Latest news with #O'Driscoll
The Journal
2 days ago
- General
- The Journal
Council considers installing flower beds to stop tourists 'molesting' Molly Malone statue
DUBLIN CITY COUNCIL will no longer employ stewards to stop tourists groping the Molly Malone statue, and is instead considering installing flower beds around the base to act as an obstacle. Posing while grabbing the Suffolk Street statue's 'lucky' breasts has become a popular photo opportunity for tourists in recent years. DCC told The Journal the tourist habit has become 'ingrained'. A spokesperson said: 'When approached not to touch the statue, people were generally cooperative, but without stewards the behaviour returns and is ingrained, apparently, as part of [a tourist's] visit to Dublin.' 'It is difficult to change this behaviour, so we are exploring other avenues of protection for the sculpture, including installing flower beds around the base,' they added. The story was first reported by the Irish Daily Star . The council had employed stewards to patrol around the statue for one week in May to protect the statue and prevent further damage. Tourists touching the statue's breasts has caused discolouration and Dublin City Council is now organising for restoration of the statue as the patination is damaged. Advertisement The origins of rubbing Molly Malone's chest area for good luck is suspected to have begun in 2012 by a tour guide, or guides. 'Molly Malone' by Irish sculptor Jeanne Rynhart was erected at the northern end of Grafton Street in 1988. It was moved around the corner to Suffolk Street a decade ago to make way for the Luas. Social Democrats councillor Cat O'Driscoll, chair of Dublin City Council's sub-committee that covers arts and culture, told The Journal that tour groups are more likely to 'molest' the statue than individual tourists. Tour guides are now asking tourists not to touch the statue. Councillor O'Driscoll said installing flower beds is the strongest solution available to protect the statue. She said: 'It takes away the possibility of people climbing up.' The Arts Council considered different options to protect Molly Malone, including raising the height of the statue, adding a fence around it, or moving it. However, O'Driscoll believes flower beds will have the most impact. She said planting flowers at the base of the statue will not take away from it, but add colour to an otherwise grey area. She said many statues in Dublin frequently have to be repaired due to public interaction, including the Phil Lynott statue on Grafton Street and the Luke Kelly statue at the Point; however statues of women are the most targeted. 'I do believe women's statues are much more likely to be sexualised compared to male statues, and we don't commemorate enough women in our public art. When we do, they tend to be more mythical people. Why can't we celebrate women the way we do with men?' she asked. 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
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
For the anchor: Why the love for Longmuir stays strong
Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has spoken about the love the players have for Justin Longmuir, revealing how the coach's 'For the Anchor' motto has helped shape and inspire the group. The Dockers' top-four hopes will receive a major test on Sunday when they face ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Hayden Young returns for Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Collingwood made five changes - losing the likes of Jeremy Howe (adductor), Dan Houston (abdominal) and Tim Membrey (managed) but regaining Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski and Beau McCreery. Longmuir is in his sixth year as Fremantle coach, and the pressure is on him to deliver the goods after guiding the club to just one finals appearance to date. The high-stakes nature was highlighted last week when Longmuir's position was questioned by North Melbourne legend David King following Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney, which snapped the Dockers' six-match winning run. Last Saturday's 13-point win over Hawthorn has helped momentarily quieten the doubters, but Fremantle players are still shocked at just how quickly the heat can come on Longmuir. "I don't really understand the hate towards him to be honest," O'Driscoll said. "We'd won six in a row and then we lose one game by not that much, and he's already scrutinised, with people saying they need to sack him. "I love him. I reckon he's a great bloke and a really insightful coach. And I know all the boys love him too. "He's got knowledge that a lot of other people wouldn't know. "You can see our game plan holds up against Hawthorn and these other good teams. Those games that we've lost haven't been on JL, it's been on us." When Longmuir arrived at Fremantle, he introduced a motto that has helped shape the playing group. "We have this thing called 'For the Anchor' - we're all in it together," O'Driscoll explained. "If one of us is lacking, it just makes the whole team fall down. So when JL's hung out to dry like that ... we're in it together. "And with Caleb (Serong) getting tagged, it's another thing that we could mention. "We made an emphasis (on that before the Hawthorn game). "If he's getting tagged, we need to be in there as a family fighting for him, because against Sydney he got tagged and no one helped him. "So little things like that just really inspire me and get me up and going, and get me excited to play for these boys." O'Driscoll said the 'For the Anchor' culture has extended into other areas. "Around the club, we have this thing called 'Scrub the Decks'," O'Driscoll said. "So if we leave a pair of boots or the locker room is dirty, we're not leaving that to someone else. We have to do that. "We always clean up after ourselves. Little details matter in the big scheme of things. "Every time you go out and do something, it's for the anchor. You're representing the club and the people in here. "We want to leave a legacy and a good footprint for the kids to come through and play footy." Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has spoken about the love the players have for Justin Longmuir, revealing how the coach's 'For the Anchor' motto has helped shape and inspire the group. The Dockers' top-four hopes will receive a major test on Sunday when they face ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Hayden Young returns for Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Collingwood made five changes - losing the likes of Jeremy Howe (adductor), Dan Houston (abdominal) and Tim Membrey (managed) but regaining Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski and Beau McCreery. Longmuir is in his sixth year as Fremantle coach, and the pressure is on him to deliver the goods after guiding the club to just one finals appearance to date. The high-stakes nature was highlighted last week when Longmuir's position was questioned by North Melbourne legend David King following Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney, which snapped the Dockers' six-match winning run. Last Saturday's 13-point win over Hawthorn has helped momentarily quieten the doubters, but Fremantle players are still shocked at just how quickly the heat can come on Longmuir. "I don't really understand the hate towards him to be honest," O'Driscoll said. "We'd won six in a row and then we lose one game by not that much, and he's already scrutinised, with people saying they need to sack him. "I love him. I reckon he's a great bloke and a really insightful coach. And I know all the boys love him too. "He's got knowledge that a lot of other people wouldn't know. "You can see our game plan holds up against Hawthorn and these other good teams. Those games that we've lost haven't been on JL, it's been on us." When Longmuir arrived at Fremantle, he introduced a motto that has helped shape the playing group. "We have this thing called 'For the Anchor' - we're all in it together," O'Driscoll explained. "If one of us is lacking, it just makes the whole team fall down. So when JL's hung out to dry like that ... we're in it together. "And with Caleb (Serong) getting tagged, it's another thing that we could mention. "We made an emphasis (on that before the Hawthorn game). "If he's getting tagged, we need to be in there as a family fighting for him, because against Sydney he got tagged and no one helped him. "So little things like that just really inspire me and get me up and going, and get me excited to play for these boys." O'Driscoll said the 'For the Anchor' culture has extended into other areas. "Around the club, we have this thing called 'Scrub the Decks'," O'Driscoll said. "So if we leave a pair of boots or the locker room is dirty, we're not leaving that to someone else. We have to do that. "We always clean up after ourselves. Little details matter in the big scheme of things. "Every time you go out and do something, it's for the anchor. You're representing the club and the people in here. "We want to leave a legacy and a good footprint for the kids to come through and play footy." Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has spoken about the love the players have for Justin Longmuir, revealing how the coach's 'For the Anchor' motto has helped shape and inspire the group. The Dockers' top-four hopes will receive a major test on Sunday when they face ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Hayden Young returns for Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Collingwood made five changes - losing the likes of Jeremy Howe (adductor), Dan Houston (abdominal) and Tim Membrey (managed) but regaining Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski and Beau McCreery. Longmuir is in his sixth year as Fremantle coach, and the pressure is on him to deliver the goods after guiding the club to just one finals appearance to date. The high-stakes nature was highlighted last week when Longmuir's position was questioned by North Melbourne legend David King following Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney, which snapped the Dockers' six-match winning run. Last Saturday's 13-point win over Hawthorn has helped momentarily quieten the doubters, but Fremantle players are still shocked at just how quickly the heat can come on Longmuir. "I don't really understand the hate towards him to be honest," O'Driscoll said. "We'd won six in a row and then we lose one game by not that much, and he's already scrutinised, with people saying they need to sack him. "I love him. I reckon he's a great bloke and a really insightful coach. And I know all the boys love him too. "He's got knowledge that a lot of other people wouldn't know. "You can see our game plan holds up against Hawthorn and these other good teams. Those games that we've lost haven't been on JL, it's been on us." When Longmuir arrived at Fremantle, he introduced a motto that has helped shape the playing group. "We have this thing called 'For the Anchor' - we're all in it together," O'Driscoll explained. "If one of us is lacking, it just makes the whole team fall down. So when JL's hung out to dry like that ... we're in it together. "And with Caleb (Serong) getting tagged, it's another thing that we could mention. "We made an emphasis (on that before the Hawthorn game). "If he's getting tagged, we need to be in there as a family fighting for him, because against Sydney he got tagged and no one helped him. "So little things like that just really inspire me and get me up and going, and get me excited to play for these boys." O'Driscoll said the 'For the Anchor' culture has extended into other areas. "Around the club, we have this thing called 'Scrub the Decks'," O'Driscoll said. "So if we leave a pair of boots or the locker room is dirty, we're not leaving that to someone else. We have to do that. "We always clean up after ourselves. Little details matter in the big scheme of things. "Every time you go out and do something, it's for the anchor. You're representing the club and the people in here. "We want to leave a legacy and a good footprint for the kids to come through and play footy."
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
For the anchor: Why the love for Longmuir stays strong
Fremantle midfielder Nathan O'Driscoll has spoken about the love the players have for Justin Longmuir, revealing how the coach's 'For the Anchor' motto has helped shape and inspire the group. The Dockers' top-four hopes will receive a major test on Sunday when they face ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Hayden Young returns for Fremantle after recovering from a hamstring injury, while Collingwood made five changes - losing the likes of Jeremy Howe (adductor), Dan Houston (abdominal) and Tim Membrey (managed) but regaining Brody Mihocek, Patrick Lipinski and Beau McCreery. Longmuir is in his sixth year as Fremantle coach, and the pressure is on him to deliver the goods after guiding the club to just one finals appearance to date. The high-stakes nature was highlighted last week when Longmuir's position was questioned by North Melbourne legend David King following Fremantle's 11-point loss to Sydney, which snapped the Dockers' six-match winning run. Last Saturday's 13-point win over Hawthorn has helped momentarily quieten the doubters, but Fremantle players are still shocked at just how quickly the heat can come on Longmuir. "I don't really understand the hate towards him to be honest," O'Driscoll said. "We'd won six in a row and then we lose one game by not that much, and he's already scrutinised, with people saying they need to sack him. "I love him. I reckon he's a great bloke and a really insightful coach. And I know all the boys love him too. "He's got knowledge that a lot of other people wouldn't know. "You can see our game plan holds up against Hawthorn and these other good teams. Those games that we've lost haven't been on JL, it's been on us." When Longmuir arrived at Fremantle, he introduced a motto that has helped shape the playing group. "We have this thing called 'For the Anchor' - we're all in it together," O'Driscoll explained. "If one of us is lacking, it just makes the whole team fall down. So when JL's hung out to dry like that ... we're in it together. "And with Caleb (Serong) getting tagged, it's another thing that we could mention. "We made an emphasis (on that before the Hawthorn game). "If he's getting tagged, we need to be in there as a family fighting for him, because against Sydney he got tagged and no one helped him. "So little things like that just really inspire me and get me up and going, and get me excited to play for these boys." O'Driscoll said the 'For the Anchor' culture has extended into other areas. "Around the club, we have this thing called 'Scrub the Decks'," O'Driscoll said. "So if we leave a pair of boots or the locker room is dirty, we're not leaving that to someone else. We have to do that. "We always clean up after ourselves. Little details matter in the big scheme of things. "Every time you go out and do something, it's for the anchor. You're representing the club and the people in here. "We want to leave a legacy and a good footprint for the kids to come through and play footy."
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Cork woman fined after claiming stolen supermarket food was 'overpriced'
A Cork woman who admitted stealing food from a local supermarket said she did not pay because the items were 'overpriced,' the District Court has heard. Court presenter Sergeant Linda O'Leary told Midleton District Court that Katie O'Driscoll, aged 27, of Prosperous Place, Thomas Davis Street, Blackpool, Cork, entered SuperValu in Midleton with her mother on May 15, 2025. The court heard that O'Driscoll took several items on display, including 'meat and pudding,' and placed them in a shopping bag. She left the store without paying, passing the checkouts with the items, which were valued at €22.27. O'Driscoll was identified on CCTV footage and made full admissions to the theft when questioned. In a statement, she said she stole the items because she believed they were overpriced. The court was told O'Driscoll had no previous convictions. Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said his client was a single mother who had been fully co-operative and had brought €25 to court as compensation. Judge Colm Roberts convicted O'Driscoll of theft and fined her €100, giving her two months to pay. This article is funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
West Australian
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Fremantle Dockers star Jordan Clark's hilarious response to featuring on The Sunday Times back page
Fremantle star Jordan Clark was front and centre on the back page of The Sunday Times following a gritty win over Hawthorn that lifted the Dockers into the top eight. But instead, it was the front page that caught the dashing defender's eye in a hilarious reaction video posted on Youtube. Clark's emotion was evident as he celebrated the 13-point win at Optus Stadium on Sunday, raising his fists in the air as the siren sounded. The moment encapsulated Fremantle's thrilling victory perfectly and was featured on the back page of Sunday's edition with the words 'Hawk Yeah'. As Clark recounted the game on the club's 'Better Down Back' podcast, co-host and Dockers AFLW star Emma O'Driscoll held up The Sunday Times. 'How good!,' O'Driscoll said, admiring and also poking fun at Clark's squat-like stance in a clip posted to Youtube on Friday. After noticing the story on the front page, which detailed the remarkable tale of the German backpacker Carolina Wilga, who was found alive after 12 days in the WA outback, Clark says: 'Anyway, flip it around.' 'Unbelievable how that German chick got found as well, by the way,' Clark says, prompted laughter from behind the camera. 'Out in the bush. I thought she was gone for all money.' O'Driscoll struggles to contain herself at Clark's reaction, placing the newspaper on her lap and covering her face. 'What? She was missing in the bush for 12 days!' he continues. 'A pretty good story that one, a feel-good story.' The Dockers will hope for another celebratory back page on Monday after facing ladder-leaders Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday.
