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Irish Times
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Irish Times
‘I think the build up is so much worse': Leaving Cert students relieved after first exam completed
Emotions were high this morning in Belmayne Educate Together Secondary School (ETSS) in north Dublin , where the school's first cohort of sixth year students began their Leaving Certificate exams with English Paper 1. For Zuzanna Zoltowska (18), anticipating the exams has been nerve-racking. 'It's honestly just a stressful experience ... Going into that exam I was like 'Oh my God, I'm going to die.'' Zoltowska wants to study physics in Dublin City University (DCU), a subject that she is feeling more confident about tackling. READ MORE 'I think I have one of those more technical minds. English isn't my strongest subject, I'll say that.' [ Carl O'Brien: 'Day one done' - Leaving Cert tips for students and their supporters Opens in new window ] Her six years at Belmayne ETSS, which was established in 2019, have 'gone by really fast'. 'Until the last second you're like, it's not going to happen, and then suddenly you're in the room and you're doing your Leaving Cert.' Zuzanna Zoltowska. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill The 'mixture of anxiety and tiredness' school principal Aisling Dunlevey saw among Zoltowska and her classmates before they turned over their first exam papers on Wednesday morning had been replaced by relief and animated reflection by 11.50am. Students gathered around their English teacher, Sinéad McGowan, to dissect the paper. Ms McGowan said students in her class had the chance to show off their creative flair with the opportunity to write a short story about their family pet, a task several gravitated towards. 'I have a lot of lads that are really funny so I think they really leaned into that and their sense of humour will shine out, hopefully.' The theme of the underdog resonated with students who took the Higher Level English paper this morning. 'This year we feel like the underdogs,' said Ms McGowan, 'I think they connected emotionally with that one because they do feel hard done by in that the inflated grades ended just in time for them.' A 'postmarking adjustment' applied to students' grades this year will reduce from 7 per cent to 5.5 per cent, meaning students' grades will be lower, on aggregate, compared with the bumper grades achieved over recent years. English is Sarah Osbourne's (18) favourite subject, and one she wants to continue in college. She has Arts in Maynooth and a creative writing course in Blackrock College on her Central Applications Office (CAO) form. There was a period where I wanted to drop out,' said Osbourne, who is now glad she decided to complete her Leaving Certificate. 'Those last two years make or break you. They push you and then once you're finished it's just such a relief. I think that the build up is so much worse.' Sarah Osbourne and Páidí Malone. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Páidí Malone (19) is hoping to study politics and history in DCU while Arron Kavanagh (18) plans 'to start working and save up a bit of money, probably go travelling'. Cormac Taaffe, Aron Kavanagh and Ilyas Ugurlu. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill Cormac Taaffe (18) has 'an electrician apprenticeship lined up' for next year, while Ilyas Ugurlu (18) is looking forward to studying engineering technology.
Irish Times
7 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
RTÉ nursing homes exposé uncovers elderly residents being ‘manhandled', ignored and left in room for hours
A healthcare assistant working in a north Dublin nursing home described conditions there as 'sh*t', adding they would not place their mother there 'even if it's my last breath', an investigation to be broadcast on RTÉ television on Wednesday shows. The Beneavin House nursing home is one of two featured in an RTÉ Investigates programme where instances of alleged abuse and neglect of frail, elderly residents are shown. The faces of residents and staff are blurred in the programme, though voices are audible. Both Beneavin House and The Residence, Portlaoise, are operated by Emeis, the largest provider of private nursing home beds in the State. READ MORE Following concerns by a whistleblower, RTÉ sent an undercover reporter to work in the featured homes, to conduct concealed filming over eight weeks, until April. Emeis runs 27 nursing homes across the State, with more than 2,400 beds. The programme includes distressing scenes of frail, older people, some of whom had dementia, allegedly being manhandled, 'forced' down into chairs, being left in chairs for hours, being left in incontinence pads for so long their clothes were soaked, being ignored when they plead for help to go to the toilet and requests for simple activities like going for a walk being fobbed off. Footage from the RTE Investigates programme about the nursing homes. Image: RTÉ Footage appears to show chronic staff shortages, undertrained staff as well as shortages of basic equipment such as incontinence pads, sterile wipes and latex gloves. At The Residence, which can accommodate up to 101 residents and which costs €1,232 a week under the Fair Deal scheme, staff were told to restrict their use of incontinence pads, it is claimed. Due to staff shortages 22 residents were left crowded in a day room for hours, it is alleged, a situation described as keeping them in a 'holding area' and a 'deprivation of liberty' by experts interviewed. In an upsetting sequence at Beneavin House, which can accommodate up to 115 residents and costs €1,419 a week under the Fair Deal scheme, an elderly man was apparently forcibly directed into his bedroom and allegedly pushed down into a chair. He is heard calling 'help me, help me, help me' as the healthcare assistant says, 'keep walking'. He protests, saying: 'Stop making me. You don't know me.' After he is allegedly pushed into the chair, footage appears to show his trousers being pulled down and his incontinence pad being pulled from his groin area. One healthcare assistant, filmed speaking to the undercover reporter, says: 'I know you feel sorry and I feel sorry for everybody who are here. They don't go out. The activities is sh*t. All this system is sh*t, you understand? 'But this is how it is, you know. Ours is just to do our job and go home ... I wouldn't put my mother here, even if it's my last breath.' In a series of statements to RTÉ, Emeis Ireland said: 'The evidence of poor care delivery, improper moving and handling of residents, and a lack of dignity and breaches of residents' rights are deeply distressing. 'We have not and we do not tolerate any individual or systemic neglect or practices that compromise resident safety, rights or dignity. 'We are fully committed to doing everything in our power to ensure that these failings do not recur in our nursing homes.' It said it had 'launched a dedicated team to complete an in-depth review ... to immediately address' any identified failings. According to RTÉ, Emeis a French-based company, has more than 1,000 facilities, including nursing homes, across 20 countries. Its revenue was more than €5.6 billion globally last year. The Irish Times has asked Emeis Ireland for a response.
BreakingNews.ie
19-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Man (47) who hijacked car with baby in back jailed for eight years
A man who left a 10-month-old baby between parked cars on the side of a busy Dublin road after hijacking her mother's car has been jailed for eight years. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the infant's seven-year-old brother jumped out of the Skoda car and ran into the family home to alert his mother after Francis Broughan (47) hijacked it. Advertisement The children's mother had run back into the family home when her son alerted her that the car had been taken. The baby's parents flagged down a passing car and followed the Skoda, later losing sight of it. Two women were chatting on a nearby street when they heard a baby crying and saw a man – Broughan - slamming a rear car door. One of the woman shouted at Broughan, who then drove off. After the car left, they went to look as they could still hear a baby crying. Advertisement They found the infant lying on her front on the ground between parked cars. The baby was checked at the scene by paramedics and did not require any further medical attention. Broughan was jailed for eight years on Monday after pleading guilty to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle in August 2022. The court heard Broughan, of Shangan Gardens, Ballymun, Dublin 11, had earlier hijacked a car parked outside a supermarket in North Dublin, after holding an object to the neck of the 81-year-old driver. Broughan was arrested a few days later when gardaí on patrol spotted the car, which at this point had different number plates. Advertisement In the earlier incident, the 81-year-old man was waiting for a friend who was in the supermarket when his car's rear door was opened. Broughan put something to the man's neck and told him to drive, before shouting at him to hand over his phone and wallet. The man said his phone and wallet were in the boot. Broughan told him to pull over. The injured party said Broughan seemed calm so he decided to try to buy time to reach a busier road, where he pulled in. Advertisement Broughan was shouting at him to get out of the car and leave the keys. The man beeped the car's horn to get the attention of passerbys, then grabbed the keys. Broughan fled the scene. The man told gardaí he thought Broughan's intention was to rob him. Victim impact statements were handed into the court and not read aloud. When interviewed, Broughan told gardaí that he could not recall what had happened and was addicted to crack cocaine at the time. Advertisement He identified himself on CCTV, expressed shame, disgust and embarrassment about his behaviour and apologised. He also expressed concern for the baby. Broughan told gardaí he believed he bought the Skoda with the intention of living in it as he was homeless at the time. He accepted that his DNA may be found in both cars. Broughan has 56 previous convictions including for burglary, road traffic and drugs offences. He was on bail at the time of these offences. The investigating garda agreed with Justin McQuaid BL, defending, that his client told them he was addicted to crack cocaine. It was further accepted that most of Broughan's offending is linked to his addiction issues, that he looks better now than in 2022 and has not come to recent garda attention. Imposing sentence, Judge Elva Duffy noted the seriousness of the offending, the trauma suffered by the injured parties, the 'harrowing' contents of the victim impact statements and the particular vulnerabilities of the man, the young boy and the infant girl. Judge Duffy said the mother outlined in her victim impact statement that the boy felt guilty for leaving his sister and had to be consoled that he had done the right thing in leaving the car to alert her. The judge said Broughan further endangered the 'poor innocent and very vulnerable 10-month-old' by leaving her on the side of a busy road. 'How anybody could have done that beggars belief,' the judge added. Broughan took the stand and expressed his sincere apologies to the injured parties. He outlined his history of addiction to heroin, that he got clean, but relapsed in 2022 after losing his job and started taking crack cocaine. He said he committed the offence while in the throes of addiction, but was now drug-free, after going cold turkey, and working again. He told Ms Dempsey, under cross-examination, that he took a trial date in order to prepare his defence. Mr McQuaid asked the court to take into account his client's personal circumstances, guilty plea, expressions of remorse and efforts towards rehabilitation. His client had a crack cocaine addiction at the time of this offending, but is now drug-free. Ireland Man (48) jailed for hijacking car with five-month-... Read More Judge Duffy said the court would give Broughan credit for his guilty plea, which was entered in advance of a trial date. She noted an accused person cannot attempt to 'put distance' between themselves and their offending by taking a trial date. 'One cannot buy time and abuse the court system,' Judge Duffy said. Judge Duffy said the court was concerned that no urine analysis was provided to confirm Broughan's drug-free status. Having considered the mitigation and Broughan's personal circumstances, Judge Duffy imposed an eight year sentence.
Irish Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Smartphones for children ‘not a human right', public meeting on a ban in primary schools is told
Parents have been asked to sign up to a pledge to keep smartphones away from their children until they have, at least, finished primary school. Some 250 parents from 13 primary schools in North Dublin attended a meeting at the Dublin 7 Educate Together National School where it was suggested that peer pressure to own a phone would be a lot less if parents agreed collectively to a ban. The initiative has already taken place in Greystones, Co Wicklow and in Killarney, Co Kerry where schools have combined to adopt a smartphone-free childhood policy within local schools in the towns. The draft pledge proposed to schools in the Dublin 7 and Dublin 15 areas commits a smartphone-free children for the duration of primary school with the caveat: 'I/we understand that basic phones [call/text only] may be necessary for some families, but smartphones with internet access and apps will be delayed until, at least, secondary school.' READ MORE Pelletstown Educate Together National School principal Caitríona Ní Cheallaigh said a survey among parents locally showed overwhelming support for a ban on smartphones for younger children though parents are divided by the time children get to sixth class. She suggested that it is not enough for parents in one school to ban smartphones, it has to be a community-wide given the interactions between children from different schools. 'We are hoping that this community initiative will enable parents to know that their child will not be the only one who does not have a phone.' Children and Adult Mental Health Services senior clinical psychologist Dr Eleanor Griffith said she has never heard of a parent who was glad to have given their child a mobile phone. 'Generally, they say it is because of peer pressure because their child isn't left out,' she explained. 'We see a big impact on sleep and that has a knock-on effect on their mental health. Young children are struggling to sleep because they are on devices all the time.' Psychotherapist Dr Colman Noctor said having a smartphone is not a 'human right'. You have to earn the right by showing responsibility and children have to be given the time to be responsible with smartphone, he explained, and self-regulation of smartphone use for children is 'next to near impossible' when adults are also struggling. 'Bans are not the answer, but they might buy time for children and young teenagers to be ready for it rather than giving them to them when they are socially and emotionally incapable of navigating things like that.' He said that while issues around cyberbullying, access to pornography and grooming often get the most attention around smartphones and children, the effects can be more insidious and widespread. Time spent on smartphones is time that previous generations of children spent with their peers, reading or playing sport outside. 'Teenagers can feel very lonely, empty and a bit directionless because they spend so much time in a place that is so soulless,' he said. 'A lot of the big issues around young people and low life satisfaction are because of constant comparisons and the tyranny of choice.' Parent Fergus McCardle, who has three and six-year-old children, said he is in favour of 'building a collective' around smartphone use. If only one child in a class has access to snapchat, they don't have an outlet to use it if there is a general ban. Claire McInerney, who has two daughters (9 and 14) said she agreed with a smartphone ban until sixth class but there is a 'jump from primary to secondary school and it is a good idea to get them used to having a phone before the end of sixth class so they don't have to navigate all of that while also starting in a secondary school.'
Irish Times
11-05-2025
- Irish Times
Garda killed on checkpoint duty in Dublin named as Kevin Flatley
An on-duty garda who was killed while carrying out a checkpoint in north Dublin on Sunday has been named as Garda Kevin Flatley. Garda Flatley was hit by a motorcycle near Lanestown just before 1pm. The motorcyclist is in a serious condition following the collision. It is understood the garda (49), a member of the Roads Policing Unit, was conducting a speed checkpoint in the area when the incident occurred. The garda suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. READ MORE The motorcyclist, a man aged in his 30s, was transported by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital, where he remains in a serious condition. In a statement, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris paid tribute to Garda Flatley, who was attached to the Roads Policing Unit in Dublin Castle. 'My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with Kevin's family and friends,' he said. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward. The road has been closed and the scene preserved for forensic and technical examination. The local Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified and traffic diversions have been put in place. Garda Flatley was a well-respected member of the force with 26 years of experience. He was the father of two young children. He is the 90th member of the Garda to be killed in the line of duty since the foundation of the force more than a century ago. 'Kevin was on duty this afternoon, serving the public by endeavouring in keeping them safe on our roads,' the Commissioner said. 'His death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by gardaí. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.' Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan also paid tribute to Garda Flatley. 'Very sadly, this brave garda has died in the line of duty, serving and protecting the community. I know his death will bring heartbreak to his family, friends, loved ones and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána across the whole country,' he said. 'The women and men of An Garda Síochána go out to work every day to keep Ireland safe. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, as they work to shield us from harm and to strengthen our communities.' Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien said the death was a tragedy and appealed for anyone with information to contact gardaí immediately. Mark O'Meara, president of the Garda Representative Association, said gardaí are numbed 'by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the garda family'. 'Today our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen member, his wife and children and his family, as well as his wide circle of friends and colleagues,' he said. 'We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague and he will never be forgotten for what he gave to public service and what he meant to his colleagues.' Ronan Clogher, general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), described the news as 'devastating' and called it 'a dark day' for An Garda Síochána. 'We are in shock and numbed at the news this afternoon. No Garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances,' he said. 'We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. It is not easy for Garda colleagues today so please keep them in your thoughts.' AGSI president Declan Higgins appealed for anyone in a position to provide information to come forward. 'I would ask the public to respond to calls for any information as they work on this investigation. There will be tough days ahead and we really ask for the public's support,' he said. In a statement confirming the death, Garda headquarters appealed for witnesses to come forward. 'Any road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam recordings, and were in the area at the time are urged to provide this material to investigating gardaí,' it said. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda station at 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.'
