theirishtimes--2020-02-07--Sinn Féin under renewed pressure over Paul Quinn murder

Sinn Féin is under renewed pressure over the murder of Paul Quinn after his mother told party leader Mary Lou McDonald she wants a further statement from Conor Murphy .
Mr Murphy , the Sinn Féin Minister for Finance in Stormont , has retracted and apologised for comments he made claiming Paul Quinn had been involved in criminality and smuggling .
The issue of Sinn Féin ’ s response to Mr Quinn ’ s murder has dominated the last few days of the election campaign as the parties made their final pitches to the electorate ahead of tomorrow ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , from Cullyhanna , Co Armagh , was beaten to death by up to 10 men in a barn in Co Monaghan on October 20th , 2007 .
His family has always held the IRA responsible .
His mother Breege Quinn spoke with Ms McDonald by telephone yesterday evening and told her she did not believe the apology went far enough .
“ I told her that Conor Murphy has not clearly said that Paul was not a criminal .
She said she would speak to him , ” Ms Quinn said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Every day I am waiting .
She said she would speak to him but she didn ’ t say if he would do this .
“ I said to her , Mary Lou , you are a parent , wouldn ’ t you want justice ?
and she said she would.
” Clarify remarks Ms Quinn said the matter will not be settled until Mr Murphy clarifies his comments .
She has also called on Mr Murphy to go to the PSNI with the names of people in the IRA he spoke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Gardaí believe Mr Quinn clashed with former members of the Provisional IRA who remained in positions of control in the local community despite the peace process .
They ordered him to leave south Armagh and when he refused , he was murdered .
Detectives believe the same former IRA members still control crime in the area and residents are too fearful of them to speak to the PSNI or Garda about Mr Quinn ’ s killing .
Gardaí said the murder investigation remains live and that a Serious Crime Review Team and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a cold case review of the killing .
Gardaí are expected to revisit witnesses from the initial murder inquiry , including Mr Murphy , in a bid to see if they have any new information .
Mr Murphy has said he spoke to the PSNI after the killing and would be willing to make himself available again if requested .
Meanwhile , Fianna Fáil ’ s justice spokesman Jim O ’ Callaghan has called on Mr Murphy to resign over the controversy .
“ If his apology was genuine he would have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13 years ago .
But the apology was really designed to protect and promote the interests of Sinn Féin in the run-up to a general election .
“ What it reveals is that whenever there is a conflict between the interests of a family seeking justice on the one hand , and the interests of the Provisional IRA or people involved in crime on the other hand , Sinn Féin will always opt for the latter , ” Mr O ’ Callaghan said .

Stephen and Breege Quinn at the graveside of their murdered son Paul Quinn in Cullyhanna, Co Armagh. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA
Sinn Féin is under renewed pressure over the murder of Paul Quinn after his mother told party leader Mary Lou McDonald she wants a further statement from Conor Murphy.
Mr Murphy, the Sinn Féin Minister for Finance in Stormont, has retracted and apologised for comments he made claiming Paul Quinn had been involved in criminality and smuggling.
The issue of Sinn Féin’s response to Mr Quinn’s murder has dominated the last few days of the election campaign as the parties made their final pitches to the electorate ahead of tomorrow’s poll.
Mr Quinn (21), from Cullyhanna, Co Armagh, was beaten to death by up to 10 men in a barn in Co Monaghan on October 20th, 2007. His family has always held the IRA responsible.
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His mother Breege Quinn spoke with Ms McDonald by telephone yesterday evening and told her she did not believe the apology went far enough. "I told her that Conor Murphy has not clearly said that Paul was not a criminal. She said she would speak to him," Ms Quinn said.
“It is only a few words. Every day I am waiting. She said she would speak to him but she didn’t say if he would do this.
“I said to her, Mary Lou, you are a parent, wouldn’t you want justice? and she said she would.”
Clarify remarks
Ms Quinn said the matter will not be settled until Mr Murphy clarifies his comments. She has also called on Mr Murphy to go to the PSNI with the names of people in the IRA he spoke to in the aftermath of the killing.
Gardaí believe Mr Quinn clashed with former members of the Provisional IRA who remained in positions of control in the local community despite the peace process.
They ordered him to leave south Armagh and when he refused, he was murdered.
Detectives believe the same former IRA members still control crime in the area and residents are too fearful of them to speak to the PSNI or Garda about Mr Quinn’s killing.
Murder investigation
Gardaí said the murder investigation remains live and that a Serious Crime Review Team and officers based at Carrickmacross have been carrying out a cold case review of the killing. Gardaí are expected to revisit witnesses from the initial murder inquiry, including Mr Murphy, in a bid to see if they have any new information.
Mr Murphy has said he spoke to the PSNI after the killing and would be willing to make himself available again if requested.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil’s justice spokesman Jim O’Callaghan has called on Mr Murphy to resign over the controversy.
“If his apology was genuine he would have issued that apology to the Quinn family 13 years ago. But the apology was really designed to protect and promote the interests of Sinn Féin in the run-up to a general election.
“What it reveals is that whenever there is a conflict between the interests of a family seeking justice on the one hand, and the interests of the Provisional IRA or people involved in crime on the other hand, Sinn Féin will always opt for the latter,” Mr O’Callaghan said.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Drugs, cash, pepper spray found as seven flats raided in Dublin city

Gardaí have seized cocaine , cannabis , cash and an imitation firearm in raids targeting street drug dealers in Dublin @ @ @ @ @ .
A team of gardaí backed by members of the Emergency Response Unit and Armed @ @ @ @ @ in the Hardwick Strett area and arrested three men during intelligence-led raids .
Gardai from @ @ @ @ @ inner city had gathered information on drug dealers operating on the streets of the city @ @ @ @ @ s raids targeting those men .
Cannabis herb valued at an estimated €40,000 was discovered @ @ @ @ @ value of about €3,000 , as well as approximately €4,500 in cash .
The Garda @ @ @ @ @ spray and an imitation firearm .
The three suspects , all in their 20s , @ @ @ @ @ of the Criminal Justice Act .
“ The operation commenced at 4pm and involved gardaí @ @ @ @ @ Team based at Mountjoy Station assisted by Emergency Response , Armed Support and local Roads @ @ @ @ @ Garda statement said .

Some of the drugs seized in Thursday’s raids. Photograph: Garda Press Office
Gardaí have seized cocaine, cannabis, cash and an imitation firearm in raids targeting street drug dealers in Dublin’s north inner city.
A team of gardaí backed by members of the Emergency Response Unit and Armed Support Unit raided seven flats in the Hardwick Strett area and arrested three men during intelligence-led raids.
Gardai from Mountjoy station in the north inner city had gathered information on drug dealers operating on the streets of the city, with Thursday afternoon’s raids targeting those men.
Cannabis herb valued at an estimated €40,000 was discovered along with cocaine to the value of about €3,000, as well as approximately €4,500 in cash.
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The Garda search team also discovered pepper spray and an imitation firearm. The three suspects, all in their 20s, were arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
“The operation commenced at 4pm and involved gardaí from the District Community Action Team based at Mountjoy Station assisted by Emergency Response, Armed Support and local Roads Policing Units,” a Garda statement said.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Coroner describes double killing of woman and teenage daughter as ‘barbaric’

A Scottish manual worker killed his partner before raping and killing her teenage daughter , an inquest in Co Armagh has heard .
Coroner Joe McCrisken described the deaths of Giselle Marimon-Herrera ( 37 ) , from Colombia , and her 15-year-old daughter Allison as “ barbaric ” , and “ one of the most difficult ” inquests he has ever presided over .
The bodies of the mother and daughter were discovered in an apartment in Newry on March 7th , 2019 , along with Russell Steele by police after they had all been reported missing .
Mr McCrisken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffocation and Miss Marimon-Herrera died due to manual strangulation and suffocation .
Their chihuahua dog was also found dead .
He said he could not be satisfied that Ms Marimon-Herrera had been sexually assaulted , but that there is evidence her daughter had been raped .
Steele was found to have died by hanging and had intended to die .
The inquest heard Steele ’ s family had been kept informed of the proceedings but chose not to attend .
Mr McCrisken thanked members of the Marimon-Herrera family who attended the inquests at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” throughout the police investigation and inquests , telling them they have been “ through hell over the past year ” .
He also thanked the Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) for a “ genuinely excellent ” investigation .
At the opening of proceedings on Thursday morning , Mr McCrisken said he was holding separate inquests into the deaths of Ms Marimon-Herrera and her daughter , and Steele .
He heard evidence about events in the run up to the deaths .
A statement from Ms Marimon-Herrera ’ s sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She described how her sister had arrived in Northern Ireland in 2016 after separating from her Portuguese husband , and was followed by her daughter in 2017 .
She also told the inquest that her sister had felt Steele was “ controlling ” and she had wanted to end the relationship .
PSNI investigating officer Victoria Holmes said text messages exchanged between Steele and Ms Marimon-Herrera revealed a recent argument which included an attempt by her to end the relationship .
A statement from Steele ’ s ex-wife was read to the inquest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through church as he battled a heroin addiction .
They had a temporary split in 2010 when he relapsed but in total they were married for 17 years and had two children together .
The marriage ended after she discovered her husband was having an affair with Ms Marimon-Herrera who he had previously met in Spain before reconnecting via social media .
He then left their home in Kilmarnock to move to Northern Ireland .
The inquest heard Steele had a criminal record , which included a conviction for an assault which led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his findings , Mr McCrisken said : “ The killing of Giselle Marimon-Herrera and her 15-year-old daughter Allison by Russell Steele was barbaric .
“ Giselle Marimon-Herrera was a woman of small stature .
Her 15-year-old daughter and her would have been unable to offer any resistance against an attack by Russell Steele .
“ I am satisfied that he acted alone for a reason that is unknown .
The killings were an impulsive act carried out by an individual with a history of aggression and violence.
” The family said they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ private family who have been catapulted into the public domain as a result of this murder.
” They thanked the public and others who organised donations which the family used to travel from France and Columbia to Northern Ireland , where they were able to see where they lived and to meet pupils and teachers at Newry High School which Allison attended .
The fund also assisted in paying for the cremation in Belfast and it also paid for all the family to travel to Portugal where their ashes have been laid to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The family appeal to anyone who is at risk of domestic violence to seek help .
”

Giselle Marimon-Herrera from Colombia and her teenage daughter Allison were murdered in Newry in 2019.
A Scottish manual worker killed his partner before raping and killing her teenage daughter, an inquest in Co Armagh has heard.
Coroner Joe McCrisken described the deaths of Giselle Marimon-Herrera (37), from Colombia, and her 15-year-old daughter Allison as “barbaric”, and “one of the most difficult” inquests he has ever presided over.
The bodies of the mother and daughter were discovered in an apartment in Newry on March 7th, 2019, along with Russell Steele by police after they had all been reported missing.
Mr McCrisken found Ms Marimon-Herrera died from asphyxiation and suffocation and Miss Marimon-Herrera died due to manual strangulation and suffocation. Their chihuahua dog was also found dead.
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He said he could not be satisfied that Ms Marimon-Herrera had been sexually assaulted, but that there is evidence her daughter had been raped.
Steele was found to have died by hanging and had intended to die.
The inquest heard Steele’s family had been kept informed of the proceedings but chose not to attend.
Mr McCrisken thanked members of the Marimon-Herrera family who attended the inquests at Armagh court house for their “dignity” throughout the police investigation and inquests, telling them they have been “through hell over the past year”.
He also thanked the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for a “genuinely excellent” investigation.
At the opening of proceedings on Thursday morning, Mr McCrisken said he was holding separate inquests into the deaths of Ms Marimon-Herrera and her daughter, and Steele.
He heard evidence about events in the run up to the deaths.
A statement from Ms Marimon-Herrera’s sister Paola was read to the inquest.
She described how her sister had arrived in Northern Ireland in 2016 after separating from her Portuguese husband, and was followed by her daughter in 2017.
Steele was ‘controlling’
She also told the inquest that her sister had felt Steele was “controlling” and she had wanted to end the relationship.
PSNI investigating officer Victoria Holmes said text messages exchanged between Steele and Ms Marimon-Herrera revealed a recent argument which included an attempt by her to end the relationship.
A statement from Steele’s ex-wife was read to the inquest.
Margaret Steele said she met him through church as he battled a heroin addiction. They had a temporary split in 2010 when he relapsed but in total they were married for 17 years and had two children together.
The marriage ended after she discovered her husband was having an affair with Ms Marimon-Herrera who he had previously met in Spain before reconnecting via social media. He then left their home in Kilmarnock to move to Northern Ireland.
The inquest heard Steele had a criminal record, which included a conviction for an assault which led to an eight-month prison sentence.
Delivering his findings, Mr McCrisken said: “The killing of Giselle Marimon-Herrera and her 15-year-old daughter Allison by Russell Steele was barbaric.
“Giselle Marimon-Herrera was a woman of small stature. Her 15-year-old daughter and her would have been unable to offer any resistance against an attack by Russell Steele.
“I am satisfied that he acted alone for a reason that is unknown. The killings were an impulsive act carried out by an individual with a history of aggression and violence.”
The family said they were devastated.
“We are a very private family who have been catapulted into the public domain as a result of this murder.”
They thanked the public and others who organised donations which the family used to travel from France and Columbia to Northern Ireland, where they were able to see where they lived and to meet pupils and teachers at Newry High School which Allison attended.
The fund also assisted in paying for the cremation in Belfast and it also paid for all the family to travel to Portugal where their ashes have been laid to rest.
The statement concluded: “The family appeal to anyone who is at risk of domestic violence to seek help.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Teenager in wheelchair ‘easy target’ for assaults in HSE centre

A teenager living in a Health Service Executive centre for people with disabilities was assaulted by an adult resident on multiple occasions as she was in a wheelchair and an “ easy target ” , a highly critical inspection by the State health watchdog found .
Residents in Ballytrim House , Co Donegal , were left living in a “ chaotic and fearful environment ” , due to a pattern of violent incidents the centre management had failed to properly respond to for several months , according to a report published on Thursday .
During an inspection last July , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) staff reported concerns “ that residents and children were not safe ” in the 12-bed centre , due to almost-daily incidents of violence and aggression between residents and towards staff .
During the unannounced inspection , Hiqa staff witnessed a teenage resident in a wheelchair appearing “ fearful ” of an adult resident , and later “ heard her scream for help when this resident approached her and made a hitting gesture towards her ” , the report said .
Following a review of records , inspectors found the vulnerable teenage resident @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other adult resident on several occasions .
“ Staff told inspectors that because this child was in a wheelchair and had limited mobility she was an ‘ easy target ’ and ‘ gets hit and targeted a lot ’ , ” the Hiqa report said .
The Co Donegal centre provides both full-time and part-time residential care to children and adults with disabilities .
In another incident , an adult resident “ stripped naked ” in front of a female teenage resident last March .
The Hiqa inspectors found “ very concerning failings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the incident , which had not been reported to Tusla , the child and family agency , as required under child protection laws .
Inspectors found it was “ not an isolated incident and had occurred previously whereby adults ‘ stripped ’ in front of children , ” the report said .
Inspectors found a pattern of violence from some residents towards others , which included physical assaults , such as hitting , slapping and pushing .
The watchdog ’ s report found the HSE-run centre had failed to properly respond to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the home over several months .
During the July inspection , Hiqa staff were so concerned they immediately informed HSE senior management in the area of the “ urgent risk situation , ” and the need for a plan to protect the vulnerable adults and children in the centre , the report said .
Following a review of records , Hiqa inspectors found there had been at least 225 recorded incidents in the first six months of last year .
The Hiqa report found the disability centre was not compliant with required standards @ @ @ @ @ @ @ centre was inspected again last October and Hiqa staff found “ significant improvements ” had been made in managing risks to residents , although there remained “ a high number of incidents ” .
Improvements included a separate living space for youth residents in the centre away from adults , and better management of incidents .
The centre was found to be non-compliant with three of the 11 health regulations inspected , and the highly critical July report was published alongside the report from the October inspection .

Residents in Ballytrim House, Co Donegal, were left living in a “chaotic and fearful environment”, according to a Hiqa report.
A teenager living in a Health Service Executive centre for people with disabilities was assaulted by an adult resident on multiple occasions as she was in a wheelchair and an “easy target”, a highly critical inspection by the State health watchdog found.
Residents in Ballytrim House, Co Donegal, were left living in a "chaotic and fearful environment", due to a pattern of violent incidents the centre management had failed to properly respond to for several months, according to a report published on Thursday.
During an inspection last July, Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) staff reported concerns "that residents and children were not safe" in the 12-bed centre, due to almost-daily incidents of violence and aggression between residents and towards staff.
During the unannounced inspection, Hiqa staff witnessed a teenage resident in a wheelchair appearing “fearful” of an adult resident, and later “heard her scream for help when this resident approached her and made a hitting gesture towards her”, the report said.
READ MORE
Review of records
Following a review of records, inspectors found the vulnerable teenage resident had been hit and assaulted by the other adult resident on several occasions.
“Staff told inspectors that because this child was in a wheelchair and had limited mobility she was an ‘easy target’ and ‘gets hit and targeted a lot’,” the Hiqa report said.
The Co Donegal centre provides both full-time and part-time residential care to children and adults with disabilities.
In another incident, an adult resident “stripped naked” in front of a female teenage resident last March. The Hiqa inspectors found “very concerning failings” in the centre’s response to the incident, which had not been reported to Tusla, the child and family agency, as required under child protection laws.
Inspectors found it was “not an isolated incident and had occurred previously whereby adults ‘stripped’ in front of children,” the report said.
Inspectors found a pattern of violence from some residents towards others, which included physical assaults, such as hitting, slapping and pushing.
Vulnerable children
The watchdog’s report found the HSE-run centre had failed to properly respond to the “unacceptable living conditions” in the home over several months.
During the July inspection, Hiqa staff were so concerned they immediately informed HSE senior management in the area of the “urgent risk situation,” and the need for a plan to protect the vulnerable adults and children in the centre, the report said.
Following a review of records, Hiqa inspectors found there had been at least 225 recorded incidents in the first six months of last year.
The Hiqa report found the disability centre was not compliant with required standards under all 11 categories inspected.
The centre was inspected again last October and Hiqa staff found “significant improvements” had been made in managing risks to residents, although there remained “a high number of incidents”.
Improvements included a separate living space for youth residents in the centre away from adults, and better management of incidents.
The centre was found to be non-compliant with three of the 11 health regulations inspected, and the highly critical July report was published alongside the report from the October inspection.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Man given 20-year ban for crash that left woman with brain injury

A man has received a three-year suspended sentence and a 20-year driving ban arising out of a horrific crash that left a woman with catastrophic injuries .
Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Bríd Hallihan , who is in her 30s , sustained serious injuries following what the judge called a “ truly scandalous ” overtaking incident on February 16th , 2015 , at Glencaum , Grenagh , Co Cork .
Ms Hallihan , who is from Doneraile , Co Cork , was in hospital for months and required rehabilitation after a van she was a passenger in was hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 40 ) of Killaltanagh , Banagher , Co Galway , had unsuccessfully fought the charge against him and was found guilty of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm .
Garda Maura Gibbons said Ms Hallihan had problems with her short-term memory and required care arising out of the incident .
She suffered a brain injury and pelvic fracture in the crash .
Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin was told by Siobhan Lankford SC that Feehan suffers from a depressive illness and her client had made a decision not to drive following the incident .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the rules of the road , and he doubted that Feehan had the required insight and capacity to drive safely .
“ It is my view that he should never be on a public road , ” the judge said .

A man has received a three-year suspended sentence and a 20-year driving ban arising out of a horrific crash that left a woman with catastrophic injuries.
Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that Bríd Hallihan, who is in her 30s, sustained serious injuries following what the judge called a “truly scandalous” overtaking incident on February 16th, 2015, at Glencaum, Grenagh, Co Cork.
Ms Hallihan, who is from Doneraile, Co Cork, was in hospital for months and required rehabilitation after a van she was a passenger in was hit by motorist Martin Feehan.
Feehan (40) of Killaltanagh, Banagher, Co Galway, had unsuccessfully fought the charge against him and was found guilty of dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm.
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Garda Maura Gibbons said Ms Hallihan had problems with her short-term memory and required care arising out of the incident. She suffered a brain injury and pelvic fracture in the crash.
Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin was told by Siobhan Lankford SC that Feehan suffers from a depressive illness and her client had made a decision not to drive following the incident.
The judge said Feehan showed no regard for the rules of the road, and he doubted that Feehan had the required insight and capacity to drive safely. “It is my view that he should never be on a public road,” the judge said.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Garda’s injuries were ‘incompatible with life’, court hears

The injuries sustained by a garda who was shot in the face during an armed robbery at a credit union were “ incompatible with life ” , a paramedic who was first on the scene told the Central Criminal Court on Thursday .
Paramedic Tony Horwell told Lorcan Staines SC for the prosecution that he responded to a shooting at Lordship Credit Union on January 25th , 2013 and found Det Gda Adrian Donohoe lying in the credit union car park .
He attached an ECG machine but found no cardio activity .
He told Mr Staines that the injuries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inconsistent with life ” so he assumed death had taken place Det Gda Donohoe ’ s wife identified his body 90 minutes after he was shot dead , the court also heard on Thursday .
Inspector Darren Kirwan told Lorcan Staines SC for the prosecution that at 9.45pm on January 25th , 2013 he became aware that Det Gda Donohoe had been shot and he immediately went to the deceased ’ s home to visit his wife Caroline Donohoe , who is also a garda .
Insp Kirwan said he had known both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years and he described Det Gda Donohoe as a “ close friend ” as well as a work colleague .
He said Ms Donohoe wanted to visit the scene and at 11pm that night she identified her husband ’ s body as it lay in the credit union car park .
Aaron Brady ( 28 ) from New Road , Crossmaglen , Co Armagh has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Det Gda Donohoe ( 41 ) who was then a member of An Garda Síochána on active duty on January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Bellurgan , Co Louth .
Mr Brady has also pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and assorted cheques on the same date and at the same location .
Jane Murphy BL read a report by former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jaber .
Counsel told the jury that Dr Jaber carried out a post mortem on the deceased at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda , Co Louth on January 26th , 2013 .
Dr Jaber identified “ extensive damage to the brain and skull @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was a “ penetrating shotgun wound the the face ( head ) .
” Christina Birch told Mr Staines that she was driving with her husband Paul in the passenger seat and when they passed Lordship Credit Union they noticed a car parked over the entrance of the car park and heard two “ large bangs ” .
She thought it unusual so she pulled in to see what was going on .
The car at the gateway of the credit union was not small or big , it might have been a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Golf ” and dark-coloured , she said .
Ms Birch called 999 while her husband watched what was happening through the car ’ s rear window .
She told gardaí that a robbery was taking place .
Her phone records showed that she made the call at 21.29 .
Paul Birch told Mr Staines that he noticed a car stopped across the entrance to the credit union car park and thought it “ unusual ” .
He heard two loud bangs which his wife said were shotgun noises .
When they pulled in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and saw someone jumping over the car park wall .
The car that had been blocking the car park entrance then drove off at speed in the direction of the Ballymascanlon roundabout .
The trial continues in front of Justice Michael White and a jury of eight men and seven women .

A man has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Det Gda Adrian Donohoe in 2013.
The injuries sustained by a garda who was shot in the face during an armed robbery at a credit union were “incompatible with life”, a paramedic who was first on the scene told the Central Criminal Court on Thursday.
Paramedic Tony Horwell told Lorcan Staines SC for the prosecution that he responded to a shooting at Lordship Credit Union on January 25th, 2013 and found Det Gda Adrian Donohoe lying in the credit union car park. He attached an ECG machine but found no cardio activity.
He told Mr Staines that the injuries Det Gda Donohoe had sustained were “inconsistent with life” so he assumed death had taken place
Det Gda Donohoe’s wife identified his body 90 minutes after he was shot dead, the court also heard on Thursday.
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Inspector Darren Kirwan told Lorcan Staines SC for the prosecution that at 9.45pm on January 25th, 2013 he became aware that Det Gda Donohoe had been shot and he immediately went to the deceased’s home to visit his wife Caroline Donohoe, who is also a garda.
Not guilty plea
Insp Kirwan said he had known both Ms Donohoe and the deceased for 17 years and he described Det Gda Donohoe as a “close friend” as well as a work colleague.
He said Ms Donohoe wanted to visit the scene and at 11pm that night she identified her husband’s body as it lay in the credit union car park.
Aaron Brady (28) from New Road, Crossmaglen, Co Armagh has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Det Gda Donohoe (41) who was then a member of An Garda Síochána on active duty on January 25th, 2013 at Lordship Credit Union, Bellurgan, Co Louth. Mr Brady has also pleaded not guilty to a charge of robbing approximately €7,000 in cash and assorted cheques on the same date and at the same location.
Jane Murphy BL read a report by former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jaber. Counsel told the jury that Dr Jaber carried out a post mortem on the deceased at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth on January 26th, 2013. Dr Jaber identified “extensive damage to the brain and skull” and said the cause of death was a “penetrating shotgun wound the the face (head).”
Christina Birch told Mr Staines that she was driving with her husband Paul in the passenger seat and when they passed Lordship Credit Union they noticed a car parked over the entrance of the car park and heard two “large bangs”.
She thought it unusual so she pulled in to see what was going on.
The car at the gateway of the credit union was not small or big, it might have been a hatchback and was “bigger than a Golf” and dark-coloured, she said. Ms Birch called 999 while her husband watched what was happening through the car’s rear window. She told gardaí that a robbery was taking place. Her phone records showed that she made the call at 21.29.
Paul Birch told Mr Staines that he noticed a car stopped across the entrance to the credit union car park and thought it “unusual”. He heard two loud bangs which his wife said were shotgun noises.
When they pulled in he looked back towards the credit union and saw someone jumping over the car park wall. The car that had been blocking the car park entrance then drove off at speed in the direction of the Ballymascanlon roundabout.
The trial continues in front of Justice Michael White and a jury of eight men and seven women.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Gerry Adams seeks more information for defamation action against BBC

Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams wants the High Court to order the BBC to hand over more information he says he requires for a defamation case he is taking against the broadcaster .
He is suing the BBC , claiming it defamed him when it falsely alleged he had sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson who worked for decades as a spy for the British .
His action is being brought in the High Court in Dublin over a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme in which the allegation was made .
The BBC denies defamation and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it used in the making of the programme , but says other categories of court discovery sought by him are too broad .
In his action , Mr Adams says he suffered damage to his reputation as a result of what he says is the false allegation , made by an anonymous source in the programme , that he sanctioned the killing of Donaldson ( 55 ) who worked for Sinn Féin in Stormont but also was a spy for M15 for two decades .
Donaldson was shot dead at his isolated cottage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2006 .
The anonymous source , referred to as “ Martin ” in the programme , said he [ Martin ] was also was a paid state agent while a member of the IRA .
Thomas Hogan SC , for Mr Adams , said court-ordered discovery of information and particulars held by the BBC is sought because the material provided so far is too vague and inadequate .
Also sought is information about the extent of the broadcast of the programme , as well as the extent of publication of a follow-up BBC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was made .
Counsel said that in the Spotlight programme it was said shootings were sanctioned at the top of the republican movement .
It also stated while Mr Adams had stepped aside as a member of the IRA army council by 2006 , he continued to be consulted in relation to shootings .
Asked by the presenter who he was specifically referring to , Martin said “ Gerry Adams , he had the final say ” .
Mr Adams was quoted in the programme as denying any knowledge of the shooting or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Counsel said the dissident Real IRA three years later claimed responsibility but Martin told Spotlight this was not true and was done to “ get more kudos ” for the dissidents .
Mr Hogan said the BBC had denied the words used in the programme or article meant Mr Adams sanctioned the murder of Donaldson which was “ somewhat extraordinary in the circumstance of the case ” .
The BBC claims the programme was put out in good faith and during the course of discussion on a subject of public and vital interest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the result of careful investigation .
The BBC was willing to give material in relation to research , and materials used in the making of the programme but was not prepared to go beyond that , counsel said .
In order to test whether the programme acted responsibly and whether it should be protected by privilege , his side required to see material which it may have had which could have cast doubt on or contradicted the allegation .
“ The defendant has to put all its cards on the table to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Paul Gallagher SC , for the BBC , said much of the material has already been provided .
Mr Adams ’ s side would not be surprised by anything involving allegations about his reputation when the case came to trial .
One of the categories of material sought by Mr Adams was so broad that it would involve searches of material in the BBC ’ s huge archive that it would be oppressive and onerous to require the defendant to do so , he said .
The case had been “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meets our obligations , ” he said .

In his action, Gerry Adams says he suffered damage to his reputation as a result of what he says is the false allegation, made by an anonymous source in the programme, that he sanctioned the killing of Donaldson (55) who worked for Sinn Féin in Stormont but also was a spy for M15 for two decades. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA
Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams wants the High Court to order the BBC to hand over more information he says he requires for a defamation case he is taking against the broadcaster.
He is suing the BBC, claiming it defamed him when it falsely alleged he had sanctioned the killing of former Sinn Féin official Denis Donaldson who worked for decades as a spy for the British.
His action is being brought in the High Court in Dublin over a 2016 BBC Spotlight programme in which the allegation was made.
The BBC denies defamation and says it can provide certain research materials it used in the making of the programme, but says other categories of court discovery sought by him are too broad.
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In his action, Mr Adams says he suffered damage to his reputation as a result of what he says is the false allegation, made by an anonymous source in the programme, that he sanctioned the killing of Donaldson (55) who worked for Sinn Féin in Stormont but also was a spy for M15 for two decades.
Donaldson was shot dead at his isolated cottage near Glenties, Co Donegal in April 2006.
The anonymous source, referred to as “Martin” in the programme, said he [Martin] was also was a paid state agent while a member of the IRA.
Thomas Hogan SC, for Mr Adams, said court-ordered discovery of information and particulars held by the BBC is sought because the material provided so far is too vague and inadequate.
Also sought is information about the extent of the broadcast of the programme, as well as the extent of publication of a follow-up BBC website article in which the same allegation was made.
Counsel said that in the Spotlight programme it was said shootings were sanctioned at the top of the republican movement.
It also stated while Mr Adams had stepped aside as a member of the IRA army council by 2006, he continued to be consulted in relation to shootings.
‘Final say’
Asked by the presenter who he was specifically referring to, Martin said “Gerry Adams, he had the final say”. Mr Adams was quoted in the programme as denying any knowledge of the shooting or that he had the final say.
Counsel said the dissident Real IRA three years later claimed responsibility but Martin told Spotlight this was not true and was done to “get more kudos” for the dissidents.
Mr Hogan said the BBC had denied the words used in the programme or article meant Mr Adams sanctioned the murder of Donaldson which was “somewhat extraordinary in the circumstance of the case”.
The BBC claims the programme was put out in good faith and during the course of discussion on a subject of public and vital interest and that it constituted responsible journalism which was the result of careful investigation.
The BBC was willing to give material in relation to research, and materials used in the making of the programme but was not prepared to go beyond that, counsel said.
In order to test whether the programme acted responsibly and whether it should be protected by privilege, his side required to see material which it may have had which could have cast doubt on or contradicted the allegation.
“The defendant has to put all its cards on the table to succeed in this defence,” he said.
Paul Gallagher SC, for the BBC, said much of the material has already been provided. Mr Adams’s side would not be surprised by anything involving allegations about his reputation when the case came to trial.
One of the categories of material sought by Mr Adams was so broad that it would involve searches of material in the BBC’s huge archive that it would be oppressive and onerous to require the defendant to do so, he said.
The case had been “fully particularised in every way required and meets our obligations,” he said.
Mr Justice Charles Meenan reserved his decision.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Young people in disadvantaged areas see greater interest in voting this time round

Rebecca O ’ Reilly ( 22 ) will “ definitely be voting ” on Saturday “ for Gino [ Kenny , of People Before Profit ] and Mark [ Ward ] of Sinn Féin ” .
She is sitting in Ronanstown Youth Service in Neilstown , west Dublin with friends .
All will be giving their first preferences to these two candidates – both sitting TDs and both from the area , Dublin Mid West .
“ Our voices , in this community , never mattered to most TDs , ” says David Doyle ( 30 ) a youth worker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mark , we see them in the community.
” “ They come into the centre and they talk to people and raise our issues in the Dáil and that gives us hope , ” adds Rebecca , a healthcare student .
This is north Clondalkin .
It remains one of the most disadvantaged areas in the State but has experienced a transformation in voter activity over the past five general elections – a transformation it looks set to consolidate on Saturday .
When The Irish Times visited before the May 2002 general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if not the lowest , voter turnouts in the State – at 37.3 per compared with 52 per cent in the constituency and 62 per cent nationally .
The local data was compiled by political geographer at Maynooth University Dr Adrian Kavanagh , Very few people interviewed then planned to vote in the election that would see Mary Harney ( PDs ) , John Curran ( FF ) and Paul Gogarty ( Green Party ) returned .
Gus Reilly , then 52 , from Harelawn told The Irish Times : “ Look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they have their own ideas about how to do things .
And the kind of people who would represent me wouldn ’ t get in .
So , I ask you again , what ’ s the point [ in voting ] ?
” Striking was the almost complete absence of political posters and , according to locals , canvassers in the area .
Some did not know an election was imminent and the one woman who planned to vote had chosen Fianna Fáil as “ the best of a bad bunch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up at 55.9 per cent – a 50 per cent increase , far closer to the constituency ’ s then 62 per cent and the nation ’ s 65 per cent .
While it is difficult to predict whether this will further increase on Saturday , says William Durkan lecturer political geography at Maynooth University , “ It is probably fair to say the opinion polls point to Sinn Féin mobilising a ‘ dormant vote ’ .
” What is unclear is whether that dormant vote is among people who have not voted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among people looking for an alternative , or whether it is a mix of both .
“ Certain demographics that are not mobilised , when an individual or organisation comes in , organises and works on the ground , and appeals to that demographic ’ s interests .
.
that dormant vote is [ then ] mobilised , ” says Durkan .
This has been happening incrementally in areas such as north Clondlakin .
He cites the 2015/16 anti-water charges campaign , which saw significant engagement from people in the area , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Doyle noticed greater interest in this election than in previous ones and certainly more than in last year ’ s local elections .
“ They want change .
They ’ re excited for change.
” Sinead Harris , manager of the centre , has been encouraging young people to register .
A “ polling booth ” has been set up in the centre where people can come in and practise voting .
“ There has been a lot of interest .
There are definitely more conversations about the election .
People coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fed up and want change.
” Outside , around the Neilstown shops a man in his 70s says he has always voted Fianna Fáil , but will vote Sinn Féin this time .
“ Sinn Féin are going to walk it in this area , ” he says .
Several others , including a man in overalls in his 40s , won ’ t vote .
“ I never do .
The government will do what the government will do , ” he shrugs .
More say they will vote than will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ laughs : “ I voted Fianna Fáil before but I think it ’ s time to give the others a chance .
They couldn ’ t do any worse.
” In the north inner-city , in the Dublin Central constituency , the mood is similar .
This constituency had the lowest turnout – 52 per cent – in 2016 .
In one district – Rotunda B , just north of Parnell Square , it was just 35.87 per cent .
Dillon Kinsella ( 19 ) , from the East Wall , says “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government .
I ’ m only 19 and I feel a disconnection .
Who in that Dáil really cares about people from around here ?
“ If you are from around here you feel the disconnection from when you go to school .
The schools are great but if you have a lot of problems going on at home – and lots of kids around here do – how can you expect them to concentrate ?
They can ’ t relate.
” His friend , who doesn ’ t want to be named @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t even put your address on a CVs or it will be thrown out ” adding : “ Just going to the southside , as soon as go across that Ha ’ penny Bridge you get the eyes on you , being judged .
You don ’ t feel welcome ” .
Dillon ’ s parents don ’ t vote but he is registered and will vote for the Sinn Féin candidate .
“ Mary Lou McDonald .
She is just brilliant .
I feel a connect there .
I am listening to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are talking about people .
They want to lower taxes for people on less than €30,000 and increase them for richer .
That ’ s fair in my opinion .
“ When I was growing up you could really see the effects of the cuts on your parents .
There ’ s anger .
The country is in good state now .
Why shouldn ’ t that be spent on services ?
” Maria Mullen , a youth worker in the area , has been involved in the local voter-registration drive .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found it virtually impossible to get people to register , but this year people have been in getting the forms , asking questions .
People want to vote .
There is a different mood .
You can feel it on the ground .
”

Young voters at Ronanstown Youth Service Centre where a mock polling booth has been set up to show young people the voting process. From left: Eoin Carey, Rebecca O’Reilly, Kayleigh Harris and David Doyle. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Rebecca O’Reilly (22) will “definitely be voting” on Saturday “for Gino [Kenny, of People Before Profit] and Mark [Ward] of Sinn Féin”. She is sitting in Ronanstown Youth Service in Neilstown, west Dublin with friends.
All will be giving their first preferences to these two candidates – both sitting TDs and both from the area, Dublin Mid West.
"Our voices, in this community, never mattered to most TDs," says David Doyle (30) a youth worker. "But the likes of Gino and Mark, we see them in the community."
“They come into the centre and they talk to people and raise our issues in the Dáil and that gives us hope,” adds Rebecca, a healthcare student.
READ MORE
Just going to the southside, as soon as go across that Ha'penny Bridge you get the eyes on you, being judged. You don't feel welcome
This is north Clondalkin. It remains one of the most disadvantaged areas in the State but has experienced a transformation in voter activity over the past five general elections – a transformation it looks set to consolidate on Saturday.
When The Irish Times visited before the May 2002 general election it had one of the lowest, if not the lowest, voter turnouts in the State – at 37.3 per compared with 52 per cent in the constituency and 62 per cent nationally. The local data was compiled by political geographer at Maynooth University Dr Adrian Kavanagh,
Very few people interviewed then planned to vote in the election that would see Mary Harney (PDs), John Curran (FF) and Paul Gogarty (Green Party) returned.
‘What’s the point?’
Gus Reilly, then 52, from Harelawn told The Irish Times: "Look, no matter what you or I say they have their own ideas about how to do things. And the kind of people who would represent me wouldn't get in. So, I ask you again, what's the point [in voting]?"
Striking was the almost complete absence of political posters and, according to locals, canvassers in the area. Some did not know an election was imminent and the one woman who planned to vote had chosen Fianna Fáil as "the best of a bad bunch".
By 2016 local turnout was up at 55.9 per cent – a 50 per cent increase, far closer to the constituency’s then 62 per cent and the nation’s 65 per cent.
While it is difficult to predict whether this will further increase on Saturday, says William Durkan lecturer political geography at Maynooth University, "It is probably fair to say the opinion polls point to Sinn Féin mobilising a 'dormant vote'."
What is unclear is whether that dormant vote is among people who have not voted before, or whether the vote is among people looking for an alternative, or whether it is a mix of both.
“Certain demographics that are not mobilised, when an individual or organisation comes in, organises and works on the ground, and appeals to that demographic’s interests . . that dormant vote is [then] mobilised,” says Durkan.
This has been happening incrementally in areas such as north Clondlakin. He cites the 2015/16 anti-water charges campaign, which saw significant engagement from people in the area, as among the factors increasing political engagement.
‘They want change’
David Doyle noticed greater interest in this election than in previous ones and certainly more than in last year’s local elections. “They want change. They’re excited for change.”
Sinead Harris, manager of the centre, has been encouraging young people to register. A "polling booth" has been set up in the centre where people can come in and practise voting.
“There has been a lot of interest. There are definitely more conversations about the election. People coming in asking how to vote. People are fed up and want change.”
Outside, around the Neilstown shops a man in his 70s says he has always voted Fianna Fáil, but will vote Sinn Féin this time.
“Sinn Féin are going to walk it in this area,” he says. Several others, including a man in overalls in his 40s, won’t vote. “I never do. The government will do what the government will do,” he shrugs. More say they will vote than will not.
A woman in her 60s laughs: “I voted Fianna Fáil before but I think it’s time to give the others a chance. They couldn’t do any worse.”
In the north inner-city, in the Dublin Central constituency, the mood is similar. This constituency had the lowest turnout – 52 per cent – in 2016. In one district – Rotunda B, just north of Parnell Square, it was just 35.87 per cent.
Dillon Kinsella (19), from the East Wall, says "a lot of people feel disconnected from Government. I'm only 19 and I feel a disconnection. Who in that Dáil really cares about people from around here?
“If you are from around here you feel the disconnection from when you go to school. The schools are great but if you have a lot of problems going on at home – and lots of kids around here do – how can you expect them to concentrate? They can’t relate.”
His friend, who doesn’t want to be named, says young people “can’t even put your address on a CVs or it will be thrown out” adding: “Just going to the southside, as soon as go across that Ha’penny Bridge you get the eyes on you, being judged. You don’t feel welcome”.
Dillon’s parents don’t vote but he is registered and will vote for the Sinn Féin candidate.
‘Lower taxes’
“Mary Lou McDonald. She is just brilliant. I feel a connect there. I am listening to what Sinn Féin is saying because they are talking about people. They want to lower taxes for people on less than €30,000 and increase them for richer. That’s fair in my opinion.
“When I was growing up you could really see the effects of the cuts on your parents. There’s anger. The country is in good state now. Why shouldn’t that be spent on services?”
Maria Mullen, a youth worker in the area, has been involved in the local
voter-registration drive. “Over the past few years I have found it virtually impossible to get people to register, but this year people have been in getting the forms, asking questions. People want to vote. There is a different mood. You can feel it on the ground.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Man who was ‘vital cog’ in money-laundering scheme is jailed

A Romanian man who opened bank accounts used for money-laundering by a criminal organisation has been jailed for three-and-a-half years .
Contantin Dirlescu ( 31 ) with an address at Dawson House , Patrick Street , Dublin 8 , pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six counts of using false passports to open bank accounts and four counts of operating accounts for money-laundering on dates between January 2019 and July 2019 .
Garda Shane Fitzsimons told Grainne O ’ Neill BL , prosecuting , that during an investigation into a Romanian criminal organisation involved in money-laundering and cyber @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Danish passports were linked to the accused ’ s then address at Dawson House .
In interview with gardaí , Dirlescu said he needed money for his children and approached men he knew in Romania from his time working in the security industry .
He said the men sell “ phantom stuff ” online including fake cars and fake holidays .
They asked him to go to Ireland to open bank accounts in his own name that they could use to move money .
He earned €1,300 for opening four accounts at various @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with food and accommodation during his stay in the country .
He returned to Ireland a second time under their direction to open further bank accounts under fake names using false Danish passports which they provided .
He was paid €400 per account he opened and also received 5 per cent of whatever money was taken out of these accounts .
Dirlescu has two previous convictions in foreign jurisdictions .
He was convicted of larceny in Spain in 2015 and for receiving stolen goods in Italy in 2009 .
Gda Fitzimons agreed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his client co-operated with gardaí and “ filled in some gaps ” regarding the offences .
He agreed that Dirlescu was operating under the direction of someone above him in the organisation .
Mr Callanan said his client has two children in Romania and has never been in custody before in his life .
He said that Dirlescu was at the lowest rung of the organisation , albeit that he was acting knowingly and as “ a vital cog ” .
Judge Melanie Greally said Dirlescu received “ a modest sum ” for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he was at the fringes of the organisation .
Judge Greally noted that he has previous convictions for dishonesty and committed these offences with “ his eyes wide open ” to the criminal nature of his actions .
She sentenced him to three and a half years imprisonment , which she backdated to the day he first went into custody , August 2nd 2019 .

Contantin Dirlescu (31) had two previous convictions in foreign jurisdictions, the court heard. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times
A Romanian man who opened bank accounts used for money-laundering by a criminal organisation has been jailed for three-and-a-half years.
Contantin Dirlescu (31) with an address at Dawson House, Patrick Street, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six counts of using false passports to open bank accounts and four counts of operating accounts for money-laundering on dates between January 2019 and July 2019.
Garda Shane Fitzsimons told Grainne O’Neill BL, prosecuting, that during an investigation into a Romanian criminal organisation involved in money-laundering and cyber fraud, bank accounts opened with false Danish passports were linked to the accused’s then address at Dawson House.
In interview with gardaí, Dirlescu said he needed money for his children and approached men he knew in Romania from his time working in the security industry.
READ MORE
He said the men sell “phantom stuff” online including fake cars and fake holidays.
They asked him to go to Ireland to open bank accounts in his own name that they could use to move money.
He earned €1,300 for opening four accounts at various banks, as well as being provided with food and accommodation during his stay in the country.
He returned to Ireland a second time under their direction to open further bank accounts under fake names using false Danish passports which they provided.
He was paid €400 per account he opened and also received 5 per cent of whatever money was taken out of these accounts.
Dirlescu has two previous convictions in foreign jurisdictions. He was convicted of larceny in Spain in 2015 and for receiving stolen goods in Italy in 2009.
Gda Fitzimons agreed with Olan Callanan BL, defending, that his client co-operated with gardaí and “filled in some gaps” regarding the offences.
He agreed that Dirlescu was operating under the direction of someone above him in the organisation.
Mr Callanan said his client has two children in Romania and has never been in custody before in his life.
He said that Dirlescu was at the lowest rung of the organisation, albeit that he was acting knowingly and as “a vital cog”.
Judge Melanie Greally said Dirlescu received “a modest sum” for the level of risk involved and accepted that he was at the fringes of the organisation.
Judge Greally noted that he has previous convictions for dishonesty and committed these offences with “his eyes wide open” to the criminal nature of his actions.
She sentenced him to three and a half years imprisonment, which she backdated to the day he first went into custody, August 2nd 2019.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--HSE warns against ‘prejudice’ of associating coronavirus with Chinese

Coronavirus is not a “ Chinese disease ” and should not be used as such to label people from China , HSE assistant national director Dr Kevin Kelleher has said .
At a briefing in Dublin on Thursday on the HSE ’ s response to the global threat , Dr Kelleher stressed the virus – which originated in the city of Wuhan– did not affect only Chinese people .
It follows comments on RTÉ ’ s Liveline programme by a Chinese restaurant owner in Dublin who said his business was “ going down deeply ” since the virus scare started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ general Tong Zhang said there was a “ huge impact ” from a tabloid newspaper headline last Sunday stating : “ China virus at Dublin Airport.
” A Dublin Chinese restaurant owner added : “ Our business is dead since that article came out.
” Thus far there are 24,554 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus , of which 24,363 ( 99.2 per cent ) have been reported from China .
There have been 491 deaths in China .
The latest high-profile victim was Dr Li Wenliang , who first warned about the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hospital said on its social media account that the 34-year-old ophthalmologist , was “ unfortunately infected during the fight against the pneumonia epidemic of the new coronavirus infection ” .
Mr Li was reprimanded by local police for “ spreading rumours ” about the illness in late December , according to news reports .
The World Health Organisation tweeted : “ We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Li Wenliang .
We all need to celebrate work that he did ” on the virus .
The coronavirus has now killed more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
The other 191 confirmed cases have been found outside China and there has been one fatality .
Speaking at the latest HSE briefing for the flu season on Thursday , Dr Kelleher criticised the way the virus was being presented in some parts of the media .
“ There is no rationale for that whatsoever for what is being talked about in some media channels , ” he said .
“ This is not a Chinese disease .
It is very inappropriate to use that in a derogatory way .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China .
“ It causes great difficulties and it has the potential to make people not come forward as a consequence if that degree of prejudice exists.
” Dr Kelleher said there are still no reported cases in Ireland and he remained hopeful that the disease could be mostly confined to China .
There were 15 suspected cases of the virus tested here as of last Monday .
Some 3,000 medical professionals , including GPs and public health doctors are being given protection packs as a precaution against the disease .
Speaking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun said the current mortality rate from novel coronavirus is 2-2.5 per cent .
This was significantly higher than seasonal influenza , but not as high as Sars at 10 per cent or Mers at 35 per cent , he said .
Dr Kelleher said : “ We are being strong in our message that people who have returned from China in the last 14 days need to be very aware of it and particularly if they get the symptoms of shortness of breath @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspects they have novel coronavirus should report to a doctor first and not go to an emergency department .
He also stated that , while the disease was infectious , the level of transmission from person to person was low compared with diseases such as Ebola and that isolation rooms had been identified in all the major hospitals .
“ We have procedures in place to make sure our hospitals can deal with this issue .
You don ’ t need a very high degree of isolation .
We are making every effort @ @ @ @ @ @

Coronavirus is not a “Chinese disease” and should not be used as such to label people from China, HSE assistant national director Dr Kevin Kelleher has said.
At a briefing in Dublin on Thursday on the HSE’s response to the global threat, Dr Kelleher stressed the virus – which originated in the city of Wuhan– did not affect only Chinese people.
It follows comments on RTÉ’s Liveline programme by a Chinese restaurant owner in Dublin who said his business was “going down deeply” since the virus scare started.
Chinese Restaurant Association in Ireland secretary general Tong Zhang said there was a “huge impact” from a tabloid newspaper headline last Sunday stating: “China virus at Dublin Airport.”
READ MORE
A Dublin Chinese restaurant owner added: “Our business is dead since that article came out.”
Thus far there are 24,554 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, of which 24,363 (99.2 per cent) have been reported from China. There have been 491 deaths in China.
The latest high-profile victim was Dr Li Wenliang, who first warned about the virus on December 30th.
The Wuhan Central Hospital said on its social media account that the 34-year-old ophthalmologist, was “unfortunately infected during the fight against the pneumonia epidemic of the new coronavirus infection”.
“We deeply regret and mourn this,” it added.
Mr Li was reprimanded by local police for “spreading rumours” about the illness in late December, according to news reports.
The World Health Organisation tweeted: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Li Wenliang. We all need to celebrate work that he did” on the virus.
The coronavirus has now killed more than 560 people and infected 28,000 in China.
The other 191 confirmed cases have been found outside China and there has been one fatality.
Speaking at the latest HSE briefing for the flu season on Thursday, Dr Kelleher criticised the way the virus was being presented in some parts of the media.
“There is no rationale for that whatsoever for what is being talked about in some media channels,” he said.
“This is not a Chinese disease. It is very inappropriate to use that in a derogatory way. It is about people who have returned from China.
“It causes great difficulties and it has the potential to make people not come forward as a consequence if that degree of prejudice exists.”
Dr Kelleher said there are still no reported cases in Ireland and he remained hopeful that the disease could b emostly confined to China.
There were 15 suspected cases of the virus tested here as of last Monday.
Some 3,000 medical professionals, including GPs and public health doctors are being given protection packs as a precaution against the disease.
Mortality rate
Speaking at the HSE briefing, the director of the UCD National Virus Reference Laboratory Dr Cillian de Gascun said the current mortality rate from novel coronavirus is 2-2.5 per cent.
This was significantly higher than seasonal influenza, but not as high as Sars at 10 per cent or Mers at 35 per cent, he said.
Dr Kelleher said: “We are being strong in our message that people who have returned from China in the last 14 days need to be very aware of it and particularly if they get the symptoms of shortness of breath and coughs.”
He said anybody who suspects they have novel coronavirus should report to a doctor first and not go to an emergency department.
He also stated that, while the disease was infectious, the level of transmission from person to person was low compared with diseases such as Ebola and that isolation rooms had been identified in all the major hospitals.
“We have procedures in place to make sure our hospitals can deal with this issue. You don’t need a very high degree of isolation. We are making every effort to make that happen.”


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Man accused of dismembering partner’s mother a ‘lovely parent’, says school secretary

A father-of-three accused of murdering his partner ’ s mother , whose dismembered remains were found scattered across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains , was a “ lovely parent ” , a primary school secretary has told the Central Criminal Court .
The trial also heard today that Kieran Greene dropped his two boys to school on the morning after he is alleged to have killed the retired grandmother .
However , the school secretary said she had spoken to Mr Greene and did not “ get any indication of anything whatsoever off him ” .
Mr Greene ( 34 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Patricia O ’ Connor ( 61 ) at her home in Mountainview Park , Rathfarnham , Dublin , on May 29th , 2017 .
The deceased ’ s daughter Louise O ’ Connor ( 41 ) and granddaughter Stephanie O ’ Connor ( 22 ) , both of Millmount Court , Dundrum Road , and Louise O ’ Connor ’ s ex-partner Keith Johnston ( 43 ) , of Avonbeg Gardens , Tallaght , are all charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Greene , knowing or believing him to have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the murder of Mrs O ’ Connor on May 29th , 2017 .
The trial has heard that the body of Mrs O ’ Connor was dismembered into 15 separate parts that were found at nine different locations over a 30km range in the Dublin mountains between June 10th and 14th , 2017 .
Former deputy State pathologist , Dr Michael Curtis , has given evidence that Mrs O ’ Connor ’ s head was struck a minimum of three blows with a solid implement and the cause of death was blunt force @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Mr Greene ’ s sons ’ school told prosecution counsel , Roisin Lacey SC , that she gave gardaí access to the school ’ s CCTV system on June 15th 2017 .
She could point out Mr Greene to gardaí on the CCTV footage from the morning of May 30th as she knew him well as a parent , she said .
CCTV footage showing Mr Greene arriving at the school with his two children on May 30th at 9.18am and leaving three minutes later has been shown to the jury .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greene through the hatch , which is beside the front door of the school , before he left the building that morning .
In cross-examination , the school secretary agreed with Conor Devally SC , for Mr Greene , that she knew his client well as a parent from the school .
She told Mr Devally that it was “ hard to say ” whether Mr Greene was more present at the school than the boys ’ mother Louise O ’ Connor .
Mr Devally asked the witness if Mr Greene presented as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dealings with him in relation to his two children attending the school .
“ He was a lovely parent , a very good parent , ” she replied .
Garda Padraic Syron told Conor Devally SC , for Mr Greene , that he went to Mountainview on June 12th , 2017 to follow up on inquiries with the family , while Mrs O ’ Connor was still a missing person .
Garda Syron said Mr Greene opened the door to him and invited him into the sitting room .
The witness said three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and he asked them questions about Mrs O ’ Connor .
Garda Syron said he did not remember which individuals he had put the questions to but remembered they were all sitting on the couch .
The witness agreed that the three individuals told him they had heard nothing from Mrs O ’ Connor nor could they think of anywhere she might be or any relatives she might be with .
He told Mr Devally that Mr Greene in particular was very nervous or edgy at the time and he did not volunteer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was nothing noteworthy from the other individuals demeanour .
Mother-of-five Louise O ’ Connor has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O ’ Connor disguising herself as Patricia O ’ Connor at Mountainview Park on May 29th , 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O ’ Connor was dead .
Stephanie O ’ Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O ’ Connor at Mountainview Park at a point in time after her murder to conceal the fact that she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements at Woodie ’ s , Mr Price , B & Q and the Shoe Zone on June 9th 2017 which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O ’ Connor .
Mr Johnston also denies engaging in the refurbishment of a bathroom at Mountainview Park between May 31st , 2017 and June 9th , 2017 , to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the murder of Mrs O ’ Connor .
The trial will continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a jury of six men and six women .

Gardaí during their investigation outside the home of Patricia O’Connor in Mountain View Park, Rathfarnham. Her body was found scattered over the Dublin mountains. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins
A father-of-three accused of murdering his partner’s mother, whose dismembered remains were found scattered across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, was a “lovely parent”, a primary school secretary has told the Central Criminal Court.
The trial also heard today that Kieran Greene dropped his two boys to school on the morning after he is alleged to have killed the retired grandmother. However, the school secretary said she had spoken to Mr Greene and did not “get any indication of anything whatsoever off him”.
Mr Greene (34) has pleaded not guilty to murdering Patricia O’Connor (61) at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin, on May 29th, 2017.
The deceased’s daughter Louise O’Connor (41) and granddaughter Stephanie O’Connor (22), both of Millmount Court, Dundrum Road, and Louise O’Connor’s ex-partner Keith Johnston (43), of Avonbeg Gardens, Tallaght, are all charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Greene, knowing or believing him to have committed an arrestable offence, to wit the murder of Mrs O’Connor on May 29th, 2017.
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The trial has heard that the body of Mrs O’Connor was dismembered into 15 separate parts that were found at nine different locations over a 30km range in the Dublin mountains between June 10th and 14th, 2017.
Former deputy State pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis, has given evidence that Mrs O’Connor’s head was struck a minimum of three blows with a solid implement and the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head.
The secretary at Mr Greene’s sons’ school told prosecution counsel, Roisin Lacey SC, that she gave gardaí access to the school’s CCTV system on June 15th 2017.
CCTV footage
She could point out Mr Greene to gardaí on the CCTV footage from the morning of May 30th as she knew him well as a parent, she said.
CCTV footage showing Mr Greene arriving at the school with his two children on May 30th at 9.18am and leaving three minutes later has been shown to the jury.
The witness confirmed she spoke to Mr Greene through the hatch, which is beside the front door of the school, before he left the building that morning.
In cross-examination, the school secretary agreed with Conor Devally SC, for Mr Greene, that she knew his client well as a parent from the school.
She told Mr Devally that it was “hard to say” whether Mr Greene was more present at the school than the boys’ mother Louise O’Connor.
Mr Devally asked the witness if Mr Greene presented as an “average parent” from her dealings with him in relation to his two children attending the school. “He was a lovely parent, a very good parent,” she replied.
Garda Padraic Syron told Conor Devally SC, for Mr Greene, that he went to Mountainview on June 12th, 2017 to follow up on inquiries with the family, while Mrs O’Connor was still a missing person.
Garda Syron said Mr Greene opened the door to him and invited him into the sitting room. The witness said three family members were also in the room and he asked them questions about Mrs O’Connor. Garda Syron said he did not remember which individuals he had put the questions to but remembered they were all sitting on the couch.
The witness agreed that the three individuals told him they had heard nothing from Mrs O’Connor nor could they think of anywhere she might be or any relatives she might be with.
Very nervous
He told Mr Devally that Mr Greene in particular was very nervous or edgy at the time and he did not volunteer anything. He also agreed that there was nothing noteworthy from the other individuals demeanour.
Mother-of-five Louise O’Connor has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O’Connor disguising herself as Patricia O’Connor at Mountainview Park on May 29th, 2017 in order to conceal the fact that Patricia O’Connor was dead.
Stephanie O’Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O’Connor at Mountainview Park at a point in time after her murder to conceal the fact that she was already dead.
Mr Johnston has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in the purchase of various implements at Woodie’s, Mr Price, B&Q and the Shoe Zone on June 9th 2017 which were to be used in the concealment of the remains of Mrs O’Connor.
Mr Johnston also denies engaging in the refurbishment of a bathroom at Mountainview Park between May 31st, 2017 and June 9th, 2017, to destroy or conceal any evidence relating to the murder of Mrs O’Connor.
The trial will continue on Monday before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of six men and six women.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Rent freeze would trigger ‘decline in supply’, Goodbody claims

The rent freeze being advocated by some political parties in the general election would negatively affect housing supply , Goodbody Stockbrokers has said .
A research note released by the broker suggests that a three-year rent freeze applied to all tenancies would “ most likely result in a decline in supply ” .
The Labour Party and Sinn Féin have both committed to freezing rents along these lines , although Fianna Fáil has backed away from previous commitments to introduce the measure , citing concerns over its constitutionality .
According to the Goodbody note , the prospect of a rent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ value of Ires , the State ’ s largest institutional landlord , when it was first floated .
“ Rent regulations can create larger shortages on rented property in the longer term as investors/funders will see less attractive returns , ” Goodbody said .
The broker added that rent freezes would not address the fundamental problem in the Irish market , which is a lack of supply , and pointed to a 15 per cent decline in available rental supply in San Francisco after rent controls were introduced .
Research from 2015 modelling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freeze showed declines in private rental sector supply , even though some of the scenarios were “ less severe ” than the proposals currently on the table from Irish political parties .
The research also suggested that almost 60 per cent of landlords would look to “ dispose or reduce ” properties if a three-year rent freeze was introduced .
Goodbody Real Estate analyst Colm Lauder suggested that similar dynamics between Dublin and London would drive similar results here .
Eoin Ó Broin , the Sinn Féin housing spokesman , said his party @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be considered in the context of a promised €6.5 billion investment in public housing , which he said would aid supply .
He also argued the proposal differed substantially from Berlin , whose rent freeze has been cited during the campaign trail as hurting supply in that city .
He said investors , currently enjoying record yields , would not be easily discouraged from investing in Ireland .
Mr Lauder said that the costs and impact on labour supply of such an investment programme would be “ phenomenal ” .
“ The Government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do that .
If they borrowed or raised taxes to do so , the industry doesn ’ t have the capacity , ” he said .
Dynamics which allowed the Republic to import labour from newer EU states had evolved , he said .
“ When we solved that issue 15 years ago , we imported labour .
The relative wealth dynamics between Ireland and the accession states has changed .
.
.
it ’ s much more challenging for us to bring additional workers on stream.
” The Goodbody research found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest in Europe , driving investment into the sector .

Goodbody argues rent freezes would not address the fundamental problem in the Irish market – lack of supply. Photograph: iStock
The rent freeze being advocated by some political parties in the general election would negatively affect housing supply, Goodbody Stockbrokers has said.
A research note released by the broker suggests that a three-year rent freeze applied to all tenancies would “most likely result in a decline in supply”.
The Labour Party and Sinn Féin have both committed to freezing rents along these lines, although Fianna Fáil has backed away from previous commitments to introduce the measure, citing concerns over its constitutionality.
According to the Goodbody note, the prospect of a rent freeze knocked 20 per cent off the value of Ires, the State’s largest institutional landlord, when it was first floated.
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“Rent regulations can create larger shortages on rented property in the longer term as investors/funders will see less attractive returns,” Goodbody said.
The broker added that rent freezes would not address the fundamental problem in the Irish market, which is a lack of supply, and pointed to a 15 per cent decline in available rental supply in San Francisco after rent controls were introduced.
Research from 2015 modelling the impact on London of a rent freeze showed declines in private rental sector supply, even though some of the scenarios were “less severe” than the proposals currently on the table from Irish political parties. The research also suggested that almost 60 per cent of landlords would look to “dispose or reduce” properties if a three-year rent freeze was introduced.
Dublin and London
Goodbody Real Estate analyst Colm Lauder suggested that similar dynamics between Dublin and London would drive similar results here.
Eoin Ó Broin, the Sinn Féin housing spokesman, said his party's rent freeze proposals needed to be considered in the context of a promised €6.5 billion investment in public housing, which he said would aid supply. He also argued the proposal differed substantially from Berlin, whose rent freeze has been cited during the campaign trail as hurting supply in that city. He said investors, currently enjoying record yields, would not be easily discouraged from investing in Ireland.
Mr Lauder said that the costs and impact on labour supply of such an investment programme would be “phenomenal”.
“The Government doesn’t have the financial capacity to do that. If they borrowed or raised taxes to do so, the industry doesn’t have the capacity,” he said. Dynamics which allowed the Republic to import labour from newer EU states had evolved, he said.
“When we solved that issue 15 years ago, we imported labour. The relative wealth dynamics between Ireland and the accession states has changed . . . it’s much more challenging for us to bring additional workers on stream.”
The Goodbody research found that Dublin net yields are still among the highest in Europe, driving investment into the sector.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Police ask public to report suspicious objects in Omagh

The police in Co Tyrone have asked anyone who sees any suspicious objects in the Glencam Road area of Omagh @ @ @ @ @ Police Service of Northern Ireland ( PSNI ) Insp Fallis said police received information just @ @ @ @ @ an explosive device had been left in the area .
“ Throughout the course of @ @ @ @ @ a number of enquiries to locate this item but nothing has been found.
” It @ @ @ @ @ a hoax , but “ in order to ensure the safety of everyone in the @ @ @ @ @ said , “ I would ask anyone who should notice anything that seems out of @ @ @ @ @ way suspicious , to keep away from the object and to contact police immediately on @ @ @ @ @ Ballygawley Road in Dungannon , Co Tyrone , was closed for a time following the @ @ @ @ @ in the Newell Road/Granville Road area .

On Thursday, the Ballygawley Road in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, was closed for a time following the discovery of a suspicious object in the Newell Road/Granville Road area. Photograph: Paul McErlane/EPA
The police in Co Tyrone have asked anyone who sees any suspicious objects in the Glencam Road area of Omagh to contact them immediately.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Insp Fallis said police received information just after midday on Thursday that an explosive device had been left in the area.
“Throughout the course of the afternoon we have conducted a number of enquiries to locate this item but nothing has been found.”
It is believed the report was a hoax, but “in order to ensure the safety of everyone in the area,” Insp Fallis said, “I would ask anyone who should notice anything that seems out of place, or in any way suspicious, to keep away from the object and to contact police immediately on 999.”
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On Thursday the Ballygawley Road in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, was closed for a time following the discovery of a suspicious object in the Newell Road/Granville Road area.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Taxi driver grabbed what he believed to be gun from man trying to rob him

A taxi driver grabbed what he believed to be a gun from a man trying to rob him , a court has heard .
Derek McCann ( 39 ) produced an imitation firearm after flagging down the taxi but was knocked off balance when the taxi driver suddenly braked and attempted to wrest the firearm from him .
The pair continued to struggle after getting out of the vehicle until another taxi driver came to his colleague ’ s assistance , kicking the gun out of McCann ’ s hand and alerting gardaí .
McCann , of Walkinstown Park , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Circuit Criminal Court to attempted robbery at Clogher Road , Dublin 12 on June 2nd , 2019 .
Judge Melanie Greally noted there had been several episodes of “ fairly vigorous struggle ” between the taxi driver and McCann culminating in the involvement of another driver .
She noted the incident had a considerable effect on the taxi driver , who no longer works nights .
The judge gave McCann credit for his guilty plea and co-operation .
She took into account his drug addiction , family support and the progress he has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imposed a five-year sentence backdated to June 2019 when he went into custody .
McCann , who has previous convictions for burglary , assault , theft and handling stolen property , was on a suspended sentence at the time of the offence .
He now faces possible reactivation of the suspended portion of that sentence .
That case has been adjourned to later this month for hearing .
Garda Damien Quirke told Caroline Cummings BL , prosecuting , that McCann had flagged down a taxi and asked to be taken to Clogher Road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about football until a certain point when McCann pulled up his hood and produced what appeared to be a gun .
He told the taxi driver , “ This is a robbery ” , and issued directions on where to drive .
The taxi driver reached down and unlocked his seat belt before suddenly applying the brakes and knocking McCann off balance .
He grabbed the gun and realised it was made of plastic .
McCann managed to get free and the taxi driver got out of the car , leaving the keys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get into the driver ’ s seat and there was a further struggle until McCann attempted to run away .
The taxi driver believed he had the car keys and gave chase .
The taxi driver tackled McCann and he fell to the ground .
Another taxi driver came to his assistance and kicked the imitation firearm out of McCann ’ s reach , before ringing the gardaí .
The two men held McCann , who was making threats , on the ground until gardaí arrived .
McCann was arrested and made admissions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ big debt ” .
Garda Quirke agreed with David Staunton BL , defending , that McCann was under the influence of drugs but was co-operative when gardaí arrived .
He has been in custody since his arrest .
Mr Staunton told Judge Greally the offences were fuelled by a desperation to fuel his drug addiction and a pressure to pay his drug debt .
He said his client had support from his family and wished to play a more active role in his children ’ s lives in the future .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and began abusing drugs and alcohol at an early age .
He has been in and out of custody for a long period of time .
Counsel said McCann had been using his time in custody well and hoped to do State exams .

Judge Melanie Greally noted there had been several episodes of ‘fairly vigorous struggle’ between the taxi driver and McCann culminating in the involvement of another driver. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh
A taxi driver grabbed what he believed to be a gun from a man trying to rob him, a court has heard.
Derek McCann (39) produced an imitation firearm after flagging down the taxi but was knocked off balance when the taxi driver suddenly braked and attempted to wrest the firearm from him.
The pair continued to struggle after getting out of the vehicle until another taxi driver came to his colleague’s assistance, kicking the gun out of McCann’s hand and alerting gardaí.
McCann, of Walkinstown Park, Walkinstown, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to attempted robbery at Clogher Road, Dublin 12 on June 2nd, 2019.
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Judge Melanie Greally noted there had been several episodes of “fairly vigorous struggle” between the taxi driver and McCann culminating in the involvement of another driver.
She noted the incident had a considerable effect on the taxi driver, who no longer works nights.
The judge gave McCann credit for his guilty plea and co-operation. She took into account his drug addiction, family support and the progress he has made while in custody.
Judge Greally imposed a five-year sentence backdated to June 2019 when he went into custody.
McCann, who has previous convictions for burglary, assault, theft and handling stolen property, was on a suspended sentence at the time of the offence. He now faces possible reactivation of the suspended portion of that sentence. That case has been adjourned to later this month for hearing.
Imitation gun
Garda Damien Quirke told Caroline Cummings BL, prosecuting, that McCann had flagged down a taxi and asked to be taken to Clogher Road. He and the taxi driver spoke about football until a certain point when McCann pulled up his hood and produced what appeared to be a gun.
He told the taxi driver, “This is a robbery”, and issued directions on where to drive.
The taxi driver reached down and unlocked his seat belt before suddenly applying the brakes and knocking McCann off balance. He grabbed the gun and realised it was made of plastic.
McCann managed to get free and the taxi driver got out of the car, leaving the keys in the ignition.
McCann attempted to get into the driver’s seat and there was a further struggle until McCann attempted to run away. The taxi driver believed he had the car keys and gave chase.
The taxi driver tackled McCann and he fell to the ground. Another taxi driver came to his assistance and kicked the imitation firearm out of McCann’s reach, before ringing the gardaí. The two men held McCann, who was making threats, on the ground until gardaí arrived.
McCann was arrested and made admissions. He told gardaí he owed a “big debt”.
Garda Quirke agreed with David Staunton BL, defending, that McCann was under the influence of drugs but was co-operative when gardaí arrived. He has been in custody since his arrest.
Mr Staunton told Judge Greally the offences were fuelled by a desperation to fuel his drug addiction and a pressure to pay his drug debt. He said his client had support from his family and wished to play a more active role in his children’s lives in the future.
He said McCann had left school without qualifications and began abusing drugs and alcohol at an early age. He has been in and out of custody for a long period of time.
Counsel said McCann had been using his time in custody well and hoped to do State exams.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Boy arrested after suspected homophobic stabbing attack in Co Kildare

Gardaí have arrested a juvenile on in connection with a suspected homophobic attacked last week that left one of the victims with a number of stab wounds .
A juvenile was arrested on Thursday and was being held at Newbridge Garda station following the gang attack in the town ’ s train station last Friday , January 31st .
Gardaí said the suspect was being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act , which allows for his detention for up to 24 hours without charge .
He is the second suspect that gardaí have questioned , though the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A man in his late teens was also previously questioned in connection with this assault and an investigation file is being prepared for direction , ” gardaí said of that older teenager .
The two men were attacked are gay and they believe it was a homophobic incident , saying slurs about their sexuality were shouted at them before their assailants set upon them .
The victims also believe the violence was recorded by one of the attackers on his video phone .
One of the victims was taken from the railway station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dublin , for treatment for several stab wounds .
His injuries were not life threatening .
The man who was less seriously injured said he was shocked that a day out in Newbridge had ended with him trying to stem blood from his partner ’ s stab wounds and fearing they may prove fatal .
He explained both he and his partner were “ viciously attacked in a homophobic attack ” adding he had been knocked to the ground and kicked repeatedly , including to the face .
The man added the attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the assailants had stabbed his partner in the leg , explaining there appeared to be four wounds .
Garda sources confirmed it was being treated as a suspected hate crime as the victims believe they were attacked because they were gay .
The Irish Times understands further evidence , specifically related to the attackers ’ motivation , was being sought before the crime would be formally classified as a homophobic attack .

Gardaí said the suspect was being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows for his detention for up to 24 hours without charge. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
Gardaí have arrested a juvenile on in connection with a suspected homophobic attacked last week that left one of the victims with a number of stab wounds.
A juvenile was arrested on Thursday and was being held at Newbridge Garda station following the gang attack in the town’s train station last Friday, January 31st.
Gardaí said the suspect was being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows for his detention for up to 24 hours without charge.
He is the second suspect that gardaí have questioned, though the first person was not arrested.
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“A man in his late teens was also previously questioned in connection with this assault and an investigation file is being prepared for direction,” gardaí said of that older teenager.
The two men were attacked are gay and they believe it was a homophobic incident, saying slurs about their sexuality were shouted at them before their assailants set upon them. The victims also believe the violence was recorded by one of the attackers on his video phone.
One of the victims was taken from the railway station in Newbridge to Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, for treatment for several stab wounds. His injuries were not life threatening.
The man who was less seriously injured said he was shocked that a day out in Newbridge had ended with him trying to stem blood from his partner’s stab wounds and fearing they may prove fatal.
He explained both he and his partner were “viciously attacked in a homophobic attack” adding he had been knocked to the ground and kicked repeatedly, including to the face.
The man added the attack had come to an end when one of the assailants had stabbed his partner in the leg, explaining there appeared to be four wounds.
Garda sources confirmed it was being treated as a suspected hate crime as the victims believe they were attacked because they were gay. The Irish Times understands further evidence, specifically related to the attackers’ motivation, was being sought before the crime would be formally classified as a homophobic attack.


theirishtimes--2020-02-06--Robinson says public servants must provide ‘emergency response’ to climate crisis

Public servants need to provide “ an emergency response ” to the climate crisis , former president Mary Robinson has said .
In an address to 800 representatives from public bodies and government departments , the climate activist and chair of the Elders group of global leaders said the days of “ pick and choose ” from the Paris Agreement on climate change must end .
She said the 2015 pact was weak on enforceability , but the latest climate science indications from the UN and a threatened loss of one million species meant “ we can no longer afford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At UN talks national delegates “ made fine speeches but put forward few concrete plans ” to further cut emissions .
She said public bodies needed to step up , provide vital leadership and engage the public with clarity on the right course .
This should be backed by fit-for-purpose supports and grants , said Mrs Robinson .
The event , hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland ( SEAI ) , focused on energy initiatives , including financing big projects , achieving “ high performance buildings ” and transitioning to electric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neill said it was striking that the climate issue was not at the heart of the election debate .
While she was initially disappointed about that , she believed “ it demonstrates it ’ s not a divisive topic because everybody has bought in ” .
SEAI chief executive William Walsh said : “ We need to rapidly decarbonise our 350 public bodies and 3,700 schools and move away from fossil fuels .
This will require unprecedented effort , leadership , resources and collaboration in the sector.
” He said Ireland could no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Our citizens expect that every public organisation will have a workable plan to help decarbonise our society .
Only when there ’ s commitment like this will we see the change that ’ s needed.
” Fergus Sharkey , SEAI ’ s head of public and private sector business , said notable progress in energy efficiency – “ avoided energy ” – was achieved in recent years in public buildings , but the big switch over the coming decade would be to decarbonisation .
A vast programme would be implemented with no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With €750 million from the national development plan and other funding for schools and universities , a total of €1.2 billion would be available for retrofitting buildings .
He said skills shortages would have to be addressed .
Many engineers and architects to lead projects were required , along with plumbers , electricians and builders on the ground .

Former president Mary Robinson speaking at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s public sector conference at DCU. Photograph: Crispin Rodwell
Public servants need to provide "an emergency response" to the climate crisis, former president Mary Robinson has said.
In an address to 800 representatives from public bodies and government departments, the climate activist and chair of the Elders group of global leaders said the days of “pick and choose” from the Paris Agreement on climate change must end.
She said the 2015 pact was weak on enforceability, but the latest climate science indications from the UN and a threatened loss of one million species meant “we can no longer afford for it to be voluntary”.
At UN talks national delegates “made fine speeches but put forward few concrete plans” to further cut emissions.
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She said public bodies needed to step up, provide vital leadership and engage the public with clarity on the right course. This should be backed by fit-for-purpose supports and grants, said Mrs Robinson.
The event, hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), focused on energy initiatives, including financing big projects, achieving "high performance buildings" and transitioning to electric fleets.
SEAI chairwoman Julie O’Neill said it was striking that the climate issue was not at the heart of the election debate. While she was initially disappointed about that, she believed “it demonstrates it’s not a divisive topic because everybody has bought in”.
SEAI chief executive William Walsh said: "We need to rapidly decarbonise our 350 public bodies and 3,700 schools and move away from fossil fuels. This will require unprecedented effort, leadership, resources and collaboration in the sector."
He said Ireland could no longer be complacent about climate action. “Our citizens expect that every public organisation will have a workable plan to help decarbonise our society. Only when there’s commitment like this will we see the change that’s needed.”
Big switch
Fergus Sharkey, SEAI’s head of public and private sector business, said notable progress in energy efficiency – “avoided energy” – was achieved in recent years in public buildings, but the big switch over the coming decade would be to decarbonisation.
A vast programme would be implemented with no hiding place for those failing to deliver. With €750 million from the national development plan and other funding for schools and universities, a total of €1.2 billion would be available for retrofitting buildings.
He said skills shortages would have to be addressed. Many engineers and architects to lead projects were required, along with plumbers, electricians and builders on the ground.