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Irish Times
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Famine walk: Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group in vanguard as activists finish 165km trek from Strokestown, Co Roscommon
More than 100 tired and weary walkers carrying Palestinian flags made their way along the north side of the Dublin quays shortly after 7pm on Saturday, as the final rays of the August evening sunshine reflected off the Liffey. The group, led by the Boyle Palestine Solidarity Group, were completing the final leg of an eight-day, 165km walk along the National Famine Way, which began at Strokestown Park House on August 2nd. The cross-country pilgrim walk, which is punctuated by 30 bronze children's shoes, follows the route 1,490 people took in 1847 after being evicted from their homes in Co Roscommon. What began as a group of 50 at 10am on Saturday, doubled in size on its final leg, as members walked the 27km on Saturday from Maynooth to the famine memorial on Custom House Quay in Dublin city Docklands. Walkers pass the Jeanie Johnston replica famine ship. Photograph: Sorcha Pollak A hush fell over participants as they took their final steps past the Jeanie Johnston replica famine ship and passed the Sean O'Casey bridge before gathering around the haunting bronze sculptures of Irish famine emigrants. READ MORE The walk from Boyle to Dublin was in memory of 'our own famine dead, the million dead and million who emigrated' but also 'the people of Palestine who are suffering the same forced starvation and forced displacement', said Mary Gallagher, one of the organisers. The walkers wanted to do something 'to connect the Irish people with Palestine'. Photograph: Sorcha Pollak 'We still have those memories, we carry it in our genes, the effects of the famine,' Ms Gallagher told The Irish Times. 'We want the Irish people to look at our own famine and realise that forced displacement, and starvation of our own people, and then look at Gaza today and see that it's that, and much worse. Genocide, ethnic cleansing and now starvation as a weapon of war to add to all of this. 'We wanted to do something to connect the Irish people with Palestine.' Liam McNulty (83) from Castlerea in Co Roscommon, the oldest member of the group to walk the full 165km over eight days, agreed it was important for Irish people to relate the war in Gaza 'back to our own history ... Irish history was a series of invasions, colonisation, expropriation and settlement. And what's happening now in Gaza is no different. I think that's why the majority of Irish people empathise with the Palestinians. Because they see the parallels between our history.' He added: 'I don't agree with violent protests, but peaceful protests like this give us some hope of getting politicians to act, either through our own national parliament or through international bodies.' The Boyle walkers were met at Custom House Quay on Saturday evening with a small group of wellwishers, including about two dozen people holding a crocheted blanket, featuring 2,300 red, white, green and black yarn and wool squares, crafted across Ireland and internationally. Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu says that Israeli intends to take control of all of Gaza in order to "have a security perimeter." Video: Reuters Niamh Bonner from Mullingar, who describes herself as the 'custodian of the blanket', said it was the crochet project has become a way for those unable to march or walk to show their solidarity with the people of Gaza. 'We wrote to libraries and craft groups around Ireland, asking them to send us squares. Some people sat down and learned to crochet so they could make a square. We also got squares from Venezuela, Canada, Greece, Germany, England, Afghanistan and Pakistan. We now have 2,300 squares, each one representing 10 children who have been murdered in Gaza.' The National Famine War for Palestine weeklong walk from Co Roscommon to Dublin's quays was also held to raise funds for four charities providing humanitarian aid in Palestine.
Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
American tries Irish breakfast and says 'don't hate me' as it doesn't go to plan
Kicking off the day with a hearty full Irish breakfast at a cafe is the dream for many and an American couple on their travels in Ireland were eager to see what all the hype was about. Joey and Lauren, who run a YouTube channel, have been exploring the Emerald Isle, taking in sights across Cork, Galway, and Dublin. It was in Dublin that they sampled their first-ever full Irish – although not every component was to their taste. Before diving into their critique, Joey had a word of caution for the Irish audience, pleading for understanding. "Please don't take it as a diss," he implored. "On one of the videos the other day, one of us said something about the food being a bit gross and we use that word very loosely in America. "But oh my God, some people took it really bad and they took it that we were insulting the country. Guys, trust me, we love Ireland." With that disclaimer out of the way, let's delve into how the duo found their straightforward breakfast at Fair Play Cafe on York Road in Dublin. Certainly a sight to behold (Image: youtube/@joeyandlauren) Their order included two servings of the traditional Irish breakfast, complete with two sausages, two rashers, black pudding, white pudding, beans, fried eggs, and two slices of toast. Priced at €8.95 each, Joey remarked: "Cheap, good price. Could be called Fair Price Cafe but it is called Fair Play Cafe so fair play them, glad to say we did that." Tucking into their breakfast, both were full of praise for the eggs and beans, with the sausages earning special commendation. Lauren enthused: "I will say I really like the sausages here. It tastes way different but I really like the taste of it, it tastes good." Yet, despite enjoying the start of the meal, Lauren wasn't taken with the white pudding and approached the black pudding with trepidation. She expressed her apprehension: "Oh my God. I'm actually scared. I am going to get my napkin ready. I don't know if I am over reacting or if I am going to like it so ..." Joey was full of praise for the baked beans (Image: youtube/@joeyandlauren) After a few cautious bites, Lauren couldn't swallow the black pudding, prompting Joey to inquire: "Is it the taste or just how you picture it?" Having researched black pudding's origins earlier, Lauren responded: "It tastes like white pudding but slightly different but I don't like the taste. I actually chewed it. Don't hate me, don't hate me." She continued: "I am probably being a bit more dramatic but I did not like the taste. It wasn't bad but I wouldn't eat it again. I thought the white pudding was better." Joey concurred: "Same here, I mean, I'm not going to be finishing that to be honest but I could eat it." The rest of the meal, including the Irish butter and bacon, was a hit, and overall, the breakfast met their expectations – except for the puddings. The couple strolling along beside the Liffey (Image: youtube/@joeyandlauren) Wrapping up their experience, Joey remarked: "Customer service was great, they were super nice in there, it was a really nice place. "We are sorry we didn't like the black or white pudding but I guess I could see if you grew up eating it you wouldn't pay attention to what it is made of. Obviously we just couldn't get past that fact." He further stated: "I am glad we tried it though. I didn't want to go away having a full Irish breakfast and not going the full length." You can watch their video in full here
The Journal
02-07-2025
- Sport
- The Journal
Leinster swim group takes legal action against Swim Ireland over Liffey swim hosting row
A ROW BETWEEN two swim groups over identical events planned for the second consecutive year has led a Leinster-based swim group to initiate legal proceedings against Swim Ireland. Leinster Open Sea (LOS) filed legal proceedings against Swim Ireland, the national governing body for Irish swimming, on Monday. A statement from Leinster Open Sea's board of directors confirmed that it had initiated the proceedings, which include an application for an injunction to prevent Swim Ireland from organising 'duplicate' Liffey Swim and Dún Laoghaire Harbour races. The statement described the two events as 'historic' and 'long established as part of the Leinster Open Sea calendar'. There was confusion last year as both LOS and Swim Ireland ran competing Liffey Swims after a row broke out over who should host the landmark swim. Leinster Open Swim had been the organiser of the event for a number of years, but had done so recognised by Swim Ireland. A rift between the two, which included Swim Ireland stating that it had 'governance concerns' over the operations of Leinster Open Swim, resulted in the separate bodies ploughing ahead and holding their separate swims at the same location. This year, Leinster Open Sea's Dún Laoghaire Harbour swim is scheduled to take place on 15 September, and its Liffey swim is scheduled to take place on 21 September. Swim Ireland, however, has scheduled for its Dún Laoghaire Harbour swim to take place on 3 August, and its Liffey swim on 13 September. Advertisement The swim in 2018. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Leinster Open Sea CLG has this year set out that it wishes to retain the right to organise and run the annual events. 'In 2024, the running of two competing Liffey Swims caused considerable confusion among swimmers, volunteers, and the public — resulting in reputational damage and unnecessary division within the open water community,' a statement said. 'We are determined to avoid the same situation in 2025.' It further said that it has made repeated efforts to resolve the matter and has offered to undergo mediation with Swim Ireland. It alleged that Swim Ireland publicly stated that it is willing to take part in mediation but privately laid down 'a series of preconditions before it would take part in mediation which are totally unacceptable'. It added that it regretted having to initiate such proceedings but that the move was taken 'as a last resort'. In a statement to The Journal , Swim Ireland said that it has refrained from taking legal action itself to avoid spending 'valuable resource on legal fees which could otherwise be spent on our members and ground the Swim Ireland open water schedule'. 'As Swim Ireland has not initiated this recent action, it continues to consider the contents of the legal proceedings issued and will attend court on Friday, as required,' the organisation said. It added that it was assured of its position in relation to the two contested swims. Leinster Open Sea said that it hoped the Leinster swimming community would consider to support it as it proceeds with legal action, and said that it fully intends for its race calendar to proceed as planned. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thousands fill Dublin streets for 2025 Pride parade
Roughly 12,500 people took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday, June 28, to march in the 2025 Pride parade. With over 280 different organisations involved, the capital was awash with rainbow colours in a vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. The parade kicked off on O'Connell Street shortly after 12:30pm, travelling down Eden and Custom House Quay, before crossing Talbot Memorial Bridge to the south side of the Liffey. From there, it moved up City Quay and turned right onto Lombard Street, passing through Westland Row and Lincoln Place and finally concluding at Merrion Square, where the Pride Village awaited. Under the theme 'Taking Liberties', the parade's Grand Marshall was Ruadhán Ó Críodáin, Executive Director of ShoutOut, a charity that promotes inclusion through education by delivering LGBTQ+ programmes in schools, workplaces and service providers. Leading the march was Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who said the occasion was full of 'jubilation and joy'. He added that, with around 100,000 people expected to celebrate Pride in the capital this year, it showed 'Irish people are fully inclusive and fully believe that no individual group should be left behind. Also partaking in the festivities was former senator David Norris, 51 years on from when he attended Dublin's first Pride march in 1974. In his last year as President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins offered his 'warmest greetings' to all those attending the event, saying, 'This annual celebration is a vital affirmation of the rights, dignity, and joy of our LGBT+ communities. 'It is a time, too, to remember with gratitude the courage of those who paved the way for progress when marching was not safe, who gave voice to truths that were long silenced, and who set the foundations for the inclusive Ireland that we continue to strive towards today.' He noted that the 2025 Dublin Pride parade also marks the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Referendum, but added, 'We must also acknowledge that the journey is not complete. A truly inclusive society is one where all can live authentically and creatively, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, where all can participate fully, and where all voices are not only heard but valued, in all their richness and diversity. 'Pride remains a vital expression of that vision in challenging us to deepen our commitment to human rights, to solidarity, and to the kind of republic that cherishes all of its people equally. 'In a time when hard-won rights are being questioned in many parts of the world, such vigilance and unity are more vital than ever.' The President concluded his statement, writing, 'As I reflect on my terms as President of Ireland, I have been continually inspired by the creativity, resilience, and generosity of spirit shown by Ireland's LGBT+ community. In so many aspects of Irish life, including the arts, activism, education, community-building and public life, your rich and varied contributions have helped to enrich our society immeasurably, widening the circle of belonging for us all. 'May I wish all those marking Pride 2025 the very best as you celebrate and embrace this remarkable festival of equality, respect, and love. 'May this Pride be a time of joy, of solidarity, and of renewed hope as we work to craft a future together that is peaceful, just and inclusive – a future defined by equality and participation of all citizens across the world in all their wonderful diversity.' Did you know that this Pride month you can support GCN by donating €1 when you shop online with PayPal? Simply select GCN at checkout or add us as your favourite charity* at this link to support Ireland's free LGBTQ+ media. *GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity – Charity Number: 20034580. The post Thousands fill Dublin streets for 2025 Pride parade appeared first on GCN.
Irish Times
20-06-2025
- Irish Times
Three arrested over criminal damage at Castletown House
Gardaí have arrested a man and two juveniles in Kildare in connection with criminal damage at Castletown House. The three males were arrested on Friday morning by gardaí attached to Kildare North. The arrests took place following a search operation at a number of residential properties in Kildare. The three arrests relate to a number of separate incidents of criminal damage at Castletown House between April 22nd to May 4th, 2025 . READ MORE Over the May bank holiday weekend, vandals entered a temporary Office of Public Works (OPW) depot at Donaghcumper House, overlooking the river Liffey in Celbridge, Co Kildare . They first cut the wires to the house's CCTV units, then overturned four vehicles and dumped a cherrypicker into the river. 'The estimated cost of the damage is believed to be in the region of €400,000," a Garda spokesperson said on Friday. Donaghcumper House was bought by Kildare County Council earlier this year with a view to creating a linear park along the Liffey, but it was bolted up and out of bounds to the public last week, with security at the gate. The OPW was using it as a temporary depot in advance of the proposed reopening later this month of Castletown House, which has been at the centre of a major dispute over right-of-way access. The three males, one adult male aged in his 30s and two juveniles, are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Garda stations in Kildare.
