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Irish Times
29-05-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Respecting the National Anthem
I wish to express my concern regarding a growing trend I've noticed at GAA matches – the apparent disregard for our national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann. The national anthem is a powerful symbol of our identity, history, and unity. It deserves the utmost respect, especially in the context of GAA games, which are rooted in Irish culture and pride. However, in recent times, I've observed players leaving their positions or beginning warm-ups well before the final lines of the anthem are sung. While their eagerness to begin the match may be understandable, this behaviour comes across as dismissive and disrespectful. As the GAA is not just a sporting body but also a custodian of Irish heritage, it should take the lead in promoting proper respect for the anthem. One practical suggestion could be to introduce a mandatory two-minute pause between the end of Amhrán na bhFiann and the start of play. This would give players and supporters a moment to compose themselves and by doing so honour the anthem appropriately. READ MORE Respecting our anthem should not be seen as a formality, but as a small yet significant gesture of national pride. I'd like to see the GAA lead by example. – Yours, etc, KEVIN O'REGAN Clonakilty Co Cork
Irish Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Five Irish locations selected to become ‘global home of Halloween'
Five locations around the country have been selected to receive funding under Fáilte Ireland's new Home of Halloween Pilot Destination Development Scheme. A total of €1.5 million will be invested over the next three years as part of the project, which aims to establish Ireland as the 'authentic global home of Halloween'. It invited local authorities to apply for funding to create a new season for Halloween festivals 'rooted in local culture, folklore, and community engagement'. Each successful destination will receive up to €100,000 annually to develop Halloween-themed festivals that celebrate Ireland's heritage and attract visitors during the offpeak season. READ MORE The successful local authorities are Galway City Council; Longford County Council and Westmeath County Council (joint project); Meath County Council and Louth County Council (joint project); Kerry County Council; and Fingal County Council. The projects are expected to attract 270,000 additional visitors over three years, generating €17 million for local economies, and supporting over 500 direct and indirect jobs. Orla Carroll, director of product development at Fáilte Ireland, said: 'The successful applicants showed real potential to deliver a season of vibrant, authentic festivals. 'This scheme fosters partnerships between councils, tourism businesses, and cultural groups, helping to build a sustainable Halloween tourism offering across the regions of Ireland that will resonate with domestic and international visitors and support long-term tourism development in these five destinations.' The new scheme is aiming to build on the Púca Festival co-developed by Fáilte Ireland and Meath County Council in 2019, which attracts tens of thousands of people. The festival welcomed 49,050 attendees last year, delivering €7.11 million in economic impact, and supporting 174 jobs.
CTV News
08-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
City of Ottawa designates part of ByWard Market as ‘Irish Village'
Ottawa has an "Irish Village' in the ByWard Market to celebrate the city's Irish heritage. (CTV News Ottawa)
