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BBC News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Molly Malone statue: Stewards brought in to stop 'groping'
Stewards have been stationed next to the Molly Malone statue in Dublin to discourage people from touching city's council is running the pilot scheme after it received complaints about people groping the sculpture's practice is thought to have been started by a local tour guide, and the bronze has now become discoloured from years of Yeates, the Arts Officer for Dublin City Council said stewards were in place to have a "conversation" with people about touching Molly Malone. "They're not guards or police, it's a gentle confrontation of the behaviour," he said."Some people say, and they have a point to make, that it's being touched inappropriately," he told BBC News he said it was a "worldwide phenomenon that statues are touched or rubbed and it becomes a custom," some people had "made a good point where we're mimicking behaviour we don't want to see in public"."It would be illegal in public, so why would we mimic it?"However, he added that, at the same time, "some people see no harm in this whatsoever and think it's a very trivial matter for council to be involved in". 'Thousands of Euro worth of damage' "There is a question of damage because several thousand Euro of damage would be done every few months."This is damaging the statue and it is upsetting people."Mr Yeates said other options such as moving the statue's location, raising it on a plinth or repairing it more regularly, were being sculpture has been in Dublin since 1988 in tribute to a woman who sold shellfish on the streets of the Irish the years she's come to represent the city's working people and many believe, Molly Malone deserves more News NI asked people on the streets of Dublin what they think. Music activist Tilly Cripwell started the Leave Molly mAlone campaign last year."I spent loads of hours busking beside the Molly Malone statue and got more and more annoyed at hundreds of people touching the statue's breasts for good luck," she said."It's become what some people think is a tradition," she said."I'm bored of seeing this kind of misogynistic behaviour normalised in culture."Tilly said she'd like to see the Molly Malone sculpture raised on a plinth, with a plaque denoting the history behind it."These are also examples we're setting to younger generations," she said."She needs respect so that she is awarded the honour she deserves by being such an iconic woman in Irish culture."As the stewards were on duty, she placed a sign bearing her campaign name around the neck of the Molly Malone statue while setting up for a busking slot, but it was quickly removed by a passer-by. "For years people have been coming here and what they're doing is groping Molly's breasts," said Dublin resident Clodagh Keating."It was normalised, people thought it was okay and now we've said just because something is normal in society, doesn't mean it's right." 'Just a tradition' Among the tourists who spoke to the BBC, opinions were visitor from New Jersey told the BBC: "I can see the vulgarity of it but it's just a tradition, it's just what you do, so you do it.'Another added: "It's fine. You're not taking her clothes off, you're touching an area of her body that's beloved." Cala, from Minnesota, said: "I think it's pretty rude that it's obviously been rubbed clear in one area."Seth, also from Minnesota, said: "It's not the most respectful way to treat an historical figure." The stewards are in place at the Molly Malone statue until the end of this week only, at a cost of €350 (£298) per day, per City council says raising the sculpture on a plinth could cost upwards of €100,000 (£85,000), but that it is considering several options. Who was Molly Malone? The Molly Malone statue was erected 37 years ago in tribute to a legendary Dublin woman who sold shellfish in the streets of the Irish is not clear if the character is based on a real or fictional person, but the figure of Molly Malone has come to represent part of Dublin's working class was also the subject of a traditional folk song, which tells the story of a fishmonger's daughter who sold cockles and mussels from a to the colourful lyrics, Molly died of a fever but then returned as a ghost, still wheeling her wheelbarrow through the city's public artworks in Dublin are popularly referred to by rhyming nicknames, and for years the Molly Malone statue was known as "the tart with the cart".This name was in part due to suggestions that Molly Malone worked as a fishmonger by day and as a sex worker by statue was first erected in Dublin's Grafton Street in 1988, created by the renowned bronze sculptor Jeanne was later moved to nearby St Andrews' Street to accommodate the construction of a tram line.
BBC News
05-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Portadown: Pupils excited for 'School of Sanctuary' bid
A County Armagh school is bidding to be the first outside Belfast or Londonderry to be named a School of Sanctuary.A School of Sanctuary is one which provides additional support to pupils, including refugees and others who need a place of is an official accreditation achieved by schools who meet a number of John the Baptist's College in Portadown has about 540 pupils, over 200 of whom are newcomers. A newcomer pupil is one who is often originally from outside the UK and does not initially speak the same language as their class News NI visited the school during a special multi-cultural day held for all pupils and their families. Eleven-year-old Connie was one of those taking part."We're trying different food and seeing what other cultures do for traditions," she told BBC News NI."I'm really, really excited," she added."It's good to see other people's traditions and cultures and what they do." Irish traditional music Twelve-year-old Ciara was playing banjo as part of group playing Irish traditional music alongside Irish dancers."I'm looking forward to it a lot because I play loads of music," she said."It's good to know about all the cultures, because there's so many different ones in our school." There were displays, stalls and food from countries like Kenya, Poland, East Timor, China and Portugal and many others, as well as dancing and African drumming from a number of primary schools in Portadown also visited for the day to take part. 'Some students are suffering loss, bereavement and trauma' Teacher Stacey Rodgers is co-ordinating St John the Baptist's College's bid to be a School of told BBC News NI that a number of pupils were refugees and that there were 23 different languages spoken in the school."We have pupils from East Timor, from Portugal, from Afghanistan, from Syria, from Indonesia," she said."We also have pupils from Kenya, Zimbabwe - we've just such a broad range of pupils." The school provides things like extra English lessons for pupils, and also support to their families to help them integrate into the mid-Ulster they also provide extra help for all pupils, whatever their background, in other ways."We would have students who are suffering loss, bereavement, trauma," Ms Rodgers also said a number of pupils were caring for family members, or in care themselves, and received extra support from staff."Sanctuary really is about creating a safe space, some place for anyone.""We also have a bank of funding that would help with school uniforms, day trips." The school has a special "nurture" area for pupils to receive targeted support outside the classroom which it has set up and funded also provides food hampers and vouchers for families from the area struggling with the cost of principal, Noella Murray, said holding a multi-cultural day for pupils and their families showed that the school "wanted to be as open and inclusive and welcoming as possible.""Because we have children from so many different backgrounds we want them to feel safe and happy," she said."When children are safe and happy they will learn." Families of pupils had contributed foods from around the world, and many pupils and staff wore national costume for the Murray said schools were often the "first stop" for families to settle in to the John the Baptist's College, for instance, has a welcome booklet with important information for families in a number of different in the school is also Rodgers said that achieving the status of a School of Sanctuary would mean a lot."Our school ethos aligns so closely with the school of sanctuary - of understanding, culture, welcome, celebration, safety, empathy," she school is due to find out at the end of May if it has been successful in its bid.
BBC News
03-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Belfast City Marathon 2025: Record chasers and rookies lace up for race
As the 43rd Belfast City Marathon approaches, the city buzzes with energy, excitement, and the sound of running shoes hitting the elite runners, to first-timers just hoping to cross the finish line on Sunday, thousands of people are gearing up for one of Northern Ireland's most celebrated sporting some, it's a chance to compete at the highest level; for others, it's about personal achievement or raising money for a News NI spoke to four people taking part this weekend. 'If I can do it anyone can' Elaine McAnulty, from County Down, hopes to become the first woman in Northern Ireland to complete 400 official marathons, marking the milestone on the streets of Belfast, where her running journey first began, and cementing her name in history."It's a special achievement, but I believe if I can do it anyone can. "I don't consider myself a runner, it's a hobby for me and I hope to continue for as long as I am able and enjoying it," she told BBC News 54-year-old Banbridge woman said she was "bitten by the running bug" 15 years ago and she enjoys the "real adrenaline rush" when crossing the finish line. 'Enjoy every minute' From Belfast to the Bahamas, Elaine has travelled the world competing in marathons, including four of the six in the prestigious World Mega Marathon Rankings as the 118th female marathon runner in the world, Elaine's next big goal is to break into the top 100."As someone who isn't a professional athlete and juggling a busy job it would prove that anything is achievable... If it happens, it happens, I'm not putting any pressure on myself."Elaine plans to celebrate this weekend with "a big mug of tea" at the finish doesn't go anywhere without her a seasoned marathon runner, Elaine's advice to newcomers is: "Put your head down, get your shoes on and get on with it. Don't leave it too long before signing up to do your next one and enjoy every minute of it." 'It's probably changed my life' Self-confessed reluctant runner Scott Lawther is also taking to the streets this Sunday in his bid to complete a personal started running last June, with weight loss as an initial motivation, and regularly shares his progress with thousands of followers on TikTok in an effort to hold himself accountable."I really didn't enjoy it that much but I just persevered, everything I heard was, 'you have to break through the barrier'. It took about eight weeks before it actually became enjoyable," he said."In the build up to a marathon, you're meant to do a fair bit of volume, there's definitely times where I could not be bothered at all, but there's also runs where you feel on top of the world." Approaching the race, Scott said is excited and anxious."Part of the nerves is that I've put myself out there to the world," he said. "I am the definition of the least runner-type person, now after doing it for a year I love it."It's a bit cringey but it probably has changed my life in a way. It does suck absolutely at times, but it has lots of perks."Aiming for a time of under four hours on Sunday, Scott is already looking forward to next year when he hopes to compete in the London advice for aspiring athletes? "Take it slow, build it up and if you're consistent you'll reap the rewards of it." 'It's not about disability - it's about her ability' Also preparing for Sunday's race is Derek Goodfellow from Belfast, who aims to complete the marathon alongside his daughter, pair returned this week from Manchester, completing the full marathon in just under five hours, despite "phenomenally warm" conditions. "We ran with Jessica and her daughter Darcy," Derek said. "We managed to cross the finish line together, and now they're flying over to stay with us and run Belfast," he started running in 2013, weighing 20 stone at the time, and has since competed in numerous parkruns and marathons. After a few years off due to injury, he knew he "had the bug back" when his son joined him for a run two years ago."Week three of trying to go, Katie-Louise decided 'no, I want to go too', so we joined junior parkrun as a family," he said."It quickly became apparent Katie-Louise loved it as much as anyone else."For Katie-Louise it's the pure sense of inclusion and acceptance for who she is, despite her disability - it's not about disability, it's about her ability." Supported by Mallusk Harriers and Monkstown Spartans run clubs, who started a major fundraising drive, the family soon purchased a specialist running chair for Katie-Louise."The running community is just absolutely amazing, the support, the encouragement," he said."Katie-Louise loves running around the streets of Belfast. We came out of the Waterworks last year and there was a woman struggling at mile 20, Katie-Louise must have sensed it, she held her hand until mile 21 and just looked up and gave her a can get information on the Belfast Marathon here. BBC Northern Ireland will have live coverage of this year's Belfast City Marathon across BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Ulster and on the BBC Sport NI website.
BBC News
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
St Patrick's Day: What's happening in Northern Ireland?
Thousands of people are expected to gather in towns and cities across Northern Ireland to celebrate St Patrick's Day on promises to be a multicultural celebration of music, culture, the Irish language and City and Strabane will be "celebrating our heritage" which will bring together people from local schools, sports clubs and drama and Downpatrick will have parades with street performers, community groups, dancers and News NI has taken a look at some of what's on offer across Northern Ireland this year. Belfast Belfast has been hosting events since the start of March, with a packed programme of cultural activities across the city leading up to St Patrick's St Patrick's Day parade on Monday will start at 13:30 GMT. Local dance troops, schools, community groups and musicians will weave their way from Belfast City Hall, through the city centre via Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place, before returning to the city TradFest are hosting a four-day music festival until Monday.Féile an Phobail is running a trad trail, with over 100 sessions in venues across the city. This is running until na Gaeilge, an annual festival promoting the Irish language and culture, has been hosting events since the beginning of the month. Dearbhail Uí Bhiataigh from Seachtain na Gaeilge said: "The Irish language is flourishing throughout Belfast, and we want to create more opportunities to use and see the language in the heart of the city centre."See the full list of Belfast events. Londonderry The theme for Derry's St Patrick's Day programme incorporates forest, sky and sea as the city celebrates the arrival of brighter days ahead. Activities are planned for Guildhall Square, the Craft Village, Waterloo Place and the St Patrick's Day parade will begin at 15:00 GMT, departing from the Bishop Street parade will begin at 14:00 GMT, leaving from Holy Cross College. It will pass through Bridge Street and Market Street, past Abercorn Square and along Railway Road, and finish at Dock 120 children from local schools will take part in this year's parade. The city's Alley Theatre will run activities from 13:30 to 16:30 GMT, such as live music form Craic and face painting. Later in the evening, the Strabane Drama Festival will continue with the Whiteheaded Boy by Lennox Robinson, presented by the Bart the full list of Derry and Strabane events. Downpatrick Downpatrick, reputedly the final resting place of St Patrick, will host a carnival parade with street performers, community groups and parade will leave from Downshire Estate at 13:30 GMT and is due to arrive in the town centre at 14:00 GMT. There will be entertainment throughout the afternoon at the Grove and St Patrick's Square. See the full list of Newry and Downpatrick events. Armagh In Armagh, thousands of visitors are expected for a week-long celebration, which began on Sunday, 9 March, with a lineup of music, art, theatre, and cultural city's parade, organised by the local community, will start at 13:00 GMT on Monday from the Christian Brother's School. It will finish at the Cathedral Road Recreation Centre.A vigil walk will take place between St Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral and St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral at 19:30 GMT on Sunday 16 the full list of Armagh events. Newry In Newry, the St Patrick's Day parade will depart from Albert Basin at 13:00 GMT on Monday. There will be events and attractions at Hill Street and McClelland Park, including free face painting and climbing the Marcus and Margaret Squares, there will be live music and céili dancing. Further details of Newry events can be found here. Dungannon There will be a free St Patrick's Day concert between 13:30 GMT and 16:30 GMT on Monday at the Hill of the O'Neill and Ranfurly House, Dungannon. Irish trad and folk band The Muddlers Club will provide entertainment the crowds. There will be face painting, amusements, arts and crafts and food vendors on site. No booking will be required. Enniskillen The Enniskillen St Patrick's Day parade will take place at 15:30 GMT on Monday, leaving from Enniskillen Castle. This year's theme is Jump 'n' Jive. A free family fun day at the castle will play host to live entertainment acts starting, at 13:30 GMT. On Sunday, an illuminated tractor and truck run will take place along the traditional parade route at 19:30 GMT, in aid of Stroke the full list of Enniskillen events. Omagh Omagh's St Patrick's Day Parade will begin at 14:00 GMT from South West College. This year's theme is 'snakes alive', taking inspiration from the 2025 Lunar New Year of the snake. There will be entertainment from 13:00 GMT, with music from Tis Not Easy and St Eugene's Brass and Reed Band.A 'Ceili on the Cobbles' will take place at the Court House stage from 15:00 GMT, with live music from Pluck Arts Centre will host a variety of family-friendly activities including arts and crafts, storytelling, and face the full list of Omagh events Antrim and Newtownabbey Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has an array of St Patrick's Day events on offer. There will be an exhibition of historic Irish dancing costumes dating back to the 1940s at the Theatre at The Mill, running until 13 April. The exhibition will showcase the tradition and artistry of Irish dance and is free to visit.A fun family day of live music, storytelling, and traditional Irish dancing and highland dancing will take place at Antrim Castle Gardens from 12:00 GMT to 16:00 GMT on Sunday. To round off the celebrations, on the evening of St Patrick's Day, the Rapparees will take to the stage at Theatre at The the full list of Armagh events. Lisburn A St Patrick's Day celebration and tea dance will take place from 13:00 GMT to 16:00 GMT on Saturday in Market Square, Lisburn. In the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum, there will be a free drop-in arts and crafts themed around the patron saint on Saturday and Monday from 09:30 GMT to 15:30 GMT. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has a full Seachtain Na Gaeilge programme which celebrates the Irish language leading up to St Patrick's Day. See here for more information. Ballycastle In Ballycastle, County Antrim, there will be activities for families and a St Patrick's Day parade on Monday. The Market at the seafront opens from 11:30 GMT and will include a mix of artisans, makers, food producers and independent St Patrick's Day parade will begin at 13:00 GMT with a walk to the seafront led by a 13:00 GMT and 16:00 GMT, there will be live music performances from local acts at the seafront the Marine Hotel, there will be arts and crafts for families, including a quiet area and informal sports demonstrations. Storytelling with Liz Weir will take place in the nearby bowling club at 14:00 GMT, 14:45 GMT and 15:30 the festival schedule here. Elsewhere in Northern Ireland, a family friendly garden tour of Mount Stewart is being held by Ards and North Down Borough Council on Sunday. It explores the stories behind the statues in the formal gardens, steeped in Irish and world mythology. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is hosting a mini St Patrick's Day festival in Limavady on Saturday, with details here.
BBC News
13-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Donald Trump's Doonbeg golf course damaged by protestors
A golf course owned by US President Donald Trump in the Republic of Ireland has been damaged by (Irish police) are investigating after what is described as "criminal damage" was caused to the Trump International Golf Links Ireland in Doonbeg, County News NI understands that the damage was confined to the course, and it included graffiti linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict in the Middle graffiti is believed to have been in support of Palestine and critical of the US president. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, and in particular those who were in the area from around teatime on Wednesday until midnight. President Trump has visited the course previously and some members of his family are regular visitors to the vandalism came just hours after Trump hosted Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin at the White House during annual St Patrick's Day their meeting in the Oval Office, the president told the taoiseach that he hopes to visit Doonbeg again in the near said he would like to meet Martin at the Doonbeg course was bought by The Trump Organisation in 2014. Last weekend, a pro-Palestinian group vandalised parts of Donald Trump's Turnberry golf resort in Action posted photographs on social media showing red paint daubed across one of the buildings at the Ayrshire words "Gaza is not for sale" was sprayed across one green and another green appeared to have been dug up.
