The Irish Post - May 13, 2023

A new recipe book from Paradiso

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ON TOUR

Dervish have a clutch of British gigs this month

Significant Irish presence at Westminster Abbey

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Primate of All Ireland, also attended becoming the first Irish Catholic bishop at a coronation since the Reformation.

BY MAL ROGERS

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins has said that his attendance at the coronation of King Charles III reflected a “significant break” from the past and demonstrates what is required in terms of good relations between countries. He is the first Irish head of state to attend a coronation, and in contrast to 1953 and Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne, RTÉ devoted four hours to the ceremony. A statement on the President’s website reads: “The President and Sabina

Higgins attended the coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6.

“President Higgins is the first Irish Head of State to attend the crowning of a British monarch, reinforcing the importance of strong relations between Ireland and the United Kingdom.”

In 1953 the Irish public were encouraged to not even listen to the service on the radio. The Republic was less than four years old, and there was still plenty of anti-British sentiment about.

This time, however, the coronation was celebrated by many in Ireland, and amongst the Irish in Britain community. And in a major sea change in attitudes, Sinn Féin’s Vice President, Michelle O’Neill attended the ceremony along with Alex Maskey, the Speaker at Stormont.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also attended. He acknowledged that the royal couple have long been keen visitors to Ireland, both north and south. The Taoiseach said: “King Charles and Queen Camilla are longstanding friends of Ireland and King

After the plaudits, the protests

BY GERARD DONAGHY

RTÉ’s decision to dedicate four hours of coverage to the coronation of King Charles III has been branded ‘terrible’ by TDs from People Before Profit. Ahead of the event, People Before Profit said that RTÉ’s “wall-to-wall coverage of the coronation of King Charles… is a terrible decision”.

Speaking in the Dáil before the ceremony, Paul Murphy TD described the British monarchy as a ‘hated

institution’.

“Some republicans are saying they will attend the coronation on the grounds of reaching out to the unionist community,” he said.

“We think it is perfectly possible and necessary to build a united socialist movement of working-class people from Catholic, Protestant and non-religious backgrounds, not on the basis of this sort of anachronistic and hated institution but on the basis of the interests of ordinary people and the need for a

REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE:

Sinn Féin’s Michelle O’Neill at the coronation Picture: Getty Images

Charles has visited regularly in the past two decades, supporting good bilateral relations, co-operation, peace and reconciliation. I expressed my hope that his regular visits will continue into his reign”.

socialist Ireland and a socialist world.

“Even in Britain, only 29 per cent of people think the monarchy is very important. It is an increasingly unpopular institution.

“However, a viewer who turns on RTÉ on Saturday will be treated to four hours of the coronation. Why on earth is our State broadcaster spending four hours on a Saturday displaying this so-called coronation?”

Fellow People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett also blasted the coronation as an anachronism, saying most remaining royal houses in Europe have abandoned such ceremonies.

“They do not have coronations

Catholics were not permitted to attend non-Catholic services when Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, according to The Tablet.

Archbishop Mark O’Toole of Cardiff was also in attendance along with Bishop Hugh Gilbert, president of Scotland’s bishops’ conference.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See Secretary of State, also took part in the service.

Prof Diarmuid MacCulloch, Emeritus Professor of the History of the Church at Oxford, told The Tablet it is likely that the last time a cardinal was involved in a coronation in Britain was in 1543 at the crowning of the infant Mary Queen of Scots.

anymore; it is not legally required,” he said.

“Yet, this weekend, a considerable amount of public money in Britain will be spent on this coronation, which is an insult to considerable numbers of people living in poverty in Britain and the national broadcaster in this country will broadcast this for four hours.

The Taoiseach defended the coronation, claiming that a constitutional monarchy is supported by the majority of people in the UK. “The majority of people in the United Kingdom want a constitutional monarchy with a democratically elected parliament and government and I think we should respect their choices.”

In a break with the past, the attendance of Irish political and religious leaders at the coronation of King Charles III is seen as a reflection of improved Irish-British relations

Lynch celebrates a Dublin working class hero

MICK Lynch, general secretary of the RMT union was a guest speaker at the Robert Tressell festival at Liberty Hall Theatre. The festival took place last weekend.

Tressell, who was born in Wexford Street in Dublin, wrote The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. The book is regarded as one of the most influential publications in shaping working class consciousness

in the 20th century.

Mick Lynch, who was born in Paddington to parents from Co. Cork and Co. Armagh, was one of the keynote speakers at the festival. Mr Lynch has spoken in the past about the influence The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists and its author on its significance internationally, and on a personal note the inspiration it gave him in his own political development.

Bishop ignored warnings over paedophile friend

The Archbishop of Liverpool has published a summary of his findings in the circumstances surrounding the resignation of Bishop Robert Byrne

ARCHBISHOP Malcolm Patrick McMahon, Archbishop of Liverpool has published a summary of his report into the resignation of Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle Robert “to answer some of the claims which have appeared in the media”.

Bishop Byrne resigned in December 2022 amid rumours of sex parties and lockdown parties at Newcastle’s St Mary’s Cathedral, along with other alleged issues.

A statement on the archbishop’s website says: “At the request of the Dicastery for Bishops a thorough investigation has been made into the events leading to the resignation of Bishop Robert Byrne from the office of Bishop of the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.

“Bishop Byrne resigned from office because he felt unable to carry out the duties of his office. During the course of the work, I have found no reason to disbelieve him. I am not at liberty to put the full details of the investigation into the public domain as the report was not commissioned for publication. Instead, this overview is provided to answer some of the claims which have appeared in the media, and to set out key themes.”

Archbishop McMahon has identified four key issues in his report pertaining to Bishop Byrne’s tenure:

– The covid pandemic

– The purchase of a new Bishop’s

House in August 2020

– The death by suicide of the Cathedral Dean, Canon Michael McCoy in April 2021

– Bishop Byrne’s association with Fr Timothy Gardner OP.

Archbishop McMahon’s summary immediately scotches one rumour. He says: “Allegations that lewd parties took place at St Mary’s Cathedral during the pandemic are simply untrue. What did happen is that following the sanitisation of the

cathedral after permitted services the volunteers who carried this out were invited into the cathedral house for refreshments. On occasion after long days the volunteers were offered a take-away meal and a glass of wine. At the time, Covid regulations were in force and a report was made to Northumbria Police, but no action was taken. “Subsequently, as part of this investigation a further report has been made to the police, who once again decided to take no action. Bishop Byrne was not present at any of these gatherings.”

Bishop Byrne’s purchase of a house in a well-to-do area is also addressed with the conclusion that he “could have relocated to a property that served his and diocesan needs in a less conspicuous area at a lower cost”.

Canon Michael McCoy’s suicide is also focused on in the archbishop’s summary Bishop Byrne replaced popular priest Father Dermott Donnelly – brother of TV star Declan Donnelly (of Ant and Dec) with Canon McCoy.

The summary says: “The sad death by suicide of Canon Michael McCoy brought great sorrow to all those who knew him and had benefited from his many years of service to the diocese.”

The report continued: “During those years, there had been two occasions when Michael McCoy had been the subject of safeguarding plans regarding boundaries relevant to working with older teenagers. There

had been no allegations of a sexual nature against Michael McCoy until April 2021. His death by suicide followed a visit by Northumbria Police saying that such an allegation had been made against him. In considering Michael McCoy’s appointment to the Cathedral, Bishop Byrne had been notified from more than one source of the safeguarding issues. It was an error of judgement to then promote a priest with a safeguarding record to a high-profile position. Instead, Bishop Byrne could have paid greater heed to ensuring that Michael McCoy was appropriately managed given the safeguarding concerns which had been raised.”

According to the archbishop’s summary, a further error in judgment regarding Timothy Gardner was made. Gardner, a member of the Dominican order, was a convicted paedophile who Bishop Byrne has known for many years. The archbishop’s statement says: “They were seen associating together in public in Newcastle and it was known that Gardner was a frequent visitor at Bishop’s House. Despite being advised by senior priests in the diocese that this was an inappropriate relationship Bishop Byrne insisted that it was a pastoral relationship and therefore appropriate and refused their advice. Bishop Byrne failed to understand the risks he was taking both for himself and the diocese.”

“We have deep political, economic, cultural, and personal links with Britain, which provided a welcome home to so many of our citizens for generations. A vibrant British community actively contributes to life in Ireland in so many ways... As we mark the coronation of King Charles III, I look forward to further strengthening British-Irish relations and the friendship between our peoples and look forward to welcoming the royal couple to Ireland in due course.”

An Taoiseach

Leo Varadkar speaking in Britain before the coronation of King Charles III.

“Some climate change is locked in and will happen but we will have a much less extreme experience if we hit those climate targets.”

Dr Gerard McCarthy from the Icarus research facility at Maynooth University speaking about his department’s latest report into climate change.

“It looks like I’m not going to have to retire from my day job after all.”

Ed Sheeran, after winning a copyright case in the US over one of his compositions.

“Bishop Byrne resigned from office because he felt unable to carry out the duties of his office. During the course of the work, I have found no reason to disbelieve him.”

Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, in a summary of a report into controversies surrounding the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.

“Ireland has done a good job – you’ve lured a lot of companies in. They love it here, they really love it here. They’ve been treated well just like I’ve been treated well. This has been a great success.”

Former president Donald Trump, speaking at Doonbeg, Co. Clare.

PAYING HOMAGE: Mick Lynch pictured beside the statue of James Connolly in Beresford Place, Dublin Picture: RollingNews.ie

BLESSING: Archbishop Malcolm McMahon Picture: Getty Images

Ed Sheeran Picture: Getty Images

Climate change in Ireland may lead to lower temperatures

which could decrease by 30 per cent in the coming years. There is also some risk – but categorised as ‘low’ – it will collapse completely. Ireland would then face sub-Arctic winters. Rivers would freeze and harbours and airports could become icebound on a regular basis, disrupting the operation of ground and air transportation.”

The Gulf Stream is part of

from land-based activities, can lead to eutrophication and adversely impact marine life. The oceans provide 50 per cent of the oxygen we breathe. They are a critical element of the global climate system in their role to regulate atmospheric processes and for distributing heat, salt, and organisms. This research shows the impact of climate change is already evident in Irish marine waters with patterns of harmful algal blooms changing. The ocean off the southwest coast will likely become warmer and less salty by the year 2035,” he warns.

BY MAL ROGERS

IRELAND is likely to see a cooling of temperatures due to the weakening of the Gulf Stream, a report published by the Marine Institute has found.

The key components in the research released last week were:

n There have been sea-level

rises of between 2-3 mm per annum since the 1990s

n A rise of ~0.5C in sea surface temperatures on Ireland’s north coast over the past ten years.

n Identification of surface water acidification and yearround presence of harmful algal species

One of the most significant findings was a weakening

Gulf Stream that could lead to a drop in temperatures.

The Gulf Stream, a strong ocean current that brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean, keeps Ireland relatively warm in the winter, given its northerly latitude. Ireland, which lies on the same latitude as Labrador, has a significantly more equitable climate. Dr Gerard

Trump cuts short trip to Doonbeg

FORMER US president Donald Trump was in Scotland and Ireland last week visiting golf courses he owns in both countries – one in Aberdeenshire, and one in Co. Clare.

He began his trip in Scotland on Tuesday, where he played a round of golf at his Turnberry course in South Ayreshire. He then flew into Shannon airport to commence the Irish leg of his brief trip.

Trump, who has confirmed his intention to stand for selection as the Republican party’s candidate for the 2024 presidential election, headed straight to his Doonbeg golf resort in Co. Clare.

When questioned why he came to Ireland while still facing an ongoing civil rape case back in New York, he told reporters: “We had a long-standing agreement to come here.”

But he subsequently cut short his flying

visit to the Republic telling reporters he had to deal with a court case in the United States.

The ex-US president spent less than 24 hours at Doonbeg, but did manage to get a round of golf in at the Co. Clare court.

He said he was leaving early to fight allegations being made against him in a civil case in New York.

Earlier Mr Trump told the BBC the political crisis that has left NI without its power-sharing government will be a “tough one to resolve”.

“Well we’re going to see – they’re negotiating and we’re going to see,” he said on Wednesday night. There are a lot of negotiations going on in Ireland and other places right now, but it’s going be a tough one.”

Speaking to reporters, he repeated his

McCarthy from the Icarus research facility at Maynooth University told RTÉ: “Without the Gulf Stream system the climate of Ireland would be much more like the climate of Iceland.” There would also be an increase in the number of Atlantic storms that Ireland would experience.

The Irish Ocean Climate and Ecosystem Status Report found that the Gulf Stream,

hit

climate targets

the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc), a vital component in the Earth’s climate. During the last Ice Age is ceased to drive warm air to Ireland, some 14,000 years ago, which saw ice, snow and glaciers cover the island.

Paul Connolly, Chief Executive of the Marine Institute, at the launch of the report, said: “Scientific evidence is critical to informing marine climate adaptation in Ireland: Local authorities require evidence to formulate action plans in line with national legislation. Changes in the ocean affect seafood, transport and biodiversity.

“Excess nutrients primarily

The Marine Institute report also says that climate change has already contributed to a rising sea level of 2-3mm since the 1990s and a rise of half a degree in sea surface temperatures over the last decade on Ireland’s northern coast.

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Dr McCarthy said: “Some climate change is locked in and will happen but we will have a much less extreme experience if we hit those climate targets.”

Dr McCarthy said one of the “surprising” aspects of the report is that there is an “element of cooling” in the North Atlantic. “So this is really remarkable that an area of the world is cooling when the whole other part of the world is warming up. We think this is a slowdown in the Gulf Stream system,” he said.

denials of allegations he faces in a civil trial of rape and defamation.

Writer E Jean Carroll is suing Mr Trump for rape. He denies knowing his accuser.

Ms Carroll, 79, has accused Mr Trump, 76, of attacking her in a New York City department store in the mid-1990s.

He told reporters in Co. Clare that the allegations were being made because he was rich, famous and a politician.

The BBC reports that at Doonbeg last week he was asked if he would prefer the corporation tax being paid by those companies in Ireland to boost US tax revenue instead.

“I won’t answer that question in your country,” he said.

“A lot of people would say yes.

“Ireland has done a good job – you’ve lured a lot of companies in. They love it here, they really love it here.

“They’ve been treated well just like I’ve been treated well. This has been a great success.”

Unlike most parts of the world where climate change will lead to higher temperatures, in Ireland global warming could lead to distinctly lower temperatures, a study has found

Donald Trump

Some climate change is locked in and will happen but we will have a much less extreme experience if we

those

RISING SEA LEVELS: The Cliffs of Moher Picture: Courtesy of Tourism Ireland

The universality of prejudice

Diane Abbott’s injudicious words about discrimination and intolerance have echoes in history

people who were not Christian might be up to barbaric rituals. They were the Christ killers. But throughout this was a fear that they were more clever than the rest of us and that they were secretly conspiring against society.

This is as unwarranted and vicious as the dismissal of people ºof colour as sub-human but it is different.

The sense that Jews are more clever stays with us as does the perception than black people have better rhythm and run faster and that the Irish are great talkers.

We can all cite examples that seem to support these stereotypes and can be tempted to forget that there are stupid Jews too, blacks that couldn’t run the length of themselves and Irish people with no sense of humour.

One might say that, viewed over the centuries, the out-workings of prejudice are not much different. Millions of black people were shackled and enslaved and died as horribly as they lived. Millions of Jews were herded into ghettoes and then in the 20th century gassed in concentration camps. And British smugness at the time of the Irish famine was prepared to let the poor starve.

Then again, perhaps ‘British smugness’ is a prejudice too.

It is in the dismissal of anti-Semitism as prejudice akin to the prejudice against people with red hair that Abbott disgraced herself but she spoke out of experience of derision and perhaps a genuine doubt that Jews, Irish and Travellers really do attract the daily abuse and attention that black people endure, being more conspicuously different.

MALACHIO’DOHERTY

THERE is a big difference between traditional anti-black racism and anti-Semitism. Diane Abbott was wrong when she said recently that Jews, Irish and Travellers don’t experience racism but she would have been right to say that the ways in which different groups experience the derision of others are different.

The standard race hatred of black people treats them as sub-human, less intelligent and closer to the apes than to the white people.

I recall once travelling up the Falls Road in a black taxi and a woman sitting opposite me spotted a black soldier and said: “Look at him. Just down from the trees and they give him a gun and send him over here. That’s the thanks we get back for our

black baby money.”

This is little different from the contempt often expressed for the Irish through Punch magazine and some distinguished writers like Thackeray in the nineteenth century.

There is even a book by Noel Ignatiev called How The Irish Became White. It shows how the Irish in North America, at the lowest social stratum, raised themselves up and politically organised, sometimes at the expense of the slaves and their prospects.

If you were a dirt-poor migrant in Mississippi you might see the liberation of slaves as a threat to your own livelihood for they would be competing against you for what little work there was.

I don’t think the Irish are regarded

as stupid and primitive any more.

If anything, the modern stereotype sees us as great wits and charmers, an equally flawed assessment but one that regards us as likeable rather than contemptible. In Ireland the prejudice was expressed as sectarianism. When I was involved in the

Community Awareness Programme with the RUC we had much discussion about whether there should be quotas for Catholic recruits.

Some of the police officers argued that quotas lowered standards.

I said that might be true if you were trying to help up a disadvantaged community where educational standards were low but you could hardly say that about Northern Irish Catholics. Their educational attainment was on average higher than that of Protestants.

I tell this story in my new book, How To Fix Northern Ireland. A BBC producer turned on me in the BBC canteen when I jumped the queue and said, “You Fenians now think you own the place.”

I didn’t complain about it because I thought he had made a fool of himself and even jeopardised his own job – if I had chosen to report him.

The standard prejudice against Jews is not that they are stupid and inferior people. In the past it was largely informed by a fear that

In other words, there is a point to be made about the differences between anti-Irish, anti-Traveller, anti-Semitic and anti-black attitudes and these differences arise from the different experiences of these groups and how they interacted with wider society.

I doubt there is significant antiIrish prejudice in Britain today.

What there was emerged from a history of real difference. The poor are looked down on everywhere and the Irish were poor. They were Catholic in Protestant Britain and their loyalty was in doubt because of the cyclical pattern of rebellion and anti-British violence going back 250 years.

And in the post war expansion of British cities, Irish labour was relied on but disdained and out of that came loneliness, drunkenness and disaffection.

As an Irish person I am not offended by Diane Abbott saying that prejudice against me is not comparable to prejudice against her.

But I don’t presume to suggest what others should feel.

A BBC producer turned on me in the BBC canteen when I jumped the queue and said, “You Fenians now think you own the place”

FIGHTING RACISM: A civil rights march on Washington DC in 1963 (photo US National Archives and Records Administration - public domain) Picture: Getty Images

Irish troops bound for Lebanon

AN Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Mr Micheál Martin accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Irish Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, reviewed the 122nd Infantry Battalion, UNIFIL at Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick.

Commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Cathal Keohane, the 122nd Infantry Battalion have been in training for the past two months and are scheduled to deploy to Lebanon later this month with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The UNIFIL mission continues to represent Ireland’s largest overseas deployment.

The 122nd Infantry Battalion will deploy to the UNIFIL area of operations with 347 personnel (9 Maltese and 338 Irish).

Drawn primarily from Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick, the 122nd Infantry Battalion will replace the 121th

Infantry Battalion from Galway who deployed to Lebanon last November.

There are 85 soldiers within the 122nd Infantry Battalion deploying on their first overseas peace-

Benefit night for Mattie Maher

A CAMPAIGN to raise money for the family of a popular London GAA referee who died during a match has nearly reached a quarter of its intended target.

Tipperary native Mattie Maher died suddenly on April 23, 2022, during a Gaelic football match.

He was officiating a clash between Lancashire and Hertfordshire at the Glen Rovers GAA ground in Watford, Hertfordshire.

The 60-year-old, who lived in Uxbridge, left behind his devastated wife Denise, their two children and many more family and friends.

This month a fundraising night held in his honour will take place at the Tir Chonaill Gaels GAA grounds in Greenford, to support Mr Maher’s family.

And donations have already been pouring in on a Go Fund Me page set up by his friend Neil O’Shea.

Mr O’Shea has set a £20,000 fundraising target for the page, which has already received £4,130 in donations.

keeping misison. There are also five female personnel deploying.

The ceremonial occasion consisted of a parade, a blessing of the 122nd Infantry.

“Mattie died tragically while refereeing a Gaelic Football match between Lancashire and Hertfordshire last year leaving a young family behind,” Mr O’Shea explains.

“Mattie dedicated so much of his life to Gaelic Games in London refereeing both

Football and Hurling, and as team manager and officer for his club and we are calling on all gaels to support this worthy cause by attending on the night and/or donating here.”

The Benefit Night for the family of Mattie Maher will take place at the Tir Chonaill Gaels’ ground on Saturday, May 27 from 8pm.

An emotional time for songwriter Sheeran

tribute to his late grandmother. Antrim-based folk group Beoga back Sheeran on this song.

Sheeran continued his musical links with the North of Ireland in 2019 by teaming up with Downpatrick-based Lowden Guitars to produce a new range of guitars

It looks like I’m not going to have to retire from my day job after all... But at the same time I am absolutely frustrated that baseless claims like this are allowed to go to court at all

Labour for Irish Unity to continue its efforts in 2023

LABOUR for Irish Unity (LFIU) has welcomed new members to its organisation

The links with the North continued in a court case which came to an end last week when a court in the US ruled that he did not copy Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On when composing Thinking Out Loud

At one point in court proceedings Sheeran said that his influence would have been Belfast singer and composer Van Morrison, and not Marvin Gaye.

The organisation campaigns in the British labour movement and the Irish community in Britain for the reunification of Ireland, on a basis to be decided by the people of Ireland.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held recently where reports of LFIU’s work and the political strategy for 2023 were discussed

IT has been a mixed few weeks for Ed Sheeran. In April his Irish grandmother, to whom he was very close, died in Enniscorthy.

Anne Mary – known as Nancy –Sheeran, was born a Mulligan, from Gorey.

She was the subject of the song

Nancy Mulligan

Ed’s grandfather William Sheeran was a Protestant from Belfast. He studied and practised dentistry in London. It was there that he met a nurse at London’s Guy’s hospital, Anne Mulligan, and married her in 1951.

Sheeran explained to Zane Lowe on his Beats 1 show: “One was Protestant and from Belfast and one was Catholic from southern Ireland. They got engaged and no one turned up to the wedding. He melted all his gold teeth in his dental surgery and melted them down into a wedding ring. They wore borrowed clothes to get married and had this sort of Romeo and Juliet romance which is like the most romantic thing. I thought I’d write a song about it and make it a jig.”

Sheeran previously sang about Bill on the X track Afire Love Divide also features the song Supermarket Flowers, in which Sheeran pays

In court Sheeran absolutely denied stealing elements of the song for his 2014 worldwide hit Thinking Out Loud.

Outside the court, Sheran said: “It looks like I’m not going to have to retire from my day job after all,” he said. “But at the same time I am absolutely frustrated that baseless claims like this are allowed to go to court at all.

“If the jury had decided this matter the other way we might as well say goodbye to the creative freedom of songwriters.

“I am not and will never allow myself to be a piggy bank for anyone to shake,” he added, reports the BBC

A statement from the organisation said: “Over the past year, LFIU has continued to generate a discussion on a united Ireland, civil liberties and historical issues. We have worked alongside politicians, human rights and community activists, trade unionists and others both in Ireland and Britain.

“We have submitted motions calling for the Labour Party leadership to prepare for a Border Poll at Constituency Labour Party meetings and voiced our opposition to the Legacy Bill.

“While a growing debate is taking place throughout Ireland about re-unification, LFIU seeks to support this conversation by raising awareness. Our meetings and online webinars form part of this process.”

STRIKING A CHORD: Ed Sheeran chats with Co. Down guitar guru George Lowden

Performer mourns the death of his Irish grandmother, but has triumphed in a US court over a copyright challenge

ON DUTY: Members of the 122nd Infantry Group marching into position in Sarsfield Barracks, Limerick

Mattie Maher

SEVEN piece folkpunk—rock-ballad band The Mary Wallopers were formed by brothers Charles and Andrew Hendy and their friend Sean McKenna.

Global Irish Forum in Dublin

BY GERRY MOLUMBY

minutes with... CHARLES HENDY of The Mary Wallopers

What are you up to?

Sitting in Dundalk listening to the birds outside thinking about how peaceful it is.

Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine?

Rule Britannia.

Which musician has most influenced you?

Has to be Jinx Lennon from Dundalk. He’s the most prolific, honest and amazing songwriter/music-maker.

Who would be in your ideal band?

Well we have our ideal band: Andrew Hendy, Seán McKenna, Róisín Barrett, Finnian O’ Connor, Seamas Hyland and Ken Mooney.

How did you get started in music?

Me and my brother Andrew used to play music at home since we were children, there were always singing sessions in the house. Later on we started a hip hop group and after that joined forces with Seán McKenna singing around the pubs for free drink. Eventually the pubs decided it was cheaper to just pay us. Since then we’ve expanded to bring in all the other tramps into the band.

Where are you from in Ireland, and what are your roots?

The rest of the band are from other spots, but me, Andrew, Seán and Finnian are from Dundalk.

What’s on your smartphone playlist at the minute?

A bit of everything; I’ve been listening to some old country and western stuff, like Marty Robbins etc.

What is your favourite place in Ireland? Dundalk.

What would be your motto?

‘Live Laugh Love’.

Which living person do you most admire?

Richie Kavanagh. Stay wut ’er Richie! Who will act you when they make a film of your life?

Danny Dyer.

Bowie or the Beatles? Neither.

If you weren’t a musician what other job would you be really good at?

Don’t know, never particularly liked jobs.

They have a handful of gigs in Britain throughout May (see below).

THE recent Global Irish Civic Forum in Dublin conference invited representatives of organisations working with Irish diaspora communities to come together in Dublin Castle.

A diverse range of groups and individuals took part, sharing a range of views and experiences.

Mary Swanton from The Irish Pastoral Centre Boston spoke directly to the head of The Irish Abroad Unit, Aidan Cronin, to thank him and his team for how the immediate generous emergency funding from the Emigrant Support Funds during the pandemic, was vital. “We would not have survived the Covid pandemic without you.”

Spoken at the last plenary session, she echoed the concerns of many of the delegates working in Irish Welfare who had to adapt quickly to issues like the travel ban and how face-time care/support was being done.

At the first panel discussion Irish-born Hilary Beirne of the NYC St Patrick’s Day

Foundation said that “85 per cent of the young Irish diaspora aged 18 to 35 years of age in the United States are not engaged with any Irish organisation”.

He added: “Unless some sort of real engagement with either voting rights in a presidential election or some kind of representation here in the Seanad the ability of Ireland to have access to the White House on its national holiday may disappear.”

Alan Humphreys, president of the Irish Support Agency New South Wales, agreed that extending the presidential vote to the diaspora was desirable, as did Ted Smith, a retired Irish diplomat.

He wanted to the floor to know why there was “the delay, the hesitancy in calling the referendum” with regards extending voting rights for the presidential election.

The Global Irish Civic Forum is an initiative of the Irish Government to engage with the Irish diaspora from around the world. Each forum helps strengthen ties between Ireland and the diaspora, promoting discussion around issues of concern and interest to the global Irish community.

Really great at being on the dole.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given this year?

Collect your receipts.

Have you a favourite line from a song? Loads and loads. One of my favourite lines is from a poem by Dr John Cooper Clarke;

‘Standing in the dandruff light, tryna get pissed, among the head-lice, old spice, Brut and body mist.’

It’s from Salome Maloney, it paints a perfect picture of standing in a shite nightclub.

In terms of inanimate objects, what is your most precious possession? Our instruments.

What’s the best thing about where you live?

The people and pubs. . . . and the worst?

Maybe we›ve a lack of takeaway food variety.

What’s the greatest lesson life has taught you?

It’s alright to fail miserably.

What do you believe in?

Dunno

Who/what is the greatest love of your life?

Singing ballads.

The Mary Wallopers are on tour:

Wednesday, May 10 — Newcastle Wylam

Brewery

Thursday, May 11 — Bath Komedia

Friday, May 12 — Birmingham, The Mill

Saturday, May 13 — London O2, Forum

Kentish Town

Saturday, May 27 — Neighbourhood

Weekender, Warrington

Easter Rising marked at ceremony

Relatives of executed Easter Rising leaders join Irish President and Taoiseach at graveside ceremony in Arbour Hill, Dublin

BY FIONA AUDLEY

RELATIVES of the Easter Rising leaders were among those in attendance at a ceremony held to mark the 1916 rebellion and those who fought for the cause.

The event, held at Arbour Hill cemetery in Dublin, was hosted by Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin last week.

The annual commemoration marks the Irish uprising against British rule which took place in 1916 and remembers its 14 executed leaders who are buried in the grounds of the Church of the Sacred Heart.

President Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar both attended the event.

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neill were also in Dublin to pay their respects.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Caroline Conroy, Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney and relatives of the Rising leaders and others who fought in 1916 were also in the congregation.

Speaking after the event, Minister Martin said: “Today, we remember those who died for Ireland in 1916 and in

particular those 14 executed leaders of 1916 who are buried here at Arbour Hill.

“I am delighted to host this traditional commemorative event in the company of relatives of the executed leaders.”

A Requiem Mass was held followed by a ceremony at the 1916 leaders grave.

The Mary Wallopers — Charles Hendy is front row, centre

PAYING RESPECTS: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Micheál Martin with military leaders at Arbour Hill Picture: RollingNews.ie

The Irish and the coronation

SINN Féin’s Michelle O’Neill’s acceptance of a seat at the coronation elicited some of the ambiguous feelings towards the British monarchy that have often been evident in Ireland.

On the one hand, Ms O’Neill was the butt of some criticism and mockery – an amusing photoshopped picture of herself decked out in union jack colours, like the most fanatical East Belfast loyalist, circulated on social media. Peadar Toíbín, formerly of Sinn Féin and now leader of Aontú, the newer republican (and socially conservative) party was strongly critical. He said that the Belfast leader had “made a mistake” in accepting the invitation, and that “grassroots Republicans will be very annoyed”. Some called her, inevitably, a “flipflop” and a “turncoat”.

We are living in a time of great change. A time to respect our differing and equally legitimate aspirations, and focus on the opportunities the next decade will bring Michelle O’Neill on attending the coronation

But there were plenty who thought that it was shrewd for Sinn Féin to position itself, politically, as representing all of the people of Northern Ireland, including those from a Unionist background. Just as an ordinary member of parliament doesn’t just serve those who voted for her or him - they serve the whole constitutency, so should a leader.

And since peace policies are enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement – so recently celebrated by President Biden – isn’t any gesture of peace and reconciliation a positive one? Plenty of Irish people saw Michelle’s response as “mature”, and “welcome”. I heard of applause in West Cork, endorsing the view that “the further south you go in Ireland” the less animus towards the old British-Irish conflict.

There has always been an ambiguous attitude in Ireland towards the British monarchy and its ceremonials. The pomp and circumstance have been ridiculed as “Ruritanian”, and opposed to the modern age’s emphasis on equality. The Protestant tradition of the Hanoverian inheritance – in which, until the coronation of George V, the church of Rome had to be specifically repudiated, and the veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary denounced as a

form of idolatry, was also offensive to the majority of Irish people.

“The Crown” itself represented, for many nationalists, the subjugation of the Irish people, so memorably underlined in popular ballads like The Fields of Athenry – in which the “Crown” is associated with the Famine).

In 1937, at the coronation of George VI, and then in 1953, at that of Elizabeth II, the policy of the Dublin government was to remain “aloof” from proceedings. The Irish Legation in London (as it then was) was forbidden, by De Valera himself, to join other diplomatic corps in displaying bunting for George VI.

In 1953, attitudes were austere, and while the Irish ambassador, Freddy Boland, attended Elizabeth’s coronation, it was emphasised that he did so for protocol reasons only. No Irish political figure was present – Ireland had recently become a republic in 1949, and felt the need to affirm its distance from Buckingham Palace.

And yet, at the same time, there has always been a kind of fascination with these rites, steeped in spiritual symbolism, going back over a thousand years. There has also been a human interest in the people involved. Secret movies of the 1953 coronation were privately shown in the Republic, and magazines with details of the events were discreetly circulated.

For, however much republicans may disagree with the system of monarchy, there is always a human fascination with display and rituals, as well as a compelling interest in the personalities involved.

The Windsors are a dynasty, and a dynasty is a family: and Irish society, with its own ancient clan-based roots, has always had a strong grasp of family dynamics. Screen series like “The Crown” have been widely watched in Ireland; news of Harry and Meghan’s antics are as closely followed in Ireland as elsewhere.

Modern celebrity culture has, to some extent, also changed the perception of “the royals”. They are less viewed as a caste of aristocrats, and seen more as a cast of celebs.

Peadar Toíbín has underlined the political perspective of the coronation – objecting to the Legacy Bill, protecting British military personnel involved in the North’s Troubles, which the King will shortly sign into law. But probably most people think that politics are for another day – the coronation itself is a party. And King Charles’s decision to include the Irish language in the procedure has been welcomed.

And let’s honestly admit that most women will be riveted to see what the attenders are wearing. Who doesn’t like looking at an elegant hat,

MAJESTIC MUSIC: A piper in the Irish Guards regiment of the British army preparing for the big occasion Picture: Getty Images

a designer ensemble, the jewels and the tiaras? And who doesn’t enjoy people-watching? The gathering of monarchs, heads of state and distinguished notables from all over the world will surely be as compelling as the pageantry that ensues with sceptre, crown, orb and gold coach.

In truth, Michelle O’Neill has taken

a historic step, even if, for some, a controversial one. As the daughter of a strong Tyrone IRA republican, who started her adult life as a teenage single mother, Ms O’Neill certainly has crossed a bridge, and perhaps built one, by her presence at the solemn enthronement of King Charles and Queen Camilla.

n Mary Kenny, one of Ireland’s most respected historians and journalists, is the author of Crown and Shamrock: Love and Hate between Ireland and the British Monarchy

MARY KENNY considers the long and complex relationship between the British monarchy and Ireland

Springing into musical action

THE Irish Heritage Spring Concert took place at Royal Over-Seas League in St James’s, London on April 26, featuring recent Irish Heritage bursary winners.

The evening included the premiere of the composition Flowers by 2021-2022 Composition Bursary winner Michael Hughes, which was performed by tenor Rory Carver and guitarist Johan Löfving.

Joe Duggan and Isibéal Ballance

The 2021-2022 Irish Heritage Composition Bursary winner Michael Hughes is pictured with Cathy Hughes and Angela Brady

Pianist Luke Lally Maguire

Guitarist Johan Löfving and tenor Rory Carver

Soprano Laura Aherne

Irish chef Anna Haugh is pictured 2nd left with Richard Elwell and Deirdre and Tom Scanlon

PICTURES BY MALCOLM MCNALLY PHOTOGRAPHY

Jim Kirby, Director of the Irish Heritage management committee

Better than expected BP profits

BY MAL ROGERS

BP has reported profits just short of $5 billion in the first three months of the year.

The energy giant said profits had risen from the $4.8 billion delivered in the final quarter of last year due to “exceptional” performance in its gas marketing and trading business.

Bernard Looney, the Kenmare-born chief executive officer said: “This has been a quarter of strong performance and strategic delivery as we continue to focus on safe and reliable operations. Momentum continues to build across our integrated energy company strategy, with the start-up of Mad Dog Phase 2, our agreement to acquire TravelCenters of America and progress towards hydrogen and CCS projects in the UK. And importantly we continue to deliver for shareholders, through disciplined investment, lowering net debt and growing distributions.”

The results come in the face of falling oil and gas pricesand profits were higher than the earnings for the fourth quarter of 2022 and above estimates.

The better-than-expected results triggered renewed calls among politicians and campaign groups for action to close “loopholes” in the windfall tax levied against North Sea oil producers, according to The Times.

Sir Keir Starmer joined in the criticism, saying Labour would use the profits made by

More Ryanair aircraft for Luton

RYANAIR will increase its fleet at Luton Airport by adding three brand new aircraft for summer 2023.

The airline has confirmed that three of its new ‘gamechanger’ aircraft will be added to its existing fleet at London Luton Airport.

“These three brand new 737 8200 Gamechanger aircraft are more environmentally friendly and will reduce noise by 40 per cent and CO2 emissions by 16 per cent while delivering greater capacity to carry 4 per cent more passengers per flight,” said a statement from the airline.

The airline’s decision to allocate the new aircraft to Luton Airport forms part of its joint strategy with the airport to “deliver growth in a sustainable way”.

Ryanair will operate over 140 weekly flights across 27 routes to/from London Luton Airport this summer, including nine new routes to Bezier, Bologna, Malta and Seville.

longer-term strategy between Ryanair and the Airport’s management team t o deliver sustainable growth at LLA,” he added.

BP and other fossil fuel companies to freeze council tax.

The Labour leader told the BBC: “Of course we want BP and others to make profits so they can invest”, but that these profits are “over and above” what BP expected and should contribute to a “proper windfall tax”.

Announcing the additional aircraft for Luton Airport, Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson said: “Ryanair is delighted to announce the addition of 3 “Gamechanger” aircraft to our fleet at London Luton Airport, making our operations at LLA even more sustainable.

“This significant investment at London Luton Airport forms part of a

Jonathan Rayner, Chief Commercial Officer at London Luton Airport, added: “We are delighted to welcome the arrival of these three new fuel-efficient Ryanair aircraft at London Luton Airport.

“As well as our commitment to achieve Net Zero Carbon for our own airport emissions by 2040, we are working closely with our airlines to reduce their emissions and Ryanair’s investment in these next generation aircraft is an exciting development that underlines its commitment to working sustainably with LLA.”

A HEAVENLY COOK BOOK

Cork institution Paradiso, whose reputation has spread beyond Ireland, now has its own recipe book

BY FIONA AUDLEY

THE founder of an internationally famous vegetarian restaurant in Cork has published a new cookbook which has been backed by actor Cillian Murphy, one of his biggest celebrity fans.

When Denis Cotter opened Paradiso in 1993, his hope was to “create a modern, vegetable-based cuisine that could stand with ‘normal’ restaurants, a place where people went to eat pleasurable, exciting, modern food”.

that is what it is and what it represents,” he says.

“It is us now. It is our manual for today and, with just a glance at and a nod to the past, it is what the future is always being built on.”

beloved part of Cork’s food

Thirty years later, the restaurant has become a beloved part of Cork’s food culture and Cotter has released a new book celebrating the journey so far.

“Paradiso: Recipes & Reflections is a snapshot of where Paradiso is now,” he confirms.

is a snapshot of where Paradiso is now,” he confirms. coffee table book as well as a been written by Cork-born long-held affection for the food restaurant today. 

Described as “a gorgeous coffee table book as well as a recipe book”, the foreword has been written by Cork-born actor Cillian Murphy, of Peaky Blinders fame, who carries a long-held affection for the food and philosophy of Paradiso.

For Cotter, who has now published five books, his latest tome captures the essence of his

restaurant today.

“The book is a result of gathering and translating over the years and could not be called anything other than simply Paradiso because

 Paradiso: Recipes and Reflections is available now at www.ninebeanrowsbooks.com and will also be sold at Paradiso in Cork city.

The book is a result of gathering and translating

A Ryanair 737 Picture: Courtesy of Ryanair

Bernard Looney Picture: Getty Images

Denis Cotter author of Paradiso - Recipes & Reflections Picture: Ruth Calder Potts

In the pink

Arson enquiries ongoing into cars being torched

and destroyed. Shortly after, another car was destroyed by a petrol bomb being thrown at the car.

Drugs arrest after investigation in Kildare KILDARE

REVENUE officers have seized cannabis with an estimated value of over €400,000 during searches in Kildare.

The seizure was made as part of an intelligence-led operation involving Revenue’s Customs Service, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) and the Kildare Divisional Drugs Unit.

During the course of the operation, Revenue officers seized approximately 17kgs of herbal cannabis with an estimated street value of €340,000.

In a follow up search at an industrial premises in Athy, Co. Kildare, a further

3kgs of herbal cannabis, with an estimated value of €60,000, were uncovered.

Revenue also seized 272 packets of edible jellies, with an estimated value of €13,600.

A man in his 40s was arrested by An Garda Síochána and was detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996.

This operation was part of Revenue’s continuing joint investigations targeting organised crime groups and the importation, sale and supply of illegal drugs.

Disappearance of couple remains a mystery

AN investigation is underway after arson attacks were carried out on two cars in in the Newtownards area of Co. Down.

PSNI officers are appealing to the public for information following the two separate incidents which were caused by incendiary devices. There were no reports of any injuries in the attacks.

A PSNI spokesperson said that one car in the north Down area had been set alight

The PSNI’s Inspector Hanna said of the attacks: “It is extremely fortunate that no one was injured in what can only be described as reckless attacks that could have resulted in more serious consequences.

“Both incidents are being treated as arson and officers are investigating a number of lines of enquiry in relation to the fires.”

ON THE anniversary of one of the most baffling missing persons cases ever to occur in Ireland, gardaí, community groups and friends of a couple who disappeared in 1991 have made fresh appeals for any information in the case.

Cork Beo reports that the sudden and complete disappearance of the quiet couple, both in their sixties, from a Cork town in broad daylight remains a mystery. A statement on An Garda Síochána website says: Conor and Sheila Dwyer from Fermoy have been missing since 1991. They lived at Chapel Hill, Fermoy, Co. Cork.

“They were last seen at St

Patrick’s Church in Fermoy on 30th April 1991. Some days later gardaí were notified that the couple were missing. The gardaí went to the Dwyer home and found

the house secure and all personal items such as clothes, passports and money still in the house. However their car, a white Toyota Cressida registration number 5797 ZT was not at the house and has not been located to date.

The gardaí statement adds: “The couple were aged in their early sixties when they went missing.”

The were the parents of

two grown sons, Gerry and Conor Jr., who both resided in the UK at the time.

The Dwyers’ bank accounts remained untouched after the disappearance.

Gardaí still believe that tracing their car holds the key to the mystery. But extensive searches, including at Cork and Shannon airports, drew a blank.

Mr Dwyer was known to have become a trusted worker for a German businessman a Mr Fritz Wolf, who had a home near Castlelyons. In 1993, there was a reported sighting of Mr Dwyer in Bavaria, but after investigation by both gardaí and Bavarian police it led nowhere.

Honouring President Biden for successful visit

A LASTING tribute to US President Joe Biden should be considered to thank him for making his historic trip west to Mayo an overwhelming success, reports The Mayo News President Biden’s great great grandfather, Edward Blewitt, came from Ballina, and President Biden made it clear from the outset he wanted to visit the West.

Cathaoirleach of the Ballina Municipal District, Cllr Mark Duffy now believes that Mayo should do something to thank the president for coming to the county.

“President Biden made the decision to

come to Ballina… his connection should be celebrated. I would love to see some recognition of that because even in terms of PR and marketing, it is multimillion euro in terms of value already. But equally, the good will and spirit it brought is unquantifiable… President Biden is so proud of his heritage and roots in the county, it is only fitting we do something for him,” Cllr Duffy told The Mayo News

The new N5 is due to be opened in the coming weeks, and Cllr Duffy said that naming the new road after President Biden may be a suggestion. But he feels that the general public should decide what form the gesture should take.

Arrest following domestic violence incident

A MAN was arrested in Derry after a female PSNI officer was punched several times in the face.

A second officer was also punched, while three further officers were spat at during the incident.

Police have condemned the actions of the perpetrator, saying assaults on officers ‘must not be tolerated’ under any circumsances. The incident unfolded after officers responded to a report of a domestic-related occurrence at a property in the Carranbane Walk area of the city. When a female

DERRY

officer approached a man who was in the garden of the property, he punched her in the face a number of times. The officer was taken to hospital for treatment for her injuries, which included an injury to her eye.

The man was also reported to have punched and spat at a second officer as well as spitting at a third.

The man, aged 18, was arrested on suspicion of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily

harm, assault on police, resisting police, criminal damage and common assault.

“He was taken to police custody, where he spat in another officer’s face, and threw a cup of water in a fifth officer’s face,” said Inspector Craig of the PSNI in Derry.

“Our enquiries into this incident are continuing, but I want to stress that assaults on our officers are unacceptable, and must not be tolerated as simply being ‘part of the job’,” he said.

CORK

Ray Kane and Ruby Ignacio from Drogheda photographed in Herbert Park, Dublin with the Cherry trees now in full bloom.

Picture: Rolling News.ie

MALROGERS

Nation building from Basel to Bristol

ON May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the state of Israel. US President Harry S. Truman recognized the new nation on the same day.

The seeds of Israel were, however, sown in Switzerland. The birthplace of the idea was in Basel, a city on the SwissGerman-French border. (In the space of about ten minutes you can walk to three different countries.)

Mind you not just international politics have had their genesis here in Switzerland.

Picture, if you will, a dreary Friday afternoon 80 years ago in 1943 in one of Basel’s major pharmaceutical companies. Dr Albert Hoffman is experimenting on fungus, hoping to extract a cure for migraine. Feeling a bit odd, he decides to call it a day. He makes his way across Rhine, which makes a lazy right hand-turn here.

He heads into the Old Town, through the 700-year-old Spalentor gate tower, and past the elegant 16th century Town Hall. But he sees none of these architectural delights. Instead his eyes are assailed by “an uninterrupted stream of fantastic pictures... a kaleidoscopic play of colours.” And that’s just the good bits.

Because what our Albert had discovered wasn’t a cure for migraine at all, but LSD.

Don’t try this one at home folks!

Today Basel’s charming, rattling trams will deliver you to pubs, clubs, shops and a bewildering range of museums dedicated to everything from puppets to, yes, pharmaceuticals. But for particularly juicy history you don’t even need to go museummooching. Just pop into the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois for a coffee. There’s no telling what you might come up with. Because this old inn, dating back to 1026, has been midwife to momentous ideas. The eponymous kings, Les Trois Rois in fact – Emperor Conrad II, Heinrich III, and Rudolf III of

Unlikely liaisons

I WATCHED carefully at the coronation at the various guests. Not just the Sinn Féin detachment – Michelle O’Neill, First Minister Designate of Northern Ireland will undoubtedly have been delighted to have been listed as a ‘Foreign Dignitary. No, I watched carefully to see how a specific couple of guests would interact – or indeed if the would.

All of Britain’s former prime ministers were invited, so Gordon Brown was there in all his finery.

So also was Margareta, Custodian of the Crown of Romania the heiress presumptive to the throne which her father had abdicated in 1948.

While studying in England, she had a five year romance with Gordon Brown

So if Gordon had remained with Margareta, he could have, at this point, been contemplating a name change to King Gordon Presumptive I of Romania – only ‘Presumptive’ because the Romanian government does not recognise the defunct throne.

But alas it wasn’t to be. As Margareta said: “I never stopped loving him but ... but with Gordon it was politics, politics, politics.”

One wonders if there are any similar skeletons in the cupboard of our own former Taoisigh. Take Bertie Ahern – is there a Kristina, Crown Princess of Boglsovia or the like who sobbingly says: “I still love Bertie but with him it was always dig-outs, dig-outs, dig-outs.”

Or are there members of displaced Royal families in far-flung parts of Europe pining for Micheál, Leo or Brian Cowen?

Sad to say, I could glean nothing from the footage from Westminster Abbey. I wonder did Michelle O’Neill spot anything?

Eye-wateringly expensive waterways

THE tolls for using the Panama Canal vary by size of vessel. A modern colossal cargo ship may have to pay more than $800,000 to travel the 80 kilometres, although, to be fair, a yacht of less than 65 feet will only pay $1600.

In 1928 travel writer Richard Halliburton swam the Panama Canal. He was charged 36 cents.

The eponymous kings booked B&B here to thrash out matters of sovereignty

Burgundy – booked B&B here to thrash out matters of sovereignty. Evidently a fruitful meeting, as the citizens of Switzerland – basically a bunch of German, Italian and French hill-farmers clinging to a mountain range –subsequently became the richest nation on earth.

Not surprisingly, most of the crowned heads of Europe have crashed at LTR ever since, obviously a fecund place for scheming. It was while standing here on a balcony gazing down on the Rhine that Theodor Herzl came up with his Big Idea: a new state called Israel.

Although Herzl died before

Israel’s establishment, he is known in Hebrew as ‘Visionary of the State’ Funnily enough, the phrase “Bob’s your uncle” has resonance with this week’s anniversary in Israel, and with Ireland as well. Arthur Balfour was Chief Secretary to Ireland, appointed by Robert Cecil, Lord Salisbury who was his uncle, hence the ‘Bob’. In this post, he authored the Perpetual Crimes Act (1887) (or Coercion Act) aimed at the prevention of intimidation and unlawful assembly in Ireland during the Irish Land War. He was responsible for dealing with the likes of the embargo against Captain Charles Boycott, when tenants banded together, shunned their landlord, refused to harvest his crops, isolated him – in effect they, well, er, they boycotted him. It’s the only word for it. Balfour eventually became British Foreign Secretary, and in this post he came up with the Balfour Declaration of 1917, supporting the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Neither area thrived under Balfour.

Overall, things didn’t go to well in Ireland (Bob really wasn’t yer uncle), and indeed in Israel these last 75 years haven’t really been a case of so far, so good. Once again Bob hasn’t really been their uncle. Oddly enough, and I don’t like to boast here, I’ve been to the sites of the foundations of three countries: Switzerland, Israel and India. The idea of the former two were, as listed above, thought up in Les Tois Rois hotel. But I only had to pop over to Bristol to pay my respects to the to the Indian prince Rajah Roy who is listed by the Hindustan Times as “The Maker of Modern India”.

During a visit to Britain, he was diagnosed with meningitis and died in Stapleton, northeast of Bristol, on September 27, 1833. He was buried at the Arnos Vale Cemetery in southern Bristol.

In honour of the work he did in bringing India together, the local council have recently named a street after him.

The Panama Canal cost for a big cargo ship bears some resemblance to the ferry (by punt) across the Thames. The Henley Regatta – the blazers and bubbly extravaganza on the Thames this year runs from June 27- July 2.

Now, the last time I was there I was charged £5 to cross the river, a voyage of some 20 metres or less. That works out at £250 per kilometre, or about €285. Never mind a private jet, getting to the International Space Station probably compares quite well with that.

Afghanistan’s apex predator

BACK in 2020 a group of rare snow leopards were discovered in a remote corner of Afghanistan. It seems that now there may be as many as 200 in the country.

So travelling through Afghanistan probably isn’t as safe as you thought. AT LARGE: Snow leopard Picture: Getty Images

[Les Trois Rois] has been midwife to momentous ideas.

Hard news the easy way

THE MIDWIFE OF MOMENTOUS IDEAS: Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois Picture: Courtesy of Basel Tourism

The voice of the Irish in Britain since 1970 A topic that can’t be ignored

THE evidence is clear: global climate change means Ireland’s weather will change.

But in a long forecasted development, this may mean that Ireland’s climate will become significantly less temperate.

Given Ireland’s northerly position – it lies on the same latitude as Hudson Bay or southern Alaska – winters are comparatively mild.

The latest report from the Marine Institute, produced in conjunction with the Irish Climate Analysis and Research UnitS (ICARUS) as part of the Department of Geography at Maynooth University, carries evidence of the weakening of the Gulf Stream. This warming current, which originates in the Gulf of Mexico, keeps Ireland – along with Britain and the southerly reaches of Scandinavia – relatively mild in the winter.

If this current weakens significantly, Ireland and neighbouring land masses will no longer enjoy a temperate climate.

So, as climate change causes most areas of the world to heat up, Ireland could see temperatures dropping, giving the country a climate not unlike Iceland’s, in a worst-case scenario.

The Marine Institute, and other scientific bodies, are urgently trying to understand how and why this is happening.

The institute, based in Maynooth, also uncovered other worrying trends such as a rise in sea levels, and a likelihood of stormier wetter weather for Ireland.

The report underlines that urgent action is required, locally, nationally and globally.

Improving Irish-British relations

THE coronation of King Charles III passed off without any major upsets. The London police were accused of being heavy-handed with protestors, although in the end only four people were charged in connection with the protests.

In Irish terms there were several firsts – Michel D Higgins became the first Irish head of state to attend a coronation; similarly, Leo Varadkar was the first Irish head of government to be present such an event.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Primate of All Ireland, became the first Irish bishop to attend a coronation.

And possibly the most surprising development was the presence of a Sinn Féin contingent at the event.

All will have heard words in the Irish language being used during the service.

So do these innovations, these breaks with the past, presage any major changes in Irish-British relations, or are they merely window-dressing?

As the dust settles, and as King Charles settles into his job, we will probably be able to see what the implications are.

But certainly, the goodwill generated by the Irish presence at the coronation should be deployed in every area of Irish influence, from our own community, the Irish in Britain, to the still unresolved problems of Northern Ireland.

Flight 447 – the correct decision

FURTHER to Air France and Airbus being cleared of involuntary manslaughter in relation to Flight 447 which plunged into the Atlantic in 2009.

(The Irish Post, May 6) naturally my huge sympathies are with the relatives of all who died on board, with particular mention of the three Irish doctors who perished.

One can only imagine the anguish at the time of the crash, and the ongoing sadness over the years.

Nonetheless, I believe the courts have made the correct decision — it could never be proved what exactly caused the crash. If it was pilot error, then those who made the error paid with their lives. If it was a technical defect, then that issue has long since been addressed. If there were other circumstances, then we shall never know.

Flying is vital to Ireland, being an island, and air safety is of paramount importance. But rather than be disquieted by the news that a Paris court found those operating the Airbus A330, or the people who manufactured it, innocent of all charges, we should be sanguine about it. Because there is a zero tolerance attitude to air safety which has made air travel all but foolproof, and that situation has been helped by a no-blame culture.

The Geneva-based Aircraft Crashes Record Office (ACRO) reveals every year that commercial flying continues to be very safe. Lengthy investigations are launched into every incident, with consequent adjustments, improvements taking place. An ethos of openness without blame pertains in the airline industry to encourage the airing of any mistakes or potential problems, instead of things being swept

under the carpet. That is why a not guilty verdict was the correct one in Paris.

Placing guilt on those involved in such an accident as Flight 447 helps no one — neither those in the air industry nor the general flying public; and it’s hard to see how it could help the families of the victims. The families have received substantial financial compensation, and while their loved ones will never be replaced, the tragedy will not, at least, have harmed them financially.

Maria Campbell Islington, London

Climate change and the Vatican

A RECENT Pew Research Poll measured levels of concern about climate change among religious groups. Christians did not fare too well. The poll found that people who do not identify with any religion express higher levels of concern than evangelicals and Catholics.

Regarding “levels of concern” three popes have addressed climate change. One of them, Pope Benedict XVI is known as the ‘Green Pope’. Under his pontificate, the Vatican became the first state to become carbon neutral. He addressed the climate crisis as cardinal and pontiff.

What Benedict has to say is compelling. He links climate disruption to human behaviour — warning that nothing will change so long as humanity engages in the “inner spiritual destruction” that afflicts the world today.

Pope John Paul II echoed this assessment. “Modern society will find no solution to the ecology

problem unless it takes a serious look at its lifestyle”.

We should heed those words.

Cathal Gallagher San Jose, California

George was not daunted by any task.

Arriving in Birmingham in 1954 as a builder, George continued to turn out for his native Tyrone. Married to Belfast-born Edith, and with two children, Karl (another GAA stalwart) and Jackie, George was driven by a desire to help his community. He felt a Christian duty to serve others. Sport aside, George was a gifted singer, who delighted his local Tamworth church, and cutting several CDs. So too did he support his parish, with fund raising and supporting many in need.

THE passing on February 28 of Tyrone footballer, referee and Warwickshire GAA stalwart, George McGuigan (aged 90) evokes memories for generations of exiled Gaels. Over a long life, George played senior football at No 14 for his home county. Later he came to epitomise an evolving GAA facing many challenges, not least the Troubles, plus the IRA bombings in Britain. It was an unsettling era, for sure. Yet George McGuigan helped bring stability to a GAA that at times looked uncertain of its direction.

Straight, honest, decent and friendly, George was genuinely likeable. No wonder; he was a natural giver. Whether it was encouraging up-and-coming young footballers or hurlers at 1970s Glebe Farm, Birmingham, or its 1989 successor Páirc na hÉireann; counselling club officials, cleaning dressing rooms, checking registrations, keeping gate at Birmingham, or refereeing,

But it is as a GAA leader George will be best remembered. His offices were many and multitasked; and he discharged each with diligence. In the 1960s he was a member and player at St Brendan’s GAC, Birmingham. He also served twice as secretary of Warwickshire GAA as well as chairman 1972-79

From 1976 to 1979 he was president of British GAA Provincial Council, and vicePresident of Cumann Luithchleas Gael.

One could talk endlessly of his merits, but constant re-elections to various GAA offices tells its own story. So too did the many people from all walks attending St John’s Church to bid George farewell.

I first met George at Warwickshire‘s GAA Convention held in Corby, January 1978. Frankly, this recently-arrived Co. Down student was feeling homesick. Over 45 ensuing years, I came to appreciate George as a fellow countryman, an experienced GAA leader, a father figure (as some years ago when encouraging me to “rise up” after a grave misfortune), and, towards the end, as a most loveable unofficial uncle.

Dr Vincent McKee Coventry

George McGuigan – a lifetime GAA stalwart

DOOMED AIRCRAFT: The Air France Airbus 330 at Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport five months before crashing into the Atlantic Picture: Getty Images

George McGuigan

Vol. 53. No. 19. The Irish Post

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Mal Rogers

Tel: 020 8900 4329 Mal.rogers@irishpost.co.uk

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A tragedy made worse by class considerations

TERRIBLE things can happen in life, can’t they? Terrible accidents and terrible tragedies. Sometimes someone is at fault and sometimes it is just an awful thing.

Sometimes, though, there is a context that stares out at us, that stares us in the face. If you were in the Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin, on the night of the February 14, 1981, you were almost certainly young and working class.

football match, lost their lives, and were found guilty afterwards of being working class.

Registered at the Post Office as a newspaper. The Irish Post is published every Wednesday by Color Company (TM) Ltd.

The newspaper seeks to provide the Irish in Britain with comprehensive news coverage of Irish issues from Ireland and Britain, sports news and reviews, a weekly entertainment guide, reader feedback and features of interest to the Irish in Britain.

©2009 ISSN No. 0959-3748. The Irish Post Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publishers. Newsagent distribution and printing by Trinity Mirror Printing Limited whose registered office is at One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5AP.

Not quite at that time, but just two or three years later, I started going to clubs just like that. In fact I used to regularly go to a nightclub in my own area of Birmingham that had a very notorious reputation. If you weren’t working class, and Irish or West Indian, you didn’t go near that place. I loved it. I was young and foolish and the place was alive and great craic.

At that time, I also used to go to a lot of football matches when football matches were almost entirely the preserve of working class youths deeply attached to their inner city football clubs.

In fact, just by coincidence, I was in Sheffield on the day of the Hillsborough tragedy and

They went out in 1981 and never came home and in 2023 there is still an inquest ongoing. This is not to make crass political points out of something so truly awful. This is merely to state what is so blindingly clear

had half-talked with a mate about trying to go the game.

We all remember what happened at that match and we’ve all seen how respectable society and media like The Sun newspaper besmirched and traduced the memory of those innocent ninety-six people. Ninety-six innocent people who just went to a

Forty eight young people died at the Stardust nightclub, on that night in Dublin in 1981, when fire ripped through the place. The sober, level-headed, widely respected RTÉ reporter Charlie Bird said this of what happened: “If this had happened in Annabelles or anywhere around Dublin 4 or Dublin 6, the inquiries would not have been going on for 40, 50 years.”

The renowned Irish actor Liam Cunningham, whose sister was in the Stardust nightclub that evening and survived, said this: “These working class people were blamed. It was disgusting. And it’s still going on, the disregard. So the people just felt swept under the carpet and were full of anger and quite rightly.”

They went out in 1981 and never came home and in 2023 there is still an inquest ongoing. This is not to make crass political points out of something so truly awful. This is merely to state what is so blindingly clear. Do you think if that nightclub had been full of the children and young adults from middle class homes, with a parent a doctor or a solicitor or a TD, that this would still be rumbling on?

That is not to be so monstrous as to wish that pain on those families instead but it has to be pointed out that only young people from certain families had to socialise in places where doors were chained shut.

One of the families of a child killed that night recalled Charlie Haughey coming to their door afterwards and turning at the door to wave to the media. Families have spoken at length, decade after decade, about their feelings of being blamed, being disregarded, being treated in a way that you only get if you are from certain sections of society.

This is not about using an unbelievably awful tragedy, the deaths of young people

dancing, to score political points. It is simply about pointing out the truth. It is simply about pointing out the consequences of class. The consequences of class in a country, Ireland, that claims to be free of the class system.

It seems, at best, superfluous to write about tragedy. It seems, at worst, exploitative.

But it can also be an act of solidarity. The families of The Stardust victims are still seeking justice from a system that has treated them with unbearable contempt. And that is quite clearly, quite obviously, to do with their class. It is to do with their status in Irish society. That is not to conjecture. That is to state fact. We have, after all, a long history in this country of treating certain sections of society in a certain way, using industrial schools, or Magdalene laundries, or simply the boat.

They went out to dance and they never came home and I think that could have been you, couldn’t it? Because it certainly could have been me.

 Joe Horgan tweets at @JoeHorganwriter

JOEHORGAN

Inside the courtroom in the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, where the Stardust Inquest is taking place. A poster featuring the faces of all 48 victims Picture: RollingNews.ie

A mutiny with a bitter legacy

Just over a hundred years ago Irish soldiers serving in the British army in India mutinied against actions by the British government. The action had long-reaching effects

BY GERARD CASSINI

THE Connaught Rangers mutiny, also known as the India Gate mutiny, was a mutiny by soldiers in the Connaught Rangers regiment stationed at Jullundur (aka Jalandhar) on the plans of Punjab, India in 1920.

The Connaught Rangers were an Irish regiment within the British army. Their mutiny was driven by a combination of factors, but largely resentment at the British government’s treatment of Ireland, poor working conditions, and sympathy for the Indian independence movement.

The mutiny began on June 28, 1920, when five men of the Connaught Rangers based at the Wellington Barracks in the foothills of the Himalayas, laid down their arms and refused to obey orders. They had been ordered to fire on Indian civilians who were protesting against British rule, but they refused to do so. They locked themselves into part of the barracks for the night.

The following morning they refused their service to the British government until such time that the troops withdrew from Ireland and the country given its freedom. While they were Irish men, they were also British soldiers and refusal to obey

an order is mutiny.

is They lowered a

They lowered a union jack and raised an Irish tricolour.

The original five were soon joined by others.

The mutiny spread to other units of the Connaught Rangers stationed in India

Connaught Rangers

The protests were initially peaceful, but on the evening of July 1 around 30 members of the company at Solon, armed with bayonets, attempted to recapture their rifles from the company magazine which had been confiscated at the beginning of the mutiny.

The protests were

The two garrisons in the Punjab which were the focus of the mutiny, were soon occupied by loyal British troops.

The soldiers on guard at the magazine opened fire, killing two men and wounding another. The incident effectively brought the mutiny to an end, and the mutineers at both Jullundur and Solon were placed under armed guard. Sixty-one men were convicted for their role in the mutiny. Fourteen were sentenced to death by firing

A date with history

What happened on this day...

Saturday, May 13:

1842 -–Birth of Arthur Sullivan, the son of an Irish musician. Along with William Gilbert he invents the English operetta. Sullivan’s last work was entitled The Emerald Isle.

Sunday, May 14:

1660 – Charles II is proclaimed king in Dublin, six days after London, thus ending Cromwell’s reign as Lord Protector and beginning a brief and limited Catholic Restoration

1784 – The Irish Post Office, distinct from English and Scottish services, is established by statute

1927 – The first greyhound track opens in the Republic, at Shelbourne Park, Dublin.

Monday, May 15:

1808 – Birth of composer Michael

William Balfe in Dublin.

1847 – Death of Daniel O’Connell in Italy.

1971 – Death of actor and theatre producer Tyrone Guthrie, at Newbliss, Co. Monaghan.

1980 – Geno by Dexy’s Midnight Runners reaches no. 1 in the British charts. Johnny Logan fills the no. 2 with What’s Another Year

Tuesday, May 16:

587 – St Brendan the Navigator, early transatlantic voyager, dies. In the liturgical calendar, today is St Brendan’s Feast Day. Brendan, at the end of the 5th or beginning of the 6th century, is believed to have made it to America – some three centuries before Erik, and nine centuries before Columbus.

1926 – The founders of Fianna Fáil, including their leader Éamon de Valera, meet for the first time.

squad, but the only soldier

squad, but the only soldier whose capital sentence was carried out was Private James Joseph Daly. He was regarded as the ring leader of the mutiny.

leader of the mutiny. Rangers mutiny was a pendence movement and ment. It highlighted the growing

The Connaught Rangers mutiny was a significant event in the history of the Indian independence movement and the Irish independence movement. It highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among British soldiers stationed in India, as well as the links between Irish nationalism and Indian nationalism. The mutiny also contributed to a shift in British policy towards Ireland, with the government eventually granting independence to the country in 1922.

The Connaught Rangers’ mutiny continued to resonate in 20th century Ireland and indeed into the 21st. It has been the subject of books, radio and television programmes, plays and ballads, and the mutineers have been commemorated as Irish republican heroes.

The legacy of the 1920 mutiny was a resonance between an independent Ireland and an independent India, and a joint solidarity against imperialism and colonialism.

Wednesday, May 17:

1974 – Three car bombs explode in Dublin and Monaghan, killing 33 people.

No one is ever charged withthe killings.

STANDISH O’GRADY

MAY 18 is the 95th anniversary of the death in 1928 on the Isle of Wight of the writer Standish O’Grady.

Born in Castletownbere, Co. Cork, O’Grady’s literary works were an influence on WB Yeats and George Russell leading to him being called the “Father of the Celtic Revival”.

In the Coming of Cuculain he revisits the ancient sagas of Ireland. In an explanatory note he says: “I have endeavoured so to tell the story as to give a general idea of the cycle, and of primitive heroic Irish life as reflected in that literature, laying the cycle, so far as accessible, under contribution to furnish forth the tale. Within a short compass I would bring before swift modern readers

Thursday, May 18:

1939 – The first aircraft landed at the newly opened Rineanna Airfield, later to become Shannon International Airport.

1928 – Death of Standish O’Grady.

the more striking aspects of a literature so vast and archaic as to repel all but students.”

In this extract, the heroes of

Friday, May 19:

1798 – Lord Edward Fitzgerald, one of the leaders of the ’98 Uprising, is arrested in Dublin. He dies on June 4 from injuries received during the violent struggle.

the Ulster cycle are feasting at Emain Macha (modern day Armagh):

The Red Branch feasted one night in their great hall at Emain Macha. So vast was the hall that a man, such as men are now, standing in the centre and shouting his loudest, would not be heard at the circumference, yet the low laughter of the King sitting at one end was clearly audible to those who sat around the Champion at the other. . . At the noise of them running to battle all Ireland shook, and the illimitable Lir trembled in his watery halls; the roar of their brazen chariots reverberated from the solid canopy of heaven, and their war-steeds drank rivers dry.

The book, and other works by O’Grady, are available online for free at www.gutenberg.org

Connaught Rangers by Richard Simkin Picture: Wikipedia Inset: Connaught Rangers badge Picture: Brenda Slowey Houihane / Wikimedia Commons

Standish O’Grady Picture: Wikipedia

Eight days of music and culture as Columbanus Community Folk Festival returns with some new additions Page 18

An international impresario

MICHAEL J. McDONAGH talks to music promoter Paul Charles ahead of  the publication of his memoir Adventures in Wonderland. The book will be launched at the Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith on Friday, May 19

AUL Charles, from Magherafelt, Co. Derry, is a partner in the Asgard Agency, an organisation whose artist roster includes the likes of Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Van Morrison, Gerry Rafferty, Hothouse Flowers, Alison Krauss, Jackson Brown, Ray Davies, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits – and many,

telephone call box on business cards. The phone would be answered by whoever happened to be passing. They would then knock on the window of Charles’ house to let Paul know there was a business call for him.

with a solid fanbase in Britain. When Fruupp disbanded Charles formed the promotion agency Asgard with associate Paul Fenn. The agency’s first big signings were English punk bands Radio Stars and Buzzcocks.

seen live. I always thought she should have been big.”

agrees:

It’s an impressive list, as Paul Charles agrees: “I’ve been very lucky to work with many of the acts that I’ve been a big fan of. It’s so easy to do a good job when you really like the people you’re working with.”

The Derry man managed his first act in Northern Ireland, The Blues by Five, when he was 15 years old.

act in Northern by Five, when he house. So the innovative

This was back in the era, not just pre-mobiles, but also pre most people having a phone in their house. So the always innovative Paul would list the number of his local

It was hearing the Beatles on the radio that first sparked Paul Charles’ interest in rock music. “I walked into my mom’s kitchen one day, and she was listening to her favourites like Emile Ford and the Checkmates or Tony Bennett, maybe Frank Sinatra. Then this sound that came on the radio was the Beatles’ first single Please Please Me “I certainly didn’t have any musical talent that warranted trying to get up on stage. But my logic is that these are special people that we’re talking about. They need taxi drivers, they need dentists. They need lawyers, they need solicitors, they need gardeners, they need whatever. So why should the agent not be a wee lad from Magherafelt?”

By 1967 Paul Charles had relocated to London to follow that dream – a career in the music business.

He was by then studying civil engineering, but the music business was his first love. He soon became manager, agent, lyricist and roadie for progressive rock band Fruupp — the band were from Belfast, but

Over such a long career as one of the most influential agents to come out of Ireland, Paul has had many special moments. “There have been quite a few over the years like the Ry Cooder gig we did at the Stadium in Dublin. Then seeing the Buzzcocks at Manchester Apollo or watching the Undertones perform in lots of places.

“The very first time I saw Van Morrison live was at those famous Rainbow shows in Finsbury Park. He just took my breath away. That performance with the Caledonian Soul Orchestra was just so incredible.”

Paul worked with Van Morrison for many years. “Van is a highly intelligent man and if you do your job properly you always know where you stand with him.

“He’s also performing for himself.

For him it’s real he is onstage with great musicians, and you get lost in the moment, and you get lost in the music. And that’s maybe where his rewards come from. There was also a lady called Mary Margaret O’Hara. Again, one of the best artists I’ve

Paul’s great achievements that perhaps people do not know about are his efforts on behalf of Glastonbury. “For the last 32 years I think it’s been, we’ve programmed the acoustic stage. Again, that’s been a major treat.

“Special moments like the night we had Art Garfunkel on. And there you are singing the same Garfunkel songs with the audience, of about  seven thousand. You know that’s never gonna happen again.”

Driven by a profound love of great songs Paul Charles has worked tirelessly behind the scenes for over 40 years to promote countless memorable gigs and concerts.

He has now shared his adventures in a readable amusing memoir, giving an insight into the tours and the characters of the artists and managers he encountered over such a long and influential career. For those interested in the music business this book is an absolute must, and undoubtedly for the casual reader too.

 Friday, May 19, 2023; The Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith presents the book launch of Adventures in Wonderland by Paul Charles, published by Hot Press Books

The Glastonbury Extravaganza 2022 Picture: Getty Images

MAGHERAFELT MAESTRO: Paul Charles

Irish radio in your area...

BEDFORDSHIRE

 Jim Carway presents Luton Irish Live on Diverse 102.8FM and online every Tuesday evening 6-8pm. Contact Jim on 07977 063233.

BRADFORD

 Joe Sheeran presents Echoes of Ireland on Bradford Community Broadcasting 106.6FM every Sunday at noon. The programme is repeated on Mondays at 9am and Wednesdays at noon and is online at www.bcbradio.co.uk.

BRIGHTON

 Brighton and Hove weekly Irish radio airs live on Mondays from 8pm on Radio Reverb, 97.2 FM, DAB and online.

COVENTRY

 Hands Across the Waters on Hillz FM. Broadcasting live every Monday and Thursday 1pm-2pm and the best of Irish & Country every Sunday 1pm-2pm. You can tune in locally on 98.6fm or catch us online at www.hillzfm.co.uk

 Join The Four Country Road Show with Colm Nugent and Michael Gallagher every Tuesday 9-10pm and Sunday 2-4pm. Broadcasting live in Coventry from the studios of Radio Plus 101.5fm and online around the world on www.radioplus.org.uk playing the very best in Irish and Country music, news, guests and more.

GLASGOW

 Celtic Music Radio on 1530AM and www.celticmusicradio.net featuring Paddy Callaghan’s Trad with Pad every Tuesday from 6-7pm.

HERTFORDSHIRE

 Radio Verulam 92.6FM and online at www.radioverulam.com

featuring The Emerald Hour with Kathy Weston, Lydia El-Khouri and Shane every Thursday from 7-8pm, and John Devine’s Traditional Irish Music Show, featuring Joe Giltrap, every Monday from 7-9pm (available on the website for seven days after broadcast)

 John Devine, Monday evenings from 7-9pm on Radio Verulam in West Hertfordshire 92.6FM or through the internet at www. radioverulam.com. Facebook www.facebook.com/rvirishmusic.

LONDON/SOUTH-EAST

 Johnny Jameson hosts Ireland’s Eye on Resonance 104.4FM every third Wednesday of every month, 8-9pm and repeated the following morning at 10pm.

 Emily Horgan, Pippa T and Róisín O Rourke broadcasting What’s the Craic? every Tuesday from 7-8pm on West London’s ONFM 101.4.

 Johno’s Irish Hour, ONFM 101.4, every Saturday morning from 10-11am with presenter John O’Sullivan. Anything and everything Irish including traditional Irish music, news and sport.

MANCHESTER

 Out and About in Manchester with Martin Logan, Wednesdays 7-9pm on 96.9FM.

 The Irish Connection Show with John Lowry on Wythenshawe 97.2FM, Saturday from 10am to noon. www.wfmradio.org.

MIDLANDS

 Bob Brolly’s Irish Show, Sundays 4-7pm on BBC Radio WM 95.6FM and DAB Radio.

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE

 Jim Bennett, Fiona Clelland and Tommy McClements present NE1 Irish from 5-7pm every Wednesday on 102.5FM or www.ne1fm.net. Text NE1 + message to 60300. Contact 0191 261 0384.

OXFORD/BERKSHIRE

 BBC Radio Oxford/BBC Radio Berkshire hosts Henry Wymbs’ Irish Eye, Sundays from 2pm on 95.4FM | 104.1FM.

ONLINE

 Gerry Byrne’s Irish Radio: www.irishradio.org 24/7 non-stop Irish Music. Live weekdays 1-3pm; Saturdays & Sundays 11am-1pm. Podcasts uploaded to website immediately after shows are transmitted. Requests welcome to: gerry@irishradio.org. For music, arts, charity sector, commerce and current affairs interviews search YouTube Irish Radio with Gerry Byrne.

 Mid West Radio, the home of Irish music, chat, news, culture and gossip 24 hours a day! www.midwestradio.ie

 RTÉ Radio operates four primary national stations — RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta — and seven exclusively digital stations — RTÉ Radio 1 Xtra, RTÉ Choice, RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ Chill, RTÉ Gold, RTÉ 2XM and RTÉ Junior, available online.

 Alan O’Leary of Copperplate presents two hours of Irish traditional and folk music every Sunday at 8-9.30pm (repeated Wednesday 8-90pm) on www.liveireland.com — 24/7 live Irish trad and folk. It can also be heard 24/7 on Mixcloud, Soundcloud and Podomatic.

 All Folked Up – a folk show with an Irish influence – is broadcast on the third Thursday of the month on sarumradio.com at 7pm.

 Irish Country Music Radio (Limerick) – Broadcasting live and recorded programmes 24 hours a day covering a broad spectrum of Irish music: www.irishcountrymusicradio.com.

THE IRISH IN THE UK TV SHOW www.theirishintheuktv.com

Join Martin each week as he meets the community around the UK with an Irish connection

Every Thursday evening at 7.30pm

Repeated Sat at 8.30pm and Tues at 1pm Sky 186 Freesat 161

Martin Logan 07808 573142 martinloganmanchester@gmail.com

Sponsored by

DERVISH – ON SONG

Dervish, now on the road for 32 years, are touring Britain this month. They’ll be focusing on their album

The Great Irish Songbook – a celebration of their career

OUT AND ABOUT MANCHESTER RADIO SHOW 96.9 ALL FM Wednesday, 7-9PM with MARTIN LOGAN

T: 0161 248 6767 | M: 07706 682622

E: outandaboutmanchesterradio@yahoo.co.uk

AT the end of 2019 Dervish received a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the BBC, a fitting tribute to the band after over 30 years of recording and performing all over the world.

The six-piece traditional outfit from Sligo and Leitrim, had just released their 14th album entitled The Great Irish Songbook

The band are approaching their 32nd year on the road, so The Great Irish Songbook celebrates their long career. In the recording they have joined forces with other musicians from the world of folk music, Americana and even the theatre to give voice to their interpretations of some of Ireland’s best-loved musical pieces.

Guests on the album include Steve Earle, Rhiannon Giddens, Vince Gill, Brendan Gleeson, Jamey Johnson, David Gray, Kate Rusby, The SteelDrivers and Abigail Washburn.

Dervish play an energetic, tireless brand of music as befits an outfit from one of the counties which is still a bastion of Ireland’s musical heritage. Their latest album is in some respects a retrospective of their thirty years of performance, but perhaps more of a homage in general to traditional music.

Shane Mitchell, one of the founder members, said: “We’re constantly astonished by how loved Irish music is.

“I was amazed by how many people were really keen to get on board with this project when we mentioned it to them.

“I don’t think anybody knows why Irish music has such a global reach. It has rhythm. It has the tunes. And it also has great mood changes. I think that’s important. But nobody really knows. Put

ten musicologists in a room and they’ll all come up with different answers.”

The album revisits some familiar pieces such as She Moved Through The Fair, The Rocky Road To Dublin, Yeats’s Down By The Sally Gardens, The Galway Shawl, Molly Malone and Raglan Road, but played in the inimitable style of Dervish.

“We wanted to pay our respects to this great music, and in some cases breathe new life into songs which may have become over familiar,” says Shane. “We just think that this was a great way to approach an album. To include songs that people

“I think the ethos of the music is in our character. The Irish are great at communicating, and that’s what this album is about. Real people singing real songs; the camaraderie of the music.

“Irish music is the soul of the Irish people.”

The genesis of the project arose when Shane met Ken Irwin, the boss of Rounder Records. “His passion for bluegrass is just as great as my passion for Irish music. But I think he’s been bitten by the Irish music bug as well,” Shane explains. “So this idea of getting

other musicians involved in our project just sort of grew organically.

“The idea was to try and find people who had a love for Irish music from different genres of music. We found a lot of closet Irish folk music fans. In fact, we have enough to make three albums, somebody said at one stage.”

Dervish were formed in 1989 by Liam Kelly, Shane Mitchell, Martin McGinley, Brian McDonagh, and Michael Holmes – a band of musicians rooted in the south Sligo tradition.”

In 1991, Cathy Jordan joined Dervish who had formed in 1989.

Over the next two decades Dervish, with Cathy aboard, established themselves as basically the brand leaders in Irish music. They have entertained US presidents, performed at the Great Wall of China, played at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, and performed at the biggest rock music festival in the world, Rock in Rio to over 250,000 people.

Mal Rogers

Dervish British tour: May dates

Tuesday, May 23

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Wednesday, May 24

Nottingham Lakeside Arts

Friday, May 26

Wiltshire Music Centre

Saturday, May 27

London Irish Centre

I think the ethos of the music is in our character. The Irish are great at communicating, and that’s what this album is about. Real people singing real songs; the camaraderie of the music

BACK ON THE ROAD: Dervish

Perry transfers from RTÉ to BBC

IRISH presenter Caitríona Perry will leave her position at RTÉ to take on a new role with the BBC.

The Six One News copresenter, who has been with the Irish broadcaster for 16 years, will depart the role at the end of this month.

She will take up the position of chief presenter on BBC News in the US, joining recently appointed chief presenter Sumi Somaskanda to anchor out of Washington DC.

“I’m delighted to be joining the BBC at this time of its expansion in the US,” Perry said. “There is no other news organisation globally which has the same ability and resources to bring the most important news to so many people with impartiality, urgency, accuracy and style.”

She added: “I look forward to continuing my career in public service journalism at the forefront of reporting all the biggest stories around the world.”

Paul Royall, Executive News Editor for the BBC News channel, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Caitríona to BBC News. “She brings authority, expertise and warmth to the new channel, and completes a compelling on-air team.”

Banshees of Inisherin star helps out at Dublin charity launch

IRISH actor Barry Keoghan was back home in Dublin last week to lend a hand to a charity fund which provides grants for organisations supporting young people.

The BAFTA-winning star of The Banshees of Inisherin, who was in New York earlier last week for the Met Gala, helped launch the 2023 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund at Global Action Plan’s Green Living and Sustainability Garden (GLAS) in Ballymun.

Offering grants totalling €200,000 the fund supports non-profit community groups across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Operated in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation and supporting partners YouthAction Northern Ireland, the Coca-Cola Company and its partner Coca-Cola, HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland have joined forces to double the size and impact of the Fund for 2023.

They are now encouraging community groups in Ireland who are “empowering young

people through programmes of learning, inclusion, and sustainable development” to apply for funding here before Thursday, June 15.

Keoghan rose to global fame over the past year after receiving multiple award nominations – including an

Oscar nomination – for playing Dominic Kearney in Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin He has previously starred in the likes of The Batman, Calm With Horses and Dunkirk Fiona Audley

Big Mood features a glittering comedy cast

Nicola Coughlan from Derry Girls stars in a new Channel 4 comedy series

A SNEAK preview of what’s in store in a new Channel 4 comedy series starring Nicola Coughlan was released last week.

A first-look image from the rebellious new comedy series Big Mood, which features Coughlan and Lydia West in the lead roles, was shared this week.

It shows the pair in action in the roles of Maggie and Eddie in the six-part series, written by Camilla Whitehall, which is due to air later this year. The comedy drama explores the nuances of female friendship when threatened by the complexities of serious mental illness.

More specifically viewers watch on as a series of chaotic events put Maggie (Coughlan) and Eddie’s decade-long friendship to the test.

With the pair at a pivotal point in their lives, and Maggie’s bipolar disorder making an

unwelcome return, Eddie begins to question whether this friendship is really in their best interests.

Coughlan, of Derry Girls and Bridgerton fame, previously admitted that Big Mood was a show she “couldn’t wait to make”.

“When I first met Camilla Whitehill long, long ago, during the time of Indie Sleaze, I quickly realised she was one of the funniest and most talented people I’d ever met,” she explained.

“It was always our dream for us to work on something together, and now Channel 4 are making that dream come true,” she said.

“I can’t wait to make this show with this amazing group of people.”

Co-star West added: “I’m so happy to be working with Camilla and Nicola on this project. “The writing is genius, and the subject explores the mental health struggles that all of our generation face –coupled with how to navigate complicated, loving and nuanced friendship.

“Channel 4 is the perfect home for this heart-warming, hilarious, savvy comedy and I feel truly honoured to tell this story which touched my heart.”

Big Mood, which is produced by Fremantle’s Dancing Ledge Productions, also stars Niamh Cusack, Eamon Farren, Rob Gilbert and Sally Phillips.

It will feature a special guest appearance from Gavin and Stacey’s Joanna Page, who will play herself, Channel 4 has confirmed.

Fiona Audley

MOVING ON: Caitríona Perry Picture: Getty Images

HELPING OUT: Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan was joined by young people from Bradóg Regional Youth Service for the launch

I feel truly honoured to tell this story which touched my heart.

IN THE MOOD: Nicola Coughlan Picture: Getty Images

Galway gears up for mega festival

The Galway Folk Festival has announced its programme. Running from June 13-18, it features a wide range of genres

To bring the Festival to a close, on Sunday, June 18, Pa Sheehy, Skinny Living, and Brad Heidi will take to the stage at Monroe’s Live, while Séan Keane will perform an afternoon show.

SHOWCASING the best of folk, roots, rock and traditional music from Ireland and beyond, many of the shows at the festival will take place in various venues including Monroe’s Live.

The festival gets underway on Tuesday, June 13 with Steve Earle, Sharon Shannon Trio, and Roseanne Reid at the Seapoint Ballroom in Salthill.

Further acts across the week include Scottish indie-rockers Teenage Fanclub, Dublin-based rockers Inhaler, The Whileaways, Niamh Regan, and BRÍDÍN.

“We as a team are delighted to announce such a fantastic line-up of some of our favourite International and Irish artists for the 2023 Galway Folk Festival,” said Festival Director and Programmer, Peter O’Sullivan. “From legendary names to exciting new talents, there really is something for everyone at this year’s festival. This year, we have everything from late night events to daytime family friendly events over the 6 days across multiple stages – including a local food market. We can’t wait to welcome music fans from all over the world

have everything from late night food market. We can’t wait

Folk and more in Co. Down

Eight day music and culture festival returns to Bangor with some new additions

THE Columbanus Community Folk Festival is returning to Bangor in Co. Down with an eight-day extravaganza of Irish traditional music, song, heritage and local culture.

The eight-day festival, supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council begins Sunday, June 4 and runs until Sunday 11.

The music line-up includes Dezi Donnelly, Mike McGoldrick, Tim Edey, Rachel McCarthy, Celtic Storm Band, Cap on the Wall Band, Clan Reagh Band, Brendan Monaghan, Bangor City Ukes, McGinn Sisters and many more.

The festival is being hosted by Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (Ards CCÉ) from Bangor and they are expecting upwards of 2,000 visitors to attend the eight-day festival.

Ards CCÉ head music tutor Niall McClean said: “We are delighted to have the local support of our council and be hosting our amazing Columbanus Community Folk Festival once again in Bangor. New additions to the line-up have been included this year and it promises to be one of the best festivals in its history. With an amazing array of 17

events over an eight-day period, we would welcome everyone to come along and enjoy what will be an amazing cross-community atmosphere.”

The festival, incorporating a rich diversity of cross-community events, will include literary evenings hosted by local storytellers and poets, as well as music workshops and traditional sessions, walks, and even a boat ride – Folk on the Boat.

If you’re a visitor to the area, you should consider the Columban Coastal Walk conducted by The Friends of Columbanus. This stroll takes in the rich monastic heritage in Ards and North Down. St Columbanus was a 6th century missionary from Bangor who founded a number of monasteries in France and Italy. The six mile walk, with guide, goes from Comber to Scrabo Tower and on to Newtownards, either finishing in Conway Square or Movilla Abbey.

 For further information, visit: www.ardscce.co.uk

www.facebook.com/ards. comhaltasceoltoirieireann/ www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

COASTAL WALK: Scrabo Tower and the north Down coast Picture: Courtesy of Tourism Ireland

Sharon Shannon

Ispíní na hÉireann

BORDERLINE CASE

Policemen from both sides of the political divide seek out some common ground in award-winning play

AN award-winning and highly charged play about the experiences of a garda officer and an RUC officer patrolling the border at the height of the Troubles will be performed in the London Irish Centre, Camden on May 19 and 20.

Green & Blue, produced by leading radical Belfast theatre company Kabosh, is being staged in the Centre as part of an extended run, which will also see it performed in the Project Arts Centre in Dublin.

The play, written by former IRA hunger striker turned writer Laurence McKeown, features two of Ireland’s finest actors, James Doran and Vincent Higgins, reprising their roles from the original production, which premiered at the 2016 Belfast International Arts Festival.

The play is based on real life interviews with police officers and has been shown with great acclaim to audiences of gardaí and former RUC officers and their families, as well as residencies in Prague, Brussels, Dresden and Paris, nd won the award for best theatrical moment at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is set in 1994, months before the IRA ceasefire, the

year Kabosh began telling stories about society in the north. At the time, the British government were in secret peace talks with Irish republicans, while John Hume was in discussions with Gerry Adams.

Artistic director Paula McFetridge says Green and Blue is as relevant as ever, particularly as the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement once again turns the spotlight on the North of Ireland.

“The play depicts the time of army watchtowers, vehicle checkpoints, ‘Sniper at Work’ road signs and Wessex helicopters ferrying troops into the border areas. The apparatus of civil conflict has been dismantled but the six counties still remain a place apart.

“At Kabosh we aim to use high quality art to explore the causes and aftermath of conflict to promote understanding between the people of this island and to share these stories with audiences across the globe. All of our work is socially engaged. We prioritise giving voices to unheard narratives and marginalised communities, and have recently presented work focusing on modern slavery, human rights, domestic

abuse, homelessness, and violence against women in conflict.”

In Green & Blue, James Doran plays garda officer Eddie O’Halloran, while Vincent Higgins is David McCabe, an RUC officer whose experience of patrolling the border is vastly different from his southern counterpart.

The pair recount their experiences, taking in the history of the conflict in Ireland, how they joined their respective organisations and the day-to-day life of working in a disputed territory. The play is laced with humour, insight and lots of touching moments between the two men.

Despite their different backgrounds, Eddie and David strike up a common bond and begin to learn more about themselves, their similarities as well as their differences. David’s experiences are harrowing, steeped in violence and the threat of violence, while Eddie’s are much more ordinary except for his occasional run-ins with the local IRA commander.

But there is a brooding sense of how what happens on one side of the border affects the other side. The two areas share a mutual dependence. With that air of comradeship felt by two people doing the same job, the pair decide to meet in a farmer’s field straddling the border and find out that the ‘grass is no greener’ on the other side of this invisible divide.

“Every line of the play is loaded, each scene redolent of the overall tragedy of Irish

history and its wasted lives. These two ordinary men represent all of us and our place in a divided land. It allows us to glimpse the

human beings behind the uniform. It eloquently explores the human cost of man-made borders,” Paula McFetridge said.

It was inspired by Diversity Challenges’ ‘Voices from the Vault’: oral histories from former Royal Ulster

Constabulary (RUC) and An Garda Síochána officers recalling their experiences as police officers during the Irish conflict.

 Green & Blue, London Irish Centre, Camden, May 19 and 20.

KABOSH

KABOSH is a Belfast theatre company committed to challenging the idea of what theatre is, where it takes place and who it is for. The work is inspired by the sites, spaces and people of the north of Ireland.

Paula McFetridge has been Artistic Director of Kabosh since 2006.

For further information on Kabosh and its work, visit www.kabosh.net

ON DUTY: The officers in a scene from Green & Blue

Cellos against climate change

Internationally renowned cellist Clíodhna Ní Aodáin talks about her vision to encourage the planting of trees inspired by music

FOLLOWING her albums The Celtic Cello and Celtic Rituals, award-winning Irish cellist Clíodhna Ní Aodáin has just announced her latest project – a video recording which combines music, inspiration and environmentalism.

Full Circle – Cellos for Trees is, according to Clíodhna. a call to action to plant 10,000 trees. So called greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide can be absorbed by trees, thus helping to combat climate change.

The project has been initiated by Clíodhna and Brenda Neece, founder of The Cello Museum.

They have invited cellists from all over the world to participate in creating a video project “that advocates environmental regeneration by tree-planting”, says Clíodhna.

Full Circle – Cellos for Trees will features a number of clips of cellists playing under their favourite tree.

The video shoot is planned for midsummer’s day June 21.

Clíodhna, who also plays piano and is an orchestral conductor, told The Irish Post: “My vision is to have participants from the global cello community play on the video.

Four time Grammy award-winner Eugene Friesen is already on board and many other first class orchestral cellists.

“I want to send musicians into the forest or least to a tree. I am asking them to spend time under this tree to record a track for the video. Any time I spend with trees elevates my mood and I want to give this gift to other musicians. I want the musicians to send me their name – location – tree name to display on the video. The resulting video will be virtual diverse forest with musicians and trees from all over the world.

“I love the cello and I know that sometimes even one note on the cello is enough to pull the heartstrings and to move human souls. I have also had flocks of birds respond to my music.

“My grandfather was a traditional Irish fiddler,” says Clíodhna. “I have a musical family with a long line of teachers on both sides.

Clíodhna’s The Celtic Cello is a collection of traditional Irish and Scottish airs that reach back into those nations’ histories and people. Includes pieces such as Carrickfergus, Down by the Salley Gardens and The Parting Glass

CROSSWORD

Clues Across

1. Crowd; rabble. (3)

3. One of the ten rules given to Moses in the Bible. (11)

8. One tenth of a cowboy’s hat? (6)

9. Demon ale could turn into a very different drink. (8)

10. Noblemen. (5)

11. Explosive found on the beach? (5)

13. Walk vainly. (5)

15. It makes a warning sound when visibility is poor. (7)

16. Thrilled. (7)

20. Cricket series - belonging to Angela? (5)

21. React to a small amount. (5)

23. How I drew a broader form. (5)

24 & 25. Does its nickname mean that catwalk denizens come from Wexford? (3,5,6)

26. Pottery. (11)

27. Organ starting 10 across and 26 across. (3)

Branagh returns to the London stage

BELFAST actor Kenneth Branagh (62) will both direct and play the title role in King Lear at the Wyndham’s Theatre in London later this year. The production will then be staged in New York in 2024. The 50-performance engagement begins on October 21, with an official opening on October 31.

So far, no details of the rest of the cast have been released.

Branagh is a renowned Shakespearean actor whose recent credits including Macbeth at Manchester International Festival, and The Winter’s Tale at the Garrick Theatre.

King Lear marks the first London production from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company in seven years. The company’s inaugural West End season at the Garrick Theatre included multiple plays: The Winter’s Tale, Harlequinade/ All on Her Own, Red Velvet, The Painkiller, Romeo & Juliet, and The Entertainer.

After London performances, King Lear will then transfer to The Shed’s Griffin Theater in New York in autumn 2024. Full casting and creative team will be announced at a later date.

Branagh was born in the Protestant Tiger’s Bay area of Belfast in 1960. Aged 10, the Branagh family moved to Reading in Britain.

Clues Down

1. The sight of this town in Derry might make the mare flag. (11)

2. Toreador’s arena. (4,4)

3. Many tiers of birds. (5)

4. This duck makes Malcolm fat. (7)

5. Lets fall. (5)

6. A rubber. (6)

7. & 12. Its first words are “Our Father”. (3,5,6)

13. Ray is going around this country. (5)

14. The Lone Star State. (5)

17. A mistake in this piece of choreography might leave you in the sink, it seems! (3,5)

18. Somehow, Hal wore out this beautiful glen in Tipperary. (7)

19. Rush headlong into this vocation. (6)

22. Age, era. (5)

23. Scripted “The Broken Tower”. (5)

24. Item of neckwear. (3)

Sudoku requires no calculation or arithmetic skills. It is a game of placing numbers in squares using very simple rules of logic and deduction. It can be played by children and adults. Simply fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. However each number can appear only once on each row, column and 3x3 box. Answer next week.

Clíodhna Ní Aodáin

THE natural beauty, dramatic waves, cliffs and mountains on Ireland’s Atlantic coast are unique. The northwest stretch is amazing and often allows the visitor to stand alone on beautiful beaches while the Atlantic crashes against the shores.

Visitors based in Britian have met with challenges in recent years due to Covid, additional expenses postBrexit and the drop in the value of the pound. But with this year’s flight schedules to and from Knock airport, breaks can be found at prices comparable to stays in Britisj destinations such as Cornwall or Pembrokeshire.

Surfing, hiking and dining

Friends encouraged me to visit Co. Sligo, so I packed my bags and headed out to Strandhill, a location that has served tourists for over 100-years.

There is a lot more to Strandhill than good beaches and nice walks. Some of the finest surfing in Europe attracts people of all ages and Strandhill’s beautiful golf course is surrounded by Knocknarea Mountain, Culleenamore Strand Beach and Strandhill Beach. Another course, The County Sligo Golf Club at Rosses Point is just a 20-minute drive away.

Around 111 years ago, baths were built to attract visitors; today the

Voya seaweed baths takes relaxing to a different dimension. Horse riding is popular and if you’re more adventurous there’s always a moun-

tain to climb in this part of Sligo.

Below the main Strandhill beach lies Culleenamore beach. Unlike Strandhill, the waves here do not attract surfers, but the calmer waters have provided oysters at the south end of the beach for centuries and groups of seals, maybe a score or more, are often spotted.

We headed off on a five-mile circular walk past Sligo airport towards Coney Island, along the way stopping at the ruins of Kilaspugbrone church set on a hill above the bay. The original building dates to the 5th century and is a great viewing point for Ben Bulben and Knocknarea mountain. The small sandy beach below looks on to Coney Island. We walked without a soul in sight and my companion pointed out a secluded area with calm waters – their families ‘swimming spot’ and a grassed area where they barbeque as the hours while away.

Coney Island is connected to the mainland by a sandy causeway accessible on foot or by car when the tide is out. A simple text message informs you of current tide patterns. A thatched home, Dolly’s Cottage, was on our route back, unchanged since 1800.

Another traditional holiday destination, Rosses Point, can be seen from the other side of Coney Island. The 20-minute car ride is well worthwhile, smaller than Strandhill its beach but ideal for swimming.

Locals insist you visit ‘The Glen’. This cleft on the south face of Knocknarea runs for around three quarters of a mile. Botanists also head for this area of natural beauty. Good footwear is required and getting up Knocknarea is a tough task, though rewarding with some magnificent views.

Carrawnmore Tombs are just 10 miles out of Strandhill. Ireland’s largest megalithic cemetery has remains of over 35 passage tombs constructed almost 6,000 years.

How to get to Strandhill

I flew in from Birmingham with Ryanair and paid £16.99 for outbound and return flights, similar rates are also available from Liverpool, Manchester, Luton and Stanstead. Aer Lingus were offering fares from Heathrow at £66.43. Car hire and taxis with up to eight seats are available from Knock airport and buses run into Sligo City, which has a service to Strandhill.

Where to stay

Strandhill offers a range of places from hostels for surfers to top quality suites. I stopped at Strandhill Lodge and Suites, one of the nicest stays I have had for a while. All rooms have views of the sea or Knocknarea mountain, luxuriously appointed without being pretentious. The staff are keen to learn of your plans and want to help.

If all beds are taken in Strandhill, Sligo City is an option, it’s just 12 minutes’ drive from Strandhill and nine from Rosses Point. The city is awash with culture and history.

Eating Out

Coffee shops, cafes and Strandhill’s restaurants provide fresh produce and old-fashioned service at prices comparable to UK restaurants. Venue Bar & Restaurant is a traditional Irish pub with a large restaurant area.

Honestly Farm Kitchen offers local, organic, wholesome and sustainable food grown by themselves and like-minded producers. Stoked serves tapas-style dishes with fusions such as lamb shoulder, bao sundried tomato tapenade, pickles, minted halloumi and salsa verde or chorizo, black pudding, apple, honey with soy give your tastebuds new sensations.

Sligo, perched on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, is an exciting and affordable destination for visitors from this side of the Irish Sea. PHIL CAMPION reports

AT A GALLOP: Horse riding on the beach at Streedagh overlooked by Ben Bulben Picture: Courtesy of Tourism Ireland

We headed off on a five-mile circular walk past Sligo airport towards Coney Island, along the way stopping at the ruins of Kilaspugbrone church set on a hill above the bay

SURF’S UP: Strandhill beach, Co. Sligo Picture: Courtesy of Tourism Ireland

Edited by Mal Rogers

Hidden gems in historic Kilkenny

An ancient city that offers fun for the whole family, writes FIONA AUDLEY

FROM first look the delights of Kilkenny city and its surrounding areas are pretty evident.

This is one of Ireland’s historical highlights and, understandably, a prized location on the nation’s Ancient East map.

With its castle, two cathedrals and multitude of ancient buildings, this is clearly a city of note – it was, of course, once the medieval capital of Ireland.

But it is not until you get right on the ground and into the thick of Kilkenny that you can genuinely appreciate its magnetism, as you find the hidden gems that make it a truly enticing city offering something for visitors of all ages.

We recently spent a short break in the city, with our three young children in tow, and found ourselves with barely enough time to scratch the surface of the exciting offerings to be enjoyed throughout its medieval streets.

Luckily, we were well-positioned while staying at the stylish Hotel Kilkenny, which is just a short walk from the city centre.

The hotel, with its luxurious décor and cosy yet elegant furnishings, proved the perfect base for a whistlestop tour of Kilkenny city.

With a bustling, state-of- the-art gym as well as a large indoor pool, steam room and sauna we managed to start each morning by partaking in a range of leisure activities that suited all ages in our party and set us

ARTERY OF THE CITY: The River Nore flows through Kilkenny

up well for a day of sight-seeing. But first we fuelled up on a hearty Irish breakfast, cooked to order, at the hotel’s Taste restaurant – from where there are equally delicious dinners on offer too – before heading out to explore.

[As

a result of the Ancient

East initiative] Kilkenny’s ancient history highlights have been packaged up in the Ireland’s Medieval Mile discovery trail

Now when I say there is a lot to explore in Kilkenny, I mean there is a lot to explore.

Fortunately, despite Kilkenny winning city status in 1609, in terms of its size it’s really more like a large town.

Which means that you can get to the many highlights it has to offer on foot, ensuring the best possible use of our time.

And in a city which manages to boast a castle, two cathedrals – St Canice’s Church of Ireland Cathedral and St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral –various churches and a brewery within its boundaries – there were plenty of places that we wanted to visit while there.

Luckily for us, Kilkenny is a focus point of Ireland’s Ancient East

Picture: GettyImages

Ireland’s Medieval Mile – some of the highlights

Kilkenny Castle

A 12th century castle set in extensive parklands built for William Marshall and remodelled in Victorian times. This was the principal seat of the Butler family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. The castle park and gardens are accessible free of charge, while daily tours of the castle are available.

Medieval Mile Museum

Unearth 800 years of history at this newly-opened museum, located in the heart of Kilkenny City and at the centre of the Medieval Mile trail. Tickets are available for daily entry via  www.medievalmilemuseum.ie

Hole in the Wall

This hidden 16th century tavern is located in Ireland’s oldest surviving townhouse, which today serves as a unique venue for an array of cultural events. Find out more at www.holeinthewall.ie

Smithwicks Experience Kilkenny

With over 300 years brewing experience this tour leads you on a journey through the history of Ireland’s favourite ale. From the 1300s, when the monks of St Francis Abbey first discovered how to make beer, to the processes that currently produce a pint of Smithwicks.  www.smithwicksexperience.com

St Canice’s Cathedral and Round Tower

A site for Christian worship led by St Canice in the 6th century, the cathedral was erected in the 13th century. It boasts one of only two medieval round towers in Ireland that can be climbed - the 9th century tower also offers some of the best views of the city.  Daily tours are available for both attractions.

initiative, devised by the national tourism board Fáilte Ireland.

That drive has been promoting the highlights of medieval Ireland, largely found along the country’s eastern coast, to tourists and natives who have yet to experience it.

As a result, Kilkenny’s ancient history highlights have been packaged up in the Ireland’s Medieval Mile discovery trail – which takes you from Kilkenny Castle across town to St Canice’s Cathedral, and includes 21 other points of interest to stop at along the way.

Although the highlight for us, and our children, was definitely the castle – I mean, who doesn’t love a real-life castle?

This impressive building sits at the top of the city, along the banks of the River Nore, and looms large on the hustle and bustle of what is in fact quite a cosmopolitan space below.

It offers stunning gardens to roam outside and plenty of history inside, as this 12th century Anglo-Norman structure has had a number of owners in its time and has been consistently reinvented over the centuries.

It was eventually handed over to the people of Ireland for a token payment of £50 in 1967 and has been lovingly restored to its former glory since then, ready for tourists and Kilkenny natives to finally explore.

But there is as much to savour in the grounds outside this historic building, which has a vast open space and an enticing playground, flanked by an open-air coffee shop, so plenty to keep us all entertained for the duration of our time there.

From there the tour winds its way through the town, with a stop every few minutes or so offering more of Kilkenny’s heritage.

Among my highlights were the Rothe House and Garden, which was built in 1594 by local merchant and former Kilkenny City mayor John Rothe as a home for himself, his wife and their 11 children.

This antiquated townhouse is something of a hidden gem – nestled within the city lanes, where it consists of three houses and a 17th century urban garden which was built on its roof.

To step from Kilkenny’s modern streets into this ancient abode is truly like stepping back in time.

As with the castle, simply being in this house transports you to a time and place you could never have imagined, but there is enough information and original artefacts on display here to allow you a sense of what it might have been like for those who once called it home.

Elsewhere another small but impactful element of the mile, is the unassuming, but full of character, Butter Slip.

This is simply a small passageway linking Kilkenny’s High Street to the parallel St Kieran’s Street, but with its high arch and stone steps it is a beautiful example of the architectural delights of medieval Ireland.

were drawn to the spot due to its naturally cool temperatures.

For me, it epitomises the charming juxtaposition of Kilkenny – a city full of modern eloquence, with a glossy exterior, but founded on a culture, history and purpose that refuses to be forgotten.

For my children it was an exciting portal into a world gone by, with a catchy name, that keeps being mentioned even now, while we are back at home in London.

Another highlight of our trip was found just outside of the city centre when we took a trip to the Castlecomer Discovery Park.

Located roughly a 25-minute drive from the city, this was an absolute gem of a find, and well worth the trip.

Traditionally, Castlecomer was a mining town.

Mining began there in the 17th century with the extraction of iron ore and continued until the closure of its coal mines in 1969.

Set in the former grounds of the Wandesforde Estate, which was once owned by the Wandesforde family, who originally came from Richmond in Yorkshire, the park comprises 80 acres of stunning natural woodland and lakes.

Where to stay...

Hotel Kilkenny

The perfect base for exploring Kilkenny, with an on-site gym, pool, steam room and sauna. For booking and further information visit  www.hotelkilkenny.ie

somewhat fallen into disrepair with the closure of its mining industry.

Today, it boasts a fascinating Coal Mining Exhibition, visitor centre and design craft studios which are located in what would have been the former stable yard of the Wandesworth Eatate.

Its outdoor space is stunning and offers plenty of room to roam – as well as an adventure playground for younger explorers, a tree top trail for older climbers and a bouncy net which would be fun for anyone who is able to get on it.

The short walk through this slip evokes notions of what went on was once the street market loca-

The short walk through this slip evokes notions of what went on here in its past – as this is a passageway, built in 1616, which was once the street market location for butter vendors, who

It opened to the public in 2007, having begun as a community project to reju- venate the town which

which had the perfect end to a brief Kilkenny holiday which offered everything we could have hoped for.

Don’t miss…

Our day at Castlecomer proved the perfect end to a brief Kilkenny holiday which offered everything we could have hoped for.

Historic fun, outdoor activities and plenty of memories to take home with us.

Historic fun, outdoor activities and plenty of memories to take home with us.

“I want my legacy to be lasting peace in Ireland”

Co-operation Ireland works with divided and troubled communities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to help build a lasting peace. By remembering us in your will you can make a real difference

depending

from first

Three-bed bungalow on 2.5 acres in a lovely location, near the Shannon. Needs renovation work, and will qualify for new renovation grants up to €50,000. Nice setting, back from the road (see area outlined in red, right) Price: £115k / €130k. For

call John: 0791 343 3898

RINEY, John Brendan

After a brave and courageous battle with cancer, John sadly passed away on the 12th April 2023 aged 48. Beloved husband to Monika, father to Dominic, Jipsie, Keira-Anne, John, Rylan, Anna-Marie and Nola. Stepfather to Wiktor, brother to Eileen, Kate, Charlotte and Helen.

The Funeral Mass will take place on 12 May, 2023 at St John’s Catholic Cathedral, Bishop Crispian Way, Portsmouth, PO1 3HG at 12.15pm, followed by the committal at Portchester Crematorium, Upper Cornaway Lane, Portchester, Fareham PO16 8NE at 2:15pm. The wake is at 3pm at Cams Mill, Cams Hall Estate Golf Club, Portchester PO16 8UP All welcome. No flowers please. Donations to Blood Cancer UK.

We remember...

JOHN LOONEY

Late of Walton Park, Liverpool and Cooraclare, Co. Clare – Died 12th March, 2023.

A Mass will be celebrated in memory of our beloved brother John in the Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, 7-9 Park Vale Road, Liverpool L9 2DG on Saturday 20th May, 2023 at 4.30 pm.

John’s family from Ireland will be in attendance at this Mass and would be delighted to meet his friends from Liverpool there. “His ways were always quiet, he never cared for fuss, just to be remembered by all of us”.

R.I.P. John; you may be gone but you will never be forgotten. The Looney Family, Co. Clare, Ireland.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin (NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL)

O beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed mother of the son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity.

O star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my mother.

I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in this my necessity (make request)

There are none that withstand your power, Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (three times).

Holy Mother I place this cause in your hands (three times)

Thank you for your mercy to me and mine.

This prayer must be said for three days and after that it will be God’s will, the request will be granted and the prayer must be published.

Novena to the Sacred Heart

Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours, This time I ask for this special one (mention request).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your own broken heart, where your father sees it, then in His merciful eyes it will become your favour not mine. Amen (Say for three days and promise publication).

Never known to fail.

A.D.

A TRUE LEGEND PASSES AWAY

Tributes to Galway man Padraig Colohan have flooded in since his death at the end of April

of the society for over 30 years. Padraig was Vice President of GAGS and played off a handicap of 8 until recently. He won everything including ‘Golfer of the Year’ and the ‘Matchplay Championship’ multiple times. He is the current Champion Golfer of the Year with GAGS, which is some feat at the age of 80.

“Over the years we became very good friends - I would go as far as to say that he was one of the most decent people that I have ever met. I attended Padraig’s 80th birthday party last August and could see the joy in his eyes when surrounded by his family and beloved grandchildren. I was shocked when I first heard the news that Padraig had taken ill and devastated when it became apparent that he wasn’t going to make it. Padraig will be sadly missed by GAGS and everyone who knew him, he had a way about him that will leave a lasting impression on all of us.”

Brian Mulry (Treasurer) spoke about Padraig’s love for his home county:

“A long-standing member and supporter of the Galway Association Golf Society, Padraig had a great grá for his native Galway. He was one of life’s gentlemen, both on and off the golf course. He’ll be sadly missed, God rest his gentle soul.”

PADRAIG Colohan, a man who has been called “the heart and soul” of St Gabriel’s Hurling Club, died at the end of April aged 80.

From Coolea, Ahascaragh, Co. Galway, Padraig fulfilled many roles at St Gabriel’s from player to secretary and chairperson.

Aside from his love for hurling, Padraig was a keen golfer and a stalwart of the Galway Association Golfing Society (GAGS)

Pat McDonagh, the president of GAGS said: “Padraig’s support for his beloved golf society the GAGS knew no bounds. His sharp wit together with his enormous energy for the sport he enjoyed and played so well is what we shall all remember him for. A true gentleman and a great Galwegian who will be sadly missed. May he RIP.”

Michael Roche, captain of the club echoed that sentiment, saying: “Padraig Colohan was an integral member of the Galway Association Golf society and an incredibly generous sponsor since its inception. He was an affable character and seemed to know every GAA club in Ireland and some of their members.”

Michael Keary (Secretary) expressed the shock and sadness on hearing about Padraig’s death. “All of us at GAGS were shocked and

saddened by the sad news of Padraig’s passing. He was a big character at our golf events and his generosity was enjoyed by so many people not just our society. Family members, friends, neighbours and business associates, he’d always have an entourage of guests at our monthly outings where he’d insist their hands were kept in their pockets. He had a great sense of humour, there was never a dull moment when Padraig was around, but at the same time, fiercely competitive on the course, which is evident by his hoard of accolades and trophies won playing Golf with GAGS over the last 30 years.”

Chairman Tom Moroney echoed those sentiments, saying: “Padraig was a true Galwegian with a passionate love of sport, whether it was Golf, Gaelic Foosullinball or Hurling he was able to hold his own on all codes. He knew his sport and his record as a player on the GAA

field speaks for itself.

“Like most GAA people once the legs start to get heavy, they throw their hand at golf, Padraig was no different and after his GAA playing career came golf. He became an accomplished golfer and a brilliant supporter of the GAGS. He always gave great encouragement and brought and entourage of friends, new members and guests to our monthly outings and annual tours.

“We recently got the GAGS champion golfer for 2022 engraved on the Cup and to no surprise its Padraig’s name that was put on it.

“Padraig was a brilliant character, great to be around, but he never craved the limelight. He won his way onto many of our event podiums but to get him to say a few words was stretching it, he preferred to stay low key but to us he was right at the forefront of our society.

“He had an amazing thirst for knowledge and a memory like Jimmy McGee. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. If there was anything needing doing, he would go about it quietly and rest assured it would be done.

Pat Keary (Life President) knew him since the 1960s, and really got to know him through GAGS from its foundation in July 1992. “He was an incredible and generous supporter

Joe O’Halloran (Vice Chairman) added: “I knew Padraig for 60 years. In fact he was one of the first people I met when I first arrived in the UK. We have remained close friends ever since. I will really miss Padraig as he was a real Gentleman and particularly for our weekly chat after mass every Sunday morning. RIP my dear friend.”

Mick Corcoran (Vice President) said: “I have known Padraig for more than 40 years. We are in a similar type of business and we would meet at Ruislip and at Croke Park for the matches. He had a great knowledge of the game in general and knew the players from every village and county. We would also meet at the golf outings with GAGS each month where Padraig was a great competitor and a very good golfer to have on your team. He would encourage you to play well and would also remind you that it was your turn to get a par.”

Dave O’Sullivan, assistant Treasurer added, “I met Padraig 26 years ago at a GAGS golf day. Over the years we had some great banter and at every golf day there was always a £5 bet on the go. Padraig was a top golfer, great company and fiercely competitive, he was a humble man, generous to a fault and loved nothing more than providing for his friends and family. We will miss him terribly.”

Padraig is survived by his wife Marie, his son Paul and his daughters Karen and Rachel.

MUCH MISSED: Padraig Colohan, right, with Dermot Walsh and, below, with Dave O’Sullivan at Moor Park in 2015

Padraig was a brilliant character, great to be around, but he never craved

the limelight

Galway Association Golf Society (London)

Galway Golfers kick-started their 2023 season at Denham..

GAGS first outing of the season took place on Tuesday 18th April at Denham Golf Club, where Frank & Bridie Burke sponsored the event. All GAGS outings for the year ahead are listed here around the perimeter of the page, together with their sponsors. GAGS next outing will be at West Byfleet Golf Club on 12th May

For further information about the GAGS, please visit gags.london

Frank and Bridie Burke

’Golfer of the Year’ receives his trophy from Sir Tony McCoy at GAGS Captain ’s

McDermott GAGS Captain’s Day Winner of the ASM Cup at Moor Park 2022.

Pat Keary (Life President), Tom Moroney (Captain), Mick Corcoran (Chairman), Berney McDermott, Pat McDonagh (President), Dave O’Sullivan (Vice-Treasurer), Brian Mulry (Treasurer) & Steve Murphy

Uncertainty at London Irish

BY GRAINNE CONROY

AS of Wednesday last week, London Irish players and staff were yet to receive their April wages amid concern about the Gallagher Premiership club’s financial future.

According to the BBC, the delay was attributed to a bank holiday, new company bank accounts and money being transferred from the United States. London Irish are in the process of being bought by an American consortium. The takeover represents a lifeline for the club, according to the chief executive of Premiership Rugby, Simon Massie-Taylor, who is optimistic that London Irish won’t go the same way as top flight English rugby teams Worcester and Wasps. Both clubs struggled to pay their players before going into administration and subsequently out of business.

Massie-Taylor said on BBC Radio 5 last week: “I do think it’s different [to the situations

at Worcester and Wasps].

“Between Premiership Rugby and the RFU (Rugby Football Union), we’ve been engaged for quite a while with both the current ownership and the future buyers and there are lots of very positive signals coming from both sides.

“It’s been reported that the new ownership have been in front of the players and the staff last week and today [Tuesday], which is a positive signal of their intent.

“And if it comes off then clearly you’ve got a new breed of investor. They’re from across the pond and they’ve got interest in other sports so it is a positive news story.”

According to The Times, London Irish are carrying £30million in debts. This is not unusual in the Gallagher Premiership, with each club losing, on average £4million per year. London Irish owner Mick Crossan has searched for fresh investment for some time, but the US takeover has been a protracted process.

LONDON IRISH: The Irish roots

THE London Irish Rugby Football Club, commonly known as London Irish or The Exiles was founded in 1898 by a group of Irishmen living in London who were keen to play rugby and promote their Irish heritage.

The early years of London Irish were characterised by the club’s strong sense of Irish identity. The team played in green and white jerseys, and the club’s emblem featured a harp and shamrock. Many of the club’s players were Irish expatriates, and the team often played against other Irish clubs in London. However, the club also had a significant number of English players, and over time, the club became more

integrated into the wider London rugby scene.

With the commencement of World War I, many of the players enlisted with Irish battalions in their homeland for deployment in mainland Europe. In 1916, remaining players and members returned to Ireland to fight in the Easter Rising and many who joined regiments did not return. It is unknown how many were lost with a connection to the club. Following the formation of the Irish Free State in 1923, those who fought in both battles returned to the club which saw an overhaul of the club over the remainder of the decade, reviving the team.

Paddy Power gives odds on Bale turning out for Wrexham

BY CONOR O’DONOGHUE

FOLLOWING Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney efforts to coax Gareth Bale out of retirement after Wrexham FC’s promotion into the Football League Paddy Power have announced 12/1 odds for the Welsh player to play a League Two match for Wrexham in 23/24.

Co-owner of the club, Rob McElhenney, an Irish-American, shared a video from Bale congratulating the club on its promotion Twitter with the caption “Hey [Gareth Bale] let’s play golf, where I totally won’t spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season”.

Later that day, Bale responded to what the American co-owner had to say, writing: “Depends what course...”.

Reynolds, a Canadian who also has Irish ancestry, promptly joined in on the conversation with a proposition for Bale if he considered returning to the sport for Wrexham. “I will shave a professional-grade golf course into Rob’s back if you’ll give Wrexham a season,” Reynolds tweeted.

Bale announced his retirement in January, aged 33, following Wales’ disappointing 2022 World Cup performance. This decision came as a surprise to many fans and experts, but Bale cited a desire to spend more time with his family and

pursue other interests outside of football.

Bale has won five Champions League titles, two La Liga titles and is Wales’ all-time leading goal scorer.

His skill and experience would undoubtedly be a significant asset to any team and would be one of the most impressive transfers in history if he decided to step into League Two for a season as Wrexham push for back-to-back promotions.

Rachael Kane of Paddy Power said: “Looks like Wrexham FC is looking to make more headline-stealing moves and following the clubs astonishing first promotion into the Football League in 15 years our traders think anything could be possible”.

The Exiles, like many English top-flight clubs, face financial problems. But a lifeline from the US could solve the problems

WELSH WIZARD: Gareth Bale holds off a challenge from Harry Maguire Picture: Getty Images

RUCK & ROLL: Rory Jennings (r) of London Irish running clear of Saracens players Picture: Getty Images