Richard Curran: As the billions flow into defence, are we slowly being conditioned for war?
There is a growing feeling of a big war coming. As Israel rains missiles on Iran's nuclear facilities and Irish citizens are warned not to travel to Israel because of likely escalation on the Iranian side, the uncertainty and instability of the last three years feels heightened.
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The Irish Sun
44 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Dangerous moment for Middle East', says Harris in call for Israel & Iran ‘to urgently de-escalate' amid war fears
FOREIGN Affairs Minister Simon Harris has spoken with the Irish Ambassadors in Iran and Israel to urge them to push for an end to the air attacks that have devastated both countries. The Tanaiste is also working with his European counterparts to push for an end to the violence that has seen the 3 Simon Harris has urged the Irish ambassadors in Iran and Israel to push for an end to the attacks Credit: 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved 3 Israel and Iran have launched airstrikes at each other Credit: AP:Associated Press 3 Irish citizens residing in the countries are asked to follow the local authorities' advice Credit: AP:Associated Press The Irish Ambassadors in Minister 'I reiterate my call for both sides to urgently de-escalate, to open channels for communication and allow a return to diplomacy. 'Continuing military action will not bring security for any of the people of the READ MORE ON THE MIDDLE EAST Irish people are being urged to not to travel to Iran or The Tanaiste said: 'Our Embassies are in close contact with members of the Irish community to offer assistance. 'We are also working closely with our 'My Department continues to advise against all travel to Most read in Irish News 'Irish citizens in the region are advised to be vigilant and to follow the advice of local authorities, including any orders to shelter in place.' Taoiseach Israel launches strike on Iran as explosions rock Tehran and state of emergency declared over nuclear threats Speaking in 'SO MUCH CONFLICT' He admitted: 'It is deeply concerning that we have so much conflict in the Middle East. 'It is dangerous in terms of its impact on civilian populations in the first instance. We see the horrors of 'A new Government is installed there endeavouring to find and create some stability - we have instability and war in 'We have the appalling settlements in the West Bank. 'DEEP CONCERN' 'Iran should have engaged a long time ago on its nuclear programme and to dismantling it.' 'But there has to be a return to a rules-based 'That is a matter of deep concern to us. 'We want to see a peaceful resolution to the conflict - we believe in dialogue and we believe in diplomacy. 'So we would say - to the world powers in particular - to use their influence and stop the hostilities to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages. 'And to get a huge surge in 'Also to bring about a cessation (of violence) and to de-escalate between Iran and Israel.' DE-ESCALATE CRISIS CALLS Mr Martin also called on Iran to de-escalate the crisis in the Middle East by continuing to engage internationally in relation to its nuclear programme. 'It is important that (Iran) they would continue to engage but the context now may make that very difficult.' 'They should have engaged, in my view, far more proactively in the past.' 'The International Atomic Energy Agency called it out during the week - but equally they said the bombing of nuclear installations is hugely concerning. There is the risk of widespread potential death and destruction.' 'The only sustainable way of ensuring peace is through dialogue and diplomacy, ultimately.'
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Cork Airport road named in honour of Rory Gallagher
The main entrance road to Cork Airport has been named in honour of legendary Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher. Taoiseach Micheál Martin unveiled 'Rory Gallagher Avenue' to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Cork musician's death in 1995. The airport is part of a Cork City Council's new 'Stompin' Ground trail that highlights places that were associated with Mr Gallagher's life and career. While born in Co Donegal in 1948, the blues and rock guitarist grew up in Cork city - where his legacy continues to resonate. This is the first time the city has celebrated his international career on such a large scale with events being held across the weekend. Mr Martin paid tribute to the "genuine rock star who inspired people right around the world with his music". "His legacy is one which reverberates across Cork, and it is only fitting that he is honoured in the city where he spent much of his life," he said. "I want to pay tribute to the Gallagher family and all those at Cork Airport and Cork City Council in bringing about this wonderful initiative in Rory's memory." Mr Gallagher's brother Dónal said that the star had traversed the roadway "throughout his lifetime to engage with his international career". He added that the Gallagher family was deeply honoured by the "heartfelt gesture". Belgain guitarist Jacques Stotzem played a rendition of some of Mr Gallagher's greatest hits at the event. Meanwhile, Lord Mayor of Cork Dan Boyle said that Mr Gallagher will be "forever remembered at the airport that brought him all over the world, showcasing his unique talent and equally so, the airport that welcomed him home".
Extra.ie
2 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Inside Irish woman's incredible Wild Atlantic Way challenge
A young Irish woman has spoken about her challenge to travel the entire Wild Atlantic Way — on her skateboard. Becky Gilmour, who was born in Limerick but grew up in Co Down, said that she planned to skate the 2,500km route along the western edge of Ireland in aid of Samaritans, following the suicide of a friend of hers a number of years ago. Speaking to about her mammoth journey, Becky explained that she always enjoyed skateboarding, and after toying with the idea to skate the length of Ireland from north to south, the Wild Atlantic Way was a bigger challenge for her (and, of course, due to the phenomenal scenery!). @beckyadventures Hey! I'm Becky & I'm skateboarding the longest coastal route in the world for Samaritans- follow along if you're keen 🙂 #skateboard #skateboarding #wildatlanticway #solotravel #camping ♬ Home – Matthew Hall 'I lost a friend to suicide four years ago, during COVID, and I couldn't even go to the funeral,' Becky said. 'It's just such a hard thing to process, suicide loss, and I really wanted to do something for myself. 'We lived on the north coast, and we used to skateboard there quite a lot together, I bought my first board with him. For myself, I wanted to reconnect with Ireland and come back to the south, because I'm from here and I haven't been here in so long, and it just seemed to be the next big challenge for me. 'So as time passed I just made the plan [to skate the route]. And as I came closer to going, I was like 'oh wouldn't it be cool to open it up and share it with other people?' And if it kind of helps other people along the way, that would be really sick.' Becky Gilmour, 25, said that she's skateboarding the entire Wild Atlantic Way to raise money for mental health charity, Samaritans. Pic: Becky's Arthouse Kicking off her journey in Kinsale, Becky told that after nearly two weeks she was hoping to reach Mizen Head by the time our interview is done. But, of course, skateboarding is tough with a lot of moving parts, wit smoother terrain often preferred. So naturally, things started going wrong on day one thanks to rural Irish roads. 'I had to teach myself to ride switch [with both feet being able to lead] with a heavy pack on my back to make sure I had my bag,' Becky said. 'I wanted to be as light as possible, so only brought camping supplies and a few bearings for my board; but on my first day the roads were so rattly, all the bolts loosened — I lost two of them and came straight off the board! '[As well] my wheels wouldn't turn until I got them moving so my bearings are already shot — So I'm going to have to into Schull today and see if I can get some WD40!' Beginning her journey earlier this month, Becky plans to travel the entire Wild Atlantic Way on her skateboard. Pic:Beginning her days at 4.30am and skating for most of the morning as to avoid traffic (yes, really), Becky has already covered impressive ground — managing over 200km in less than two weeks. However, she admits that she has some ground to cover; particularly after a physio told her that her knee may make the journey a bit longer. 'A few days before [beginning the journey] my knees were swelling up, and I was told I had a genetic problem, with [the physio] saying that I might be limited to 70km a week. If that was the case, it would take nine months. 'At the moment, I've been doing around 100km a week. So if I stay at the 100k a week, it'd take me 27 weeks — about five and a half months. But we'll see — I've been getting more and more used to it, so hopefully I'll get faster and stronger.' Despite the physical and mental toll of such a mammoth journey, Becky says that she isn't fazed — and after suffering from her own mental health issues, being able to raise money for mental health charities is the cherry on top; with her adding that there may be more adventures to come in the future. 'I've been diagnosed in the past with depression, PTSD… I spent a year of my life struggling to leave the house. And now there's days where I don't come home at all,' she joked. 'It's just so cool to say 'there's more around the corner.' And it's worth holding out for, to keep going, and there's more to life and things do get better,' Becky said. 'It's been cool that I can talk about that now. It would be so cool to keep doing what I'm doing, going on more adventures, because I love it. But also being able to share that message and raise money for charity, I love that idea. 'I've no idea what I'll do next, or if it'll be on a skateboard because I love doing loads of different things, but we'll see [what the future holds].' Becky's journey can be followed on TikTok, @BeckysAdventures. Anyone who may have been affected by the contents of this story can contact Samaritans on 116 123.
