Ire071113 fulledition by Irish Echo

November 7 – 20, 2013

Volume 26 – Number 24

AUS $3.95 (incl GST) NZ $4.95 (incl GST)

mickey harte

federal politics

irish soccer job

interview :: Time out

page 9

page 37

Tyrone Boss On Life’s Triumphs And Tragedies

Former Sydney Rose Gets Labor Senate Berth

Fans Dare To Dream Over O’Neill Era

one direction star charms melbourne locals as he stops by for a drink

AFL/GAA rules

Niall wraps up Aussie tour with a quiet pint Code ‘still has life left in it’

confident: Liam O’Neill. Billy Cantwell

WA Belfast woman speaks out on ‘child kidnapping on a grand scale’

Childhood stolen by abuse

Andrea McCullagh

A BELFAST woman has spoken out about the abuse she suffered as a child migrant to Australia. At just five, Ann McVeigh was sent to Australia on her own. She has no memory of the long trip in 1950 as her way of coping was to “blank it all out”. Her earliest recollection is of being in St Joseph’s Orphanage in Perth, where she suf fered physical and mental abuse at the hands of the nuns. “They were cr uel mentally and physically. It was kind of the way they did things in those days,” she told the Irish Echo. “Because they had so many kids there they had to show who was boss. It was their way of controlling you and putting the fear of God into you at the same time. “You saw a lot of abuse. If you weren’t getting abuse you saw your pals getting abuse. It reminded me of a modern-day Oliver Twist.” But Ann had a family who wanted her in Belfast. Her mother placed her in Nazareth House with the intention of coming to collect her when she had her life in order. And one day when she

turned up to collect her daughter, she discovered Ann was gone. “She used to come quite regular and paid for my keep there. It wasn’t as if I was just dumped. She was paying them to look after me,” she said. “When she came when I was five to take me back, I was not there. She was never told that I was going to be sent away.” Ann, 68, was one of about 110 children from Northern Ireland who were sent to Australia in the 1940s and ’50s. A team from the Northern Ireland Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry recently travelled to Australia to speak to people who were involved. Ann, who still lives in Perth, decided to give her story in Belfast when she was back for a niece’s wedding in August and was the first Australian to be interviewed by the inquiry. She feels it was extremely important to tell her story as it is part of history. And she describes what happened to her and the other children as “child kidnapping on a grand scale”. Ann spent 10 years at the orphanage and the nuns changed her name, something she says happened to many of the girls in an attempt to stop their

ORDEAL: Ann McVeigh.

families from coming to get them. When she was 15, the nuns began to send her out to work on farms. Her first experience was good and she says she was lucky to be placed with a nice family. Her second experience she describes as “shocking” and after her third experience she locked herself in a bathroom and refused to be returned to St Joseph’s. “I wouldn’t get out until they assured me I wasn’t going back to St Joe’s,” she said. “They put me in a juvenile detention centre.”

It was only when she had her own son Danny Michael that Ann became angry about her treatment. She realised what he was missing out on because she did not have the backup of an extended family. And then she realised she had missed out on all those things as well. Ann was reunited with her mother in 1967 and she has developed a strong relationship with her siblings and her nieces and nephews in Ireland. “I wrote to my family when I was 17. Because I was still under the care of the welfare department I wasn’t allowed to go back and meet up with them until I turned 21,” she said. “From 18 to 21 we corresponded. Letters back and forth, to and fro. In the end a couple of my sisters and brothers wrote as well. “We sort of knew each other by letters, not in person.” In the late ’80s, Ann and a friend set up an organisation to help bring institutional abuse into the open. She is now a participant in the Tuart Place initiative in Perth, which is a support organisation for people who were in care during childhood.

See Page 40-41

www.irishecho.com.au | Postal Address: PO Box 256, Balmain NSW 2041 Australia | Phone: 1300 555 995 | Email (Editorial): newsdesk@irishecho.com.au | Email (Administration): mail@irishecho.com.au

Print Post No 100007285

STAR SIGHTING: Niall Horan from One Direction popped into The Snug in Brunswick, Melbourne, last week with a few mates. The Mullingar man had a bite and a few pints, according to Irish host Kim Lynch (pictured). “He’s a very nice and pleasant lad,” Ms Lynch told the Echo. One Direction played to hundreds of thousands of fans during their Aussie tour, which wrapped up on October 30.

The embattled International Rules concept looks like it has at least one more year to run. Many commentators wrote off the hybrid code after last month’s disappointing series, but both the GAA and the AFL have recommitted to the controversial code albeit with some caveats. An Irish squad is scheduled to travel to Australia for a two-game series next October or November. GAA president Liam O’Neill met high-ranking AFL officials in Dublin after the one-sided second Test. He told the Irish Independent he was confident the 2014 series would still go ahead but the AFL would need to field a more competitive team. “Obviously, certain things have to happen. But we had a very constructive meeting with the AFL about the future last week and we’ve left it with them. They will go back and speak with their players and clubs about what was discussed and they will come back to us with a response,” he said. “But I would be confident it is here to stay.” The AFL’s deputy CEO, Gillon McLachlan, corroborated the GAA chief’s remarks. Asked specifically about the future of the concept, Mr McLachlan said: “It was very disappointing what happened in Ireland. If we are going to do the IRS, it has to be with the very best players.” Mr McLachlan said discussions with the GAA had included the possibility of “changing the rules a little bit, so the big guys become more relevant in the game”. But he stressed it must be as close as possible to the All-Australian team taking the field. “The International Rules Series will not continue unless it’s the best players playing,” he said.

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local news kilbarrack singer-songwriter invites followers to get on the bandwagon

Melbourne Irish muso will strum fans’ songs Andrea McCullagh SINGER-songwriter Gallie is on a mission to release his first album and is looking for help from music fans. Gallie hopes to cover the recording costs through crowd-funding and is offering a range of unique rewards. The Melbourne-based musician is offering a chance to play on the album, a house concert and even a personalised song on any topic in exchange for donations. “For $250 you get to play on the album. We’d organise for you to come along. It might be backing vocals, a little shaker or handclaps. It also includes a named credit,” he said. “For $1,000 I will write a song for you. The person picks a subject or genre and I will write or record a song.” The musician (real name Darren Gallagher) is from Kilbarrack in north Dublin. He moved to Melbourne with his Australian partner Kelly Chalmers almost three years ago. They have one son, Ziggy, 2. Gallie admits he doesn’t feel comfortable doing a crowd-funded project. “The way I justify it in my head is you are pre-selling the album. The

whole thought of begging for money just doesn’t sit well with me at all. But pre-selling it makes it sit a hell of a lot easier for me.” Recording the album will cost just over $20,000 but friends are also helping. Gallie has lined up Grammy Award-winning musician Dave Odlum to produce the album. It will be recorded at Mark Stanley’s studio in Emerald, Victoria. Stanley is a former drummer with the Irish band The Mary Janes. He’s also working with The Frames’ fiddle player Colm Mac Con Iomaire and Shane Fitzsimons who plays bass for Damien Rice. Gallie has found it difficult to break into the music industry here but has been making inroads with some of the biggest names in the business. His songs have been picked up by Renee Geyer and Stephen Pigram for their solo albums. And he also shared a festival line-up with Santana, Chris Isaak and Bonnie Raitt at the inaugural Deni Blues and Roots Festival in NSW. “It’s hard and it’s meant to be hard. It’s a really good job. You have to make it work,” he said. For more information on Gallie’s crowdfunding effort please visit www.pozible.com/gallie

WALL OF SOUND: Singer-songwriter Gaillie has shared the bill with international stars.

couple lose three children, but the pain won’t end

Dad tells of ‘worst day of my life’ Andrea McCullagh

Dad Brian O’Shea has told of his horror after his three children were killed in a road smash in Denmark. His sons Connor, 3, and Soren, 11, and daughter Saoirse, 9, died in July, and he says his wife Maria O’Shea is still being blamed by police. Danish man Lasse Burholt, 39, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter last month and was handed a fine of KR10,000 ($1,936) and a three-year conditional driving suspension. “The police continue now to maintain that Maria was to blame in the accident even though the other driver has been charged and convicted and found guilty in a court of law,” Mr O’Shea said. “I’ve asked them to explain their position and if she is guilty of something I’d suggest they charge her and allow her to defend herself in a court of law.” Mr O’Shea said the penalty imposed on Mr Burholt seemed “somewhat light” considering the circumstances. The couple’s baby Torben survived the smash and Mr O’Shea spoke about their experience to Miriam O’Callaghan on RTÉ Radio. During the case, Mr O’Shea said it wasn’t possible for the prosecution to prove Mr Burholt was doing a higher speed. “The only thing they could prove is the actual impact speed, which is what they gather at the site of an accident,” he said. “And in this case the software that they used came up with a speed of 125 (km/h), as they said over here (in Denmark) it torpedoed my wife’s car.” Mr O’Shea said during the course of their own investigation they found Mr Burholdt was an “internet junkie, he’s hooked on Facebook, Twitter”. “We found YouTube footage where he videoed himself while driving saying this was his new thing and he felt while he was driving he could think new thoughts,” he said.

I’ve asked them to explain their position and if she is guilty of something I’d suggest they charge her and allow her to defend herself in a court of law.

Mr O’Shea described July 16 as “the worst day of my life”. He was called to the scene and when he was 5km from the accident he could see smoke. Mrs O’Shea, who works as a doctor in Western Australia, tried desperately to save her children at the scene of the crash. “She found Connor, she tried to resuscitate him. She kept going until her arms were getting tired,” he said. “There was a nurse there. She asked the nurse to continue and she went looking for the other kids.” Torben suffered a broken leg in the crash, and after arriving in hospital the couple were brought to identify their three children. Mr O’Shea pointed out that his wife drives 40,000km a year and is extremely competent behind the wheel. He said she was devastated and distressed. The couple moved from Ireland to Pemberton in Western Australia 10 years ago and he owns a wood-heating business. The children’s uncle is Irish chef Kevin Dundon, who is married to Mr O’Shea’s sister Catherine. The O’Shea family were visiting family in Denmark in July when the crash happened in the North Jutland area close to Lendum. The couple have set up the 3 Musketeers children’s fund to commemorate their children. They decided to bur y the three children with the wife’s mother, who died just before they were married.

SAD MEMORIES: The O’Shea family enjoy a day out (top); the three children who lost their lives – Saoirse (above), Connor (right) and Soren (far right). One child, Torben, survived the crash.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

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local news pastoral team concerned about impact on vulnerable emigrants

Hospital volunteers urge action on Irish chaplaincy Billy Cantwell and Luke O’Neill

Fr Tom Devereux was farewelled by the Irish community at St Patrick’s Parish Hall in Bondi on Sunday. About 200 people came to say goodbye to the popular Galwayman. Tributes came from Consul General Caitríona Ingoldsby, Eamon Eastwood of Cormac McAnallens GAC, Steve Carey of the New South Wales GAA, Tom O’Keeffe of the Kerry Association and John Grieve of Penrith Gaels who said that Fr Devereux had been “a father to us all”. An emotional Fr Tom said that he become a “passionate supporter of the Sydney Irish community”. He said he was disappointed that the Church had yet to find a replacement for him in the chaplaincy role. But to loud applause, he said that he had informed his superiors that “if, in twelve months, they have not found a replacement in Bondi, I will put my hand up again.” Fr Tom said that his mission was “to bring the Irish community together”. Meanwhile, members of the pastoral care team at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney have raised concerns about the delay in appointing a new Irish chaplain. Part of the chaplain’s role involves visiting emigrants and their families at hospitals across Sydney. Fr Dar r yl Mackie, manager of

I’m sure if the will and support and support was there to replace Fr Tom by the decision-makers in Ireland it could be achieved.

VACANCY: Fr Tom Devereux (left) with Sydney Bishop David Cremin. A replacement has yet to be appointed following Fr Devereux’s departure.

ministr y relations at Sydney’s St Vincent’s Hospital, said it has two full-time chaplains based there but has regularly called on the Irish chaplain to meet the specific needs of Irish patients and their families. Fr Mackie described the departure of Fr Devereux as a “sad loss to the Bondi community and the Irish Catholic community”. He said the absence of an Irish chaplain could impact on the hospital’s

pastoral care ability. “We would probably still survive. It’s more about the level of care that we can provide,” he said. Michael Lyons, a lay member of the pastoral care team at the hospital, has urged the Church to move quickly. “During my eight years I have witnessed on many occasions the emotional and spiritual support provided by the Irish chaplain,” Mr Lyons said, in a letter to this newspaper.

“To see a grieving parent or sibling go through the pain and hurt following a family tragedy and often the loss of a child, brother or sister is unimaginable. “Sometimes the only way they can find some hope and meaning is through the support of an Irish chaplain, one of their own in a far off land, who will just listen and will not judge or criticise. “It is a special ministry, and more pastoral as pointed out by Fr Tom himself and of course a younger more open-minded priest would be preferred. Whilst this may present some obstacles I’m sure if the will and support was there to replace Fr Tom by the decision-makers in Ireland it could be achieved,” he added. He urged the community to contact the Church about the matter. A spokeswoman for the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference told the Irish Echo it is “actively seeking a new Emigrant Chaplain”.

tourism ireland

Donna says au revoir to Australia TOURISM Ireland’s Sydney of fice recently bid farewell to a stalwart of the Irish government agency. Donna Campbell resigned as a communications executive at the end of last month, ending nine years with the agency, five of which were spent working in Sydney. Ms Campbell, 31, hails from New Ross in Co Wexford, and has handled trade and media enquires for Tourism Ireland. She said it ‘feels quite bizarre’ to be leaving Tourism Ireland, after working for the agency for nine years, with spells in Germany and France before Australia. She and fiancé Andy Cluer (above) are headed to the London suburb of Putney next. The Wexford-woman has been living in Bronte, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs and she says she will miss it. “It’s only temporary, I plan to move back,” she said. It is understood the vacancy left by Ms Campbell will be filled on a par t-time basis until the Sydney Tourism Ireland of fice receives approval to recruit a replacement.

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local news towering cbd residential building

Cavan man’s towering Vision for Melbourne Andrea McCullagh THE tallest residential building in Melbourne’s CBD is being built and Cavan-born developer Tony Brady is behind the project. The 72-level $400 million Vision building will be 224m and the penthouse apartments are on the market for $3.5 million. “We are developer-builders. We just bought the site, designed the apartments, sold them and are now building it,” Mr Brady said. “It started about two months ago, the building of it … the build will be about two-and-a-half years. They are nearly all sold, 85 per cent sold.” The building, at 500 Elizabeth St across from the Queen Victoria Market, is at the earthworks stage. Mr Brady, founder of the Brady Property Group, has worked in Melbourne since arriving in Australia in the 1970s. On the tenth floor of the building residents will enjoy a pool, gymnasium and spa. Special function rooms will be able to be transformed into entertainment areas with expansive

outdoor balconies. A private cinema for residents is also an attraction. “The end result will enable Vision residents to live, work and play within the confines of the building. Now that’s a real point of difference,” Brady Property Group sales manager Daniel Brady said. The Vision building is close to restaurants, theatres and public transport. And the team have also taken on a top interior design company. “We also wanted to create an iconic design ensuring Vision will retain true visual relevance for decades to come,” the sales manager said. “Then we selected Melbourne’s own internationally acclaimed interior designers Hecker Guthrie to translate our vision for what the genuine ‘feel’ of the apartments will offer to residents.” Planning Minister Matthew Guy has acknowledged the company’s contribution to the re-emergence of the CBD as a place to live. The company has been responsible for more than 20 CBD apartment buildings over the past 20 years worth several billion dollars in site acquisition, construction and employment.

swans fan david’s our top tipster

TIP TOP: David Eccles is the Irish Echo AFL Tipping Champion for 2013. The 29-year-old topped the ladder after the recent AFL Grand Final, defeating a field of 35 to claim the top prize of an Apple iPad Mini. David, from Omagh, has been in Australia six years and will marry his Australian fiancée Cynthia next year. He works for IBM and is a passionate sports fan, be it AFL (Sydney Swans), Gaelic football (Tyrone) or soccer (Liverpool).

finan egan to be sentenced next month

Sydney Irish priest guilty of child abuse Andrea McCullagh

AN IRISH-born Catholic priest was found guilty before a Sydney court on Monday of eight counts of indecent assault spanning from 1961 to 1987. Fr Finian Egan was working as a priest in Leichardt and Carlingford in Sydney and on the New South Wales Central Coast when the assaults occured, a court was told. After four days of deliberations, the jury at Downing Centre District Court found Egan guilty on all eight counts. He will be sentenced by Justice Robyn Tupman next month. The cour t heard Egan’s targets ranged between the ages of 10 and 17. It also heard he was still working for the Catholic Church as a priest. One alleged victim of Egan previously told a court she was branded a “filthy little liar” when she told a nun what was happening to her. Egan, 78, had pleaded not guilty to a series of charges over alleged attacks on three young girls. One woman told the Downing

GUILTY: Finian Egan, seen here on ABC News, targeted children as young as ten.

Centre District Court the abuse began when she was sent to an institution for disadvantaged children in Sydney when she was 10. The jury heard he abused her at least four times and she decided to tell a young nun. “I thought she believed me – she said she was going to go and tell

Mother Superior,” she said. “(Then) she called me a filthy little liar and gave me a big dose of castor oil. I couldn’t keep it down … threw up. “She said, ‘Even if it takes two bottles you’re going to swallow it’. I don’t know how many doses I had before I eventually kept it down. I had to clean up my own vomit.” She told the court Egan abused her in the church’s sacristy and also abused her during preparations for a Palm Sunday service in 1962. The woman asked a nun to cut off her hair to keep him away from her after he commented how beautiful it was but the strategy didn’t work. Another woman told the trial she tried to kill herself after she was raped by Egan. The court heard how she tried to jump from a moving car. “I didn’t know how to make it end. I felt in my heart that the only thing I could do was to kill myself,” the 59-year-old said. “I was too scared that they wouldn’t believe me. A Catholic priest and a young girl? Back then you never heard about that stuff.”

gravity of killing warrants life term

Judges rule Bayley sentence deserved Andrea McCullagh

ADRIAN Ernest Bayley’s attempt to reduce his jail term was rejected by three judges because the gravity of the killing warranted a life sentence. Bayley was jailed in June for at least 35 years for the rape and murder of Irishwoman Jill Meagher in Melbourne. In September his application to seek leave to appeal was refused by Chief Justice Marilyn Warren and Justices Marcia Neave and Paul Coghlan. The V ictoria Cour t of Appeal

recently released the judgment, which details the reasons behind the decision. “The gravity of the killing warranted a life sentence. So much was conceded by the applicant,” they said. “The non-parole period fixed by his Honour was entirely within range in the circumstances of this offending.” The judges said Bayley was handed one of the sternest sentences for this type of offending. Judges described the rape and murder of Mrs Meagher as “vicious and violent”.

Bayley appealed against the sentence handed down by Justice Geoffrey Nettle on two grounds. He claimed Justice Nettle erred by inferring Bayley intended to kill Ms Meagher because she would have otherwise called police or because of some form of per ver ted pleasure which derived from taking her life. Secondly, he appealed claiming the sentencing judge erred in setting a nonparole period of 35 years by placing excessive weight on the need for community protection.

alert on ‘rathkeale rovers’

Watchdog eyes emergence of organised crime gang Andrea McCullagh

A CONSUMER watchdog has issued a war ning about the “notorious Rathkeale Rovers” gang believed to be operating in NSW. Rod Stowe, Fair Trading Commissioner for NSW, says up to 20 members of the organised crime gang with links to Ireland are touting for work, such as car park marking. The office is working with law enforcement agencies and Mr Stowe urged people not to deal with the gang. “It’s concerning because this particular group is reputed to be one of the world’s wealthiest organised crime groups,” he said. “What we are talking about here is not just a bunch of organised rogues, we are talking about serious organised crime.” It is believed the gang are mainly active along the eastern seaboard and are not licensed to do the work. “We are aware of a number of this group operating in the southern part of the NSW at the moment,” he said. Mr Stowe said intelligence gathering by staff has discovered the gang are the Rathkeale Rovers. He said members of the gang were operating on their own or in pairs and it is believed they entered Australia earlier this year. He said they are likely to approach businesses and clubs about line-marking work. “The activities of these individuals and collectively can cost the community thousand of dollars every year,” he said. “And we know they particularly pick on vulnerable members of the community.” Dubbed the ‘Rathkeale Rovers’, the gang are linked to the theft of rhino horns in Europe. Police raided members’ homes in Ireland in September. In January, the Irish Independent repor ted police in eight European countries arrested 30 members of an Irish organised crime group. At least nine of the ‘Rathkeale Rovers’ were hit with tax demands of €9 million ($13 million) by authorities.

ALERT: Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe warns consumers.

Then in September dozens of homes in Rathkeale and Raheen in Limerick and Newmarket in Cork were raided by armed gardai and officers from the Criminal Assets Bureau. This followed an international police investigation into the theft of the valuable horns. The commissioner says there has been a significant increase in reported sightings of travelling conmen in NSW in recent weeks. Late last month Fair Trading received a report from a car hire business in Albur y about two Irishmen who sought to hire a van. They were apparently in the town for car park marking and had no drivers’ licences or credit card. It is believed they were travelling in a blue Toyota van. The men were not of fered a vehicle for hire after they refused to leave their passports as collateral. Anyone who encounters travelling conmen is urged to contact the NSW Fair Trading’s Travelling Conmen Hotline on 1300 133 408.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

local news sixty years of love and postcodes

Emigrants’ romance is a real diamond in rough A GLOBE-TROTTING Dublin couple have marked 60 years of marriage with their proud family. Charlie and Esther Lynch were both born and raised in Dublin. The couple’s daughter, Margaret O’Connor, told the Irish Echo that Charlie came from a family of seven children and Esther a family of 13. “They first went out on a blind date when Esther was 13 and Charlie 15,” Margaret explained. “The initial romance was short-lived and they went their separate ways. Four years later the romance was rekindled when they met up at a local Dublin dancehall,” she added In 1952, the couple decided to go to England to look for work, as many young Irish couples did during that decade. On October 10, 1953, Charlie and Esther married in Luton, England, where they would live for a number of years. They had four children, Linda, Margaret, Paul and Sharon, and in 1965 the family decided to emigrate to Perth, in the hope of a better life.The family arrived by ship into Fremantle in 1965 and Charlie found work in Port Hedland and Dampier, among others.

They are dearly loved by all their family. The one thing that stands out with them as a couple is their great sense of humour, which is still very much intact today.

In 1970, the whole family returned to Ireland and then England for a time, before returning to Perth in 1972. In 1974 the family moved to Sydney and for a number of years moved back and forward to Perth, Dublin and Coventry, until they finally put their roots down in Prospect, NSW, in 1994. Charlie and Esther have 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren – the youngest of which is Evelyn Jo Lynch, a baby girl born just last week. “They are dearly loved by all their family,” said Margaret. “The one thing that stands out with them as a couple, is their great sense of humour, which is still very much intact today. It’s so much a part of the Irish way to never take life too seriously.”

HAPPY EVER AFTER: Dublin husband and wife Charlie and Esther Lynch in October 1953, and (inset) happily celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary in Prospect, New South Wales.

visas for irish plummet as new system takes effect

Higher fees cause dip in 457 grants Andrea McCullagh

APPLICATIONS for 457 visas have taken a nosedive since the introduction of higher fees and sweeping reforms earlier this year. The Depar tment of Immigration reported a spike in June but numbers fell sharply once the changes were implemented on July 1. Figures for the first quarter of this financial year show the number of 457 visa applications dropped by 45.8 per cent compared with the same timeframe last year. Some 10,640 applications were lodged from July to September. “The lower outcome to 30 September 2013 is a result of many applicants taking advantage of the lower application charges which applied prior to 1 July 2013,” the 457 report states. Before July 1 it cost just $455 to apply

for a 457 visa with no extra charges for partners or children. However, a price tag of $900 was placed on both the primar y and partners’ applications, alongside a $225 fee for each child. This has since increased again to $1,035 and a $260 fee for each child. The changes in July were brought in as part of the former Labor government’s overhaul of the 457 scheme. Employers now have to show evidence of their attempts to hire locally by providing evidence over a period of four months. The number of 457 visas granted in the three month period was 13,180 – 32.3 per cent lower compared with the same period in the previous programme year. However, the number of primar y visa holders in Australia on September 30 was 110,280, which is 11.8 per cent higher compared with last year.

Ireland still remains the highest per capita countr y in the top ten, with 12,490 primar y visa holders in the country. On numbers alone Ireland is only behind Britain and India and is followed by the Phillipines, the US and China. In the first quarter there were 1,060 successful primary visa applications from Ireland and an accompanying 600 secondary visa applications. Eight per cent of all primary visas granted were for Irish citizens. Western Australia remains the most popular destination for Irish people on primary 457 visas. The state has 4,190 Irish 457 visa holders, surpassing NSW (3,890) and Victoria( 2,090). There was a drop of 53.7 per cent experienced in WA for primary visas granted to Irish citizens. A dip in grants was experienced by each of the top ten source countries.

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minister talks tough on visa abuse

Morrison: scheme ‘critical’ IMMIGRATION Minister Scott Morrison has lashed out at the former Labor government for its “outrageous attacks” on skilled migration. In a speech to the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) in Canberra he said there was no doubt where the Coalition stood on the issue. He said abusers of the 457 visa scheme will be treated as toughly as people smugglers. “If you abuse it then you can expect me in my first responsibility for law enforcement in immigration to be as tough on that as people smugglers find that I will be tough on our borders,” Mr Morrison said. “Because I know if the 457 programme is abused, it will be undermined and its critical value to Australia will be diminished.” He told the MIA the r ole of gover nment is to ensure the appropriate controls are in place to prevent abuse of the temporary labour market in Australia. Minister Morrison believes the answer is not tying businesses up in more “union red tape” but having more effective enforcement, practices and resources.

During his speech he said he was hugely disappointed by the end of cross-par ty consensus on skilled migration earlier this year. He emphasised that the new government is of the view that skilled migration creates Australian jobs when it is managed well. “One of the most disappointing things I have seen in this portfolio … was the end to the bipartisan consensus that was brought about earlier this year when the former government embarked on outrageous attacks on skilled migration and demonising rhetoric against skilled migrants to Australia,” he said. “You will not hear from this government that migrants take Australians’ jobs. You won’t hear that from this government.” Business groups including the Australian Mines and Metals Association and the Business Council of Australia have called on the government to abandon labour market testing conditions, but the Australian Council of Trade Unions want to retain the provision, introduced as part of the July 457 Visa Bill.

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November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

local news more than 100 positions available

Snow worries: cool jobs on offer in Antarctica Andrea McCullagh SUN, sea and surf are the three big drawcards for many migrants to Australia. But workers who fancy swapping the famous lifestyle for lashings of snow and ice can apply to work in the real Down Under. The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) has launched its latest round of job offers for Antarctica and Macquarie Island. Applicants must be Australian citizens or residents and they are in with a chance of landing one of the coolest jobs in the world. AAD is looking for people with a wide range of skills to maintain the four stations and undertake science programmes. Tradies such as carpenters, electricians and plumbers are needed as well as chefs, plant operators and mechanics. On the research side, AAD needs a scientist to operate the LIDAR laser system at the Davis station throughout the Antarctic winter. An aerodrome grader operator is needed to maintain and construct the Wilkins ice runway

at the Casey station. And there is also a call out for doctors, a watercraft operator and a field training officer who can teach survival skills. According to the official documents, working in Antarctica is not for everybody and the conditions are often “harsh and inhospitable”. “We offer extensive pre-departure training to prepare you for living and working in an extreme environment and you will be entitled to Antarctic allowances while working at any of our stations,” support services manager Dr Rob Wooding said. Summer jobs are offered for periods between early October and March to April of the following year. Winter jobs begin about July and run for up to 15 months. The jobs are at the three continental stations – Casey, Davis and Mawson – and the sub-Antarctic station on Macquarie Island. Applications close on November 28 and more than 100 jobs are on offer. The jobs are available in 2014/15, and for more information visit www.antarctica.gov.au/jobs/jobs-inantarctica

SNOW MACHINES: Hagglunds lined up near the Casey research base. Pic: Ian Phillips

queensland irish association ballot

New leaders elected to run Irish club Luke O’Neill

QIA Election Result

THE Queensland Irish Association has elected a new president and vice-president. Christopher Begley has replaced Eamon Gaffney as president, while Pauline Donegan takes over from Peter Wrafter as vice-president. Mr Begley came to Queensland from Co Waterford and Co Armagh, according to election material distributed to members before the vote. Mr Begley attended Marist Brothers’ College and went on to work for the Reserve Bank, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the state’s treasury and other government agencies. A previous director on the QIA board, he currently works as a project manager for the Queensland Department of Transport. The election result follows a period of disagreement on the board about the future direction of the Brisbane Irish Club. The association made a loss of almost $319,000 last year and it was un-

Christopher Begley has replaced Eamon Gaffney as president of the Queensland Irish Association, while Pauline Donegan takes over from Peter Wrafter as vice-president; Gary Burke, Maurice Wrenn, Paul Hogan, AnnMaree McDiarmid, Samantha Andrew and Seamus Sullivan have been elected directors.

able to meet minimum interest repayments set by lender NAB, auditors found. The new president said the QIA must come out of denial about its financial problems. “It’s quite clear from the latest audited account of the QIA that there are major concerns expressed by the auditors regarding the financial position of the QIA,” Mr Begley said. “Before we can deal with the

problem, we need to recognise we have one. There’s been some denial the QIA is under some stress. There is no doubt that it is, but I believe it is capable of being managed with the right strategies,” he added. Ms Donegan, from Dublin, came to Australia in 1982 and has been involved in several Irish community committees, such as the Tara Singers and Rose of Tralee. Ms Donegan begins her second spell as vice-president after holding the position from 1998 to 2012. Eamon Gaf fney, who had been president of the board for the previous nine years, wished the incoming president and board “every success in the future” in a statement issued with the announcement of election results. Gary Burke, Maurice Wrenn, Paul Hogan, Ann-Maree McDiar mid, Samantha Andr ew and Seamus Sullivan have been elected directors. Des Ryan did not receive sufficient votes to continue as a director. The role of treasurer is still to be announced.

pair recorded cricket and melbourne’s early history

Irish scribes inducted into Hall of Fame TWO Irish-born journalists have been inducted into the Melbourne Press Club’s Victorian Media Hall of Fame. The club says it honours inductees who have made an “outstanding contribution to their craft and enhanced the history of the media in Victoria”. Tipperary native Edmund Finn and Corkman Thomas Horan are among 30 new inductees to the club’s Hall of Fame. Finn, who wrote under the pen name Garr yowen, is credited with providing vital information about the early days of white settlement in

Melbourne. A seminarian, he arrived in Melbourne in 1841 and four years later joined the staff of the Port Phillip Herald. Finn’s reporting is said to have conveyed the colour and character of Melbourne’s infancy and he would go on to publish a book, The Chronicles of Early Melbourne, which provides rich material on the city. Age journalist Martin Flanagan told the Press Club Finn provided insight into the city’s co-founder John Pascoe Fawkner. “This fellow is more alive to the humour of life, to the energies of

life and he had a lot to do with John Pascoe Fawkner – who with Batman vies for the title of being the founder of Melbourne – and some of his descriptions of Pascoe Fawkner are very sharp and still interesting now. They’re still alive now,” said Flanagan. Horan was an Australian cricketer who played in the first Ashes Test and captained Australia in two Tests. But it was his cricket writing that was his biggest contribution to the game, documenting the early years of Australian cricket for scores of historians.

first priority to boost membership

Celtic Club’s new chief pledges fresh approach Luke O’Neill

SEAMUS Moloughney has stepped aside as president of the Celtic Club after six years in the role. Mr Moloughney informed a recent meeting of club committee members he wanted to remain on the board of the 126-year-old organisation, which is due to hold its AGM on November 14. Dublin-born Nial Finegan is the club’s new president. The 44-year-old Victorian Department of Justice executive has been living in Australia for the past ten years. He was educated at St Joseph’s CBS in Drogheda and Dundalk RTC, and lived in London before moving to Victoria. He is a qualified chartered engineer and holds an MBA and graduate diploma from the Australian Institution of Company Directors. He is also an ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign to end violence against women. Mr Finegan told the Irish Echo he hoped to provide a fresh breath and a new way of engaging with members. “To move the committee forward, we needed some freshness,” he said. “The club is not about being a second-rate plastic paddy Irish pub, it’s much more than that. It’s about heritage value and taking pride in what we are. “The actual location is the meeting place of the club, so that’s obviously very important. There is a group of members who want things to stay the way they are because they are comfortable with that, and there is a group of members who want something better for the future. “The fact of the matter is the club in its current state is not sustainable, so something needs to be done.” Mr Finegan said he was eager to expand the club’s membership base to new migrants and second, third and fourth-generation Irish Australians. “You think of Victoria: best place in the world, built by the Irish. And the membership is only about 600-800

NEW ERA: Dublin-born Nial Finegan is the Celtic Club’s new president.

The club is not about being a second-rate plastic paddy Irish pub, it’s much more than that. It’s about heritage value and taking pride in what we are. – Nial Finegan

people. That’s too small. How do we grow it?” He said next week’s AGM would be an impor tant oppor tunity for the members to give the committee a clear mandate for developing the club’s future. Mr Moloughney said Mr Finegan has his “blessing” as his successor, and wished him luck in the new role.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

local news o’neill joins packed upper house

Labor picks ex-Rose for Senate spot

irish policeman’s charity dash

Cop goes ‘on the run’ in Melbourne

Luke O’Neill

IRISH Australian Deborah O’Neill is set to take a seat as senator for New South Wales next week. Ms O’Neill, the daughter of Cork and Kilkenny emigrants, was the MP for Robertson on the Central Coast until she lost the marginal seat to Liberal Par ty challenger Lucy W icks in September’s federal election. The former Sydney Rose of Tralee was chosen by the NSW ALP’s administrative committee to replace Bob Car r, the former federal Foreign Af fairs Minister and NSW State Premier, who announced his retirement in mid-October. Ms O’Neill can take her seat on November 12, once her nomination is given the formal endorsement of both houses of the NSW Parliament. She told the Irish Echo it will be a great honour to have served in both the lower and upper houses. “Certainly, for me, as the daughter of Irish immigrants, who believed in the great life that they could give their children here, for me to be experiencing this opportunity – not only to be able to serve in the parliament but both of the houses – is a little surreal and incredibly humbling. I feel very, very

honoured to do this,” she said. Ms O’Neill (above) said she will work with the Irish community, continuing the efforts of outgoing NSW Labor senator Ursula Stephens. “I really want to acknowledge Ursula’s leadership on this. I do like the Irish community, the Irish culture, the music, the dance, the politics, the whole lot. It would be a pleasure to be in the parliament and keep those friendships alive. “This is a time, given how many of the Irish diaspora have decided to come and plant themselves in this vast south land, for a reinvigorated engagement between Labor and the Irish people here in Australia and people of Irish heritage as well. I will look to the future and see how I can enhance that,” she said. She said the make-up of the parliament had become “more interesting and challenging in many ways”.

COP THIS: Dublin-born policeman Eoin Carberry felt compelled to help children with cancer. The 41-year-old trained hard in his hometown Broome before running the Melbourne Marathon for charity Camp Quality. Andrea McCullagh Big-hearted Broome policeman Eoin Carberry took on the Melbourne Marathon to raise funds for a children’s cancer charity. The First Class Constable completed the run alongside his younger brother Ciarán and has so far raised more than $1,500 for Camp Quality “I have got three young boys myself and I’ve been blessed that they are all OK. You just see the kids with cancer on television and you just feel for them,” Eoin told the Irish Echo. “I said I’d try and raise a bit for them

… They have camps and try and make life a little bit better for kids who are undergoing chemo.” Eoin, who is from the Dublin suburb Walkinstown, has been based in the Western Australia tourist hotspot for more than two years. It was his first time to attempt a marathon and he ran the course in four hours and five minutes. Eoin and his wife Sarah Carberry have three young sons – Jack, 8, Aidan, 5 and Tomás, 3. Sarah was extremely proud of his marathon run. “Very proud of me yeah. She was just hoping I didn’t drop dead of a heart

attack I think at my age,” he laughed. Eoin, 41, was working as a bookbinder in Ireland and moved to Australia in 2000 when he “fell madly in love”. “I came over on holidays and met my now wife … We kept in touch. She came over to Dublin and we got engaged and we moved over,” he said. He started out working in a service station and as a labourer in Australia but joined the West Australian Police Force in 2007 once the couple decided to have a family. His fundraising page is open until the end of the year and can be found at the Everyday Hero website.

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Trade jobs shift on west’s skilled worker wishlist Andrea McCullagh

FARMERS are in demand in Western Australia as a host of agricultural jobs have been added to the state’s annual skilled migration list. On the previous list only the category of mixed crop and livestock farmer was included but this has been expanded to more specific disciplines across the industry. There is a need for poultry, dairy, beef and pig farmers in the state alongside vegetable growers and grain, oilseed or pasture growers. The Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List for 2013-2014 was released in late October and a wide variety of careers have been removed from the previous version. In the constr uction industr y a number of roles are no longer included such as bricklayer, stonemason and building associate. A series of trade occupations have also lost out including cabinetmaker, floor finisher, butcher, cook, hairdresser and boat builder. And accountants, metallurgists and real estate representatives are also not included in the new list. However, a number of trade occupations have been added. Automotive electricians, sheetmetal trades workers, diesel motor mechanics and vehicle body builders have joined the list alongside general gardeners and wood machinists. They accompany fitters, carpenters, plumbers, tilers and plasterers who were also on last year’s list.

Changes To WA Skills List Bricklayers, stonemasons and building associates have been removed from the new list. Plumbers, carpenters, tilers and plasterers remain as skilled occupations deemed to be in demand.

There is a demand in Wester n Australia for medical professionals and a series of highly-qualified positions have been added. Occupational therapist, osteopath, prosthetist, dentist and plastic surgeon make an appearance on the 2013-14 list. This is alongside categories included last year including general surgeons, neurosurgeons, paediatricians, gastroenterologists and cardiologists. A range of nursing disciplines are also still in demand and there is a need in areas such as perioperative, mental health and disability. Secondar y school teachers have been added to the WA wish list. The role joins early childhood, primary and special needs teachers, which were on last year’s list as well. However, vocational education teachers are not included this year. People who have an occupation on the list may be eligible for state nomination under the 190 or 489 visa. To see the full list for 2013-14, visit www.migration.wa.gov.au/

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

ireland changes to constitution urged

Blasphemy offence faces the chop Lyndsey Telford The Constitutional Convention will recommend the offence of blasphemy be removed from Irish law. Members of the convention voted in favour of replacing the existing offence with a general provision that includes incitement to religious hatred. It is hoped this will help protect religious minorities. Convention chairman Tom Arnold confirmed a formal report outlining the recommendations would be compiled and sent to the government. “There was a high level of public interest in this part of the convention’s business and there were varying viewpoints on the merits of a blasphemy provision in the Constitution of a modern democracy,” Mr Arnold said following the convention’s meeting. “It was the task of convention members to assess these issues in a respectful and dispassionate way. It was incredibly important that all sides of this discussion were treated in fairest possible manner and the arguments for and against were treated with the utmost respect.”

It was the task of convention members to assess these issues in a respectful and dispassionate way. It was incredibly important that all sides of this discussion were treated in fairest possible manner and the arguments for and against were treated with the utmost respect.

The government now has four months to respond to the review group’s recommendations with a debate in the Oireachtas. If it agrees to amend the Constitution, it must also include a timeframe for a referendum. Academics and legal experts gave presentations at the two-day event, along with members of Atheist Ireland, the Humanist Association of Ireland, the Irish Council of Civil Liberties and the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland. The convention’s 100 members voted on the issue, with 82 per cent

in favour of introducing a new set of detailed legislative provisions to include incitement to religious hatred. Under current law, a person found guilty of publishing or uttering “blasphemous matters” can be fined, on indictment, a maximum €25,000. This includes anything that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion. Greater definition was given to the criminal offence of blasphemy on the back of the Defamation Bill 2006, which was signed into law in July 2009. Meanwhile, Mr Arnold has urged all citizens to consider areas of the Constitution they think should be reformed. He said the convention was now in the process of assessing the next issues that should be looked at by members, the themes of which include environment, church and state, Bill of Rights, the family and issues of morality. “I would like to encourage all citizens to participate in this process and to make their views known if they feel that an issue should be looked at by the convention,” Mr Arnold said.

festival of lights shines bright

FINISHING TOUCH: Alaina Shiji 10, from Finglas, has her makeup touched up ahead of competing in a talent contest at Croke Park, Dublin, during the Indian festival of lights known as Diwali. Pic: PA

prosecutors seek extra jurors

crime figure murdered, chopped up and dumped

Former bank execs face court over share claims

Gardaí recover drug dealer’s body parts Lyndsey Telford

ACCUSED: Former Anglo Irish Bank executive Seán FitzPatrick. Sarah Stack

Prosecutors plan to apply for extra jurors to hear the trial of former Anglo Irish Bank chief executive and chairman Seán FitzPatrick and two senior executives. Mr FitzPatrick, 64, former finance director William McAteer, 62, and former managing director of lending Pat Whelan, 50, face 16 charges each of trying to falsely inflate the lender’s share price in 2008. The trial is due to begin in January at the Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin and is expected to last between three and six months. Diane Stuart, junior counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, told the court there would be an application under the Juries Act. The new law, which came into effect in July, allows for up to 15 people to be sworn in as jurors for a lengthy trial instead of the usual 12. Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned the pre-trial hearing until December 6,

when ongoing issues regarding the disclosure of documents will be heard by Judge Martin Nolan. John Fitzgerald, junior counsel for Mr FitzPatrick, said very important witness statements were also being taken over the next three weeks. The three men did not address the court during the short hearing. Dressed in suits, Mr FitzPatrick and Mr McAteer sat separately in the body of the packed courtroom while Mr Whelan stood near the door. The 16 charges against each man are linked to alleged loans of €451 million to the family of bankr upt former billionaire Seán Quinn and a golden circle of clients who were allegedly hand-picked to invest in stock to prop up the share price. All three were remanded on continuous bail. Separately, Mr FitzPatrick has been charged and sent forward for trial on 12 counts of giving auditors false or misleading information on directors’ loans of at least €140 million over a six-year period.

A major search of woodland where the dismembered body of a convicted criminal was discovered has been officially stood down. As detectives launched a full murder inquiry into the death of Christopher Gaffney, a senior Garda source confirmed a final body par t had been recovered from a stream at The Mayne in Clonee, Co Meath. Specialist crime scene investigators, cadaver dogs and Garda divers spent three days scouring the area where a severed arm was discovered. Dr ug dealer Gaf fney had been murdered, chopped up and dumped at the scene where additional remains, including a torso, were uncovered. He had been reported missing by his sister one month ago. Investigators identified them as those of the 37-year-old from Blanchardstown by matching fingerprints on the Garda database. “Another limb was found at around mid-morning today,” the source said. “It, like the other parts, was fairly deteriorated given the amount of time it was in the water.” Gaffney, who was heavily involved in criminal activity and well known to gardaí, was reported missing by his family last month. Detectives probing his murder have appealed for anyone who may have spoken to him in the past two months to come forward. Meanwhile, the Garda source confirmed the final part recovered was removed from the scene and taken to Connolly Hospital. Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar will conduct a full post-mortem examination of all the retrieved remains together. The source said investigators were satisfied the woodland area and stream

GRIM SEARCH: Gardaí search woodland at the Mayne in Clonee, west Dublin, as detectives investigating the discovery of a human arm in the wooded area looked for other body parts. Pic: PA

near the IBM factor y had been thoroughly searched. “Specialist teams have spent three days combing the area and feel they can do no more,” he said. “They are satisfied the search was thorough and there is nothing left to find so it has been of ficially stood down.” The three-day operation wrapped up last weekend and detectives must now wait for the autopsy results. But gardaí believe the victim

suffered a gruesome death before his body was chopped up and dumped. As the murder inquiry gets under way, with detectives interviewing Gaffney’s family, friends and associates, gardaí urged witnesses to come forward. They have appealed for anyone who may have seen any suspicious or unusual activity involving people or vehicles over the past number of days or weeks in the Kilbride or The Mayne area close to the Porterstown Road in Clonee to come forward.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

ireland Authorities acted ‘in good faith’, says Shatter

gardaí took roma kids from parents before positive parentage test

‘Eyes of the world’ on Irish State over taken children Sarah Stack and Lyndsey Telford

Michael McHugh

police and children’s watchdogs will review the cases of two Roma families having children removed from their homes amid claims they could not prove their identity. Two reports have been ordered on the controversial action by gardaí and health officials after a seven-year-old girl was taken from her south Dublin home for 48 hours and a two-year-old boy from his home in Athlone. Both children were subsequently proven to be members of the families with the girl returned home after DNA tests. Amid deep concern over how and why the children were taken from the families Children’s Ombudsman Emily Logan said she intends to investigate the cases. The police watchdog, the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, said it has not received any complaints but has demanded copies of a report by the Commissioner Martin Callinan. “We have requested this in order to inform ourselves fully of the circumstances of events so that we can take an appropriate position,” a Garda Ombudsman spokesman said. The Children’s Ombudsman will be fur nished with repor ts from Mr Callinan and the Health Ser vice Executive (HSE). Ms Logan has sought clarification from Justice

Officers and health officials face dif ficult decisions about child protection and attracted criticism in the past for not inter vening to protect those at risk, Justice Minister Alan Shatter has said. “In each of these cases, the gardaí responded in good faith to concerns expressed to them,” he said. “The law provides clear powers for An Garda Síochána where it is believed that a child may be in danger. The Health Ser vice Executive and the cour ts are involved in making the appropriate decisions. Urgent procedures are available to ensure that the safety of a child can be assured while necessary inquiries are being made,” he added. He said it was important the cases do not detract from authorities’ willingness to take appropriate action. “People should of course report to the authorities any r easonable concerns which they have about the safety of children. However, in seeking to ensure that the welfare of children is safeguarded and that every child in this State is afforded, where necessary, the protection of the State, it is important that no group or minority community is singled out for unwarranted attention, or, indeed, suspicion in relation to child protection issues,” he said.

RETURNED: Support group Pavee Point fear the Irish cases represent hysteria after the case of Maria (above), who was found in Greece. Tallaght Garda Station in Dublin (right), where a seven-year-old child was taken before being put into State care. Pix: PA

Minister Alan Shatter before starting her investigation. Both youngsters have blonde hair and blue eyes while their parents have darker complexions and hair, which is not out of the ordinary in the Roma community. Amnesty International threw its weight behind calls from one of the families for an independent inquiry. Colm O’Gorman, spokesman for the organisation in Ireland, said responses to reported child protection concerns needed to be propor tionate and non-discriminatory.

“If it is found that the authorities’ actions were discriminator y, steps must taken to ensure this is not repeated. There must be a public apology to the Roma families for the wrongdoing. The eyes of the world are now on Ireland, and the government must show institutional discrimination will not be tolerated.” Pavee Point, a support group for Irish Travellers and the Roma community, has also called for an inquiry. It said it fears there is hysteria after the case of a blonde-haired, blue-eyed

girl named Maria who was found with a Roma family in Greece. The organisation accused gardaí and health chiefs of racial profiling. A lawyer for the seven-year-old’s par ents said they believed the authorities had no proper basis for taking her into state care for two nights. DNA results susbequently proved she belonged to her parents. Separately, a Roma family in Athlone were reunited with their two-year-old son, who had been removed and spent a night in State care.

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November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

ireland savita’s HUsband to confront health minister over death

Widower wants answers Lyndsey Telford

Norris cops it on the chin for charity Senator David Norris has kept his

word and shaved off his beard and hair live on radio in aid of cancer research. The human rights campaigner, who is being treated for cancer of the liver, promised to follow through with his pledge to be clean-shaven for the first time in 40 years after the Seanad abolition referendum was defeated. Mr Norris had his beard shaved off on the Ray D’Arcy show on Today FM. “Oh God. Mother of God, isn’t that dreadful? I look like a bank manager,” he said. The stunt was part of the radio station’s Shave Or Dye campaign to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. Mr Norris raised more than €16,000 with the stunt. He has claimed the stress of his presidential campaign triggered his cancer and is having treatment at St Vincent’s Hospital in Dublin while awaiting a liver transplant.

Gilmore makes gay marriage vote vow A SAME-SEX marriage referendum

will be held before the end of this government, it has been claimed. Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore made the pledge at a party meeting, campaigners said. The Gay and Lesbian Equality Network predicted a yes vote to pave the way for civil marriage. “The government has committed to shortly bring forward legislation to recognise and support lesbian and gay headed families,” chairman Kieran Rose said. “With this urgently needed legislation in place and with the comprehensive marriage-like rights and obligations of civil partnership, civil partners including couples parenting children would have almost all the legal rights of marriage except equal status and protection in the constitution.”

Fianna Fáil mourns loss of former TDs Former Fianna Fáil education

minister Noel Davern has died. He was a former deputy for South Tipperary, member of the European Parliament and minister for state for the agriculture department. “Noel had a great sense of community representation and public service, which is not hard to understand given his family’s legacy in public service over many years,” party leader Micheál Martin said. “Noel was known in politics for his kind nature and good sense of humour. He was a passionate public servant who never shied away from representing his constituents at a local, national or European level.” Fianna Fáil also announced the death of TD and Senator Denis Foley. “Denis represented the people of Kerry North as a Fianna Fáil representative for almost 20 years with diligence and great commitment. During this time he worked with colleagues from all parties to advance the interests and issues of his community,” Mr Martin said.

Mr O’Donnell said while his client “has a clear picture” of the cause of his wife’s death and events leading to it, he still wants to know why they were allowed to happen. Mr Halappanavar is likely to challenge the health minister about his views on accountability surrounding the treatment his wife received. In September, the widower’s solicitor initiated legal proceedings against health chiefs and Mrs Halappanavar’s obstetrician. A personal injur y summons was ser ved against the Health Ser vice executive and Dr Katherine Astbury alleging negligence. An inquest in April returned a verdict of medical misadventure, but no blame was attributed. A separate inquiry found medics in the Galway hospital missed an early oppor tunity to terminate her pregnancy on health grounds and unacceptable clinical practice.

The widower of Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar will ask the health minister why his wife was allowed to die when the two come face to face. As candlelight vigils marked the first anniversary of his wife’s death, Praveen Halappanavar will prepare for his next encounter with James Reilly. Mr Halappanavar’s solicitor, Gerard O’Donnell, confirmed his client had received a long-awaited invitation to meet the minister. “We still have to sit down and decide what time and date suits,” Mr O’Donnell said. “We have been asking to meet James Reilly for quite some time now, so Praveen will be eager to put his questions to him.” Mrs Halappanavar died on October 28 last year at Galway University Hospital. The 31-year-old was 17 weeks pregnant when she was admitted to the hospital a week earlier undergoing a

miscarriage. She suffered from septicaemia. Her husband has maintained she repeatedly requested a termination but was refused because a foetal heartbeat was present. Mr Halappanavar has met Dr Reilly before, but three major reports have

radical solution

booze SALES targeted in off-licences, supermarkets

Legalise pot to bolster budget: TD A POLITICIAN has called for cannabis coffee shops and social clubs to be allowed under his radical attempt to decriminalise the drug. Independent TD Luke Ming Flanagan (pictured), who has published a bill to regulate cannabis and allow its sale for medicinal and recreational use, claims it could save the beleaguered economy €300 million a year. He claimed the drug is much less harmful than tobacco and alcohol, and allowing its use would help to force criminals out of the drugs market. “To me it’s fairly obvious that there could be financial gains,” Mr Flanagan said. “To put money back to the most vulnerable in society, helping the less well-off, developing treatments for far more harmful drugs such as heroin and cocaine, to me would be better than putting it back in the hands of criminals.” He said the government could reverse harmful cuts to young people’s dole payments and the scrapping of a telephone allowance for the elderly announced in the budget if it adopted his proposed legislation. “If cannabis is legalised, we can make a shopping list out of the amount of money that legalising it will save this country,” Mr Flanagan said. “With that money, we can potentially reverse the cuts to the bereavement grant, we could have a reversal in cuts to the telephone allowance, a reversal in the cuts to young people’s dole payments.” His predicted savings of €300 million a year are based on research in Israel, and are expected to be made by unclogging courts and generating tax revenue. The left-wing TD, who has openly admitted using cannabis but insists he no longer smokes it in Ireland, said he looks forward to lighting up at home if his bill is passed.

SAD REMINDER: People attend a candlelit vigil at St Stephens green in Dublin to mark one year since the death of Savita Halappanavar. Pic: PA

since emerged and the widower is hoping to finally discuss their results. A clinical review into his wife’s death by the hospital, a coroner’s inquest and a report by the Health Information and Quality Authority have been completed over the year.

LIQUOR DILEMMA: A drinks fridge in a Dublin off-licence. Government price-fixing of alcohol will be based on the strength of each product unless the plan is scuppered by the courts. Pic: PA

Government will set minimum price on alcohol as health toll mounts Sarah Stack The Irish Government has warned it will continue to hike taxes on alcohol if the courts scupper plans to set a minimum price. A fixed minimum unit pricing (MUP) based on the strength of each product is among a number of measures announced by the Department of Health to get people to cut down on the amount they drink. Health warnings and advice will be on all bottles and cans, while the advertising of alcoholic products will be limited on television, radio, print and outdoor media and in cinemas. However, a decision to ban alcohol firms from sponsoring major sports events has been put back by 12 months. Junior Health Minister Alex White denied the cabinet had fudged the issue by appointing a group to consider the pros and cons of the controversial question, including the value, feasibility and implications of the ban, as well as how organisations could replace lost revenue.

Alcohol misuse in Ireland is a serious problem with 2,000 of our hospitals’ beds occupied each night by people with alcohol-related illness or injury. – James Reilly

“Government has decided both of these concerns have to be taken equally into account,” Mr White said. The proposal will be examined during the drafting of new legislation, the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, which includes plans to set the minimum price of alcohol. Mr White warned that if MUP is struck out by the courts, plan B is to continue hitting excise duty. “Definitely, price will continue to be a major instrument in all of this,” he said. “We prefer MUP, but excise is in there as well as an option in the future.” The exact minimum price per gram of alcohol will not be fixed until after a north/south study into the economic and health effects of introducing

minimum pricing – possibly in both jurisdictions at the same time. Officials are also awaiting the result of a legal challenge against similar plans in Scotland, which could eventually go to the European Court of Justice. The prices of drinks in pubs and nightclubs are not expected to be affected as the new legislation will target high-strength alcohol being sold cheaply in supermarkets and offlicences. Health Minister Dr James Reilly said Ireland had a problem with alcohol which it was not facing up to, with each person over 15 drinking the equivalent of a bottle of vodka a week. Some 1.5 million Irish adults are said to drink at a harmful rate, with alcohol being a contributory factor in half of all suicides and suicide attempts. Alcohol is also associated with 16 per cent of child abuse and neglect cases. And concerns have been raised about more people drinking at home or getting “tanked up” in the house before a night out, missing the socialising aspect of the pub, Dr Reilly said.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

ireland :: economy debt masters optimistic about future beyond bailout

Troika eyes Irish endgame Ed Carty and Lydnsey Telford

targets, means they are satisfied their job is done in Ireland.” Mr Murphy said the Troika was “very clear” it would be the government’s decision on whether it would require a credit line or financial backstop after it exits its programme on December 15. “They didn’t seem to me that they had any defined position or collective position arguably that they could see,” he said. “There were pros and cons as to whether we were taking one or not, but that would be a matter for the Irish government to decide.” Despite almost having completed its bailout programme, Ireland will still have to undergo box-ticking reviews by the Troika. The 12th Troika review came as the number of people on the dole fell below 400,000 for the first time in more than four years. The anticipated fall, down to an unemployment rate of 13.2 per cent, has

JOBLESS WATCH: Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection.

The Troika has told government backbenchers it is optimistic about Ireland’s post-bailout future. A group of Fine Gael and Labour backbenchers said the debt masters – European Central Bank, International Monetar y Fund and European Commission – have no hard and fast stance on whether the country needs a financial backstop after it exits its strict bailout programme. Fine Gael’s Dara Murphy arranged a meeting with the finance chiefs during their 12th and final review of Ireland, and said they had a “very good, frank conversation”. “Our impression of them was that they are optimistic for the future of the country,” Mr Murphy said. “I think par ticularly seeing this morning job numbers falling below 400,000 and the fact that we have for all 12 periods to date achieved our

property market

age against the machine

followed four months of continued reduction in the total number of people signing on for benefits. “There are still far too many people on the live register and unemployment will remain the most pressing challenge for the foreseeable future, but we are moving decisively in the right direction,” Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection, said. A breakdown of the figures from the Central Statistics Office shows a total 396,512 people were on the register in October – down 23,660 in the year. The seasonally adjusted figures were not quite as positive but showed continued falls. The number of longterm unemployed – people signing on for a year or more – was 182,401 last month. The report also revealed that in the year to October the number of people aged 25 and over on the live register decreased by 16,324. Critics point to increased emigration as the main cause of the fall.

Sharp rise in Dublin house prices

ACCBank exodus to cost 180 jobs ACCBank will quit the Irish market

with the loss of about 180 jobs. The Irish subsidiary of Dutch banking giant Rabobank said that it would close all its branches and business centres to the public next year and give up its banking licence. It posted losses of more than €200 million last year. Kevin Knightly, the bank’s country manager, said ACCBank had suffered significantly due to the deterioration of the Irish property market over the past five years. “This is an unsustainable position and we need to take action now,” he said. ACCBank said it would focus solely on debt recovery and all funds on deposit with the bank would be repaid in full to customers.

Danske Bank sticks with corporates Danske Bank is expected to axe

up to 150 jobs as it pulls all but its corporate services out of the Irish market. The finance house has announced its day-to-day personal and business products and services will be withdrawn on a phased basis during the first six months of next year. But the bank, formerly National Irish Bank, said it would remain committed to its corporate and institutional clients. A spokeswoman for Danske said talks had started with the banking unions as it was “anticipated” 150 jobs could go.

Sarah Stack

Demand for family homes in Dublin is outstripping supply and driving property prices up, experts warned. A report on the property market found prices in the capital soared by more than 12 per cent over the past year to September, with the price of a house up 4.2 per cent since August. Official figures also revealed the gap that continues to grow outside the capital, where prices dropped by 0.1 per cent last month and remained 2.6 per cent lower than a year ago. David McNamara, an economist at Davy Stockbrokers, warned the divergence between Dublin and the rest of the country points to a market supported by a lack of supply, with an influx of cash buyers compensating for weak mortgage lending. “The Irish property market extended its recent gains in September, with residential proper ty prices rising 1.8 per cent month-on-month and 3.6 per cent year-on-year,” he said. “This was the fastest annual growth rate since September 2007 and was entirely driven by the Dublin market.” James Nugent, managing director of Lisney estate agents, warned the figures compiled by the Central Statistics Office do not include cash buyers, which account for more than half the housing market. He believes the year-on-year increase in Dublin could be as high as 15 per cent. “Stock is certainly also a large part of it too,” Mr Nugent said. “There was and is a shortage of stock in the Dublin market. People had put their purchasing on hold between 2008 and 2012. For five to six years they decided not to buy and they got frustrated.” Mr Nugent said the housing market was very much based on sentiment. “If people believe the market value will rise they will put their money where their mouth is.” House prices in the capital are still 49 per cent lower than the height of the boom in early 2007, with apartments in the capital 59 per cent lower, and residential properties in the rest of Ireland down 48 per cent.

Toxic-bank boss rules out fire sale

GREY POWER: Up to 12,000 mostly older people descended on Leinster House to mount a noisy demonstration against multimillion-euro government cuts targeting the elderly. Many carried placards attacking the Fine Gael/ Labour coalition and joined in chants of “shame, shame, shame” directed at the Dáil. Pic: PA

internet summit hailed despite web traffic jam

Digital deities descend on Dublin Brian Hutton Taoiseach Enda Kenny declared Ireland the new capital of the digital world during a massive internet summit in Dublin where thousands of visitors struggled to get online. Innovators, investors and inventors from around the globe were left unable to showcase their businesses during the event at the RDS after the system apparently collapsed under the weight of internet traffic. Mr Kenny also shrugged off the embarrassment of international entrepreneurs being left without water during their stay in the capital because of a mystery problem with Dublin reservoir supplies. “It’s been raining in Ireland for thousands of years,” he said. “We’ve been well able to deal with shortages of water and surpluses of water. I hope this matter can be resolved quickly.” Dubbed “Davos for Geeks”, the Dublin Web Summit has been widely praised for bringing globally-renowned leaders in cutting edge technology to

WIRED: Tech blogger Robert Scoble wears Google Glass at the Dublin Web Summit. the capital for the annual gathering. The government has used the event – which has grown in just a few years to become Europe’s largest technology festival – to promote Ireland abroad as a world digital hub. But many businesses were left frustrated when they could not connect to the internet throughout the day to demonstrate their web-based services. International and national media were also left with difficulties sending news

reports from the event. Organisers said the RDS was responsible for the wireless internet system at the venue. “The RDS provides the internet service for the web summit and assured the organisers a quality service would be provided,” said a spokeswoman for the Dublin Web Summit. It is understood the organisers were barred from bringing in outside internet services and that one of the conditions of hiring out the RDS is that they must use the in-house services. An RDS spokeswoman insisted its system was designed to cope with high volumes of traffic – and had been proven in other large venues in Europe and the US. “While 3,800 users have been connected to the network, some users have experienced difficulty connecting, which may reflect the volume and varied nature of devices which the attendees bring to this event,” she said. An estimated 10,000 people attended the gathering, including AOL chief executive Tim Armstrong.

Flooding the market with properties at knock-down prices will not boost the economy in Northern Ireland, NAMA boss Frank Daly (right) has claimed. Even though the Republic’s national asset management agency has around £24 million worth of land and property for sale north of the border, its chairman insisted assets would only be sold if and when the price was right. “We are not going to give away assets – north or south,” the NAMA chief said. Mr Daly was in Belfast to brief about 200 business delegates on the challenges facing the agency over the past three years.

Thousands of health cards slashed Almost 50,000 medical cards have

been withdrawn from patients so far this year following a review. The Health Service Executive (HSE) cancelled 9,891 cards of people it said were no longer eligible and 35,733 from people who did not respond to requests for more information. Health Minister James Reilly rejected claims of a slowdown in the number of new cards being issued in a bid to meet targets and growing budget cuts. Launching a publicity drive to explain tightening of eligibility rules, he admitted patients had been left confused in recent weeks and apologised for any distress caused. “Nobody who is entitled to a medical card will lose it or be refused one,” Dr Reilly said.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

northern ireland Stern response on postal bombs The full focus of the authorities has

been directed into the hunt for those behind a spate of attempted letter bomb attacks in Northern Ireland, the region’s Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has said. Ms Villiers, a target of one of four explosive packages sent through the post in recent days, said she was concerned at the environment of fear the sinister incidents have created. The postal bombs, none of which detonated, have been blamed on dissident republicans opposed to the peace process. The current climate of apprehension was demonstrated late last month when security alerts were triggered at the law courts in Belfast and a few miles away in the grounds of Stormont when legitimate packages raised suspicions among cautious staff.

Dornan nod clears up film’s grey area Fifty Shades Of Grey has its male lead – again. Jamie Dornan has been cast as Christian Grey, the lead role that Charlie Hunnam withdrew from recently. Dornan (pictured) will star alongside female lead Dakota Johnson, with Sam TaylorJohnson directing. Shooting is planned to begin in November, with release in August next year. Hunnam’s departure left the project momentarily reeling. The big-screen adaption of EL James’s best-selling erotic novel has been carefully followed by its fans, who were critical of Hunnam’s casting. The 31-year-old Dornan, a former model from Northern Ireland, has starred in the British TV series The Fall and the ABC series Once Upon A Time.

Priest assaulted by gang in burglary A priest was assaulted and locked

in a bathroom after disturbing a gang of youths burgling his house. The incident in Jonesborough village in south Armagh unfolded on the night of October 31 when the cleric found three youths in his office. They attacked him and bundled him into the bathroom, locking the door behind them before making off with cash. The priest managed to escape from the room by climbing out the window. He was taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

New hope for cystic fibrosis sufferers Personalised antibiotic treatments

could be developed for patients with cystic fibrosis, university researchers have said. The debilitating disease is one of the most common inherited life-threatening conditions and affects more than 10,000 people in the UK. It affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus which makes it hard to breathe and digest food. Work undertaken at Queens University Belfast could revolutionise antibiotic prescription and limit resistance to treatment drugs globally, lead researcher Professor Stuart Elborn said.

caterpillar announces major investment in factories

Cash to get region moving Lesley-Anne McKeown

Peter Robinson said. “The project is especially important as it has the potential to help attract additional projects from the wider Caterpillar family. This new project for Northern Ireland will also offer our local workforce the opportunity to develop key transferable skills that will add value to our manufacturing sector, bringing fur ther economic benefit.” Deputy First Minister Mar tin McGuinness said: “The 100 quality manufacturing positions required to run the operation will generate salaries in the region of £2.2 million annually, ensuring that existing employees and local people have an opportunity to progress high-value career development opportunities.” Caterpillar bought out Northern Ireland engineering firm FG Wilson – which makes diesel generator sets – in 1999. It has plants in west Belfast, Newtownabbey and Larne.

Manufacturing giant Caterpillar has announced a major £7 million investment at its factories in Northern Ireland. The firm, which last year shed more than 750 jobs, has said it plans to build new products at its local plants. Development of the yellow earth-moving vehicles will start in the middle of next year, creating up to 100 jobs – some of which will be new roles while others will involve retraining workers. Invest Nor ther n Ir eland has contributed £1 million towards the development, while the Department of Employment and Learning has handed over £220,000 through its Assured Skills Programme. “All Caterpillar Northern Ireland locations will benefit through the diversification of manufacturing, enabling us to continue to develop the

skills and expertise of our local workforce,” Caterpillar Northern Ireland operations director Robert Kennedy said. The announcement was made as the First and Deputy First Ministers visited

N IRELAND GUIDE

integration of catholic and protestant pupils

WELCOME EXPANSION: First Minister Peter Robinson (second right) and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (second left) with the Electric Power Division’s Steve Niehaus (left) and William J Rohner.

Caterpillar’s Chicago headquarters, where they met senior management. “This is an extremely positive investment of £7 milllion from one of Northern Ireland’s most established engineering firms,” First Minister

Suu Kyi seeks tips on path to peacetime Michael McHugh

Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has said lessons from Northern Ireland’s peace process will help the people of Burma reconcile their differences. She met political leaders, police and schoolchildren during a whistlestop tour of the region on October 24. The peacemaker (above) and former political prisoner said she was in Northern Ireland to listen and ask questions, because in her homeland during 50 years of military rule questions were not encouraged. “The main reason I have come to Northern Ireland is to learn about how you managed to negotiate a peace process in spite of all the difficulties,” she said at Wellington College in Belfast. “It is very useful – what we have learned here I think will help us a great deal back in Burma. I want to see from you how you see your present-day problems because I am told the work is not done.” She said the divisions in Northern Ireland, dating back 800 years, were more deep-seated, but in Burma the problem was more complex with multiple ethnicities and challenges in integrating a new militar y and civilian administration. She had lunch with members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Justice Minister David Ford. She met members of the main political parties at Stormont, including largest powersharing partners Sinn Féin and the Democratic Unionists. The Burmese opposition leader also toured Belfast and visited the Titanic Belfast visitor centre.

GOOD TO GO: Conor Canning, a year eight pupil at Arvalee School and Resource Centre, giving the thumbs up for the start of development of the Lisanelly Shared Education Campus, Omagh. Pic: PA

Shared campus ‘symbolic of progress’ David Young Work has begun on a £120 million shared education campus that has been hailed as a game-changer in efforts to bring Protestant and Catholic pupils closer together. Site clearance got under way at the former army barracks at Lisanelly in Omagh where six local schools, from both sides of the traditional religious divide, are to relocate. Construction of the first – Arvalee special school – will start next year. Loreto Grammar School, Omagh High School, Sacred Heart College, Omagh Academy and Christian Brothers Grammar School will also eventually move to the site, with about 3,700 pupils set to be educated in the complex when it is completed. Pupils from all six schools were at the derelict site to witness the diggers moving in. The concept of “shared education” in a Northern Ireland context relates to greater co-operation between schools in the state and Catholic sectors as opposed to fully co-religious integrated schooling.

Education Minister John O’Dowd, who joined pupils in Omagh to mark the start of work, described the Lisanelly concept as “visionary”. “It will be the largest single investment in education facilities ever made here, with construction costs estimated to be in excess of £120 million, as it brings six schools together on one campus in the town for the first time,” he said.

Having acknowledged that many schools are proud of, and want to retain, their individual ethos, Mr O’Dowd has said both the shared and integrated models have a role to play in the future. His visit to Omagh came a day after he clashed with political rivals in the Assembly chamber on the issue of shared education. Mr O’Dowd’s assertion that the efforts to bridge the religious divide

It is symbolic of our move away from the past, towards a brighter future where everyone here can fulfil his or her potential, irrespective of political, religious or social background.

The minister told the Assembly Lisanelly was a “game-changer”. “It is symbolic of the progress we have made in recent years through working together in an atmosphere of collaboration and sharing. It is symbolic of our move away from the past, towards a brighter future where everyone here can fulfil his or her potential, irrespective of political, religious or social background.”

had to go hand-in-hand with removing social barriers – something the minister said could be achieved by ending academic selection – drew fierce criticism from Unionist representatives who advocate the retention of selection. They claimed Mr O’Dowd was adding unnecessary contention to the debate by linking it to the divisive selection issue.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

Harte And Mind Tyrone GAA Boss Talks Football, Faith And Family Interview :: Page 22 Tiernan’s troops

Duo Shine AT state library

Melbourne Irish Turn Out For Navan Funnyman

Project Celebrates Culture Through Rhyme And Rhythm

irish seen :: PAGE 18

review :: PAGE 29

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November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

Irish

Michael Cusacks 25th Anniversary Dinner

Rydges Hotel Photos: Jamie Fitzsimons

Emma Craig from Donegal, Niamh Hainsworth from Dublin, Jess O’Rourke from Cork, AnneMarie Coffey from Limerick, Lorraine Spillane from Longford and Fiona Cotter from Cork.

Gabriel Austin and Mick O’Donovan.

Michael Cusacks Camogie Player of the Year – Krystal Ruddy from Galway.

Daniel Ward from Fermanagh, Mike Jones from Limerick and John Tierney from Cavan.

Clare Makem from Armagh, Rachel Hogan from Kilkenny and Ciara Breen from Armagh.

Sean Farrell from Galway and Niamh Hainsworth from Dublin.

Donie Collins and Michael Murphy.

Hilary and Micheál Cunningham.

Michael Cusacks Ladies Footballer 2013 – Mary Fitzpatrick from Cavan.

November 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

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November 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

Irish

Laura and Traci Donohoe with Stevie Ronan from Westmeath.

Tommy Tiernan LIVE

Princess Theatre, Melbourne Photos: Darryl Kennedy

Padraig Geraghty, Tara and Aimon Larkin from Westmeath.

Clive Regan and Niamh Gallagher from Westmeath.

Denise Cunniffe from Mayo and Andrew Harte from Roscommon.

Calum Hardie and Rosanna Kerlin from Antrim.

Natalie and Adam Tighe from Louth and Meath respectively.

Padraig Fanning from Westmeath and Noreen Burns from Cork.

Clare Meredith from Dublin and Jamie Rennie.

Brian and Katie Rodgers from Donegal and Mayo respectively.

Shane, Kealan and Siobhan from Kilkenny.

November 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

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November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

touring Damien Dempsey His voice is Dublin yet wholly distinctive. Damien Dempsey is part of a rich bloodline of Irish singers from Luke Kelly to Ronnie Drew, Christy Moore to Andy Irvine.

Nov 10 – 11 Sydney

The Vanguard

Nov 14

Sydney

Hi-Fi

Nov 17

Perth

Rosie O’Grady’s

Jedward Irrepressible pop twins John and Edward Grimes return to Australia for a trio of dates. Better known as Jedward, the duo rose to fame through the X-Factor and Eurovision.

Nov 23

Perth

Regal Theatre

Nov 30

Melbourne

Palais Theatre

Dec 1

Sydney

Enmore Theatre

Celtic Woman After sell-out dates in the US, Celtic Woman return to Australia for a nationwide tout. The January gigs take place after dates in September were rescheduled.

Jan 12

Brisbane

Entertainment Centre

Jan 15

Newcastle

Entertainment Centre

THUNDERSTRUCK: Following a hugely successful US tour, Celtic Thunder will return to Australian shores in May 2014 for an extensive 21-date national tour. www.celticthunder.ie

Jan 16

Wollongong

Win Entertainment Centre

Jan 17

Sydney

Entertainment Centre

community Thursday, November 7

Jan 18

Canberra

The Royal Theatre

Jan 19

Melbourne

Hamer Hall

Jan 21

Adelaide

Entertainment Centre

Jan 24

Perth

RiversideTheatre

The Wolfe Tones (feat. Duke Special) The enduring Irish folk trio bring their 50th anniversary tour to Australia, with a quartet of summer dates. Support comes from Belfast songwriter Duke Special.

Jan 17

Sydney

Selina’s (Coogee Bay Hotel)

Jan 19

Brisbane

The Tivoli

Jan 24

Melbourne

Forum Theatre

Jan 25

Perth

Riverside Theatre

Daniel O’Donnell (with special guest Mary Duff) Arguably Donegal’s most famous son, Daniel O’Donnell has won a legion of admirers around the world, thanks to his wholesome sound and devotion to his fans.

Mar 2

Adelaide

Selina’s (Coogee Bay Hotel)

Mar 4

Launceston

The Tivoli

Mar 5

Hobart

Forum Theatre

Mar 8

Brisbane

Riverside Theatre

Mar 9-10

Gold Coast

Arts Centre

Sydney Lansdowne Club Networking Drinks

Irish business network holds drinks for members at The Wild Rover in Surry Hills, 5.30pm–9pm. www.lansdowneclub.com.au/

Saturday, November 9 Kingswood, NSW The Patrician Brothers Fundraiser

Penrith Gael’s Club function in aid of The Patrician Brothers’ Missions in Africa and Papua New Guinea. From 7.30pm. Contact Br Peter Higgins 0438 615 771

Monday, November 11 Perth Claddagh Assocation Seniors Week

A seniors celebration at the Mighty Quinn, with Irish dancing and music from 10am to 3pm. Tickets $10, bookings by November 4. Contact Rachael 0406 418 862

Tuesday, November 12 Sydney An Evening With Nick Leeson

Mar 12

Newcastle

Entertainment Centre

Mar 14

Canberra

Royal Theatre

Mar 15

Sydney

State Theatre

The original rogue trader shares his story at an event held by The Lansdowne Club at the Bayside Gallery. Tickets $60. Contact (02) 9273 8524 www.lansdowneclub.com.au/

Mar 17-18

Melbourne

Hamer Hall

Wednesday, November 13

Mar 20

Perth

Riverside Theatre

Melbourne Run In The Dark

Fundraising fun run for the Mark Pollock Trust. Make donations online and meet at Federation Square at 7pm, for 5km and 10km runs. Contact Niall 0448 983 166 www.runinthedark.org

Sydney Run In The Dark

Sydney pop-up race to raise funds for the Mark Pollock Trust. Meet at the Opera House for 7pm. Contact Katy 0424 095 912 katdunbar@hotmail.com

Saturday, November 16 Perth Dance Like a Star

Ballroom dancing competition at the Italian

what’s on

Club to raise funds for the Princess Margaret Children’s Hospital. Contact Natasha 0426 972 280 dancelikeastar1@gmail.com

Sunday, November 17 Perth Claddagh Association Fun Day

The support association continues its celebration of seniors week, with a day for young and old at John XXIII College, Mount Claremont, from 11am. Free event. Contact Rachael 0406 418 862

Wednesday, November 20 Sydney Book Launch

Sydney IACC Christmas Party

The Chamber’s Sydney members gather at PJ O’Brien’s for a festive bash. admin@irishchamber.com.au

Friday, December 20 Perth Christmas Dinner Dance

The Irish Club of WA presents its annual Christmas Dinner Dance from 7pm, with live entertainment, three-course meal and spot prizes on the night. Tickets $40. Contact Nick (08) 9381 5213 irish1@irishclubofwa.com.au

December 4 – 7

Gordon Peake launches Beloved Land, his book about his life and work in Timor Leste from 2007 to 2011, at Gleebooks at 6.30pm. Contact (02) 9660 2333 www.gleebooks.com.au/

Sydney Conference for Irish Studies

Saturday, November 23

gigs

Melbourne City and Country Get Together

Thursday, January 9, 2014

This year’s Australasian Conference for Irish Studies has the theme The Ends of Ireland. http://irish.arts.unsw.edu.au/

The Celtic Club hosts a series of workshops and a dinner in the Brian Boru function room with guest speaker Dr Clare Wright, who is launching her book The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka.

SYDNEY James Vincent McMorrow

Sydney Gaelic Club Concert / Fundraiser

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Performances by Louise Phelan, Ben Stephenson, Maeve Moynihan, Coolfinn and Cameron Mather, from 7.30pm. Tickets $15, children can attend for free.

Friday, November 29

Irish Australian Chamber of Commerce members and guests celebrate the festive season at PJ O’Brien’s Southbank. admin@irishchamber.com.au

Wednesday, December 4

McMorrow plays Melbourne’s Corner Hotel.

Sport Melbourne The Jim Stynes Masters Cup

Over-35s teams from Victoria and Queensland compete, with funds raised through the event going to the Reach Foundation. Contact Rory 0429 726 858

Thursday, December 26

Prof Joanna Bourke, a war and violence historian, delivers the 2013 lecture to the Global Irish Studies Centre, at UNSW. http://irish.arts.unsw.edu.au/

Friday, December 6

MELBOURNE James Vincent McMorrow

Saturday, November 16

Melbourne IACC Christmas Party

Sydney Patrick O’Farrell Lecture

Acclaimed singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow plays Sydney’s Metro Theatre.

Sydney International Passport Day

Show your Irish passport at the gates and gain entry free at the Royal Randwick Racecourse. Gates open at 11.30am, first race 1.20pm. https://australianturfclub.com.au

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

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

Irish

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Tommy Tiernan live

Princess Theatre, Melbourne Photos: Darryl Kennedy

Michael and Samuel Powell.

Rebecca Brooks and James Hyatt.

Shannon Murphy and Christina Tzikas.

Craig Stone from Cork, with Caitríona Murphy from Wexford.

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November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

a heavy heart Mickey Harte has charted sporting triumph and personal tragedy in his ten years as Tyrone GAA boss. He talks to Luke O’Neill about sport, life and loss. MICKEY Harte wears his surname on his sleeve. The Tyrone GAA boss is many men to many people: a football legend to those who have watched his command of his county as manager for the past decade; a community voice, agreed or differed with on social issues such as abortion and support for Seán Quinn; and a grieving father to a world that reacted with equal parts horror and tabloid fascination to the murder of his daughter Michaela in a Mauritian hotel room in January 2011. Harte has been in Sydney for a series of events organised by Cormac McAnallens, the GAA club named in honour of his late former player. We meet in the New South Wales parliament and sit down to talk after a reception lunch hosted by Labor’s Luke Foley, himself connected by county through his marriage to a Tyrone woman. We take to a quiet corner and Harte speaks of his bemusement about the International Rules Series. He wants it scrapped. “This is the first year that I’ve said nothing about it publicly. I’ve just left it be and in many ways it’s spoken for itself,” he said. “Of all of the times that this has taken place I think this is the most unsatisfactory, because it was non-competitive, it wasn’t exciting in any shape or form for those who watched it and it’s not serving even the purpose it set out to serve. I think there is very little case left to continue with this process.” Harte was impressed by the health of the GAA community in Sydney. He led a coaching session for coaches from clubs across NSW during his visit and he believes in the GAA. Harte would rather see the GAA focus on a World Cup-style tournament for clubs abroad, over a continuation of the hybrid competition. “I would prefer we were on the road to creating the possibility of representing your country playing Gaelic football,” he said. Harte concedes some disappointment with the way Tyrone’s season ended at the hands of Mayo in the All-Ireland senior football semi-final. He believes refereeing decisions and injuries changed the game, but he believes the best is yet to come from his players. “Our team is still in the top bracket of teams in Ireland and to do that with the amount of transition that has taken place is very rewarding. We want to try to move that on now and translate that into some more titles. That’s the challenge for me,” he said. As he rebuilds his team, he rebuilds his life. Harte’s greatest challenge came off the field. His only daughter was strangled at 27 while on her honeymoon at a luxury hotel in Mauritius. The murder and subsequent court case made world headlines for months. The two men accused of her murder were acquitted in July 2012. Family members, including her widower John McAreavey, have taken a civil case against the hotel.

“Our team is still in the top bracket of teams in Ireland and to do that with the amount of transition that has taken place is very rewarding. We want to try to move that on now and translate that into some more titles. That’s the challenge for me.” HEADY HIGHS AND LIFE-CHANGING LOWS: Tyrone GAA boss Mickey Harte; above right, Michaela and John McAreavey on their wedding day.

“It’s just something that upsets your life in a way you would never want to expect or wish on anybody,” he explains. “It’s not easy, but there is a grace that I believe has come to me too from God – where else would it come? – and maybe through Michaela and the connection we had when we were living here together on Earth. I still think that we had such a good bond and such a good connection that it cannot be broken, even though it’s changed.” His Catholicism has been his crutch and Harte’s unwavering faith is to the fore most when he talks about his daughter. “I take great solace from that, in that I believe Michaela is still present in my life – not in the way I would love it to be or choose it to be, but given that things happened the way they did, I think it’s a blessing that I can look at life that way. It means that you can get up in the morning and live with a degree of hope in your heart.” But is he angry? “Anger didn’t enter it. It never entered it. It was a total trust in God. I just said, ‘I’ll just leave this in your hands, this is your plan and we’ve got to live with this’. Michaela believed that herself. She

always said – and this was in more trivial matters such as getting beaten in games – God has a bigger plan. That was her mantra.” Harte is disappointed at “the circus” the criminal trial became and he says some media reports were intrusive. But he is thankful for the support he received from the GAA community, his parish and from across Ireland. Anyone could be forgiven for shrinking from the public eye after such intolerable tragedy, but Harte has maintained his place as a public and at times outspoken figure in Irish life. He has confounded some with his support for Seán Quinn – the former richest man in Ireland. Harte is unapologetic for his support of the ex-billionaire, whose business empire was swallowed up by the former Anglo Irish Bank. The bankrupt Fermanagh businessman became a totem of Ireland’s economic collapse, but Harte believes he deserves better. “I’ve no difficulty with supporting Seán Quinn,” he said. “I knew him, I would have visited him a number of times before this crisis happened in his life. I know his brother Peter, obviously, and I know the family

well. I do believe that he hasn’t got a fair hearing. “He believes he could have managed his way through the difficulties when they arose but never got a chance to do that. I’m happy to believe his take on this. I think in due course when all of this is ironed out, I would still believe that he will be in a much better position than he was portrayed through the media, and made to carry the can for lots of what went wrong in Irish society and the financial difficulties we found ourselves in. “Good people like that don’t become bad people because they have made a few mistakes.” I ask if he regrets speaking out about matters outside of GAA, but he stresses that it’s important for people to share views on that which they feel strongly about. Abortion is another issue on which Harte has been publicly vocal. He has spoken at a pro-life rally in Dublin. “I just think that it’s not right to legislate for the killing of young babies,” he says. “When a young child is sick, has got leukaemia or cancer, people will raise funds anywhere and everywhere to support that family, to get

treatment and to help that child recover. At the same time, there are little babies that don’t get the chance to see the light of day.” Harte says the death of Savita Halappanavar was very sad but it did not shift his view. “Any life lost is a real tragedy,” he says. “It was very much in the public domain that that lady lost her life and we’re all very sad about that. “But we have images of her and we see the lady that she was and that’s what really hurts us to think that that person lost their life. Why would it not hurt us that much for little pets that haven’t even had the chance to be born yet?” As our interview draws to a close I ask Harte if he intends to make the well-trodden leap from sport to politics? “I think it’s not an easy game or easy profession to be in. Politics in the big P word? I think we’re all political animals. We all have to have values in our lives. We have to be able to stand up for the values that we believe in. “We have to have the conviction of our views and ultimately for me a lot of that comes from my faith and my belief in the God that I believe in,” he said.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

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National Top 10 Guinness Outlets – OCTOBER 1 PJ O’Brien’s, Melbourne 2 Durty Nelly’s, Perth 3 JB O’Reilly’s, Perth 4 The Quiet Man Irish Pub, Melbourne 5 PJ O’Brien’s, Sydney 6 Whale and Ale Tavern, Perth 7 The Mighty Quinn Tavern, Perth 8 Durty Nelly’s, Sydney 9 The Drunken Poet, Melbourne 10 Maloney’s Hotel NSW/ACT Top 10 Guinness Outlets 1 PJ O’Brien’s 2 Durty Nelly’s 3 Maloney’s Hotel 4 Mercantile Hotel 5 Scruffy Murphy’s 6 King O’Malley’s, Canberra 7 Penrith Gaels Cultural and Sporting Assoc. 8 The Porterhouse 9 Kelly’s on King 10 PJ Gallagher’s, Leichhardt QLD Top 10 Guinness Outlets 1 Fiddler’s Green, Gold Coast 2 Queensland Irish Club, Brisbane 3 Dublin Docks Tavern, Gold Coast 4 Gilhooley’s, Brisbane 5 PJ O’Brien’s, Cairns 6 Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane 7 Kitty O’Shea’s, Gold Coast 8 Hoolihans, Hervey Bay 9 Waxy’s Irish Pub, Gold Coast 10 O’Malley’s, Brisbane VIC Top 10 Guinness Outlets 1 PJ O’Brien’s Melbourne 2 The Quiet Man 3 The Drunken Poet 4 The Snug Public House 5 The Irish Times 6 PJ O’Briens, Melbourne Airport 7 Pint on Punt 8 Kangaroo Hotel 9 Young and Jackson 10 Lomond Hotel WA Top 10 Guinness Outlets 1 Durty Nelly’s 2 JB O’Reilly’s 3 Whale and Ale Tavern 4 The Mighty Quinn Tavern 5 Bailey Bar and Bistro 6 Fibber McGee’s 7 The Moon and Sixpence Tavern 8 Crown Perth 9 Murphy’s Irish Pub 10 Fenians Irish Pub SA Top 5 Guinness Outlets 1 The Elephant 2 Mick O’Shea’s 3 Daniel O’Connell Hotel 4 Verve Bar & Kitchen 5 PJ O’Brien’s, Adelaide TAS Top 5 Guinness Outlets 1 New Sydney Hotel 2 Irish Murphy’s, Launceston 3 Irish Murphy’s, Hobart 4 Knopwood’s Retreat 5 Cock ‘n Bull Hotel

CORRECTION :: DURTY NELLY’S: There was an issue with the September data for the Black List. Durty Nelly’s in Paddington was listed fifth in NSW and should have been the number one venue for that state and the fifth venue nationally for September.

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VISA-BILITY YOUR IMMIGRATION

QUESTIONS ANSWERED... Co Antrim native and registered migration agent John McQuaid provides a uniquely Irish perspective on current visa and migration issues.

Send your immigration questions to John at

visability@irishecho.com.au

This Migration Column is intended to provide general information on migration issues and does not constitute legal or migration advice. While all care is taken, no responsibility is accepted by the Irish Echo or John McQuaid for the accuracy of material in the column. People seeking advice on migration law should seek advice from a registered migration agent.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

The costs of letting your Aussie residency lapse Dear Peader,

Hi John, I’m currently working for a company in Europe who have a base in Australia. They offered me work on a project in Australia which started at the end of July. My company sent in the documents for a 457 sponsored visa in the second week of June and have not heard anything from the immigration department. Should it take this long to get any correspondence from the department? Peader Mc

The stated standard processing time for this visa type is two months and often the result will be faster. However, major rule changes and fee hikes flagged for the 457 programme as of July 1 resulted in a high number of applications in June. This slowed processing times. Despite the delays, if you have not heard from immigration within their processing time, chase them. This can be frustrating and will need to be led by your employer as they lodged the paperwork. Immigration will only talk to the person listed as the point of contact, so even though you are the applicant, officials may not talk to you directly. When making contact, have your application receipt number at hand. Expect a long wait if calling and several days wait for a response to web messages. Paper-lodged applications will take longer to be processed. There is also the possibility that a paper-based application posted or couriered to immigration did not get delivered. Check if your employer or you received an acknowledgment of application letter or check the credit card used to see that the application fees were deducted. Since July 1, all 457 visa applications must be made online.

Dear TM,

The 457 visas have no upper age limit but to move to permanent residence through skilled visas the upper age limit is 50 years.

Dear John, I lived here 20 years ago and had full PR, which I let lapse. I have returned on a 457 visa. My age is an issue now so is it worth trying to reactivate the full residency return or are other options available to me? TM

Irish

Permanent residence is granted for life but has a five year travel component. Leaving Australia on or over the five-year mark, even for a holiday, will result in permanent residence lapsing unless you first obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV) or better still have become a citizen? It is best to try to get the RRV before leaving Australia. If you have been absent from Australia for more than 10 years it is highly unlikely an RRV would be granted. The 457 visas have no upper age limit but to move to permanent residence through skilled visas the upper age limit is 50 years. One exception is to have worked for your employer for four years on the 457 visa and earned at least the ‘Fair Work Australia High Income Threshold’ for each year, currently $129,300, as at 1 July 2013. If you are in a relationship with an Australia citizen or permanent resident there may be other partner visa options to consider. A registered migration agent can help review your situation in detail prior to making any application. Find an agent: mia.org.au

iACC mentoring night

Grant Thornton, Sydney Photos: Supplied

Rana Pala of Grant Thorton, Breiffini White, Fiona Bones of Google, and Donal Cahalan.

Diyasha Edouard, Simon Haag, Pauline O’Loughlin and Fiona Bones.

Sandra Booth, Lauren Becker and Catherine Crosse.

Anthony Cullen, Laura Manning, Aisling Canty, Gary Cagney.

Regina O’Keefe of Enterprise Ireland and John McQuaid of Arrive Australia.

Hunter Johnson, Niall O’Byrne, Barry Moran and Cara Connaire.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

star”. “Social media was abuzz last night with chatter regarding the nimble, skilful County-Westmeathborn 20-year-old, with a conversation between the star and Rebels back rower Scott Higginbotham seemingly letting the cat out of the bag,” read the Rebels’ breathless statement. Poor Rebels. Niall only has eyes for Coles.

Ding dong Dell, pussy in the well WE all encounter wee problems with our computers from time to time, but Dell users found recently they were up against an issue that couldn’t be solved by control, alt or delete. Users of the Dell Latitude 6430u laptop took to message forums to complain their computer has a pungent smell of cat wee. “So a few weeks ago I got a new Latitude 6430u for work,” one user wrote. “The machine is great, but it smells as if it was assembled near a tomcat’s litter box. It is truly awful! It seems to be coming from the keyboard.” Another wrote: “I almost started the week with my cat at the vet… getting the needle … but after checking my bag [...] I can’t blame the cat. Now I read this … good gosh it stinks. [...] it’s almost burning my eyes.” At first, Dell did not believe the peeved users but after the complaints piled up it was forced to replace the machines. The mice seemed to be working but it ranked as a cat-astrophic bit of web PR for the tech firm.

Reports of my death are exaggerated MAMBO No 5 singer Lou Bega had to confirm he was still alive after being confused with the late Lou Reed, according to reports. You might remember Bega who had a hit with the irritatingly catchy song in 1999. The German received messages on his Facebook page following the death of Walk On The Wild Side star Reed. He wrote: “RIP Lou Reed the genius who took Walks on the Wild side.” Lou added: “PS: I have been receiving tons of condolences because of a journalist confusing our identities. “Lou Bega sends his condolences to Mr Reed’s family.” US musician Reed’s death on Sunday prompted a flood of tributes, with his old friend and collaborator David Bowie calling him “a master”.

Quiz

1. U2, Larry Mullen (on his own) and Elvis Costello have all appeared on this animated sitcom — as have, variously, more than 20 other rock acts. What is the series? 2. What was the name of the law enacted in 1495 which sought to make the Irish parliament subservient to the British one? 3. Which British working class movement — one of the world’s first — was founded by Cork man Feargus O’Connor? 4. Who was the first Irish-born actor to win an Oscar? 5. Claire Loftus is the first woman in Ireland to occupy which position: (a) Head of RTÉ; (b) coach of the Ireland international rugby side; (c) Director of Public Prosecutions; (d) Head of the Catholic Church; (e) Chief Collector of Taxes? 6. What title does the head of the Garda Síochána hold? 7. In which cemetery are the majority of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising buried? 8. What caused a huge surge in bicycle thefts in Ireland in 1942? 9. What was the Republic of Ireland’s highest ever position in the FIFA international rankings list – was it 6, 9, 16 or 35? 10. She has family ties in Ulster – her father was born in Belfast and was a folk singer in Donegal. She has recently appeared in Virunga, a short film about Africa’s oldest national park. Who is she?

Rebels going the wrong direction THIS week’s shameless One Direction bandwagon jumpers are the Melbourne Rebels, who have crowed about a Niall Horan picture with all the enthusiasm of an 11-year-old girl who got a front row view of Harry Styles’ side part. The club sent out a press release joking it was on the verge of signing Ireland’s “biggest

time out They said it...

“It is difficult today but we are always thinking of Savita. It is not easy, sometimes it feels like she is not gone but then we know it is true. We came today to remember our friend.” Sunil Koppuri, a close friend of Savita Halappanavar, speaking at a vigil to mark the first anniversary of the death of the 31-year-old dentist at Galway University Hospital. Savita was 17 weeks pregnant and miscarrying when she was admitted to the hospital. “It is right that they should pay rates like everyone else but I am deeply concerned at the scale of the increase and that sporting bodies may have to cut into grassroots programmes to pay the increased rates bill.” Transport Minister Leo Varadkar is calling on cabinet colleagues to change the law to reduce the €3.5 million rates increase for Croke Park and the Aviva Stadium. “A strikingly large number of children were sexually abused by priests within the Church in Jesus Christ. Anyone who loves the Church must be truly saddened by this fact. The children who were abused and their families and dear ones must be uppermost in our minds.” The Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin stressing that children who were abused by priests must be remembered during any criticisms of the Murphy report. “Call me genius, Jesus, Superman, or odious little s**t, whatever takes your fancy as long as you fly Ryanair!” A tweet from Michael O’Leary. The Ryanair boss, head of Europe’s second-largest airline, has signed up to Twitter for the first time. “As Commissioner, I have been asked by the Minister for Justice and Equality to provide a report on the circumstances surrounding those two instances and that’s what I will be doing in the coming days. But of course our policy is quite clear here ... the welfare of children and vulnerable adults are central to everything we do.” Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan, referring to the case where gardaí seized Roma children whom they suspected did not belong to the purported parents with whom they were living. However, subsequent DNA tests showed the children did indeed belong to the Roma family. “Ireland is like a Third World country when it comes to water supply.” The Restaurant Association of Ireland’s chief executive, Adrian Cummins, speaking about water restrictions in Dublin after a mystery problem with reservoir supplies. “It’s been raining in Ireland for thousands of years. We’ve been well able to deal with shortages of water and surpluses of water. I hope this matter can be resolved quickly.” Taoiseach Enda Kenny referring to the problems with Dublin’s water supply.

That’s a double bogey for the PGA The Hurler can also confirm that Bega is not expecting twins in December.

THE folk over at PGA are pregnant with excitement about the World Cup of Golf in Melbourne this month. Perhaps they need to tone it down a bit? Take this exchange between the tour’s press officer Paul Symes and Irish representatives Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell at a recent press conference. Question: And for Shane, I understand you’ve got twins due in December, so is there any concerns about an early arrival? Lowry: That’s actually not true. Not that I know of, anyways (laughter). Symes: That might be David Howell. (Laughter). McDowell: That was great, we loved that. (Laughter).

THE POINT IS?: The jury is out on Fianna Fáil’s new campaign.

Crossword Clues across 1, 9 & 10 across: Ah, I fear nuns led by confused Dublin writer of Gothic tales (8,2,4) 4. Anger a confused president (6) 8. Conveyance for Belfast singer? (3) 9. See 1 across 10. See 1 across 12. Find Ian’s hidden foreigners (7) 13 & 18 across: This island might be a gale tester (5,6) 15. US university key to a good education? (4) 17. Elementally a silver article leads to Middle East potentate (3) 18. see 13 across 20. Difficult to read the future with this confused nurse (5) 21. This month erratically finds ancient kingdom (7) 23. A friend in Ballyskeighoginerla (4) 25. A spherical body in Drumcorban (3) 27. A singular dice might finish something off (3) 28. The Christmassy one in France or the Gallaghers (4) 30. Confused sages ponder vapours (5) 33. Legally or alcoholically you can be called to the bar in these (4) 34. Go public. Log has details here of Kilkenny town (5) 35. For example nothing leads to self (3) 36. Kicks, runs, dances and found on cattle (5) 38. A cup of tea the means to make beer? (4) 41. Tested car; parts strewn (9) 43. Cough as if you were confused South American cowboys (7) 44. A common one, Ed, you’ll find amongst people with not enough (5) 45. The Russian might say nyet; I believe it’s hidden and abominable (4)

46. Legal document followed by me and morning leads to important figure in Ireland (7) 47. Remove me from Brian to find legendary Irish dog (4) Clues down: 1. Gap, Gardens, go forth (5) 2. Fry after confusing encounter with Irish family (8) 3. Ann, God, Nun — make up Tyrone town (9) 4. In charge of Tipperary South, making shouts (5) 5. Finish in Glendore (3) 6 & 31 down: The greatest front, eschewed can be found in this thoroughfare (7,5) 7. Shed, hidden when is sent here (6) 8. Six in Rome plus article gives you a road in, eg, Rome (3) 11. Try to persuade Biblical city and germanium to sit together (4) 14. Tests a fable to come up with area of city (4,7) 16. Sailing to a haphazard vision (7) 19. Harm a ghost to find a county (6) 22. River found in Scotland, Ireland and alphabet we hear (3) 23. Goodbye in France, said I, due a shakeup (5) 24. Chat show host in Portglenone (4) 26. Coco or other clowns might form this artistic movement (6) 29. St Lo, a holy figure never found (4) 32. Old story about a tool (3) 37. A confused Hosea leads to Irish family (5) 38. Not judo belt, but man with calibre engulfed in War of Independence (5) 39. Man found in river, we hear (5) 40. In Gaul, remove silver add an old pound to find bird (4) 42. A yen, unpredictable, for this singer (4)

8 9

11 13

12 14

17 20 21

36 40

44 45

LAST EDITION’S ANSWERS Clues across: 1. Bog of Allen. 7. Leeks. 8. Aden. 9. Gate. 11. Trinity. 12. Lisnaskea. 15. Africa. 16. William. 18. Nave. 19. O’More (Rory). 22 & 30 across: De Danann. 23. Tier. 25. Odds. 27. Rosalaeen. 29. Dean. 30. see 22 across 31. Asia. 33. Roger. 34. Egret. 36. Ash. 37. Iona. 40. Tip. 42. Naomh. 43. Kells. 44. Hangar. 45. Eke. Clues down: 1. Beagle. 2. Glens. 3. Augustinian. 4. Lettermore. 5. Leitrim. 6. Asp. 7. Longford. 10. Era. 13. Nile. 14. Callan (Nicholas, electricity innovator). 16. Wad. 17. Iveragh. 20. Oonagh. 21. Eddie. 23. Tsarina. 24. El Nino. 26. Seattle. 28. One. 30. Dos. 32. Sr. 33. Rath. 35. Apse. 38. Oar. 39. Amy. 41. Ilk.

Answers: 1. The Simpsons; 2. Poynings Law; 9. The Chartists; 4. Barry Fitzgerald, for Best Supporting Actor for the 1944 movie Going My Way; 5. Director of Public Prosecutions; 6. Commissioner; 7. Arbour Hill Cemetery; 8. All private motoring was banned because of petrol rationing; 9. Six – in 1992; 10. Anna Friel

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November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

BROUGHT TO YOU BY...

...AND ME

Richard Murphy from Wexford How long have you been in Australia? Arrived on January 4, 2010. What brought you here? A few of my friends left a year before me but I was finished with university so, once I finished that, I was straight over here and joined them. The stories I heard from them enticed me over and I couldn’t come quickly enough. Describe your career path. I started working in Melbourne in April, 2010, after a three-month stay in Sydney. I work as a quantity surveyor with Rider Levett Bucknall – a quantity surveying consultancy – but soon I moved on to the builder side with a company called Ireland Brown (no, they’re not Irish). Best things about living in Australia? Although I have been here nearly four years now I still feel like I am on holiday. It’s a really easygoing vibe and the whole “ah, we will do it tomorrow” attitude is embedded into a lot of Aussies. You can ski in one part of the country and get

Richard Murphy, We xford

30-degree heat in another part at the same time of the year. Melbourne is a massive sporting city and there is always something going on each part of the year, Australian Open, Formula 1, AFL and the Melbourne Cup to name a few. I moved to Melbourne from Sydney on my own with less than $300 in my pocket, a pillow and a ruck sack and moved into a house with 30 people living there and one working toilet. I wouldn’t repeat that again (great memories, though) but moving to Melbourne was the best decision I’ve made. Worst things about living in Australia? Unlike Dublin, Australia is a very isolated country in that the closest place is NZ and that’s still a four-hour flight! The Irish love to laugh and it can be hard sometimes to have the same craic with an Aussie as you would with an Irish person. You lose touch with the Gaelic and rubgy games back home because of the time difference. What, if anything, do you miss about Ireland? Although I will probably get a bit of abuse about this but

my mother’s stew on a Saturday. The Quiet Man pub in Melbourne comes close but it’s just not on the same par. You take a lot of things for granted when you’re back home but once you’re out here you come to realise the simple things like dinner with your family and catching up with a few mates is great! I will be looking forward to seeing the family at Christmas for sure and talking the usual nonsense over a few drinks! Have you ever considered moving back to Ireland? Not at the moment but I know like the majority of Irish over here that I will move back home. That could be a couple of years or 10 years, I am not too sure. How come? Australia is a great place, the sun, sports, music festivals and the lifestyle but there isn’t a place like home. Buying property over here is outrageously expensive also and I don’t think I could properly settle down in Australia for good.

All Australia And Me participants receive a free hamper from Taste Ireland

ORDER ONLINE AT WWW.TASTEIRELAND.COM.AU

“It’s all a bit of a trip for me and Jonny coming from Dublin. We’ve got platinum singles up on the wall and double platinums and all this. This country has been amazing to us.”

belly dancers Irish-Australian band The Potbelleez may be popping the corks with their ARIAs-nominated song Saved in a Bottle, writes Andrea McCullagh Irish-Australian dance act The Potbelleez are in line for an Australian Recording Industry Association award for their song Saved in a Bottle. The band is made up of Dubliners Dave Goode and Jonathan Murphy (aka Jonny Sonic) and Australian singer Ilan Kidron. “We’ve been releasing music here for seven years now. To be

still relevant and still be nominated is very flattering,” Goode said. “It’s just great to be Irish and to be over here and to be intertwined in the music industry. Of course, the ARIA awards are the pinnacle to the year’s work.” This is the sixth ARIA nomination for The Potbelleez and they have also won two APRA awards for their songs Don’t Hold Back (think

Jeep ads!) and From the Music. Goode and Sonic, who are from the Dublin suburbs Tallaght and Templeogue, first met in Bondi Junction. They started gigging together in 2003 and three years later started releasing music. “It’s all a bit of a trip for me and Jonny coming from Dublin. We’ve got platinum singles up on the wall and double platinums and all this,” he said. “This country has been amazing to us.” The pair have played in top flight venues around the world and have

also performed at the Electric Picnic festival in Ireland. But the highlight for Goode is the fact they are still performing. “Still being able after 10 years, and after seven years of releasing music, we are still getting gigs and we are still getting nominations for awards,” he said. “Being able to still do what we love every day is the highlight of it all really. To be able to go across the world and do some amazing gigs across Asia. We just came back from LA.” The group recently scored a collaboration with the American hip hop star B.o.B and are currently promoting their single Magic Number. They are due to shoot a video with B.o.B, who became a worldwide star with the track Nothin’ on You, this month. The Potbelleez have sold out shows in Dublin and have been returning to Ireland since 2005 to perform. They both left Ireland to pursue their dream of a career in music and their song Don’t Hold Back was championed by the industry in Ireland. “Both of us left Ireland for the same reason. There was no

movement. We couldn’t get in anywhere. Everyone that had the gigs were holding the gigs. There’s only so many gigs,” he said. “I had enough of it and I came over here to really pursue the DJing and music and Jonny did the same.” The pair arrived in Australia on a working holiday visa and are now both citizens. They sparked up a friendship after meeting in Bondi Junction for the first time and Goode took his future co-star under his wing. “He talked a load of rubbish and a load of blag to me saying he was this, that and the other. I was like ‘cool man, I’m a DJ too’,” he said. “I said if you get stuck I know what it’s like to be in a country on your own. Come and look me up and you can crash on my couch. “Two weeks later he’s sleeping on my couch for six months and that’s pretty much how it all started.” The Potbelleez are up against Flume, Jagwar MA, Rufus and The Presets in the Best Dance Release category at the ARIAs. The awards ceremony takes place on December 1.

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Danny’s hilarious misadventures You don’t often find books that are genuinely funny. Occasional lightness perhaps, or a little titter or some cleverness to ease the tension, but it is rare to find one that will have you laughing out loud. Here, however, is a genuinely funny book. Not just funny peculiar or funny smart or even funny with punchline jokes but all of those and a story as well. In the prequel, Plugged, we met Danny McEvoy trying to survive PTSD from his time as a sergeant in the Irish army in Lebanon. He is still in the same small New Jersey town and still manages to attract trouble wherever he goes. His nemesis is Irish Mike Madden, more mad than Irish, but there is also a pair of bent cops and a 22-year-old Harvard graduate who dropped the O’ and became Shea (surely, a criminal act in its own right). As if that was not enough, there is McEvoy’s own grandmother, the fourth wife of his grandfather and she is actually younger than he is and even more devious. His friends are not much better. Ronelle Deacon is a black police lieutenant who “doesn’t really do friends the way normal people do, just people that aren’t suspects at the moment”. His other female friend – also “without benefits” – is a woman who confuses him with her abusive husband who disappeared 20 years ago; he is careful lest that person might waltz back into everyone’s life. Then there is Zeb Kronski, a medical friend left over from Lebanon who specialises in botox injections for compliant females; his licence is courtesy of some “outrageous wheeler dealing involving a fat envelope”. Finally, his friend Jason, his partner in a small casino, makes a success of that venture by aiming it at the niche market of super-gays. Danny has a major problem with his Irish guilt. Although given ample provocation, he finds himself unable to kill somebody because he feels he could not live with himself afterwards. His constant philosophising about his friends and his enemies and life in general provides some of the funnier moments. He also has an army psychiatrist back in Dublin who now

BOOKS Screwed Eoin Colfer Text Publishing 310 pp €15.99

CCCC Foster & Allen: After All These Years With Anthony Galvin Virgin Books 254 pp $39.95 (hardback)

C Frank O’Shea communicates with him via obscure Twitter messages. So serious are Danny’s hangups that the author has to find creative ways to get rid of the baddies by some means that does not directly involve our mixed-up hero. While the result is often crazy, it will keep you reading because you know the hero must get out of his sticky messes somehow. None of this, however, takes from the fun of the story or the clever badinage between the characters. You wouldn’t want to take a book like this too seriously. The story takes second place to the clever dialogue and impossible situations. You should probably be told also it features the kind of language that would not be acceptable at a convention of nuns. Even modern ones. Foster and Allen are Ireland’s most successful musical partnership and arguably one of the best-known singing duos in the business. Their repertoire of simple ballads in uncomplicated arrangements has

won them followers far beyond Ireland. Their secret, if it can be called that, is to give the words of the song priority over blaring brass or pounding drums; the listeners can actually understand what they are singing. That the words of Bunch of Thyme or Maggie or Old Flames are widely known is a better indicator of their success than the millions of albums or CDs or videos they have sold. Although it is described as an autobiography, this book is really more like an extended fanzine. It will appeal to those who want to read only good things about them: their humble midland origins, their early struggles as the showband era was winding down, their decision to work together as a duo, their success first in Ireland and then around the world. A reader will also learn they never have any disagreements about song selection or arrangement, that even when

they were living relatively close to each other in Westmeath, they rarely socialised, that they were lucky in their choice of roadies, sound engineers, managers, agents and record companies, but not financial advisers. Along the way, we are told almost in passing that each of their marriages ended in divorce. “In my earlier days I had a bit of a roving eye. My wife overlooked a few indiscretions, but eventually I got my marching orders,” is how that part of his ‘autobiography’ is dismissed by Mick Foster. Tony Allen – he is the bearded one, by the way, who does most of the singing – merely describes how he met his second wife, without saying what happened to the first one. The ongoing troubles the pair have with the Irish revenue commissioners are given a mention, though each one says that he is unable to explain the situation

because it is currently under appeal through the courts. They admit each has been assessed as owing about one million euro in tax; an article in The Mail on Sunday says that with penalties and interest the final figure would possibly be three times greater. There seems to be a strong case they were ripped off by a financial adviser and they name him as Patrick Russell “a qualified barrister and accountant”. Alternate chapters are written by Mick and Tony, which gives a sense of discontinuity to the narrative. Each is modest, almost apologetic, about their success. In terms of numbers of recordings and length of time on music charts, the figures are impressive, but they are only part of the story of a pair of country lads who have stayed together for 38 years and have managed to make Irish music sexy. Still, it might have been better if they had stuck to music.

Poetic portrayal ends on White note

FINELY PITCHED: Cork singer-songwriter Freddie White.

THE rhythm and rhyme of Ireland echoed through the State Library of New South Wales last week in a charming performance by musician Freddie White and actor Maeliosa Stafford. The duo, accompanied by singer Trish Hickey, took an intimate audience on an informal journey through Irish Australian history. The performance launched a two-week programme of Irish ancestry workshops at the State Library run in conjunction with the Consulate General of Ireland in Sydney. White, Stafford and Hickey provided rich incentive for those curious to learn more about their own Irish connections and their ancestors’ history and culture. Stafford, of the Druid and Abbey Theatres and Sydney-based collective O’Punksky’s, brought his skills as an orator to bear through the cadences of Irish and Australian poets, such as Frank McNamara, Henry Lawson and WB Yeats. Stafford peppered the readings with his own musings on various

MUSIC Irish in Australia: A Celebration Maeliosa Stafford, Freddie White and Trish Hickey State Library NSW October 24

CCCC Luke O’Neill intersections between Irish and Australian history. An abridged reading of McNamara’s irreverent poem A Convict’s Tour To Hell elicited warm laughter from the audience in the Metcalfe Auditorium. The famine, penal colony life, Eureka and conscription were all touched on. When it began to feel like sense-

making on the hop, White and his wife Hickey were there to break up the flow through music. At one point, Stafford told the room how he had admired White’s performances while they both lived in Ireland. And on the night, one of White’s musical offerings was so good his collaborator remarked “that’s not fair” when the Cóbhborn singer handed over to him for more poetry. Each musical number was an emigrant lament, but White’s sheer talent provided ample balance to the glum subject nature. White himself admitted there was nothing but misery in some of these songs but it was all so finely pitched no one seemed to care. In case the night left anyone crying into their pint about leaving old Ireland for Australia, White’s closing performance of Leon Redbone’s She Ain’t Rose was sure to put things right. “She ain’t Rose, but she ain’t bad and Rose ain’t here,” he sang, as a beguiling evening drew to a close.

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sydney gaelic club strengthens dublin family’s traditional culture

Charlotte’s in tune with Irish musical heritage Andrea McCullagh A YOUNG concertina player is turning heads at Sydney’s Gaelic Club after taking up the instrument earlier this year. Talented Charlotte MacSweeney, 12, has proved to be a natural on the concertina and is already playing at the club’s trad session on Tuesday nights. Charlotte started playing in February and quickly outgrew her beginner’s concertina. She likes playing the instrument because it’s not too hard or too easy. “I like playing tunes with all the people in the session,” she said. Charlotte now plays a concertina on loan from instrument maker Chris Ghent and is waiting for her new one to arrive in the post from the US. The schoolgirl was born in Dublin and now lives in Sydney with her parents Aisling Scully and Colin MacSweeney and her eight-year-old brother Aidan. Aidan attends Irish dancing lessons at the Gaelic Club on Saturday mornings and it is extremely important for Aisling to see her children being involved in traditional Irish culture. “We got involved in the Gaelic Club to

keep up our Irishness. We are definitely more patriotic than we were,” she said. Charlotte’s teacher is Louise Phelan, and Aisling is proud to see her daughter playing the concertina. “She’s doing quite well. She only started in February. She is playing a few tunes and she really likes it. “She was talking to a few musicians in the Gaelic Club and she was saying she would like to start something. “She is doing very well. She does a lot of practice.” Charlotte will take part in a concert at the Gaelic Club to raise funds for the music lessons at the club. She will join some of Sydney’s best musicians, singers and dancers at the event – and other music students. The line-up includes fiddle player Maeve Moynihan, flautist Ben Stephenson and trad singer Cameron Mather. The band Coolfinn Mac will be there on the night to entertain the crowd with Irish tunes and songs. Charlotte will play on the night with her teacher and a fellow student. The concert starts at 7.30pm on November 23 and tickets are $15 at the door. Children can attend for free.

TALENTED STUDENT: Charlotte MacSweeney has impressed her teacher Louise Phelan with her quick command of the concertina.

fundraisers to help sufferers and battle disease

Irish hit the roads to take on cancer How To Donate Tadhg Dowling’s Ride To Conquer Cancer: http://ml13. conquercancer.org.au/site/ TR/Events/Melbourne2013? px=1328267&pg=personal& fr_id=1111 Sadhbh Warren and The Seven Bridges Walk Team: https:// sevenbridgeswalk2013. everydayhero.com/au/ the-leprechauns POT OF GOLD: Sadhbh Warren and friends took on a 27km walk last week to raise funds for the NSW Cancer Council.

CHARITABLE efforts by Irish people across Australia have gone into overdrive, with several cancer treatment fundraisers playing their part to help research. Last week, four Irish Sydneysiders took on a 27km walk in aid of the Cancer Council of New South Wales, raising more than $11,000. Sadhbh Warren, Jacqueline Walsh, Dawn Raf fer ty and Ian Desmond donned leprechaun costumes to take on the Seven Bridges Walk. Ms Walsh and friends were inspired after her husband was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year. “Our leprechaun-costumed walk is in honour of Patrick and our other loved ones who are currently fighting hard and those we have lost and miss dearly,” Sadhbh Warren told the Echo. “Although we all knew of each other in Cork, Jackie and Patrick got to know each other better when crammed into a packed sharehouse when we came to Sydney as backpackers in 2006. Love blossomed, and visas were granted, and they were married here in 2011. Patrick’s diagnosis was a huge shock to us all,” Ms Warren said.

Elsewhere, in Melbourne, Tadhg Dowling decided to raise funds to fight cancer. Mr Dowling, a long-time subscriber of the Irish Echo, took on the Ride To Conquer Cancer in aid of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He told the Echo friends and family had been hit hard by the disease. “In particular, a close friend of ours in Albury has had a depressing prognosis and another close friend in Sydney was doing it tough at the time I registered and has since passed away,” he said. “Both of these guys, in their early 60s, were fit and healthy working people living life to the full until interrupted by the dreaded diagnosis. “My own family has been hard-hit. Cancer has taken two of my sisters (aged 12 and 44), both of my parents and a number of relatives from the wider family.” Mr Dowling’s sponsors donated almost $3,000 to his cause. This month will also see two pop-up events in Melbour ne and Sydney aimed at raising funds and awareness for the fight to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The Mark Pollock Trust

Sydney and Melbourne Run In The Dark: http:// runinthedark.org/#home

has helped organise Run In The Dark events around the world, with Sydney and Melbourne joining the global effort on November 13. Mark Pollock, from Belfast, lost his sight in 1998, rebuilt his life to become an adventure athlete and eventually raced to the South Pole. Three years ago he broke his back after a tragic fall from a second storey window and now is paralysed. His trust devotes itself to finding a cure for spinal cord injuries. Melbourne organiser Niall Galvin, a friend of Mr Pollock’s, told the Irish Echo participants can register on the Run In The Dark website to join the r un from 7.30 pm on Wednesday, November 13, from Federation Square. “We are privileged to have Sonia O’Sullivan championing our cause this year and heading up the race,” said Mr Galvin. As the Melbourne pack takes off from Federation Square, Katie Dunbar will lead r unners from the Opera House for the Sydney instalment of the event. Anyone wishing to take part in the runs can contact Katie on 0424 095 912 for Sydney or Niall on 0448 983 166 for Melbourne.

obituary :: Patrick finegan (1936-2013)

Pat’s love of family helped to ease the pain of loss Patrick Francis Finegan was born in 1936 in Clonylogan, Co Meath, Ireland. He was tenth of 13 kids. In his early years he attended 10 schools and by his own admission was an average student. After school he studied as an appr entice mechanic at Navan Technical College. In 1958, he moved to England and worked on many building sites. In 1960, he met Josephine in the Irish Club in Romford, Essex. They fell in love and 10 months later in 1961, at 25, they were married. A year later, son Shaun was born. In September that year Patrick returned to Dublin to buy their first home and went into par tnership with a brother-in-law running the Grand Bar in Dublin. Fiona was then born in Dublin in July 1963. In October that year, they moved to Cashel, Co Tipperar y, where they opened the County Bar. Pat drove trucks in the mines and Josephine worked as a community nurse while also running the pub. Siobhan was bor n in Cashel in October 1964, Eamonn in 1966 and then Patrick in 1968. But tragedy str uck and both infants died. In November 1970, the family moved to Australia. On arriving in Sydney, the Finegans were taken to the Fairymeadow migrant hostel in Wollongong. This was not what Patrick had envisaged. Early next mor ning, he hitch-hiked to Sydney. By the time he returned next day he had arranged a new job as a truck driver and secured a one-bedroom flat in Bronte. Three months after ar riving in Sydney, tragedy struck again when Pat and Josie’s new baby girl Ursula died in infancy. He asked for a few days off but his heartless boss demanded a death certificate. This was the last straw. Pat decided to start his own cleaning company. Then in 1972 Owen was born. Later, a primar y school classmate of Owen’s, Anthony Ridgeway, joined the family.

LOVING DAD: Patrick Finegan

When Pat and Josephine were entering their 60s, they started a new venture, The Wee Wonders centres. Pat was an active member of his parish community serving on the parish councils of Malabar and Maroubra and for the last two years while battling cancer was involved in helping others through his work on the committee of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Eldest son Shaun, speaking at his funeral Mass, said: “He was a straightforward man who demanded a high standard from those around him, and who expected only the best for his wife, children and grandchildren, of all of whom he was immensely proud.” Son Owen, who played international rugby for Australia, said his dad was “a living example of what it was like to be a father and a husband, that it was possible for a man to show tenderness, to be unafraid of open affection with his wife, children and grandchildren”. Pat Finegan died on October 16, surrounded by his loving family. He is buried at Botany Cemetery.

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

New York nuns take over in Drogheda A NEW York-based order of nuns, Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal, has replaced an older Irish order in Drogheda. The BBC reports the order is named after medieval saint Francis of Assisi who turned his back on his family’s wealth and devoted himself to a simple life of looking after the poor and animals. Bishop of Meath Dr Michael Smith asked Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York to send the nuns after the Mercy Sisters left town. The cardinal, educated in Missouri by Mercy nuns from Drogheda, readily agreed. Because the sisters have only been in Ireland a few weeks, they say they are not up to speed on the scandals that have tainted Irish Catholicism. Derry

Emails indicate rift behind City of Culture THE depth of animosity and conflict between Derry City Council and the Culture Company set up to run the City of Culture year has been revealed in a series of leaked emails. The Belfast Telegraph reports bitter exchanges show year-long tensions between the two leading figures behind UK City of Culture 2013. Communications between Culture Company chief executive Shona McCarthy and Derry City Council chief executive Sharon O’Connor have underlined the extent of ill-feeling. Emails include one dating to October last year in which Ms O’Connor claims Culture Company marketing was sub-standard. On the eve of the launch, Ms O’Connor wrote to Ms McCarthy saying: “This whole project is in jeopardy and deflecting blame is not helpful. We really need for you to drop the us and them attitude and get with the team Derry approach.” She also wrote: “You told me there was no need for panic with regard to the state of planning for 2013. Now might be a very good time to panic.” Ms McCarthy suggested the Culture Company was a dumping ground for staff who were managed out of jobs, and made clear she was unhappy about discrediting its marketing strategies. A council spokeswoman said: “The important thing to focus on is that 2013 has been an overwhelming success. The planning and delivery throughout 2013 is already returning dividends.”

Man held over alleged assault of ex-partner A MAN, 39, has been remanded in custody charged with assaulting his former partner and stealing her car. The Derry Journal reports Patrick Morgan, of Churchill Road, Ballykelly, appeared at Derry Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to alleged

incidents in Ballykelly and Coleraine. Among the 14 charges against him are causing damage to a bedroom door by headbutting it, driving with excess alcohol, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance. Opposing bail application, a police officer said officers responded to a domestic incident at a house in Bonds Court, Ballykelly, where they found the alleged victim crying she was “viciously assaulted” with kicks to the face and punches all over her body. A friend of the victim said she had witnessed the alleged attack. The police officer told the court the accused left in the injured woman’s car to drive to Coleraine, where he was later arrested. The court heard Morgan was on bail over an assault on the same woman 15 days before the alleged incident. District Judge Barney McElholm said Morgan was “clearly a danger” to his ex-partner, her friends and other road-users. The accused was remanded in custody to appear at Derry Magistrate’s Court by video link on November 14. Sligo

Group looks to turn railway into greenway A SLIGO Leitrim and Cavan working group has been formed to resurrect a proposal to convert the disused SLNCR Railway between Collooney, Co Sligo, and Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, into a multi-use rail trail or greenway for cyclists and walkers. The Leitrim Observer reports the proposal is modelled on the Mayo Greenway. The route stretches from Sligo along Lough Gill up through the valley of the River Bonet, under the North Leitrim Glens and on into the Lakelands of Cavan and Fermanagh. Leitrim Council has appointed a consultant engineer and is preparing a topographical survey of the route. This process has now been completed in Sligo, and agreement in principle has been secured from landowners in Cavan. Donegal

Arson attack as pair celebrate wedding GARDAÍ in Donegal are investigating a suspected arson attack on a newly-married couple’s home. The Irish Examiner reports two vans and a garage were burnt while the couple were at their wedding reception. Gardaí are treating the fire as arson. Damage worth up to €20,000 was caused. Letterkenny Town Cllr Gerry McMonagle has condemned the incident. “This was a despicable act of wanton destruction,” he said. Belfast

Charges yet to be laid over toilet camera MORE than a year after a camera was discovered in the constituency office of a DUP MP, police are still

SEEKING SOLUTION: British chemists are being sought to try to solve the water treatment issue leaving much of greater Dublin without proper supplies. The city is 30 million litres below what it needs to keep taps and toilets in homes and businesses flowing after a 10-day problem at the Ballymore Eustace plant in Co Kildare. Pic: PA investigating whether an offence was committed. The Belfast News Letter reports that last September, David McConaghie left the employment of Upper Bann MP David Simpson after the discovery of the camera in the toilet of the MP’s Thomas Street office in Portadown. Mr Simpson reported the issue to police. Mr McConaghie, who was Mr Simpson’s key aide, was arrested, but more than a year later police have yet to decide whether to charge him. Mr McConaghie remains on police bail. Mr McConaghie was a licensed Free Presbyterian minister and had been press officer for the evangelical Christian lobby group the Caleb Foundation. Limerick

Drunk driver jailed for crashing into police A DRIVER too intoxicated to avoid crashing his car into a garda vehicle, injuring two gardaí, has been jailed for two years. Limerick Live95fm reports Gerard Doyle, 43, of Brú Na Gruadain, Castletroy, pleaded guilty to intentionally or recklessly driving a car at the two female gardaí. Judge Carroll Moran was told Doyle took his partner’s car after an argument and she alerted gardaí he had been drinking since the night before and had taken cocaine. Two female gardaí were hospitalised after Doyle struck their vehicle. Judge Moran accepted it was not a deliberate ramming but said Doyle was “just so out of his mind he was unable to take evasive action to avoid the collision”. Doyle has served a 15-yearsentence for petrol bombing a house in Southill. Since his release he accumulated a number of road traffic convictions and was disqualified from driving at the time of this offence. Doyle gave an undertaking to abstain from alcohol and the judge suspended the final year of a three-year sentence for four years. He also banned Doyle from driving for seven years. Mayo

Public houses fined over smoking bans THE operators of two public houses in Ballina were convicted and fined at a sitting of Ballina District Court for allowing smoking in a specified place with more than 50 per cent of the

area covered. According to the law, that means smoking is taking place “inside the premises”. The Mayo News reports a fine of €250 plus €750 costs was handed to the receiver of Brennan’s Lane Bar and Restaurant, Tone Street, Ballina, Tom O’Brien, of Mazars, Block 3, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Road, Dublin. A fine of €250 plus €750 in costs was also handed to CM Bard Tavern Ltd, Garden Street, Ballina, the company that owns The Bard. The court heard an HSE inspection at Brennan’s Lane Bar and Restaurant found people smoking in the back entrance of the premises. The area was found to be completely covered by a roof and four walls surrounding it. An HSE inspection was also carried out on The Bard, where people were seen smoking in an area off the premises. The area was found to be surrounded by three walls and a perspex roof. The court heard the owner of the premises, Michael Carr, said he would rectify the problem and has since closed the area from use and removed the roof. Wicklow

Connery’s ‘time-warp’ castle for sale SEAN Connery’s 1970s “time-warp” Gothic Irish castle is for sale, along with a virtual Aladdin’s Cave of its original contents. The Sunday Independent reports the James Bond star kept his presence in Ireland a closely guarded secret, with few people knowing he lived there during the mid-1970s. The contents of the luxury hideaway in Bray, Co Wicklow, will be auctioned next month. Experts expect to raise €500,000 from the valuable antiques and over-the-top furnishings of Violet Hill, which Connery left in 1978 after four years living there. The house is for sale under private treaty for about €1.6 million. Cork

Village overrun by drunken teens A SMALL East Cork village was overrun by drunken teens “who arrived in throngs” after a house party was advertised on the internet via social media websites. The Irish Examiner reports Garda Supt John Quilter said more than 200 teenagers arrived in the village.

“It attracted a large crowd. There were some public order issues and some arrests,” said Supt Quilter. One retailer in the village described the scene as “crazy and really frightening for older people”. “There was plenty of drinking going on, bottles in paper bags being swapped around, teens running into people’s back gardens,” the woman said. Cavan

Fleming’s lookout restored for tourism CAPTAIN James Fleming’s unique 19th century lookout, perched on top of Belville Hill, gave a spectacular panoramic view of seven counties. The Anglo-Celt reports that thanks to the hard work of the 13-strong Ballinagh Community Enterprise Association and a combination of public finance and community fundraising the folly, which dates from the 1700s, has now been restored, along with a new stairway up the hill and an impressive loopwalk. The building had fallen into serious disrepair but is expected to become a popular draw for tourists and hillwalkers. The project was financed by the Cavan Monaghan Leader, which provided €48,385; a further €15,000 came from Cavan County Council. Bridging finance for the project was provided by the Ulster Community Investment Trust. Meath

Survey discovers gold in streams GOLD has been found in streams in Kingscourt. The Meath Chronicle reports the find was discovered during the Tellus Border Project – a mapping project involving the collection of scientific data on soils, waters and rocks across the border counties. The project, which involved a land-based geochemical survey and an airborne geophysical survey, collected a wealth of new information about the natural resources of the border counties. The project also included a “gold map” which is the most extensive dataset of gold in regional stream sediments completed in Ireland to date. Other areas with what is described as “anomalous gold concentrations” in stream sediments have been found in Carrickmacross, Sligo, and several areas of the Inishowen Peninsula and Termon, in Co Donegal.

Comment

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

Working holiday visa scheme must move with the times THE working holiday visa has been a good friend to Irish people in recent years, allowing thousands to come to Australia. Overall, the programme continues to grow. The Department of Immigration and Border Protection released its annual report last week. In it, it notes a total 15.8 per cent growth in the working holiday maker programme. Some 258,248 people from a wide range of countries took part in the scheme in the financial year 2012-13. There were increases in grants for all WHM visa categories: first working holiday (sub-class 417), second working holiday (sub-class 417) and work and holiday (sub-class 462). Britain remains the chief source of visa-holders across these categories, with the gap year still hugely popular as a rite of passage. Korea, Taiwan, Germany and France round out the top five contributing nations. Ireland, however, has seen a notable reduction in the number of grants for working holiday visas in the past financial year – the numbers have slid by almost 40 per cent. Some 11, 817 Irish people were granted first-year working holiday visas in the past financial year, with 7,300 securing its secondyear incarnation through regional work. The decline in the number of Irish grants is interesting, given that the scheme has been so overwhelmingly popular with people from Ireland. While the department does not offer much by way of explanation for the slide in Irish numbers, there are perhaps a few factors at play.

By virtue of the fact that so many Irish people have already come to Australia under the scheme, fewer are available use it. In short, Ireland is beginning to run out of eligible candidates. Irish people – and one suspects many will forgive the generalisation – are often keenly attuned to their chances of finding work.

By virtue of the fact that so many Irish people have already come to Australia under the scheme, fewer are available to use it. In short, Ireland is beginning to run out of eligible candidates. With reports over the past 18 months that backpacker work can be hard to come by, some might be choosing not to risk it. Australia has competitors too. Researchers from the University College Cork’s Émigré project noted in their recent widespread study of Irish emigration patterns

how Canada is emerging as a popular destination of choice. It certainly provides competition for Australia in the working holiday visa market. The International Experience Canada programme introduced significant changes this year which will now allow Irish applicants to live and work there for up to two years. The Canadian programme is closer to Ireland and also has the advantage of a limitless work period within that two years. In Australia, the six-month limit on work per employer is an ongoing frustration for applicants who have gone through a difficult job-hunting process. For stakeholders in the tourism and travel industry, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the working holiday maker programme is due for an update. A report released by Tourism Research Australia last week shows the industry is due to meet a target of $140 billion overseas visitor spending by 2020. Changing the makeup of the working holiday maker programme can help the industry reach that goal. China and Vietnam would provide a real boon to the scheme and it is bizarre, given successive governments’ statements about the importance of Asia, that they have yet to be included under the scheme. Tourism bodies have already called for the age limit of 30 to be lifted. The removal of the six-month work limit is long overdue. The immigration minister must look urgently at the scheme to address its flaws, lest Australia be left behind as global competitors evolve.

editor@irishecho.com.au

Opinion Publisher: Billy Cantwell Editor: Luke O’Neill Subediting: Pagemasters Contributors: Martin Brady Fergal Davis Aaron Dunne Darryl Kennedy Andrea McCullagh John McQuaid Frank O’Shea Seumas Phelan Malcolm Rogers Design: Diarmaid Collins 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 fortnightly by The Irish Exile P/L Printed by Spot Press Distributed by Network Distribution Services

Attitudes to most vulnerable reveal danger of labels WHY does the Australian government’s Minister for Immigration and Border Control, Scott Morrison, insist on referring to asylum seekers who arrive in Australia by boat as “illegals”? The word is inaccurate in law and misleading, so why issue a directive insisting that it be used? Under Article 1 A(2) of the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, a refugee is a person who is outside their own country and who, as a result of a well-founded fear of persecution, is unwilling to seek the support of their home country or to return to their home country. That definition is beyond dispute – though there is room for disagreement about who satisfies the criteria. Crucially, the drafters of the convention understood that fleeing persecution was unlikely to happen in an orderly fashion. As a result, Article 31 makes it explicitly clear that contracting states (including Australia) shall not impose penalties on refugees “on account of their illegal entry or presence”. In other words, actions which might usually be treated as illegal (such as entering Australia without a visa) should not be considered illegal if the person doing them is seeking asylum. Professor Jane McAdam, internationally renowned expert on refugee law and UNSW colleague of mine, has made it clear: the term “illegals” is incorrect. Given that the term is so obviously wrong, why is Morrison labelling asylum seekers who arrive by boat as “illegal”? The first answer is that labels matter

Have Your Say Share your reaction to Fergal Davis’ analysis on our Facebook page or send us your thoughts by emailing editor@ irishecho.com.au

in politics. For example, George Wright, the Australian Labor Par ty national secretary, recently acknowledged that fact. He told the National Press Club in Canberra the ALP should never have allowed its emissions trading scheme to be labelled the “carbon tax”. Taxes are never popular with the public. Labels matter. That tells us why Morrison wants to use a label, but given its inaccuracy, why use the negative label “illegals”? There are two ways to answer that question. The complicated answer rests in what linguistics call speech act theory. According to that theory “to say something is to do something”. Saying “that’s a grand pint” describes the pint but it also creates a fact – the pint is now officially “grand”. The pint itself has been validated but so have the bar staff who poured it and the pub within which it was poured. Saying that’s “grand” does more than describe the pint. The simple answer? “Give a dog a bad name”, as my mother would say. Minister Morrison is shaping the debate on asylum and he’s looking to cast this group of asylum seekers in a negative light. Labelling asylum seekers who arrive by boat as “illegals” is dehumanising. It is an attempt to define these people by their actions (arriving by boat) rather than seeing them as human beings. The label is designed to create the impression these people have done something wrong – that they are criminals. Finally, once the negative label sticks it becomes a justification for harsh treatment – we would not treat innocent refugees fleeing persecution harshly but it is OK to treat “illegals” in this way. Sociologists sometimes refer to this process as “othering”. That is the processes through which we exclude others from society. Criminals are obviously excluded from society – those who break the law are penalised, often imprisoned, as a consequence. The term “illegals” puts asylum seekers in that excluded category.

Fergal Davis

Late in October reports in Greece began emerging of a blonde-haired blue-eyed girl known as Maria living with a Roma family. Some media coverage referred to the child as “Angel Maria”. Such reporting fed into the racist stereotype of the Roma as a nomadic people who steal children from settled people. Soon after, reports began surfacing on social media in Ireland of more fairhaired children living with Roma families. People jumped to the conclusion the children had been abducted. What other explanation could there be? Irish law empowers the gardaí to remove a child where they have reasonable grounds for believing there is an im-

Labelling asylum seekers who arrive by boat as “illegals” is dehumanising. It is an attempt to define these people by their actions (arriving by boat) rather than seeing them as human beings. The label is designed to create the impression these people have done something wrong. Europe’s Roma and the Irish Traveller community will be familiar with the importance of labels. European literature is littered with references to “gypsies” stealing children. Irish traditional music is full of charming itinerant workers who stay for the night and leave before sunrise with daughters. And, as Christy Moore noted, the Irish State has become very adept at telling the Roma to “go, move, shift”.

mediate and serious risk to the health or welfare of the child. On that basis the Irish authorities removed two children, a boy and a girl, from two different families. In both cases DNA testing ultimately showed the parents were, in fact, the parents of the children. Unimaginable discrimination becomes possible when a group is “othered”. Minister Morrison’s is unfairly demonising asylum seekers who arrive by boat. We are right to ask: why?

Fergal Davis is a Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales.

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VICTIM: Jeweller Dermo t O’Toole, 64, died during an alleged robbery.

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A MAN on Victor ia’s Morni ngton Penins ula has been charge d with murder over the death of an Irish-born jeweller.

BOTTOMS UP: Young Dubliners jump into the Grand Canal Dock Met Eireann predicts in Dublin city centre the warm dry spell could as temperatures in the last until August. Pic: high 20s were experie Niall Carson/PA nced

employment opp oRtunItIeS tIgH ten

across Ireland.

Construction jobs thin in Queensland slowdo out wn

Susan Butler

my visa I do a lot of contrac in Brisbane t work, but permanent it’s not as easy to find as Australian resident had it was,” he said. lot to a slowdown is becom do with his struggle to ing more and more Mr Barry was out of The construction boom find work evident, with work for in Queensland weeks the number of project before he got his curren six in the Queensland capital. is slowing down and it’s s they are getting having a major he said t job. “The first thing I was asked dramatically it was really frustrating impact on Irish worker was if I decreasing. looking was a residen s. for work in Brisbane. t or not – the minute I told It is estimated the numbe howev r and scale them er, it’s what not “I visa really noticed there were all doom and I was on they weren’t of major construction a lot less interested,” projects in the jobs gloom. he adverti said. sunsh ine state will fall by $7.4 that were sed online. The few jobs Mr Barry said “even in the mines, where billion over the next four advertised, I applied for everyone a job the old-fash he eventually found them thinks there are years, ioned way and is enplenty of jobs – unless ing to the 2013 Major Project accord- but never heard anything back.” joying his time in Queen s you have permanent The latest ANZ statist sland. It found lar ger const Report residency you ics on job don’t stand “After six weeks of a chance.” no work, I developments were expecte r uction adver tiseme nts confir m what decided to just go out Mr d to decline Bar r y Permanent resident or with my CV to has exper ienced , with by around 40 per cent not, due to every place I could by 2017. a the slowdown in the shortage of job listings think of , instead of K e e l a n B a r r y, a 2 coal industr , online and in aren’t y, jobs applying online 4 - y e a r - o l d newspa as plentiful as they once and hoping someone pers. constr uction work were in would get back to er from Co the mining industr y me. Since June last year, the Waterford, believes the in Queensland number slowdown is advert “I decided to take the old-fash ised jobs in Queensland of either. already impacting on ioned non-Australian fallen approach of visiting compa has The Queensland Resour by 34 per cent. residents. nies and ces Council asking for says about $50 billion work, and it paid off.” The ANZ Mr Barry, who is on a worth of coal Now he has a job, he admits second-year were down statistics show job listings projects have been working holiday visa, found put on hold. for the fourth month in there is a huge it difficult row in June. a differe Lower coal prices and to get work in Brisbane. higher costs ployed and nce between being emmean many major compa unemployed in Brisbane however, “In the last six month – nies are he definite s or so, I’ve of advert it’s not just the shortage struggling and ly prefers the former scaling back on their noticed a real differe and nce in the job people ised jobs that affects Irish workforce. would not like to be back looking for work. looking for a market for constr uction. job Because of on a temporary visa. Irish fly-in, Mr Barry believes that not being a Queen sland fly-out workers in Central are report ing that the www.irishecho.com.au | Postal Address JOBlE

Dermot O’Toole, 64, from Galway, died when he came to the wife Bridget during an allegedaid of his at their shop, the Jewel robber y Shed, in hastings, on July 12. Mr O’Toole died after being stabbed at the scene, police allege. his 63-year-old wife was taken to Frankston hospital, but later released on Saturday. Gavin Perry, 26, of Crib been charge d with murdePoint, has robber y and intenti onally r, armed causin g serious injury. Police allege Mr Perry entered the shop on high Street in hasting last Friday, where it is alleged s at 5pm he fatally stabbed Mr O’Toole. Mr Perr y appear ed at before Melbourne Magist a hearin g rates’ Court on July 15, where the court heard investgators have seizeed CCTV footage from inside the shop. The told detectives have seizedcourt was allegedly worn by the accuse clothing d. Mr Perry is scheduled to appear at a commital mention on November 11 and homicide detecti ves have until September 30 to produc e a book of evidence. The couple have thr Christian, Dale, and Trent. ee sons, C h r i s t i a n O ’ To o l e attended Monday’s hearing with his wife. Cards and flowers have been left outside the Jewel Shed, in hastings. The family has thanke d the local community for its suppor t.

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CUrSEd! Mayo fans around the planet must once again ponder what might have been after losing yet another All Ireland Football Final. dublin, champions just two years ago, edged out the Connacht sharp-shooters by a solitary point in front of a capacity crowd at Croke Park on Sunday. No-one felt the defeat more sharply than the Taoiseach Enda Kenny, who was just five months old the last time Mayo won the coveted Sam Maguire Cup. Much has been said in recent weeks about the famed curse or piseóg that was placed on the Mayo team that year. A priest allegedy cursed the team for over-celebrating in Foxford on the way home from dublin 62 years ago. The priest was angry at the behaviour of the fans while a funeral was taking place, and said Mayo would never again win the All Ireland while the members of the 1951 team were alive. Two of those players – Padraig Carney and Paddy Prendergast – are still alive and well. Mayo’s loss means the superstition lives on too.

DUBS ABÚ: (Above top) Paddy McCardle celebrates Dublin’s success in Melbourne with his dog, Keano. (Above) Dublin players enjoy their 24th All Ireland success after a thrilling one-point win over Mayo at Croke Park. Pix: Darryl Kennedy, Adrian Melia.

An Irishman who was deported from Australia last week claims he has been slugged with a $37,000 bill for his removal. Ross O’Sullivan (28) says six Australian immigration officials and security guards accompanied him on the long flight to Dublin from Perth. He also claims to have been handcuffed and placed in a cell at Singapore Airport, but says at least two of his escorts stayed two nights in a four-star Dublin hotel before travelling back to Australia by business class. His deportation followed a period of detention in Perth. Immigration of ficials have confirmed that O’Sullivan had earlier escaped from a detention centre and evaded authorities for almost seven months. The 28-year-old told the Irish Echo he broke his way through a skylight, crawled through a suspended ceiling and smashed a plastic dome to make his way onto the roof. He then jumped off a building, which he says was about 25 foot high, and hid in the long term car park of the airport. The Corkman claims he hid in bushland and followed the train tracks to Bayswater after escaping from the Perth Immigration Detention Centre. He says he made the escape with a Dubliner who was found by authorities in less than a month and deported. O’Sullivan says he went on a road trip and visited both Sydney and Brisbane but was tracked down by authorities in the nor thern Per th suburb of Scarborough two weeks ago. O’Sullivan left Perth on Thursday September 19 accompanied by six escor ts – two of ficers from the Depar tment of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and four security officers. He said he does not intend to pay the $37,000 bill. “I’m not going to pay it … I wouldn’t accept the bill. I said ‘keep it’,” he said. “It’s just overkill. It’s ridiculous.” When he landed in detention in February he says he offered to leave

REMOVAL COSTS: Irish brickie says he will not pay the $37,000 bill for his deportation from Australia.

voluntarily with his own money but his request was refused. O’Sullivan arrived in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa when he was 22 and he explained his 457 visa was cancelled as the company he was with was not established enough. He had overstayed his visa by more than two years when he was placed in detention in early February. He was frustrated by the length of time he was in the centre and at the time was facing a bill of up to $13,000 to be returned to Ireland. “I did what I had to do because they wouldn’t send me home,” he said. O’Sullivan has also been hit with a three-year ban from retur ning to Australia but says he is happy to be home for the first time in six years. He has no regrets about the escape and said he wanted to be caught as the authorities were holding his passport, laptop and luggage. “I had a good time and I sorted out my affairs. I only got caught because I wanted to be,” he said. O’Sullivan works as a bricklayer and is hoping to find work in Canada or Europe, he told the Irish Echo. Print Post No 100007285

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37 sports

world cup of golf :: royal melbourne golf club :: november 21–24

McDowell confident of Melbourne chances SHANE Lowry believes the Australian duo of Adam Scott and Jason Day will provide the stiffest opposition to his partnership with Graeme McDowell in the World Cup of Golf. Lowry and McDowell carry Irish hopes at the competition, which takes place later this month at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. “Well, obviously I think the Aussies, Adam Scott and Jason Day are going to be favourites going into it,” Lowry told a press conference last week. “I mean, but on their day, I think anyone can win. Me and Graeme obviously think we have a chance going down, and we wouldn’t be going there obviously if we didn’t think we could win it. So yeah, the Aussies are probably the team to beat down there, but I’m sure we can give it a good go, as well.” McDowell sees the Irish duo as potential favourites for the four-day competition. “Very excited to have Shane alongside me, great player. Should bring a lot to the tournament. Obviously slight format change this year. A little bit more individual element to it and a lot to play for,” McDowell said.

“But national pride at stake, and losing by one a few years ago at Mission Hills, love to go one better. You know, yeah, it’s a lesser team element, but still, it would be amazing to win the World Cup and add that to the resumé and very good friends with Shane, he’s a very good player and I think we’ll certainly be one of the favorites.” McDowell is hopeful that the duo’s experience of Irish links golf will give them the edge against the likes of Day and Scott. “For sure, myself and Shane both grew up in Ireland, and playing a links experience, I think as far as playing golf courses like Royal Melbourne, I think we’ll be as experienced as anybody out there. Some great players down there,” he said. Asked about the Rio Games – where golf is set to make its debut as an Olympic sport – McDowell said he would like to play for Team Ireland. “I’ve played for Ireland most of my career to this point, and will certainly be excited to potentially get that chance come 2016 if I’m still fit and healthy and good enough; that would be a great problem to have,” he said.

DRIVE TO WIN: Graeme McDowell says he and Shane Lowry will be among the favourites at this month’s World Cup of Golf at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Pic: PA

irish soccer job

spat reignited

tome breathes O’Neill-Keane dream Ferguson new life into old Roy row ticket in the offing Damian Spellman

Martin O’Neill was edging closer to accepting the Republic of Ireland manager’s job as the Irish Echo went to press. Suggestions that Roy Keane could join the Nor thern Irishman as his number two have been circulating for several days, and it is understood that what would represent something of a dream team for many Ireland fans could become a reality if O’Neill cements his interest in the post by giving the Football Association of Ireland the answer they want. Sources close to the 61-year-old have indicated he is close to making his decision and that it will be positive, and the FAI Board is due to meet next week in the hope of r ubber-stamping an appointment. H o w e v e r, t h e t i m e - f r a m e i s uncertain with both O’Neill and Keane scheduled to head for Spain in their respective roles as ITV pundits for the Champions League clash Real Sociedad and Manchester United. Ireland face Latvia and Poland in friendlies later this month and a 40-man squad, which was selected by interim boss Noel King, will meet up in Portmarnock next Monday. The FAI will hope to have the new manager in charge by then to start the process of preparing for the Euro 2016 qualification campaign, which gets under way in September next year. O’Neill has been out of football since being shown the door by Sunderland in March, while Keane parted company with Ipswich in January 2011. The former Black Cats boss has been the FAI’s preferred candidate all along, although Ray Houghton and high per formance director Ruud Dokter were despatched to carry out an assessment of the available options.

THE ODD COUPLE?: Martin O’Neill (above left) last coached for Sunderland, while Roy Keane left the Ipswich top job in early 2011. Pix: PA

Mick McCarthy and Keane in his own right have also been heavily linked with the post, although the latter’s infamous bust-up with the former in Saipan has tended to colour his candidacy. However, FAI chief executive John Delaney has been careful not to rule out the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland captain publicly, and it appears that the association is at least prepared to countenance employing him as O’Neill’s assistant should he take the job. There is little doubt that that particular scenario would excite the Irish public, who had grown weary of Giovanni Trapattoni’s pragmatism, and whatever else the pair offered, life would certainly not be dull.

Celtic manager Neil Lennon believes pairing O’Neill and Keane in a management team would keep the Republic players on their toes. “It’ll be very interesting. They’re two great characters with a vast knowledge of the game, two very proud men as well – God help the players,” Lennon told reporters. “I’m surprised because I didn’t realise there was a connection between the two but Roy has a great knowledge of the game, he was a magnificent player, one of the best of his generation and he’ll lift any team walking into that dressing room.” Lennon, who won 40 caps for Northern Ireland, added: “He’ll have the players on their toes, as will Martin and it’ll be exciting to watch.”

Roy Keane has accused Alex Ferguson of disloyalty, claiming that his former Manchester United manager “does not know the meaning of the word”. Ferguson has lifted the lid on his feud with Keane in his book My Autobiography, with the Scot claiming his authority at Old Trafford would have been undermined had he not sold the increasingly volatile player in 2005. But the Scot has also turned fire on more of his former players, with David Beckham among those to come in for criticism, and Keane believes his former boss is out of order. “I do remember having conversations with the manager when I was at the club about loyalty and, in my opinion, I don’t think he knows the meaning of the word,” he told ITV1. “It doesn’t bother me too much what he has to say about me but to constantly criticise other players at the club who brought him a lot of success, I find very very strange. “But I won’t be losing any sleep over it. I just don’t think the manager needs to do it,” he added. “I don’t know how many books he’s written now but he has to draw the line eventually to say ‘listen these players have been all top servants to Man Utd’. “And a lot of these players helped the manager win lots of trophies so imagine if we’d never won a trophy what he would have said. “We brought success to the club, we gave it everything we had when we were there. “But, as I said, it’s just part of modern life now, people like to do books and criticise their ex-players.” Ferguson revealed on that Keane “slaughtered” several of his teammates in an inter view for United’s in-house channel MUTV. The interview came following United’s 4-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in October 2005. He was released by the club the following month and joined Celtic. Ferguson reveals that Keane invited the United players to watch the interview, which has never been broadcast.

NOT SCOT FREE: The former Manchester United boss unleashed fresh criticism for his former player.

The decision backfired as several senior players, including Edwin van der Sar and Ruud van Nistelrooy rounded on the Red Devils captain. Keane then accused Ferguson of bringing his own dispute with shareholder John Magnier over the Rock of Gibraltar racehorse into the club. That proved to be the last straw for the fiery midfielder. “Given the nature of the man you can expect a response. That is the type of personality Roy is,” the former United boss said in a press conference to publicise the book, which is out on Thursday. “We had to react to the situation so quickly because his actions were so quick. For one reason or another he decides to go and criticise his teammates. “Most of you won’t have seen the video but you couldn’t release it. You just couldn’t. It ended up with two of our young players being booed before a Champions League match in Paris because of it.”

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

local sports glory for superbike star from co kilkenny

ON YER BIKE: Co Kilkenny native Paul Byrne (inset, left) with fellow superbike racer Corey Snowsill. Byrne finished ahead of Snowsill in the recent B grade 2013 FX Superbike Championship. He was battling it out against renowned Australian racers Broc Parkes, Kevin Curtain, Chris Seaton, Matt Walter. He finished a creditable sixth in the overall championship.

irish australian and dance partner secure berth in sochi

Danielle skates into Olympic spot Luke O’Neill

IRISH Australian figure skater Danielle O’Brien has secured qualification for the Sochi winter Olympics. The 23-year-old Sydneysider and skate partner Greg Merriman secured their place in Sochi by finishing sixth at the final qualification event, the Nebelhorn Trophy, in Oberstdor f, Germany. The athlete’s mother is from Co Cavan and her grandparents on her father’s side were from Leitrim and Meath, and both heavily involved in the GAA and Irish Dancing communities in Sydney. Writing on her blog on the Australian Olympic team website, O’Brien revealed her delight at the confirmed place for the Winter Games. “With nerves highly strung, we were very fortunate to have a huge support network at the event with our training mates from Detroit Skating Club competing for their respective countries across the four disciplines,” she wrote. “We were extremely happy with our 22nd starting draw for the short dance, which put us in the same warm-up group as our training mates from USA and Canada who brought a relaxed and familiar vibe to the warm-up area and change rooms dispelling some of the nervous energy.” O’Brien said she and Greg were happy with ther per fomance in Germany. “Despite losing some of our energy towards the end of our Free Dance, Greg & I, along with our coaches Angelika and Massimo were extremely happy with both performances and of course the 3rd place qualifying finish, sixth overall.” The duo were keen to avoid the

GO FIGURE: Danielle O’Brien and Greg Merriman at the recent Skate DownUnder competition. The duo will now compete at the Sochi Olympic Games in Russia next February. Pix: Malcolm Ellis

disappointment of non-qualification for the 2013 World Championships, where they failed to record the minimum technical score in the short dance, a new rule brought in by the International Federation which meant they missed out on the competition. “With reminders of the 2009 Olympic Qualification disappointment around ever y corner in Oberstdorf, as we skated to our starting position to begin our Short Dance I said to Greg ‘we have been waiting four years to skate this programme’,” she wrote. “Four years on, a move to Detroit, a

top 20 Worlds finish, failure to qualify for the 2013 World Championships and finally qualifying to represent Australia at the Olympic Games, I can look back on the journey and dismiss all the ‘what ifs’ and look forward to the honour of sporting the green and gold in Sochi.” O’Brien and Merriman have been skating together since 1998 and are the most decorated pair of any Ice Dance duo in Australian history. They are also three-time Junior Australian Ice Dance Champions and f i v e - t i m e Wo r l d C h a m p i o n s h i p representatives.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

local sports masters competition named in honour of afl great

GAA cup honours Stynes’ lasting Reach Andrea McCullagh

A NEW GAA tournament in Victoria has been named in honour of football hero Jim Stynes and will see two state teams battle it out to raise funds for his foundation. The inaugural Jim Stynes Masters Cup takes place in Melbourne this month, and the over-35 squads from Victoria and Queensland are pitched against each other. Stynes’s brothers are involved in the game as Brian is managing the Victoria team and David will be playing in midfield. Owen Quinn, the referee co-ordinator for GAA Victoria, came up with the idea for an over-35s game when he was talking to his GAA colleagues. “I said we could tur n this into something a bit more than a game of Gaelic football and a few drinks. I thought we could make something good out of it,” he said. All funds raised on the day will go towards the Reach organisation for young people, which Stynes co-founded. The Gaelic Park committee have donated the trophy for the tournament and local businesses have donated items for a raffle. Mr Quinn hopes to extend the tournament next year and says other states are also interested in taking part.

HONOURED: The inaugural Jim Stynes Masters Cup will take place in Melbourne next month.

“We are going to make it an annual event. There are a couple of other states interested in playing. I think New Zealand want to get involved,” he said. “I didn’t want to go too big too quick. – I wanted to see how the first year would go. We’re going to travel to Queensland next year to return the favour.” Both teams will have about 25 players each on the day, and Gaelic Park are delighted to host the tournament. Register Rory O’Malley said it was

great to have a match in Gaelic Park when the games were over for the season. Stynes died aged 45 last year after a battle with cancer and he is a big hero of Mr Quinn. “For Jim Stynes to leave Ireland when he was 18 – and at that time Australia was probably ten times further away than it is now,” he said. “For a man to do what he did and come out, and so many people to embrace him. To do what he did through sport was a great achievement.”

new super 8 competition

Thunder hope expats will be onto new cup in a flash Cricket fans and players from the British and Irish community have been invited to create a team and represent Britain and Ireland in the newly created Thunder Nation Cup which was launched last week. The competition has been started by Big Bash team Sydney Thunder, which recently announced the signing of Irish batsman Eoin Morgan. The competition aims to give all cricket lovers the chance to experience the fun and excitement of Twenty20 cricket, whilst representing their local community. Kicking off with an British and Irish community round to be played at Br uce Purser Oval, Kellyville, on November 17, teams from the British and Irish community will take on each other in a fun day of cricket played in the Super 8 format. The winner on that day will advance through to the Thunder Nation Cup Mini World Cup on December 8 at Mona Park in Auburn, taking on over ten teams from other nations. The competition will culminate with the two finalists taking to the hallowed turf of ANZ Stadium to play in the official curtain raiser for the Sydney Thunder versus Brisbane Heat match on January 8. The winning team will take home the inaugural Thunder Nation Cup. Mike Hussey said he was excited about the new competition. “The British and Irish community is well known for its love of cricket and I can’t wait to see some of the stars of

RECRUIT: Dubliner Eoin Morgan.

the future who are unearthed as part of the Thunder Nation Cup,” he said. “The boys are looking forward to watching some of the final ahead of our Brisbane Heat match on January 8 – here’s hoping none of the players show us up,” Hussey added. Sydney Thunder General Manager Nick Cummins encouraged fans and players to get involved. He said participants don’t need to be cricket experts or professionals to play . Entry is open to male and females, 16 and above, as part of a team of eight. To enter a team of eight or to find out more information, fans can go to w w w. s y d n e y t h u n d e r. c o m . a u / thundernationcup

irish echo australasian all-star camogie team

CREAM OF THE CROP: Ciara Storey (NSW), Dee Delaney (NSW), Siobhán Holland (NSW), Rachel Horan (NSW), Keira Kinahan (NSW), Jenny O’Grady (NSW), Siona Nolan (NSW), Evelyn O’Brien (NSW), Aileen O’Loughlin (QLD), Emma Fitzgerald (QLD), Katie Fitzgerald (QLD), Aisling Kelly (QLD), Mairéad Luttrell (QLD), Orla McHugh (QLD), Rachel Lynch (QLD). Pic: DARRYL KENNEDY

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

international rules gaa news in brief

Canty calls time on Rebels career Cork’s 2010 All-Ireland

winning captain Graham Canty has announced his retirement from inter-county football. The 32-year-old Bantry Blues clubman has been an integral part of the Rebel County set-up since 2000 and is the third high-profile Cork defender to announce his retirement in recent weeks, following Noel O’Leary and Paudie Kissane through the exit door. As well as the 2010 Sam Maguire Cup, Canty also won three National League titles, four Munster SFCs, three All-Stars and represented Ireland regularly in the International Rules series.

Maher seals Irish win over Scotland Patrick Maher netted in

the 48th minute as Ireland defeated Scotland by 1-15 to 0-14 in last weekend’s Shinty International in Inverness. Michael Walsh’s Ireland combination carried a six-point lead into this second and final Test and were pushed all the way by the Scots, who led by 0-11 to 0-10 at the interval in a match played in difficult conditions at Bught Park. Neil McManus led by example for the winners, notching seven points, but Maher’s major eight minutes after the restart finally turned the tide in favour of the visitors.

‘No need to worry’ over Hurling 11s GAA president Liam O’Neill

has told hurling fans that they ‘needn’t worry’ over the Super 11s format. The game was trialed at Notre Dame University campus last month and in Croke Park ahead of the All-Ireland hurling final. But O’Neill has moved to quell concerns from some supporters, pundits and officials, that it could cause dilution of the 15-a-side game abroad.

Club c’ship results Football results Leinster club SFC first round Longford Slashers (Longford) 3-13 Rathnew (Wicklow) 0-10 Munster club SFC quarter-finals Ballinacourty (Waterford) 2-7 DromBroadford (LImerick) 0-11, Dr Crokes (Kerry) 1-11 Castlehaven (Cork) 0-8 Ulster club SFC quarter-finals Scotstown (Monaghan) 0-10 Ballinderry 1-8 (Derry) Glenswilly (Donegal) 1-10 St Gall’s 0-10 (Antrim) Roslea (Fermanagh) 1-12 Ballinagh (Cavan) 0-11 Kilcoo (Down) 2-9 Crossmaglen (Armagh) 1-12 Dublin SFC final Ballymun Kickhams 0-20 St Vincent’s 1-17 Tipperary SFC final Aherlow Gaels 0-9 Loughmore Castleiney 3-10 hurling results Leinster club SHC quarter-finals Castletown Geoghegan (W’meath) 1-13 Mt Leinster Rangers (Carlow) 1-15 Camross (Laois) 1-10 Kilcormac/Killoughey (Offaly) 1-18 Clara (Kilkenny) 2-11 Oulart-The Ballagh (Wexford) 0-20 Cork SHC final Midleton 2-15 Sarsfields 2-13 London SHC final Brothers Pearse 2-5 St Gabriel’s 3-16

international rules :: afl star says he wants to finish career in ireland

Tuohy commits future to Laois Carlton star Zach Tuohy says he is committed to finishing his sporting career as a Gaelic footballer with Laois. The International Rules star has become a regular with the Blues, playing 24 games this year. But while he looks set for a long career in the game Down Under, he is committed to playing at least a season for Laois. The 23-year-old said he plans on maintaining a high enough level of fitness after his AFL retirement to return home and line out for his native county. “I fully intend on coming back to play for Laois and Portlaoise for at least one year,” said Tuohy. “I don’t know when that will be. I don’t think I’d do it like Tadhg [Kennelly] did. I probably wouldn’t risk that. But if I’m up to it and I’m still good enough after I retire, I’d love to come back and give it a go.” But Tuohy dashed Portlaoise fans’ hopes of playing some role for them in the upcoming AIB Leinster club championship. He was a late substitute in their county final win. It was hoped he would stick around during the AFL’s close season for his club’s provincial opener at least, but Tuohy has flown home to Melbourne. “I’ve had my little stint, the honour of playing for my club again and playing for Ireland. For me, it’s kind of back to work now in Melbourne.” Aside from his own playing duties, a key task for Tuohy this winter will be to help new recruit Ciaran Byrne settle in at Carlton. Teenager Byr ne played every championship game for Louth this year as well as competing for Ireland. “I’ve said it to him already that the hardest trip home is the first trip home at Christmas,” said Tuohy. “But he’s not going to prison out here. If he ever decides on a Friday out there that he wants to come home, he’ll be home by the Saturday night.” Byrne, meanwhile, says the chance to experience life as a professional sportsman was too good an offer to turn down. “I just got a phone call to ask me to a trial in Limerick, with

BIG FUTURE: Carlton star Zach Tuohy (right, with Australia’s Lewis Jetta) is all set to welcome the Blues’ newest recruit, Louth’s Ciaran Byrne (above). Pictures: Adrian Melia

16 other lads,” the 18-year-old explained to the Irish Times. “I did pretty well, in the tests, then got another phone call, the next day. They came to the house and offered me a twoyear deal. It came from there.” The Wee County youngster will travel to Arizona in December for an altitude preseason camp and then, after spending Christmas at home, he will head Down Under. “Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had a good time with Zach,” added Byrne. “I went to Carlton for two weeks during the summer and stayed with Zach as well. He is a good man. “Zach has been very good to me over the last couple of weeks. It will be good to have an Irishman at the club.” If things don’t work out he will always have Gaelic football and Louth to fall back on. “I want to come back and play with Louth some day. But it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. “I wanted to play professional football from a young age. I spent a year in DCU studying sports science and health. “I have deferred my course for three years. Maybe in three years I will return to DCU and play for Louth as well,” he added.

Dublin deal is ‘good news’ GAA President Liam O’Neill

has welcomed Dublin’s megabucks sponsorship deal with insurance giant AIG, but says Croke Park may have to look at ways of making it a level playing field for weaker counties. “It’s good news that Gaelic games are attracting a sponsor of the calibre of AIG. So, let’s say that’s good,” O’Neill told the Irish Independent

of the deal reported to be worth around €3.5million over five years. “What we have to do is just calmly look at it and see what it implies for us. “It may well change our thinking on how we finance counties across the board, you know, to equalise things. “You’ll never have an equal world, because life just isn’t equal, that’s it. But I’d much

prefer to face the challenge of having to equalise things because we’re getting more money than if we were getting less. “We are in a recession and we’re here now discussing a county getting more money than some people thought they would – as far as I’m concerned that’s good news. “Let’s just see where this goes first.”

international rules :: gaa boss accentuates the positive

O’Neill puts series’ future in the AFL’s hands GAA president Liam O’Neill has

placed the future of the International Rules series firmly in the AFL’s lap. Following Ireland’s 173-72 aggregate win, a meeting with their Australian counterparts is scheduled to take place before Christmas. “They have a few things to work out,” said O’Neill. “We know where we want to go with this. “It’s very simple: if we want to kill this, if I wanted to kill this, being the president, we could all do it like that [clicks fingers]. “We don’t want to do that. It’s only 30 years old. We’ve collectively criticised and demanded more of it. Even at its worst, if it was at its worst last weekend, the crowds are more than attended some recent

international fixtures here. No one said we should stop playing those sports,” added O’Neill, before lauding the preparation of Paul Earley’s Irish squad who so easily saw off the indigenous touring squad. “I think the AFL know what they have to do now.” It was put to O’Neill that Australian Rules players will never be able to attain a similar standard as their opponents while playing with an unfamiliar ball. “No, but they play a different game,” said O’Neill. “They’re bigger teams although this is one of the smallest teams they ever brought. They have that difficulty, yeah, they have but they’re adapting their game to it.”

O’Neill was also adamant the GAA never expressed any misgivings about a weaker, indigenous side being sent to Ireland. “We did say to them that as a people who had a kind of a chequered history with being ruled by a stronger power that we understood how important it was for them. We just accepted the team they sent. “I was really very careful because Australia were sending a team, it was only the second indigenous team to go abroad to represent Australia, and I think that was significant. “It probably was unfortunate that because they’re only 10 percent of the playing population and that their best indigenous players couldn’t come, I think there were two or three

significant ones that would have helped them. I certainly wouldn’t like to focus on it. “We want them to bring the strongest team possible. Their biggest and strongest team is what everyone is asking for. I think we should be careful what we wish for. When they have their biggest and strongest team here we weren’t that happy either. “I want this game to develop. I want continuity between the GAA and the AFL to see where we can go with this joint venture. I want the future players to have the opportunity that players have had for the last 30 years. I want an end to wrangling off the field. We got on really well with the AFL officials this time and I want that to continue.”

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

international rules

O’Loughlin vows to learn from mistakes

lessons: Australia coach Michael O’Loughlin

Australia coach Michael O’Loughlin says his players and the AFL learned a lot despite their hammering at the hands of Ireland in the most one-sided International Rules series in history. And when the series comes around again next year, he says they will have put that information to good use, praising the skill and brilliance of the Irish team. “There were times when I watched the Irish boys in awe,” admitted O’Loughlin who says he felt physically “ill” and “sick” watching his team concede 116 points.

He added that he believes the series should continue, but that the indigenous element to Australia’s squad selection will not be repeated. “The Australian public knew that the [indigenous] All-Stars coming together was a one-off,” continued O’Loughlin, insisting the series can thrive again. “I think what you do is you take it to places like Perth and Adelaide. I think people there absolutely love it and I don’t think you’ll have any dramas, especially with the best Irish team coming out.”

O’Loughlin put on a brave face after the taxing series, but he admitted that the embarrassing 101-point aggregate defeat hurt him deeply. “I went into the rooms after the game and some really wise heads said to me, ‘Look, be careful what you say’,” revealed O’Loughlin. “It’s just frustrating. I really hate losing. I’m a competitor. It was like the best Under 18 team playing the U13s, and we were the U13s obviously.. “But it’s part of the gig and, for me, it doesn’t do any harm whatsoever to

the series. We always knew that this was going to be a one-off exhibition game with our top [indigenous] stars in mind. “Unfortunately, one was sitting in the commentary box by the name of Adam Goodes. Buddy [Lance Franklin] showed what he can do with a couple of days’ preparation and you throw in Shaun Burgoyne and these types of [absent] players. “But it’s not an excuse to take anything away from the Irish because I watched them some of the time and was in awe,” he said.

international rules :: second test :: ireland v australia :: croke park

Earley hails Ireland’s ‘pros’ Ireland manager Paul Earley hailed it as “one of the great per formances from an Irish team in International Rules history”, and in some ways he probably wasn’t far wrong. But one couldn’t help but feel the one-sided nature of this year’s latest instalment of the series, one which saw Ireland emerge as record 101-point aggregate winners, had more to do with Australian ineptitude than anything else. Trailing by 57-35 after the first Test in Cavan, everyone expected Michael O’Loughlin’s all-indigenous Australian side to come roaring out of the blocks, especially considering the savaging they had received at home in the aftermath of that first Test. But at Croke Park, things just went from bad to worse as Earley’s well-oiled side, bolstered by a whopping six goals from Conor McManus, Jack McCaf frey, Ciaran Kilkenny and Paddy McBrearty, mercilessly put Australia to the sword. Records fell ever ywhere – Ireland winning by a record 79 points (the previous record for a single Test was 44) and a record aggregate of 101 (the previous record was 65). And the attendance of 28,525 was the lowest for an International Rules game at Croke Park since the opening Test in 1998. Yet, for Earley, all he could do was focus on the positives. “That performance was one of the great performances from an Irish team in International Rules history. “We set them some challenges during the week, and we knew we were going to improve tremendously from last weekend. “They exceeded every single one of the targets that we set for them in the last couple of days. “They’re a fantastic bunch of players and they wanted to put in a big per formance today and I think they certainly did that. “We wanted to get the ball into the forward line a lot more than we did in the third and fourth quarter last week. “We have some incredible players up there and we knew that if we got the ball inside the 45 and got the scores we needed

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC: Eddie Betts forces one of just two Australian goals past Irish goalkeeper Paddy O’Rourke (right) while Kildare’s John Doyle and Ireland coach Paul Earley celebrate their record series win (above). Pictures: Adrian Melia Ireland Australia

116 (6-22-14) 37 (2-7-4)

(Ireland win 173-72 on agg)

from there that we would turn Australia over. “We created six goal chances last week and took two of them. I’d say we created something like ten plus tonight. “We have some of the best footballers in the country here in this team, some of the greatest players we’ve seen over the past number of years. “They played as a team tonight and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” added boss Earley. Man-of-the-match Conor McManus had a night to remember, racking up two goals and four overs to steal the show. And he brimming with pride as he spoke afterwards. “It’s a great achievement, for any Gaelic player it’s the pinnacle of your career to play for your country. “We don’t get the opportunity to do it that often but we certainly did it in style today,” the Monaghan star said. “We wanted to go out firing on all cylinders. æIt was important for us to get a good start, we knew the Australians were going to come roaring out of the gates at us. “So we really just wanted to

kill the game off early.” With Ireland leading at halftime by 53 to 16, the game and series were over as a contest. But such was the determination and togetherness of this Ireland squad that they resolved to drive on and drill home their advantage. “The message [at half-time] was to just keep doing what we were doing. “The slate was wiped clear at half-time as far as we were concerned so we just wanted to come out and win the second half and that’s what we did,” McManus concluded.

INCENTIVE: Ciarán Sheehan

Sheehan: We want hat-trick IRELAND will be driven to create more International Rules history by putting a three-in-arow of series wins together, according to rookie sensation Ciarán Sheehan. The Cork ace excelled his side’s second Test mauling of Australia, scoring ten points of Ireland’s total of 116 – the highest amount scored in a Test match – as they won the series by a record 101 points. But Sheehan and his Irish team-mates are already chasing another record as they eye up the prospect of winning three successive series. “Obviously the three-in-a-row will be on our minds going out there if we are going out,” said Sheehan. “It’s back to brass tacks again next year. There’s going to be huge competition to tr y and make that panel, fellas will be busting a gut to make it. “Obviously there is incentive there with the three-in-a-row now,” added the Cork man, who believes they will face a very different Australian team when they head Down Under for next year’s series. “Hopefully next year, and there was talk during the week about them picking their AllStar team, there will be that much more competition,” added Sheehan, who was previously chased by Carlton. “They play professional sport and they are going to be highly competitive. “If it was the other way round we would be hurting bad and next year I think they are going to come back at us. “No one likes to lose by that margin and I have no fear that they will bounce back against next year,” he added. Mayo’s Colm Boyle added that he believes there is no need for playing rule changes to the hybrid game, just a stronger Australian squad.

Australia plan overhaul AUSTRALIA will prove their commitment to the International Rules series by obligating top players to play in next year’s competition, it has been reported. The wounded Aussies are ready to overhaul their squad selection criteria in the wake of their humiliating 101-point defeat to Ireland It is understood that, despite the setback, they

are committed to continuing the series and hosting next year’s Tests. And in a further positive development for the hybrid game, the AFL are strongly considering making it mandatory for All-Australian players to take part in the series, the Daily Mail has reported last week. The AFL could go as far as to write this into players’

contracts, guaranteeing that a stellar group of players would take on Ireland. Both sets of management teams and players have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to the series. But they have also pointed out that Australia must improve the quality of their squad if they are to compete properly in the series in the future.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

sports :: rugby league canberra raiders prop a standout in ireland’s world cup campaign

Coach salutes his White knight Coach Mark Aston has publicly thanked Canberra Raiders prop Brett White for his bravery during Ireland’s difficult World Cup campaign. White, 31, was singled out by Aston for his part in the Wolfhounds’ opening 32-14 defeat by Fiji, claiming he was the best player on the pitch “by a country mile”, and lavished praise on the former Kangaroo for defying an early head knock to lead their challenge in last Saturday’s 42-0 loss to England, which effectively ended their hopes of qualification from the toughest group. “He went back on but it was probably tougher for him to come off in the first place,” Aston said. “He didn’t want to come off. We kept getting messages out to him and he said he was good. He’d have stayed out there if we had let him.” White, who qualifies through his Irish grandfather, was one of four NRL players recruited by Aston, who has

been especially delighted by the contribution of the tough-tackling front rower. “He’s a champion,” Aston said. “He’s certainly come over here and set the tone for us. “The nice thing is that he’s mixing with the younger guys and giving them the experience he’s had. You don’t play at the level he’s played at for a lot of years and in grand finals and not be a real good bloke. “I know he’s helped (captain) Liam (Finn) really well. He just speaks sense and gets his point across. “There’s nobody more disappointed than him at the moment. He wants to win every single game. That will rub off. And over the years we’ll build the culture that we want in Ireland and hopefully take it on to another level.” White had put his hand up to play for Andy Kelly’s team in the 2008 World Cup but was r uled out by a foot injury.

He went on to play for the Kangaroos in the 2009 Four Nations Series and was in the team that beat England 46-16 in the final at Elland Road but never gave up hope of representing Ireland in memory of his late grandfather, who emigrated to Australia in 1951 to work on the Snowy Mountains Scheme in the New South Wales mountain town of Jindabyne during the skiing season and settled there. “Growing up, I was very close to my grandfather,” White told Pr ess Association Sport. “I had a really close relationship with him. Working on the farm with him as a kid taught me many valuable life lessons, the most important being the hard work ethic I learned from him.” White is now set to face his fellow countrymen, including his Canberra team-mate Josh Papalii, as Ireland prepare for their final group game against Australia in Limerick on Saturday night.

double loss sets up mission impossible

TIGHT SQUEEZE: Fiji’s Eloni Vunakece is tackled by Ireland’s Bob Beswick and Brett White during the World Cup match in Rochdale. Pic: PA

FIJI SCORE HISTORIC WIN OVER IRELAND

Ireland had chances, but Fijians too powerful Ian Laybourn

DOUBLE TROUBLE: England’s Ben Westwood is tackled by Ireland’s Apirana Pewhairangi and Rory Kostjasyn, right, during their World Cup match at John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield. Pic: PA

Irish must pull off Aussie upset Ian Laybourn Winger Ryan Hall scored a first-half hat-trick of tries as England inflicted a bruising defeat on Ireland last weekend. England coach Steve McNamara had accused his players of taking their eye off the ball in their pre-tournament defeat by Italy but this time they looked fully focused from the start as they established an unassailable 30-0 lead after 23 minutes. Hall led the way with three of his side’s eight tries and fellow winger Tom Briscoe made the most of his recall to the side while Kallum Watkins, Rangi Chase and Brett Ferres all touched down to delight a sell-out crowd of 24,375 at Huddersfield. There were also valuable contributions from full-back Sam Tomkins, stand-off Rangi Chase and centre Leroy Cudjoe as England bounced back from their opening 28-20 defeat by Australia. They will now need to beat Fiji in their last group game in Hull next Saturday to secure second place, while Ireland

England Ireland

42 0

must pull off an unlikely win over tournament favourites Australia in Limerick next Saturday to keep their dream alive. England were particularly destructive down their left channel where the Huddersfield duo of Ferres and Cudjoe looked perfectly at home in familiar surroundings. They combined effectively twice in the first 12 minutes to get Hall over for two of the easiest tries he will surely ever score for his country, as he first drew level with Tomkins and then overtook him as England’s all-time leading scorer. As if not to be outdone by his fellow winger, Briscoe struck twice in three minutes to enhance his claim for a regular place ahead of Josh Charnley. He took advantage of an off-balance Pat Richards to touch down Chase’s high kick and then gathered Tomkins’

pass on halfway to sprint half the length of the pitch for his second. England looked full of confidence after their lively start and they delighted the exuberant crowd with a free-flowing move that enabled Hall to complete a 20-minute hat-trick. Skipper Kevin Sinfield began it by putting Watkins through a gap on halfway and handled again before Ferres and Cudjoe combined to get the powerful Leeds winger over at the corner. Ireland simply could not get their hands on the ball and they were left clutching at thin air when Tomkins sliced through to get Ferres over for a deserved try which made it 30-0. Ireland demonstrated plenty of resolve and kept their line intact for the rest of the first half but shoddy handling prevented them making a serious tilt at the England line. They raised their game at the start of the second half. Playing into a stiff breeze and occasional driving rain, England failed to reproduce the flowing rugby from their first-half.

Fiji effectively ended Ireland’s World Cup dream before it had begun by out-muscling them in a bruising Group A match in Rochdale. Winger Akuila Uate, whose last trip to England was with Australia for the 2011 Four Nations Series, scored two tries in Fiji’s 30-14 win over the Irish in the semi-final qualifier on the Gold Coast in 2008 and went one better on October 28 with a hat-trick. But the foundations for the Batis 32-14 victory was laid by a dominant pack which thrilled the bulk of the sell-out crowd of 8,872 in Rochdale, which boasts the biggest Fijian expatriate community outside London. The Fijians’ display sent out a message to both England and Australia that they will be no pushovers in the remaining group games. Ireland, the 500-1 tournament outsiders, were in touch at half-time when they trailed 12-4 but they conceded four second-half tries to suffer an emphatic defeat and will now need to beat England in Huddersfield on Saturday to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stages. The deeply-spiritual Fijians went into a huddle before kick-off to sing a hymn but there was nothing angelic about their play as they tore into the Irish from the kick-off. The physical onslaught was led by the Sims brothers, who made up half the starting pack and laid the platform for the quicksilver backs to show their pace and class with two tries in a four-minute spell. Uate produced a strong finish to open the scoring on nine minutes and Ireland had barely recovered when full-back Kevin Naiqama beat two defenders to cross for a second. Centre Wes Naiqama converted his brother’s tr y and the Fijians would have been further ahead had veteran skipper Petero Civoniceva managed to get the ball down but he was held on his back over the line. The Pacific Islanders threatened to run away with the game at that stage but the introduction of Manly Sea Eagles forward James Hassan for his debut injected some much-needed resolve into the Irish ranks. Indiscipline then crept into the

Ireland

Fiji

CRUNCH: Anthony Mullally, right, collides with his teammate Rory Kostjasyn as he is tackled by Fiji’s Apisai Koroisau. Pic: PA

Fijians’ play and Ireland took advantage to pull back a try through second rower Tyrone McCarthy on 23 minutes. They could have drawn level had second rower Dave Allen managed to take Scott Grix’s pass in a try-scoring position. The chance was lost and Ireland were unable to take advantage of the sin-binning of replacement Eloni Vunakece for persistent infringements six minutes before the interval. Naiqama stretched Fiji’s lead to 12-4 on the stroke of half-time with a penalty and there was no way back for Ireland when second rower Tariq Sims went over for a third try after Grix had failed to take Aaron Groom’s high kick. The floodgates opened as Uate completed his hat-trick and loose forward Korbin Sims also touched down and Naiqama took his goal tally to four from seven attempts. Ireland produced a late flurry that gave the scoreline some respect. Winger Damien Blanch went over at the corner four minutes from the end and, in the final move of the match, Hassan forced his way over for a richlydeserved try to which Pat Richards added the goal.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

sports :: rugby union INTERNATIONAL RUGBY :: new coach takes punt on veteran

O’Driscoll in despite injury Leinster stand up to

SIDELINED: Brian O’Driscoll

Brian O’Driscoll has been named to play in his final autumn international series despite only recently returning to light training after a calf injury. New Ireland coach Joe Schmidt has included the 34-year-old centre, who is due to retire at the end of the season, for next month’s matches against Samoa, Australia and New Zealand. He joins three uncapped players in Ireland’s 34-man squad – David Kearney, Jack McGrath and James Coughlan. Donnacha Ryan (knee) and Iain Henderson (toe) have both been omitted after suffering injuries. O’Driscoll has been sidelined since suffering a calf injury in training with Leinster three weeks ago, which has ruled him out of their opening two Heineken Cup fixtures. The Dubliner has reportedly been using NASA developed anti-gravity technology to hasten his bid to be fit for at least one last chance to beat the Wallabies and the all-conquering All Blacks.

Leinster manager Guy Easterby has described O’Driscoll’s recover y as “day-to-day” with hopes he could make a surprise return against Connacht this weekend apparently remote. New coach Schmidt will have a gap to fill in the lineout following the injuries to Ryan and Henderson. Stephen Fer ris, Richardt Strauss, Tommy O’Donnell, Jordi Murphy and Simon Zebo are also sidelined by injury. That has created the chance for the new names with Kearney – who was on the bench for Ireland in 2012 – joining his brother Rob among the backs. The other new names Coughlan and McGrath, who has been in good form for Leinster so far this season, will add to the depth in the forwards. Jonathan Sexton, who plays for French club Racing Metro, is the only overseas-based player selected. Schmidt revealed he had been left with some “dif ficult decisions” in naming his squad, which is likely to be

rabodirect pro12

trimmed before the opening game against Samoa in Dublin on November 9. A captain for the series is also set to be named at a later date.

late surge

Ireland squad: I Boss (Leinster), T Bowe (Ulster), G D’Arcy (Leinster), K Earls (Munster), R Henshaw (Connacht), P Jackson (Ulster), D Kearney (Leinster), R Kearney (Leinster), I Madigan (Leinster), L Marshall (Ulster), F McFadden (Leinster), C Murray (Munster), B O’Driscoll (Leinster), E Reddan (Leinster), J Sexton (Racing Metro 92) S Archer (Munster), R Best (Ulster), J Coughlan (Munster), T Court (Ulster), S Cronin (Leinster), D Fitzpatrick (Ulster), C Healy (Leinster), J Heaslip (Leinster), C Henry (Ulster), M McCarthy (Leinster), J McGrath (Leinster), K McLaughlin (Leinster), S O’Brien (Leinster), P O’Connell (Munster), P O’Mahony (Munster), M Ross (Leinster), M Sherry (Munster), D Toner (Leinster), D Tuohy (Ulster).

Newport Gwent Dragons

Leinster

o’connor impresses in his first hit-out with london irish

Reigning RaboDirect PRO12 champions Leinster withstood a late onslaught from Newport Gwent Dragons to edge a much-needed 23-19 victory at Rodney Parade last weekend. Leinster fly-half Jimmy Gopperth was on target with three penalties and the conversions of hooker Aaron Dundon and centre Noel Reid’s tries. Centre Ross Wardle rounded off a slick move for the Dragons for their only try with the kicking duties shared by wing Tom Prydie and outside-half Jason Tovey. The wing booted a penalty, while Tovey converted the touchdown and added three penalties of his own. The achilles heel of the Dragons, their set-piece, was hammered in the opening moments and Leinster’s second row pair of Quinn Roux and Tom Denton began to stamp their mark on the line-out situation. Yet, with bravery, the home side kept out the Leinster threat as the game stagnated for half an hour. An Aaron Dundon try looked like it had wrapped up the game for Leinster. Then Noel Reid finished off a sparkling move down the left from half-way. But the Dragons would not give up and Tovey punished the Irishmen’s mistakes with two further penalties before the Welsh side were camped on the opposition line in the dying moments but could not get over for the crucial try to win the game.

Munster’s win ends drought

IRISH COUP: London Irish’s new signing James O’Connor during the Aviva Premiership match at the Madejski Stadium, Reading. Pic: PA

Aussie star finds pace hot in debut outing James O’Connor admitted he was taken aback by the pace of the Aviva Premiership after making a losing debut for London Irish against title-chasing Northampton last weekend. The controversial Australian star, who left his homeland in a bid to resurrect his career following a series of off-field problems, produced a scintillating display at the Madejski Stadium, but it was not enough to prevent Saints securing a fifth win in seven league games. The 19-14 away win kept secondplaced Northampton within two points of leaders Saracens, who thrashed Newcastle 40-3. James Wilson scored their only try. But all eyes were on O’Connor, whose display – just a few days after stepping off a plane to sign with Irish until the end of the season – was praised by director of rugby Brian Smith. The 23-year-old was delighted to be out on the pitch, but acknowledged the tempo of the match had proved challenging.

“The speed of the game was very surprising,” he said. “I thought Super Rugby was fast but I was really blowing out there, that’s for sure. It felt great. The club and all the boys have been awesome since I arrived and I am really looking forward to my time here. “I didn’t feel 100 per cent and can get better. I wanted to perform. It was one of the best pitches I have played on. It was just a shame we could not get the win.” O’Connor, who has amassed 223 points from 44 caps, had his contract with the Australian Rugby Union torn up following his alleged drunken behaviour at Perth Airport earlier this year. But he took to his new environment in the northern hemisphere like a duck to water, with his skills indicating his signing could prove a real coup for the Exiles. He could not stop Saints continuing their impressive early-season form with full-back Wilson’s first-half try and 14 points from fly-half Stephen Myler securing victory for the visitors.

I thought Super Rugby was fast but I was really blowing out there, that’s for sure. It felt great. The club and all the boys have been awesome since I arrived and I am really looking forward to my time here. O’Connor did set up Irish’s lone try from wing Sailosi Tagicakibau, and fly-half Ian Humphreys kicked the rest of the points as the hosts managed a losing bonus point to help their cause near the bottom. “James was outstanding. He’s 23 and is still just a kid who gets up in the morning and puts his trousers on one leg at a time like everyone else,” Smith said. “A lot has happened quickly to him but he’s settled in straight away and showed his class today. The boys

enjoyed playing with him today. “We see him as 15, even though many see him as a jack of all trades who has played right along the back line. And he wants to establish himself as a full-back.” Irish remained near the foot of the table after failing to capitalise on their second-half dominance, failing to convert their try-scoring chances as they looked to overturn a 16-11 interval deficit. Myler’s boot kicked Saints into the lead, with Wilson cutting through for his side’s only try of the game in the 23rd minute. Irish hit back with Humphreys kicking two penalties before O’Connor fed Tagicakibau for a try just before the break. The second half saw Irish huff and puff without being clinical and, apart from a penalty apiece, it was a disappointing finale to the match. “We made heavy work of it, but a win is a win. Irish are a tough challenge here, so I have to be pleased,” Saints boss Jim Mallinder said.

Munster

Osprey

Munster recorded their first win in six meetings with the Ospreys as they maintained their lead at the top of the RaboDirect PRO12. Rob Penney’s men head into the November international break as league leaders thanks to three penalties from Ian Keatley and a fourth successful kick from replacement JJ Hanrahan. The province forced the issue for most of the opening 40 minutes at Thomond Park, but only led 6-3 at the breaks as Matthew Morgan replied to two early kicks from Keatley. With Ireland and Wales preparing for their autumn Tests, the Celtic rivals were without a huge number of their internationals and the quality was lacking for much of this tryless encounter. Keatley and Hanrahan moved Munster into a 12-3 lead by the 68th minute, but Morgan secured a losing bonus point for the Welsh region with an injury-time penalty. Munster, with captain Damien Varley in man-of-the-match form, dictated play for the most part. A late challenge by Ospreys replacement Hanno Dirksen on Johne Murphy drew a penalty which Hanrahan converted from the 22, widening the margin to nine points as Munster overcame the Ospreys for the first time since the 2011 league semi-final in Limerick. A late Morgan penalty earned the Ospreys a bonus point.

November 7 – 20, 2013 I www.irishecho.com.au

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