Latest news with #Tyrell
RTÉ News
16-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Disabled motorist loses discrimination claim over delay at toll bridge
A disabled driver who made a statutory complaint over being held up for less than two minutes when a toll bridge camera misread his car's number plate has lost his discrimination claim. The Workplace Relations Commission has rejected a claim under the Equal Status Act 2000 against North Link M1 Ltd, the operator of the tolled section of the M1 motorway in counties Meath and Louth. The claimant, David Tyrell, is a beneficiary of the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme (DTES), which allows adapted vehicles for disabled drivers use toll roads for free, the WRC heard last month. On 2 October 2024, Mr Tyrell arrived to a toll plaza on the M1 motorway in his car and proceeded into an unmanned lane. His car's registration "appeared on the screen", but the barrier did not open, he said in evidence to the WRC. When he pressed a call button to get help, a control room operator asked him for the registration number "even though she should have been able to read [it] on the screen", he told the tribunal. The operator told him the number he gave was incorrect, but then proceeded to read out the correct number for his car," he said. His evidence was that he told the worker: "If you know my number, why are you asking for it?" Her response was: "Don't be so smart, and you shouldn't be in this lane anyway," he said. He went on his way when the barrier was lifted, the WRC heard. The control room operator on the day, Louise McMullen, said she greeted Mr Tyrell as normal and asked him if he had paid because she "did not know he was exempt". Her evidence was that she could only see the registration number on a screen rather than "a visual of any car" and could not see his DTES disc. When the issue arose, she "realised there had to be a digit missing" from the registration number captured on the system, and that was why she asked him to call out the number and proceeded to search the plate number on the Motor Tax system. Ms McMullen said this took a minute to do. In all, Mr Tyrell and his passenger waited "1.47 minutes" at the barrier before it was lifted, the tribunal heard. She said Mr Tyrell "seemed annoyed" with her, but denied telling him: "Don't be smart." She said her supervisor was right beside her and she would "never say such a thing anyway". She acknowledged that she did tell him: "If you use the operator lanes in the future, it'll be quicker." Mr Tyrell's position was that he "should be allowed to use unmanned toll lanes just as non-disabled drivers do". He also contended that he should not have had to speak with the worker about his status as a beneficiary of the toll exemption scheme as it meant disclosing his disability to his passenger, he said. He added that the way the worker spoke to him, treated him and delayed him were also discriminatory. Sinead Morgan of DAC Beachcroft, appearing for the toll operator, submitted that the DTES guidelines advised pass-holders to use a manned lane so that if a registration plat was misread by the system, "a staff member can quickly see a DTES disc and lift the barrier without any questions being asked". Mr Tyrell accepted under cross-examination that he had not read the DTES guidelines. Adjudicator Emile Daly accepted Mr Tyrell "did not know all this" in regard to how the system worked and that that he believed discrimination was at play when he took his claim. "Had he read the DTES guidelines, he would have learned that using a manned toll lane was for his benefit, not to his detriment," she added. She wrote that she was satisfied "no prohibited conduct took place" and rejected Mr Tyrell's Equal Status Act complaint.
Extra.ie
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion details abusive relationship with ex partner
Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion has urged anyone that knows someone who might be in a coercive relationship to not be judgemental but 'listen to them.' The 44-year-old politician detailed how she has come to terms with her own abusive relationship at the hands of her partner of six years, Sean Tyrell. Mr Tyrell was sentenced to four-months in jail for offences under Coco's Law against Ms Funchion. Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion has urged anyone that knows someone who might be in a coercive relationship to not be judgemental but 'listen to them.' Pic: Ireland AM/ Instagram Speaking on Ireland AM on Monday, the MEP told presenters Tommy Bowe and Muireann O'Connell how her relationship with Tyrell was 'dysfunctional at times.' 'Hindsight is hindsight for a reason,' she said, 'There was elements of control probably from very early on.' Ms Funchion added that the control can be 'hard to identify' as it is a gradual process which results in you doubting and questioning yourself. She added that it results in a 'huge amount of confidence' lost, which is what the abusive partner wants. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ireland AM (@irelandamvmtv) The MEP for Ireland South detailed how her ex-partner would question if she wasn't home by a certain time, a feat difficult for a politician who deals with the public. 'You're always trying to be ten steps ahead to think what kind of potential issue is happening here,' she detailed. 'I felt that I was always trying to find a solution as I really loved Sean, I really wanted this relationship to work. For me, this was it. I was determined to see how we could figure this out.' Ms Funchion detailed how her partner had been threatening to go to journalists with 'various stories' about her claiming that she was financially and physically abusive to him. Speaking on Ireland AM on Monday, the MEP told presenters Tommy Bowe and Muireann O'Connell how her relationship with Tyrell was 'dysfunctional at times.' Pic: Ireland AM/ Instagram 'I went to the Gardaí; I reached out to the Amber Women's Refuge as well,' the politician shared. She went on to give her praise to Gardaí and the protective services unit in Kilkenny who she branded as 'amazing' during the case. Speaking about writing her victim impact statement, she admitted it took her a 'very long time' to write it, adding that she was 'physically sick' in the lead up to having to read it out in court. 'It is very, very difficult for people,' she said, 'I've always had admiration for people who come forward but even more-so after going through it.' The Kilkenny woman added that she did feel 'physically lighter' following the case, but detailed there are still difficulties in her life following on from the relationship, such as letting people into her life. 'That is something that has changed for me,' she stated, 'But I am really glad that I did go all the way with it.'
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
I had my baby's ears pierced but when she began wheezing docs found earring in her LUNG – I still bought her a new pair
TAKING her phone out, Suzanne Boyd snaps a photo of her baby girl's newly pierced ears. Admiring the brand-new pearl studs, her dad Tyrell, 38, was equally chuffed with their daughter Raelyn's new bling. 8 8 "She looks like a princess," he says while holding their daughter with Suzanne, 36, agreeing she's 'definitely the prettiest baby in town.' Little did the doting mum and dad know that the seemingly innocent decision to pierce their daughter's ears at three months old would leave the tot fighting for her life. It was nine months later, when Raelyn had turned one, that the family was thrown into peril. 'I was doing my regular morning routine when I heard my husband shout,' Suzanne says. TERRIFYING WHEEZING 'Tyrell was feeding Raelyn and asked if I could hear what he could. 'That's when I first heard it, a wheezing, loud noise coming out of my little girl. 'I was terrified. Raelyn was fine one moment, and the next she was making these noises as if she couldn't breathe. 'Raelyn was normally a happy and healthy baby, and she was still acting like her usual self, so I thought it might pass soon.' Believing that her wheezing might be down to flu season, the couple decided to take their daughter to the doctor to be on the safe side. 'My little one was put on steroid treatment and we were happy thinking this was the end of the ordeal,' Suzanne, from Augusta, Georgia, says. 'We carried on with our everyday lives but I couldn't help being a paranoid mum when Raelyn's breathing wasn't getting any better. 'I hated seeing her like this and not knowing what's wrong.' The couple rushed their little girl back to the paediatrician when her breathing hadn't improved a week later. The doctor recommended an X-ray to rule out any possible causes, but the mum and dad couldn't have expected what came next. 'My stomach dropped when I looked at the X-ray and saw the tiny object,' stay-at-home mum Suzanne says. HORROR X-RAY 'It was the back of the earring, I couldn't understand how it could have possibly got there. 'We had Raelyn's ears pierced when she was three months old but we have always been careful. 'She is not strong enough to take off her own earring.' 8 8 Suzanne and church facilities coordinator Tyrell were told to go home and wait for her to pass the earring, but 20 minutes later, they got a phone call from the doctor. 'He explained that the earring might be stuck in Raelyn's lung and that we should take her to the hospital immediately,' the mum says. 'His words sent shivers all over me and we changed route heading for the children's hospital. 'I was thinking of every possible scenario and all the things that could go wrong. 'I looked at Raelyn sitting in the back seat, making the rattling noise which filled me with more worry with every breath.' At the hospital, a second X-ray confirmed the earring was lodged in Raelyn's right lung. 'I explained to the doctor that it was the back of an earring and that I don't even wear earrings in case she pulls them out,' Suzanne. EMERGENCY SURGERY The doctor said that Raelyn would need surgery to remove the earring from the lung using a magnet. 'I hated the idea of my baby being put under anaesthesia at just one year old,' the mum admits. 'We were baffled as to how the earring had ended up in her lung if she had swallowed it.' Doctors explained that while they were unsure, Raelyn may well have inhaled it through her nose and they were lucky she hadn't developed pneumonia. 'I couldn't believe it, we vacuum the house every day to make sure things like this don't happen,' Suzanne says. 'I thought it could have been asthma as I am also asthmatic, but I never expected it to be an earring. 'Tyrell tried to reassure me, but the mum-guilt started taking over me as I watched my little girl being taken to surgery. 'I know she likes to rub the back of her ear as a comfort, so she must have pulled the back of the earring herself. 'She always used to pull on my earrings which is why I took them out, but didn't expect her to pull out her own.' Suzanne and Tyrell sat in the waiting room for two long hours before they were reunited with their daughter. 'I felt tears of joy when my little girl was returned to me safe and sound,' the mum says. "Doctors explained that the earring was lodged deeper than they thought, and had to use a bigger magnet to fish it out. XX explain why they use a magnet XX 'We decided there and then that there would be no more earrings for our little one.' Raelyn was kept in overnight to make sure that she had fully recovered post-surgery. 'I looked at her lying in her little bed and thought about how strong she is, only a year old and been through so much,' Suzanne says. MAKING CHANGES 'I let out a big sigh when doctors said Raelyn is well enough to go home. 'In the car ride back home, I was happy but knew my next step as a mum is to make sure this doesn't happen again. 'I told Tyrell I would never wear earrings again and promised to vacuum the house twice a day from then on.' The couple spent the following few days baby-proofing every surface. 'But Raelyn looked so pretty with her pearl earrings, I couldn't bear leaving her without any jewellery,' Suzanne says. 'I bought her a new pair of pearl studs but this time they had screw-on backs, to make sure even our strong girl can't pull them off." A couple of weeks later, the couple returned for some further tests which showed Raelyn had a clean bill of health. 'We took Raelyn back home and could finally relax after the whole ordeal, knowing our baby is safe,' Suzanne says. 'It had been a very traumatic few weeks and I hate to think that at one point I thought I could lose my little girl because of an earring. "Weeks on from the operation, I watched Raelyn eat and play without any breathing problems, and thought how blessed we are that everything went back to normal. "I'm so proud of my baby girl. She's been so strong and I'll never let anything like this happen again.' 8 8
Sunday World
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
‘I feel I spent all that time in my life crying,' says MEP after ex jailed under Coco's Law
SPEAKS OUT | The Sinn Féin MEP hopes that by going public with her story, it will inspire others to seek help and speak out MEP Kathleen Funchion has spoken out about the years of coercive control she endured at the hands of her ex-partner, Sean Tyrell Ms Funchion's ex-partner and former Kilkenny County Councillor, Sean Tyrell, was convicted on Monday under Section 4 of the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, also known as Coco's Law. Tyrell was handed a four-month prison sentence, with a separate four-month jail term suspended for two years. Ms Funchion first met Tyrell in 2016 when he helped out during her Dáil election campaign. Tyrell was co-opted onto Kilkenny County Council that year, taking up the seat that Ms Funchion vacated after becoming a TD. The pair began a romantic relationship in 2016, before getting engaged in 2017. Speaking on RTÉ's News at One , Ms Funchion said that coercive control happens 'subtly' over time, and for that reason, many people do not recognise when they are the victim of coercive control in their own lives. "I think one of the reasons why I was anxious to speak about the situation is to maybe explain to people, and for other people in the situation, is that it is something that you don't see happening, in terms of it's very subtle," said Ms Funchion. "When you're with someone who is a controlling person, that doesn't happen overnight, it's subtle and it happens over time and I suppose you really get to a stage where you feel there's something wrong with you, and it's not something where you wake up one morning and realise, this is not a great situation. It happens over time. "I'm conscious that there are probably other people in situations like that and they are probably thinking, 'is there something wrong with me?'. So I just wanted to be able to stress that it can be very subtle and you can't see it creep up and you can nearly become agreeable to some of the ways that this person acts towards you like handing over your phone. When you're removed from the situation and you're speaking to other people, you realise that that is not normal behaviour.' Kathleen Funchion. Photo: PA During the course of their relationship, Ms Funchion said that Tyrell had insisted on having access to her phone and her messages and even wanted her to take a lie detector test as he continuously alleged that Ms Funchion was being unfaithful to him. Ms Funchion said at one stage, she even considered doing the lie detector test to prove that she had nothing to hide. "No matter what I said, he was adamant that I was being unfaithful in the relationship and I found that very difficult. He wanted me to take a lie detector test, which I would say at one point I was considering doing and I think that shows how it really gets into your head and you really do doubt yourself. "I suppose the important thing here is that actually, somebody who is controlling like that, no matter what you do, it's never going to be good enough.' The situation continued to escalate to a point where Tyrell started making allegations that Ms Funchion's close friends were being unfaithful in their marriages. 'I think it kind of came to a head in August of 2022 where I was really at breaking point,' said Ms Funchion. 'I was very, very upset. I wasn't sleeping, I wasn't eating. I feel like I spent all that time in my life crying.' Ms Funchion first contacted the Amber women's refuge in Kilkenny, before reaching out to Gardaí. She was then put in contact with the Protective Services unit of the Gardaí in Kilkenny, who she said were 'incredible'. 'They have been incredible, and unbelievable in the work that they do on a daily basis,' said Ms Funchion. 'I found that they were objective, but so professional and kind in their approach. They really made me feel that I wasn't going crazy. "Abuse can be physical, it can be emotional,' added Ms Funchion. 'There's a range and I think that sometimes people think that they have to rock up with signs of physical abuse, but actually that's not the case.' While Ms Funchion said she feels relieved and 'vindicated' following Tyrell's sentencing, the emotional scars from the years of coercive control and harassment will never fade. "I definitely think, and I find it difficult to acknowledge this about myself, but it has changed my life and not in a positive way. I have very serious issues with trust as a result. I don't see that ever leaving me and I do find that I maybe question people more who do come into my life and I keep my circle very small. "But I am really glad that I did see this through to the end and that there was justice. I do feel very strongly about that and I do feel that I was listened to.' The Sinn Féin MEP added that by going public with her story, she hopes it will inspire others in a similar situation to seek help and speak out.
Irish Daily Mirror
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Sinn Fein MEP admits to 'serious' trust issues after ex jailed under Coco's Law
Sinn Féin MEP Kathleen Funchion said she has 'very serious trust issues' and her life has been changed after her former partner was jailed under Coco's Law. On Monday, Sean Tyrell was jailed under Section 4 of the Harassment and Harmful Communications Act for four months, with a separate four-month jail term suspended for two years. The court heard that Tyrell made false accusations about Ms Funchion, saying she had been unfaithful. They began a relationship in 2016, and after they split in August 2022, he contacted a journalist at a national newspaper saying a Sinn Féin politician was making false claims about domestic violence and financial abuse. Screengrabs of these emails were sent to Ms Funchion, as he threatened to give the journalist her name if she didn't meet a number of his demands. One of these demands was taking a lie detector test. Speaking after Tyrell was jailed, the MEP said she considered doing this, and these thoughts are the reality for many people who are coercively controlled. She told RTÉ's News At One on Tuesday: 'He wanted me to take a lie detector test, which I would say at one point I was considering doing. That shows how it really gets into your head and you really do doubt yourself. "When I think back about that now, I thought that this will resolve the issue, that someone being able to go through your phone, that you can show that there's nothing to hide. 'Somebody who is controlling like that, no matter what you do, nothing is going to be good enough.' Ms Funchion decided to go to the Gardaí after she was at 'breaking point' in August 2022. She said: 'I was very, very upset. I wasn't sleeping or eating. I feel like I spent all of that time in my life crying... I went into the Gardaí and spoke to them. "They have been incredible, and unbelievable in the work that they do on a daily basis. I found that they were objective, but so professional and kind in their approach. They really made me feel that I wasn't going crazy.' While the Sinn Féin politician said she felt 'physically lighter' leaving court on Monday, it has left her with 'very serious trust issues'. She continued: 'I don't see that ever leaving me. I find it difficult to acknowledge this about myself, but it has changed my life, and not in a positive way. "I question people more that come into my life, and I keep my circle very, very small... But I am really glad that I did see this through to the end, and that there was justice yesterday."
