A day in the life of Bere Island primary school
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Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
‘We await with interest': Family of Sophie Toscan du Plantier supportive of fresh DNA tests in murder inquiry
The family of murdered Sophie Toscan du Plantier say they will accept whatever findings Irish forensic scientists make on foot of a series of new DNA tests on exhibits from the near 30-year-old investigation . Ms Toscan du Plantier's uncle, Jean Pierre Gazeau, said the family fully supports the decision by the Garda Serious Crime Review Team and Forensic Science Ireland (FSI) to engage US DNA collection experts irrespective of what the move yields. Mr Gazeau said he was interested to see that the Garda and FSI had decided to avail of technology provided by M-Vac Systems to examine exhibits including the stone and concrete block used to murder his niece in west Cork in 1996. 'I think it is the last chance for the Garda – unless, of course, some witness comes forward with new evidence. But even then, they may retract their story, which has happened before, but DNA evidence is objective and scientific and definitive, so it is a welcome development,' he said. READ MORE Mr Gazeau, president of the Association for the Truth about the Murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, said he did not want to speculate, but that the latest approach could produce a number of different scenarios. 'They may find nothing but obviously if they find DNA and it does not match that of Ian Bailey , then it has the ability to clear Bailey of any culpability,' he said. 'But even if it means the outcome is not what we expect ... it is a scientific outcome, and we must respect that finding and accept it because DNA testing is very definitive. We await with interest to hear from the Garda on what the scientists find.' Ian Bailey, the chief suspect for the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier, died last year aged 66. Photograph: Courts Collins Mr Bailey, an English journalist, was twice arrested in connection with the French film producer's murder, but was never charged, and repeatedly protested his innocence before his death last year at the age of 66 . He was convicted in his absence at a trial in Paris in 2019 of the voluntary homicide of Ms Toscan du Plantier and sentenced to 25 years in jail. However, attempts by French authorities to have him extradited to serve the sentence were shot down by the Irish courts . M-Vac Systems chief executive Jared Bradley and a scientist from the firm travelled to Dublin last month with their equipment and spent a week examining various exhibits gathered during the original Garda investigation into Ms Toscan du Plantier's murder. The 39-year-old's badly beaten body was found on the laneway leading to her isolated holiday home in Toormore near Schull on the morning of December 23rd, 1996. A postmortem revealed she had been bludgeoned to death with a rock and a concrete block. As well as the cavity block and rock, gardaí from the cold case review team based in Bantry brought several exhibits to the FSI laboratory for examination by the M-Vac team including Ms Toscan du Plantier's dressing gown, leggings, vest and boots. Investigators are hoping that any DNA evidence obtained will enable FSI scientists to make comparisons with DNA samples taken during the original Garda investigation from about 10 people, including Mr Bailey, identified as suspects at the time.
Irish Times
5 hours ago
- Irish Times
Stephen Brannigan funeral: ‘Disease of unease and anxiety' paralysing Northern Ireland, priest says
A man found who was killed in Co Down last weekend has been remembered at his funeral as a 'kind and thoughtful' person who helped others. The body of Stephen Brannigan (56) was found in a house in Marian Park, Downpatrick last Sunday afternoon shortly after Fr John Murray was attacked at the town's St Patrick's Church. A man appeared in court earlier this week charged with the murder of Mr Brannigan and attempted murder of Fr Murray. Mr Brannigan's funeral Mass took place on Saturday at St Brigid's Church, Downpatrick. READ MORE The service was attended by his family members, neighbours, public representatives and emergency service workers. In a homily, Fr Timothy Bartlett said the community had been left 'numb, dazed and brokenhearted' following the events of last weekend. 'Last Sunday, as news of the tragic events of Stephen's murder, and Fr John's attempted murder, began to break, what a very different, what a shocking and very brutal world confronted us,' he said. Fr Bartlett said Mr Brannigan lived a life marked by a 'remarkable kindness'. The Mass heard one of his hobbies was flying planes online 'often into the early hours of the morning' and that he was being buried in the kit of his 'beloved Liverpool Football Club'. 'So, if there is a kit clash in heaven today, Stephen will be unmistakable as a definite Liverpool FC man. I am sure he would be very pleased about that.' He said Mr Brannigan would 'be the first to admit' he was not a 'perfect human being'. However, he added that 'the more recent years of his life were marked by a remarkable kindness, a gentle neighbourliness and a deep love for those who were close to him'. 'Yes, Stephen literally went around this historic town of Downpatrick doing good, often quietly, with no fuss and no expectation of return. Stephen loved and Stephen was loved.' Fr Bartlett said Mr Brannigan and his late wife Dorenda's greatest joy in life were their daughters Ciara and Gemma, and through them their 'beloved grandchildren' Sophie, Lily, Conor, Clodagh, Holly and Ruairi. He read out tributes from Mr Brannigan's grandchildren, who remembered him as 'the best grandad' who 'spoiled' them and also made a great shepherd's pie. The priest called on those gathered to remember the words of Liverpool's anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone, adding: 'As we say our earthly farewell, we say to you Stephen, 'walk on'.' In relation to Fr Murray, Fr Bartlett said the hearts of the community were broken that 'such a gentle and prayerful man should have been subjected' to a serious assault. 'As you continue to recover in hospital, we send you our love, our thoughts and our prayers.' Fr Bartlett also criticised a 'disease of unease and anxiety that is paralysing' society in Northern Ireland, adding that services that previously provided a culture of safety and respect are 'under-resourced and broke'. 'Am I the only who feels that there is growing culture of aggression and violence creeping like a cancer through the bones of our families, our towns and our society, in which nothing and no one is sacred any more?' he asked. 'Am I the only one who yearns for a little more gentleness, a little more civility, a little more courtesy, a little more neighbourliness and community, and a little more compassion and care?' Fr Bartlett said it was time to ask hard questions about how to address violence in society, suggesting a civic forum envisaged under the Belfast Agreement should be convened. Hugh Malone (30), of no fixed address but from the Belfast area, appeared via video-link at Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with the murder of Mr Brannigan and the attempted murder of Fr Murray. – PA
Irish Times
13 hours ago
- Irish Times
‘Raising my son in Dublin, I believed there was nowhere safer or more welcoming'
The riots in Dublin on November 23rd, 2023 jolted Ireland awake, sending shockwaves through communities and prompting anxious calls from relatives abroad, all seeking answers from a country renowned for its friendliness and peace. Having called Ireland home for 25 years, I've witnessed the warmth and openness that define Irish society. When I first arrived from India in my mid-20s, I was struck by how strangers would go out of their way to help, sometimes even walking me to my destination. Over time, my initial caution faded and many Irish friends became as close as family. Raising my son in Dublin , I believed there was nowhere safer or more welcoming; he grew up feeling no different from his Irish peers. But the aftermath of the riots brought a sudden, unwelcome shift. The day after, when I picked up my son from college, his Irish friends escorted him to my car, protective and wary. For the first time in 21 years, my son felt 'different', and his friends feared for the safety of their friend because of those differences. This wasn't what I knew Ireland to be. I refuse to accept the riots as an expression of true Irish sentiment. Instead, they seemed a case of opportunistic hooliganism, not racist intent. Through it all, most Irish people have stood against hate, reinforcing the values of kindness, inclusion and solidarity that make Ireland a truly special place to live and grow. Sohini De In recent years, Ireland has faced a troubling rise in racial attacks within its communities. For the longest time, few incidents were reported. Reliable statistics on racial attacks are hard to find, as such incidents remain largely unreported. Within the Indian community at least, I know they have an attitude of 'let us not draw too much attention'. Lately, the scale and frequency of attacks have stirred fresh anxieties, echoing abroad as loved ones question whether Ireland is still as safe and welcoming as it once felt. READ MORE [ 'Widespread media coverage in India' of attacks on Indian people living in Ireland Opens in new window ] The incident in Tallaght on July 19th - when a man in his early 40s, who had arrived from India three weeks earlier on a critical skills visa to join a leading international tech company in Dublin, was brutally attacked by a group of teenagers - was a stark reminder of this shift. Yet the courage shown by local resident Jennifer Murray, who not only assisted at the scene but also defended the victim against false claims, showcased the true Ireland — one that steps up for those in need rather than amplifying hateful, misinformed narratives fuelled by social media. Jennifer Murray, who came to the aid of an Indian man attacked in Tallaght, meets attendees of the United Against Racism and Dublin South-West Together demonstration against racism last month. Photograph: Dan Dennison The overwhelming majority continue to stand firmly against these acts, determined to uphold the country's values of inclusion and kindness. 'Not under my watch', many now say, drawing a line against intolerance. Ireland's story has always been one of welcoming immigrants , who now play an essential role as skilled workers, taxpayers and contributors to society and the economy. [ 'He kept saying: what wrong have I done? Why me?' An Indian man is left stripped and bloodied on an Irish street Opens in new window ] Still, a worrying minority use social media to fuel divisive and dangerous stories. The real issue is not the number or size of such incidents, but the principle: a respected doctor who has served this country for three decades, when told to 'go back to where you came from' by strangers, can be deeply demoralised. Every person deserves to go about their life in Ireland without fear. Defending this right and maintaining Ireland's spirit of solidarity is more vital now than ever. Ireland today faces a moment of reflection and action. The nation's increasing diversity is a testament to its growth — more cultures, languages and backgrounds enrich everyday life. Yet this very progress comes with challenges that require careful stewardship from all corners of society. Our educational institutions are admirable examples of inclusion, creating environments where students from every background thrive together. Still, the question stands: how do we extend this culture of learning and belonging beyond the classroom, into homes, neighbourhoods and the digital spaces where so many of our opinions are formed? Likewise, public and private organisations recognise the value of skilled migrant workers, both in bridging labour gaps and strengthening the fabric of our communities. Recent events have made clear that more, not less, must be done to support integration and mutual understanding. [ Gardaí struggle to reassure Indian community amid spate of high-profile attacks Opens in new window ] My engagement with both local Irish and migrant communities has revealed a host of practical steps that, taken together, could help Ireland confidently navigate the challenges we face. First and foremost, there's an urgent need to increase Garda presence, not just in Dublin, but nationwide. This isn't about heavy-handed policing —it's about deterring hate crimes and responding swiftly if they occur. But more gardaí alone won't solve everything. They need specialised training to recognise and address hate-driven incidents, while also working closely with IT experts and social media platforms to keep a vigilant eye on online hate speech and take appropriate actions. Transparency matters too, so regular updates on hate crime cases, within the bounds of privacy laws, will reassure the public, keep authorities accountable and deter miscreants. There are practical steps that can be taken to help Ireland navigate the challenges we face. Photograph: Alan Betson It's vital we run nationwide campaigns that celebrate the contributions migrants make to our economy and society. Business chambers can lend their influential voices to the cause, for further impact. Victims should be given easy access to counselling, legal support and safe reporting channels. Community engagement is also key — migrants joining local events, GAA clubs and neighbourhood projects enriches us all. The Indian community, among others, brings valuable expertise in Stem, digital literacy and sport. Open community events and skill-sharing programmes can foster positive connections. Most importantly, we need a clear framework for action, using national strategies such as the national action plan against racism to guide us. With collective effort, Ireland can rise above today's fears and build a future where inclusion is more than a promise — it's a way of life. While we are rightly worried about the recent developments, I have hope that in Ireland we will do the right thing. The majority of Ireland is peace-loving - a friendly place that wants to remain so. But we cannot rest on our laurels and let things get out of hand. By fostering collaboration between government, businesses and migrant communities Ireland can strengthen inclusion and diversity. Structured action plans, community engagement and educational initiatives empower migrants to contribute meaningfully, while promoting nationwide understanding of their positive impact. Together, through these efforts we build a more vibrant, inclusive and resilient Irish society for all. Sohini De is a businesswoman and mother who left India for Ireland in 2000.
