The Irish Post - May 20, 2023

MAKING AMENDS

One

the Trevelyans

See Page 2

plans

MUSICAL MILESTONE

London Lasses mark 25 years of capital music-making

See Rí-Rá

NARROW ESCAPE

Lynch to face charges in a California courtroom

The technology entrepreneur loses his near decade-long battle against extradition

BY MAL ROGERS

DR Michael Lynch (57), the former CEO of IT firm Autonomy and an acknowledged technology entrepreneur, has been extradited to the US to face criminal charges over the $11bn sale of his software company to Hewlett-Packard. He is accused of inflating the value of the firm when he sold it to HP in 2011.

Dr Lynch fought extradition proceedings for nearly ten years, but at the end of April the British High Court refused him permission to appeal their decision, and he was extradited last week.

The case in California is listed as ‘The United States of America v. Michael Richard Lynch...

in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California’.

Dr Lynch arrived at San Francisco Airport on a commercial flight accompanied by US marshals.

He has now been ordered to pay a bond of $100million and hand over his passport –authorities have labelled him a “serious flight risk”.

He will be confined to an address in San Francisco, and put under 24-hour surveillance by private security which he must pay for himself.

Estimates of Dr Lynch’s net worth vary, but the upper level is often cited as high as £1.1billion.

Dr Lynch has denied any wrongdoing, but

if found guilty in the US he could face up to 20 years in jail.

Michael Lynch was born to Irish parents. They moved from Carrick-on-Suir in Tipperary to Essex, where the young Mike was brought up. His mother was a nurse, his father a fireman. Michael was subsequently educated at Cambridge and gained a doctorate in electrical engineering.

Michael Lynch has been awarded an OBE, and has served on the boards of both the British Library and the BBC. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the most prestigious scientific institutes in the world. His entry reads: “Fuelled by a scientific background in signal processing and pattern recognition, Michael Lynch’s entrepreneurship has allowed him to successfully make the leap from academia to business. Notably, Michael co-founded Autonomy in Cambridge in 1996 – the UK’s largest software company until acquired by Hewlett-Packard for $11 billion in 2011.”

Conor McGinn MP to bow out at next general election

BY CATRIONA GRAY

THE Co. Armagh born MP for St Helen’s North McGinn (38), has announced he will not seek re-election. In a tweet he said: “It is a privilege to represent my friends, neighbours and our wonderful community as the MP for St Helens North.

“But after twenty years in politics, I want to put my health, family and future first and so I have decided not to stand again at the next general election.”

The MP has been under investigation by the Labour Party since the end of last year following unspecified allegations made in a complaint against him. The Labour Party has not revealed what the nature of the allegations are, but Mr McGinn has had the party whip suspended.

The MP, elected to the St Helens North seat in 2015, says he intends to take some time off to recover from ongoing health issues, including heart

problems. He will then return to full time duties at the House and in his constituency, until standing down at the next general election.

In the statement confirming that he will not be seeking re-election, Mr McGinn said: “I have spent the best part of a decade as an MP and twenty years campaigning and active in politics.

“As is well known I have had a number of health issues over the last year, including a heart

condition, all of which have had a significant impact on me and my family.

“I think it is therefore the right time for me and the right thing to do for my young family to step away from Westminster and start a new chapter in our lives, and therefore I do not intend to stand at the next general election.”

The MP added: “Like everyone, I made mistakes and sometimes got it wrong, but I am very proud of what I have

achieved and the good things I have done as an MP over my three terms.

“I changed the law twice as a backbencher with cross-party campaigns to help the families of murder victims through Helen’s Law and to legalise equal marriage in Northern Ireland.”

Conor McGinn has chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Ireland and the Irish in Britain, among many other high profile positions. Born in Camlough, Co. Armagh, he holds both Irish and British citizenship.

Dr Michael Lynch OBE FREng FRS

Picture: Courtesy of The Royal Society

Descendants could pick up the bill for Trevelyan’s corn

BY MAL ROGERS

TWO descendants of Sir Charles Trevelyan – who is referenced in the song The Fields of Athenry – have said that they would consider paying reparations to Ireland.

John Dower and Laura Trevelyan are descended from six Trevelyans who in 1835 shared £29,000 as “compensation” for owning 1,004 enslaved people on the island of Grenada.

Laura Trevelyan, a former BBC journalist, is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Sir Charles Trevelyan, a senior British government official in the Treasury.

Ms Trevelyan has said that her ancestors “failed their people” during the humanitarian catastrophe of An Gorta Mór in the 1840s.

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster’s The Nolan Show, she told presenter Stephen Nolan: “If the Irish government said the Trevelyan family are liable for what Sir Charles Edward did, then of course that would have to be considered.”

The Trevelyan family has already paid £100,000 in compensation for the family’s “ownership” of 1,000 slaves in Grenada in the Caribbean.

Trevelyan’s role in the Great Famine is remembered chiefly for his reluctance to provide any aid to the Irish during the Famine. He was the senior British Treasury official at the time, a strong belief in a free

Scottish port at centre of ongoing protocol talks

UNCERTAINTY surrounds the building of Border Control Point (BCP) at Cairnryan Port on the west of Scotland, one of the main entry points for road traffic to Britain from Ireland, according to the BBC

new facility being stalled.

market economy – which meant no government intervention. This lack of financial support to the Irish people, while sluicing off profits was a key factor in the worsening of the effects of the Famine.

Sir Charles Trevelyan also wrote highly disparaging remarks about the Irish in a letter to an Irish peer, explaining that the Famine was an act of Heavenly retribution. He wrote: “The judgement of God sent the calamity to teach the Irish a lesson.”

This year John Dower and Laura Trevelyan, both descended from the Trevelyan dynasty, have announced they want to make amends, if possible, and pay reparations. On their website Heirs of Slavery –which includes ancestors of other colonialists and slavers – their statement of intent says: “We are a new group composed of people whose ancestors profited from and supported transatlantic slavery and its many related industries.”

The proposed new facility is designed to check goods coming from the Republic and other parts of the EU entering Northern Ireland.

The UK is due to start implementing post-Brexit controls on EU goods later this year, but the checks will not apply to goods entering Northern Ireland directly in line with the Northern Ireland Protocol / Westminster Framework.

In 2021, the Scottish government announced plans to build a new Border Control Post (BCP) at Cairnryan, the main point of entrance and egress for freight between Britain and Northern Ireland, and well as parts of the Republic.

But a funding dispute between the Scottish government in Edinburgh and the Westminster government has resulted in the plans for the

The Cairnryan Border Control Post wrangle risks sparking a political row that could undermine the Westminster Framework, signed up to in February 2023. Under this agreement, an addendum to the Northern Ireland Protocol, any controls on goods which originate from the Republic must not hinder the free flow of freight from Northern Ireland.

The House of Lords The Sub-Committee on the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland is currently undertaking an inquiry into the agreement. The Committee is examining the economic, political, legal and constitutional implications of the Framework, and is taking evidence from Irish and British hauliers, importers and other interested business people.

The practical aspects of the deal, such as the situation in Cairnryan and other BCPs which will determine its workability, will also be put under the spotlight.

Cullen demands nurses’ pay talks are reopened

PAT Cullen, the general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has called on the British health secretary to restart pay negotiations with a proposed rise that has to bein double digits.

Most health unions accepted an offer of a five per cent rise for 2023-24 and a one-off backdated payment for last year, following a four per cent rise for 2022-23.

But the RCN, under Ms Cullen, has rejected the deal.

A source from the Department of Health said the pay offer was final, with Energy Secretary Grant Shapps calling the deal on the table “very generous”.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Ms Cullen urged ministers to reopen talks, starting with an offer of a double-digit pay rise over the two-year period.

The nursing union will now ballot for further strike action later this month.

In her interview, Ms Cullen said: “Looking back on this pay offer, I may personally have underestimated the members and their sheer determination.”

She called on Health Secretary

Steve Barclay to reopen negotiations which she said needed to “start off in double figures”.

Mr Shapps told Sky News that it was “curious” for Ms Cullen to be asking for a double-digit rise when members had previously been encouraged to accept the smaller offer.

He said he thought it was a “great settlement”, adding: “I thought it’s terrific that it had been reached.

“It’s frankly rather confusing now that having encouraged her members to accept that deal, she seems to now be coming back and saying the opposite.”

Pat Cullen was born in 1965 in Carrickmore, Co. Tyrone, the youngest of seven children. A community nurse in West Belfast during the Troubles, she has been general secretary of the RCN since 2021.

“I think it is therefore the right time for me and the right thing to do for my young family to step away from Westminster and start a new chapter in our lives, and therefore I do not intend to stand at the next general election.”

Conor McGinn MP for St Helen’s North, saying that health issues have been key in his making the decision to not seek re-election at the next general election.

“I’m very confident that the technology now exists to do this, but at the same time I don’t want to get too optimistic, because we’ve had so many setbacks since the day Esra disappeared.”

Berna Fidan the sister of Esra Uyrun who disappeared in Wicklow in 2011, speaking about a breakthrough in the case.

“The government is deeply committed to alleviating the suffering of victims and we will continue to support the efforts being made to locate those who have not yet been found.”

Minister for Justice Simon Harris speaking about the Disappeared – victims of paramilitary violence who were murdered and secretly buried during the Troubles.

“If the Irish government said the Trevelyan family are liable for what Sir Charles Edward did, then of course that would have to be considered.”

Laura Trevelyan, a former BBC journalist, speaking on the BBC

“Twenty-five years on, let’s build healthy politics to complement this truly impressive peace.”

Professor Jonathan Tonge from the University of Liverpool, speaking about the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

NURSING A GRIEVANCE: Pat Cullen general secretary of the RCN Picture: Getty Images

It’s frankly rather confusing now that having encouraged her members to accept that deal, she seems to now be coming back and saying the opposite

Grant Shapps

MAKING AMENDS: Laura Trevelyan

Berna Fidan

Family disappointed at PPS decision not to pursue case

No resolution for family of Downpatrick man shot by RUC officer several times thirty years ago

BY GERARD DONAGHY

THE FAMILY of a man who was fatally shot more than 30 years ago while he was unarmed have expressed their disappointment that the former RUC officer involved will not be prosecuted.

Colum Marks, 29, was shot several times by the officer – identified as Officer B – during a covert RUC operation in Downpatrick, Co. Down on May 10, 1991 and died the following day.

Mr Marks’ family believed new forensic evidence suggested he was shot in the back; however, the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said last week that the evidence was not conclusive.

Sinn Féin has vowed to support Mr Marks’ family ‘in their pursuit of truth’.

On the day of Mr Marks’ shooting, the RUC were deployed to make arrests after a mortar device was placed in the driveway of a property on St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick.

Officer B was deployed in a hedge at the rear of the property to carry out surveillance.

During the operation, Mr Marks ran through a hedge bordering the property into an open field in the direction of Officer B.

[The officer] believed that Mr Marks would have been armed and claimed that he feared for his own life when he made a split-second decision to fire

Officer B fired five times, with Mr Marks being struck at least twice.

Announcing their decision, the PPS said they did not believe there was a reasonable prospect of obtaining a conviction, suggesting the evidence was unlikely to refute Officer B’s claim of self-defence.

“The Officer’s account was that Mr Marks was running towards him and did not stop after warnings,” said Michael Agnew, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions.

“He believed that Mr Marks would have been armed and claimed that he feared for his own life when he made a split-second decision to fire.

“In a self-defence case the court will assess the reasonableness of a defendant’s actions in light of the

circumstances as he may have genuinely believed them to be, even if that belief is a mistaken one.

“The evidence established that Mr Marks was unarmed when he was shot.

“However, the surrounding circumstances presented significant difficulties in proving to the criminal standard that Officer B did not have a genuine belief that his life was at risk; or that, by firing his weapon in the particular circumstances that pertained, the amount of force used was unreasonable.”

The PPS also addressed the new forensic evidence that suggested wounds in Mr Marks’ back were entry wounds, which would indicate he had been shot in the back.

Mr Agnew said the evidence ‘was not conclusive and was also inconsistent with examinations of Mr Marks’ body at the time’, which identified the wounds as exit wounds.

“On the available evidence, therefore, there was no reasonable prospect of proving that Officer B fired shots into the back of the deceased,” he said.

“I appreciate that this is a disappointing outcome for the family of Colum Marks who have lived for many

years with the painful loss of their loved one,” added Mr Agnew.

In a statement, Mr Marks’ mother Roisin said she believed the new evidence merited a prosecution.

“We are very disappointed by today’s decision of the PPS,” she said.

“It was our view that the new forensic evidence should

have justified a prosecution and we will now be considering all legal options available to us, including a review by the PPS.”

Sinn Féin MP for South Down, Chris Hazzard, has said he will continue to support the family in their legal fight.

“The family remains committed to finding out the

full facts of what happened to Colum Marks and following today’s decision, will now consider all options available to them,” he said.

“Sinn Féin will continue to support the Marks family in their pursuit of truth.

“They are entitled to justice and a proper investigation and they may now pursue a review of the PPS’ decision.”

Regency getaway drivers jailed

BY GERARD CASSINI

TWO men have been jailed for their role in the Regency Hotel killing. David Byrne (33) was shot six times at a crowded boxing event at the Regency Hotel in Dublin in 2016. The killing was part of the HutchKinahan gangland feud. The attack was described to the court as a “meticulously planned high-velocity assassination”. The ‘hit’ left one man dead and two injured.

The two men sentenced last week, Jason Bonney (52), a builder from Portmarnock and Paul Murphy (61), a taxi driver from Swords Co. Dublin, were each jailed for lengthy sentences. Bonney received a tariff of eight-and-a-half years, and Murphy was sentenced to nine years.

They were found guilty of helping the Hutch organised crime group by acting as getaway drivers. Murphy was found guilty

of providing his Toyota Avensis to one of the hitmen, Bonney was convicted of involvement of the same offence.

Ms Justice Tara Burns, presiding, said events such as the Regency cannot be carried out without planning and both men knew a serious crime was occurring involving six men requiring to be individually removed.

In a detailed judgment last month, Ms Justice Burns, sitting with Judge Sarah Berkeley and Judge Gráinne Malone, found the Regency attack was orchestrated by the Hutch criminal organisation.

The third defendant in the case which terminated last week, Gerard Hutch, walked free last month after he was found not guilty of the murder of David Byrne.

He is applying to have the State pay his legal fees, estimated to be at least €250,000. His application is due to be heard in June.

TRAGIC VICTIM: Colum Marks

VIGILANT: An armed garda officer outside the Special Criminal Court in Dublin where the trial of those accused of being involved in the killing of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel took place Picture: RollingNews.ie

The quandary of Ireland’s current economic state

moved back to Belfast again. No one ever says they are going to Craigavon.

Should some of this new money be spent in Northern Ireland?

The government has set up a Shared Island unit with €1billion to spend on joint cross border ventures to improve relationships but with Stormont out of commission the argument is growing for greater Irish government involvement.

Logically, if the Republic wants a stake in the running of Northern Ireland – though for now avoiding the term joint authority for fear of alarming the unionists – shouldn’t it spend some money there?

It withdrew for want of cash from a plan to build the A5, a road that would connect Derry to Dublin. It can now afford to come back to that project.

They could even afford to build the northern section of it.

And perhaps conspicuous material benefits of Irish involvement in the north would sweeten the tempers of some who are instinctively inclined to reject it.

The original unionist grievance at the time of the Home Rule arguments was that the southern part of the country was impoverished and mainly agricultural while the north was an industrial giant. If that balance is now reversed, and it is the south that is wealthy and the north feeble, shouldn’t the argument against unity also be reversed?

Though perhaps people in the south will similarly want to be protective of their resources and keep the poor cousins at bay.

The new money will surely influence the next Dáil election.

The main criticism of Sinn Féin’s policies has been that they are too expensive to implement.

SUDDENLY, Ireland is a rich country. This is not what most of us expected if we lived through the crash of 2008 and the bailout, or if older still, through the calamitous 1980s.

It seems an integral part of Irish self-identification to feel that the home country is poor and that we were as well getting out when we did.

My family left Donegal in the 1950s for the benefits of family allowance and new housing in Northern Ireland and the country has been scattering its youth to the ends of the earth since the Famine and before.

But this year Ireland has a budget surplus of over €10billion and a

projected surplus in the next three years of 65 bn. This is close to the size of the UK deficit.

The money has come mostly from corporation tax. You cut that tax, more firms come in and you end up with higher takings.

The big question is how this money is to be spent.

It could go on developing sustainable energy. Massive wind farms in the west of Ireland were described at a conference I attended recently as having the potential to make Ireland the Saudi Arabia of green energy within ten years, harvesting the Atlantic breeze and selling it on as electricity.

Some argue that it is now time for Ireland to give up its military

neutrality and build up its forces. Can it really be regarded as an independent sovereign nation when it relies on Britain to defend its skies against encroaching Russians?

More alarming still, Russian ships have recently been sniffing around the undersea cable that provides us with the internet connection.

It would be easy for the Russians to cut that cable.

So should we not just join NATO, build an air force, army and navy and give up the cheap pride in being peaceful and unaligned while relying on others to keep us safe?

An urgent problem for the country is housing. It is not just a money problem. You have to find people to build the new houses and you need

The original unionist grievance... was that the southern part of the country was impoverished and mainly agricultural while the north was an industrial giant. If that balance is now reversed... shouldn’t the argument against unity also be reversed?

to plan new towns and cities so that they have infrastructure and resources. When Northern Ireland tried to create a new city between Portadown and Lurgan in the 1970s they ended up with bleak housing estates and roundabouts to nowhere. Thousands of people who got resettlement grants to move there stayed a couple of years and

I have even heard northern unionists gloat that Sinn Féin in government would make such a hash of things that they would finish off the discussion on whether Ireland should be united or not.

But if Mary Lou McDonald is the next Taoiseach she will have a lot of money to spend on presenting her government as one that cares for the people.

She may struggle with the logistics of big infrastructure projects but she could cut income tax or distribute real cash to people struggling with rent and mortgages.

For now the money is under the control of the FF-FG coalition and they can start spending it in advance of the election to impress the people with their good intentions.

Whichever way things turn out, the next government of Ireland will have unprecedented resources to start with and using them wisely will secure its future.

Ireland’s now buoyant economy poses several questions as to what this newly found wealth means, and how it should be best spent

MALACHIO’DOHERTY

CORPORATE JETS: An ever more common sight at Irish airports Picture: Getty Images

Breakthrough in case of missing Dublin woman

BY NICK BRAMHILL

THE London-based family of a missing Irish motherof-one has finally been given hope of a breakthrough after crucial CCTV footage relating to the baffling case was dispatched to a specialist team in Britain for fresh analysis.

Esra Uyrun was last seen leaving her home in Clondalkin, west Dublin, on the morning of February 23, 2011.

Her family believes the 38-year-old was abducted at some stage between the time she set off from her home and the discovery of her car in Bray, Co. Wicklow later that morning.

Although the vehicle, a grey Renault Twingo, was captured on CCTV driving towards a car park in the Co. Wicklow seaside town, a previous bid to enhance the grainy video footage and identify the mystery driver - who the family believes to be Esra’s abductor - proved unsuccessful.

However, Berna Fidan, Esra’s older sister, said confirmation that

the footage is being re-examined by leading experts in Britain represents “the best chance in years” of finally solving the mystery. The development comes following London-based Berna’s visit to Ireland back in February to mark the 12th anniversary of Esra’s disappearance.

During the visit the 57-year-old grandmother-of-one met with senior gardaí, where she pleaded with them to give the green light for the low-quality CCTV footage to be sent over to Britaibn for thorough analysis specialists in the UK.

Berna said her hopes were lifted in recent days,

after her garda liaison officer contacted her to confirm the footage has been sent to a leading company in London.

She said: “It’s a huge relief that this has finally happened. I’ve been informed that the video has been sent to a leading company in the UK, one that is used for major investigations.

“The footage was examined a few years ago, but I don’t believe a proper job was done on it at the time. But I know all the stops will be pulled out this time to enhance the footage, so we can finally see who was driving Esra’s car.

“I’m very confident that the technology now exists to do this, but at the same time I don’t want to get too optimistic, because we’ve had so many setbacks since the day Esra disappeared.

“That said, this represents our best hope for years of finally moving the case forward, and finding out what happened to my sister. All being well, we should get results within the next couple of weeks.

“As I’ve said previously, I’m sure that the person who was driving wasn’t Esra, but the person who abducted her. Hopefully the footage can be enhanced enough to identify the driver.”

Talk highlights legacy issues from Troubles

Agreement’s institutions. Support for devolved powersharing remains extensive, few see direct rule from Westminster as an alternative. People know that local issues, such as the health service need Stormont solutions.

Looking to the future Professor Tonge made suggestions to stabilise the democratic process and prevent dissolution.

BY GERRY MOLUMBY

AS part of The Good Friday Agreement 25th Anniversary, the Irish Embassy in London hosted Professor Jonathan Tonge from the University of Liverpool.

In collaboration with the project Troubles, Tragedy & Trauma, Professor Tonge opened his talk by describing the GFA as “a truly impressive peace”. The project was established in 2016, founded by Michael O’Hare as a legacy to his sister Majella, who was killed in 1976 when just 12 years old.

The Troubles, Tragedy & Trauma website says it “aims to highlight legacy issues with

regards to the Troubles, encourage reconciliation and promote positive mental wellbeing for those affected by the conflict”.

Professor Tonge reminded the audience that in 1996 the IRA had entered the peace process.

The Good Friday Agreement has been a success: 3,600 conflict-related deaths in the 25 years prior to the deal; 165 in the 25 years since tells a story of dramatic transformation for good.

The situation in the North has improved to an extent few thought possible.

Professor Tonge argued that the public have not lost faith in the Good Friday

He argued that the Executive needs to be more robust, and proofed against collapse. He said: “The posts of First and Deputy First Minister should be retitled as Joint First Ministers, to reflect their equal powers; or there could be a single First Minister, drawn from the largest Assembly party.”

He added: “Should either of the two largest parties decline to nominate for a First Ministership, refusal should be time limited. After a generous period of, say, one year, the next largest party should be permitted to nominate for the post. Legislation could require 70 per cent support, effectively ensuring that there is cross-community backing.”

Professor Tonge finished on a positive note: “Twentyfive years on, let’s build a healthy politics to complement this truly impressive peace,” he said.

Tracing the Disappeared

Fresh calls by government minister for any information on the whereabouts of the remains of the remaining four victims of abduction during the Troubles

BY FIONA AUDLEY

IRELAND’S Justice Minister has called on the Irish public to come forward with any information that may help recover the remains of the victims of the Troubles known at the Disappeared.

Following a meeting with the families of those missing, referred to as the Disappeared as their remains have never been found, Minister Simon Harris pledged to continue to search for them.

“The government is deeply committed to alleviating the suffering of victims and we will continue to support the efforts being made to locate those who have not yet been found,” he said, after meeting with the families at Leinster House.

“We must always remember the Disappeared, and never forget that some families are still awaiting the return of their loved ones,” he added.

“Our resolve in government to support the efforts of the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains and the families of the Disappeared is as strong as ever.”

The Disappeared were victims of paramilitary violence who were murdered and secretly buried during the Troubles.

located and still missing, were in Dublin yesterday for the government meeting, where they were supported by Sandra Peake, CEO of Wave Trauma Centre.

Saying it was “an honour to meet families of the Disappeared”, Minister Harris now called on the public to assist the ongoing search for those who have yet to be found.

“The ICLVR, with the support of the Irish and British Governments, continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the families of the Disappeared,” he said.

“The ICLVR’s investigations are complex and difficult, and information from the public is the key to locating those who are still missing.”

He added: “There are people out there who still have information which would help the families.

In 1999 the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims’ Remains (ICLVR) was established following an agreement between the governments of Ireland and the UK.

Through its work to find the remains of the 17 names on the Disappeared list, only four remain to be located.

They are Joseph Lynskey, Columba McVeigh, Robert Nairac and Seamus Maguire.

Families of the victims, both those

“I would call on anyone with information that could help recover the remains of those still missing to pass that information to the Commission without delay, safe in the knowledge that it will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

The role of the ICLVR is purely humanitarian, with its only aim is to recover the remains of the Disappeared in order to allow the families to give their loved ones a proper burial.

We must always remember the Disappeared, and never forget that some families are still awaiting the return of their loved ones

Michael O’Hare (TTT Founder) Collette Mackln (TTT Project Manager) Claire Hanna MP (SDLP South Belfast) and Nora O’Hare

Berna Fidan

minutes with...

KEHLI

ORIGINALLY from Dublin, the London-based, 21-year-old singer/ songwriter KEHLI first tasted fame at an early age when her performance of Jorja Smith’s Let Me Down went viral on Instagram. Her latest single Dead Body was released in April on Rough Bones Records.

Edinburgh to Australia

Dublin man Linehan takes top arts job in Sydney

BY MAL ROGERS

THE Sydney-based multiarts urban cultural precinct Carriageworks has named respected international arts administrator Fergus Linehan as its next chief executive officer.

Linehan, from Dublin, is known across the world for his success in leading the Edinburgh International Festival, Sydney Festival, Vivid Live at the Sydney Opera House and the Dublin Theatre Festival.

What are you up to?

At the moment just getting my EP ready and finalising the finishing touches.

Which musician has most influenced you?

Beyoncé since I was a kid and going to see her in Croke Park when I was 15 definitely. Kick- started the want to do this as a job. Seeing her on stage really changed everything.

Who would be in your ideal band?

Tash Sultana, HER, Charlie Puth

How did you get started in music?

I started stage school when I was 4 years old and my love for it grew as I got older. Then when I had to leave as I was too old. I started working with my manager and it progressed into where I am today. My first experience of recording my own music was when I was 17 in London which was an amazing experience.

Where are you from in Ireland? Dublin! 100 per cent Irish.

What’s on your smartphone playlist at the minute?

Logic, Post Malone , SZA.

What is your favourite place in Ireland?

A hidden spot in Killiney when it’s sunny in the summer it’s a hidden gem.

What would be your motto? Live with no regrets.

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents for sure, as they’ve always supported me and told me to keep chasing my dream.

Who will act you when they make a film of your life?

I’d love Lily Collins to play me as I’ve been told I kinda look like her! Which is a major compliment.

Bowie or Beyoncé? Beyonce!!!

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

I’d love to be a Special Needs Assistant teacher or work with kids. Or also somewhere in the fitness industry as I love playing football and going to the gym.

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

To not care so much and stop being so hard on myself.

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

My car as it has given me the freedom and time alone to just be in my own thoughts and enjoy hanging out with myself. And I can travel to cool spots anytime I like.

What’s the best thing about where you live?

How close I am to everything and everyone I love.

...and the worst?

The weather but when it’s sunny it’s the best place on earth

What’s the greatest lesson life has taught you?

I have yet to find that out.

What gives you the greatest laugh?

The Office (US version of course).

What do you believe in? Myself!!!

What do you consider the greatest work of art?

The Great Gatsby. It’s a movie that has definitely stuck with me and anytime I watch it it’s like the first time again.

Who is the greatest love of your life?

My dog Charlie who is turning 15 this year. He’s my best friend.

“We are thrilled to have attracted such a respected international figure to lead Carriageworks into its next chapter,” Carriageworks chair, Cass O’Connor, said.

“We were determined to appoint such an accomplished leader because of the scale of our ambition. Carriageworks has both history and potential at a time our arts and cultural sectors spark back to life. Importantly, new state and federal governments have similar ambitions to strengthen Australia’s creative industries,” she said.

Linehan said he was excited about the potential for Carriageworks to grow in a way that engages and serves the community. “In 2007 I stepped through the doors of

Carriageworks as curator of the venue’s inaugural performance. The performance was a stunning convergency of cultures, art forms.”

The Dublin man bowed out of one of the top arts jobs in the world, director of the Edinburgh International Festival, after being at the helm for seven years.

He received the Edinburgh Award for his work, following in the footsteps of authors JK Rowling and Ian Rankin, as well as sports personalities Doddie Weir, Ken Buchanan and Sir Chris Hoy.

The Edinburgh Award, which began in 2007, is designed to give recognition to an “outstanding indiv-

idual” who makes a positive impact on the city, enhancing its reputation, and gaining further national and international recognition for the city.

Linehan took up the reins of director in 2014, 2015 being his first festival. He is regarded as having enjoyed a very successful tenure in Edinburgh, not least for steering the festival through the current very challenging times for the entertainment and culture sector.

Linehan’s replacement as director of the Edinburgh International Festival is the Scottish-Italian, internationally renowned violinist Nicola Benedetti.

Pete Doherty gives career credit to the Birmingham Irish Centre

WORDS AND PICTURE BY CHIS EGAN

PLAYING at the Birmingham O2 Institute in Digbeth as part of the Battered Song Book Tour, Pete Doherty told the audience about his first gig which he played at the Irish Centre which sat opposite on Digbeth High Street, fondly remembering how the venue gave him the start on his musical career.

The Babyshambles and Libertines frontman, who has family roots in Waterford, gave his penultimate concert in Birmingham, his first solo tour in 10 years. During the show Doherty was joined on stage by his wife Katia de Vidas who played harmonica.

On acknowledging the support the former Irish Centre in Digbeth gave to his career, Doherty, as part of the Battered Songbook Tour has also given the opportunity for new and up and coming artists to also perform.

AUSTRALIA BOUND: Fergus Linehan and Cass O’Connor Picture: Nic Walker

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT’S DUE: Pete Doherty

Remembering the communist struggle in Cold War Ireland

Dissent not allowed

A

new documentary to be broadcast next week explores the phenomenon of Irish communism

THE documentary Reds na hÉireann looks at the little-known world of Irish communism until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

The Irish language programme, with English sub-titles, will be broadcast next Wednesday, May 24 on the TG4 worldwide player.

Despite Ireland’s historical reliance on America for guidance and its powerful right-leaning clergy, a colourful world of leftist politics and activism emerged in Ireland during this time.

Hundreds of Irish communists travelled to the Soviet Union and its satellite states in search of a worker’s utopia.

So how close did they all come to turning Ireland from Green to Red?

The documentary attempts to answer this. Through interviews with veteran Irish communists, Reds na hÉireann brings the audience deep inside this previously undiscovered world of struggle and comradeship back to a time when it felt like the world was up for grabs. The slogan of communism was, “Workers of the world unite!”

This ideal created a spirit and vigour which many in interviews on the programme still show.

The adherents of the movement were a disparate grouping with respective journeys from, as the programme puts it “the convent, trade unions and militant republicanism”.

Viewers are given firsthand accounts of the wild, unpredictable accounts of agitating and organising for the revolution that never came.

Communism in Ireland also had something of a surprising side, given that much of the latter end of the Cold War coincided with some of the worst periods of violence during the Northern Ireland Troubles – the documentary covers a meeting of West Belfast Branch members of the Communist Party in 1981. A packed hall was full of members of all religious persuasion (and none), a truly non-sectarian space in the middle of a sectarian conflict.

Stitching the film together is a trove of neverseen-since archive footage accompanied by music from the era. The documentary even delves into some of the outré fashion styles of the era.

Reds na hÉireann is not only a story of those who were there at the time, but also a story about the lives of those campaigners. Many are still activists today – so what keeps a person going after 40 years of political activism, when, as the programme puts it “we are arguably we are now further away from a promised leftist utopia than we have ever been”?

 Reds na hÉireann will be broadcast on TG4, and available on TG4 player from May 24, 2023 at 9.30pm worldwide – www.TG4.ie

THE scene that spoke loudest about the coronation was a group of dignitaries, drawn from a variety of countries that helped make up the British Empire, all singing God Save the King. Meanwhile, nearby, those wishing to exercise dissent were being dragged away by the police to be detained at his Majesty’s pleasure.

This in the country that likes to think it is the home of free speech.

In fact, the possibility to legally disagree or show dissent is rapidly being squeezed out altogether

The draconian attitudes displayed last September, when Queen Elizabeth died, were a good example. A sort of compulsory compassion was in evidence, with dissenters decidedly under threat – no space was to be allowed for other views in this freedom-loving democracy.

Then, there has been the way that direct action environmental protesters have been increasingly treated.

Routinely arrested for doing very little. A number of protesters were arrested at the coronation for wearing ‘Just Stop Oil’ T-shirts.

The fact is that if people adopt conventional means, the protest is ignored by lawmakers and the media alike. This helps drive people to other forms of protest. Disruption brings headlines.

PAULDONOVAN

Muslims replaced the Irish as the suspect group.

Now, the diminution of rights project has reached the point where the present government feel they can remove the final vestiges of dissent by effectively banning it. The new suspect group is anyone who disagrees.

So, there were ‘Not My King’ protesters being arrested around the coronation events.

Yet, in many ways no one should be surprised by the present course of events. How appropriate that it was the coronation of a British monarch that coincides with an attack on civil rights.

Not to say the cause of saving the planet is not a just cause for every type of action.

The extinguishing of these basic rights has been a process underway for many years. Much of it has its origins with the Troubles in Ireland.

The British government used the threat or perceived threat of terrorism to remove most basic rights, like the rights to silence and assembly.

The Prevention of Terrorism Act brought such measures in legitimising the targeting of a whole suspect community – namely, the Irish at home and abroad.

The measures brought in under terrorist legislation were then gradually downloaded into the ordinary criminal law. This process was then deepened and extended, when the

I well remember back in the 1990s, Father Des Wilson telling me in Ballymurphy that he desperately wanted the North of Ireland to get out from under the boot of the British oppressor. He foretold then the movement toward an intolerant fascistic police state and he has been proved correct.

The problem for a government that tries to wipe out dissent is that it simply takes another form. Traditional forms of protest have been treated with contempt, so led onto direct action. If this is then trampled, some other form of dissent will materialise – often violent.

In the Irish case, it was a failure to deal with the legitimate concerns of civil rights protesters, that in the end led to violence and war.

Let’s not forget it was protest across the British Empire that led to people’s liberation. It did not come about as the result of the benevolent actions of the dysfunctional family that sits at the head of the structure of class privilege that was the British Empire and is Britain today.

The British Empire stood for repression and brutal suppression of people’s rights.

Many in government that seek to ban protest are the same individuals, who seek to propagate Empire as some great civilising force. The reality was very different. It must be hoped that as fantasy meets reality in the shape of the reign of Charles III then maybe the scales will drop from many eyes. The British might just see what that their empire really was all about, which was stifling dissent and treading on indigenous people rights – things that now all seem to have come home. Maybe they might even take some responsibility.

The problem for a government that tries to wipe out dissent is that it simply takes another form

DISSENTING VOICES: Protesters gather in Whitehall on the day of the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla Picture: Getty Images

Networking with the TLICN

THE London Irish Construction Network (TLICN) held its latest event at the Irish Embassy in London earlier this month.

The evening, hosted by Ambassador Martin Fraser, included a ‘Next Generation Infrastructure’ panel discussion on future developments in British infrastructure.

Among the guests at the reception were the Irish born Lord Mayor of the City of London Nicholas Lyons (below) and his wife the Lady Mayoress

Catherine Orpen-Galis (Orpen Design Solutions) and Debbie Smyth (Tempo Housing UK & Ireland)

The Lady Mayoress of the City of London Felicity Lyons and Deirdre Fraser, wife of Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser

Andy Rogers (Andy Rogers & Associates), Tara Cronin (icap) and Padraig Connellan (Asset Finance Solutions) .JPG

Jack Burns (Shannon Pipe Contractors), Noel Byrne (Ardent Tide), Vince Dignam (City of London) and Seamus Keenan (Keenwood Joinery)

Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser and Patrick Rochford from the Irish Embassy are pictured with TLICN Directors Niall O’Dowd, Nicole Daly, Frank O’Hare, Sean Daly, Mary Pottinger and Con O’Sullivan and panel members John Ryan (SymTerra), Richard Logue (Network Rail / LUL) and Cassius Powell (London Underground)

Edwin Doran (Doran Vineyards), David McKibbin and Richard Henry (Lex Risk Solutions) and Mossie Power (MJ Power and Co.)

Felicity Lyons.

PICTURES BY MALCOLM MCNALLY PHOTOGRAPHY

The Dublin-born Lord Mayor of the City of London Nicholas Lyons

Greener planes on order for Ryanair New ships to boost freight on Belfast–Heysham route

BY GERARD CASSINI

RYANAIR has ordered 300 new Boeing 737-MAX-10 aircraft (150 firm and 150 options) for delivery between 2027 to 2033.

When finalised, and subject to all options being exercised, this deal is valued at over $40bn at current list prices and is the largest order ever placed by an Irish company for US manufactured goods.

Given the size and scale of the transaction, it will be subject to shareholder approval at Ryanair’s September 14 AGM.

Boeing’s new fuel efficient, B737-MAX-10 aircraft have 228 seats and the phased deliveries between 2027 and 2033 will enable Ryanair to create more than 10,000

new high-paid jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers.

A statement rom Ryanair said:

“Ryanair expects 50 per cent of these deliveries will replace older B737NGs, which will allow Ryanair to continue to operate one of Europe’s youngest, most fuel efficient, and environmentally sustainable aircraft fleets.

“In addition to very significant revenue growth this new order offers Ryanair, the extra seats (coupled with greater fuel and carbon efficiency) will further widen Ryanair’s unit-cost advantage over all EU competitor airlines.”

Boeing President & CEO, Dave Calhoun, welcomed the new deal, saying: “The Boeing-Ryanair

partnership is one of the most productive in commercial aviation history, enabling both companies to succeed and expand affordable travel to hundreds of millions of people. Nearly a quarter century after our companies signed our first direct airplane purchase, this landmark deal will further strengthen our partnership. We are committed to delivering for Ryanair and helping Europe’s largest airline group achieve its goals by offering its customers the lowest fares in Europe.”

Ryanair Group CEO, Michael O’Leary, said:

“Ryanair is pleased to sign this record aircraft order for up to 300 MAX-10s with our aircraft partner Boeing. These new, fuel efficient, greener technology aircraft offer 21 per cent more seats, burn 20 per cent less fuel and are 50 per cent quieter than our B737-NGs.

“This order, coupled with our remaining Gamechanger deliveries, will create 10,000 new jobs for highly paid aviation professionals over the next decade, and these jobs will be located across all of Europe’s main economies where Ryanair is currently the No.1 or No.2 airline.”

STENA Line has announced that it is constructing two new bespoke freight ferries for its expanding Belfast-Heysham freight service.

The multi-million pound investment will significantly increase freight capacity on the route.

Each of the two new 147-metre vessels has been designed to maximise freight volumes and will provide 2,800 lane meters of capacity which is an 80 per cent increase on current ship capacities.

The new vessels, the first of which is due to enter service on the route in autumn 2025, will be equipped to carry 12 passengers and 26 crew.

The ‘NewMax’ vessels will be able to operate on methanol fuel. Stena Line is currently working closely with the supply chain of methanol and has secured future volumes of e-methanol to fulfil its strategic ambition of shifting to renewable fuels and cutting 30 per cent of its CO2 emissions by 2030.

The unique tidal systems prevailing in Heysham can be

challenging, so each vessel will be fitted with a bespoke marine technology configuration making it more resilient to the prevailing weather conditions. Three bow thrusters will provide optimum manoeuvrability and reliability and a specially designed engine/ propeller configuration will further enhance berthing capability in extreme weather.

Lengthy financial dispute on Skellig Michael now resolved

Disagreements over offshore maintenance payments at root of recent clash

BY NICK BRAMHILL

SKELLIG MICHAEL has now reopened after a long-running dispute over payment to staff was resolved.

There had been fears that the start of the short visitor season to the UNESCO world heritage site would be delayed, following the withdrawal of an offshore allowance for guides and maintenance staff working on the Co. Kerry island.

The ‘country allowance’ –amounting to €181.69 a week –was an additional tax-free payment to compensate workers living away from home in shared temporary accommodation, with no running water during the remote outpost’s 25-week visitor season.

But over a year ago staff were informed that the Revenue Commissioners had decided the allowance did not comply with tax rules, leading to a dispute that was referred to the Workplace Rela-

tions Commission (WRC).

However, the Office of Public Works (OPW) confirmed at the beginning of May that the island would re-open to visitors as originally planned, with the usual considerations of weather in place.

Although the OPW declined to comment on the industrial row, it is understood that the dispute –which affected up to six guides and 12 maintenance staff based on the island during the visitor seasonhas now been brought to a resolution.

In a statement at the beginning of the month the OPW said: “Sceilg Mhichíl will welcome back visitors to the island for the 2023 season on Saturday, 13th May. The reopening date will, of course, be dependent on favourable weather, sea and island conditions.”

The news has given a boost to tourism operators in the area, many of who have been campaigning for the restricted visitor season to the breathtaking Atlantic outpost to be extended.

The monastic island has become a magnet for Star Wars fans in recent years after featuring in two space blockbusters.

But visitor numbers have still not returned to the pre-pandemic highs that were recorded up to 2019.

According to official figures released by the OPW, approximately 14,200 people visited the isolated outpost last year.

But the island had to be closed off to visitors for a total of 51 days during the 2022 visitor season – 31 due to poor weather and sea conditions, and a further 20 as a result of a rock fall.

That meant that the 15 licensed boat operators, who are each permitted to transport up to 12 passengers a day to the internationally important island, collectively missed out on 9,180 landings over the course of the four-and-ahalf month season.

Boat operators insist an extension to the season would help make up for the many days lost at

sea in an already brief season, and give a much-needed boost to the tourism business in southwest Kerry.

But the OPW said its stance is determined by the need to maintain the fragile island and ensure safety of visitors.

The OPW spokesperson added: “The season end date, which has been established over the past number of years, is based on a recurring pattern of declining conditions towards late September. It is unlikely that will change.”

SHIPSHAPE: Stena Line’s NewMax boat bound for the Irish Sea

MAY THE CRAIC BE WITH YOU: A visitor to Slkellig Michael dressed as Darth Vader from Star Wars Picture: Getty Images

FLYING HIGH: New Boeing aircraft for Ryanair — bigger, cleaner and greener

Unexpected landfall for Lutz

CANOEIST Lutz Erichsen, ended up on a high wall as he attempted to cut a corner on the Straffan Weir during the Liffey Descent 2023 event. After getting out of his canoe he managed to get through the weir safely and finish the race.

Canoeists tackle the first of 10 weirs on the River Liffey at Straffan in Co. Kildare, at the start of the 30km 62nd Liffey Descent 2023. The race ends at the Garda Boat Club in Islandbridge, Dublin. Picture: Rolling News.ie

Record-equalling onshore earthquake recorded

AN EARTHQUAKE in Co. Donegal was recorded earlier this month according to the Irish National Seismic Network (INSN). The tremor, which occurred Glenveagh National Park in northwest Donegal, was recorded as having a magnitude of 2.5. According to the INSN, that equals the largest onshore Irish earthquake recorded by the organisation, which occurred on January 26, 2012 on the Fanad Peninsula.

Councillor seeks solution to graffiti problem

COUNCILLOR John Snell has asked if there is anything Wicklow Municipal District can do to clamp down on the graffiti appearing in Wicklow town.

The Wicklow People reports that Wicklow Tidy Towns regularly takes responsibility to clear-up unsightly graffiti in Wicklow town. They have pointed out that the amount of graffiti, and the message it conveys, town could have a negative impact on their marks.

Cllr Snell said: “Year on year we have issues with graffiti. It seems to be totally out of hand in certain parts around the environs of Wicklow town and Rathnew.

WICKLOW

Road signs are also being interfered with, as well as junction boxes.

“As a Local Authority do we have a way of tackling graffiti, especially on road signs. It’s unsightly but it is also interfering with what the signs are there for.”

District Engineer Kevin Scanlon responded: “You clear or spray it off and then it’s back again. It’s very messy work and seems to take place more in urban areas. We do it ourselves generally if there is a solution to it.”

Emigration still part of the West’s way of life

The INSN said that it had received reports that the quake was felt throughout the Donegal area and was recorded by seismic stations across the country.

It was also detected by personal Raspberry Shake seismometers operated by hobbyists, citizen scientists and educators, including seismometers in Dublin more than 200km away from the epicentre.

Offshore earthquakes are more common in Ireland, a -0.3 magnitude quake was recorded in Wexford in April but its size would have been imperceptible to humans.

MOVES to make rural Ireland an attractive place to live, particularly for younger generations, was brought to government representatives at Dáil Éireann when members of the organisation Mayo Macra na Feirme members joined counterparts from across the country to hand deliver letters to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste.

More than 50 young farmers completed a 16-hour, 79km walk from Athy in Co. Kildare to the Dáil to highlight issues faced by young people across the nation. Among the walkers was Robert Lally from Claremorris who told the Mayo News the action has elicited a positive response.

“It was a phenomenal success,” he told newspaper. “We didn’t expect as much momentum, so soon, but we brought a lot of serious issues to the fore and that has resonated all across the country, not just in rural Ireland.

“Politicians must realise that we’re about to lose an entire generation unless they stop sitting around driving rhetoric down our throats. We’re constantly receiving unhelpful commentary from the government which shows no understanding of life on the ground and we felt we had to fight back and

highlight what’s happening.”

Among the issues highlighted by the event were difficulties accessing affordable housing, cumbersome housing planning guidelines, disjointed and sparse healthcare services for rural communities, a lack of public transport for rural Ireland, no recognition or engagement by government on a farming succession scheme and the lack of planning for the future of rural communities.

“I have a Whatsapp ‘Friends’ group with 12 of us in it and there are only two of us left in Ireland. The rest are in Canada, Australia and America,” Robert Lally said.

Hurley stick comes to the rescue as makeshift splint

DERRY

A CO. Derry GAA player was taken to hospital in the back of a van wearing a makeshift splint fashioned from a hurling stick and length of blue plastic piping after waiting more than 70 minutes for an ambulance to arrive.

Dominic Carville received a significant leg injury in clash. After sustaining a suspected broken leg, he lay for over an hour on the pitch at Dungiven, Co. Derry.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that despite an ambulance being called, handlers were unable to provide an estimated time of arrival after their initial

70-minute estimate, leading supporters and players at the match to take the decision to transfer him to hospital themselves.

A makeshift splint for Dominic’s leg was fashioned using a child’s camán, a length of blue piping and some insulation tape. After over an hour waiting on the pitch, supporters and officials took matters into their own hands and Dominic was taken to hospital, with splint attached, in the back of the Derry GAA kit van by Dungiven man Colm McGuigan.

Dominic’s brother Connor tweeted: “He has a tough recovery ahead but is in capable hands. Some great improvisation to get a splint made from a hurl and some pipe.”

Russian warship spotted off the Cork coast

A FRIGATE from the Russian Black Sea Fleet was caught on camera off the southwest coast of Ireland in the latest incursion into Irish waters by Russian vessels.

Cork Beo reports that Admiral Grigorovich was one of four Russian ships observed by the Irish Defence Forces within Ireland’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The flotilla included an auxiliary tanker, the Kama, which was seen refuelling the warship within Irish waters.

This is just the latest incident of Russian naval ships spotted in Irish waters.

CORK

The flotilla was kept under surveillance by the Irish Air Corps and the Naval Service.

Britain’s Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force have also been monitoring Russian navy ships operating in Irish and British waters. There is an arrangement between the Irish and British governments that allows British warplanes and monitoring aircraft to transit Irish airspace.

The Irish Defence Forces have confirmed that four

vessels were “monitored by their personnel during air and naval patrols. The Russian vessels have since departed the Irish EEZ”. There have been a number of such incidents in recent months along the south and west coasts of Ireland.

Defence analysts have said the purpose of these highprofile ‘visits’ may be to intimidate and harass Western governments. There are also worries about vital infrastructure linking north America, Ireland and Europe that passes off the southwest coast.

MAYO

MALROGERS Hard news the easy way

That’ll be the day

QUESTION: When was the last time a British boxer relieved himself in full view of the spectators?

ANSWER: Well done. It was of course at Crufts. Farvalley Instant Love, a ‘veteran’ boxer won last year in the breed category. In his excitement he micturated in the ring. This year it was a ‘petit basset griffon Vendéen’ who won Best in Show. When I first read it I mistook it for a cheeky red wine I sampled once in Franschhoek at a vineyard in South Africa’s Western Cape. But no, it was the winner of the Kennel Club’s top prize, and he was called Buddy Holly. He looked very well behaved,

Great gas altogether

FANCY a journey into space without harming the planet?

French company Zephalto are planning low carbon balloon flights. Their stratospheric balloon Céleste is ready to take off next year. Now, this isn’t one of your balloons that looks like a picnic hamper. This is a pressurised canister that will take you to the very edge of space. And you won’t owe the planet very much for your journey – although you will owe Zephalto a sum not unadjacent to €120,000. But at least you won’t have to take any spending money.

The amount of CO2 needed for this balloon space flight is 26.6 kilograms. This, says Zephalto, is the same amount of CO2 required to produce a pair of denims. Who knew jeans were so environmentally unfriendly?

But as well as being environmentally aware, being French the Zephalto trip includes gourmet food in the deal. In fact their strapline is: “Eat lunch at the edge of space.” Before embarkation, you’ll choose dishes from a shortlist of

When the saint went sailing out

EARLIER this week, May 16, is St Brendan the Navigator’s feast day.

but I expect he had canine emotions in common with all dogs. Animal behaviouralists in Australia are attempting to translate dogs’ barking into human feelings. No need. After having owned dogs for over three decades I can tell you what the main emotions are: “I’m famished”, “Wanna go for a drive in the car”, “There’s somebody on the street outside – maybe as far as half a mile away”, “Nice leg”, “Come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough.”

Michelin-starred chefs.

The whole journey is six hours, with a stay in the stratosphere for three hours, at an altitude of 25 kilometres above the Earth. So you’ll be able to see the curvature of the planet.

The balloon initially ascends at a speed of four metres a second – that means you’ve plenty of time to enjoy the view across l’Haute Garonne in France. There are two pilots on board who’ll give you the lowdown on all aspects of the flight.

The pilots may also tell you about those two French balloon pioneers, the Montgolfier brothers

Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier (37) and his brother

Joseph-Michel (42) invented the first practical hot air balloon – indeed, the first ever confirmed human flight.

When they first ascended, in the 1780s, they burnt cow dung as their fuel.

They believed, not unreasonably, that it was the smell which propelled them into the air. After all, who among us has not woken from a night on the tiles with breath strong enough to knock a seagull off a bin lorry?

But gradually the penny dropped – it wasn’t the pong, it wasn’t the smoke; it was the hot air that did the trick.

You may be sure that the people at Zephalto already know that.

www.zephalto.com

TO BOLDLY GO: Visiting space the envorinmentally green way Picture: Getty Images

Stuck-up stars

I PASSED a well-known TV personality in Belfast recently. One of those chatty types that present morning breakfast type shows. Just at the bottom of Malone Road, she was, near the university. Where the pavement narrows. She couldn’t have missed me. But she didn’t acknowledge me or anything. Just walked on by chatting away to a twentysomething telly-type with her.

Same thing happened to me with Terry Wogan once as well. This time in London. At an official do. I might as well not have existed.

Which made me wonder – why do radio and telly presenters talk to you on air as though they’ve known you all their lives and then treat you as a total stranger when you meet them in the street, with not so much as a word of greeting, ask how are you, so glad you could join me, see you again next week same time?

EXCEPTION: I met Ryan Tubridy once. He was coming out of the toilets in a West London Hotel. I was going in. He stepped back, held the door open for me, and said something along the lines of “How’s it goin’ horse?”

A true gentleman, meeting another gentleman (I like to think) in the gentlemen’s.

SAS, the Swedish airline, used to have a very nifty advertising campaign which used the motto as ‘Navigators to the world since it was flat’. This was a clear reference to Erik the Red and his Viking voyage to the New World. However, Erik was in all likelihood pipped to the US post by a Kerryman. Brendan the Navigator, 5th or 6th century, is believed to have made it to America – some three centuries before Erik, and nine centuries before Columbus. So if anybody is entitled to use the description ‘navigators to the world’ it’s probably Ryanair. Or Aer Lingus.

To be fair, Red Erik was probably looking for trading opportunities – Brendan was searching for the Promised Land; commercialism and Christianity were battling it out from a very early age. But you have to wonder – isn’t this whole thing just a bit iffy? This quandary over who discovered America. It’s a bit rich for anyone to claim to discover a country when there are people on the shore who meet your boat when it lands.

Blind faith

A STORY from the Americas, which shows that you shouldn’t jump to conclusions.

It seems that Flight 203 from San Francisco to Miami was forced to make an unscheduled stop at Sacramento because of a minor technical fault.

The passengers disembarked for a short break, except for one. This was a visually impaired gentleman sitting at the front of the plane. The pilot, a kindly sort of guy, approached him and explained that the aircraft would probably be on the ground for at least an hour, so would he like to stretch his legs?

No, replied the blind man, but added that his guide dog Walter probably wouldn’t mind a romp outside.

All the passengers gathered in the gate area now saw the pilot, still wearing his sunglasses, descend from the plane led by Walter. It was a disquieting moment.

IT’S YOU: Ryan Tubridy Picture: Getty Images

HANGDOG EXPRESSION: Disappointed loser Tullio – a Neapolitan Mastiff at Crufts 2023 Picture: Getty Images

The voice of the Irish in Britain since 1970 Shining light on a dark chapter of history

LAURA Trevelyan and John Dower are descendants of the Trevelyan dynasty that included Sir Charles Trevelyan, mentioned in the ballad The Fields of Athenry.

They are part of a new organisation called Heirs of Slavery – which includes ancestors of other colonialists and slavers.

Laura Trevelyan has given up her job as a high profile BBC journalist to become a full time advocate for reparative justice. She has said that the family would consider paying reparations to Ireland for the part their forebear played in the Great Famine of the 1940s.

The family has already publicly apologised for their part in the slave trade in Grenada and paid reparations of £100,000. There is now a Trevelyan Family Fund for Grenada.

A recognition of her ancestor’s part in the An Gorta Mór and by implication the British government’s role in the Famine is very welcome. She has also helped to launch a reappraisal of Britain’s accepted history, specifically its slave-owning past. As she put in on PBS in the US, “In Britain we’re taught that the British abolished slavery in 1833...not that we were major participants in the slave trade; that part is really downplayed.”

Slavery and colonialism – from approximately the 16th century the two became inextricably intertwined – stimulated racism.

The Irish were seen through this same prism of colonialism, regarded as an inferior ‘race’ by the British, their woes of no concern to the Westminster government in the 19th century. Britain was one of the most powerful empires in the world and could have done much to alleviate suffering Ireland – indeed throughout the world – but chose not to.

If Laura Trevelyan can bring, in Britain, an awareness to the part played by the British government in the Great Famine – and she has certainly intimated that this is her aim – she will have carried out a valuable service.

A musical milestone

THE London Lasses, a traditional Irish music ensemble, is now celebrating its 25th anniversary with a new album entitled LL25

The band are the inheritors of the great immigrant music tradition. From the middle of the last century Irish musicians from every county in Ireland came to London – and of course brought their music. From this was fashioned the traditional seisún as we know it today, and a definable, unique sound emerged.

Today, the London Lasses can be regarded as the finest exponents of this precious tradition, and are to be congratulated on the musical milestone they have reached.

The forum of the Irish in Britain

A way of life remembered

I would call it a very tarnished one – he has brought prosperity to the fringes of these islands.

In Ireland, his golf course in Co. Clare (being close to Shannon Airport) particularly attracts ‘high end’ visitors from America who contribute much to the local economy.

Surely that is a ‘special relationship’?

But Donald Trump has never claimed Irish roots, although he does have strong Gaelic roots. His mother Mary Anne MacLeod was a Gaelic speaker from the Outer Hebrides, which explains his love of Scotland, and his desire to invest in that country.

I hold no admiration whatsoever for the former president or his policies, and his latest court appearance in America, where he was found guilty in a civil court of sexually abusing and defaming writer E Jean Carroll, only tarnishes his reputation even further. But he can still be classified as “a Co. Clare businessman”, and of course he could well yet be returning to the White House. It is a very awkward ‘special relationship’.

I’M originally from Swinford in Co.Mayo. I worked around England and Scotland through the 1970s at construction, pipe laying, gas pipelines, construction of oil platforms and oil rig exploration work.

I went then to Norway and back to Ireland to work on oil rigs off the Irish coast. I ended up in Galway working as an emergency plumber.

I have now retired but I haven’t forgotten the Irish long distance men, the tunnel tigers, building and civil engineering workers and the ‘Kishorn Commandos’ who worked on the construction of the Ninian Central oil production platform in Wester Ross in the north west of Scotland from 1975 to 1978.

It was the biggest structure built at sea for many years, weighing 660,000 tonnes.

Many Irish worked there. The money was big, the work rough and the living conditions often wild.

That generation is nearly forgotten now. The songs of Martin Henry and Dominic Behan relate the lives of those construction men, those exiles from Ireland.

The Longford-born artist Bernard Canavan captures their life well in his paintings and Ultan Cowley has done great work in documenting their stories

I’ve written a poem called Martin Wore the New Suit to Work which I hope evokes that time.

[Editorial note: we have spoken to Padhraig and he is

happy that we only reproduce the final stanza of his poem here, due to issues of space]

Martin Wore the New Suit to Work (final stanza)

The good Sunday suit was the one he kept for the Oxford Arms, the Hop Poles

The Brecknock, the Boston Arms, the Wellington, the Mulbery Tree, The Archway Tavern, the Orange Tree, The Galtymore, the Gresham, the Buffalo, the Forum, The National, the Garryowen, the Hibernian.

The black suit. The Sunday suit. He’d have that with the white shirt before opening time with fifty others

Black suits and white shirts as they stood outside on ‘penguin island’

Outside the Oxford Arms

Before opening time of a Sunday morning

Awaiting the moment of opening, With the Western People got from the newstand at Archway tube station Under their oxters. Then, chest out, shoulders back, in the door for the communion of drink and men.

Someday he said he would travel home in that Sunday suit. He did.

In the end.

In a coffin on a Ryanair flight into knock.

I drank with that man.

Padhraig Campbell Mayo

A special, but unwanted relationship?

THE continuing debate over whether Ireland has a special relationship with the USA, particularly now that President Biden identifies so clearly with Ireland does seem to ignore one point – and also extends to whether Britain has as special relationship these days with Washington, with the US.

Brenda Bell Wicklow

The coronation – a missed chance?

SO that was a scaled down coronation? A gold State coach; bejewelled opulence; a preoccupation on where Prince Harry would sit so as not to disrupt proceedings.

Thousands spent on pageantry while Britain has more foodbanks than branches of McDonalds. Fleets of huge limousines delivering VIPs to the abbey door.

I remember journalist and present Vincent Browne on RTÉ asking a newly appointed government minister why the newly chosen ministers all went up to be sworn in by the president at Áras an Uachtaráin in individual Mercs. “Why didn’t you al go up in the one bus?” he asked.

The new minister was stuck for words.

The point I’m talking about is that it would seem that Donald Trump really does have a special relationship with both countries – he has put his money where his mouth is and invested in both Ireland and Britain, providing jobs and attracting large tourist numbers to both Ireland and Scotland. His golf clubs in Doonbeg, Ayrshire and Aberdeen employ several hundred people, and considerably add to tourist numbers in all three areas.

Whatever his reputation – and

The savings in money and time would have been considerable – but of course that expensive escapade pales into insignificance compared to the millions that the coronation cost.

A bus instead of a gold coach would have been a wonderful statement by Prince Charles. Never mind his words about ‘being there to serve”, if he had shown that he was prepared to forego some luxuries by doing away with some of the, frankly, outrageous fripperies, his words might have carried more weight.

Maureen McBrearty Hammersmith, London

BIG WAVES, BIG MONEY: Construction of an oil rig Picture: Getty Images

Editor reserves the right to edit all letters as applicable. Please keep your letters as brief as possible. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of The Irish Post.

Mary Anne MacLeod Trump in 1935

Picture: Public domain via Wikipedia

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COMMENT&OPINION

Short wave thinking on long wave decision

THE more one looks at RTÉ’s decision to discontinue its long wave radio service the more one is struck by the perverse disregard the move contains.

My mother is 88 years old this year.

She is, thank God, more than able. She looks after herself, keeps up to date with the news in minute detail, and follows nearly all sports avidly.

She watches matches on Sky and BT and manages, just about, to use an iPhone.

She is not technologically illiterate. She is not bewildered by how things work. She does laugh at the ridiculousness of a society where there is a photograph to record every passing moment and worries at a life lived face-into-a-screen. She’s not alone in that. But what I’m trying to get at is that she is pretty well equipped to navigate her way around the modern world to the extent, at least, that she might want to.

My mother left Cork when she was 18 and after more than 40 years in England came back. So when she listens to RTÉ’s Liveline, say, she does so sitting next to the radio in her Co. Cork living room. She just turns it on and there’s Joe Duffy. This wasn’t set in stone though. She was one of a whole generation that went away and one of a minority that came back.

She could quite easily now be sitting in a living room in England, tuning into her daily ration of RTÉ radio, and finding the likes of Liveline far more of a lifeline by virtue of being far away.

JOEHORGAN

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.

Tuning in the only way she’d know. Via long wave.

The sound of home when you are not there. I’m not sure what the price of that is.

I’m fairly sure, though, that if she were still in England and RTÉ was gone from the radio that telling her it was now on the internet or somewhere on the television set wouldn’t be a great comfort.

Even if she isn’t bewildered by the modern world why attempt to make her so? To a greater or lesser degree technology can be a barrier, can’t it? Isn’t that just factual? We’ve all been left defeated by a technological problem, haven’t we?

RTÉ states that the long wave service has been costing around €250,000 a year and that this is expected to rise to €400,000 this year. Okay. Now put that in context.

The outgoing presenter of RTÉ’s The Late Late Show was on an annual salary of around €440,000 a year. That’s one person

Imagine being from a pre-internet age and having little support around you in order to help you negotiate it. Statistically, after all, the majority of users of long wave broadcasts to the UK are over 60 and a good percentage of those would be people with no direct engagement with emigrant support networks. Why contribute to the isolation of those we owe so much?

Due to being funded by the state RTÉ prides itself on being a service. Does that service only extend to those at home? In a country like ours? A country with our history? A country once kept afloat by money sent home by emigrants. And, anyway, is this really just about the

grubby counting of money? What was it WB Yeats wrote?

“Fumble in a greasy till/ And add the halfpence to the pence/ And prayer to shivering prayer, until/ You have dried the marrow from the bone;/ For men were born to pray and save./ Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone,/ It’s with O’Leary in the grave.”

But hang on a moment because this isn’t just romanticising. Indeed, this isn’t romantic at all. Let us deal as they deal, in bald finance. RTÉ states that the long wave service has been costing around €250,000 a year and that this is expected to rise to €400,000 this year. Okay. Now put that in context. The outgoing presenter of RTÉ’s The Late Late Show was on an annual salary of around €440,000 a year. That’s one person.

The presenter of RTÉ’s Liveline is on an annual salary of around €350,000 a year. That’s one person.

Now, I have no axe to grind with either men or any

knowledge of how media wages are assessed. But how is it morally justifiable to pay one individual more than it is deemed worthwhile to spend on an entire group of people? Isn’t one man in a bedsit in Cricklewood or Luton or Leeds or Manchester worth €250,000 a year?

What about ten men?

What about ten men and ten women? What about one thousand? What about someone just like my mother but still over in Birmingham tuning in to the radio?

Indeed, seeing as we owe them so much why doesn’t RTÉ, the national broadcaster, a state service, agree that for the mere cost of one presenter it will continue to broadcast to those in the UK because having looked at it again it is clearly the right and ethical thing to do?

€400,000 a year is too much? Really? For so many?

 Joe Horgan tweets at @JoeHorganwriter

INTO THE ETHER: An RCA Radio Victor wireless of the 20th century

Picture: Robert Ainsworth via Wikimedia Commons

A proper Charlie

The naming of European monarchs has a long and convoluted history. MAL ROGERS looks at the regal rigmarole

SO King Charles III kept his first name. Since Queen Elizabeth II’s death there has been mild speculation he might take another name on acceding to the throne. The last two Charlies weren’t the greatest ever European kings, so it’s thought the heir to the throne might have gone for King George. His middle names are George Arthur Philip, so King Arthur was a goer as well. However thoughts of headlines such as “Finally the Holy Grail for Arthur” probably dissuaded him from that. In any case, the whole legend of King Arthur was probably made up by Irish mediaeval monks in Glastonbury, anxious to put their monastery on the map.

Changing names, of course is nothing new for the Windsors. They were originally called Saxe-Coburg-

Gotha, but King George V found that this was something of an embarrassing name during World War I, so changed it by royal proclamation to Windsor.

The late Duke of Edinburgh changed his name too. He was born into the Greek royal house with the name Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg and so was delighted to jettison it in favour of Windsor. In Papua New Guinea the locals decided to go one better and refer to him, in the local creole language as Number One Big Fella Belonga Missy Queen. Which has a certain ring about it. When Prince Charles visited when the queen was still alive he became known as “Nambawan pikinini bilong Misis Kwin” to give the title its creole spelling.

A date with history

What happened on this day...

Saturday, May 20:

1932 – Amelia Earhart lands at Culmore, Co. Derry, becoming the first woman to fly the Atlantic solo.

1943 – The Irish Oak, an Irish registered ship, is sunk off the Cork coast by the Germans. The crew survives.

Sunday, May 21:

1981 – Ray McCreesh dies after 61 days on hunger strike.

Monday, May 22:

Of course, Charles could have gone back in history.

There are some fine Saxon names such as King Eadwig or perhaps Ethelred the Unready. As it happens, “unready’ is not what it might seem. It is merely a twist on his name which meant Good Counsel. ‘Unraed’ in Saxon meant ‘bad counsel’, so his name was an early Saxon joke: King Good Counsel Bad Counsel. But you probably had to be there.

The last Irish High King was Ruaidrí Ua Conchobair, or Rory O’Connor. His rule came to an end after the Norman invasion. English monarchs subsequently clamed to be Lord of Ireland. King Henry VIII then proclaimed himself King of Ireland, and this dispensation pertained until the British finally got their marching orders from most of the island after

Tuesday, May 23:

the War of Independence.

Since becoming a republic in 1949, Ireland has been governed by a parliamentary democracy, with the President as head of state. King George VI was the last British monarch of Ireland, at least 26 counties of it.

The names of our presidents are a mixed bunch – Douglas, Éamon, Erskine, Cearbhal, Patrick, Mary I, Mary II, Michael D. Largely speaking, they’ve been a successful crop of leaders, and particularly with the latter ones, have enhanced the idea of an elected presidency.

In Scotland, with independence possibly looming – although having received something of a setback in recent times – it will be interesting to see whether they promulgate a similar system as Ireland, with a

1798 – The Rebellion begins in Wexford.

1754 – Birth of William Drennan, the author of the phrase The Emerald Isle, from his poem Erin, written in 1800.

Wednesday, May 24:

1844 – The foundation stone for Amiens Street Station, now Connolly Station, is laid.

1849 – Novelist Maria Edgeworth dies in Mostrim, Co. Longford.

1932 – Augusta Persse, better known as Lady Gregory, dies at Coole Park in Galway.

1972 – Death of Cecil Day-Lewis, one of the English language’s leading poets, and father of actor Daniel Day-Lewis.

1859 – Birth of Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Homes, in Edinburgh. His father Charles was from Dublin, his mother Mary from Meath.

1974 – The first official strike in the 215 years of brewing by Guinness in Dublin starts when 1,200 general workers served notice.

Thursday, May 25:

1315 – Edward Bruce (brother of Robert Bruce, king of Scots) is proclaimed king of Ireland at Larne.

1870 – Irish Fenians raid Eccles Hill, Québec

1885 – Birth in Manchester of nationalist

president as head of state. The Scottish Gaelic for president is àrd-shuidhear, related, of course, to the Irish uachtaráin.

But they could go for an Ullanstype title. The Ulster Scots for First minister is Heid Männystèr Depute; in Scots (or Lallans) presumably it will be something similar.

The last king of an independent Scotland was Charles II, to be followed by the tragic Bonne Prince Charlie – another reason why Charles Windsor might have been tempted, however fleetingly, to steer clear of the title of King Charles.

Before that Scottish common Scottish monarchs’ names included Robert, James, Margaret, Kenneth, Malcolm and of course, perhaps the most famous Scottish king of all, Macbeth.

politician Gerald Boland.

1895 – Oscar Wilde is sentenced to two years imprisonment for offences against public decency.

1921 – The IRA attacks the Custom House, Dublin.

Friday, May 26:

1771 – The Deserted Village by Oliver Goldsmith is published for the first time.

1798 – The Battle of Tara Hill, where the rebels are defeated; this marks the end of the rebellion in Co. Meath.

1867 – England’s last public execution takes place. Fermanagh man Michael Barrett is executed for his part in the explosion at Clerkenwell Gaol.

1897 – First publication of Dracula, written by Dublin man Bram Stoker.

1980 – Derry band The Undertones reach no. 1 in the UK charts with My Perfect Cousin

HIGH KING OF IRELAND: Rory O’Connor Picture: Ambrose McGuire via Wikimedia Commons

Left: AN IRISH STORYLINE? Merlin presenting the future King Arthur Picture: Painting by Emil Johann Lauffer / public domain

Hothouse Flowers play Nuneaton

See Page 18

London’s first ladies of song and dance

THE London Lasses will be launching their 25th anniversary album LL25 over four dates in Ireland in June.

Featuring all new material and including both past and present band members, LL25 celebrates the band’s musical journey over the past quarter-century and showcases the powerfully traditional signature sound which they´ve become known for — a sound that is inherited in part from the immigrant experience of those who came to Britain from the 1940s onwards, bringing their music with them.

But the new album, while retaining that very specific sound, goes back much further than the 20th century

Spanning four centuries of Irish music, it ranges from Planxty Thomas Burke penned by the harpercomposer Carolan (1670-1738), to newly composed tunes by concertina player Edel Fox, flute player Tommy Fitzharris and harper Michael Rooney.

Captivatingly sung by vocalist Bróna McVittie, the album´s four songs include the beautiful Bánchnoic Éireann Ó – The Fair Hills of Ireland, a song in praise of Ireland dating from the 1700s.

LL25 is a celebration of both the close-knit group of musicians who have been part of the Lasses’ story so far, and the long history of traditional Irish music in London, a rich cultural heritage which they are extremely proud to be part of.

The London Lasses, almost by definition, play traditional Irish music in what is commonly called the London style.

This emerged from around the middle years of the 20th century when musicians from all over Ireland, living in London, and there to find work (of any sort),would come together and play. And they would have to find common ground to play together, so what became known as “the London swing”.

Musically, it’s logical that a new variant of Irish music would arise. For maybe the first time in history, in the mid 20th century, musicians from every county in Ireland came together in one place on a regular basis — weekly, sometimes daily. Thus an identifiable, and new, sound in Irish traditional music evolved.

Some would go even further. They would argue the pub session is almost certainly a product of London immigrant life, that Irish traditional music sessions began, not in Ireland, but in London. This is debated – it is possible pub sessions were taking place in the southwest of the country (Kerry, Cork) as early as the 1930s. There is also evidence of sessions taking place in New York before that.

How the traditional session – now antiquated to seisún – developed will be argued probably for as long as Irish music is played. But whatever its origins, fortunately this precious heritage is in safe hands with the likes of the London Lasses playing the music in formidable fashion, promoting it widely, and handing it on to the next generation.

As band leader Karen Ryan, Director of the annual Return to London Town Festival and one of the leading lights of traditional Irish music in London, says: “This album is one that’s very close to my heart. It brings together 16 wonderful musicians and brings back a lifetime’s worth of musical memories and friendships.”

Since first getting together for an informal tour of the US in 1997, The London Lasses have performed at some of the biggest festivals and venues in the world including the Royal Albert Hall in London – where

they played the first ever BBC Proms céilí), Cambridge Folk Festival, Dublin City Hall, the Concertgebouw, Philadelphia Irish Festival and Glastonbury.

 The London Lasses: LL25, CICD210 (LoLa Records in association with Cló Iar-Chonnacht cic.ie). Track list at www. londonlasses.net

Thursday, June 1 – Matt Molloy’s, Westport (Co. Mayo)

Friday, June 2 – The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon (Co. Leitrim)

Saturday, June 3 – An Taibhdhearc, Galway (Co. Galway)

Saturday, July 29 – Fiddler’s Green Festival, Rostrevor (Co. Down)

The London Lasses and Pete Quinn and, left, the new album LL25

The London Lasses on tour

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

Seeing the wood from the trees

Island of Woods by Paul McMahon examines the complex situation of Ireland’s forests. The book is sub-titled How Ireland Lost Its Forests and How to Get Them Back – the author sets out how this can be accomplished.

MAL ROGERS reports

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

FORESTRY in Ireland has never been so contentious, has rarely caused as much controversy as it does today.

According to research by Coillte, the Irish state-owned forestry agency, only 11 per cent of western peatland forests could deliver wood production that is economically and environmentally justifiable.

But across Ireland, north and south, 346,000 hectares of forest are found on deep peat. If the Coillte assessment is accurate, it means there are more than 300,000 hectares that cannot be harvested for economic or environmental reasons, as things stand.

“To put it bluntly, the dirty secret of Irish forestry is that around one-third of the forests are no good. The island is full of zombie forests that shouldn’t be there in the first place but can’t be cut down because it would cost too much or damage the environment. No one is quite sure what to do with them.” This is one of the many conclusions in Paul McMahon’s book Island of Woods: How Ireland Lost Its Forests and How to Get Them Back.

Forestry is today the subject of demonstrations outside the Irish parliament, of angry calls to radio shows, of protests and petitions.

Over the last century the area of Irish woodland has increased tenfold, mostly through the planting of imported, fast-growing coniferous species: government policy is to plant more trees

to supply industry and to tackle climate change, both urgent priorities.

Trees are ideal ‘carbon fixers’, that is they remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, They absorb CO2 from the environment and combine it with water through photosynthesis — the carbon is then locked up for centuries. They are thus prime removers of ‘greenhouse gases’, a potent force in combating climate change. And it matters little what type of tree it is – it can be the dreaded suburban Leylandii or the commercially planted Sitka spruce, or an ancient native birch or oak. All do the same job in removing carbon from the atmosphere.

But it is a complex issue. Not all tree planting is automatically ‘good’; and it is certainly not universally popular.

In areas where planting is planned,

there has been a backlash from farmers, local communities, environmentalists and EU regulators. When Coillte announced they wanted to add to the Sitka spruce plantations on the hillside of Cabinteely Park, which leads into the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains, protests began almost immediately the plans were made public. As Paul McMahon puts it: “Sitka spruce is a fast-growing conifer that comes from the Pacific coast of North America. The plantations form large, angular blocks of dark green that never lose their colour, even in winter. They have grown so tall that they have altered the horizon. Where the plantations start and end, there is an abrupt step in the skyline, as if a giant had laid down blocks on top of the mountains. Where groups of trees have been felled within the blocks, there is a gap in the silhouette, like a missing tooth in a boxer’s grimace.”

If you’ve travelled anywhere in Ireland, north or south, you will have seen plantations of Sitka spruce. And you will know that they are dense plantations that are almost impossible to walk through without the aid of a chainsaw. They may be storing carbon, but they are not pretty, nor are they particularly environmentally friendly (they support markedly fewer insect species than native plants) aside from their climate change duties.

You may think that’s enough — saving the planet is surely more important than whether you can go for a dander in the

Foley’s Bridge, Tollymore Forest, Co. Down

Wildlife in Fermanagh woodland

Picture: Northern Ireland Tourism

hills? Many people in Cabinteely disagreed. Protests, campaigns, angry letters to the newspapers – Coillte was forced to back down, change its plans and embrace a different kind of forestry.

So how did we get here? Island of Woods provides some of the answers, taking a sweeping historical view, tracing the history of Irish forests over the last 10,000 years. Paul McMahon examines the state of Irish forestry today and sketches a way forward for our woods that balances commercial, environmental and social goals – a vision of a different type of forestry that could transform the Irish landscape and re-establish a genuine

By the beginning of the twentieth century, following centuries of woodland clearance, the island was practically treeless again

tree culture in the country.

This comprehensive and engaging overview of the history of Irish forestry relates historical events to present-day concerns and controversies, drawing out general themes that echo throughout the centuries.

History, of course, plays a large part in the contemporary appearance and topography of Ireland. Paul McMahon writes:

“By the beginning of the twentieth century, following centuries of woodland clearance, the island was practically treeless again. Only 1 per cent of Ireland was covered in woodland, by far the lowest amount of any European country. How did this happen? We Irish like to think of ourselves as tree-lovers. We have a

romantic notion of a Celtic sylvan past, something that lives on in a tradition of sacred trees dotted around the countryside. The corollary is that we tend to blame foreigners for destroying our arboreal heritage. The popular view is that it is all the fault of Queen Elizabeth or Oliver Cromwell, collateral damage in the bloody English conquest of Ireland over 500 years.”

So is this true? Paul McMahon teases out the answers, and his conclusions might surprise you.

The author begins his survey from the end of the ice age, or the Last Glacial Maximum as scientists call it. The first tree to colonise our island after the ice receded was the birch, the ultimate pioneer species. It can be counted on to be first on scene. Even if it’s told, in botanical terms of course, “nothing to see here”, it persists. It produces lots of tiny winged seeds that disperse on the wind, and it usually takes hold.

Birch was followed by hazel.

According McMahon “there are patches of hazel woodland in the Burren in County Clare that provide a glimpse of what the landscape looked like in the postglacial era”.

Thereafter in Island of Trees follows a meticulous description of what our forebears found when they fetched up in Ireland, from exactly where, we’re not sure. But when they landed some 9,000 to 10,000 years ago they would have found a densely afforested island. How we went from that to the situation today, with controversy and counter-claims of the merits and demerits of various kinds of forestry makes this a fascinating book. It encompasses everything from climate change to Ireland’s first colonisers, and from the politics which divide the land in so many ways, to the economics that have flowed from this.

 Island of Woods is published by New Island Books, Glenshesk House, 10 Richview Office Park

Horticultural influencers

MCMAHON focuses on the Anglo-Irish Ascendancy who emerged in firm control of the land. They deserve some credit for their years of planting and importing species they’d robbed from across the world: sycamore, beech and horse chestnut. Some 7,000 big houses had well-wooded demesnes. The Ascendancy became protectors of woodland but farmers saw land planted with trees that could have fed families and forestry became something to be despised. McMahon writes: “The two Irelands had very different attitudes towards trees. There was a curious role reversal from the

earlier period of conquest and colonisation. Before, English planters saw it as their civilising duty to clear forest ‘wastes’ wherever they could. Now, they became protectors of woodlands and proud creators of tree plantations. Then, Gaelic bards lamented the destruction of sacred trees and sylvan refuges. Now, the Irish peasant farmer saw forestry as an alien import and a competitor for precious land. Trees became loaded with political and cultural meaning, in a uniquely Irish way. So long as the Protestant Big Houses held a firm grip on the land, there would be a brief increase in forest cover in Ireland. But when the old order finally crumbled, and small farmers took back ownership of the land, trees came tumbling down again.”

ROAMING FREE: Dogs in ancient woodland

THE DEATH OF A CHIEFTAIN

Seán Keane, a member of The Chieftains since1968, has died in Dublin

THE Chieftains fiddle player

Seán Keane died suddenly at the age of 76 on May 7.

Born in Drimnagh, Dublin, to parents from Clare and Longford, the families were both steeped in traditional music.

Keane began his musical career with Ceoltóirí Chualann when aged only 17, moonlighting with the Castle Céilí Band in the 1960s, before joining The Chieftains in 1968.

In an Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) documentary about him, Keane says: ”I’ll tell you the honest truth. I wasn’t worth a curse at anything else only music.” He laughed before continuing: “All I could do was play a fiddle. It was my sole interest in life was to play the fiddle.”

Keane fitted into Seán Ó Riada’s vision of the direction Irish music should be going. The fiddle player meshed traditional forms with classic technique — not unlike the style of the Dubliner’s John Sheahan. He employed many regional styles in his playing, the most overt being the often legato technique of Clare fiddle playing.

But he could also perform with the bombast and attack of a Donegal fiddler, where his natural rhythm added character to any instrumental he played, be they slides, highlands, or jigs and reels.

Seán Keane could also play it straight like any orchestral player — he was classically trained at a school of music. But he could add

the embellishments that can humour any Irish tune — the triplets, the rolls, the crans, the grace notes and the double stops.

In short, his was a unique style, and yet he was utterly adept at ensemble playing.

Keane was a pivotal member in the Chieftains, his playing complementing that of the other fiddler in the band Martin Fay, an academically and classically trained musician

academically and classically trained artist

Seán Keane was a very prolific recording artist — in addition to his work with The Chieftains, he released several solo albums and collaborations with other musicians including Matt Molloy (who later joined the Chieftains) and Liam O’Flynn.

In liner notes on his album

The ÉIRÍ arts competition

The ÉIRÍ project – an arts competition involving The Irish Post, Coventry University, Rathcroghan Visitor Centre in Roscommon, Story Archaeology in Leitrim and Celtic Eye, and a group of artists in the west of Ireland – will be announcing the results in the coming weeks.

The acronym ÉIRÍ stands for Évoking Ireland’s Resilient female Ícons and the project is aimed to promote awareness of women in Irish mythology and folklore.

Over 150 entries of very high quality were received and thoroughly assessed by a panel of extraordinary diversity.

The assessment panel, which included our very own columnist Joe Horgan, comprised 13 females and 15 males of which 11 are scientists, 10 are from humanities backgrounds and seven are lay people.

Panel members included folklorists, mythologists, archaeologists, professional artists, musicians, musicologists, filmmakers, teachers, political

scientists, engineers, writers and journalists, managers, mathematicians, physicists, geographers and statisticians. The academics amongst them hailed from universities in Limerick, Berkeley, Warwick, Princeton, Middlesex, London, Coventry as well as Lviv in Ukraine and the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia.

So, with all that expertise, this has been perhaps one of the most rigorously and diversely assessed arts competitions ever.

Seán Keane, released on the Ogham label in 1981, he writes: “We all had our own style of playing... We played as much for Ó Riada as with him... we were a complete cross section of what traditional Irish music was about. I learned a lot during those golden years with Seán Ó Riada.”

In a statement made following Keane’s passing, President Michael D. Higgins said: “It is with sadness that lovers of Irish music and traditional arts across the world will have heard of the death of Seán Keane.

“Seán’s incredible talent as a fiddle player brought so much joy to so many and was enjoyed and

Every judge assessed about 15 submissions in detail and in such a way that every submission was assessed by at least one male, at least one female and at least one scientist, humanities and lay person. By interlinking the network of assessors and art in such a way that they are all connected, the organisers were able to calibrate for different degrees of stringency and confidences on behalf of the accessors.

The judges learned as much from this project as the artists themselves. To quote from one of the judges: “This is one of the most interesting things I have done for a long time,” and from an artist: “The project is such a brilliant idea, and I ‘m looking forward to reading and seeing the results from all the contributions you have encouraged in the coming months.”

We no longer have months to wait, for the eagerly anticipated results will be announced in The Irish Post next week.

admired by audiences all over the world

He added: “His virtuosity and skill was unique and has influenced so many musicians across the traditional arts. Indeed, Seán has been described as the ‘musician’s musician’.

“His generous legacy to traditional music and the arts will be remembered for generations to come.”

Seán Keane once said that all he ever wanted to do, from the time he was a teenager, was to play the fiddle. In was an ambition he entirely fulfilled. Something the rest of us are very grateful for.

Mal Rogers

STEEPED IN TRADITION: The Chieftains’ fiddler Sean Keane, above – centre right and, inset left, paying respects at the funeral Mass of Liam O’Flynn in 2018 Pictures: RollingNews.ie

Fliodhais by Nicola Bowes of Celtic Eye

The project is such a brilliant idea, and I ‘m looking forward to reading and seeing the results from all the contributions you have encouraged in the coming months

Heavy petal music

HOTHOUSE Flowers, currently on tour in Britain and Ireland, recently appeared at Queen’s Hall, Nuneaton.

Liam Ó Maonlai and Fiachna Ó Braonáin, who started as street musicians in Dublin back in 1985, are supported on their current tour by Cork-born musician and bi-lingual singer Clare Sands.

Our photographer Chris Egan was in Nuneaton with his camera.

New release from high flyer Noel

The Gallagher boy keeps up his prolific output with a remix Council Skies by long-time collaborator

NOEL Gallagher’s High Flying Birds last week released Council Skies (The Reflex Revision), a remix of the single Council Skies by French DJ Nicolas Laugier aka The Reflex.

This remix follows on from the reworking of Pretty Boy by The Cure’s Robert Smith, the latest in a long line of remixes that speak to Noel’s roots in electronic music and the Hacienda scene. The Reflex, a long-time collaborator with Noel, has also previously remixed singles for music legends such as Nile Rodgers, Bono and Paul Weller.

A decade since the formation of High Flying Birds, the band have achieved four British Number One albums. Council Skies, produced by Noel and Paul ‘Strangeboy’ Stacey, is the band’s fourth studio album and Noel’s most complete solo statement to date.

In 2015 Gallagher was Kirsty Young’s guest on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs. He spoke of his fractured relationship with his brother Liam and his father Thomas, as well as early days in a Manchester council flat.

As a child his happiest days were the six weeks every year he spent in Charlestown, Co. Mayo, he said. “I loved it there.”

Grainne Conroy

PROLIFIC: Noel Gallagher Picture: Matt Crockett

Backing singers from the audience, Joanne and Julia sing the chorus to the song Sweet Marie

Peter O’Toole on bass and Liam Ó Maonlaí

Liam Ó Maonlaí with Dave Clarke on drums

Inset: Fiachna Ó Braonáin

New novel from Annie Mac

The former BBC Radio 1 DJ from Dublin publishes her second book focused on being Irish in London

The storyline of The Mess We’re In is evidently culled from some of Macmanus’s own experiences — a Dubliner moves to London to make it as a singer-songwriter at the end of the 20th century, beginning of the 21st.

The songwriter, who is the first person narrator — lands a job in a pub in Kilburn — still, at the turn of the millennium, a stronghold of the Irish community.

The book evokes a very specific time for the Irish emigrant in London, but also casts an eye on earlier generations and what London life meant to them.

John Parr for Palmerstown and Galway festivals

JOHN Parr, musician, singer and songwriter, who sang the theme song to one of the most popular films of the era is turning his hand to moviemaking.

St Elmo’s Fire, from the hit movie of the same name, spent 20 weeks in the Irish charts in 1986 and rocketed John to superstardom.

He subsequently enjoyed a run of hits from movie soundtracks in the era alongside his signature song.

He was also responsible for Through the Night, from the Quicksilver soundtrack, The Minute I Saw You from Three Men and a Baby and Restless Heart from The Running Man soundtrack, to name just a few.

He is due to appear in Ireland at the Forever Young festival in Palmerstown House Estate, Co. Kildare on Saturday, July 15.

He has revealed that, following that appearance, he is hoping to head west the next day to screen his film at the Galway film Fleadh.

Speaking in a chat to promote his festival performance he revealed the details of the documentary flick.

ANNIE Macmanus, known professionally as Annie Mac, has published her second novel The Mess We’re In. This follows on from her critically acclaimed debut novel Mother Mo. Annie has a strong legacy of seventeen years presenting flagship music shows on BBC Radio 1. She has been seen on the biggest stages of music festivals around the Britian and

the world, and in the DJ booths of the world’s best clubs. Her Before Midnight inclusive clubbing concept that she launched in spring 2022 has proved hugely popular and sells out in seconds.

But it The Mess We’re In also has a knowledgeable look at the music business in London. The capital, is of course, one of two or three global centres for the recording industry, and Annie Mac knows it inside out. This shows in her writing, and weaves this knowledge into the book.

The Mess We’re In by Annie Macmanus is published by Wildfire (£18.99)

CROSSWORD

Clues Across

1. Peaked headgear. (3)

3. Unruly nature of the bees I did not change. (11)

8. Deft. (6)

9. Destroy a chimp on becoming a winner. (8)

10. No guy can be this immature. (5)

11. Identifies. (5)

13. Enticed. (5)

15. A bridge carrying a road or railway. (7)

16. Sport with The Ash. (7)

20. Lorry. (5)

21. Collection. (5)

23. Ledge made of mangled flesh. (5)

24. Has the grin been changed for the novice? (8)

25. See the novice engulfed in the ire of a fisherman. (6)

26. Minor room, where opening bets are made? (11)

27. Fruit with a hard shell. (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.

Clues Down

1. Does it constitute the path to insanity? (5,6)

“I took a year out of music. It was another story I wanted to tell,” he explained.

“It’s a documentary called Unconquered about two severely injured soldiers on their way to back to normality through brotherhood, their love of family and through their passion for sport.

“It’s a lovely little film, 28 minutes long,” he enthused.

“Actually, the day after [I play] Forever Young is the Galway film festival so we’ve entered it.”

While John hasn’t yet heard whether or not the film has been accepted to the festival, he completely believes in it.

 John Parr plays the ‘Forever Young’ festival in Palmerstown House Estate on Saturday July 15th, 2023. ‘Forever Young’ is a three-day celebration of the music of the 1980s featuring artists such as Andy Bell (Erasure), Bananarama, Billy Ocean, Tony Hadley, ABC and many more. Full line-up and tickets are available at foreveryoungfestival.ie

Fran Winston

No. 1041

2. Town in Galway where you might see Mount Rap? (8)

3. Expiring. (5)

4. Grove of fruit-trees. (7)

5. Devil, fiend. (5)

6. Imagine I leave and confuse the rest with a puzzle. (6)

7. Bronzed skin-colour. (3)

12. Try stiff sea to help you make security a priority. (6,5)

13. Legal. (5)

14. Imbibed what made many foul. (5)

17. Make one’s pal mangle the overall strategy. (4,4)

18. Tipperary location of a brown percussion instrument? (7)

19. Fail to remember. (6)

22. Contagious fear. (5)

23. Sound-based detection system. (5)

24. Feathery scarf, named for a constrictor. (3)

DUBLIN DJ: Annie Mac performing in Manchester

DUBLIN DJ: John Parr

Picture: Getty Images

has knowledgeable look at the London.

or three global

Hell is heaven on Scilly

KEVIN PILLEY bases himself at the Hell Bay Hotel to explore Britain’s most southerly point

THE Isles of Scilly have many attractions. Some better known than others. Puffins, dwarf pansies, and the world’s smallest museum, a re-purposed red telephone box on Bryrer. As well as croquet on the sea floor.

You haven’t lived until you have turned the Atlantic seabed into Hurlingham, or eaten crab quiche and lobster burgers while standing up five hundred metres out to sea and raised your glass of Doom Bar beer or Tarquin’s Hell Bay Gin to toast two coastlines.

While indulging in a unique Scillonian experience. Tides and bladderwrack permitting.

The Isles of Scilly, a collection of 145 low-lying islands twenty-eight miles south-west of Land’s End, stages Low Tide pop-up food festivals and farmers’ markets when the tide goes out between the island of Tresco and Bryher – two of the five inhabited islands.

The next Low Tide event is August 31, 2023. The festival is held on a sandbar, usually under 20 feet of seawater. As well as live music and seafood, there are ‘sand bars’ serving spirits like Westward Farm gin from the island of St Agnes – the southernmost point of Britain, and only a mile across. There are stalls selling local artisanal fudge, cakes and bakes, fudge and ice cream from Troytown Farm.

Afterwards, you should walk over the sand flats (with trousers rolled up and shoes in hand) to Tresco with its famous Abbey Castle Gardens.

Try and book a tour with head gardener Andrew Lawson. Don’t miss the Pentle Bay, one of the best beaches in the British Isles.

Before returning by boat taxi to Bryher.

At low water, you land at the quay built by Anneka Rice in her ’80s TV show Challenge Anneka. Ione of the first things you see is an honesty box selling local succulents in the form of inedible and not very frost-hardy “cliff pasties”, fleshly evergreens and potted Aeonium houseplants.

At 330 acres, Bryher the smallest of the inhabited islands and boasts the best luxury hotel in the Scillonian archipelago and one of the best seaside hotels in the whole of these islands.

The Hell Bay Hotel is named after a notorious shipwrecking site. It has

a private art collection. 25 suites, a spa, pool, seasonal pitch ‘n’ putt course and acclaimed chef Richard Kearsey whose restaurant is decorated with seascapes by local artists, Richard Pearce – his studio is in front of the hotel on Great Bar beach. Rooms overlook a lagoon and afford views of the Bishop Rock lighthouse on the horizon.

The blue and white clapboard hotel which some think is “very New England” and some say is “Caribbean meets California” suits the Isles’ unique Britain-on-the-GulfStream-influenced-by-the-NorthAtlantic-Drift location.

It overlooks its own wildlife lagoon or Great Pool (grab the two chairs on the Sunset Deck early) and looks out towards the 1858-1992 Bishop Lighthouse on the horizon, Droppy Noise Point, the Gweal Hill headland, the Northern or Norrard rocks Illiswilgig, miscellaneous other skerries and the rollers and white horses of the Atlantic.

And what was once considered the end of the world.

The hotel has its own private art collection collected by owner Robert Dorrien-Smith, a fifth-generation relative of Augustus Smith, who first leased the Scilly Isles from the Duchy of Cornwall in 1834, and semi-seriously took the title, Lord Protector.

Built around a courtyard, 25 suites (the Emperor and The Empress being the high end) all have Ren toiletries, Lloyd Loom furniture, Lucy-Tania soft furnishing and Egyptian cotton beds to please those who like to turn over their hotel room to check its makers. It is probably the most strenuous exertion staying at Hell Bay affords.

Along with the pool, the “seasonal” pitch ‘n’ putt course, pool and the Treatment Shed spa with its local, St Martin’s-made “Phoenix & Providence” seaweed-forward unguents.

If you prefer to eat at a table rather than on the seafloor, try chef Richard Kearsley’s seafood-dominated cuisine (from sardines and scallops to John Dory to bream) in the hotel’s 2 AA Rosette restaurant.

One and a half miles long by half a

mile wide, Bryher doesn’t take long to explore and it’s best done with local naturalist and former island bird recorder, Will Wagstaff who will get you down on your hands and knees to introduce you to the local pansies (viola only found in Scilly) and show you some granny’s toenails (common bird’s foot trefoil).

The local naturalist is equally fond of solar-powered slugs, orange peel and boiled sweets.

On Bryher, he takes you past the tamarisk trees ( once used for lobster pots), abandoned daffodil farms and gig sheds – gigs, as in small boats, not musical engegements or the like.

Every April, along with its walking festival, the Isles host the World Gig racing regatta. Once, there were over 200 gig pilots on the islands, but their numbers have now the dwindled. The gig economy has somewhat imploded.

Being a group of islands off the Cornish coast adds to the charm of the Isles of Scilly – but the geography also brings its challenges.

Originally, to sustain the islanders, the Scillonian economy relied heavily on trading, seaweed harvesting, pilotage through the treacherous waters hereabouts, smuggling, fishing, and latterly, flower farming. However, more recently tourism has become the major part of the local economy. Travel to the cluster of low-lying islands is part of the adventure.. The journey is currently only by small plane from Exeter, Newquay or Land’s End (Skybus), or during the summer, by the passenger ferry Scillonian lll from Penzance. But the journey, I can assure you, is worth it.

VENTURING OUT: A boat leaves the quay on St Agnes Picture: Getty Images

Being a group of islands off the Cornish coast adds to the charm of the Isles of Scilly – but the geography also brings its challenges

Advertise in the Travel section and get customers flying through your door – Contact Dara Ashby on 0208 900 4223

SEA VIEW: Tresco, Isles of Scilly, looking towards Bryher Picture: Getty Images

TRAVEL

Edited by Mal Rogers

Cool, palm and collected

Live like a local on the Palm – suggestions from ex-pats

MARY CLAIRE KIRWAN

Originally from Clonegal, Co. Wexford, Mary is a newbie to Dubai having lived in the city for 18 months

“Two suggestions: “Firstly, if you can, rent a boat and sail around The Palm for amazing views back towards Dubai. Sunset into darkness is beautiful. My second tip to get a little taste of luxury without breaking the bank is to visit the new Atlantis The Royal for a coffee. You don’t have to be staying in the hotel to experience the space and unique design. If it was good enough for Beyoncé, it’s good enough for all of us!”

CONOR DELANEY

Originally from Westmeath, Conor has lived in Dubai for 10 years

“Paddle boarding is a must on The Palm and everyone should experience the Asian party brunch at Saffron in The Atlantis.”

FIONA BROSNAHAN

Originally from Limerick, Fiona has lived in Dubai for 11 years

DUBAI is a sunsetfuelled banquet of brunch culture and metropolitan backdrops.

“Have passport, will travel” fully applies to the city’s Irish expats who’ve made a home from home in the desert.

Official figures put the number of Irish citizens living across the UAE at 10,000 and counting.

Neighbouring emirate Abu Dhabi played host to the GAA’s first World Games in 2015 and eight years later there’s an ever-growing green scene in Dubai, where you’ll find clubs such as the Laochra Gaels and Kerry Middle East,

alongside the Dubai Irish Society and Danú Theatre offering sporting, business and cultural activities in abundance.

While not everyone will be enamoured by the more opulent side of the emirate, it certainly has its fans.

With over 100million #dubai posts swirling around on Instagram, there’s a never-ending slideshow of influencer-inspired snapshots to feast on.

One of Dubai’s most recognisable landmarks is The Palm – the tropical treeshaped island that juts out into the Arabian Gulf.

Evenings can be a glamourous affair so if you’re inclined to dress up, pack the fancier side of your wardrobe

The Palm is where you’ll find many of the city’s bet-known hotels from the One&Only to the Atlantis and its newly-fêted sister extravaganza Atlantis The Royal.

This artificial archipelago is

also now home to Wyndham Residences The Palm, a new spot to stay with a by-the-sea feel.

Driving onto the Palm for the first time is an experience in itself, a destination within a destination if you like – so roll down the windows of your Uber UAE (for a cost-friendly car service alternative try the Careem app) and enjoy the feel of the sun on your skin.

Wyndham Residences The Palm is a 102-room hotel, part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, that opened at the end of last year.

Part of the Balqis Residences, a hotel and residential resort complex, there are several accommodation options including studio apartments and three-bedroom suites.

Rates, which change based on season, occupancy, room category and view, start from around £260 per room per night for two people.

We stayed in a deluxe studio apartment – generously sized and complete with cloud-like beds and a cute kitchenette.

Additional dining and lounge areas were a real bonus, adding convenience while maintaining the feeling of being ensconced in a holiday hideaway.

It doesn’t get much sweeter than waking up to blue skies and a sea view from your bedroom balcony either, which doubled as a peaceful spot for a sunset apéritif before dinner.

“I love West Palm Beach as it has something for everyone. Almost all the places have fully redeemable beach access offers. A sunbed is 150 AED (around £33) but you get that back in food and beverage. It’s also dog friendly so you can bring your fur baby along for a paddle in the sea and a frolic in the sand. West Palm Beach also has stunning views of the marina skyline and a lovely boardwalk to go for a stroll, alongside splashing fountains to keep the kids entertained.”

GRACE KELLY

Originally from Edendarriff, Co. Down, Grace has lived in Dubai for eight months after many years of visiting as a tourist

“Dukes the Palm, a Royal Hideaway hotel – and also home to beachside restaurant ULA – is one of my favourites. It’s the perfect destination for visiting family and friends to stay and locals can also access the private beach and pool on a day pass. Bask in the sun and soak up the skyline. Adrenaline junkies, like me, should also try Aquaventure Waterpark, which is sure to get your pulse racing. There’s so much to see and do from exciting slides to encounters with marine animals. A must on the bucket list.”

The private white sandy beach at Wyndham Residences is a picture perfect for a switch-off stroll.

If you don’t enjoy the feeling of sand between your toes, check out Soluna beach club and pool bar with its heated outdoor swimming pool, cabanas and loungers for sunning and sundowners.

In-house temptations include Risen café and bakery for croffles, acai bowls and candied nut kale salads, while 20Four offers an equally appealing breakfast buffet and à la carte lunch options.

At Mediterranean restaurant Énas you can try it all, from moussaka arancini and Dibba Bay oysters to lamb cutlets with whipped feta and fig jam.

If you fancy an activity-filled day, or simply haven’t yet experienced it, try some paddleboarding.

We went with Ignite water sports and got our toes wet with a leisurely glide across a sparkling Digger Bay. It cost 75 AED (around £16) per person per hour.

Evenings can be a glamourous affair so if you’re inclined to dress up, pack the fancier side of your wardrobe.

There’s a choice of restaurants and bars to discover all within a few minutes’ drive of Wyndham Residences. The hotel’s location is a good jumping-off point for exploring, day or night.

It’s within easy reach of Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, The Pointe, Nakheel Mall and Aquaventure Waterpark. We checked in for cocktails with a view at Five Palm Jumeirah’s The Penthouse and enjoyed SoBe Rooftop’s vibrant street art-inspired DJ vibes at W Dubai – The Palm.

SIOBHÁN BREATNACH discovers how to live like a local staying at a new hotel on Dubai’s famous Arabian Gulf archipelago

PICTURE PERFECT: Dubai offers golden beaches

A slow boat to Chinatown

Fancy a gentle canal boat voyage from sleepy Cheshire into the heart of lively Manchester?

JAMES RUDDY guides the tiller

IMAGINE the scene: you’ve just moored up your red and green narrowboat on a leafy embankment ready for your evening meal on board, as a nearby grey heron dives gracefully into the water and emerges with his own supper, a silvery fish clamped in his beak. A few days later, you are tying up again, this time in Manchester’s skyscraperringed Castlefield Quay where you head for Chinatown for a dim sum brunch, followed by a wander through the buzzing streets, shops, museums and, of course, a pub or two.

The contrast could not have been greater: from the treelined tranquillity of Cheshire’s bumpy green carpeted countryside to the full-on urban frenzy of one of Britain’s liveliest city centres.

Yet it is remarkably easy to enjoy the experience – even for complete beginners – on a hired narrowboat, spending a week or just a few days making the utterly untaxing journey from the marina at Anderton to Castlefield and back.

Even in the heart of frenetic Manchester, as we sipped a coffee on our rear deck, passing joggers and pram-borne children waved and dog walkers stopped to chat

Along the way, there are three interesting tunnels to negotiate and just one simple wooden lock, where the initial Trent and Mersey Canal joins

the Bridgewater, as you pass through valleys dotted with bluebells and reeds inhabited by nesting swans.

My partner and photographer Sue Mountjoy and I are canal fans who enjoy both the solitude and the camaraderie of narrowboats (‘It’s a ‘crime’ not to wave and greet passing boaters and dog walkers,’ we have been told), which are a stress-free wind-down at just three miles an hour.

It’s no surprise that, according to Canal and River Trust research, health specialists recommend time on the waterways to help your mental health, reduce stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as your overall wellbeing.

Not only that, but there is major confidence building to be derived from mastering a narrowboat (in our case, Pacific Wren, after a straightforward briefing session at ABC Boat Hire at Anderton) which is relatively simple after you have travelled a few miles.

But the most enduring benefit has to be your closeness with nature and a gentler sense of a bygone world, from the young families who waved enthusiastically to us from bridges to the mallards, often with half a dozen fluffy new-born chicks in tow, who turned up at the stern some mornings seeking titbits.

Even trips ashore brought a uniqueness of human contact seldom found at railway stations or motorway cafes. In lovely Georgian and cobbled Lymm, we were warmly welcomed by locals as ‘boaties’ during two overnight stays,

which included a beer and quiz event at the family-run Brewery Tap pub and a bacon buttie breakfast at the volunteer-run ‘warm space’ session at the canalside community centre.

Even in the heart of frenetic Manchester, as we sipped a coffee on our rear deck, passing joggers and pramborne children waved and dog walkers stopped to chat –all seeming to regard us as unthreatening adventurers travelling in a craft that belonged to a calmer, longpast age.

And then there were the noticeable rhythms of our boat days. Mornings could be misty and punctuated by singing warblers and noisy ducks. Days included walks to wayside pubs and to corner shops in pretty hamlets like Moore and Dunham. And evenings became drinks on the stern followed by meals in the spacious kitchen before soporific nights of utter tranquillity.

Yet, amid such peace, never far from our minds was the thought of the 19th century navvies, many from Ireland, who shed blood, sweat and tears digging these onetime pioneering transport links which, in the case of the Bridgewater – completed in 1761 – halved the price of coal taken to Manchester.

Life in the nearby shanty towns was hell for these labourers and tunnellers who, with strong arms and often just a pick and a shovel, were paid a relatively attractive ‘piece rate’ for digging a trench three feet wide, three feet deep and 36 feet long in a single day.

Many paid the ultimate price. On the nearby Manchester Ship Canal, created a century later, 5000 workers came from Ireland, as well as 12000 others from across Britain and spent six years slaving away along the 36 miles from Salford to the Irish Sea.

As many as 1200 0f them died from accidents, diseases, and even drunken fights as they grafted to feed their families back home. Astonishingly, the chances of death or injury were greater, proportionately, than that for soldiers at the Battle of Waterloo. These heroes are now being commemorated in a ‘Navvies’ memorial project, a tiny forest, in the city’s MediaCity.

So, on our final night on board, we raised a glass to their memory and wondered how they would marvel at the affluence and comfort enjoyed by today’s leisure travellers, who steer their hired narrowboats along these hard-won waterways –not for toil, but simply for fun and utter peace.

The mind boggles at their reaction!

ABC Boat Hire

Prices for a four-berth Wren Class boat start at £1099 (plus £90 fuel deposit) for 7 nights.

Boats vary from 2 to 12 berths and you can select a waterway journey from any one of 15 marinas across the UK, including Anderton. Go to www.abcboathire. com. Tel. 0808 303

MESSING ABOUT ON THE RIVER: Pacific Wren tied up at Lymm Bridge

45th Anniversary

Michael Joseph McNiffe

Sligo/Barnsley. Died May 26th, 1978, aged 53 yrs. Loved husband of the late Peggy. The passing of time has not diminished cherished memories of a beloved father.

A tireless worker and provider, A man of great faith and generous spirit, Who left us a legacy of love, God has you in his keeping we hold you in our hearts.

From Sons, Daughters & Grandchildren

B. Movers

13 October 1943 – 17 May 1992

“Gone but not forgotten” Of Gloucester and Killagoan, Co. Monaghan Forever in our hearts and thoughts

Fionnuala, Angela, Eamonn, Jennifer, Brian, Geraldine, Karen

Kelly, Katie, Sean, Lewis, Karen, Shane, Eamonn John, Johnny, Caithlin, Georgie, Patrick, Ryan, Curtis, Jack, Brogan, Erin, Gearard, Briony, Lauren, Ciara, Darby, Joseph, Bridie, Tara, Keely Rose, Ciarnan, Niamh, Finley, Liam, James, Emily, Eva Ben, Jennie, Eamonn James, Cole, John James, Amiyra, Joseph, Orlaith, Cian, Cohen, Albie, Hugo, Charlie, Maeve, Ava, Lillie, Caleb, Ivy, Juniper, River, Freddie, Niall, O’Rion, Teddy, Sonny, Raine, Ruben, Oonagh, Jesse, Mairy, Roman

“A Athair go gcasfar ar a chéile arís muid.”

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Impressive display from McComb

Sean McComb beat Kaisee Benjamin in Birmingham in a unanimous decision (97-94, 97-93, 96-95)

WORDS AND PICTURES

BY CHRIS EGAN

AN early round shot from McComb hitting the nose of Kasisee Benjamin may have been enough to put him off his game plan and leave him focusing on his breathing and not the fight.

Antrim-born fighter McComb

(3) retained his WBO European Super Lightweight fight in an epic 10-round battler with the massively talented Kaisee Benjamin, in a fight that had action from the first bell to the very last.

McComb represents Ireland internationally and trains at Holy Trinity club, Belfast.

McComb, standing at 5ft 11 ½ ins and took control of the fight from the first round, using his longer reach to pepper Benjamin with big shots across the first three rounds. He left Benjamin reeling, giving him a seriously damaged nose.

But Kaisee Benjamin showed tremendous grit to grow into the fight as it went on, trading in the middle rounds and then taking control in the final rounds after slowing McComb down with

savage body shots.

McComb hung on well and had done enough to take a unanimous decision victory on the judges’ scorecards.

Both men showed they deserved their spot at the top of British boxing in this fight, and both will have earned anyone watching this fight respect and admiration.

Talking to Sky Sports after the fight McComb said: “Thanks to all my fans who came over with me from Belfast. I knew I’d take this massive opportunity and take the victory here.”

O’Neill and McGrath in the Midlands

EXCHANGING BLOWS: Sean McComb lands a body shot and, right, taking the plaudits

SIGN HERE: Fans swarm Paul McGrath to get memorabilia signed

THE MOMENT OF TRUTH: Martin O’Neill is asked to choose the best goalkeeper

IRISH football fans in the Midlands were given the opportunity to meet two greats of Irish football recently — Martin O’Neill and Paul McGrath. Chris Egan was there with his camera.

Super Saturday approaches for London

Tailteann Cup, Round One OFFALY     2-14 (20)

LONDON      0-11 (11)

Christy Ring Cup, Round Four  DERRY           1-30 (33)

LONDON      4-19 (31)

BY ANTHONY MCLAUGHLIN

THIS coming Saturday (May 20): a day of destiny for the hurlers and footballers of London.

A day that brings the two most important matches of the 2023 season so far; Michael Maher’s

footballers host Cavan at McGovern Park (throw-in 2pm) needing a win to give them the best possible opportunity to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Tailteann Cup while over in Carrickmore Kevin McMullan’s hurlers must win – and hope other results go their way – to qualify for the Christy Ring Cup Final.

A high-scoring affair between London and Derry at Ruislip last Sunday ultimately went the way of the visitors in added-time thanks to decisive points from Meehaul McGrath and Paul Cleary. The

visitors bagged the opening goal early on thanks to a Ségdae Melaugh flick but points from Sean Glynn, Dylan Dawson and Jack Goulding established a two-point London lead. A dropping ball somehow found its way into the back of the Derry net for London’s second but a strong ending to the first-half by the Oak Leafers saw them head to the side line two points to the good.

London hit back in the secondhalf, Daithí Barron drawing the teams level before Ronan Crowley’s set piece edged them two ahead but when wing-back Glynn hit London’s

fourth goal with just over ten minutes remaining London pushed for the finishing line. Yet Derry had other ideas, Corey O’Reilly landing a leveller with the game heading into added-time before those two final points separated the teams.

Meanwhile in Tullamore a tough afternoon for London saw them struggle to keep pace with Offaly, by the time they landed their first score the Faithful County had amassed 1-08 including Cian Farrell’s goal.

Trailing by nine at half-time, London improved on the score sheet in the second-half – that second period ending on level scores – but couldn’t find a way back against Division

Three opponents, Farrell’s second goal with less than five minutes

remaining sealing the points for the home team in what was always likely to prove London’s trickiest Tailteann assignment.

London Football & Hurling

Teams:

FOOTBALL: A Walsh; E Flanagan, M Clarke, N McElwaine; R Sloan, E Walsh, A McLoughlin; F Gallagher, J Obahor; C Gallagher, R McCarthy, F Eastwood; C Farley, L Gavaghan, J Hynes.

HURLING: P Collins; C Byrne, S Bardon, P Muldoon; E Kelly, D Heffernan, E Ryan; S Glynn, R Lodge; D Dawson, C O’Carroll, E McHugh; J Goulding, C McCormack, R Crowley.

Brave Warwickshire bow out of Championship

Lory Meagher Cup, Round Four

LEITRIM 2-17  (23)

WARWICKSHIRE 2-15  (21)

MONAGHAN   5-19  (34)

LANCASHIRE    3-18  (27)

BY ANTHONY MCLAUGHLIN

AT PÁIRC NA HÉIREANN, BIRMINGHAM

THEY gave their all, they gave their sweat and blood, but last weekend Warwickshire’s hurlers bowed out of Championship 2023 after being edged out by Leitrim.

Warwickshire’s three home matches in the Lory Meagher Cup were always going to prove pivotal in their bid for a top two finish to qualify for the final in Croke Park. Their heroics in defying Cavan in Round One were hampered by away defeats to Longford and Monaghan but Sunday’s home match against fellow strugglers Leitrim was must-win to have any chance of remaining in contention.

It began brightly, three scores from Padraic Crehan, Eamon McWilliams and Anthony Hands settling the home side before Leitrim could respond – yet when they did, it was emphatic: a ball upfield to Joe Murray slammed to the back of the Warwickshire net beyond Paddy Hands. When Peter Poinard followed up with his team’s first point all that good initial work had been undone but to their credit Warwickshire kept pressing and drew level thanks to a fine Crehan score before retaking the lead off a Luke Hands free.

It remained cagey in the build-up to halftime, Oisín Coffey sniffing a goal chance but opting to take his point while Murray remained resolute off Leitrim frees – three of them leaving Leitrim four ahead as the half-time whistle beckoned. Yet a gift of a goal for John Collins via a long distance free, somehow missed by goalkeeper Lorcan Donnellan, and two rapid scores from Daire King and Niall Eames incredibly gave Warwickshire the slenderest of leads come the interval.

With both teams needing maximum points to stay in the Championship, the second-half became a war of attrition between two counties putting it all on the line. Murray remained Leitrim’s bright light, a free and a score from play restoring their advantage before McWilliams drilled over a peach of a score at the other end. Thirteen minutes into the half, a huge moment emerged when Leitrim were awarded a penalty, veteran forward Clement Cunniffe stepped up only to pull his effort wide of target. It was a big let off for Warwickshire who moved two points ahead thanks to another Hands free.

Yet for all their endeavour, Warwickshire just couldn’t pull away from this determined Leitrim outfit. Yet again it was Murray doing the damage off the set piece to haul the visitors level before full-forward Conor Beirne propelled them back into the lead. The game was fierce, it was fractured and it needed someone to roll the dice – that gamble came from Leitrim and it proved decisive with the

game moving into added-time as a high ball skied into the Birmingham sky caused indecision in the Warwickshire defence leaving Brendan Delaney the simplest of taps to the net.

That moment of harsh deflation meant Leitrim defended a four-point lead in those closing seconds, still Warwickshire would not quit as Luke Hands lashed home a close-range free for a second goal with 30 seconds left on the clock. It wasn’t enough, time called on their Championship effort with one game left to play this Saturday at home to Lancashire (throw-in set for 1pm) who themselves need to win and hope other results go their way to qualify for the final.

A high-scoring defeat to Monaghan in Birmingham last weekend has left Liam Knocker’s Lancashire needing two of Monaghan, Cavan and Longford to lose next Saturday to stand any chance of leapfrogging into a top two qualification place. A slow start last Sunday proved costly, Thomas Hughes

racing in from the right to grab an immediate Monaghan goal before Niall Arthur sent over a sixty-five. Conor Kennedy slammed the crossbar at the other end but once Lancashire got up to speed they were rewarded by Shane Madden’s goal forced past Hugh Byrne. Monaghan looked sharp around the fortyfive, some excellent striking propelled them to a five-point lead by half-time and when Hughes pounced from close range at the start of the second-half, Lancashire were facing an uphill task worsened through three further Monaghan goals and a slew of Arthur frees. Lancashire hunted down goals in the closing minutes, Ray McCormack and Robin Spencer thumping home frees to the back of the net to narrow the margin but ultimately this reversal leaves Lancashire chasing the pack on Saturday – one thing’s for sure, this will go to the wire.

Sean McDermott’s are favourites to retain their Senior Football League in Warwickshire after winning a top of the table clash at the Birmingham Irish Centre last Sunday against St. Brendan’s, a score line of 2-12 to 1-10 sending them clear of Brendan’s at the top with two rounds left to play.

Teams:

WARWICKSHIRE: P Hands; J O’Connor, D Ryan, C Shalvey; R Murray, J Collins (1-2, 3f), N Eames (0-1); D King (0-1), A Hanley; A Hands (0-1), E McWilliams (0-2), O Coffey (0-1); K Murphy, L Hands (1-4, 5f), P Crehan (0-3). Subs: B O’Sullivan (for Murphy 42); N Lenihan (for Crehan 59); P McMahon (for A Hands 62).

LEITRIM: L Donnellan; P Poniard (0-1), J Fitzgibbon, P Lenehan; S Goldrick, M Feeney, T Brannigan; S Keane, G O’Hagan (0-4); E Clancy, J Murray (1-10, 7f, 1’65), C Cunniffe; S Ó Riordan, C Beirne (0-1), S Markham (0-1). Subs: E Moreton (for Poniard 38); J McNabola (for Ó Riordan 56); B Delaney (1-0, for Markham 60); D McGovern (for Brannigan 60); C Moreton (for Lenehan 69).

Referee: M. Farrell (Roscommon)

Daire King in possession for Warwickshire

GAAGO controversy attracts government intervention

Wrangle over rights to broadcast GAA matches continues

BY GERARD DONAGHY

AS the row over televised coverage of Gaelic Games in Ireland rumbles on, the GAA has hit back at Virgin Media after the broadcaster claimed it was never approached to air matches.

On Tuesday, Virgin Media questioned whether RTÉ paid anything for the current pay-per-view rights package of 38 Championship matches this season.

This evening, the GAA slammed Virgin Media’s statement, saying it ‘contained several factual errors and misleading comments’.

Meanwhile, the Irish Government has weighed into the matter, with an Oireachtas committee planning to summon representatives from RTÉ and the GAA to address the controversy.

Virgin Media became embroiled in the row last week after claiming ‘the GAA did not approach other broadcasters’ after Sky’s deal with the association ended last year.

This season’s pay-per-view rights package is currently held by GAAGO, a joint venture between the GAA and RTÉ.

However, the deal has been the subject of much conversation, with claims that most high-profile matches

Joy unbounded at Rugby World Cup

BY CONOR O’DONOGHUE

IRELAND’S Joy Neville will make history this year when she becomes the first female official to participate as a television match official for the Men’s Rugby World Cup.

Neville is one of the four Irish officials who will be involved in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in France between September and October.

A former Grand Slam winner with Ireland in 2013, the experienced referee has already refereed the Women’s Rugby World Cup final in 2017. That game was between

England and New Zealand in Belfast.

The other officials from Ireland who will be a part of the tournament are Andrew Brace, who is one of the 12 referees selected for the event, Chris Busby, who will serve as an assistant referee, and Brian MacNeice, who will be performing TMO duties.

The upcoming World Cup is scheduled to take place in France from September 8 to October 28, 2023, in nine venues across the country, and is the first Rugby World Cup to take place entirely in France. Ireland will play Scotland, South Africa, Romania, and Tonga in their group.

are behind the GAAGO paywall rather than being free to air.

“The question must be asked, did RTÉ pay anything for these rights or did they just agree to keep them behind a paywall to drive incremental revenues for both partners in GAAGO, i.e. RTÉ and the GAA?” read the Virgin Media statement.

“Given the multi-million increases in State funding to RTÉ over recent years, RTÉ now has more sports rights than it can show on its channels, with licence payers now being forced to further subsidise RTÉ by paying for GAA sports content through its joint venture with the GAA.”

The GAA released a statement last week saying Virgin Media had ‘called into question the integrity of the RTÉ Media Rights process’.

The association said it was compelled to release the statement after Virgin Media failed to respond to the GAA’s request for the broadcaster to correct its comments made on Tuesday.

In its statement, the GAA claimed that Virgin Media were contacted by the association as far back as February 2021 to see if the broadcaster was interested in acquiring rights packages.

This was followed by further meetings and correspondence, claims the

Rugby World Cup match official panel

Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Wayne Barnes (England), Nic Berry (Australia), Andrew Brace (Ireland), Matthew Carley (England), Karl Dickson (England), Angus Gardner (Australia), Ben OKeeffe (New Zealand), Luke Pearce (England), Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Mathieu Raynal (France), Paul Williams (New Zealand)

GAA, however it says no formal expression of interest was forthcoming from Virgin Media.

The GAA said it contacted the broadcaster again in June 2022 to clarify that it did not wish to make a bid, claiming Virgin Media did not believe the production model on offer suited their needs.

“In short, VMTV [Virgin Media Television] were afforded every opportunity to discuss options, variations to packages and to submit a confidential offer. VMTV choose not to bid,” said the GAA.

The GAA added that it rejected a reduced package offer from Sky in favour of GAAGO due to the latter’s flexibility on scheduling and ability to show a greater number of games.

Meanwhile, it said its National League package rights went to RTÉ and TG4 as part of its strategy to maximise coverage of games via free-to-air and to support the Irish language.

Despite defending the current set-up, the GAA’s statement did commit to reviewing the pay-per-view situation in the wake of recent criticism.

“Recently GAAGO has been the subject of considerable commentary and we will conduct a comprehensive review of its operation at season end,” concluded the statement.

ON THE BALL: Cork v Tipperary, Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship

UMPIRE STRIKES BACK: Joy Neville issuing a yellow card during a Six Nations match Picture: Getty Images

Picture: Getty Images