Latest news with #EmbassyofIreland
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shamrock Run returns strong
IN collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in Malaysia, the Malaysian Irish Alumni Association has launched the Shamrock Run Malaysia 2025, which is set to take place on June 29 in Putrajaya. The launch of the run was graced by Irish Ambassador Orla Tunney, who in her remarks embraced the growing interest of runners in Malaysia, especially in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. 'The Shamrock Run Malaysia 2025 brings both the people of Ireland and Malaysia together, fostering strengthening relationships and friendship at a practical level, while promoting physical health and well-being,' she said while welcoming the return of the Shamrock Run after a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Also present at the launch was O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe managing director Brian Pua, along with Malaysian Irish Alumni Association president Hafidz Kosai Mohd Zihim. Organised by the association, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe will play a role as the main partner for the event. Now in the sixth iteration following its inception in 2014, Shamrock Run Malaysia 2025 is a non-competitive leisurely run that seeks to instil health awareness and closer bonds between family and friends. Each runner will be given an event T-shirt, running bib and a unique collectors' finisher medal. Prizes will be given to best dressed runners in Shamrock, Irish and Malaysian motives. For the run, there will be two categories – 5km and 10km with both routes passing by the leafy and green surroundings of Taman Wetlands. Participation fee for each runner is RM68.25 for 10km and RM52.50 for 5km. Register here.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Shamrock Run Malaysia 2025 returns to Putrajaya
IN collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland in Malaysia, the Malaysian Irish Alumni Association has launched the Shamrock Run Malaysia 2025, which is set to take place on June 29 in Putrajaya. The launch of the run was graced by Irish Ambassador Orla Tunney, who in her remarks embraced the growing interest of runners in Malaysia, especially in Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. 'The Shamrock Run Malaysia 2025 brings both the people of Ireland and Malaysia together, fostering strengthening relationships and friendship at a practical level, while promoting physical health and well-being,' she said while welcoming the return of the Shamrock Run after a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Also present at the launch was O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe managing director Brian Pua, along with Malaysian Irish Alumni Association president Hafidz Kosai Mohd Zihim. Organised by the association, O'Briens Irish Sandwich Cafe will play a role as the main partner for the event. Now in the sixth iteration following its inception in 2014, Shamrock Run Malaysia 2025 is a non-competitive leisurely run that seeks to instil health awareness and closer bonds between family and friends. Each runner will be given an event T-shirt, running bib and a unique collectors' finisher medal. Prizes will be given to best dressed runners in Shamrock, Irish and Malaysian motives. For the run, there will be two categories – 5km and 10km with both routes passing by the leafy and green surroundings of Taman Wetlands. Participation fee for each runner is RM68.25 for 10km and RM52.50 for 5km. Register here.
Irish Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Travel warning issued to tourists amid huge power outage in Spain and Portugal
Irish tourists have been caught up in widespread travel chaos after Spain and Portugal were hit by a massive power outage which has left millions without electricity and brought both countries to a standstill. The blackout late on Monday morning caused traffic lights and subway systems to suddenly fail, and has led to severe disruptions to air travel to and from both popular holiday destinations. Aena, the Spanish-owned company that manages its airports, has said that Madrid Barajas Airport - the busiest air hub on the Iberian peninsula - has been hit hardest by the power outage, with flight cancellations and delays. "Due to the power outage, some incidents are occurring at the airports," the Spanish airport operator said in a statement. "Contingency generators are active. Please check with your airline, as there may be disruptions to access and ground transportation." Lisbon Airport has reportedly told passengers to leave and contact their airline provider, and there is currently a zero rate for arrivals to avoid overcrowding in the already packed terminals. Portuguese carrier TAP Air Portugal said in a statement: 'Due to the power cut in several European countries, the operation of airports is temporarily very limited. TAP requests that you do not go to the airport until further information.' A flight set to depart from Dublin Airport to Lisbon at 6.50pm has been cancelled due to the power outages, while two flights set to arrive at the Irish airport from the Portuguese capital later this evening have also cancelled. The status of other major airports across the Iberian Peninsula remains unclear, although it is understood that the Balearic and Canary Islands, and Madeira remain unaffected by the blackout. While some of the airports affected by the power outage have been able to partially restore power supplies through the use of onsite generators, the blackout is likely to cause significant disruption to aviation for hours and possibly days, to come, due to knock-on effects following flight delays and cancellations. Carriers operating flights to and from Ireland have confirmed that they're monitoring the ongoing situation, and passengers are advised to check with their airline and keep up to date with airport's websites. In a statement posted to their website, Ryanair said: "We are monitoring potential disruption to flights operating to/from all airports in Spain and Portugal. "We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of this power outage, which is outside of our control." Following the major power outage, the Department of Foreign Affairs updated their travel advice for holidaymakers travelling to and from Spain and Portugal. For Spain, they said: 'The Embassy of Ireland, Madrid, is aware of widespread electricity outages across Spain. We recommend following the instructions of the local authorities at all times.' The Embassy of Ireland in Lisbon shared a similar message on their Facebook page as they said: "Embassy Lisbon is aware of ongoing issues affecting the power grid in Portugal. Please follow the instructions of the local authorities. In case of emergency, please contact DFAT +35314082000." The UK Foreign Office also updated its advice to travellers on Monday afternoon to say: "We are aware of reports of power outages across Andorra, mainland Spain and mainland Portugal and are monitoring the situation. "There may be travel disruption, check with your tour operator or airline for more information before travelling. Follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local updates." Spanish power grid operator Red Electrica says it is working with energy companies to restore power in the area. However it has warned recovery could take up to 10 hours. In a statement on X, the operator said that protocols had been activated to "restore electricity supply in collaboration with sector companies following the blackout that occurred in the peninsular system." "The causes are being analysed, and all resources are being dedicated to resolving it," they added.
Irish Post
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
Tánaiste says thoughts are with Vancouver after nine killed at street festival
TÁNAISTE Simon Harris has said his thoughts are with those killed and injured during an incident in Vancouver in which a man drove an SUV into a crowd at a street festival. Vancouver Police say nine people died and multiple others were injured in the incident at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party event near East 43rd Avenue and Fraser Street at around 6.14pm on Saturday. They added that a 30-year-old suspect, a Vancouver man, was arrested at the scene in the city's Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood and are confident that the incident was not an act of terrorism. "Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident," added the force. Vancouver Police at the scene of the incident in the city's Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood (Image: Don MacKinnon / AFP via Getty Images) Taking to Twitter/X on Sunday, Foreign Affairs Minster Mr Harris offered his condolences in the wake of the tragedy. "My thoughts are with those who have been killed or injured in Vancouver and all their families and friends," he posted. "A heartbreaking and shocking situation. People in Ireland send our sincere condolences to all those impacted and to our Canadian friends." Meanwhile, the Embassy of Ireland in Canada said its 'deepest sympathies are with families of the victims of the attack at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Festival'. "Please follow all local advice, and contact the Embassy Emergency line on +1 613 233 6281 if you require urgent consular assistance," it added. 'We are all mourning with you' Lapu Lapu Day is celebrated by the Filipino community in British Columbia to honour Datu Lapu-Lapu, considered the first national hero of the Philippines for rising against Spanish colonisation. He and his men defeated Spanish forces led by Portuguese explorer Magellan at the Battle of Mactan on April 27, 1521. In a statement, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney offered his condolences to the country's Filipino community. Police say they are confident the incident was not an act of terrorism (Image: AFPTV teams / AFP via Getty Images) "I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening," he said. "I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver. We are all mourning with you. "We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action." Meanwhile, Vancouver mayor Ken Sim added: "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community during this incredibly difficult time." 'You are not alone' The Filipino Canadian Community & Cultural Society of BC, which helped organise the event, said it was devastated by the tragedy. "We are still finding the words to express the deep heartbreak brought on by this senseless tragedy," said the organisation, known as Filipino BC. "We are devastated for the families and victims. Police at the scene of the tragedy (Image: Don MacKinnon / AFP via Getty Images) "We encourage everyone to check in, support and hold each other. Do not hesitate to access resources available. You are not alone." It added: "We also want to make it clear that we discourage the viewing and sharing of the videos that are currently circulating of the tragedy." Vancouver Police say a 24-hour assistance centre has been established at the Douglas Park Community Centre at 801 West 22nd Avenue. Vancouver Police officers and Victim Services professionals have been deployed to help anyone who has not been able to contact a loved who was at the Lapu Lapu Festival. See More: Lapu Lapu Day, Vancouver
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Ireland represented for first time at Luxembourg Poetry Festival by Wicklow poet
Born in 1961, Jane grew up on a farm in the west of Ireland before relocating to her current home in Glenmalure over 30 years ago. Ambassador Jean McDonald, Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg, invited Jane to take part in the festival alongside poets from ten other European countries, including Italy, Spain, Austria, Slovakia, France, Portugal, Czech Republic, Switzerland and Luxembourg. The festival takes place from Friday, April 25, to Sunday, April 27, and will finish with final readings from all eleven selected poets and a closing discussion bringing together the participating poets. Poetry readings will also take place with musical accompaniment by Luxembourg musician Pol Belardi and American-Luxembourgish guitarist Greg Lamy. Speaking on Thursday, before departing for the festival taking place over the weekend, Jane said: 'I am very honoured to have been selected by Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg and Poetry Ireland to participate in the festival and to be the first Irish poet involved. It will be really great to get the opportunity to carry out readings alongside other poets from throughout Europe. Making international connections is hugely important, especially in this day and age. 'I am looking forward to meeting all the different poets and getting a sense of what is going on in each different country. My poem Legend, inspired by St Bridget, features on the festival website and was also read out on a local radio station in Luxembourg. The fact the poem is about St Bridget is a good way of representing Ireland.' Jane holds a BA in English and philosophy from Trinity College, Dublin and an MPhil in writing from the University of South Wales, and has a background in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. She was the 2022 recipient of the Ireland Chair of Poetry Award and she received an Arts Council of Ireland Literature Bursary Award in 2024. She is the author of three poetry collections, The River (2015), When the Tree Falls (2019) and A Change in the Air (2023) published by Bloodaxe Books. She also edited the illustrated anthology Windfall: Irish Nature Poems to Inspire and Connect. Jane's fourth collection will be published by Bloodaxe Books in October 2026. She is currently editing an illustrated anthology of poetry and prose for publication by New Island Books in September 2025.
