Latest news with #EamonMartin
Belfast Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
NI sporting hero Daniel Wiffen ‘really proud' to donate £25k Olympic fund to former Armagh school
The swimmer (23) made history last July after becoming the first Northern Ireland athlete to win an individual gold medal since 1972. He won gold in the 800m freestyle and bronze in the 1,500m freestyle for Team Ireland in the French capital. Sharing photos as he returned to old school St Patrick's Grammar in Armagh, the athlete was pictured with current pupils at the school and the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin. In a post on social media, Wiffen said: 'From Armagh to Paris and back again. 'Really proud to donate my full £25,000 Olympic Legacy fund to St Patrick's Grammar School Armagh – the school that believed in me from the very beginning. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. "Their support meant everything on my journey to becoming an Olympic Champion 'When I heard about the Legacy of Paris programme, I knew straight away where the funding should go. The school had plans for a new gym to support local athletes, but funding was a challenge. This donation helped bring that vision to life. News Catchup - Monday 9th June 2025 'It was a special moment to return with my brothers Nathan Wiffen and Ben Wiffen to open the new facility – one that will inspire future swimmers, GAA stars, hurlers, hoopers and more 'Massive thanks to Mr Clarke, Archbishop Eamon Martin and the whole school community for the warm welcome and continued belief. 'Legacy isn't just about medals — it's about giving others the chance to dream too.'
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Archbishop welcomes 'unexpected' Pope
The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin said he "really didn't expect" the American Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV to be elected. White smoke started billowing from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel in Rome shortly after 18:00 local time (17:00 BST) on Thursday, signalling the voting process had concluded. The new Pope then appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica after his election. Archbishop Martin said he was praying for the new Pope and hoped that "he will do a good job for all of us". Speaking about meeting the then Cardinal on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster, Archbishop Martin described Pope Leo as very calm and respectful. He said: "He was a very affable and a courteous person, somebody who is in that kind of humility that Pope Francis has exuded over the last number of years." "Whenever I heard his name called out, I just thought, it's not what I would have thought, but the more I've begun to think about it, clearly the Cardinals have been reflecting for a full two weeks before they even went in the door of the Sistine Chapel. "And what are the needs of the church? What kind of person do we need at this time?" "This is the one they've chosen," he said. In Londonderry on Friday morning Pauline Madden said she hoped the new Pope would be a good successor to Pope Francis. "There are challenges and issues for the Church worldwide. Hopefully he will be seen as maybe a peacemaker, there is a lot of conflict in different parts of the world," she said. Liam Wilson said he was happy the Conclave was quick. "He looks so young, long may he live now, I hope he carries on the work of Pope Francis." Mr Wilson said Pope Francis spoke out about peace and current struggles around the world. "I hope that continues now. What we want now is to maintain the ground that Pope Francis has laid and keep everything going, and bring peace to the world hopefully. Speaking after the news broke of the new Pope's election at Clonard Monastery in Belfast, Blesson said it was a very important day. He said: "I hope he is like Pope Francis like before. I will pray for him that he makes good decisions and takes the Church in the right direction." Fr Ciarán O'Callaghan said this represents a new start for the Catholic Church. "Every Pope has a way of leading the Church forward and Pope Francis certainly did that. This Pope has a lot of issues on his in-tray so I hope he begins to deal with those. "He talks of inclusion which is a big word in our world today, about a welcome for everyone, and about building connections and dialogue, and that sounds good to me," he said. Rosemary said it was great news. "I didn't expect an American but our previous Pope had installed him as cardinal two years ago, so it is great to see it and he will just have to prove himself," she said. "I was born in the States, in New York, so I am happy enough," Brain said. "It's the first Pope from north America. He is the leader after Saint Peter, it is a very big deal. It is so significant, from Francis dying to a new Pope elected." Harry said Pope Leo's previous experience in Peru and the Vatican made him the right person for the job. "It's good that it didn't take too long, it shows that they had agreement among them," he said. Dessie said: "It's a big day for the church, hopefully a nice and modern guy. He is young enough too, I think Pope Francis did a good job so hopefully he will follow suit."
BBC News
09-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Pope Leo: NI reaction to 'unexpected' new Pope
The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin said he "really didn't expect" the American Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV to be smoke started billowing from the chimney on the Sistine Chapel in Rome shortly after 18:00 local time (17:00 BST) on Thursday, signalling the voting process had new Pope then appeared on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica after his Martin said he was praying for the new Pope and hoped that "he will do a good job for all of us". Speaking about meeting the then Cardinal on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster, Archbishop Martin described Pope Leo as very calm and said: "He was a very affable and a courteous person, somebody who is in that kind of humility that Pope Francis has exuded over the last number of years.""Whenever I heard his name called out, I just thought, it's not what I would have thought, but the more I've begun to think about it, clearly the Cardinals have been reflecting for a full two weeks before they even went in the door of the Sistine Chapel. "And what are the needs of the church? What kind of person do we need at this time?""This is the one they've chosen," he said. 'Challenges' for church In Londonderry on Friday morning Pauline Madden said she hoped the new Pope would be a good successor to Pope Francis."There are challenges and issues for the Church worldwide. Hopefully he will be seen as maybe a peacemaker, there is a lot of conflict in different parts of the world," she said. Liam Wilson said he was happy the Conclave was quick."He looks so young, long may he live now, I hope he carries on the work of Pope Francis."Mr Wilson said Pope Francis spoke out about peace and current struggles around the world."I hope that continues now. What we want now is to maintain the ground that Pope Francis has laid and keep everything going, and bring peace to the world hopefully. Speaking after the news broke of the new Pope's election at Clonard Monastery in Belfast, Blesson said it was a very important said: "I hope he is like Pope Francis like before. I will pray for him that he makes good decisions and takes the Church in the right direction." Inclusion and connection Fr Ciarán O'Callaghan said this represents a new start for the Catholic Church."Every Pope has a way of leading the Church forward and Pope Francis certainly did that. This Pope has a lot of issues on his in-tray so I hope he begins to deal with those."He talks of inclusion which is a big word in our world today, about a welcome for everyone, and about building connections and dialogue, and that sounds good to me," he said. Rosemary said it was great news."I didn't expect an American but our previous Pope had installed him as cardinal two years ago, so it is great to see it and he will just have to prove himself," she said. "I was born in the States, in New York, so I am happy enough," Brain said."It's the first Pope from north America. He is the leader after Saint Peter, it is a very big deal. It is so significant, from Francis dying to a new Pope elected." Harry said Pope Leo's previous experience in Peru and the Vatican made him the right person for the job."It's good that it didn't take too long, it shows that they had agreement among them," he said. Dessie said: "It's a big day for the church, hopefully a nice and modern guy. He is young enough too, I think Pope Francis did a good job so hopefully he will follow suit."
Extra.ie
23-04-2025
- General
- Extra.ie
Faithful raise huge sum as church gutted by Easter blaze
Over €28,000 was raised in just a few hours towards the repair of a beloved church that was gutted by a fire on Easter Sunday. St Mary's in Derrybeg, Co. Donegal, was burnt to a crisp in the blaze. The fire left the modern-style church completely gutted and the roof destroyed. Nearby homes had to be evacuated as fire crews fought the blaze. No one was injured, and Gardaí put a cordon around the building while the fire was brought under control. St Mary's Church in Bunbeg, Co Donegal. Pic: File A Garda spokesman said: 'The scene has been preserved for technical examination. Enquiries are ongoing.' A technical examination of the scene has not yet been completed, so gardaí have not confirmed the cause of the fire. In a post on X, local Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty said: 'Chroíbhriste' (heartbroken). Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin also responded to the news, posting: 'Our hearts and prayers go out to An t-Athair Brian Ó Fearraigh [Father Brian Ferry], the people of Gaoth Dobhair and Donegal. 'A sacred space with so many memories – may God surround you with love and comfort.' Chroíbhriste 💔 — Pearse Doherty (@PearseDoherty) April 21, 2025 A public appeal for €50,000 to cover the cost of repairs had raised €28,478 last night. Local woman Mary Coyle, who organised the fundraiser on GoFundMe, said the church had been full on Easter Sunday as the parish gathered 'to joyfully celebrate with hope the Easter liturgies of the Resurrection'. She wrote: 'Sadly, our parish is in mourning. Our beloved church, St Mary's in Derrybeg, burned to the ground in the early hours of Easter Monday morning. This is a deeply tragic event that strikes at the heart of our community. 'We are asking for your help to rebuild our church with a renewed hope for a brighter future. Any support, big or small, is greatly appreciated.' The fundraiser was started yesterday at lunchtime with a €5,000 donation from Coiste Forbartha Dhobhair, a community-led development group based in the Gaeltacht area of northwest Donegal. It was followed by scores of donations, which ranged from €10 to €500. The modernist church was officially opened in August 1972 and cost €180,000 – a huge sum at the time. The blaze was tackled by five fire brigade units
Sunday World
22-04-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Man banned from visiting father's grave after decades-long dispute with Catholic Church
In a strongly-worded missive, a solicitor acting for the Archbishop and the Armagh Diocese asked McConnell to confirm he will 'refrain from attending at church premises' Luke McConnell claims he is unable to visit his fathers grave since receiving a letter from the legal representatives of the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin in 2018 barring him from all church premises Luke McConnell claims he is unable to visit his fathers grave since receiving a letter from the legal representatives of the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin in 2018 barring him from all church premises Luke McConnell claims he is unable to visit his fathers grave since receiving a letter from the legal representatives of the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin in 2018 barring him from all church premises Luke McConnell cliams he is forbidden by the Archbishop of Armagh from visiting his fathers grave in St Johns Parish Monaghan road Middletown. Luke McConnell claims he is unable to visit his fathers grave since receiving a letter from the legal representatives of the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin in 2018 barring him from all church premises The man pictured here claims the Catholic Church has banned him from visiting his father's grave. Luke James McConnell says lawyers representing the Primate of Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, wrote warning him to stay away from Church property and personnel. In a strongly-worded missive, a solicitor acting for the Archbishop and the Armagh Diocese asked McConnell to confirm he will 'refrain from attending at church premises'. And as a result his father's final resting place at St John's Catholic Church in Middletown, Co. Armagh, is now out of bounds to him and he's forced to peer at it over a cemetery wall. The 48-year-old father of one, who lives with his partner and 21 year-old invalid son outside Lurgan, returns to his home village to pay his respects at his father's grave, but he says the letter prevents him from entering St John's cemetery. Luke told the Sunday World: 'I liked spending time at my father's grave. It brought me inner peace. Luke McConnell cliams he is forbidden by the Archbishop of Armagh from visiting his fathers grave in St Johns Parish Monaghan road Middletown. 'But I'm no longer allowed to stand inside the cemetery. I have to look at my father's grave from behind this wall. It's like something from the Middle Ages. 'It's a long-standing tradition in Ireland that everyone has the right to visit the graves of their loved ones. But that right is being denied me. 'I have it in writing that the Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin, instructed his lawyers to tell me I'm not allowed on church property or to approach any of the Catholic clergy or church staff in the Diocese of Armagh,' he said. A self-taught pianist who works as a professional musician, Mr McConnell claims his long-running differences with the Church began nearly four decades ago after his father passed away in 1988. He admits that in the past he had a number of run-ins with members of the priesthood, but Mr McConnell maintains the spats were all verbal and there was nothing physical about them. Luke McConnell claims he is unable to visit his fathers grave since receiving a letter from the legal representatives of the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin in 2018 barring him from all church premises 'At one stage it appeared I was being blamed for an assault on a man, but it wasn't true. The PSNI even called to my home to question me, but no further action was taken and the case was dropped,' he said. He says that after this, the battlefield broadened out onto the pages of Facebook, where insults were traded between him and members of the public on a daily basis. 'I suppose you could say I made the matter public by putting it on Facebook. And as you know people say things on Facebook they'd never say to your face. 'One man even told me I already had 'one foot in the grave' and I took it as a threat to my life. I managed to collate over 500 Facebook posts where I believe I was threatened. 'The police became involved again, but after the matter was investigated, I was the one who ended up being prosecuted under the Communications Act 2000. 'The police raided my home and they took away equipment belonging to me and I never got it back for two years.' He added: 'When the case came to court, I was found guilty and I received a two-month suspended sentence.' Mr McConnell is currently in possession of a letter from a top legal firm based in Belfast. In it, a lawyer representing Archbishop Eamon Martin accused Mr McConnell of making a number of unsubstantiated and damaging accusations against an individual. The letter states that in a previous from Archbishop Martin's office, Mr McConnell was advised, that if he is in possession of evidence of criminal activity of any kind, then he should to refer the matter to the PSNI immediately. And the letter further states that Luke McConnell 'will not approach any premises connected to the church nor any lay member of staff or priest working in the parishes of the Archdiocese of Armagh'. In an effort to ascertain the Church's current position on Mr McConnell and his claims of inappropriate behaviour, the Sunday World contacted the solicitor who wrote to him on behalf of the Archbishop. He explained he no longer represents the Armagh Diocese, but he kindly agreed to pass on our inquiry and contact numbers to the lawyer who does. At the time of going to print, he hadn't taken up our offer of commenting on the case.
