Latest news with #VeronaMurphy
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- General
- RTÉ News
Native American nations gift handwoven rug for 'kindness' during pandemic
Two Native American nations have gifted a handwoven rug to the people of Ireland to recognise the "kindness" shown to them during the Covid-19 pandemic. They presented Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy with the rug at Leinster House earlier "as a symbol of gratitude and friendship". In 2020, the death toll from the Covid-19 pandemic was particularly acute in the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Nation which include parts of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. People living in Ireland donated at least $3 million to an online fundraiser launched by the nations. The relief fund was established at the height of the pandemic to help community members access food, PPE and safely shelter at home. It became one of the top GoFundMe fundraisers of 2020 and raised US$18m, with the list of donors dominated by Irish surnames. Many Irish people said they were donating in remembrance of Native American aid to Ireland during the Great Famine, where the Choctaw tribe raised $170 in famine relief for Ireland. The rug depicts the Kindred Spirits sculpture that was commissioned by Cork County Council to commemorate the Choctaw donation. Deputy Murphy said it was a "great honour to accept this wonderful piece of art on behalf of the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Irish people". "It's a tangible reminder that empathy with another's plight can cross a vast ocean and that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact," she said. A member of the Navajo Nation, Ethel Branch said: "The solidarity and compassion extended to the Navajo and Hopi nations, inspired by the historic gift of the Choctaw Nation to Ireland during the Great Famine, has left an indelible mark on our communities."
Extra.ie
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
US Ambassdor settles into new role with 4th of July party
The new American Ambassador to Ireland took office with a bang this week, hosting a celebratory Fourth of July party at his new residence in the Pheonix Park last night (Thursday) Edward S. Walsh hosted the celebrations on the lawn of the Deerfield Residence, marking the 249th anniversary of the Independance of the United States of America and with over 2,500 people mingling for 4th of July fun from the worlds of politics, business, culture, sport and media in attendance, including Táiniste Simon Harris and Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy. US ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh with Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy at the US Embassy's 4th of July celebrations. Pic: Conor McCabe Posting on X, Ed Walsh introduced himself and thanked his friend President Donald Trump for giving him the honour of being US Ambassador to Ireland and in his first public event since presenting his credentials to President Higgins on Tuesday, he thanked the crowd for their warm welcome as he settled in to his new job and life in Ireland. The New Jersey native said joyously pointed out that that he had been told some great things about being Ambassador adding, 'I have been told that this is the best job in the entire world, and judging by this past week, and especially tonight, I already believe it' Michael Flatley performing at the US Embassy's 4th of July celebrations. Pic: Conor McCabe Commenting on his new role, he added ' I stand before you as a businessman, a family man, and someone who deeply values the ties that bind communities together, from the boardroom to the golf course' 'As the new US Ambassador to Ireland, I look forward to building lasting relationships, communicating openly and embracing all that brings our peoples together' On the menu last night at the Ambassadors residence, were good old American classics like hot dogs and hamburgers washed down with bourbon and beer, while entertainment included performances by Una Healy and Luke Thomas & The Swing Cats, The Controversial Allstars, and Michael Flatley, who performed a tune on his flute. Una Healy and Luke Thomas at the US Embassy's 4th of July celebrations. Pic: Conor McCabe The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks display set to songs favoured by President Donald J. Trump, including 'America the Beautiful' and of course, 'YMCA.'
RTÉ News
25-06-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Offences against the State Act renewed without vote
Sinn Féin has insisted that it would have abstained on the renewal of the Offences against the State Act but it was ultimately not put to a vote after the party's Justice spokesperson was outside the Dáil chamber when it was passed. Matt Carthy had "stepped out" for a few minutes during the debate on the emergency measures that are renewed by the Oireachtas annually. When he returned, to an almost empty Dáil, he was told by the Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy that the matter had been dealt with. Earlier, he had told the Dáil that the emergency legislation, which dates back 90 years, should not be used on an ongoing basis. Mr Carthy called for the the introduction of a modern legal framework to tackle organised crime and to protect jurors. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said that he has accepted in principle the recommendations from a independent review group. It called for the repeal of the Act along with the establishment of a non-jury court on a standing basis. It would be available when ordinary courts were inadequate. However, he said this would have to be approached with the utmost caution and he indicated that the new system may not be in place before the Offences against the State Acts are due for renewal again next year. The Minister said that so called 'dissident republicans', who have their origins in the Provisional IRA and the INLA, continue to pose a threat, the Dáil has heard. Despite the progress towards peace made over the years, they continue to seek to return to the fruitless violence of the past, he said. "They have remained resolute in their opposition to democracy and rule of law and all that the Good Friday Agreement stands for; and they remain wedded to brutality and criminality," Minister O'Callaghan said. He said that it is also important not to lose sight of the threat from violent extremism and international terrorism. The Minister added that terrorism - particularly jihadist and lone actor attacks - remains a key risk to the EU's internal security. Ireland is not immune from the threats arising in this changed security environment, and the country must have the capability to deal with them, the Minister said.
The Journal
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Group of Little Blue Heroes visit Leinster House
A GROUP OF Little Blue Heroes was welcomed to Leinster House by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy today. The Little Blue Heroes Foundation, which is funded entirely by donations and fundraising, was established in 2017. It was set up to support families of children with serious illness, both practically and financially. The foundation is a not-for-profit registered charity voluntarily led by Garda members, retired Garda members and civic-minded people from communities. It grants the wish of children supported by the foundation to become 'Honorary Gardaí', which is says empowers the children and 'fosters positive engagement' with the policing authority. Today, two of the children arrived at Leinster House on miniature roads policing motor bikes while others were dressed in Garda uniforms. Advertisement Among those to travel from Co Tipperary was honorary Garda Joey Moss, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The event was organised by Murphy and South Tipperary TD Michael Murphy. The seven heroes were accompanied by garda members from Clonmel Station and Pearse Street Station including Superintendent Niall O'Connell, Sergeant Kieran O'Regan, Garda Fiona Gleeson, Garda Eoin Philpott and Garda Marie Casey. Mr Murphy said: 'Today was a special day for me, an opportunity to host the Little Blue Heroes from South Tipperary. 'And in particular to promote, at a national level, the 671 honorary guards, sadly 83 of those have passed away. 'Today we had seven Little Blue Heroes, regrettably a further four couldn't travel. 'For me it was about giving them a day to remember, it's about promoting the foundation, and to showcase Leinster House and all that is good about it. 'It's a very memorable day and one I won't forget, particularly their seven heroes and their families.'
BreakingNews.ie
24-06-2025
- Health
- BreakingNews.ie
Little Blue Heroes welcomed to Leinster House
A group of Little Blue Heroes was welcomed to Leinster House by Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy on Tuesday. The Little Blue Heroes Foundation, which is funded entirely by donations and fundraising, was established in 2017. Advertisement It was set up to support families of children with serious illness, both practically and financially. The foundation is a not-for-profit registered charity voluntarily led by Garda members, retired Garda members and civic-minded people from communities. Two of the children arrived at Leinster House on miniature roads policing motor bikes while others were dressed in Garda uniforms. Among those to travel from Co Tipperary was honorary Garda Joey Moss, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Advertisement The event was organised by Ms Murphy and South Tipperary TD Michael Murphy. The seven heroes were accompanied by garda members from Clonmel Station and Pearse Street Station including Superintendent Niall O'Connell, Sergeant Kieran O'Regan, Garda Fiona Gleeson, Garda Eoin Philpott and Garda Marie Casey. Mr Murphy said: 'Today was a special day for me, an opportunity to host the Little Blue Heroes from South Tipperary. 'And in particular to promote, at a national level, the 671 honorary guards, sadly 83 of those have passed away. Advertisement 'Today we had seven Little Blue Heroes, regrettably a further four couldn't travel. 'For me it was about giving them a day to remember, it's about promoting the foundation, and to showcase Leinster House and all that is good about it. 'It's a very memorable day and one I won't forget, particularly their seven heroes and their families.'
