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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Mystery of vanishing old Irish street signs sparks concern in Dún Laoghaire
Today at 07:59 A series of bilingual street signs, with distinctive Gaelic typefaces, have gone missing from streets around Dún Laoghaire. Fine Gael councillor Lorraine Hall was contacted by two separate residents' associations in recent weeks about the sudden disappearance of three of the distinctive green-and-white signs. All three were located within close proximity of each other, on Silchester Road, Royal Terrace East, and Woodlawn Park. 'These lovely, very old green signs with the Irish Gaelic script on them have gone missing in recent weeks,' councillor Hall said. 'They're really beautiful. People really appreciate these signs. They have emotional and sentimental importance, and there's a strong heritage value to them too.' Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council has confirmed it was not responsible for their removal, raising suspicions that the signs may have been taken, or stolen, without authorisation. 'We suspect they are being taken because they're quite attractive,' Cllr Hall said. 'They look very nice in pubs or private collections. But they belong to the community.' The signs, often featuring cló Gaelach, a stylised Irish-language typeface historically associated with cultural resistance, date back to around the 1950s and 60s and are now considered rare. While some are protected in architectural conservation areas, most are not, and there is currently no statutory provision under the Official Languages Act for the preservation of these original designs. 'These signs can't really be replicated today,' Cllr Hall said. 'They're not just practical markers. They represent something deeper – our shared identity and history.' Cllr Hall has issued a public appeal, asking residents across the county to check if similar signs have vanished in their areas. The issue comes as researchers at Trinity College Dublin document the capital's remaining examples of the bilingual signage. As part of a digital humanities initiative called the CLÓSCAPE project, members of the public are being asked to submit photos of old green street signs to help build a digital archive before more are lost. This script, once considered a form of 'silent rebellion' against British rule, is used in Irish manuscripts, on shop and pub fronts, and on our distinctive old street signs. When the Irish state was founded, there was 'huge pressure' to use Gaelic in educational materials, on street signs, and in books as a symbol of reinforcing Irish identity. Little is known about the roll-out or distribution of these signs, and the project aims to collect photographic evidence, both past and present, to reconstruct the historic placement of Irish typeface signs and preserve them for future generations. Many signs are subsequently replaced by modern blue-and-white signs with Roman fonts, with no provision for the use of cló gaelach in the current Official Languages Act.
Sunday World
18-06-2025
- General
- Sunday World
UVF boss ‘Winkie' Irvine changed birth name because it sounded too ‘Catholic'
Young 'Winkie' was regularly made a figure of fun by his 'Prod' friends, who ridiculed him for having a 'Fenian' name Deposed UVF boss Winston 'Winkie' Irvine changed his name by deed poll, because it sounded too 'Catholic', the Sunday World can reveal. And as this replica birth certificate proves, Irvine - who celebrated his 50th birthday on Friday June 13 in jail - was originally known by the Irish Gaelic name 'Gibney'. Meaning son of the smith, the Gibney name originated in Ireland around the 10th century. And it was later adopted by Irish families dispossessed of their lands during the British Conquest of Ireland. But a recent Sunday World investigation into 'Winkie' Irvine's past, revealed his father - also Winston Gibney - was a taxi driver from Newtownabbey. And his mother Elizabeth - known as Lily - was a member of the Braiden family from Belfast's Shankill Road. After giving birth to a bouncing baby boy in the maternity wing of Belfast's City Hospital on June 13 1975, Elizabeth Braiden and her partner Winston Gibney, took their infant son back to their new home at 125c Hopewell Crescent, in the Hammer district of Belfast's lower Shankill area. Winston Irvine However, on July 18 1975,when the parents came to register the new-born boy's name, Lily Braiden used the surname Irvine and she signed the certificate accordingly. The Sunday World has learned that as a child growing up in the greater Shankill area, young 'Winkie' Gibney was regularly made a figure of fun by his 'Prod' friends, who ridiculed him for having a 'Fenian' name. 'You can imagine, the abuse Winkie took as a youngster over his Irish name. It was relentless. His name was Gibney and that doesn't go unnoticed in a place like the Shankill. ' said one of Winkie's childhood friends. And just days after celebrating his 32nd birthday, Winkie visited a firm of solicitors in Belfast, with a request to officially change his surname name from Gibney to Irivine. Notices of Intent were placed in the Belfast Telegraph and The Gazette, the public record publication. And on June 22 2007, Winston Gibney - shelled out a fee of £50.32 - to officially changed his name to Winston Irvine. Thompson Crooks solicitors, acted for the said Winston Irvine, formerly Winston Gibney. Notice of Intent in The Gazette Notice of Intent in the Belfast Telegraph Writer Martin Dillon, whose book 'The Shankill Butchers' is still a best seller at airports around the world, devised the theory and the Butchers' Gang leader Leonard Hugh Murphy's propensity for extreme violence, was partly fuelled because he detested his perceived 'Catholic' name. Fifty years ago, Murphy and his men terrorist the Catholic community in Belfast in a series of brutal cut-throat killings. Over a seven year period the Butchers' Gang - which was linked to the UVF – was responsible for over two dozens deaths. But Lenny Murphy was also known to lash out at loyalist friends if the poked fun at his name. And in support of his argument, Dillon pointed out, how many times the Murphy family had moved house around the loyalist districts of Belfast. He said: 'There were very few families in the Shankill with the surname Murphy. And if neighbours asked too many questions about their origins, Lenny's mother Joyce, just upped sticks and moved house.' Last week, the Sunday World revealed how Winkie Irvine spent only 14 days behind bars before applying to be released on compassionate grounds to attend the funeral of a relative. He was jailed in the Crown Court after a judge found him guilty of the illegal possession of arms and ammunition. Irvine had asked the authorities at HMP Magaberry - where he is serving an 18-month sentence - for permission to attend the funeral of former loyalist welfare worker Jim Braiden, who was related to his mother. Winston 'Winkie' Irvine News in 90 Seconds - June 17 But the Sunday World learned Irvine had also planned to attend a top level meeting of the UVF where his future was being discussed. His application for temporary release was turned down. And his former paramilitary pals decided he had no future in the UVF. Earlier this week, Irvine was transferred from the loyalist wing at HMP Maghabbery, to the hospital area where he spent two hours. As he made the short journey, non-paramilitary prisoners ridiculed Irvine repeatedly. On Friday, Irvine learned his case is to be referred to the Court of Appeal on the grounds that his sentence was too lenient. It is expected he will learn his fate within a matter of weeks. In a completely separate development, also on Friday, former UDA boss Johnny 'Mad Dog' Adair made a rare and fleeting visit to his old stomping ground on Belfast's Shankill Road. It is believed Adair had travelled on the early morning ferry from his home in Ayrshire. He was spotted driving his car around the Lower Shankill estate and it has been speculated that he may also have called on his close loyalist friend Glen 'Mr. X' Kane, at his Riga Street home. Asked by the Sunday World to explain his presence in the city, the former UDA Brigadier said: 'I had some personal matters to attend to. That was all.'
The National
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
See the full lyrics of new single Kneecap The Recap
It comes just two days after one of their members was charged with a terror offence. The band, made up of Liam O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, thanked the '25,000 legends' who will be attending Friday night's performance in a post on Instagram, before revealing the new song at 1pm. The song, Kneecap The Recap, features drum and bass artist Mozey and starts with a clip of a news presenter talking about the police investigation into the band. READ MORE: Kneecap's TRNSMT performance would need major operation, say Police Scotland Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is behind the inspiration of the song with lyrics like: 'Get me Kemi's money and give her our thanks". They also say in the song that the politicians "career is going to rot" and references Margaret Thatcher, as well as Badenoch's attempts to block their arts funding and the Conservative Party's election loss. The song signs off with: "Onwards and upwards, free Palestine." The full lyrics are: The song has been translated by a native Irish Gaelic speaker Verse 1 I feel blessed With the fall of your wreck With the backstreet crew I'm going to resolve this The government now in bits Kneecap gave them a frisk As you'd say But we know they've got more than this Grab a handful and we'll stroll to the bank Get me Kemi's money and give her my thanks, We'll call it reparations Badenoch ya w*nk, Tried to take my money but I came and collected it back Chorus Na na na Disappear forever It's Kneecap the Recap West Belfast Na na na Disappear forever you Tories Say DJ Próvaí Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara Na na na Go away It's Kneecap the Recap West Belfast Na na na Disappear forever you Tories Say DJ Próvaí Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara Verse 2 Kemi ya wally The writings on the walls You like to think that you're fooling everybody But you're not, Just like the iron lady Your career is gonna rot You're just sh*t Not in control Kneecap back now To put things right Here and in the fight We are sick of your sh*t Kemi ya wally, Maggie is still sleeping in her box You don't care about which race You just care about gimme that You're so full of sh*t You with your leadership Bridge Go for a crack Some fellas from the lower whack When they see me Their hands go in their pockets Who's shouting yeah Cos I'm here to stroke ya I like those shoes Worth a few notes Seems they suit me I'll take them home lad You backing up Badenoch Cry into your sherry Had enough Badenoch You thought it's momentary Called your bluff Badenoch Belfast will you say F*ck Badenoch Chorus Outro Good effort, Kemi Hard lines in the elections Onwards and upwards Free Palestine Formed in 2017, the group are known for their provocative lyrics in both Irish and English, and merchandise. Their best-known tracks include Get Your Brits Out, Better Way To Live, featuring Grian Chatten from Fontaines DC, and 3Cag.
Daily Mirror
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Jesy Nelson's surprising nod to Little Mix in twins' names and sweet meaning
Jesy Nelson's choice of names for her twin daughters have strong meanings with a link to both the future and past Jesy Nelso has appeared to make a surprising nod to one of her former Little Mix bandmembers as she shared the adorable names of her tiny twin daughters. The singer, 33, has lived in hospital for the past ten weeks with partner Zion Foster to keep their babies safe and today revealed that she has given birth after an induced labour. The Mirror understands doctors had planned to induce Jesy's labour once the twins were deemed big and strong enough around the 32 week stage. Sharing photos of both herself and Zion cradling their daughters, she told her followers that it "all happened so quickly" and that they were "healthy and fighting strong". She added: "We've never felt more in love. Everybody meet Ocean Jade Nelson-Foster and Story Monroe Nelson-Foster. Born on 15.05.2025." The name Ocean, derived from the Greek word keanós, is often associated with power and mystery, but can also be seen as a symbol of new beginnings and hope. Coupling that with the middle name Jade - also the name of one of her former band mates - could potentially be seen as an olive branch to her former friend. Jesy famously distanced herself from Jade Thirlwall, Perie Edwards and Leigh-Anne Pinnock after she quit the band in 2020. Her choice of name for her other daughter Story draws a connection with creativity, imagination and adventure. It's derived from Old Norse storr, meaning 'large' or 'big'. Her middle name Monroe is of Scottish and Irish Gaelic origin and is a gender-neutral name, meaning mouth of the River Roe, referring to a specific river in Northern Ireland. There's also an edge of Hollywood glamour to it as Marilyn Monroe is naturally attached to the name. Jesy has documented her difficult and emotional pregnancy for fans over the last few months. Jesy had emergency surgery in April after the babies developed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome - a rare condition which could have been fatal for one or both twins. After her operation, Jesy said: 'We feel so grateful and blessed that these little babies are still going strong,' And thankfully the twins progress has been positive throughout the remainder of the pregnancy. In May Jesy had posted black and white photos of herself with a giant bump and new scans of her twins. She wrote: 'Muma Nelson and Papa Foster' and added a heart emoji. In another set of photos she dubbed Zion 'my husband'. She has been dating Zion, from South London, since November 2022 and in May he ran the London Marathon to raise money for the Twins Trust, which offers support to families with twins. Speaking in the only interview during her pregnancy, Zion had said of the twins: 'They're giving us so much hope they're going to come out healthy. "Jesy and the twins have come through so much. There were so many times in this pregnancy we didn't think we'd get to where we are now. ''Their strength has been unmatched. We literally feel like we know them already just because of how much they've overcome. 'Their characters are so strong. They're so brave.'
News18
22-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
Who Is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, The Acting Head Of Vatican After Pope Francis' Death?
Last Updated: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, former Bishop of Dallas, is now the Vatican's interim leader after Pope Francis' death, overseeing funeral arrangements and conclave preparations. Following the death of Pope Francis, the Vatican's interim leadership has been assumed by a U.S. cardinal until a new pope is elected. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, born in Dublin and later a naturalised American citizen, now holds this significant role. Farrell, a former Bishop of Dallas, serves as the 'camerlengo," responsible for managing the Vatican's temporal affairs following a pope's death or resignation. As camerlengo, Farrell's duties include officially confirming the pope's death, securing the pope's private quarters, and organising funeral arrangements. He also oversees the conclave's preparations, ensuring confidentiality and orderly voting. The 77-year-old holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame and is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Irish Gaelic. His administrative skills and language proficiency have made him a valuable asset within the Church's central administration. Who Would Be The New Pontiff? A Look At Probables Pope Francis recognised Farrell's capabilities early on, appointing him in 2016 to lead the Vatican's Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life and later elevating him to cardinal. In 2019, he became camerlengo, and in 2023, he was also named president of the Vatican City State Supreme Court, the Commission for Confidential Matters, and the Committee for Investments. These roles highlight his influence over the Vatican's financial and administrative matters. How Pope Changed The Catholic Church, Why Did He Choose The Name Francis? Explained Farrell's ecclesiastical journey began in Dublin, where he was born in 1947. He pursued theological studies at the University of Salamanca in Spain and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. Ordained on December 24, 1978, he initially served as a chaplain at the University of Monterrey in Mexico. In 1984, he joined the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., taking on roles such as director of the Spanish Catholic Center and executive director of Catholic Charitable Organizations. Pope John Paul II appointed him as an auxiliary bishop of Washington in 2001, where he served until becoming the Bishop of Dallas in 2007. His swift rise within the Vatican hierarchy continued under Pope Francis, who appointed him to oversee family life and subsequently made him a cardinal. Farrell's extensive experience in the U.S. and his pivotal roles within the Vatican demonstrate his adeptness at managing both pastoral and administrative duties. His leadership during this transitional period at the Vatican underscores his critical role in the Church's continuity and governance. First Published: April 22, 2025, 08:15 IST
