism and ignorance; and as they were never conquered, even, indeed, by the Romans from whom all the Western world derives its culture, they continued still in the most rude state of society and were distinguished by those vices to which human nature, not tamed by education, nor restrained by laws, is for ever subject."
The president continued: "Indeed, a century later, Winston Churchill would write, 'We have always found the Irish to be a bit odd. They refuse to be English'. The 'othering' of Irish people and their culture was undeniably ingrained at all levels of British society."
The president described the Sack of Balbriggan as an “act of collective punishment, a reprisal, a term that would become the mark of a policy aimed at subjugation, installation of fear in a public that had in its midst those that sought independence”.
He said even the former British prime minister Herbert Asquith deplored the violence and compared it to what had happened in France and Belgium during the First World War.
President Higgins said it was important that the British recognised these facts about their previous relationship to Ireland.
“If we are to be serious about ethical remembrance and the creation of diverse, complex, shared memory at peace with the past in the interest of a present or future understanding, it is important to recognise these facts. It constitutes a prerequisite for any meaningful healing.”
“We must all acknowledge that such acts of violence would be judged illegal by today’s international standards of war and conflict.”
He said that it is only through “forms of ethical remembering that we can avoid retreating to the blinding categories of censure or denunciation, or indeed revenge and bitterness, that blighted this island for so long.
"Let us all continue with, indeed embrace, the new beginning that the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement represented as we continue to carve out our peaceful co-existence on the island of Ireland."
The continuing restrictions in Dublin means that all plans to commemorate the centenary by the Balbriggan and District Historical Society have been cancelled, including a mass scheduled for Sunday.
Instead Professor Diarmaid Ferriter and local historians Frank Whearity and Jim Walsh recorded a commemorative seminar which will be broadcast on YouTube at a later date.
The Rineen ambush, the largest of the War of Independence to date, and the reprisals that followed will be marked on Tuesday with the unveiling of a plaque at Flanagan's Bar in Lahinch, Co Clare on September 22nd, the centenary of the ambush.


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--Rest of country can ‘transit’ through Dublin for overseas travel

People arriving into the country or those from other counties flying abroad can “ transit ” through Dublin , despite the new restrictions on movement in the capital , the Government has said .
People living in Dublin are asked not to travel to other counties or internationally to other countries , under new restrictions announced by the Government .
There are exemptions to the restrictions on movement for work , education or other essential reasons .
Those living outside of Dublin will be allowed to “ transit ” through the county if required to travel abroad .
Similarly people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be permitted to land in Dublin and leave the county .
The Government has put Dublin into Level 3 category of Covid-19 restrictions , with strict limits on gatherings , social activities and movement out of the county .
The measures come into effect from midnight on Friday for an initial period of three weeks .
Speaking on Friday , Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan clarified the restrictions on people leaving the capital would not apply to overseas visitors arriving in Dublin and then travelling to other parts of the country .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ through Dublin , yes that is allowed and yes people will be doing that , ” he told a press conference in Government Buildings .
“ For people in Dublin it is the same restrictions apply whether you are moving around the country or moving internationally , the same restrictions apply , ” the Green Party leader said .
“ The same regulations apply , unless it ’ s for work , study , or for essential purposes , and that applies for international travel and travel around the country , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would enforce the measure Mr Ryan said gardaí and airport officials would use “ their discretion ” .
“ That is something the Government doesn ’ t manage , it ’ s up to the airport authority and the gardaí to enforce those regulations , ” he said .
In recent days the Government has updated its “ green list ” of countries deemed safe for overseas travel .
People are not required to restrict their movements for 14 days upon return from countries on the list .
Italy and Greece were recently @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection rates in those countries .
From Monday , September 21st , the seven countries on Ireland ’ s green list are Cyprus , Finland , Germany , Iceland , Latvia , Lithuania and Poland .
The green list system is to be replaced next month with a European Union-wide “ traffic-light ” system , indicating which countries have suppressed the virus to safe levels .

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said gardaí and airport officials would use ‘their discretion’ when asked about enforcing restrictions on travel. File photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
People arriving into the country or those from other counties flying abroad can “transit” through Dublin, despite the new restrictions on movement in the capital, the Government has said.
People living in Dublin are asked not to travel to other counties or internationally to other countries, under new restrictions announced by the Government. There are exemptions to the restrictions on movement for work, education or other essential reasons.
Those living outside of Dublin will be allowed to “transit” through the county if required to travel abroad. Similarly people travelling to other parts of the country will be permitted to land in Dublin and leave the county.
The Government has put Dublin into Level 3 category of Covid-19 restrictions, with strict limits on gatherings, social activities and movement out of the county. The measures come into effect from midnight on Friday for an initial period of three weeks.
READ MORE
Speaking on Friday, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan clarified the restrictions on people leaving the capital would not apply to overseas visitors arriving in Dublin and then travelling to other parts of the country.
“If someone is coming in in-transit through Dublin, yes that is allowed and yes people will be doing that,” he told a press conference in Government Buildings.
"For people in Dublin it is the same restrictions apply whether you are moving around the country or moving internationally, the same restrictions apply," the Green Party leader said.
“The same regulations apply, unless it’s for work, study, or for essential purposes, and that applies for international travel and travel around the country,” he said.
When questioned on how authorities would enforce the measure Mr Ryan said gardaí and airport officials would use “their discretion”.
“That is something the Government doesn’t manage, it’s up to the airport authority and the gardaí to enforce those regulations,” he said.
In recent days the Government has updated its “green list” of countries deemed safe for overseas travel. People are not required to restrict their movements for 14 days upon return from countries on the list.
Italy and Greece were recently removed from the list over rising Covid-19 infection rates in those countries.
From Monday, September 21st, the seven countries on Ireland’s green list are Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.
The green list system is to be replaced next month with a European Union-wide “traffic-light” system, indicating which countries have suppressed the virus to safe levels.


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--Raab’s US visit amplifies Democratic support for Irish

US Democrats came out in force this week to express support for the Irish-EU position challenging the British government ’ s attempts to undermine the Northern Irish deal on Brexit .
Deft political backroom manoeuvres around the visit of British foreign secretary Dominic Raab to Washington led to co-ordinated signals stating clearly that high-ranking Democrats were not for turning on support for Dublin in the face of a UK diplomatic charm offensive to the US .
Raab visited the US capital days after the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives , Nancy Pelosi , repeated that there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Agreement was compromised , warning London : “ Don ’ t mess with the Good Friday accords.
” Democratic Congressman Richie Neal , a long-time supporter of Ireland and Irish causes on Capitol Hill and chairman of the all-powerful , trade deal-approving House Ways and Means Committee , said after he and Pelosi met Raab that he was “ not persuaded ” by the UK secretary ’ s assurances there would never be a hard border dividing the Republic and Northern Ireland .
The meeting came with a strong , tweeted declaration of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who warned that the 1998 peace agreement could not become “ a casualty of Brexit ” .
The White House contender tweeted a copy of a letter sent to Boris Johnson by Mr Neal and three other prominent US members of Congress with a similar message .
“ I am very happy that we have been speaking from Washington with one strong united voice , ” Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle , one of the first politicians in Washington to highlight the dangers to Ireland from Brexit , said .
The Pennsylvania representative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreement from top Democrats this week has been consistent for several years now .
“ I don ’ t understand how that could possibly come as a surprise to anyone , especially in London , because we have been pretty loud and clear , both publicly and in private , for a long time now , ” said Boyle , who described Biden ’ s tweet as “ pitch perfect ” .
Ireland ’ s Ambassador to Washington Dan Mulhall has kept up active contacts and briefings on Irish concerns around Brexit across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continue to see the benefits from the virtual State visit shown to Pelosi in Ireland last year with her high-profile backing of Ireland ’ s Brexit concerns , amplified this week by the extensive coverage of Raab ’ s trip – along with the support for Ireland in Washington – in the British media .
“ All London has achieved is that more British people know about the position that Nancy Pelosi has consistently held , ” said one source in Dublin .

US secretary of state Mike Pompeo with British foreign secretary Dominic Raab at the State Department in Washington, on Wednesday. Photograph: Nicholas Kamm/Pool via AP
US Democrats came out in force this week to express support for the Irish-EU position challenging the British government's attempts to undermine the Northern Irish deal on Brexit.
Deft political backroom manoeuvres around the visit of British foreign secretary Dominic Raab to Washington led to co-ordinated signals stating clearly that high-ranking Democrats were not for turning on support for Dublin in the face of a UK diplomatic charm offensive to the US.
Raab visited the US capital days after the Democratic Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, repeated that there would be no US-UK trade deal if the Belfast Agreement was compromised, warning London: "Don't mess with the Good Friday accords."
Democratic Congressman Richie Neal, a long-time supporter of Ireland and Irish causes on Capitol Hill and chairman of the all-powerful, trade deal-approving House Ways and Means Committee, said after he and Pelosi met Raab that he was "not persuaded" by the UK secretary's assurances there would never be a hard border dividing the Republic and Northern Ireland.
READ MORE
The meeting came with a strong, tweeted declaration of support from Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, who warned that the 1998 peace agreement could not become "a casualty of Brexit". The White House contender tweeted a copy of a letter sent to Boris Johnson by Mr Neal and three other prominent US members of Congress with a similar message.
Dangers to Ireland
"I am very happy that we have been speaking from Washington with one strong united voice," Democratic Congressman Brendan Boyle, one of the first politicians in Washington to highlight the dangers to Ireland from Brexit, said.
The Pennsylvania representative said the concerted support for the peace agreement from top Democrats this week has been consistent for several years now.
“I don’t understand how that could possibly come as a surprise to anyone, especially in London, because we have been pretty loud and clear, both publicly and in private, for a long time now,” said Boyle, who described Biden’s tweet as “pitch perfect”.
Ireland's Ambassador to Washington Dan Mulhall has kept up active contacts and briefings on Irish concerns around Brexit across the US political divide.
Brexit concerns
Irish insiders continue to see the benefits from the virtual State visit shown to Pelosi in Ireland last year with her high-profile backing of Ireland’s Brexit concerns, amplified this week by the extensive coverage of Raab’s trip – along with the support for Ireland in Washington – in the British media.
“All London has achieved is that more British people know about the position that Nancy Pelosi has consistently held,” said one source in Dublin.


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--Record number of Roseate Tern seabirds breed on Wexford island

A record number of Roseate Tern seabirds have paired up to raise chicks at a tern colony in Co Wexford during the 2020 breeding season , the National Parks and Wildlife Service ( NPWS ) has said .
The ground-nesting seabirds , which are also known as sea-swallows due to their appearance , were recorded on islands at Lady ’ s Island Lake in Co Wexford – a designated special protection area for the Sandwich , Arctic , Common and Roseate species of terns .
All four species , which migrate each spring to nest on the islands , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need of special protection while the Roseate Tern is one of the rarest breeding European seabirds .
The Lady ’ s Island Lake is now the second-largest Roseate Tern colony in Europe outside the Azores islands , according to the NPWS .
There were 273 pairs of Roseate Terns recorded on the island lake this year , up from 195 in 2019 , said conservation ranger Tony Murray .
The protection project , which has been running for over 30 years , is “ heavily reliant on goodwill , support and assistance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murray , adding that the recent rise in numbers would not had been possible without assistance from landowners and access to storage equipment .
The islands at Lady ’ s Island Lake are wardened between April and August by NPWS contractors with nest boxes provided for terns on the ground to help them shelter from harsh weather and hide from aerial predators .
Two wardens take boats to the islands almost every day during the breeding season to monitor the terns , their nests and any disturbances or predation incidents , said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chicks from previous years to improve information on the ecology of birds .
Warden Dave Daly said the weather in 2020 had been “ kind at the right time ” for all pairs to raise at least one chick , with productivity reaching 1.5 or a chick and a half per pair fledged .
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan described the record number of tern pairs as a “ biodiversity success story ” and commended the NPWS for their “ incredible efforts to support the tern population ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support .
“ As with the National Parks and Wildlife Service ’ s initiatives to boost Curlew and Partridge numbers and restore White-Tailed Eagles to our skies , this is a story of partnership between wildlife staff and the wider community , ” said Mr Noonan .
The Wexford terns have now started migrating south to West and Southern Africa for the winter , the NPWS said .

A record number of Roseate Tern seabirds have paired up to raise chicks at a tern colony in Co Wexford during the 2020 breeding season, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has said.
The ground-nesting seabirds, which are also known as sea-swallows due to their appearance, were recorded on islands at Lady’s Island Lake in Co Wexford – a designated special protection area for the Sandwich, Arctic, Common and Roseate species of terns.
All four species, which migrate each spring to nest on the islands, are listed by the European Union as in need of special protection while the Roseate Tern is one of the rarest breeding European seabirds. The Lady's Island Lake is now the second-largest Roseate Tern colony in Europe outside the Azores islands, according to the NPWS.
There were 273 pairs of Roseate Terns recorded on the island lake this year, up from 195 in 2019, said conservation ranger Tony Murray. The protection project, which has been running for over 30 years, is “heavily reliant on goodwill, support and assistance from the local community”, said Mr Murray, adding that the recent rise in numbers would not had been possible without assistance from landowners and access to storage equipment.
READ MORE
The islands at Lady’s Island Lake are wardened between April and August by NPWS contractors with nest boxes provided for terns on the ground to help them shelter from harsh weather and hide from aerial predators. Two wardens take boats to the islands almost every day during the breeding season to monitor the terns, their nests and any disturbances or predation incidents, said the NPWS. Wardens also read rings on chicks from previous years to improve information on the ecology of birds.
Warden Dave Daly said the weather in 2020 had been “kind at the right time” for all pairs to raise at least one chick, with productivity reaching 1.5 or a chick and a half per pair fledged.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan described the record number of tern pairs as a “biodiversity success story” and commended the NPWS for their “incredible efforts to support the tern population” and the people of Wexford for their support.
“As with the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s initiatives to boost Curlew and Partridge numbers and restore White-Tailed Eagles to our skies, this is a story of partnership between wildlife staff and the wider community,” said Mr Noonan.
The Wexford terns have now started migrating south to West and Southern Africa for the winter, the NPWS said.


theirishtimes--2020-09-18--Little sign of Culture Night 2020 business in Dublin’s Temple Bar

Culture Night 2020 in Dublin was like none that has ever been seen before and it is unlikely anyone will want to see its like again .
On a night like this the city ’ s streets are normally teeming with life .
Buildings which are usually shuttered and empty as darkness falls are bathed in welcoming light with their doors thrown up to an appreciative audience anxious to explore all the art and culture the city has to offer .
It was a different story this year with most of the events moving into the online world and only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening with pre-booking essential in virtually all of them .
And as if it wasn ’ t sufficiently grim that the most celebratory and inclusive of artistic events was taking place in the middle of a global pandemic , it also coincided with the moment that Taoiseach Micheál Martin was addressing the nation and warning people that Dublin was in a “ very dangerous place ” and risked returning to the worst days of the crisis .
In a small gallery on a Temple Bar laneway leading down to Aston Quay a Beatles-themed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the making .
Artist Kevin Bohan had been hoping that Culture Night would give it bit of lift .
“ We open the door for the very first night on the very day they are threatening to shut the f**king thing down , ” he said phlegmatically .
The exhibition had been set to run until the middle of October .
“ At least that was the plan , ” he told The Irish Times .
“ We ’ ll probably extend it for a few weeks now .
A lot of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they won ’ t be coming in because of the new restrictions but I ’ m still hoping a few friends will make it in so we can have a socially distanced drink outside.
” As he spoke a young couple wandered in off the street .
“ There ’ s not a whole lot going on is there ?
” Linda O ’ Donoghue , originally from Cork but living in Dublin said as she looked at the artwork on the walls .
“ I was working at Culture Night last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” she said .
“ I am not sure what we will do next .
We might go for something to eat soon .
It ’ s the only way we will be able to get a glass of wine.
” Next door Aga Szot was painting in her experimental art installation/gallery , a space where people can watch artists at work .
This year is her 11th Culture Night .
“ I think last year we had 800 people come in .
It has been building every year .
This year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if 100 people are here over the course of the night.
” She was feeling gloomier still because her beloved space is under threat of closure .
“ A new owner has bought the building and there are plans to turn the space into a restaurant , ” she said .
Elsewhere in Temple Bar there was little sign that Culture Night was happening at all .
There was little sign that anything was happening , in fact .
Most of the pubs remain shuttered and the restaurants , many of which , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10th were quiet .
A woman trying to tempt the handful of passersby with menus for the Old Mill restaurant laughed mirthlessly when asked if there were many takers .
“ No , none at all , ” she said simply .
In year ’ s past , Merrion Square has been a hub of culture on the night but on this night all the buildings were as dark and as gloomy as they have ever been and the square was as quiet as a Sunday morning .
The only sign of life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Buildings where television camera lights lit up the footpaths as reporters readied themselves to tell viewers what the city could expect to happen next .

Culture Night 2020 in Dublin was like none that has ever been seen before and it is unlikely anyone will want to see its like again.
On a night like this the city’s streets are normally teeming with life. Buildings which are usually shuttered and empty as darkness falls are bathed in welcoming light with their doors thrown up to an appreciative audience anxious to explore all the art and culture the city has to offer.
It was a different story this year with most of the events moving into the online world and only a handful of venues throughout the city opening with pre-booking essential in virtually all of them.
And as if it wasn’t sufficiently grim that the most celebratory and inclusive of artistic events was taking place in the middle of a global pandemic, it also coincided with the moment that Taoiseach Micheál Martin was addressing the nation and warning people that Dublin was in a “very dangerous place” and risked returning to the worst days of the crisis.
READ MORE
Beatles-themed exhibition
In a small gallery on a Temple Bar laneway leading down to Aston Quay a Beatles-themed exhibition had just opened after two years in the making. Artist Kevin Bohan had been hoping that Culture Night would give it bit of lift.
“We open the door for the very first night on the very day they are threatening to shut the f**king thing down,” he said phlegmatically.
The exhibition had been set to run until the middle of October. “At least that was the plan,” he told The Irish Times. “We’ll probably extend it for a few weeks now. A lot of people have messaged me to say that they won’t be coming in because of the new restrictions but I’m still hoping a few friends will make it in so we can have a socially distanced drink outside.”
As he spoke a young couple wandered in off the street.
“There’s not a whole lot going on is there?” Linda O’Donoghue, originally from Cork but living in Dublin said as she looked at the artwork on the walls.
“I was working at Culture Night last year so was looking forward to this year,” she said. “I am not sure what we will do next. We might go for something to eat soon. It’s the only way we will be able to get a glass of wine.”
Feeling gloomy
Next door Aga Szot was painting in her experimental art installation/gallery, a space where people can watch artists at work.
This year is her 11th Culture Night.
“I think last year we had 800 people come in. It has been building every year. This year I think I will be doing well if 100 people are here over the course of the night.”
She was feeling gloomier still because her beloved space is under threat of closure.
“A new owner has bought the building and there are plans to turn the space into a restaurant,” she said.
Elsewhere in Temple Bar there was little sign that Culture Night was happening at all. There was little sign that anything was happening, in fact. Most of the pubs remain shuttered and the restaurants, many of which, were serving their last supper until October 10th were quiet.
A woman trying to tempt the handful of passersby with menus for the Old Mill restaurant laughed mirthlessly when asked if there were many takers.
“No, none at all,” she said simply.
In year’s past, Merrion Square has been a hub of culture on the night but on this night all the buildings were as dark and as gloomy as they have ever been and the square was as quiet as a Sunday morning.
The only sign of life, in fact, was outside Government Buildings where television camera lights lit up the footpaths as reporters readied themselves to tell viewers what the city could expect to happen next.


theirishtimes--2020-09-19--Police in Australia search for Kildare man previously jailed for killing student

A Leitrim mother has said she felt as if she had been “ slammed against a wall ” after hearing that the young man convicted of the manslaughter of her son , is being sought by police in Australia in connection with two serious assaults .
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Patrick Farrell , following a recent stabbing in Sydney in which a 30-year-old man ’ s ear was almost severed , while police in New South Wales also want to question him about a one punch assault when led to a 56-year-old man being hospitalised .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Andrew Dolan , who died following an unprovoked assault on Christmas Eve 2011 , say they are distressed and angry by media reports that a man jailed following their son ’ s death is now on the run in Australia .
“ Our first reaction was we just didn ’ t want to know , ” said Joe Dolan .
“ And then , on reflection , we became cross because nothing was learned.
” He said the news “ made a mockery ” of his wife ’ s campaigning against random street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not to put their opportunities for travel and work , at risk by lashing out .
In July 2013 , Patrick Farrell ( 21 ) of Cornamuckla , Broadford , Co Kildare , was jailed for three and a half years for the manslaughter of Andrew Dolan a 20-year-old student of biomedical science at NUI Galway .
Two other young people were convicted of assaulting the Carrick on Shannon student .
His parents have been disturbed by reports that the man who was found to have inflicted the fatal blow during the unprovoked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Australia .
“ I am angry because no lessons have been learned and because unfortunately other people now have suffered catastrophic injuries .
It should not have happened , ” said Mr Dolan .
Rosie Dolan said she had always imagined that after 10 years she would hear from the young man responsible for the blow which killed her son .
“ I had this image that when it came to the 10th anniversary – it is actually nine years now – that I would get a tap on my shoulder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same age as Andrew – he was 20 when he hit him and Andrew was 20 .
“ I expected to see this guy in floods of tears and wanting to apologise , and that was taken away from me .
” Ms Dolan who has supported the Garda “ Use your Brain not your Fists ” campaign said she didn ’ t know if she would have forgiven her son ’ s assailant “ but I expected that he would have come to me for forgiveness and I thought that would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we have been through ” .
She said reports that the man had been one of a group of Irish men involved in a stabbing in a Sydney suburb at the end of August made her feel as if she had been “ lifted up and slammed back against the wall ” .
It was “ a hundred times worse ” to think that the attack on her son wasn ’ t a once off , out of character act .
“ I liked to think that it was somebody who went too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never done that before and would never do it again .
That made it a bit easier to accept.
” Police in NSW have appealed for the public ’ s help to locate Patrick Farrell ( 29 ) , who they say is wanted on two outstanding warrants for a stabbing in the Randwick area of Sydney last month and an assault in Matraville in November last year .
“ Detectives from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command have conducted extensive inquiries into his whereabouts but have been unable to locate him ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ According to media reports in Australia , Farrell was one of a number of people involved in a stabbing in Randwick on August 29th in which a man ’ s ear was almost severed .
An Irish couple have been charged in connection with the incident .
NSW police also want to question Farrell about a one punch assault on a 56- year-old man in a beer garden of a hotel at Matraville in November last year .
Australia ’ s Department of Home Affairs said it could not comment on individual cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it said , non-citizens who posed a significant risk to public safety would have their visas cancelled .

A Leitrim mother has said she felt as if she had been “slammed against a wall” after hearing that the young man convicted of the manslaughter of her son, is being sought by police in Australia in connection with two serious assaults.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of Patrick Farrell, following a recent stabbing in Sydney in which a 30-year-old man’s ear was almost severed, while police in New South Wales also want to question him about a one punch assault when led to a 56-year-old man being hospitalised.
Joe and Rosie Dolan, parents of Andrew Dolan, who died following an unprovoked assault on Christmas Eve 2011, say they are distressed and angry by media reports that a man jailed following their son’s death is now on the run in Australia.
"Our first reaction was we just didn't want to know," said Joe Dolan. "And then, on reflection, we became cross because nothing was learned." He said the news "made a mockery" of his wife's campaigning against random street attacks and her pleas to young people not to put their opportunities for travel and work, at risk by lashing out.
READ MORE
In July 2013 , Patrick Farrell (21) of Cornamuckla, Broadford, Co Kildare, was jailed for three and a half years for the manslaughter of Andrew Dolan a 20-year-old student of biomedical science at NUI Galway. Two other young people were convicted of assaulting the Carrick on Shannon student.
His parents have been disturbed by reports that the man who was found to have inflicted the fatal blow during the unprovoked street assault is being sought by police in Australia.
“I am angry because no lessons have been learned and because unfortunately other people now have suffered catastrophic injuries . It should not have happened,” said Mr Dolan.
Rosie Dolan said she had always imagined that after 10 years she would hear from the young man responsible for the blow which killed her son.
“I had this image that when it came to the 10th anniversary – it is actually nine years now – that I would get a tap on my shoulder and I would have this crying boy, the same age as Andrew – he was 20 when he hit him and Andrew was 20.
“I expected to see this guy in floods of tears and wanting to apologise, and that was taken away from me .”
Andrew Dolan’s parents, Joe and Rosie, pictured in 2014 at his graveside in Ardcarne Cemetery , Co Roscommon. Photograph: Brian Farrell
Ms Dolan who has supported the Garda “Use your Brain not your Fists” campaign said she didn’t know if she would have forgiven her son’s assailant “but I expected that he would have come to me for forgiveness and I thought that would be an important finishing off of what we have been through”.
She said reports that the man had been one of a group of Irish men involved in a stabbing in a Sydney suburb at the end of August made her feel as if she had been “lifted up and slammed back against the wall”. It was “a hundred times worse” to think that the attack on her son wasn’t a once off, out of character act.
“I liked to think that it was somebody who went too far that night, someone who had never done that before and would never do it again. That made it a bit easier to accept.”
Police in NSW have appealed for the public’s help to locate Patrick Farrell (29), who they say is wanted on two outstanding warrants for a stabbing in the Randwick area of Sydney last month and an assault in Matraville in November last year.
“Detectives from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command have conducted extensive inquiries into his whereabouts but have been unable to locate him”, according to the NSW Facebook appeal.
According to media reports in Australia , Farrell was one of a number of people involved in a stabbing in Randwick on August 29th in which a man’s ear was almost severed. An Irish couple have been charged in connection with the incident.
NSW police also want to question Farrell about a one punch assault on a 56- year-old man in a beer garden of a hotel at Matraville in November last year.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs said it could not comment on individual cases due to privacy legislation. In general, it said, non-citizens who posed a significant risk to public safety would have their visas cancelled.


theirishtimes--2020-09-19--Dutch government honours Irish veteran of Battle of Arnhem

The Dutch ambassador to Ireland has honoured one of the last Irish survivors of the Battle of Arnhem 76 years ago for his part in the Liberation of the Netherlands .
Adriaan Palm said he was delighted to be honouring 95-year-old Sam Kendrick from Wexford for his part in the Battle of Arnhem where he fought with the British 1st Parachute Regiment as they attempted to capture the bridge across the Rhine in the hope of bringing the second World War to an early end .
Speaking with the Irish and Dutch flags fluttering behind him at a roof top @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mr Palm said people should never take peace , freedom and democracy for granted .
He recalled his own father , who was just ten at the time , told him years later that Operation Market Garden was “ a signal of hope , hope for liberation ” .
“ We remember those who lost their lives at the Battle of Arnhem , and we thank those who survived - Sam , you didn ’ t have to be there , you didn ’ t have fight at all but you did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our peace , our justice and I salute for that .
“ Now is the time to show our gratitude to you , Sam and , through you , to all Irish citizens who fought for our freedom in those dark days ” said Mr Palm as he presented Mr Kendrick with a medal of remembrance from the Dutch government to honour his part in the Battle of Arnhem .
Mr Kendrick , who lives at Kilmore in his native Wexford , was 18 when he parachuted into Osterbeek , just west @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1944 , as part of a 10,500-strong British and Polish force sent to capture the bridge over the Rhine .
Equipped with a flame thrower and a Sten gun , Mr Kendrick was hit in the foot by shrapnel when he and his comrades encountered a German force comprising five tanks , 15 half-tracks and enemy infantry on the Arnhem-to-Ede road , and they were forced to retreated to Osterbeek .
He was involved in some of the heaviest fighting of the battle before he was captured over a week later and sent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where he found himself collecting bodies in Dresden after the city suffered 25,000 civilian casualties when it was bombed by the RAF and USAAF in February 1945 .
“ I never thought any at stage when I was Arnhem that I would be back home in Wexford being honoured by the Dutch government like this – my last words since I came home are ‘ what am I doing here ?
’ because a lot my comrades were killed , and I was lucky , very lucky , ” he said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am delighted and I feel proud for the honour the Dutch people have given me today because they were so good and so generous to us – they said we were heroes , but there are no heroes , it was a job and we all just tried to do your job.
” Among those who attended the ceremony to honour Mr Kendrick were Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces , Vice Admiral , Mark Mellett ; Minister of State , James Browne ; chair of Wexford County Cllr Ger Carthy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Legion , Republic of Ireland , Lt Col Ken Martin .

The Dutch ambassador to Ireland has honoured one of the last Irish survivors of the Battle of Arnhem 76 years ago for his part in the Liberation of the Netherlands.
Adriaan Palm said he was delighted to be honouring 95-year-old Sam Kendrick from Wexford for his part in the Battle of Arnhem where he fought with the British 1st Parachute Regiment as they attempted to capture the bridge across the Rhine in the hope of bringing the second World War to an early end.
Speaking with the Irish and Dutch flags fluttering behind him at a roof top ceremony at Enniscorthy Castle in Co Wexford, Mr Palm said people should never take peace, freedom and democracy for granted.
He recalled his own father, who was just ten at the time, told him years later that Operation Market Garden was “a signal of hope, hope for liberation”.
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“We remember those who lost their lives at the Battle of Arnhem, and we thank those who survived - Sam, you didn’t have to be there, you didn’t have fight at all but you did so as a youngster for our freedom, our peace, our justice and I salute for that.
“Now is the time to show our gratitude to you, Sam and, through you, to all Irish citizens who fought for our freedom in those dark days” said Mr Palm as he presented Mr Kendrick with a medal of remembrance from the Dutch government to honour his part in the Battle of Arnhem.
Mr Kendrick, who lives at Kilmore in his native Wexford, was 18 when he parachuted into Osterbeek, just west of Arnhem, on September 17th, 1944, as part of a 10,500-strong British and Polish force sent to capture the bridge over the Rhine.
Equipped with a flame thrower and a Sten gun, Mr Kendrick was hit in the foot by shrapnel when he and his comrades encountered a German force comprising five tanks, 15 half-tracks and enemy infantry on the Arnhem-to-Ede road, and they were forced to retreated to Osterbeek.
He was involved in some of the heaviest fighting of the battle before he was captured over a week later and sent as a prisoner of war to Germany where he found himself collecting bodies in Dresden after the city suffered 25,000 civilian casualties when it was bombed by the RAF and USAAF in February 1945.
“I never thought any at stage when I was Arnhem that I would be back home in Wexford being honoured by the Dutch government like this – my last words since I came home are ‘what am I doing here?’ because a lot my comrades were killed, and I was lucky, very lucky,” he said.
“That medal means everything to me – I am delighted and I feel proud for the honour the Dutch people have given me today because they were so good and so generous to us – they said we were heroes, but there are no heroes, it was a job and we all just tried to do your job.”
Among those who attended the ceremony to honour Mr Kendrick were Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Vice Admiral, Mark Mellett; Minister of State, James Browne; chair of Wexford County Cllr Ger Carthy; and President of the Royal British Legion, Republic of Ireland, Lt Col Ken Martin.


theirishtimes--2020-09-19--President Higgins announces death of his dog Síoda

Síoda , one of President Michael D Higgins ’ well-known dogs , has died .
One of a pair of Bernese mountain dogs , Síoda with Bród had been a popular double act at Áras an Uachtaráin welcoming dignitaries and members of the public to the President ’ s residence .
A spokesman for the Mr Higgins confirmed on Saturday that Síoda had died .
The news was first detailed in an Áras newsletter , which said “ sadly we must report that Síoda has passed away after a short illness ” .
The dogs are a popular feature of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , weaving in and out of the tables to the delight of guests , who clamour to get a photograph with one of the beloved canines .
They also regularly make appearances during official visits and events .
No matter the company , the dogs would often be known to saunter up to Mr Higgins for a belly rub or scratch behind the ears .
Speaking about the pair previously , the President said “ the dogs are not merely ice-breakers , they ’ re also a great source of wisdom , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Anthropocene.
” Síoda was a female , Bród is a male .
President Higgins has had dogs all his life .
He previously had another Bernese mountain dog during his earlier years in the Phoenix Park called Shadow .
During the 2018 presidential election , Independent candidate Peter Casey provoked controversy by questioning Mr Higgins ’ expenses in office , claiming “ your dog grooming bills are paid for ” during a radio debate .
The President ’ s campaign later clarified all costs of the dogs ’ upkeep were met @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the claims from the Donegal businessman were “ false and ludicrous ” .
Bród and Síoda also have an unofficial Twitter fan page , @ BrodHiggins , which has over 18,000 followers on the social media platform .

A picture of President Michael D Higgins with Síoda issued with news of the dog’s death. Photograph: Áras an Uachtaráin
Síoda, one of President Michael D Higgins’ well-known dogs, has died.
One of a pair of Bernese mountain dogs, Síoda with Bród had been a popular double act at Áras an Uachtaráin welcoming dignitaries and members of the public to the President’s residence.
A spokesman for the Mr Higgins confirmed on Saturday that Síoda had died.
The news was first detailed in an Áras newsletter, which said “sadly we must report that Síoda has passed away after a short illness”.
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The dogs are a popular feature of regular garden parties thrown by President Higgins, weaving in and out of the tables to the delight of guests, who clamour to get a photograph with one of the beloved canines.
They also regularly make appearances during official visits and events.
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle in July 2018 at Áras an Uachtaráin with President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina and their dogs Bród and Síoda. Photograph: Cyril Byrne / The Irish Times
No matter the company, the dogs would often be known to saunter up to Mr Higgins for a belly rub or scratch behind the ears.
Speaking about the pair previously, the President said “the dogs are not merely ice-breakers, they’re also a great source of wisdom, and they must be protected from the stresses of the Anthropocene.”
Síoda was a female, Bród is a male. President Higgins has had dogs all his life. He previously had another Bernese mountain dog during his earlier years in the Phoenix Park called Shadow.
During the 2018 presidential election, Independent candidate Peter Casey provoked controversy by questioning Mr Higgins’ expenses in office, claiming “your dog grooming bills are paid for” during a radio debate.
The President’s campaign later clarified all costs of the dogs’ upkeep were met from Mr Higgins’ own funds, and the claims from the Donegal businessman were “false and ludicrous”.
Bród and Síoda also have an unofficial Twitter fan page, @BrodHiggins, which has over 18,000 followers on the social media platform.


theirishtimes--2020-09-19--NPHET had weighed up measures to allow Dublin indoor dining continue

The State ’ s public health emergency team considered measures that would allow indoor dining to continue in Dublin , but decided instead to recommend restricting restaurants to outdoor and takeaway services only .
The National Public Health Emergency Team ( NPHET ) had examined limiting numbers at tables , reduced capacity and earlier closing times .
In a 17th September letter to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly , Dr Ronan Glynn , the State ’ s acting chief medical officer , said NPHET moved instead to recommend a ban on indoor dining “ given the severity of the epidemiological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus in Dublin is currently at an “ extremely critical juncture ” public health officials warned the Government , while setting out the rationale for placing additional restrictions on the capital .
NPHET expressed concern over the “ growing risk ” that rising Covid-19 cases in Dublin would fuel large increases elsewhere in the country , “ given its population size and connectivity to other parts of the country.
” On Friday the Government placed Dublin onto Level 3 of its Living with Covid-19 plan , with strict limits on gatherings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement in and out of the county .
Dr Glynn said NPHET ’ s view was “ the profile of the disease in Dublin is at an extremely critical juncture , ” and the window of opportunity to suppress the virus “ without significant additional measures is no longer available.
” “ Once again , the NPHET fully appreciates that this most recent advice will be disappointing , concerning and challenging for the people of Dublin in particular , ” he wrote .
Public health officials were “ extremely cognisant ” of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other residential care facilities , he said .
It was critical that there were “ clear communications ” that visits could still take place in compassionate circumstances , he said .
Previously when community transmission became widespread in April and May outbreaks of Covid-19 had devastating impacts in nursing homes , accounting for over half of all deaths .
“ NPHET concluded that the situation has further deteriorated in Dublin and there is now a very real risk of widespread transmission both across the county but also to other areas of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The letter to Mr Donnelly , sent following a NPHET meeting , noted there were 73 confirmed Covid-19 cases in hospital , with nine admissions in the past 24 hours .
The number of hospitalisations and cases in intensive care were “ all continuing to increase at an accelerating rate , ” Dr Glynn said .
“ Even small increases in the number of admissions have the potential to put strain on the hospital system and , were the current pattern of admissions to continue , this would impact on healthcare delivery more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ senior Department of Health official said if the trajectory of the virus continued along its current path there would be up to 1,000 cases per day in four weeks ’ time , 60 per cent of which would be in Dublin .
The new restrictions included a ban on travel in and out of Dublin , apart from work , education and other essential purposes .
The letter from Dr Glynn noted that travel through the capital would be permitted “ for the purpose of reaching a destination outside of Dublin , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the county “ for the purpose of returning home from vacation.
” The additional measures for Dublin would only have a substantial effect on the spread of the disease “ if there is wholehearted widespread collective buy-in , ” he warned .
NPHET did not recommend a return to “ cocooning ” for people aged 70 and over and the medically vulnerable , like in the previous national lockdown .
Instead Dr Glynn said the elderly and medically vulnerable should stay at home “ as much as possible ” and limit their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ networks for short periods of time .
”

The State’s public health emergency team considered measures that would allow indoor dining to continue in Dublin, but decided instead to recommend restricting restaurants to outdoor and takeaway services only.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) had examined limiting numbers at tables, reduced capacity and earlier closing times.
In a 17th September letter to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Dr Ronan Glynn, the State's acting chief medical officer, said NPHET moved instead to recommend a ban on indoor dining "given the severity of the epidemiological situation in Dublin."
The spread of the coronavirus in Dublin is currently at an “extremely critical juncture” public health officials warned the Government, while setting out the rationale for placing additional restrictions on the capital.
READ MORE
NPHET expressed concern over the “growing risk” that rising Covid-19 cases in Dublin would fuel large increases elsewhere in the country, “given its population size and connectivity to other parts of the country.”
On Friday the Government placed Dublin onto Level 3 of its Living with Covid-19 plan, with strict limits on gatherings, social activities, and a ban on movement in and out of the county.
Dr Glynn said NPHET’s view was “the profile of the disease in Dublin is at an extremely critical juncture,” and the window of opportunity to suppress the virus “without significant additional measures is no longer available.”
“Once again, the NPHET fully appreciates that this most recent advice will be disappointing, concerning and challenging for the people of Dublin in particular,” he wrote.
Public health officials were “extremely cognisant” of the effects of banning visitors to nursing homes and other residential care facilities, he said. It was critical that there were “clear communications” that visits could still take place in compassionate circumstances, he said.
Previously when community transmission became widespread in April and May outbreaks of Covid-19 had devastating impacts in nursing homes, accounting for over half of all deaths.
“NPHET concluded that the situation has further deteriorated in Dublin and there is now a very real risk of widespread transmission both across the county but also to other areas of the country,” Dr Glynn said.
The letter to Mr Donnelly, sent following a NPHET meeting, noted there were 73 confirmed Covid-19 cases in hospital, with nine admissions in the past 24 hours.
The number of hospitalisations and cases in intensive care were “all continuing to increase at an accelerating rate,” Dr Glynn said.
“Even small increases in the number of admissions have the potential to put strain on the hospital system and, were the current pattern of admissions to continue, this would impact on healthcare delivery more broadly,” he said.
The senior Department of Health official said if the trajectory of the virus continued along its current path there would be up to 1,000 cases per day in four weeks' time, 60 per cent of which would be in Dublin.
The new restrictions included a ban on travel in and out of Dublin, apart from work, education and other essential purposes.
The letter from Dr Glynn noted that travel through the capital would be permitted “for the purpose of reaching a destination outside of Dublin,” and people could travel into or out of the county “for the purpose of returning home from vacation.”
The additional measures for Dublin would only have a substantial effect on the spread of the disease “if there is wholehearted widespread collective buy-in,” he warned.
NPHET did not recommend a return to “cocooning” for people aged 70 and over and the medically vulnerable, like in the previous national lockdown.
Instead Dr Glynn said the elderly and medically vulnerable should stay at home “as much as possible” and limit their social engagements to a “very small networks for short periods of time.”


theirishtimes--2020-09-19--Another Life: Ireland’s growing deer population poses many challenges

“ Seizing the opportunity , the Stalker steadied his rifle .
.
.
He set the double trigger , fixed the ’ scope on the target area and gently squeezed .
Faster than the speed of sound flew the bullet from the gun , tumbling the young deer before he heard the sound of the shot.
” In such spare prose does the Stalker , avatar of Liam Nolan , barrister-at-law and director of Deer Alliance , describe the culling of a wild Sika deer of Glenmacnass in the Wicklow hills .
As the new shooting season opens , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his role as predator-in-chief of the herd .
The 60 pages of Nolan ’ s new book , Sika the Wild Deer ( €30 online from deeralliance.ie ) enfold many fine drawings by Lorraine Brett , once of Kilkenny , now of Shanghai .
They study the animals in many situations but , rather like the story , overlook the Sika ’ s appetite for tearing bark off the State ’ s young conifers .
Like views through very different binoculars , images of Ireland ’ s over-abundant Sika swing about between their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their nuisance as pests of forestry and farmland , adulterers of Irish red deer genes – even , in places , as potential carriers of bovine TB .
Nolan ’ s handsome hardback reaches above all this to outline the life of one animal from calf to pricket ( there ’ s a glossary ) to old age .
It attributes to “ the Stalker ” the knowledge and empathy built up over Nolan ’ s 40 years of close observation , his authority as an expert in wild deer management , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ manual .
Thus the Stalker is confident “ that in order to ensure a healthy future for the herd at large he would need from time to time to shoot females and young deer , including calves , as well as the old , the injured and the infirm .
Some times , too , the shooting of a trophy head by a visiting hunter could provide the means by which a greater number of deer could be maintained efficiently on the ground , strange as that idea sometimes seemed to outsiders.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ study are adorned with the antlers of the many stags he had shot .
“ He regarded them not as trophies but as tributes to the deer they had once graced .
.
.
” Among them are antlers of the “ full and heavy eight-point head ” of the ultimate elegant stag .
In the choice of thinning the herd , the Stalker exercises management “ within the marches of his ground ” – this , it must be said , with the full encouragement of the licence-issuing National Parks & Wildlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is now taken every year , mainly by some 4,000 licensed hunters .
The “ ground ” Nolan knows so intimately , even to crawling on hands and knees among the rocks , is a few heights across the Wicklows from Enniskerry .
There , in 1860 , the then Lord Powerscourt introduced one Japanese Sika stag and two hinds .
Today their descendants , and those of other Sika introductions , number an estimated 40,000 .
Their herds are concentrated in Wicklow and Kerry , Tyrone and Fermanagh but are found in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Their hybrids with red deer date back to the Powerscourt estate .
Wicklow still has most of them , but they are to be found far more widely and continue to present a potential threat to the bloodstock of Ireland ’ s native red deer at Killarney .
A national surge in the numbers of deer ( Sika , reds , fallow and the recently introduced muntjac ) has been “ greatly enabled by climate change ” , says Nolan ’ s preface to his book , “ an unchallengeable reality which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behaviour ” .
In 2009 , a report for Woodlands of Ireland reviewed the damage to broadleaf and conifer trees and concluded that , for a sustainable population of deer , an annual cull of 150,000 would be needed .
Its lead researcher , Dr Ruth Carden of the Natural History Museum , also contributed to a 2011 paper in the UK ’ s prestigious Mammal Review .
It found great increases in the ranges of Ireland ’ s deer : 565 per cent for red deer , 353 per cent for Sika @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In 2010 the Department of Agriculture , Food and the Marine commissioned Fordeer , “ a landscape level study of deer populations and behaviour , ” to be carried out by UCC .
After a decade , a final report has still to emerge .
The story of Nolan ’ s fictional Sika includes a near escape from a gang of poachers , given a dramatic and knowledgeable chapter as they “ practise their piracy ” at the Wicklow Gap with night-time cars and lamps .
But does the Stalker himself end up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worn by time ?
Sometimes , he decides with lowered rifle , “ Orion can wait ” .
( Glossary : “ Greek god of hunting ” )

“Seizing the opportunity, the Stalker steadied his rifle . . . He set the double trigger, fixed the ’scope on the target area and gently squeezed. Faster than the speed of sound flew the bullet from the gun, tumbling the young deer before he heard the sound of the shot.”
In such spare prose does the Stalker, avatar of Liam Nolan, barrister-at-law and director of Deer Alliance, describe the culling of a wild Sika deer of Glenmacnass in the Wicklow hills. As the new shooting season opens, he offers a brief but eloquent case for his role as predator-in-chief of the herd.
The 60 pages of Nolan's new book, Sika the Wild Deer (€30 online from deeralliance.ie) enfold many fine drawings by Lorraine Brett, once of Kilkenny, now of Shanghai. They study the animals in many situations but, rather like the story, overlook the Sika's appetite for tearing bark off the State's young conifers.
Like views through very different binoculars, images of Ireland’s over-abundant Sika swing about between their beauty and dignity as wild animals and their nuisance as pests of forestry and farmland, adulterers of Irish red deer genes – even, in places, as potential carriers of bovine TB.
READ MORE
Nolan’s handsome hardback reaches above all this to outline the life of one animal from calf to pricket (there’s a glossary) to old age. It attributes to “the Stalker” the knowledge and empathy built up over Nolan’s 40 years of close observation, his authority as an expert in wild deer management, and as author of the current stalker training manual.
Thus the Stalker is confident “that in order to ensure a healthy future for the herd at large he would need from time to time to shoot females and young deer, including calves, as well as the old, the injured and the infirm. Some times, too, the shooting of a trophy head by a visiting hunter could provide the means by which a greater number of deer could be maintained efficiently on the ground, strange as that idea sometimes seemed to outsiders.”
The walls of the Stalker’s study are adorned with the antlers of the many stags he had shot. “He regarded them not as trophies but as tributes to the deer they had once graced . . .” Among them are antlers of the “ full and heavy eight-point head” of the ultimate elegant stag.
In the choice of thinning the herd, the Stalker exercises management “within the marches of his ground” – this, it must be said, with the full encouragement of the licence-issuing National Parks & Wildlife Service.
Tree damage
A cull of 15,000 Sika is now taken every year, mainly by some 4,000 licensed hunters. The “ground” Nolan knows so intimately, even to crawling on hands and knees among the rocks, is a few heights across the Wicklows from Enniskerry. There, in 1860, the then Lord Powerscourt introduced one Japanese Sika stag and two hinds.
Today their descendants, and those of other Sika introductions, number an estimated 40,000. Their herds are concentrated in Wicklow and Kerry, Tyrone and Fermanagh but are found in nine other counties from Waterford to Donegal.
Their hybrids with red deer date back to the Powerscourt estate. Wicklow still has most of them, but they are to be found far more widely and continue to present a potential threat to the bloodstock of Ireland’s native red deer at Killarney.
A national surge in the numbers of deer (Sika, reds, fallow and the recently introduced muntjac) has been “greatly enabled by climate change”, says Nolan’s preface to his book, “an unchallengeable reality which will continue to affect animal and human behaviour”.
In 2009, a report for Woodlands of Ireland reviewed the damage to broadleaf and conifer trees and concluded that, for a sustainable population of deer, an annual cull of 150,000 would be needed.
Its lead researcher, Dr Ruth Carden of the Natural History Museum, also contributed to a 2011 paper in the UK's prestigious Mammal Review. It found great increases in the ranges of Ireland's deer: 565 per cent for red deer, 353 per cent for Sika and 174 per cent for fallow.
In 2010 the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine commissioned Fordeer, “a landscape level study of deer populations and behaviour,” to be carried out by UCC. After a decade, a final report has still to emerge.
The story of Nolan’s fictional Sika includes a near escape from a gang of poachers, given a dramatic and knowledgeable chapter as they “practise their piracy” at the Wicklow Gap with night-time cars and lamps . But does the Stalker himself end up shooting the stag, grown old and worn by time?
Sometimes, he decides with lowered rifle, “Orion can wait”. (Glossary: “Greek god of hunting”)