Latest news with #Ruane
Irish Independent
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Gaza-bound aid boat with Greta Thunberg on board arrives in Israel after seizure
The boat, accompanied by Israel's navy, arrived in Ashdod in the evening, according to Israel's Foreign Ministry. It published a photo on social media of Ms Thunberg after disembarking. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content The 12 activists were undergoing medical checks to ensure they are in good health, the ministry said. They were expected to be held at a detention facility in Ramle before being deported, according to Adalah, a legal rights group representing them. The activists had set out to protest against Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which is among the deadliest and most destructive since the Second World War, and its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid. Senator Lynn Ruane, actor Liam Cunningham and activist Caoimhe Butterly were among those who waved off the Madleen Freedom Flotilla before it set sail for Gaza. Senator Ruane said: 'Due to the fact the last Flotilla – Conscience – was attacked in international waters the general feeling was if they were going to take sail it was highly likely that there would be an interception this time round two." The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organised the voyage, said the activists were "kidnapped by Israeli forces" while trying to deliver desperately needed aid. "The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted and its life-saving cargo - including baby formula, food and medical supplies - confiscated," it said in a statement. It said the ship was seized in international waters about 200 kilometres (120 miles) from Gaza, and Adalah asserted that Israel had "no legal authority" to take it over. This evening Ms Butterly, who is a member of the land co-ordination team of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, has called for more action. She said: 'We have received so many messages from you from across the world expressing support, solidarity, love and concern and asking what you can do. More than anything at this point, as well as focusing on the well-being and the eventual release of all of those who are now detained, the need is to focus on Gaza. 'We need to sail those winds and those seas, those waves of solidarity that have been so beautifully present as a beacon of hope over the past ten days onwards into Gaza and that means action – more ships, more organising, more mobilising. We need people behind the scenes, all of these missions including this one took months almost a year to prepare for one ship alone.' Senator Ruane added: 'Everything that the Flotilla stands for is something people get behind and support, the fact that there is no aid is reaching into Gaza, they knew at some point the Israeli authorities would want to intercept them and it's an illegal interception. 'The Freedom Flotilla has various different countries that have organising committees, you can see them on the boat – there are several different nationalities. There's a huge level of co-ordination involved and there have been Irish people involved in the coordination over the years.' Before the Flotilla set sail Ms Butterly shared a photo of herself with Greta Thunberg who was spotted wearing a Bohemians x Fontaines DC jersey. Lyrics from the band's latest album along with the words 'Saoirse don Phalaistín', which in Irish means 'Free Palestine' are emblazoned on the top. The shirt was designed by guitarist Carlos O'Connell, with 30pc of profits going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. Israel's Foreign Ministry portrayed the voyage as a public relations stunt, saying on social media that "the 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel". It said the activists would return to their home countries and the aid would be sent to Gaza through established channels. It circulated footage of what appeared to be Israeli military personnel handing out sandwiches and water to the activists, who were wearing life vests. Israeli officials said the flotilla carried what amounted to less than a truckload of aid. "This wasn't humanitarian aid. It's Instagram activism," Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said. In a statement this afternoon, Tánaiste Simon Harris said the Madleen was 'an effort to get food and medicine to the starving people of Gaza; an unarmed civilian effort in the midst of devastation and catastrophic humanitarian conditions'. He added: "But it was much more than that; it was a powerful symbol of the urgent and essential need to end the blockade on humanitarian aid.'
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Irish senator who waved off Madleen Freedom Flotilla says crew predicted arrest
The ship has since been intercepted by Israeli forces, with its crew of 12, including activist Greta Thunberg, arrested around 2am and now heading to a port in Israel. Senator Ruane said: 'Due to the fact the last Flotilla – Conscience – was attacked in international waters the general feeling was if they were going to take sail it was highly likely that there would be an interception this time round two." The British-flagged yacht Madleen, which is operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza later on Monday. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military on Sunday to prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza. The minister called the mission a propaganda effort in support of Hamas. The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X: 'The 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries.' All passengers were safe and unharmed, it later added: "They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over." But this evening Ms Butterly, who is a member of the land co-ordination team of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, has called for more action. She said: 'We have received so many messages from you from across the world expressing support, solidarity, love and concern and asking what you can do. More than anything at this point, as well as focusing on the well-being and the eventual release of all of those who are now detained, the need is to focus on Gaza. 'We need to sail those winds and those seas, those waves of solidarity that have been so beautifully present as a beacon of hope over the past ten days onwards into Gaza and that means action – more ships, more organising, more mobilising. We need people behind the scenes, all of these missions including this one took months almost a year to prepare for one ship alone.' ADVERTISEMENT Senator Ruane added: 'Everything that the Flotilla stands for is something people get behind and support, the fact that there is no aid is reaching into Gaza, they knew at some point the Israeli authorities would want to intercept them and it's an illegal interception. 'The Freedom Flotilla has various different countries that have organising committees, you can see them on the boat – there are several different nationalities. There's a huge level of co-ordination involved and there have been Irish people involved in the coordination over the years.' Before the Flotilla set sail Ms Butterly shared a photo of herself with Greta Thunberg who was spotted wearing a Bohemians x Fontaines DC jersey. Lyrics from the band's latest album along with the words 'Saoirse don Phalaistín', which in Irish means 'Free Palestine' are emblazoned on the top. The shirt was designed by guitarist Carlos O'Connell, with 30pc of profits going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. In a statement this afternoon, Tánaiste Simon Harris said the Madleen was 'an effort to get food and medicine to the starving people of Gaza; an unarmed civilian effort in the midst of devastation and catastrophic humanitarian conditions'. He added: "But it was much more than that; it was a powerful symbol of the urgent and essential need to end the blockade on humanitarian aid.'
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Irish senator who was onboard Freedom Flotilla says crew predicted arrest
The ship has since been intercepted by Israeli forces, with its crew of 12, including activist Greta Thunberg, arrested around 2am and now heading to a port in Israel. Senator Ruane said: 'Due to the fact the last Flotilla – Conscience – was attacked in international waters the general feeling was if they were going to take sail it was highly likely that there would be an interception this time round two." The British-flagged yacht Madleen, which is operated by the pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was aiming to deliver a symbolic amount of aid to Gaza later on Monday. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the military on Sunday to prevent the Madleen from reaching Gaza. The minister called the mission a propaganda effort in support of Hamas. The Israeli Foreign Ministry posted on X: 'The 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home countries.' All passengers were safe and unharmed, it later added: "They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over." But this evening Ms Butterly, who is a member of the land co-ordination team of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, has called for more action. She said: 'We have received so many messages from you from across the world expressing support, solidarity, love and concern and asking what you can do. More than anything at this point, as well as focusing on the well-being and the eventual release of all of those who are now detained, the need is to focus on Gaza. 'We need to sail those winds and those seas, those waves of solidarity that have been so beautifully present as a beacon of hope over the past ten days onwards into Gaza and that means action – more ships, more organising, more mobilising. We need people behind the scenes, all of these missions including this one took months almost a year to prepare for one ship alone.' ADVERTISEMENT Senator Ruane added: 'Everything that the Flotilla stands for is something people get behind and support, the fact that there is no aid is reaching into Gaza, they knew at some point the Israeli authorities would want to intercept them and it's an illegal interception. 'The Freedom Flotilla has various different countries that have organising committees, you can see them on the boat – there are several different nationalities. There's a huge level of co-ordination involved and there have been Irish people involved in the coordination over the years.' Before the Flotilla set sail Ms Butterly shared a photo of herself with Greta Thunberg who was spotted wearing a Bohemians x Fontaines DC jersey. Lyrics from the band's latest album along with the words 'Saoirse don Phalaistín', which in Irish means 'Free Palestine' are emblazoned on the top. The shirt was designed by guitarist Carlos O'Connell, with 30pc of profits going to Medical Aid for Palestinians. In a statement this afternoon, Tánaiste Simon Harris said the Madleen was 'an effort to get food and medicine to the starving people of Gaza; an unarmed civilian effort in the midst of devastation and catastrophic humanitarian conditions'. He added: "But it was much more than that; it was a powerful symbol of the urgent and essential need to end the blockade on humanitarian aid.'
The Journal
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Connacht appoint Stuart Lancaster as head coach
CONNACHT HAVE APPOINTED Stuart Lancaster as the province's new head coach on a two-year deal. The coaching coup sees Lancaster, 55, return to Irish rugby having previously spent seven years at Leinster, where he helped the province to a Champions Cup title as well as a Pro14 four-in-a-row. Lancaster, who coached England at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, was most recently the director of rugby at Racing 92 in France's Top 14 before parting company with the Parisian giants in February. He will take charge out west ahead of pre-season training in July, and will take responsibility for Connacht's defence as well as his overall head coaching role. The appointment completes Connacht's coaching ticket, which also includes the incoming Rod Seib as attack coach, Cullie Tucker as scrum and contact coach, and John Muldoon as lineout and maul coach. 'I'm hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland with my wife Nina,' Lancaster said on Tuesday. 'Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field, so I'm honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Professional Men's team programme. 'I'm a firm believer in creating an environment that enables players to thrive and realise their potential, while playing a brand of rugby that inspires the community of which they represent. Advertisement 'Ever since my initial conversations with Willie [Ruane, Connacht CEO], David [Humphreys, IRFU performance director] and the rest of the selection committee, it's clear that same belief exists here in Connacht, and that's why I'm so excited by this opportunity.' Humphreys welcomed Lancaster's appointment as 'a significant coup and a real statement of intent' for Connacht. 'Stuart is a hugely talented coach with a proven track record in developing young talent and in delivering high performing and successful teams. 'It was clear in the recruitment process of his knowledge and enthusiasm for Irish Rugby and this appointment will be a huge boost to the game in Ireland.' Connacht CEO Ruane hailed Lancaster as 'one of the most respected coaches in world rugby'. 'We are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre. He has a proven track record in developing young talent, building a high-performance environment, and most importantly, delivering success and helping teams realise their ambitions. 'His coaching philosophy and his vision for how the game should be played, perfectly matches our own values and our own ambition.' Written by Niall Kelly and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here .
The 42
03-06-2025
- Business
- The 42
Connacht appoint Stuart Lancaster as head coach
CONNACHT HAVE APPOINTED Stuart Lancaster as the province's new head coach on a two-year deal. The coaching coup sees Lancaster, 55, return to Irish rugby having previously spent seven years at Leinster, where he helped the province to a Champions Cup title as well as a Pro14 four-in-a-row. Lancaster, who coached England at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, was most recently the director of rugby at Racing 92 in France's Top 14 before parting company with the Parisian giants in February. He will take charge out west ahead of pre-season training in July, and will take responsibility for Connacht's defence as well as his overall head coaching role. The appointment completes Connacht's coaching ticket, which also includes the incoming Rod Seib as attack coach, Cullie Tucker as scrum and contact coach, and John Muldoon as lineout and maul coach. 'I'm hugely excited to be joining Connacht Rugby and begin this new chapter of my life in the West of Ireland with my wife Nina,' Lancaster said on Tuesday. 'Connacht is a club with a proud identity, a passionate supporter base, and enormous potential both on and off the field, so I'm honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the Professional Men's team programme. Advertisement 'I'm a firm believer in creating an environment that enables players to thrive and realise their potential, while playing a brand of rugby that inspires the community of which they represent. 'Ever since my initial conversations with Willie [Ruane, Connacht CEO], David [Humphreys, IRFU performance director] and the rest of the selection committee, it's clear that same belief exists here in Connacht, and that's why I'm so excited by this opportunity.' Humphreys welcomed Lancaster's appointment as 'a significant coup and a real statement of intent' for Connacht. 'Stuart is a hugely talented coach with a proven track record in developing young talent and in delivering high performing and successful teams. 'It was clear in the recruitment process of his knowledge and enthusiasm for Irish Rugby and this appointment will be a huge boost to the game in Ireland.' Connacht CEO Ruane hailed Lancaster as 'one of the most respected coaches in world rugby'. 'We are absolutely thrilled to appoint someone of his calibre. He has a proven track record in developing young talent, building a high-performance environment, and most importantly, delivering success and helping teams realise their ambitions. 'His coaching philosophy and his vision for how the game should be played, perfectly matches our own values and our own ambition.'
