Church services

Armagh - St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland -- Sunday services at 10am ( Holy Communion ) , 11am ( Sung Eucharist ) and 3:15pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Mon to Sat at 9:30am ( Said Matins ) and 12:30pm ( 1st Wednesday of every month ) .
Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm ( Nov-March ) and until 5pm ( April-Oct ) .
Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward .
You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful architecture .
The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan , Dean of St Patrick ’ s Church of Ireland Cathedral , Armagh City -Further information is available by , visiting : www.stpatricks-cathedral.org Belfast Cathedral ( St Anne ’ s ) Eucharist at 8am , 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm .
The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm .
on Sunday .
There will always be a quiet area available .
The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays .
( It will be closed to visitors during services ) .
People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us , Dean Stephen Forde .
Visit : www.belfastcathedral.org Christ Church Cathedral , Dublin City -- Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm .
Weekday services at 10am ( morning prayer ) 12 midday ( Peace Prayers ) and 12:45pm ( Eucharist ) .
On Monday and Friday at 5pm , there is a Said Evening Prayer .
During term time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays .
Sung service times may vary , especially out of cathedral choir terms .
Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times .
A warm welcome awaits you , The Very Revd Dermot Dunne , Dean of Christ Church Cathedral .
Cork City ( St Finn Barre ’ s ) Sunday Services are at 8am ( Said Eucharist ) , 11:15am ( Choral Eucharist ) and 3:30pm ( Choral Evensong ) .
Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am ( Morning Prayer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) .
Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm .
The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays .
Very Rev .
Nigel Dunne ( Dean of Cork ) .
For more information , visit : https : //corkcathedral.webs.com/ Derry/Londonderry ( Saint Columb ’ s Cathedral ) Services are at 8am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays , and Coral @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Choral Evensong ) .
The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon , Wed , Thur and Fri ( The Litany ) in The Baptistery .
The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel .
( For any changes to our regular services , please check the magazine online ) .
www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally , nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities .
This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to all sections of the community .
The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart , Dean Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Sundays at 11:30am and Thursdays at 10am with Holy Communion .
You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral .
Monday to Saturday , between 9.30am and 4pm .
It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre .
Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship , not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick .
It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations .
VISIT downcathedral.org for further information Dún Laoghaire , Co Dublin The Methodist Church , Northumberland Avenue , Dun Laoghaire .
Sunday Service 11am .
All Welcome .
For further details www.dlmc.org Enniskillen -St Macartin ’ s Cathedral -- Services are at 9am ( Holy Communion ) 11am ( Holy Communion on first and third Sundays , Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays , and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prayer on first , second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing on fifth Sundays ) .
Weekday services are at 11am on Thursdays ( Holy Communion ) and other services are as announced .
Visitors are welcome outside of service times , and admission is free -you will be most welcome .
The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall , Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral .
For further information , visit www.enniskillencathedral.com Ferns , Co Wexford ( St Edan ’ s Cathedral ) Services @ @ @ @ @ @ @ morning .
On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am ( Family Eucharist ) .
The cathedral is open daily to visitors and you will be most welcome .
The Very Revd Leslie Forrest ; Rector and Dean .
Tel : 053 9366 124 National Cathedral of Saint Patrick , Dublin THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel .
11.15 CHORAL EUCHARIST sung by the Cathedral Choir - Ives : Missa Brevis , Arr Nicholson : Tomorrow shall be my dancing day , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : The Revd M.D.Gardner , M.A.
, Prebendary of Maynooth .
15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Choir Responses : Shephard , Kelly in C , Psalm 98 , Arr .
Nicholson : We three Kings , Preacher : The Revd M.D.Gardner , M.A.
, Prebendary of Maynooth .
MATINS is sung at 9.00 and EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday to Friday .
EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday , Thursday and Saturday .
For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472 .
All Saints Church , Belfast is located @ @ @ @ @ @ @ University ) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm .
We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening .
This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style .
Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome .
Rev Trevor Johnston .
Visit www.ascbelfast.com All Saints Church , Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday .
On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am .
Wednesdays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month ( Wholeness and Healing Service ) .
We are located on the Howth Road , next to Raheny Village , Dublin 5 .
All Welcome .
Rev .
Norman McCausland .
Visit http : //allsaintsraheny.org for more information Bangor Parish Church Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am ; with refreshments served between each service .
We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street , Bangor , Co. Down .
For more information , visit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baptist is located at Seafield Road , West , Clontarf , Dublin 3 .
Sunday 12th January at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( Morning Prayer ) and Sunday Club in the Parish Centre .
Wednesday morning services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am .
All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after 10:30am services .
Revd Lesley Robinson .
Visit : clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/ Church of St John the Evangelist -Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome .
We are located at Coolock , Dublin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Malahide Road ; next to the Odeon Cinema .
Rector : Rev .
Norman McCausland .
Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org Finglas ( St Canice ) Epiphany 2 : NO SERVICE .
See Santry and Glasnevin .
Howth , Co Dublin ( St Mary ’ s Parish ) Sundays at 9:30am ( Morning Prayer ) and 11am ( Holy Communion ) .
Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Wednesdays at 10:30am .
We look forward to seeing you , Canon Kevin Brew ( Rector ) .
Visit : www.stmaryshowth.com Immanuel Church , Dublin City , meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building , 28 Bachelors Walk , Dublin 1 .
We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background .
Pastor Kieron Lynch .
For more details , visit : www.immanuelchurchdublin.org Kill O The Grange , Dublin -we are an evangelical church , belonging to the Church of Ireland , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to make worship , learning from the Bible , mission and being open to the Holy Spirit , a priority in our life together .
Services are on Sundays at 8:30am ( Holy Communion ) and 10:30am ( All Age Service ) .
Wednesdays at 10:30am ( Holy Communion Service ) .
Visit http : //kotg.ie to find out more .
Rev .
Alan Breen , Rector Killarney ( St Mary ’ s -Church of the Sloes ) 11am at Kenmare Place , Killarney , Co. Kerry .
Family Service is on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome .
Visit : http : //churchofthesloes.ie/ St James Church , Crinken , Bray , Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am .
Rector , Trevor Stevenson .
We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live , and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus .
We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill .
For more information , visit : www.crinken.ie St Matthias , Killiney - Ballybrack 09.00 Holy Communion , 10.30 Service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( in Parish Centre ) .
Wednesday 10.30 Holy Communion .
Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m. , Holy Communion .
10.30 a.m. , Epiphanytide Carol Service of Carols and Readings , with theme of ‘ The Light of the World ’ .
*Sunday Club .
3.30 p.m. , Annual ‘ Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ’ service , Divine Word church , Marlay Grange .
* Note , no evening service this day .
About The Presbyterian Church in Ireland -- The Presbyterian form of the Christian faith is best described as Reformed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sovereignty of God , the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible .
For more information , and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland , visit : www.presbyterianireland.org

CATHEDRALS
Armagh - St Patrick's Church of Ireland --Sunday services at 10am (Holy Communion), 11am (Sung Eucharist) and 3:15pm (Choral Evensong). Mon to Sat at 9:30am (Said Matins) and 12:30pm (1st Wednesday of every month). Opening times for visitors are 9am to 4pm (Nov-March) and until 5pm (April-Oct). Group tours must be pre-arranged with the Cathedral Steward. You will be most welcome to join us at any of our Sunday or daily services or just to spend time either in quiet reflection or looking at the beautiful architecture. The Very Rev Gregory Dunstan, Dean of St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh City -Further information is available by, visiting: www.stpatricks-cathedral.org
Belfast Cathedral (St Anne's) Eucharist at 8am, 10am and 11am and Choral Evensong at 3.30pm. The cathedral is open for private prayer from 8am-6pm on Monday to Saturday and from 8am-4pm. on Sunday. There will always be a quiet area available. The cathedral is open for cultural visits on Monday to Saturday from 9am-5pm (last audio tour at 4.30pm), and from 1pm-3pm on Sundays. (It will be closed to visitors during services). People of all traditions and all faiths are welcome to join us, Dean Stephen Forde. Visit: www.belfastcathedral.org
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin City --Eucharist at 11am and Choral Evensong at 3:30pm. Weekday services at 10am (morning prayer) 12 midday (Peace Prayers) and 12:45pm (Eucharist). On Monday and Friday at 5pm, there is a Said Evening Prayer. During term time, Compline begins at 6pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays and Choral Evensong at 6pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Sung service times may vary, especially out of cathedral choir terms. Visit christchurchcathedral.ie for further information and for visiting times. A warm welcome awaits you, The Very Revd Dermot Dunne, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral.
READ MORE
Cork City (St Finn Barre's) Sunday Services are at 8am (Said Eucharist), 11:15am (Choral Eucharist) and 3:30pm (Choral Evensong). Weekday and Saturday Services are at 10am (Morning Prayer) and 12 noon (The Eucharist). Evening Prayer is at 5:15pm from Tuesday to Thursday and on Friday there is a Coral Evensong at 6:15pm. The Cathedral is also open to visitors from 9:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Saturday and outside of service times on Sundays. Very Rev. Nigel Dunne (Dean of Cork). For more information, visit: https://corkcathedral.webs.com/
Derry/Londonderry (Saint Columb's Cathedral) Services are at 8am (Holy Communion) 11am (Cahoral Eucharist on 1st and 3rd Sundays, and Coral Matins on 2nd 4th Sundays) 4pm (Choral Evensong). The Daily Office is said at 10.30am Mon, Wed, Thur and Fri (The Litany) in The Baptistery. The Eucharist is celebrated on Tuesday at 10.30am in The Bishop William Alexander Chapel. (For any changes to our regular services, please check the magazine online). www.stcolumbscathedral.org The cathedral is widely recognised locally, nationally and internationally for its active promotion of ecumenical and bridge-building activities. This role is reflected in the regard in which the building is held as a religious venue, which is acceptable to all sections of the community. The Very Reverend Raymond Stewart, Dean
Downpatrick -Down Cathedral -Sundays at 11:30am and Thursdays at 10am with Holy Communion. You are very welcome to visit Down Cathedral. Monday to Saturday, between 9.30am and 4pm. It is situated within a short walk from Downpatrick town centre and is adjacent to The Saint Patrick Centre. Down Cathedral is first and foremost a place for prayer and worship, not only for the local congregation and people of the Church of Ireland Diocese, but for all those in Ireland and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick. It is in effect a house of prayer for all nations. VISIT downcathedral.org for further information
Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin The Methodist Church, Northumberland Avenue, Dun Laoghaire. Sunday Service 11am. All Welcome. For further details www.dlmc.org
Enniskillen -St Macartin's Cathedral --Services are at 9am (Holy Communion) 11am (Holy Communion on first and third Sundays, Morning Prayer on second and fifth Sundays, and Morning Prayer/Family Service on fourth Sundays). Evening service at 7pm (Evening Prayer on first, second third Sundays and Holy Communion on fourth Sundays and a Celebration of Wholeness and Healing on fifth Sundays). Weekday services are at 11am on Thursdays (Holy Communion) and other services are as announced. Visitors are welcome outside of service times, and admission is free -you will be most welcome. The Very Rev Kenneth R J Hall, Dean of St. Macartins Cathedral. For further information, visit www.enniskillencathedral.com
Ferns, Co Wexford (St Edan's Cathedral) Services are at 10am each Sunday and Wednesday morning. On the third Sunday of each month we begin at 10:30am (Family Eucharist). The cathedral is open daily to visitors and you will be most welcome. The Very Revd Leslie Forrest; Rector and Dean. Tel: 053 9366 124
National Cathedral of Saint Patrick, Dublin THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY - 9.15 EUCHARIST said in the Lady Chapel. 11.15 CHORAL EUCHARIST sung by the Cathedral Choir - Ives: Missa Brevis, Arr Nicholson: Tomorrow shall be my dancing day, Gant: What child is this Preacher: The Revd M.D.Gardner, M.A., Prebendary of Maynooth. 15.15 CHORAL EVENSONG sung by the Cathedral Choir Responses: Shephard, Kelly in C, Psalm 98, Arr. Nicholson: We three Kings, Preacher: The Revd M.D.Gardner, M.A., Prebendary of Maynooth. MATINS is sung at 9.00 and EVENSONG at 17.30 Monday to Friday. EUCHARIST is said at 11.05 on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. For further information visit www.stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephone 01 453 9472.
St Columba's College 10 am Morning Prayer. Preacher: Mr Jonny Sommerville, Scripture Union.
CHURCH OF IRELAND
All Saints Church, Belfast is located on University Street (near to Queens University) and Sunday Services are at 11am and 7:30pm. We are proud to be hosting UniChurch Belfast every Sunday evening. This is a new initiative that has a more relaxed feel and contemporary style. Join them for coffee at 7:15pm with the church service starting at 7.30pm.You will be most welcome. Rev Trevor Johnston. Visit www.ascbelfast.com
All Saints Church, Dublin -Eucharistic Service is at 9am and 10am each Sunday. On the 4th Sunday of each month there is a Family Service at 10am. Wednesdays at 10am (Eucharistic Service). An evening service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month (Wholeness and Healing Service). We are located on the Howth Road, next to Raheny Village, Dublin 5. All Welcome. Rev. Norman McCausland. Visit http://allsaintsraheny.org for more information
Ardamine Group, Co Wexford Monamolin 9.00am (Holy Communion) Ardamine 10.15am (Morning Prayer) Kilnamanagh 11.45am (Morning Prayer)
Bangor Parish Church Traditional Service at 10am and Contemporary Service at 11:30am; with refreshments served between each service. We are located at the junction of Hamilton Road and Castle Street, Bangor, Co. Down. For more information, visit: bangorparishchurch.org.uk
Church of St John the Baptist is located at Seafield Road, West, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Sunday 12th January at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (Morning Prayer) and Sunday Club in the Parish Centre. Wednesday morning services take place in the Parish Centre at 10:30am. All are welcome to join us for tea and coffee after 10:30am services. Revd Lesley Robinson. Visit: clontarf.dublin.anglican.org/
Church of St John the Evangelist -Sunday Service is at 11:30am and all are welcome. We are located at Coolock, Dublin 5, between the Oscar Traynor Road and Malahide Road; next to the Odeon Cinema. Rector: Rev. Norman McCausland. Further details are found at www.coolock.dublin.anglican.org
Cork Carrigaline Union. 930am- Morning Prayer - St John's Monkstown. 11am- Holy Communion -St Mary's Carrigaline. Every Wednesday at 1030am Holy Communion St Mary's Carrigaline. www.carrigalineunion.org
Enniscorthy (St Mary's Church) 11:30am with Holy Communion. Church Street, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Finglas (St Canice) Epiphany 2: NO SERVICE. See Santry and Glasnevin.
Glasnevin (St Mobhi) Epiphany 2: 11.30 Eucharist
Howth, Co Dublin (St Mary's Parish) Sundays at 9:30am (Morning Prayer) and 11am (Holy Communion). Family Service at 11am on 2nd Sunday of each month and Family Communion Service at 11am on 4th Sunday -this service has a Sunday Special group for young children during school term time. Midweek Service on Wednesdays at 10:30am. We look forward to seeing you, Canon Kevin Brew (Rector). Visit: www.stmaryshowth.com
Immanuel Church, Dublin City, meets every Sunday at 11am in the Irish Church Missions building, 28 Bachelors Walk, Dublin 1. We extend a warm welcome to people from every race and nation and background. Pastor Kieron Lynch. For more details, visit: www.immanuelchurchdublin.org
Kill O The Grange, Dublin -we are an evangelical church, belonging to the Church of Ireland, and rooted in the community. We aim to make worship, learning from the Bible, mission and being open to the Holy Spirit, a priority in our life together. Services are on Sundays at 8:30am (Holy Communion) and 10:30am (All Age Service). Wednesdays at 10:30am (Holy Communion Service). Visit http://kotg.ie to find out more. Rev. Alan Breen, Rector
Killarney (St Mary's -Church of the Sloes) 11am at Kenmare Place, Killarney, Co. Kerry. Family Service is on the first Sunday of the month, and Parish Communion on all other Sundays.. All are Welcome. Visit: http://churchofthesloes.ie/
Rathmichael Parish 08.30 hrs. Holy Communion. 11.00 hrs. Holy Communion. 19.00 hrs. Compline.
Santry (St Pappan) Epiphany 2: 10.00 Eucharist
St James Church, Crinken, Bray, Co Wicklow -Morning Worship at 11am. Rector, Trevor Stevenson. We aspire to be a blessing to the community in which we live, and we hope to grow as followers of Jesus. We are located on the old Dublin Road half way between Bray and Shankill. For more information, visit: www.crinken.ie
St Matthias, Killiney - Ballybrack 09.00 Holy Communion, 10.30 Service of the Word, 16.00 Messy Church (in Parish Centre). Wednesday 10.30 Holy Communion.
Whitechurch Parish 8.00 a.m., Holy Communion. 10.30 a.m., Epiphanytide Carol Service of Carols and Readings, with theme of 'The Light of the World'. *Sunday Club. 3.30 p.m., Annual 'Week of Prayer for Christian Unity' service, Divine Word church, Marlay Grange. * Note, no evening service this day.
PRESBYTERIAN
About The Presbyterian Church in Ireland --The Presbyterian form of the Christian faith is best described as Reformed; with its strong emphasis on the Sovereignty of God, the Kingship of Christ and the authority of the Bible. For more information, and for a full list of congregations around the whole island of Ireland, visit: www.presbyterianireland.org
Blackrock St Andrews 9.45 a m.Reverend Andrew Gill.Junior Church and Creche.All welcome.
METHODIST
Gorey 11.00am Morning Worship, Rev Katherine Kehoe


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Most secondary schools to close for day in pre-election strike

Hundreds of secondary schools as well as further education centres and institutes of technology are set to shut on Tuesday , February 4th , when thousands of teachers plan to strike .
The move , just days ahead of the general election on Saturday , February 8th , is aimed at making two-tier pay rates for teachers hired since 2011 a key political issue .
The Teachers ’ Union of Ireland ( TUI ) said its 19,000 members would stage a one-day stoppage in a move that would shut at least half of the country ’ s 700-plus secondary schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Education and Training Boards ( ETBs ) will almost certainly shut , while a majority of the almost 100 community and comprehensive schools are also likely to close .
In addition , a significant number of the 380 voluntary secondary schools may be unable to open .
While this latter category of schools is mostly represented by Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland ( ASTI ) members , it is likely the union will direct its members not to provide cover for striking TUI members .
This , say sources , would force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health and safety grounds .
Speaking in Birr , Co Offaly , Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it would be “ regrettable ” if teachers went ahead with the strike .
“ We have a deal with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on restoring pay for new entrants and it is being implemented , ” he said .
“ It is an absolute certainty that when the new government takes up office we will want to negotiate a new deal for public servants because the existing deal expires at the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said the Government had given a commitment to deal with outstanding issues shortly .
TUI president Séamus Lahart said the union had “ been left with no choice ” but to take strike action over the “ ongoing scandal of pay discrimination ” .
The ASTI , meanwhile , said its central executive council would meet on Saturday , January 25th , to consider the pay issue .

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: it would be “regrettable” if teachers went ahead with the strike. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA
Hundreds of secondary schools as well as further education centres and institutes of technology are set to shut on Tuesday, February 4th, when thousands of teachers plan to strike.
The move, just days ahead of the general election on Saturday, February 8th, is aimed at making two-tier pay rates for teachers hired since 2011 a key political issue.
The Teachers' Union of Ireland (TUI) said its 19,000 members would stage a one-day stoppage in a move that would shut at least half of the country's 700-plus secondary schools.
About 260 schools under the umbrella of Education and Training Boards (ETBs) will almost certainly shut, while a majority of the almost 100 community and comprehensive schools are also likely to close.
READ MORE
Knock-on effects
In addition, a significant number of the 380 voluntary secondary schools may be unable to open.
While this latter category of schools is mostly represented by Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) members, it is likely the union will direct its members not to provide cover for striking TUI members.
This, say sources, would force school managers to shut many schools on health and safety grounds.
Speaking in Birr, Co Offaly, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it would be "regrettable" if teachers went ahead with the strike.
"We have a deal with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on restoring pay for new entrants and it is being implemented," he said.
‘New deal’
“It is an absolute certainty that when the new government takes up office we will want to negotiate a new deal for public servants because the existing deal expires at the end of the month anyway.”
The Department of Education said the Government had given a commitment to deal with outstanding issues shortly.
TUI president Séamus Lahart said the union had “been left with no choice” but to take strike action over the “ongoing scandal of pay discrimination”.
The ASTI, meanwhile, said its central executive council would meet on Saturday, January 25th, to consider the pay issue.


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--The sacred lake where Chinese communists vow to sacrifice all for the party

He was anxious about China ’ s trade war with the US .
He was worried about the rise of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong .
So Liu Yuanrong , a lifelong member of the Chinese Communist Party , followed the advice of a friend : go to the lake .
That would be Nanhu Lake , a cradle of Chinese communism in eastern China that in recent years has become a spiritual retreat for the party ’ s more than 90 million members .
There , near a forest of pine trees one recent day , Liu straightened his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fist triumphantly into the air .
“ I vow to devote my life to defending communism , ” said Liu , a 57-year-old electronics trader from southern China , reciting a party oath .
“ I vow to sacrifice everything for the party.
” Nanhu Lake , which played host to the Chinese Communist Party ’ s first congress nearly a century ago , has long been a staple of communist lore .
In the strongman era of President Xi Jinping , the lake has gained new prominence as a place for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital workers and technology entrepreneurs among them – to declare their love for the party and Xi .
Thousands of people come to Nanhu Lake and its museum , Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall , each day , according to a report from China ’ s news agency , a testament to swelling nationalism in China under Xi , whose visit to the lake two years ago inspired a wave of tourism .
Last year the lake had over a million visitors .
“ We think this place is sacred , ” says Yang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China grapples with trade tensions with the US and a slowing economy , many come to the lake in search of an emotional lift .
They sing patriotic songs , recite Xi ’ s slogans about the “ Chinese dream ” , and reminisce about revolutionary heroes .
“ We want to show our gratitude to the party , ” Liu says , “ and to remember that China can only be strong with a strong party.
” The experience of the visit culminates at a 161ft long wall emblazoned with the party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clench their fists and recite an oath of loyalty to the party , a communist ritual that has come back into fashion under Xi , who also serves as the party ’ s chairman .
In 1921 , Mao Zedong and a small group of revolutionaries held the party ’ s first congress on a boat in the middle of the lake after police chased them out of Shanghai , about 60 miles northeast .
Across China the so-called “ red boat ” is well known .
At the museum at the lake @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top party official here in Zhejiang province , a selective retelling of party history is on display .
Inside there are exhibitions about China ’ s “ century of national humiliation ” at the hands of foreign powers , the spread of Marxism in China , and Mao ’ s founding of the People ’ s Republic in 1949 .
A glittering display on the top floor is devoted to Xi , China ’ s most influential leader since Mao .
His speeches play on a loop , and his slogans are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that says , “ lead the great renewal of the Chinese nation ” .
A gift shop sells Communist Party pins , commemorative coins and certificates of party membership .
However , the most prized souvenir is a photo by the so-called oath wall outside .
Xi , who rose to power in 2012 , has led a renewed interest in party history and a revival of its traditions , including the oath , part of his efforts to extend the party ’ s domination over daily life in China .
Critics say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of one-man rule and fuelling a personality cult .
During a tour of revolutionary sites in 2017 , Xi and the other six members of the Politburo Standing Committee , China ’ s highest decision-making body , visited a Shanghai memorial , where Xi led a recitation of a party oath before a giant flag .
The Politburo members , standing solemnly , raised their fists in unison .
Then the leaders went to Nanhu Lake , where they visited a replica of the boat where Mao and the other founders of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , speaking after the visit , described the lake as one of the places where “ the Chinese Communist Party ’ s dream set sail ” .
“ Our party was born here , our journey began here , and our rule of the country all dates back to here , ” Xi said .
For many visitors Xi is the main draw .
Liu Yunlai , a 20-year-old university student , recently led two friends on a tour of the museum and the oath wall , stopping to try on virtual reality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boats used during the 1921 party meeting .
It was Liu Yunlai ’ s second visit in the span of a few weeks , because , he said , he wanted to retrace Xi ’ s footsteps .
“ Ever since Uncle Xi came to power China has seen earth-shattering changes , ” Liu Yunlai said , using a popular nickname for Xi .
“ I ’ m attracted by the spirit of the communists , ” he added .
“ It ’ s like a faith .
Others believe in Buddhism or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – New York Times

He was anxious about China’s trade war with the US. He was worried about the rise of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. So Liu Yuanrong, a lifelong member of the Chinese Communist Party, followed the advice of a friend: go to the lake.
That would be Nanhu Lake, a cradle of Chinese communism in eastern China that in recent years has become a spiritual retreat for the party’s more than 90 million members.
There, near a forest of pine trees one recent day, Liu straightened his back, furrowed his brow and threw his fist triumphantly into the air.
“I vow to devote my life to defending communism,” said Liu, a 57-year-old electronics trader from southern China, reciting a party oath. “I vow to sacrifice everything for the party.”
READ MORE
Nanhu Lake, which played host to the Chinese Communist Party’s first congress nearly a century ago, has long been a staple of communist lore.
In the strongman era of President Xi Jinping, the lake has gained new prominence as a place for throngs of patriotic tourists – students, hospital workers and technology entrepreneurs among them – to declare their love for the party and Xi.
Thousands of people come to Nanhu Lake and its museum, Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall, each day, according to a report from China’s news agency, a testament to swelling nationalism in China under Xi, whose visit to the lake two years ago inspired a wave of tourism. Last year the lake had over a million visitors.
“We think this place is sacred,” says Yang Jinping, a stay-at-home mother.
As China grapples with trade tensions with the US and a slowing economy, many come to the lake in search of an emotional lift. They sing patriotic songs, recite Xi’s slogans about the “Chinese dream”, and reminisce about revolutionary heroes.
“We want to show our gratitude to the party,” Liu says, “and to remember that China can only be strong with a strong party.”
Oath of loyalty
The experience of the visit culminates at a 161ft long wall emblazoned with the party’s hammer-and-sickle flag, where visitors clench their fists and recite an oath of loyalty to the party, a communist ritual that has come back into fashion under Xi, who also serves as the party’s chairman.
In 1921, Mao Zedong and a small group of revolutionaries held the party’s first congress on a boat in the middle of the lake after police chased them out of Shanghai, about 60 miles northeast. Across China the so-called “red boat” is well known.
At the museum at the lake, which started construction when Xi was the top party official here in Zhejiang province, a selective retelling of party history is on display.
Inside there are exhibitions about China’s “century of national humiliation” at the hands of foreign powers, the spread of Marxism in China, and Mao’s founding of the People’s Republic in 1949.
A glittering display on the top floor is devoted to Xi, China’s most influential leader since Mao. His speeches play on a loop, and his slogans are plastered across the walls, including one that says, “lead the great renewal of the Chinese nation”.
A gift shop sells Communist Party pins, commemorative coins and certificates of party membership. However, the most prized souvenir is a photo by the so-called oath wall outside.
Xi, who rose to power in 2012, has led a renewed interest in party history and a revival of its traditions, including the oath, part of his efforts to extend the party’s domination over daily life in China. Critics say Xi is bringing China back to the days of one-man rule and fuelling a personality cult.
Giant flag
During a tour of revolutionary sites in 2017, Xi and the other six members of the Politburo Standing Committee, China’s highest decision-making body, visited a Shanghai memorial, where Xi led a recitation of a party oath before a giant flag. The Politburo members, standing solemnly, raised their fists in unison.
Then the leaders went to Nanhu Lake, where they visited a replica of the boat where Mao and the other founders of the party held their meeting. Xi, speaking after the visit, described the lake as one of the places where “the Chinese Communist Party’s dream set sail”.
“Our party was born here, our journey began here, and our rule of the country all dates back to here,” Xi said.
For many visitors Xi is the main draw. Liu Yunlai, a 20-year-old university student, recently led two friends on a tour of the museum and the oath wall, stopping to try on virtual reality glasses that showed the inside of the boats used during the 1921 party meeting. It was Liu Yunlai’s second visit in the span of a few weeks, because, he said, he wanted to retrace Xi’s footsteps.
“Ever since Uncle Xi came to power China has seen earth-shattering changes,” Liu Yunlai said, using a popular nickname for Xi.
“I’m attracted by the spirit of the communists,” he added. “It’s like a faith. Others believe in Buddhism or Taoism. We believe in communism.” – New York Times


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Ten-year digitalisation plan for courts could cut case costs by 20%

One of the odder sights down the Four Courts is a courtroom packed with barristers in their black gowns , and solicitors in their best suits , waiting their turn for a quick audience with an overburdened judge .
“ Is your case ready to go ahead on the assigned date ?
” the judge will ask a barrister when his or her case is called .
“ We ’ re ready , ” one barrister might say , only for the man or woman representing the other party to say there is still a problem .
Sometimes there can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a case , so there will be three or four barristers waiting in court , for up to an hour or more , for their two- or three-minute slot to discuss the filing of documents or some other procedural issue .
It is not unusual for there to be both solicitors and barristers in court for these brief discussions .
Everyone involved will expect to be paid , and it is the client who will do the paying .
Court cases are very stressful for the parties involved .
Yet it is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their legal teams on the morning they ’ ve been told their case is scheduled to begin , only to be told there is no judge available .
Or to turn up to hear a reserved judgment being delivered , only to be told on the morning that it ’ s not ready .
Again it is the client who ends up paying the cost .
A behavioural economist might suggest that if it was the legal profession that ended up out of pocket as a result of such inefficiencies , rather than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system might have been improved a few decades ago .
In many other jurisdictions , these wasteful procedures have been ended through the use of technology .
Not only does technology allow for the electronic filing of documents and remote case management , it can also allow greater access to information for the parties involved , as well as for organisations such as An Garda Síochána and the probation services .
With many civil and criminal cases now involving huge amounts of detailed evidence , the use of technology can allow the quick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , rather than barristers and judges switching from one lever-arch file to another , with boxes of such volumes strewn around the courtroom and the judge ’ s bench .
According to a document produced by the Courts Service for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform , and seen by The Irish Times , an envisaged 10-year programme for a massive increase in the use of technology in the courts system , could reduce the cost of running cases by up to 20 per cent .
Increased efficiencies could also lower the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the public ( and the State ) , and help create greater access to justice .
The programme envisages IT , digitalisation and other linked costs of about €112 million .
In a speech at the beginning of the law term in October , the Chief Justice , Frank Clarke , noted that a “ widespread move towards the digital management of most , if not all , court proceedings , will require a major investment ” .
He said he had always accepted the judiciary could not continue asking for more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , introducing changes so that the best use was made of the resources that were already available .
However , he added : “ Ireland has , by far , the lowest number of judges per head of population in the developed world.
” The Chief Justice said he hoped progress could be made in this regard in time for the centenary of the establishment of the courts of an independent Ireland , in 2024 .

One of the odder sights down the Four Courts is a courtroom packed with barristers in their black gowns, and solicitors in their best suits, waiting their turn for a quick audience with an overburdened judge.
“Is your case ready to go ahead on the assigned date?” the judge will ask a barrister when his or her case is called. “We’re ready,” one barrister might say, only for the man or woman representing the other party to say there is still a problem.
Sometimes there can be three or four parties involved in a case, so there will be three or four barristers waiting in court, for up to an hour or more, for their two- or three-minute slot to discuss the filing of documents or some other procedural issue.
It is not unusual for there to be both solicitors and barristers in court for these brief discussions. Everyone involved will expect to be paid, and it is the client who will do the paying.
READ MORE
Court cases are very stressful for the parties involved. Yet it is not unknown for people to turn up with their legal teams on the morning they’ve been told their case is scheduled to begin, only to be told there is no judge available. Or to turn up to hear a reserved judgment being delivered, only to be told on the morning that it’s not ready. Again it is the client who ends up paying the cost.
A behavioural economist might suggest that if it was the legal profession that ended up out of pocket as a result of such inefficiencies, rather than garnering more fees from them, the system might have been improved a few decades ago.
In many other jurisdictions, these wasteful procedures have been ended through the use of technology.
Not only does technology allow for the electronic filing of documents and remote case management, it can also allow greater access to information for the parties involved, as well as for organisations such as An Garda Síochána and the probation services.
With many civil and criminal cases now involving huge amounts of detailed evidence, the use of technology can allow the quick accessing of relevant information using a keyboard, rather than barristers and judges switching from one lever-arch file to another, with boxes of such volumes strewn around the courtroom and the judge’s bench.
Efficiencies
According to a document produced by the Courts Service for the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and seen by The Irish Times, an envisaged 10-year programme for a massive increase in the use of technology in the courts system, could reduce the cost of running cases by up to 20 per cent.
Increased efficiencies could also lower the cost of using the courts for members of the public (and the State), and help create greater access to justice.
The programme envisages IT, digitalisation and other linked costs of about €112 million.
In a speech at the beginning of the law term in October, the Chief Justice, Frank Clarke, noted that a "widespread move towards the digital management of most, if not all, court proceedings, will require a major investment".
He said he had always accepted the judiciary could not continue asking for more judges without, at the same time, introducing changes so that the best use was made of the resources that were already available.
However, he added: “Ireland has, by far, the lowest number of judges per head of population in the developed world.”
The Chief Justice said he hoped progress could be made in this regard in time for the centenary of the establishment of the courts of an independent Ireland, in 2024.


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--€100 million digital-first plan for courts could allow online guilty pleas

A massive increase in the use of technology in the courts , including allowing online guilty pleas for less serious offences and streamed sittings that interested parties could contribute to remotely , are among proposals in a programme that could cost €100 million over the next 10 years .
A 120-page report setting out the proposed implementation of a “ digital first ” strategy for the Courts Service is due to be published shortly , while a major plan for the modernisation of civil-law procedures in the High Court is also nearing completion .
The Courts Service and the judiciary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ procedures , and the use of state-of-the-art technology , will help convince the Government to put more money into the State ’ s creaking courts service .
“ There is no point in us asking for money if we are doing things in an old-fashioned way , ” said one informed source .
A report being prepared by the President of the High Court , Mr Justice Peter Kelly , who is retiring in June , will change civil court rules “ that haven ’ t been changed since the 1880s ” , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the 21st century are introduced , the Courts Service will then look at introducing IT systems to operate the new procedures in the High Court and cases elsewhere across the courts system .
The Irish judiciary and the Courts Service have been examining how courts services elsewhere are making use of technology to make justice more accessible , reduce costs , and increase efficiency .
Victoria , in Australia , where the distances people can have to travel to attend court has promoted the use of more IT , is one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A lot of the pre-trial civil procedure there is done online .
“ You can track case progression online , you can do all sorts of stuff online , without physically attending court .
That ’ s the sort of stuff we ’ re looking at doing .
But you need to simplify the processes first.
” In a report submitted recently to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform , the Courts Service said that many of its current IT systems are not fit for purpose and that acquiring a truly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
Indicative figures for a 10-year programme were given , with €17 million being given as an estimate for the cost of the “ digital first ” programme , and €80 million as an estimate for new technology and “ new ways of working ” .
The paper noted that qualified IT staff expect to be well paid and gave an estimate of €16.5 million for “ investing in our people ” .
A further €415 million was given as the required expenditure on buildings and other physical infrastructure .
The Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ law courts building on the Hammond Lane site on Church Street , Dublin .
However the Courts Service and the judiciary want €120 million for a building that would also accommodate the Supreme Court , which would move from the Four Courts on the quays .

Report being prepared by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, who is retiring in June, will change civil court rules “that haven’t been changed since the 1880s”. Photograph: Colin Keegan
A massive increase in the use of technology in the courts, including allowing online guilty pleas for less serious offences and streamed sittings that interested parties could contribute to remotely, are among proposals in a programme that could cost €100 million over the next 10 years.
A 120-page report setting out the proposed implementation of a "digital first" strategy for the Courts Service is due to be published shortly, while a major plan for the modernisation of civil-law procedures in the High Court is also nearing completion.
The Courts Service and the judiciary are hoping that the introduction of updated procedures, and the use of state-of-the-art technology, will help convince the Government to put more money into the State’s creaking courts service.
“There is no point in us asking for money if we are doing things in an old-fashioned way,” said one informed source.
READ MORE
A report being prepared by the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Peter Kelly, who is retiring in June, will change civil court rules "that haven't been changed since the 1880s", he said.
When court rules suitable for the 21st century are introduced, the Courts Service will then look at introducing IT systems to operate the new procedures in the High Court and cases elsewhere across the courts system.
The Irish judiciary and the Courts Service have been examining how courts services elsewhere are making use of technology to make justice more accessible, reduce costs, and increase efficiency.
Victoria, in Australia, where the distances people can have to travel to attend court has promoted the use of more IT, is one of the locations that has been looked at.
A lot of the pre-trial civil procedure there is done online. “You can track case progression online, you can do all sorts of stuff online, without physically attending court. That’s the sort of stuff we’re looking at doing. But you need to simplify the processes first.”
In a report submitted recently to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Courts Service said that many of its current IT systems are not fit for purpose and that acquiring a truly digital service will require “significant investment”.
Indicative figures for a 10-year programme were given, with €17 million being given as an estimate for the cost of the “digital first” programme, and €80 million as an estimate for new technology and “new ways of working”.
The paper noted that qualified IT staff expect to be well paid and gave an estimate of €16.5 million for “investing in our people”.
A further €415 million was given as the required expenditure on buildings and other physical infrastructure.
The Government has approved €80 million for a family law courts building on the Hammond Lane site on Church Street, Dublin.
However the Courts Service and the judiciary want €120 million for a building that would also accommodate the Supreme Court, which would move from the Four Courts on the quays.


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Election 2020: Kildare North constituency profile

Kildare is the heart of the commuter belt , and as such , infrastructure and quality of life issues will dominate locally alongside the big national questions .
Heavy traffic , insufficient park and ride facilities and crowded trains will all feature , as will service provision by GPs , schools and creches .
Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy topped the poll here in 2016 , and there is little to suggest she won ’ t repeat the trick this time out .
She pulls from all parts of the constituency , beyond her base in the towns closer to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Kilcock , and the absence of a running mate should further cement her position on top of the pile .
The constituency divides along geographic lines , with the more Dublin-focused towns balanced by the hinterland around Naas , including Kill and Sallins .
Several candidates draw their vote from this area , including sitting TD and Fianna Fáil spokesman on science and technology James Lawless , Fine Gael Senator Tony Lawlor and Green Party councillor Vincent P Martin .
Fine Gael ’ s Bernard Durkan is likely to hold his seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will make life difficult for one of the Fianna Fáil candidates , either Lawless or the sitting TD Frank O ’ Rourke .
Martin is a brother to Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin , and topped the poll in Naas while two other Greens were elected in Maynooth and Celbridge .
A senior counsel and bankruptcy expert , Martin represented some of the more controversial faces of the collapse , including Brian O ’ Donnell of Gorse Hill and Tom McFeely .
He also co-founded debtor advocacy group New Beginnings , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too .
The politics of climate justice , as well as his hobbies ( he is an avid beekeeper and oenophile ) may resonate with the rapidly gentrifying burghs of what has been dubbed “ K4 ” .
He may be best-placed to overtake Lawless , who he shares a base with around Naas .
Key to Martin ’ s success or failure will be staying ahead of Labour stalwart Emmet Stagg , who can ’ t be discounted .
A lot will have to go right for Fine Gael Senator Tony Lawlor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as Lawless and Martin ) to trouble the race for the fourth seat .
Sinn Féin ’ s presumptive candidate Réada Cronin lost her council seat last May , and is unlikely to come into the reckoning .
The other declared candidate in the constituency is Renua ’ s Séamus Ó Riain .
At the start of the campaign , the most likely outcome is for Murphy and Durkan to hold their seats , with two from Lawless , Martin and O ’ Rourke tipped for the remaining seats , with one seat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stagg may also come into the reckoning .

Kildare North (four seats)
Current: 1 FG, 2 FF, 1 Soc Dem
Kildare is the heart of the commuter belt, and as such, infrastructure and quality of life issues will dominate locally alongside the big national questions. Heavy traffic, insufficient park and ride facilities and crowded trains will all feature, as will service provision by GPs, schools and creches.
Social Democrats co-leader Catherine Murphy topped the poll here in 2016, and there is little to suggest she won't repeat the trick this time out. She pulls from all parts of the constituency, beyond her base in the towns closer to Dublin like Leixlip, Celbridge, Maynooth and Kilcock, and the absence of a running mate should further cement her position on top of the pile.
READ MORE
The constituency divides along geographic lines, with the more Dublin-focused towns balanced by the hinterland around Naas, including Kill and Sallins. Several candidates draw their vote from this area, including sitting TD and Fianna Fáil spokesman on science and technology James Lawless, Fine Gael Senator Tony Lawlor and Green Party councillor Vincent P Martin. Fine Gael's Bernard Durkan is likely to hold his seat, but local election results suggest Martin will make life difficult for one of the Fianna Fáil candidates, either Lawless or the sitting TD Frank O'Rourke.
Topped the poll
Martin is a brother to Green Party deputy leader Catherine Martin, and topped the poll in Naas while two other Greens were elected in Maynooth and Celbridge. A senior counsel and bankruptcy expert, Martin represented some of the more controversial faces of the collapse, including Brian O'Donnell of Gorse Hill and Tom McFeely. He also co-founded debtor advocacy group New Beginnings, and through it representing lots of hard-pressed debtors too.
The politics of climate justice, as well as his hobbies (he is an avid beekeeper and oenophile) may resonate with the rapidly gentrifying burghs of what has been dubbed “K4”. He may be best-placed to overtake Lawless, who he shares a base with around Naas.
Key to Martin's success or failure will be staying ahead of Labour stalwart Emmet Stagg, who can't be discounted. A lot will have to go right for Fine Gael Senator Tony Lawlor (he pulls from the same area as Lawless and Martin) to trouble the race for the fourth seat.
Sinn Féin’s Réada Cronin lost her seat in last May’s local elections, and underperformed the party’s national figure in 2016. At the start of the campaign, it seemed she would struggle to make an impact in a field that contained two candidates from each of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, Murphy, Martin and Stagg.
It is now highly questionable whether there’s enough support for a second seat for either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil. There is a risk candidate strategy could misfire for either, resulting in a wipeout. The Green campaign has also not taken flight as anticipated and notwithstanding Martin’s strong performance in the local elections last year, he is a relative newcomer in a constituency populated by veterans. All told, the strength of the Sinn Féin brand may propel Cronin into a seat that seemed a remote possibility just weeks ago.
Prediction: Soc Dem 1 (Murphy), FG 1 (Durkan), 2 from Martin (Green), Lawless (FF) and O'Rourke (FF)
Candidates: Réada Cronin (SF), Bernard Durkan (FG), James Lawless (FF), Anthony Lawlor (FG), Paul Mahon (S-PBP), Vincent P Martin (GP), David Monaghan (Ind), Catherine Murphy (Soc Dem), Séamus Ó Riain (Renua), Frank O'Rourke (FF), Emmet Stagg (Lab), Wayne Swords (Ind).


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Election 2020: Sligo-Leitrim constituency profile

The recent entry of former MEP Marian Harkin into the race will have significant implications for Sligo-Leitrim ’ s four-seat constituency .
The former teacher is well-known and well-liked in Sligo , where she worked for 23 years , and was seen as a hard-working and solid MEP who carefully maintained her connections to the constituency .
She spurned Fine Gael ’ s advances to run as an independent , with sitting TD Tony McLoughlin stepping down .
His replacement , Senator Frank Feighan , previously represented the now defunct Roscommon-South Leitrim constituency , and has a national profile and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , although his base was in Roscommon .
He announced he would not contest the 2016 election due to his association with the closure of the emergency department in Roscommon Hospital , so perhaps it is for the best for him that the voters of that county won ’ t have the chance to take their revenge on him .
His running mate will be Cllr Thomas Walsh , who is seen as a good candidate , but whose main function will be to transfer votes from his Sligo base to Feighan .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both its seats , held by Eamon Scanlon and spokesman for transport , tourism and sport Marc MacSharry , but the reality is that Harkin ’ s decision to run makes Scanlon vulnerable .
MacSharry won a strong victory in 2016 , polling 14.2 per cent in first-preference votes and can rely on strong name recognition , a base that is still loyal to his father ’ s brand , and a potential ministerial role if Fianna Fáil is in government .
Scanlon , meanwhile , has no national profile and may also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister John Perry , running as an independent , and drawing on the same geographic base .
Sinn Féin ’ s agriculture spokesman Martin Kenny may benefit from a sympathy vote following the burning out of his car outside his home in October , however , his prominence during a divisive debate on the establishment of direct provision centres may alienate some voters .
Nonetheless , he is expected to hold onto his seat in this border constituency .
Cllr Chris McManus will run alongside him for Sinn Féin .
Candidates will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the border , farming issues , and pledges may be sought to safeguard tourism in the region , including commitments on the now-abandoned special VAT rate for the hospitality sector .
The remaining declared candidates are unlikely to win a seat , including Perry , Nessa Cosgrove ( Labour ) , Cllr Gino O ’ Boyle ( PBP ) , Bláithín Gallagher ( Green Party ) , Finbarr Filan ( Renua ) , Paul McWeeney ( National Party ) and James Conway ( Independent ) .

Sligo-Leitrim (four seats)
Current: 2 FF, 1 FG, 1 SF
Sligo-Leitrim is one of the constituencies where Sinn Féin’s decision to run just one candidate will be scrutinised after the election, if the outcome reflects the surge in support for the party, suggested by recent polls.
Privately most party members say that with Independent Marian Harkin in the race, the party would have no realistic chance of picking up two seats. But the withdrawal of longtime Sinn Féin councillor Chris MacManus is being questioned in some quarters. Even allowing for the Paul Quinn controversy, some observers are predicting that outgoing Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny could top the poll, although Fianna Fáil’s Marc MacSharry is also considered a likely front runner. Former MEP Marian Harkin had been the bookie’s favourite, and is still expected to take one of the first three seats in this four seater.
READ MORE
The battle for the last seat is expected to be tightly fought between between Fianna Fail's Eamon Scanlon and either of the two Fine Gael contenders, Senator Frank Feighan or Sligo county councillor Thomas Walsh.
It’s been a case of Murphy’s law for Fine Gael in the constituency with a series of unfortunate events making the campaign even more difficult for its candidates. The bizarre decision to expel the wife and son of former Fine Gael Junior Minister John Perry, now running as an Independent candidate (only to reinstate them after an outcry), has added to the impression of chaos. After the two Fine Gael candidates selected at convention, former TD Gerry Reynolds and Sligo county councillor Sinead Maguire withdrew, the party tried unsuccessfully to convince retiring TD Tony McLoughlin to return to the fray. Later it tried to woo Harkin, who was first elected to the Dáil in 2002, before heading to the European Parliament in 2004.
A lot will hinge on the order of eliminations in this constituency which includes north Roscommon and south Donegal and where 19 candidates are running, leading to predictions of a very drawn out but fascinating count.
Candidates hoping to benefit from the much vaunted "appetite for change" include former Labour TD Declan Bree running under the Independents4Change label, Mayor of Sligo Gino O'Boyle (S-PBP), Blaithin Gallagher (Greens) and Labour's Nessa Cosgrove.
Party insiders say that if Fine Gael don’t secure a combined first preferences vote of 11,000, Eamon Scanlon will be on course for the type of dramatic last minute victory he secured in 2016.
Prediction: 2 FF, 1 Ind, and 1 SF
Candidates: Marc MacSharry (FF), Eamon Scanlon (FF), Shane Ellis (FF), Frank Feighan (FG), Thomas Walsh (FG), Martin Kenny (SF), Nessa Cosgrove (Lab), Blaithín Gallagher (Green), Declan Bree (Ind), Marian Harkin (Ind), John Perry (Ind), Bernie O'Hara (Ind), James Conway (Ind), Sean Wynne (Ind), Gino O'Boyle (S-PBP), Paul McWeeney (National Party), Anne McCloskey (Aontú), Mary O'Donnell (Ind), Oisin O'Dwyer (Renua)


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Cork man is first person in a decade to be honoured by RNLI

A 25-year-old west Cork man is to become the first Irishman to be honoured by the RNLI in over a decade for his part in the rescue of six fishermen facing possible death in a horrendous storm almost two years ago .
Dean Hegarty from Castletownbere RNLI was serving as Coxswain of the RNLI Annette Hutton for the first time when the crew launched on the night of October 10th , 2018 after the trawler , Clodagh O sent out a May Day call .
Castletownbere Lifeboat operations manager , Paul Stevens said the Bronze Medal for Gallantry to Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ station which has only been in existence since 1997 .
“ Dean getting the medal and lifeboat mechanic , Martin O ’ Donoghue and volunteers Seamus Harrington , John Paul Downey and David Fenton getting Letters of Thanks from the RNLI is a great honour for the station .
“ I supposed what marked out the rescue was the weather conditions on the night – it was a horrendous night , dark , with a Force 9 Gale and four to five metre swells and mountainous seas so it was a very challenging @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost power and was drifting towards the cliffs at an area known locally as The Pipers and she was only 20 metres from the rocks so the lifeboat really had only one chance to get a line aboard .
“ Thankfully they succeeded because if they hadn ’ t got a tow aboard the outcome very likely would have been disastrous and the Clodagh O would have hit the rocks and the six people onboard would have been lost.
” The RNLI Annette Hutton was able to tow the trawler out of danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rate of just half a knot in case the line snapped until they got into the shelter of the harbour and increased speed .
Mr Stevens , who pointed out that the deputy launching authority Michael Martin-Sullivan was also commended for his sound judgement , said the rescue require “ absolute precision and split-second decision making ” , he said .
Mr Stevens said it is the first time that any member of the Castletownbere RNLI was honoured with a medal since the station was established 22 years ago and everyone attached @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ We are extremely proud of our lifeboat crew for their incredibly brave actions that night , which resulted in the saving of six lives .
The RNLI does not give out awards for gallantry lightly and to receive one is a great privilege .
“ It is very significant because the RNLI every day around Ireland and England and Wales and Scotland , launch lifeboats and do extraordinary things but this rescue was particularly spectacular and difficult , ” he said .
The Castletownbere RNLI lifeboat crew were informed of the decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier this week by RNLI Lifesaving Manager Sean Dillon , who delivered a letter from RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie .
In informing Castletownbere RNLI of the award , Mr Dowie said : ‘ In making the awards , the RNLI Trustees recognise the complexity of the service , the level of risk and the quality of decision making by all involved in the service .
“ These awards mark the courage , skill and dedication shown by the Coxswain , crew and officials involved , and are a testament to outstanding teamwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the successful rescue of six people .
”

Castletownbere RNLI lifeboat operations manager Paul Stevens congratulates coxswain Dean Hegarty (right) on receiving his Bronze Medal for Gallantry by the RNLI. Photograph: Niamh Stephenson
A 25-year-old west Cork man is to become the first Irishman to be honoured by the RNLI in over a decade for his part in the rescue of six fishermen facing possible death in a horrendous storm almost two years ago.
Dean Hegarty from Castletownbere RNLI was serving as Coxswain of the RNLI Annette Hutton for the first time when the crew launched on the night of October 10th, 2018 after the trawler, Clodagh O sent out a May Day call.
Castletownbere Lifeboat operations manager, Paul Stevens said the Bronze Medal for Gallantry to Mr Hegarty was a tremendous honour for the station which has only been in existence since 1997.
“Dean getting the medal and lifeboat mechanic, Martin O’Donoghue and volunteers Seamus Harrington, John Paul Downey and David Fenton getting Letters of Thanks from the RNLI is a great honour for the station.
READ MORE
“I supposed what marked out the rescue was the weather conditions on the night – it was a horrendous night, dark, with a Force 9 Gale and four to five metre swells and mountainous seas so it was a very challenging operation.
“The Clodagh O had lost power and was drifting towards the cliffs at an area known locally as The Pipers and she was only 20 metres from the rocks so the lifeboat really had only one chance to get a line aboard.
“Thankfully they succeeded because if they hadn’t got a tow aboard the outcome very likely would have been disastrous and the Clodagh O would have hit the rocks and the six people onboard would have been lost.”
‘Absolute precision’
The RNLI Annette Hutton was able to tow the trawler out of danger before towing her back to Castletownbere at a rate of just half a knot in case the line snapped until they got into the shelter of the harbour and increased speed.
Mr Stevens, who pointed out that the deputy launching authority Michael Martin-Sullivan was also commended for his sound judgement, said the rescue require “absolute precision and split-second decision making”, he said.
Mr Stevens said it is the first time that any member of the Castletownbere RNLI was honoured with a medal since the station was established 22 years ago and everyone attached to the station was extremely proud.
‘We are extremely proud of our lifeboat crew for their incredibly brave actions that night, which resulted in the saving of six lives. The RNLI does not give out awards for gallantry lightly and to receive one is a great privilege.
“It is very significant because the RNLI every day around Ireland and England and Wales and Scotland, launch lifeboats and do extraordinary things but this rescue was particularly spectacular and difficult,” he said.
The Castletownbere RNLI lifeboat crew were informed of the decision at a crew meeting in the station earlier this week by RNLI Lifesaving Manager Sean Dillon, who delivered a letter from RNLI Chief Executive Mark Dowie.
In informing Castletownbere RNLI of the award, Mr Dowie said: ‘In making the awards, the RNLI Trustees recognise the complexity of the service, the level of risk and the quality of decision making by all involved in the service.
“These awards mark the courage, skill and dedication shown by the Coxswain, crew and officials involved, and are a testament to outstanding teamwork and seamanship in perilous conditions which resulted in the successful rescue of six people.”


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Jim Gavin awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin

Jim Gavin , the manager who steered Dublin to win five GAA football All-Ireland Championships in a row , has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin at a ceremony on Saturday evening .
Mr Gavin led Dublin to six All-Ireland victories in seven years as manager since he took charge in late 2012 , including the historic five-in-a-row last year .
Alongside the All-Ireland victories the Dublin men ’ s team claimed five National league titles and seven Leinster Championship titles under Mr Gavin ’ s tenure , and he stood down as manager last November The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ helm came when Dublin beat Kerry to lift the Sam Maguire Cup for the coveted fifth year in a row last September .
Mr Gavin himself was an All-Ireland winning player in the 1995 Dublin team , and joined the coaching set-up of the under-21 Dublin team in 2003 .
Lord Mayor of Dublin , Paul McAuliffe conferred the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin on Mr Gavin on Saturday at a ceremony in the Mansion House .
Dublin City Council announced it was honouring the former Dublin manager with the freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to public life and service to his county and country both on and off the pitch.
” The decision was ratified by councillors in a vote last September .
Mr Gavin , who is the assistant director of the Irish Aviation Authority , was presented with an honorary scroll during the ceremony in the Round Room .
The ceremony was attended by his family and parents , several current Dublin players and members of his backroom team , players from the 1995 team , and members of the Defence Forces who he served @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Corps .
Speaking at the Mansion House , Mr Gavin said receiving the award was “ really really humbling ” .
“ I ’ m a proud Dub , I love my city , it ’ s got a great heritage , a great history in it , a great future , I ’ m just proud to be part of that , ” he said .
“ I ’ m so grateful for the players that I was fortunate enough to be involved with and manage , they ’ re the reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t kick a football , they did all the hard work , ” he said .
It is tradition that a freeman of the city be presented with a bow and arrows by Dublin City Council , and the local authority had framed a miniature longbow to present during the ceremony .
However , Mr Gavin in fact brought his own full sized bow to the ceremony , which was handcrafted by a historian from Co Clare .
“ One of the ancient traditions is a freeman of the city has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city , some might say I ’ ve been defending for awhile on the GAA fields , ” he said .
While he said his days managing football at senior level are done , he has got involved with coaching at his son ’ s local club , Ballyboden St Enda ’ s , in Knocklyon , south Dublin .
“ We were coaching last night and playing a game with under-12s so that was great fun , ” Mr Gavin said .
“ He is not an emotional person , but you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I think it means a lot to him as a Dubliner , and speaking to his family I think it means a lot to them as well , ” councillor McAuliffe said Previous figures who have been honoured with the Freedom of the City include Bono , Kevin Heffernan , Bill Clinton , John F Kennedy , Nelson Mandela , John Giles , Brian O ’ Driscoll and Charles Stewart Parnell .
Mr Gavin will be the 82nd recipient of the honour , with Fr Joseph Mallin , the Jesuit priest and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1916 Rising the last to receive the award in 2016 .

Jim Gavin attending the Freedom of the City of Dublin ceremony on Saturday night in the Mansion House.
Jim Gavin, the manager who steered Dublin to win five All-Ireland Senior Football Championships in a row, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of Dublin.
Gavin led Dublin to six All-Ireland victories in seven years as manager after taking charge in late 2012 and sealed the historic five-in-a-row last year.
The Dublin men’s team also claimed five league titles and seven Leinster championship titles under Gavin’s stewardship before he stood down in November. Gavin was an All-Ireland winner in 1995 as a player on the Dublin team.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Paul McAuliffe conferred the Honorary Freedom of the City of Dublin on Gavin at a ceremony in the Mansion House on Saturday.
READ MORE
Dublin City Council said the award was in recognition of “his contribution to public life and service to his county and country both on and off the pitch” and the honour was ratified by councillors in a vote last September.
Gavin, an assistant director of the Irish Aviation Authority, was joined by his family, several current Dublin players and members of his backroom team, players from the 1995 team, and members of the Defence Forces, which he served in as an Air Corps member.
Gavin said receiving the award was “really really humbling”.
“I’m a proud Dub, I love my city, it’s got a great heritage, a great history in it, a great future, I’m just proud to be part of that,” he said. “I’m so grateful for the players that I was fortunate enough to be involved with and manage, they’re the reason I’m standing here, I didn’t kick a football, they did all the hard work.”
A freeman of the city is traditionally presented with a bow and arrows by the council, and Gavin left with a framed miniature longbow.
However, he arrived for the ceremony equipped with his own full-sized bow, which was handcrafted by a historian from Co Clare.
“One of the ancient traditions is a freeman of the city has to carry a bow and defend the city, some might say I’ve been defending for awhile on the GAA fields,” he said.
While he said his days managing football at senior level are done, he is involved in coaching at his son’s club, Ballyboden St Enda’s in Knocklyon.
“We were coaching last night and playing a game with under-12s so that was great fun,” Gavin said.
Mr McAuliffe said Gavin is not “an emotional person, but you can see tonight the emotion is there”.
“I think it means a lot to him as a Dubliner, and speaking to his family I think it means a lot to them as well,” the Fianna Fáil councillor said.
Gavin is the 82nd person to receive the honour, joining the likes of U2 frontman Bono, Dublin GAA great Kevin Heffernan, former US presidents Bill Clinton and John F Kennedy, former South African president Nelson Mandela, footballer John Giles, rugby player Brian O’Driscoll and politician Charles Stewart Parnell. Fr Joseph Mallin, a Jesuit priest and son of executed 1916 Rising leader Michael Mallin, was the last person to receive the award in 2016.


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Election 2020: Kerry constituency profile

A real scrap is brewing in Kerry over the seat being vacated by Sinn Féin ’ s Martin Ferris , with that party further destabilised by his daughter Toiréasa ’ s decision in June of last year not to contest the election on health grounds .
A Tralee solicitor and county councillor , Pa Daly , was selected in October , but he lacks name recognition , and the party is coming off an unsuccessful local election campaign .
Fianna Fáil has clearly got the scent of blood in the water , adding a third candidate , Cllr Norma Foley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ second young , articulate female candidate on the Fianna Fáil ticket , alongside Waterville-based Norma Moriarty .
Clearly , the party is targeting a second seat , but its strategy is not without risk .
Tralee-based Foley will hope to siphon off soft Sinn Féin votes and also target Labour votes from the old Spring camp – that party is yet to select a candidate .
This will bolster her own already strong vote in Tralee , which saw her take 2,106 first-preference votes to be elected on the first count .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ geographic base , raising the possibility that the sitting Fianna Fáil deputy could be squeezed out by the two Normas , if the Sinn Féin seat is to fall .
Fine Gael ’ s ticket is a more straightforward geographic split between Junior Minister Brendan Griffin in south Kerry and Cllr Mike Kennelly in the north of the county .
Griffin is likely to hold his seat , but his running mate will find it harder to break through .
At the start of the campaign , there weren ’ t any cracks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Three councillors – Johnny , Jackie Jnr and Maura – were returned in the local elections , polling a combined first preference of almost 8,800 votes across a considerable geography .
In this constituency , rural and local issues such as isolation , depopulation and farming will matter , and the Healy-Raes have an ability to speak to these concerns .
Both Michael and Danny are likely to hold their seats .
Other declared candidates in the constituency include Brian Finucane ( People Before Profit ) , Cleo Murphy ( Green Party ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Kerry (five seats)
Current: 2 Ind, 1 FG, 1 FF, 1 SF
A real scrap is brewing in Kerry over the seat being vacated by Sinn Féin's Martin Ferris, with that party further destabilised by his daughter Toiréasa's decision in June of last year not to contest the election on health grounds. A Tralee solicitor and county councillor, Pa Daly, was selected in October, but he lacks name recognition, and the party is coming off an unsuccessful local election campaign. Fianna Fáil clearly had the scent of blood in the water, adding a third candidate, Cllr Norma Foley, last month. She is the second young, articulate female candidate on the Fianna Fáil ticket, alongside Waterville-based Norma Moriarty. Clearly, the party is targeting a second seat, but its strategy is not without risk.
Tralee-based Foley will hope to siphon off soft Sinn Féin votes and also target Labour votes from the old Spring camp – that party is yet to select a candidate. This will bolster her own already strong vote in Tralee, which saw her take 2,106 first-preference votes to be elected on the first count. She and sitting TD John Brassil share a geographic base, raising the possibility that the sitting Fianna Fáil deputy could be squeezed out by the two Normas, if the Sinn Féin seat is to fall.
READ MORE
Geographic split
Fine Gael's ticket is a more straightforward geographic split between junior minister Brendan Griffin in south Kerry and Cllr Mike Kennelly in the north of the county. Griffin is likely to hold his seat, but his running mate will find it harder to break through.
At the start of the campaign, there weren't any cracks evident in the Healy-Rae political machinery. Three councillors – Johnny, Jackie Jnr and Maura – were returned in the local elections, polling a combined first preference of almost 8,800 votes across a considerable geography. In this constituency, rural and local issues such as isolation, depopulation and farming will matter, and the Healy-Raes have an ability to speak to these concerns. Both Michael and Danny are likely to hold their seats.
The absence of Toiréasa Ferris from the ballot paper, combined with a crowded ticket based in and around Tralee, had been headwinds for Daly. However, Sinn Féin’s buoyancy and the now-confirmed absence of a Labour candidate to mop up the traditional Spring vote in Tralee means there is no need to change our prediction that Daly will retain Ferris’s seat. Indeed, it now seems more likely than at the start of the campaign.
Other declared candidates in the constituency include Brian Finucane (People Before Profit), Cleo Murphy (Green Party) and Sonny Foran (Aontú).
Prediction: 2 Ind, 1 FG, 1 SF, 1 FF
Candidates: Michael Healy-Rae (Ind), Danny Healy-Rae (Ind), Brendan Griffin (FG), Mike Kennelly (FG), John Brassil (FF), Norma Foley (FF), Norma Moriarty (FF), Pa Daly (SF), Cleo Murphy (GP), Sonny Foran (Aontú), John Bowler (Irish Freedom Party), Ted Cronin (Ind), Sean O'Leary (Ind).


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Two arrested over burglary spree in Limerick and Tipperary

Two men have been arrested by gardaí in connection with a string of burglaries in Co Limerick and Co Tipperary @ @ @ @ @ men are being questioned in relation to eight burglaries of businesses in the early hours @ @ @ @ @ investigating the spree searched three houses in Co Galway on Saturday morning and arrested two @ @ @ @ @ The operation was led by gardaí from Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick , with @ @ @ @ @ Unit , and assistance from gardaí based in Galway and Tipperary The two men are @ @ @ @ @ Street and Roxboro Road Garda stations , and are detained under Section 50 of the @ @ @ @ @ .
Two vehicles were also seized during the searches for further technical examinations .

Gardaí investigating the spree searched three houses in Co Galway on Saturday morning and arrested two men in their 20s. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
Two men have been arrested by gardaí in connection with a string of burglaries in Co Limerick and Co Tipperary during the week.
The men are being questioned in relation to eight burglaries of businesses in the early hours on Wednesday morning.
Gardaí investigating the spree searched three houses in Co Galway on Saturday morning and arrested two men in their 20s.
The operation was led by gardaí from Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick, with backup from the Armed Support Unit, and assistance from gardaí based in Galway and Tipperary
READ MORE
The two men are being held separately in Henry Street and Roxboro Road Garda stations, and are detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.
Two vehicles were also seized during the searches for further technical examinations.


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Gardaí seize €100,000 worth of cannabis from grow house

Gardaí seized cannabis herb worth an estimated €100,000 during a raid on a suspected grow house in Rockcorry , Co @ @ @ @ @ .
A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained @ @ @ @ @ Station .
The raid was carried out by detectives from Carrickmacross and officers from the @ @ @ @ @ found the home had been fully adapted into a grow house , and seized a @ @ @ @ @ from the property .
The seizure had an estimated street value of €100,000 , pending @ @ @ @ @ .
The raid took place at 9am on Saturday morning , and gardaí are conducting @ @ @ @ @ the property .
The young man arrested at the scene is being held under Section @ @ @ @ @ Act 1984 .
A Garda spokesman said “ investigations are ongoing ” in the case @

The raid took place at 9am on Saturday morning, and gardaí are conducting a further technical examination of the property. File photograph: Mladen Antonov/AFP/Getty Images
Gardaí seized cannabis herb worth an estimated €100,000 during a raid on a suspected grow house in Rockcorry, Co Monaghan, on Saturday morning.
A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained for questioning at Castleblayney Garda Station.
The raid was carried out by detectives from Carrickmacross and officers from the Armed Support Unit.
Gardaí found the home had been fully adapted into a grow house, and seized a large quantity of cannabis herb from the property. The seizure had an estimated street value of €100,000, pending a more detailed forensic analysis.
READ MORE
The raid took place at 9am on Saturday morning, and gardaí are conducting a further technical examination of the property.
The young man arrested at the scene is being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. A Garda spokesman said “investigations are ongoing” in the case.


theirishtimes--2020-01-18--Pensioner in critical condition after Kerry hit and run

An investigation is under way after a hit and run incident in Co Kerry left a man in his late @ @ @ @ @ .
The man was crossing the main Killarney-Mallow road at Churchview in Rathmore in east @ @ @ @ @ Friday when he was hit by a car .
The vehicle , described as a @ @ @ @ @ to stop and continued eastward from Killarney in the direction of Rathmore village .
Witnesses @ @ @ @ @ attended to the elderly man at the scene before bringing him to Cork University Hospital @ @ @ @ @ is from Rathmore , suffered serious injuries .
Gardaí have set up an incident room @ @ @ @ @ Supt Joe Moore said gardaí are investigating the incident and urged anyone with information to @ @ @ @ @ the vehicle .
Gardaí appealed to anyone with information to contact Millstreet Garda Station on @ @ @ @ @ Macroom Garda station on ( 026 ) 20590 .

Gardaí appealed to anyone with information to contact Millstreet Garda Station on (029) 70002 or Macroom Garda station on (026)20590.
An investigation is under way after a hit and run incident in Co Kerry left a man in his late 80s in a critical condition.
The man was crossing the main Killarney-Mallow road at Churchview in Rathmore in east Kerry at around 7pm on Friday when he was hit by a car.
The vehicle, described as a small silver car, failed to stop and continued eastward from Killarney in the direction of Rathmore village.
Witnesses alerted emergency services and paramedics attended to the elderly man at the scene before bringing him to Cork University Hospital.
READ MORE
The man, who is from Rathmore, suffered serious injuries.
Gardaí have set up an incident room at Rathmore Garda Station.
Supt Joe Moore said gardaí are investigating the incident and urged anyone with information to come forward.Investigators want to identify the vehicle.
Gardaí appealed to anyone with information to contact Millstreet Garda Station on (029) 70002 or Macroom Garda station on (026)20590.


theirishtimes--2020-01-19--Election 2020: Dublin West constituency profile

A true heavyweight constituency , Dublin West is home to the sitting Taoiseach in Leo Varadkar and a former tánaiste in Joan Burton , both of whom are running again .
Varadkar ’ s re-election is , of course , a formality .
Fianna Fáil ’ s Jack Chambers is not yet 30 , but following his victory last time out has been fast-tracked into a front bench position by leader Micheál Martin .
Chambers is capable , if not magnetic , but the old Lenihan Fianna Fáil voting base in the constituency should be enough to see him home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threatened to add a second seat in the constituency in addition to the one held by the Taoiseach since his election in 2007 , despite throwing considerable resources – and former Olympic athlete Eamonn Coghlan – at the constituency over the years .
The biggest impediment to Cllr Emer Currie , Varadkar ’ s running mate , bucking this trend is obviously the presence of Burton and another politician with national profile , Ruth Coppinger , in the remaining seats .
Also blocking her way , and presenting a clear and present danger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be Green Party candidate Cllr Roderic O ’ Gorman , who has been running in elections in the constituency since 2004 .
O ’ Gorman has outperformed his party ’ s national performance in the last two general elections but has never really been in the shake-up for a seat come polling day .
If he can successfully court the wealthier , centre-left vote that has traditionally coalesced around Burton , he is in with a strong shout .
However , Burton will not be easy to turn over , despite the lack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Meanwhile , Coppinger will have to energise her base in the working-class areas of the constituency to retain a seat for the hard left in Dublin West , especially following a bad day in the local elections .
If Sinn Féin ’ s councillor Paul Donnelly can persuade a significant segment of this vote to favour him over Coppinger , he may also come into the reckoning , but it is an uphill struggle .
More likely is that a strong vote for Donnelly will make it more difficult for Coppinger in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gorman .
On a local level , candidates will have to handle the thorny issue of BusConnects , balancing the utility offered by an improved bus network against the perceived impact on local and residential amenities .
Co-living will be another rallying point , with permission just given for a significant development in Castleknock , as will the construction of schools and other facilities for growing families in the area .
Prediction : Varadkar ( FG ) , Chambers ( FF ) , O ’ Gorman ( GP ) , one from Burton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ )

Dublin West (four seats)
Current: 1 FG, 1 FF, 1 S-PBP, 1 Labour
A true heavyweight constituency, Dublin West is home to the sitting Taoiseach in Leo Varadkar and a former tánaiste in Joan Burton, both of whom are running again. Varadkar's re-election is, of course, a formality. Fianna Fáil's Jack Chambers is not yet 30, but following his victory last time out has been fast-tracked into a front bench position by leader Micheál Martin. Chambers is capable, if not magnetic, but the old Lenihan Fianna Fáil voting base in the constituency should be enough to see him home comfortably.
Fianna Fáil’s Jack Chambers, who was elected in 2016, looks likely to retain his seat. File photograph: Alan Betson
Fine Gael has never really threatened to add a second seat in the constituency in addition to the one held by the Taoiseach since his election in 2007, despite throwing considerable resources – and former Olympic athlete Eamonn Coghlan – at the constituency over the years. The biggest impediment to Cllr Emer Currie, Varadkar's running mate, bucking this trend is obviously the presence of Burton and another politician with national profile, Solidarity's Ruth Coppinger, in the remaining seats. Also blocking her way, and presenting a clear and present danger to both Coppinger and Burton, will be Green Party candidate Cllr Roderic O'Gorman, who has been running in elections in the constituency since 2004.
READ MORE
O'Gorman has outperformed his party's national performance in the last two general elections but has never really been in the shake-up for a seat come polling day. If he can successfully court the wealthier, centre-left vote that has traditionally coalesced around Burton, he is in with a strong shout. However, Burton will not be easy to turn over, despite the lack of momentum around the Labour brand.
Polling numbers
The last seat was seen as a tussle between former Burton and Coppinger. However, if Sinn Féin's polling numbers are borne out on Saturday, it is hard to see how the party's candidate, Paul Donnelly, will not come into the equation. Burton, then Labour leader, benefitted from a major resource push by the party in the closing days of 2016's campaign when it seemed her seat was in danger. The electorate also seemed to respond to a threat to their sitting minister. The party has no such resources to dedicate to her now, and of course she is no longer a minister.
If Coppinger can stay ahead of her, and O’Gorman attracts Labour-friendly centre-left first preferences, Burton is the most likely candidate to be squeezed out by a strong showing from Donnelly. A wild card here is Peter Casey, who may siphon off some anti-Government votes from both Coppinger and Donnelly, but he is unlikely to make a meaningful difference in the final reckoning.
On a local level, candidates will have to handle the thorny issue of BusConnects, balancing the utility offered by an improved bus network against the perceived impact on local and residential amenities. Co-living will be another rallying point, with permission just given for a significant development in Castleknock, as will the construction of schools and other facilities for growing families in the area.
Other declared candidates include Aengus Ó Maoláin (Social Democrats) and Edward McManus (Aontú).
Prediction: Varadkar (FG), Chambers (FF), O'Gorman (GP), one from Burton (Lab), Coppinger (S-PBP) and Donnelly (SF)
Candidates: Leo Varadkar (FG), Emer Currie (FG), Jack Chambers (FF), Roderic O'Gorman (GP), Joan Burton (Lab), Ruth Coppinger (S-PBP), Paul Donnelly (SF), Aengus Ó Maoláin (SD), Edward McManus (Aontú), Peter Casey (Ind), Stephen O'Loughlin (Ind), Seán O'Leary (Ind)


theirishtimes--2020-01-20--Fine Gael election candidate’s constituency office vandalised

Senator Colm Burke had a brick thrown through the window of his constituency office in Cork on Sunday evening , @ @ @ @ @ The Fine Gael general election candidate for the Cork North-Central constituency says he returned to @ @ @ @ @ Sunday night to find two window panes had been smashed with a brick .
He @ @ @ @ @ come after hundreds of his election posters were removed without his permission .
In a @ @ @ @ @ senator said : “ Bricks fired through the window in my office in Blackpool this @ @ @ @ @ a difficult few days with over 250 posters taken down and illegally removed.
” Mr @ @ @ @ @ vandalism , he would continue in his campaign for election .
“ No candidate or @ @ @ @ @ face this , but my campaign and I won ’ t be intimidated or deterred @ @ @ @ @ Mr Burke is the party ’ s Seanad spokesman on health and was a member @ @ @ @ @ the Ireland South constituency between 2007 and 2009 .

The photograph of the smashed window in his constituency office posted on Twitter by Senator Colm Burke. Photograph: Colm Burke/Twitter
Senator Colm Burke had a brick thrown through the window of his constituency office in Cork on Sunday evening, the politician has said.
The Fine Gael general election candidate for the Cork North-Central constituency says he returned to his office in Blackpool on Sunday night to find two window panes had been smashed with a brick.
He added that the incident has come after hundreds of his election posters were removed without his permission.
In a post on Twitter, the senator said: “Bricks fired through the window in my office in Blackpool this evening. It has been a difficult few days with over 250 posters taken down and illegally removed.”
READ MORE
Mr Burke added that despite the vandalism, he would continue in his campaign for election.
“No candidate or their staff should have to face this, but my campaign and I won’t be intimidated or deterred,” he said.
Mr Burke is the party's Seanad spokesman on health and was a member of the European Parliament for the Ireland South constituency between 2007 and 2009.