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Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Letters: ‘Sensitivity readers' would do a lot better to focus their efforts on common sense
If the injustice-seekers get their way, we may soon be reading nothing but blank pages: Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew retitled Respectful Dialogue Between Equals, or Othello reduced to A Workplace Disagreement, Mediated by HR. One shudders to think how Dickens would fare under the gaze of the modern sensitivity reader. Even Christy Moore might find himself in trouble – Lisdoonvarna would need a full equality, diversity and inclusion audit before the first verse. I'm reminded of my time as a young teacher in the East End of London. I once held the door open for a slightly pompous vice-principal and was told: 'I don't need your permission to walk through this door.' Only for the manners my mother instilled in me I might have replied in a language that shouldn't grace any pages. Those old bedfellows, respect and common sense, deserve renewed attention. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh GAA self-sabotage is clear recipe for the slow death of hurling as we know it It's difficult not to conclude that the GAA is undertaking an exercise in self-sabotage in the extraordinary way it is demoting hurling in the sporting calendar. As summer arrives and conditions are ideal for playing this unique sport, we are now deprived of seeing Clare, last year's All Ireland champions, and hurler of the year Shane O'Donnell, who had just returned to playing after injury. Lee Chin, an outstanding player this season with Wexford, is also gone from the championship, as are Waterford, Offaly and Antrim. This is incomprehensible from a sporting, promotional and financial perspective. Young children, who are the lifeblood of the GAA, cannot see their heroes, and the GAA loses that vital promoter of its game: 'If you cannot see it, you cannot be it.' So there will be no opportunity for supporters to see their heroes until the league returns in nine months' time, in the depths of winter. This is a recipe for the slow death of hurling and the increasing drift of children towards other, more visible sports and is a shocking indictment of GAA administration and the custodians who are asleep at the wheel. Tomás Finn, Ballinasloe, Co Galway We're right to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza, but what are we doing? Responding to Sinn Féin in the Dáil, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe claimed Ireland has been vocal in calling for Israel to comply with international law; that we condemn the catastrophic humanitarian situation arising from Israel's war in Gaza; and that Ireland continues to push for action at an EU level. This raises the questions of how many killings of Palestinian civilians by the Israeli army has Ireland prevented? How many children suffering hunger-related deaths have we saved? How many hospitals have we saved from Israeli destruction? How many aid trucks have we managed to get through the Israeli blockade? Art Ó Laoghaire, Bray, Co Wicklow Trump's record since his inauguration doesn't look too promising for future President Donald Trump took office last January 20. Since then, the US has experienced the following: Petrol and grocery prices are up. The stock market is down. Russia and Ukraine are still at war. Israel and Hamas are still at war. Inflation is still burdening US citizens. Recession odds are rocketing. The Epstein client list is still not released. It is said that past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Ireland seriously needs to consider its position when it comes to neutrality Ireland's foreign policy must in the final analysis be determined by its strategic self-interest. Unarmed neutrality and reliance on organisations such as the UN to safeguard international law while also availing of the de facto protection of Nato is one such option. There is no denying that, along with our practical commitment to sometimes very robust peacekeeping and peace enforcement missions, such policy has served us well in the past. However, given the total failure of the UN to prevent the Russian invasion of Ukraine, plus the US-backed Israeli takeover of Gaza, reliance by a small trade-dependent country on the strength of international law and the tolerance of its neighbours is unlikely to be a wise policy in changed geopolitical circumstances. In the absence of an effective UN, unarmed, and a de facto Nato protectorate, our ability to champion peace-building initiatives would be, at best, minimal. Unwilling to join a much-weakened Nato and constitutionally prohibited from joining any EU common defence arrangement, Ireland needs to seriously consider its options. It is clear that, along with our EU partners and the UK, we are not neutral in the current war between Ukraine and Russia. Neither do we take a neutral view in respect of a Palestinian state, and have managed to influence our European partners into taking a more critical stance towards Israel's reprehensible actions in Gaza. Located in the North Atlantic, we are dependent for trade and investment on the EU, UK and US. Our geographical and trade links are primarily with our nearest neighbours. It is with them that we should seek to co-operate in advancing our interests, including our own security, as well as international peace and security. Given the failure of the UN, the weakening of the US commitment to Nato and our membership of the EU, it seems to me our interests lie in supporting greater European strategic autonomy, including defence and security co-operation, Michael O'Dwyer, Clogheen, Co Cork Please bring back the sun so we can get tucked into those choc ices of summer As a follow-up to M O'Brien's letter ('Hopefully, we'll scoff choc ices again before summer's end', May 27), we await the return of the sun. Whoever took it, please bring it back.
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Letters to the Editor: Like skorts, skirts should be a choice
If the Camogie Association can modernise its dress code for greater mobility, what's stopping schools from doing the same? At 15, I successfully campaigned for the option to wear trousers in my secondary school. I immediately switched to cycling — arriving faster and stress-free. Fifty years later, I still cycle regularly (with waterproof over-trousers when it rains), but now I find myself campaigning again — this time for my granddaughters. This week, Irish citizens are funding a new Government campaign to encourage children to be more active. With €1m a day in public funds spent on active travel in recent years, why are many schoolgirls still forced into skirts — impractical, unsafe, and a barrier to cycling? This outdated rule discourages the use of the very transport infrastructure their parents' taxes help fund. Only one in 250 teenage girls cycles daily (An Taisce, AndSheCycles). The Road Safety Authority advises cyclists to wear clothes that won't catch in chains or obscure visibility. Skirts, especially in wind, do both. Schools mandating skirts are ignoring these safety concerns. This isn't about banning skirts — it's about choice. Let's retire outdated uniform rules that undermine girls' health, safety, and mobility. Orla Farrell, registered primary and second-level teacher, address with the Editor Skorts solution may inspire integration Photos and video clips from last Saturday's Senior Camogie Championship games indicate the 'harmonious implementation' of the new rule change pertaining to players' dress code. Interestingly, Reuters, one of the world's largest news agencies, who had been following the 'clash of the skorts and the shorts' all along, carried immediate news of the outcome of last Thursday's Camogie Association special congress, headlined thus: 'Ireland's Camogie Association votes to allow players to wear shorts'. Such an international profile potentially added a further shade of crimson to an already embarrassing situation that was entirely avoidable. It should be acknowledged, once player intent became obvious, that the issue was addressed reasonably expeditiously and especially so in the context of the traditional and sedentary character of the GAA and its powers that be. Let's hope that the ongoing snail-paced integration process between the GAA, the Camogie Association, and the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association will not require another ignominious spectacle to get the process completed. Michael Gannon, St Thomas Sq, Kilkenny City Suitable name for children's hospital The name of the new children's hospital in Dublin must embrace all the children of Ireland. The All-Island Congenital Heart Disease Network is a collaborative healthcare initiative between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This recently-established network aims to provide comprehensive and high-quality care for children with congenital heart disease across the island of Ireland. Much co-operation has gone into its establishment, with surgery and interventional procedures now centred at CHI at Crumlin. Other collaborative initiatives are anticipated. The peaceful future of our country requires hands across the border. Has the Royal Belfast Children's Hospital been involved in the choice of name? Have political sensitivities of families in Northern Ireland been considered? Let our children lead us into that peaceful future by choosing an inclusive name for their hospital, such as, perhaps, the Ireland Children's Hospital. I believe Dr Kathleen Lynn would approve. Róisín Healy, consultant paediatrician (retired), CHI at Crumlin Grow up and face the US military's 'civilian' loophole While our politicians take some pride in our outlier stand in relation to the occupied territories in Gaza and the West Bank, they are also expert at the 'loophole' game. Take the use of Shannon Airport by the US military. This evening, Tánaiste and defence minister Simon Harris 'explained' that any 'civilian' aircraft passing through Irish airspace or landing in Shannon needs no permission from his department, blithely ignoring the fact that all those 'civilian' aircraft transporting troops and weapons and engaging in illegal [by American law] deportations are contracted by the American military so that we, the Irish, can engage in a neat bit of sophistry to stay on-side. It's past time we grew some cojones and spoke truth to power. I do give credit to our Taoiseach for calling what is happening in Gaza a war crime, but we should back it up with practical actions within our power. Con Hayes, Tower, Blarney, Cork Hope from Pope Leo XIV and MLK I agree with Colin Sheridan in his column ('We quibble over words as children burn in Gaza' — Irish Examiner, May 19) that the 2024/25 war in Gaza is the 'least ambiguous conflict since the Second World and the Holocaust'. At the same time, an interview with a British MP on the Al Jazeera channel of what he saw in a recent visit to the West Bank shows no ambiguity either. His assessment of the situation for the Palestinian people, in what is their legal territory, does not flinch from reality. I believe it is not anti-Israel to speak of the reality in the West Bank and Gaza, while not forgetting the brutal attack into Israel by Hamas in October 2023, killing over 1,200 people and taking of over 200 hostages into Gaza, many of whom were returned. Some tragically died or were killed. Israel's current government is still inflicting extreme punishment on a population, and most of Gaza is bombed to rubble. Some 55,000 of Gaza's citizens have been killed, including 16,000 children. The British MP said it is now close to midnight for the Palestinians. Their human rights, in the West Bank also, are now being crushed, and their situation has got much worse since October 2023. He saw a city in the West Bank of 50,000 people suddenly gated off by Israel's army with no explanation. It is the opposite of the new Pope Leo XIV's hope of shining a light into dark corners of the world and, in his first speech to the joyous multitude in St Peter's Square, saying: 'May peace be with you'. Dr Martin Luther King Jr said, in hope: 'The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.' It is not too late for the international community to protect the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza if the will is there to do so. One of the reasons for the UN is for the protection of vulnerable civilians in wars and famines. Mary Sullivan, College Rd, Cork US deportation and military flights I am an immigrant into Ireland, and I love this country, its people, the landscapes, cities, and even the weather. I have become a citizen, and I also love Ireland since we speak up about what is right, whether it be related to the island of Ireland or further afield. We have a long-standing commitment to neutrality, human rights, and international law, in part stemming from Ireland's historical challenges, famine, and colonisation. Myself and many other Irish citizens have huge concerns and object to the ongoing practice of allowing military flights to stop in Ireland (usually US military at Shannon), with focused objection to US military flights on their way to provide aid to Israel as they carry out genocide in Gaza. Myself and many others also object to allowing US deportation flights to land/refuel in Ireland. At present, these flights are linked to the delivery of weapons for Israel to help them continue committing war crimes, and the illegal forced deportation of migrants out of the USA. I live near Shannon and I see the planes as they fly overhead. It sickens me to think that Ireland is complicit with the massive destruction and deliberate famine taking place in Gaza. The wanton destruction of Gaza and its people by Israel is unconscionable, and it boggles the mind why the US government is blindly supportive of Israel, no matter what Israel's war crimes are. Ireland is profiting financially from these flights and that motivation for profit is not enough to support the continued killing of citizens in Gaza and the illegal forced deportation of migrants out of the USA. As we know too well from Northern Ireland, lasting peace will never be achieved if destruction and inhumane treatment continues. We must stop being so compliant. Now, we need full transparency and Government oversight regarding all of the military and illegal deportation flights. We need clear and consistent inspection processes and significant legal and financial repercussions for those attempting to violate the agreements. We cannot stand idly by while our country is used to support actions that fly in the face of Ireland's focus on human rights and dignity. Janet Grene, Ballybricken, Co Limerick Read More Letters to the Editor: Time for the State to do the right thing on Gaza
Belfast Telegraph
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
This Championship format is the best we've ever had… so why are GAA chiefs getting rid of it?
Jarlath Burns has been the most proactive, positive and hands-on GAA president in recent years and has already overseen some massive changes to the organisation, most of which have been successful. Without going too heavy on the new rules, even the most defiant defender of the old game can't truthfully say that things aren't better than they were before the enhancements, and it isn't an exaggeration to say that this sort of Gaelic football is now on a par with hurling in terms of entertainment.
BreakingNews.ie
13 hours ago
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
GAA community 'shocked' after death of talented footballer (20)
Tributes have been paid following the death of a talented footballer from Co Clare. Éanna Rouine, a promising young player who played for Ennistymon, died on Tuesday. Advertisement Rouine represented Clare at minor and under-20 level while he also won an All-Ireland Freshers Football title at the University of Limerick, where he was a second-year student. "The Clare GAA community is deeply shocked and profoundly saddened by the untimely passing of Ennistymon's Éanna Rouine on Tuesday morning," Clare GAA posted on social media. "Éanna was an extremely talented and promising young footballer with both club and county. He represented Clare at Minor level in 2021, was part of the Clare U20 panel from 2022 to 2024 and was a star of the Ennistymon CBS football team when the school landed the famous achievement of a provincial double in 2023. "Éanna was a second year student at UL and had already won an All Ireland Freshers Football title with the college. While important achievements and now so important to cherish, these of course are only measures of him as an athlete and a player. Advertisement The Clare GAA community is deeply shocked and profoundly saddened by the untimely passing of Ennistymon's Éanna Rouine on Tuesday morning. Éanna was an extremely talented and promising young footballer with both club and county . He represented Clare at Minor level in 2021 , was… — Clare Gaa (@GaaClare) May 27, 2025 "Above anything else Éanna was a popular and beloved young man with his whole life ahead of him. "His loss has left a void that words cannot fill, and his absence will be felt not only on the field but in the hearts of all who knew him in his community and circle of friends in North Clare. "At this heartbreaking time, Clare GAA extends its deepest condolences and sympathies to his clubmates, his many friends, and above all, to his devastated and heartbroken family - parents Catríona and John and his siblings, Eoin, Dara and Bríd-Aine and the extended Rouine and O'Gorman families. "We stand in solidarity with them in their grief, and we honour the memory of a young life taken far too soon." Advertisement Ennistymon also expressed their "shock and sadness" upon learning of Éanna's passing. "All in Ennistymon GAA are shocked & saddened at the untimely passing of our great teammate & friend Éanna," the club posted on social media. "A truly talented & accomplished sportsman, but much more than that, he was intelligent, witty, a strong academic performer, a talented musician, a loyal friend & a loving son, grandson & brother. Sport Council gives green light for €5m Clare GAA Centre... Read More "His on field successes are too numerous to list. His passing will leave a void in the club that we will all struggle to deal with together in the days, months & years ahead. Advertisement "To his parents Cáitriona & John, his brothers Eoin & Dara, his sister Brid Áine, his grandmother Bridget, his Uncles, Aunts, Cousins and all the Rouine & O'Gorman families we offer our sincere heartfelt condolences, in the knowledge that no words can truly console you at this terrible time. Ar Dheis de go raibh a anam." University of Limerick GAA club said: "All at UL GAA club are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Éanna Rouine. "Éanna represented the club at Sigerson 1 and 2 level and was part of last year's historic Fresher 1 League Victory. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates at this difficult time."
Irish Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Munster hurling final tickets up to €50 for the stand
The tickets for the Munster SHC final between Limerick and Cork at TUS Gaelic Grounds have been priced at €50 for the stand for adults and €40 for the terrace. It is a €5 increase on last year's final between Limerick and Clare at Semple Stadium and a €10 increase on the 2023 showdown. Students and OAPs can avail of a €5 discount, while juvenile tickets will cost €10. Tickets for the final, which takes place at 6pm on June 7th in Limerick, will not go on general sale and will be distributed through county boards. READ MORE By comparison, the Leinster council have made 20,000 tickets available for free for under-14s for the Leinster hurling final between Kilkenny and Galway in Croke Park on June 8th, a double-header that also includes Kildare against Laois in the Joe McDonagh final. Tickets are €40 for the stand and €30 for Hill 16 for the final and are available on general sale. The scheme reflects the struggle to fill Croke Park for recent finals, with only 24,483 for the last final between Kilkenny and Galway in 2023, and 35,484 for the final last year between Kilkenny and Dublin. Meanwhile, the 44,023 capacity of TUS Gaelic Grounds is expected to sell out for the Munster final due to high demand.
