Irish Echo Feb 19

GAVIN JAMES

LUKA BLOOM

INTERVIEW :: PAGE 4

INTERVIEW :: PAGE 3

Dublin Singer Might Get A Role On Home And Away

Ireland Is More Enlightened But Too Selfish, Says Touring Singer

For breaking news visit www.irishecho.com.au

AUST RALI A’ S I RI S H N E WS PA P E R February, 2019 | Volume 32 – Number 1

AU$5.95 (incl GST)

Expat nurses’ solidarity with Irish peers in pay dispute

Hundreds of Irish nurses gather at the Sydney Opera House in support of their colleagues in Ireland, who are on strike.

Full report: page 3.

UNIONISTS NEED TO START PLANNING FOR A UNITED IRELAND, SINN FÉIN LEADER SAYS

PUSH FOR ‘UNITY’ POLL SINN Féin president Mar y Lou McDonald has said the unionist community needs to be a par t of planning for a united Ireland.

Republican leaders have stepped up their push for a unity poll that could result in a reunited Ireland.

Sinn Féin party activists from across Ireland gathered in Dublin last week-

end to discuss the campaign for Irish unity and what they say is a “growing demand for a unity poll”.

Ms McDonald r eiterated her challenge to the Irish Government to convene an Irish unity forum and said unionists have to start planning for “all eventualities”.

“Obviously, our unionist brothers and sisters need to be part of planning a new Ireland. Their first option, of

course, is to maintain the union with Britain and we respect that, but as one ex-leader of the DUP put it, they need to start now planning for all eventualities, and unionism needs a Plan B.” Ms McDonald claimed that the growing likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has pushed the idea of Irish reunification to the forefront of politics.

“The Good Friday Agreement provides a route to remove the border

once and for all. Regardless of Brexit, there will be a unity referendum.

“In our time we now have an opportunity denied to generations – a peaceful and democratic route to Irish unity; to build a new and united Ireland.

“There are those who ... don’t yet appreciate the huge opportunity that Irish unity can present for all of, us socially and economically, and those that are hostile to the idea.”

MORE BREXIT NEWS

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irish australia TALENTED TROUBADOUR RETURNS TO RESUME LOVE AFFAIR WITH AUSTRALIA

Bloom’s day looms on Luka’s 13th tour of Oz David Hennessy chats to folk singer Luka Bloom about his upcoming tour of Australia, his strong feelings on Ireland’s homelessness problem and why Aboriginal activist Miriam Rose inspired one of his songs.

LUKA Bloom says his first tour to Australia was like love at first sight. “My first trip was in 1992 and I instantly connected with the place and the people and I just love going down there,” he tells the Echo from Ireland before of his 13th tour later this month.

Bloom has been touring for 40 years and his audience is not exclusively Irish. However, he still likes reconnecting with expat audiences, he says.

“Even if people are having a good time and they have a good lifestyle and they are making a few quid in Australia, they’re still Irish and they still miss home,” Bloom says.

“Obviously stuff like email and Skype and Facetime have changed things, people are having kids now in Australia and the kids can see their Irish grandparents online every day but it’s not the same. You’re still away from home. No matter how much Gaelic football or Irish rugby you can watch on the television, it’s still not the same as being at home.”

Emigration in a theme that the Kildare musician has explored in his music. The song City of Chicago, which has also been recorded by his older

brother, Christy Moore, has become an anthem for the Irish abroad.

The theme of homelessness has inspired his latest album Refuge.

In August last year, people were stunned and disgusted that a mother and her six children were forced to sleep in Tallaght Garda station because there was no emergency housing available, an extreme example of the critical housing shortage.

“It’s kind of disgraceful,” Bloom says on this issue. “I’m quite ashamed as an Irish citizen that after 100 years of indepependence and we’ve become this very wealthy economy, we have this huge inequality in people’s wages.

We have the horrendous situation where over 10,000 people are homeless when there’s no need for it, and 4,000 of them are children. It’s something I feel quite angry about.

“I don’t understand why they don’t just let the county councils hire people to build homes for the people to have somewhere to live.”

Homelessness aside, Bloom says he is pleased to see Ireland’s increasing progressiveness.

“I think poor old Ireland made a very big mistake at the time of our freedom.

We were governed by the British Empire for hundreds of years and then, when we got our freedom, we handed over very important aspects of our lives to another empire, the Roman empire. For 80 years Irish people suffered under the weight of the

Luka Bloom plays all mainland states of Australia on his forthcoming tour.

Catholic Church, particularly women.

I think Ireland was a cruel place for women for the first 80 or 90 years.

“I like to think that things have really improved, with the various referenda.

It’s a safer place for people who are gay. It’s a safer place for women who, for whatever reason, are not able to see though a pregnancy.

“Ireland has improved [but] I think that we’ve gone backwards in other ways. I think we’ve become a very selfish country. I’m really sad about that.”

One of the songs on Refuge is inspired by an Australian woman.

Miriam Rose is an Aboriginal educator and artist of the Ngan’gityemerri language group in the Northern Territory. Bloom was moved when he stumbled across her work.

“This woman and her community, they organise gatherings of young people from different cities around Australia and they give them trips up there. The whole purpose of the exercise is to teach kids how to sit with

nature, to help these young people reconnect with nature.

“I just feel in these times of climate change, I’m just happy that more people are starting to listen to the wisdom of the Aboriginal people.”

Luka Bloom tours Australia from February 27 to 5 April. For more information, see What’s On: page 21 and www.abpresents.com.au

IRISH NURSES WORKING IN AUSTRALIA JOIN CAMPAIGN FOR REASONABLE WORKING CONDITIONS AT HOME

Message of solidarity from Sydney David Hennessy

MORE than 250 Irish nurses gathered at the Sydney Opera House on January 20 with a simple message for the Irish Government: ‘Give us a reason to come home’.

The nurses gathered to show solidarity with their colleagues, nurses and midwives, at home who are taking industrial action in their dispute over pay and staffing shortages.

The protest was replicated in Melbourne, Per th, London, Saudi Arabia and Doha but the strike still went ahead in Ireland.

Laura Phillips, a Dublin nurse who organised the Sydney protest, said she had been over whelmed by her colleagues’ support.

“It’s a support message. We can’t be there at home; we’re across the world for the reasons that they’re striking.

We can’t be there to show our support so we thought we would send that message and also send a message to the government. There are nurses here who want the option to come home but won’t. They refuse to work for the pay scale that’s being offered,” she said.

Laura explains that nursing in Ireland left her burnt-out and completely fr ustrated while she was earning only €30,000 a year.

Since relocating to Australia, not only does she earn nearly double, earning $90,000 (€57,000), but conditions are better with a strict ratio of four patients to one nurse.

“I was trained to a really high standard but I wasn’t able to bring the highest standard to the bedside because the time wasn’t there. It’s impossible when you’ve got a patient

Irish nurses Helen McEnery, Niamh Burns, Laura Phillips and Sorcha Sharkey in Sydney to show their support for their colleagues in Ireland who have taken industrial action for better working conditions.

load of six to eight patients along with other terrible working conditions.

“It’s very frustrating. Then your pay packet at the end of the month doesn’t reflect any of this, the extra hours I used to spend. Every shift would mean at least an extra hour on the ward and getting no thanks for it whatsoever. It was just impossible to do.”

Ireland will continue to lose good nurses to Australia and other countries if the issues at the heart of the strikes are not addressed, she claimed.

“It’s sad to see because we are trained to a really high level in Ireland

on the taxpayers’ money and then the other health systems reap the rewards.

That’s the reality of it. That’s why there’s been such a response to this support message.

“I know nurses who want to go home. Some have gone home and actually came back out because they couldn’t do it, they couldn’t work in the conditions and be paid that. It’s not a reflection on our skills, our high qualifications.

“Every other public sector job is paid better than us. The general public have been fantastic in terms of sup-

port. These are people who receive the care, see the constraints of the health system. These are families, parents, relatives. The question that has been asked time and again is, ‘how does extra money in a nurse’s pocket help the health service?’ It’s just where it starts. They have a massive recruitment issue and retainage (sic) issue.

Nurses won’t work for what they’re being offered.

“There’s the age old idea that nursing is a vocation. It is not. It is a career. We’re highly skilled professionals. Nobody’s going to stand for

that in this day and age. No nurse went into nursing because they wanted to make money. I would have gone into a different line of work for that; that was never my intention. My intention was to look after patients. Patient safety is completely at risk.”

More than 30,000 Irish nurses and midwives went on strike for 24 hours on January 30, with further strikes planned. Urgent surgery and critical care were not af fected but about 13,000 outpatient appointments and 2,000 planned procedures were cancelled. Emergency departments operated but with fewer nurses. It was INMO’s first strike in 20 years.

The Irish Echo spoke to another Irish nurse who did not want to be named but was also at the Sydney protest. The nurse from Galway told The Irish Echo: “I think we all got a little bit emotional. It’s quite sad to think that 10 of our year of 50 (student nurses) are left at home and we’re all leaving for the same reason.

“They try to do these incentives to bring us home but not one person I talked to wants to go back to the Irish health system with the way we were treated.

“I think we’re a third world country at home compared to the way we work out here.

“The care at home is second to none but that’s because the nurses are brilliant but we’re just not treated the way that we’re treated out here.

“It’s tough because we all have family at home and all our families would love to see us at home but I know well my mam would kick me up the bum if I went home to go back to the HSE. She would send me back on a plane to Australia.”

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irish australia WHEN GAVIN JAMES FIRST CAME TO AUSTRALIA HE WAS UNKNOWN – NOT ANY MORE

Glowing success David Hennessy chats to Dublin singer-songwriter Gavin James about his Glow-ing new album, his upcoming tour of Australia, becoming a soap opera star in Brazil and playing at Conor McGregor’s sister’s wedding.

“CAN’T wait,” Gavin James replies when he’s asked if he is looking forward to his Australian tour in March.

It will only be the second time he has played these shores.

“Should be great craic. It’s a really quick trip but I’d love to go over there next time and spend about a week and hang out a little bit. Still should be great craic though.”

It was in 2016 that the Dubliner played his first Australian shows.

“It was great. The Australian crowds are class. They were singing all the words, a lovely crowd to sing to. I’m excited to see what it’s like this time now that it’s on a bigger scale. We’re bringing the band over as well, so it should be good.”

In addition to his supporting band, James will also bring his new album, Only Ticket Home, which was released late last year and went straight to number two in the Irish charts.

The album features the the triumphant love song Glow, which is accompanied by a feelgood video where the singer walks through the cobbled streets of Temple Bar singing and being joined by all the hen parties, buskers, visitors and mime artists of Dublin’s famous tourist trap.

“We did it in Temple Bar because I played there for years before I got a deal. When I left school, I went straight into Temple Bar and did gigs, 15 gigs a week, but it helped me learn how to sing, write songs and play so I thought I would do a video in Temple Bar and get everybody involved.

“We were lucky with the weather. I remember somebody was saying, ‘We should go to Portugal or something’.

I was like, ‘We have to do it in Ireland’.”

From Temple Bar, the then 21-year-

old would go onto sign a record deal.

His debut album Bitter Pill was released in 2016 and reached number five in Ireland.

James once said that every gig he does is like a party that he is never quite sure anyone is going to show up for. Even now, does he still get that feeling?

“Definitely. It always comes back. I put my first show on in Brazil last year.

I was like, ‘Is anyone actually going to come to this show in Brazil? I’m just some lad from Dublin that has one song on the radio over here’.

“I didn’t expect anybody to show up because you never know. The Irish crowds have always been amazing and very welcoming but then you go to a new market, you never know.

“You’re always unsure no matter how much you get played on the radio or how much streaming there is, it all depends on whether it connects with people or not. I think it’s always just a shot in the dark no matter where you play really and if it goes well, book the next tour immediately.”

Just so you know, people did show up to his Brazilian shows and he is booked to go back to play a venue as big as Dublin’s Olympia in Sao Paulo: “It’s mad that it’s so far away and the music still reaches; it’s deadly.”

“They’re always playing my tunes. I always get a text off my ma every time saying, ‘You’re on Home And Away again’.”

VISA-BILITY Your visa questions answered

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

Hi John, I’m here in Australia on a working holiday visa and looking at ways to stay longer. I’m a qualified and experienced beauty therapist.

I was told my occupation is not on the Australian Skills List for sponsorship, but recently I heard I could get a work visa as a beauty therapist in Darwin or anywhere in the Northern Territory. Is this true?

What do I need to do to get the visa?

Thanks for any tips.

Brenda

Dear Brenda The occupation of beauty therapist is not on the main Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL), however there are some alternative regional options. The Australian government is looking at ways to attract people to live and work in regional Australia – that’s outside the major city areas of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

It also recognises that in some regional areas of Australia

The Brazilian connection came about after his music featured on Brazilian soap opera Pega Pega and, when he visited the countr y, he did a cameo performance.

So, how was his South American soap opera debut? “It was gas. The director wanted me to speak in Portuguese but my accent was terrible. There was a girl and her boyfriend, I think they were making up or something. I ended up doing a couple of takes saying it in Portuguese and eventually they took me saying, ‘Howaya, Luisa. This song is for you’.

It wasn’t even, ‘Hey, Luisa’. It was, ‘Howaya, Luisa’. It was very funny.”

His music has also featured on the popular Aussie soap Home And Away but he says he’s not sure about seeking a role in Summer Bay. “I’ll head down to the set and see what happens. They’re always playing the tunes. I always get a text off my ma ever y time saying, ‘you’re on Home And Away again’.”

The now 27-year-old is also huge in Holland, Singapore and the Phillipines to name just a few faraway places his music has reached.

One memorable recent gig for James involved playing a set at Conor McGregor’s sister’s wedding. How did he come to perform at the family gathering of another ver y famous Dubliner?

“She was a big fan so his publicist gave me a shout and asked if I was around and the wedding was half an hour from my gaff so I went down, played Nervous, played a couple of tunes at the wedding. I didn’t even meet him. I just ran in, did the wedding and then had to make it back to the airport to get back to London.”

Gavin James plays The Foundry in Brisbane on Thursday 21 March; The Prince Bandroom in Melbourne on Friday 22 March; Manning Bar in Sydney on Saturday 23 March and Badlands in Perth on Sunday 24 March. there are skill shortages in some occupations that aren’t on the main CSOL. One initiative to address the skill shortage is the introduction of Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).

These agreements are for local governments in regional areas and allow the local authority to endorse employers in the region to set up sponsorship for a wider range of occupations.

Last month the Northern Territory began a new DAMA agreement that has 117 occupation options.

Occupations on the NT DAMA list include beauty therapist; truck driver/excavator driver; electrical lines worker; forklift driver and bookkeeper. You can find the full list at https://business.nt.gov.au/business/ migration-information-for-business/ northern-territory-designated-areamigration-agreement.

The Great South Coast region in south-west Victoria has also set up a DAMA. Its agreement covers the Moyne, Warrnambool, Corangamite, Colac-Otway and Southern Grampians shires. Occupations have still to be released for this agreement but it is expected to focus on hospitality and agricultural jobs.

The Government is also discussing DAMAs with other regions, including Orana in central NSW (see http://www.

MAN OF THE PEOPLE: Gavin James’ music has generated a huge international following, even as far away as Brazil. lovethelifewelive.com.au/our-regionorana/) and the Pilbara, KalgoorlieBoulder regions in WA, and Cairns in North Queensland.

So, if you are interested in work visas in one of these regional areas you first need to find an employer in the area willing to sponsor you.

The process is similar to the Temporary Skill Shortage (482) sponsored visa system.

A huge positive for the DAMA 482-visa holder is that, regardless of the occupation, there will be options to apply for permanent residency after three years on the 482 visa .

The employer first gets local government endorsement and then applies to the Department of Immigration for labour agreement approval rather than a standard business sponsor approval.

The usual TSS nomination and 482 visa applications can then be made.

Plan ahead. The set-up process here can take a few months to get to the 482 visa application stage, so don’t leave your request for sponsorship to the last minute.

In summary, expect more of these DAMAs in the coming year. These will create more opportunities for sponsorship in regional areas, and a pathway to permanent residence for people in occupations that don’t have longer visa options in the major cities.

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

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

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irish australia REUNITED IRISH GIRL GROUP B*WITCHED RETURN TO AUSTRALIA

Back to the future for 90s’ icons B*Witched David Hennessy chats to Sinead O’Carroll of B*Witched as the reformed Dublin girl group tours Australia as part of a 90s’ nostalgia pop tour.

IRELAND’S best known girlband B*Witched are back in Australia. The quartet, who became well known for hits like C’est la Vie as well as their trademark double denim, reformed five years ago for ITV’s The Big Reunion programme and tour. After visiting Australia in 2017, they returned for a tour of throwback pop that also includes names like The Vengaboys, Aqua, East 17 and Blue.

Made up of twins Keavy and Edele Lynch (sisters of Boyzone’s Shane Lynch), Lindsay Armaou and Sinead O’Carroll, B*Witched burst on the scene in 1998 with all of their first four singles going to number one in the UK while they scored hits all around the world, including Australia where Rollercoaster topped the charts.

Neither Lindsay nor Keavy have travelled to Australia because of their doctors’ orders but Sinead and Edele made the trip. Sinead O’Carroll told The Irish Echo why the girls are enjoying being back together so much.

“There’s no pressure. I’m still in Ireland but the other girls live in the UK so I always look at it as if I’m going off for a girly weekend and I’m getting paid for it. I just get to catch up with the girls. The logistics with the kids is the only work because the fun for us is just doing the gigs but it’s just so much more laid back,” she said.

The band are in demand and Sinead

realises this is a good complaint. “It’s actually kind of getting worse- When I say worse, we’re getting busier so it’s five years since that (The Big Reunion) happened and the year going forward, we are so booked up in advance which is kind of a bit mental.

“There’s a lot of those throwback tours, blast from the past type of things, that people want to come and hear the tunes of that particular era so it’s really good fun.

“The best part is performing but you’re getting the best bit without having to do a load of promotion for a new record or anything like that.”

Although the girls went their separate ways in 2012, Sinead always thought a reunion could happen.

“For some reason, I always thought there would be an opportunity for us to get back [together]. I kind of thought there was unfinished business. When ITV approached us to be involved in the programme, I felt it was a no brainer.

“My initial thing was years ago we did those songs and we did them with loads of kids in the audience and when I looked out from the side of the stage, I was like, ‘Oh my God, there’s loads of adults’. I was like, ‘Really? Adults here?

Listening to this pop? Where are all the seven-year-olds?’

“I couldn’t get my head around that there was loads of adults and it was just a bizarre kind of concept. And we were given an amazing response. C’est La Vie just blows the roof off every time we do it, so it was quite surreal, it really was. Even now still doing it, people have got such love for that song that you never get tired of doing

Reunited Irish girl group B*Witched with twins Keavy and Edele Lynch (sisters of Boyzone’s Shane Lynch), Lindsay Armaou and Sinead O’Carroll. it because some people are seeing it for the first time and hearing it live and their reaction of makes you feel really good.”

Although the band had success with their first two albums, it all came to a sudden halt when they were unceremoniously dropped by their label.

O’Carroll says it was she who first decided to call it a day. “I kind of instinctively knew that I had had enough.

I was five or six years older than the girls and I … wanted to settle down a little bit. They wanted to go and try get another deal. I just kind of felt: ‘I have done this now at the top level’. We had

TOP IRISH AUSTRALIAN WOMEN HONOURED ON ST BRIGID’S DAY

gone around the world, we had had number ones and I was grateful and happy. At the time it was a little bit of a hard decision but I kind of knew it was the right one for me.”

Sinead used the opprtunity of her trip to Australia to catch up with brother, who lives in Brisbane.

AUSTRALIA DAY

Spirit of Brigid recognised Judith Crosbie

THE fourth annual Brigid Awards took place in Sydney last weekend, with singer Little Pattie among the award-recipients.

The awards, named in honour of the eponymous Irish saint, recognise the contribution of women of Irish heritage to Australian society and span the business, community, political and social justice spheres.

Singer Little Pattie (aka Patricia Amphlett) received the Bridget Whelan Award for a career that saw her shoot to fame in the 1960s and perform across Australia and the US, including on Bandstand and The Ed Sullivan Show.

She has been an advocate for social change and sang the iconic It’s Time TV commercial during the 1972 Australian federal election when Labor reformer Gough Whitlam became prime minister.

Senator Deborah O’Neill, patron of the Irish Friends of Labor and federal senator for NSW, said she hoped the awards would “continue to grow in the future, and in particular to reach out to the many young Irish who have made New South Wales their home in recent years”.

“Politically, the world faces many challenges in the coming decade, and it is incumbent on Labor to step up and meet the challenge of delivering a fairer and more equal Australia.”

Pam O’Mahony received a Community Hero Award for her work

Community stalwart honoured Winners of the 2019 Brigid Awards pictured with Senator Deborah O Neill (patron, Irish Friends of Labor) and Kaila Murnain (general secretary of NSW Labor). From left to right: Deborah O Neill; Kaila Murnain; Pam O’Mahony; Mary Yaager; Genevieve Kelly; Patricia Amphlett (“Little Pattie”); Anne Murnain; Geraldine Murray; Catriona Barry and Fiona Nix.

on behalf of the Irish community in Sydney and NSW through the GAA, the St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee and through the long-running Ireland Calling Radio show.

Genevieve Kelly received a Community Hero Award for her work on social justice through the trade union movement; as a founding member and first NSW President of the Australian Social Welfare Union; through education, as a lecturer and president of the NSW Lecturers’ Association; and in the political sphere,

as mayor. With roots in Cork and Kilkenny, she was the first mayor to make a for mal apology for the Aboriginal genocide a commemoration of Captain James Cook’s first landing in Australia at Kurnell.

Fiona Nix received an award for her contribution to the business community as founder of Australia’s leading independent film and entertainment agency NixCo, which has been involved in movies such as Moonlight and Hacksaw Ridge.

Other award recipients include:

Anne Murnain, who has campaigned to raise awareness on poverty in rural Australia, par ticularly among Aboriginals; Catriona Barr y, board member and chairperson of 3 Bridges, a community organisation that helps disadvantaged people; Mary Louise Yaager who has been involved with the St Vincent de Paul, the Sydney Archdiocese and the Right to Home Campaign; and Geraldine Murray, nominated for contribution to the Megalong Valley Pony Club as the club’s treasurer and fundraiser.

ROSCOMMON-born Sydney Irish community stalwart Mary Lee (above) has been honoured with an Order Of Australia Medal (OAM) in the Australia Day honours list. Mrs Lee was honoured for her service to the Irish community of New South Wales.

Through her travel business, Eblana Travel and in a volunteer capacity, Mrs Lee has played a key role in a number of Irish-Australian initiatives, organisations and causes including the Chair of Irish Studies at University of New South Wales, the Chair of Celtic Studies, University of Sydney, the Aisling Society and the Australia Ireland Fund. She also served as a commissioner at the New S o u t h Wa l e s E t h n i c A f f a i r s Commission. She is a former winner of the Lansdowne Club Chairman’s Award (2010) for her “exceptional contribution to the Australia Ireland business relationship”.

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irish australia IRISH AUSTRALIAN SINGER MEG MAC GREW UP IN A MUSICAL IRISH FAMILY IN SYDNEY

Aussie voice, Irish soul David Hennessy chats to up-andcoming artist Meg Mac about her Irish background, her new single and the amazing success of her debut album Low Blows.

MEG Mac announced herself as a talent to watch out for when her song Known Better was selected for Triple J’s Unearthed progamme in 2013.

Accolades were soon coming her way.

She was named Unearthed Artist of the Year while Marie Claire Australia chose her as an Artist to Watch and she received a nomination for Rolling Stone Australia’s Best New Talent award.

The ARIA Music Awards in 2015 saw her up for Best Female Artist and Breakthrough Artist while she was yet to even release her debut album. When Low Blows landed in 2017, it went straight into the ARIA Chart at No 2 and won critical acclaim.

Now Meg has returned with GIve Me My Name Back, the first single from a new EP set for release in April when she also tours Australia. The song is described as a ‘rallying cry, imploring girls to stand up, speak up and assert themselves’ and is about reclaiming identity, dignity and self-worth.

“It kind of means something different to everyone,” Mac told the Irish Echo.

“I’ve been getting literally hundreds of messages from people telling me what the song means to them and it’s completely different from what it means to me. Everyone can relate to what it feels like to lose who you are or your identity or feel like you’re not your full self anymore and that’s what I wrote it about but being able to see how it is relating to people is really amazing.”

The Irish Australian, whose real name

is Megan Sullivan McInerney, has been writing material for her new EP and the next album to follow. She says she is conscious of the pressure of producing a good follow-up record.

“I think the first time you make something that pressure isn’t there and ever since then the pressure’s been there so I kinda just have to ignore all the pressure because if you focus too much on it you’re not going to make meaningful music,” she said.

Her powerful voice often sees her compared to Adele and Amy Winehouse but her earliest and strongest influences come from her Irish background. She was born in Sydney to parents from Donegal (Ballyshannon and Letterkenny) and Cork (Adrigole).

“Mum was always singing Irish songs. I realise now I know them and can sing along just from hearing them as a kid,” she recalls.

“My mum’s dad played accordion, bagpipes and violin, but my mum still has his button accordion and she often gets that out but she usually ends up getting really emotional and has to put it away. And he’s like in the folds of the accordion, he’s handwritten all the names of his favourite songs in all the folds. I never met him because he died before I was born.

“And my dad loves The Pogues and the Fureys, he’s always playing them so it was always around. My sister did Irish dancing.

“I think it is a strong influenece.

When my mum would sing a lot, she was just singing without any accompaniment. I’ve always loved being able to sing without music; you can just sing the song. When I’m writing as well, I love to be able to sing just the song

Megan McInerney, better known as Meg Mac, has fond memories of visiting her family in Ireland. and have a song be able stand up on its own, have a melody strong enough and pretty enough to seem like all those songs my mum would sing.

Often, I’ll just write away from the piano, just singing.”

You will more than one member of the McInerney family on her records as sister Hannah often joins Meg on backing vocals.

“It’s easy. She knows how to sing with me. If I’m at home and I’m writing and I want harmonies, I’ll just call out to my sisters and they’ll come in and then straightaway I can hear what I want to

hear. It’s easy. And you can tell them that it sounds wrong or they’re doing it wrong and they’re not going to be offended.”

The 28-year-old has fond memories of visiting her family in Ireland.

“I’ve been a few times. I still have family there although I haven’t been in a few years. I always remember driving all the winding roads and having to stop for sheep to come across the road and then into my auntie’s house and she’s like, ‘go and dig out potatoes’. I’d never done that before – go outside, pick the potatoes that we were going to eat for

dinner. The most important memories are of my cousins, my grandparents.

Living so far away, didn’t get to see them that much.

“It’s that weird thing where it feels like home but it’s not actually your home. That’s where both my mum and dad are from and I’m Australian but really I’m not Australian so it feels familiar. Whenever I meet Irish people, it feels like family.”

Meg Mac tours Australia April and May. For information visit www.megmac.com.au

SYDNEY IRISHMEN FACING MURDER CHARGE

OBITUARY :: CLARE FOLEY 1975-2019

TWO Irishmen have been charged with murder following the death of a 66-year-old man in Sydney.

The two men, both from Donegal, were originally charged with “affray” and “reckless grievous bodily harm in company” following the December 29 incident. The charges were upgraded to murder after the victim, Paul Tavelardis, died.

Christopher McLaughlin, 24, and Nathan Kelly, 21, appeared in court via video-link from separate prisons.

The defendants will remain in custody after the judge refused them bail.

They are due to appear in court again on March 6.

Kelly fronted Burwood Local Court on via video link from Silver water prison. McLaughlin, who is understood to be a tunnel worker for WestConnex, also appeared via video link from Long Bay jail.

Mr Tavelardis’ family has paid tribute to the grandfather-of-nine, who was suffering from leukemia.

“He loved to travel, that was his Indigenous side. He loved to go, as we say, ‘walkabout’,” his son Bradley Tavelardis told The Daily Telegraph.

“Every two or three years he would save enough money, buy a sedan and go out into the desert and sleep in the back of his car.”

Bradley Tavelardis said his father was a peaceful man, did not smoke or drink, and “lived ever y moment” because of his illness.

Mr Tavelardis jnr said he held no ill-feeling towards the families of the two men who, he said, had made contact with them from Ireland.

THE Irish Australian community is mourning the death of Sydney-based Dubliner Clare Foley who passed away on January 6 at the age of 44.

Born in 1975 Clare attended St Pius School, Terenure (1979-1987) and Our Lady’s, Terenure (1987-1993).

She graduated from University College Dublin in 1997 with an Arts degree in English Literature and French followed by a Masters in International Marketing from Dublin Institute of Technology in 1998.

In September 1998, Clare was selected from more than 1,000 applicants for the Enterprise Ireland International Graduate Programme based in London. She worked with Irish companies helping them to win business and increase their exports with UK retailers. It was a role that called for strong networking, communication and event management skills. She was a natural. Clare moved to Sydney in 2004 with her partner Alex and took up residence in the Eastern Suburbs.

A proud Irish woman she was steeped in the Australian Irish community from the word go. She was a feature in Ireland House, first working for the Consulate of Ireland and then once again for Enterprise Ireland. In 2009, Clare became a member of the inaugural Australian Ireland Fund Young Leaders committee and remained a major supporter of Ireland Fund events.

From 2010 to 2013 Clare was the head of hospitality at Ticketek before moving to the Australian Rugby Union

Donegal duo charged

Christopher McLaughlin and Nathan Kelly remain in custody before their next court appearance on March 6.

“The families of the two boys, they would be going through a lot of hardship as well,” he told the Daily Telegraph.

Meanwhile, the families of the two men have told their local newspaper in Donegal that they believe their sons are innocent.

The Kellys and McLaughlins claim that their sons came under attack by a man wielding a metal pipe after disturbing him interfering with their jeep.

“Our boys’ faces are being shown worldwide for murder but we know they didn’t do it. They have never been in trouble before and they are not the type of people who would ever do anything like this,” the Inishowen Independent reported.

“We feel sorry for the man who has died but there’s more to this. They didn’t set out to harm anyone and we just want them home,” the families told the newspaper.

James McLaughlin is “hoping and praying” that his son Christopher and Nathan will get justice “as soon as possible”.

“We’re totally convinced they are not guilty and we are anxious that they should get bail and be given a chance to clear their names. We want them home and freed as soon as possible.”

Anne McLaughlin told the newspaper that life has been hell since she learned of her son’s arrest. Gerard Kelly said he had spoken to Nathan and told him to keep his head up.

Popular Dubliner found success in Australia

as the head of hospitality and events.

Clare thrived in the role and the John Eales Medal Awards night became her annual triumph. The green jersey was always under the gold and she always delighted in an Irish win.

In July 2018 Clare married Alex Henderson, her long term love, at Tankardstown House, Slane, Co. Meath. It was a day the best of her life, she always said.

Well-known for her caring, warmth and sense of fun, Clare was passionate about friendship and has a wealth of friends who adored her.

Clare passed away on Januar y 6, 2019 of advanced breast cancer. She was 44. She is survived by her husband Alex; her parents Tim and Margaret and her sisters Emma, Hilar y and Louise.

Her husband and family extend their gratitude to all who supported Clare in the last two years, especially the ARU and the teams at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre and the Sacred Heart Hospice.

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BREXIT POSES RISKS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH, CENTRAL BANK WARNS

Economy to cop Brexit hit Cate McCurry

IRELAND’S financial regulator has laid bare the impact of the UK crashing out of the European Union, which it said could significantly alter the path of the Irish economy.

In its first quarterly bulletin of 2019, the Central Bank published its analysis of the possible effects of a disorderly no-deal Brexit.

It found that it could cause “immediate disruption” in financial markets, as well as further falls in the value of sterling which would adversely affect the competitiveness of Irish exporters.

It said that a deterioration in economic conditions could cause Irish firms to cut back investment and consumers

to reduce spending. A disruption to supply chains and the transportation of goods into and out of the country could unsettle production and lead to higher costs.

The analysis also suggested that a no-deal Brexit could lead to a reduction in Irish exports due to lower demand from the UK, higher tariff and non-tariff barriers, such as checks and paperwork, and exchange rate effects.

Economic growth is also expected to decline by up to four percentage points in the first full year.

“Given the unprecedented nature of Brexit ... there is considerable uncertainty around potential Brexit outcomes,” the bank said. “It is important to note some mitigating factors that

might improve the outlook of a disorderly exit. These include extending the UK’s exit date, which would allow firms and households more time to prepare, and a potential increase in foreign direct investment that might otherwise have been destined for the UK. “Fur thermore, in the financial services sector, substantial preparatory work has already been undertaken to mitigate the most immediate and material cliff edge financial stability risks,” the bank said.

“A disorderly no-deal Brexit has the potential to significantly alter the path of the Irish economy in both the short and medium term, with a substantial and permanent loss of output,” Mark

Cassidy, director of economics and statistics, said.

“That said, employment and growth are still expected to remain positive overall, while much work has been done to guard against the risks facing the financial system which the Central Bank oversees.”

“Although Brexit continues to dominate headlines, we cannot ignore the other risks facing the economy, such as overheating and the international trade and taxation environment.

Our ability to withstand any future downturns in the economy will be greatly enhanced by building up larger surpluses and buffers in the public finances now, especially if a no-deal Brexit can be avoided.”

ACTORS OFFER GLIMPSE OF WHAT A POST-BREXIT BORDER MIGHT LOOK LIKE

GARY LIGHTBODY

Snow Patrol singer fears hard border Alex Green THE frontman of Snow Patrol has expressed despair at the risk of a hard border as a result of Brexit, adding that it would be the “worst thing possible” for his country’s people.

Gary Lightbody, from Bangor, Co Down, said the prospect of a return to customs or immigration checks at the border with the Republic was extremely worrying.

A Brexit in which Britain leaves the single market and customs union could necessitate a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Lightbody, who voted to remain, said: “It is something that is extremely worrying. We are still recovering from the events of the 30-something years of The Troubles.”

“It’s not a time to put that hard border back up again, it’s really not.

It would be the worst thing possible, I think, for our country, for our people, for the safety of our people, for the peace and the wellbeing of our people.

It’s really bad. Whatever scenario we end up in I hope there is no border that goes back up again.”

Lightbody said he feared Brexit would complicate the group’s international touring commitments.

“Of course it will affect every touring band with British passports. I have this hope that something happens that gets resolved and we don’t go into (Brexit).”

BREXIT DRAMA

‘Catastrophe’ for theatre, experts warn Michael McHugh Actors in military fatigues take part in an anti-Brexit rally at the Irish border near Carrickcarnan, Co Louth, expressing their opposition to the reimposition of a hard border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Picture: Brian Lawless

IRISH CITIZENS IN NI ‘COULD BECOME SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS’ AFTER BREXIT

Human rights’ experts fear citizenship identity crux

Michelle Devane PEOPLE in Northern Ireland who identify as Irish could become “second-class citizens” post-Brexit, human rights groups have claimed.

The chief commissioner of the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), Emily Logan, said the withdrawal agreement reached between the UK and the EU left significant gaps in the protection of human rights in areas like citizens’ rights and put people on both sides of the border at risk.

“I don’t think the public understand that the implications... people might find themselves in a situation of being forced to assume an identify they wouldn’t choose.”

Ms Logan said the offer of continued EU citizenship should be extended to all the people of Northern Ireland, as defined by the Good Friday Agreement,

given recognition of the birthright of people in Northern Ireland to identify as Irish or British, or both.

“The last situation we wish to see is one where the people of Northern Ireland feel forced to choose their identity based on what they think their post-Brexit entitlements might be,” she said.

Ms Logan appeared before the Oireachtas’ Justice and Equality Committee recently alongside representatives from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission (NIHRC) and Queen’s University to discuss the potential implications of Brexit on human rights and equality.

Brian Gormally, director of the NIHRC Committee on the Administration of Justice said that if Brexit goes ahead, it would make the status of Irish citizens born in Northern Ireland “insecure” and they would become “EU citizens living in a non-member state”.

He said the first possibility is that the Home Office would regard Irish citizens as “really” British, the second possibility is that the Common Travel Area would sort the issue out, and thirdly that EU citizens living in the UK could apply for “settled status”.

“None of these options is appealing as they all involve the implication that those who choose Irish identity are in some way second-class citizens,” Mr Gormally said. “Their rights as full participants in Northern Ireland life would depend on either a denial of their Irish nationality; as yet unknown bilateral agreements between the UK and Ireland about the Common Travel Area, or paying to ask the Home Office to graciously allow them leave to live in the land of their birth.

“The reality is that Irish citizens, born and living in Northern Ireland, have no legal connection to the jurisdiction in which they were born.”

Mr Gormally said the Good Friday Agreement had not been effectively implemented in UK law. He said legislation was needed in the UK and Ireland to recognise the “particular status of Irish citizens born in Northern Ireland” and their “unequivocal” right to participate fully in that region and in Irish society.

Committee member Clare Daly, an Independents 4 Change TD, said the comments were sobering.

Les Allamby, chief commissioner of the NIHRC, warned that Brexit threatened to undermine the human rights’ aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.

“Questions of identity and citizenship have been opened up in a way not seen since well before the Agreement.

Those genies cannot be put back in the bottle,” he said.

“We therefore need a set of measures, across the island and, where possible, on the basis of formal treaties between the two sovereign states.”

BREXIT is posing a ridiculous and false challenge, the director of Ireland’s leading theatre said.

Abbery Theatre director Neil Murray said it was a “farce” which could not have been envisaged by even the most foresighted script writer. He warned that actors faced additional tax and currency issues amid the UK’s pending EU divorce.

“The idea that we suddenly have to work in a completely different way to make this happen is a ridiculous challenge and almost a false challenge, we have to fight incredibly hard to protect that,” Mr Murray said.

Meanwhile Irish Equity said a no-deal Brexit would be devastating for the theatre industry in Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Equity official Karan O’Loughlin said: “A no-deal Brexit would be absolutely catastrophic for people.”

“No-deal means restrictions on travel and freedom to work, it reduces diversity in work and creates funding difficulties for co-productions, and reduces the capacity for people to work and create,” she said.

Chloe Alexander, policy development officer at Equity UK, said a no-deal Brexit “would be disastrous for a lot of members who have a good chunk of their incomes from work on the European Union”.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

brexit BOB GELDOF SLAMS ‘INEPT’ BRITISH GOVERNMENT OVER BREXIT

Leaving the EU will be a ‘very serious mistake’ Cate McCurry BOB Geldof has slammed the British Government as “incapable and inept” and said that Brexit will be a “disaster”.

The rocker and long-standing political activist was speaking as he received an honorary doctorate at the University of Limerick last month.

He told the media that he was “passionately against” the UK leaving the European Union but added that Europe needed to be overhauled.

“It’s a properly serious mistake, though having said that I do completely understand the other side of argument,” Geldof said. “I just think it’s not wrong necessarily, it’s just that the end result of that argument is not the correct way to go. There are other ways, more positive ways.

“My view is that Europe needs restructuring from top to bottom; that what the Leavers represent is basically what over 50 per cent of the European electorate represent.”

The impact on the Irish economy after Brexit will be tough, he said.

“It [Brexit] is an expression of English nationalism and I can’t stand national-

ism. In Ireland we know where it leads to. The English could never be English, they could never wave their flag without being called a skinhead or fascist.

That’s part of this whole thing. “[Brexit] won’t be apocalyptic but it will be a disaster.

“I think that the Irish Parliament and Government have been handling this eloquently, almost in direct contrast to the chaos and nonsense of what is clearly the worst British Government in my life – incapable, inept.

“Over here you get patience, compromise, reasons, sympathy, and it’s handled really well.”

University of Limerick president Dr Des Fitzgerald paid tribute to the singer: “Bob has lobbied politicians and world leaders of all political hues in his herculean efforts to resolve global inequality and poverty.”

Meanwhile, best-selling Irish author Marian Keyes was also presented with a doctorate alongside Sir Bob at the Limerick university.

The writer, whose father Ted died four weeks ago, described how she has become a socialist activist over the last few years.

Bob Geldof receives an honorary doctorate from the University of Limerick.

GROWING CROSS-BORDER CO-OPERATION AT RISK

Cross-border trade hits all time high Michael McHugh

IF Brexit does go ahed, it will coincide with a time when the level of goods traded across the Irish border is at an all-time high, officials figures show.

It stands at £6.1 billion for 2017, an all-island organisation established after the Good Friday Agreement added.

Northern Ireland makes up between 10 per cent and 12 per cent of total exports from Ireland to the UK and accounts for between 7 per cent and 8 per cent of imports.

Aidan Gough, a director of InterTradeIreland, said total crossborder trade in goods was at an all-time high.

“For a population size of just 2.9 per cent of the UK total these trade figures with our nearest neighbour are substantial and highlight growing cross-

border co-operation and the associated dividends for Northern Ireland businesses,” he said.

Total cross-border trade in goods has been growing at an average rate of four per cent a year over the past 20 years, the north/south body said.

It has assisted more than 39,000 businesses, created/protected 14,800 jobs and generated more than £1 billion in business development value through its programmes and initiatives since it was established 20 years ago.

InterTradeIreland provides smalland mediums-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout Ireland with support for sales growth, innovation, and business funding.

“The micro-economic impact that InterTradeIreland has had through its programmes and initiatives over the last 20 years is significant,” Mr Gough

said. “It has provided assistance … to over 39,000 companies, with 9,000 companies benefiting through trade and innovation projects. At a more macroeconomic level, total cross-border trade in goods has been growing since 1997 at an average rate of four per cent per annum and currently stands at £6.11 billion for 2017.”The North’s exports to Ireland were worth £3.9bn to the local economy in 2017, with 758,000 cross-border deliveries.

There were about 410,000 import deliveries in 2015 from Ireland to Northern Ireland businesses worth nearly £2bn, not including financial and farm sectors. “For over half (51 per cent) of Irish exporters, Northern Ireland is the destination for more than 50 per cent of their exports. For 26 per cent of Irish firms, Northern Ireland is their only export market.”

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

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

BARCLAYS BANK’S BREXIT MOVE

Bank’s massive asset shift Ravender Sembhy

BARCLAYS has been given the green light to transfer €190 billion worth of assets to Ireland.

The banking giant received approval from the High Court for the move, which involves 5,000 clients.

It comes as the company ramps up its Brexit contingency planning.

“As we announced in 2017, Barclays will use our existing licensed EU-based bank subsidiary to continue to serve our clients within the EU beyond March 29, 2019 regardless of the outcome of Brexit,” the bank said.

“Our preparations are well-advanced and we expect to be fully operational

by March 29, 2019 [the date currently set for Brexit].”

The move is designed to deal with the consequences of a no-deal hard Brexit, in which UK based banks would lose passporting rights that allow them to function in the EU’s single market, the world’s richest trading bloc.

In approving the move, Mr Justice Snowden said in his judgment: “Due to the continuing uncer tainty over whether there might be a ‘no-deal’

Brexit, the Barclays Group has determined that it cannot wait any longer to implement the scheme.

“In light of the large volume of business to be transferred, the scheme contains a number of phased dates upon which the transfer of the different types of business, and the business of the branches in Spain, Italy and France, will become effective.

“The overriding requirement, however, is that BBI (Barclays) must be legally and operationally ready to conduct all relevant regulated business with the in-scope clients by no later than March 29, 2019.”

Several banks – including the Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and a host of others – have set up continental hubs in preparation for Britain’s exit from the EU. This involves hundreds of jobs and hundreds of billions in assets being shifted out of London, hitting the Treasury’s tax revenue and denting the capital’s reputation as a financial centre.

Barclays will increase its Dublin workforce by about 150 to 300 as a result of Brexit.

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

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

ireland SALESFORCE, FACEBOOK ANNOUNCE JOBS BOOST FOR DUBLIN

Tech giants’ expansion plan Aoife Moore

GLOBAL tech giants Salesforce and Facebook have announced plans to expand their Irish operations, creating 2,500 new jobs.

Salesforce has revealed that 1,500 jobs are to be created in Dublin.

Salesforce Tower Dublin, which will be located at the city’s North Quay, will significantly expand the company’s regional headquarters in Ireland.

Founded in 1999, Salesforce helps companies like Ulster Bank and Brown Thomas to take advantage of technologies like cloud, mobile, social, and artificial intelligence to get closer to their customers.

The announcement was made at an event in the Convention Centre detailing the new plans and attended by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and almost 1,000 Salesforce employees.

The Taoiseach welcomed the news and highlighted that Dublin’s north inner-city is one of the most disenfranchised areas of the capital, urging the company to reach out to the local community.

“As you know your new building is located in part of the city where many large international businesses have chosen to locate. However this part of the city is also one of some very stark contrasts,” he said.

“There is enormous wealth here, cheek by jowl with deep deprivation and many people who live in this part of the city in the north-est inner city have experienced deprivation, lack of opportunity and inter-generational poverty.

“As Dublin rises, and this part of the city rises, we should all rise together.

I want to invite you to be very much part of this community that’s going to be your new home.

“Salesforce is an important part of our technology sector, helping Ireland become the tech capital of Europe and one of the most globalised and open economies in the world.

“Ireland is open to investment, to capital, to trade, to talent and to creativity.”

Salesforce already has more than 1,400 employees in Dublin at its premises in Leopardstown and more

Facebook’s COO Sheryl Sandberg was in Dublin to announce the good news.

than 34,000 employees worldwide.

Meanwhile, Facebook has announced 1,000 new jobs will be created at its Irish offices in 2019.

Facebook’s chief operating officer Sher yl Sandberg made the jobs announcement at an event in Dublin.

Ms Sandberg said the company aims to add 1,000 jobs in Dublin, bringing the total number employed by the company in Ireland to about

5,000, across sites in Dublin, Meath and Cork. She was speaking at Facebook’s Gather event for small businesses, attended by more than 500 SMEs from Ireland and in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Ms Sandberg reiterated the company’s continued commitment to its Irish operation, which is its largest outside of its California headquarters.

“Today, I’m really excited to share that we’re going to be hiring an additional 1,000 people in Ireland, in the next year alone,” Ms Sandberg said.

“We have 4,000, by the end of the year we’re going to have 5,000, those are people whose jobs it is to help keep people safe and to do all the work it takes to both allow the good and prevent the bad.”

Facebook, whose main Dublin HQ is at Grand Canal Dock, is developing a new campus in Ballsbridge in Dublin’s Southside.

In November 2018, the company announced it was taking over the The Bank Centre, previously occupied by Allied Irish Bank.

COMMUNITY OF ‘BROKEN HEARTS’ AFTER FOUR KILLED IN CRASH

THURD LEVEL

Sharp rise in student numbers Rebecca Black A RECORD number of enrolments at higher education has been welcomed

by Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor.

Student numbers have increased by 18 per cent from 196,000 in 2011-12 to almost 232,000 in 2017-18.

There were more than 70,500 graduates of Higher Education Institutions in 2017/18, of which 49,000 were undergraduates and over 21,500 were postgraduates. This represents an increase of 8.5 per cent from 2013-14.

How people access education and training is also changing, with 17 per cent of students, more than 40,100 people, studying part-time. Almost 8,000 students access higher education remotely, an increase of almost 2,000 students on two years ago.

Higher Education Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor praised third-level institutions for “responding to demand and facilitating the increased number of students”.

“Higher education is no longer a stepwise progression from school. The message that education is a lifelong pathway is gaining momentum,” she said. “In the last year 39,682 people aged 25 or over have made a conscious and life changing decision to return to education as an undergraduate, either for the first time or to re-skill in a new area of study.”

HOSPITAL ACCUSED

Woman was denied an abortion, TD Rebecca Black

The funeral of Micheal Roarty in Dunlewey, Co Donegal. He was one of four young men who died following a road crash. Picture: Michael McHugh

Donegal community ‘shattered, distraught and bereft’ Michael McHugh MOURNERS in a community full of “broken hearts” have been urged to drive with care after four young men were killed in a single-vehicle crash.

West Donegal is in the eye of the storm of a national tragedy for Ireland, a priest said.

Grieving families were left “shattered, distraught and bereft” by youthful lives cut short, Fr Sean Ó Gallchóir said.

The popular sportsmen were travelling in a Toyota Corolla hatchback when it crashed near a bridge on a minor road on Sunday, January 27.

Back-to-back funerals were held throughout the scenic and snowy area in the far north west on the last day of January as thousands turned out in the bitter cold to pay their respects.

The Catholic priest at Christ the King church in Gortahork appealed:

“Drive with care, drive with attention, drive safely so that no harm will befall anybody. The car, as we can see, is a lethal weapon.”

Fr Ó Gallchóir added: “Life is busy.

We are all in a rush and in a hurry; we all have deadlines. But deadlines sometimes can result in dead lives.

“We are all precious, fragile, brittle, easily broken. Our community is full of broken hearts.”

John Harley, 24, from Falcarragh, Daniel Scott, 23, from Gortahork, Shaun Harkin, 22, from Falcarragh and Micheal Roarty, 24, from Moneybeg, were killed in the single-vehicle collision near Magheraroarty, Gortahork.

Fr Ó Gallchóir addressed Mr Scott’s funeral last Thursday.

Father James Gillespie, parish priest at a packed St Finnian’s Church in nearby Falcarragh, said funeral Mass for Mr Harley.

“His mother [Ann Harley] said to me [that] throughout his whole life he brought joy to the family,” Fr Gillespie said. “He was a promising young man with a great future which was sadly cut short. The legacy he has left, the achievements and memories we all have of him will continue to enrich our lives and give us great joy in the years to come.”

His friends described him as a brilliant mate and an “all-round nice guy”, as Fr Gillespie put it.

The clergyman paid tribute to all the bereaved families and said the local community had provided great support.

“It is great comfort to know that he meant so much to so many.

“People from all over the world have been here for the Harley family. He was a man who was admired and loved by all who met him.”

A snow-clad Mount Errigal formed

an imposing backdrop at Dunlewey as Mr Roarty’s remains were carried into Sacred Heart Church.

Many wore the green and white colours of his Dunlewey Celtic soccer team. Others had the jersey of Mr Roarty’s Gweedore GAA club.

Three former team-mates carried trophies, and a green jersey was placed on the coffin at the doorway to the church. A floral tribute in the hearse spelled out his nickname, Roycee.

His team-mates formed a guard of honour.

Inside the church, Father Brian O Fearraigh told mourners Mr Roarty was a “giant of a man”, loved by many because he loved many, and there was laughter wherever he went.

Local GAA clubs formed a guard of honour as Mr Harkin’s remains were taken up the icy driveway of Christ the King church in Gortahork.

A DUBLIN hospital has denied a claim made in the Dáil that it refused a woman an abortion.

Irish Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger told the chamber that a woman carrying a baby diagnosed with a fatal foetal abnormality had been denied a termination at the Coombe Hospital two weeks after abortion became legal in Ireland.

“I have been contacted by a woman who has a fatal foetal abnormality that has been certified by two consultants,” Ms Coppinger told the Dáil.

“Now it appears that the board of the Coombe Hospital is refusing her constitutional right, which we all voted for, to have an abortion at a time she chooses.

“Instead they have told her that she must wait another four weeks to see if there is a spontaneous miscarriage.”

A spokesman for the hospital said the claim was untrue. In the context of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 and the latest draft guidelines “the board of guardians and directors of the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital has no role whatsoever in certifying a termination of pregnancy”, a hospital statement said.

“Insofar as recent media coverage has stated that the board has had a role in determining whether or not the criteria for certification have been met, those reports are untrue.”

Legislation providing for abortions up to 12 weeks without restriction was signed into law in the Republic of Ireland on December 20.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

ireland MOTHER AND BABY HOMES COMMISSION DELAYS FINAL REPORT FOR A YEAR

Tipperary dig may unearth new horrors Aoife Moore

THE Mother and Baby Homes Commission is to begin a geophysical survey at the site of a former Mother and Baby Home in Tipperary.

The commission advised the Minister for Children, Katherine Zappone, that it plans to conduct the survey on the burial grounds associated with the former Sean Ross Abbey institution that was run as a mother and baby home by the Sacred Heart Sisters between 1930 and 1970.

It has been reported that the remains of young women and babies are buried in unmarked graves on its grounds.

The minister confirmed the plans after the Cabinet granted a one-year extension to the Commission to publish its final report, which will now be due in February 2020. The news of the extension has angered survivors and activists, who have accused the government of delaying recognition and redress for victims and survivors.

“I know this is not the news which survivors and their families wanted to hear,” Ms Zappone said.

“I know they will be disappointed by this development but the commission is confident that with this additional time it can comprehensively report on

its terms of reference. While the Government has agreed to extend the time frame for its final report, the commission will now report on the key issue of burial arrangements at the major institutions by March 15, 2019.

“The public interest, and most importantly the interest of former residents, is best served by facilitating the commission to conduct the comprehensive analysis required to make its findings and recommendations.”

In relation to burials, the commission reiterated the challenges in investigating the burial arrangements in a number of the institutions.

The report notes that more people have recently come for ward with additional information and the commission is in the process of verifying these reports.

The commission advised the minister that it plans to deliver a substantial report on the burial arrangements for those who died while in the institutions

by March 15, 2019.

The report will include extensive technical repor ts prepared in the course of the Commission’s work on the site of the former Mother and Baby Home in Tuam, Co Galway and the Commission’s assessment of burial arrangements at other institutions.

Curator Dino Notaro with a glass dress made by artist Alison Lowry, during a preview of the Stay With Me. Picture: Niall Carson

Exhibition inspired by Tuam’s lost children David Young POWERFUL artworks depicting the harrowing story of the Tuam mother and baby home have been brought together in tribute to the children who died there.

Paintings, murals, sculptures and other installations portraying the suffering and loss experienced in the notorious institution have been curated into a new Dublin exhibition.

The home in the Co Galway village of Tuam operated from 1925 to 1961 and was run by the Bon Secours Sisters.

It was one of a number of institutions for unmarried mothers and their

children across Ireland which were run by religious orders. The site at Tuam is to be excavated later this year in a bid to recover the remains of hundreds of babies believed to be buried in old sceptic tanks. It is feared that about 800 children who died in the home were buried in the mass grave without proper funerals. The Government has approved a forensic excavation.

One artwork going on display at Inspire gallery in Dublin is a collection of tiny porcelain hearts, representing the lost babies of Tuam.

Another pays tribute to the Tuam children with a tattered christening robe made from cast glass.

A chalice created with 800 clay pieces shaped in the form of little babies will also be included.

Gallery curator Dino Notaro said the aim of the exhibition was simply to show love. The exhibition is called Stay With Me. It’s a group of artists coming together to showcase in honour of the Tuam babies,” he said.

“The emphasis is love, healing and understanding. It’s a human story and through art we want to showcase that.”

The Coalition of Mother and Baby Home Survivors estimate that about 35,000 women and girls went through nine mother and baby homes between 1904 and 1996.

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I was a ‘pisshead druggie’ admits Hollywood star Aoife Moore

HOLLYWOOD actor Colin Farrell has said he is finally content after years as a “pisshead druggie”.

Speaking in Dublin recently, Farrell said his “meteoric rise” to stardom in his 20s was unsustainable and would inevitably have to end.

After his Hollywood blockbuster flop, Alexander, Farrell said he read every negative review of the film and obsessed over the criticism.

“I have read copious amount of negative press about myself … so I try to avoid it. Alexander was a huge film, a bunch of Irish lads playing big roles and we all thought we were all off to Hollywood, and the film didn’t work.

“It was an extraordinary box office flop, I set myself up for a fall. I remember saying, ‘If this fails, I’m in trouble, because I put everything in this film’.

“I went to a ski resort immediately after so I could wear a ski mask everyday and not be arrested. I’d had such a grand six or seven years, a meteoric rise, but I didn’t make that, Hollywood made that, it’s just about the hype.

“I needed that lesson, and that humility. I felt like I let everyone down; I took it ver y personally. I wanted to apologise to everyone I met for six months. As a 23-year-old, yes, of course it affected me,” he said.

Now 42, and father to two children, Farrell says his life is very different from his Hollywood heyday. The Dublin native previously said he was out of control with alcohol and drugs when he first entered rehab in 2006.

“I can’t reiterate enough [that] I

Colin Farrell: “I love life.”

have lived a ver y blessed life; such great fortune and two extraordinary kids and a great family, deep friendships and a job that I’m passionate about,” Farrell said.

“Success is such a relative term, I don’t wake up thinking ‘I’ve made it,’ and fame doesn’t give you happiness.

“Having said all that I’m a human being; I have ups and downs.

“At 42 the process of my life seems to be in learning the significance of your life as an individual and we’re here for such a short time. I mean, Jesus, the show is nearly over.

“Let’s push away from the harbour and get this show on the road, live in less and less fear and not care as much.

“It’s important to care what each other think, it’s a form of social moderation, but we don’t have to do things for the sole purpose of being liked.”

During the on-stage inter view, Farrell, who has been linked to a number of actresses and models, side-stepped the all-important question about his love life, replying: “Of course I love life.”

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

ireland ABSENTEEISM

Prison staff called out over sickies

MUCH-LOVED DUBLINER HONOURED WITH TWO NEW STATUES

The other Kelly legend lives on

Cate McCurry

Michelle Devane THE Irish Prison Service is tackling an unacceptable level of absenteeism, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

Director general Caron McCaffrey said the latest statistics recorded the sick leave rate at 15.7 days per year per employee or one sick day for every six days worked.

“Prison staff work in an extremely challenging environment in which, on a daily basis, they face unique circumstances unlike most others in the public sector,” Ms McCaffrey said. “Notwithstanding this, the Irish Prison Service is tackling the unacceptable level of sick leave we are currently experiencing.”

Ms McCaffrey told the committee there were limited international comparisons available to the service, because very few countries publish sick leave statistics for their prisons.

But she said from what was available, the Irish rate was at the lower end of the scale compared to other prison services.

In Northern Ireland, the comparable figure was 19.7, while in Denmark it was 21.9 and in Latvia it was 18.88 days per member of staff.

There were more than 9,200 committals to prisons in 2017 with a daily average of 3,680 prisoners in custody.

In total, there were 3,186 staff at the end of 2017. The service operates 12 prisons across the country.

LIFFEY CROSSING

History ferry relaunched after hiatus Cate McCurry DUBLIN’S historic No 11 Liffey Ferry is returning after a 35-year absence and will serve members of the public crossing the river in the capital.

It has been relaunched following a complete restoration in a project by Dublin Port Company and Dublin City Council. The much-loved ferry service had been vital in linking the north docks and south docks communities, but was decommissioned in 1984 following the completion of the East Link Bridge.

The service to cross the Liffey dates back to 1665 when it was given a Royal Charter by King Charles II. Now the No 11 will be a familiar sight again in the heart of Dublin as it taxis passengers between three points: the 3Arena to Sir John Rogerson’s Quay and to MV Cill Airne at North Wall Quay.

The service will start on February 11, and will run from Monday to Friday, 7am and 7pm. It holds 18 people at a time and commuters can use their Leap card or cash to pay for each journey.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Nial Ring said: “The Liffey Ferry is part of Dublin’s story and to see the No 11 back on the river after all this time is fantastic. The ferry will be returning to a very different Dublin than the one she left, but I have no doubt that a new generation of Dubliners will enjoy this very welcome addition to the city just the same.”

Eamonn O’Reilly of Dublin Port Company, said: “There is also a new generation living and working in the port and docklands, and I am confident that the ferry will create new and memories on the river in the years to come.”

LARGER THAN LIFE: Legendary singer Luke Kelly, as depicted by artist Vera Klute, and unveiled

by President Michael D Higgins and his wife, Sabina, on the River Liffey, Dublin.

LUKE Kelly was no bushranger but his legend may outlive his famous Australian namesake thanks to two new scuptures of the Dubliner unveiled last month.

The sculptures, which mark the 35th anniversary of his death, have been erected on either side of the River Liffey in Dublin. The first sculpture was created by one of Ireland’s most prominent figurative sculptors, John Coll, who has also created the city’s Patrick Kavanagh and Brendan Behan statues. It features a life-size bronze, seated Kelly singing and playing the banjo and is located on South King Street.

The second sculpture, a marble portrait head of the musician, was created by award-winning portrait artist Vera Klute.

Klute’s piece, which was commissioned by Dublin City Council, is over two metres high and was unanimously selected as the winner of a competition by the then lord mayor Christy Burke in 2014.

President Michael D Higgins, who unveiled both creations, paid tribute to Luke Kelly’s pivotal role in Irish traditional music. Mr Higgins said the musician and band member of The Dubliners, who died in January 1984, has left behind a rich legacy of life and song that continues to influence a new generation of Irish musicians.

“Urged by his example, they in turn continue to seek and deepen the connection in song, and with artistic excellence to the struggles of our times,” he added.

“Luke’s music was, of course, deeply influenced itself by the community and the working-class Dublin in which he grew up, a Dublin where children were reared on songs and stories, and music was an intrinsic part of daily life.”

Mr Higgins added that Kelly was “an internationalist and a proud socialist”.

He spoke of his unique ability to reimagine and reinterpret traditional music. “He enriched it with his distinctive and unforgettable voice and the passion which permeated everything he did,” Mr Higgins added. “Luke’s role was such a pivotal one, not only in the regeneration and invigoration of Irish traditional music but in its sharing with the public and thus inspiring a new generation to embrace this important element of our rich culture and heritage.”

Irish singers Damien Dempsey and Glen Hansard were joined by the only surviving member of The Dubliners, John Sheahan, for a rendition of The Rare Old Times at the event.

Pupils from St Laurence O’Toole school surprised the crowd by appearing on stage wearing orange Afro wigs while singing some of his well-known songs.

Family friend and the author of Luke Kelly A Memoir, Des Geraghty said: “The voice of Luke Kelly rang out loud and clear ... to lift up the heart and soul of a dismal Dublin city.

“He captured the latent spirit of the Irish people and gave new hope to the poor and oppressed in many a distant land.”

DERRY COURTHOUSE BOMBING CLAIMED BY ‘THE IRA’

Bomb stokes security fears Aoife Moore

A GROUP calling itself the IRA has claimed a car bomb attack on a Derry courthouse. In a statement to The Derry Journal, the group said it placed the car bomb which detonated in Bishop Street shortly after 8.10pm on January 19.

“We also caution those who collaborate with the British that they are to desist immediately as no more warnings will be given,” the statement read.

“We will continue to strike at Crown forces and personnel and their imperial establishment. All this talk of Brexit, hard borders, soft borders, has no bearing on our actions and the IRA won’t be going anywhere. Our fight goes on,” the group said.

The car bomb and subsequent security alerts in the city were initially linked to a group called the New IRA, and police said investigating this group would be their main line of inquiry.

Days after the car bombing, the PSNI released CCTV footage that showed a group of young people pass the car shortly before it exploded in the city centre street. Officers said it was a “miracle” and “sheer luck” that

The burnt-out shell of the car used in the Derry bombing.

no one was harmed. Police were given a 15-minute warning to evacuate the area before the bomb went off.

In the days after the car bomb there were a number of security alerts in the city: two vehicles were hijacked at gunpoint; a third was stolen and abandoned outside a school, and hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes. Five men arrested on suspicion of the car bombing have all been released without charge.

A peace rally was held by concerned residents after days of security alerts

linked to paramilitar y gr oups.

Organised by a trade union which represents public sector workers, the event heard from many speakers who urged the main Stormont parties to resolve their differences and end the political impasse in Northern Ireland.

Trade union of ficial Antoinette McMillan called on “the men of yesterday” to stop their campaign of violence.

“We urge those responsible to listen to the workers, to the people, any threats, bullying or intimidation, any

form of violence will never achieve equality. True equality, true democracy and true peace can only be achieved by people working together,” she said.

Among the crowd were representatives from Sinn Féin, the SDLP and DUP as well as People Before Profit and those from the local business community and PSNI. Sinn Féin leader Michelle O’Neill said she agreed with the sentiments expressed by those speaking, and that the Good Friday Agreement was “the only show in town”.º “There’s a clear message here today.

People are coming together to say ‘not in our name’. There are elements in society that want to drag us back, elements that want to visit violence on the people of Derry and cause disruption to people’s lives, to cause mayhem, that is not acceptable. There is a peaceful way forward to a united Ireland, and it is for the people to decide.”

DUP MP Gregor y Campbell said that an attack on one person in Derry was an attack on the city.

“I’m here to stand with those who are under attack. We have to make sure those who carry out these attacks face justice,” he said.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EW S PAPER

ireland AER LINGUS UNVEILS REBRAND IN LINE WITH ‘PROGRESSIVE AND LIBERAL’ IRELAND

A new look for a new Ireland Aoife Moore

IRISH airline Aer Lingus has unveiled its first rebrand in more than 20 years to reflect a new, changing Ireland.

A promotional video documenting the process of making the changes to the brand, referenced the marriage equality and the abortion referendums, seen as seismic changes in the country in the last five years.

“Just as Ireland continues to evolve, inspire and continues to define its place in the modern world, so should our airline. As Ireland strives, so strive Aer Lingus,” the video stated.

Bosses at the airline spoke about the importance of passengers’ emotional connection to the brand, while cementing the company’s place on the world stage as a leading value carrier.

Mike Rutter, chief operating officer, said: “Any new imagining of the brand must remain true to those who feel the brand is part of their life and landscape. We’re also deeply aware the brand must reflect Ireland in 2019, a society that is open, progressive, liberal, outward-looking and dynamic.

The new Aer Lingus livery is unveiled at Dublin airport.

“An Ireland that is proudly European and has become the destination of choice for inward investment; where English language, a high quality educated workforce and a commitment to Europe are the key decisioning points,” Mr Rutter said.

Staff are being put through training

and “cultural change programmes”.

The changes, which were undertaken following results from 26 focus groups across different sections of passengers, include a new version of the iconic shamrock logo and colour scheme for aircraft.

It was noted the original colour

scheme proved much beloved in Ireland. However internationally, respondents said that it looked like the airline could “get you to Ireland but not to New York”.

The unveiling, which happened at Dublin airpor, displayed a newly painted A330-300 series aircraft.

The airline claims the aim of the update is a “refreshed vision of modern Ireland”, to give the brand a more dynamic image as it continue expanding into the North Atlantic market.

The 400-plus changes are in the early stages but the air carrier hopes to have the new look across the business completed by 2021. The website and app will make the changes immediatley, as will passenger check-in areas and boarding gates.

New uniforms, designed by Irish designer Louise Kennedy, will be unveiled later in the year.

Chief executive officer Sean Doyle would not say how much the rebrand cost, but added that reports suggesting it was in the region of €2 million were false. The overall price was value for money, he said.

ANIMAL RIGHTS CAMPAIGNERS HIT OUT AT PHOENIX PARK DEER CULL

SUPERMACS

Irish chipper in legal win over Maccas Rebecca Black MCDONALD’S has lost its rights to the trademark “Big Mac” in a landmark European Union (EU) case ruling in favour of Ireland-based fast-food chain Supermac’s, according to a decision

by European regulators..

Galway-based Supermac’s submitted a request to the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) in April 2017 to cancel the use of the Big Mac and Mc trademarks that McDonald’s has registered in certain classes.

Supermac’s claimed McDonald’s engaged in “trademark bullying; registering brand names... which are simply stored away in a war chest to use against future competitors”.

Now the EUIPO said that McDonald’s had not proven genuine use of the contested trademark as a burger or as a restaurant name. A McDonald’s spokesperson said the company plans to appeal the decision.

The battle comes after McDonald’s previously succeeded in stopping Supermac’s plans to expand into Great Britain and Europe on the basis of the similarity between the name Supermac’s and the Big Mac. Supermac’s has 116 restaurants across Ireland, including three in Northern Ireland. Following this judgment, it now hopes to expand into the Great Britain and Europe.

Supermac’s managing director, Pat McDonagh, said that the judgment represents a victory for small businesses all over the world.

NEW PARTY

SF defector launches new party Michelle Devane

A deer cull is carried out in Phoenix Park in Dublin. Picture: Niall Carson

Oh deer! Cull sparks accusations of cruelty, greed Cate McCurry ANIMAL rights campaigners have criticised the culling of deer in one of Ireland’s best known public parks.

A total of 34 deer were shot dead in Dublin’s Phoenix Park following orders by the Office of Public Works (OPW).

It is understood the carcasses are then sold to meat suppliers.

The OPW has previously said that culling prevents a rise in the fallow deer population which can lead to an increase in road traffic accidents.

The Alliance For Animal Rights (AFAR), however, accused the government of farming deer to make money.

“A humane alternative of contraception works on deer but is not used by the OPW as the killing alternative is more lucrative for their coffers,” a spokeswoman said.

“Shooters are devoid of any empathy for innocent, undefended animals. No animal is safe if money is to be made.

“Shooting deer in view of other deer is barbaric. All animals experience fear at seeing their friends killed.”

They called for the government to establish an alternative, humane way of tackling the issue of culling deer.

Phoenix Park was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s and opened to the public in 1747.

The park is home to Dublin Zoo and the residence of the president of Ireland Michael D Higgins.

“No animal is safe from human greed. An alternative exists here,” the AFAR spokeswoman said. “With the growing opposition to violence towards animals, this policy of profit before respect must be stopped.

“AFAR are launching a campaign to

stop this sad and unnecessary murder of innocents.”

A spokeswoman for the OPW said the deer cull was carried out as part of the sustainable management of the wild deer herd.

They said a total of 34 animals were culled while the carcasses were bought by a Department of Agriculture approved game dealer.

“The role of the wild fallow deer herd in the Phoenix Park as a valuable component of biodiversity must be recognised,” the spokeswoman said.

“However, this must be balanced with an equal recognition of the potential for deer to impact adversely on a range of other biodiversity values, particularly where other conservation habitats and their dependent species are concerned.

“Sustainable deer management must rely on sound, practical and applied

scientific research, and any deer management policy must be cognisant of its application to practical deer management on the ground.

“An over-abundant deer population can result in an increasing incidence of road traffic accidents and increase the potential role of deer in the epidemiology of specific diseases.

“Deer management is most simply defined as the integrated management of deer populations in balance with the carrying capacity and land use objectives of land where deer exist.”

It said that deer culling in the Phoenix Park is carried out according to a detailed protocol.

“Each cull is undertaken in consultation with the School of Biology and Environmental Science in University College Dublin and a vet expert in deer welfare,” the department said.

FORMER Sinn Féin politician Peadar Tóibín has named his new political party Aontú.

Mr Tóibín unveiled the name in a post on Twitter before a public meeting in Belfast last month. The Meath West TD said the city was chosen for the announcement because it was the birthplace of the United Irishmen.

“Belfast was the birth place of the United Irishmen who fought for a free, independent and pluralist Ireland for Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter,” Mr Tóibín wrote on Twitter.

The tweet was accompanied by an image and the word Aontú, which means unity and consent.

Mr Tóibín resigned from Sinn Féin in November after 21 years as a member of the party, saying he was going to build a new 32-county movement.

He had been suspended by Sinn Féin after defying the party and voting against the proposed abortion legislation to allow terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and in limited circumstances thereafter.

The Sinn Féin policy was to support the legislation.

Aontú is expected to run candidates in council elections in Northern Ireland and the Republic in May. A united Ireland and economic justice are among Aontú’s key aims.

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

Slain farmer’s family welcome sentence appeal THE family of brutally killed farmer Anthony O’Mahony have welcomed the news that the DPP is to appeal the leniency of his killer Michael Ferris’ five-year jail sentence.

The Kerryman reports that in October, Mr Ferris was found not guilty of murder but guilty of the manslaughter of his 73-year-old neighbour at Rattoo, Ballyduff on April 4, 2017. Mr Ferris used a teleporter to repeatedly ram Mr O’Mahony’s car, causing the elderly man catastrophic injuries.

The sentence was slammed by Mr O’Mahony’s devastated family who were also deeply distressed by how their loved one had been portrayed during the trial.

They made contact with the DPP and requested that the leniency of the sentence be appealed and last Thursday they were told their request had been granted.

“We’re pleased the appeal is going ahead it is a step in the right direction at least. Anthony’s life was worth more than just five years” said Mr O’Mahony’s niece Ann O’Carroll.

LIMERICK

TV licence nonpayer who doesn’t watch RTÉ, asks to be ‘cut-off’ A FOREIGN national up in court for not paying his TV licence fee asked for RTE to be cut off from his home because he doesn’t watch it.

The Limerick Leader reports that a total of 16 people were listed for Kilmallock Court on the same charge. When Vitaly Shvaibovich, of Cappamore, was called he asked if he could take the stand to put his side of the story.

The TV licence inspector said he visited the defendant’s home on April 17, 2018 and that he was in possession of a TV without a licence.

Mr Shvaibovich said he is not from Ireland but is fully assimilated.

“I’ve been in this country for 15 years. When I bought the TV I wasn’t aware I had to pay for a TV licence.

Nothing is given to you in the shop; nobody told me in the shop.

“We are living in a democratic state and can choose which media sources we pay for,” said Mr Shvaibovich.

The Cappamore resident said if he doesn’t want to watch the national broadcaster “just cut me off”.

“If I don’t pay for ESB they cut me off. I don’t want to pay the licence - cut me off please,” Mr Shvaibovich said. Kilmallock Court heard that he answered the door to the TV licence inspector in his underwear because he works nights.

“He said I have to pay for a TV licence. If I don’t use the service that is not freedom of choice or freedom of information,” said Mr Shvaibovich, who asked Judge Marian O’Leary,

“Can you cut me off?”

“I can’t but I can convict you,” said Judge O’Leary. She fined Mr Shvaibovich €200 and ordered he pay costs of €75.

CORK

No insurance for 11th time earns jail sentence A CORK motorist was jailed for five months and banned from driving for 10 years after being caught driving without insurance for the 11th time.

The Irish Examiner reports that Laura O’Donoghue (34) pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to the offences. O’Donoghue also admitted multiple counts of having no driving licence and other driving-related charges.

Judge Olann Kelleher said in view of the accused now facing her 11th conviction for driving without insurance, he had to impose a jail term.

“I gave her suspended sentences in the past and I have to say I was wrong to do so.

“I have no choice now but to impose a custodial sentence.”

The judge handed down concurrent five-month jail terms including one for carrying a child without a seatbelt.

Shane Collins-Daly, defence solicitor, produced a letter from the defendant’s doctor stating that she had experienced anxiety.

Mr Collins-Daly told the court that O’Donoghue had gone through a very tough time losing a number of friends and family members in tragic circumstances.

The solicitor said his client had also suffered a severe injury as a result of an assault. Mr Collins-Daly did accept that none of this could excuse her driving offences.

However, he said O’Donoghue’s life had been particularly difficult.

The judge set bail in the event of an appeal at €500 cash and an independent surety of €500.

KERRY

US call centre raises alarm after UK climber is stranded in the Reeks A BRITISH walker who became stranded on a ledge on Carruantoohill owes his rescue to a personal beacon that alerted a call centre in Houston, Texas, which in turn contacted Valentia Coastguard Station in Co Kerry.

The Kerryman reports that the unusual train of events took place after the man lost his way on Carrauntoohil in Macgillycuddy Reeks. Although an experienced walker, he became disorientated while descending, became stuck on a ledge and couldn’t move up or down.

There was no phone reception, but he was wearing a personal locator beacon which he activated and this led to the rescue.

The beacon alerted a call centre

Graffiti artists work on a mural of hit TV show Derry Girls on the wall of Badgers Bar on Orchard Street in Londonderry before the broadcast of the second season of the show later this year. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire in Houston, Texas, with the man’s location, and they in turn alerted Valentia Coastguard Station, who contacted Killarney Gardaí. Killarney Mountain Rescue were mobilised.

Such personal beacons are commonly used internationally, but Kerry Mountain Rescue said that this was a first ever scenario for the rescue crew.

“The beacon gives the longitudinal and latitudinal location,” explained Kerry Mountain Rescue spokesperson Alan Wallace.

“We have never before had a situation like this. The beacon was of huge benefit as there was no phone reception where he became stranded.”

LIMERICK

Fined for driving oversized truck into Limerick Tunnel A HAULAGE contractor who caused more than €100,000 worth of damage and who forced the closure of the Limerick Tunnel for three days has been fined €5,000.

The Limerick Leader reports that Tim Walsh (58) from Nenagh pleaded guilty to an offence under the Railway Safety Act. Sergeant Cathal O’Neill told the court that Mr Walsh was transporting a load of straw to Crusheen, Co. Clare which was 35 centimetres (or just over one foot) above the maximum height allowed in the Limerick Tunnel.

He said the defendant would have been “confronted by a considerable amount of signage” as he approached the Limerick Tunnel.

Major disruption to traffic followed the incident with thousands of cars being diverted through the city.

During interview Mr Walsh, who has a number of convictions under the Road Traffic Act, told gardaí he had never used the Limerick Tunnel previously and assumed it was the same height as motorway bridges.

When asked if he had measured the height of the load he told gardaí he had “eyeballed it” before setting off.

Barrister Kenny Kerins said his client, a father of four, has been driving for more than 30 years and that there were no other issues relating to his driving on the day.

Judge Tom O’Donnell imposed a €5,000 fine but exercised his discretion and did not impose a ban.

DOWN

Nurse jailed for breaking patient’s nose A PSYCHIATRIC nurse from Newcastle who broke a patient’s nose when he punched him three times has been given a nine-month prison sentence, reports the Down Recorder At Craigavon Crown Court, Judge Patrick Lynch QC said it was “with some regret” that he was sending Patrick Maguire, of Tollymore Brae, to jail.

He went on: “Being assaulted by such patients is unfortunately the lot of the profession but retaliation such as here, cannot be tolerated and must be reflected in deterrent sentences.”

At an earlier hearing Maguire admitted causing actual bodily harm to the patient.

The court heard how the male patient suffers from a bipolar disorder.

In the lead-up to the incident, the patient had set fire to a bin in his room and had thrown a chair through the window.

Judge Lynch recounted how the patient had been making comments “characterised by sectarian, grandiose and paranoid delusions”.

In the incident, Maguire had been guiding the patient back to bed when the patient “threw a punch”.

In retaliation Maguire “punched him three times, full blows” to the face.

Passing sentence Judge Lynch accepted that Maguire’s retaliation had been an “impulsive reaction” but said “that what happened was out of proportion”.

BELFAST

Jailed for forcing taxi driver out of car A CUSTOMER who forced a taxi driver out of his car and said “it’s my turn to drive” has been jailed for nine months.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that Belfast Magistrates’ Court was told Michael Mallon (27) carried out the assault after refusing to pay a fare.

Imposing the maximum sentence, District Judge Mark Hamill said: “This man soars over the custody threshold.”

Mallon was convicted of common

assault, disorderly behaviour, criminal damage, and obtaining services dishonestly.

The court was told that after erratic behaviour by the passenger, the driver was concerned about payment, so he headed for a police station.

Once the car came to a stop Mallon used his foot to push the driver out.

“He said, ‘It’s my turn to drive’,” the court heard.

Police removed Mallon from the vehicle while he swore incoherently.

Counsel said his client accepted there had been a heated exchange with the driver, and that he had thought it would be more secure for him to remain in the car.

Judge Hammill imposed six months imprisonment CORK

Man drove through wall after seeing wife’s sex texts A MAN who drove through a wall injuring two people after seeing sexually suggestive texts on his wife’s phone, has been jailed for two years.

The Irish Examiner reports that Gavin Heaphy of Mallow appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on charges of dangerous driving causing serious harm to a man and a woman.

The court heard Heaphy jumped into his jeep after discovering the racy messages. He headed for the home of the man he believed sent them, speeding along a road to confront him.

“He was unable to stop and he drove through a wall of a house,” Garda PJ Roche told the court.

Garda PJ Roche told the court: “Gavin Heaphy was unable to stop and drove through a boundary wall [which crashed down]. A piece of steel from the wall pierced the other man’s anus, requiring him to be hospitalised.”

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said: “All of this happened as a reaction to text messages. It is disproportionate, violent and inappropriate response.”

The judge, sentencing the defendantto two years, observed that the best way to deal with unwanted text messages was by deleting them.

A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EW S PAPER

February, 2019 I www.irishecho.com.au

“A superbly flawless unit. They combine the high standards of operatic singing with a delightfully informal sense of fun.” –THE IRISH EXAMINER

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Gobshite of the week

Beautifully mad

NO contest. New York rapper Azealia Banks visited Ireland last month and managed to offend, insult and upset just about everyone.

The first many in Ireland heard of her was when the story of her Aer Lingus altercation ripped across social media. She called cabin crew on her flight from London to Dublin “f**king ugly Irish women” and then left the plane before it took off.

She later took to Instagram to take further aim at the Aer Lingus hosties.

“I’ve had enough of y’all oompa-loompa looking, spray-tanned, crazy-looking b****es,” she raged, not-uncharacteristically. “The girls have scurvy, they’re vitamin deficient, need some calcium tablets.”

After apparently travelling by boat and train from London to Dublin, she played a sold-out gig at The Academy in Dublin where she seemed to apologise.

“I want to dedicate this to all the beautiful Irish women that are here,” she told the crowd.

But after leaving Ireland her emerging Hibernophobia flared up again.

She wrote on Instagram: “The rest of the world’s white folk don’t want to associate with you lot at all and it’s because you are barbarians.

I’m happiest knowing the Irish are quarantined on an isle so they can continue to inbreed and keep their

THE man who created O’Reilly the Irish builder for Fawlty Towers all those years ago was back in Dublin recently. Monty Python star John Cleese said he was always impressed by Irish people’s “madness”.

It was lovely to be in Dublin, he said. “This is not showbiz shit. I really love it because we all know that you’re all slightly mad.

“We all admire you for that. I wish we had a little more of it in Britain.”

The Fawlty Towers star said: “There’s something playful about the Irish. Relaxed, playful quality. It is terribly attractive. I think that’s why you have so many brilliant artists.”

The Fawlty Towers actor also spoke about his four beloved Maine Coon cats, which weigh about 25lb each. Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds.

“They’re absolutely wonderful cats and unlike children when they grow up they don’t blame you,” he said, before adding he should not be making such jokes like that in a Catholic country. “Well an ex-Catholic country,” he said.

defective genes away from humanity.

She then shockingly asked: “Don’t you have a famine to go die in?”

Charming.

But then Azealia really went too far when she dissed the Rose of Tralee on Instagram.

Waterford’s Kirsten Mate Maher, who is also of African heritage, got into an online spat with the rapper.

Commenting on a photo of the Rose of Tralee, Banks wrote: “Nah you’re chopped sis”, with the hashtag #uglyirishgirl and a laughing emoji.

Kirsten, 21, took it in her stride, writing on Twitter: “Lads, why am I on Azealia Banks’ Instagram story?

CREASED.” The New York rapper has declared that she will never return to Ireland.

Never might be too soon.

The odious Azealia Banks.

Semenly harmless?

A 33-YEAR-OLD Irishman developed an abscess after injecting himself with his own semen in an attempt to treat back pain. No really.

The man devised what he believed was a cure for back pain, independent of any medical advice. But instead he needed to be hospitalised and admitted to doctors that he had injected his own semen into his arm every month for 18 months using a needle he bought online.

The report, published in the Irish Medical Journal, was conducted by Dr Lisa Dunne of the Adelaide and Meath Hospital.

It was entitled ‘Semenly’ Harmless Back Pain: An Unusual Presentation of a Subcutaneous Abscess.

Dr Dunne said it was the first reported case of a person injecting semen as a medical treatment.

A vasectomy might be a good course of treatment for this bloke.

Quiz

Crossword

1. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother died in 2002. She was the last holder of which title: (a) Queen of India (b) Queen of the British Empire; (c) Queen of Ireland; (d) Queen of Scots?

2. Saoirse Ronan plays Mary Queen of Scots in the Josie Rourke directed film. In which country was Saoirse Ronan born?

3. Galway is the most westerly city in the EU. But which is the second most westerly city?

4. What links: Tor Beg Rock, Co. Donegal; Fastnet Rock, Co. Cork; Tearaght Island, Co. Kerry; Cannon Rock, Co. Down?

5. Newry man Willie Maley guided which British-based soccer team to 30 major trophies?

6. What links ZZ Top, Mary Bernadette O’Brien, The Pub With No Beer, holder of the world record for points scored in a first-class rugby career with 7,337 points?

7. Which Taoiseach was known as the Longford Slasher?

8. What was located in 1985 at 41°43’57” N, 49°56’49” W? 9. In width it’s 5 ft 3 ins (1,600 mm), an unusual dimension that is found only in the states of Victoria, southern New South Wales, South Australia, Brazil and Ireland. What is it?

10. Of the nine counties which border the Republic / Northern Ireland frontier, only two don’t belong to the province of Ulster. Which two?

Clues across 1. How discord can produce Irish actor (5,5) 6. Grumpy type takes republican into taxi (4) 8. State of unrest in Bellanadohy (3) 9. A native of Australia you’ll find me returning before the middle of January (3) 10. Girl has nothing in prison (4) 11. Flaming woman? (4) 13. Bridge building priest? (6,6) 15. Macho island (3) 17. Large surplus stock that may be in range? (8) 18. Frank championship (4) 19 Blooming drink! (3) 20. Well known gardining [sic] woman (3) 21. Monumental figure enshrines original template in law (7) 22. Rugby player handy on stage (4) 23. Here’s one Roman looking for an emperor (4) 25. No sardonic one, mixed up singer (6,7) 29. Colour we hear of O’Donnell, Ulster chief? (3) 30. A period of time in Clonderalaw (3) 31. A piece from really resonant instrument (4) 32. Scottish town with little sunshine, first to last? (3) 33. Flying squad eyes new criminal (7)

Clues down

They said it...

“They are a sectarian Protestant party in Ireland.”

Former Home Secretary Ken Clark’s description of the DUP, which is propping up Theresa May’s Conservative government.

“Ken Clarke, very unfortunately for him, finds himself increasingly out of step with the vast majority in his own party as well as the country.”

The DUP’s Gregory Campbell, responding to comments the former Home Secretary made.

“Brexit has many downsides, but I think it will be nice for the Irish to watch a British famine.”

Comedian Frankie Boyle. His comments provoked widespread condemnation.

“Ireland has given me most of the data out of which I make sense of life but at the same time I am loyal to the Britannic side of my background.”

Poet Michael Longley who was born in Belfast to English parents.

“When the armed struggle started we were in Northern Ireland. When it finished we were still in Northern Ireland … What we ended up with, my friend Bobby Sands wouldn’t even have missed breakfast for.”

Richard O’Rawe, former IRA member, jailed for bank robbery, speaking about the IRA campaign. He is now a writer.

“The three-part series, The Paras: Men of War, is an ITV commission, which is being shown on the ITV network, including UTV. The series is entirely contemporary, following young men going through the recruitment course now, charting their progress during the training and beyond.

This series does not examine historical events and makes no mention of Bloody Sunday or other events in Northern Ireland. If any viewers were offended by the timing of the series, we apologise.”

A statement by ITV on the insensitivity of broadcasting a programme in Northern Ireland glorifying the British Army’s Parachute Regiment.

“Sally Rooney will be adapting her forthcoming novel Normal People for the channel. Sally is fast becoming the voice of her generation and the BBC is thrilled to be working with her on her first piece for television.”

Sally Rooney, born in Dublin and brought up in Castlebar, Co Mayo, has just won the Costa Prize for her book Normal People.

“Stop all your services straight away … If you don’t your church will be petrol bombed while in service. Continue behind closed doors, your congregation members will be stabbed one by one. Blood on your hands.

(You have been warned).”

A warning delivered to several Catholic churches in the north of England. The police have increased security around the churches.

“My favourite piece of music is Schumann’s Traeumerei. It’s as delicate as Joyce’s prose at the end of The Dead.”

Novelist Timothy O’Grady.

1

2

3

4

5

1. Float in Irish port (4)

6

7

8

2. Part of pipes animal knocked over 9

(4)

10

11

3. Sulphur, gold, sodium make up steam bath (5)

12

4. Oh, are we nearly at a hidden US airport? (5)

13

15

5. Your own horse every day, they say,

16

in order to find sporting stadium (9) 6. In cotton suit, rearranged make-up

17

18

19

(12)

20

7. Donkeys that ramble become League of Ireland team? (4,9)

14

21

22

23

24

12. Viper sliding around before noon is deadly biter (7)

25

14. Headwear for head of the city (6) 16. Its players react competitively after

27

28

29

every match (4)

30

17. Doctor in Drumdowney (1,1) 21. He drew wisdom from the sun and,

26

32

31 33

oddly enough, the moon (7) 24. Mixed up Aileen? (6) 25. Happy medium, perhaps? (4) 26. Support group between north and south Kildare town (4) 27. Airport in a bad way - work abandoned after upset (4) 28. Northerly raw material in Irish river (4)

LAST EDITION’S ANSWERS: Clues across 1. Homestead. 6. Royal. 8. Ulysses. 9. Nassau. 11. Hoey. 13.

Reagan. 14. See. 15. Yahoo. 17. Flo. 18. Brie. 22. Agreement. 23. Rand. 25. Byre.

30. Reap.31. Lisdoonvarna. 33. O’Neal (Ryan). 35. Cavendish (Lord). 36. Locks nor keys, even jumbled could lead you to part of a US city (7).

Clues down 1. Haughey. 2. May (Theresa). 3. Sash. 4 & 6 down: Easter Rising.

5. Donegal. 6. see 4 down 7. Yeats. 10. Tepee. 12. Yeomen. 16. Algeciras.

17. Finn. 19. Rennee. 20. Imp. 21. Dry. 24. Arran. 26. Apples. 27. Boone.

28. Anzio. 29. Kathy. 32. Noon. 34. Eve.

Answers: 1. (a) Queen of Ireland; 2 USA; 3. Lisbon; 4. They are, respectively, the most northerly, southerly, westerly and easterly points in Ireland; 5. Celtic; 6. Dusty — Dusty Hill is one of the three ZZ Tops, Mary Bernadette O’Brien is Dusty Springfield, The Pub with No Beer was written by Slim Dusty, Dusty Hare was the points scorer for England; 7. Albert Reynolds; 8. The Titanic; 9. The standard rail gauge in those areas; 10. Leitrim (Connacht), Louth (Leinster);

MERC_ST PATS_1-2pageAd_ECHO19_FA.pdf

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23/1/19

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February, 2019 I www.irishecho.com.au

For location details and more see www.pjgallaghers.com.au

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/pjgallaghers

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review

February, 2019 I www.irishecho.com.au

Darkness and shadows

IT would be easy to imagine that a reader might be put off by a book with a title like Tadhg Coakley gives to this his first novel. It refers to the day when the All Ireland hurling final is traditionally held, though that date may have changed in the past few years. The titles seems to imply that this is just another sports book, some treatment of the meaning of sport and the reputations that can be made or destroyed in a little over an hour of feverish activity.

That the hurling and football finals are days whose significance goes beyond sport is not unique to Ireland – Victoria, for example, declares a public holiday on the day before its big sporting final. In this book, the author uses the hurling game as an incident that gathers a number of loosely collected crises in the lives of the players or of others involved on the periphery.

Evelyn Collins was only 17 when her son Sean was born; her family insisted that she give the child up for adoption. The father was only a year older and in no position to be able to look after a child; in the years ahead, he would become a famous hurler and a hopeless alcoholic. He is now sober, thanks to the help of AA and is in the crowd as the now adult Sean leads the Cork team on to Croke Park.

The other team in the final is from Clare whose star player is Cillian McMahon: he scored 1-5 when his county won the final the previous year. He is finding it difficult to take off his boots after the game because his feet are so badly skinned and he is convinced that he has broken ribs. But his thoughts are less on his health and on the fact that he has been held to only one score than on trying to remember the names of the 16 young women he has bedded in the past 12 months.

“Noelle! How could he have forgotten Noelle. The pair of tits on her. Sixteen. He knew it was sixteen.

Not bad for one year.”

Then there is Darren O’Sullivan, who has made a specialty of scoring goals in big games. “Truth is that they broke the mould with Sully. He’s one of those people that leaves his mark on you,” is how he is described by the team physiotherapist.

After the game, he escapes to America, leaving his pregnant girlfriend to be married by the said physio, and falls on his feet by marrying a woman whose family has serious wealth.

If McMahon and O’Sullivan are typical of the players and their

“The writing is

assured and polished, with passages that surprise by their almost lyrical quality.

Tadhg Coakley is a writer to watch.

”

social lives, those on the periphery are far from perfect also. Conor Dunlea has brought his girlfriend from London for the game; he doesn’t know that she is pregnant, and he has to keep her away from his lecherous father, although the latter is in the knee-knocking,

BOOKS

endorsement from Donal Ryan and it covers areas of Irish life similar to those with which Ryan deals in his books.

Tadhg Coakley is a writer to watch.

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN SEPTEMBER.

By Tadhg Coakley Mercier Press 240 pp

CCCCC WITH OUR BLESSING

By Jo Spain Quercus 534 pp $22.99

CCCCC Frank O’Shea foot-dragging stage of Parkinson’s.

Another character has advanced Alzheimer’s, and yet another – an off-duty Garda with multiple troubles involving drink, drugs, gambling and sex – is being kept alive by CPR and mouth-to-mouth on a Dublin street.

These are only some of the characters and the reader will need to occasionally refer back to earlier incidents to place the person currently the focus of the action. It is a book that will need to be read in one or two sittings, because while it can be treated as a collection of stories, each succeeding one will often refer to some of the earlier ones.

The book is a refreshing look at modern Irish life even if the Ireland you read about is not an attractive place. The writing is assured and polished, with passages that surprise by their almost lyrical quality. You are constantly reminded that this is more than a sports book, though the language may owe more to a dressing shed than a drawing room. The book carries an

THE revelations over the past few years of conditions in what were known as Magdalene Laundries have shocked Ireland. That these places were sometimes used to effectively imprison young women whose only crime was that they were seen as a source of temptation for young men, is a black mark which the country will take a long time to wipe off.

Dublin writer Jo Spain uses the laundries as the focus of this murder mystery. A woman is found with multiple stab wounds, nailed to a tree in a part of the Phoenix Park used by young men to meet for furtively passionate behaviours. It is discovered that the dead woman was the reverend mother in a convent outside Limerick. When the murder squad brave impending snow to visit the nunnery, they find that she had few friends inside or outside the convent.

The man running the investigation is Inspector Tom Reynolds, though he is not the focus of the story as is usual in most novels of this type – think Charlie Parker or Jack Reacher or Inspector Wexford. Each member of his team is given a turn at providing some insight or making some discovery that advances the slow solution of the mystery. The reader may feel that this is the author’s way of keeping her options open for future stories.

Because the investigation takes place at a former Magdalene Laundry, the nuns play a central role in the story and in many ways

they are the most interesting characters, most of them portrayed as embarrassed by their past connection with the laundry and the nearby orphanage. The abuses in those places are mentioned as a natural part of the story and there is no attempt to excoriate church or state for their association with them. As a result, the treatment of the women victims is all the more appalling for being seen as a daily occurrence, unremarked by the wider society.

The book is at its best when describing the slow and meticulous gathering of information, the revelation and then the testing of possible suspects and the final solution which, while not entirely satisfactory, is at least plausible. If the book has a weakness it is in the introduction of minor troubles in the lives of the detectives and others involved in the case. These add little to the story and it would be easy to imagine a fussy editor cutting the book by one-third.

This book was on the seven-book shortlist for a major British “Search for a Bestseller” competition.

“If the book has a

weakness it is in the introduction of minor troubles in the lives of the detectives and others.

”

THE TOP 10 BOOK CHARTS FROM IRELAND BESTSELLERS 1

When All is Said

2

The Tattooist of Auschwitz

3

Milkman

4

Normal People

5

Dog Man 6: Brawl of the Wild

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION Anne Griffin

1

Dr Eva Orsmond’s Reverse Your Diabetes

Dr. Eva Orsmond

Heather Morris

2

The Fast 800

Anna Burns

3

The Stress Solution

Sally Rooney

4

Educated

Dav Pilkey

5

The Choice

Edith Eger

Michael Mosley Dr Rangan Chatterjee Tara Westover

6

Becoming

Michelle Obama

6

Veggie Lean in 15

Joe Wicks

7

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

7

This is Going to Hurt

Adam Kay

8

Dr Eva Orsmond’s Reverse Your Diabetes

Dr. Eva Orsmond

8

Fire and Fury

9

The Woman in the Window

A.J. Finn

9

Calm the F**k Down

10 The Importance of Being Aisling

Sarah Breen/Emer McLysaght

ORIGINAL FICTION 1

When All is Said

2

Normal People

3

The Importance of Being Aisling

4

Michael Wolff Sarah Knight

10 The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz Jeremy Dronfield

CHILDREN’S Anne Griffin

1

Dog Man 6: Brawl of the Wild

Dav Pilkey

Sally Rooney

2

The Wonky Donkey

Craig Smith

Sarah Breen/Emer McLysaght

3

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown

Jeff Kinney

Twisted

Steve Cavanagh

4

The Ice Monster

5

A Keeper

Graham Norton

5

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

6

The Lost Child

Patricia Gibney

6

The Magic Moment!

7

My Mother’s Daughter

Anne O’Loughlin

7

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

8

Past Tense: (Jack Reacher 23)

9

The Great Wide Open

10 The Binding

David Walliams J.K. Rowling Kathleen Watkins J.K. Rowling

Lee Child

8

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway

Jeff Kinney

Douglas Kennedy

9

Dog Man 4: Dog Man and Cat Kid

Dav Pilkey

Bridget Collins

10 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

J.K. Rowling

February, 2019 I www.irishecho.com.au

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February, 2019 I www.irishecho.com.au

DECEMBER

2018

2009 - 2017 ED FRINGE

SOLD OUT

THE IRISH TIMES

EXAMINER

ED FEST MAG

METRO

CHORTLE

THE WEE REVIEW

STAGEONE

THE LATEST

TPR

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February, 2019 I www.irishecho.com.au

Monday, 4 February BRISBANE, QLD Damien Rice

Performing at the Tivoli, Brisbane.

Beloved Irish singer-songwriter, Damien Rice, returns to Australia in February, for the first time in more than 10 years. He brings his acclaimed songbook, including iconic songs The Blower’s Daughter and 9 Crimes to intimate venues around the country in February. www.chuggentertainment.com

Thursday, 7 February SYDNEY, NSW IACC Networking Breakfast

Special guest speaker the newly appointed Consul General, Owen Feeney. A quality breakfast menu that features Irish produce, with tables of six to give guests more quality time to connect each other and build those all important networks. We will wrap up before 8:45 to allow you to get off to work in good time with some new learning and a few contacts in the bag before you sit down at your desk.

Venue Poolside Café, Sydney. www.irishchamber.com.au/events

Thursday, 7 February HOBART, TAS Damien Rice

Performing at the Odeon Theatre, Hobart. Beloved Irish singersongwriter, Damien Rice, continues his Australian tour. www.chuggentertainment.com

Saturday, 9 February BENDIGO, VIC Damien Rice

Performing at the Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo.

Beloved Irish singer-songwriter, Damien Rice, continues his Australian tour. www.chuggentertainment.com

Sunday, 10 February Damien Rice, VIC Performing at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Beloved Irish singer-songwriter, Damien Rice, continues his Australian tour. www.chuggentertainment.com

Saturday, 16 February PERTH, WA Valentine’s Gala Ball

Hosted by St Patrick’s Festival, WA. Bring a Friend anyone who ever attended will highly recommend this night out. Great 4 Course Meal, 5 Hour Drinks/Wine Package included with Top class Irish Music, Dance and Much more.

Venue – Parmelia Hilton, Perth Live Auction, raffle, best dressed prizes.

Further Details: St Patrick’s Festival WA Facebook

Thursday, 21 February NEWCASTLE, NSW Daniel O’Donnell

Performing at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre With Special Guest: Mary Duff.

Ireland’s most popular “easy listening” entertainer returns to Australia in 2019.

Daniel has enjoyed tour and chart success in Australia and New Zealand for many years and

21

earned himself a loyal following that stretches across both countries.

A native of Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal, Daniel’s concert appearances have taken him from London’s Royal Albert Hall and Dublin’s Point Depot to New York’s Carnegie Hall and Sydney’s Opera House, but he still continues to set himself fresh ambitions and new worlds to conquer. www.abpresents.com.au

Friday, 22 February FREEMANTLE, WA Sharon Shannon

Venue – John Curtin College of the Arts. Sharon Shannon is a name synonymous and entrenched in the culture and fabric of Traditional Irish Music. Sharon’s journey with her accordion and love for music has led her to become one of the world’s most highly acclaimed traditional musicians, and her personality has led her to be one of Ireland’s most well-liked and popular national treasures. sharonshannon.com/tour

Daoirí Farrell performs at the Stag and Hunter Hotel, Newcastle, Thursday, 28 February and at the Port Fairy Folk Festival in March.

PHOTO: Desmond Farrell

Saturday, 23 February CANBERRA, ACT Daniel O’Donnell

Performing at the Royal Theatre, Canberra with Special Guest: Mary Duff.

Ireland’s most popular “easy listening” entertainer continues his Australian tour. www.abpresents.com.au

Saturday, 23 February ALBANY, WA Sharon Shannon

Performing at the Albany Entertainment Centre. Acclaimed traditional Irish musician Sharon Shannon continues her tour. sharonshannon.com/tour

Sunday, 24 to Monday 25, February MELBOURNE, VIC Daniel O’Donnell

Performing at the Art Centre Melbourne with Special Guest: Mary Duff Ireland’s most popular “easy listening” entertainer continues his Australian tour. www.abpresents.com.au

Sunday, 24 February MANDURAH, WA Sharon Shannon

Performing at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.

Acclaimed traditional Irish musician Sharon Shannon continues her tour. sharonshannon.com/tour

Wednesday, 27 February NOOSA, QLD Luke Bloom: The Refuge Tour Perfoming at the J in Noosa. Much loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom is a master of the concert stage.

His incredibly gifted electroacoustic guitar playing guarantees an impassioned live performance of his original, poetic and melodic songs.

Luka’s concert arsenal includes both tender and dynamic original material and a surprisingly eclectic selection of other people’s work.

Over the years Bloom has brought his inspiring lyrics and sumptuous

melodies to clubs, theatres, festivals, bars and arenas all over the world, but he has a special place in his heart for Australian audiences and has earned a devoted following in this country. www.abpresents.com.au

Wednesday 27, February BATHURST, NSW Sharon Shannon

Performing at Jack Duggan’s Bathurst. Acclaimed traditional Irish musician Sharon Shannon continues her tour. sharonshannon.com/tour

Wednesday, 27 February SYDNEY, NSW Daniel O’Donnell

Venue – State Theatre, Sydney.

Performing with Special Guest: Mary Duff, Ireland’s most popular “easy listening” entertainer continues his Australian tour. www.abpresents.com.au

Thursday, 28 February NEWCASTLE, NSW Daoirí Farrell

Performing at the Stag and Hunter Hotel, Newcastle. Dublin-born traditional singer and bouzouki player Daoirí (pronounced ‘Derry’) Farrell has been described by some of the biggest names in Irish folk music as one of most important singers to come out of Ireland in recent years. daoiri.com

Thursday, 28 February BRADDON, ACT Sharon Shannon

Performing at the Ainslie and Gorman Arts Centre. Acclaimed traditional Irish musician Sharon Shannon continues her tour. sharonshannon.com/tour

Friday, 1 – Sunday, 3 March COBARGO, NSW Cobargo Folk Festival

First held in 1996, this annual festival of music, dance, song, comedy, poetry, fun and fine food

what’s on

and drink, attracts thousands of people to the beautiful Bega Valley.

The strong sense of community enhances the folk music and allows people to share their cultures through music.

The line-up for 2019, features artists including Sharon Shannon, the Shane Howard Trio, Skerryvore, Jordie Lane and more. cobargofolkfestival.com

Friday, 1 March MILTON, NSW Sharon Shannon

Performing at the Milton Theatre.

Acclaimed traditional Irish musician Sharon Shannon continues her tour. sharonshannon.com/tour

Friday, 1 – Sunday, 3 March TWEED HEADS, NSW Daniel O’Donnell

Performing at the Twin Towns Services Club with Special Guest: Mary Duff. Ireland’s most popular “easy listening” entertainer continues his Australian tour. www.abpresents.com.au

Friday, 1 March

SAVE THE DATE ::

St Patrick’s Day Community Events Brisbane Irish Festival Saturday 16 March, CBD

St Patrick’s Festival, WA Saturday 16 March, Leederville Oval

Melbourne Irish Festival Sunday 17 March, Edinburgh Gardens

Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday 17 March, The Rocks All the National St Patrick’s Day event details will be published in our upcoming editions, or visit the Irish Echo website for full details.

SUNSHINE COAST, QLD Luke Bloom – The Refuge Tour

Much loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom continues his tour at the Sunshine Coast. www.abpresents.com.au

www.irishecho.com.au ON TOUR 2019

Saturday, 2 March

Feb – NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC

March – VIC, QLD, NSW, WA

CANBERRA, ACT Daoirí Farrell, ACT

Feb/March – WA, NSW, SA, VIC

March/April – National Tour

Feb/March – National Tour

April – VIC, NSW

March 8–12 WOMADelaide

April – Bluesfest Byron Bay, NSW

March 9–11 Port Fairy Folk Festival, VIC

May/June – National Tour

Damien Rice

Performing at Smiths’ Alternative, Canberra. Dublin-born traditional singer continues with Australian tour. daoiri.com

Saturday, 2 March

Sharon Shannon

Daniel O’Donnell Sharon Shannon

BRISBANE, QLD Luke Bloom: The Refuge Tour Much loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom continues his tour at the Princess Theatre, Brisbane. www.abpresents.com.au

Luka Bloom/Wallis Bird Daoiri Farrell/Sharon Shannon

Kodaline Boyzone Hozier

Imelda May/Hozier The Celtic Tenors – The Irish Songbook Tour

stay up to date with what’s on at

IrishEcho.com.au whatson@irishecho.com.au :: (02) 9555 9199

22 sport

February, 2018 I www.irishecho.com.au

AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

SHANE LOWRY TARGETS RYDER CUP AFTER ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIP VICTORY

Brilliant Lowry win puts him back in top 50 Phil Blanche

SHANE Lowry has fixed his sights firmly on the Ryder Cup after winning the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship for a first European Tour title since 2015.

The Offalyman produced a magnificent fightback to overturn Richard Sterne’s four-shot lead in the final seven holes and win with a birdie on the 18th.

Lowry suffered a miserable time on the USPGA Tour last year, finishing 138th on the money list and without any top-10 finishes.

But the 31-year-old now leads the Race to Dubai, his world ranking has shot back up to 41and he is determined to win a place on Padraig Harrington’s Europe team at the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits.

“This puts me to where my goal is for the next 18 months, and that’s to be on the plane to Wisconsin with Paddy (Harrington),” Lowry told Sky Sports after the victory.

“That’s where I want to be and I think this is a great stepping stone for that.”

Lowry had not tasted victory since the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational and he had to do it the hard way as his three-shot overnight lead quickly evaporated.

Sterne had six birdies and a bogey to go out in 31, and Lowry’s fourth bogey of the day on the 11th left him four shots adrift of the South African.

But he became the first player in European Tour history to make 11 birdie twos in a tournament when he birdied the short 12th, and a 30-foot putt on the 13th edged him closer.

The pressure got to Sterne as he dropped shots at 14 and 16, and a

Shane Lowry won the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last month, his first tournament win in almost three years. wayward approach opened the door for Lowry, who found the green in two and secured victory with a tap-in putt.

“People looking from the outside probably thought I was gone, four behind with seven to play,” Lowry said.

“But I’ve had greats chats with my coach this week about just hanging in and staying there no matter what I do, what I shoot or what shots I hit. Just keep going and it definitely helped me out there. It’s been a long time (to win) and I’m just over the moon.”

Meanwhile, Harrington has backed another Irishman for a Ryder Cup role.

The European captain says there is no doubt Rory McIlroy will be included in Europe’s 2020 Ryder Cup team as he dismissed doubts about the Northern Irishman’s commitment.

McIlroy has controversially revealed he may not fulfil the requirements for European Tour membership next season, which could leave him ineligible for the biennial competition against the United States.

The 29-year-old, who lives in America, last week described the European Tour as a stepping stone and reiterated his intention to concentrate

MONKEANO REUNITED AT NOTTINGHAM FOREST

Keane back at Forest ROY Keane has once again linked up with Mar tin O’Neill to become Nottingham Forest assistant manager, the Sky Bet Championship club have announced.

The 47-year-old was part of O’Neill’s backroom staff during their five-year spell in charge of the Republic of Ireland between 2013 and 2018.

Keane, like O’Neill, is a favourite at the City Ground after making more than 100 appearances for the club between 1990 and 1993 before moving to Manchester United, where he won seven Premier League titles.

Keane spoke of his delight to return to Forest, 25 years after leaving the club for a successful playing career at Old Trafford.

He told the club’s official website: “I am happy to be back. I am looking forward to it, it’s a big challenge and I’m ready for it.

“Obviously, I had great memories of my career here as a player, the club gave me my chance and I will always remember them for that.

“But it is a different challenge now and I am in a different position coaching the players. I am looking forward to it, a huge challenge ahead and 20 years out of the Premier League.

Ray Keane has returned to Nottingham Forest as assistant to head coach Martin O’Neill.

“It will be tough but I am looking forward to it.”

It was widely expected that Keane would join as assistant to O’Neill, who became the club’s 11th full-time boss since 2011 on January 15.

A statement read: “Nottingham Forest are delighted to confirm that former Red Roy Keane has returned to

the club as assistant manager. Keane, who started his professional football career with the Reds in 1990 and went on to make over 100 appearances in the Garibaldi, joins Martin O’Neill’s backroom staff with immediate effect.”

There had been rumours of Keane returning to management after he and O’Neill left their roles with Ireland in November.

The former Forest midfielder guided Sunderland back to the Premier League during his first season in charge at the Stadium of Light in 2006 before resigning in December 2008 and went on to manage Ipswich from 2009 to 2011.

Meanwhile, new Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy will send his team into friendly battle with Bulgaria and New Zealand later this year.

The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that the Republic will host the Bulgarians at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday September 10, five days after their UEFA 2020 qualifier against Switzerland.

New Zealand will also head for Dublin, in their case on Thursday November 14, as Ireland warm up for their final qualifier against Denmark at the same venue four days later.

on the PGA Tour in 2019. However, Harrington is confident McIlroy will be available for selection in Whistling Straights next year as his team attempt to defend the trophy won in Paris in September.

“I can only look at his actions.

That man loves the Ryder Cup. He’s become a leader in the team room,” said Harrington. “He gives so much to the Ryder Cup; the Ryder Cup gives so much back to Rory that he can’t get anywhere else.

“He gets the glory, the opportunity to be loved on the golf course. He gets

the exuberance, the crowd. You don’t get that day in, day out. You don’t get that regularly. His actions are all about the Ryder Cup. “He will be 100 per cent behind and in that Ryder Cup team, there’s no doubt about it. You just have to know the man behind the scenes.”

McIlroy, who has played in the last five Ryder Cups, needs to play four European Tour tournaments outside the majors and World Golf Championship events in order to retain membership of the European Tour, but currently only has two on his schedule.

CELTIC ROLE FOR DUFF

Hoops dream role for Duff Ronnie Esplin

DAMIEN Duff insists his new coaching role at Celtic is the next best thing to playing for his boyhood club.

The former Chelsea, Newcastle, Fulham, Blackburn, Melbourne City and Republic of Ireland winger has been appointed the Hoops’ reser ve team coach.

The Dubliner, 39, claimed only Celtic could have tempted him to move from Shamrock Rovers, where he was part of the first-team coaching staff.

“I have been here 10 days and I have loved every minute of it,” Duff said.

“When I went through the interview process six to eight weeks ago, it was the only club I would have left Ireland for, brought my family and took my kids out of school.

“If anyone else had come calling – not that they did – it [Celtic] was the only club I would have left for; that’s how happy I am. I’ve had the kits all the way through. Celtic and Man United were my teams. Obviously, the club is massive and I think you know the Irish connection anyway, no one has to teach you that back home. It is in your blood from the day you are born.

“The next best thing when you finish is obviously coaching and the next best

Damien Duff has joined Celtic.

thing for me, I didn’t play for Celtic, but to come and coach here is top class.”

Duff first came across Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers when the Northern Irishman was a youth coach at Chelsea and he revealed Celtic provided a connection then.

“That’s where I got to know him. We would talk about Celtic. We go back a long way, but I wasn’t offered the job just because Brendan is here.

“I went through the interview process like everyone else and worked hard for it. It is a massive role and I am going to embrace it.”

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February, 2019 I www.irishecho.com.au

A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

rugby :: sports EUROPEAN QUARTER FINALISTS DECIDED

All four provinces to contest play-offs

FOR the first time ever, all four Irish provinces have qualified through to their respective play-off stages.

Champions Leinster will need to get past Ulster to advance to a probable home semi-final in the Champions Cup. Edinburgh and Munster will kick off this season’s Champions Cup quarterfinals at Murrayfield on March 30.

Pool Five winners Edinburgh secured a last-eight spot by beating Montpellier seven days ago, while Munster topped Pool Two, courtesy of a narrow victory over Exeter. The game, which has a 12.45pm kick-off, is one of three quarter-finals that day.

It will be followed by top seeds and twice European champions Saracens tackling Glasgow at Allianz Park, before Champions Cup holders Leinster host Ulster at the Aviva Stadium. An allFrench clash between Racing 92 and Toulouse will take place on March 31.

The European Challenge Cup quarterfinals begin two days earlier when Sale Sharks entertain Connacht, with the all-English meeting between Worcester and Harlequins at Sixways having a Saturday, 8.15pm start. The Challenge Cup ties conclude on March 31 when Bristol travels to La Rochelle and Clermont Auvergne hosts Northampton.

Champions Cup quarter-finals (kick-offs Ireland time): March 30 – Edinburgh v Munster (1245), Saracens v Glasgow (1515), Leinster v Ulster (1745); March 31 – Racing 92 v Toulouse (1515).

Challenge Cup quarter-finals: March 29 – Sale Sharks v Connacht (1945); March 30 – Worcester v Harlequins (2015); March 31 – La Rochelle v Bristol (1245), Clermont Auvergne v Northampton (1800).

Live coverage via Rugby Pass app

Munster’s Chris Farrell is tacked by Exeter Chiefs’s Jonny Hill during the Heineken European Challenge Cup, pool two match at Thomond Park, Limerick. Picture: Niall Carson

SIX NATIONS :: IRELAND SUFFER HOME LOSS TO ENGLAND

Painful reality check for Irish Nick Purewal

Jacob Stockdale is tracked by England’s Billy Vunipola during the Six Nations clash. Picture: Brian Lawless

JOE SCHMIDT NOT SEEKING NZ ROLE FOLLOWING WORLD CUP

Irish coach planning 12-month break

Nick Purewal

JOE Schmidt will not seeking a coaching role with New Zealand after this year’s World Cup. Sought-after Kiwi boss Schmidt plans at least a 12-month break when he relinquishes his role as Ireland head coach after the autumn’s World Cup in Japan. The 53-year-old has the pedigree to replace New Zealand boss Steve Hansen, who will call time on his Test tenure after this year’s World Cup. But while Schmidt left the door open

on a possible British and Irish Lions coaching role in 2021, the former Leinster boss insisted he has no pretensions to the All Blacks’ gig this year.

Asked if any part of him is interested in seeking an All Blacks role after the World Cup, Schmidt replied: “Not really. I don’t want to bore you with the whole history of it but I’m an incredibly accidental coach. I started coaching when I first star ted teaching at Palmerston North Boys’ High.

“I said, ‘Look, I’d love to coach basketball’ and the rector Dave Sims said:

‘That’s brilliant. That’s on Friday nights. It won’t af fect your rugby coaching on Saturday mornings’.

“It wasn’t an intended career and I just have a few priorities that reshaped my thinking a little bit. At the same time, to be honest, you can’t keep riding your luck. The short-term plan (after the World Cup) is not to be involved in coaching, certainly not for 12 months and I’d say quite likely longer than that. We’ve got a couple of projects that are family related that we want to work our way through.”

JOE Schmidt has warned Ireland to heed the World Cup reality check of last weekend’s comprehensive 32-20 Six Nations defeat to England.

Eddie Jones’ side became just the second Test team to put more than 30 points on Ireland in Dublin under head coach Schmidt, with a stunning four-try victory. Henry Slade crossed twice, with Jonny May and Elliot Daly also grabbing tries, as England bullied the 2018 Grand Slam champions at the Aviva Stadium.

Ireland boss Schmidt admitted his side was battered in every area, conceding that only a renewed grit will set Rory Best’s team back on track – especially with this autumn’s World Cup hurtling into view.

“That is a reality check about the physicality that will be required to be successful in this World Cup year,” said Schmidt. “England collectively delivered a simmering physical intensity. It was a suffocating place to be out there.

It’s a challenge to all our confidence.”

Fit-again England powerhouses Manu Tuilagi and Mako and Billy Vunipola savaged Ireland in the gainline battle. Tuilagi’s special lineout move – receiving a direct long throw from hooker Jamie George in the 12 channel – stunned the hosts, who never recovered their poise.

Schmidt admitted Ireland were outmuscled in the same way as during their last home defeat, the 21-9 loss to New Zealand in November 2016.

Ireland’s record run of 12 home victories has come to an end, with the Kiwi boss frustrated, and honest, about his side’s shortcomings.

“It was very difficult to contain their forward momentum,” said Schmidt.

“It’s something that happened two years ago against the All Blacks.

“We got bullied here two years ago, and it happened again. You’ve got to be prepared to give as good as you get, and we didn’t do that tonight.

“We probably didn’t have the same physical edge that they did. We’ve got to make sure our solutions are that we get better pressure on the ball. We didn’t get a turnover on the ground.

“There was quite a lot of volume with them stirring each other up and getting off the line. And they backed that up

Ireland 20 England 32

A dejected Johnny Sexton.

with a lot of physical intent. I think we were physically bettered. I don’t think I’ve seen a game where our opponents got so many physical, dominant tackles, where our opponents have carried physically in the manner that they did.”

Schmidt confirmed Keith Earls suffered a hip injury, with flanker CJ Stander picking up a facial problem and lock Devin Toner an ankle issue.

Ireland move quickly on to face Scotland at Murrayfield next Saturday, with Schmidt already counting a mounting injury cost.

“Keith Earls is pretty sore, with a hip issue. He got hit a couple of times early; he was very sore,” Schmidt said.

“CJ Stander we think has a facial injury and has gone for a scan. Devin Toner rolled his ankle, just taking a kick-off. Beyond that there are physical and emotional bruises there for sure.”

Ireland scrum-half Murray felt his side were below par and paid for their sluggish start.

“We started a bit slow and gave up a couple of soft tries,” he said.

“Against a team of England’s quality, you’re always going to be struggling.

“If you look at the end of the game we started chasing and gave up another couple of soft scores.

“Our start killed us against a team of England’s quality. You can’t come out here and start that slow and expect to win. We steadied the ship a little bit and got back into it. The half-time chat was good, but for whatever reason, we were a little bit flat coming out again.

“It’s not like us and very hard to put your finger on it, but against a side like England you can’t afford to be flat.”

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February, 2019 I www.irishecho.com.au

A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EW S PAPER

THE NOOSA SUNSHINE COAST BRISBANE BYRON BAY PORT MACQUARIE NEWCASTLE PORT FAIRY CANBERRA BLUE MOUNTAINS SYDNEY MILTON MEENIYAN MELBOURNE MELBOURNE MELBOURNE ADELAIDE PERTH

REFUGE

27 FEB THE J 1 MAR VENUE 114 2 MAR PRINCESS THEATRE 5 MAR BYRON THEATRE 6 MAR GLASSHOUSE 7 MAR LIZOTTE’S 9-10 MAR FOLK FESTIVAL 12 MAR THE BASEMENT 16-17 MAR MUSIC FESTIVAL 20 MAR THE FACTORY 22 MAR MILTON THEATRE 24 MAR TOWN HALL 27 MAR THE SPOTTED MALLARD 29 MAR CARAVAN MUSIC CLUB 30 MAR MEMO MUSIC HALL 3 APR THE GOV 5 APR THE CHARLES HOTEL

TOUR

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