Latest news with #Sligo-based
Dublin Live
6 days ago
- Health
- Dublin Live
Doctor based in Ireland loses nine nieces and nephews in Israeli airstrike on Gaza
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Sligo-based paediatrician has shared his anguish following the loss of his nine nieces and nephews in a devastating Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Dr. Ali Al Najjar, who is on the medical staff at Sligo University Hospital, is grieving after the majority of his sister Dr Alaa al-Najjar's family died in the strike. While Dr Alaa Al-Najjar was on duty at the Nasser medical complex during the attack, one of her sons survived, but her husband Dr Hamdi al-Najjar is critically injured. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, seven of her 10 children were brought to the very hospital where she works just hours after their deaths. The youngest child, six-month-old Sayden, is still buried under debris following the airstrike that hit Khan Younis on Friday, May 23, reports the Irish Mirror. Overwhelmed by the news of the missile strike, Dr Al Najjar described himself as being like a "mad person" in his frantic search for information. He detailed the extreme difficulty in contacting family members in Gaza, mentioning that his last conversation with his sister was about three weeks before the tragic incident on Friday. "She was describing how life is like while she walks among the rubble," he said. "She usually walks as her eyes stare at the sky. Because every building she looks at carries out its own special memory." He told RTE's Liveline: "All you'd be looking at is rumble, dismantled, destroyed houses, buildings - we have memories with every single thing you see around you. I remember specifically she said I don't know what life is about at your side - we believe that we are already experiencing what doomsday is." Dr Al Najjar recounted the harrowing reality that in Gaza, residents part ways with a sense of finality, due to the pervasive fear of death. He said: "Every moment, she tells me, when I meet or greet anybody on the street, we'll always be saying farewell or goodbye - we never know when we're going to meet again. Everybody is expecting his moment at any time." Even amidst the relentless bombings, Dr Al Najjar said his sister urged her children to stay optimistic. He added that global outrage and particularly condemnation from within the Jewish community gives him hope "that one day this nightmare will end". Nevertheless, Dr Al Najjar stressed the neeed for government intervention to pressurise Israel into halting its military strikes. He said: "Has (humanity) done enough that what is happening in Gaza won't be repeated again?" Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Sligo-based doctor loses nine nieces and nephews in Israeli airstrike on Gaza
A Sligo-based doctor has spoken of his devastation after his nine nieces and nephews were wiped out in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. Dr. Ali Al Najjar, who works as a paediatrician in Sligo University Hospital, has been left heartbroken after nearly all of his sister Dr Alaa al-Najjar's immediate family were killed. Dr Alaa Al-Najjar was at work at the Nasser medical complex at the time of the attack. One of her sons survived while her husband Dr Hamdi al-Najjar is still fighting for his life. Tragically, just hours after saying goodbye - seven out of her 10 children's bodies arrived at the hospital where she was working. The body of her youngest child, six-month-old Sayden, remains under the rubble since the deadly airstrike, which targeted the neighbourhood of Khan Younis on Friday, May 23. Dr Al Najjar said he was like a 'mad person' trying to find out information about the missile attack after hearing about it. He said it's incredibly difficult to make contact with relatives in Gaza and said that before Friday's attack - he last spoke with his sister around three weeks ago. Speaking about that conversation, Dr Al Najjar recalled: 'She was describing how life is like while she walks among the rubble. 'She usually walks as her eyes stare at the sky. Because every building she looks at carries out its own special memory." Speaking on RTÉ's Liveline, he added: 'All you'd be looking at is rumble, dismantled, destroyed houses, buildings - we have memories with every single thing you see around you. 'I remember specifically she said I don't know what life is about at your side - we believe that we are already experiencing what doomsday is.' Devastatingly, Dr Al Najjar said his sister has told him that when Gazans greet each other on the street they say goodbye as most feel like they're on a 'waiting list' to die. He explained: 'Every moment, she tells me, when I meet or greet anybody on the street, we'll always be saying farewell or goodbye - we never know when we're going to meet again. Everybody is expecting his moment at any time.' Dr Al Najjar said up until the airstrike, his sister was constantly telling her children to remain positive in spite of the bombardment. He said global outrage and particularly condemnation from within the Jewish community gives him hope 'that one day this nightmare will end'. But he said the government needs to do more to put pressure on Israel to stop the attacks. He added: 'Has (humanity) done enough that what is happening in Gaza won't be repeated again?'
RTÉ News
24-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Stolen World War II landing gear returned to memorial after campaign
Landing gear from a World War II bomber stolen from a memorial to 15 RAF airmen killed in a crash in the Cooley Mountains in Co Louth in 1942 has been returned after a social media campaign by a local community group. The heavy steel parts were removed from the site earlier this month and are believed to have been dragged down a mountain trail by a quad. They were part of a memorial marking the site where a US Consolidated Liberator bomber crashed in dense fog with 19 crew onboard on 16 March 1942. The plane had been en route from Egypt to England but got lost because of bad weather. According to Sligo-based historian Dennis Burke, 13 of those on board were experienced pilots, navigators and wireless operators who were to crew other liberators to be flown back to North Africa for use in bombing missions. Those on board were a mix of English, Scottish, American, Canadian and a lone New Zealander. The plane circled Dublin several times and was then along the Irish coastline and over Dundalk, before banking left in dense fog towards the Cooley Mountains en route to an RAF base in Warrenpoint in Co Down. The right wing of the huge aircraft hit a mound and crashed on Sliabh na gCloch, the mountain of stone, with 15 killed. A letter from one of the four survivors to the family of one of those killed described the conditions as the worst he had experienced in three years of flying, saying "it was almost impossible to see our own wing tips." Local people erected a small memorial plaque at the site in 1992 to mark the 50th anniversary of the crash. Three years ago, a more substantial memorial was erected to mark the 80th anniversary. It is mounted on a crankshaft from one of the four engines that powered the plane. The memorial contains a model of the Consolidated Liberator bomber, items found at the site of the crash, and the names of those who were killed. It was erected close to the landing gear that bore the three wheels of the aircraft which had laid for the past 83 years near where it exploded on impact. The site was not widely known but over the years by word of mouth the wreckage had become a popular stopping point for walking groups and was regarded as part of the memorial. However, earlier this month the three steel parts were removed. It is presumed the intention was to sell the high-grade steel for scrap. Members of a local group that erected the memorial were alerted around 5pm on Thursday when one of them, Derek Roddy, took a friend for a walk up the mountain to visit the site. Local Garda sergeant John Brady advised the group to take to social media to highlight the theft. "We were told this local monument had been desecrated and removed from the mountain so the first thing we did was try and spread the word to get it back where it belongs," explains Michael Muckian of Cooley Peninsula Community Alert. "People were angry because this is something that is so special to so many people and was removed from the mountain and to some people it's just scrap, but to us it's history. We had to let people know that if they saw this it had been stolen." The tactic worked. A Facebook post stating "Sacred Memorial Now At Risk" and containing the story of the crash, with an appeal for help in recovering the wreckage, was viewed by more than 420,000 people. Within hours the group was able to establish that the landing gear had been stolen on either 13 or 14 August At 7am on Friday morning, just 14 hours after the alert had been issued, Garda Sergeant John Brady phoned Derek Roddy and told him it had been found dumped at the bottom of the trail. They believe it was dragged down when stolen. "It just shows you what social media and community spirit can do," said Michael Muckian. "We were even contacted by people in America because there is a huge interest in the history of the Liberator aircraft and it is Memorial Weekend there; people were really shocked and angry. "But it has ended well and there is a lot of relief." Derek Roddy summoned family members and friends to remove the heavy parts yesterday afternoon. They included his father Noel, a retired engineer who erected the first memorial with two friends and helped with the second. "They wanted to set up a memorial so it would be remembered as a place where 15 young men passed away," he explains. "Over many years every single piece of that plane disappeared from the mountain, except the landing gear which for some reason was left and it became a local go-to place and the most common question people in the area would get asked by walkers was how to get to the crash site. "When the new memorial was erected three years ago the number of people visiting increased." Derek is in regular contact with the 98-year-old sister of one of wireless operator Thomas Pattison, the crew member who wrote the letter describing what happened. His words are included inscribed on the memorial. Derek has also helped relatives of two of the crew visit the site in recent years. The plan is to return the landing gear to the crash site and to anchor it in a way that will mean it can never be removed again. "You sort of got the sense like people see this as a sacred area now and a memorial to fifteen men, young men, who lost their lives and it was just lovely to see it being left at peace and being respected," Derek said. Derek added that "it was really, really disheartening to see that someone was seeing these pieces as maybe just scrap to be sold." "It is part of the history of this place. It's great to have the landing gear back and we have to make sure this can't happen again." The group last night posted another message, this time thanking gardaí and everyone who shared information about the search. "This was never about blame," the message states.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sligo software firm celebrating 20 years working with healthcare practices
The anniversary brought together Socrates' Sligo-based team members to reflect on their 20-year history of innovation and pioneering new ways of advancing digital healthcare. Part of healthcare technology group Clanwilliam, Socrates was founded in Sligo in 2004 with the aim of streamlining the daily operations of healthcare practices. Socrates has grown into a trusted name in practice management, with the team providing exceptional customer service and support to healthcare professionals across Ireland. Since its early days, the team behind Socrates has been dedicated to developing intuitive, reliable systems which assist General Practitioners and other healthcare professionals in managing their daily operations. Over the past 20 years, the Socrates team has built lasting relationships with customers, taking the time to listen, understand and provide solutions to customer problems. In 2024, the Socrates team handled over 31,500 calls and over 12,000 emails from customers in Ireland, reflecting a very successful year in meeting the evolving needs of healthcare professionals across the country. Speaking about Socrates and the Sligo team's contribution to practice management over the past 20 years, David Spellman, Socrates Customer Support Manager, said: 'The focus of our team in Sligo continues to be on the delivery of innovative, easy-to-use systems which improve efficiencies in healthcare practices and enhance patient care. "Our support team in Sligo is instrumental in helping practices make the most of our software and the team ensures that every practice is equipped to optimise the Socrates system, boost productivity and increase patient satisfaction.' With all software development experts and customer service agents operating from Sligo, Socrates is committed to and proud of its local roots. Socrates has developed strong links to local educational institutes, including ATU Sligo, and has built a team of over 30 skilled employees, with the team collectively reaching over 100 years of service. Acknowledging Socrates' milestone, Eileen Byrne, Managing Director of Clanwilliam Ireland said: 'From appointments and patient records to billing and regulatory compliance, Socrates has enabled solutions which ultimately lead to improved care of patients. Above all, the Socrates team based in Sligo has provided exceptional service to customers and helped transform how healthcare practitioners handle everyday tasks. Our team in Sligo has laid strong foundations for future innovation in the practice management space.'
Extra.ie
12-05-2025
- Extra.ie
Two teens who drowned in Donegal tragedy entered water to retrieve soccer ball
Two teenage boys playing on a beach in Co Donegal to cool off in the heatwave have died. One drowned and the other passed away in hospital after being rescued. A 16-year-old Nigerian-Irish boy and his 18-year-old friend, of Zimbabwe-Irish nationality, lost their lives and another male was injured after getting into difficulty while swimming in Lough Swilly, near Buncrana, Co. Donegal, on Saturday afternoon. The two boys who died have been named locally as Emmanuel Famiola, from Nigeria, and his older friend Matt Sibanda, from Zimbabwe. Matt Sibanda. Pic: File The pair, who were living in separate International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres with their families, went to the beach with two other boys to play soccer. It is understood that when they were playing, the ball went into the sea, and the two victims, along with another friend, went into the water to retrieve it. The fourth friend stayed on the beach and raised the alarm at around 4 pm after the three teenagers, aged from 14 to 18, got into difficulty while swimming. One of the three boys was able to swim ashore. The 14-year-old has been hospitalised but is expected to make a full recovery, emergency services said. A multi-agency search-and-rescue operation was initiated, and two RNLI lifeboats were helped by the Greencastle and Mulroy-based Coast Guard units, with aid from scores of other boats and volunteers. Emmanuel Famiola. Pic: File The Sligo-based Sikorsky Rescue 118 helicopter was also involved, and the Malin Head Coast Guard coordinated the rescue operation. The body of one of the teenagers was recovered from an area known as Ned's Point and Fahan at around 9 pm on Saturday. The second teenager was rescued and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital but unfortunately, died in the early hours of yesterday morning. Matt Sibanda was a student of Crana College, while Emmanuel Famiola went to Scoil Mhuire. In a joint statement, principals Kevin Cooley of Crana College and Evelyn McLoughlin of Scoil Mhuire said the school communities are devastated by this heartbreaking loss. They said: 'Emmanuel and Matt were deeply respected and valued members of our student bodies, and their passing has left us all in profound shock. Pic:'Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and with the wider Buncrana community. This is a tragedy that words cannot fully express. 'In the coming days, weeks and months, we will continue to support our students, families and staff with care and compassion. 'Our priority remains the well-being of everyone in our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to the emergency services and rescue teams for their swift and courageous response.' The principals added that they will provide a space for students, staff and parents to gather, support one another and begin the healing process. The schools will reopen as normal today, with extensive support in place for those affected. Both schools activated their critical incident plans in the aftermath of the tragedy. Student support teams, critical incident teams and staff members are working to provide support to students, parents, and colleagues. Prayers were said at local Masses this morning for the three young men and their families. Buncrana parish priest Fr Francis Bradley said: 'Shock wouldn't really cover it. We are a beauty spot, and because of that, it is almost like there are sirens calling people into the water. 'These young lads, they weren't aware of the dangers. It's beautiful, yes, but there are tremendous dangers, especially when the tide is pulling out, there are huge currents, and unfortunately, they were not able to fight that or to understand to go along with it or find a little (place) where they could get out of the water.' He added: 'The feeling in the community is one of bewilderment, but of great solidarity too, and a great sense of loss. These are new parishioners, they are new members of our community.' Local Sinn Féin county councillor Jack Murray admitted that there were 'no words' to describe how the community in Buncrana felt following the tragedy. He praised the work of all the volunteers involved in the rescue, along with emergency services, who assisted. Cllr Murray added: 'Our emergency services have once again demonstrated courage and professionalism in unthinkable circumstances. We have been hit with so many tragedies and horrendous events in this area. Each time the emergency services are called upon, they stand up without fail.' A prayer vigil was held at 4 pm yesterday in St Mary's Oratory, Buncrana, to offer support. Councillor Joy Beard, who attended the scene on Saturday evening, said the community is in shock and disbelief. The 100% Redress party councillor said yesterday: 'This morning we awoke to the devastating news that a second teenager involved in yesterday's tragic events has sadly passed away in the early hours of this morning. 'As a community, we are devastated beyond words to have lost two young lives so full of promise.' A Garda spokesman said investigations were ongoing. The local coroner has been notified, and post-mortems will be arranged. A spokesman for Malin Head Coast Guard said an alert was raised shortly before 4 pm by a member of the public who reported a number of people in difficulty in the water. The spokesman added: 'The Coast Guard would like to thank all the search-and-rescue units and members of the public who were on scene for their assistance.' In a separate incident, the body of a man was recovered from the sea just off the Wexford coast on Saturday afternoon. An RNLI lifeboat, along with the Irish Coast Guard Search and Rescue Sikorsky Helicopter 117, based out of Waterford Airport, were called out to the scene close to Wexford Harbour. It is understood that the body was located at around 3 pm near the harbour and may have been in the water for some time. The man's body was brought to University Hospital Waterford (UHW) for a post-mortem examination to be carried out. The coroner's office was notified. Gardaí were alerted to the discovery of a body in the sea off the coast of Wexford around 2pm. 'The deceased male was recovered by the Coast Guard and RNLI in the Irish Sea, east of Raven Point, and brought to shore,' a spokesman said. The dead man was unidentified yesterday, and efforts are ongoing to establish who he was.
