Irish Echo Mar 2018

RETURNING EMIGRANTS

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY 2018

PAGE 3

PAGE 23, 25

Irishman Back In Sydney After Homecoming Turns Sour

Check Out Our National What’s On Guide To Irish Festivities

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Wallabies be warned Irish on track for Grand Slam ahead of Oz tour. PAGE 27 IF YOU CAME AS A BACKPACKER, THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT IS TARGETTING YOUR SUPERANNUATION

SUPER TAX RIP-OFF

Fiona Brady

A CARLOW couple who are returning to Ireland permanently after six years in Australia say they could lose more than half their superannuation because of a “ridiculous” new tax rule aimed at backpackers.

The rule, which came into force in July, states that working holiday makers will lose a whopping 65 per cent in tax when they claim back their super after leaving Australia permanently.

Working holidaymakers who later switched to a different visa (like the 457 sponsorship visa) will also have to pay 65 per cent tax on any super account that contains contributions made when they were backpackers.

Chloe and Glen Gargan were on working holiday visas for two years,

followed by sponsorship visas for another four years. They both had just one super fund set up before their sponsorship came through.

If they had kept the super earned while they were sponsored in a separate account, it would be taxed at much lower rates.

“I was utterly distraught when I heard about this,” Mrs Gargan said.

“I’d have contributed very little to my super while I was on a working holiday.

The bulk of my contributions are from my four years in a permanent job.”

The graphic designer estimates the new r ule could cost she and her husband mor e than $17,000 in additional tax.

“This is our money, which we are entitled to,” she said.

“I think that if you are on a tempo-

“I was utterly distraught when I heard about this.”

Returning emigrant, Chloe Gargan

rary visa and are not a permanent resident you really shouldn’t be paying super at all as you are not planning to retire in Australia.”

The couple has been advised by a tax agent to try to put their sponsorship super into separate funds before leaving Australia, but Mrs Gargan said “there is no guarantee that will work”.

Justin Batticciotto of ShineWing Australia accountancy firm said they knew of a number of temporary resi-

dents who had been “caught off guard” by the changes. Many of these were on 457 visas but had originally arrived on a working holiday visa,” he said.

He advised people to seek professional advice “ideally before their departure from Australia”.

The superannuation rule is part of a package of tough backpacker tax changes introduced by the Australian government.

Backpackers can no longer claim a tax-free threshold and must pay tax from the first dollar they earn.

Mrs Gargan said the measures would deter backpackers from coming to Australia. There have also been fears they will encourage people to work off the books.

Chloe and Glen Gargan may lose $17,000 in superannuation under the new rules.

TO PAGE 4

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

news RAUCOUS FOLK QUINTET EMBARK ON FIRST AUSSIE TOUR

Dublin’s Eskies hoping for a warm reception David Hennessy THE Eskies have been described variously as “a street corner sort of brass band”, “Django Reinhart huffing petrol” and “a flawlessly choreographed bar brawl in musical form”, while their sound can only be summed up as folk noir/gypsy jazz/sea shanty.

Although dark in some of its subject matter, it is certainly not to be taken too seriously although their live shows make for a uniquely raucous and swaggering spectacles.

Now the Eskies have arrived down under for the first time with a tour that takes them to Port Fairy Folk Festival, Melbourne and Sydney.

“We’re very excited,” guitarist and vocalist Sean O’Reilly told The Irish Echo before their arrival in Australia earlier this week. “It’s finally happening. I believe they have something called sun there, so that’ll be nice to see.

“I don’t think any of us have been before, but of course we know plenty of people who’ve chosen to go and live in Australia. We’ve been getting loads of messages from friends we haven’t seen in years. Our trombone player, Chris, lives there now so it’ll be great to play with him again.”

The Port Fairy Folk Festival has a considerable Irish flavour this year with Pauline Scanlon, John Spillane, Andy Irvine and John McSherry joining up with Shane Howard’s Exile show.

O’Reilly said the band were “really very excited” to be on the bill.

“We’ve had friends from Ireland play there before and they have only the best things to say about Port Fairy.

Who doesn’t love a good festival?”

How would O’Reilly describe the band’s unique sound to anyone unfamiliar?

“Well we’ve had an awful time thus far trying to describe our music to people.

It’s full of energy and fun in a kinda dark way. It’s swing and folk and rock and gypsy that has been bastardised.

“I hope they [Australian audiences] love it. We’ve no reason to believe they won’t. As long as people go with us on the journey, they’ll enjoy it.”

O’Reilly conceded that he was not aware of the Australian colloquial meaning of esky but said it might be a bonus in for their Aussie tour.

“If people are genuinely going to ask us if we named ourselves after a cooler box, I’m sorry to disappoint you. Unfortunately that’s not the case. An eskie in Ireland is a small stick that has been hollowed out and filled with honey. It’s used for baiting wolves into a fight.”

Their latest album, Don’t Spare the Horses, comes on the back of their critically and publicly acclaimed debut, After the Sherry Went Round.

The latest record’s name derived, in part, from the recording process.

“It was just one of those things where we had thrown around a few names and

THE ESKIES: Not named after an Aussie cooler box, but “a small stick that has been hollowed out and filled with honey ... [and] used for baiting wolves into a fight.” that was the one that we all thought was right. It makes total sense for us though. If something is worth doing it’s worth overdoing and we would never spare the horses along the way.

“We’ve only recorded two albums.

One came very quickly and the other had time to be completed. Both methods have their merits. Let’s let the way we record the third album be the answer,” he said.

The Eskies have been called the

“Dubliners for the internet generation”

by The Irish World newspaper. It’s a description the band loves. “For Irish people, the Dubliners are the epitome of a great Irish band, and the epitome of the great Irish spirit. It’s about more than the songs or the stories, which are so important. It’s about the connection and the spirit they could channel.”

The Dubliners were known to get up to all sorts of mischief on tour. How do the Eskies go on the road?

“I hate touring with these people,” O’Reilly jokes. “This is a public outcry for help. I’ve been trying to escape for years but they keep locking me up in the back of the van. I don’t know what the other fellas will do, but I’m going to lose them in Australia and then carry out my real dream of being a registered gas installer.”

Visit www.theeskies.com for dates or check What’s On, page 23

I WANTED IRELAND, BUT IRELAND DIDN’T WANT ME. A RETURNING EMIGRANT’S HEARTBREAKING STORY

Why I’ve chosen to leave ... again “

Kevin Wall

I REMEMBER Enda Kenny repeatedly pleading with the Irish abroad to bring their skills home. I was back for five months and, sadly, found little evidence of a “welcome home”.

I was raised in Co Tipperary, the youngest of four and a twin. I was born with cerebral palsy, but have been a rower since I was a child, a skill passed down from my father.

I emigrated in 2011 to Australia but returned early in 2012, to compete for a place representing Ireland in the London 2012 Paralympic Boat.

Unfortunately I didn’t make the team and returned to Australia.

In February, 2016, I was told I would not be going to the Paralympics for the second time. I had been in the process of applying for Australian citizenship to represent the country in Rio, but ran out of time. A holiday in Ireland for Christmas in 2016 was magical. Back in Clonmel, many knew about my sporting achievements. I felt like a celebrity. I also started seeing a woman I had been fond of for many years.

I returned to Sydney in January to resume my hectic life of 4am training sessions and long days on the construction site, but I kept in contact with her, the relationship grew despite the distance, and I decided to move home.

Before leaving Sydney in September, I successfully competed in two major rowing championships, and after several years of a process, I was granted Australian citizenship. I wanted my professional and sporting careers to not alone continue in Ireland, but to flourish; after all, I was coming back to my homeland.

I guess I expected to be greeted with open arms. But my thinking was as real as the leprechaun and his pot of gold.

I not only felt discriminated against for having emigrated, but humiliated too.

”

Kevin Wall believes Ireland is not doing enough for emigrants who wish to return

In terms of work, I qualified as a mechanic in 2008. It is a trade I love, but my cerebral palsy affects the fine motor skills in my hands.

In 2014, I turned to construction.

Over two years, I invested $18,000 of my own money in high-risk work licences in Australia. I started on the bottom rung of the ladder and worked my way up. Last February, I started as a crew leader with Diona, an Irish civil construction company in Sydney, becoming a leading hand on a $10 million project. With this came national recognition in the company as employee of

the month, and a nomination for the Civil Constr uction Federation’s Leading Hand of the Year.

Finally, I had found the career I wanted, that I was good at. I thought: when I return to Ireland I will have no problem getting a job. I was wrong.

All the licences I achieved and upskilling I did are not recognised in Ireland, and it hindered my efforts to find a job in my desired sector.

Three employers saw my CV and spoke about start dates, but when I told them my licences were Australian, they said that they were not valid and they

could not employ me. The construction services unit in Solas, Ireland’s further education and training authority, confir med in Januar y that licences obtained outside the European Union are not recognised in Ireland. The only option was to spend a similar amount again on the Irish equivalent of the same qualifications, which was impossible while the ungenerous Jobseeker’s Allowance was my only income.

Soon after I ar rived home, I presented at my local social welfare office. I figured that as a citizen who had paid taxes for almost a decade, I would have no problem getting financial assistance while temporarily out of work.

Over the following two months, I not only felt discriminated against for having emigrated, but humiliated too.

The welfare of fice told me that because I was a dual citizen, they had trouble deciding my entitlements. He went off to enjoy the sun in the bad times and left us all here to rot, now he is back, he has earned a fortune and he can suffer more than the rest, is how I felt the State viewed me.

The message should really be: You left home in your thousands, took so much pressure off the Exchequer for years and forfeited your homeland.

You upskilled, and yes, you had good times. But you came back. Thank you for taking pressure off this country.

Now, how can we assist you?

After a lot more paper work and many phone calls, they finally granted my backdated payment.

At 32, I was struggling to pinpoint what Ireland had ever done for me, and this resentment only grew when I returned to live in the country.

From day one of my life, the system failed me. I was a child with cerebral palsy. A doctor, in 1985, told my parents

I would never walk or talk. My folks worked tirelessly with speech and language therapy and physiotherapy for 12 years, and proved the doctor wrong. It was acknowledged I would need a laptop for school, but the Department of Education never provided one. In the end, a private party stepped in to ensure I had the opportunity of a proper education.

I emigrated in 2011 because I felt there was more to life. Six years later, I arrived back home better qualified and with a successful sporting career, but once again I felt I was at the bottom of the barrel. I have represented Ireland in para-rowing. I have set multiple personal bests, achieved an Irish record at the Irish Indoor Rowing Championships, and come fourth at the European competition.

I met the Irish squad, but I didn’t hide the fact that I was a dual citizen who can push for either country for the next Paralympic games. I would have loved to represent Ireland in Tokyo, but I struggled to live a productive life in a country that simply doesn’t value returned emigrants.

The Government needs to do more to support the transition back to Irish life for emigrants who want to move back. The volume of people returning justifies a dedicated government office to support them, providing information on things such as housing, PPS numbers and insurance. It would be viewed as a welcome back, a token of gratification.

Last week, I returned to Australia.

I look for ward to resuming my working life with Diona and sporting career in Sydney, but it was a ver y tough decision. I return here at the expense of my relationship.

First published in The Irish Times.

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

local ENTERTAINMENT QUARTER TO HOST SYDNEY IRISH COMMUNITY CELEBRATIONS

Moore Park to turn green

SUPER TAX

Fiona Brady

THOUSANDS of Sydneysiders are expected to flock to the Entertainment Quarter in Moore Park on Sunday, March 18 for their city’s first St Patrick’s Day celebration in three years.

And organisers are very confident that the free event will go ahead – rain or shine – because of the new choice of venue. Last year’s event at Prince Alfred Park had to be cancelled because days of heavy rain turned the park into a safety risk.

The Sydney St Patrick’s Day president said this year’s Green Quarter event will be a fantastic family celebration of Irishness. The venue, he said, was fit for purpose and offered both open-air and covered areas.

“The reason we’ve chosen the Entertainment Quarter this year is because there is proper drainage,” said Robert Kineavy.

And, while most of the festivities will be in the open air, Mr Kineavy said there are also canopies and marquees.

One of the highlights is the children’s parade beginning at noon.

About 300 children wearing fancy dress will march around the Entertainment Quarter, accompanied by pipe bands and flag bearers for the 32 counties. Parents can register their children to take part.

“We see this as a great way to put family at the centre of the celebrations,” said Mr Kineavy.

“The event has different meaning for everyone. For me the celebration is about passing Irish culture to my children.”

Ther e’ll also be a dedicated children’s area, with a bouncing castle, face-painting, lots of fun field events and a creative tent for arts and crafts.

For the adults, most of the focus will be on the main stage where bands like Blackwater and The Bottlers will perform.

A smaller sessions stage will showcase Irish traditional music and there will be a performance tent with story-

New tax rules for departing immigrants FROM PAGE 1

“In the long run Australia will not benefit from this as tourism will decrease and there will be no one to do their farm jobs,” she said.

An ATO spokesman said it had widely advertised all the backpacker tax changes before they became law, including r unning a social media campaign and contacting individuals who had already started applications.

SELFIE STICKS AT THE READY.The Sydney Opera House will turn green again this St Patrick’s Day thanks to the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Association and Tourism Ireland. It’s the first time since 2014 that Opera House has taken part in the Global Greening initiative. Other Australian sites turning green include Hyde Park Barracks and Sydney Town Hall; The Bell Tower, Council House and Elizabeth Quay in Perth, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane. telling and Irish dancing. Of course, there will be a bar for that essential St Patrick’s Day Guinness, as well as many Irish craft and food stalls.

“We want to make it a truly worldclass St Patrick’s Day event,” Mr Kineavy said.

Organising all this has taken months of work for the Dubliner and his fellow volunteers. Mr Kineavy admits they have not had it easy.

VISA-BILITY Your visa questions answered

Co Antrim native and registered migration agent John McQuaid provides a uniquely Irish perspective on immigration issues.

Hi John, I will finish my mechanical engineering degree in Ireland in May. I am looking into jobs in Australia hoping to find an employer to sponsor me but I’ve had no offers yet. Is there a work visa I can get without a job offer?

I have a partner and child to come with me so I need to be able to work.

Ryan G

Dear Ryan, One fast and cheap option is the Recognised Graduate 476 visa. The visa application fee is $365. Add $185 for a partner and $95 for a child. The stated processing time for the 476 visa is four months.

This is also a really good option for anyone that has yet to come to Australia and has recently finished or is set to finish an engineering qualification.

This visa allows an 18 months stay in Australia with unlimited work

In 2016, the parade had to be called off because of financial losses caused by bad weather. Having to cancel again last year was a double blow.

While the organisation’s financial situation is much improved thanks to a determined fundraising effort, Mr Kineavy said they still need ongoing community support. Staging the event each year costs about $250,000.

“It is in Irish and Australian Irish

To find out more or to register children for the parade or field events, go to sydneystpatricksday.com.au or follow Sydney St Patrick’s Day on Facebook/Instagram

rights. The open work rights would be attractive to employers as there is no sponsorship requirement.

You can travel in and out of the country and work in any industry.

Family members can join the visa.

The aim of this visa is to give engineering graduates a chance to find work experience, and can lead to options for sponsorship. However, from March 1 2018, immigration rule changes will require sponsored visa applicants to have at least two years’ relevant work experience.

Mechanical engineers may be able to apply directly for independent 189 or state sponsored 190 skilled visas.

These are points tested permanent visa options. Application costs are higher and processing times longer.

These application could be made from outside Australia or inside Australia while on a temporary visa. www.homeaffairs.gov.au/ trav/visa-1/189 . To be eligible for the 476 Recognised Graduate visa you need to be under 31 years old when applying and have completed a degree, masters or postgraduate diploma in engineering at an eligible university within the last two years. Qualification must contain a major sequence of study or specialisation in an engineering discipline. For example civil, structural, environmental, electrical,

mechanical, production and plant engineering.

You must have completed your engineering qualification at a recognised educational institution.

Generally this is institution offering an engineering qualification accredited under the “Washington Accord”. See the list at www.ieagreements.org/ accords/washington/ It is also possible for a parent under 31 years of age to gain a 12-month working holiday visa (417 WHV). However, you must sign an undertaking acknowledging that your child cannot join you in Australia while you are on a WHV. A working holiday visa is typically granted within a week or two.

A strategy for engineering graduates who have not yet had a working holiday visa might be to take the 476 recognised graduate visa, and keep your options open for a working holiday visa for later years.

The 18 months open work rights on the 476 visa will make finding the right job in Australia much easier.

Remember to apply within two years of completing your studies.

You also have to be outside Australia for this visa to be granted and there are no bridging visas with this application. www.homeaffairs.gov. au/trav/visa-1/476-#tab-content-1

people’s interests to keep our culture alive and kicking in Sydney,” he said.

Car parking discounts will be available with the purchase of of ficial merchandise.

The new rules apply to Depar ting Australia Superannuation Payments (DASPs) for working holiday makers.

Since July 2017, working holiday makers (WHMs) who claim their DASPs after leaving Australia have to pay 65 per cent in tax.

For people who came to Australia as working holiday makers but who later switched to a different visa, such as the 457, the tax rate that will be applied will depend on whether the DASP includes contributions made while they held the working holiday visa. If it does, the 65 per cent tax rate will apply to the entire amount.

If no super contributions were made while the applicant held a WHM visa, the DASP is taxed at the ordinary tax rates (35 per cent and 45 per cent) The DASP tax rate will be determined by each superannuation fund individually, using visa information.

To get advice on your own circumstances you need to contact the ATO or a tax professional.

A U ST R A LI A’ S I R I SH N E WSPA P E R

Telephone: +61 2 9555 9199 Facsimile: +61 2 9555 9186 Postal Address: PO Box 256, Balmain, NSW 2041, Australia E-mail (Admin): mail@irishecho.com.au E-mail (Editorial): editor@irishecho.com.au Web: www.irishecho.com.au The Irish Echo is a national publication published monthly by The Irish Exile P/L Printed by Spot Press Distributed by Wrapaway

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

news YOUNG IRISHMAN, 22, DIES AFTER SYDNEY MOTORBIKE ACCIDENT

Tyrone in mourning for Tiarnán, 22 A MOTORCYCLIST from Co Tyrone has died in hospital following a crash at Marrickville, in Sydney’s inner west, on Sunday, February 18.

Emergency services were called to the intersection of Sydenham Rd and Malakof f St just before 2pm, after reports of a crash between a motorcycle and a car.

The rider, 22-year-old T iar nán Rafferty from Galbally, was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics and taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a critical condition, where he died.

His devastated mother is prominent Tyrone republican Sharon Jordan, according to The Irish News. His grieving father Damien Rafferty is also well known in the east Tyrone area.

A spokeswoman for New South Wales Police said the driver of the car was not injured and that “she was taken

to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.”

Mr Rafferty, a former pupil at St Ciaran’s College in Ballygawley, worked in the construction industry after moving to Australia in recent years. It is understood he returned home at Christmas for a five-week holiday before returning to Australia.

Donaghmore parish priest Fr Gerard McAleer told The Irish News the local community has been left stunned by Mr Rafferty’s death.

“I heard he was a lovely young fellow and this has come as a great shock to everyone in the community,” he said.

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust assisted the family to transport Mr Rafferty’s remains back to Ireland.

He was laid to rest following a requiem Mass at the Church of St John the Baptist in Galbally last weekend.

Barr y Monteith, an independent

RECOVERY

TOP IRISH ROWERS TO COMPETE IN SYDNEY

representative on Mid-Ulster District Council, is a friend of Mr Rafferty’s family. He told the Belfast Telegraph: “It’s fantastic that we as a country have something like the Kevin Bell Trust.

“To have to deal with the trauma of a death is bad enough, but to have to deal with it when someone is so far away would be almost insurmountable if it wasn’t for that organisation. I could not pay enough tribute to them.”

Mr Monteith said that there was widespread relief in the community that the body had been brought home.

“I suppose it’s a case of the old tradition of being able to pay your respects.

Helping the family through this time, but of also trying to be there for them in the weeks and months ahead,” he added.

Mr Raf fer ty is sur vived by his parents Sharon and Damien, his sister Aine and his brother Cathair.

Tiarnán Rafferty died following a motorbike accident in Sydney.

Belfast-man on the mend after serious head injury THE family of Belfast man Michael Hyndman (above), who was left in an induced coma after he suf fered a devastating blow to the head in Sydney on New Year’s Eve have told of his remarkable recovery.

“Michael remains in hospital in Sydney, where his rehabilitation is progressing well,” his brother Barry said last week. “He is fully conscious and fully mobile.”

Surgery to repair his skull has had to be delayed.

“The team of doctors caring for Michael informed him that the piece of his skull that was in storage and due to be reinserted had unfortunately become infected,” Barr y Hyndman said. “Michael was indeed very lucky that this was picked up on before the scheduled operation, or the outcome could have been so much worse. We are very thankful for that.”

While awaiting surger y and after passing rehabilitation tests, Michael has been allowed to leave hospital on a 48 hour release.

Barry Hyndman paid tribute to the team of medics who have cared for his brother since the start of the year.

“They have made it their priority to ensure Michael remains with us today and that he continues to make adequate progress. We daren’t think where Michael would be without their dedication, commitment and expertise and will never be able to repay them for all they have done for him,” he said on a GoFundMe page set up to help defray medical costs.

Mr Hyndman, who is a quantity sur veyor, moved to Australia in September with his fiancée Clar.

IRISH OARS ARE SMILING: Olympic rowers, brothers Paul (left) and Gary O’Donovan from West Cork, are heading Down Under to compete.

Ireland’s Olympic heroes heading down under David Hennessy IRELAND’S popular Olympic medallists of two years ago Gary and Paul O’Donovan are coming to Australia. The brothers are taking part in the Sydney International Rowing Regatta, an event that attracts elite athletes from around the world. They will be joined by Mark O’Donovan (no relation) and Shane O’Driscoll, who are world champions.

Gary and Paul O’Donovan, from Lisheen near Skibbereen in West Cork, took silver behind France in the lightweight double sculls, winning Ireland’s first

rowing medal at the Olympics. Along with Annalise Murphy’s silver in sailing, these were Ireland’s only medals of the Rio games.

However, Gary and Paul came to prominence for their hilarious interviews as much as their athletic success, with people all over the globe warming to their personalities, broad accents and quirky humour. Talking in Rio, they discussed their steak diet, the awkwardness of doping tests and missing out on the party for their triumph back home. The brothers have even been invited onto Graham Norton’s celebrity

chat show with their motto “Pull like a dog” finding its way into the vernacular.

Last year, the brothers won silver in men’s lightweight double sculls at the European Rowing Championships in May 2017. They also won silver at the second World Rowing Cup regatta of the season in Poland in June and bronze at the third in July.

In September 2017, at the World Rowing Championships in Florida, Paul O’Donovan won gold at the lightweight men’s single sculls.

Mark O’Donovan and Shane O’Driscoll, also from Skibbereen, took

gold in both the 2017 European and World Championships in lightweight coxless pairs. The Irish quartet have been preparing in New Zealand where they have been competing in the national rowing championships at Lake Karapiro where Paul O’Donovan took bronze in the single sculls and the foursome also took bronze in the Premier Four.

The Sydney International Rowing Regatta takes place at Penrith in the western suburbs of Sydney from March 19 to 25. Visit sirr. rowingaustralia.com.au

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

news MOURNERS GATHER TO REMEMBER FAMILY MAN WHO LIVED HIS DREAMS

Football family mourns Liam Miller, dead at 36 Ed Carty, Michelle Devane and staff reporters LIAM Miller has been remembered as a family man above all else.

The former Celtic, Hibernian, Leeds United, Manchester United, Sunderland, Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City player died last month from cancer at the age of 36.

The football world paused to remember him in recent weeks.

David Beckham and Wayne Rooney were among many who paid tributes to their former team-mate. Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick and Brendan Rodgers also had kind words about the Corkman. Flags were flown at many grounds including Celtic Park and Old Trafford, while supporters placed shirts and scarves on rails to honour the Republic of Ireland midfielder.

Last weekend, Brisbane Roar fans stood for a minute’s applause in the 11th minute in his memory. Miller wore number 11 during his time at the club.

The Republic of Ireland international played three seasons in the A-League with Perth Glory, Brisbane Roar and briefly with Melbourne City between 2011 and 2014. But it was with Roar that the midfielder enjoyed the most success, playing a key role as Mike Mulvey’s side claimed a PremiershipChampionship double in his only season with the club.

Hundreds of mourners packed into the small St John the Baptist Church in the village of Ovens, near Ballincollig,

with leading names from Irish football paying respects. Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill and assistant manager Roy Keane were joined by former internationals John O’Shea, Denis Irwin, Kevin Kilbane and Kevin Doyle, as well as past managers Brian Kerr and Steve Staunton.

After the rousing words of football anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone were read out to the congregation, Miller’s brother-in-law Dan Sheedy gave a hugely emotional eulogy.

“To those who knew Liam best, his legacy won’t be about anything he achieved on a football pitch, though, on that, he achieved what was to most of us an impossible fantasy,” he said.

“He dreamed of playing for (his father) Billy’s beloved Celtic. And he did. He dreamed of playing for Man United. And he did. And he dreamed of playing for Ireland. And he did.”

But Mr Sheedy urged mourners to remember Miller for his life off the pitch, rather than on it.

“Liam Miller, a decent man,” he said.

“Liam Miller, an honest man. Liam Miller, a humble man. Liam Miller, a gas man. Liam Miller, a sportsman. But I’d like to think by now you’d have figured out the true way to remember Liam Miller: Liam Miller was a family man.”

Miller won 21 caps for the Republic of Ireland and won a European Championship for his country at under-16 level.

He played for Celtic from aged 16.

He is survived by his wife Clare and his three children Kory, Leo and Belle.

Tributes to Liam Miller outside Celtic Park in Glasgow. (Below left) Martin O’Neill and Roy Keane were among the mourners at Miller’s funeral in Ovens, Co Cork. (Below) Miller in his Brisbane Roar days.

THE IRISH HAVE ENRICHED OUR CITY, SAYS MAYOR SADIQ KHAN

London’s St Patrick’s festival ‘biggest yet’ THE City of London has put it up to cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane by announcing its biggest St Patrick’s Day celebration yet.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan revealed the expanded celebrations last week praising generations of “open, resilient and lively” Irish for helping to enrich the city over the centuries.

Events will take place in all 33 London boroughs this year with a three-day festival planned to celebrate the success of the city’s Irish women.

“For centuries, the Irish community has enriched our city, and contributed hugely to its success,” Mayor Khan said. “The community is open, resilient and lively – all traits that reflect the best of London. This year we will also celebrate the achievements of Irish women in London and I’m pleased to see such a rich cultural line-up.”

London also plays host to the Irish rugby team on St Patrick’s Day with a potential Six Nations Championship decider with England at Twickenham.

This year’s stage line-up at Trafalgar Square on Sunday, March 18 will also see performers – including Lisa Lambe and Orla Gartland – join forces for a special tribute to Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan, who died in January, aged 46.

“I was so proud to join Londoners from all backgrounds at the biggest St Patrick’s Festival the city has ever seen last year and am delighted that this year’s festivities will be even bigger, with celebrations in ever y single

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan

London borough,” the Mayor added.

Among the events being planned are open-air Irish dance performances in Enfield, jazz in Hackney, music classes in Croydon and children’s ar t and crafts workshops in Haringey. There will also be specially-commissioned walking tours, providing a history of Irish London, and focusing on the lives of Irish women in the capital including Countess Markievicz, the first woman to be elected to Parliament.

On St Patrick’s Day itself, March 17, a line-up of breakthrough female Irish artists will perfrm at live open air gigs as well as intimate performances in locations throughout Camden Market.

Cinemas around the West End will stage the latest Irish short films.

“This year’s festival, the biggest yet, expresses a diverse, inclusive and confident sense of Irish culture and community,” said Gar y Dunne,

Creative Programmer of London’s St Patrick’s Cultural Festival.

“Whichever part of this great city you’re in, you will find opportunities to get involved. Join hundreds of dancers, singers, poets and ar tists as they electrify London with vibrant Irish culture. London is home to the biggest Irish population outside of Ireland, and this is when we gather to celebrate.”

The festival will culminate on Sunday with the annual parade and stage line-up at Trafalgar Square.

Dance troupes from the US will join a colourful procession of Irish marching bands and pageantry at the parade start at Green Park before passing some of the capital’s most iconic locations from Piccadilly to Whitehall.

The stage line-up, which also features RTÉ’s Late Late Show house band, will be topped off with an electrifying traditional music performance from KÍLA, followed by the Big St Patrick’s Céilí. There will also be the best of Irish fare with fresh produce and traditional dishes on offer at the Irish Street Food Market.

London’s Irish community will be central to the celebrations with the Irish Cultural Centre, the London Irish LGBT+ Network, London Irish Rugby and the GAA hosting stalls.

Tourism Ireland’s Julie Wakley said: “Tourism Ireland is proud to support the St Patrick’s Festival in London and celebrate Ireland’s warm and close relationship with our nearest neighbour. Last year 4.7 million Britons visited the island of Ireland.”

ABORTION REFERENDUM

Emigrants encouraged to return home to cast vote Michelle Devane

AN estimated 40,000 Irish people living abroad are eligible to vote in a planned referendum on abortion.

Campaigners are urging emigrants to return home to cast their ballot and have their say on whether to change restrictive laws on termination of pregnancy. The Irish Government backed proposals to hold a referendum on the State’s Constitution which grants equal right to life of the unborn and the mother.

Wording for the historic poll will be released this week and the vote is expected to be held before June.

The London-Irish Abortion Rights Campaign has kicked of f its #HomeToVote social media drive.

Dubliner Mar y Jane Fox, who moved to Britain at the beginning of the year, has already pledged to make the journey home.

“Even though I’m fresh off the boat in London, I’ll be making the journey and encouraging everyone I know to go back too,” Ms Fox said.

“It is ironic that so many Irish women are forced to make the same trip in reverse to have an abortion.

“I want to travel home to make sure this comes to an end.”

The organisers said they want to emulate the surge in interest by emigrants who came back to Ireland to vote in support of gay marriage reform in May 2015.

The Home to Vote campaign aims to encourage any citizen living abroad for less than 18 months to return to vote in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, which imposes strict limitations on abortion

Campaigners for repealing Ireland’s Eighth Amendment in Dublin.

in Irish law. Unlike most Western democracies, almost all Irish citizens abroad are forbidden from voting in elections or referenda.

More than 30,800 Irish people emigrated in the 12 months to the end of April 2017, according to the latest official figures. It is estimated a further 20,000 emigrated in the second half of last year.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that voters would be asked if they wanted to repeal the controversial amendment and replace it with new wording to allow the Dail to legislate on abortion in the future.

Terminations are only allowed in Ireland when the life of the mother is at risk and the maximum penalty for accessing an illegal abortion is 14 years in prison. Last December, a report by a specially convened parliamentar y committee found the Eighth Amendment was not fit for purpose and should be repealed.

That followed recommendations by members of Ir eland’s Citizens’ Assembly to liberalise the law on terminations.

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

ireland MORRISSEY CALLS FOR END TO IRELAND’S THREE MINK FARMS

Smiths singer takes aim at ‘stale fur’ factories MORRISSEY has written to Irish agriculture minister Michael Creed calling for a ban on fur farming.

The former Smiths frontman and animal activist thanked Mr Creed for banning wild animal circuses last year and urged him to “continue on this progressive path by also outlawing fur farming” in Ireland.

The letter, on behalf of animal welfare group Peta, said: “Ireland has three fur farms, on which 200,000 minks are jammed into squalid cages and denied the opportunity to roam, swim, or care for their young.

“This confinement causes them such psychological distress that many go insane and mutilate themselves.”

The singer-songwriter, 58, continued: “They’re killed when they’re only about six months old, crammed by the dozens into a box and gassed to death.

Woman found dead in Dublin wardrobe GARDAÍ investigating the discovery of a woman’s body in a wardrobe have confirmed they are treating the death as murder.

Joanne Lee was discovered by gardai at a house in south Dublin on February 14. The investigation was upgraded to a murder probe following an autopsy.

Independent Dublin city councillor Ruairi McGinley said it was a horrible end to a person’s life and his thoughts were with the family of the young woman.

“The situation is beyond imagination,” Mr McGinley said. “It’s your worst nightmare.”

Well-known SDLP man dies, aged 69 FORMER SDLP South Antrim Assembly member Donovan McClelland has died aged 69. Party leader Colum Eastwood said he had a sharp mind and warm heart and served the party with distinction as a councillor, Assembly member and deputy speaker at Stormont.

Mr Eastwood said: “His contribution to peace on this island as an SDLP delegate to the Brooke/Mayhew talks and later in the negotiations that led to the Good Friday Agreement have left an indelible mark on our political dispensation.”

Cher backs ban on fossil fuel drilling POP star Cher has lent her support to a campaign to ban drilling for oil and gas in Ireland.

Proposed laws to ban the issuing of any new exploration licences on land or sea are being backed by environmentalists, with the singer taking to social media to add her voice. Cher replied to a plea for help on Twitter from Green Party researcher Sinead Mercier and posted #HellToTheYes, retweeting the call to action. Last year Ireland banned fracking. The subsequent campaign against fossil fuel extraction is backed by Friends of the Earth, Trocaire and the Not Here Not Anywhere campaign.

Twenty-eight oil and gas exploration licences for the Atlantic are due to expire between now and June 2019. There are another 89 active authorisations for explorations off the coast of Ireland.

Singer Morrissey is a passionate advocate for animal rights.

And for what? A stale ‘status symbol’ that nobody wants to wear any more.”

Peta said the UK, Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the Netherlands have all banned fur farming and that Norway announced its own ban last month.

Morrissey, an avid campaigner for animal rights, performed at Dublin’s 3Arena on February 20.

In November, Mr Creed, minister for agriculture, food and the marine, signed regulations banning the use of wild animals in circuses.

He said at the time: “The use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses can no longer be permitted.

This is the general view of the public at large and a position I am happy to endorse. This is a progressive move, reflective of our commitment to animal welfare.”

FF LEADER ATTACKS ‘SHOCKING’ DUBLIN RENT RISES AND TAOISEACH’S ‘COMPLACENCY’

Dublin rents ‘out of control’ Deborah McAleese

OPPOSITION leader Micheal Martin has said a new report on housing rents makes for “very dismal and depressing reading.”

He said that over a number of years the rental increase in Dublin has been “shocking” and warned it is having a “huge impact on people.”

Mr Martin also accused Taoiseach Leo Varadkar of complacency in his approach to the countr y’s housing crisis. The Fianna Fáil leader was speaking during a debate in the Dáil about the findings of the latest Daft.ie report which showed that rents were at an all-time high.

Mr Martin said that behind all the figures were human stories.

“Many families are under threat of eviction and are extremely worried, having been given deadlines by landlords to leave their properties because they need to renovate them or give them to family members. Many families are now doubling and tripling up, as we know from our clinics.

“There are people coming in who

are living with their parents or siblings and so on. There are young people getting their first jobs in cities and 40 per cent to 50 per cent of their income is going on rent. The student experience is becoming hazardous,” he said.

Mr Mar tin also criticised the Taoiseach for being unable to recall the recommendations from a Depar tment of Finance repor t in September to help tackle the crisis.

He said it was extraordinary that none of the recommendations had been implemented by the Government.

When Mr Varadkar said he would have to look again at the report because it was published some time ago Mr Martin said his response was “very worrying”.

“That sums up the complacency around this issue of housing,” he said.

“These were the measures designed to retain, and increase the supply of, landlords in the market and he does not have a clue about them,” added Mr Martin.

Mr Varadkar hit back and said: “I do recall the report. I am familiar with it but, obviously, if I am going to be

Construction of new buy-to-let properties is gaining pace in Dublin as demand for rental properties puts upward pressure on prices.

asked detailed questions about the recommendations, I would have liked the opportunity to at least cast my eyes over the report again before speaking to it.”

He said the Government was “very aware of the impact that rising rents are having on many people.” “In some cases they risk driving people into homelessness. In many cases, people are required to pay a huge portion of

their post-tax incomes in rent, thus leaving ver y little money for other costs, whether child care or the many other costs of living. “ We acknowledge absolutely that rising rents are having an enormous impact on people, particularly those who are struggling to make ends meet,” added the Taoiseach.

The figures in the latest Daft.ie Rental report show that, on average, listed rents increased by 10.4 per cent during 2017. This compares with an increase of 13.5 per cent in 2016, nine per cent in 2015 and 10.7 per cent in 2014. In Dublin, the streak is longer: rents have increased by 10 per cent or more every year since 2013 - with the exception of 2015, when rents increased by 8.2 per cent.

This means that rents in the capital have increased by an average of 81 per cent from their lowest point. That low was in late 2010, meaning that Dublin rents have risen, in year-on-year terms, for 26 consecutive quarters.

This is twice as long as the previous market upswing, which lasted from early 2005 to mid-2008.

FORMER ANGLO IRISH BANK BOSS DENIES FRAUDULENT BANK TRANSFERS

‘I didn’t do anything wrong’, pleads banker who fled

Ed Carty

FORMER Anglo Irish Bank boss David Drumm has denied arranging dishonest or fraudulent multibillion-euro transfers to boost the lender’s books in the months before it went bust, a court has been told.

The ex-banker is charged with conspiracy to defraud and false accounting relating to €7.2 billion being moved between Anglo and the Irish Life and Permanent (IL&P) and Irish Life Assurance (ILA) companies between March and September 2008.

Drumm has pleaded not guilty.

In the first day of evidence in a trial which is expected to run for several months, his lawyers told the court that he does not deny the money was moved. Defence barrister Tessa White said: “David Drumm accepts all of the factual matters relating to the mechanics of how the September transactions happened and the only issue that he disputes is whether they were fraudu-

lent or dishonest or that there was any dishonesty in their reporting.”

In a series of admissions on Drumm’s behalf, Ms White detailed a series of transfers between Anglo and IL&P and ILA as the global financial crisis hit hard in 2008. In March, Anglo placed €1 billion with IL&P and ILA deposited €750 million in return. In June that year IL&P moved bonds worth more than €3 billion to Anglo. In return, Anglo deposited €3 billion.

In September, Anglo moved €7.2 billion to IL&P. In return, IL&P moved the same amount back to Anglo on behalf of ILA. All the monies were repaid within weeks of each transaction.

The aims were to increase Anglo’s non-bank deposits and to reduce IL&P’s reliance on European Central Bank funding. More transactions had been planned for December but they were never completed.

Ms White told the court: “David Drumm as chief executive officer authorised the March, June, September

and December transactions and assumes responsibility for their execution by Anglo.”

Judge Karen O’Connor told the jury of 10 men and five women that the admissions would considerably reduce the length of the trial.

Earlier, Paul O’Higgins, Senior Counsel for the state, told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that Drumm had ar ranged the €7.2 billion September transfer.

He said: “This was a completely artificial process leading to a dressing up, a more than dressing up, a falsification of Anglo Irish Bank’s balance sheet so that its non-bank deposits were €7.2 billion bigger than they really were.”

The jury was told that it will hear tape-recorded phone calls from Anglo’s treasury department, including calls about the multibillion-euro transfers.

Mr O’Higgins said the money was moved at “lightning speed” and the prime objective was to “dishonestly create the false impression” at Anglo’s

year end in 2008 that its non-bank deposits were in the 50 billions.

Drumm, who is living in Skerries, Co Dublin, is on bail. The 51-year-old wore a dark suit and an open-necked blue shirt as he sat in court listening to the opening statement.

Drumm was Anglo chief executive from Januar y 2005 until December 2008. He left Ireland for Boston in 2009 after the lender collapsed.

Mr O’Higgins told the court: “Mr Drumm was the chief executive officer of Anglo Irish Bank. He was, the prosecution says, the man who called the shots. As CEO he was effectively in charge of the operation.

“You are not to draw conclusions from his hat as CEO. You are to draw conclusions with the evidence here about his involvement.” Anglo was nationalised by the then government, a move which cost Irish citizens 29 billion euro. Drumm was brought back to Ireland in March 2016 under an extradition warrant.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

ireland CHILDREN SUFFER FRACTURES AFTER BUS CRASHES EN ROUTE TO SCHOOL IN EAST CO LIMERICK

Dozens injured in school bus crash SOME children suffered fractures after the bus they were on crashed into a ditch in rural Limerick.

A total of 32 people attended hospital after an accident involving at least one car as pupils were being transported to classes in rural Limerick.

They were on their way to St John the Baptist Community School in the village of Hospital in the south of the county. There were about 46 pupils on the 57-seater bus, which ended up on its side on the edge of the road.

The principal of the school, Noreen Rafferty, said the injuries were mostly minor and confined to “bruises and scrapes”.

Other children who were on the bus were taken to schools in the area where they were met by their parents and relatives.

The crash happened at Connolly’s Cross on the R513 road near Caherconlish in Co Limerick.

University Hospital Limerick group chief executive officer Prof Colette Cowan said it was a distressing incident for all involved. “Our staff at UHL showed exceptional dedication in managing the situation, with many turning up to help without having been called in.”

COACH CRASH: A Garda at the scene where a school bus crashed in Caherconlish, Co Limerick. Picture: Niall Carson

EXACT WORDING OF ABORTION REFERENDUM TO BE REVEALED

Minister plays down Cabinet differences Michelle Devane

A GOVERNMENT minister has rejected claims that differing views among Cabinet colleagues on the proposed liberalisation of abortion laws is creating confusion.

Employment Minister Regina Doherty denied ministers were muddying the waters on the referendum on the Eighth Amendment and causing issues for the campaign before it officially gets under way.

Ms Doherty defended remarks she had made that there was a “job of work to be done” if people were to be persuaded to back a repeal of the constitutional amendment and legislate for abortion in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

“It’s not going to pass itself,” she said. “What I said was that if we do not

clearly explain to the Irish people where the 12 weeks came from, well then I fear it won’t pass. But clearly we will clearly explain to the Irish people.”

Terminations are only allowed when the life of the mother is at risk, including from suicide, and the maximum penalty for accessing an illegal abortion is 14 years in prison.

Campaigners are seeking to liberalise the regime to allow for unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks into pregnancy.

Asked if government ministers were muddying the waters on the issue, Ms Doherty replied: “I reject that. “I don’t think there is anybody creating problems or muddying the waters.

“I think you have people reflecting their own views, which is what we are accepting and allowing for in a vote of conscience with no whip in here [the

Dáil]. I wouldn’t expect anybody with a personal view to campaign for something that they don’t believe in.”

The status quo needed to change, Ms Doherty said.

“We can’t continue with the current status,” she said. “The Eighth Amendment … is not doing what people think it’s doing. It is not protecting. What it is doing is it is forcing Irish women to go and have medical procedures outside of their own country and that’s not on [in my opinion].”

The exact wording of the proposed abor tion referendum will be made public next week [March 6], the government has agreed. Health Minister Simon Harris has been given the formal go-ahead to finalise a bill to delete the controversial Eighth Amendment and allow the Dáil to be given powers to legislate on abortion.

Tel: (02) 8243 2600 Fax: (02) 8243 2611 Email: georgina@celtictravel.com.au

SUITE 502, LEVEL 5, 4 BRIDGE ST, SYDNEY 2000 Licence No. 2TA003945

NORTHERN IRELAND ABORTION BAN

Women’s human rights being violated, says UN Michael McHugh

WOMEN’S human rights are being violated by criminalising abortions in Northern Ireland, a United Nations committee has said.

Northern Ireland has strict restrictions covering cases like rape, incest or fatal foetal abnormality.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women said great harm and suffering was caused by carr ying unwanted pregnancies to full term.

“The systematic nature of the violations stems from the deliberate retention of criminal laws and state policy disproportionately restricting access to sexual and reproductive rights, in general, and highly restrictive abortion provision, in particular,” the UN committee said. “Westminster and Northern Ireland authorities acknowledge the magnitude of the phenomenon and choose to export it to England, where Northern Ireland women travel to access abortions.”

Women, including those who travel from Northern Ireland, have access to free terminations in England, Scotland and Wales.

“The Committee assesses the gravity of the violations in Northern Ireland in light of the suffering experienced by women and girls who carry pregnancies to full term against their will due to the current restrictive legal regime on abortion,” the report said.

“It notes the great harm and suffering resulting from the physical and mental anguish of car r ying an unwanted pregnancy to full term, especially in cases of rape, incest and severe foetal impairment.”

Grainne Teggar t, Amnesty International’s campaigns manager in Northern Ireland, said: “This damning report from the UN confirms ... that Northern Ireland’s draconian abortion laws are a daily violation of the rights of women and girls. Devolution does not relieve the [Westminster] government of their responsibility to uphold human rights in Northern Ireland.”

AT LAST! ONE HOP WITH ONE STOP - TO IRELAND Call and let us show you how!

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

northern ireland THERESA MAY WAS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT TO VISIT NORTHERN IRELAND, SAYS NI SECRETARY BRADLEY

Minister defends PM as talks intervention fails David Young THE Northern Ireland Secretary has defended the Prime Minister’s intervention in ill-fated talks to save powersharing after criticism that her arrival proved a distraction.

Karen Bradley insisted it was right that Theresa May visited Northern Ireland during crucial talks. Mrs Bradley also appeared to suggest Mrs May’s tour of the Bombardier aircraft factory in Belfast, before her visit to meet the politicians at Stormont, was the primary reason for the visit.

The Democratic Unionists, the minority Conservative Government’s confidence and supply partners at Westminster, were most critical of the Prime Minister’s decision to come to Stormont, suggesting they had advised her against it because a deal was not yet done. In the end, the talks ended without agreement.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said the visit acted as a distraction, while party colleague Simon Hamilton said it disrupted progress that was being made.

A mooted deal between the DUP and Sinn Féin to restore powersharing after

a 13-month impasse fell apart only 48 hours later, amid an acrimonious blame game between the parties Mrs Bradley defended her prime minister’s intervention. “The Prime Minister is the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and it is absolutely right that she should come and visit Northern Ireland,” she said.

“Quite rightly she came to visit a great business in Northern Ireland, a big employer, a business that we want to see thrive and grow and really dedicate itself to Northern Ireland, and that’s what the Prime Minister was here to do,” she said.

Mrs May also held talks with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, during which the two leaders discussed the Brexit negotiations.

Commenting on the state of the talks, Mrs Bradley expressed hope a deal could still be salvaged and said she would consider “all options”.

The Taoiseach has said the basis for an agreement was in place before the process collapsed.

“I am really disappointed,” Mr Varadkar told RTÉ. “The only way forward for Northern Ireland is powersharing.”

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley greets Prime Minister Theresa May in Belfast. Mrs May’s presence was criticised by unionists as a distraction during crucial, and ultimately unsuccessful, Stormont talks.

BRITAIN, IRELAND COMMITTED TO GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT

DUP end talks and call for direct rule Ed Carty

THE British and Irish governments have reiterated their full support for the Good Friday Agreement.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar spoke by phone after the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Féin clashed over the prospect of direct rule being imposed on Northern Ireland.

Both leaders expressed disappointment over the political impasse at Stormont. The breakdown in powersharing came to a head despite optimism that a deal had been close on contentious issues such as the Irish language, marriage equality and the legacy of the past.

“Both leaders recognised the progress and serious engagement made by the parties,” a spokeswoman for 10 Downing Street said.

“The Prime Minister said she believed there was scope for agreement and reiterated the UK Government’s priority was still to get devolution up and running again” Mrs May and Mr Varadkar are to remain in close contact. The leaders spoke after the Taoiseach and his deputy, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney, met Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and her deputy Michelle O’Neill at Gover nment Buildings in Dublin.

The Taoiseach had emphasised the Government’s full commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and its determination to secure the effective operation of all its institutions, a spokesman said.

“As co-guarantor to the agreement, the Gover nment will continue to engage with the parties in Northern Ireland and the British Government to support the urgent formation of a new executive by the mandated political parties,” the spokesman said.

CLOSED SHOP: The Stormont Assembly is still in limbo after the DUP ended talks aimed at ending the 13-month political stalemate.

The Taoiseach’s office said the Good Friday Agreement must be implemented in full and reiterated opposition to direct rule.

Earlier, Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster had called on the British Government to start setting budgets for schools and hospitals.

“Frontline staff have been living hand to mouth for too long. The Nor thern Ireland people deser ve better,” Ms Foster said. “I am not prepared to allow this to continue.

Decisions need to be taken.”

Ms McDonald dismissed the DUP’s calls for Westminster to start making spending decisions and called on the two governments to be decisive.

“Direct rule is not acceptable,” she said. “Direct rule is not on the table.

We have been clear; nationalism right across the countr y is clear on that point; the government in Dublin is clear on that point. And I have to say that we have previous words from both governments which made very clear

that direct rule is not the answer when the institutions falter.”

Sinn Féin is pressing for the British Irish Intergovernmental Conference to be convened in the absence of powersharing.

The DUP, whose 10 MPs are propping up the Conser vatives at Westminster, effectively ended talks aimed at bringing the 13-month political impasse to a close on February 14, when Ms Foster said she did not believe it would be possible to form an Executive.

Meanwhile, a former Nor ther n Ireland Secretary has warned about the peace process unravelling.

Labour’s Peter Hain said: “I and my Labour predecessors, as Secretaries of State, are deeply concerned this whole thing is unravelling”, he said.

“We have a political view coming from the Government that doesn’t seem to understand the whole Good Friday process ... took years to achieve and it is all unravelling in front of us.”

SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

Westminster MP to table gay marriage bill for NI Michael McHugh

A PROPOSED Westminster law for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland will be introduced at the end of March.

South Armagh-born Labour MP Conor McGinn said he would table a private member’s Bill.

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley has previously said MPs would be given a free vote.

It follows the collapse of talks to restore the Stormont devolved institutions, where the DUP remains firmly opposed to the measure.

Mr McGinn said: “My preference is for a fully functioning Executive and Assembly to deal with this issue, but LGBT couples in Northern Ireland should not be made to wait a moment longer for their basic rights.

“That is why I am introducing this Bill at the earliest available opportunity.

It will test the mood of the House of Commons and I am very confident that we will win any vote. It is then for the Government to legislate.

“If my constituents in St Helens can marry the person they love, just like people in London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Dublin, then I don’t see why couples in Belfast should not be able to do the same.”

Patrick Corrigan of the Love Equality campaign for civil marriage equality said he would work closely with Mr McGinn in preparation of the Bill.

“We repeat our call on the UK Government to introduce legislation to bring Nor thern Ireland’s laws on marriage equality into line with the rest of the UK and Ireland,” he said.

IFA ACCUSED OF DISCRIMINATION

Officials given red card in women’s football pay row Ed Carty

NORTHERN Ireland women’s footballers have claimed the sport’s bosses are refusing to deal with their claim for adequate pay and conditions.

The Siptu trade union, which is representing the players, has written to the Irish Football Association (IFA) for the third time calling for a meeting with officials over fees.

Sector organiser Denis Hynes said it is costing women money to take to the field for Northern Ireland in international matches.

“Players are regularly left in a position where they are unable to afford the loss in earnings they must endure when part of the international squad,” he said. “This results in players withdrawing and a lack of consistency in

squads which in turn is undermining the ability of the team to qualify for major tournaments.”

The call for a meeting with IFA chiefs follows a successful campaign last year by the Republic’s women’s team, backed by Siptu, for better pay and conditions.

The IFA said it was aware of the issues and had requested a meeting with the players.

“We believe that these issues can be resolved quickly with direct dialogue,” a spokesman said.

Mr Hynes said the players also wnted a quick resolution.

“They take great pride in playing for Northern Ireland at international level and believe that a fair resolution of the issues ... will benefit the long-term future of their sport,” he said.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

ireland WOMEN MUST CONTINUE TO FIGHT AGAINST INEQUALITY

Centenary of women’s suffrage

Ed Carty and Michelle Devane THE granddaughter of a famous suffragette has said it is women’s place to take direct action for equality.

Dr Micheline Sheehy Skeffington said her grandmother, Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, would be surprised by how little has been achieved in terms of equal rights since women got the vote, 100 years ago. The academic re-enacted her grandmother smashing the windows of the former seat of British government rule in Ireland to mark the centenary of women’s suffrage.

“We haven’t got parity, we haven’t got equal pay, we’re not equal in the government, we’re not equal in the universities,” Dr Sheehy Skeffington said.

“We do not command the respect we should. I think she would be surprised.”

In 1912, Hanna Sheehy Skeffington vandalised windows in Dublin Castle in protest against women not having the right to vote. She was arrested and sent to prison, where she went on hunger strike. Her granddaughter said women should be aiming for 50/50 representation in politics and that a change in attitudes towards women was needed in society.

“We are perfectly capable of being in government,” she said. “We are not saying about putting women in who aren’t capable. But there are a lot of men who get in who aren’t that capable either. If more women were in power, we might have a bit more respect and command a bit more respect.”

RUGBY RAPE TRIAL CONTINUES

‘I didn’t force myself on her’ says Jackson Áine Fox

SMASH AND GRAB: Micheline Sheehy Skeffington,a granddaughter of suffragette Hanna Sheehy Skeffington, re-enacts her grandmother smashing the windows of Dublin Castle to highlight women’s disenfranchisement. Picture: Niall Carson

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AN Ireland international rugby player said he was horrified to be accused of rape and told police he had not forced himself on a woman following a night out, a Belfast court has heard.

Paddy Jackson, who also plays for Ulster, said he was shocked to hear the allegations against him.

In his first statement to police two days after the alleged rape in June 2016, Jackson told an officer: “I strenuously deny these allegations. I am shocked and horrified that these allegations have been made against me.”

He had been drinking and watching football at Cutter’s Wharf in Belfast before going to Ollie’s nightclub in the city with friends, the court heard.

Jackson, 26, from Oakleigh Park in Belfast, and rugby teammate Stuart Olding, 24, from Ardenlee Street in the city, deny raping the same woman at a house in south Belfast in the early hours of June 28.

Jackson was interviewed about the incident on June 30, and told police he felt it had been a “good” experience to have oral sex with the same person as Olding, the jury heard as transcripts were read to the court.

Jackson, who said he found the incident awkward to talk about, believed the woman had been flirtatious towards him, the court heard.

He told police: “I think she was flirting with me and I was pretty sure that something was going to happen between us.”

He said the sexual activity happened after the complainant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, followed him to his room for a second time that night. The pair had earlier shared a consensual kiss, but when he admitted to the alleged victim that he did not know her name they left the room and returned downstairs, he said.

They returned to his room later, kissing and touching before she began performing oral sex on him. Olding then came into the room and got onto the bed too and the woman performed oral sex on him, Jackson said. At this point, Jackson began using his fingers on the woman, he said.

Asked by the officer how the woman seemed, he said: “Fine, I didn’t force

Paddy Jackson outside court

myself on her so I presumed it was happening and she wanted it to happen.

She could have left if she wanted to, but she didn’t.”

In the complainant’s police interview, which the trial has already heard, she alleged the sexual activity had been rough and she bled. Asked if he thought it might be hur ting her, Jackson said: “If it did, I would’ve stopped, I definitely would’ve stopped.”

“If she didn’t want to be there I would never have stopped her [leaving] or tried to keep her there. No way.”

He denied penetrating her with his penis. Asked how he had felt after the experience, he said: “Well, it sounds stupid cause we’re here now but obviously like we thought it was good if you know what I mean.”

Asked how he felt about both he and Olding having oral sex with the same girl, he said: “Yeah, it felt good.

I enjoyed having sex, you know.”

Jackson and Olding deny raping the same woman at a house in south Belfast in June 2016. Jackson denies a further charge of sexual assault.

Two other men have also been returned for trial on charges connected with the same incident. Blane McIlroy, 26, has pleaded not guilty to one count of exposure, while Rory Harrison, 25, denies perverting the course of justice and withholding information. The case continues as we go to press.

‘Black widow’ killer dies Deborah McAleese

A WOMAN convicted of hiring a hitman to murder her husband has died just months after being released from jail. Catherine Nevin, dubbed the Black Widow, died in a care facility in Dublin last week at the age of 67. She had been suffering from cancer.

Nevin was jailed for life in 2000 after being convicted of murdering her husband Tom Nevin in their pub, Jack White’s Inn, in Co Wicklow, on March 19, 1996. She was also convicted of soliciting others to kill him.

Mr Nevin, 55, was found shot dead in the kitchen of his pub in a staged robbery. His widow always maintained he had been killed by raiders.

She claimed she had been tied up in

bed by robbers who tore apart her room for jewellery.

Nevin lost an appeal against her conviction in 2003. In 2010 she lost an application to have her conviction declared a miscarriage of justice.

She had recently launched a legal challenge to a High Court ruling that prevented her inheriting any part of her late husband’s estate.

By her husband’s death she stood to inherit around IR£1 million and gain control of a small property empire. Her husband’s family had r un a legal campaign to ensure she did not inherit his estate. In 2016, Nevin was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She was granted compassionate release from prison. The remainder of her life was spent in a nursing home.

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

news :: adams exits political stage, new sf leadership team revealed NEW SINN FÉIN LEADERSHIP TEAM TAKES OVER

McDonald takes swipe at Varadkar Deborah McAleese

SINN Féin’s new leader, Mar y Lou McDonald, has accused Leo Varadwkar of being “smarmy”.

Ms McDonald refer red to Mr Vardakar’s penchant for novelty socks and his reference to the film Love Actually during his first visit to Downing Street last year and said: “Leo is kind of smarmy.”

Her jibe at the Taoiseach came less than a day after she replaced Gerry Adams as Sinn Féin president during a special party conference in Dublin.

It is not the first time Ms McDonald and Mr Varadkar have clashed.

In September the Taoiseach accused Ms McDonald of being “very cranky” and compared her to French far-right leader Marine Le Pen during ill-tempered exchanges in the Dáil.

When asked during an inter view with Sky News what word she would use to describe Mr Varadkar, Ms McDonald responded: “Smarmy.”

Michelle O’Neill, deputy leader of Sinn Féin and party president Mary Lou McDonald after their endorsement by the party faithful.

“Leo is kind of smarmy. You’ll have seen him in Number 10 talking about Love Actually and donning various pairs of socks. So, smarmy,” she said.

On policy matters, Ms McDonald

said a united Ireland within her lifetime was “doable”. “I would be hopeful that in the course of my tenure as leader that, yes, we would secure a referendum on unity and we would win it.”

She said Brexit was an “absolute disaster” and that it was “mutually incompatible” with the Good Friday Agreement.

“I sense a real resentment amongst Irish people that Ireland becomes collateral damage in a power play with the Tories in Dublin,” the Sinn Féin leader said.

Mrs McDonald said the bread-andbutter and political interests of Ireland “demand the entire island stay within the customs union and single market.

“It is alarming to hear the mantra from London ‘we are gone, we are out’ with no sense of the consequence of that.”

She warned that there was a “very dangerous” level of polarisation in Northern Ireland.

“I don’t see [the situation in Northern Ireland] returning to the circumstances that fed such an ongoing protracted and deep conflict.

“However, I am aware that on the ground in the North there has been a

level of polarisation that I regard as very dangerous,” she said.

Sinn Féin’s special conference also endorsed Michelle O’Neill as deputy leader of the party. The mother-of-two has been involved in republican politics since her teens, held senior positions in the party and has a background in social welfare. She was elected to the devolved Assembly in 2007 following the restoration of power sharing after years of back-room work for former assembly member Francie Molloy.

Ms O’Neill was the first woman to hold the position of mayor of Dungannon and South T yrone Borough Council and also one of the youngest.

One of her first actions as health minister was to lift the lifetime ban on gay men donating blood.

Her father, Brendan “Basil” Doris, was a former IRA prisoner who became a Sinn Féin councillor. Her uncle, Paul Doris, is president of Noraid, a republican fundraising group.

ADAMS DEPARTS THE STAGE UNCONCERNED ABOUT HOW HISTORY WILL JUDGE HIM

Republican leader who saw it all Deborah McAleese

GERRY Adams is one of the longest serving party leaders in the world, as Sinn Fein president for 34 years.

But the changing of the guard has finally come, marking a radical transition for the republican par ty. Mr Adams’ resignation brings to an end a remarkable career that began when he was a barman at a Belfast pub.

Born in October 1948 in west Belfast, both his parents came from families that had been active in armed republicanism. While still a teenager he became an active republican.

He worked as a barman at the Duke of York in Belfast, where he became fascinated by the political gossip among the punters. He soon became involved in civil rights protests and in 1972, at the age of 24, he was interned.

Despite persistent allegations, Adams has always denied being a member of the IRA. However in 1972, under the insistence of the IRA leadership, he was released from internment to take part in unsuccessful ceasefire talks with the British government.

In 1983 Mr Adams replaced Ruairi O Bradaigh as Sinn Féin president and became MP for West Belfast.

He resigned from the position in 2011 to run for election in the Republic of Ireland, where he was elected as a TD. By 1988, Mr Adams had entered into secret peace negotiations with the former leader of the SDLP, John Hume, which helped pave the way for the 1994 IRA ceasefire and eventually the Good Friday Agreement.

In recent years the 69-year-old’s political life was overshadowed by his personal life, when it emerged that his brother Liam Adams had raped and sexually abused his own daughter.

In 2013, he gave evidence in Belfast Crown Court against his brother, who was later jailed for 16 years.

To some, Gerry Adams is hailed as a visionar y and a peacemaker; to others he is vilified as a terrorist.

As he steps out of the limelight, a new era of Irish politics will begin without him.

Gerry Adams pictured last week in Belfast and (clockwise from top left) as a young republican in the 1970s; at the funeral of his long-time colleague and friend Martin McGuinness; with former US President Bill Clinton and with Prince Charles in 2015.

Grateful for friendship, and incompetent assasins Deborah McAleese OUTGOING Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has insisted he does not care how history will judge him.

As he prepares to hand over the reins to Mary-Lou McDonald, the 69-year-old barman turned republican leader said he accepts that some people will detest him and others will admire him for his actions throughout his political life.

He said he does not care what he is remembered for because he believes he did the best he could.

“I don’t mind. If I thought about it very deeply those people who detest me will continue to detest me.

“Those people who admire me will continue to admire me. All I did in the course of the job, I was doing my best.

And I think that is all we can do. I am

satisfied I have done my best,” he said.

Mr Adams, who has always denied being a member of the IRA, has been both hailed as a peacemaker and vilified as a terrorist.

Reflecting upon the thousands of people killed and injured during the Troubles, he said it was something he regrets.

“I regret the fact anyone was killed, particularly those who were killed by the IRA. Of course I do.

“All victims deserve the truth and justice and their families deserve that.

“People will judge me whatever way they want to judge me and I accept that. I have been very moved by the generosity and grace of some people who were really hurt in the conflict.

“That has been quite inspirational, to meet people who were prepared to set aside that hurt for the common good.

“

I am a very good dancer, I sing extremely well, I am a half-decent cook ... and I am surrounded by some wonderful people, a great family, my wife, people who love me.

”

“What we all have to do is make sure it never happens again,” he said.

When asked how he would judge himself, Mr Adams replied: “To tell you the truth, I haven’t thought of that.

“I am a very good dancer, I sing extremely well, I am a half-decent cook, I have written a wee bit, I like walking,

but I’m comfortable in my own skin and I am surrounded by some wonderful people, a great family, my wife, people who love me.

“The most important thing in life is friendship and the most important thing you can give to anyone is time. So I am blessed with friends and all this time,” he said.

Mr Adams added that he felt blessed to still be alive, having survived a number of assassination attempts. He was once shot in the neck, shoulder and arm as a number of gunmen opened fire on his car in 1984. He also had a hand grenade thrown into his home.

“I have escaped a number of attempts to kill me and so on.

“I have been blessed by some very incompetent assassins, so there are lots of good things in life,” Mr Adams said.

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news :: brexit FIFTY SHADES STAR PREOCCUPIED BY BREXIT FEARS

‘This is the last thing the country needs’: Dornan Michael McHugh FIFTY Shades Of Grey star Jamie Dornan has said the implications of Brexit keep him awake at night.

The Bafta-nominated actor from Northern Ireland could not envisage a positive outcome for the country.

Dornan, 35, disclosed his fears for the future during an interview with broadcaster Eamonn Mallie.

“I am kept awake at night for what it means for this country, I can’t really see a sort of sound solution, some of the people who have a say in it over here break my heart a little bit,” the Ulster native said.

“I think this is the last thing that this country needs at the moment, and I just don’t see how there’s a positive outcome for Northern Ireland in the matter.”

Northern Ireland’s position post-separation has been the subject of intensive negotiations as part of the Brexit talks in Brussels.

Dornan added: “There’s lots of different very interesting options on the table, and I think they should all be seriously considered - but who knows where we will end up.”

Unity talk gaining pace, says Adams THE idea of Irish unity has become more prevalent since Britain decided to leave the European Union, Gerry Adams has said.

“I’m not saying there is a direct correlation between Brexit and Irish unity, and in fact I think those of us who want a united Ireland need to be very careful that we are not accused of trying to exploit Brexit,” he said.

“But I just think the notion of Irish unity, in terms of public debate, is now much more prevalent.”

Welsh worries over maritime border EVERY effort needs to be made to ensure there is no hardening of the maritime border between Ireland and Wales post-Brexit, the Welsh First Minister has said.

Carwyn Jones said that any customs deal on the border that was made between the north and south in Ireland should also apply for Wales. He said he did not agree with Prime Minister Theresa May’s handling of the Brexit talks and that it was not in the Irish or Welsh interest for there to be any extra bureaucracy that could hinder trade.

Boris Johnson slammed by TD A SENIOR Irish politician has hit out at Boris Johnson after he failed to mention Ireland in a key Brexit speech. Fianna Fáil TD Stephen Donnelly slammed the Foreign Secretary for not addressing the pressing issue of the border in his “road to Brexit” speech last week.

“It was an extraordinary speech. It was insulting. It was reckless.”

Mr Johnson was speaking at the Policy Exchange think tank.

He urged people to unite around Brexit, adding the UK’s departure from the EU should not be seen as a great V sign from the cliffs of Dover.

However, Mr Donnelly said: “In his 4,600 word speech he never mentioned Ireland. He never mentioned Northern Ireland.”

The latest part in the film adaptations of the Fifty Shades books is released this month. He played Christian Grey in the franchise of EL James’s erotic novels and still receives attention when he comes home.

He said: “You are in the public eye and you are from here and you have gone away and done whatever and you are recognisable, people feel that they have a sort of, an ownership of you.”

If he was recognised in a New York pub, people were more polite, he added. He said: “In Belfast you’re in a headlock before you know it, someone’s just grabbed you, they’re taking a picture without asking you and once they finally release you from a headlock then it’s like they invariably know someone, it’s like two degrees of separation here as opposed to six.”

Dornan also said that he feels Irish and holds neither the Catholic nor Protestant religion. “I just feel Irish, a lot of that’s down to so many different reasons, mostly geography, that we are an island separate from the UK, so how could you, why would you feel more connected to that other piece of land than you do to the piece of land that you are living on?”

Actor Jamie Dornan. “I just feel Irish.”

COVENEY HITS OUT AT CRITICISM OF GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT

Brexiteers acting ‘recklessly’ Michelle Devane

Some Brexiteers are risking fragile peace in Northern Ireland by questioning the future of the Good Friday Agreement, Ireland’s deputy prime minister has said.

For eign Af fairs Minister and Tánaiste Simon Coveney tweeted that the 1998 accord was being undermined in some political circles.

Mr Coveney said: “Talking down (the) Good Friday Agreement because it raises serious and genuine questions of those pursuing Brexit is not only irresponsible but reckless and potentially undermines the foundations of a fragile peace process in Nor thern Ireland that should never be taken for granted.”

The British and Irish governments have reiterated they are fully committed to the Good Friday Agreement amid a deep political impasse in Stormont. Mr Coveney’s tweet was directed at Labour MP Kate Hoey and Conservative MPs Daniel Hannan and Owen Paterson after they raised questions over the future of the

20-year-old accord.

Mr Paterson, a former Northern Ireland secretary, recently retweeted a commentator’s suggestion that the agreement had outlived its use.

He also tweeted that Nor ther n Ireland deserved good government, and health services were falling behind the rest of the UK without a devolved executive.

The Good Friday agreement was signed almost 20 years ago by the British and Irish governments and enjoyed suppor t from most of the major parties in Northern Ireland.

Ian Paisley’s DUP opposed it at the time. It enabled the formation of a ministerial executive and assembly at Stormont.

Ms Hoey said her questions over the future of the Good Friday Agreement were nothing to do with Brexit.

“Hiding head in sand over viability of sustainability of mandatory coalition is reckless and wrong,” she said.

Mr Hannan said he had been arguing long before Brexit that the agreement needed to be changed.

Mr Coveney doubled down on his

The message is clear at this border intersection near Newry.

rhetoric during a visit to the US. A strategic objective of the Brexit negotiations for Ireland was the creation of the closest possible future connection between the European Union and the UK, he said.

It was in the EU’s interests and overwhelmingingly in Ireland’s interests to have a confident and co-operative UK on its doorstep.

“The other key strategic objective

for us is to ensure that the outcome of Brexit does not in any way undermine the hard won gains of the peace process, as exemplified by the Good Friday Agreement,” Mr Coveney said.

“The EU, and of course the US, played a pivotal role in this achievement. We therefore all share the same goal of protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the gains of the peace process.”

NIGEL FARAGE: IRELAND HUMILIATED BY EU

Former UKIP leader gets standing ovation in Dublin

Michael McHugh

IRELAND has been “humiliated” by the EU, Nigel Farage said.

The former UKIP leader called for a eurosceptic mobilisation to win votes of f pro-EU politicians in the next European elections and said there was a democratic deficit in the national debate. During his Dublin visit he recalled the austerity of the post-2008 European bailout and urged citizens to rebel against Brussels.

The MEP said: “What on earth is going on in the politics of this country?

“How much more humiliated can the Irish nation be than for years being run by the Troika?”

Ireland’s spending plans were scrutinised by representatives of the European Commission, European Central Bank and IMF, known as the Troika, and strict spending cuts imposed. Mr Farage added: “The indignity, a few years back, of your budget being seen by the German government before it was put to the Dáil.”

EU funding has helped Ireland overhaul its infrastructure and benefited its agriculture enormously.

Mr Farage said the country was not

even a net beneficiary of EU funding any more. He told a sizeable conference of supporters: “You are paying into the European budget and your Taoiseach said in Strasbourg the other week he is happy for Ireland to pay even more into the European budget.

Are you pleased about that?”

Mr Farage said: “The perception of the media across Europe is that Ireland is very pro-European, very servile to the demands of Brussels. I don’t think Ireland is a pro-EU country, I think the political, media and big businesses in Dublin, they are the ones.”

He suggested it was Irish civil

ser vants lining their pockets in Brussels who supported the EU. To cheers he added: “They love it.

They love it.”

The crowd almost filled a hall at the RDS conference centre and gave Mr Farage a standing ovation.

“I get told that Ireland is a ver y proud EU country, Michael O’Leary (Ryanair chief executive) told me so, it must be right.

“The euro has been bad for Ireland but a total catastrophe for countries like Greece. The EU will not work, it has not worked, it is increasingly unloved by the people of Europe,” he said.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

ireland TAOISEACH HAILS MAJOR INVESTMENT PLAN

Ireland ‘reimagined’ Michelle Devane

THE Irish Government has officially approved a €116 billion investment plan for the countr y over the next two decades amid criticism the details were not given enough consideration.

Project Ireland 2040 was officially given the go-ahead by the Taoiseach and ministers at a special Cabinet meeting at IT Sligo last week.

Leo Varadkar said it was one of the most important things the government had done and would do.

“Today we launch an ambitious plan for the future of Ireland – reimagining our country,” Mr Varadkar said.

“It marks a significant milestone in our country’s development, the point at which we put the lost decade behind us and move forward into a new decade of expansion. The point at which we make a transformative investment to prepare our country for the coming times and for better times.”

The aim of the multibillion-euro economic and social package is to make Ireland a better place to live. By 2040 an additional one million people are expected to be living in Ireland.

The package includes plans for the construction of 500,000 new homes; a €2 billion urban regeneration and development fund for the country’s five main cities; a new Atlantic Corridor; improving transpor t links from Donegal to Cork; three new hospitals to tackle long waiting lists; a series of road upgrades and €22 billion for climate change measures.

Among the measures are a new

SAOIRSE RONAN

No spot of bother for Oscar nominee in teenager role Laura Harding

THE VISION THING: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar reveals details of a massive public investment in Ireland’s future.

runway at Dublin Airport; investment in Donegal and Knock airports, a €500 million innovation fund; and a €1 billion rural regeneration development fund.

A Government spokesman said the plan was developed in the context of Brexit and future-proofing Ireland for the impact of the UK leaving the European Union.

The plan is made up of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan. Opposition TDs have been critical of the project, saying the draft version was not given enough consideration and there was nothing new in it. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said it was a landmark day for the country.

“To be able to put together a strategic, coherent … planning framework

and capital development plan that will enable us to accommodate a growing population of an additional million people over the lifetime of the plan is really, I think, testament to the amount of work that’s being going on on it,” Mr Creed said.

A considerable chunk of the €116 billion is expected to be spent on transport infrastructure including an expansion of the Luas, the construction of the Metro North as well as a new Metro link between Sandyford and Swords incorporating Dublin Airpor t, and a Dar t expansion.

Transport Minister Shane Ross said this was the end of a lost decade for Irish transport and the changes that will be announced will remedy the situation.

SAOIRSE Ronan has said it was important to her not to cover up her acne in her new film Lady Bird because it “represents teenagers as they are”.

The Irish star, 23, has received her third Oscar nomination for her portrayal of a teenage girl growing up in Sacramento, California, in 2002.

She said she was asked to keep her make-up covering up her breakouts to a minimum by the film’s director Greta Ger wig, who has become the fifth female director to score an Oscar nomination.

“I started to get bad skin when I was about 21 and I was doing a lot of press and I did a play and my skin was just under so much strain and I started to get acne,” she said last week.

“I had never had it before and for whatever reason I wasn’t insecure and self-conscious about it.

“I went into Lady Bird and we were doing camera tests – we were still figuring out her hair and make-up and the whole thing – and while we were doing them the hair and make-up girls and Greta asked me if I would consider not covering them up so much.

“I just thought it would have been a missed opportunity to not represent teenagers as they actually are.

“And I also don’t think it takes anything away from her either. You should do it – if you can and you’ve got the materials to do it, do it.”

Speaking about Gerwig’s nomination, Ronan said she hopes a change is

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Saoirse Ronan has received her third Oscar nomination.

coming for women filmmakers. “There has to be. The conversation is just too big now to go away.”

Ronan was asked of she thought the female-centric film was landing at a particularly interesting time.

“It definitely does,” she replied.

“I do think, as well, that the type of films that have come out over the last year are also a reflection on the massive, massive changes that we’ve all gone through in the last couple of years, politically and otherwise.

“I think people were hungry for a film like this [Lady Bird], without even realising it.

“And when it came along, the reaction we got to it was sort of like, ‘Why weren’t we doing this all along?’ ” Lady Bird is on general release around Australia.

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

news PHIL LYNOTT’S MOTHER EMOTIONAL AFTER DUBLIN WAXWORK PAIRING UNVEILED

Museum reunites mum with rock legend son Ed Carty THE mother of rock icon Phil Lynott has said it is emotional to think she is beside her son forever after her waxwork was unveiled.

Philomena Lynott’s replica will stand beside that of the late Thin Lizzy frontman in the National Wax Museum Plus in Dublin. At the unveiling, Ms Lynott said that it was touching to think she is being immortalised thanks to the rock star who died more than 30 years ago.

“It’s amazing to think that now on account of him, we’re here,” she said.

“Everybody loves Phil. He was a great son and we loved each other, and it’s heartening to know that my boy is still loved and it’s so emotional to think that I’m now beside him forever more.

Thank you very much.”

Phil Lynott died in 1986 and a bronze statue of him stands just off Grafton Street in Dublin. The wax figure of Ms Lynott was created by Irish sculptor PJ Heraty. Paddy Dunning, director

of The National Wax Museum Plus, described Ms Lynott as a rebel.

“It’s relevant at this time, with women striving for equality, to celebrate Philomena’s struggle through life, with all of the challenges she has come across,” Mr Dunning said.

“Those challenges have been diverse. As we know, this world has been very tough on women, but we see major changes now and equality is at the forefront, where it should be, and I think it’s overdue that we at the Wax Museum celebrate women.”

Ms Lynott recalled the difficulty she faced after giving birth as an unmarried woman in the late 1940s.

“I emigrated to England and when I was 17 I gave birth to Philip but because I wasn’t a married woman and I didn’t have a ring they battered me, they spat at me and they threw me in a workhouse,” she said. “With the terrible treatment I got throughout the years, thank god my mother decided to raise him here in Dublin.”

Philomena Lynott with her waxwork likeness and one of her late son, Thin Lizzy frontman Phil Lynott.

HOMEOWNERS’ PTSB PLANNED MORTGAGE SALE CONCERNS

Vulture funds circle impaired mortgages Michelle Devane

FINANCE Minister Paschal Donohoe has said he is deeply aware of homeowners’ concerns over the proposed sale by Permanent TSB of impaired mortgages to vulture funds.

Mr Donohoe said the Government will review the laws on repossessions following criticism surrounding the bank’s plans. The bank intends to sell loans connected to 14,000 private homes in an ef for t to reduce the number of non-performing loans on its books. The home loans make up the majority of the 18,000 mortgages it intends to sell as part of a portfolio worth €3.7 billion. The minister said the board of the bank has moved ahead with the process and does not need his consent to do so.

“I’m deeply aware of the concern and vulnerability that many may feel as a result of the announcement,” Mr Donohoe said. “What I also have to be conscious of is that we have a Central Bank regulator that is saying to Permanent TSB that it needs to reduce its non-performing loans.”

“It is essential that for the long-term health of Irish banking that we have a

third bank that is sustainable and is secure,” he said. “As against that of course I appreciate the concern that people feel about this announcement and that loan owners in particular feel and I’m really acutely aware of that.”

The Government owns 75 per cent of the lender on behalf of the Irish people. The minister made the comments as a protest took place at one of PTSB’s main Dublin city centre branches in opposition to the threatened sale of the loan portfolio.

Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty said there is massive public concern at the proposals. The party’s finance spokesman called for the bank to be brought before an Oireachtas committee.

“PTSB have an obligation to answer questions from TDs and senators being contacted by concerned homeowners, all the more so as this is a bank owned by the people,” Mr Doherty said.

Amid calls by opposition parties for proper regulation of funds, PTSB said the loans would be covered by the Central Bank’s code of conduct for mortgage arrears.

Fianna Fail finance spokesman Michael McGrath said any organisation that owns a loan, be it a mortgage, farm loan or SME loan, should be properly regulated and accountable.

“It is not a tenable position that the organisation controlling your loan and making all the important decisions concerning it, is allowed to be beyond the reach of the Central Bank,” Mr McGrath said.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the Government is looking at whether regulation needs to be amended.

“It is already the law that any loans that are sold on to another company can only be sold to a company that is regulated or has an agent that is regulated,” Mr Varadkar said. “And we are considering whether we need amend the law to strengthen regulation.”

MICHAEL D HINTS AT STAYING ON

President Higgins may seek second term

President Higgins with the visiting Italian president Sergio Mattarella in Dublin last week.

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has revealed that he no longer sees himself as a one-term president.

Speaking in Athens, Mr Higgins said he is undecided whether to run for a second term. However, he acknowledged his ambitions have grown since he was first elected.

“I did say at one stage getting through the term was the length of my aspirations. I had changed my mind on that because I do think that very solid foundations had been laid. This leaves choices open as to what I may do.”

Reports last week suggested that Mr Higgins will seek a second term, and plans to declare his intentions in July.

“In the appropriate time, I’ll be making an announcement to clear any confusion that is there,” he said.

“We’re in the midst of deciding very serious matters in Ireland. It’s best if we do that with a discourse that is civil and taking into account of different viewpoints when that is over.”

The 76-year-old denied he was affecting anyone else’s decision-making on a tilt at the presidency.

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION

Muslim cleric under fire after defending FGM

Michelle Devane

EVERYONE should respect the law banning female genital mutilation (FGM) and support the global campaign calling for an end to the practice, three Muslim groups have said.

The Irish Muslim Peace & Integration Council (IMPIC), the AlMustafa Islamic Centre Ireland and the Ifrah Foundation said FGM was a violation of human rights.

The groups joined in the criticism of remarks by an Irish Muslim cleric advocating female circumcision.

Dr Ali Selim of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland told RTÉ that female circumcision should be carried out if a doctor advised it needed to be done.

“We see female circumcision in the same way we see male circumcision,” Dr Selim said. “It might be needed for one person and not another, and it has to be done by a doctor and practised in a safe environment.”

Dr Selim’s comments came as Ifrah Ahmed, a sur vivor of the practice, launched #MeTooFGM, a worldwide social media campaign against FGM. The 29-year-old, who was born in Somalia, said FGM is happening outside developing countries, including reports of it occurring in the UK. Ifrah Foundation founder Ms Ahmed, Ifrah Foundation board member Dr Chris Fitzpatrick and IMPIC chairman Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri met in Dublin to voice their opposition.

“There is no medical, religious or cultural justifications for [the practice],” they said. “Muslim leaders and scholars categorically reject that the practice offers any benefits and considers it in direct contradiction to the basic tenets of Islam.

“FGM is associated with serious medical complications in young girls and women. It is also associated with complications relating to childbirth and is responsible for the deaths of mothers and babies in countries where it is practised.” “[We] call on all Irish Muslims to respect the law in relation to FGM in Ireland and supports the global campaign to end FGM.” IMPIC and the Al-Mustafa Islamic

Ifrah Ahmed launches #MeTooFGM, a worldwide social media campaign against female genital mutilation.

Centre in Ireland are backing Ms Ahmed’s global campaign.

Health Minister Simon Harris was critical of Dr Selim. He tweeted: “Female genital mutilation is never ever justifiable, has no place in healthcare, is illegal, dangerous, can have a devastating impact & is a violation of human rights.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Trinity College Dublin, where Dr Selim is a part-time teacher, said the university believed FGM was always wrong.

FGM comprises all procedures involving altering or injuring female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It is estimated that at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM, according to the UN. Girls aged 14 and younger represent 44 million of those who have been cut, most commonly in Gambia, Mauritania and Indonesia. The procedure is mostly carried out on young girls between infancy and age 15, the UN protest organisers said. It causes severe bleeding and health issues including cysts, infections, infertility and complications in childbirth.

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March 1 – 14, 2018 I www.irishecho.com.au

A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

Mal Rogers scans Ireland’s regional media for what’s making news in your county GALWAY

Alleged racism on Bus Éireann IRISH bus company Bus Éireann is investigating an allegation of racist behaviour in Co Galway.

The Connacht Tribune reports that the incident is the second episode of alleged racism on bus services towards people of colour.

The latest incident was witnessed by an Irish man who lodged a complaint with the bus company.

He said he was appalled at the way the woman was treated by the driver, adding he was “embarrassed to be Irish”.

The man was using the Gort to Limerick bus service when he noticed maltreatment of a woman believed to be of African or SouthAmerican descent.

Bus Éireann told the Connacht Tribune that racist incidents in Galway are rare and that the company is investigating this complaint. “Our workforce includes nationalities from 33 different countries and we are a key participant in Transport for Ireland’s Anti-Racism Campaign,” the spokesperson said.

MAYO

Quad bikes’ safety questioned by inquest THERE is an alarming lack of regulations and recommendations for safety equipment for quad bikes, the coroner for Mayo, Pat O’Connor, has said.

The Mayo News reports that Mr O’Connor made the remarks after a jury returned a verdict of accidental death in the inquest of Michael Anthony (Tony) O’Malley of Ballyheane.

Mr O’Malley, 67, was found dead on his farm by his wife, Catherine, after the quad he was driving flipped and suffocated him on September 21, 2017.

Mr O’Malley was found at the bottom of a hill, trapped underneath the vehicle.

Sergeant Gabriel McLoughlin told the inquest that there was nothing to stop the all-terrain vehicle from falling on Mr O’Malley. He also said that the vehicle was not faulty, and that there are no regulations stating that a quad must be fitted with an anti-roll bar.

The coroner called for the creation of some kind of crush-prevention mechanism, such as a device designed to prevent a quad’s weight from bearing down on someone if it landed on top of them. “There are a lot of injuries, and if they’re on land [i.e. off-road] there’s no regulations,” he said.

One of the jurors asked the court if an alarm could be fitted on the vehicle that would send out a signal, adding that Mr O’Malley could have been dead for hours by the time he was found.

Mr O’Connor extended his sympathy to the O’Malley family and said he hoped that some solace might be taken from the fact that “hopefully lessons will be learnt from this”.

DUBLIN

UCD introducing gender neutral toilets and transgender changing facilities MORE THAN 100 toilets at University College Dublin are set to be re-designated as gender neutral.

The Irish Times reports that the move is said to be one of a number of policies to make the university more welcoming to transgender and gender-fluid students and employees.

The Irish Times reports that a number of transgender changing facilities will also be introduced at UCD’s sports centre at Belfield.

The university will also allow students change their names on college documents without the need for gender recognition certificates.

MONAGHAN

Rocket man gets no compo AT a circus event in Monaghan 10 years ago, a human cannonball missed the net. Instead he landed on the bales that marked out the circus ring, injuring himself quite seriously in the process.

Undaunted, the performer, Juan Domingo Morales from Dublin, resumed his career.

Mr Morales later fell 30 feet from aso-called wheel of death during a performance in Britain in 2012.

These facts were explored at the High Court in Dublin in February, The Irish Times reports. Mr Morales was suing the owners and operators of Circus Vegas and American Circus — with registered offices in Longford town — for injuries sustained in the big top. The trauma of the event, according to Mr Morales, gave him a lasting legacy of fear about performing the cannonball stunt again.

The wheel of death mishap came to light when counsel for the circus owners put it to Mr Morales that he had climbed on to the contraption at approximately the same time he had been trying to claim in court that he had a problem with vertigo.

The Dublin High Court also heard that Mr Morales had been a Spiderman trapeze artist only months after the cannonball accident in Monaghan.

After legal argument and questioning of the circus performer by Mr Justice Hanna, a short recess was called. When the court re-convened, counsel for Mr Morales said the case was going to be withdrawn.

FERMANAGH

Van and the Brown Eyed Girl from Derrygonnelly DOREEN McBride’s publication The Little Book of Fermanagh asserts that Van Morrison’s classic hit Brown Eyed Girl was written at the Old Pals Bar on Main Street, Derrygonnelly.

SNOW BUSINESS: Daniel Murtagh walks up Tullyard Hill near Crossmaglen, Co Armagh. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA The Impartial Reporter, reviewing the books, says that Van went out with a local woman who was the inspiration for the song. According to Doreen McBride, that lady is still living in Co Fermanagh.

But Van the Man has poured cold water on the suggestion. He said in a recent radio interview that he wrote Brown Eyed Girl and Moondance after coming under severe pressure from record bosses in America to come up with a hit. Both songs, he said, were penned in New York. This would normally sound more romantic than Derrygonnelly; here, however, it somewhat spoils a good story, the Impartial Reporter says.

FERMANAGH

Urinated in public garage forecourt A 50-year-old man was three times over the legal drink driving limit when he urinated in full view of the public at a petrol station forecourt on a Sunday lunchtime, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

George McAndrews, of Belleek, pleaded guilty to driving with excess alcohol in his system and using indecent behaviour at Topaz Filling Station, Shore Road, Enniskillen on October 15, 2017, according to the Impartial Reporter.

The court heard that, at 12.55pm, plain-clothed police officers in an unmarked vehicle observed the defendant urinating against a wall at the garage forecourt.

He was unsteady on his feet, his speech was slurred and his eyes were glazed.

After detecting the smell of intoxicating liquor, an officer gave McAndrews a preliminary breath test, which returned a positive result.

Defending solicitor Niall Bogue told the court there was no getting around the high reading. He said McAndrews regretted his actions, which he attributed to the effect of alcohol and prescription medication.

After deputy district judge Paul Conway observed that presumably a filling station would have toilets on the premises, Mr Bogue replied that his client’s decision-making had been “impaired” on that morning.

Describing McAndrew’s behaviour as reprehensible, the judge said that the defendant had been urinating in full view of the public at a time of the day when children would be present.

He imposed fines totalling £350, a £15 offender levy and disqualified McAndrews from driving for 12 months.

CARLOW

Carlow has the highest divorce rate in Ireland COUNTY Carlow has recorded the highest divorce rate in Ireland for the second year in a row.

The Carlow Nationalist reports that there were 66 applications in Carlow for divorce in 2016, all of which were granted.

The high figure, compared to the rest of the country, shows little sign of waning. Hundreds of queries drelating to family breakdowns, including divorces, were fielded by the Carlow Citizens’ Information Service last year.

Last year, 9,000 people contacted the service and roughly 8 to 9 per cent had queries related to family breakdown.

The service has found that there is a lot of uncertainty among the public about divorce and what it actually means, according to a spokesperson.

BORDER REGION

Timely update THE North of Ireland and the Republic could soon be in different time zones. Mid-month, the European Parliament voted in favour of abolishing the twice yearly change of the clocks.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that a successful vote calls on the European Commission – which has in the past been reluctant to change the system – to assess a change and if necessary do away with the current system. If they decide to do this, then crossing the border will also mean changing your clock, laptop, etc.

The last time this happened was some 75 years ago.

Only during World War II did Irish and British times differ. In order that munitions factories could best benefit from available time, and also in order to alleviate the hardship from the blackout, clocks operated on British Double Standard Summer Time. This was observed throughout the Six Counties, leading to anomalies such as towns as close as Newry and Dundalk being two hours apart in time.

On a related topic, local rumour has it that during World War II, Newry was so close to the border they didn’t observe blackouts — in the hope that the Luftwaffe would mistake it for a quiet town in Eire,

busy being neutral. One disgruntled Newry resident, aghast at the thought of Brexit, suggested that residents could today do something similar and pretend they are still in the European Union.

CORK

Cork city defends guardrail monstrosity CORK City Council has defended the installation of an unsightly steel railing along an historic city quay.

The Irish Examiner reports that the pedestrian/cyclist guardrail has been installed along Bachelor’s Quay to protect pedestrians and cyclists using the recently built riverside cycle lane and pathway – according to council.

The installation prompted almost immediate criticism on social media, with some describing it as a monstrosity and others branding it an ugly intervention.

A council spokesperson said however that a form of barrier was necessary following the introduction of new traffic flows in the area as part of the City Centre Movement Strategy.

There was similar criticism of the council last October when safety mesh was retro-fitted to railings along Union Quay and George’s Quay.

City Hall said the mesh was added to increase safety for pedestrians and to strengthen the railings which had suffered from severe corrosion.

Similar works were undertaken in 2016 along Merchant’s Quay and St Patrick’s Quay after a toddler fell into the river through a gap in the railings.

LIMERICK

Crying foul on the county dogs LIMERICK City and County Council issued just five fines in relation to dog fouling last year, new figures show.

The Limerick Leader reports that none of these fines for 2017 have yet been paid. Senior planner Stephene Duclot revealed this fact at the council’s metropolitan district at a meeting in City Hall.

The data followed a request by Sinn Féin’s northside councillor John Costelloe.

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time out

Barnaby. Are we still claiming him?

Barnaby’s Irish roots AUSTRALIA’S former deputy Prime Minister, Nationals leader and tormentor of celebrity dogs, Barnaby Joyce has fallen on his sword.

Back in 2010, the then Senator for Queensland was much more relaxed as he told the Irish Echo about his Irish heritage.

Asked what he thought he had inherited from his Irish background, he replied: “Obviously my religious conviction and faith. Also, robust but friendly engagement with the people you meet and resilience to go to areas where other people may be less likely to go.”

Prophetic words perhaps.

“Most unfortunately, fair skin which I am trying to breed out by marrying my wife who has an olive complexion.”

Three billboards, outside Leitir Mealláin A COASTAL community in Connemara is hoping for a gold rush of sorts on the back of the success of the hit movie Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Locals, who have long celebrated film-maker Martin McDonagh’s connections to the region, erected their own signs in homage to the movie after his five Bafta awards last weekend. Now they are hoping the London-Irish director and playwright might go one further and win an Academy Award and send it to Leitir Mealláin in Connemara where his father was born and raised.

Bríd Ní Latháin, principal of Scoil

Naisunta Leitir Mealláin, was one of a bunch of savvy locals who came up with the idea to hammer together their own three billboards on a hill on the approach to the village.

“I think now that Martin has so many awards that he could put them anywhere he’d like,” she said.

“But of course we will always have a place for any of his awards especially if they are golden.”

The signs on the hillside, known as Caisleán, outside Leitir Mealláin read “Comhghairdeas Martin McDonagh”, “Réalt Mór Leitir Mealláin” and “Réalt Mór Hollywood”, or “Congratulations Martin McDonagh”, “Big Star of Leitir Mealláin”, “Big Star of Hollywood”.

Malachy Ó Cualáin, 12, who had just returned from putting on a school performance of Roald Dahl’s hit Willy Wonka, said: “They are in a

March 1 – 14, 2018 I www.irishecho.com.au

nice area. Everybody who’s coming into Leitir Mealláin can see it. It’s gaining a lot of publicity and I hope people that see it would like to come here on holidays or at any time.”

McDonagh, a regular visitor to the area since his childhood, is better known among many of the locals as Martin Johnny Micheal Colm Rua, taking his names, as is tradition in Gaeltacht communities, from his father Johnny Michael Colm Rua. Along with his writer/director brother, John Michael (who directed Calvary), they spent family holidays in the Ceantar na nOileán area of Connemara, where a chain of bridges and causeways connects a rugged archipelago. Nowadays the area is beset by emigration and a lack of job opportunities with 57 homes only having one person in each and another 47 where two people live.

Local historian John Bhaba Jeaic Ó Cónghaile, curator of Leitir Mealláin heritage centre and a relation of the McDonaghs, said: “I hope the signs will stay here until after the summer.

“The tourists will see where Martin came from, where his roots come from. He’s one of our own.”

Locals in Leitir Mealláin have to drive for more than an hour to get to a cinema to watch McDonagh’s hit film. Mr Ó Cónghaile added: “He gives all his awards to his parents, Johnny and Mary, so you never know.”

Mr McDonagh’s Three Billboards is nominated for seven Oscars.

They said it...

“I think there is a need for a cold rational look at the Belfast Agreement.

Mandatory coalition is not sustainable in the long term … We need to face reality – Sinn Féin don’t particularly want a successful Northern Ireland.

They want a united Ireland.”

Antrim-born British Labour MP Kate Hoey.

“We have a huge drink problem in this country. I’m not so sure now because I don’t live here but at that time it was endorsed by the culture.

You were a great man if you had 10 pints and woke up the next day and said, where was I last night? That kind of thing became kind of frightening because my drinking was spiralling into a place where I couldn’t remember what I did.”

Actor Gabriel Byrne revealing his past struggle with alcohol, and the fact that he hasn’t had a drink in 21 years.

“I wouldn’t say the coming weeks are] the last chance, but time is running out. It’s been 20 months since the referendum, 20 years since some of them started campaigning, and we still don’t know what Brexit means. We need clarity and urgency from them.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

“Comments like that really hark back to a very dark time in this island’s history when many people were murdered by the Provisional IRA.” Darragh O’Brien TD (FF) about newly elected Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s “tiocfaidh ar la” remark.

“I just feel Irish. A lot of that’s down to so many different reasons, mostly geography, that we are an island separate from the UK, so how could you, why would you feel more connected to that other piece of land than you do to the piece of land that you are living on?”

Fifty Shades actor Jamie Dornan. “‘Smarmy’. He is kind of smarmy. You’ll have see him in No. 10 talking about Love Actually and donning various pairs of socks. So ‘smarmy’.”

Leader of Sinn Féin Mary Lou McDonald, on being asked on Sky News to sum up Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in one word. Earlier, the Taoiseach had called Ms McDonald cranky.

“Unfortunately it took more than the CRA [Civil Rights Association] to secure rights in the putrid little statelet NI.” Former Belfast mayor Alex Maskey MLA (Sinn Féin, West Belfast).

“The many victims of IRA terrorism will be in no doubt as to what Maskey was referring to.”

Jim Allister, Traditional Unionist Voice, responding to Alex Maskey’s comments on Northern Ireland being “a putrid little statelet”.

The newly erected three billboards outside Leitir Mhealláin, Connemara.

Quiz

1. What was located in 1985 at 41°43’57” N, 49°56’49” W, at about 12,500 feet below the sea?

2. Which Battle of Waterloo veteran, with Dublin connections, died in 1836 at the age of 28?

3. In The Eagle Has Landed, Donald Sutherland played Devlin. Who turned down the part because he didn’t want to play an IRA man, and instead played the part of Steiner instead?

4. Which is the closest British city to Dublin?

5. In Somerville & Ross’s series Some Experiences of an Irish RM, what do the initials RM stand for?

6. Which Irish-created character arrived in England on board the Demeter?

7. Before re-joining Leinster, rugby player Johnny Sexton played for Racing 92. In which city is Racing 92 based?

8. In an Irish passport, the words ‘an tAontas Eorpach’ are included. What do they mean?

9. The Dead, based on a short story from Joyce’s Dubliners, was the last film John Huston made. His daughter took the starring role of Gretta Conroy — what is her name?

10. Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo (60) is the apostolic nuncio to Ireland, the first African priest to hold the role. But what is an apostolic nuncio?

“I’ve always been a bit of an arrogant c**t, even when I was digging holes for a living in Manchester, sitting there going, ‘What the f**k am I doing here?’ Even the way I dressed to go to work digging holes was f**king cool.”

Musician Liam Gallagher.

Crossword Clues across: 1. Madonna leads northern county to heroine in Eugene O’Neill play (4,6) 6 & 25 across: Confusingly, that’s a lad I’ll snub on a part of Dublin’s offshore coastline (4, 6) 8. Sumerian city gingerly pressing ahead as a matter of high priority (7) 9. Instrument will strangely abut the orchestra (4) 10. Fish found in Lough Meelagh (3) 11. I can tell corn in a strange way produces Gaelic kingdom (10) 13. The Queen in poetic Ireland (4) 14. Holy island changes north for temperature in a fleeting moment (4) 15. Oban: Zero bar in Scottish town (4) 19. Old cattle lose energy to reveal family (3) 21. Disguise in the River Bann extension (5) 22. Shannon: Do rush Ann onto a secret river (7) 23. Former Northern Secretary or confused seer? (4) 25. see 6 across 27. Irish hero we hear reduced to cinders (4) 28. Nothing inside peccadillo gives rise to utterance (5) 31. Transport in Martramane (4) 33. I primly launch convoluted series featuring Irish actor (7,6)

Clues down: 1. A Turk’s mum hazily spotted Irish mountains (9) 2. Understood, it’s said case meant no knighthood (5) 3. Set to intense change for decimal avoirdupois weight preceding performer Ms O’Shea (3,3,6) 4. No confused land or person but music-maker (7) 5. Shine in former lock-up it’s said (5) 6. Hiberno-Norman family nevertheless left Her Majesty (6) 7. City where you might expect to find an area called The Diberties, and the main river to be called the Diffey, but it does in fact stand on the Vistula (6) 12. Celeb anonymously refers to Maghreb country (7) 14. I need Bill puzzlingly to find clue that is invisible (9) 16 & 20 down: An Irish pioneering woman; strangely, no, an angel (4,5) 17. Advances try to cover up heritage (8) 18. Isle of Man race removed from textile to reveal expatriate (5) 20. see16 down 24. Five in Rome, zero and 100 surrounded by the same article in Wicklow town (5) 26. Under rye, you might spot county (5) 29, 31 & 32 down: Ok guv, anthem and song are sung by concealed singer (3,3,3) 30. Woman in Tamybuck (3)

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LAST EDITION’S ANSWERS: Clues across: 1. Prodigal. 4. Rubric.

9. Rotunda Hospital. 10. Gaelic. 12. Labour. 13. Existence. 16. Egg. 18. ETA. 19. O’Donoghue. 20. Iberia. 21. Ely. 23. Onus. 25. Brendan. 28. Derisory.

Clues down: 1. Portglenone. 2. Douglas. 3. Adam. 5. Unprofitable 6. Retiree. 7. Calling. 8. Horace. 11. Creggan. 14. Irony. 15. Chums.

17. Garibaldi. 22. Leeds. 24. Bin. 26. Reno. 27. Nous.

Answers: 1. The wreck of the Titanic 2. Copenhagen (Dublin-born Duke of Wellington’s horse); 3. Michael Caine; 4. Liverpool (134 miles); 5. Resident Magistrate; 6. Count Dracula (written by the Dublin man Bram Stoker); 7. Paris; 8. European Union; 9. Anjelica Huston; 10. The Pope’s diplomatic representative; in effect, the Ambassador of the Vatican to any country.

March 1 – 14, 2018 I www.irishecho.com.au

time out

19

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review

March 1 – 14, 2018 I www.irishecho.com.au

A Smile, A Prince And Assassin.

SOME books have you thinking about the story long after you have finished reading them and Smile is one such example. You may feel that you have been gypped, enticed into some new literary form without advance warning. Reviewers in Ireland’s two main dailies have been less than flattering about the book and the liberties that Roddy Doyle takes with the reader.

But then, in the past 12 months these pages have carried a review of a book in which the first person narrator is dead. In last month’s review, of Alan McMonagle’s Ithaca, we realise at the end that the characters may not be real at all. Yet another, Neil Jordan’s Carnivalesque, has a young boy replaced by his mirror image. In such company, a book like this is not so outlandish.

The story is told by 54-year old Victor Forde. He is a freelance journalist who made his name 30 years earlier during the 1983 abortion referendum.

He was a regular on radio and television, the darling of talk show hosts who loved his anarchic opinions. During one interview, he told that he was abused by a Christian Brother when at school and this added to his notoriety.

He had an affair with a woman who was successful as boss of her own catering company Meals on Heels. He leaves out little in his memories of their bedroom interactions; now they have separated and he is reduced to living in an apartment where “I decided my neighbours were prostitutes. Before I saw any of them”. His social life is centred around a local pub where he meets a man calling himself Eddie Fitzpatrick.

Much of the story is carried in dialogue, a feature of many of Doyle’s books. It is unlikely that a reader will work out what is happening before it is ‘explained’ in the final few pages. Even then, there

are many questions unanswered and many contradictions unresolved.

Young Victor would have been in school in the 1970s, a time when this reviewer was a teacher in a Dublin secondary school run by Brothers. It was not an elite school, but it was a world away from the kinds of things portrayed here, and though there were hints of the physical cruelty in Christian Brothers schools, the teachers in my southside school – lay and religious – would never have got away with what is presented here.

A reader not familiar with Ireland might find parts of the story strange and might miss the significance of some of the references. “Temple Bar then wasn’t Temple Bar now. People puked and shouted, but far less of them.” Similarly, the references to northside and southside of Dublin and to Fine Gael and the GAA and Sean O Riada and the collapse of the housing market might need explaining to outsiders.

This book is certainly different, a departure from the straightforward story that you expect when you pick up a book. As I write this review, I am still unclear in my own mind whether it works or not. And I keep wondering what happened to those pints of Heineken. After you read the book, perhaps you could tell me.

“... what happened to

those pints of Heineken?

”

IF someone from a Muslim country were to shoot an Australian politician today, that person would almost certainly be called a terrorist. And just as surely, there would be extensive checks into his background and his friends to determine whether he was acting alone or as part of a larger group.

Equally, there would be no shortage of ambitious politicians who would use the opportunity to cast blame and suspicion on all Muslims.

All that would be a fairly exact copy of what happened 150 years

BOOKS Smile

By Roddy Doyle Jonathan Cape 214 pp $29.99

CCC The Prince and the Assassin

By Steve Harris Melbourne Books 326 pp $32.95

CCC Frank O’Shea ago in Sydney when Prince Alfred, the second son of Queen Victoria was shot by Henry O’Farrell. It was assumed that this was part of a Fenian plot, and large rewards were promised to anyone who could provide evidence that such was the case. The leading advocate of that position was Henry Parkes, and although he could not find any Fenians, he managed to fix firmly in the public mind the idea that all Irish and all Catholics were disloyal or treacherous or both. It took the best part of a century for that opinion to disappear from Australian discourse.

This book supports the most widely accepted view of the assassination attempt, namely that the would-be assassin was acting on his own and was probably clinically insane. It also suggests that the suppression of evidence by Parkes meant that the trial and subsequent hanging

of O’Farrell was a miscarriage of justice.

But there is much more to the book than the account of the assassination attempt and its aftermath. The author devotes a number of chapters to each of the two main characters, with Alfred coming out particularly badly from the comparison. Much to the disgust of his mother, he was, like his older brother the future King Edward VII, a notorious womaniser. Called The Dirty Dook by the media of the day, he was described as “a dirty drunkard, dirtier than a distempered dog. He bilked his paramours and procuresses and pals and diddled the poor washermen who undertook the unsavoury task of scouring his dirty linen.”

O’Farrell, in contrast, seems to have been one of life’s losers. The Catholic bishops of the day could thank their stars that he decided to give up his idea of becoming a priest, although he did manage to be ordained a deacon.

His brother, a disgraced solicitor, seems to have been cheated out of funds by bishop Goold of

“... a dirty drunkard, dirtier than a distempered dog.

”

Melbourne, a man at whom he later shot (and missed). In his final days, O’Farrell was tended by jail chaplain Fr Michael Dwyer, said by the author to have been the grandson of the former Wicklow chieftain.

The book emphasises the toadying subservience of the Australian population to Victoria and her family, each state attempting to outdo the other in their obsequious sycophancy. Reading some of the accounts today will raise a smile.

Here, for example is the Ballarat Star describing, with tongue in journalistic cheek, a gathering where the colony “could not supply a higher average of feminine good looks” and where the “general elegance of the toilets spread over all a republican equality of elegance and grace”, whatever that meant.

But equally, after the attempt on Alfred’s life, the papers left no doubt about their loyalties in accounts that were equal parts fury, shame and protestations of love for the Queen.

This is a worthy account of an event often passed over in what is remembered of the story of early Australia. The author is a former newspaper editor, which may raise a grin when we find him using Empirical when he means Imperial and alternate when he means alternative.

THE TOP 10 BOOK CHARTS FROM IRELAND BESTSELLERS

ORIGINAL FICTION

1

The Woman in the Window

A J Finn

1

The Woman in the Window

2 3

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Gail Honeyman

2

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

Heather Morris

3

Still Me

4 5

Still Me

Jojo Moyes

4

The Year That Changed Everything

The Year That Changed Everything

Cathy Kelly

5

Letters to My Daughters

6

Fire and Fury

7

Letters to My Daughters

Michael Wolff

6

Emma Hannigan

7

8

Oh My God What a Complete Aisling Sarah Breen/Emer McLysaght

8

9

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

9

10 Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway

Jordan B. Peterson Jeff Kinney

MASS MARKET FICTION

HARDBACK NON-FICTION A J Fin

1

12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos

Heather Morris

2

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls Elena Favilli/Francesca Cavallo

Jojo Moyes

3

5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food

Cathy Kelly

4

Lose Weight for Good

Tom Kerridge

Emma Hannigan

5

The Secret

Rhonda Byrne

Oh My God What a Complete Aisling Sarah Breen/Emer McLysaght

6

Atlas of the Irish Revolution

Force of Nature

Jane Harper

7

Women & Power: A Manifesto

Surprise Me

Sophie Kinsella

8

On Tuesdays I’m a Buddhist

Missing Ones

Patricia Gibney

9

Motherfocloir

10 Thirteen

Steve Cavanagh

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION

Jamie Oliver

Cork University Press Mary Beard Michael Harding Darach O’Seaghdha Rozanna Purcell

CHILDREN’S

1

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Gail Honeyman

1

Fire and Fury

2

Our Little Secret

Claudia Carroll

2

The Fat-Loss Plan

3

The Couple Next Door

Shari Lapena

3

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

4

Camino Island

John Grisham

4

How to Be Human: The Manual

5

The Heart’s Invisible Furies

John Boyne

5

The 4 Pillar Plan

6

The Girl Before

P. J. Delaney

6

The Cartel

7

The Thirst: Harry Hole 11

Jo Nesbo

8

Midwinter Break

9

The Late Show

10 Gentleman in Moscow

10 Half Hour Hero

Jordan B. Peterson

Michael Wolff

1

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway

Joe Wicks

2

Bad Dad

Yuval Noah Harari

3

Adventures of Dog Man 4: Dog Man and Cat Kid

Ruby Wax

4

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down

Dr Rangan Chatterjee

5

Wonder

Steven Breen & Owen Conlon

6

The Midnight gang

David Walliams

7

A Monk’s Guide to a Clean House and Mind Shoukei Matsumoto

7

Gansta Granny

David Walliams

Bernard MacLaverty

8

With the End in Mind

Kathryn Mannix

8

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

Michael Connolly

9

Milk and Honey

Rupi Kaur

9

Adventures of Dog Man 3: A Tale of Two Kitties

Amor Towles

10 Organised

Sarah Reynolds

10 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Jeff Kinney David Walliams Dav Pilkey Jeff Kinney R. J. Palacio

J. K. Rowling Dav Pilkey J. K. Rowling

March 1 – 14, 2018 I www.irishecho.com.au

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From:

6.30pm Friday 20th April 2018.

At:

Harbour 220, Macquarie St, Sydney.

2018

Tickets:

$110 per person Nominations for the Brigid Awards close on Monday 26 February 2018 To nominate, or to purchase your tickets, Email: labor.irish@yahoo.com.au Tel: 0414 629 559 or Visit: www.facebook.com/irishlabornsw

MELBOURNE SATURDAY 17TH MARCH ‘18 THE QUIE T MAN IRISH PUB

STREET

PARTY FROM MIDDAY

OUTDOORS LIVE BANDS & DANCERS ON

MAIN STAGE

FOOD VANS

DRINK STALLS

& STREET ENTERTAINERS

INDOORS

LIVE

ENTERTAINMENT

ALL DAY

RESTAURANT OPEN FROM 9 AM

(BOOKINGS PREFERRED)

0 3 9 3 7 6 6 23 2

2 7 1 R AC E C O U R SE R D, F LE M ING TO N, M E LB O U R NE 30 3 1

22

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March 1 – 14, 2018 I www.irishecho.com.au

St Patrick’s Day Eve 16 March 2018

Lonely Finnegan

S t P a t r i c k ’s D a y 17 March 2018

Fu ll Ir is h br ea kf as t

Irish Dancing Brian Hogan & friends Stephen Kennedy Wez & Mark Whisky Gypsy’s

Day after St Patrick’s 18 March 2018

Naomi Campbell Ciaran Boyle PC Duo Marty Kelly Duo 154-156 Acland Street, St Kilda, Melbourne, VIC 3182 www.jimmyoneills.com.au

Tel : (03) 9042 1749

E-Mail : hello@jimmyoneills.com.au

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Thursday, March 1 SYDNEY, NSW The Eskies Live

Ireland’s The Eskies are bringing their unique brand of folk noir/gypsy jazz/sea shanty and swaggering stage spectacle to Australia. www.theeskies.com

Friday, March 2 MELBOURNE, VIC The Eskies Live

Ireland’s The Eskies are bringing their unique brand of folk noir/gypsy jazz/sea shanty and swaggering stage spectacle to Australia. www.theeskies.com

Saturday, March 3 CASTLEMAINE, VIC The Eskies Live

Ireland’s The Eskies are bringing their unique brand of folk noir/gypsy jazz/sea shanty and swaggering stage spectacle to Australia. www.theeskies.com

Sunday, March 4 ROUSE HILL, NSW The Friends of Vinegar Hill

In association with Blacktown City Council, will hold their annual commemoration of the mass breakout by convicts in 1804. The event will include flag risings and anthems and light refreshments.

Enquiries: (02) 9627 6545

Sunday, March 4 MORDIALLOC, VIC The Eskies, Mordialloc Food Wine & Music Festival

The Eskies are touring Australia with their unique brand of folk noir, gypsy jazz and sea shanties during March including the Port Fairy Folk Festival. Tickets available at www.theeskies.com Friday, March 9

Sunday, March 11

Wednesday, March 14

TWEED HEADS, NSW Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour

CANBERRA, ACT Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour.

SYDNEY, NSW Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour

Saturday, March 10

Tuesday, March 13

Friday, March 16

GOLD COAST, QLD Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

BRISBANE, QLD Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

ST MARYS, NSW Charity Golf Day, Penrith Gaels

Saturday, March 10

Tuesday, March 13

In support of a new documentary film paying tribute to the Irish Convicts after the 1798 Battle of Vinegar Hill.

Titled the Triumph of Failure - The Australian Battle of Vinegar Hill looks at Australia’s first European uprising March 4th, 1804 and how this has shaped us as Australians and how we look at Ireland today.

Tickets: www.eventbrite.com

BRISBANE, QLD Brisbane Irish Festival, Charity Ball

MELBOURNE, VIC Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour.

Thursday, March 8

Saturday, March 10

UPWEY, VIC The Eskies Live

BRISBANE, QLD Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour.

Ireland’s The Eskies are bringing their unique brand of folk noir/gypsy jazz/sea shanty and swaggering stage spectacle to Australia. www.theeskies.com

Tuesday, March 6 SYDNEY, NSW Diversity & Inclusion in Sport – Panel Discussion.

The Ireland Funds Australia Young Leaders are hosting a unique opportunity to listen to a panel of sporting legends featuring Adam Goodes, Michael O’Loughlin, Tadhg Kennelly and Keira Kinahan Murphy, sharing their unique and diverse backgrounds and experiences, both in sport and life outside sport.

Enquiries: (02) 9357 2350

Wednesday, March 7 SYDNEY, NSW The Australian Battle of Vinegar Hill Parliamentary Dinner

Ireland’s The Eskies are bringing their unique brand of folk noir/gypsy jazz/sea shanty and swaggering stage spectacle to Australia. www.theeskies.com

Friday, March 9 – Monday, 12 March PORT FAIRY, VIC Port Fairy Folk Festival

The 2018 Port Fairy Folk Festival includes artists from across Australia and the globe, presenting folk music of all cultures and generations. Featuring Irish artists Andy Irvine, Pauline Scanlon, John Spillane and The Eskies as a well as EXILE - Songs & Tales of Irish Australia. www.portfairyfolkfestival.com

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full!

Get ready for the film’s hits “Mustang Sally”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Treat Her Right”, “Take Me To The River”, “In the Midnight Hour” plus more. www.metropolistouring.com

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s and 80s will be in Australia in 2018 for a national tour as he celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

A black-tie affair at the Hilton Hotel, Brisbane. The night will consist of a three-course meal, drinks, Irish dancers and entertainment kicking off Paddy’s week in style.

Enquiries: 0432 087 328

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full!

Get ready for the film’s hits “Mustang Sally”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Treat Her Right”, “Take Me To The River”, “In the Midnight Hour” plus more. www.metropolistouring.com

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s and 80s will be in Australia in 2018 for a national tour as he celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full!

Get ready for the film’s hits “Mustang Sally”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Treat Her Right”, “Take Me To The River”, “In the Midnight Hour” plus more. www.metropolistouring.com

Wednesday, March 14

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full!

Get ready for the film’s hits “Mustang Sally”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Treat Her Right”, “Take Me To The River”, “In the Midnight Hour” plus more. www.metropolistouring.com

SYDNEY, NSW The Coronas

Sunday, March 11

Wednesday, March 14

CALOUNDRA, QLD Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

HOBART, TAS Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s and 80s will be in Australia in 2018 for a national tour as he celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

what’s on

Returning in 2018 for one show only at the Basement.

Jetting in close to St Patrick’s Day the band is ready to reconnect with their loyal Irish fans and their evergrowing local Aussies. www.troubadour-music.com

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s and 80s will be in Australia in 2018 for a national tour as he celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full!

Get ready for the film’s hits “Mustang Sally”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Treat Her Right”, “Take Me To The River”, “In the Midnight Hour” plus more. www.metropolistouring.com

The Annual Charity Golf Day is a 2 Man Ambrose event teeing off at 7.00 am at Dunheved Gold Course. Following the game players will return to the Penrith Gaels Club for a delicious lunch at 12pm and an afternoon of fun and games, raffles, auctions and prizes. Funds raised will be donated to the Nepean Hospital Neo-Natal Unit’s Family Room, a very worthy cause. Lunch only tickets available for the non-golfers.

Contact: dianne@penrithgaels.com.au

Friday, March 16 CANBERRA, ACT St Patrick’s Day Service

The Friends of Ireland will hold their annual St Patrick’s Day Service at the Chapel, with a keynote address from Genevieve Jacobs. Commencing 12:00pm in the Chapel at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture www.irishclub.com.au

Friday, March 16 SYDNEY, NSW Lansdowne Club St Patrick’s Day 2018 Lunch, ICCC Sydney Hosted by the Lansdowne Club at the ICC Sydney.

Around 2,000 members of the Irish & Australian business community attend from a wide range of industries in what will likely be the largest St. Patrick’s Day lunch in the world.

Contact: sabine@lansdowneclub.com.au

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Organising a St. Patrick’s Day Event?

Lombard have all your Decorations, Costumes & Green Theme needs covered!

SHOP IN STORE & ONLINE TODAY lombard.com.au

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Creating an opportunity to come together as a community, to celebrate Irish culture, to reflect the true nature of a diverse and modern Irish community and contribution to the fabric of Australian Society today.

Website: melbourneirishfestival.com.au

Sunday, March 18 BRISBANE, QLD Queensland Irish Choir Performance

The Queensland Irish Choir will return to the German Club for a two-hour performance.

Contact: 0447 744 788 or email jennifer.dunbar@ hotmail.com

Tuesday, March 20 ADELAIDE, SA Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

Thursday, March 22 ADELAIDE, SA Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full! Get ready for the film’s hits “Mustang Sally”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Treat Her Right”, “Take Me To The River”, “In the Midnight Hour” plus more. www.metropolistouring.com

Friday, March 23 MANDURAH, WA Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

Pauline Scanlon will perform at the Port Fairy Folk Festival in Victoria and the Blue Mountains Folk Festival in NSW during March.

Friday, March 16 - Monday, March 19

Friday, March 16

BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW Blue Mountains Folk Festival

MELBOURNE, VIC Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour

Blue Mountains Music Festival is a three-day festival of folk, roots and blues. See and hear world-class musicians in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Irish singer-songwriters Pauline Scanlon and John Spillane join the 2018 line-up. www.bmff.org.au

Friday, March 16 BRISBANE, QLD St Patrick’s Corporate Lunch, Hilton Hotel

The Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce hosts the flagship corporate lunch for the Irish Australian Business community in Brisbane. Including prominent speakers, music, dancers, international visitors and the opportunity to come together. Guest appearance by comedian Paul Martell.

Contact: lisa@irishchamber.com.au

Friday, March 16 MELBOURNE, VIC St Patrick’s Corporate Lunch, Docklands

The Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce hosts a flagship corporate lunch in Melbourne for the Irish Australian Business Community and friends with great entertainment and prominent speakers. A three-course lunch will be served, followed by the very popular post-lunch networking.

Contact: office@irishchamber.com.au

Friday, March 16 BRISBANE, QLD Brisbane St Patrick’s Eve Dinner

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full! Get ready for the film’s hits, plus more. www.metropolistouring.com

Saturday, March 17 BRISBANE, QLD St Patrick’s Day Mass - St Stephen’s Cathedral This year the St Patrick’s Day Mass will be held before the parade at 8:00am at St Stephens Cathedral on Elizabeth St in the city.

Saturday, March 17 SYDNEY, NSW St Patrick’s Day Mass - St Mary’s Cathedral

Saturday, March 17

Friday, March 23

PERTH, WA Perth St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Fun Day

PERTH, WA Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour

Starting at 10am the parade will see the streets of Leederville turn green for a day with floats, walking groups and marching bands. The Family Fun Day once again includes kids activities, food stalls, live entertainment and a huge bar - this is an Irish celebration not to be missed! www.stpatricksfestivalwa.com

Saturday, March 17 Sydney, NSW Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

Annual Mass for the Feast of St Patrick in the Sydney CBD at St Mary’s Cathedral at 10 am. Celebrated by Bishop Terry Brady.

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

Saturday, March 17

Saturday, March 17

ADELAIDE, SA St Patrick’s Day Mass - St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral

ROOTY HILL, NSW Andrew Strong Live – The Commitments Tour

This year the St Patrick’s Day Mass will be held at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral at 11.30 am

Saturday, March 17 BRISBANE, QLD Brisbane St Patrick’s Day Parade and Picnic

The Queensland Irish Association hosts an annual St Patrick’s Eve Dinner. This year it will be back at the Pullman Hotel. Tickets: $150 each ($1,500 table of ten) Contact: stpatricksevedinner@hotmail.com

The Parade will starts on Alice St in the Brisbane CBD outside the City Botanic Gardens. The Picnic in the Gardens will be happening again with market stalls from 8:00am together with live music by Celtic Fusion into the afternoon after the parade. www.brisbaneirishfestival.com

Friday, March 16

Saturday, March 17

NEWCASTLE, NSW Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

ADELAIDE, SA St Patrick’s Day at Adelaide Oval

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

all day. Be sure to dress in green and celebrate St Patrick’s Day, a global celebration of Irish culture. www.adelaideoval.com.au

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s and 80s will be in Australia in 2018 for a national tour as he celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

Adelaide Oval is turning green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in conjunction with the Irish Australian Association.

Revel in Irish festivities on the Telstra Plaza where there will be food and drinks, live music and entertainment

what’s on

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full! Get ready for the film’s hits “Mustang Sally”, “Try A Little Tenderness”, “Treat Her Right”, “Take Me To The River”, “In the Midnight Hour” plus More. www.metropolistouring.com

Saturday, March 24 PERTH, WA Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the award-winning film The Commitments, Andrew Strong returns to Australia to perform the classic soundtrack in full! Get ready for the film’s hits, plus more. www.metropolistouring.com

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

Sunday, March 18

Monday, March 26

SYDNEY, NSW Sydney St Patrick’s Day at The Entertainment Quarter

CANBERRA, ACT Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

A family friendly day packed with children’s activities, a parade, live music and a variety of food and drink options. www.sydneystpatricksday.com.au

Sunday, March 18 MELBOURNE, VIC Melbourne Irish Festival, Edinburgh Gardens North Fitzroy

The Melbourne Irish Festival is an annual family fun day open to all, celebrating Irish culture and heritage.

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

Tuesday, March 27 MELBOURNE, VIC Gilbert O’Sullivan 50th Anniversary Tour

One of the biggest Irish songwriters & recording artists to reach international chart success in the 70s celebrates 50 years in music. www.gilbert50tour.com.au

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March 1 – 14, 2018 I www.irishecho.com.au

AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

sports FOOTBALL :: WES HOOLAHAN RETIRES FROM INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL

End of the Irish road for gifted playmaker Damian Spellman REPUBLIC of Ireland midfielder Wes Hoolahan has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 35. The Norwich midfielder, who has 43 caps to his name, has decided the World Cup qualifying campaign which ended with play-off defeat by Denmark in November, will be his last with Martin O’Neill’s team.

He told the Irish Independent: “It wasn’t a thing for me to get 50 caps. I didn’t think that way. I really enjoyed the Euros in France and after that, I said it would be just one more campaign.

“I enjoyed the last campaign, even though it didn’t end well for us, but this is the right time for me to go.

“It was an honour to play for my country. I have great memories and they will last forever. I grew up dreaming of playing for my country and when that dream came true for me, it was a great honour.”

In the eyes of many, Hoolahan, who will celebrate his 36th birthday in May, was chronically under-used for much of his international career.

One of the more naturally gifted players of his generation, he brought an invention to the national team which established him as a fans’ favourite.

He scored Ireland’s opening goal at the Euro 2016 finals in France in a 1-1 draw with Sweden which helped them to reach the knockout stage.

However, as O’Neill turned to a new generation and fresh energy in the last campaign, his chances became increasingly limited.

Hoolahan played as a schoolboy for Belvedere. He started his senior career at Shelbourne FC where he won three League of Ireland Premier Division championships and excelled during their run in the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds. He was the PFAI Young Player of the Year in the 2002–03 season.

In July 2006, he was signed to Blackpool where he spent the next two seasons until his move to Norwich.

In August 2016, Hoolahan agreed a new contract to keep him at Norwich City until 2018. He was announced as Norwich City’s Player of the Season for 2016–17.

Wes Hoolahan celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the Euro 2016 Group E match between Ireland and Sweden at the Stade de France in June, 2016. Photo: Francois Mori

FOOTBALL :: REPUBLIC TO FACE NORTHERN IRELAND

All-Ireland friendly set for November Damian Spellman

THE Republic of Ireland will meet neighbours Nor thern Ireland in a friendly match in November this year.

Republic boss Martin O’Neill and Northern Ireland counterpart Michael O’Neill will go head-to-head on November 15, almost seven and a half years since the teams last clashed in a senior fixture.

Neither side has a competitive fixture on that day and they will use the game as preparation for their UEFA Nations League games against Denmark and Austria respectively a few days later.

Michael O’Neill said: “UEFA have made it mandator y that we play a friendly on that date and when we looked at the options across Europe, travelling to Dublin to play the Republic of Ireland made a lot of sense.

“It means that we can stay on the island for the week, train in our usual environment and play a game that will be a good test for us ahead of the Austria match.

“Both countries qualified for UEFA EURO 2016 and both narrowly missed out on qualification for Russia, so it will be an evenly matched and hard-fought contest. From a personal point of view, I am looking forward to managing a team against Martin, a manager who I hugely respect and admire.

“Qualification for UEFA EURO 2020 is our number one priority now and with the UEFA Nations League a potential route to the tournament, this game means that we will be as prepared as possible for the Austria match.”

Meanwhile, Michael O’Neill has re-signed with Northern Ireland having rejected an approach from Scotland to replace Gordon Strachan.

The 48-year-old, whose previous deal expired in 2020, has reached an agreement with the Irish Football Association

Michael O’Neill has extended his contract as manager of the Northern Ireland senior team.

on a lucrative six-year package, worth in the region of £700,000 per year, that runs until 2024.

O’Neill guided Northern Ireland to the last 16 at Euro 2016, which was their first major tournament since 1986, and then led his players to a play-off for the 2018 World Cup when they suffered a 1-0 aggregate loss to Switzerland over two legs in November.

O’Neill was in demand after the defeat to the Swiss and spoke to West Brom and Sunderland when their positions were available, with the SFA also swiftly identifying him as its preferred candidate. However, while the SFA dithered over agreeing to pay his £500,000 compensation fee, the IFA acted swiftly and opened up new discussions about a deal that O’Neill has now penned.

O’Neill said his current job appealed more than any other opportunities that came his way.

“I am extremely proud to manage my country and I am pleased to be extending my time in charge of the

senior team,” he said.

“In recent months I have been approached about taking other opportunities in football. However, no other challenge attracted me as much as taking Nor thern Ireland back to a major tournament.

“I’m delighted to sign the contract, to have the opportunity to continue in the job. I was still under contract so it was great for the association to do what they did and show the faith in me going forward.

“I’m excited about the challenge. I’m over the disappointment of Switzerland.

It was a good time for me to reflect on everything and I had to make the right decision not only for me, but for the association. That was important. I’m excited and looking forward to what lies ahead.”

Under the terms of his new deal, O’Neill will also take on the role of chief football officer that will give him a greater say in the development of the game at grassroots level in Northern Ireland. In terms of the senior set-up, O’Neill revealed he spoke to his players about continuing in the post and was encouraged by the response given many of his key figures are in their 30s.

“I had the option to go to clubs, I had the opportunity to go and work as national team coach of another association but there is no greater honour than managing your own country,” he added.

“When you have what we’ve had over the last four years and having spoken to the players, they believe there is more in the tank, that was a big factor in the decision. Our ranking is (joint) 25th in the world, we’ve been as high as 20th. We want to try and maintain that as long as possible.”

The Republic and Northern Ireland last faced each other in Dublin in May 2011, when a double from Robbie Keane helped to secure a 5-0 Carling Nations Cup win for the Republic.

AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL

GSW import Staunton not sidelined by broken nose CORA Staunton needs surgery for her fourth broken nose, but played regardless in her club Greater Western Sydney Giants’ draw with the Adelaide Crows last weekend where she also scored one of only two goals.

She suffered the injury in the club’s win over Collingwood the previous weekend.

The decision to postpone her operation has helped the woman who broke her nose escape with a one-match ban.

It’s the fourth time in her career that the Mayo legend has broken her nose.

“I saw a specialist in Sydney on Monday morning and saw the chief medical officer of the club on Tuesday.

It’s broken. I knew myself. I didn’t need a specialist to tell me,” she told The42. ie in Ireland.

“Surgery will be required to fix it.

It’s the fourth time I’ve broken it so it’s nothing major. I’m hoping to have surger y when the season finishes, sometime at the end of March.”

Irish legends Cora Staunton and Sonia O’Sullivan

A bloodied Staunton was pictured with Olympic medallist Sonia O’Sullivan after the game and revealed that O’Sullivan addressed the Giants dressing room.

O’Sullivan wrote in the Irish Times that she “was a little surprised there weren’t a few more Irish supporters, given the quite large Irish population in the city”.

GOLF :: COUNTDOWN TO AUGUSTA

McIlroy confident despite erratic form in Florida Phil Casey

RORY McIlroy believes he is close to a first win since September 2016.

So far in 2018 the Irishman has mixed form as he builds up to the first major of the year at Augusta National in April. McIlroy needs to win the Masters to complete the career grand slam and make it a hat-trick of European wins in three years.

“Obviously last year Sergio (Garcia) had won a tournament beforehand, Danny Willett the year before had won a tournament, but I don’t think it’s necessary,” McIlroy said last week.

“To get a win under your belt going into it does make you feel a bit better

but you don’t have to. I feel like that’s putting yourself under pressure.

“I’m close. I think positive thoughts and I’m ver y happy with where my game’s at. I feel like I’m just waiting for everything to sort of fit together.

I feel like I’ve seen enough good things in my game over the past few weeks to know that it’s not far away.”

Both McIlroy and Shane Lowry just made the cut at the Honda Classic in Florida with Padraig Har rington, Graeme McDowell and Seamus Power missing out. Lowry had moved up into the top 15 on the leaderboard during his second round but he had an unfortunate triple bogey on the 6th, his 15th hole, which put paid to his chances.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

rugby :: sports GUINNESS PRO 14 :: WINS FOR LEINSTER AND MUNSTER

Ringrose back as Leinster dethrone Kings

Garry Ringrose is back for Leinster.

IRELAND inter national Gar r y Ringrose made a successful return from injury as Leinster ran in 10 tries in a 64-7 Guinness PRO14 win over the Southern Kings at the RDS. Sidelined since the early-January derby victory over Ulster, Ringrose’s 54-minute workout against the South Africans could propel him back into the green jersey over the remainder of the Six Nations.

Leo Cullen’s men scored a point per minute in the first half, claiming the bonus point inside 22 minutes with Br yan Byr ne (two), Nick McCar thy, Bar r y Daly, Dave Kearney and Ciaran Frawley sharing out the tries.

Fly-half Frawley, the man of the match on his first start, landed all

but one conversion for a 40-7 interval lead. The winless Kings were briefly lifted by captain Mike Willemse’s 14th-minute maul try, but secondhalf scores followed from McCarthy, James Lowe, Daly and replacement Jordan Larmour, with Frawley finishing with 19 points, as the Irish province temporarily moved clear at the top of ‘Conference B’.

The hosts were ahead inside four minutes, Ringrose threatening on a diagonal r un before excellent hooker Byrne muscled over from McCarthy’s snappy pass. McCarthy broke from a close-in scrum to notch Leinster’s second seven-pointer.

Ringrose and Byrne opened up the visitors’ defence for winger Daly to cut in past Yaw Penxe and grab

his ninth try in 11 appearances this season, and then Byrne turned provider again, his pass inviting Kearney through a gap for a smart finish to the left of the posts.

Byrne completed his brace by the half-hour mark, bursting onto a McCarthy pass after Max Deegan had gone close. It was a similar story in the 33rd minute when W ill Connors was hauled down short before Frawley supplied the finishing touches from a few metres out.

Early pressure from Leinster on the resumption then led to McCarthy sniping through for his second try.

Kings tighthead Pieter Scholtz was sin-binned in the 53rd minute and in his absence, Frawley’s classy cross-field kick was collected by

Lowe who scored in the corner.

Then Daly added 10th tr y of the campaign, while Larmour got in on the act five minutes from the end.

Elsewhere, Munster defeated Glasgow 21-10 in their Guinness PRO14 Conference A top-of-the-table clash at a sold-out Irish Independent Park to boost their play-off hopes.

A capacity crowd of 8,008 turned out to watch full-back Simon Zebo play his final game for Munster in his native Cork before his summer move to French Top 14 side Racing 92. Tries in either half from front rowers Niall Scannell and James Cronin, together with 11 points from the boot of fly-half Tyler Bleyendaal, guided the home side to their seventh successive win in Cork.

SIX NATIONS :: IRELAND V WALES, AVIVA STADIUM, DUBLIN

Injury-hit Irish outmuscle Welsh Nick Purewal

AHEAD of an eagerly-awaited Australian tour, Ireland stormed ever closer to a NatWest 6 Nations title by dismissing Wales 37-27 in Dublin.

Jacob Stockdale bagged a brace, with Bundee Aki, Dan Leavy and Cian Healy all crossing too as Ireland racked up a bonus-point victor y to stun Warren Gatland’s Wales.

Visiting scrum-half Gareth Davies had vowed Wales would chase a bonus-point win of their own in Ireland in the build-up but Ireland made a mockery of that prediction with a consummate, if ultimately ner ve-jangling triumph.

Peerless scrum-half Conor Mur ray’s sterling ser vice greased the gears on Ireland’s smooth operation, with Joe Schmidt’s men even shrugging off Johnny Sexton unusually missing 10 points with the boot.

Despite dominating for large swathes, Ireland only ended up winning the day thanks to Murray’s late penalty goal and a last-gasp intercept score for Stockdale.

Head coach Schmidt’s Ireland men face England at Twickenham on March 17 in a tournament-closing encounter.

On this evidence, Irish hopes will warm towards a potential St Patrick’s Day victory to treasure. Eddie Jones’ England will doubtless prove a dif ferent proposition. But Ireland must also now confront Scotland in Dublin on March 10. The Scots are riding high after defeating England in Edinburgh.

Half-back Davies, Aaron Shingler and Stef f Evans grabbed tries for Wales, but the visitors were outmuscled and outclassed, eventually.

Dan Leavy, Keith Earls and Chris Farrell all shone brightly as Ireland coped manfully without key injured trio Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson and Robbie Henshaw.

Not even Sexton’s off-kilter day from the tee, possibly down to his stiff back, could derail Ireland’s potent performance at the Aviva Stadium.

The scoreline failed to reflect Ireland’s supremacy, with the hosts unable to capitalise on

mountains of ter ritor y and possession.

Ireland raced out of the blocks but Wales grabbed almost all the early advantage.

Halfpenny posted a tough penalty just two minutes in when Aki played the ball offside from Earls knocking on a Biggar crossfield punt.

The hosts subsequently bossed the first quarter, but Sexton missed three regulation shots at goal. Those eight missed points hur t Ireland, despite Stockdale finishing well from Sexton’s smart cut-pass.

Davies sniped home for a Wales try to cut Ireland’s wind, the scrum-half capitalising on a powerful drive from Rob Evans.

Halfpenny’s conversion and a penalty put Wales 13-5 ahead fully against the run of play, before Ireland finally forced further dividend.

Sexton found his kicking boots to post a penalty after concer ted home pressure, before Aki pounded through and stretched out to dot down Ireland’s second try. The conversion saw Ireland carry a 1513 lead into the break.

Leavy powered home for Ireland’s third try early in the seond half. And the hosts bagged the bonus-point score comfortably inside the hour, courtesy of Healy’s short drive home. But just when Ireland thought they were home and hosed, Shingler popped up on the wing to coast over after the hosts simply ran out of defensive numbers.

Halfpenny’s stunning touchline conversion pushed Wales within seven points, but there was to be no stir ring comeback.

Murray’s calm penalty nudge proved hugely important, as Wales sneaked a third tr y through wing Evans, conjured

by Josh Navidi’s neat flip-pass.

Halfpenny’s conversion cut Ireland’s lead to just three points with as many minutes on the clock.

But as the clock ticked over 80 minutes the Welsh took one risk too many in search of the winning score. Stockdale read their backline play, intercept ed the pass and raced over untouched to cement the win.

Emerging Irish star Jacob Stockdale goes over for the first of his two tries against Wales at the Aviva Stadium last weekend. The young Ulster winger has now scored seven tries in five appearances for Ireland.

Don’t mention Grand Slam, cautions Schmidt Nick Purewal JOE Schmidt insists no Grand Slam fever will infect Ireland’s bubble as his side edge ever closer to a NatWest 6 Nations title decider with England.

Ireland even shook off Johnny Sexton missing 10 points off the tee, with head coach Schmidt later insisting he merely has a bruised gluteus muscle.

A record-equalling 10th successive Test win now puts Ireland just two wins away from a first Grand Slam in nine years, with the last-weekend England clash slated for March 17 at Twickenham. Asked if the Ireland squad can keep any Grand

Slam talk at bay, Schmidt said: “It’s a lot easier for us than it is externally because we do live in a bit of a bubble through the championship.

“Every Tuesday the players train then leave and that’s when they might be a little more exposed to the hype. Wednesday is a down day, it allows them to freshen up. We try to break the rugby focus into the early and late part of the week.

Once we’re in those phases it’s relatively easy. Next week will be trickier because we break up on Tuesday and the players will get a few days off then.

“In the early part of the week we won’t get too excited about

what we’ve done because we’ve got a few things planned for them. You’ll see them working hard and rolling their sleeves up at the open session next week.”

Sexton carried a stiff back into the Wales clash at the Aviva Stadium and emerged at the other end with a bruised backside. Conor Murray picked up a minor foot problem, but head coach Schmidt insists his halfbacks will be fit to face Scotland in Dublin on March 10.

“Johnny just got a bit of dead glute, so he kind of copped a knee in the backside really,” Schmidt said of Sexton. “Again at that stage of the game he could have stayed on and

played on. But we’ve got a lot of confidence in Joey Carbery.

“We want to keep growing the group, and it was good for Joey.

We felt he was well enough placed to control that last five minutes. Conor just got his foot trapped and twisted awkwardly, but he’s walking without any problems at all.”

Wales boss Warren Gatland admitted defeat ended any lingering chances of his side chasing the Six Nations title, but insisted they must now fight for a third-place finish.

“We’ll get some players into the squad without making too many changes, and look at building depth.”

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