Irish Echo October 2017

HERMITAGE GREEN

IRISH FOOTY SHOW

INTERVIEW :: PAGE 6

PAGE 22

Popular Limerick Band Set For Oz Tour

Future Looks Bright For Imported Irish AFL Players

For breaking news visit www.irishecho.com.au

AUST RALI A’ S I RI S H N E WS PA P E R October, 2017 | Volume 30 – Number 10

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Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove signs the visitor book at Áras an Uachtaráin on September 22, before a lunch with President of Ireland Michael D Higgins. Also pictured is Lady Cosgrove and Sabina Higgins.

MICHAEL D HIGGINS AND WIFE SABINA ON STATE VISIT TO AUSTRALIA THIS MONTH

President to visit Australia The President will meet Irish communities in Perth, Melbourne, Hobar t, Canber ra, Sydney and Brisbane, and will have meetings with leading figures in the worlds of business, tourism, sport, academia, culture and the arts.

The Pr esident will meet the Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove – who visited Ireland last month – and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The President’s visit “will be an opportunity to celebrate the significant contribution of the Irish Australian community to Australia’s multicultural society”, the press release said.

“Irish people have had a significant

influence in the political, social and cultural history of Australia and, in the 2016 Census, 2.5 million Australians, or 11 per cent of the population, indicated they had Irish ancestry.”

Full details of President Higgins’ itinerary are not known as we go to press but the Irish Echo understands that he will attend functions with a range of Irish groups, including the Australia Ireland Fund and the Lansdowne Club. He will also receive an honorar y doctorate from the University of Melbourne.

President Higgins becomes the four th Irish head of state to visit Australia since 1985.

President Mar y Robinson visited Australia within the first two years of her presidency in 1992. President Mar y McAleese came in 1998, less than a year after her election and returned again in 2003. President Patrick Hillery visited in 1985, during his second term.

President Higgins, who is 76, has yet to decide if he will stay on for a second term.

The Galway-man also has family connections in Australia and has direct relatives in Sydney.

In 2005, while serving as a TD, Mr Higgins revealed: “I have had an interest in Australia for a long time because

an aunt and uncle of mine are buried there. My uncle was involved in building the railways and is buried in Toowoomba. His uncles and aunts in turn had emigrated from Clare to New South Wales and Queensland.”

President Higgins will be accompanied by his wife Sabina on his visit.

Irish Echo Australia | 02 9555 9199 | newsdesk@irishecho.com.au | (Admin): mail@irishecho.com.au | PO Box 256, Balmain, NSW 2041 I Print Post No 100007285

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THE President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, will visit Australia this month.

It will be his first official visit to the countr y since his inauguration in November 2011 and ends an 14-year gap since the last time an Irish head of state set foot on Australian soil. He will also visit New Zealand.

The state visit to Australia will focus on “deepening and expanding Ireland’s long-standing bilateral ties with Australia, highlighting aspects of the two countries’ shared history and it is aimed at strengthening economic, tourism, cultural and political links between the two nations”, the official announcement said.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

news MAN WAS DEPORTED FROM AUSTRALIA

POPULAR DUBLIN QUARTET SET TO TOUR

No sympathy for homeless sex offender who died on Dublin street David Hennessy

IT has been revealed that Shane “Jack” Watson, who came to public attention after dying homeless on the streets of Dublin, was deported from Australia as a convicted sex offender.

Watson lived all but a few years of his life in Australia having travelled here as a child with his Australian mother after her marriage to his Irish father broke down. He also had four children of his own in Australia.

At first, Watson’s death and that of Danielle Carroll, the Irish mother who killed herself after seven years on housing waiting list, were symbolic of a crisis in Ireland and sparked outrage at the Irish government’s failure to provide sufficient or suitable accommodation for the homeless.

However when the Irish Sun revealed that 51-year-old Watson had a string of convictions in Australia, including indecently assaulting girls under the age of 16, the sympathy and outrage turned to something else and a vigil in his memory was cancelled out of respect to his victims.

Initial reports of his death called him a “gentleman” in the Irish press but outrage over a tragic death turned to outrage over a convicted sex offender, who had amassed 40 convictions over 19 years, being sent to Ireland, a country he had not seen he was six years old.

One homeless campaigner Keira Gill, who helped Watson through the charity, A Lending Hand, is quoted in The Irish Times: “I am sick. I am disgusted. I feel like such a fool. I am sickened that the authorities knew about his crimes and we didn’t.”

It seems Watson lived a troubled life.

Alcoholism and violence seemed to follow him as he moved all over Australia, spending time in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Watson used a number of aliases. He was convicted for most of his crimes under the name Jack Steele.

Born in Ireland on August 1, 1966 to an Irish father and Australian mother, Watson was one of five children.

When he was six, his mother brought him and his siblings to Australia. His father stayed in Ireland.

Watson remained an Irish citizen, living in Australia on a visa.

Watson had four children with two women. Both relationships broke down.

He accumulated many convictions for violence, mostly drink-related, before he took what a judge called “an unhealthy sexual interest” in a neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter. He made advances and inappropriately touched the girl on two occasions. In 2008, he pleaded guilty to two counts of committing an indecent act with a child.

He received an 18-month prison sentence for this charge. This was after he was extradited to the state of Victoria, following many public order offences in Queensland.

As he had never become an Australian citizen, the Australian government made the decision to deport him to the land of his birth in 2015, even though he evidently had no support network in Ireland.

An Garda Síochána revealed that it knew about Watson’s sexual offences and he was on the sex offenders register. He was monitored, as required under the Sex Offenders Act. Watson drifted into homelessness and repeatedly came to Garda attention for being drunk in public, and for then being threatening and abusive.

He was discovered unconscious on Dublin’s Suffolk Street on Thursday August 31 and pronounced dead enroute to hospital.

The Irish Embassy in Canberra had no comment to offer on this story.

Jack Watson’s death has shone a light on Australia’s policy of deporting criminals to their country of birth, even though they have spent almost all their lives in Australia.

The Coronas return to Australia next month for a whistle-stop three-date tour.

No half measures for Coronas tour HUGELY popular Dublin indie-pop outfit The Coronas have announced their return to Australia in November.

With four double platinum albums, a slew of Top 10 singles, sold-out arenas and a legion of devoted fans behind them, The Coronas have earned their title as one of Ireland’s best-loved and hardest working bands.

The four-piece will introduce their Aussie fans to a new album Trust The Wire, described as most refined and confident album to date.

A sonic leap on from its predeces-

sors, Trust The Wire fuses their armsaloft melodic pop with lush electronics, spine-tingling atmospherics and a new-found sense of adventure.

Written on the quartet’s return to their native Dublin after almost four years living in London, the album captures the focus they found in leaving home, the fresh perspective it gave them and a soaring maturity in their songwriting.

Lead singer Danny O’Reilly (son of Mary Black) described the album in a recent interview as “a bit more under-

stated, atmospheric and chilled, but still has our Coronas sound.”

He told the US-based Irish Echo: “We’re really proud of it. Lyrically I think it has more depth than our previous albums and, sonically, it’s got more going on to, mainly thanks to our amazing producer, Eliot James.”

Recorded music aside, O’Reilly said the band still treasures its reputation as a great live act.

“Traditionally in Ireland, if you’re not a good live band, you won’t survive,” he told the Irish Echo.

EMBATTLED BRISBANE IRISH CLUB ON COMEBACK TRAIL

Queensland Irish club returns David Hennessy

THE Queensland Irish Association has elected a new board and a series of events are planned to resurrect the embattled club.

The future of the association looked very much in doubt with the closure of Tara House, its heritage-listed base at Elizabeth Street, Brisbane and the associations’s collapse with more than $3.5 million of debt.

But with the sale of the CBD premises for $8.9 million, which is now being renovated into a cinema, the association had enough to pay all creditors and still have surplus cash.

The association elected a new nine person board in August that will sit until an AGM next year. The board is headed by retired Federal Court judge Jeff Spender, who long been a passionate suppor ter of the 119-year-old organisation.

The new association’s first function will take place at Wests Rugby Club on October 28 with a further event scheduled for November 29.

Newly appointed director of Queensland Irish Association Mavis Williams, who has been involved with the association since 1980 and plays in the Queensland Irish Association Pipe Band, told the Irish Echo: “We want to reach out to new members and old members. Whoever we can reach out there who is interested in coming along

The Queensland Irish Association’s Pipe Band.

is most welcome. “It’s exciting. Already I’ve had 60 responses in a week to come to a function on October 28, they’re just so excited to think that the Irish Association is back up and running.

“I think they thought it had completely gone, they’re so enthusiastic and excited when they speak to me on the phone about the function.”

Mavis also says the association wants to hear from the younger generation as they look to the future.

“We want to reach out to the younger community to come on board because us oldies are not going to be around and we need somebody to carry on when we’re gone and out of it.

“We’re looking to get young blood into the society.

“The nine board members are very enthusiastic to get this really moving and bigger and better than ever it was.”

Other members of the board include John Kettle, Angela Laylee, David O’Farrell, John Leahy, Chris Peters and long-time QIA figure Seamus Sullivan as well as Mavis Williams.

Queensland Irish Association hold its first function at Wests Rugby Club, Toowong on October 28 with entertainment provided by their pipe band, Irish dancers and choir as well as The Blarney Stones. Admission is free but anyone wishing to attend should call Mavis Williams on 07 3849 8271.

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

news REPORTS THAT IRISH CRIME GANG IS ‘TARGETING AUSTRALIA’

Smuggling blow for Kinahans ATTEMPTS by the Kinahan cartel to crack the Australian market have been dealt a significant blow after 20kg of cocaine was seized in a raid on an industrial estate.

The Irish Indpendent has reported that Australian Federal Police searched a property in Geebung, a suburb of Brisbane, earlier this month where they uncovered the drugs stashed in a digger bucket for a large JCB. The drugs are valued at $2.4 million and one man has been arrested in connection with the raid.

Follow-up investigations, carried out

by Australian police, have uncovered a sophisticated cocaine supply network which sources say leads directly to the Kinahan crime cartel.

Police in Australia and Interpol now suspect that Ireland’s largest crime cartel is targeting Australia due to the massive street value of cocaine Down Under.

While a kilogram of the drug will sell for about €45,000 ($67,700) in Europe

the same quantity can be sold for more than $120,000 on the streets of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.

It is believed the Kinahans had set up the building materials company at the industrial estate in Geebung using fake papers and this was to be a distribution centre for the gang.

The drugs were sourced in Colombia before being shipped from Europe to Australia inside the digger bucket.

The company, which recycled old building materials, acted as a useful front for traffickers as Irish tradesmen travelling to and from the industrial estate would not rouse suspicion.

The Indpendent quoted an underworld source who said that up to four similar sized shipments had already entered the country through the same intercontinental supply channel.

A spokesperson for the Australian Federal Police told the Independent: “The AFP can confirm it is investigating the seizure of a quantity of cocaine from the Brisbane suburb of Geebung.

Christy Kinahan is understood to be based in Dubai.

“This activity is part of an ongoing investigation. As such, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

In recent months the Kinahans have sought to diversify their drug trafficking from Ireland after a number of significant seizures.

Their ongoing feud with the rival Hutch gang, which has claimed the lives of 12 people, has also brought

unwelcome Garda attention on their drug distribution network.

“The attraction of Australia for the Kinahans is obvious. They are paying US$1,800 ($2,300) per kg of cocaine in Colombia and then selling it for €80,000 in Australia,” the source said.

“They are making massive profits and for a while they were flying under the radar. This bust has exposed the entire system and it will have set them back significantly.”

Aside from Australia the Kinahan cartel is also believed to be supplying drugs to central and northern Europe.

In 18 months of significant Garda operations, €4 million in cash, €55 million in drugs and almost 40 firearms has been seized from Ireland’s biggest organised crime gang.

Gang boss Christy Kinahan and his son Daniel are believed to be in exile in Dubai, immune from gardaí and their gangland rivals. More than 30 associates have been charged with serious offences.

OPINION :: DUAL NATIONALITY

A dual to the death: happily a citizen of two fine nations AUSTRALIA is gripped by talk of dual nationality. A McCarthyesque probe into what politician is and what politician is not, shock horror, a dual citizen of Australia and another country has preoccupied the commentariat in recent weeks and months.

One by one, politicians in Australia are referring themselves, or being referred to the High Court to decide whether they should be entitled to sit in Parliament.

As we all know, modern Australia was settled by migrants, (some with a dubious history with the criminal law) and migrants continue to be an important part of our society.

It is presented as a given that to be in a position of influence one has to be a citizen of that country alone.

Is it really such a good requirement?

In sport, the preference for a coach to be from the country they manage is changing to a mor e pragmatic approach in search of a better result.

Ireland and the Lions each have a Kiwi rugby coach and no one has made a serious allegation that their heart was not in the job when their teams played New Zealand.

Australians, too, know that the Australian Eddie Jones is a fearsome leader of the English team and likes nothing better than beating Australia.

I am one of the immigrants lucky enough to get through the citizenship process. At my citizenship interview 16 years ago, I was asked my thoughts on the privileges of being an Australian citizen. I riffed expansively on the joys of life here, which included barbeques, free barbeques in public places, BYO restaurants and, eh, barbeques. I then realised there was a list called “Privileges of being an Aussie” on posters on the wall which included: seek assistance from Australian diplomatic representatives while overseas; register as Australian citizens by descent any of your children born overseas after you become an Australian citizen; stand for Parliament; vote to elect members of Parliament.

I recall two separate privileges of standing for the Upper House and standing for the Lower House, but I will stand corrected if mistaken. I note that the border.gov.au website now makes no reference to “stand for Parliament”, so maybe someone spotted this issue years ago. As a joke, I’ve thought of investigating whether I have a claim

CELTIC CLUB

Club will return to Queen St David Hennessy THE Celtic Club has exercised its option to buy back into its Queen Stree, Melbourne, home so they can return to the fully refurbished site by 2021.

The recent sale of the club premises marks the close of another chapter in the club’s 130-year history but leaves the organisation with $22 million in the bank following payment of longstanding debts and taxes.

The club has moved its administration and cultural activities to 420-424 William Street and is negotiating to lease a licensed premises. An announcement is expected in the coming weeks.

Queen Street will be renovated into a prestigious, high-rise complex that will incorporate a “vertical forest”. The club is guaranteed 2,460 square metres in the new premises and may look to lease some of this to bring in extra revenue. The final valuation of the buyback is due to be released soon.

“The club is in the best financial position it has ever been in,” president Brian Shanahan told The Irish Echo.

“We are being careful with the spending of money. We want to ensure we make the right decision for temporary premises.

“We already have the option of coming back into the building (320 Queen Street) at a very good price. It’s a great option but we just have to make sure we cover the next three to four years before they build it. It secures the club’s long time financial future.

“The club’s in a good space. The future’s bright. This club has been going 130 years and things look good for the next 130 years.”

The sale of the club was supported by the majority of its members.

Before the club finds a new premises for its hospitality functions, members can claim discounts at The Last Jar (Queensberry St), The Royal Standard (West Melbourne), The Mail Exchange Hotel (Bourke and Spencer Sts) and The Kelvin Club (14-30 Melbourne Place, off Russell and Collins streets.

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

Telephone: +61 2 9555 9199 against the Government on the basis that the privileges of citizenship were misrepresented! The Australian Government knew I was already a citizen of Ireland and was not planning to give up my Irish citizenship. I’m not serious, obviously, but like others, I wonder how many politicians were elected over the years when the law says they were not entitled to be? How many laws were passed by unlawfully constituted parliaments and senates?

While that is a bona fide legal argument, it would arguably require and waste a huge amount of time. To save their hide, we are now seeing politicians ask the High Court to prioritise an investigation into their personal circumstances.

Yet, while Australia needs strong leadership and a broader debate about its position in the world, we see that our politicians are spending their time looking into their own family history.

Under the current laws, the answer will have an impact on the elected government and their own entitlement to a salary and a very generous pension.

As the principal of a family law firm

Donal Griffin (Legacy Law) I applaud such reflection on family but not while we are paying for them. In the meantime, we are effectively leaderless.

The current President of the USA made much of Barack Obama’s alleged birth outside the USA, which would have denied him the ability to be elected as President.

The claim turned out to be false but such citizenship rules belittle political debate and arguably exclude otherwise

good members of the public from taking roles in high public office.

I am at peace that, despite the suggestion that I could stand for Parliament, I will not be a legislator in Australia and happy with my role as an interpreter of those laws. Some laws are bad and some are stupid and need to be changed.

Australia is in a position to be a leader in the world but, in my humble opinion, it tends to prefer to follow.

This latest furore which affects all Australian political parties is an embarrassing distraction from serious world and local challenges which need massive lateral thinking and not smallminded nest feathering.

In Ulysses, James Joyce wrote that: “There’s always some bloody clown or other kicking up a bloody murder about bloody nothing.” Section 44 of the constitution’s farcical provisions may fall neatly into this category.

For once politicians’ personal interest and the national interest are aligned, so let’s change this stupid bloody law and stop wasting our time and that of the High Court.

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

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

local LIMERICK’S FINEST – HERMITAGE GREEN – RETURN TO OZ

Green party support hits new highs David Hennessy catches up with Hermitage Green’s Barry Murphy before the Limerick band’s much-anticipated return to Australia.

LIMERICK five-piece Hermitage Green are about to make their anticipated return to Australia. Known for their blend of traditional folk with melodic contemporary pop, the band delighted Australian audiences when they were still a relatively new outfit making their name on the Irish live scene. With a new EP about to drop, it makes a change from their first trip Down Under when they had not yet released an album and excited Aussie crowds with their live shows.

Barr y Murphy, who shares vocal and guitar duties with his brother Dan, told The Irish Echo how much he is looking forward to it. “Around the gigs, we like to put on a a show and then have a bit of a party afterwards. Get to meet people, get to know people, it’s kind of what it’s all about for us.

“That’s what we’ve built our fanbase on in Australia before. We like to sell them as big parties and that’s what we’ll be hoping for this time.”

After establishing themselves in 2010, Australia was one of the first international stops for Hermitage Green where they found themselves being warmly received by the Irish in Australia.

“We started off to pretty small crowd in Perth but a lot of people from home spread the word to their family and friends in Australia and I think the second time we went back which was only six months later, we sold out 13 shows in a few weeks.”

The band’s first trips down under came in the grip of recession when Australia was the popular choice for young Irish who had to leave home to find work.

“Without having released anything, it was pretty crazy but that’s the power of the Irish abroad. Everyone misses home and there was a lot of people down there we met who didn’t necessarily want to leave Ireland at the time but kind had to and as much as they loved Australia and their new life, they always said it was nice to have a link to what’s going on at home.

“It was ver y special to have that opportunity to do that and it’s a shame that it’s taken us so long to go back but

this is going to be the start of a lot of touring around Australia over the next few years.

“Ireland is a small place; we want to get out and travel. The last few years, we have focused on Ireland because it is our bread and butter. Our industry is all about touring. The days of selling a CD to make money is gone, it’s about getting out there, winning fans over and putting on a show and maintaining them. Wherever that takes us, we’re very willing to go. We want to be doing this for a long time so that’s the aim, getting in front of people.”

The band’s debut album Save Your Soul was released last year with singalong hits like Not Your Lover, Make it Better and Quicksand becoming radio hits at home. While the band had yet to record a collection before their first Australian trip, their new six-track EP Golden Rust is set for release on October 19 making this Austrlian tour its launch.

This will be especially apt as it features an instrument more associated with Australia than Ireland. “This latest EP, I think I can speak for the lads and say this is probably the one we’re most proud of because it feels like we’ve invested, all collectively, all equally.

“Because we’ve got an unusual mix of instruments and blend of sound, it’s taken us a while to really grasp that and what our strengths are. We feel like this is the most excited we’ve ever been about releasing something. It really feels like we’ve found our groove.

“We’re not signed, we’re independent. The pressure was off. We just wanted to write for ourselves something that we believed in and something we wanted to listen to.

“We always wrote a bit like that but there was always someone telling us we had to write a radio single or we had to sound like this or sound like that.

This time it was like, ‘let’s just like block everyone else out and listen to what we want to listen to and play what we want to play, write about what we want to write about’.

“They all mean something to us.

We’ve brought back a lot of the instru-

Hermitage Green have built their fan base through their live performances. “The days of selling a CD to make money is gone, it’s about getting out there, winning fans over and putting on a show.”

ments we started with. Our new single (Lions Shar e), ther e’s a lot of didgeridoo on it. We’re looking forward to playing that in Australia. It’s the backbone of the track.”

Of course, when the band got together in earnest, Barry was still plying his trade with Munster rugby where he had an admirable sports career before taking music seriously.

Barry was part of the Heineken Cup squad that conquered Europe in 2006 and scored a try against the All Blacks when they toured in 2008. He also played for his countr y before sadly having to retire at 27 due to injury.

Did having his new venture, the band help Barry get over such a career and boyhood dream being ended prematurely? “I think so. At the time it was a very difficult transition, because it happened so quickly.

“You feel like you’re going to be a rugby player for at least the rest of your career anyway and then it’s just gone, it’s over. [But] music was always there for me and it was something that helped me switch off.

“Something had already sparked in the band at that stage and I was very fortunate to have four very talented and driven people around me. I just said, ‘F**k it, I’ve got something very special here’. And all my friends in rugby were incredibly encouraging, the likes of Jerry Flannery and Ian

Dowling, and that was something that helped me a lot.”

It was special for Barry when the Limerick band played at half-time at his former stomping ground and the home of Munster rugby, Thomond Park. “It is surreal. If you had told me a couple of years ago I would be standing in the middle of Thomond Park at half-time in a Heineken Cup playing music rather than in the dressing room, I would have laughed my arse off at you.”

“We get massive support in Limerick and Munster for that matter. We have just played our biggest gig in Limerick in May which was 2,000 people at King John Castle.”

The band have also played for Michael Cheika and his Wallabies at a private gig in Dublin: “I might actually hit them up and see if we can get some special guests.”

The band have even had help from Barry’s former sports psychologist at the Irish rugby giants who came in to help the band, a different kind of team, understand their own strengths and weaknesses.

“In the band, it’s hard sometimes because there’s five of us and there’s no leader, no manager, you’re just trying to find your way and no one knows exactly what to do.

“Tensions can rise and sometimes it becomes about something else other

than what it should be, which is five friends playing music and travelling together and getting along.

“I think in Ireland at the moment, mental health is definitely under the microscope. It’s a very serious health issue and especially among young men. It’s also something that is sometimes overlooked in the industr y, people’s mental health when fame or management or bigger labels become involved. The music and people involved get overshadowed. That’s why we did it, to keep the focus on ourselves.”

What’s next for the band?

“We’ll be looking to get back in the studio early next year when it’s quiet on the live scene and just churn it [another EP] and tour on the back of that. That’s the most rewarding thing, it’s writing, for us.

“It’s getting together in a room and growing our sound like that. That’s the most craic. Just throwing enough shit at the wall and some sticks.”

Hermitage Green kick off their Aussie tour at the Prince Bandroom in Melbourne on November 1.

They also play Finn McCool’s in Brisbane on November 2, The Lair in Sydney on November 4 and Badlands in Perth on November 5.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

news IRISH ABORTION REFERENDUM DUE TO BE HELD NEXT YEAR

Voters to have say on abortion amendment David Young A REFERENDUM on abortion rights in Ireland will likely be held next year, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

A vote on the Eighth Amendment to the Republic’s Constitution – which states that the right to life of the mother and the unborn child are equal – is due in May or June.

The amendment has long been a source of contention in Ireland, with pro-choice supporters demanding its abolition and pro-life advocates insisting it should be retained.

The Taoiseach has outlined the timetable for a number of votes on the state’s constitutional framework.

Citizens resident in Ireland will also have the opportunity to have their say in June 2019 on whether voting rights in future presidential elections should be extended to Irish people living outside the state, including in Northern Ireland. Votes on divorce laws and a proposal to reduce the voting age to 16 will be held in the same month.

Referenda on the offence of blasphemy and the state’s defined view on the role of stay at home mothers

will occur in October next year, as will a plebiscite on the direct election of city mayors.

Each referendum will be subject to passage of bills by the Dáil and formal confirmation of the polling date.

“Any amendment to our Constitution requires careful consideration by the people,” the Taoiseach said. “They should be given ample time to consider the issues and to take part in wellinformed public debate.”

A report on the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution by an assembly of Irish citizens is being considered by a parliamentary committee. It will issue its own report by the end of the year.

The wording of the referendum question will then be set.

The chairwoman of the Citizens’ Assembly urged politicians to take charge of the debate.

“I do want to emphasise one point: the assembly is an exercise in deliber ative democracy,” she said.

“The recommendations which the assembly has made are just that – recommendations. The assembly does not, cannot and should not usurp the role of elected members of the Dáil.”

Louisa Ní Eideain and her son Tadhg join members of ROSA (Reproductive rights, against Oppression, Sexism and Austerity) dressed as handmaids outside Leinster House. Picture: Brian Lawless

HEALTH CHIEFS CONDEMN BISHOP’S ‘ILL-INFORMED’ COMMENTS

Vaccine may lead to promiscuity: bishop Ed Carty

A CATHOLIC bishop has been warned by health chiefs that he is endangering women’s lives with his opposition to a vaccine that has been proven to help prevent cervical cancer.

Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan said giving the injection to 12-year-old girls to guard against the human papilloma virus could lead to promiscuity.

“It’s not only a medical issue, it’s a lifestyle issue,” he said. “It affects the lifestyle of our young people.”

“We have to do better than to give our boys condoms and our girls injections at the age of 12.”

Vaccinations against the HPV virus fell by half last year in Ireland amid scares over side-effects but the uptake has since stabilised.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has previously warned parents about conflicting and misleading information.

Since 2010 more than 230,000 girls have been vaccinated, with about 1,000 reporting adverse reactions.

Most commonly, people fainted when injected or showed gastrointestinal symptoms, malaise, headache, dizziness and injection site reactions.

Other allergic-type reactions have been reported, including skin rashes, hives and flushing and isolated reports of more severe hypersensitivity-type reactions and some reports of persisting or chronic fatigue.

Ireland has one of the highest cervical cancer rates in Europe. More than 90 women die from the disease every year and more than 280 others need treatment.

“It’s absolutely cer tain that the clearest and the best protection against getting sexually transmitted diseases is good old fashioned traditional abstinence,” Bishop Cullinan said.

“Prevention. The number one and most effective protection is abstinence.

A good old traditional value.”

The cleric said the vaccine “changes a mentality” and “gets people to think they are fully protected”.

“I think it could certainly lead to a false sense of security,” he added.

The HSE’s communications director Paul Connors said some of the remarks flew in the face of best available medical and scientific evidence.

“In the context of a young, intelligent, vibrant and mobile population of Ireland of 2017 his comments are outdated, unhelpful and quite frankly illinformed,” he said.

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VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Winter threat for elderly Deborah McAleese

IRISH winters are leaving one in four older adults deficient in vitamin D, a new study has found.

However, even during the summer, when the body usually produces vitamin D, one in eight adults over the age of 50 have been found to be lacking the essential vitamin.

The vitamin, which is produced by the body after exposure to summer sunshine, is needed for normal bone health and for the prevention of conditions such as osteoporosis. A deficiency can be treated easily with supplements.

Researchers from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin have discovered wide variations in vitamin D deficiency across the different provinces of the island of Ireland and that these are dependent on lifestyle.

People living in the north and west of Ireland and those who were physically inactive, were much more likely to be lacking in the vitamin, the study shows.

The research, which was published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, also found that vitamin D deficiency increased with age.

In adults over the age of 80, 37 per cent were deficient in winter, compared with 22 per cent of 50- to 59-year-olds.

Vitamin D deficiency was found to be more common in smokers (23 per cent), people who live alone (21 per cent) and those from a lower socioeconomic background (17 per cent).

The research shows the use of vitamin D supplementation is low, with only 8.5 per cent of the over-50 population taking it.

Lead author of the study and Research Fellow at TILDA, Dr Eamon Laird, said he hoped the data would help inform public health policy, in particular with regards to vitamin D food fortification and supplements.

“In a country such as Finland, which gets less sunlight than Ireland and is at a more northern latitude, actually has less prevalence of vitamin D deficiency than Ireland due to a comprehensive public health policy of supplementation and fortification,” he said.

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MORE IRISH-BORN IN BRITAIN THAN BRITISH-BORN IN IRELAND

UK-Irish dynamic explored Hayden Smith

THE number of Irish-born people in the UK is nearly 100,000 higher than Ireland’s UK-born population, official analysis shows.

On average 375,900 people born in Ireland were living in the UK between Januar y 2013 and December 2015, compared with 277,200 UK-bor n people living in Ireland in 2016.

The study – the latest in a series of publications looking at cross-border movements in the context of the Brexit negotiations – reveals differences in the age profiles of the two communities.

More than three quarters (79 per cent) of the people born in the UK and living in Ireland were estimated to be aged between 15 and 64, compared with 55 per cent of those who were born in Ireland and resident in the UK. Of the Irish-born population living in the UK, two in five (42 per cent) were aged 65 years and over, compared with 10 per cent of the UK-born population in Ireland.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) report also details how: :: There are an estimated 110 million border crossings annually between Ireland and Northern Ireland for all reasons, including work, business, trade, education, health and family; :: There were 3.7 million visits from the UK to Ireland last year, with seeing friends or relatives the most common reason for making the trip, followed by holidays; :: In February 2017, of all UK state pensions received by residents living in the European Union (excluding the UK), 28 per cent were received by those living in Ireland; :: UK-born people make up one in eight workers in culture, media and sports occupations in Ireland; :: For Irish-born residents living in the UK, one in three work in a professional occupation with the most common professions teaching and education, nursing and midwifery, and IT and telecommunication.

“The complex and historic relationship between the UK and Ireland is

Tory ‘Remainer’ secures Irish passport A CONSERVATIVE MEP who describes himself as a “passionate Remainer” has secured an Irish passport following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

Charles Tannock (right) who is one of eight politicians representing the capital in Brussels and Strasbourg, said that while he loved his country of birth, he wanted to distance himself “from shameful aspects of Brexit”.

Mr Tannock, an MEP for London since 1999, qualifies for an Irish passport because his grandmother was born in Dublin in 1895, the Irish Times said.

“I love being Irish,” he told the newspaper.

“I love being British and I don’t see any incompatibility between them.”

one of the most challenging areas as Brexit negotiations proceed,” ONS’s director of Public Policy Analysis, Emma Rourke, said.

“The sor t of analysis we have published with our colleagues in the Irish and Northern Ireland statistical

agencies is going to be indispensable as these negotiations develop.

“It will be more important than ever to have clear and comprehensive data on how and where citizens of our two countries are living and working across borders.”

NO CORPORATION TAX CHANGE IN IRELAND DESPITE EU PLANS SAYS TAOISEACH

Varadkar not for turning on Ireland’s tax regime Deborah McAleese TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has said there will be no change to Ireland’s corporation tax regime.

Recently, European Commissioner president Jean-Claude Juncker said he and other senior officials were seeking to agree an EU-wide corporate tax rate.

However, Mr Varadkar insisted the Irish Government is committed to maintaining the country’s corporation tax regime.

Speaking at the official opening of LinkedIn’s new Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) HQ in Dublin, Mr Varadkar said: “The Government is committed to maintaining our stable and competitive corporation tax regime and our strong incentives for research and development so we can continue to attract and retain inward investment and create high quality jobs.”

The new LinkedIn HQ is the first such building outside the United States for the business-oriented social media site.

The company’s workforce in Ireland has grown from three employees to 1,200 in seven years.

Mr Varadkar said it is a “strong endorsement of the Government’s economic and job creation strategy because it reaffirms that Ireland is the perfect location for investment”.

“When LinkedIn first came to Ireland in 2010 we were in the middle of one of our darkest periods economically.

But today, thanks to the sacrifices of the Irish people and the policies pursued by the Government, our economy has recovered, and we are now facing the future with renewed confidence,” he added.

Business Minister Frances Fitzgerald TD said the Government and the agencies in her department are working hard to keep up and continue to attract highly innovative and high-quality foreign direct investment.

“LinkedIn is now one of Ireland’s leading technology employers, with employees from 55 nations which reflects the diversity that Dublin has to offer,” she added.

Meanwhile, tech giant Apple has

reassured the Government that it intends to go ahead with plans for an €850 million data centre in Co Galway despite frustration over the country’s planning laws.

Mr Varadkar told the Dáil that the company has reaffirmed its commitment to go ahead with the project. He warned, however, that planning and judicial delays could undermine future investment by the company or other multinationals.

Apple had expected the project, one of the biggest in the west of Ireland, to be finished this year. It has been delayed because of a judicial review of An Bord Pleanala’s decision in 2016 to approve the project.

Mr Varadkar told the Dáil that he had recently met the vice-president of Apple and she had reaffirmed the company’s commitment to go ahead with the project.

“They did make it very clear that they are frustrated at planning delays and judicial delays, and while that will not affect this project, it will, of course, colour decisions about future investments.

“We are very keen to see this project go ahead. I acknowledge that delays such as these do undermine the case for future investment and we do intend to act on it.”

Noel Grealish TD said he was concerned the country was “sending out a signal to other large multinational companies looking for a European base that planning in Ireland can be mired by delays and large infrastructure projects can be held up for years”.

Apple has already finished work on a similar data centre in Denmark which was announced at the same time as the Irish investment in 2015. The Danish centre is due to be operational by the end of this year while construction has yet to begin at the site in Athenry.

The Irish project is still facing objections from three people because the 166,000 sq m centre is to be built in the middle of Derrydonnell forest on the outskirts of Athenry. In Ireland, third parties have the right to appeal Bord Pleanala’s decisions by seeking a judicial review.

IRISH ECONOMY

Multinationals key to Irish growth story Deborah McAleese THE Irish economy grew by almost 6 per cent in the second quarter of this year, new statistics have shown.

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the country is on target for gross domestic product growth of 4.3 per cent in 2017.

“On the basis of today’s data, there will be no significant change to the GDP forecast this year,” Mr Donohoe said.

“The data provides clear evidence of continued momentum in the economy this year.

“Importantly, the growth in the economy is broadly balanced, with positive underlying contributions from both the domestic and external sectors.”

The latest Quarterly National Accounts figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the economy grew by 5.8 per cent in the second quarter of this year compared to the same time last year.

Overall economic output, or GDP, rose by 1.4 per cent between April and June compared to the first quarter.

Apart from small contractions in the construction and real estate sectors, all other sectors of the economy experienced some growth. The largest growth – 15.9 per cent – was in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry. However, the figures also show that GNP, which factors out profits from multinationals, fell by 4.6 per cent in the second quarter.

In addition, consumer spending – which the CSO noted is “an important measure of economic activity” – fell by 1.1 per cent in the three-month period.

IBRAHIM HALAWA

Irishman on way home after acquittal

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald are given a tour by of LinkedIn’s new Europe, Middle East and Africa HQ in Dublin.

IBRAHIM Halawa is expected to return to Ireland in the coming weeks following his acquittal in Egypt after four years in jail.

Mr Halawa was cleared last month of all charges connected to mass protests in Cairo in August 2013.

His sister Somaia Halawa said the family is “overjoyed” by the Egyptian court’s verdict.

“We are delighted at the verdict,” she added. “Our entire family are overjoyed at the result and we now look forward to seeing Ibrahim return home as soon as possible.

“We would like to extend our thanks to all those who tirelessly campaigned and fought for Ibrahim’s release.”

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also welcomed the news of Mr Halawa’s acquittal.

He said he expected him to be released as soon as possible to return home to his family. “The Government will facilitate his return home at the earliest opportunity.”

Mr Halawa, a student and son of a prominent Muslim cleric in Dublin – Sheikh Hussein Halawa – was jailed after being detained near Ramses Square in Cairo during protests over the removal of the then president Mohamed Morsi.

Australian journalist Peter Greste, who spent time in jail with Halawa tweeted: “Absolutely fantastic news!

My old cell mate Ibrahim Halawa is at last free!”

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

news VETERAN RADIO PRESENTER WIDELY CONDEMNED

VISA-BILITY Your visa questions answered

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

Hi John, My working holiday visa is up at the end of the year, I’ve been thinking about staying on in Australia to study. I have a Bachelor degree

George Hook was suspended from Newstalk for his offensive comments.

Hook sunk by offensive line on rape Ed Carty SHOCK JOCK George Hook has been moved to a new slot on Newstalk radio following his controversial comments about rape. The presenter secured a new position after being suspended from his weekday lunchtime show.

The station confirmed he will come back on air in December when he takes over a new weekend slot. In a statement Newstalk said it has concluded a review into the circumstances that led to Hook’s comments on rape.

“The station confirms that George Hook will be stepping down from his lunchtime slot,” it said.

“He will return to the station in

December 2017 when he will take on a new weekend show. Newstalk will shortly be announcing a replacement for the lunchtime show.”

Both Hook and the Newstalk managing editor Patricia Monahan offered unreserved apologies after the broadcaster referred to a rape case in the UK and questioned why the woman had gone back to the hotel room of a man she had just met.

Hook questioned her “personal responsibility” and asked if she should be blamed for putting herself in danger.

He was suspended a week later after widespread condemnation by groups such as the National Women’s Council of Ireland and the Dublin Rape Crisis

Centre. The Dalata Hotel Group, whose Clayton brand was a main sponsor of Hook’s High Noon show, pulled out of the deal.

Newstalk is part of the Communicorp media group owned by Denis O’Brien.

Orla O’Connor, director of the National Women’s Council of Ireland, called on Newstalk to issue their broadcasters with guidelines for discussing and reporting on sexual violence.

“Violent men are socialised and enabled by women’s inequality, and by a culture which erases the actions of perpetrators by focusing culpability on the victim. The damage done by these comments is very real, and they must not be repeated,” she said.

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in Business Admin from Ireland but only a year’s work experience. Is it possible to get a student visa for one to two years? How would that work? What could I study here following my bachelors? PJ Dear PJ, There are more than 430,000 overseas students in Australia.

Studying here can allow you to continue to live in Australia for several years while updating or gaining new qualifications.

However, overseas’ student fees are considerably higher than those for Australian citizens, and probably more than you would pay in Ireland. Most student visas also have limited work rights.

Student visas are issued for the length of the course you enrol in, with an extra month or two each side. Vocational study courses tend to be the cheaper option, starting at about $1500 per term (three months). Bachelor or Master’s Degree-level courses are much more expensive, starting at about $5000 per term.

Vocational study options cover a wide range of courses such as IT/media; business and project management; marketing; travel; beauty therapy; accounting; fitness; massage and more. Check carefully because not all college courses are open to overseas students. You will need to find a course that is registered by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). A good website is http://www.studyinaustralia.gov.au/ Courses can be as short as three months for entry level vocational study, or three years or more for degree level study.

Most student visas give part-time work rights, up to a maximum of 40 hours per fortnight while college is in session, and unlimited work rights during college holidays. Work rights on study visa usually only start when the course starts.

Students need to maintain attendance in their course and make satisfactory progress.

Before you apply for a student visa, you need to be accepted for full-time study by a college. Full-time is considered 20 hours per week in a registered course. It is possible to apply for courses and the visa while you are here in Australia, or from outside Australia.

Applicants need to make a declaration stating they have access to sufficient funds to pay for travel, the course and living expenses in Australia.

Student visa applications have a so-called genuine intention criteria, so the Department of Immigration may check that applicants genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily to gain a qualification and return home. Where Immigration has doubts, it might look at your financial capacity to pay living costs, and your intention to comply with visa conditions.

Student health insurance is required and costs about $550 per year for single insurance. Immigration’s student visa application fee is $550. If you are applying in Australia on a visa that was granted in Australia – for example, a second working holiday visa – Immigration will also levy a subsequent temporary application charge of $700.

Graduates who complete degree-level study after at least two academic years’ study in Australia can get a post-study two-year open work 485 visa.

Longer work visas are granted for Masters or PhD study.

Consider consulting a migration agent for advice on eligibility; Find a registered migration agent at www.mia.org.au/find-an-agent

“Most student visas

give part-time work rights, up to 40 hours a fortnight.

”

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.

Send your immigration questions to John at

visability@irishecho.com.au

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

ireland Jobless rate falls but young still struggling THE IRISH unemployment rate was 6.3 per cent at the end of August, official figures have revealed.

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) said there were 139,100 people out of work in the month – a drop of almost 34,000 in the past year.

Despite the improving numbers, the report showed an increase in the number of young people who have not been able to find permanent work. The CSO said that youth unemployment – counting the number of 15 to 24-year-olds without a job – was 12.7 per cent in August, up from 12.3 per cent in July.

Embattled Garda boss falls on sword THE Garda Commissioner has retired in the best interests of the force, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.

Noirin O’Sullivan (pictured) said she was leaving the top police post after an “unending cycle” of scrutiny amid efforts to rectify the failures and mistakes of the past.

The commissioner faced opposition calls to step aside following queries over how she dealt with officers massively inflating the number of breathalyser tests carried out and police whistle-blowers.

“Her decision to retire is made in the best interests of An Garda Síochána and ensuring that it can focus on the extensive programme of reform that is now under way,” the Taoiseach said.

The commissioner has served 36 years in the force.

BOOST FOR IRISH RUGBY WORLD CUP BID AS BRITISH PM LENDS SUPPORT

Irish bid gains momentum

Nick Purewal

BRITISH Prime Minister Theresa May has backed Ireland’s bid to host the World Cup in 2023.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar revealed that Mrs May has written to the Rugby World Cup organisation, af firming Britain’s support for the tournament to be hosted on the island.

Mr Varadkar was the only state leader attending in person as Ireland, France and South Africa presented their bids to stage the tournament in London last week President Emmanuel Macron has distanced himself from France’s bid, declining to provide a video message as previously promised, while the French paraded support from the sons of the late All Black wing Jonah Lomu in their pitch.

“The main reason I’m speaking to Theresa May is around Brexit and also restoring the institutions in the north,” the Taoiseach said.

“However, she has written to World Rugby, supporting our bid, and assuring them that the United Kingdom Government is behind it too.

“And I’m very grateful for the fact that she’s done that.”

France made the bold claim that their bid would generate the most revenue for organisers Rugby World Cup. But Mr Varadkar said: “Of course they are going to say that, but we would say otherwise.

“Our bid is fully backed by the Government. I’m here in person, the only head of government to be here in person.”

For mer Ireland captain Brian O’Driscoll hailed the Taoiseach’s personal appearance, while musician and political activist Bob Geldof and U2 singer Bono provided messages of suppor t in a stir ring video presentation.

“It’s massively impor tant and it shows the seriousness of our pitch,” Mr O’Driscoll said of the Taoiseach’s personal interest.

Ireland was able to allay organisers’ concerns about the impact of Brexit, with a great deal of uncertainty still surrounding the land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.

Mr Varadkar threw his weight behind the pledge to underwrite the

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar: “I’m here in person. The only head of government to be here in person.”

entire cost of staging the 2023 tournament.

“I pointed out while there is plenty of uncertainty, one thing that is certain is that the common travel area will remain in place,” the Taoiseach said.

“Our bid makes sense not just for rugby but also for the Irish taxpayer and the Irish economy.

“We’ve agreed that we’ll underwrite

the tournament costs. “The French have said this would cost their taxpayers nothing, but we take the view that this is a good investment in our economy.”

France’s minister for sport Laura Flessel insisted other commitments prevented Mr Macron from attending.

“There was no video (from Macron), I’m here to represent the government,” Ms Flessel said.

Northern Ireland’s five main political parties have signed letters of support reaffirming the cross-government pledge to pay the £120 million tournament staging fee, easing concerns after the Nor thern Ireland Executive’s collapse.

Ireland’s 900-page bid document charts an economic benefit tipped to run to €1.5 billion, with organisers pledging to sell all 2.2 million tickets at an overall rate of 30 per cent lower than England 2015. A long list of 12 stadia will be whittled down to a potential preferred eight, with a fund of €65 million for further upgrades, allied to €500 million spent on Irish grounds in the last 10 years.

CUSTOMERS COMPLAIN OF ‘COMPLETE JOKE’ AS RYANAIR AXES FLIGHTS

Unhealthy food to be banned from schools FOODS high in sugar, salt and fat are to be banned from school dinners, the Government has announced.

Unhealthy school meals will no longer receive state funding following changes to the school meals programme. Under the changes, only healthy foods that meet the standards will be funded for breakfast clubs, school lunches and snacks, after-school clubs and school dinners.

The standards emphasise the role of salads, fruit and vegetables in a healthy diet. They also emphasise that milk and water are the best drinks to serve children.

Any schools that continue to provide students with unhealthy meals will have their school meals funding scrapped.

Island lotto winners ‘worst-kept secret’ A GROUP of islanders has won the lottery, with their identities said to be the “worst-kept secret”.

The small syndicate on Bere Island, off the coast of Cork, bought a ticket for the EuroMillions draw in the local post office and scooped a €500,000 prize a week ago.

The group wants to remain private but admitts their identity is probably common knowledge among their neighbours. All the members of the syndicate live on Bere Island, which has a population of 180.

The lucky ticket was bought from island post mistress Mary Murphy.

“We have a wonderful community spirit on the island and our win will allow us to make some very positive changes there,” a group spokesman told reporters.

GOING NOWHERE TODAY: Deserted Ryanair check-in desks at Stansted Airport after more than 2000 flights were cancelled over what the company’s CEO Michael O’Leary (inset) described as a management “boo-boo”.

Ryanair slammed over flight cancellation debacle Deborah McAleese, Neil Lancefield and David Wilcock RYANAIR CEO Michael O’Leary has managed to infuriate staff, shareholders and customers after cancelling thousands of flights and axing routes to deal with a mix-up over pilots’ leave.

Ryanair shareholders told the budget airline’s boss that the flight cancellation controversy is a “complete cock-up”.

They have also demanded to know how chief executive Mr O’Leary intends to fix the “reputational damage” to the company caused by the cancellation of 2000 flights.

During a meeting with shareholders at the airline’s AGM in Dublin Mr O’Leary admitted the company had made “a boo-boo”.

He said that Ryanair will be taking back one week of pilots’ annual leave to prevent the cancellation of any more

flights caused by staff shortages.

He also said that a number of Ryanair pilots are to be offered a €10,000 annual pay rise on top of a €12,000 bonus in a bid to plug the pilot gap over the next two months.

Mr O’Leary blamed the crisis on the mismanagement of pilots’ holidays.

One shareholder told him: “This is a complete cock-up. You should make a large donation to a third world country and wear sack cloths for a few weeks.”

Other shareholders raised concerns about the “reputational damage” the crisis has caused.

Mr O’Leary told them that, to prevent further cancellations, pilots who have booked four weeks annual leave in a row in October and November will have to reduce that to three weeks.

“A very big block of annual leave [for pilots] was overallocated for September, October and November,” he said.

“Five hundred pilots with a four-week block of leave booked for October and 500 in November will have to work one week of that leave.

“We will tell them, ‘We will make it up to you’. They will get it back in January.

“We will be reasonable. Say a pilot has booked a family holiday to Australia, we will work with them.

“We don’t need their agreement ... It is in their contracts,” he added.

When asked about reports that pilots are threatening industrial action, Mr O’Leary responded: “If you want and need to ask your staff to give up holidays no work-to-rule can alter that.” ”I don’t even know how there would be industrial action in Ryanair. There isn’t a union.”

Mr O’Leary apologised to the 350,000 people affected by the cancellations.

“I seriously regret these cancellations

and upsetting and worrying 80 million of our customers. We are working hard and long hours to address the passengers disrupted last weekend.”

Furious customers bombarded the airline with complaints following the latest batch of flight cancellations.

Newlyweds going on honeymoon, families and rugby fans hoping to watch Six Nations games abroad are among those angry after the firm axed 34 routes between November and March.

Karen McDerment, from Ayrshire, wrote on the airline’s Facebook page that the situation was a “joke”.

She said: “Are Ryanair going to pay the £535 that I am going to lose for my accommodation over new year?

“Doubt it ... can’t even contact them on any of the links provided on their very matter-of-fact email. I would rather pay a bit more in future than give you another penny.”

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

ireland MAZE PRISON ESCAPE FILM ‘SHOWS TALKING IS THE BEST WAY TO RESOLVE CONFLICT’

New movie dramatises infamous 1983 jailbreak Michael McHugh A FILM about the IRA’s Long Kesh prison escape in Northern Ireland shows that dialogue is the best way forward, the lead actor says.

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor plays the republican prisoner who organised one of the the biggest jailbreaks in European history in 1983, when 38 inmates fled the high security prison.

Entitled Maze, it centres on the relationship between Vaughan-Lawlor’s character and a warder, played by Barry Ward.

Vaughan-Lawlor, best known for his role in RTÉ’s Love/Hate, met many of the escapees while researching the part and said the “dance” between the characters helped to show that dialogue was the best way forward.

“I don’t mean that in a flippant way.

I just mean people being in rooms, talking face to face, and reading each other’s sensibilities and flaws and weaknesses and fears and listening, and that is the journey of this film.”

The film received its Northern Ireland premiere in Belfast last month.

In the movie, a warder is befriended

Birdhill is Ireland’s tidiest village THE Tipperary village of Birdhill has

taken top marks in Ireland’s tidiest town competition.

Overlooking Lough Derg and just off the M7 motorway, it beat rivals from 870 other towns and villages – a record number of entries – to be named the overall winner as well as Ireland’s Tidiest Village.

Other winners announced at the National Tidy Towns awards, now in their 59th year, were Clonakilty, Co Cork, which received the award for Ireland’s tidiest small town; Westport, Co Mayo, was named tidiest large town and Ennis, Co Clare, again picked up the accolade of tidiest large urban centre.

Posthumous honour for Bap Kennedy BELFAST songwriter Bap Kennedy’s last album has been shortlisted for a local music prize.

In a career spanning 40 years, he enjoyed acclaim as a solo artist but also collaborated with Van Morrison, Mark Knopfler and Steve Earle Twelve albums are in the running for the Northern Ireland Music Prize 2017 (in association with Blue Moon), including Kennedy’s Reckless Heart. His widow Brenda Boyd Kennedy said: “[I am] delighted to find out that Bap’s final album Reckless Heart has been shortlisted.” Kennedy died last year from pancreatic cancer aged 54.

Doh! AIB mislays customers details AIB has apologised after losing personal information relating to more than 500 of its customers in the west of Ireland.

The bank confirmed that the information had been “mislaid” in Galway on Thursday August 31.

A spokesman for AIB said: “Some confidential information ... of a number of customers was mislaid ... in Galway. AIB has contacted all impacted customers to explain the matter and to apologise.”

by a prisoner trying to better understand prison procedures and identify weaknesses that could allow an escape, but who is also depicted as wanting a better future for his family.

The prison officer is rendered a virtual prisoner at home after a failed attack on him while out with his family left him needing enhanced security.

In real life, one prison officer was killed and another seriously injured during the episode.

Vaughan-Lawlor said it was not a sentimentalised or dewy-eyed account.

“There is detail and complexity and rigour and frustration and it is always an ongoing dialogue.”

He said it was not a piece of propaganda. It was about understanding that dialogue is fundamentally the best way forward: “That until people sit down and speak to each other and see the humanity in each other, that that is the only way to progress,” Vaughan-Lawlor added.

“Unfortunately conflicts everywhere in the world have similarities and the potential to resolve always comes down to people sitting in a room, having a cup of tea and conversing.”

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (left) and Barry Ward, who star in the new movie Maze, written and directed by Stephen Burke (inset), which dramatises the 1983 jailbreak from Long Kesh. Picture: Niall Carson

ONE IN 10 HOMEOWNERS IN MORTGAGE ARREARS: LATEST FIGURES

Property prices up sharply Ed Carty

ABOUT one in 10 Irish homeowners are behind with repayments on their mor tgage, of ficial figures have revealed.

As a repor t from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) showed house prices up 12.3 per cent in the last year, the Central Bank said 73,706 borrowers had fallen into arrears.

The regulator said 51,750 homeowners were 90 days behind on their mortgage payments at the end of June.

In the three months from April the Central Bank said 340 people either voluntarily gave back the keys to their home after running into debt or were forced to give up the home by the courts. Landlords who had taken out mortgages on another 207 properties found themselves in the same boat.

Despite the high level of repossessions the Central Bank noted that the mortgage arrears crisis was steadily

improving, with the numbers falling behind on loan repayments reducing for more than a year.

The report also revealed non-bank entities hold 48,199 mortgage accounts in Ireland and one third of those are held by unregulated firms.

Meanwhile, the CSO said house prices were highest in Dublin city, the west and the south-east. The lowest growth rates were in Fingal, north Dublin and the Mid-West.

The CSO said there were 3,878 houses or apartments registered as sold in July and only 624 were newly built.

The repor t covering the last 12 months showed that there were 41,822 deals done in that time, including 11,372 purchases by first-time buyers and 8,966 by people who will not be living in the properties.

The CSO said Glenagear y and Blackrock in Co Dublin were the two most expensive places to buy a home.

Irish house prices are rising strongly but so are the numbers of homeowners in mortgage arrears.

Statisticians have switched emphasis for the Residential Proper ty Price Index to median prices rather than the standard average.

It said homes in the Glenageary area of Dun Laoghaire had a median price of €638,000 compared to €571,250 in

Blackrock. At the other end of the scale Ballyfermot was the least expensive part of the city, with homes selling for a median price of €181,000.

Outside the capital the dearest places to buy were Greystones, Co Wicklow and Dunboyne, Co Meath and the cheapest were Clones, Co Monaghan and Castlerea, Co Roscommon.

Meanwhile, a new inter naional report has found that Irish house prices are rising at the third-fastest pace in the world.

According to the Global Property Guide, the five strongest global housing markets in the second quarter of 2017, based on year-on-year growth, were: Iceland (+21.3 per cent), Hong Kong (+19.3%), Ireland (+13.5%), Canada (+13.1%), and Romania (+8.9%).

Conversely, the biggest declines were found in Puerto Rico (-9.6%), Russia (-7.6%), Qatar (-6.3%), Macedonia (-6%), and Egypt (-5.3%).

JUSTICE CHIEFS SPENT ALMOST 4M EURO ON BUILDING THAT WAS NEVER USED

Watchdog points the finger at public sector waste Ed Carty and Deborah McAleese

ALMOST €4 million of taxpayers’ money was spent by justice chiefs on a building that was never used.

The offices on Wolfe Tone Street in central Dublin were supposed to have been used for a community-based project funded by the Probation Service.

But a dispute over planning rules for the property forced the Department of Justice to leave it lying empty for several years after more than €1 million was paid for a fit-out and another €1 million in rent.

The taxpayer had to foot the bill for another €1.8 million paid to settle a potentially protracted and costly courtroom battle over the lease.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG), the state’s spending watchdog, disclosed that the office had examined the spend in its 2011 report.

“Significant efforts had been made to find an alternative use for the property but to no avail,” the C&AG said.

“As part of the settlement, the lease on this premises has now been terminated and no fur ther costs will be incurred in relation to this property.”

The C&AG said issues about the office’s suitability for the Probation Service only arose after the lease was signed when it emerged there was no planning permission.

The subsequent lawsuit was settled last year.

The issue was one of more than 20

reports on financial waste in the public service.

The C&AG’s report examined the over-payment of between €100 million and €120 million in welfare benefits between 2013 and 2016. It said about half of it in 2013 was linked to fraud but by last year that had come down to 37 per cent, about €41 million.

The repor t also said there were 16,225 fraudulent social welfare overpayments in 2016 and 1,305 of them were worth more than €5,000.

It also showed that 222 cases were considered by the Depar tment of Social Protection’s Central Prosecution Unit for criminal proceedings.

In its examination of the corporation tax regime – much-maligned internationally – the C&AG found 13 of the top

100 companies with the highest taxable income had an effective rate of less than 1 per cent in 2015.

Elsewhere, the C&AG looked back on a property deal linked to the Garda training college in Templemore dating back to the tail end of the property boom. It said the State paid almost €2 million more for farmland to expand the college than the guide price when the purchase was first advised.

Dromard farm, including a Georgianperiod home, outhouses and woods on 252 acres about 6km from the centre was first up for auction in May 2005 valued at €2.5 million.

A private sale went through instead of it going under the hammer and 18 months later the Office of Public Works paid €4.3 million for it.

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

news :: brexit KEY EUROPEAN LEADER TAKES AIM AT BORIS JOHNSON AND INFLAMMATORY TALK

Border an ‘illogical divide’ Ed Carty

A KEY player in the European Parliament has told British Foreign Secretar y Boris Johnson that he is talking nonsense by criticising proEuropean Brits for having split allegiances.

Guy Verhofstadt, the Brexit co-ordinator for MEPs, told Irish politicians that the Foreign Secretary’s attitude was out of date.

In a special address in the Dáil, the former Belgian prime minister also repeated his insistence there can be no return to a hard border of checkpoints on the island of Ireland after Brexit.

“I note that some British politicians, not to name Boris Johnson, criticise their countr ymen and women for wanting to keep their European identity,” he said. “He accused them even of split allegiance. I think that is a binary, old fashioned and reductionist understanding of identity. I think we need to be smarter, and more open and more inventive than that.”

Mr Verhofstadt launched the broadside at Mr Johnson’s newspaper article

on Brexit as he addressed politicians who sit on the Dáil’s committees on European Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence, and the Good Friday Agreement, saying that people can identify however they choose.

“It’s not your origin or the fact that by accident that you were born in this or that village, city or countr y that makes you a good citizen. No, it’s the fact that you embrace the values of your community,” Mr Verhofstadt said.

“I think it’s nonsense to talk about split allegiance.

“It’s perfectly possible, I think – I never practice it – but to feel English, British and European at the same time.

And I think it is perfectly normal to be a Dubliner, Irish and European ... without being schizophrenic about split allegiance.

“It is this position that needs to be defended by our European Union just as the European Union needs to defend there is no return to the past, to hard borders on our continent, and certainly not to a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.”

Mr Verhofstadt was also in Belfast

Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt in Dublin.

meeting politicians during his Irish visit and later visited a border farm in Co Monaghan, remarking how it is impossible to see where one jurisdiction starts and the other ends.

Mr Verhofstadt described the Irish border as an “illogical divide” and called for it to remain invisible.

“Certainly the cows couldn’t see it.

Cows from the north eating grass from the south, milked in the north by a

farmer from the south with their milk bottled in the south,” he said.

“I’m a Belgian so surrealism comes naturally to me but to reinstate the border would be more than surreal, it would be totally absurd, even for me.”

While criticising Mr Johnson’s article where he raised concerns that EU membership gave Britons a competing loyalty, Mr Verhofstadt told politicians that in the past the Irish border created “hate and chaos”.

He said everyone he met on his trip to the border region told him they wanted Northern Ireland to stay in the customs union and single market.

“This can only be a unique solution,” he said. “Simply saying that the problem will be solved by using new technology is not convincing.”

Mr Verhofstadt also expressed solidarity with the Republic and said the European Parliament would not allow the country to suffer because of Brexit.

“Let me make it ver y clear. The bottom line for the European Parliament, the red line for the European Parliament, will be no hard border.”

HELP FOR BUSINESSES STRUGGLING WITH IMPACT OF UK’S EU DEPARTURE

Effect on health schemes discussed THE Government is drawing up contingency plans, should crossborder healthcare schemes be affected by a hard Brexit, the health minister has said.

Under the cross-border healthcare directive and the travel abroad scheme, Irish patients have the option of being treated in Northern Ireland if waiting lists are lengthy or a treatment is not available in Ireland.

However, there is concern over the future of the arrangements post-Brexit.

“The issue of access to health services in Northern Ireland, the UK and other EU member states under the treatment abroad scheme or cross border directive is being considered,” Ireland’s health minister Simon Harris said.

SF denying locals input on Brexit: FF FIANNA Fáil leader Micheal Martin has accused Sinn Féin of preventing the people of Northern Ireland from having a voice in the Brexit negotiations.

Mr Martin warned of “historic damage” being done to the region

by Brexit but said that the pro-EU majority in the Stormont Assembly is being stopped from being heard because Sinn Fein “is refusing to allow the institutions to be re-established”.

Stormont has been without a powersharing government since January when the former Deputy First Minister, the late Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin, resigned over the DUP’s handling of a botched green energy scheme. Talks between the two largest parties, the DUP and Sinn Féin, have so far failed to break the deadlock.

Speaking at the Fianna Fáil think-in conference in Longford, Mr Martin said it is “long past time” for the Stormont institutions to be restored.

“So far this island’s most consistently anti-EU party Sinn Féin is holding to the obviously cynical position that while the threat of Brexit is a threat to every element of the peace settlement but that no one is allowed to do anything about it.”

Global insurance giant for Dublin

Vernon Hunte, government affairs director at the British Hospitality Association, Nigel Dodds MP, and Colin Neill, CEO of Hospitality Ulster, at the launch of an independent report into the benefits of a tourism VAT rate cut for Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector.

Problems for tourist industry, north and south Deborah McAleese and Michael McHugh BREXIT could result in 300,000 fewer UK holidaymakers visiting Ireland by the end of 2017, compared with the previous 12 months, it has been warned.

Tourism body Fáilte Ireland said this could have resulted in €88 million in lost revenue and 1,900 lost tourism jobs had there not been a strong performance in other markets. There were 3.6 million British visitors in 2016, but Fáilte Ireland is predicting 300,000 fewer by the end of this year.

The authority is to target crossborder holidaymakers in a bid to offset the anticipated impact of Brexit on the industry. Fáilte Ireland said it intends to significantly increase spending in the Northern Ireland market place in early 2018 in an attempt to encourage travel to the Republic, particularly key border

counties, in the off-season. Research is being done on the development of luxury breaks, outdoor adventure activities and the retention of golf tourism, which is worth about €100 million annually to the Irish economy from the UK and US markets.

Fáilte Ireland CEO Paul Kelly said the “volatility generated by Brexit during the last year would have led to significant revenue and job losses had other traditional markets, particularly the US, not performed so well.”

“We cannot always assume that other markets will continue to compensate in this fashion – particularly as we now face a challenge in those markets from a British tourism product made much more competitive by the lower sterling value,” he warned.

Mr Kelly said the ongoing Brexit volatility underlines “the extent to which tourism can be at the mercy of external

factors beyond our control.” He added: “However, we can meet our current challenges by working on those things which remain within our control – our visitor experiences, competitiveness, capacity and skills.”

He was speaking at the launch of Get Brexit Ready, a programme designed to help businesses at risk of, or already struggling with, the loss of trade created by Britain’s departure from the EU. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s tourism industry is calling for a discount on the VAT rate for hotels and visitor attractions. More than 2,000 jobs could be created if the VAT rate is cut to 5 per cent, a report for the tourism industry has shown.

Hospitality businesses pay VAT at a rate of 20 per cent - more than twice that of competitors in the Republic.

EU law prevents member states from setting different levels of the charge

for different regions. That power will be repatriated to the UK after Brexit and the DUP is pressing for a speedy cut.

“VAT is structural and would kickstart our tourism economy and these numbers understate the potential for delivery of more accommodation into Northern Ireland and the delivery of upstream benefits,” the managing director of Hastings Hotels, Howard Hastings, said.

Ciaran O’Neill, president of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, who runs Derry’s Bishops Gate Hotel, said room rates at hotels in Donegal had risen faster than in his city.

“Because hotels in Donegal have a better margin they are able to price in a way that we cannot compete with.”

The study also shows that in the Republic, the average spend per visit (£350) is almost double that of Northern Ireland.

A GLOBAL insurance giant has picked Dublin as its new post-Brexit base. XL Group, owned by Lloyd’s of London, which has had a base in the Irish capital since 1990 and employs 7,000 people around the world, confirmed the decision in a meeting with the Government.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar predicted more announcements.

“XL Group is a welcome addition to Dublin’s thriving financial services sector,” he said.

“At a time many countries have lost their confidence and are unsure about their place in the world, Ireland’s firm commitment to being at the heart of Europe, in the euro and being globally engaged, with an open economy and commitment to free trade makes us an excellent place to invest. I look forward to more announcements in the weeks and months ahead.”

XL Group has picked Dublin as its preferred location for its principal European Union business XL Insurance Company SE. The announcement follows a number of big players in the city revealing post-Brexit plans for Frankfurt and Dublin.

Bank of America chose Dublin as the base for its main European legal entities once Brexit kicks in.

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A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

news :: brexit NO RETURN FOR IRISH BORDER, URGES JOANNA LUMLEY

No frontiers plea by well-travelled actress Michael McHugh JOANNA Lumley has added her voice to the growing number of commentators who believe that the Irish border should not be allowed to return.

The Absolutely Fabulous star said frontiers are invented and she urged people to oppose the reinstatement of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. After Brexit in March 2019 the UK’s only land border with an EU state will be on the island.

“I don’t think we, and that means all of us here, should allow that border to be returned; just simply don’t allow it,” Lumley said.

“Say ‘No, we will do something else but that border will not return’.”

The British actress was visiting Londonderry, one of the border cities that will be worst hit if hard frontier controls are reintroduced on porous and invisible crossing points.

Lumley was born during the dying days of the Raj and India was her family’s home for several generations. She recently produced a new travelogue on India, the latest in a series of televised

global wanderings, and said she was getting slightly addicted to travel.

The Irish border is high on the EU’s list of priorities for Brexit talks, with the British Government proposing that the majority of small businesses should be able to trade unimpeded.

The UK has pledged to seek frictionless arrangements as part of the EU divorce settlement.

“People say, ‘Oh, but it is Brexit and stuff’ – the European Union was set up by men and people who have made the rules, it can be picked apart by people who make the rules.

“It does not exist. The border does not exist. Borders actually don’t exist in the world. We have invented them. We have named these people this name and those people that name, got a piece of paper to go between, ‘oh, your government does not like this’.”

“What is happening to us? This is crazy, so the first thing we say is that there will be no further border, we go on, we deal with whatever it is. The border will not come back.”

Lumley was in the city as part of 20th anniversary celebrations for the charity Children in Crossfire.

FABULOUS, DARLING: British actress Joanna Lumley in Derry for the Children in Crossfire conference.

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR BREXIT NEGOTIATIONS

Talks timetable ‘challenging’ Deborah McAleese

A LOOMING deadline for Britain and the European Union to enter a new phase of Brexit talks is looking “very challenging”, the Taoiseach has warned.

Leo Varadkar said that it was not yet possible to say whether the European Council would be able to agree that suf ficient progress had been made to allow negotiations to move on to phase two.

Speaking at an All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit last week, Mr Varadkar said: “The timetable for the negotiations envisages the leaders of the 27 remaining member states – including Ireland – deciding next month whether sufficient progress has been made on the three key phase one issues: citizens’ rights, the financial statement and issues relating to Ireland. Right now, that timetable looks very challenging.

“While we have seen some progress, significant gaps remain and time is running

Taoiseach Leo Varakar and British PM Theresa May

out.” The Taoiseach again insisted that there could be no reintroduction of a border on the island. He also warned that anxiety about the border issue “extends far beyond the impact on trade and balance sheets”.

“It is also about the emotional impact on communities, North and South, which have become increasingly intertwined over the past two decades,” Mr Varadkar said.

“There is, understandably, heightened concern among communities who are worried about how their rights will be protected, including rights

arising from citizens in Northern Ireland retaining EU citizenship after Brexit.

“Above all, there is concern that reintroduction of a border will be a step backwards … in terms of the security, peace and political stability.”

Mr Varadkar vowed that as co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will continue to do all it can “to protect and support the hardwon peace on this island”.

Foreign Af fairs Minister Simon Coveney said a postBrexit transition period could last up to four years.

“When we get to the point of negotiating and debating a transition arrangement ... I think we will be talking about a period of somewhere between two and four years.”

Mr Coveney also said Brexit would be made much easier if the UK remained in a customs union but “that is not compatible with ... what Britain has been saying in terms of their ambitions to negotiate free trade.”

Falling pound boosts NI businesses THE falling pound has produced a sharp rise in business activity for Northern Ireland companies enjoying a surge in orders from the Republic, a report suggests.

Southern firms are taking advantage of the euro’s comparative strength by ordering in sterling and benefiting from the exchange rate, the Ulster Bank survey said.

Northern Ireland companies

recorded a higher rate of growth than traditional business hubs like London and south-east England this year.

Expor ts to the Republic of Ireland increased.

“It would appear that Northern Ireland is benefiting from the robust recovery in the Eurozone,” Ulster Bank’s chief Northern Ireland economist, Richard Ramsey, said.

“Northern Ireland firms are

taking advantage of having one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe - the Republic of Ireland – on its doorstep.

“Throw a weak currency into the mix and the conditions are ideal for local firms.”

However, he added, “inflationary pressures will act as a brake on consumer spending domestically. And longer-term economic prospects are clouded by political uncertainty”.

OPINION

Bordering on the ridiculous, EU’s negotiations signal troubles ahead THE EU has finally produced a paper on the Irish border issue.

To describe it as a paper, however risks violating the Trades Description Act. The long-awaited document is actually a huge cop out. It point-blank refuses to clarify the EU position and states that the onus remains on the United Kingdom to propose imaginative and unique solutions. In Australian terms, the EU, and by extension the Irish Gover nment, have gone walkabout.

Michel Barnier added insult to injury by claiming that it had been drafted in close co-operation with the Irish Government.

To keep a hard border at bay, the UK must essentially agree to stay in the Customs Union permanently, something the British Prime Minister Theresa May and the Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, have both rejected. In short, this is extremely unlikely.

Thus, we are facing the extremely unpleasant prospective of future confrontations in the border areas. Any erection of custom facilities on either side of that invisible line will inevitably become tempting targets for dissident Republicans and local demonstrations.

On the Irish side, we seem very capable of describing the problems but ver y shor t on specific proposals which might actually rectify the situation.

Just appealing to the British to stay in the Single Market and the Customs Union is not good enough. It is humiliating not to have any Irish representative in the Brexit discussions who has our national interest as the first priority. As the EU Guidelines themselves state, the Barnier team is negotiating firstly on behalf of the EU Institutions.

Comment Ray Bassett The EU paper also is fearful that the British are using the Irish border issue to further their demands for full free trade with the rest of the EU, post Brexit. It states that any arrangement in Ireland “cannot prefigure solutions in the context of the wider discussion on the future relationship between the EU and the UK”.

There needs to be no argument on this. If only the EU would agree that we can have a

“

In Australian terms, the EU, and by extension the Irish Government, have gone walkabout.

”

special local arrangement on the island of Ireland that does not need to have any read across to the wider negotiations. I am sure the UK would be ver y willing to give that guarantee.

Like Ireland, the UK has a huge vested interest in maintaining the current relative stability.

A EU agreement to that proposal would be unlikely since it violates the Union’s legal order.

Without breaking that sacred dogma, there is no solution to the border issue, if Ireland stays in the EU Customs Union. Even if the EU is not prepared to make the Irish border an exception, then the Irish Government have a duty to act on its own.

Will the Taoiseach and Simon Coveney hold to their muchheralded policy not to cooperate in the re-establishment of a border, or does that threat only apply to London and not to

Brussels? The document also touches on the Common Travel Area (CTA). It makes nice soothing noises about issues which are not in dispute. There is a curious reference to the CTA which it describes as allowing citizens of Ireland and the UK to travel and reside in each other’s country, plus associated rights and privileges in both jurisdictions. The Irish/British relationship is, of course, a lot deeper than that.

Let us hope therefore that the pro EU media and Opposition parties in Ireland finally highlight the shortcomings of EU policy on Brexit and, in particul a r, t h e I r i s h d i m e n s i o n .

However, subservience to the EU runs deep in the establishment parties in the Republic, many of whom have benefitted substantially from Brussels’ largesse, paid for by the Irish taxpayers. In reality, the reason that the EU is not committing itself to any proposals in its Irish paper is that they have privately precluded any possibility of avoiding a hard border.

They know that overtly outlining the facts would be too unpalatable for the Irish public at this time. They are also shielding the Irish Government from the latter’s failure to explore viable alter natives, outside the EU Customs Union.

We can expect a huge effort in the Irish media to blame the British rather than the true culprits, the EU establishment in Brussels who are much more interested in maintaining their own position than seeking a workable solution for Ireland. In the circumstances, we must consider all options, including exiting the EU Customs Union.

Ray Bassett is a former Irish Ambassador to Canada.

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

ireland DALAI LAMA CALLS FOR CENTURY OF PEACE DURING HIS NORTHERN IRELAND VISIT

Tibetan leader charms audience at Derry event THE Dalai Lama has said the developed world is experiencing a mental crisis.

During a visit to the north of Ireland he railed against too much war, fear, distrust and anger and called for world leaders to create a century of peace.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said he was an admirer of the European Union and he urged Russia to join the bloc.

“Our goal should be a century of peace; a century of dialogue based on a sense of oneness of seven billion human beings,” the 82-year-old told an audience in Derry.

The leader in exile of the Tibetan Himalayan kingdom, which was annexed by China in 1950, has visited Northern Ireland several times: in October 2000, November 2005 and April 2013. The Dalai Lama, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989, has become a symbol of peaceful resistance to oppression throughout the world.

He said the kind of thinking that led

to warfare was outdated – referring to fighting in Burma, Iraq and Syria.

“Those developed countries [waging war] are mentally in a lot of crisis.

Unrest, too much warring, fear, distrust and anger.”

He was a guest of the charity Children in Crossfire, which is marking 20 years of international development work. The anti-poverty organisation was established by Richard Moore, who was blinded when he was injured during the Northern Ireland conflict.

Mr Moore was walking past an army post when he said a soldier fired a rubber bullet from 10 feet away.

The Dalai Lama urged a greater sense of compassion and love during his speech to a sell-out crowd.

“I am an admirer of the European Union”, he said. “Eventually Russia should be part of the EU.” He made a few jokes about US President Donald Trump and climate change, noting that recent events (hurricanes in the Caribbean) may be teaching him something different.

IRISH WEATHER

RECORD NUMBER OF IRISH CHILDREN NOW HOMELESS

Michael McHugh

It’s official: summer ‘a washout’ Deborah McAleese

IT IS unlikely to come as much of a surprise – especially to those who visited the countr y this year – but Ireland’s summer was of ficially a washout.

Met Eireann said most of the country had higher than average rainfall and lower than normal temperatures over the summer months.

Malin Head in Co Donegal had its wettest summer in 19 years.

It also experienced its wettest summer day in 62 years on August 22 when the remnants of Hurricane Gert battered parts of the north and west of the country.

Heavy downpours led to flash floods in many towns and villages. Scores of families were made homeless and about 300 parts of the Donegal road network were damaged in the floods.

Another wet spot was Newport in Co Mayo, which clocked up 65 days of rain in June, July and August.

But despite the soggy season, Dublin still managed a record temperature of 28.6c – the hottest day of the summer – on June 21 in Phoenix Park.

This was the hottest June temperature since 1961.

Surprisingly, sunshine totals were above average for the season. In fact, the sunniest summer day since 2004 was recorded at Cork Airport on June 18 with almost 16 hours of sunshine.

Met Eireann said summer 2017 was “varied and unsettled”.

The first half of June was changeable but the second half of the month was one of the few fine spells of the season with warm, mostly dry weather.

July was unsettled and noticeably cool, However, there were some fine days, especially in the south and east.

In August, frontal systems brought rain or showers on most days.

Most seasonal mean temperatures were slightly below average.

The highest temperatures of the summer were reported between June 18 and 21, and between July 17 and 18.

The Dalai Lama jokes around with a choir-member during his visit to the Children in Crossfire event in Derry last month. (Inset) The Tibetan leader addresses the sell-out audience.

Homeless crisis deepens Ed Carty

MORE than 3,000 Irish children are homeless – a record figure, the latest data shows.

Official numbers on families forced into emergency accommodation like B&Bs, hotels and hubs showed there were 3,048 youngsters and teenagers with no home to go to.

The children’s charity Barnardos said the impacts are devastating.

June Tinsley, head of advocacy at the charity, said it had been hoped, naively, that the 3,000 level would be seen a ceiling.

“The experience of being homeless – of living in emergency accommodation, is hugely detrimental to a child’s well-being,” she said.

“Parents that we work with are reporting high levels of anxiety in their children as they try to cope with a life of uncertainty.

“These experiences and memories will stick with these children forever.

Every day in homelessness is a day too long for a child.”

The official figures – released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government – showed a total of 8,270 people were homeless including

5,222 adults. The report also showed 1,442 families were homeless. There was a slight drop in the number of homeless children in Dublin.

The Peter McVerry Trust warned that poor oversight of landlords and insecure tenancies were a major cause of rising numbers of homeless.

The most recent figures released by the Department of Housing show that 8,270 people were registered as living in emergency and temporary accommodation during the last week of August 2017.

Since the beginning of 2017, there has been a net increase of 140 people becoming homeless ever y month.

These figures point to a 23 per cent projected rise in homelessness for 2017.

The tr ust’s chief executive, Pat Doyle, said the agency was seeing an increasing number of people becoming homeless after living in the private rental sector.

“We need to see continued action from Government to deal with the rising cost of rents and housing,” Mr Doyle said. “Peter McVerry Trust, and other charities in the sector, are facing an extremely challenging situation to provide enough emergency accom-

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister for Housing Eoghan Murphy at the homelessness summit last month.

modation, and we therefore recognise the immense challenge that exists in providing an adequate level of housing solutions.”

The Government, under pressure to find solutions, announced last month that 800 new social homes are going to be built next year, in a range of initiatives to try to ease the homelessness crisis.

Housing minister Eoghan Murphy said this would mean 3,800 houses or apartments being made available to take people out of emergency accommodation and waiting lists.

He said negotiations would continue with the Minister for Finance and

Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, to get more money in the budget for social housing.

The investment was agreed at a recent summit involving Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the heads of the country’s local authorities.

Another €10 million was agreed to be spent on family hubs before the end of the year and €1.5 million will be spent on health for homeless people.

By December, 200 extra emergency beds will be opened for homeless people in Dublin. It follows 200 extra beds opened last winter.

The Government said it expects about 5,000 new social housing homes to be delivered next year when vacant or boarded-up proper ties are refurbished.

Other initiatives agreed at the summit include the creation of a homeless interagency group to provide homeless services across relevant departments and agencies.

Among its roles will be co-ordinating the Depar tments of Health, and Children and Youth Affairs, and the Health Service Executive and Tusla to increase healthcare in emergency accommodation and ser vices for homeless families and children.

VETERAN BROADCASTER OF 11 OLYMPICS AND 12 WORLD CUPS, DIES AGED 82

Final whistle for sports commentator Jimmy Magee Ed Carty

ONE of the best-loved faces and voices of Irish sport, Jimmy Magee, has died.

The RTÉ commentator and journalist, known as the Memory Man, was 82.

Magee was indelibly linked with some of the greatest moments in Irish and international sport. He commentated on 11 Olympic Games and 12 World Cups. Ryle Nugent, RTÉ’s group head of sport, paid tribute using one of the journalist’s immortal lines, coined when Diego Maradona scored his brillian solo goal against England in Mexico 1986.

“Jimmy Magee #rip another gone from the soundtrack of our youth.

Unbelievably supportive, always positive, different class,” Nugent said.

Another RTÉ colleague, Des Cahill, said: “RIP Jimmy Magee. The best travel companion ever. A pure rogue for the craic.”

Magee was regarded as a family man, fun loving and great support to young journalists.

Some of his magic moments on air included calling home John Treacy to silver medal success at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles; Bar r y McGuigan’s world title fight in Loftus Road in 1985, and Katie Taylor’s Olympic success in London 2012.

Born in New York city and raised in Co Louth, he joined RTÉ in 1956.

Magee’s son Paul died in 2008 from motor neurone disease and donated his brain for research. Magee was a patron of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) and supported the charity for more than a decade.

IMNDA chief executive Aisling Farrell said no task was too small and no obstacle too high for him.

“We are truly heartbroken to hear of this news,” she said.

“Jimmy was a constant presence in our fundraising for so long, and helped raise the profile of an illness that has such a devastating effect on people living with motor neurone disease.”

Boxing champion turned promoter Barry McGuigan said: “My heartfelt sympathies to the family of the legendar y Jimmy Magee. Amazing commentator and a great man.”

Former Irish international Paul McGrath described Magee as a “gentleman of Irish sport”.

A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

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AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

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

Bemused gardaí seize car in Limerick GARDAÍ have seized a car in Limerick that was being driven by a man who was disqualified, while the insurance disc was eight years out of date.

The Limerick Leader reports that bemused gardaí seized the car after the driver was discovered to be disqualified, while the car had no insurance, tax or NCT displayed.

The vehicle was seized by Traffic Corps attached to Henry Street Garda station after it was discovered that the insurance expired nearly eight years ago and some of the discs were from a different vehicle.

“Well, where do we start with this one?” stated a post on the Garda Síochána – Cork, Kerry & Limerick, Southern Region – Facebook page.

“This vehicle was seized today in Limerick by traffic corps attached to Henry Street Garda station. Driver was disqualified from driving. Also had no insurance, tax or NCT [certificate of roadworthiness] displayed.

The insurance expired nearly 8 years ago. Some of the discs were from a different vehicle. A court appearance to follow.”

BELFAST

Belfast Ribs ‘n’ Bibs apology over ‘beat the wife’ £5 meal deal A RESTAURANT in Belfast has been criticised for “trivialising domestic violence” after using a sign featuring the words “Ya can beat the wife but ya can’t beat a 5 pound lunch” to advertise its £5 lunch deal.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that the Botanic Avenue eatery Ribs ‘n’ Bibs placed the chalkboard sign on the street.

However, the establishment has apologised after a public outcry.

The restaurant’s head chef, Keith Patterson said the sign had been erected without the knowledge of management, and added that the staff member responsible would be disciplined.

“As far as I was aware the board said fish, mushy peas and chips,” he said.

“I wasn’t here at the time and it was done by a member of staff who has only worked here for a couple of weeks.”

“It’s a stupid, stupid remark and myself and the restaurant owner Malachy Turner would like to apologise on behalf of the restaurant for any offence caused. We don’t condone domestic violence. The member of staff who wrote this will be disciplined.”

South Belfast SDLP MLA Claire Hanna slammed the wording on the advertising board.

“It’s hard to believe that there is anybody who would either find this funny or think it’s an appropriate way to promote a business,” she stated. “Domestic violence is still an enormous issue in this society. It claims lives, terrorises people and uses an enormous amount of police

resources. It shouldn’t be trivialised or made light of. I think that this restaurant should make a donation to a charity which supports the many victims of domestic abuse.”

CAVAN

Blacklion resident and actor Tony Booth passes away TONY Booth, the Till Death Us Do Part actor and father of Cherie Blair, has died aged 85.

The Leitrim Observer reports that the father of the former British Prime Minister’s wife, Ms Cherie Blair, Mr Booth and his wife, Stephanie were living near Blacklion since 2004. Mr Booth, whose antecedents came from Ireland, said it was a place he loved and never had any trouble in.

The actor and political campaigner had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and had also suffered heart problems.

Booth had a 50-year acting career and appeared in television shows including Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and The Bill.

He was also a political activist but decades before, he was better known to television viewers as “Scouse git” Mike, the long-haired Left-wing son-in-law of Right-wing cockney Alf Garnett in Till Death Us Do Part.

Mr Booth was married four times and fathered nine daughters, including Mrs Blair.

DONEGAL

Outrage at second wind farm plan A DONEGAL community has vowed to fight another large wind farm development 18 months after a similar development was knocked back.

The Donegal Democrat reports that Finn Valley Wind Action will “vigorously oppose” plans that could see 36 wind turbines built between Castlefin and Barnesmore Gap. Planree Ltd is planning to build between 19 and 36 turbines at Meenbog, Lismullyduff and surrounding townlands, with some of the turbines planned to be situated close to Lough Mourne near Barnesmore Gap in what it says will be a capital investment of between €85 million and €150 million.

The developers say the proposal has the potential to generate electricity for 29,000 households, more than half the homes in Donegal.

An Bord Pleanála ruled last month that the development constitutes strategic infrastructure development and any application will be decided by the board and not local planners, as allowed under the Planning and Development Act. Marie Byrne of Finn Valley Action said the application will be vigorously opposed.

“The community are once again outraged that they are faced with a reapplication for a major wind farm in the Finn Valley,” she said.

“There was outrage when it was

TWO’S COMPANY: President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina hold two horses during a whistle stop tour of the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, Co Offaly. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire suggested by the developer that they had plans to construct a play park in the middle of the wind farm as an asset for the area, dismissing health and safety concerns and affects the development would have on tourism for the greater area.”

MEATH

Locals gutted as Aldi gets green light in Laytown ALDI, the German supermarket chain, has been granted permission for a supermarket on a prominent site on the Laytown seafront. The permission was granted by An Bord Pleanála despite strong local objections has been met by dismay and disappointment in east Meath.

The Meath Chronicle reports that local councillor Sharon Tolan said locals were “gutted” by the decision, adding that “it was a sad day for East Meath”.

Last December Meath County Council granted permission for the discount supermarket despite more than 160 objections being lodged against the plans and this decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala. A decision on the appeal was delayed a number of times but now Bord Pleanala has upheld the council’s decision, to the disappointment of locals.

“There doesn’t seem to be any concern for the public and what they want. I have no problem with Aldi being in the area. It would be a good addition, but not in that location. It should be in the town centre,” Cllr Tolan said.

“It is going to increase traffic on the road which is not fit for the traffic that is already on it.”

Laytown Strand is famous for hosting Europe’s only first-class race meeting held on a beach.

ANTRIM

National Trust closes down Giant’s Causeway shop after 100 years A FAMILY that has run a souvenir business at the Giant’s Causeway since early last century faces eviction just before Christmas.

The Ballymena Guardian reports that Tommy McConaghy (70) is challenging the planned eviction by the National Trust, which will turn the shop into toilet facilities.

The trust, which itself runs a visitor centre at the Causeway, has issued a notice indicating that the lease on the shop will finish at the end of November.

Mr McConaghy said his grand father had sold souvenirs at the

Giant’s Causeway as far back as 1912. The decision means that the McConaghy family will no longer be able to make their living at the Giant’s Causeway.

The family is challenging the decision through the Lands Tribunal.

In a statement the National Trust said that it “acknowledges the contribution that the McConaghy family have made at the site and confirms the decision to submit the planning application was not taken lightly, but with good intent to address increasing visitor pressures.”

ANTRIM

Commissioner launches inquiry into Paisley Sri Lankan claims PRIVATE Eye reports that the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathryn Hudson, has launched an investigation into allegations North Antrim DUP MP, Ian Paisley, failed to declare £100,000 worth of hospitality from the Sri Lankan government.

Mr Paisley reported himself to the commissioner after the Daily Telegraph published a story that he and his family had taken two luxury holidays in Sri Lanka in 2013.

Ms. Hudson confirmed that the formal inquiry is now under way.

As Private Eye has pointed out on numerous occasions, Mr Paisley is no stranger to the largesse bestowed by political office – within three years of election he was claiming the highest expenses of any MP. Up to April 30, 2013 – the year of his Sri Lankan adventures. Private Eye reckons he trousered £232,000 in parliamentary expenses.

CLARE

Ennis judge urges ‘golden’ couple to enter mediation A JUDGE has told a couple due to celebrate their 50th golden wedding anniversary later this year that if they were to go against each other in court, it may contaminate the next stage of their life.

The Irish Examiner reports that at the Family Law Court in Ennis, Judge Patrick Durcan heard a Clare woman recounting how her husband of 49 years slapped her after breaking plates and verbally abused her in the kitchen of their home.

Judge Durcan told the husband: “Your wife contacted the gardaí and they spoke to you and they asked you to give an undertaking that you would live in peace and you refused that. On that basis, gardaí advised your wife to seek a protection order.”

The woman has secured a protection order for temporary protection and was seeking a safety order that can provide more permanent protection from the courts.

Asked to comment on the incident

by Judge Durcan, the man replied: “I think it is much ado about nothing.”

Judge Durcan advised the two to go down the mediation route rather than thrashing out the issues in court.

“It does seem to be, on the eve of your 50th anniversary of marriage, that it is not a very appropriate thing to drag this matter through the courts and the next stage of life can be compromised and contaminated if the court heard evidence here today.”

“Rather than press that button, there may be wisdom spending time with a court mediator rather than thrashing it out in court.”

The husband said: “I agree.”

Ann Walsh, solicitor for the wife, said the mediation should take place within a month.

On behalf of her client, Ms Walsh said: “I wouldn’t like to go beyond that because there are ongoing tensions in the home.”

“I hope things work out for you,” the judge said. “The protection order remains in place and the applicant in this case remains under court protection.”

Addressing the couple, Judge Durcan added: “I would encourage both of you to sit back, realise where you are, realise the difficulties and if you have to be open to accommodate the other be prepared to move 55 per cent.”

KERRY

Sunday funerals banned in the diocese of Kerry A BAN on Sunday funerals has come into force in the diocese of Kerry.

RTÉ reported that the changes were announced by Bishop of Kerry, Dr Ray Browne.

The 53-parish diocese is undergoing major changes, because of a decline in the number of priests.

Now, just one priest under the age of 40 is serving in the diocese, which takes in parts of west and north Cork and stretches to the Limerick border.

Six parishes have no resident priest.

Kerry is only the second diocese – outside of the archdiocese of Dublin – to introduce a ban on Sunday funerals in an effort to free up priests.

Bishop Browne said many people would have reservations about the decision. However, it had been taken after extensive consultation with parish councils and with clergy. The retirement age for priests in Kerry is 75.

October, 2017 I www.irishecho.com.au

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Exploration which has the unfortunate acronym ARSE. Well, actually no. Some online wags set up a glorious fake website, along with a bunch of social media profiles, to dupe people.

And the people can’t be blamed – it all looks very legit.

The website lists Australia’s intergalactic mission as “to advance humanity further through space exploration, development, research and advocacy” – and there’s even merchandise on sale.

The day Brian ran for his Westlife SYDNEY underworld identity John Ibrahim has revealed how former Irish boy band singer Brian McFadden (above) “shit himself” when he was a guest at Ibrahim’s beachside home.

In his recent biography Last King Of The X, Ibrahim recalled a period in 2011-12 when he and McFadden were mates. However, the nightclub czar also revealed how McFadden’s constant smoking and bragging grated on him and that eventually, he wanted to “get rid of him”.

“Someone who can’t handle the aggro is Brian McFadden,” Ibrahim wrote. “[In 2011, he was] a mentor on Australian Idol. He’s been dropped by the show and has recently broken up with Delta Goodrem. And because I know him through Andrew Hawkins I allow Brian to stay with me for two weeks when he’s between apartments and I’m still waiting for my house to be rebuilt.

“What starts as a couple of weeks turns into several months, and while I like his company and find him funny, I find it hard to deal with his chainsmoking – he smokes constantly and I hate smoking.

“He’s initially charming but every time I sit down he wants to talk about how he used to be in a boy band, and he wants me to watch a clip from YouTube where he scored a goal in a charity soccer match that I have seen a thousand times. It was a pretty good goal, I must admit. I want him out and Kyle Sandilands thinks it’s hilarious.

“One Sunday morning I’m out having breakfast and I see the ­Sunday papers’ headlines. The police have leaked a story that there’s a

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contract out on my life. This is 2011, when the bikies and crims are melting down. When I get home, I walk in and there’s no Brian: the drawers in his room are all open and empty, there’s a cigarette still smoking in the ashtray, and sitting beside the ashtray is the newspaper, still on the page. I see a text from Brian saying his agent is concerned for his safety and has moved him to a hotel. Bullshit. He’s just shit himself.

I ring Kyle with the news, and he’s in stitches. ““Shit,” I say. “I’d have leaked that story months ago if I knew it would get rid of the prick.””

Space bummer AUSTRALIA is launching its own space agency, which is undoubtedly very cool for the country.

The government hopes to tap into what they say is a $420 billion industry and create thousands of jobs, while it also means Australia will be on par with its neighbour New Zealand, as well as other developed nations. The agency is to be called The Australian Research and Space

Quiz

1. Who was the first Englishman to style himself ‘King of Ireland’?

2. What links Valentia Island and Heart’s Content in Newfoundland?

3. Which iconic Irish drinks company is owned by Tequila Cuervo La Rojeña?

4. (a) To date, four Irish authors have won the Booker literary prize (now the Man Booker); Iris Murdoch , John Banville, Anne Enright. Which other writer? (b) Four Australian writers have won the Booker: Peter Carey, DBC Pierre, Richard Flanagan and which other writer?

5. Crockery in Ireland is routinely called ‘delf’ or ‘delph’, the word being derived from the town of Delft, a centre for earthenware production.

Which country is Delft in?

6. Which Taoiseach of Ireland could trace his ancestry back to the Huguenots?

7. Sam McCaughey, from Co Antrim, agreed to bankroll Wilmot Fysh and Paul McGinness for a go at the Government’s $20,000 flying prize.

McCaughey agreed, but sadly died before the money was forthcoming. Instead Fysh and McGinness went on to found what?

8. Richie McCaw is the most capped rugby union player of all time with 148 international appearances. He is followed, in order, by an Irishman, an Australian, and a Welshman. Who are they?

9. According to legend, what connected in 1752 the Co Cork towns of Buttevant and Doneraile?

10. How is Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin better known?

They said it...

“I’m a keen observer of politics. More and more, even though their politics are different, Deputy McDonald reminds me of Marine Le Pen because she always goes back to her script. She delivers her question, it’s scripted. I give her an answer and she goes straight back to her script. And that’s not the kind of leadership we need.”

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar comparing Mary Lou McDonald to Marine Le Pen. The Sinn Féin deputy leader had criticised Fine Gael’s economic policies, leading to families being abandoned, according to Deputy McDonald.

“Is it any small wonder the people of Northern Ireland do not have an executive or an assembly because this is the attitude of Sinn Féin. Constantly hectoring, smart alec remarks, lack of temperance, lack of respect for other people, inability to listen to them and inability to compromise.”

A further spat between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald. In the row that followed, Deputy McDonald was asked to leave. “I’m leaving anyway,” she told the chair.

Not so Cian THE addition of South African teams to the Guinness Pro 14 has created a couple of headaches for Leinster rugby. First, two of their players were refused entry to the country because they didn’t have the proper visas and then one of their stars was thrown off a flight because he wouldn’t shut down his laptop for take-off.

New Zealanders Isa Nacewa and Jamison Gibson-Park were refused entry to the country because they did not have the correct visas.

Club officials took full responsibility for the stuff-up and both players re-joined the squad after being issued with the c ­ orrect paperwork.

Then Ireland and Leinster rugby star Cian Healy was asked to leave a flight from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town.

The 29-year-old was using his laptop after passengers were asked to stop using electronic equipment.

A member of the South African Express cabin crew then asked that the plane be turned around and the player was asked to leave when it returned to the terminal. Leinster Rugby said it was a “misunderstanding” over the “use of a laptop during the approach to take off”.

“It has become clear, over the last year, that the core of my job is now about responding to an unending cycle of requests, questions, instructions and public hearings involving various agencies including the Public Accounts Committee, the Justice and Equality Committee, the Policing Authority, and various other inquiries, and dealing with inaccurate commentary surrounding all of these matters.”

An Garda Síochána Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, announcing her resignation.

“It redoubles the potential of the region to be marketed for inward investment and tourism.”

Director of Shannon Airport Andrew Murphy, on the opening of the 57-kilometre M18 Gort to Tuam motorway link.

“Sinn Fein has decided to ring-fence a free-standing Irish Language Act in a way that frankly makes it impossible for those who want to move forward but see this is just being used as a way to humiliate unionists and those of us who believe in a British way of life.”

Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, Arlene Foster.

“What we are seeing is the trenches being dug ever deeper. Not even megaphone diplomacy but parties painting themselves into ever deeper corners in terms of their public statements.”

Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry gave a bleak assessment of the chances of the Stormont executive being reinstituted.

“If we had a little more structure during the weeks, and more of an attack game plan driven from way earlier in the tour we could have won 3-0.”

Irish rugby international Seán O’Brien, speaking about the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand.

Crossword Clues across: 1. English river with mixed gin found in palace and bridge in France (7) 5 & 21 across: A gem of a passage between rows of seats, it’s said, gives poetic name to country (7,4) 11. Hate when Na loses head in the south (5) 9. We’re VIP, unsystematically here for advance showing (7) 13. Poetic lady’s realm, we hear, is a small onion (7) 14. Release international organisation’s granny, for instance (6) 18. Human rights abuser firstly conceals feudal system labourer (4) 19. Grand dance, plaything found in fruit in Galway town (11) 21. see 5 across 22. Hustler confused in Tipperary (7) 24. Finish in Inishfendra (3) 27. Man archives, for example, providing company for Bono, Bob Marley (6,7) 30. Northerly Gaels lament loss of tree (5,4) 31. Eleven in Rome entered with mixed-up Bert to create plan for leaving Europe (6)

Clues down: 2. State I insert drink via town in Cavan (8) 3. Regulate disturbing ego, Vern (6) 4, 6 & 7 down: My lawmen rode dangerously with English fighting force (3,5,4) 8. Donleavy hero persuaded to confusingly lend a fridge (11) 10. Beast loses head in orient (4) 12. Kerry townland arises from Rattus norvegicus hind region (6) 15. Heraldic gold with me and a Spanish article head for ancient Irish sub-kingdom (5) 16. Magnetic field strength unit found o’er St Edward’s name (7) 17. County at first didn’t have feathers (4) 19. Woman offering Beethoven’s first, third, fourth and fifth (4) 20. Soul I see is confused in this man (5) 23. Stopped Naas woman to find her (4) 25. Dr! Ow! Sydney makes you sleepy (6) 26. Pre-prandial prayer for Ms O’Malley (5) 27. Man registered in Carraivort (4) 28. Old county name takes French article over nine in Rome (4) 29. Place to keep livestock on the Ards Peninisula (3)

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LAST EDITION’S ANSWERS: Clues across: 1. Knock. 3. CS Lewis.

9. Uli. 10. Lilliput. 11. Moor(e) (Christy/Thomas). 12 & 13 across: Red Admiral.

14. Snore. 16 across, 6 down: No Surrender. 17. Enya. 19. Nabobs.

22. Heir (“the heir and the spare”). 24. O’Carroll. 25. Kin. 27. Audi. 28. Hewitt.

30. Etna. 31. Creagh. 32. Groma. 33 & 34 across: Dennis Taylor.

Clues down: 1. Kildare. 2. Cullinan. 4. Seth. 5. Éamon. 6. See 17 across 7. Biddy. 8. Spraint. 15. Absolution. 18. Newcastle. 20. Burke. 21. Brutish.

23. Cree. 26. Naseby. 28. Hain (Peter, former Northern Ireland secretary).

29. Wigs. 31. Cat (cat-o’-nine-tails).

Answers: 1. Henry VIII; 2. The world’s first permanent cross-Atlantic telegraph cable; 3. Bushmills Whiskey; 4. (a) Roddy Doyle; (b) Thomas Keneally; 5. The Netherlands; 6. Sean Lemass; 7. Founded Qantas; 8. no. 2: Brian O’Driscoll (141 caps); no. 3: George Gregan (139); no. 4: Gethin Jenkins (134); The Welshman could yet make his way up the table — he hasn’t retired from international rugby yet, unlike the others; 9. The world’s first steeplechase; 10. Enya.

October, 2017 I www.irishecho.com.au

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Unsung hero of Irish history AT THE height of the Irish Civil War of 1922-23, Cork city and county were outside the control of central government in Dublin. The anti-Treaty forces controlled law and order as well as civic affairs, taking over barracks and collecting customs revenue. Roving bands burned houses and farm buildings, particularly those owned by people, many of them Protestants, who were deemed to have been unsympathetic to the national cause in the recently-ended War of Independence.

There was nothing that ordinary people could do about this lawlessness.

In an effort to exert control, the Free State government sent about 1000 men of the newly created Irish army by sea from Dublin to recapture the county and restore order. Their leader was the 24-year old General Emmet Dalton. The army quickly took back control of the city and the main towns, and was enthusiastically welcomed by the local people who were fed up with the bullying tactics of the Irregulars.

This book is a reminder of how close Ireland came in 1922 to descending into chaos in the name of a semi-mystical devotion to a republic. The author describes the attempts made by Dalton to restore normality in the face of armed men who were now using the methods that had been developed during the war with the English. One tactic was to ambush army convoys and it was during one of those ambushes that Michael Collins lost his life at Bealnablath. Dalton, who had tried to persuade his friend not to travel, now held him in his arms as he died; that incident too could have seen the country descend into chaos were it not for the steadying hands of people like Dalton, Cosgrave and the much-villified Richard Mulcahy.

Dalton was only 17 when he joined the British army in 1915 as a second lieutenant. He was awarded a Military Cross for his leadership

at the murderous Battle of the Somme and after recovering from his injuries, he saw out the war in Turkey and Egypt with the rank of captain. It was here, of all places, that he learned to play golf, a game that he would later play off scratch.

Back in Dublin, the IRA was suspicious of him, but Collins recognised his strengths and brought him to London as one of his bodyguards during the Treaty talks. He was the person responsible for liaison with the British as they gradually abandoned their posts in Ireland and was in charge of the shelling that led to the recapture of the Four Courts from the Irregulars.

Having brought Cork back inside the Free State, Dalton resigned from the army and was given the job of clerk of the Senate, a post he held for three years without ever distinguishing himself.

The remainder of his life he spent working mainly in the film industry with giants like Sam Goldwyn and Carl Foreman among others.

He was responsible for founding the Ardmore studios in Bray where films like My Left Foot and Braveheart were produced. When he died in 1978, no member of the Fianna Fail government of the day attended his funeral; a year later those same TDs elected Charles J Haughey to lead the country.

It is surprising that this is the first biography of Emmet Dalton, a man who gave a greater service to his country during the war of Independence and the Civil War and in his later civilian life than most people you would care to name. His story is one of derringdo and courage and unbending adherence to principle. This book by former journalist Sean Boyne is a long overdue tribute to him.

Recommended.

THE Blood Miracles is the kind of book that takes a while to get in to. Partly it is the story and the fact

BOOKS Emmet Dalton. Somme Soldier, Irish General, Film Director.

By Sean Boyne Merrion Press 298 pp 16.99 euro

CCCCC The Blood Miracles

By Lisa McInerney Hachette Australia 297 pp $29.99

CCCC Frank O’Shea that there are no good guys in it, but there is the additional oddity that it is set completely among the suppliers and consumers of drugs in Cork city.

The central character is Ryan Cusack; in the author’s previous book, The Glorious Heresies, he was talked down from St Patrick’s Bridge, high on a mixture of alcohol, cocaine and unidentified but expensive tablets. He is too far gone to realise that the woman who “rescues” him is the mother of Jimmy Phelan, known as JP, the Mr Big of crime in Cork city and county.

Still only 20, Ryan has been dealing drugs since his mid-teens and is now the right-hand man of a serious dealer named Dan Kane.

His usefulness to the Kane enterprise is his fluency in Italian, thanks to his childhood holidays with his mother’s family in Naples.

Still a bit uncertain in the local

Napolitano dialect, he is nonetheless invaluable in the business of setting up arrangements for the wholesale purchase and transport of high grade MDMA. The story is based around what follows the loss of a consignment from Italy on its way from Ringaskiddy to Cork city. Ryan finds himself caught between Kane and JP, suspected by both, and able to get himself out of his predicament only after copping the mother and father of a beating from each of them.

How he does finally manage to get out of Cork is not entirely clear, but as the story ends, he is in Italy with his girlfriend, setting up deals that are so lucrative for JP that Ryan is unable to get back to normal life.

Presumably, how he does so will form the third part of this wonderful trilogy.

Ryan has another problem, one that is probably predictable for a man of his age who is attractive to young women. Unfortunately for him, one of the women he enthusiastically beds happens to be also a squeeze of Dan Kane;

meanwhile his girlfriend tells him she is pregnant and that she wants nothing to do with him.

The action throughout is fast and thrilling, made all the more enjoyable by the earthy dialogue, laced with Cork-isms. When two friends meet, a typical greeting might be “’Bout ye, boy”. When asked by Kane what the scene is like in a pub, Ryan says it is “Fairly mental, like.” When he joins a group that includes his girlfriend, his opening is “You’ve got your paws on my ould doll there, boy.”

To which the reply is “Jesus, it’s not like she’s wearing a badge.”

And these are just the innocent exchanges. The language of violence is a level higher, with little attempt to hide the blood and broken bones. There is a lot of sex too of course, but that is an everyday and seemingly indiscriminate activity for all the characters, male and female.

With little attempt at polished prose or high flying rhetoric, the author allows the story to tell itself with vitality and a kind of cheeky exuberance. We eagerly await the third part of the trilogy.

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Atlas of the Irish Revolution

Marian Keyes

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Hillary Rodham Clinton

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Munich

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It

Stephen King

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Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye

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5 Ingredients – Quick & Easy Food

Jamie Oliver

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Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine

Roddy Doyle

10 A Column of Fire

10 Smile

MASS MARKET FICTION 1

The Couple Next Door

2

The Handmaid’s Tale

3

The Whistler

1

I Found My Tribe

Margaret Atwood

2

The Choice

John Grisham

3

Jamie Oliver

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Francis Brennan’s Book of Household Management F. Brennan

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Guinness World Records 2018

Guinness World Records

Robert Harris

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Motherfocloir: Dispatches from..

Darach O’Seaghdha

David Lagercrantz

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Queen of the Ploughing

Anna May McHugh

Gail Honeyman

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A Ploughing People: Farming Life...

Ken Follett

10 Owning It - Bullsh*t Free Guide to Anxiety

Valerie Cox Caroline Foran

CHILDREN’S Ruth Fitzmaurice

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Wonder

Edeth Eger

2

The Bear Who Would Not Share

Oakley Graham

Force for Justice: The Maurice McCabe Story Michael Clifford

3

The World’s Worst Children 2

David Walliams

4

Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck

4

Life is a Funny Business: A Very Perosnal Story

Alan Shatter

4

Fidget: The Naughty Puppy Dog

To Kill A Mockingbird

Lee Harper

5

This Book is Worth EURO 25,000 Charlie Weston/Karl Deeter

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Beyond the Sky: You and the Universe

6

Underground Railroad

Colsen Whitehead

6

Wounds: A Memoir of War and Love

7

Foster

Claire Keegan

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Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

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Behind Her Eyes

Sarah Pinborough

8

Sam Maguire: The Man and The Cup

9

Holding

Graham Norton

9

Jane Harper

Hillary Rodham Clinton

Roddy Doyle

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10 Dry

Jackie Tyrell

John Le Carre

PAPERBACK NON-FICTION Shari Lapena

Cork University Press

R. J. Palacio

Susie Linn Dara O’Briain

Fergal Keane

6

Dog Man 3: A Tale of Two Kitties

Yuval Noah Harari

7

Birthday Boy

Kieran Connolly

8

555 Sticker Fun Horses and Unicorns

Bunreacht Na Heireann/Irish Constitution Government Publications

9

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - One and Two J.K. Rowling

10 Padre Pio – Irish Encounters with the Saint

Colm Keane

10 Gangsta Granny

Dav Pilkey David Baddiel Oakley Graham David Walliams

October, 2017 I www.irishecho.com.au

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October, 2017 I www.irishecho.com.au

AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

THREE IRISH AFL PLAYERS WILL TAKE PART IN INTERNATIONAL RULES

Maximum of three AFL Irish for hybrid series

Conor McKenna of Essendon will be one of three AFL players in the Irish squad.

JOE Kernan will take a 23-man squad to Adelaide and Perth in November for a two-game International Rules series against Australia.

Three names in Kernan’s squad are already nailed down. Those three play their football in Australia: Laois and Geelong’s Zach Tuohy; Tyrone and Essendon’s Conor McKenna; Mayo and the Gold Coast Suns’ Pearce Hanley will be the three AFL players in the Irish squad.

Speaking at the announcement of EirGrid as the Irish team sponsor, Kernan last weekend said other Irish AFL players wanted to be involved but that it was hard to look past the trio he had selected. It appears that no more than three Australia-based players would

be considered for the team. “We only have 12 of the boys out there that are playing but it was hard to bypass these three guys who played 21, 17 and 15 matches, and were probably three of the best out there,” he said.

“Zach Tuohy, I know from reports, will probably be in the running for player of the year. He’s had a fantastic season.

“He and Pearce changed clubs, which Irish lads normally don’t do, but it was for the better of themselves and they both played very well.

“Conor just oozes excitement and the joy of the game; great skill levels. Pace, power and accuracy would be the three things we’re looking for in players.”

Kernan joked that he is hoping to get some inside knowledge from Tuohy

about Chris Scott. The Aussie manager works with Tuohy at Geelong. It’s not the only knowledge which he believes the Irish AFL players will bring.

“Looking back on the game two years ago it was an eye-opener for me playing four quarters. You try and keep a high tempo in each one of them and there’s sometimes you drop tempo and it’s about keeping your shape.

“We didn’t have an outlet for the ball and to have those boys [Tuohy, Hanley, McKenna] there and to be able to talk us through things the way they do it.

“The one thing the Aussies destroyed us on the last time, when they made the mark, they were able to put two punt passes together and get themselves to the D.

“We were lucky enough then they weren’t able to score too many of them.

But if we can do the same, it’ll make our game a lot easier,” he said.

Kernan conceded that the hybrid game’s future was still uncertain.

“We should’ve been out last year and we weren’t. It was put back a year and that question is going to be asked before and after every series in the future.

“But from a player’s point of view and management, there’s no greater honour than representing your country.”

The 20 Irish-based players will be whittled down from a list of about 55.

Kernan expects to name the Ireland squad by mid-October for the games that take place in Adelaide on November 12 and in Perth on November 18.

IRELAND’S AFL CONTINGENT ENJOY MIXED FORTUNES IN 2017

Cats purring over star Irish recruit David Hennessy

ZACH Tuohy was lucky to miss out on an All Australian spot while injuries frustrated Pearce Hanley in his first season with the Gold Coast Suns. There was silver ware for the younger Hanley brother Cian while Conor McKenna solidified his role as a dashing half-back with Essendon. There were differing fortunes for AFL’s Irish contingent this year.

T uohy’s first season at Geelong ended in a heavy preliminar y final defeat to A d e la ide Cr ow s. But the Laoisman impressed all year, finishing in the top 20 for all AFL players for total disposals.

He also kicked six goals in the 25 games he played for the Cats in his first campaign since moving from Carlton.

The long-kicking defender, who seems to read the game so well, is now truly among the game’s elite players.

McKenna’s breakout season has secured him a four-year deal that keeps him at Essendon until the end of 2021. His signature is a major coup for the club after the 21-year-old enjoyed a formidable season this year, playing 19 senior games. It’s been a meteoric rise for McKenna, who was recruited from Tyrone via a Category B selection in 2014. Essendon finished seventh on the ladder in just the second season since the club was rocked by the doping scandal that depleted the club’s squad with so many suspensions.

It was a frustrating first season for Pearce Hanley at the Gold Coast Suns after his nine years at Brisbane Lions. The Mayo native struggled with injury, managing only 13 games due to back-related hamstring problems. There was also tragedy for Pearce and his brother Cian who both retur ned to Ireland earlier in the year to spend time with their terminally ill younger brother, Tommy.

Pearce was then unfortunate to get injured in his first game back in the NEAFL and did not play again until Round 10. He produced solid performances but injury continued to disrupt his rhythm. However, he did

battle back for his team’s final two games. Hanley and the club will hope for better in 2018, finishing second from bottom on the ladder.

Pearce’s brother and former club were able to secure some silver ware with Cian Hanley playing in Brisbane Lions’ NEAFL Grand Final win, defeating Sydney Swans 85-82 in a pulsating encounter.

Having spent two seasons struggling with injuries, Cian was able to make the most of the opportunities at Brisbane Lions this season, playing consistently and scoring his first AFL goal.

Cian is yet to play his first senior game for the Lions but the 21-year-old is an exciting prospect for the Lions and one who could wear his brother’s number 11 guernsey in time.

The losing NEAFL Grand Final team also had an Irishman in it with Colin O’Riordan of Tipperary scoring a gutsy goal to keep Swans right in it, trailing by only four with 15 minutes left. O’Riordan, in the second year of his international rookie contract, had to battle back from injury, breaking a bone in his back in August last year and suffering a collapsed lung while featuring for the club’s reserve side in a game against NT Thunder, a combination outfit from the Northern Territory.

Fit again, O’Riordan will hope to continue impressing as part of a strong core of young players at the Sydney club. In the competition, he played 16 matches and kicked five goals this year, averaging 20 disposals and five marks. There have been repor ts that Tipperar y GAA still hope to tempt him back to the side who did well enough to make an All-Ireland semi-final last year in his absence.

Conor Glass became the first Irishman to play for Hawthorn when he made his debut against Fremantle this season. The Derryman played 13 games for Box Hill, averaging 15 disposals, four marks and three tackles, as he stood out with his fleet of foot and daring skills before the 19-year old was upgraded from the rookie list.

Glass was impressive at sen-

Zach Tuohy has enjoyed a stellar year with the Geelong Cats while Cian Hanley (below) enjoyed success with the Brisbane Lions reserves, winning the Neafl competition.

ior level and managed to maintain his place in the side for the r emainder of the season.

Another preseason under his belt ahead of the 2018 season should see Glass go to another level again next year.

The Hawks’ other Irishman, Conor Nash, had his season delayed with hamstring trouble but the 19-year-old returned for the second half of the season, playing 10 games for Box Hill, the club’s VFL-affiliate, where he averaged eight disposals, three marks and two tackles.

This year also saw Carlton able to get both of their Irish players on the park together.

Having suffered a season-ending knee injury halfway through the last season, Louthman Ciaran Byrne made a successful return for the Northern Blues.

Playing his first game in nearly a year, Byrne got through three quar ters of game-time in a

Northern win over Coburg. He collected 13 disposals and showed his customary dash off half-back, and was well-complemented by Corkman Ciaran Sheehan.

Byrne made an impressive senior debut in 2015 before becoming a regular in 2016.

Unfortunately, he was ruled out of the rest of that year with a r uptured ligament but the Blues showed faith in him by promoting him to the senior list.

He played a couple of senior games in 2017, suf fering an ankle injury against the Sydney Swans in the last home-andaway round but the club are reporting that he will be right for pre-season training.

Having also suf fered with injury, Ciaran Sheehan played two AFL games in 2017, averaging 9.5 disposals, and five marks. The 26-year-old missed just two VFL matches through

injury, while breaking into the senior line-up for the first time since 2014. In his two games for Carlton this season, Sheehan could only rack up 19 disposals but was generally effective with a disposal efficiency of 84.2 per cent. Having been delisted at the end of the 2016 season, the Blues offered Sheehan a second chance via the rookie draft last year. Now out of contract, it remains to be seen whether he will be on Carlton’s list in 2018.

Also at Geelong with the long-established Tuohy is the speedy Mark O’Connor, who has been a revelation. The Kerryman had barely kicked a Sherrin when taken as an international category B but was so impressive that his senior debut against Essendon in round eight came barely four weeks after his VFL debut. He would also make a further appearance in Geelong’s solid campaign.

Dar ragh Joyce and Ray Connellan are also making their way at St Kilda, playing most of their football with Sandringham Zebras this year. Kilkenny man Darragh, brother of Kilkenny hurler Kieran, and former Westmeath footballer Connellan were both in just their first seaon with The Saints.

An Irishman who decided to return home was Paddy Brophy who decided to call time on his stint with West Coast.

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October, 2017 I www.irishecho.com.au

A U S TRA L IA’S IRIS H N EWS PAPER

PAUL DUNNE HOLDS OFF RORY MCILROY CHALLENGE TO CLINCH BRITISH MASTERS TITLE

Breakthrough win for Wicklow golfer Dunne Phil Casey

“I feel like I’ve been up there a few times this year and never got to put the foot down on Sunday so I woke up this morning determined to really try to win, rather than have someone hand it to me.

“I had a two-shot lead in Morocco and Edoardo finished birdie, eagle so I was just waiting for the leaderboard to show Rory having a hole-in-one on the last or something.”

McIlroy was always playing catch-up despite a hat-trick of birdies from the sixth and his chance of a first win of the year looked to have gone when he missed good chances on the ninth and 10th and bogeyed the next.

However, the four-time major winner refused to throw in the towel and fired five birdies in the next six holes to close within a single shot, but a lengthy birdie attempt on the last was never on line.

That left Dunne needing to par the final two holes for victory but he birdied the 17th and chipped in for another on the last.

“It’s unbelievable to shoot 61 to win his first tour event and I’m happy for him as well. He works hard on his game so it’s very well deserved,” McIlroy said.

Greystones golfer Paul Dunne claimed his first European Tour win with a stunning final-round 61 in the British Masters at Close House Golf Club in Newcastle. Pic: PA

PAUL Dunne produced a stunning final round to hold off a challenge from Rory McIlroy and claim his first European Tour title in the British Masters.

The 24-year-old sealed victory in style by chipping in on the 18th for a stunning 61 to finish three shots clear of McIlroy, whose 63 was the lowest score of an injury-plagued season which he will bring to an early, self-imposed end next week.

Dunne, who lost a play-off to Edoardo Molinari in the Hassan Trophy in April, enjoyed a remarkable stroke of luck when his approach to the 11th pitched into a sprinkler head on the edge of the green and bounced back to within five feet of the hole.

But the good fortune was well deserved after the 24-year-old played the first six holes in five under par to surge into a lead he would never relinquish, with the victory – worth £500,000 – lifting him into the world’s top 100 for the first time.

“It feels great,” Dunne said. “It’s nice to finally put the demon off my back and get my first win.

ALL IRELAND FOOTBALL FINAL

WORLD CUP FOOTBALL

Classy Dubs break Mayo hearts again MAYO’S agony continues for at least another year after a heart-stopping one-point defeat to the all-conquering Dubs in the All Ireland final.

The 2017 loss is perhaps the most gut-wrenching. Stephen Rochford’s men did a lot of things right against Dublin but still couldn’t seal the deal.

The Green and Red have now appeared in 11 All-Ireland finals – including replays – since 1989. But their long wait for All Ireland glor y continues.

Irish Examiner columnist Kieran Shannon, speaking on Mor ning Ireland, said lessons would be learned from the latest defeat but the heartbreak would be no less painful .

“They’ll be absolutely devastated; the pain is more keenly felt when you lose a final rather than say a quarterfinal,” he said. “In 2012, they were merely starting out. In 2013 the defeat to Dublin (another one-point loss) was devastating. Four years on and the pain goes on. It’s rough.”

When asked what Mayo can do to get past these setbacks and win, Shannon replied: “The simple answer is they just have to go again. They’ll be a Mayo team out in the championship in 2018, like 31 other counties.

“It will be a really tough winter but they’ll gather around. They love playing football and love playing for their county. The thing that will sustain them is that next year it will be Dublin, Kerry and Mayo that will be there again. It’s easier for Mayo to go again than for 28 or 29 other counties. Who knows where we’ll be in 12 months time?

“They will go again. It’s as simple as that. Mayo are relentless, just as Dublin are. It wouldn’t surprise me if the two teams are in next year’s final.

“Dublin are the top team in the country and have the edge over Mayo at the moment. It’s about bridging that gap.”

A last-minute free kick from Dean Rock gave two-time defending champs Dublin a thrilling 1-17 to 1-16 win over

Dublin and Mayo fans outside Croke Park on All Ireland Senior Football Final Day. Pic: PA Dublin 1-17 Mayo 1-16

Mayo in the decider. The victor y extends the misery for the “cursed” Mayo, which have now lost the last nine finals in which they have appeared.

It was a dream start for Dublin, as Con O’Callaghan gave them an early goal. Mayo fought back, though, holding a slim lead at halftime as the teams continually traded blows both metaphorically and literally.

Players on both sides had opportunities to win late, including Mayo’s Cillian O’Connor, who hit a free off the post in extra time.

Mayo still has not won the trophy since 1951, when, as the story goes, the celebrating champions had a curse placed on them by a priest after they disrupted a funeral.

Dublin were cricised for cynical play in the final moments of the final.

After Dean Rock nailed what proved to be the winning free, four Dublin players were seen to drag down their

Mayo opponents to reduce goalkeeper David Clarke’s options on the subsequent restart. It resulted in Dublin star Ciaran Kilkenny receiving a black card but Clarke skewed his kickout and Dublin retained possession well from there to the final whistle.

Asked if Mayo would do the same if in that position, veteran player Andy Moran replied: “Hard to know. We’d get criticised if we did and criticised if we didn’t. I think the Dubs are great champions, three-in-a-row. In my time playing football that hasn’t been done.

It is what it is.”

Mayo dominated long tracts of the fianl and did well to limit a Dublin attack that had been irresistible all year, but in the final reckoning they just weren’t clinical enough.

In a contest of fine margins, their greater strength in depth was crucial.

Diarmuid Connolly and Kevin McManamon came off the bench to score a point each, whereas no Mayo sub managed a score and they lacked a focal point in attack in the final minutes after Andy Moran was taken off.

It was Dublin’s 26th All Ireland Senior Football title.

O’Neill calls in fresh faces for must-win qualifiers

Nick Mashiter

ASTON Villa striker Scott Hogan has been handed a first call-up by the Republic of Ireland for their final World Cup qualifiers.

Martin O’Neill’s men face Moldova and Wales in their last two Group D games this weekend as they look to keep their hopes alive of reaching Russia next year.

The Republic are third in the table, a point behind Wales and five behind leaders Serbia, after picking up just three points from their last four games.

Moldova come to the Aviva Stadium on October 6 before the clash with Wales in Cardiff three days later as Ireland look to at least make the play-offs.

“Scott has got the paper work through and he is available to us,” Republic boss O’Neill told a press conference.

Hogan, who was born in Salford, qualifies for the country through his grandparents. He missed out on the last squad because he was waiting for his citizenship documentation.

The 25-year-old, who has three goals in 11 games for Villa this season, is joined by fellow newcomer, Millwall’s Aiden O’Brien.

“I’ve seen O’Brien on a number of occasions for Millwall and he has done very well,” O’Neill said.

Midfielder Jef f Hendrick – who scored Bur nley’s winner against Everton on the weekend – and forward David McGoldrick return after injury, but Greg Cunningham (knee) and Jonathan Walters (knee) miss out.

“The Moldova game is everything to us. We have to win this game,” O’Neill told the Football Association of Ireland website. “It’ll be a nervy 90 minutes.

We’ve seen this before in games we’re hoping to win. We’re going to try to go to Wales with everything to play for, so the game has become ultra important.

“We’ve found the odd hiccup in the last couple of weeks. We can rectify that.

“You want to qualify for competitions, that’s my job. We have two games and we know if win them you would be desperately unlucky not to be in the

Martin O’Neill’s Irish side must defeat Moldova and Wales to keep their World Cup dream alive.

play-offs.” James McClean, who scored twice in the 3-1 win in Moldova a year ago, and Robbie Brady are suspended for the first clash, but will be available to face Wales. Bournemouth’s Harry Arter (calf) and Sheffield Wednesday’s Keiren Westwood (rib) are included, but will be assessed.

Both Dar yl Murphy (Nottingham Forst) and Conor Hourihane (Aston Villa) have been in good touch so far this season, scoring six and five goals respectively in The Championship.

Meanwhle, Germany coach Joachim Low is braced for a raucous atmosphere as his team aim to seal World Cup qualification with victory over Northern Ireland on Belfast this week.

Low’s men go into the game on the back of eight straight wins and knowing only consecutive defeats to the Irish.

Azerbaijan on Sunday could possibly deny them a place in Russia.

O’Neill’s men already have at least a play-off berth in the bag and Low will be taking nothing for granted at Windsor Park.

“We are looking forward to the game in Belfast, where a special atmosphere will prevail. The Northern Irish cheer their team unconditionally and loudly,” Low told German media.

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October, 2017 I www.irishecho.com.au

AUST R ALIA’S IR ISH NE WSPAP E R

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