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The Journal
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
'Look, 40% of the southeast have Norman names': Browne defends William the Conqueror millennium
HERITAGE MINISTER JAMES Browne has said the year-long commemoration of the Normans is 'not celebrating anybody' amid claims the event is 'offensive'. A plan to commemorate the first Norman king of England William the Conqueror in 2027, one thousand years after his birth, was proposed to cabinet this week by Browne and was sharply met with dismay from Sinn Féin. The year-long commemoration were labelled 'offensive' by Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh . He said it beggared belief, given the 'legacy of William's successors invading and subjugating Ireland in the name of his English crown'. Asked about the criticism today, Browne told The Journal that the events were about 'respectfully commemorating a historical event that hugely influenced Ireland's future'. 'Look, around 15% of the population in this country are Norman heritage. When you go down to the southeast, up to 40% of surnames are Norman heritage.' The Normans, who landed in Wexford's Bannow Bay in 1169, were responsible for the foundation of many Irish towns. They also built castles, abbeys and cathedrals that are still standing today. These include St Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral. The first Norman king of England, William the Conquerer, began his reign after he won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, defeating King Harold's English army. Advertisement Following a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Browne said the Normans 'left their mark in monumental ways' and he wants this new initiative to leave a lasting legacy, by promoting tourism and boosting the economy. Heritage Minister James Browne clarified that the events were not celebrating any particular person. Muiris Ó Cearbhaill / The Journal Muiris Ó Cearbhaill / The Journal / The Journal Today, he clarified that the events were about commemorating – not celebrating – a group of people who arrived to Ireland and 'ended up with a tagline of being more Irish than the Irish themselves'. 'They adopted Gaelic culture, they married into Gaelic families, and they fought for Irish freedom on many, many occasions. So we're right to commemorate it. We're not celebrating anybody, so we're not.' Ó Snodaigh this week slammed Browne's plan as amounting to 'scraping the barrel of colonialism, imperialism and English royalism' for the sake of 'themed tourism'. He said we should 'take pride in the rich architectural, cultural, and literary heritage' of Anglo-Norman Ireland, but that his party draws the line at focusing the commemoration around England's first Norman king. Asked about Ó Snodaigh's remarks, Browne told The Journal : 'I'm a little bit worried that Sinn Féin have increasingly taken any opportunity to hint at nativism. I think, you know, we really have to be very careful with this type of language.' The 'European Year of the Normans' will consist of multidisciplinary events, such as exhibitions, live performances, cross-border artistic residencies, re-enactments, student exchanges, sports, research and more. It will also involve partners from Normandy, the Channel Islands, Italy, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark. The events will take place from March to October 2027. 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 Journal
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Journal
Norman People? Calls for projects as Ireland to mark millennium since birth of William the Conquerer
ORGANISATIONS CAN NOW submit projects to be included in a cross-country celebration of a millennium since the birth of William the Conquerer. The year-long commemoration will take place in 2027 and aims to mark how the Normans shaped the island of Ireland, as well as the rest of Europe. Housing and Heritage Minister James Browne said the Normans 'left their mark in monumental ways' and he wants this new initiative to leave a lasting legacy, by promoting tourism and boosting the economy. The Normans, who landed in Wexford's Bannow Bay in 1169, were responsible for the foundation of many Irish towns. They also built castles, abbeys and cathedrals that are still standing today. These include St Patrick's Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral. The 'European Year of the Normans' will consist of multidisciplinary events, such as exhibitions, live performances, cross-border artistic residencies, re-enactments, student exchanges, sports, research and more. It will also involve partners from Normandy, the Channel Islands, Italy, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Denmark. The events will take place from March to October 2027. However, projects outside this timeframe can still be considered. Advertisement Project proposals will be accepted until 30 June, 2025. The Minister said that in the coming months, stakeholders will be coordinating to support the delivery of 'Norman-focused projects'. 'Obviously, Wexford will play its full part, from Norman Enniscorthy, through New Ross and the many other Norman-influenced places across the country,' he said. It will build on Norman history initiatives such as the Norman Way in Wexford. The first Norman king of England, William the Conquerer, began his reign after he won the Battle of Hastings in 1066, defeating King Harold's English army. The Normans then continued their sieges in Ireland. Richard de Clare, also known as Strongbow, is one of the most famous Anglo-Normans to invade. Wherever the Normans settled, new political, social, and legal orders emerged. Their network across Europe carried languages, cultures, technologies and traditions. William the Conquerer's exact date of birth is not known but it's estimated to be some time in 1027 or 1028. He died in 1087. 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 Independent
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Irish postal service offers to send cards to the Vatican for free
Ireland's postal service is offering to send mass or sympathy cards to the Vatican for free for people who wish to pay their respects to Pope Francis. The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the 'people's pope', having spoken out for the poor and those in need and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life. Thousands have stood in line for hours, sometimes overnight, in St Peter's Square at the Vatican to pay their respects to the late pontiff. Irish post offices had received queries from the public looking for advice about the correct address and stamp to use. In response, Irish postal service An Post said it would offer the service for free and send cards to the Vatican in one batch in three weeks. An Post said: 'Cards may be posted to the following PO box for free until May 14 and An Post will ensure they are delivered directly to the Vatican: Cards to the Vatican, PO Box 13812, Freepost, Dublin 1.' On Thursday, Irish premier Micheal Martin signed a book of condolence for Pope Francis at the residence of the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin. Books of condolences are also open at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin, Galway Cathedral, the Apparition Chapel in Knock, and St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh. The Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference said an online book of condolences on its website had gathered 600 signatures. 'This outpouring of affection is a true reflection of the kind of leader that Pope Francis was – a man who united people from all walks of life around the world,' it said. St Patrick's Cathedral will hold a memorial mass at 7pm on Thursday, with Archbishop Eamon Martin as the chief celebrant. Archbishop Martin, President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, Taoiseach Mr Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris are all expected to attend the Pope's funeral on Saturday at 9am Irish time. Global leaders including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also attend.
The Journal
24-04-2025
- General
- The Journal
Pope Francis: An Post to offer free postage to anyone seeking to send sympathy card
AN POST IS offering to send mass or sympathy cards to the Vatican for free for people who wish to pay their respects to the late Pope Francis. The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the 'people's pope', having spoken out for the poor and those in need and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life. Despite average waiting times of four hours, over 61,000 mourners have passed through the doors of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican as of 1pm today. An Post had received several queries from the public looking for advice about the correct address and stamp to use. In response, it said it would offer the service for free and send cards to the Vatican in one batch in three weeks. The postal service said: 'Cards may be posted to the following PO box for free until May 14 and An Post will ensure they are delivered directly to the Vatican: Cards to the Vatican, PO Box 13812, Freepost, Dublin 1.' Advertisement On Thursday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin signed a book of condolence for Pope Francis at the residence of the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin. Books of condolences are also open at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin, Galway Cathedral, the Apparition Chapel in Knock, and St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh. The Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference said an online book of condolences on its website had gathered 600 signatures. 'This outpouring of affection is a true reflection of the kind of leader that Pope Francis was – a man who united people from all walks of life around the world,' it said. St Patrick's Cathedral will hold a memorial mass at 7pm this evening, with Archbishop Eamon Martin as the chief celebrant. Archbishop Martin, President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris are all expected to attend the Pope's funeral on Saturday at 9am Irish time. Global leaders including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also attend.
Irish Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
An Post offers to send cards to the Vatican for free
Ireland's postal service is offering to send mass or sympathy cards to the Vatican for free for people who wish to pay their respects to Pope Francis. The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been dubbed by some as the "people's pope", having spoken out for the poor and those in need and shunned many of the extravagances that come with papal life. Thousands have stood in line for hours, sometimes overnight, in St Peter's Square at the Vatican to pay their respects to the late pontiff. Irish post offices had received queries from the public looking for advice about the correct address and stamp to use. In response, Irish postal service An Post said it would offer the service for free and send cards to the Vatican in one batch in three weeks. An Post said: "Cards may be posted to the following PO box for free until May 14 and An Post will ensure they are delivered directly to the Vatican: Cards to the Vatican, PO Box 13812, Freepost, Dublin 1." On Thursday, Taoiseach Micheal Martin signed a book of condolence for Pope Francis at the residence of the Apostolic Nunciature in Dublin. Books of condolences are also open at St Mary's Pro-Cathedral in Dublin, Galway Cathedral, the Apparition Chapel in Knock, and St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh. The Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference said an online book of condolences on its website had gathered 600 signatures. "This outpouring of affection is a true reflection of the kind of leader that Pope Francis was – a man who united people from all walks of life around the world," it said. St Patrick's Cathedral will hold a memorial mass at 7pm on Thursday, with Archbishop Eamon Martin as the chief celebrant. Archbishop Martin, President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina, Taoiseach Mr Martin and Tanaiste Simon Harris are all expected to attend the Pope's funeral on Saturday at 9am Irish time. Global leaders including British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will also attend.
