Irish Echo, December 2019

YOU LITTLE BEAUTY

Martin McDonagh’s Irish Stage Classic In Sydney PAGE 24

ALL IRISH PLAY-OFF?

Republic and Northern Ireland on collision path for Euro 2020.

PAGE 29

THE LATE, LATE GAY BYRNE Tears and tributes for the titan of Irish broadcasting PAGE 6

December, 2019 | Volume 32 – Number 12 | AU$5.95 (incl GST)

DEAL OF THE CENTURY

Aussie firm buys Irish company for €327m

Ireland and Australia to clash in International Rules two-Test series

The deal could be worth €213 million for PFS founder Noel Moran.

happy to be listed on the Australian Stock Exchange as a result of this transaction.

“It has been a magnificent journey and I am excited about the possibilities and opportunities that this will bring us.

“I look forward to working with the EML team and cross-selling our expanded payment solutions. The EML product suite adds considerably to our existing capabilities and our combined global reach enables the group to service clients worldwide.”

EML managing director and group chief executive officer, Tom Cregan said: “PFS is highly complementary to EML’s existing solutions suite.”

David Moran of Ireland and Australia’s Nic Naitanui clash during the 2014 International Rules Series in Perth. The hybrid code will make a comeback in 2020 with two Tests to be played in Ireland next November. Picture: Ray McManus

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MEATH-based Prepaid Financial Services has been bought by Australia’s EML Payments in a deal worth €327 million. The payment solutions provider said the deal would also comprise an additional earn-out component if Prepaid Financial achieves certain earnings targets.

Prepaid Financial Services provides e-wallets and digital banking software among other services.

Apart from its Irish base in Navan, where it employs more 100 of its 180 staff, the company has offices in Malta, London and Manchester.

In September, the company said it would take on another 50 people amid a multimillion-euro investment in a new building in Trim, Co Meath.

The company said those plans would continue following the takeover and suggested that the deal may even lead to more investment in Ireland.

Founded in 2008 by Noel Moran, PFS is one of Europe’s largest issuers of e-money and is now active in 25 countries.

Mr Moran controls 65 per cent of the company, meaning that Monday’s deal could be worth up to €213 million to him. His wife, Valerie Willis, is in line for a €53 million payout given her 16.3 per cent stake in the group.

In a statement the company said: “From humble beginnings over a decade ago, PFS started life at a kitchen table and now we are so

It’s back: Hybrid code to return next year

2 | December, 2019

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THE IRISH ECHO

Opinion

From the editor’s desk

Irish right-wing extremism on the rise AUSTRALIA is often forced to defend itself against the charge of racism.

There are racists in Australia, no doubt. The incarceration and mortality rates of Indigenous people alone point to an enduring, systemic form of racism. People of colour and of non-English speaking background often encounter racism. We hear and see xenophobic messages in our media. Lazy politicians shamefully dog-whistle their way into power.

And yet, the amazing diversity of the Australian population has not led to an increase in ethnic ghettoes or significant violence. Australia is a relatively peaceful place. The children of almost all migrants to this country see themselves as Australian first and the power of diversity and multiculturalism grows stronger each year.

Ireland has long prided itself on the fact that, unlike other Western countries, it has not witnessed an emergence of hard-right, anti-immigrant, ethnically-intolerant politics. But, sadly, that appears to be shifting.

In recent months, a number of high-profile incidents have revealed that Ireland has its own racially-intolerant underbelly.

Galway West TD Noel Grealish has been widely criticised for stirring up

anti-immigrant sentiment. He told a public meeting in Oughterard, Co Galway that African asylum-seekers arriving into Ireland were “economic migrants” who “sponge” off the system.

Then, in the Dáil, he provoked a storm of criticism when he honed in on the amount of money Nigerian immigrants were sending back to their homeland, asking if the Revenue Commissioners or the Department of Finance had a method of tracking the source of this money to ensure it was not the proceeds of crime and fraud.

More recently, the governing Fine Gael party has been drawn into the escalating racism debate after its candidate in last weekend’s Wexford byelection, Verona Murphy, said asylum seekers who come to Ireland need to be “deprogrammed” because they may have been influenced by ISIS. She later apologised.

All this comes off the back of a damning report on racism in Ireland by the European Union’s human rights agency. More than 6,000 migrants were interviewed for the research report, Being Black in the EU, in 12 member states.

One in eight of those surveyed in the 12 states said they had faced dis-

crimination because of skin colour. A third of those surveyed in Ireland said they had been victims.

This evidence-based finding, backed by anecdotal feedback from immigrants (a black Luas driver said last month that he was racially abused

“Irish politicians

are learning the power of the dog whistle.

”

every day at work) paints a troubling picture of a changing Ireland.

The ethnic, social isolation of Travellers in modern Irish society is further evidence of a growing intolerance.

Irish Times columnist Fintan O’Toole told The Irish Echo recently that it was more difficult to get “largescale anti-immigrant feeling going” in Ireland because it was both an immigrant, and an emigrant country.

Seventeen per cent of people resident in Ireland were born some-

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where else while 17 per cent of Irishborn people have lived outside Ireland, he pointed out.

But that assertion – and Ireland’s enlightened halo of tolerance – appears to be falling apart as Irish politicians tap a vein of discontent.

The pain from Ireland’s economic crash – caused be the greed of unscrupulous bankers and the abject incompetence of authories paid to police the sector – continues to be felt.

Many ordinary working Irish people – particularly outside Dublin – are still in negative equity on their home or can not get finance to buy a house. Ten years of austerity has taken its toll.

Irish politicians are learning – like John Howard did in Australia in 2001, like Trump did in 2015, like the Brexiteers did in 2016 – the power of the dog-whistle.

The problem, apart from the contemptable philosophies involved, is the forces such rhetoric can unleash.

Think of Christchurch or Charlottesville or the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, or El Paso or Charleston. Cronulla was Australia’s wake-up call.

Deliberate attempts to stir up anti-immigrant sentiment – be in in Wexford or Wagga Wagga – is a path to despair and disaster.

Editor/Publisher Billy Cantwell Design Stuart Middleton Office Tina King-Garde Contributors Elizabeth Morgan Meg Kanofski David Hennessy Frank O’Shea Mal Rogers Telephone: +61 2 9555 9199 Postal Address: PO Box 256, Balmain, NSW 2041, Australia E-mail (Admin): hello@irishecho.com.au E-mail (Editorial): editor@irishecho.com.au The Irish Echo is a national publication published monthly

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IRISH AUSTRALIA

ARIMDALE RESIDENTS CREDIT ‘LUCK OF THE IRISH’ FOR BRINGING RAIN AND WATER

Irish truckies take on the drought MEG KANOFSKI

AN Irishman has led a 90 truck-strong convoy to fire-ravaged regional NSW, delivering desperately needed water and boosting community morale.

More than 100 construction workers gathered at Sydney’s Rosehill Racecourse before sunrise on November 23, embarking on a seven hour journey to transport 900,000 litres of donated water to Armidale.

Welder Peter McMahon had hatched plans to cart water to drought-stricken areas even before the outbreak of devastating spring bushfires.

“If you can help one person, you should,” he said.

With the need for water intensifying, Mr McMahon enlisted the help of the Sydney Irish community.

Excavation workers Chris Murphy, John Hickey and Nora Murphy coming on board to help organise a largescale run.

Mr McMahon, who migrated to Australia almost a decade ago, hoped to help the wider communities surrounding the Armidale region, with local councils getting involved to distribute resources.

Drinking water was dispersed for locals and livestock, while undrinkable water aided firefighting efforts.

Mr McMahon praised the goodwill not only of the volunteers who provided their time, vehicles and funds, but also of the businesses who offered their assistance.

Randwick’s Two Ones Cafe ensured volunteers were well fed with breakfast rolls before their dawn departure, while Sydney haulage companies were crucial to collecting hundreds of pallets of water.

Grateful residents of Uralla and other regional towns lined the streets to see the trucks roll through before they arrived at their final destination bearing liquid gold.

Armidale mother Lee Boundy celebrated the “luck of the Irish”, thanking the group for bringing the rain with it.

Peter McMahon (left) organised the water run to Armidale.

The region experienced its heaviest rainfall in months over the weekend.

“I was brought to tears when they were driving in … I stood on the side of the road clapping, tooting my horn and blowing kisses to them all,” Ms Boundy said.

Residential colleges at the University of New England hosted many of the volunteers, while others chose to book into nearby accomodation to further support the local economy.

Brisbane-based Killarney native Richard Lenihan is now fundraising for a similar project in aid of rural towns in South East Queensland.

The Queensland convoy will head to Stanthorpe on 21 December, delivering a vital Christmas gift for the Southern Downs, which has been doing it tough in the drought.

Bushfire claims Irish family’s home AN Irish-Australian family has leant on its NSW community for support after bushfires ravaged their north coast home and farm.

Wexford man Kieran Walsh and his wife Jennifer lost everything, said Ms Walsh’s sister-in-law Debra Smith Ryan, who arranged a fundraiser for the parents and their four children to help get them back on their feet.

“The family are OK … they have received a lot of clothing and essentials,” she said.

Ms Smith Ryan said the family of six had moved into a rental property in the Yarranbella area and “will look at rebuilding when they can”.

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The Peakhurst business owner helped garner support and more than $5,000 through a Facebook fundraiser, which has helped with the family’s temporary accomodation costs.

The family was shocked when told it had minutes to evacuate their property last month, because they had not believed they were directly in the bushfires’ path.

Embers carried on the wind are thought to have started the blaze that left Mr Walsh and his 18-year-old daughter just enough time to grab essentials, such as their passports.

The Walshes’ home of almost sev-

en years is one of nearly 500 NSW houses that have been lost in this bushfire season, making it the most destructive in the state’s history.

At least 50 homes were damaged or destroyed by bushfires during a tortuous period for firefighters.

A week-long state of emergency was declared for NSW because of the extraordinary fire danger.

The annual Australian fire season has started early this after an unusually warm and dry winter.

Dozens of fires continue to burn as we go to press with Rural Fire Service chiefs warning of continuing dangers as the summer temperatures rise.

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IRISH AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY FESTIVAL

A sort of homecoming for Dublin-based pipe organist MEG KANOFSKI

THE Sydney Festival will welcome home a modern Australian pipe organist who has enthralled Cork with his immersive productions.

Robert Curgenven will fill the historic Town Hall with his composition Bronze Lands (Tailte Cré-Umha), but audiences shouldn’t expect quite the same experience as their Irish counterparts.

“There’s a real focus in my work on working with air … you can play the same music, but sound travels differently in cold air than in warm air,” he said. “You’re going to be getting different interactions between the tones and the overtones … it’s like how you never get the same weather twice.”

Mr Curgenven has called several European cities home in the last decade, leaving Australia after the suspension of Native Title land rights in Indigenous communities he worked closely with.

“I felt that I couldn’t in good faith as a whitefella stay and work in the Northern Territory, so I bought a one-way ticket and left Australia,” he told the Irish Echo from Ireland.

His time in Cork has not only offered him the opportunity to play Ireland’s largest organ, the 150-yearold heart of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, but also inspired the piece he will bring to Australian shores.

The Bronze Lands’ arrangement draws on the seafaring history of Ireland and Cornwall – the composer’s ancestral homeland – with Irish copper and Cornish tin carried across oceans and married to produce the Bronze Age’s most desirable alloy.

The piece’s migration from Cork’s Cathedral to Sydney’s Town Hall will see Mr Curgenven master another famed instrument, the 19th century Grand Organ recently restored to its original splendour.

Contemporary is not a word often associated with organ music, but Curgenven, a child of the 1970s, puts on a show that is anything but old-fashioned. His 50-minute epic is performed complete with a light show that emphasises the brilliance of the architectural surrounds.

Festival attendees will be invited to lie on the floor to sense the subsonic music’s reverberations and watch the accompanying light display.

“It’s like when people have a sauna together … there’s the potential for people to experience something collectively,” Mr Curgenven said.

“It puts you in a more relaxed position where you’re able to lose yourself in the sound.”

Robert Curgenven will perform Bronze Lands (Tailte Cré-Umha) at Sydney Town Hall on January 21.

Robert Curgenven is an Ireland-based Australian artist who will perform at the Sydney Festival.

Drink-driver Former minister cherished Irish heritage found guilty after fatal incident VALE PAUL WHELAN

Paul Whelan (right) with former NSW Premier Bob Carr.

FORMER politician, publican and horse breeder Paul Whelan has died at the age of 75.

Mr Whelan was a respected elder of the Australian Labor Party having served as an MP and, under Premier Bob Carr, as the state’s longest-serving Minister for Police.

Within the Sydney Irish community, he was best known for his association with the Mercantile Hotel, which he part-owned.

After his funeral Mass on November 7, friends and family gathered at the famous pub in The Rocks for his wake.

Mr Whelan’s parents came to Sydney from Co Kerry in the 1920s and Paul cherished his Irish background, ensuring The Mercantile

stayed true to its Irish roots over the years.

Following his political career, he went on to establish and operate a successful racehorse breeding business, Luskin Park Stud, in the lower Hunter region. Over the years Mr Whelan experienced success as a breeder and owner of Group One winning horses with the likes of Rock Classic, Foxwedge and Flying Artie.

In a statement, the Mercantile Hotel said: “Everyone associated with Paul’s family and The Mercantile are feeling the loss of such a great man who lived a wonderful life.

“His legacy will live on through Irish music and great craic at The Merc.”

IRISHMAN HAS FOOT AMPUTATED AFTER MELBOURNE ACCIDENT

Massive response to fundraiser AN online appeal has been launched for a Tipperary man left with life changing injuries after a car accident in Melbourne.

Sean Ryan Shiner, 28, who was set to move back home at Christmas following five years in Australia, has had his right foot amputated after the accident on November 21.

Sean’s parents, from Tipperary, have flown out to be by his side during his treatment in hospital.

His sister Denise wrote on his GoFundMe fundraising page: “On the day of the accident Seán underwent emergency surgery in an attempt

to save his right foot. Initial signs gave us hope that this operation was somewhat successful, but this is not the case. Seán has had his right foot amputated from the shin and has had two plates put into his left hip.

The nature of his injuries means that Seán will require a number of additional surgeries along with intensive rehabilitation in the coming weeks, months and beyond.

“At this point, we are unsure how long rehabilitation will take. What we do know is that Seán is receiving the best possible care in The Alfred Hospital Melbourne; he has an excellent

medical team and has an absolutely superb bunch of friends who have rallied around him and his family at this difficult time.

“First and foremost Seán is a family man and is very much loved by his parents: Pat and Teresa, sisters: Avril, Denise and Patrice, nieces, nephew and his girlfriend Steph. He is also a valued member of the Melbourne Shamrocks GAA Club and Golden/ Kilfeacle GAA Club.”

As we go to press more than €70,000 has been raised. To donate, visit gofundme.com and search for “Sean Ryan Shiner”.

Sean Ryan Shiner playing hurling for the Melbourne Shamrocks.

AN Irish tradie has been found guilty of dangerous driving for an accident in which a young woman died.

Patrick Paul Nealon, 38, was intoxicated when he hit and killed Nicole Lewanski, 22, at Wolli Creek in Sydney in December 2016.

Nealon had his bail revoked and will appear at a sentencing hearing this week.

After a three-week trial in the Downing Centre District Court, a jury found Nealon guilty of aggravated dangerous driving occasioning death.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court heard Nealon had a blood alcohol limit of 0.169 – more than three times the legal limit – after the accident on the Princes Highway.

The prosecution alleged Nealon told a paramedic he had “maybe 15 schooners of beer” during a drinking session which lasted about four hours.

Witnesses told the court they saw Nealon’s ute speeding and driving erratically before he attempted to cut across three lanes of traffic in an attempt to turn right.

He lost control of his car, slamming into a pedestrian island where Ms Lewanski was standing, throwing the 22-year-old student into the air and killing her.

irishecho.com.au

December, 2019 | 5

IRISH AUSTRALIA

AUSTRALIAN-BORN GRANDMOTHER GOES ON HUNGER STRIKE FOR CLIMATE ACTION

Starving for action on climate AOIFE MOORE

A 73-YEAR-OLD Australian-born grandmother went on hunger strike last month to protest against Ireland’s climate change policies.

Patricia Devlin’s action got her a meeting with the environment minister but she said she “wasn’t impressed with him”.

Ms Devlin, who is originally from Australia, but has lived in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, for 20 years, began a four-day strike in the hope of meeting Richard Bruton and calling on him to implement tougher policies to tackle the climate emergency.

Ms Devlin did meet Mr Bruton outside the Dáil, where she was protesting, but says the meeting was a disappointment.

“We had asked for a delegation to attend his office, but instead he appeared on the pavement and asked me why I wanted to meet with him,” she said.

“I told him that I was anxious about the future for my grandchildren, and that I didn’t have any confidence that the Irish climate change plan was going to achieve its targets in time to prevent tipping point of irreversible changes.”

Ms Devlin said Mr Bruton then began a long speech about climate

change policy and “reeled off ” his plans for the 2050 goals.

“I challenged whether that [2050 plan] was adequate,” she said.

“The figures they are working from on 2050 are not really compliant with what the scientists are saying at the moment.

“He repeated that 2050 was what international countries agreed with, and Ireland would be standing with them on the issue.

“He mentioned carbon tax and various other polices, which I’m sure are a step in the right direction, but not sufficiently urgent.

“Essentially we agreed to disagree very politely, but I thanked him for coming to meet me and making that gesture, but I’m not convinced or feel any less anxious about the future for mine and everyone else’s grandchildren.”

Mr Bruton did not ask her anything personal and did not mention the hunger strike, she said.

“He spoke a lot, it was difficult to get a point through, the minister has obviously made this speech a lot, going over his policies,” she said.

“It was a cordial interview but you’re not convinced. I didn’t get the impression he was listening.

“We didn’t get into any existential discussion, he made no reference to the implications of not meet-

Australian-born Patricia Devlin protesting outside Leinster House.

Picture: Niall Carson

ing deadlines, he kept repeating we needed an economic transition and talking about job losses.

“He made no reference to the reality of climate change policy he’d agreed on, [which is] worrying.”

Finishing her hunger strike,

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Ms Devlin said that although she did not feel very well, she had become even more committed to the environmental cause.

“I’m involved in Extinction Rebellion actions and to that extent I’ll keep protesting,” she said. “I don’t

see myself as an important individual … I’m part of a movement.”

A spokesman for the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment said: “The minister met with Patricia ... and listened to her concerns.”

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IRELAND

TRIBUTES FLOW FOR TITAN OF IRISH BROADCASTING

‘Gay showed us to ourselves’, funeral Mass hears MICHAEL MCHUGH DAVID YOUNG AINE MCMAHON

IRISH broadcaster Gay Byrne (right) changed his audience’s lives, mourners at his funeral heard.

The former presenter of Ireland’s flagship television show died last month aged 85 following a long illness.

RTÉ’s former director general Bob Collins paid tribute to his “profoundly human” colleague who put viewers at ease with his informal style on The Late Late Show and was a natural and empathetic listener.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar joined Mr Byrne’s wife Kathleen and other members of the broadcaster’s family at funeral Mass in Dublin.

“The audience knew instinctively that here was the genuine article,” Mr Collins said. “Here was one who spoke to and for them. Here was one who could and did change their lives.

“He made a difference in our world and for that our society will be forever in his debt.”

The former host of RTÉ’s popular Late Late Show and father-of-two had been undergoing treatment for cancer. He died in Howth, the seaside peninsula he called home for many years, surrounded by his family.

A host of well-known names attended his funeral in St Mary’s Pro Cathedral in Dublin city centre.

Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin was among clerics presiding at the service. He alluded to one of his predecessors, the austere and influential Archbishop Charles McQuaid, who decades ago raised concerns with the head of RTÉ at the time about one of Mr Byrne’s then-risque shows.

Mr Collins said television in the 1960s was revolutionary and his friend discerned what was coming, but noted

that broadcasting required judgment.

“We are in the realm of the profoundly human and that perhaps more than anything else is what marks Gay Byrne as special. For that too we have reason to be thankful.”

He said Mr Byrne was courteous at all times and professional to his fingertips. He had a good sense of humour and engaged with his audiences, at times in side-splittingly funny fashion, Mr Collins added.

He was involved in broadcasting for 37 years and more recently supported children’s health care and road safety.

Mr Collins paid tribute to the star’s resilience and talent, empathy and patience, and said his audiences knew he was genuine.

“Gay showed us to ourselves and he had the ability to reach out to a vast audience by speaking to each person individually. I firmly believe that public service broadcasting at its best is our community’s conversation with itself.

“If that is right then Gay Byrne is first among those we have to thank for the ability to talk and to listen to ourselves,” he said.

Much-loved: (Clockwise from above) Saoirse O’Byrne, granddaughter of Gay Byrne at his funeral Mass; Ryan Tubridy and Andrea Corr; Gay Byrne’s widow Kathleen Watkins and daughters Crona and Suzy; businessman Denis O’Brien; former president Mary McAleese; former RTE colleague Mike Murphy; comedian Tommy Tiernan and former president Mary Robinson.

GAY BYRNE :: 1934-2019

Skilled broadcaster changed Ireland AINE MCMAHON

GAY Byrne was a titan of Irish broadcasting for several decades before his death last month at the age of 85.

Born in Dublin in 1934, he grew up in Rialto and was the youngest in a family of four boys and one girl. He was married to harpist and broadcaster Kathleen Watkins with whom he had two daughters.

His love for broadcasting began at an early age when he was taken on a school trip to the national broadcaster Radio Éireann to take part in a programmed called Children At The Microphone. However, he began his early career working in insurance until he was taken on as a presenter at Radio Éireann, turning his hand to everything from continuity announcer to sports broadcaster.

When he became the presenter of The Late Late Show in 1962, it was originally intended to last for one summer season. He went on to

Gay Byrne with his daughters Crona and Susy in 2003.

present the show until 1999, and it remains on television, an institution in Irish broadcasting and the longest running chat show in the world.

The magazine format meant Byrne interviewed a variety of guests from

sectors of Irish society who sometimes unwittingly put him at the centre of history.

In what became known as the Bishop and The Nightie scandal, in 1966 Byrne asked a married man what

colour nightie his wife wore on their honeymoon. She replied that she could not remember and maybe she had worn none at all. The Bishop of Clonfert, Thomas Ryan, protested and the widespread outrage led to some declaring the show as “smut”.

In 1994, after the ban on Sinn Féin speaking on airwaves in the Republic of Ireland was lifted, Mr Byrne introduced Gerry Adams as a guest saying: “We have just been joined by the most controversial man on this island”. Mr Byrne refused to shake hands with Mr Adams following the interview.

An interview in 1992 with the then UK Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Brooke resulted in controversy after he was encourage by Mr Byrne to sing Oh My Darling Clementine.

His performance provoked unionist anger as it came on the same day when eight Protestant building workers were killed and six were badly injured following an IRA bomb attack in Co Tyrone. Mr Brooke resigned

soon after the interview. Some of the most famous Late Late Show interviews include journalist Terry Keane revealing her longstanding affair with the married Taoiseach Charles Haughey, and when Byrne interviewed an American woman, Annie Murphy, who had a son with Bishop Eamon Casey.

After his retirement from the show in 1999, Byrne continued to work in Irish TV and radio with programmes such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Gaybo’s Grumpy Men and The Meaning Of Life.

He was appointed chairman of the Road Safety Authority and also toyed with the idea of running to be president of Ireland.

Byrne suffered poor health in his later years, having a heart attack in 2015 and being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016.

He is survived by wife Kathleen and their daughters Crona and Suzy and their families.

irishecho.com.au

December, 2019 | 7

IRELAND

NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN

‘Biggest investment since electrification’ AINE MCMAHON

THE €3 billion National Broadband Plan will be the biggest investment in Ireland since rural electrification, the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has said.

The Cabinet approved the proposal to sign the National Broadband Plan contract last month. The rollout of high-speed broadband to more than half a million homes throughout the country will begin in January. But it could take up to seven years before every home and business gets highspeed broadband under the plan.

The European Commission has been investigating whether the Government spend on the plan breached European Union state aid rules, which restrict national investment in services offered by private ventures.

The project has faced controversy, delays and setback, with a number of firms pulling out of the bidding process for the contract. Opposition parties have also called for the broadband network to publicly owned, because the state is investing so much money in the project.

“It is the biggest investment in rural Ireland ever and the most significant since rural electrifi-

cation.” Every local authority in the country is investing an average of more than €100 million in the project, the Taoiseach said.

Initially 300 broadband connection points will be set up in community settings such as GAA clubs, community centres and public libraries.

These hubs will provide free highspeed broadband to people living in rural areas until broadband is delivered to their homes.

Mr Varadkar referred to the case of a young girl with an interest in coding who had to go to the carpark of her local supermarket to pick up wi-fi because it was so poor in her home.

“Poor internet is not unique to rural parts of Ireland and indeed Dublin,” he said.

Quality broadband across the state will mean “rural Ireland has a 21st-century future”.

“This is a national solution to a national problem. Today’s plan means that every business, every home and school across Ireland will receive high-speed broadband and benefit from the opportunities that digital technology provides.”

Tánaiste Simon Coveney said the plan will enable young people to stay

in Ireland and work remotely instead of having to emigrate.

“Without this plan, we could see depopulation in parts of Ireland where young people will simply refuse to live because they can’t access the kind of information flow that allows them to develop their careers and to live normal lives.”

Mr Coveney compared the arguments against the rollout of broadband to those made against rural electrification.

“This is an investment in the future that is as significant as decisions that were made during rural electrification, when some people were making the argument that ‘maybe we can’t afford to do it at that pace and that maybe we should do it in phases’.

“Maybe we should just allow certain communities who have chosen to live in isolated rural parts of the country to face the consequence of that isolation, and we’ll get to them in time, when we can afford.

“The argument that some people are making … sounds ridiculous in the context of access to electricity or water or other essential public services. Broadband is in that [essential services’] category,” he said.

GREEN MACHINES

ESB Networks has begun decarbonising its fleet, with the purchase of 70 full electric vehicles. The Nissan ENV200s will be added to the fleet over the next year. It is estimated 170 tonnes of carbon will be offset annually by phasing out diesel in ESB Networks’ small van fleet. The vehicles will be deployed nationally to replace small diesel equivalents working in the areas of metering and stores. Pictured is Paul Mulvaney, executive director, customer delivery ESB Networks, with some of the EVs.

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8 | December, 2019

irishecho.com.au

NORTHERN IRELAND

DUP LEADER RULES OUT TAKING PART IN CITIZENS’ ASSEMBLY ON UNITED IRELAND

Foster ‘no’ to unity talks

tory and geography, and therefore, has special arrangements regarding powersharing in Northern Ireland,” he said. “When it comes to issue of a Citizens’ Assembly … it’s certainly not something that I rule out and it is something that I will give consideration to.”

Mr Varadkar said now was not the right time to call for a Citizens’ Assembly. “I think we need to bear in mind – would unionists participate in the Citizens’ Assembly? A million of them, making up half the population in Northern Ireland is a very significant minority on this island. Would British citizens living in Northern Ireland participate?”

“And if they would not, that would fundamentally change the nature of that Citizens’ Assembly, because it would seek to discuss the constitutional future of this island,” he said.

If Unionists did not participate, a Citizens’ Assembly would become a “pan-Nationalist” assembly, rather than one representing citizens across Ireland, the Taoiseach said.

THE DUP will not take part in a Citizens’ Assembly in Dublin for a united Ireland, the party’s leader, Arlene Foster, has said.

Sinn Féin has been calling for the establishment of an all-Ireland Citizens’ Assembly to discuss the potential for Irish unity.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he would not rule out a Citizens’ Assembly but questioned if unionists living in Northern Ireland would take part.

Mr Varadkar said if unionists living in Northern Ireland did not take part in a Citizens’ Assembly, it would risk becoming a “pan-nationalist” assembly.

Ms Foster told BBC Radio Ulster her party would not take part in a Citizens’ Assembly despite reports her colleague Nigel Dodds said the DUP would.

The Irish News reported that Mr Dodds said the DUP will consider proposals for a Citizens’ Assembly examining Irish unity but that dialogue must be conducted “first and

foremost” through political representatives. Ms Foster said that is not the position of the party.

“Well, Nigel thought that question was relating to the civic arena in Northern Ireland and not a Citizens’ Assembly in the Republic of Ireland,” she said. “We will not be involving ourselves in any all-Ireland civic forum because we believe in the Union.

“If you read our manifesto … you will see that we’re very much focusing on next generation unionism.

“We want to build Northern Ireland inside the United Kingdom in a very strong way, have the United Kingdom Cabinet meetings here in Northern Ireland, have a reform of the British-Irish Council so it is more meaningful and to look at the joint ministerial council meetings which take place between Westminster, Scotland, Wales and ourselves so that is a more meaningful process.”

“We’re not focusing on a united Ireland; we’re focused on the United Kingdom and building a

STORMONT

NEW UNIONIST LEADER NOT IN FAVOUR OF BREXIT DEAL

AINE MCMAHON

Fresh talks to revive stalled Assembly

DUP leader Arlene Foster and her deputy Peter Dodds at the party’s manifesto launch for the Westminster elections.

stronger United Kingdom,” she said.

Earlier, the Taoiseach said he would not rule out a Citizens’ Assembly on a United Ireland.

Sinn Féin has been calling for the establishment of an all-Ireland Citizens’ Assembly to discuss the potential for Irish unity.

“We should not forget what the Good Friday Agreement is all about.

It’s about acknowledging that Northern Ireland has a unique his-

REBECCA BLACK

NEW talks to revive devolved government in Northern Ireland will start on December 16, the Northern Ireland Secretary, Julian Smith, has said.

Unless agreement is reached by January 13, Assembly elections will be triggered.,Mr Smith said.

“This one [deadline] is real.

January 13 the law changes and an election has to be called in the absence of new legislation,” he said.

“Each party had made a commitment to getting back into talks and I think that will happen whatever the situation the week after the election. We can’t let this run and run, we have got to get this sorted.

“There is a deal ready to go. My colleague Tánaiste Simon Coveney has been meeting Sinn Féin and others. I have been continuing to meet with the parties in Northern Ireland. Let’s see what the election result is, but in all circumstances every party needs to get back into serious discussions that week before Christmas.”

DUP leader Arlene Foster and Sinn Féin vice-president Michelle O’Neill have indicated their willingness to resume talks after the UK general election on December 12.

“I think we are close to getting into position where we can get Stormont back up and running,” Mr Smith said. “I am confident with the best will, with a Christmas spirit, these parties can get this done.”

IN BRIEF

CROSS-BORDER MARCH FOR UNITY A MARCH has taken place across the Irish border calling for the unification of the island.

Participants gathered in Lifford, Co Donegal before walking across a bridge into Strabane , Co Tyrone.

Addressing the crowd in Strabane, event organiser Liam Sweeney said partition has “failed Ireland”.

“Our message is a simple message, if the Irish unity community can come together and co-operate on our common goal, we can successfully tackle any issues that we face,” he said. “Partition has failed consecutive generations of Irish people, wreaking havoc on border communities. This town has been decimated by it over the years. Partition has prevented our entire island from reaching its true social, economic and cultural potential.”

ADAMS DETENTION WAS ‘UNLAWFUL’ GERRY Adams’ historic prison escape convictions should be overturned because his detention was unlawful, the UK’s highest court has heard.

The former Sinn Féin leader claims two 1975 convictions relating to his attempts to escape from the Maze Prison in the early 1970s are unsafe because his detention was not “personally considered” by a senior Government minister.

Lawyers for Mr Adams, 71, argue that because the interim custody order (ICO) used to detain him was not authorised by the then-secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Willie Whitelaw, his detention was unlawful.

Mr Adams attempted to escape from the Maze Prison, also known as Long Kesh internment camp, on Christmas Eve 1973 and again in July 1974. He was later sentenced to a total of four-and-a-half years.

COLLUSION CLAIMS AIRED IN DUBLIN STRONG UNION: Steve Aiken is congratulated by his wife Beth as he is confirmed as the new Ulster Unionist Party leader, replacing Robin Swann. On the issue of Brexit, Mr Aiken said the UUP did not support Boris Johnson’s deal. He said he was in favour of remaining in the EU in order to protect the union with Britain. “We joined the European Union together as a United Kingdom. The only thing on the table is now Boris Johnson’s deal - we’re going to have to remain in the EU to be able to ... keep the UK together.” Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

CITIZENSHIP CASE APPEAL

NI woman’s appeal to test Good Friday clause A DERRY woman has lodged a challenge in the Court of Appeal in Belfast to a ruling that those born in the north of Ireland are automatically British citizens.

Emma De Souza from Magherafelt won a case against the Home Office in 2017 when it deemed she was British after her US-born husband Jake applied for a residency card.

But in October an immigration tribunal upheld an appeal brought by the Home Office.

Government lawyers argued that people born in Northern Ireland are British citizens according to the 1981

British Nationality Act, even if they identify as Irish.

The Good Friday Agreement allows people to identify as British, Irish or both, but the Home Office says the agreement did not supersede the 1981 British Nationality Act. Ms De Souza’s legal team last week submitted papers to the Court of Appeal in Belfast to challenge the October ruling. She said that she and her husband are fundraising to pay for the challenge, which is estimated to cost up to £100,000.

Ms De Souza said they hope to get a hearing date at the Court of

Appeal next year. “We don’t have a date yet but I believe the process might move relatively quickly,” she said. “We would hope to get news before Christmas, and if not, February.”

The case goes back to 2015 when Mr De Souza applied for a residence card with his wife sponsoring his application as an European Economic Area (EEA) national.

“In terms of the Good Friday Agreement, this is a fundamental right. Identity was at the centre of decades of conflict in Northern “Ireland which is why this provision is so important,” she said earlier.

THE Irish Government needs to listen to the concerns about Unionists living in Northern Ireland when it comes to legacy issues, the Deputy Irish Premier has said.

Simon Coveney met DUP MEP Diane Dodds in Dublin to discuss the case of Ian Sproule, who was murdered in Co Tyrone in 1991, aged 23.

Ms Dodds has repeatedly made calls on the Irish Government to investigate allegations of collusion in connection with the IRA murder of Mr Sproule.

“It is a very tragic case. It is a murder and it was an awful act of terrorism 28 years ago where a man was murdered by the IRA and the impact that murder has had on the family involved is clearly very evident 28 years later,” he said.

“I met one of the family members today with Diane Dodds.

“We had a good honest discussion on issues around trust, legacy and how the Irish Government needs to be listening to the Unionist community in Northern Ireland and issues to do with legacy and violence in the past.”

irishecho.com.au

December, 2019 | 9

BREXIT

CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR WARNS ‘ANY FORM OF BREXIT WILL BE DAMAGING FOR IRELAND’

Economy will suffer: bank chief AINE MCMAHON

ANY form of Brexit will be damaging for Ireland, the Governor of the Central Bank has said.

Gabriel Makhlouf said Brexit represents an enormous change and transition for society, businesses and the economy as a whole.

In his first keynote speech since being appointed Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, Mr Makhlouf said Ireland has a small open economy that leaves it vulnerable to external risks such as Brexit.

“Our work on Brexit has spanned across our mandates, and we have published extensive analysis of, and advice on, the risks and the steps required to mitigate them,” he said.

“Ensuring that people, households, firms and the country adapt,

adjust, and manage this change is a constant process.”

Mr Makhlouf was addressing students at Waterford Institute of Technology.

“Brexit will inevitably bring disruption, even with a deal, which, by its very nature, will dissipate over time. But we must not lose sight of the inevitable long-term costs.

“Any form of Brexit will be damaging for Ireland.”

He said the Central Bank has been preparing for Britain’s exit from the EU for some time but the Withdrawal Agreement is stage one of a longer process. While the UK is set to leave the EU at the end of January, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has yet to get the Withdrawal Agreement ratified by Parliament.

Mr Johnson is hoping to secure

Central Bank governor Gabriel Makhlouf

a majority in the General Election on December 12 to enable him to achieve that.

“Our work will continue over the coming weeks, months, and indeed years as we all transition to the new arrangements, whatever they may

be. The fact is that the process is far from over. Simply having a Withdrawal Agreement is not the end of the road but only the end of the beginning,” he said.

Mr Mahklouf said analysis by Central Bank economists shows that a disorderly Brexit or a permanent loss of corporation tax revenue could result in the level of debt remaining above 90 per cent of national income “well into the middle of the next decade”.

He said it was crucial the level of public debt be reduced so that public finances can withstand the negative shocks Brexit could bring.

He said economic resilience is needed for the country to meet the economic challenges ahead.

“Building economic resilience is not like building a bulwark and then

assuming the job is done. There is no one-off solution to the challenge of building resilience. It is a continuous process, involving individuals, households, businesses, institutions and authorities, such as the Central Bank, both at home and abroad.

“Irrespective of the particular ‘shift’ or ‘shock’, rapid change in the world around us and our openness and international interconnectedness mean we need to build resilience,” he added.

While Ireland’s economy has benefited greatly from its openness, the economic crisis and recession “showed just how vulnerable we are to shifts in global economic and financial conditions, in particular when large domestic imbalances are allowed to build up”, Mr Mahklouf said.

SCOTTISH-IRISH LINKS ‘WILL BE STRENGTHENED’

LEE CHILD DECRIES ‘SILLY’ BRITAIN

CELTIC CONNECTION: Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the British-Irish Council meeting.

BRITISH writer Lee Child, creator of the Jack Reacher thriller series, is reportedly applying for an Irish passport because of Brexit.

Child, whose real name is James Grant, has sold more than 100 million books. He lives between the UK and the US but is entitled to an Irish passport because his father was born in Belfast.

The author said he wants an Irish passport to avoid possible post-Brexit travel restrictions in Europe.

“I haven’t got the passport yet but I will do very soon.

“It feels like I’m cheating to be honest as I will get in the back door,” Child (right) told The Irish Times.

He was speaking in Berlin as part of a European “Friendship Tour”, where Child and fellow British authors Kate Mosse, Jojo Moyes and

Review aimed at building on ‘deep bonds’ LEWIS MCKENZIE

SCOTTISH First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has vowed to strengthen the deep bonds between Scotland and Ireland, as a review was set up to develop the relationship.

The First Minister made the comments as she met Tánaiste Simon Coveney in Edinburgh.

The joint bilateral review will look at how the nations can work together over the next five years in areas including business and the economy, as well as in developing academic and research links. It will also consider what collaborative work can be carried out to help the rural, coastal and island communities of both Scotland and Ireland.

“Ireland and Scotland already enjoy close political, economic, community and cultural ties, but we are committed to strengthening

those deep bonds,” Ms Sturgeon said after the meeting.

“The Scottish-Irish health forum is an example of a collaboration which shares mutual challenges and solutions, and there is scope to collaborate across key policy areas that have the potential for greater rewards that will help shaping our shared future. The review will aid that process by consolidating existing ties in a new international environment and unlocking the relationship’s further potential.”

Mr Coveney said he hoped the two countries can take their relationship to a new level.

“Ireland and Scotland have ancient links. At the same time, ours is a vibrant, modern, forward-looking relationship, grounded in shared values and common interests.

“Over the coming months we are doing something new together, and

through the review I hope we can take our relationship to a new level, for the mutual benefit of the people of Ireland and Scotland.”

Ms Sturgeon also met Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at the British-Irish Council meeting in Dublin.

The summit was attended by senior figures from the UK and devolved governments.

The group said it spent time discussing Britain’s exit from the EU and the potential fall-out for each of their jurisdictions.

“Much of the next steps depends on what happens in the UK elections,” Mr Varadkar said.

“I think we’ll all reassess the situation when we receive the results of the election.

“Whatever happens, we’re all very keen to ensure that there is a close relationship between Ireland and the UK.”

Jack Reacher author to seek Irish passport over Brexit

Ken Follett spoke out against Brexit.

“I am not a huge fan of Britain. It’s a silly and frustrating country, which is why I moved to America,” he said.

He said of Prime Minister Boris Johnson: “If he had gone to my school he would not now be Prime Minister.”.

THREAT OF VIOLENCE

May feared NI ‘terrorism’ HARRIET LANE

FORMER British Prime Minister Theresa May decided against allowing the UK to crash out of the EU without a deal after being warned about the potential for terrorism in Northern Ureland, her de facto deputy has said.

Former Cabinet minister David Lidington, who is standing down as an MP, revealed that Ms May effectively ruled out a no-deal Brexit after a meeting with police chiefs and community groups in Belfast in February.

“What really struck her was how the prospect of no-deal was driving them towards actively supporting a united Ireland, rather than being content to let sleeping dogs lie,” he told the Sunday Times.

Mr Lidington said that he did not think friction on the border would cause violence, but believed people would take seek to take advantage.

“People who are inclined that way would seize upon any opportunity ... because it would be a grievance they could exploit,” he said.

“Anything on the border itself, even cameras, was certain to produce an increase in tension. I sat in meetings in Londonderry and in Newry and County Fermanagh, and I was told that in no uncertain terms.”

Britain was due to leave the EU on March 29, but Ms May twice requested an extension to Article 50, resulting in her being offered a flexible extension to Brexit until October 31. The new deadline is now January 31, 2020.

10 | December, 2019

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Blow for Fine Gael after by-election brush off MICHAEL MCHUGH

IRELAND’S minority government has suffered a major blow after failing to win any seats in four by-elections which could provide clues before the country goes to the polls next year.

Fine Gael is Ireland’s largest party and its tight margin for passing laws with the support of a coalition of independents will shrink further following the result of last weekend’s vote in parts of Dublin and the south.

Contests were ordered to fill vacancies left by parliamentarians elected to the European Parliament in May. Fine Gael leader and Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, faces a general election for the Dáil parliament next spring while grappling with the impact of Brexit on the economy. He governs with the support of a number of independent members.

While the economy is relatively buoyant, Mr Varadkar is facing fierce criticism from rivals Fianna Fáil and left-wing

Former Crosscare emigrant support worker Joe O’Brien won the seat of Fingal for the Greens.

opponents over issues like homelessness.

A vote of no confidence in housing minister Eoghan Murphy, tabled by his political opponents, is due to be held this week.

Fianna Fáil has agreed to a so-called confidence-andsupply arrangement, whereby the main Opposition party will not support a motion of no confidence in the Government, or veto financial measures like budgets.

By-elections were held this

week in four constituencies.

Fianna Fail won two seats in Cork and Wexford.

Fine Gael’s candidate in Wexford, Verona Murphy, was embroiled in controversy after telling the Irish Times newspaper that Islamic State was “a big part of the migrant population”.

The Green Party took a seat in Dublin Fingal, while Sinn Féin took the Dublin MidWest seat. Analysts said the result was “a good day for Fianna Fáil, the Greens and Sinn Féin” and a bad one for Mr Varadkar and Fine Gael.

RTÉ’s Michael Lehane said: “This is particularly good news for Sinn Féin, which up until now had looked to be a party in decline since Mary Lou McDonald took over as leader from Gerry Adams.

“Mark Ward’s win [Dublin Mid West] and Thomas Gould’s solid showing in Cork lends no little weight to Lou McDonald’s claim that the party has turned the ship.

“All the while the Green Party ship continues to pick up speed,” she said.

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December, 2019 | 11

IRELAND

HEADSTONES ERECTED AT UNMARKED GRAVES OF 1920 BLOODY SUNDAY VICTIMS

A century on, a ‘mark of closure’ REBECCA BLACK

HEADSTONES have been unveiled at the last three unmarked graves of those killed in the 1920 Bloody Sunday shootings at Croke Park.

The GAA organised the commemorative stones in Glasnevin Cemetery on the 99th anniversary of the killings. Eight of the 14 people killed

by British soldiers at the historic GAA ground in Dublin were laid to rest in unmarked graves.

Since 2015 the Bloody Sunday Graves Project has been working with the surviving relatives of these victims to see the graves marked.

Headstones were unveiled for “ Jerome O’Leary, 10, the youngest of the victims, as well as for labourer Patrick O’Dowd, 57, and former soldier Michael Feery, 40.

On November 21 1920, British soldiers opened fire in Croke Park during a football match between Dublin and Tipperary. Fourteen were killed and dozens others injured. It came hours after the killing of 14 men by the IRA in an operation targeting British agents.

Almost a century on, members of the victims’ families were present alongside GAA president John Horan for the unveiling ceremony.

Liam Dineen, a relative of Mr O’Dowd, described the ceremony as poignant and fitting. His great-uncle is recalled heroically as having helped others escape the gunfire by guiding them over a wall before being shot dead.

“We are very proud as a family that his courage is recognised,” he said. “My aunt always spoke about her dad and the time growing up when she had lost a young brother and lost her father. She always regretted the fact that nothing had been done or said in his memory.

“It gives me a mark of closure for my aunt that at long last her father’s sacrifice has been noted and appreciated. So two years ago when the GAA approached me [about installing a headstone], I said ‘Of course, I’d be delighted’, I know that it would be a tribute to my aunt as well that this was being done.

“It was very fitting and very appropriate.”

Liam Dinneen, from Skerries, at the grave of his great-uncle Patrick O’Dowd at Glasnevin cemetery, where the GAA unveiled three headstones erected on the unmarked graves of three of the victims of the shootings at Croke Park in 1920. Picture: Brian Lawless

COMMEMORATIVE COIN CELEBRATES LYNOTT LEGACY

NEW RULES FOR BIRTH CERTIFICATES

New changes fall short of full equality, say LGBT+ advocates AOIFE MOORE

ROCK ICON: The late Phil Lynott who died in 1986 and (inset) the commemorative coin released by Ireland’s Central Bank.

Posthumous honour for Thin Lizzy frontman AOIFE MOORE

IRELAND’S Central Bank has launched a commemorative coin in honour of Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott.

The coin, in the year which marks what would have been the 70th birthday of the legendary Dublin musician, was launched by President Michael D Higgins at Lynott’s former school St Kevin’s College, in Crumlin. The school band played a medley of Thin Lizzy songs before the President spoke of Lynott’s contribution to Irish music and culture, saying: “Phil Lynott is not likely to be forgotten.”

In the crowd were Lynott’s daughters Sarah and Kathleen.

Lynott was born in the West Midlands, England but grew up in Dublin. After fronting several bands, Lynott formed Thin Lizzy in 1970.

The band first found success with Whiskey In The Jar, followed by several hits in the mid-70s with songs such as The Boys Are Back In Town, Jailbreak, The Rocker and Waiting For An Alibi. Lynott also enjoyed success as a solo artist with two albums producing the hits Sarah, King’s Call and Old Town.

He died of pneumonia and heart failure linked to his ongoing battle with drug and alcohol abuse in January 1986. He was 36.

The coin, designed by numis matic artist Sandra Deianaand,

is the second in a series of three entitled Modern Irish Musicians.

A coin commemorating Rory Gallagher was launched last year, while next year, a coin commemorating Luke Kelly will be issued.

The €15 coins were limited to 3,000 pieces and were put on sale for €64.99. They sold out within hours forcing the Central Bank to apologise to those who missed out.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that Thin Lizzy has been nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the United States next year.

Lynott’s mother, Philomena, a Crumlin native, died in June this year at the age of 88.

NEW regulations have been signed to allow some same-sex couples to legally register both names on their child’s birth certificate.

But the changes have stopped short of full equality, advocates for the LGBTI community say.

Minister for Health Simon Harris signed commencement orders and regulations on Monday for Parts 2 and 3 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, which will come into effect on May 5.

Until now, some gay couples could only register the child’s birth mother, meaning the other person in the relationship had no legal parental rights to the child they were raising.

From next year, the woman who gives birth to the child will be able to name their spouse, civil partner or co-habitant as the second parent, subject to consent of both parties.

The provisions apply to heterosexual couples, female same-sex couples, and single women undergoing donor-assisted reproduction.

Children who are not protected by the Act include those with two male parents or a transgender parent, are conceived with a known donor, are born through surrogacy, conceived through at-home insemination or outside Ireland.

The new regulations also enshrine the child’s right to know their genetic identity, protected through the establishment of a National Donor-Conceived Person Register.

The register will enable any child

Health Minister Simon Harris.

conceived by a donor who has reached the age of 18 to access personal identifying information on the relevant donor and any genetic donor-conceived siblings they may have and, if they wish, to contact those individuals.

“This is something many people have waited a long time for and I am so pleased we are in a position to sign the regulations and confirm the start date,” Mr Harris said.

However, Equality for Children says the legislation stops short of full equality: “[It] will finally allow some children of LGBT+ families to be treated equally and have a legal connection to their parents but many children will be left behind and ignored simply because of how or where they were conceived.

“This will only allow female samesex couples that used an Irish clinic and non-anonymous donor to both be named on the birth certificate.

“So many LGBTQ+ families will be left behind,” the group said.

12 | December, 2019

irishecho.com.au

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December, 2019 | 13

IRELAND

IRELAND HAS ‘BIGGEST SOCIAL HOUSING PROGRAMME IN A GENERATION’

Homeless crisis ‘getting worse’ MICHAEL MCHUGH

IRELAND has begun the biggest social house building programme in a generation, the Taoiseach said.

Leo Varadkar claimed Fianna Fáil’s housing policies were “bankrupt”, “empty” and lacked substance as he promised between 10,000 and 11,000 new social properties for those who cannot afford their own accommodation.

The country also needs to provide developments for private sale enabling people to buy homes near where they grew up, the Fine Gael leader added. “I believe that public lands should be used for the benefit of all the public. We also need private housing for people to buy,” he said. “People want to be able to buy a place near where they grew up.”

Recently Mr Varadkar turned the sod at a €40 million development in Cork, the first affordable purchase housing scheme in the country but said he was also aware of the wider challenges. “This is the biggest social housing programme in a generation,” thge Taoiseach said.

Fianna Fáil leader Michéal Martin told the Dáil the Government was blaming everybody but itself for homelessness.

“People are suffering out there because of the lack of housing in this country,” Mr Martin said.

He said parents agreed that their young people had no prospect of owning a home and warned homelessness was rising.

He characterised the Government’s attitude as, “We will blame everybody else but ourselves. That

is your approach to housing and the other key issues facing this country.”

Meanwhile, one of Ireland’s biggest homeless charities says the problem is getting worse.

Focus Ireland launched an urgent Christmas appeal last week with a campaign that highlights there are now more than 4,000 children homeless nationwide.

It said that while the crisis is still deepening, with a record total of 9,698 people now homeless, the situation would be much worse without the lifeline services and housing it provides.

Focus Ireland advocacy manager Roughan MacNamara said the country is experiencing the worst homelessness crisis in living memory.

The charity hopes to raise €1.5 million in the Christmas appeal to

support a new family centre which will open by the end of the year.

“The worrying thing about how systemic homelessness is becoming is that we are now seeing babies being born into homelessness. Over 140 babies of the homeless families we are supporting were homeless when they were born,” he said.

Mr MacNamara said the issue of family homelessness is not confined to Dublin.

“It is pretty shocking and it is not just a Dublin problem. The way things are going now, there are nearly 500 families and 1,000 children who are homeless outside of Dublin so it is a real sign that homelessness has just gotten worse,” he said.

Focus Ireland issued new figures showing it has helped more than 13,000 people from January to end

MURDER IN MAURITIUS

Mcareavey family’s fight for justice goes on AINE MCMAHON

THE family of Michaela McAreavey have criticised the “kangaroo court” that acquitted two men accused of her murder in Mauritius.

The daughter of Co Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte was strangled in the bath of her hotel room soon after having lunch with her husband John while on their honeymoon in 2011.

Two local hotel workers were acquitted of her murder in a high-profile trial in Mauritius in 2012. Mr McAreavey, who has since remarried, said his quest for justice will not end until those responsible have been jailed.

He told Newstalk FM last week the family has spent nearly nine years working with the Mauritian authorities to get justice.

“Our approach was there is no point shouting and roaring here and getting their backs up,” he said.

“We needed these guys on side and we felt we should support them and give them an opportunity to right the wrongs that happened in 2012. We felt that was our best chance at actually delivering justice.

That was the main objective but as time went on, that has just sort of faded away.”

Mr McAreavey said a potential change in Mauritian law could mean the men acquitted face a retrial if compelling evidence emerges.

“The evidence is really, really strong and that is why we are so certain that the men who were acquitted are responsible,” he said.

He said the high-profile nature of the trial turned it into “a circus act”.

“The truth had been lost in that and we wanted to present the evidence. At the end of the day, they got the right men. A guy confessed.

A guy saw the two perpetrators coming out of the room.”

Mr McAreavey said the family has made a podcast about the case, called Murder In Mauritius, to shine a light on elements that have never been revealed about the tragedy.

“The evidence is just so strong, and that is why we really wanted to talk about the depth of the evidence in the podcast.”

The podcast will give listeners an idea of what is was like to attend the “kangaroo court” every day.

“It was full to the public gallery and the defence for these two men used this as a platform to be the greatest entertainers. They would play up to the gallery and the gallery would respond and everybody was sitting and laughing.

“All of this time we were sitting there and we have two men sitting over to our left who had brutally killed Michaela, and this was just our life now. And you have a judge sitting up there that is allowing it all to happen.”

Mr McAreavey said he was still confident the jury would convict the two men.

“I had faith in the jury because everything else that was going on didn’t really matter,” he said.

“I looked at them every day and I felt that they came across as balanced people and I felt that the strength of the evidence was just so strong that it didn’t matter what else anybody said.

“The evidence is there and these people have listened to the evidence.

For them to return a unanimous verdict of not guilty, it sunk my heart.

“It sunk our hearts and, at that point, I felt stupid. I felt stupid because I was like, ‘how did I ever think that we were going to get justice here?’”

Mr McAreavey has since remarried, tying the knot with Tara Brennan in 2016. The podcast Murder In Mauritius is now available.

of September this year. This is a 6 per cent rise from the 12,270 helped in the same period in 2017. The charity also supported more than 350 families to secure a home and escape homelessness from January.

“On the positive side, people are supporting us and we are launching today’s campaign to raise more money as 40 per cent of our funding comes from donations,” Mr MacNamara said. “It is terrible to think that a few weeks before Christmas, that is such a special time for children and babies. To think that they would be spending their first Christmas in cramped unsuitable emergency accommodation is awful.”

“It’s not just the stress of living in unsuitable housing. It is causing a lot of trauma to young children and affecting their development.”

NIALL TOIBIN RIP

Popular actor and comedian dies, aged 89

Honeymoon hell: Michael McAreavey and Michaela Harte on their wedding day in 2011, just days before she was murdered on their honeymoon in Mauritius. (Below right) Sandip Moneea, who was acquitted of her murder and (below left) Michael McAreavey.

ACTOR and comedian Niall Tóibín (pictured) has died at the age of 89, after a long illness.

Born in Co Cork in 1929, Mr Tóibín had a long career in radio, stage, film and television, including roles in Ryan’s Daughter and Veronica Guerin.

He was best known for playing Fr Frank “Mack” MacAnally for six series of the 1990s drama Ballykissangel.

President of Ireland Michael D Higgins said he learned of Mr Tóibín ’s death with sadness.

“The range of his work was vast and included unforgettable performances in all of the Irish theatres and some of the most important theatres in London and New York. While a huge audience will have adored his comic genius, his work included all the genres – stage, television, film and radio. To the latter he brought a distinctive voice which made him a much-loved interpreter of Irish life.”

The director-general of RTÉ, Dee Forbes, paid tribute to Mr Tóibín: “He became, ultimately, a familiar face on RTÉ to generations of Irish people. A proud Corkman, he was as at home in film as on the stage, and an especially entertaining guest on many Late Late Shows over the years.”

Toibin is pre-deceased by his wife Judy and survived by his children Seán, Muireann, Aisling, Sighle and Fiana and a large extended family.

14 | December, 2019

irishecho.com.au

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December, 2019 | 15

IRELAND

IRELAND’S YOUNGEST KILLERS SENTENCED

BORD NA MONA JOBS

station staff will find it Ana Kriegel’s killers Power tough to find new jobs: union discover their fate AOIFE MOORE

IRELAND’S youngest killers have been detained for the murder of schoolgirl Ana Kriegel.

Two 15-year-old boys – known as Boy A and Boy B – were found guilty in June of murdering the 14-year-old.

The schoolgirl’s naked body was found in an abandoned farmhouse in Lucan, Co Dublin, last May after she had been reported missing.

Boy A was sentenced at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court to life, with a review period after 12 years.

He was also convicted of aggravated sexual assault and will be placed on the sex offenders register.

Boy B was sentenced to 15 years’ detention, with a review after eight years. After the sentences were handed down, Ana’s father Patric said justice had been served.

Flanked by Ana’s mother Geraldine, Mr Kriegel said: “Justice has been served for Ana. The judge has decided on the sentence, and that duty lies with him alone. For our part, we can only say that forever is not long enough. Please remember Ana and keep her in your hearts.”

Ana, a first-year student, suffered

A life denied: Ana Kriegel was murdered by two 14-year-old boys last year.

horrific bullying and was endlessly tormented in the months leading up to her death in May 2018. A post-mortem examination found she suffered head and neck injuries and there had been attempted penetration of her vagina. Her body was found with a ligature wrapped around her neck.

Semen staining on a top found at the scene contained the DNA of Boy A. Both boys maintained their in-

nocence throughout the trial. Boy B eventually admitted to police that he had been asked by his friend to bring Ana to meet him, knowing she had had a romantic interest in Boy A. He had seen Boy A attack Ana before running away.

Judge Justice Paul McDermott described this as a “point of distinction, that he (Boy B) did not personally physically assault the deceased”.

Both boys have been granted lifelong anonymity due to their age.

Sentencing the boys at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court, Mr McDermott said: “The denial of Ana’s right to life is at the core of the process, she should and no doubt will be remembered as a child, friend, daughter and sister that she was.”

Speaking directly to both boys, Mr McDermott said: “Boy A, you took Ana Kriegel’s life and subjected her to a terrifying sexual and physical assault in doing so. Boy B, you actively participated in her killing.

“You will both have to carry the guilt and shame of your involvement and the devastation you wrought upon her family for the rest of your lives. Her family must bear their grief for the rest of their lives.”

A PROMINENT union official has accused Bord na Mona management of having no interest in finding new roles for workers set to lose their jobs The ESB last month announced it would close peat-burning power stations in Shannonbridge, Co Offaly, and Lanesborough, Co Longford, after it failed to secure permission to switch them to biomass power stations.

The decision to close the plants is expected to affect up to 80 jobs in the area, while a further 1,000 Bord na Mona workers who rely on the plants will also be potentially impacted.

The Government recently announced the creation of a €6 million Just Transition fund for the Midlands to combat the job losses.

The funding will support retraining and re-skilling initiatives for workers to find jobs in retrofitting and assist communities and businesses in the area to adjust to low-carbon transition to help create hundreds of jobs to replace those that are lost.

Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) general secretary Patricia King accused Bord na Mona management of refusing to engage as the company undergoes radical change and of refusing to attend a forum to establish what workers will do next.

“They won’t convene a forum and they have taken a very narrow view.

My own belief and judgement now

at this stage is that Bord na Mona are on a campaign. They have no interest in re-jobbing (sic) anybody. They show no signs of having any dialogue about the future of their workforce.

“These are very serious things that I’m saying, but I’m saying them because I have lots of evidence and very good reason to say it,” she said.

Ms King said Bord na Mona management wanted to get rid of unions.

“They wanted to de-unionise (sic) the place. They want to have little engagement, let people out and then decide what rate to pay for any future jobs,” she said. “Here we are with all of these people who are about to lose their jobs and all of the things that should be happening, and the Bord na Mona management are absolutely point blank refusing to engage in anything,” she said.

Ms King said the situation will serve as a litmus test for the transition to a low-carbon economy.

“If workers and their communities are abandoned to the market, then support for the process will evaporate and opposition will grow,” she said.

Bord na Mona chief executive Tom Donnellan said the company was embarking on a transition phase towards becoming a leading provider of renewable energy in Ireland by 2026 and would bring forward an end to energy peat.

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The scene at Rosslare Harbour after the discovery of 16 people in a sealed trailer on the Stena Line ferry.

Sixteen discovered in sealed trailer THE owner and driver of a lorry seized by police after 16 people were found in a sealed trailer on a ferry in late November are Irish, it has been confirmed.

The Stena Line freight and passenger service arrived in Rosslare in Co Wexford from Cherbourg in France. The men were Middle Eastern, mostly aged between 20 and 35.

Gardai are investigating possible immigration offences.

“This has been a traumatic time for them and they are

being treated with compassion,” Garda Superintendent Jim Doyle said.

The group, one of whom may be a juvenile, was found by a ferry company employee who heard noise coming from the trailer while doing a routine patrol.

Two ambulances, doctors and police cars drove onto the ship’s vehicle deck soon after it docked.

The lorry was examined on the ferry and was taken to a secure location for technical

examination, gardai said.

The lorry is owned by a local Irish company and the owners are co-operating fully with the investigation.

The incident came only days after a group of 25 people was found inside a refrigerated container on board a UKbound ship just off the coast of the Netherlands.

Last month, 39 people were found dead inside a container in Essex , which had arrived in the UK via a ferry from Zeebrugge, Belgium.

16 | December, 2019

irishecho.com.au

IRELAND

GARDA CHIEF: LUNNEY CASE SHOWS RULE OF LAW IS BEING UPHELD

Four charged over torture AINE MCMAHON

THE Garda Commissioner has said the fact four men have been charged over the kidnap and torture of businessman Kevin Lunney shows that the rule of law is being upheld in the border region.

The men, who faced Virginia District Court in Co Cavan, all face charges of assault causing harm and false imprisonment.

In September, Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) director Mr Lunney, 50, was abducted outside his home in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, and taken to a horsebox across the border, where he was savagely beaten and tortured.

Speaking at a meeting of the Policing Authority in Dublin, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris defended the level of policing and resources in the border region.

“I would say the charging of the four men and other matters has shown our overall commitment to

deliver the rule of law in the border region,” he said.

The four men charged are: Darren Redmond, 25, of Caledon Road, East Wall in Dublin; Luke O’Reilly, 66, of Mullahoran Lower, Kilcogy, Co Cavan; Alan O’Brien, 38, of Shelmalier Road, East Wall, and a fourth man who cannot be identified due to a reporting restriction.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan said: “I welcome the fact that four men have been charged by An Garda Siochana but want to make it clear, this does not signal the end of our joint investigation.”

Another convicted criminal, who was considered a key suspect in the case, died from a suspected “cardiac event” after being handcuffed during his arrest, an inquest heard.

Cyril McGuinness, also known as “Dublin Jimmy”, was seen smoking three cigarettes and drinking a cup of tea while sitting on a sofa follow-

‘Diseased heart’: Cyril McGuinness, who died after being arrested in England.

ing his arrest in the Buxton area of Derbyshire in England on November 8.

Chesterfield Coroner’s Court was told McGuinness, who “already had a diseased heart” collapsed between 60 and 90 minutes later, and was pronounced dead three hours later.

The raid was part of a co-ordinated series of search operations, mainly focused on the Irish border area, linked to the brutal attack on Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH) director Kevin Lunney in September.

The attack was the most serious in

a five-year campaign of intimidation targeting the directors that now control the business portfolio built up by fallen tycoon Sean Quinn, once Ireland’s richest man. Quinn, from Co Fermanagh, once employed as many as 5,000 people in construction and his family’s insurance corporation. He was declared bankrupt in 2011.

The opening of the inquest was told “no trauma” had led to McGuinness’s death and it was likely that he died as a result of a cardiac event due to an “already diseased heart”.

McGuinness, understood to be a known gangster and smuggler, thought he was in a safe house and had not come to the attention of police in the UK. “He had been lying low and was not expecting to be caught,” a source told Press Association.

McGuinness, 54, was originally from the Derrylin area where the abduction and torture took place.

QUINN EXECUTIVE RECOUNTS ‘BRUTALLY SPECIFIC’ TORTURE BY CAPTORS

‘We have seen you with your little daughter with the GAA top’ REBECCA BLACK

QUINN executive Kevin Lunney has recounted how he was slashed with a knife, doused with bleach and branded by his captors.

The Co Fermanagh businessman’s abduction hit the headlines in September after he was found bleeding on a remote roadside after being dumped in Co Cavan.

The QIH director said he dragged his injured body across country roads fearing he would die before he could be rescued. Mr Lunney, 50, described to BBC Northern Ireland’s Spotlight programme how he was bundled into a car boot at knifepoint by a gang of three.

“It was a beautiful evening and I was thinking maybe I should cut the lawn ... came up the lane as usual, looking forward to seeing the kids, then noticed two-thirds of the way up the lane a white car just ahead,” he said.

“There wouldn’t normally be a strange car on my lane, so I stopped my jeep about 20 yards back thinking they’ll either move off ... next thing I was aware of, they had put the car into reverse at high speed towards me and smashed into me. I could see two guys jumping out, hit the button [to lock the doors] and tried to get the phone out of the pocket.

“I wasn’t able to get the phone open – probably panicking, I guess – next thing was the two side windows came in, they dragged me out on to the road.”

“A third person put a Stanley knife up to my neck, he was saying, ‘Get into that’. I was still resisting, he said, ‘If you don’t get into that we are going to kill you’.”

Mr Lunney was forced into the

Kevin Lunney has grown a beard to hide the scars from his ordeal.

boot but made an attempt to escape, opening it from inside.

“I went to jump but I hadn’t realised that the third guy inside the car had taken the seats down so he had come into the boot on his belly and had caught my right foot. I went to jump and he caught me by the right foot, so I kind of fell back into the boot,” he said.

He had been secured in the boot again when he overheard one of his captors talking on the phone, addressing someone as “boss”.

“Saying something like, ‘Boss, this man’s resisted and we’ve hit him’, was reporting back to somebody, I don’t know who,” he said.

Later they placed a hood over his head before leading him into a horsebox. His captors then told him they wanted him to resign from QIH, which he agreed to before the torture started.

“One of them started with the Stanley knife on each of my fingers ... he started to run the Stanley knife under each nail quite hard and deep so each of them were

bleeding a bit, deep enough that it was sore and painful,” he said.

Mr Lunney became tearful as he recalled praying and thinking about whether he would see his wife Bronagh or their six children again.

They cut his clothes off with the knife, leaving him with multiple cuts and wearing only his underwear before pouring bleach over his body. “It was excruciating, the pain of the bleach – I was screaming, I think. Then they pulled me up and somebody said, ‘Have you done his face’. Next thing there was a squirt of bleach in my face, into my eyes ... I started to cough and almost passed out,” he said.

At this point, they told him again to resign from QIH, as well as the other directors.

“I said, ‘I’ll tell them to resign’.

He said a number of times, ‘We know you, we have been watching you’, at one stage he said, ‘We have been watching you, we have seen you with your little daughter with the GAA top’. Then he said, ‘OK we believe you, but if you don’t we’ll be

back, for you and all the family’.”

Mr Lunney said his captors told him they “had to rough him up”.

“He says, ‘Hold out your leg’ ... next thing was he hit it ... I think it was a either a baseball bat or a short fence post, and I heard it breaking and I roared, the pain was awful,” he said. “He said to the other guy holding the torch, ‘Did that snap?’, he said no so he immediately hit it again, same place or close, and it was a hundred times worse the second time.”

Mr Lunney’s leg was broken in two places and one of his arms beaten black before the men made a number of slashes with the knife to both sides of his face and carved QIH into his chest.

He has grown a beard to hide the scars on his face.

Mr Lunney was then dumped on the side of a road and warned not to speak to Gardai.

After the van drove off, Mr Lunney was left lying on his side, and dragged himself along the road to a junction in hopes of getting help.

“I was there for a while and there was no cars and I was really, really worried,” he said.

“I prayed a lot then, I was conscious I was starting to shiver, I was in agony.”

Mr Lunney said he had started to drag himself up the road towards a house when he heard a tractor coming and raised the alarm.

His brother Tony told the programme Mr Lunney was in a bad way when he arrived at hospital, adding that he does not believe he would have survived the cold night had he not been found.

The QIH executive said he believes his captors were acting on a “list of brutally specific orders”.

IN BRIEF

AVERAGE RENT HITS NEW RECORD HIGH AVERAGE monthly rents across Ireland rose by an average of 5.2 per cent in the year to September 2019, a report shows. According to the latest quarterly Rental Report by property website Daft.ie, on average the cost of renting is now €1,403 per month.

This marks the lowest rate of rental inflation across the country since the second quarter of 2013.

However, the average monthly rent nationwide during the third quarter of 2019 marks the 14th consecutive quarter of record rents.

The average listed rent is now €373 per month higher than the previous peak in 2008 and almost €660 higher than the low seen in late 2011.

In Dublin, the increase in rents in the year to September 2019 was 3.9 per cent, the 33rd consecutive quarter where rents have risen but the slowest increase since mid-2012.

HEALTH CONCERNS OVER VAPING TREND THE Irish Government may ban advertisements of vaping products and e-cigarettes near schools and playgrounds as they are being cynicall” marketed to young people and get them addicted to nicotine, Health Minister Simon Harris has said.

A study was published by cardiologists which said e-cigarettes damage the lungs, heart, brain and blood vessels. A ban on alcohol advertisements being placed near schools and playgrounds was introduced.

Mr Harris said it is his intention to restrict advertisements of e-cigarettes and vaping products close to schools, creches and playgrounds.

“I met with the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Heart Foundation in relation to this. They, like I, are extremely concerned in relation to vaping products are being marketed as cessation tools.”

“It is also extremely cynical ... cartoon ads, strawberry flavours ... these companies are targeting kids.”

BAN ON CONVERSION THERAPY DELAYED THE Government has been criticised for a delay in banning controversial conversion therapy in Ireland.

Ministers launched Ireland’s National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy last month, with 100 actions proposed to make the nation more open for the community.

When asked whether he is minded to ban conversion therapy, Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan refused to be drawn on the issue.

“It’s an issue we should be mindful of and I also believe that appropriate attention should be shown towards it,” he said. “I believe it’s important we uncover the facts in the first instance then engage in appropriate action.”

Conversion therapy involves trying to change someone’s sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to heterosexual using psychological or spiritual intervention. Critics say it is based on bogus science.

irishecho.com.au

The 2020

Brigid Awards Honouring Irish Australian women From: 6.30pm Friday 7 February, 2020 At: Harbour 220, level 15, 131 Macquarie St Sydney

Celebrating Irish Australian Female Creativity

BRIGID 2020 BRIGID 2020

December, 2019 | 17

THE IRISH ECHO

Celebrating Irish Australian Female Creativity

Contributing Artists ANNE CASEY, POET / CLÍONA MOLINS, HARPIST / GABRIELLE CAREY, NOVELIST & ACADEMIC DANIEL BROWNING, ABC BROADCASTER & OTHER ARTISTS

Tickets: $121 per person To nominate or to purchase your tickets: email: labor.irish@yahoo.com.au tel: 0414 629 559

Contributing Artists

ANNE CASEY, POET / CLÍONA MOLINS, HARPIST / GABRIELLE CAREY, NOVELIST & ACADEMIC DANIEL BROWNING, ABC BROADCASTER & OTHER ARTISTS

Event Dates

1/2/2020 STATE LIBRARY NSW, 6PM . 2/2/2020 DON BANK MUSEUM, N. SYDNEY, 6PM 6/2/2020 IRISH CULTURAL CENTRE, INA,DEVONSHIRE ST, 7PM

Event Dates

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/st-brigids-day-performance-tickets-81262689893 ( State Library) https://www.trybooking.com/BGWRU (Don Bank Museum)

Tickets at the door INA & door tickets may be available at the other venues.

1/2/2020 STATE LIBRARY NSW, 6PM . 2/2/2020 DON BANK MUSEUM, N. SYDNEY, 6PM 6/2/2020 IRISH CULTURAL CENTRE, INA,DEVONSHIRE ST, 7PM

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/st-brigids-day-performance-tickets-81262689893 ( State Library) https://www.trybooking.com/BGWRU (Don Bank Museum)

Tickets at the door INA & door tickets may be available at the other venues.

18 | December, 2019

irishecho.com.au

IRELAND

GARDA COMMISSIONER CONCERNED ABOUT RIGHT-WING EXTREMISM IN IRELAND

Clampdown on race hate AINE MCMAHON

THE Garda Commissioner has said he is concerned about the increase in right-wing extremism in Ireland.

Drew Harris told a meeting of the Policing Authority that Ireland is not immune to the rise of far-right extremism that is spreading across Europe. On the issue of hate crime legislation and online abuse, Mr Harris welcomed the fact there is now a clear-cut definition of hate crime.

“I am concerned about right-wing extremism. We can see evidence of it on our shores as we have seen it spread across Europe,” he said.

Last month, the Government launched a public consultation process ahead of an expected strengthening of hate speech laws and the introduction of a specific new offence of hate crime.

Mr Harris said there needs to be a consistent approach by gardai in dealing with hate crime and they are seeking to develop an online platform so people can report it.

“We need to standardise our

approach to hate crime across the organisation and develop an online platform to deal with it,” he said.

He said minority communities are most affected by it and the motivation for it is one of discrimination and prejudice.

The commissioner’s remarks after a marked increase in public displays of hostility against asylum-seekers and the direct provision system.

Most recently, there have been protests in Ballinamore in Co Leitrim and Achill Island, Co Mayo, where two accommodation centres for asylum seekers were set to open.

Speaking at an Immigrant Council of Ireland conference in Dublin, the Taoiseach, Leo Vradkar, said immigration brings challenges, but the benefits outweigh them many times over.

“Direct provision is an imperfect system but I do not believe it is an inhumane one. We have yet to come up with a better system but we are open to finding alternatives that are viable and affordable,” he said.

“In recent weeks, we have seen

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar with Sr Stanislaus Kennedy and Raneem Saleh (right) at the Integration and Inclusion Conference.

some of those challenges in communities across the country. If people fear that their community, their identity is under attack, they will respond in ways that we can understand.”

He said the Government is seeking input from Ireland’s migrant community on improving standards in direct provision and that newer centres have higher standards.

“Newer accommodation offers own door, self-catering accommodation and that is exactly what we want to have for everyone as everyone should have their own door and be able to cook and prepare their own

food,” he said. Mr Varakdar criticised the recent protests being held against direct provision centres.

“It does concern me that we see people opposing accommodation centres in their neighbourhood or blocking migrants from moving into the local hotel under the guise of humanitarianism and opposition to direct provision,” he said.

Mr Varadkar said the government is working to engage with communities where direct provision centres will be placed “to show how their town or village or parish will be enhanced enough diminished by the arrival of newcomers”.

“It’s never said, but I think it is worth saying. There are no protests at communities that already have accommodation centres.”

Mr Varadkar also warned against those from the far-right who are stoking dissent.

“Scaremongering needs to be called out by those who seek to exploit local concerns for their own political, personal, or in some cases, racist reasons,” he said.

SYRIAN MEDICAL STUDENT HOPES TO INSPIRE OTHERS

Refugee who lived in direct provision wins medical scholarship AINE MCMAHON

A YOUNG woman who fled the war in Syria and spent time living in direct provision has said she hopes to inspire others after receiving a scholarship for medicine.

Suaad Alshleh, 17, left Syria in 2011 and lived in the United Arab Emirates for a while before travelling to Ireland in August 2016.

She lived in direct provision in Co Monaghan for nine months until she secured refugee status.

Ms Alshleh later moved to Mountemellick Community College in Portlaoise as it was a school that allowed her to study chemistry, a subject she needed to study medicine. She now lives in Dublin five days a week and is studying for a degree in medicine.

Education Minister Joe McHugh awarded the Professor William C Campbell Bursary to Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) student Ms Alshleh. The scholarship recognises the work of Irish Nobel Prize winner Prof Campbell, whose research helped developed a drug treatment for river blindness.

Mr McHugh said Ms Alshleh was an inspiration.

Ms Alshleh said living in direct provision for nine months was tough but she got through it.

“It was probably one of the hardest experiences of my life. It was very tough as a 14-year-old, and especially because sort of all the burden of all the paperwork.

My mother’s English wasn’t that great, so all the burden of the paperwork, such as getting a GP or just replying to the Department of

IN BRIEF

PHOENIX PARK DEER CULL CRITICISED TWENTY-FIVE deer have been culled at Dublin’s Phoenix Park, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has said.

Fallow deer have no natural predators in Ireland and it is necessary to control numbers, the Government department said. Campaigners said officials were trying to make money through the sale of meat and added contraceptives should be used instead. The Alliance for Animal Rights said: “People have not the empathy but surely we should be promoting peace and not this slaughter?”

The Phoenix Park was established as a Royal Deer Park in 1662.

The OPW said: “Fallow deer have been in the park ever since and have been sustainably managed over the centuries. The OPW takes deer welfare very seriously.”

It said if animals were not removed, food would become scarce and more animals would ultimately suffer.

“Without population control there would be other welfare issues such as low body fat, malnutrition and high incidence of death from exposure to cold in winter,” the spokesman said.

SF PROPOSES FINES FOR DOG LITTERERS A NEW Sinn Féin Bill proposes to make it mandatory for all dog owners to carry litter bags, or face a fine.

The purpose of the Litter Pollution Amendment of the Dog Litter Control Bill 2019 “is to impress those in charge of dogs the importance of picking up their pet’s faeces when in public by making it an offence not to produce a suitable bag when in charge of a dog and when requested to do so by a dog warden, litter warden, or member of An Garda Siochana”.

The party says the bill would make the possession of a dog litter bag a similar requirement to that of a leash when out walking a dog, and face the same on-the-spot fine if a bag cannot be produced.

BERDOOM TAX ‘A TERRIBLE IDEA’

‘Inspiration’: Syrian refugee Suaad Alshleh, 17, has won a scholarship to Ireland’s Royal College of Surgeons.

Justice letters, that would all fall on my shoulders,” she said.

“So, especially for a girl, who was separated from her father, uprooted from everything she’d ever known, to have that burden, as well as doing my junior cert in one year, rather than three years ...

It was very tough, but I got through it and look where I am now,” she added.

Ms Alshleh said living in direct provision was one of the hardest things she ever went through but

that it is not inhumane. “It’s definitely not inhumane. It’s very tough and I know it’s not an ideal solution at all. It’s far from ideal but I think it’s great that Ireland is willing to bring in refugees, and afford them all the opportunities,” she said.

“I’m a perfect example of taking advantage of the opportunities the Irish government has given me to pursue my third- evel education and to even be eligible for a bursary like this and to treat me as one of their own,” she said.

Ms Alshleh said when she completes her studies, she wants to stay and work in Ireland because it is her home now.

“I definitely want to stay here. I know it might sound a little cheesy, but I do want to contribute and give back to the community that has given me so much.”

Mr McHugh said: “Professor Campbell’s legacy is something that we should build on and by supporting students like Suaad and others in the coming years.”

THE Taoiseach has ruled out the idea of introducing a “bedroom tax”. The suggestion of a levy like the one implemented in the UK to get older people to downsize and free up family homes was firmly rejected after a majority of the 1,200 people surveyed told the Department of Housing it would not encourage them to leave their home.

Two-thirds of owners aged over 55 said they would not be moving house and the majority said they were resistant to any initiatives to try to persuade them. Some 5 per cent said a charge on unused bedrooms would make them reconsider.

Leo Varadkar poured more cold water on the initiative.

“I think it’s a terrible idea. It was attempted in the UK and turned out to be a real disaster.

“I don’t think that older people who are still in their family home, who happen to have an empty room, should be penalised.”

irishecho.com.au

December, 2019 | 19

IRELAND

FAI AUDIT ‘A MATTER OF GRAVE CONCERN’, SAYS MINISTER

FAI report referred to police AOIFE MOORE

THE Football Association of Ireland (FAI) audit is a “matter of grave concern”, the minister for justice has said.

The independent audit of the FAI, which was commissioned on behalf of Sport Ireland, has been referred to An Garda Siochana, the day Sports Minister Shane Ross received the report.

The review was commissioned amid questions about the finances of football’s governing body.

“It’s a matter of grave concern,” Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said.

“I know that the report has been referred to An Garda Siochana. An Garda Siochana will now engage in appropriate investigations and it

wouldn’t be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this stage,” he added.

Mr Flanagan added that he has not seen the report.

A statement by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport issued on Wednesday said: “Shane Ross has received the final report of the independent audit of the FAI, conducted by KOSI Corporation Ltd, on behalf of Sport Ireland.

“The minister said that Sport Ireland has today referred the report to An Garda Siochana. The minister will not be in a position to publish the report or make any comment on its findings at this time.”

A Garda spokesman said: “We received correspondence from Sport Ireland which will be assessed by the Garda National Econom-

ic Crime Bureau.” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the report should be made public.

“I think they should get to see it as soon as possible. Huge numbers of people … are football fans and contribute a lot to the FAI in different ways, either financially or as volunteers.

“But … because this has been referred to the gardai we wouldn’t want to put anything out in the public domain that might actually undermine the possibility of future accountability, or even future prosecutions.”

John Delaney resigned as executive vice-president of the Football Association of Ireland with immediate effect in September.

He agreed in April to voluntarily step aside following disclosure of

SINN FEIN ‘READY FOR GOVERNMENT’

SF opens door to coalition deal with border poll THE leader of Sinn Féin says any possible government they form in the Republic of Ireland must prepare for an Irish unity referendum in the first five years.

During her leader’s speech at the conclusion of the party’s twoday Árd Fheis in Derry, Mary Lou McDonald said Sinn Féin would be willing to form a government with either of the Irish majority parties Fianna Fáil or Fine Gael, if they could deliver a republican programme for government in Dublin.

“Let the other parties tell us if they are willing to implement a republican programme for government,” she said. “If we have the chance to deliver housing and healthcare, to ... deliver a fair deal for families, to deliver on Irish unity. Then that is the only basis on which [we] would enter government.”

The Good Friday Agreement states that the Secretary of State

should call a referendum “if it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland”.

If in government, Sinn Féin could only ask the Northern Ireland Secretary of State to call a referendum, but would have no power to do so from Dublin.

Ms McDonald added that the referendum on a united Ireland was a simply a question of when.

“The Irish government and all who say that now is not the time to speak of unity are wrong,” she said.

“Brexit has changed everything.

Many people, for the first time, are now considering their future in a United Ireland. A referendum on unity will happen, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement.

“It is not a question of if, but a question of when. The referendum must happen in the next five years.

Let the people have their say.”

John Delaney resigned as the FAI’s executive vice president in September.

GRAMMYS RECOGNITION Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald prepares to deliver her keynote speech at the Árd Fheis.

Picture: Brian Lawless

AOIFE MOORE

a €100,000 loan he gave to the FAI and that he made a series of payments from FAI funds that were not in the ordinary course of its business. A number of investigations have since been launched into the financial affairs of the FAI, amid concerns Mr Delaney failed to use his credit card properly and did not control his personal expenses.

The Sunday Times has reported that some monies the FAI paid out in the name of Susan Keegan, a fomer girlfriend of Mr Delaney, did not go into her bank account. It is not clear where the balance of the money went.

The Sunday Times also revealed payments of about €60,000 were ostensibly paid to Ms Keegan by the FAI in 2013 and 2014. Ms Keegan has said she received no money.

On the current stalemate at Stormont, which has left Northern Ireland without a government for more than 1,000 days, Ms McDonald says her party stands ready to get back around the table with the DUP. “There is no contradiction between working for Irish unity and seeking the restoration of the northern institutions,” she said.

“Sinn Féin has never been the obstacle to powersharing or good government or doing a deal. Three years on, we have no Assembly and Executive. This is unsustainable.

“There is an immediate challenge to restore government in the North.

To bring accountable government for all the people. Government of respect and equality, leaving discrimination and exclusion to the past.

“We are ready to do business.

I challenge the DUP and both governments to step forward. To resolve the issues and get government back in action,” she said.

Cranberries nomination honours singer’s legacy JULIA HUNT

THE mother of late Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan has said her daughter would be thrilled to hear the band’s final album has been nominated for its first Grammy.

The group’s In The End is up for best rock album at the 2020 awards.

It was released earlier this year, and features vocals recorded by lead singer O’Riordan before her death in January 2018.

Her mum Eileen O’Riordan said: “Dolores would be so happy with this. She put her heart and soul into her songs and music.

“For us as her family it’s kind of bittersweet. We’re immensely proud yet saddened that she isn’t here to witness and enjoy this, although I feel that she is in spirit.”

The Cranberries have said the album is a tribute to O’Riordan, who drowned in the bathtub of her London hotel room aged 46.

Guitarist Noel Hogan said: “We wanted to finish this album for our dear friend and bandmate Dolores.

“It’s a tribute to her, the band and

our fans for the past 30 years. Being honoured with this Grammy nomination has made this whole process even more special.”

Drummer Fergal Lawler added: “We are extremely surprised and honoured to receive this Grammy nomination. We’re sure Dolores would be delighted.”

The album was released in April

by BMG. After its release, The Cranberries said they planned to take a step back before deciding if they had a future together without O’Riordan.

Alistair Norbury, BMG’s president of marketing and repertoire UK, said: “This is a very emotional moment for all of us at BMG. “We were so proud to have partnered with The Cranberries on the release of In The End and our shared aim was always to celebrate the life and work of Dolores.

“For the band’s final album to receive their first Grammy nomination is the very best way to remember an iconic voice and honour a magnificent body of work,” Mr Norbury said.

The Cranberries, pictured at the peak of their popularity in 2002.

20 | December, 2019

irishecho.com.au

LOCAL NEWS

VARADKAR REFUSES TO BE DRAWN ON RTÉ SALARY COMPARISONS

RTÉ forced to cut 200 staff AINE MCMAHON

THE Taoiseach has refused to be drawn on the issue that some staff at national broadcaster RTÉ are being paid more money than him.

RTÉ confirmed it is seeking to cut its workforce by 200 as one of a series of measures to tackle its financial crisis and reduce costs by €60 million over the next three years.

Salaries for the 10 highest paid RTÉ presenters, who mainly work as contractors rather than staff, added up to €3 million in 2016. Mr Varadkar is paid €200,000 per year.

Mr Varadkar said he was not going to comment on salaries of RTÉ staff compared to his.

“I’m not going to get into about issues about what other people are paid or not. There are lots of people in RTÉ who don’t earn big salaries and are working very hard for the money they make,” he said.

“The issues in RTÉ do need to be resolved and there’s a plan that’s now being put forward by management and by the boards and that will need to be considered.

“RTÉ is now recording very significant deficit so this is about much more than the TV licence and gov-

ernment funding. The Government can come to the table and yes we can contribute to the solution, but there won’t be a solution without RTÉ itself modernising and reforming.”

He said the TV licence could be replaced with a broadcast tax that could be collected by Revenue, but that would require legislation and it would take too long to address RTÉ’s funding deficit.

“If revenue were to collect it [TV licence], then we would have to make it a tax,” Mr Varadkar said. “That’s the kind of thing we could do but it’s not going to be done in the next year.

And that’s why the solution, at least in the medium term to these problems is going to involve a degree of restructuring and getting their costs down because the costs have gone up considerably in recent years.”

The plan by RTÉ will reduce fees paid to contracted on-air presenters by 15 per cent. It said it would consult staff and unions on a number of initiatives, including a pay freeze and tiered pay reductions.

RTÉ’s director general, Dee Forbes, receives a salary of €250,000, a €25,000 car allowance and pension contributions of €63,000.

Speaking to RTÉ radio, Busi-

DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION

LGBTI understanding added to school curriculum review AOIFE MOORE

TEACHING children about LGBTI+ relationships is to be included in the school curriculum review as an action, as part of its new inclusion strategy.

The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-21, aims to improve the lives of LGBTI+ people across the country.

The strategy contains more than 100 actions, to be implemented in the next 18 months, aimed at promoting inclusion and protecting the rights of LGBTI+ people.

Under the subheading Visible And Included, two of the actions listed are, “include LGBTI+ matters in relationship and sexual education curriculum review”, and “explore opportunities for the appropriate inclusion of LGBTI+ lives in the curriculum as part of curriculum review at both primary and senior-cycle levels”.

A draft report by the Oireachtas Education Committee in February recommended an overhaul of sex education taught in primary and secondary schools.

The Provision Of Objective Sex Education Bill, published in April 2018 and sponsored by Solidarity-People Before Profit TDs Ruth Coppinger, Paul Murphy and Mick Barry has stalled in the Oireachtas, with Mr Murphy claiming the Gov-

ernment has used executive veto to kill the proposed legislation.

The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is reviewing the relationships and sexual education (RSE) programme, and the actions stated in the new strategy signals that the Government may be planning for a change to what is taught in Irish schools.

Other actions include bringing forward legislative proposals to ensure that incitement to hatred and hate crimes against LGBTI+ people are addressed in law, and actions in crime and personal safety.

It has emerged that some people in the LGBTI+ community do not trust or feel safe to contact the Gardai if they are a victim of crime.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan said Ireland has work to do.

“There’s much more work to be done. The strategy is time limited and in the next two years we will see many of these issues being faced in a way that’s positive and inclusive,” he said. “I very much regret that Ireland is still something of a cold place for many in the LGBTI+ community, and as Minister for Justice we will ensure that we can turn that around.”

Specific workshop sessions were organised for the intersex community, Travellers, asylum seekers, migrants and refugees.

The amount paid to RTĖ’s top stars and executives has come under scrutiny.

ness Minister Heather Humphreys said her sympathies are with those who may lose their jobs in RTÉ, but the business model needs to be addressed if it is to be sustainable.

“At the moment there are workers in RTÉ who are paid more than the Taoiseach, UK Prime Minister and the President of America. That would not appear to be sustainable into the future so RTÉ need to be like any business and cut their cloth to suit their measure,” she said.

“RTÉ have to look at their business model and how they operate and how they transform to meet the digital

environment,” she said. “If businesses came every time they ran into trouble, looking to be bailed out by the taxpayer, then that would not be a satisfactory solution.”

Ms Humphreys said the Government has been looking at reforming the TV licence fee collection system, a critical stream of funding for RTÉ, which has a 14 per cent evasion rate.

“RTÉ deserves to be funded as it is a public service but they need to look at their business model,” she said.

Ms Forbes said: “The challenges in front of us are real. But RTÉ does have a plan, which we are confident can address many of the challenges we face and bring [our] national public broadcaster to stability.

“I am clear about what role RTÉ should play in Irish life, but I am also clear that we cannot do it unless Government fixes the TV licence system.

“We shouldn’t be under any illusions: we are in a fight – a fight to sustain a viable public media in Ireland.”

There are 1,822 staff in RTÉ , 250 of whom are part-time. The most recent accounts show that staff costs amounted to €148.5 million, with a further €3.49 million paid to contractors or high-ranking presenters.

DUBLINER DROPS 80KGS

IN BRIEF

SINGLE-USE COFFEE CUPS HIT WITH LEVY SINGLE-USE coffee cups are to be hit with a levy of up to 25 cents under new Government plans to tackle single use plastic waste.

The Irish Government announced a number of measures to change consumer and business behaviour regarding waste.

The exact figure will be arrived at after market research but it is likely to be between 10 cents and 25 cents.

Environment Minister Richard Bruton said coffee cups are one of the first measures the Government will use to get consumers to cut down on single-use plastic items. The existing plastic bag levy is also set to rise from 22 cents to 25 cents..

The levy will be put on all coffee cups, including disposable and compostable cups that are recyclable.

DOCTORS CONCERN AT MUMPS UPTICK CASES of mumps and measles are on the rise in Ireland as people are sharing the discredited research of Andrew Wakefield, who linked the vaccine to autism, on social media.

The disgraced former doctor was struck off for publishing a fraudulent study on the measles, mumps and rubella jab. Vaccine immunisation rates dropped sharply in the years following Wakefield’s discredited research in 1998. The spread of vaccine misinformation on social media is hard to tackle because of its reach.

The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, has discussed the issue with Facebook, Twitter and Google, including what measures they are taking to combat vaccination misinformation on their platforms.

Vaccine hesitancy has been identified by the World Health Organisation as one of the 10 leading threats to global health this year.

DUBLIN CRECHES ORDERED TO CLOSE

A Dublin woman has lost more than half her body weight after being inspired by her daughter, who feared she would “eat herself to death”. Wendy Deacon, 49, has been named Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2019, after shedding an enormous 12st 4.5lbs (almost 80kg). She said: “I always came across as jolly and smiley, but inside I felt anything but.” The real turning point came when she discovered that her daughter, Amy, had confided in her grandmother that she worried Wendy would “eat herself to death”. (Above) Wendy Deacon with fiance David Rigney and (right) with daughter Amy before she lost the weight.

FOUR Dublin creches at the centre of a controversy are to close by the end of next month, following an order by the child and family agency, Tusla.

Tusla has removed the four Hyde & Seek creches from the register in light of disturbing allegations that were uncovered in an RTÉ investigation. The creches are on Tolka Road, Shaw Street, Millbourne Avenue and in Glasnevin in Dublin.

Management have been ordered to shut their doors by December 31 and have also been given 21 days to appeal Tusla’s decision.

Earlier this year an undercover investigation into the standard of care at Hyde & Seek creches revealed how children were roughly handled.

It also showed a series of fire safety breaches at the multimillion-euro family-run business.

A spokesman for Hyde & Seek said: “We do not accept the outcome of the regulatory process. Since the airing of the RTÉ programme we have continued to work to ensure we adhere to the highest standards.”

irishecho.com.au

December, 2019 | 21

THE IRISH ECHO

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Guess who is coming to the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade??

The Countdown has started….

15 Days to Christmas and he will be very busy!

105 Days to the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and he is so excited Happy Christmas from the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Organisation See you all on Sunday the 15th March 2020 at the Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade at The Rocks

22 | December, 2019

irishecho.com.au

TIME OUT

Cr ssCountry Mal Rogers scans Ireland’s regional media for what’s making news in your county.

out a specific operation to tackle the ‘boy racers’ and also confirmed they would allocate extra resources to the operation.

Cllr Watters also took the opportunity to raise the problem of cross-border burglary gangs who are operating in south Armagh at present.

“Recently we witnessed a packed public meeting held in the South Armagh village of Meigh where concerned residents and elected representatives alike, felt the way forward was a joined up cross-border approach.”

LIMERICK

Hurlers brawl in New York street

People look at sculptures known locally in Strabane Co Tyrone as the Tinnies which have been given a Christmas makeover. The Statues were originally constructed as a way for the town to mark the millennium. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire

BELFAST

Lord Mayor ‘deeply sorry’ for urinating in street THE Lord Mayor of Belfast has apologised after he was sanctioned by police for indecent behaviour on June 29 this year.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that John Finucane was spoken to by officers following a late-night incident in the city centre.

He urinated in the street after being “caught short”. Mr Finucane had been attending a social function, and was subsequently issued with a community resolution notice rather than a formal prosecution.

The 39-year-old is the Sinn Féin candidate for North Belfast in the upcoming general election.

Apologising, Mr Finucane told the Belfast Telegraph he was “very embarrassed and deeply sorry”.

“I had been out at a social event and was on my way home. I was caught short and made my way to my office on Castle Street.

“I realised I didn’t have my key. I tried to find somewhere as discreet as possible off the main street.

“Two police officers then approached me.

“I co-operated fully with police.”

The PSNI said: “A 39-year-old man was spoken to by police, following an incident in Belfast city centre at around 10.30pm on Saturday, June 29.”

Mr Finucane’s father Pat, a high-profile human rights lawyer, was shot dead in front of his wife and three children in 1989 by loyalist paramilitaries.

John Finucane trained as a solicitor and works at a Belfast-based law firm.

KERRY

Burst pipe leaves Listowel high and dry MUCH of Listowel was left without any running water over a recent weekend after an old pipe on Church Street burst for the fifth time this year, a situation that Mayor Jimmy Moloney agreed was bordering on farcical.

Speaking to The Kerryman, he said, “This pipe alone has burst five times alone this year. More or less the whole town gets taken out when that small section goes. There’s about 150 metres of pipe there that’s cast iron, it’s old, and when that breaks, the bulk of the town goes,” he said.

Mayor Moloney said that while the town has been fortunate not to have experienced burst pipes during busy periods such as the races, he said that it is unacceptable that businesses in the town have to suffer as a result.

DONEGAL

Funfair cut case settled for €80,000 A 10-year-old girl who fell and cut her knee as she walked on the boardwalk beside a ride at a funfair has settled her High Court action for €80,000.

The Irish Examiner reports that Leah Bonner was 10 years of age when she tripped and fell near the Waltzer ride at the fairground in Dungloe, Co. Donegal. She suffered a laceration to her knee. The High Court heard she has been left with a six-inch scar.

Leah, from Dungloe, had through her father Keith Bonner sued the fairground operator, John Ritchie trading as McGurk’s Funfair, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, and David Thompson, trading as JJ and DH Thompson of Glasgow,

Scotland which owned the Waltzer ride.

It was claimed there was an alleged failure to provide any adequate lighting around the Waltzer ride and an alleged failure to ensure that wooden slats on the boardwalk did not present a tripping hazard.

The claims were denied.

Leah’s counsel Declan McHugh said the child on August 5, 2017 tripped on a wooden lath and caught her knee on another. She suffered a severe laceration across her left knee and was brought by ambulance to hospital. She was in hospital for five days and had to use crutches for a number of weeks afterwards.

Approving the settlement Mr Justice Garrett Simons said it was an unfortunate incident.

LOUTH

A MEDALS presentation night for the Limerick senior hurlers was called off following a violent incident in New York which saw two players sent home early from a tour.

The Limerick Leader reports that Limerick senior hurling players were due to be presented with their Munster final and League final medals at a reception at Limerick’s Radisson Blu Hotel.

However, following an incident in New York involving two members of the senior panel, the celebration was called off. They were involved in a street brawl in an incident recorded by a teammate and posted on social media.

In the video footage the senior hurler is seen fighting with another man understood to be a Limerick hurling supporter from the south of the county.

The Limerick Leader learned that the senior hurling squad had been given directions by team manager John Kiely in relation to behaviour, at their training session before the trip to New York. Both panel members sent home early from New York had been present at that training session.

A disciplinary process by Limerick GAA has commenced.

The Limerick team were in the US to compete in the inaugural New York Hurling Classic.

WESTMEATH

Boy racers to be tackled

Farmer trampled to death by cattle

A GREATER emphasis will be placed on tackling dangerous joyriding in north Louth, members of the Dundalk Joint Policing Committee heard at their recent meeting.

The Argus reports that Louth Councillor Antóin Watters has welcomed confirmation of extra resources to deal with the scourge of so-called ‘boy racers’ in the North Louth area.

At the joint policing committee meeting, Cllr Watters raised the issue with Gardaí saying, “We urgently need to have this issue addressed before someone is seriously hurt or killed.

The number of incidents reported to me by concerned residents and citizens over the past few weeks has intensified.”

Local gardaí confirmed to Cllr Watters that they planned to carry

A 76-year-old farmer was trampled to death by cattle on his farm, an inquest has heard.

The Times reports that Seamus Smyth, a bachelor, was described at the inquest as “a content man who farmed all his life and liked a few drinks in the pub”.

Mr Smyth, from Geehanstown, Delvin, Co Westmeath, was farming on May 7, 2018, a bank holiday, when the accident happened.

Dublin coroner’s court heard that witness Sean Carolan was working across the road that morning. He saw Mr Smyth begin to round up the cattle “with a young lad”.

M Carolan saw that one of the cattle was not going with the rest. He told the court, “It jumped a high fence and ran on to the lane. Seamus went down and walked it back up towards the

yard. The animal wouldn’t go into the yard with the rest of the cattle.”

He saw the farmer and his helper let all the cattle back into the field to try to calm the situation. When the two men tried to move the cattle from the field to the yard a second time, Mr Smyth was fatally injured.

He was blocking the lane to turn the animals as they exited the field.

“Seamus spread his arms and was shouting at the cattle to try and turn them,” Mr Carolan said. “I saw one of the cattle charge and jump at Seamus.

He fell on his back with the impact and most of the other 21 cattle ran over where Seamus was lying. About three or four stayed back, so a good 15 or 16 cattle would have trampled over where Seamus was lying.”

Richard Shaw, who was in the field with the cattle, said he saw one of the bullocks jump at Mr Smyth.

Mr Smyth was airlifted to Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin. He died five days later of his injuries.

The coroner Dr Crona Gallagher returned a verdict of accidental death.

She extended her sympathies to the family.

MAYO

Councillors clash over Westport’s Christmas lights A WEST Mayo councillor says he would prefer to spend any extra funding he gets on hedge cutting rather than Christmas lights in Westport.

The Mayo News reports that Kilmeena-based councillor John O’Malley made the comment at the monthly meeting of the WestportBelmullet Municipal District, where he came under fire for refusing to commit money to Westport’s seasonal lighting.

Cathaoirleach of the municipal district, Cllr Christy Hyland claimed that there would be no Christmas lights in the town had he and fellow Westport councillor Brendan Mulroy not allocated some of their GMA money towards them.

The two other councillors in the Westport area, Cllr Peter Flynn and Cllr O’Malley, took issue with Cllr Hyland’s remarks, saying that as newly elected councillors, they did not have a budget for allocating funds for Christmas lights this year.

Cllr O’Malley added that he did not see the lights as a priority.

“You might need money for lighting, I need more for hedging. To me that is more important,” he said. Earlier in the meeting he claimed the situation was so bad in parts of Kilmeena that cars were ending up in the ditch and he feared someone will be killed.

When Cllr Hyland called on Cllr O’Malley to commit funding for lights, Cllr Paul McNamara interrupted saying there were other towns in the district that may need Christmas lights too.

Cllr Hyland urged people in the area to shop local this Christmas instead of shopping online, saying the likes of Amazon wouldn’t be providing spot prizes for local clubs’ competitions, unlike local businesses did, year in, year out.

irishecho.com.au

December, 2019 | 23

THE IRISH ECHO

Visa-bility

Your visa questions answered.

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

OCTOBER

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I’m here on a 457-visa working in Marketing but have just lost my job.

I still have a year left on my visa, but I’m worried my visa might be cancelled?

Monica T. HI Monica, THE employer sponsored 457 work visa and the new version 482 visa allow you to change employers without renewing the visa.

If you lose your job or leave your employer, you have some time limitations to move the visa or apply for a new visa.

The 457 and 482 visas are granted with work condition 8107 or 8607, which say you have to work for your sponsor only in the nominated job and if you cease work for more than 60 days you are in breach of your visa conditions.

If the 457 visa was granted before 19 November 2016 the time period is 90 days.

You should ideally find another employer to apply to take over your visa inside these time periods. Once the new employer’s nomination is approved by Immigration you can start work again for the remaining period of your 457/482.

Expect this visa transfer process to take several weeks. The employer does not and cannot cancel your visa.

In practice what happens is, the employer informs Immigration that you are no longer working. Then, after the 60 or 90 days, Immigration writes to you asking why it shouldn’t cancel your visa. If you have a new employer nomination lodged, then there is no issue.

If you haven’t found a new employer, Immigration may then start the visa cancellation process.

You can look at applying for a different type of visa. Your options will depend on your occupation, qualifications and work experience.

As an example, the NSW government offers state-nominated 190 visa nominations for marketing specialists. The 190 visa is one of the points tested skilled visa options.

You first need to work out how many points

you can claim. The minimum needed is 60 points but higher points scorers get picked first. The process is very competitive.

You can check out the points test system here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/skilled-nominated-190/ points-table A lot of pre-planning and preparation is needed ,including getting a migration skills assessment which can take between two and 14 weeks, depending on your occupation.

You will likely also need to take English testing to be able to claim extra points for these 190, 189, 491 skilled visas. You then make an expression of interest (EOI) application and wait to be invited to apply for the visa.

The visa invitation is not guaranteed. It may take many months of waiting before one arrives.

So, for a temporary visa holder, if you hope to be able to apply for these skilled visas while in Australia , you need to plan to keep your temporary visa going.

This means a new employer. Or, for 417 working holiday visa holders, perhaps plan to get a second WHV .

If you leave Australia, your EOI for the skilled visas continues. You can be in or outside Australia to apply. Bridging visas are only granted if you make a visa application while you are in Australia.

The EOI itself is not a visa application – no bridging visa at this stage.

See information on the skill select visas options at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/ working-in-australia/skillselect Take care in assessing your points claim, if you get this wrong your whole visa strategy can fail.

Consider seeking advice .You can find a registered migration agent at http://mia.org.au/

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Hi John,

Can I apply for a skilled visa without an employer or do I have to find a new employer? What options do I have?

2019

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Find your closest pint. guinnesspubfinder.com.au THE BLACKLIST RANKS PUBS BY THEIR VOLUME SALES OF DRAUGHT GUINNESS. THE RANKING IS SUPPLIED BY LION. THE GUINNESS WORD AND HARP DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED LOGOS ARE TRADE MARKS. GUINNESS & CO. 2019.

ARTS

24 | December, 2019

Review

ARTS

McDonagh’s fractured Queen is a real beauty THEATRE THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE

By Martin McDonagh Starring Yael Stone and Noni Hazelhurst Sydney Theatre Company

CCCC Billy Cantwell FOR Martin McDonagh, The Beauty Queen Of Leenane was the one play that revealed his prodigous talent to the world. That was in 1996 and the play, first performed by the Druid Theatre Group in Galway, went on to critical and commercial success in Dublin, London’s West End and Broadway (where it won multiple Tony Awards).

The Druid production also made its way to the Sydney Festival in 1998 where is was performed along with the other two elements of the Leenane trilogy – The Lonesome West and A Skull In Connemara. Now, the play is back on an Australian stage with a fine new Sydney Theatre Company production at the Roslyn Packer Theatre.

The play explores what have become familiar and darkly comic Irish themes for McDonagh’s writing. Ireland’s love/ monotonous existence outside the rural hate relationship with itself is manifested village of Leenane. in the cruelty of characters towards Maureen’s fading dreams of a better each other. Virtue is seldom rewarded life are consistently undermined by and dreams are almost-always shattered, Mags who derails any of her daughter’s and yet we laugh, a lot. McDonagh possible exit strategies through a unflinchingly holds up a satirical mirror combination of emotional blackmail, to rural Irish life, its preoccupations, dishonesty and unspeakable cruelty. obsessions and insecurities.

Maureen, at 40, has all but abandoned If he were not an outsider, the hope, submitting to a daily scrap with Londoner could not put such words in her mother during which we see, the mouths of his Irish characters. And perhaps, that the apple has not fallen far if he were not Irish – he visited the west from the tree. Lumpy cups of Complan, of Ireland on many Kimberly biscuits family holidays in and the contents his youth – he could of bedpans are not so impressively weaponised Virtue is seldom capture the wit, in a passive rewarded, dreams cadence and metre aggressive stoush of the Connacht with no winners. shattered, yet we laugh. vernacular. The The brief result is immediately return from familiar to Irish ears; England of local disturbingly accurate and yet bizarrely lad Pato Dooley (Hamish Michael) offers exaggerated all at the same time.

Maureen her best chance of escape.

The play centres around the relentCan she seize the chance or will she see lessly poisonous relationship between her one opportunity to find love and Maureen Folan (Yael Stone) – who in happiness derailed by her manipulative less-enlightened times might be called mother? a spinster – and her unlovable mother This Sydney Theatre Company Mags (Noni Hazelhurst). The pair share production is impressively staged with an isolated small cottage, living out a excellent performances from both

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Stone and Hazelhurst in the lead roles.

Stone, best-known for her role in the hit TV series Orange Is The New Black, was drafted in to play Maureen after the withdrawal of Rebel Wilson. Her uninhibited iteration of Maureen shows her range as an actor.

Hazelhurst, a veteran of Australian stage and screen, clearly embraces the villainous aspects of Mags and delivers a fine turn.

Michael is particularly memorable as the Pato, inhabiting his character with emotion, depth and skill.

Occasionally, the cadence of McDonagh’s carefully-constructed dialogue falls short. (The idiosyncratic use of ‘sure’ (shurr) in Irish banter is tricky to nail and the actors don’t always get it right.) It would also be churlish to quibble about the consistency of the Irish accents.

Paige Rattray’s direction makes full use of Renee Mulder’s beautiful, rotating set. The costumes and hair are perfect (the mullets are a joy to behold) and music is unobtrusively used to help transition between scenes.

The Beauty Queen Of Leenane is modern Irish theatre at its best and this production, which runs until December 21, delivers on many levels.

irishecho.com.au

MAMMY DEAREST: Yael Stone (right), Noni Hazelhurst and Hamish Michael in The Beauty Queen Of Leenane at the Roslyn Packer Theatre.

irishecho.com.au

Hurler Lowering the toner

WHO hasn't had a printer problem?

But the sheer scale of an escalating stoush over a printer at Dáil Éireann puts empty toner cartridges in perspective. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar knows a SNAFU when he sees one and has sought to distance himself from the controversy.

It comes after a report found that the total cost of the printer, including its installation fee, came to an eye-watering €1.8 million. Members of the Committee of Public Accounts called for further accountability over the fiasco. The report, which was compiled by the clerk of the Dáil Peter Finnegan, detailed the costs, which showed that that the cost of the printer, including VAT, was €1.369 million. It emerged that Oireachtas staff spent €808,000 on the printer, which did include structural costs.

However, when the printer was delivered in December last year, staff discovered it was too big and could not fit in the allocated space. It was put into storage for 10 months and it is understood that the machine has yet to be used because staff say they need training to use it.

Eurovision 'too gay' for Hungary SO, Hungary has pulled out of the Eurovision song contest apparently because the competition is “too gay” for the country’s far-right government.

December, 2019 | 25

TIME OUT

They said it...

on the ditch

“It read as follows: 'You biased b*****ds from the south ... we understand from our rugby friends that you haven't picked enough players from the north. Enjoy your trip to South Africa. We know where you live.' The purported sender? 'The Red Hand of Ulster.'

We gave it straight to Special Branch.”

Rugby coach Warren Gatland, revealing he was sent a chilling threat when he was in charge of Ireland after being accused of not picking enough Ulster-born players.

One Andrew Bolt style Hungarian vulgarian described Eurovision as a “homosexual flotilla”. While The Hurler has no idea what the Hungarians are on about, he does have a different theory. They've pulled out because they're shite.

Hungary has never finished any higher than fourth and that was their first crack at it back in 1994 when a singer called Friderika Bayer performed a song called "To Whom Can I Tell My Sins?".

So Hungary pulling out of the Eurovision is a bit like Kilkenny pulling out of the All Ireland Football Championship. It will have little impact on the result.

Urine big trouble NORTHERN Ireland's local government watchdog is considering a request to investigate after the Lord Mayor of Belfast was caught urinating in the street. No, really.

John Finucane, 39, has apologised and said he is "very embarrassed"

Quiz 1. Which was the first book Samuel Beckett wrote in French, rather than English?

2. This major Irish sporting prize is named after a member of the Church of Ireland from west Cork — he captained London Hibernians Gaelic Football club while a civil servant in London. What is the trophy?

3. The Irish fictional character Phineas Finn MP was created by which English writer?

4. Jonathan Swift was dean of which church in Dublin?

5. In which language is the Book of Kells?

6. The ‘bos’ is which part of a hurley stick?

7. What was withdrawn from circulation in the Irish Republic on February 9, 2002?

8. Which city is the ecclesiastical centre of all Ireland?

9. Which is Ireland’s most northerly inhabited island?

10. What is the home of Munster rugby club?

“The PPS is currently reviewing decisions not to prosecute a number of suspects reported by police in connection with the events on Bloody Sunday, as requested by a number of the victims and families of deceased persons involved.”

This is a picture of Senator David Norris, a convincing alien and a faux messiah outside Leinster House. It's not important to understand the context. Oh, and David Norris is the one in the middle.

A statement by the Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland after pressure to bring further prosecutions against British Army paratroopers intensifies.

about the incident in Belfast city centre on June 29. The Sinn Féin representative has accepted a community resolution notice for indecent behaviour.

"I am of course very embarrassed and deeply sorry about this incident and I apologise unreservedly," he said.

Finucane, who became Lord Mayor of Belfast in May, is standing in the Westminster election for the North Belfast constituency in what is expected to be a tight race with DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds.

Mr Finucane said his wee problem came about while he was making his way home from a social event. He was simply "caught short", he said.

Will 'pissgate' cost the Shinner a seat in the House Of Commons that he will never sit on anyway? He'll need to spend more than a penny to get his campaign back on track.

"There are very strong indications that the appearance of the ring is linked to the 2015 burglary at Hatton Garden Safe Deposit.

Rumours that the ring has reappeared first started a few weeks after the burglary.”

Arthur Brand, a Dutchman who specialises in tracking down missing works of art, speaking about the return of a ring belonging to Oscar Wilde, stolen in 2002 from Magdalen College, Oxford, England.

“I think the timing of his resignation is a matter for him, not for me. I haven't discussed that with him. He's been very busy over the past two years, not just as a TD representing his constituency locally. He has been present for key votes. But his main job has been a European job in the past two years and he has done that extremely well.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on the impending resignation of Dara Murphy TD to concentrate on his European post. Mr Murphy has one of the lowest attendance records in Leinster House. Despite this, he receives a full annual €96,000 salary.

The ‘Echo’ Crossword Clues across: 1. Oval plaything within a duck in Northern town (14) 8. Mishear hint dubiously for film (3,8) 9 & 17 across: Large mountain in Connemara, for example, confused for London landmark (3,3) 10. Eastern woman on charge leads to outpouring (8) 12. Part of house specially for computing west Corktown (7) 13 & 19 across: Misused a hat, oddly, to find US venue (4,7) 15. Lass of frugality (3) 16 & 29 across: How many letters does this answer have? In Ireland, millions of them! (2,4) 20. Spanish fleet, perhaps? (6) 23. In the echo, Ards Peninsula secretes store (6) 24. One way to hide fluorine, in mashed guacamole (10) 26. An Irish comedy hero aches with laughter in secret (6) 27. On an odd Irish ballet founder (4) 28. Large arboreal specimen surrounding me on Scottish island (5) 29. see 16 across

Clues down: 1. Serving Anglo-Irish family (6) 2. Listener confused in south-east Ireland (8) 3. Irish woman found in iron (6) 4. Irish family, shortly honourable with degree (5) 5. A large ham, Gill, for a reorganised Irish rock star (4,9) 6. Gem of a woman (4) 7. Silver, but lack of males, gives type of name (7) 11. Paramiltary group with reverse intelligence calibration backing a resident of a Middle Eastern country (5) 13. Spot a religious area (3) 14. Sale mixed up with lioness (4) 15. State in Altagoaghan (3) 16. Impish ad found in the middle of craft (8) 17. Mayo land agent to ostracise (7) 18. Vienna ominously steers towards biblical woman (5) 21. Grieve, it’s said, of an Irish mountainous area (6) 22. Olympic athlete led any haphazard race (6) 24. Not together (5)

1

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3

4

5

6 7

8

9

10

11 12 13

14 15

17

16

18 20

19 21

22 23

24

25 26 27 28

29

LAST EDITION’S ANSWERS: Clues across: 1. Cillian Murphy. 8. Ali. 9. Ned Kelly. 10 & 24 across: John Lydon. 12. Abasement. 13. Cage. 14. Abash. 15. Asia. 18. Ant. 19. Ryan. 21. Paint. 24. see 10 across 28. Impala. 30. Raglan. 33. Taoiseach. 34. De Profundis. 35 across, 17 & 23 down: Rin Tin Tin. Clues down: 1. Convicts. 2. Ladybugs. 3. Iseult. 4 & 29 down: Nullarbor Plain. 5. Rajasthan. 6. Yankees.

7. Militia. 15. Athy. 16. Iago. 20. Ava. 22. Ill. 23. see 35 across 24. Lasses. 25. Dana. 26. Nathan. 27. Braid. 29. see 4 down 31. Grip. 32. Alto.

Answers: 1. Molloy; 2. The Sam Maguire Cup; 3. Anthony Trollope; 4. St Patrick’s Cathedral; 5. Latin; 6. The blade; 7. The punt; 8. Armagh; 9. Rathlin; 10. Thomond Park

TIME OUT

26 | December, 2019

irishecho.com.au

TIME OUT

Travel

1. Castle Leslie, County Monaghan

There’s no excuse to hibernate in winter when Ireland’s Ancient East is inviting you to explore 5,000 years of history, traverse gorgeous landscapes and relish the finest food and drink.

Top winter must-dos in Ireland’s Ancient East Wrap up warm and bring a healthy sense of adventure – winter days are just as good as the summer ones in Ireland’s Ancient East, and here are just five of the top things to do and experience.

1.

vernight O in a castle

THERE’S no better way to spend a winter weekend than in the opulent surroundings of an Irish castle hotel where superb décor, excellent service and the finest dining combine to deliver exceptional experiences.

Follow in the footsteps of royalty and book a stay at Castle Leslie in County Monaghan, one of the finest castle hotels on the island.

Sitting within 1,000 acres of scenic Irish countryside, the hotel provides sumptuous accommodation and a range of on-site activities from horse riding to hot-air ballooning.

2.

ollow a fine F food trail

SIGN up to a food or drink trail and discover the people and stories behind Ireland’s renowned artisan food. Gallivanting Tours in Wexford focuses on food, folklore and whiskey with a blend of storytelling and visits to local producers. The Cork Fab Food Trail takes you on a delicious journey around the rebel city to meet artisan producers, visit the famous English Market, stop off in a pub for a timely tipple and enjoy some generous tastings of local delicacies.

3.

njoy a E Christmas festival

SEE the historic cities of Ireland’s Ancient East festooned with seasonal cheer for their annual Christmas festivals. In Decem-

ber, Yulefest Kilkenny will light up the city’s medieval cobbled streets and buildings with music, arts, colourful installations and street entertainment. Meanwhile Viking Waterford will stage Ireland’s largest Christmas festival, Winterval Waterford, delivering over 60 magical experiences and events over four weeks.

4.

2. Cork Fab Food Trail

3. Winterval Waterford

4. Powerscourt House

5. Dawn at Newgrange

et back G to nature

A BRIGHT and bracing winter’s day is the perfect time to explore the Irish countryside. Combine a stroll through stunning landscapes with an exploration of Ireland’s rich history on a visit to the sixth-century monastic city at Glendalough, County Wicklow. Or head to the famous Powerscourt House and Gardens half-an-hour away to enjoy invigorating walks among some of the most majestic vistas in Ireland against the backdrop of the great Sugarloaf Mountain.

5.

ee the dawn at S Newgrange

THE 5,200-year-old passage tomb of Newgrange, located in the Boyne Valley, is considered to be the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East. Pre-dating the Pyramids, archaeologists class Newgrange as a passage tomb, and it is part of a complex of monuments built along a bend of the River Boyne known collectively as Brú na Bóinne.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s no better way to delve deep into Ireland’s ancient past.

FIND OUT MORE :: www.ireland.com

or www.irelandsancienteast.com

irishecho.com.au

December, 2019 | 27

ARTS

Review

Travels to the interior BOOKS

learn that she has a fascination with numbers, counts her steps – 28 from kitchen to front gate – and cracks her knuckles when she is confused. Her speech is strangely formal and she A THOUSAND seems to pay particular attention to ROADS HOME people’s shoes. Gradually, we learn that

By Carmel Harrington this latter is because she finds it hard to HARPERCOLLINS look people in the eye.

It is towards the end of the book 440 Pages before she describes herself as an Aspie, $29.99 and by then the reader is fully aware that she is on the autism spectrum. The story is a lesson on the difficulties faced by people who are autistic, particularly NIGHT BOAT when the condition exhibits as apparent TO TANGIER lack of empathy with others.

By Kevin Barry The book covers another societal problem, that of homelessness and CANONGATE the plight of those who have to seek 214 Pages assistance from local authorities in order $29.99 to find a place to live. That this is dealt with in a Dublin context makes the story particularly relevant for an Irish reader.

It appears that in recent years, much of the care of those who are homeless or Frank O’Shea who sleep on park benches is down to a group called the Peter McVerry Trust, named after a Jesuit priest who set up SO much modern fiction is grim and the organisation in 1983. serious that it is good to be reminded Although that you can have almost all the a story where the characters in characters are good the story are in people overcoming temporary difficulties. That is What makes the book accommodacertainly the case so special is the cast of tion, the one in this fine novel by who interacts Wexford writer Carmel characters, believable with Ruth is Harrington. I was people facing situations Tom O’Grady. surprised to learn that He is a medical it is in fact her seventh that are real. doctor who book and that she has has fallen on a dedicated internahard times, not tional following. through drink What makes the or drugs or gambling, but through losing book so special is the cast of characters, his family. It stretches belief to imagine believable people facing situations that that such a person would voluntarily are real. The central one is Ruth, sole sleep on park benches and in night carer for her 10-year-old son DJ. We

CCCC

CCCC

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shelters, but the author manages to persuade us that this might really happen. The coincidences that have Ruth and Tom meet and form a friendship stretch our belief more than a little, but the author manages it by keeping her story moving smartly along.

If I describe this as a charming story, there is a danger that I may appear to be diminishing it. But it is the kind of book that attracts words like uplifting, warm, endearing, an old-fashioned feel-good story, the kind that will bring tears.

It could serve as a good way to test whether you can call yourself a cynic: for the record, this reviewer failed that test. ________________________________

at the port of Algeciras, on the southern tip of Spain, with Tangier vaguely object to losing a fairy fort and almost visible in the African distance on a clear as much bother from the rocky ground night. They are still in their early 50s, that has survived millennia of erosion relatively young in years, but ancient in and was not about the troubles they to give up easily to have put their the jack-hammers of bodies through, modern developers. while in their The houses are element in the The story is about their eventually built, but moral quagmire emotional troubles few of them sell. in which they Barry’s description flounder. The rather than any of the wildness story is about difficulties they may of West Cork is their emotional entirely satisfying as troubles rather have experienced in is his way of telling than any diffitheir chosen way of us what kind of culties they may people populate the have experienced making a living. equally remote tip of in their chosen Spain or the sleazy way of making a underworld of Cork living. city. Hearne and In some ways, Redmond have survived the hazards of the story is an old one: two friends the drug trade more by good luck than in love with the same woman. Their good management, but it is clear that disintegration comes largely from a life the remainder of their lives will be on the that progressed from Moroccan hash equally dangerous fringes of that world. to substances in powder form and Indeed, it is suggested that this area of others requiring a needle. In its day, commerce is now so well organised that their business was extremely successful, the future for amateurs is not in moving returning large amounts of profit which drugs but moving people. they carefully laundered, mainly in the Both in the story and in its way of Irish property boom of the new century. telling, this is a thoroughly modern At one stage, Hearne buys a block book. The language will offend if you are of mountain overlooking Berehaven at sensitive, and the ending is not for those the tip of the Beara peninsula in Cork. who like things tied neatly. But it is Kevin He intends building a housing estate Barry at his dour best. there but has trouble from locals who

“

WHEN you see Kevin Barry’s name on the cover of a book, you know you have to read it. Memories of his first book City Of Bohane, perhaps, and the crazy West of Ireland world of the future that he created there. Or it could be his next story, Beatlebone, where he imagines John Lennon on his way to refuge in the Aran Islands to try to recover his genius.

Neither book is conventional in the telling or the timeline or even the normal rules of punctuation. This, his latest one, discards those conventions completely.

The surprising thing is that the book does fine without them. The reader is still carried along on a wave of energy, through actions that are sometimes only hinted, with unorthodox paragraphing and dialogue that is distinguished by context rather than the usual symbols and marks used for reported speech.

The central characters are Charlie Redmond and Mossy Hearne, retired drug traffickers from Cork city. They are

”

THE TOP 10 BOOK CHARTS FROM IRELAND ORIGINAL FICTION

BESTSELLERS

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball 2. The Beast of Buckingham Palace 3. Ordinary Joe 4. Guinness World Records 2020 5. Blue Moon 6. Once, Twice, Three Times an Aisling 7. The Great Irish Science Book 8. Cilka’s Journey 9. Overcoming 10. Twas The Nightshift Before Christmas

Jeff Kinney David Walliams

1. Blue Moon 2. Once, Twice, Three Times an Aisling

Joe Schmidt

3. Cilka’s Journey

Guinness Publications

4. Grace in Winter

Lee Child S Breen/ E McLysaght Luke O’Neill

CHILDREN’S

Lee Child

5. Boulevard Wren and other Stories 6. Schmidt Happens 7. Philadelphia, Here I Come

S Breen/ E McLysaght

1. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball 2. The Beast of Buckingham Palace

Heather Morris

3. The Great Irish Science Book

Deirdre Purcell

4. Beano Annual : 2020

Blindboy Boatclub Ross O’Carroll-Kelly Brian Friel

David Walliams Luke O’Neill

D.C. Thomson & Co

5. The Dinky Donkey

Craig Smith

6. The Official Liverpool FC Annual 2020 7. Dog Man 7: For Whom the Ball Rolls

Heather Morris

8. The Family Gift

Cathy Kelly

Vicky Phelan

9. The Night Fire

Michael Connelly

9. Gordon’s Game

10. The Testaments

Margaret Atwood

10. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid

Adam Kay

Jeff Kinney

8. The World’s Worst Teachers

Grange Comms Dav Pilkey David Walliams

Paul Howard/Gordon D’Arcy Jeff Kinney

28 | December, 2019

Review

irishecho.com.au

ARTS

Photos: Ross Stewart

U2’s triumphant return rewards the true believers

LIVE MUSIC U2 Live at the Sydney Cricket Ground

Friday, November 22

CCCC Meg Kanofski U2’S first NSW concert conquered a difficult challenge; getting Sydneysiders to turn out in the rain.

Hordes of fans not only turned out but queued from the early hours of the morning, proving dedication to the Irish rockers hasn’t waned during their decade-long hiatus from touring Down Under.

Damp Tricolours rose in the masses from the electrifying opening bars of Sunday Bloody Sunday, but it was with the anthemic New Year’s Day and Bad that U2 surely reassured fans the 12-hour and 10-year wait was worth their while.

Beginning with a string of sing-along hits set the tone with an underlying message of unity – the band, which just days ago delayed a flight to meet and

honour Victorian firefighters, intertwined international stories of climate change, politics and feminism during its two-hour long set.

After the first of several tributes to their friend Michael Hutchence on the 22-year anniversary of his death, the band launched into the mainstay of the commemoration tour, playing the 1987 Joshua Tree album cover-to-cover.

The premise is a dream for diehard fans who forego their phones’ shuffle function and insist on listening to an album in its original tracklist order.

It was a fest for the purists as the band journeyed from Where The Streets Have No Name, through Running To Stand Still and Bullet The Blue Sky on to Trip Through Your Wires.

Younger fans and casual listeners might have phased out during this 30-year-old walk down memory lane but even this chunk of the audience could not deny U2 were in fine form.

Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. – all now on the cusp of 60 – maintain an energy and passion to technical perfection, even if the cricket ground-cum-concert venue acoustics left more to be desired.

By the time they returned for a strong encore and a passionate rendition of Achtung Baby’s One, the audience was securely back in the palms of their hands and dreading the show’s end.

The set makes use of a custom built LED screen made of more 1,000 panels, making it the largest and highest resolution screen used during a touring show.

This selling point proved not to be a gimmick. Crisp videos – capturing everything from nostalgia-tinged Americana landscapes to a joyful Salvation Army brass troupe – attracted as many eyes as the band itself, despite Bono taking matters into his own hands to film and project on-stage antics.

The Sydney show could not avoid continuing U2’s long-held trend of dividing opinion, with the Australian flag that rounded out the visual display drawing cheers from many while others muttered disapproval.

For most fans, however, the night was purely a celebration of the music they have loved for four decades.

Like any good Irishman, Bono credited alcohol and the Holy Spirit for the ongoing success of “greatest rock and roll band from the northside of Dublin”.

No doubt this foursome must often reflect on their remarkable path of success and creativity since they first met at Clontarf’s Mount Temple Comprehensive School in Dublin in the 1970s.

More than 40 years later, it’s a combination that still has the power to deliver on the biggest stage.

The Australian flag drew cheers and also muttered disapproval from fans.

U2’s tribute to their friend INXS’ Michael Hutchence.

irishecho.com.au

December, 2019 | 29

SPORT

Rugby :: Champions Cup

Chidren playing rugby

Irish success sees spike in young players signing up AINE MCMAHON

Munster’s JJ Hanrahan gets the offload away against Racing at Thomond Park, Limerick. Picture: Niall Carson

Provinces on track for Euro play-offs

Leinster and Ulster are topping their Champions Cup pools after two rounds of matches while Munster are level with Racing 92 in their group and Connacht still in with a chance of a play-off spot.

In the most recent round of matches Leinster and Ulster secured crucial wins while Munster played out a thrilling draw with Simon Zebo’s Racing 92 and Connacht went down to the impressive Toulouse side.

It was a tale of two fly-halves as JJ Hanrahan kicked Munster to a dramatic 21-21 draw with a Finn Russell-inspired Racing 92.

Hanrahan was ice cool when converting Andrew Conway’s 75th-minute try from the right touchline, but then snatched at a late drop-goal attempt for the win in Limerick.

Leading 14-11 at half-time thanks to terrific scores from Russell and Teddy Thomas, Racing were on course to become the first French winners of a Heineken Champions Cup game at Thomond Park since Clermont Auvergne in December 2014.

Munster were briefly level thanks to Keith Earls’ late first-half try and JJ Hanrahan’s third successful penalty, but despite a Juan Imhoff try opening up a seven-point gap, the hosts slammed it shut through Conway and Hanrahan.

Elsewhere, Leinster withstood a fierce onslaught from TOP14 leaders Lyon to grind out a hard-fought 13-6 Heineken Champions Cup win at the Stade de Gerland.

The Irish province played much of the game without the ball, but their defence was up to the challenge as they repelled their French oppo-

The in-form Andrew Conway goes in to score against Racing 92.

nent’s powerful carriers.

Leo Cullen’s men scored the only try of the game through No 8 Max Deegan with Ireland ace Johnny Sexton kicking a conversion and two penalties on his second club appearance of the season. Jonathan Wisniewski booted two Lyon penalties as they took a losing bonus point.

A second-half try from John Cooney saw Ulster beat Clermont Auvergne 18-13 at the Kingspan Stadium to go top of Pool Three after two rounds of the Heineken Champions Cup tournament.

Cooney also kicked a conversion and two penalties for a 13-point haul as the Irish province backed up an earlier win at Bath in what was anoth-

er arm-wrestle of a game at a weather-hit Kingspan.

Ulster’s other try was scored by Jordi Murphy early in the first half, while Clermont’s Greig Laidlaw slotted two penalties as the Top 14 side snatched a losing bonus point thanks to a late second-half penalty try.

Elsewhere, Connacht head coach Andy Friend was proud of his side’s performance despite slipping to a 32-17 Champions Cup defeat against Toulouse. Tries from Sebastien Bezy, Yoann Huget, Jerome Kaino and Pita Ahki plus 12 points from the boot of Thomas Ramos were enough to secure maximum points for the fourtimes champions.

Connacht scored two tries of their own courtesy of Tom Farrell and Caolin Blade with Conor Fitzgerald kicking seven points at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.

“I was really proud of our performance,” said Friend. “I just thought the boys never stopped trying. When they got their opportunities they took them in the first-half.

“I thought a lot of things were stacked against us but they stuck at our systems and believed in themselves. We went into the break one point down and came out in the second-half and kept the pressure on.

“If you look at the 32-17 scoreline it looks like a one-sided game but it certainly wasn’t. We can take a lot of pride out of this game.

“Our back to back games against Gloucester will be pool defining.

You’ve got to win your home games while you’ve definitely got to get one win away from home if not two. It’s going to be a crucial double header.”

RUGBY has increased in popularity, with children and young adults in Ireland more likely to play the sport than in previous generations, a report has found.

The findings are contained in an Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) report on participation in rugby, commissioned by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU).

The research exploits five separate data sources, including one from Northern Ireland. The findings reveal similar patterns of participation in rugby over time and by social group on both sides of the border.

Just over one per cent of adults play regular rugby, while among children aged under 13 the active participation rate is over ten per cent and has increased strongly in recent decades. The report authors noted the challenge identified is to keep young people actively playing rugby.

Many children who play drop out when they go from primary to second-level school or when they leave school. This pattern of drop-out is seen for other popular team sports.

While the large majority of rugby players are still male, the proportion of females who play has increased.

The most recent data also shows that one-third of spectators at rugby matches are female.

In common with other sports, rugby is played more by people of higher socio-economic status, although this varies across the provinces. In Munster, the sport has a broader social base and participation is highest.

Report author Dr Elish Kelly said: “Drop-out is a problem among children, especially when they move between or leave schools.

“Our research also suggests clear opportunities to get more women and people from lower socio-economic groups involved in rugby.”

Rugby In Brief AKI SIGNS NEW THREE-YEAR CONNACHT DEAL IRELAND centre Bundee Aki has signed a three-year contract extension that will tie him to Connacht until 2023. Aki has won 23 caps since making his debut against South Africa in 2017 and started every match of the Grand Slam triumph a year later.

The powerful 29-year-old was a key member of Ireland’s squad for the recent World Cup in Japan until receiving a red card for a high tackle against Samoa.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve been given to represent both Connacht and Ireland and am delighted to extend my Irish Rugby Football Union contract,” Aki said. “Everyone in Connacht has been incredibly supportive of both me and my family and the Ireland supporters have been fantastic since I was selected for the national squad. I want to play my part in helping Connacht achieve their ambitious plans in the years to come.”

Aki joined Connacht in 2014 and was instrumental in the province’s PRO12 success in 2016.

ULSTER’S ADDISON HANDED FOUR WEEK BAN ULSTER’S Will Addison has been suspended for four weeks following a tackle on Paul Jedrasiak during the Heineken Champions Cup match with Clermont.

He was cited - despite being cleared by referee JP Doyle after consulting the TMO at the time. A statement from tournament organisers European Professional Club Rugby read: “The committee upheld the citing complaint finding that Addison had made reckless contact with Jedrasiak’s head in attempting the tackle. And as dangerous tackles of this nature carry a mandatory mid-range sanction according to World Rugby’s regulations, six weeks was selected as the appropriate entry point.”

LEINSTER SLAY WARRIORS TO STAY TOP LEINSTER extended their winning run and with it their lead at the top of Guinness Pro14 Conference A with a 23-10 victory over Glasgow in a repeat of last season’s final. Two Ruaridh Jackson tries in the opening 25 minutes helped Glasgow take a 10-3 lead but Leinster responded with a brace of tries from Cian Kelleher and 13 points from the boot of Ross Byrne to claim the spoils.

Leinster, who beat Glasgow 18-15 at Celtic Park in May to lift their second successive Pro14 title, have now won seven out of seven this season, while the Warriors have won three and lost four.

ULSTER BLOW SCARLETS AWAY IN BELFAST ULSTER ran in five tries to claim a bonus-point 29-5 home victory over the Scarlets in the Guinness PRO14. Centre Matt Faddes scored two tries while John Cooney, Matty Rea and Robert Baloucoune also crossed at the Kingspan Stadium. Cooney kicked two conversions in a game which only saw two scores in the second half after Ulster had led 24-0 at the interval.

30 | December, 2019

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International Rules: Ireland v Australia

AFL :: Conor McKenna

Irish Bomber in strife with club for home town game IRISH Bomber Conor McKenna is prepared for the “consequences” of playing in a Gaelic football game without Essendon’s permission but has no regrets about his decision.

AFL.com.au reported that the 23-year-old scored a second-half goal for his local club side, Eglish, in a relegation playoff game against Edendork in his home county of “You feel like you owe (your Gaelic football club) and I do owe them everything for what they have done for me,” McKenna told the Irish Independent about the game.

“You grew up playing with these people – you have cousins and brothers playing – so it’s a family and community-based thing. That’s my point.

“I came home before and sat there and watched them and it’s a very hard thing to do, so I came home and they had a relegation battle and I decided to play.

“To play for them for 18 years and then to go home and completely shut

Conor McKenna of Essendon

off, it’s difficult. That’s why so many Irish players like Zach Tuohy, Mark O’Connor and Tadhg Kennelly went home and played. It’s hard not to.”

“I’ll explain what the club has done for me and how I wouldn’t be in this position (without) them and that I feel obligated to give something back to them,” McKenna said.

McKenna will be joined at Essendon by highly-rated Irish duo Ross McQuillan and Cian McBride having signed two-year rookie contracts.

Sport In Brief Ireland’s co-captains Michael Murphy and Aidan Walsh with the Cormac McAnallen Trophy after the last International Rules series to be played in Ireland back in 2013. Picture: Adrian Melia

GAA a ‘golden goose’ for AFL, claims Ó Sé GAELIC football great Tomas Ó Sé has slammed the return of the International Rules series and demanded AFL clubs pay compensation when they sign Irish players.

The five-time All-Ireland winner claims the return of the series, which will take place in Ireland in November 2020, is merely an opportunity for AFL clubs to scout and sign Ireland’s best young players. Ó Sé, who played in the 2002 and 2005 editions of the two-match series, says Australia is contributing nothing to Gaelic football in return.

“We are an amateur sport, these lads are after falling on the perfect golden goose here,” the former Kerry defender told the RTE GAA podcast.

“It is worth everything to them (Australia) because you can get a Tadhg Kennelly (Sydney), a Jim Stynes (Melbourne), there are so many examples.

“I do not get how we are going over and putting our best on show and allowing them a free pass to come over and pluck our players.”

Given the amateur status of Gaelic football, the lure of a professional career has been a tempting one for emerging Irish players.

“We make it far too easy, they (the AFL) contribute nothing to our society or our games, nothing,” Ó Sé said.

“We are dealing with a professional outfit here. Let them fork out.”

Former Kerry star, Tomas O Se

A record 17 Irish players are on AFL lists for next year.

Promising Irish duo Ross McQuillan and Cian McBride will link up with Conor McKenna at Essendon having signed two-year rookie contracts, joining the likes of Mark O’Connor (Geelong), Conor Nash (Hawthorn), Zach Tuohy (Carlton) and Pearce Hanley (Gold Coast) in the AFL ranks.

There are also 18 players from Ireland committed to AFL Women’s teams for 2020. This include Mayo sisters Niamh and Grace Kelly (West Coast), All-Ireland winning Dublin duo Niamh McEvoy and Sinead Goldrick (Melbourne), Galway’s Mairead Seoighe (North Melbourne) and Tipperary’s Orla O’Dwyer (Brisbane).

“We have to be guarded,” Dublin Ladies manager Tom Bohan told RTE. “Are we preparing our girls to go to

Australia? That’s not what we want, no more than what we want with our male counterparts.”

In spite of the resistance, the International Rules Series will return next year for the first time since 2017.

The AFL and Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association have finally agreed to the next two series of the hybrid game between the two countries.

Venues are yet to be locked in but the series will be back in Ireland in 2020, with the provisional dates being Sunday, November 15 and Saturday, November 21.

The series will then be held in Australia at some stage after the 2022 AFL season.

The AFL’s general manager of football operations, Steve Hocking, said players named in the 2020 Virgin Australia AFL All Australian team would qualify for IRS selection.

“We want to take the best of the best to the two-test series in Ireland next year and our All Australian players will be the first players selected,” Hocking said.

GAA’s director general Tom Ryan said he was pleased to see the IRS return. “The series offers our players the chance to wear the green jersey and represent Ireland,” Ryan said. “It also provides them with an opportunity to pit themselves against the best from another code while showcasing the best skills of Gaelic football.”

O’BRIEN RETAINS CHAMPION JOCKEY CROWN HORSE RACING: Donnacha O’Brien was officially crowned Irish champion Flat jockey for the second time on the final day of the season at Naas.

Aidan O’Brien - father of Joseph and Donnacha - was also confirmed as champion Flat trainer for a remarkable 22nd time. The master of Ballydoyle first claimed the title in 1997 - and while Dermot Weld reclaimed the crown the following year, O’Brien has been champion trainer in every season since 1999. This time, he has trained 118 winners for almost €7.8 million in prize money.

BOWLER MURTAGH RETIRES AT 38 CRICKET: Middlesex and Ireland seamer Tim Murtagh has announced his retirement from international cricket at the age of 38.

Lambeth-born Murtagh capped his Ireland career with a dream Test appearance against England at Lord’s, earning a place on his home ground’s famous honours board with exemplary figures of five for 13 in a losing cause.

Murtagh first wore the green shirt in 2012 after discussing his ancestry with Ed Joyce and went on to be the anchor of the country’s seam attack across 54 oneday internationals and 14 Twenty20s as well as their first three Test matches.

CONOR O’SHEA TO WORK WITH ENGLAND CONOR O’Shea has been appointed director of performance rugby at the Rugby Football Union in a role that will see the former Italy and Harlequins coach work closely with England boss Eddie Jones. O’Shea stepped down from the Azzurri job after the recent World Cup and will start his new post at Twickenham next year. The 49-year-old will manage the England player, coaching and match officials pathways across men’s and women’s 15s and sevens programmes and will report to chief executive Bill Sweeney.

“Conor comes here with existing knowledge of how we operate,” Sweeney said. “He has a good, rounded balance of what it takes to be part of a high-performance system. His principle focus will be rebuilding the performance pathway and the coach development side. It is a wide-ranging role.”

O’Shea, who was capped 35 times, was director of rugby at Harlequins before becoming Italy coach in 2016.

FRAMPTON A STEP CLOSER TO TITLE FIGHT BOXING: Carl Frampton has inflicted a first-ever defeat on American Tyler McCreary and now hopes for a shot at the world super featherweight title.

The Jackal beat McCreary in a unanimous decision, with all three judges marking it 100-88. McCreary went down twice in the fight in Las Vegas, from a body shot in round six and from hooks to the body in the ninth. The Northern Irishman has previously held world titles at super-bantamweight and featherweight.

If the 32-year-old wins the super featherweight belt he would become Ireland’s first-ever three-weight world champion.

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December, 2019 | 31

Football: Euro 2020 Play-Offs

PLAY-OFF HISTORY: HIGHS LOWS AND HANDBALLS

Troy Parrott, who made his first Irish start against New Zealand last month, is one of the Republic’s emerging stars.

Slovakia first then, possibly, Belfast THE new play-off format for the Euro 2020 finals will see the Republic play a semi-final and then, if successful, a final. Their ‘pool’ also includes Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Slovakia, who they face up front on March 26.

The Republic have never lost to Slovakia in five previous meetings, but have only one win to their name, a 1-0 victory back in 2007 when Kevin Doyle’s early goal gave Steve Staunton’s side a Euro 2008 qualifying win at Croke Park.

Four draws have followed, three in qualifiers and the most recent a 2-2 friendly draw at the Aviva Stadium in 2016. More recent form finds little to separate the two, with both teams taking 13 points from their eight Euro 2020 qualifiers. The Republic were

frustrated as they drew their final game 1-1 with Denmark when a win in Dublin would have put them through, while Slovakia’s chances of advancing directly were already over before their 2-0 win over Azerbaijan.

Northern Ireland meanwhile travel to Zenica in March to face Bosnia, with the carrot of a home final on offer. Northern Ireland have lost their only two previous meetings with Bosnia, both last year in the Nations League as they went down 2-1 in Belfast and 2-0 in Sarajevo.

But there was some reason for hope. Those defeats both came during a punishing campaign in which O’Neill’s new-look side took their licks playing a more possession-based style. They lost at Windsor despite having 26 shots at goal to

Bosnia’s five, while they hit the post three times in Sarajevo.

Should it come down to an all-Ireland final the match would be hard to call. The Republic have the better record, having won four and drawn five of their 11 meetings – the most recent a goalless friendly draw in Dublin last year – but Windsor Park could tip the balance in the north’s favour.

Whoever comes through the pool will face Spain, Poland and Sweden in the Euro 2020 finals next June.

An added sweetener for the Irish is that two of those Group E games would be in Dublin: Poland (June 15) and Sweden (June 19) before a trip to face Spain in Bilbao (June 24).

Spain are top seeds in the group, with Poland second seeds and Sweden third seeds.

THE Republic of Ireland will take part in their 10th play-off campaign when they resume their Euro 2020 quest against Slovakia in March next year. Six ended in failure, but two of the last three have proved successful.

SPAIN, 1966 World Cup - lost 1-0 in deciding game The Republic and Spain were pitched into battle when Syria withdrew from the tournament in support of African nations protesting over the allocation of places. Each side won its home game and a decider was required with Jose Ufarte’s first international goal sending the Spaniards through.

HOLLAND, Euro 96 - lost 2-0 in one-off game Having sat out the finals in England 30 years earlier, Ireland were handed a chance to make make the short trip across the Irish Sea when they faced Holland in a one-legged showdown at Anfield. However, Jack Charlton’s men succumbed 2-0 with a young Patrick Kluivert contributing both goals.

BELGIUM, 1998 World Cup - lost 3-2 on aggregate Denis Irwin’s early opener was not enough for the Republic to secure a home advantage after Luc Nilis ensured the Belgians returned to Brussels with a 1-1 draw. Goals from Luis Oliveira and Nilis secured a 2-1 second-leg win in Belgium.

TURKEY, Euro 2000 - lost on away goals Ireland were unable to hang on to a first-leg lead once again as Tayfur Havutcu’s late penalty at Lansdowne Road cancelled out Robbie Keane’s effort. That left McCarthy’s side up against it ahead of the trip to Bursa - and amid a row over the training facilities provided for the respective teams, the Turks fought out a 0-0 draw to book their ticket to Belgium and Holland for the finals.

IRAN, 2002 World Cup - won 2-1 on aggregate The Republic headed into unknown territory when they took on Iran over two legs. Ian Harte’s penalty and a second goal from Robbie Keane sent them to Tehran in the driving seat and they held firm.

FRANCE, 2010 World Cup - lost 2-1 on aggregate Nicolas Anelka scored the only goal in Dublin as Ireland, already aggrieved at FIFA’s change of heart on seeding the play-off draw, turned in a disappointing display. But the real controversy came four days later at the Stade de France when, with the visitors leading through Robbie Keane’s effort, Thierry Henry handled before crossing for William Gallas to equalise.

ESTONIA, Euro 2012 - won 5-1 on aggregate If Giovanni Trapattoni’s men had suffered ill fortune two years earlier, their luck changed markedly when Estonia were reduced to nine men in Tallinn with goals from Keith Andrews, Jonathan Walters and Robbie Keane’s double securing a 4-0 first-leg advantage. A 1-1 draw in Dublin simply rubber-stamped the outcome.

BOSNIA and Herzegovina, Euro 2016 - won 3-1 on aggregate Robbie Brady’s late strike in a fog-bound Zenica looked to have given Martin O’Neill’s side the upper hand, but Edin Dzeko levelled the tie. A first-half Walters penalty at the Aviva Stadium provided the impetus the home side needed and it was he who confirmed their place at the finals with a second 20 minutes from time.

DENMARK, 2018 World Cup - lost 5-1 on aggregate A 0-0 draw in Copenhagen sent Ireland back to Dublin dreaming of a trip to Russia and when Shane Duffy headed them into an early lead, they appeared to have one foot on the plane. However, the Danes, inspired by Christian Eriksen’s hat-trick, ultimately ran out 5-1 winners to deny then in brutal fashion.

Irish fall short after draw with Danes in Dublin

‘We’ve got to do it the hard way’: Duffy DAMIAN SPELLMAN

SHANE Duffy is ready to reach Euro 2020 the hard way after the Republic of Ireland saw automatic qualification snatched from their grasp.

The 27-year-old Brighton defender wore the captain’s armband against Denmark in Dublin as Ireland searched for a victory that would have secured passage from Group D. But they had to make do with a 1-1 draw and a place in the play-offs, meaning they will go again in March.

Duffy said: “On another night, we could have got one and it’s disappointing to take. It wasn’t for the lack of effort, as always, from us.

“But I’m trying to stay positive.

We’re still in it, we’re not out and

we’ve got to do it the hard way, like we always do.”

Mick McCarthy’s side produced their most compelling performance of the campaign to set the stage for a first competitive victory over the Danes since 1979, but in the end they were undone by their inability to convert pressure into meaningful chances.

Matt Doherty’s 85th-minute equaliser, which cancelled out Martin Braithwaite’s earlier strike against the run of play, was only their seventh goal in eight qualifying games and an eighth proved beyond them in a frenetic finish at the Aviva Stadium.

However, Duffy is convinced that more of the same will serve the Republic well in March.

He said: “It’s difficult, but that’s

football. If you make mistakes at the highest level you get punished and that’s sort of what happened to us tonight. We try to play like that every game, to be honest, but it’s easier said than done. We’ve just got to keep everyone fit until March and playing well at club level.

“I thought we pressed them quite well and they didn’t get their game going, really, and that’s the benchmark.”

Duffy was handed the armband in the absence of suspended skipper Seamus Coleman.

“I tried not to think about [the captaincy], to be honest. My family were very proud. I’d swap it all for a win.

It doesn’t feel special at the minute because we didn’t get through, but it’s something I’ll always say to my kids.”

Shane Duffy shows his disappointment after a near miss against the Danes in Dublin.

32 | December, 2019

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No quarter given

Irish-Australian hostilities to resume in 2020 but not everyone is happy: PAGE 30

Picture: Ray McManus