RV Tom Crean celebrates first year

The RV Tom Crean, Ireland's cutting-edge research vessel, proudly celebrates its one-year anniversary since its arrival in Galway on July 18, 2022.

During this eventful year, the vessel accomplished significant milestones. It completed 296 survey days, welcoming 177 scientists across 20 surveys, totalling 2,060 scientist days. Traveling an impressive distance of 32,215 nautical miles, equivalent to circling Ireland approximately 46 times, the vessel showcased its remarkable range and capabilities, paving the way for next year and beyond.

Over the past 12 months, INFOMAR,

Ireland's national seabed mapping program, successfully conducted 5 surveys, mapping a total area of 6,317 square kilometres – an area larger than County Galway. This comprehensive mapping effort will greatly contribute to our understanding of Ireland's seabed and its valuable resources. Additionally, the vessel conducted 4 Ne- phrops Underwater TV Surveys, gathering valuable stock assessment data from 539 stations across the Porcupine Bank, Aran Grounds, Celtic Sea, and Bay of Biscay. This combined effort is approximately equal to 133 kilometres of seabed filmed.

The vessel served as a valuable training platform for students from institutions across Ireland also, providing 236 students with a unique learning experience over the course of 50 days throughout the year.

Commenting on the first anniversary of the vessel, Marine Institute Interim CEO Michael Gillooly said, “The RV Tom Crean has proven itself as an invaluable asset to Ireland's scientific community, and we eagerly look forward to the remarkable achievements yet to come.”

Enoch Burke ordered to pay legal costs

Enoch Burke, who was dismissed from his teaching position for alleged gross misconduct, has been ordered to pay legal costs to Wilson’s Hospital School in their successful High Court action against him earlier this year.

During a heated exchange with Justice Alexander Owens this week, Burke said that his case concerned his refusal to refer to a student who allegedly wished to transition by a different name and by a different pronoun and was one of religious belief and freedom of consciousness. He said objecting to people being transgender was the right of every citizen of Ireland.

Awarding the costs to the school, Justice Owens also made an order restraining Burke from trespassing on the premises of the school in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath, but said that the German and History teacher was not prevented from attending outside the school gates. In its action, the school had argued it was correct to place Burke on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of a disciplinary process against him.