wexford
thechronicle
March 15 2022 t: 0539102441, www.thechronicle.ie
we stand with ukraine
.ie
02
March 15, 2022
wexford
thechronicle
March 15 2022 t: 0539102441, www.thechronicle.ie
we stand with ukraine
Fraudster Carey was hiding in Courtown Convicted fraudster Catriona Carey was hiding out in Courtown following a RTÉ Investigates documentary claimed she had swindled hundreds of thousands of euro from hard-pressed home owners. Members of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) recently seized a white BMW outside the property, before the former Irish hockey international was then seen leaving the property with several suit cases shortly after.
Gardaí also took documentation when they visited the property and Carey is believed to have co-operated with officers during the seizure, according to reports in the Irish Independent. Carey was found guilty of fraud in February 2020 after changing a cheque she received from a hair salon owner, who had used her as his accountant.
The former camogie star was convicted of altering the cheque for €6,948 and making it out to herself rather than Revenue before cashing it in a bank in Kilkenny. Earlier this month, her family home in Kilkenny was raided by the GNECB who seized a number of documents and files. RTÉ Investigates claimed almost €400,000 from clients of her company, Careysfort
Asset Estates, was paid into the company account and, as of last month, just €488.10 remained. The biggest spend using funds from the company account came on July 21, 2020, for the purchase of a BMW at a cost of €55,226. RTÉ Investigates claimed in the programme that Ms Carey offered help to families struggling with mortgage arrears and then took their money. Continued on next page
Emma and Enya Byrne at the Crossabeg Ballymurn GAA Presentation Night Dinner Dance in the Ferrycarraig Hotel
.ie
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March 15, 2022
Tributes paid to hero Billy
Tributes have been paid to a council worker who was killed by a falling tree during Storm Eunice last month. Billy Kinsella (59) was killed while trying to clear away debris when a huge gust of wind brought down a nearby tree. The tragedy happened in Ballythomas on February as Wexford was blasted by winds of up to 100km/h, heavy rain and blizzard conditions. Emergency crews were quickly on the scene close to the Wexford–Wicklow border but Mr Kinsella was pronounced dead a short time later. “It is with deep sadness and regret that Wexford County Council confirms that one of our employees was fatally injured in a workplace accident,” a statement from Wexford County Council said. “The accident occurred as the employee attended the scene of a fallen tree in the North Wexford area. The employee’s family, An Garda Síochána and the Health and Safety Authority have been informed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the employee’s family, work colleagues and friends at this very difficult time.”
St Aidan`s Primary School Ms Quigley`s Class Comfirmation in St Aidan`s Cathedral with Fr Adhran Furlong and School Principal Frank Murphy
Forecourts acussed of ramping up fuel prices
Forecourts in the county have been accused of jacking up fuel prices as oil prices soar due to the war in Ukraine. The cost of a tank of petrol was set to reduce by €12 and diesel by €9 after the Government reduced the excise duty on petrol by 20c per litre and 15c per litre of diesel but it has now admitted prices will continue to soar
despite their intervention. Farmers have said that a cut of 2c per litre on green diesel which will stay until the end of August is not enough. Circle K Ireland has “categorically” denied that a recent increase in its prices of diesel and petrol was related to the Government announcing decreases to excise duty on fuel. The price fuel at Circle K
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Ireland stations was reported to have risen, with multiple people taking to social media to post pictures of increased prices on forecourts, ahead of the Government cuts. Meanwhile, home heating oil prices have almost doubling from around €400 for 500 litres to close to €800 in just a matter of months and are e xpected to rise further.
Gardaí seize fraudster’s white BMW Continued from previous page
Those making official complaints against her included borrowers from Wexford. Ms Carey owns Careysfort Asset Estates – not to be confused with any other firm of a similar name – which claimed to purchase distressed mortgages cheaply from banks. The company was offering to sell the mortgages back to the original borrower for the same discounted price it had paid, according to RTÉ Investigates. On top of this, it was alleged Careysfort Asset Estates would give people a new loan, usually at a rate of 5.5%, to allow them to buy back their mortgage. It appeared Careysfort Asset Estates would make money on the interest payments on the new loan and the borrower would have a sustainable mortgage and a much better chance of staying in their home. In one year alone, the financial statements show over €200,000 of what appears to be spending on goods and services for personal use. The company also spent thousands at luxury resorts and hotels and in highend clothing boutiques.
It’s back! Darkness into Light returns on May 7
The people of Wexford are being called on to run, jog or walk into the dawn on May 7 for this year’s Darkness Into Light. As the world continues to reopen after the pandemic, Darkness Into Light will return with its organised walks in over 17 countries across five continents, beginning in darkness at sunrise and continuing through to dawn, symbolising the journey from despair to hope. Registration is now open for this year’s annual fundraiser with walks taking place in Courtywon, New Ross and Wexford Town. Pieta and Electric Ireland are calling on as many people as possible around the country to join in the global movement to end suicide. The walk not only raises vital funds for Pieta and awareness for mental health, it brings people together in a spirit of solidarity and hope. To register now and avail of the discounted early bird rates, visit www.darknessintolight.ie The unique event, which is symbolic of the journey from despair to hope, will begin in darkness at 4.15am as thousands of people walk a 5km route into the light of dawn. Funds raised from Darkness
Into Light help keep Pieta’s counselling services free of charge and freely accessible to those in suicidal crisis, people who engage in self-harm, and to those bereaved by suicide. In 2021 alone, the 24/7 Pieta Helpline received almost 100,000 calls and texts and close to 2,000 crisis calls and texts each week. Darkness Into Light has grown from a single walk in the Phoenix Park, Dublin with just 400 walkers into a global movement dedicated to raising awareness around suicide and self-harm. A number of well-known faces from the worlds of sport, music and entertainment have come together to launch the 2022 event, including broadcaster Grainne Seoige, musician Tolu Makay and former Dublin GAA player Philly McMahon. Speaking at the launch, Darkness Into Light ambassador, Grainne Seoige said, “This is the first year in a long time that I have been home in Ireland for Darkness Into Light, so I am honoured to be able to support and take part in person, especially as the popular walks return and people can come together again.”
More than 10% of our shops are empty
The number of empty business premises throughout County Wexford has remained the same. The commercial vacancy rate in Wexford remained unchanged at 10.4% in the year to Q4 2021 according to the latest GeoDirectory Commercial Vacancy Rates Report. This report examined the commercial vacancy rates among a sample of 80 towns located across the state.
Of the towns in Wexford surveyed, New Ross had the highest commercial vacancy rate (20.3%), while Gorey had the lowest (7.8%) Nationally, the commercial vacancy rate was 13.9% in Q4 2021, the highest level of commercial vacancy recorded by GeoDirectory since the report began in 2013. The report, prepared by EY, found that commercial vacancies increased in 15 out of 26 counties.
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March 15, 2022
opinion&comment
We too are at war and we must learn to live with the pain
I
N 2001, a junior minister, Joe Jacob, talked himself out of his job with advice on how Ireland should handle a nuclear emergency. We should, he said, take iodine tablets and consult a leaflet, neither of which had been issued; we should stop drinking water from the well and should bring in the cattle from the fields. His bizarre suggestions came to mind when I heard Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue (pictured) propose that every farmer should grow a cereal crop to guard against food shortages caused by the war in Ukraine. Like Joe Jacob, with his plan for wells and cattle, Mr McConalogue seemed to be thinking of an Ireland that hasn’t existed for many a year. The idea of getting every farmer to plant some cereal was attempted here by a British gov-
Michael Wolsey
ernment during World War I. It was revived, with limited success, by our own government during World War II. Ireland was a very different place then, with a lot of small mixed farms. Some ploughs were still pulled by horses and some scything done by hand. I cannot see how the scheme could be adapted to modern farming or what practical use could be made of small batches of cereals grown here, there and everywhere. But, however impractical the idea, I am glad that Mr McConalogue and his Cabinet colleagues are at least giving thought to the difficulties the country may face in coming months. Ireland was not under any
threat of nuclear conflict when Joe Jacob revealed his survival plan to a bewildered radio audience. The Wicklow TD’s concern was for a possible leak from a power plant on the west coast of England. Today we have a Russian president hinting darkly at the possibility of nuclear war, while inflicting a brutal invasion on the brave people of Ukraine. They are holding the line for democracy and fighting for our freedoms as well as their own. But, have no doubt about it, Ireland and the rest of the free world has also gone to war, a very modern sort of economic war. We are not suffering like the Ukranians are suffering and we
must pray that we do not face the terrors of nuclear combat. But we have embarked on a contest of wills, pitting Western economic strength against Russian military might. It’s war and wars will always be painful. The Government can ease some of the pain but there are limits to what it can do. We will have to accept higher prices for fuel and food and we will have to forgo some luxuries we have got used to. These problems will not disappear soon and the Government cannot shield us indefinitely by such measures as reducing tax on petrol or subsidising electricity. If there is money to spare, it would be better directed towards poorer families, by improving social welfare payments and reducing the cost of home heating, education and basic health services. But is there money to spare? We came through a very
costly Covid crisis because the economy was in good shape to begin with and because the EU was prepared to underwrite our borrowing. We are now borrowed to the hilt and the economic position is far from rosy. In the past two years we have come to believe that the Government has a financial solution to every problem. Can’t work? They’ll pay you to stay at home. Your house was built with faulty material? The taxpayers will buy you a new one. And if your home needs insulation, the taxpayers will cover that cost too. To use a favourite phrase of the moment, it is not sustainable. Not now when we are at war. As George Orwell observed, “The quickest way of ending a war is to lose it”. If we are going to win this one, then at least some of us - most of us - must bear some pain.
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March 15, 2022
Make it count: Census Locals urged takes place on April 3 to spruce up The next census will take place on Sunday April 3. Central Statistics Office (CSO) has said that this year’s census will generate a detailed picture of social and living conditions in the country. A team of 5,100 enumerators has commenced the process of delivering more than two forms to every household in the country. These forms must be completed on census night and will be collected by an enumerator before May 6. Everyone present in the country on April 3 must be included on a census form. “The census, by counting every single person present in Ireland, provides a uniquely comprehensive account of our population,” An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said at the launch of Census 2022. “It is far more than a simple counting exercise, the census asks a variety of questions that give us the information that is vital for the planning of public services. “There is not a single decision taken, on the provision of
their areas
Mya and Zara Akinsowon, both aged 8, Leah Quish (9) at the launch of Round at the launch of Census House in Up for Ronald McDonald 2022. Pic: Jason Clarke. Crumlin Hospital. Pic: Andres Poveda
public services from health to education and housing, that is not shaped in some way by census data.” Pádraig Dalton, Director General of the CSO called for continued public support, “We have always enjoyed
tremendous support for the census from people right across the country. “We look forward to this continuing once again in 2022.” Census forms are available in Irish and English while guides
are also available in another 22 languages to assist those for whom Irish or English is not a first language. A range of additional accessibility supports and ‘how to’ guides are available on census.ie.
Registrations are now open for National Spring Clean 2022, which is calling all communities in Waterford to register for Ireland’s largest and longest antilitter campaign and make a tangible impact on our environment. National Spring Clean is operated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce in partnership with Local Authorities and supported by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and Mars Wrigley Ireland. The National Spring Clean traditionally takes part in the month of April every year to spruce up the country ahead of summer. And for the past 23 years, 85,000 clean-ups have been organised with volunteers dedicating a total of 12 million hours to remove around 42,000 tonnes of litter across the country.
National Spring Clean 2021 was the biggest and the longest campaign so far, taking place between March and August. The National Spring Clean programme is inviting people to visit the website at www. nationalspringclean.org. “An Taisce’s National Spring Clean is a real testament to the work of volunteers all over the country,” Environment Minister, Eamon Ryan TD, said. “These volunteers continue to organise local clean-ups every year. “The past two years have proven difficult because of the necessary Covid restrictions, but this year represents a real opportunity for people to get together and help clean up our countryside. “I would urge people to get involved and I would like to acknowledge the key role played by An Taisce in overseeing the campaign.”
Trócaire makes PUP its Lenten appeal reduced to €208 Gaelic football star, Noelle Healy launches the Trocaire appeal
TROCAIRE is appealing to the people of Dublin to support its 2022 Lenten appeal, which is supporting the millions in Zimbabwe suffering from the devastating impact of Covid-19 and climate change. The iconic Trócaire Box — which has been a firm Lent feature in Ireland for almost 50 years — has been rolled out to homes, schools and churches all over Dublin over the last couple of weeks. In total, 700,000 boxes will be distributed nationwide. This year’s appeal highlights how thousands of families in Zimbabwe are struggling
with the triple challenges of Covid-19, climate change and a devastated economy. The Trócaire Box features a family — widow Thandekile and her two children — based in Matobo district in southern Zimbabwe, who face massive daily challenges in their lives. Trócaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, today thanked the people of Dublin for their continued support, in particular over the last two very challenging years. She said the needs of people are more acute than ever given the growing impact of climate change.
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment has been reduced to €208 a week in the next step in the winding down of the scheme. People who previously earned less than €151.50 per week will receive a payment of €150. The PUP was first introduced in March 2020 and at one stage it was paid at a flat rate of €350 a week. It was then restructured and linked to previous earnings. The scheme was closed for new applications on January 22 and remaining PUP recipients, if eligible, will start transitioning to standard jobseekers’ payments from April 5. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys announced the winding down of the scheme in January. At the time she said that the PUP had been a vital support for workers and their families. At the end of February, 53,706 people were in receipt of the payment ,” she said. This week, that number will fall below 50,000, compared to over 605,000 at the peak in May 2020.”
March 15, 2022
The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is ending Following the reopening of workplaces this payment is coming to an end. If you are currently on this payment you will have received information on how the change affects you and what welfare supports are available. To find out more visit gov.ie/pupchanges
Brought to you by the Department of Social Protection
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Cross-party women’s coalition launched
Coast Hotel goes under the hammer The hotel is expected to fetch between €3.5m and €4m
The official launch of Wexford County Council’s Women’s Coalition took place on March 9 in the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy. The coalition is a cross party forum made up of the following 6 female elected Members of Wexford County Council: • Cllr. Maura Bell - Chair of the Coalition • Cllr. Barbara Anne Murphy – Cathaoirleach • Cllr. Lisa McDonald – Rosslare Municipal District • Cllr. Kathleen Codd Nolan – Enniscorthy Municipal District • Cllr. Mary Farrell – Gorey Kilmuckridge Municipal District • Cllr Bridin Murphy – New Ross Municipal District
The Women’s Coalition vision is a county with equal representation at all levels of society, including politics; that Wexford is a place of equal opportunity with a parity of voice reflecting the diversity of its population.
St Aidan`s Primary School Mr Cronin`s Class Comfirmation in St Aidan`s Cathedrial with Fr Adhran Furlong and School Principal Frank Murphy The group was established to support an increase in the number of women in politics, to support each other as female members of the council and to encourage other women who are interested in politics to take the leap and get involved. There are similar groups in Dáil Eireann and other local authorities, but this is the first
time such a group has been formed in Wexford County Council with its inaugural Chair, Councillor Maura Bell. Having been established at the time the Covid-19 pandemic hit, the group has met via online platforms to date and the official launch was well overdue. The coalition is an official sub-committee of the County
Council and has its own Mission Statement, Strategic Plan and Constitution. Michelle O’Neill, the acclaimed League of Ireland Referee and global leader on the sports stage as World Cup /Olympic FIFA International Assistant Referee, was the guest speaker and performed the official launch.
The popular Coast Hotel in Rosslare Strand is set to go under themmaer next month with a guiding price of €3.5m. The venue is being sold by Dunnes Stores scion Michael Heffernan, son of Margaret Heffernan, who reopened the hotel in 2018 after a major revamp of the former Crosbie Cedar’s Hotel. He is said to be selling the Rosslare property to pursue other business interests. He is also the owner of Coast Hotel (formerly the Saltees Hotel) in the nearby Wexford fishing village of Kilmore Quay, which opened in 2017.
Coast Rosslare will go under the hammer in an online auction through the offices of Keane Auctioneers, Wexford on April 8 at 12.30 p.m. The Hotel was previously placed on the market in August 2015 for €700,000 but the past few years have seen a surge in interest in Rosslare as a holiday and residential location, with a corresponding rise in property prices. Last year, the disused Iona Hotel building, owned by a local family in the village sold for more than four times its original guide price, reaching €3.36 million.
Kay Farrell, Margaret Choules and Anne Harris at Gorey Active Retirement Group ‘Glad to be Back’ Function in the Loch Garmen Arms Hotel, Gorey
Ciara O Connor and Sinead Carley at the Crossabeg - Ballymurn GAA Presentation Night Dinner Dance in the Ferrycarraig Hotel
David Mulberry and his grandaughter Jill at Gorey Active Retirement Group
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March 15, 2022
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March 15, 2022
WILDLIFE
ninenottomiss
Coming into land
book of the week
with Justin Ivory
tv show of the week
HOROSCOPES
film of the week
March is the month that sees the start of our feathered summer migrants arriving back in Ireland. The four species listed below are typically the first ones to return. Keep your eyes peeled in the coming days and weeks for the arrival of these annual visitors. Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe Oenanthe)
Emerald Exiles: How the Irish Made Their Mark on World Football by Barry Landy
Barney Curley: The Man Who Beat the Bookies RTE1, 10.15pm, Thursday March 10th
the batman Cinemas nationwide
With their distinctive white rump and inverted black ‘T’ tail markings, the name wheatear is appropriately old English/ Norse meaning ‘white arse’. They are typically the first of our summer migrants to arrive, or pass through in numbers.
FOR the past two years, Bruce Wayne (Robert THE story of the racehorse owner and punter Pattinson) has been fighting crime in Gotham, WHEN football players leave Ireland behind but with the city so riven with corruption at all Barney Curley — from his tough origins as a in the hopes of carving out a future in the Catholic in Fermanagh, through his audacious levels, the battle seems pointless and neverprofessional game, they often end up plying betting coups and his final charitable decision. ending. When a masked serial killer (Paul Dano) their trade in the UK –competing for a chance begins targeting city officials for execution in the Premier League, the Scottish Premiership, The programme is the brainchild of former and with riddles addressed to ‘the Batman’, it Newsnight producer and racehorse owner or the numerous leagues below them. James Bray, who has been determined to tell points the way to a wider conspiracy involving For decades, this has been the most attractive the tale since first writing to Curley more than decades-long lies and deceit involving the and obvious career path for Irish players. But Wayne family, Gotham, and the criminal five years ago. The documentary includes a what of those players who ventured further re-creation of the famous race, which is said to underworld. Also starring two of our very afield in search of glory, adventure, or simply own, Colin Farrell and the unstoppable barry have earned Curley the equivalent of £2m in their next touch of the ball? This book charts Keoghan. today’s money in an audacious plot. the careers of legends like Liam Brady, Robbie Keane, Anne O’Brien and Stephanie Roche.
Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)
stream of the week
Wheatear (Photo by Justin Ivory)
Sand Martin (Photo by Ken Billington at Wikicommons) The sand martin is the smallest of our breeding hirundines (family of birds that includes swallow, house and sand martin). They are typically a third smaller than their larger cousins swallow and house martin. Coming from sub-Saharan Africa they are also the first of this family to arrive back to our shores in early March (sometimes late February). Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
Chiffchaff (Photo by Ken Billington at Wikicommons) Chiffchaff is typically the first of our warbler species to return in spring, arriving from their wintering grounds in the Mediterranean basin. Very similar in looks to the much more numerous willow warbler, the chiffchaff can be easily told apart when it sings its distinctive two-note song ‘chiff-chaff chiff-chaff chiffchaff’. Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) Sandwich Tern (Photo by MPF at Wikicommons)
We get 5 tern species visiting our shores to breed each summer. The largest and earliest to arrive is the sandwich tern. About the size of a black-headed gull, it has a large black bill with a yellowtip and a black crown with a shaggy crest.
RECIPE of the week
album of the week
AriesFollow your heart. Wait for better conditions to advance a personal project. Notice a way around a barrier. Make repairs and upgrades. TaurusRest and wait for developments before making your move. Consider potential barriers and plan alternative routes. GeminiDon’t get frustrated by a team challenge. An obstacle blocks progress. Proceed with caution. Avoid extra expense or hassle. CancerReaffirm commitments and connections. Weigh the pros and cons of a strategic decision. Build bridges for rising influence. LeoConsider potential problems with the itinerary. Monitor traffic and conditions. Adjust your route as you go. Adapt to breaking news.
nightride Netflix
Sausage & butter bean stew www.bbc.co.uk/recipes/
things are great Band of Horses
Leaving behind his criminal exploits and opening a mechanic shop in Belfast with his best friend, a drug dealer (Moe Dunford) makes one final deal to get himself clear and set himself up. However, when a local mobster (Stephen Rea) gets involved after the deal goes sour, it’s a race against time to stay alive and keep himself free. It’s a compelling, sharply-made thriller that uses its limitations to its advantage as much as possible and brings together a committed performance by Moe Dunford with some great night-time cinematography.
WITH the chilly winter days still making their presence felt, this is a classic worth serving up mid-week to keep the gang all happy,. Use butter beans to soak up the flavour of spicy sausages in this comforting stew. It’s ideal for winter (early spring) evenings and it takes less than an hour to cook - trust us! When choosing suasages, remember to look for a decent percentage of pork and try and get the chunky, fat guys rather than the breakfaststyle sausages.
ON their sixth album, Seattle’s alt.country outfit,revisit the desert-gaze majesty of early albums such as 2006 debut Everything All The Time following the departure of guitarist Tyler Ramsey and bassist Bill Reynolds in 2017, This time, unlike the last, they certainly sound like they’re enjoying themselves. From opening track “Warning Signs” right through to the closing “Coalinga”, the band run through what feels like a ‘Greatest Hits’ set, covering all of their strengths and finding very few of their weaknesses along the way.
album of the week
wine of the week
tutor of the week
VirgoDon’t let an unexpected expense throw you off your stride. Keep your momentum. Recharge patiently. LibraYou and your partner can navigate an obstacle. Check internal gauges. Work through changes together. Abandon a worn-out perspective. ScorpioYour health and physical energy benefit from deep rest, regular routines and good food. Mitigate the effects of a disruption. SagittariusA romantic challenge takes a new twist. Stay graceful under pressure. Maintain a mystery. Stifle rebellious tendencies. Keep your cool despite rising heat. CapricornHome could get chaotic. Make repairs or improvements to handle a blockage. Planning pays off.
who by fire First Aid Kit
wines online www.boujee-booze.com
Alyssa Hanbidge www.wiseowlearning.com
THE existential question here is, does the world need another Leonard Cohen tribute.? No, not unless it is sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg who are the ones paying tribute. The Swedish band roll out Cohen’s themes of sex, death, despair and spirituality over four live performances, structuring the shows like church services. The concerts cover almost the full span of Cohen’s career, from the wellbeloved folk songs of the late 1960s and early 1970s to the gloom-laden growl of 2016’s ‘You Want it Darker’.
WINE online? Why not? it wasn’t just for the lockdown, you know. Boujee Booze is the newest entrant created by friends Michael O’Donoghue and Simon O’Connor their site offers a subscription service and a bit more than just wine with recipes, pairing suggestions, hampers and more on the way, including beer. Wines are sourced from smaller family-owned vineyards and there is a noticeable emphasis on natural and organic wines but with many classic regions also covered — mainly France and Italy.
Wise Owl Learning is a Wexford based business set up by entrepreneur Alyssa Hanbidge, offering tutoring services to children and adults with learning difficulties. Alyssa’s company was established the business in 2020 and due to the requirements of the pandemic, Wise Owl Learning has become an essential service for all those who have enrolled since. The specialist tutor works with students across a range of needs, from dyslexia to dyscalculia and more.
AquariusDon’t make assumptions. Do the homework and reassess the situation. Take time to clarify misunderstandings or crossed wires. PiscesStay in communication to navigate a financial challenge. Profitable efforts benefit from clarification. Stick to simple measures. Don’t overextend. Stay in action.
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March 15, 2022
opinion&comment
Gorbachev looking on in horror
O
ur children could be forgiven for thinking they are living through history; pandemics and brutal wars are things they associate with being in the past, not the present. It’s hard to know what to say to them by way of reassurance. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started last month, I have found myself wondering what Mikhail Gorbachev makes of all this. Still alive and now in his nineties, the eighth and final leader of the Soviet Union (and General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991) must be saddened by recent events. No public figure in my lifetime had done more than Gorbachev to help me believe that lasting peace in Europe would endure. So, not a French leader, or a German one, or a British one, but a Russian one was the person I respected and admired the most. Unfortunately I feel the
Brian Quigley
opposite of admiration for the present incumbent in the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin. More than anything else, Gorbachev was a passionate advocate of denuclearisation. Horrified by the Chernobyl disaster (which happened on his watch in 1986), he sought to row back on the nuclear sabrerattling his predecessors had engaged in with the US.
People arrive from Ukraine to Romania after fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine The world breathed a sigh of relief. How horrified he must be then to see Putin actively try to blow up the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant last week. Gorbachev moved Russia away from the prevailing Marxist-Leninist doctrine
towards social democracy. He refused to intervene militarily in Eastern Bloc countries that were moving away from communism. Russia was entering the modern world, but somehow has been shepherded back to the
past by Putin. I know several people who are very knowledgeable about modern-day Russia (let me qualify that to say that refers to Russia before the recent Unkraine invasion). While never expressing open
admiration for Putin, they seem to always push the idea that the modern world can’t be strong without a strong Russia, and that Putin’s antics (before the recent invasion) are designed to remind the rest of the world that he is there, that Russia is powerful, and that Russia must be taken seriously. I think that all went south when he crossed the border into Ukraine. No more excusing or apologising for a brutal dictator. The only lasting resolution I see to the Ukraine situation and getting the world back on track - is change in Moscow and the removal of Putin. A diplomatic solution now would inevitably be something that would present Putin with gains on where he was before he invaded, and so he could claim victory and bide his time before invading someone else, perhaps Georgia (who, like Ukraine, are not in NATO). The rest of the world must be strong and keep the pressure on Russia with sanctions until Putin’s removal is both sought and made actual by his own people.
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March 15, 2022
wexfordinpictures Orla Dolan and Maeve McCormick
United Striders New Ross at the Wexford Credit Union night run on the Quay Wexford Menone Benderblake, Linda and Jodie Codd
Lisa and Hazel Redmond Paulie and Finnonn Gregg
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March 15, 2022
We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by
Freemans Jrn 14/03/1864
Irish Ind 16/03/1938
Evening Her 10/03/1938
Irish Ind 02/03/1938
Freemans Jrn , 18/03/1829
Irish Press 14/03/1969
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thechronicle.ie March 15, 2022