Latest news with #JohnO'Driscoll
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Dr John O'Driscoll appointed IRFU president
The Irish Rugby Football Union held its annual council meeting on Friday, where Dr John O'Driscoll was elected the 136th president of the union. A former British & Irish Lions flanker who represented his country 26 times and made 19 appearances for the Lions across two tours, he was first capped for Ireland in 1978. Dr O'Driscoll helped Ireland win a first Triple Crown since 1949 when he played a central role in the 1982 Five Nations competition. He played for Stonyhurst School in Lancashire before going on to represent Liverpool St Helens, Manchester, Connacht and London Irish. His feats on the field of play saw him elected as Irish Sportsman of the Year in 1980. After hanging up his boots, Dr O'Driscoll went on to hold coaching, selector and administrative roles. Speaking after his election to his latest post, Dr O'Driscoll said: "It is a great honour to be elected as the 136th president of the IRFU. Irish rugby has given so much to me since an early age, first as a supporter, then through a wonderful playing career with London Irish, Connacht and Ireland. In more recent years, I have been privileged to contribute to the administration of the game alongside people utterly dedicated to its success at every level. "I look forward to visiting clubs across the country and meeting the volunteers who are the lifeblood of the sport. Their passion, commitment and depth of involvement are vital to Ireland."
Irish Independent
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
West Cork Food Festival to be held in Skibbereen to celebrate local culinary talent
The Skibbereen & District Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new food festival, the 'West Cork Food Festival – Savour the Flavour in Skibbereen', proudly supported by Cork County Council. This exciting new event will take place in the heart of Skibbereen in the Old Mart Yard Car Park and it is set to become a major celebration of the region's rich and diverse food culture. From field and sea to fork the West Cork Food Festival will shine a spotlight on the producers, artisans, and food innovators who make West Cork one of Ireland's premier culinary destinations. The Chamber of Commerce is now inviting local food vendors, growers, producers, and artisans to take part in this inaugural event. Whether you're crafting handmade cheeses, fermenting kombucha, baking traditional breads, or serving up vibrant street food – this is your opportunity to share your work with a wider audience and be part of a festival that champions local excellence. The chairman of the Skibbereen & District Chamber of Commerce John O'Driscoll said the food festival will 'bring' the community together. 'We are thrilled to bring this initiative to life with the support of Cork County Council. This new event will not only bring the community together, but it will also celebrate and support the incredible local producers who are the heart of West Cork's food identity.' The festival which will be held from 10am to 5pm will feature a diverse programme including food stalls, tasting experiences, and family-friendly entertainment Skibbereen & District Chamber of Commerce is calling on all local producers to get involved. They are now accepting expressions of interest from local food and drink producers, vendors, and artisans who would like to take part in this exciting event.
Irish Independent
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: Leaving Cert students, follow your hearts – a degree is not the answer to everything
The headline chimes with the same trope that is wheeled out year after year by universities about the value of Arts degrees (and Social Science degrees), battered as they can be by the waxing and waning of the degrees' prospects. Perhaps the most important thing these degrees do is confer status. A degree is a degree is a degree. All the better if it is from a prestigious university. A degree is a signal. It confers and signifies 'middle- class' and is an undoubted advantage in the marketplace. They're not cheap either. And the more things we have to pay for, the harder it is to be poor. Meanwhile, the Leaving Certificate has diminished in status and the prestige it once deservedly had. In the 1980s, adults queued up at night school to complete the exams they regretted not taking beforehand. The skills gained were invaluable; the esteem restored equally so. Of course, we should be all for the humanities. Likewise for apprenticeships and whatever route one takes to navigate an ever-changing job market. Follow your heart. John O'Driscoll, Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary Government must stop genocide in Gaza Madam — Our public representatives are being spat on because of their continuing inaction on Gaza and now they are blaming the opposition parties — 'TDs spat at and refused cafe service as abuse over Gaza intensifies', June 15. 'Our Government has sat back and done nothing, absolutely nothing,' said one woman, clearly venting her frustration, which many of us would fully align with. Surely, it's beyond time our Government grew a backbone and did something concrete and tangible to stop this mass killing of innocents on its watch. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry United Ireland is not likely soon Madam — Now that we are approaching July and the annual season of Orange marches, lamp posts throughout most of the North of Ireland will be decorated with flags of various hue, but mainly red, white and blue or the Union Jack. Every year, about 3,000 parades are approved by the commission overseeing such events. Come July 12, there will be an exodus by nationalists to Donegal, Sligo and possibly even Spain. Anywhere to avoid being forced to watch and listen to Orange bands and their followers taking over towns and villages to commemorate a battle fought in Co Meath between the king of Scotland and a Dutch king called William. Meanwhile, across Antrim the locals are revolting. Apparently, some foreign folk have arrived in recent years and are propping up the ailing health service and various factories; but they sound and look different from the indigenous people of the county. Outsiders will not be tolerated, and emblems must adorn the front doors of residents to identify loyalty to the crown and thus ensure that the house will not be firebombed or its windows smashed. In that other part of this little island, the 26 counties, the inhabitants look on aghast at what is happening. There is much weeping and gnashing of teeth by so many politicians. But that's as far as it will go. Quite rightly, the British would do anything to offload the mongrel of a region that is Northern Ireland, but sadly, and very possibly with some justification, the Irish Republic will procrastinate until the cows come home on the subject of unification. And who could blame them. Sean Sheridan, Omagh, Co Tyrone Next budget will be a bonanza for rich Madam — It's looking like the coming budget, if we are to believe the experts, will be a bonanza for the already wealthy in our society — property investors and the hospitality sector. With hoteliers and restaurant owners seeing a decrease in the Vat rate, I can't speak for everyone but I have rarely seen any decreases in the price of a meal to match. As for the developers, the housing crisis will make them wealthy even beyond their current situation. Mike Burke, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare Families should get vouchers for food Madam — On the discussion around changes to child benefit, giving vouchers for healthy, age-appropriate food and beverages would be the best system — ensuring well-nourished, active babies and children. That would bring value for money. Margaret Walshe, Dublin 15 Leaving Cert is just a silly test of memory Madam — Is the Leaving Cert a good examination for life? All it proves is one has a good memory. And on the day of the exam, students may be under par. They should be assessed on a monthly basis and judged accordingly at the end of the year. Not days of examination papers crammed together over a few weeks. Education is a process; it is not a result. Does having a good memory prepare one for life? I don't think so. Having common sense is much more important. There should be another way to assess students. Terry Healy Riordan, Kill, Co Kildare Time to do away with the presidency Madam — As the country faces another costly presidential election, one wonders if we need a president now. The Irish Constitution expressly puts executive authority in the democratically elected government. The non-executive presidency is weighed down by protocols and formalities, irrelevant in a modern republic grappling with very serious housing, health, criminal and international issues. The president holds office for an inordinately long seven years, and can be elected for a second term. It's almost impossible for an ordinary citizen to contest this election as a nomination requires the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or four local authorities. In addition to expense-free living in the Áras, the president is entitled to an annual salary of €332,070. Presidential staff and ceremonial functions, at home and abroad, cost the taxpayer at least €5m per annum. Some very fine people have held the office. But, in my opinion, the position is now unsustainable and the money spent in electing and maintaining a President of Ireland, a nominal and virtually powerless figurehead, is urgently needed elsewhere. Billy Ryle Tralee, Co Kerry Skehan holds a mirror up to society Madam — In last week's Sunday Independent, Conor Skehan's contemplative article ('What are Ireland's blind spots and how can we fix these system failures?') shoves a somewhat uncomfortable mirror into the gaze of Irish society and its most crucial influential undertones. As an example, he states: 'The traditional media is anxious about its shrinking influence.' The traditional media was habitually based on a brand of journalism underpinned by truth, courage, tenacity and dedication, but was overly comforted in its status as 'traditional'. In allowing itself to be so cosseted, it was always going to be a step behind in exploiting the broadest effects of digitalisation and in comprehending the unfettered tones and effects of 'social media', where truth is not fundamental. These are, indeed, tough times for the 'traditional' media, but, for society's welfare, its a battle it cannot afford to lose. Sticking with old values but with a more vigilant and astute eye on societal gestation and evolving 'tech' will serve much better than, for example, the showiness I'm observing n the broadcast media, where the 'gotcha' question is so often tediously pursued. Michael Gannon, Saint Thomas Square, Kilkenny Forsyth obituary missed some facts Madam — Some saw Frederick Forsyth's books as lower down the literary ladder than his near contemporary John le Carré. But he was widely known as a skilled author of 'faction', drawing on his years as a journalist. In that light, some elements of Liam Collins's obituary likely would have irritated Forsyth, who was known for his accuracy. St John's Wood, one of his homes, when he left Enniskerry in 1980, is not in Surrey but the borough of Westminster. The 'small farm' he moved to was a working enterprise he ran in Hertfordshire, on about 175 acres, from the late 1980s to 2010. He self-depreciatingly described himself as poor with money. Aside from his divorce from his first wife and the loss of money to the once-notorious Roger Levitt, he also turned down the offer of a share of the profits when selling the film rights to The Day of the Jackal. Instead of the 'huge royalties' referred to in your obituary, he got a flat £20,000 (the equivalent of perhaps £250,000 now) instead of £17,500 plus a percentage of the profits. Being a man of certain political views, in recent years his 'extensive journalism' was mainly for the Daily Express and Daily Telegraph and not the Daily Express and The Guardian. Arran Dowling-Hussey, Gray's Inn, London A very insightful piece from O'Malley Madam — I want to commend your journalist, Eoin O'Malley, for offering a refreshingly grounded and socially insightful perspective on the social value of the pub in Irish life. 'Down with the puritans — we should all go back to the pub', June 15. The suggestion that pubs are socially controlled environments where people can meaningfully connect with peers highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of public life. In a time when isolation and division are growing concerns, it's encouraging to see writing that recognises the social value of shared spaces, like pubs. This piece doesn't just make a case for leisure, it makes a compelling argument for community cohesion and mental well-being. Well done. Don Byrne, Raheny, Dublin 5 GAA four-step ball rule is nonsense Madam — GAA, have a bit of cop on. Your four-step ball carrying rule is a fiasco. Seamus Foley, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath There is a time when you need to step up Madam — Brendan O'Connor's question, 'Where have all the grown-ups gone?', on June 15 reminded me of one time I was in our local pub. I asked the owner: 'Where have all the characters gone?' He took a few seconds, looked at me, and said: 'They're dead. You're the characters now.' It was a lesson, and not a gentle one. You don't get to stand on the sidelines forever. At some point, it's your turn to step up. Perhaps the same applies to grown-ups. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Co Armagh Women matter, so do not shut us down Madam — The letter, 'Policing toilets is just not workable' on June 15, could be said to reflect a now-familiar tactic: minimise, deflect and suggest there's nothing to debate. For years, this approach has been used to shut down women's voices, to brand legitimate concerns as wrong and cast those raising them as the problem. That may once have worked. It no longer does. Ten years on from the introduction of gender self-identification, the effects on law, language and public policy are clear — from the loss of female-only spaces to the silencing of sex-based advocacy — yet attempts to discuss them are met with straw-man arguments. These kind of responses don't open space for discussion. They try to close it. And it raises a fair question: if the Gender Recognition Act has had no adverse effect, why the reluctance to talk about it? Women's voices matter. And in a democracy, transparency is not something to fear, it's something we are owed. If there's really nothing to hide, then let's talk. Kate Flannery, Limerick Female boundaries are being eroded Madam — Bernie Linnane (Letters, June 15) might be happy to share single-sex spaces with any man who claims to be a woman, but she's not authorised to consent on behalf of any other woman. Consent isn't transferable, and my consent isn't hers to give away. The Gender Recognition Act may not mention toilets, but it has created a legal grey area, where women are expected to stay quiet while our boundaries are eroded. We're not asking for birth-cert checks at the toilet door. We're asking for the basic right to say no and not to be thought of as bigots for doing so. Sarah Holmes, Newcastle, Co Wicklow Let's celebrate the richness of Irish Madam — I mostly agree with Ciara Kelly when she writes that talking, reading and writing in Irish, in that order, gives a better grasp of the language. But don't underestimate the benefit of remembering a line from an Irish poem written in the pure richness of the language (Saibhreas na Gaeilge). It has always served me well. Anne Finegan, Ashbourne, Co Meath I could not survive without the Sindo Madam — Congratulations to Mediahuis Ireland, the publisher of the Sunday Independent among others, in celebrating reaching 100,000 digital subscribers. News is at everybody's fingertips nowadays as the digital age goes from strength to strength. I have to confess, I personally prefer to get my fix of the current news the old way, by buying the Sindo every week. I couldn't survive without it. I enjoy thumbing through the pages of sport, features and current affairs. I have also had a number of letters published, which is always very exciting and uplifting. There is something magical about having your thoughts published in a reputable national newspaper. Thank you, for lifting my spirits in this way. Well done also to your team of wonderful journalists. Onwards and upwards. Tom Towey, Cloonacool, Co Sligo Tommy Conlon nails it on hurling fiasco Madam — Once again, Tommy Conlon nailed it. The absolute nonsense of deciding the GAA jewel in the crown by subjecting the hurling warriors to the shambles of a penalty shoot-out. Just because it might add drama to a boring soccer game does not mean it should be used to lessen a fixture built up in the GAA calendar. Enough is enough. If there is a draw after extra time, there should be a two-week break to let the players recuperate and then set them free to entertain us once more. John McCann, Donegal Why is Kate Middleton on the front page of an Irish paper? Madam — I am mystified as to your choice of photo on the front page of the Sunday Independent (June 15). What has Kate Middleton's fancy hat, trooping the colour (what colour), or the King's makey-up birthday, so that he can be nice and warm, to do with anything related to Ireland? Michael Kenefick, Whitegate, Co Cork
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Late Garda assistant commissioner John O'Driscoll was ‘instrumental' in Irish efforts in international policing
Ms de Bolle, the Executive Director of Europol, last night received the inaugural John O'Driscoll award for International Cooperation. "John embodied good, honest policing, and this award is a reflection of his professional achievements," she said. "He laid the foundations for collaboration with Europol and with police forces in Europe and beyond to find to fight criminal groups. "In fact, he was instrumental in setting up an international law enforcement coalition involving Europol, amongst other partners such as the USA and the United Arab Emirates. "This coalition played a crucial role in dismantling this group and reducing their impact on society." Ms de Bolle received the award at the opening day of the European Anti-Financial Crime Summit 2025, which involves 700 delegates from banking, fintech and regulatory authorities. She was presented with award by Muriel O'Driscoll, wife of the late John O'Driscoll, and Jim O'Callaghan, the Minister for Justice. Appointed assistant garda commissioner for special crime operations in 2016, John O'Driscoll played a key role in combatting became the Kinahan organised crime group. He served in An Garda Síochána for 41 years, retiring in 2022. He passed away in September 2024. He was survived by his wife Muriel and his three children; Michelle, Laura and Seán. Ms O'Driscoll said: "Losing John so suddenly last September has been very difficult for us, but moments like tonight remind us that his spirit is still very much alive. "He touched so many lives with his kindness, friendship, loyalty and dedication, and we as his family have seen that reflected in the generosity and support shown to us over the past few very difficult months. "His legacy is one of dedication, resilience and an enduring commitment to justice. "He leaves behind a profound impact on Irish law enforcement enforcement, and a lasting example of what it means to live a life of purpose. "Catherine de Bolle, Europol Executive Director, is someone I know John would have respected deeply. Europol played a major role in many of the international investigations John led." Mr O'Callaghan said John O'Driscoll played a leading role in Irish efforts to fight international crime groups. "He was instrumental in efforts that led to our US partners offering substantial rewards for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the leaders of the Kinahan organised crime group," Mr O'Callaghan said. "I think it is fair to say that without John O'Driscoll's work, Ireland would not have signed an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates last year. This puts more pressure on those who lead these groups and seek to profit from the misery of others by removing another haven where they believe they can evade justice." He added: "This is one of John O'Driscoll enduring legacies, the building of a lasting network of cooperation with partners across borders to share intelligence, expertise and knowledge. "It is a testament to John O'Driscoll that Ireland [is] in a better place now to dismantle these groups because of the cooperation and information sharing that John spearheaded." The European Anti-Financial Crime Summit 2025 is organised by Dublin-based company AML Intelligence, the leading source of global regulatory intelligence on anti-financial crime and fraud for banks and fintechs. John Berrigan, Ireland's most senior civil servant in the European Union, will also be honoured with an award at the event. He will receive the AML Champion 2025 award from Eurogroup president and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. Mr Berrigan is director general of the European Commission's financial services division, DG FISMA (Directorate-General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union). He played a leading role in the establishment of the EU's new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).
Irish Independent
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Europol chief to receive inaugural award in memory of late assistant garda commissioner John O'Driscoll
Today at 21:30 Europol chief Catherine De Bolle is to receive an award in Dublin next month in honour of the late assistant garda commissioner John O'Driscoll. Ms De Bolle, who is executive director of Europol, will be presented with the inaugural John O'Driscoll Award for International Co-Operation by Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan.
