Latest news with #Farrell
Irish Examiner
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Dublin archbishop urges public to report racist attacks amid rise in incidents against Indian community
The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, has urged members of the public who witness racist attacks to report them to An Garda Síochána. The archbishop spoke after a spate of attacks on members of the Indian community in Ireland in recent months. The Indian embassy in Ireland says it has received reports of 16 attacks on members of the Indian community so far in 2025 — double the total reported last year. On Monday, the co-chairman of the Ireland India Council, Prashant Shukla, confirmed that the India Day in Ireland festival in Dublin's Phoenix Park this weekend will be postponed amid concerns for the safety of participants. "We are not too much concerned about the safety at the event, we are more concerned about the perception on social media," he told reporters on Monday afternoon, adding that a perception had been created that Indians had "taken over the state" and caused housing problems. "So we want to actually balance these counter narratives, they are very, very negative. We will review the situation and we will announce new dates for India Day this year," he said. Mr Shukla made the announcement after representatives of the Indian community met with Tánaiste Simon Harris at Government Buildings on Monday. Speaking on Tuesday, Archbishop Farrell issued a message of support to the Indian community in Ireland. Archbishop Farrell said many members of the community "have been invited here to Ireland to work in our essential services. They're very much integrated into our society,' he told RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland. 'The other message I want to convey is that the community in which they live also need to support the gardaí in terms of dealing with this matter because I assume it's a small cohort of people who are making life exceedingly difficult for them when they go out into the public domain." He said people who know the perpetrators should talk to the gardaí, identify them, and call them out so they can face prosecution. Archbishop Farrell said there could be "no place for this behaviour in our society where people are attacked on the public streets simply because of their skin colour." He said he regularly meets members of the Indian community in Ireland who are "looking after our loved ones, our sick relatives, and are recognised as being exceptionally good in the roles that they do. "So we need to support them." Archbishop Farrell said he had heard anecdotally of people from international communities experiencing racial hatred, including being spat at and shouted at on the street and on public transport. "This sort of behaviour is just completely and utterly unacceptable," he said. He also said that, as a community, "we need to deal with it as well as the guards can't deal with this just on their own, they need community support". 'They're writing to all of our parishes and parish councils, they're asking them to support the community and to help with them, help them particularly through this difficult time," he added. "They also intend to write to the schools. You know, when they open now in a couple of weeks' time – because I think schools are a good place to bring about the integration of the different communities in our country, and they're doing a good job of that, but just to encourage them to continue along that line and to name what's actually happening by some elements in our society.'
RTÉ News
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Colin Farrell to be honoured at Zurich Film Festival
Colin Farrell will be honoured with the Zurich Film Festival's (ZFF) Golden Icon Award next month. Entertainment trade publication The Hollywood Reporter says Farrell is being recognised for his performance in the upcoming psychological thriller Ballad of a Small Player and his career achievements. The Dubliner will receive the award at the festival on 27 September and will attend the gala premiere of Ballad of a Small Player. He will also take part in a ZFF Masters discussion the following day. Ballad of a Small Player is to be released in Irish cinemas on Friday 17 October and on Netflix on Wednesday 29 October. The film teams Farrell with Edward Berger, the director of the Oscar-winning Conclave and All Quiet on the Western Front. "When his past and his debts start to catch up with him, a high-stakes gambler laying low in Macau encounters a kindred spirit who might just hold the key to his salvation," says Netflix of the upcoming film. Ballad of a Small Player is based on the Lawrence Osborne book The Ballad of a Small Player and is adapted for the screen by Rowan Joffe (Tin Star, 28 Weeks Later). It also stars Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings, and Tilda Swinton. The Zurich Film Festival runs from 25 September to 5 October.
RTÉ News
17 hours ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Attacks on Indian community 'despicable', says Archbishop of Dublin
The Catholic Archbishop of Dublin has said that recent attacks on members of the Indian community are "completely and utterly despicable". Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Archbishop Dermot Farrell said it is time to call out those who peddle racial hatred following a number of unprovoked attacks in Dublin. He said a small of people are making life exceedingly difficult for members of the Indian community when they go out in public. Archbishop Farrell said the Indian community is very much integrated into society, and many have been invited here to work in essential services. He said the community should support gardaí as they deal with these matters. Archbishop Farrell said he will be writing to all parishes and parish councils and asking them to support the community, and will also be writing to schools when they reopen to bring about good integration within communities. He said that there are people who know the people carrying out the attacks and they need to come forward to gardaí. He added that there is no place for this behaviour in our society where people are attacked on public streets simply because of their skin colour. He said that he regularly meets members of the Indian community looking after loved ones, sick relatives. They are recognised as being exceptional good in the roles they do, he said. "We need these people to run our society so we have to respect them," said Archbishop Farrell. "We need to support them." Yesterday, the Ireland India Council has announced that it will not go ahead with the India Day festival at Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park this Sunday because of fears over safety, following recent attacks on Indians in Ireland. Speaking outside Government buildings after a meeting with Tánaiste Simon Harris, the chair of the council Prashant Shuki said: "We feel that the situation at the moment for holding India Day is not conducive, and we will review the situation, and we will announce new dates for India Day this year." He said the council had considered the situation and consulted widely including with gardaí before making what he described as a very difficult decision. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Harris condemned the spate of attacks on the Indian community as "despicable", adding that they need to be "called out and condemned by all". "The Indian community have made and continue to make a very positive contribution to Irish society. "There's around 80,000 people from India living in Ireland, and I want to acknowledge the very positive contribution that they make," Mr Harris said. He added that the Indian community in Ireland "very much felt that more needs to be done with younger people at school levels to tackle racism".
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
Irish rugby's biggest issues heading into new season
With a marathon season over, there is a brief window to take stock of the shape of Irish rugby before the next campaign begins. And the unsustainable demands on players thanks to a merciless calendar should be a global warning. On specifically Irish interests, the Lions tour and, to a much lesser extent the brief national trips to Georgia and Portugal, highlighted areas awaiting Andy Farrell's attention on his return to Ireland duty. The Lions tour and, to a much lesser extent the brief national trips to Georgia and Portugal, highlighted areas awaiting Andy Farrell's attention on his return to Ireland duty. Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan A period of significant change awaits, provincially and nationally. Andy Farrell has got one decision consistently right in his near-six years coaching Ireland: ignoring the tyranny of World Cup cycles. Andy Farrell has got one decision consistently right in his near-six years coaching Ireland. Pic:Ireland's failure to get past New Zealand in 2023 was not down to a failure to nurture new talent. While the enormous reliance on Johnny Sexton looked regrettable as he struggled to find an opening late on against the All Blacks, there was no compelling alternative over the preceding weeks, months or years. Farrell won't pick his teams in November or next spring based on games due to be played in two years' time. Ireland couldn't get past New Zealand in 2023. Pic: INPHO/Billy Stickland But if that doesn't impel him to shake his squad up in the new season, the evidence of the one just over should. Ireland flatlined for much of it, through November and into the Six Nations. Some of this can be addressed through selection, with James Lowe and Bundee Aki obviously vulnerable, but more options are needed in the back row, too. However, team selection is only a part of it. Farrell will not need reminding of what happens when a team fails to update its tactics – he was part of Joe Schmidt's support staff during the misbegotten 2019 when buoyant World Cup hopes were done for long before the tournament started. Bundee Aki and James Lowe. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile It was clear from the first match of that Six Nations that Ireland had been worked out, and in the absence of Plan B, disaster couldn't be averted. Farrell's priority now should be to steer the national team away from revisiting that fate. There were signs at times in Australia of Schmidt visiting the type of game on the Lions that Ireland don't like: the breakdown was a mess, power carriers kept the defence in retreat, and come the third Test, the Lions couldn't summon an answer. It was a similar story against France in Dublin in the Six Nations. A tweaked game-plan is vital – especially given the access to Irish coaches enjoyed by players from England, Scotland and Wales over the past two months. Ireland have relied on Jamison Gibson-Park. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile The dependency on Jamison Gibson-Park was evident long before Sexton retired. In fact the latter's final season saw the scrum-half rival him as Ireland's most influential player. His influence has grown and Ireland's reliance on him has, too. He had a fine Lions tour, implementing Farrell's plan perfectly and barely putting a foot wrong. He will, though, be 34 next February and while there's no sign of him slowing down, the need for ready-made alternatives is becoming pronounced. Jamison Gibson-Park had a fine Lions tour. Pic:It helps in that regard that Craig Casey had an excellent season in another campaign beset by turmoil in Munster, and he earned the honour of leading the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Beyond him, Ben Murphy at Connacht has been identified as a coming force, but Fintan Gunne in the Leinster academy excites connoisseurs of the scrum-half art. Gunne won an Under-20 Grand Slam two years ago, and looks to be right in the thick of the succession planning at Leinster for life after Gibson-Park and Luke McGrath. Craig Casey led the summer tour to Georgia and Portugal. Pic: INPHO/Ben Brady Casey will be the understudy to Gibson-Park for the season ahead, but there were times last term when he rivalled the form of the Leinster player, and it was obvious he should have been promoted to the bench ahead of Conor Murray on a consistent basis. That will happen now, but it would take injury or an extended collapse in the form of Gibson-Park for Casey to take his place. The incumbent showed in Australia that he has recovered his best form, and if the plan remains to bed in Sam Prendergast at No10, the head coach will be minded to pair him with a more experienced scrum-half. In a country with decidedly finite resources, it's hard to avoid a dependence on influential players, but there is clearly scope to encourage competition for the No9 shirt. It's a position where, unlike other parts of the pitch – wing, flanker, even second row – there is a decent spread of options and potential. That should be explored, and not just in the November Test against Japan. More importantly, rewarding form should be the policy. Andrew Porter is one of the most impressive athletes in the world game. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile Ireland finished the Six Nations ranked fifth of six teams for the percentage of scrums won. Their 75% success rate was better only than Scotland's, and the figures confirmed the eye test of the previous rounds. It was evidence that a part of the game where Ireland believe themselves formidable remains one where officials disagree. This invariably brings the conversation back to Andrew Porter. One of the most impressive athletes in the world game, his willingness to play for an hour or more in every game has been a priceless asset for Farrell's sides. But his tendency to concede penalties has been a recurring problem, and so it proved on the Lions tour, as well. Specifically, in the third Test he was unable to cope with the power of recalled Wallaby tighthead Taniela Tupou. He deserved some sympathy in that regard given Will Skelton was backing up Tupou, but it nonetheless raised long-standing concerns about his technique. The Six Nations last season saw an Irish scrum deprived of Tadhg Furlong bear up well initially before finding itself in deep trouble. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie It also gave opposing fans a fresh chance to criticise his scrummaging online. The problem for Ireland is that plenty of referees agree. The Six Nations last season saw an Irish scrum deprived of Tadhg Furlong bear up well initially before finding itself in deep trouble. It didn't lose a scrum in the opening match against England, and then lost one in beating Scotland at Murrayfield. That was given against Cian Healy, who had replaced Porter with 11 minutes left in the match. The round-three fixture against Wales was supposed to be a gimme, but instead the hosts, under temporary management, were magnificent and frightened Ireland. Cian Healy has retired. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile They channelled their resistance through the scrum, where the recalled WillGriff John dominated Porter. Ireland's travails weren't helped by the decision to select Thomas Clarkson for his first start at tight-head just as the team's previous stability in the set-piece gave way. They conceded four first-half penalties at the scrum, two apiece agianst Porter and Clarkson. A repeat of that disaster was avoided against France; Porter was instead embroiled in the ugly fallout to the injury suffered by Antoine Dupont, with France publicly highlighting the roles they claimed he and Tadhg Beirne played in the injury. That came to nought, but Ireland ended the championship with a listing set-piece and old fears stirring again. They needed to be confronted once more. Leinster suffered a disastrous semi-final loss to Northampton in the Champions Cup. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher The four Irish provinces will begin the new campaign under various states of stress. Ireland's over-reliance on Leinster looks less like a quirk of the system here than the actual system; Leinster are now the base of the pyramid, keeping everything else supported. That is an indirect compliment to the work Leo Cullen has done over the past decade, but their completely disastrous semi-final loss to Northampton exposed poor planning and terrible selection. Leinster to win the Champions Cup in the coming campaign. It's as simple as that. Clayton McMillan arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation but an daunting task at Munster. The departures of Peter O'Mahony and Conor Murray deprive him of players who were past their prime, but priceless in terms of experience and influence. Clayton McMillan arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation but an daunting task at Munster. Pic: DJ Mills/AFP via Getty Images More of the burden now falls on Tadhg Beirne, but Craig Casey is shaping up to be a big influence, too. McMillan's problem is the same one that has undone every coach at Thomond Park: big expectations that an ordinary playing group are expected to deliver. The flow of underage talent at Ulster is creating genuine excitement, and not just because there is precious little else for fans to seize on. Richie Murphy's reputation remains strong, and there is a handful of potential breakout players, led by Nathan Doak, who could improve the side. Consistency remains a major problem, which itself is down to too little quality. The appointment of Stuart Lancaster has rightly caused excitement throughout the Irish game, and it seems an inspired choice by Connacht. His reputation alone means what fans expect will rise a notch or two above the normal. The appointment of Stuart Lancaster has rightly caused excitement throughout the Irish game. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher His two best players will not, based on recent evidence, appear a whole lot, given the injury problems of Mack Hansen and Bundee Aki. Lancaster is masterful at developing talent, though, and the Connacht squad will improve under his watch. Under the traditional measure, that will mean more Ireland call-ups, and Ben Murphy is primed to step up and compete with Casey and Gibson-Park. But beyond that, the need for four province functioning effectively is vitally important with uncertain times looming. It's not been like that for too long, but the Irish system is too small and delicately poised for passengers.
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Sport
- Extra.ie
How many of Ireland's Lions will make it to World Cup?
Irish players were hugely influential on the recent Lions tour but how many will be as central to Ireland's World Cup campaign in 2027? Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent Keenan's was the most remarkable story of the 2025 Lions, recovering from savage illness to become the second Test hero. Had a bit of a dip after his Olympics sojourn but he has the right age profile to be a leader at Australia 2027 and his experience and security will be central to Ireland's ambitions. Age at next World Cup: 32 Prospects: Good Ireland's unluckiest Lion. Ringrose's form was excellent and deserved Test recognition until concussion issues intervened. His specialist outside centre skills are not easily replicated, and given his meticulous conditioning, his powers will be just as potent in 2027 – the only caveat here is further injury complications. Garry Ringrose. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 29 Prospects: Excellent Hansen possesses just the type of game-breaking qualities that could prove vital to Ireland ending their 40 years of World Cup pain. Not the biggest or fastest winger on the circuit, but the Connacht man has an eye for an opportunity that sets him apart and he will only be 29 in 2027. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Doubtful Lowe has unique power and distribution skills that no other Ireland wide man can emulate. However, the Leinster winger did not have his best tour and continues to be dogged by defensive insecurities as well as a lack of out and out speed. Lowe has been a key factor in Ireland's success under Farrell, but his age is against him and making the next World Cup looks a long shot. Age at next World Cup: 25 Prospects: Excellent Farrell spotted something in the Naas youngster from a long way out and Osborne has delivered – making the most of his unexpected Lions chance with a big, two-try performance. Age is not an issue and he brings the right combination of power and panache. Osborne's versatility adds to his appeal, but inside centre is his natural home and the No12 jersey should be his for the foreseeable future. Bundee Aki. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 37 Prospects: Unlikely Aki has done his adopted state some service over the years and had some big moments on this tour also – although his form did not merit elevation above Sione Tuipulotu and the last Test looked to be an outing too far. This feels like the right time for him to step off the international stage – it is vital that he does not impede succession plans in the midfield. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful The fact he will be 35 at the next tournament counts against him but Gibson-Park is so influential, there is an imperative to protect him over the next two years. Ireland have talented options at No9 in Craig Casey, Ben Murphy and Nathan Doak but, even though he may end up on the bench, Gibson-Park's nous needs to be retained if possible. Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent It is surprising his selection ahead of the irrepressible Ellis Genge did not cause more outrage among the sizeable English media contingent on the Lions tour. Not in peak form for Lions but remains massively influential in the Ireland pack and will be hitting his peak at the next World Cup. Age at next World Cup: 28 Prospects: Excellent Uniformly admired across the rugby globe with justifiable claims on the title of best hooker in the game. Sheehan will be spearheading Ireland's challenge at the next World Cup, possibly even leading the team out as captain, if the decision is taken to lessen the burden on Caelan Doris's shoulders. Dan Sheehan of British & Irish Lions during the third test match. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 29 Prospects: Very good There were wobbly lineout issues, not all of his making, but Kelleher remains elite back-up for Sheehan in a key position with Gus McCarthy adding to Ireland's strength in this area. His presence in the squad for Australia 2027 to negotiate an arduous campaign is essential. Age at next World Cup: 34 Prospects: Hopeful Falls into the same category as Gibson-Park – too good to leave out regardless of age issues. Furlong has a lot of mileage in arguably the most intense position on the field and injuries have been his chief tormentor over the last two years. Protecting him over the next two is absolutely key to Ireland's hopes. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Doubtful Enhanced his reputation on this Lions tour, both on and off the field (his double act with Genge was the stand-out feature of the Lions' behind-the-scenes footage). However, the Connacht tighthead (below) faces a challenge to stay at the top level deep into his 30s and Ireland need to assess the alternatives. Tadhg Furlong. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 27 Prospects: Excellent In many ways, Clarkson was the big success story of the 2024-2025 Irish rugby season. He has stepped up whenever called upon and his age profile and high ceiling mean that when the next World Cup rolls around, Clarkson should be right at the top of his game. Age at next World Cup: 26 Prospects: Excellent Ireland's answer to Will Skelton will only get better and his impact was best emphasised by how the Lions struggled in his absence. Farrell needs more like him, with Munster's Edwin Edogbo the best bet, and McCarthy will be a rallying figure for the foreseeable future. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful An exceptional player who, like Gibson-Park and Furlong, needs to be protected to ensure his presence in 2027. Even so, it will be a challenge given Beirne's attritional style and advancing years but the Munster back five star (inset) is a stand-out talent and remains key to Ireland's hopes. James Ryan. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent Was having a superb impact for the Lions until forced off with injury in the third Test. Should be hitting his peak at Australia 2027 and can be the Martin Johnson-esque fulcrum of the Irish pack. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful Another elite operator whose age is against him. Conan operates in the most contested area of the Ireland team but has the conditioning and the nous to stay in the mix, injuries allowing. His experience could be vital. Age at next World Cup: 34 Prospects: Very good It is safe to expect a big two years from Van der Flier (above) as he seeks to erase his Lions frustrations and end his stellar career on a high. The Leinster openside's form was superb for the Lions and should have earned him a start in the third Test. Another who is heading for his mid-30s but Van der Flier will ensure he is in peak physical state and there is no specialist openside near him in the Irish game – one of the big issues on Farrell's to-do list.
