The British Ministry of Defence (MoD) is preparing to pay compensation to relatives of those killed or injured by soldiers on Bloody Sunday.
Fourteen people died after paratroopers opened fire in January 1972 during a civil rights protest in Derry.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has already apologised to victims and said the shootings were wrong.
An MoD spokesman said: "We acknowledge the pain felt by these families for nearly 40 years, and that members of the armed forces acted wrongly. For that, the government is deeply sorry.
“We are in contact with the families’ solicitors and where there is a legal liability to pay compensation, we will do so.”
Lord Saville drew up a landmark report last year which criticised the Army over the killings.
His panel ruled that the Army fired first and without provocation.
It found all 14 who died and the others who were injured almost four decades ago had been unarmed and were completely innocent.
The troops had also continued to shoot as the protesters fled or lay fatally wounded on the ground.
One father was shot as he went to tend to his injured son, the mammoth 5,000-page report revealed.
Soldiers later insisted they had only retaliated, in a bid to cover-up the truth, the document – described as “shocking” by Mr Cameron – said.
“We found no instances where it appeared to us that soldiers either were or might have been justified in firing,” it said.
“Despite the contrary evidence given by soldiers, we have concluded that none of them fired in response to attacks or threatened attacks by nail or petrol bombers. No one threw or threatened to throw a nail or petrol bomb at the soldiers on Bloody Sunday.”
Bloody Sunday was one of the worst state acts of the conflict and helped ignite 30 years of violence by the IRA.
Victims have spent years campaigning for justice and the revision of an original probe into the massacre which they branded a whitewash.
Bloody Sunday victims
Patrick “Paddy” Doherty (31)
Gerald Donaghy (17)
John “Jackie” Duddy (17)
Hugh Gilmour (17)
Michael Kelly (17)
Michael McDaid (20)
Kevin McElhinney (17)
Bernard “Barney” McGuigan (41)
Gerald McKinney (35)
William “Willie” McKinney (26)
William Nash (19)
James “Jim” Wray (22)
John Young (17)
John Johnston (59)
(John Johnson was shot twice on January 30, 1972 and died on June 16, 1972. His family say he died prematurely and that his death was due to the injuries received and trauma he underwent on Bloody Sunday.
)
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Norris five signatures short with one week to go
Senator David Norris is expected to make further contact with TDs and Senators today as part of his attempt to run for President.
With less than a week to go until the nomination deadline, Senator Norris is five signatures away from meeting the required level of support amongst members of the Oireachtas.
David Norris has two avenues open to him as he fights a renewed battle to get on the ballot paper.
One is local authorities - and with Fingal County Council already supporting him, Kilkenny, Carlow, Roscommon, Laois and South Dublin councils are among those expected to discuss the issue when they meet next Monday.
The second option is the support of Oireachtas members. Senator David Norris already has 14 signatures. Added to his own, that leaves him five short of the required 20
With less than a week to go until the nomination deadline, Senator Norris is five signatures away from meeting the required level of support amongst members of the Oireachtas.
David Norris has two avenues open to him as he fights a renewed battle to get on the ballot paper.
One is local authorities - and with Fingal County Council already supporting him, Kilkenny, Carlow, Roscommon, Laois and South Dublin councils are among those expected to discuss the issue when they meet next Monday.
The second option is the support of Oireachtas members. Senator David Norris already has 14 signatures. Added to his own, that leaves him five short of the required 20
Tuesday, 20 September 2011
120 jobs announced for Dublin and Offaly
120 new jobs are to be created by two companies in Dublin and Offaly.
Indian IT firm HCL Technologies is to create 80 jobs in Dublin over the next three years for IT graduates.
The new software delivery centre in Dublin will provide services to the financial services, insurance and healthcare industries.
IDA Ireland chief executive Barry O'Leary said the company had been a major target since the setting up of an IDA office in India.
''This project is a strategic win for Ireland,'' said Mr O'Leary.
''HCL is one of the biggest brand names in the Indian IT sector and IDA is confident that this will be catalyst for further projects from Indian multinationals companies to establish operations in Ireland.''
Elsewhere, manufacturing firm McDonald International has announced the creation of 40 new jobs at its Tullamore manufacturing operation.
Twenty of the new positions will come on line immediately and a further 20 will be rolled out during the next four months.
McDonald International currently employs 40 people at the facility
Minister for Communications and Energy Pat Rabbitte has said he envisages the sale of part of the ESB to take place next year
Speaking during Sinn Féin's Private Members time calling for a reversal of the Government decision to part-privatise the ESB, Minister Rabbitte said an expert group would report in November about the best approach to the proposed sale.
He said he would envisage the "specific transaction being progressed throughout 2012".
Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty said the Government plan will be a disaster in the long run.
Introducing the Bill, Deputy Doherty said the move represented the "thin edge of the privatisation wedge".
He said it demonstrated the dominance of Fine Gael policy in Government and was the latest example of the growing gap between what the Labour Party promised in the election and what it is delivering in Government.
His party colleage, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, said the sale was another step in the downgrading of the economy.
He described it as economic madness to sell off State assets.
Another Sinn Féin deputy, Seán Crowe, called on the Labour Party to think of their core constituency before proceeding with a policy of selling state assets, which he described as "a recipe for disaster" and a "grubby plan".
He predicted that disconnections would become a frequent occurrence for people who fall behind in their bill payments.
Fianna Fáil Éamon Ó Cuív said the proposal to sell a minority stake in the ESB would lead to conflict and chaos in the boardroom.
Mr Ó Cuív said his party had decided they would not sell the strategic parts of the ESB, which were the transmission lines and the lines bringing power into homes around the country.
If a minority stake were sold, there would be directors on the board whose primary interest would be the return they could get for the shareholders, he said.
Deputy Ó Cuív felt it would also mean the end of the policy of giving access to everyone at a fair price
Speaking during Sinn Féin's Private Members time calling for a reversal of the Government decision to part-privatise the ESB, Minister Rabbitte said an expert group would report in November about the best approach to the proposed sale.
He said he would envisage the "specific transaction being progressed throughout 2012".
Sinn Féin's Pearse Doherty said the Government plan will be a disaster in the long run.
Introducing the Bill, Deputy Doherty said the move represented the "thin edge of the privatisation wedge".
He said it demonstrated the dominance of Fine Gael policy in Government and was the latest example of the growing gap between what the Labour Party promised in the election and what it is delivering in Government.
His party colleage, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, said the sale was another step in the downgrading of the economy.
He described it as economic madness to sell off State assets.
Another Sinn Féin deputy, Seán Crowe, called on the Labour Party to think of their core constituency before proceeding with a policy of selling state assets, which he described as "a recipe for disaster" and a "grubby plan".
He predicted that disconnections would become a frequent occurrence for people who fall behind in their bill payments.
Fianna Fáil Éamon Ó Cuív said the proposal to sell a minority stake in the ESB would lead to conflict and chaos in the boardroom.
Mr Ó Cuív said his party had decided they would not sell the strategic parts of the ESB, which were the transmission lines and the lines bringing power into homes around the country.
If a minority stake were sold, there would be directors on the board whose primary interest would be the return they could get for the shareholders, he said.
Deputy Ó Cuív felt it would also mean the end of the policy of giving access to everyone at a fair price
New York fireman given Irish Heritage honour
The mother of a New York fireman killed in the 9/11 terror attacks said he was very proud of his Irish roots after the family was presented with the first Certificate of Irish Heritage.
Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore awarded the certificate yesterday to Joseph Hunter’s family in the firehouse of Squad 288 in Queens, New York City.
Mr Gilmore recalled the long links between Irish emigrants and the emergency services, particularly the fire service.
“Generations of Irish have been proud and privileged to serve with New York’s finest – in the Fire Department, the NYPD and other emergency services,” the Tánaiste said.
“They are a part of the special Irish contribution to this great country and city.
“We in Ireland felt the pain and loss of all Americans in the obscenity of 9/11 but we felt a particular pain in our hearts for those brave men and women of Irish heritage who lost their lives on that day.”
The Certificate of Irish Heritage was first put forward at the Global Irish Economic Forum in September 2009, and is available to those who are part of the Irish Diaspora, but not eligible for citizenship.
Fire officers from Squad 288 and New York Fire Department chief Edward S Kilduff were present at the ceremony.
Mr Hunter’s mother Bridget said: “Joseph was very proud of his Irish roots and in continuing the brave and selfless tradition of service given by the Irish to the FDNY.
“He would have been very honoured to receive the first certificate.”
The Tánaiste said applications for the certificate of heritage can be submitted online from the end of this month.
Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore awarded the certificate yesterday to Joseph Hunter’s family in the firehouse of Squad 288 in Queens, New York City.
Mr Gilmore recalled the long links between Irish emigrants and the emergency services, particularly the fire service.
“Generations of Irish have been proud and privileged to serve with New York’s finest – in the Fire Department, the NYPD and other emergency services,” the Tánaiste said.
“They are a part of the special Irish contribution to this great country and city.
“We in Ireland felt the pain and loss of all Americans in the obscenity of 9/11 but we felt a particular pain in our hearts for those brave men and women of Irish heritage who lost their lives on that day.”
The Certificate of Irish Heritage was first put forward at the Global Irish Economic Forum in September 2009, and is available to those who are part of the Irish Diaspora, but not eligible for citizenship.
Fire officers from Squad 288 and New York Fire Department chief Edward S Kilduff were present at the ceremony.
Mr Hunter’s mother Bridget said: “Joseph was very proud of his Irish roots and in continuing the brave and selfless tradition of service given by the Irish to the FDNY.
“He would have been very honoured to receive the first certificate.”
The Tánaiste said applications for the certificate of heritage can be submitted online from the end of this month.
Six former AIB executives to appear before Commercial Court next week
The Commercial Court is to hear a case next week involving accusations that six ex-AIB executives colluded to undermine the bank's International Financial Services business.
Undertakings have been given by the men in the meantime not to canvass, solicit or enter into contracts with AIB clients.
It is claimed the six initiated a Plan B after the bank rejected a management buyout proposal of IFS.
AIB claims it lost €22m on the sale of its International Financial Services business as a result of an alleged secret deal.
It claims that six former senior executives, including the former head of IFS, Pat Diamond, as well as Gerry McEvoy, Derek O’Reilly, Andrew O’Shea, Joe Walsh and Aidan Foley, conspired to poach clients and staff from AIB as part of a plan to set up a rival firm.
The bank says buyers Capita originally offered €55m for IFS but this dropped to €33m after 25 employees left the business between June and August.
The hearing has been set to commence on Wednesday, September 28
.
Undertakings have been given by the men in the meantime not to canvass, solicit or enter into contracts with AIB clients.
It is claimed the six initiated a Plan B after the bank rejected a management buyout proposal of IFS.
AIB claims it lost €22m on the sale of its International Financial Services business as a result of an alleged secret deal.
It claims that six former senior executives, including the former head of IFS, Pat Diamond, as well as Gerry McEvoy, Derek O’Reilly, Andrew O’Shea, Joe Walsh and Aidan Foley, conspired to poach clients and staff from AIB as part of a plan to set up a rival firm.
The bank says buyers Capita originally offered €55m for IFS but this dropped to €33m after 25 employees left the business between June and August.
The hearing has been set to commence on Wednesday, September 28
.
Dana and Norris nominations in doubt after FF meeting
The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party has today agreed that its 33 TDs and Senators should not nominate candidates for the upcoming presidential election.
The decision will be a blow to both Dana Rosemary Scallon and Senator David Norris, who had been looking to Fianna Fáil for support.
The motion was put forward by leader Micheál Martin and his deputy, Eamon O’Cuiv, despite the two previously clashing over the party’s stance.
Speaking following today’s meeting, party whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD commented: “At today’s meeting, the party adopted the following motion by popular consensus:
“[That the Fianna Fáil PP] Endorses the decision of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party on 31st August 2011 not to contest the 2011 Presidential election and further decides not to nominate or endorse a candidate for the 2011 Presidential election.”
Mr Norris received a boost when Independent TD Catherine Murphy said she would sign his nomination papers. However, it is believed he still falls short of the required 20 signatures without Fianna Fáil backing.
The Kildare North TD had supported Mr Norris until it was revealed he sent a letter of clemency for his ex-partner who was convicted of statutory rape.
After declaring he wanted to re-enter the race, Ms Murphy stood firm on her decision not to support him.
But, changing her mind, she said the addition of Mr McGuinness to the race was a game-changer.
“If the citizens of this republic are to have the opportunity to adjudicate over his suitability for the role of president, they should equally have the opportunity to judge Norris at the ballot box.
“My signing Senator Norris’ nomination paper is all about ensuring that the people get to have their say on the candidates in the field, no more and no less.”
Independents Mary Davis and Sean Gallagher officially became candidates last week after each secured the necessary support.
They are on course to fight it out with front-runner Michael D Higgins, of Labour, Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell and Mr McGuinness.
Eurovision winner Dana Rosemary Scallon declared her intention to stand as a candidate yesterday, although she would not say if she has the required backing to get on the ballot paper.
Fianna Fáil Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú withdrew his name as a prospective candidate earlier today.
The decision will be a blow to both Dana Rosemary Scallon and Senator David Norris, who had been looking to Fianna Fáil for support.
The motion was put forward by leader Micheál Martin and his deputy, Eamon O’Cuiv, despite the two previously clashing over the party’s stance.
Speaking following today’s meeting, party whip Seán Ó Fearghaíl TD commented: “At today’s meeting, the party adopted the following motion by popular consensus:
“[That the Fianna Fáil PP] Endorses the decision of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party on 31st August 2011 not to contest the 2011 Presidential election and further decides not to nominate or endorse a candidate for the 2011 Presidential election.”
Mr Norris received a boost when Independent TD Catherine Murphy said she would sign his nomination papers. However, it is believed he still falls short of the required 20 signatures without Fianna Fáil backing.
The Kildare North TD had supported Mr Norris until it was revealed he sent a letter of clemency for his ex-partner who was convicted of statutory rape.
After declaring he wanted to re-enter the race, Ms Murphy stood firm on her decision not to support him.
But, changing her mind, she said the addition of Mr McGuinness to the race was a game-changer.
“If the citizens of this republic are to have the opportunity to adjudicate over his suitability for the role of president, they should equally have the opportunity to judge Norris at the ballot box.
“My signing Senator Norris’ nomination paper is all about ensuring that the people get to have their say on the candidates in the field, no more and no less.”
Independents Mary Davis and Sean Gallagher officially became candidates last week after each secured the necessary support.
They are on course to fight it out with front-runner Michael D Higgins, of Labour, Fine Gael’s Gay Mitchell and Mr McGuinness.
Eurovision winner Dana Rosemary Scallon declared her intention to stand as a candidate yesterday, although she would not say if she has the required backing to get on the ballot paper.
Fianna Fáil Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú withdrew his name as a prospective candidate earlier today.
FF members barred from nominating any candidate for presidency Read more: http://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/ff-members-barred-from-nominating-any-candidate-for-presidency-521249.html#ixzz1YYGhrOQl
The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party has unanimously decided not to allow its members back any Presidential candidate.
A meeting of members finished in the past half hour.
It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy.
The news will come as a bitter blow to prospective candidates including David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon, who were hoping that individual Fianna Fáil TDs would nominate them.
Earlier today, Fianna Fáil Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú announced that he is no longer looking to get on the ballot paper for the Presidential election.
A meeting of members finished in the past half hour.
It follows a row in Fianna Fáil over the party's presidential election strategy.
The news will come as a bitter blow to prospective candidates including David Norris and Dana Rosemary Scallon, who were hoping that individual Fianna Fáil TDs would nominate them.
Earlier today, Fianna Fáil Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú announced that he is no longer looking to get on the ballot paper for the Presidential election.
FF Senator withdraws from Presidency Race
Fianna Fáil Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú has today withdrawn his name as a prospective candidate for the upcoming presidential election.
In a statement, Mr Ó Murchú said he was on course to get the required 20 nominations from both Fianna Fáil and Independent Oireachtas members.
The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is meeting to decide its position on the presidential race. The party previously agreed not to field a candidate.
Mr O Murchú said: “Last week, in requesting Fianna Fáil, which will not have its own candidate, to allow a free vote to facilitate my entry into the presidential election, I suggested a moratorium of 24 hours, prior to a decision being taken, to allow for a consensus to emerge through consultation.
“This request could not be accommodated.
“Following meetings with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and speculation in the media about his leadership, I do not wish to prolong uncertainty within Fianna Fáil.
“I will not, therefore, continue to seek nominations from individual Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members.
“In the absence of such nominations, I could not achieve the 20 nominations required.”
The Senator is currently languishing in last place on BreakingNews.ie's online poll, with a mere two votes out of 1,910
.
In a statement, Mr Ó Murchú said he was on course to get the required 20 nominations from both Fianna Fáil and Independent Oireachtas members.
The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party is meeting to decide its position on the presidential race. The party previously agreed not to field a candidate.
Mr O Murchú said: “Last week, in requesting Fianna Fáil, which will not have its own candidate, to allow a free vote to facilitate my entry into the presidential election, I suggested a moratorium of 24 hours, prior to a decision being taken, to allow for a consensus to emerge through consultation.
“This request could not be accommodated.
“Following meetings with Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and speculation in the media about his leadership, I do not wish to prolong uncertainty within Fianna Fáil.
“I will not, therefore, continue to seek nominations from individual Fianna Fáil Oireachtas members.
“In the absence of such nominations, I could not achieve the 20 nominations required.”
The Senator is currently languishing in last place on BreakingNews.ie's online poll, with a mere two votes out of 1,910
.
Monday, 19 September 2011
Dublin victory party: Major traffic restrictions in city ahead of homecoming tonight
PARKING and traffic restrictions will be imposed in the capital today as a blue army of up to 30,000 fans is expected to gather this evening to hail all-Irelandchampions Dublin.
A large stage will be in place at the junction of Merrion Square East and Mount Street Upper in Merrion Square for the celebration, which will start at 7pm.
Fans have been asked to start arriving at 6pm and to use public transport. No alcohol will be allowed at the event.
But the huge celebrations will result in parking and traffic restrictions from 7am today on Merrion Square South, Merrion Square East, Fitzwilliam Street lower and Mount Street upper. Those streets will then be closed at 10am. Restrictions are expected to be lifted after the event.
Pedestrians are urged to enter from Merrion Square East, Merrion Square South or from Fitzwilliam Street lower. Access will only be allowed after 6pm.
Fans hoping for a peek of the trophy in the hands of the players as it passes through the city will be left disappointed, with no open-top bus ride planned.
"It's just too big to put on at this stage," a council spokesman said.
"It is a day that will go down in Dublin's GAA history due to the heroic efforts of this year's gallant team under the leadership of their bainisteoir Pat Gilroy and captain Bryan Cullen," said Lord Mayor Andrew Montague.
"On behalf of all Dubliners, I wish to pay tribute to the Dublin senior footballers for the battling qualities, skill, hunger for victory and bravery they have shown, not just today, but throughout the championship.
"It is great to see the Sam Maguire back in Dublin after 16 years," he added.
Train
The Kerry players will return to Tralee at around 5.55pm today on a special train from Heuston Station.
From there they will travel by coach to Denny Street for 6.35pm, before being taken to Killarney for 8.30pm.
Dublin's win was also a victory for the bookies.
Boylesports said that the Kingdom had been heavily backed from the start of the season and would have cost almost €500,000 in payouts if they had triumphed
Dana calls on FF and Independents to support nomination
Former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon has formally entered the presidential race this afternoon, asking TDs and Senators to nominate her.
At a press conference in Dublin this afternoon, she said the contest should not become known as the "what if" election.
She wants Oireachtas members to nominate her has as an independent, saying that he has asked Independent TDs and Senators, as well as those from Fianna Fáil, to sign her nomination papers.
She has also called on Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to allow his parliamentary party to have a free vote to support an external candidate.
Scallon said that everybody, regardless of their stance, has a right to enter the race.
"I asked them to grant me a nomination as an independent candidate," she said.
"I wouldn’t want this to be known as the ‘what if’ presidential election ... what if ... that they will exercise that very precious constitutional right, and I believe that it would be the first time to allow an independent candidate to be nominated and to run."
“As nominations close on September 28, I am calling on those members of the Oireachtas to grant me a nomination, so that the people of Ireland can decide,” she said.
“In the interest of equality, I ask that members of the Oireachtas make room for a second woman.”
Dana won the 1970 Eurovision for Ireland and won a seat in the European Parliament for Connaught/Ulster in 1999
.
At a press conference in Dublin this afternoon, she said the contest should not become known as the "what if" election.
She wants Oireachtas members to nominate her has as an independent, saying that he has asked Independent TDs and Senators, as well as those from Fianna Fáil, to sign her nomination papers.
She has also called on Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin to allow his parliamentary party to have a free vote to support an external candidate.
Scallon said that everybody, regardless of their stance, has a right to enter the race.
"I asked them to grant me a nomination as an independent candidate," she said.
"I wouldn’t want this to be known as the ‘what if’ presidential election ... what if ... that they will exercise that very precious constitutional right, and I believe that it would be the first time to allow an independent candidate to be nominated and to run."
“As nominations close on September 28, I am calling on those members of the Oireachtas to grant me a nomination, so that the people of Ireland can decide,” she said.
“In the interest of equality, I ask that members of the Oireachtas make room for a second woman.”
Dana won the 1970 Eurovision for Ireland and won a seat in the European Parliament for Connaught/Ulster in 1999
.
Charity concerned at 500% increase in housing waiting lists
Charity Respond! has today expressed concern regarding a 500% increase in housing waiting lists in the past 20 years.
Figures released by the Department of the Environment today show that around 100,000 households are on Local Authority waiting lists around the country.
The charity is blaming what it calls the ''ad hoc'' housing policies adopted by previous governments over the past number of decades.
According to the housing charity, the number of households on waiting lists increased at an alarming rate since 1991, despite a booming economy and property market during the Celtic Tiger years.
"In 1991 just over 20,000 households were on Local Authority housing waiting lists and this figure now stands at almost 100,000 households," said Respond! spokesperson Aoife Walsh.
"Despite many years of prosperity in the nineties and noughties, the lack of a consistent housing policy led to an over-inflated property and an under developed social housing sector.
"Successive Governments adopted ad hoc policies with no clear strategy or vision for the provision of social and affordable housing in Ireland.
"The supply of social housing never reached expected levels due to the amendment of Part V of the Planning & Development Act in 2002. When construction peaked at 93,000 units in 2006, just over 6,300 were provided for social housing purposes, far short of the 19,000 units that should have been delivered through Part V alone.
Walsh went to add that "while acknowledging the obvious commitment of Minister Penrose to this crisis, Respond! is now calling on the Government to draft a coherent housing policy with stakeholder involvement from all the relevant parties.
"It is vital that with a rapidly growing need for social housing, we need to look closely at how we are going to meet it in the future."
Figures released by the Department of the Environment today show that around 100,000 households are on Local Authority waiting lists around the country.
The charity is blaming what it calls the ''ad hoc'' housing policies adopted by previous governments over the past number of decades.
According to the housing charity, the number of households on waiting lists increased at an alarming rate since 1991, despite a booming economy and property market during the Celtic Tiger years.
"In 1991 just over 20,000 households were on Local Authority housing waiting lists and this figure now stands at almost 100,000 households," said Respond! spokesperson Aoife Walsh.
"Despite many years of prosperity in the nineties and noughties, the lack of a consistent housing policy led to an over-inflated property and an under developed social housing sector.
"Successive Governments adopted ad hoc policies with no clear strategy or vision for the provision of social and affordable housing in Ireland.
"The supply of social housing never reached expected levels due to the amendment of Part V of the Planning & Development Act in 2002. When construction peaked at 93,000 units in 2006, just over 6,300 were provided for social housing purposes, far short of the 19,000 units that should have been delivered through Part V alone.
Walsh went to add that "while acknowledging the obvious commitment of Minister Penrose to this crisis, Respond! is now calling on the Government to draft a coherent housing policy with stakeholder involvement from all the relevant parties.
"It is vital that with a rapidly growing need for social housing, we need to look closely at how we are going to meet it in the future."
New website to facilitate complaining about health services
A new website has been launched today to make it easier to complain about the health service.
Seventeen agencies are coming together under www.healthcomplaints.ie to facilitate patients who feel their treatment was unsatisfactory.
Junior Health Minister Roisin Shorthall hopes it will mean peace of mind for patient and an improved system.
"It's about having a cleat complaints procedure within the health and social care area, which is critical really in terms of raising standards in the health service," she said.
"It's important that if something goes wrong in the health service that people feel that they can make a compliant about it - they can raise it with authorities - and that that will be acted on.
"That way we ensure that people get satisfaction with the services they receive and that we raise the standards.
"
Seventeen agencies are coming together under www.healthcomplaints.ie to facilitate patients who feel their treatment was unsatisfactory.
Junior Health Minister Roisin Shorthall hopes it will mean peace of mind for patient and an improved system.
"It's about having a cleat complaints procedure within the health and social care area, which is critical really in terms of raising standards in the health service," she said.
"It's important that if something goes wrong in the health service that people feel that they can make a compliant about it - they can raise it with authorities - and that that will be acted on.
"That way we ensure that people get satisfaction with the services they receive and that we raise the standards.
"
Dana expected to announce election intentions today
The former MEP Dana Rosemary Scallon looks set to enter the presidential race when she announces her intentions at a press conference in Dublin at 4pm today.
She has been canvassing Fianna Fáil and Independent TDs for their support.
Meanwhile, the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has met his deputy leader Eamon O'Cuiv today in a bid to resolve a damaging row over the party's presidential election strategy.
Mr Martin wants the party to have no involvement in nominating candidates for the election, while Eamon O'Cuiv wants members to have a free vote to back candidates like Labhras O'Murchu, Dana or David Norris
.
She has been canvassing Fianna Fáil and Independent TDs for their support.
Meanwhile, the Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has met his deputy leader Eamon O'Cuiv today in a bid to resolve a damaging row over the party's presidential election strategy.
Mr Martin wants the party to have no involvement in nominating candidates for the election, while Eamon O'Cuiv wants members to have a free vote to back candidates like Labhras O'Murchu, Dana or David Norris
.
Government pays €73m to consultants since 2008
A total of €73m in fees have been paid to financial experts, lawyers and other consultants contracted by the Government since the financial crisis hit.
The State's spending watchdog revealed the bulk of the costs since 2008 went on financial advice at €35.1m, while legal and accountancy expertise combined accounted for €38m.
The Comptroller and Auditor General's (C&AG) annual report found advice on recapitalising and restructuring the State's six banks totalled almost €40m, peaking in 2009 at €14.2m.
The Government also had to pay out €22.9m this year to carry out stress tests on the banks in March, which revealed another €24bn was needed to keep them afloat, bringing the total bailout cost to €70bn.
The report also found overpayment of welfare payments increased by 65% last year to €83.4m.
Some €26m was blamed on fraud, but the C&AG said the Department of Social Protection could not provide a breakdown of how much money was recovered.
Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has revealed a clampdown on fraudsters, with an army of 600 inspectors set to track down social welfare cheats, aimed at saving the Exchequer €625m next year.
Comptroller and Auditor General John Buckley went on to reveal the state has to pay up to €5.5m this year to contractors involved in the private public partnership (PPP) arrangement for the M3 and Limerick Tunnel.
The Government is obliged to pay the PPP company if traffic falls under a certain level.
Elsewhere on the banking front, the C&AG report found €2.4m has been spent on "crisis management" while €5.5m has been forked out on advice about nationalisation, liquidity and other issues.
Consultancy costs relating to Nama accounted for €2.6m while the inquiry into the banking crisis has cost €400,000.
The spending watchdog said the Global Irish Economic Forum - held in September 2009 and set to be replicated next month - cost €330,000, with site costs at Farmleigh accounting for the bulk of the money at €72,539.
Former US President Bill Clinton is due to address the next forum in October. The Department of Foreign Affairs has estimated the cost to be similar to the 2009 event despite an increased number of attendees.
The C&AG also found a new automated fingerprint identification system in the Garda Immigration Bureau cost €5m more than expected at €23.13m.
Mr Buckley's office said despite the new system, there are still a significant number of fingerprints being taken by gardaí using the manual "wet ink" system.
Meanwhile, almost €4bn from the National Pension Reserve Fund, invested in Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks, last year has been written off
The State's spending watchdog revealed the bulk of the costs since 2008 went on financial advice at €35.1m, while legal and accountancy expertise combined accounted for €38m.
The Comptroller and Auditor General's (C&AG) annual report found advice on recapitalising and restructuring the State's six banks totalled almost €40m, peaking in 2009 at €14.2m.
The Government also had to pay out €22.9m this year to carry out stress tests on the banks in March, which revealed another €24bn was needed to keep them afloat, bringing the total bailout cost to €70bn.
The report also found overpayment of welfare payments increased by 65% last year to €83.4m.
Some €26m was blamed on fraud, but the C&AG said the Department of Social Protection could not provide a breakdown of how much money was recovered.
Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has revealed a clampdown on fraudsters, with an army of 600 inspectors set to track down social welfare cheats, aimed at saving the Exchequer €625m next year.
Comptroller and Auditor General John Buckley went on to reveal the state has to pay up to €5.5m this year to contractors involved in the private public partnership (PPP) arrangement for the M3 and Limerick Tunnel.
The Government is obliged to pay the PPP company if traffic falls under a certain level.
Elsewhere on the banking front, the C&AG report found €2.4m has been spent on "crisis management" while €5.5m has been forked out on advice about nationalisation, liquidity and other issues.
Consultancy costs relating to Nama accounted for €2.6m while the inquiry into the banking crisis has cost €400,000.
The spending watchdog said the Global Irish Economic Forum - held in September 2009 and set to be replicated next month - cost €330,000, with site costs at Farmleigh accounting for the bulk of the money at €72,539.
Former US President Bill Clinton is due to address the next forum in October. The Department of Foreign Affairs has estimated the cost to be similar to the 2009 event despite an increased number of attendees.
The C&AG also found a new automated fingerprint identification system in the Garda Immigration Bureau cost €5m more than expected at €23.13m.
Mr Buckley's office said despite the new system, there are still a significant number of fingerprints being taken by gardaí using the manual "wet ink" system.
Meanwhile, almost €4bn from the National Pension Reserve Fund, invested in Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks, last year has been written off
Rail Facilities set for 6m upgrade
Irish Rail facilities are set for a €6m upgrade, it was announced today.
Under the initiative, an additional €1m will be spent on improving journey times between Portalington and Dublin, €1m on ticket validating machines and €300K for the additional roll-out of wifi on 63 rail cars and €600,000 for order point heaters to ensure depots are not unduly affected by a harsh winter.
The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
"It is vital that our limited funds are spent well and give value to the exchequer," said Public Transport Minister Alan Kelly.
"If we want to offer people a proper level of public transport this will require investment. This funding will greatly enhance both the customer service Irish Rail offers as well as equipping them with the ability to reduce costs in the future. It’s a win-win.
"It is vitally important that public transport remains a strong option for those who commute. This Government is committed to improving the public transport system and the consumer experience.
"It is vital that every penny is stretched to the maximum benefit of the users of public transport.
"
Under the initiative, an additional €1m will be spent on improving journey times between Portalington and Dublin, €1m on ticket validating machines and €300K for the additional roll-out of wifi on 63 rail cars and €600,000 for order point heaters to ensure depots are not unduly affected by a harsh winter.
The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
"It is vital that our limited funds are spent well and give value to the exchequer," said Public Transport Minister Alan Kelly.
"If we want to offer people a proper level of public transport this will require investment. This funding will greatly enhance both the customer service Irish Rail offers as well as equipping them with the ability to reduce costs in the future. It’s a win-win.
"It is vitally important that public transport remains a strong option for those who commute. This Government is committed to improving the public transport system and the consumer experience.
"It is vital that every penny is stretched to the maximum benefit of the users of public transport.
"
Home-heating costs vary by €70, so shop around says NCA
A survey has revealed consumers can see a difference of up to €70 as they shop around for cheaper home heating oil.
The National Consumer Agency said their research showed that €818 was the average price nationwide for 1,000 litres.
The highest price was €850, recorded in Ennis, Co Clare, while the lowest was in Dundalk at €770.
The Co Louth town also showed the highest variation amongst suppliers in the area, at €70.
As well as shopping around, the NCA said consumers should remember that it may also be possible to strike a better deal through haggling and negotiation
.
The National Consumer Agency said their research showed that €818 was the average price nationwide for 1,000 litres.
The highest price was €850, recorded in Ennis, Co Clare, while the lowest was in Dundalk at €770.
The Co Louth town also showed the highest variation amongst suppliers in the area, at €70.
As well as shopping around, the NCA said consumers should remember that it may also be possible to strike a better deal through haggling and negotiation
.
Minister 'may apply to dismiss IL&P proceedings'
The High Court has heard the Minister for Finance may apply to dismiss two sets of proceedings challenging the recapitalisation of Irish Life and Permanent.
€2.7bn of State money was pumped into the institution following a court order in July.
One of the shareholders objecting to the move today told the court that he believes that the Minister realises his case will not stand up to scrutiny and his lawyers are now "harassing and coercing" the other side into dropping their actions.
Lay litigant, Piotr Skoczylas, who is a director of Malta-based hedgefund Scotchstone, said the proceedings were among the most important in the history of the state and should be tried in the interest of the taxpayer and IL&P's shareholders.
He also submitted that it should be fast-tracked to the Commercial Court.
The case will come before the President of the High Court for directions next month
.
€2.7bn of State money was pumped into the institution following a court order in July.
One of the shareholders objecting to the move today told the court that he believes that the Minister realises his case will not stand up to scrutiny and his lawyers are now "harassing and coercing" the other side into dropping their actions.
Lay litigant, Piotr Skoczylas, who is a director of Malta-based hedgefund Scotchstone, said the proceedings were among the most important in the history of the state and should be tried in the interest of the taxpayer and IL&P's shareholders.
He also submitted that it should be fast-tracked to the Commercial Court.
The case will come before the President of the High Court for directions next month
.
State Spendng Down
State spending fell by almost 10% last year compared with 2009.
The 2010 annual report of the Comptroller and Auditor General shows that €53.8bn was paid out of the public coffers last year.
€725m was used to buy banking shares while the amount being spent to service the national debt increased by just under €1bn or 37%
The 2010 annual report of the Comptroller and Auditor General shows that €53.8bn was paid out of the public coffers last year.
€725m was used to buy banking shares while the amount being spent to service the national debt increased by just under €1bn or 37%
NAMA Artworks to go on Sale
Artworks owned by one of Ireland’s boom-time developers are to be sold off by renowned auction house Christie’s to repay some of his debts.
Financier Derek Quinlan, now based in Switzerland, has agreed to the sale of 14 paintings including an Andy Warhol Dollar Sign with a guide price of up to €439,000.
A second ironically titled piece in the sale is 'Man Doing Accounts' by Jack Butler Yeats.
A spokesman for Christie’s said the works had been put up for auction by the National Asset Management Agency (Nama).
“It’s quite interesting offering pieces from Nama. We did a sale from Lehman’s bank and it was a fantastic sale – it had great results. It can offer an element of extra interest.
“There’s something to be read into the artwork of the 20th century – whatever meaning he meant, or whatever else he was saying, I’m sure Warhol would find something amusing in that.”
The collection is worth about €2.2m at the top end of guide prices, Christie’s said.
The catalogue reads like a who’s who of the Irish artworld past and present who sold for record prices at the height of the boom including Jack B Yeats, Louis le Brocquy, Roderic O’Connor and Paul Henry.
Mr Quinlan, a former tax expert in the Revenue, acquired a large art collection over the last 15 years, and although the value of some pieces may have fallen in the economic crash, Christie’s is confident of big interest.
“They are all well established artists and well recognised,” a spokesman said. “It’s a good cross-section of 20th century art.”
Christie’s will auction three paintings in New York and the other 11 in London in two separate sales on November 9 and 17.
Financier Derek Quinlan, now based in Switzerland, has agreed to the sale of 14 paintings including an Andy Warhol Dollar Sign with a guide price of up to €439,000.
A second ironically titled piece in the sale is 'Man Doing Accounts' by Jack Butler Yeats.
A spokesman for Christie’s said the works had been put up for auction by the National Asset Management Agency (Nama).
“It’s quite interesting offering pieces from Nama. We did a sale from Lehman’s bank and it was a fantastic sale – it had great results. It can offer an element of extra interest.
“There’s something to be read into the artwork of the 20th century – whatever meaning he meant, or whatever else he was saying, I’m sure Warhol would find something amusing in that.”
The collection is worth about €2.2m at the top end of guide prices, Christie’s said.
The catalogue reads like a who’s who of the Irish artworld past and present who sold for record prices at the height of the boom including Jack B Yeats, Louis le Brocquy, Roderic O’Connor and Paul Henry.
Mr Quinlan, a former tax expert in the Revenue, acquired a large art collection over the last 15 years, and although the value of some pieces may have fallen in the economic crash, Christie’s is confident of big interest.
“They are all well established artists and well recognised,” a spokesman said. “It’s a good cross-section of 20th century art.”
Christie’s will auction three paintings in New York and the other 11 in London in two separate sales on November 9 and 17.
Student Grant Appeal Board Set Up.
There's good news for students today with the announcement of the first ever student grants appeals board.
The Appeals Board was established under the Student Support Act 2011 and will be independent.
It is the first such board for those seeking to appeal decisions made on grants and will be open to students who applied for consideration in this academic year.
Seven members have been appointed to the independent body, including its chairperson Maureen Waldron who is a former director of the Department of Social Protection.
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn said the establishment of the board was an historic development in the area of student grants.
He said he believed the expertise brought by the board members would provide an important contribution to improving the grant experience for students
.
The Appeals Board was established under the Student Support Act 2011 and will be independent.
It is the first such board for those seeking to appeal decisions made on grants and will be open to students who applied for consideration in this academic year.
Seven members have been appointed to the independent body, including its chairperson Maureen Waldron who is a former director of the Department of Social Protection.
Education Minister Ruairi Quinn said the establishment of the board was an historic development in the area of student grants.
He said he believed the expertise brought by the board members would provide an important contribution to improving the grant experience for students
.
Gardai Confirm Savings Review
Gardaí say work is underway to examine how further savings and efficiencies can be achieved in the Force.
It follows reports today that more than 200 garda stations could be closed after December's Budget.
Reports in today's Irish Times claim that Chief Superintendents around the country have been asked to draw up a list of stations that could be closed in a round of budget cuts.
It is thought those most likely to face closure could be those manned by a single officer. There are 240 of those nationwide.
In response to the claims, the Gardaí have issued a statement saying the Garda Commissioner has tasked a small group to look at "operational effectiveness", and make recommendations on where further savings could be achieved.
A spokesperson said all garda resources and aspects of expenditure would be subject to rigorous examination, as they need to meet their obligations under the EU/IMF framework and continue to provide an effective and professional service to the community
It follows reports today that more than 200 garda stations could be closed after December's Budget.
Reports in today's Irish Times claim that Chief Superintendents around the country have been asked to draw up a list of stations that could be closed in a round of budget cuts.
It is thought those most likely to face closure could be those manned by a single officer. There are 240 of those nationwide.
In response to the claims, the Gardaí have issued a statement saying the Garda Commissioner has tasked a small group to look at "operational effectiveness", and make recommendations on where further savings could be achieved.
A spokesperson said all garda resources and aspects of expenditure would be subject to rigorous examination, as they need to meet their obligations under the EU/IMF framework and continue to provide an effective and professional service to the community
200 garda stations 'may close after Budget'
More than 200 garda stations across the country could be facing closure after Budget Day.
The Irish Times is reporting that the Garda Commissioner has asked chief superintendents around the country to draw up a list of Garda stations that could be closed as the Force prepares for government cuts to its funding.
The stations most likely to be closed are those manned by a single officer.
It is understood 24 stations in Co Donegal have been earmarked for possible closure because of the number of small and "part-time" garda stations there.
The Irish Times is reporting that the Garda Commissioner has asked chief superintendents around the country to draw up a list of Garda stations that could be closed as the Force prepares for government cuts to its funding.
The stations most likely to be closed are those manned by a single officer.
It is understood 24 stations in Co Donegal have been earmarked for possible closure because of the number of small and "part-time" garda stations there.
Joe McGivern 'shocked' no plane available for Meadhbh after transplant
The father of a Leitrim schoolgirl who underwent a liver transplant in London has spoken of his shock at discovering that a state aircraft will not be provided to transport his daughter home.
Fourteen-year-old Meadhbh McGivern is recovering after a marathon operation at Kings College Hospital on Thursday morning.
The teenager previously missed out on a chance for a new liver in July after a botched organisation of transport by Irish authorities.
Meadhbh got a second chance when she got a call last Wednesday night and was flown by government jet to London.
Her father Joe McGivern has told the Irish Independent that he's "absolutely horrified" to discover Meadhbh will be forced to board a regular flight with hundreds of other passengers after the lifesaving surgery
.
Fourteen-year-old Meadhbh McGivern is recovering after a marathon operation at Kings College Hospital on Thursday morning.
The teenager previously missed out on a chance for a new liver in July after a botched organisation of transport by Irish authorities.
Meadhbh got a second chance when she got a call last Wednesday night and was flown by government jet to London.
Her father Joe McGivern has told the Irish Independent that he's "absolutely horrified" to discover Meadhbh will be forced to board a regular flight with hundreds of other passengers after the lifesaving surgery
.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
1925 Yeats may fetch €800,000
A Jack B Yeats masterpiece which reappeared after almost seven decades in the same family is due to fetch up to €800,000 at auction.
The spectacular oil painting – titled A Fair Day, Mayo – was painted in 1925 and once hung in the office of Eamon de Valera when he was leader of the newly formed Fianna Fáil.
It is the largest and most valuable work by the country’s best-known artist to appear on the market for many years.
The work will go under the hammer at Adam’s auction of Irish Art on September 28, where it is expected to fetch between €500,000 and €800,000.
James O’Halloran, Adam’s managing director, said while the 24 x 36 inch work has been not been on the market for 68 years it has been seen in a number of prestigious exhibitions including Images in Yeats, held in Monte Carlo in 1990.
After it was painted, the picture was lent by the artist to de Valera, the leader of the new Fianna Fail party, who displayed it in his offices at Suffolk Place.
Adam’s believe the painting, which depicts a bustling country fair and represents Irish rural life, probably appealed to de Valera’s vision of Ireland.
“Interestingly the picture was sold through Leo Smith in Dublin in October 1944 for the then huge price of £250 to Mr JP Reihill Snr who was at that time resident at Deepwell in Blackrock, Co Dublin,” said Mr O’Halloran. “The painting has been in the Reihill family ever since.”
The sale also features another valuable work by Yeats, together with pieces by Louis Le Brocquy, Colin Middleton, and Charles Lamb, as well as signed letters from Samuel Beckett.
Public viewing at the Dublin salesrooms on St Stephen’s Green opens on Sunday September 25 for four days
The spectacular oil painting – titled A Fair Day, Mayo – was painted in 1925 and once hung in the office of Eamon de Valera when he was leader of the newly formed Fianna Fáil.
It is the largest and most valuable work by the country’s best-known artist to appear on the market for many years.
The work will go under the hammer at Adam’s auction of Irish Art on September 28, where it is expected to fetch between €500,000 and €800,000.
James O’Halloran, Adam’s managing director, said while the 24 x 36 inch work has been not been on the market for 68 years it has been seen in a number of prestigious exhibitions including Images in Yeats, held in Monte Carlo in 1990.
After it was painted, the picture was lent by the artist to de Valera, the leader of the new Fianna Fail party, who displayed it in his offices at Suffolk Place.
Adam’s believe the painting, which depicts a bustling country fair and represents Irish rural life, probably appealed to de Valera’s vision of Ireland.
“Interestingly the picture was sold through Leo Smith in Dublin in October 1944 for the then huge price of £250 to Mr JP Reihill Snr who was at that time resident at Deepwell in Blackrock, Co Dublin,” said Mr O’Halloran. “The painting has been in the Reihill family ever since.”
The sale also features another valuable work by Yeats, together with pieces by Louis Le Brocquy, Colin Middleton, and Charles Lamb, as well as signed letters from Samuel Beckett.
Public viewing at the Dublin salesrooms on St Stephen’s Green opens on Sunday September 25 for four days
McGuinness outlines Presidency plan
Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness has claimed the peace process will be strengthened by his involvement in the presidential election.
After being formally endorsed by the party’s leadership, he said the Northern Ireland Assembly would not be destabilised by his surprise move.
Outlining his vision for the presidency, Mr McGuinness vowed to only draw down the average wage if elected to office and donate the remainder to the Irish people.
“I have every confidence that the (North's) institutions will not be destabilised, that the work will continue, that the peace process will remain secure,” Mr McGuinness said.
“In fact I think it will be strengthened by the fact that I am now participating in this very important election.”
Sinn Féin stunned political circles on Friday by announcing that the former IRA leader, who has become a champion of the peace process, was to be its candidate.
At a press conference after his formal endorsement by the party, Mr McGuinness was asked to condemn the IRA murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in Limerick in 1996.
The North's Deputy First Minister described the killing as a terrible tragedy and said the gardai would have his 100% support if elected to office, but did not overtly condemn the killing.
He later clarified his position to say he “unreservedly condemned” it.
Mr McGuinness said he has a strong track record in peacemaking.
He is to pass on the Deputy First Minister role to John O’Dowd, party colleague and education minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
He said Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson reacted “philosophically” when he told him of his plans.
And he said that since he was announced as a candidate, he has received expressions of support from people who lost loved ones at the hands of IRA members.
Mr McGuinness also said three unionist politicians wished him well when he arrived back from a trade mission in the United States to Belfast yesterday.
“People know of my past and they also know of my deep commitment to peace and peace building,” he said.
“I want to continue to reach out to those directly affected by the actions of republicans in the course of the conflict.”
Mr McGuinness said if elected he will only draw the average wage, approximately €35,000, and donate the rest to the state.
President Mary McAleese has capped her salary this year at €250,00
0
After being formally endorsed by the party’s leadership, he said the Northern Ireland Assembly would not be destabilised by his surprise move.
Outlining his vision for the presidency, Mr McGuinness vowed to only draw down the average wage if elected to office and donate the remainder to the Irish people.
“I have every confidence that the (North's) institutions will not be destabilised, that the work will continue, that the peace process will remain secure,” Mr McGuinness said.
“In fact I think it will be strengthened by the fact that I am now participating in this very important election.”
Sinn Féin stunned political circles on Friday by announcing that the former IRA leader, who has become a champion of the peace process, was to be its candidate.
At a press conference after his formal endorsement by the party, Mr McGuinness was asked to condemn the IRA murder of Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in Limerick in 1996.
The North's Deputy First Minister described the killing as a terrible tragedy and said the gardai would have his 100% support if elected to office, but did not overtly condemn the killing.
He later clarified his position to say he “unreservedly condemned” it.
Mr McGuinness said he has a strong track record in peacemaking.
He is to pass on the Deputy First Minister role to John O’Dowd, party colleague and education minister in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
He said Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson reacted “philosophically” when he told him of his plans.
And he said that since he was announced as a candidate, he has received expressions of support from people who lost loved ones at the hands of IRA members.
Mr McGuinness also said three unionist politicians wished him well when he arrived back from a trade mission in the United States to Belfast yesterday.
“People know of my past and they also know of my deep commitment to peace and peace building,” he said.
“I want to continue to reach out to those directly affected by the actions of republicans in the course of the conflict.”
Mr McGuinness said if elected he will only draw the average wage, approximately €35,000, and donate the rest to the state.
President Mary McAleese has capped her salary this year at €250,00
0
Edna O'Brien wins Frank O'Connor Award
The veteran Irish writer Edna O’Brien has been named the winner of the 2011 Frank O’Connor Short Story Award for her collection, 'Saints and Sinners'.
O’Brien received the prize in person at 8pm this evening, at the Metropole Hotel, in Cork. She is the first Irish writer to win.
The award, worth €35,000 and now in its seventh year, is the richest in the world for a collection of short stories. It is sponsored by Cork City Council and organised by Munster Literature Centre as part of its annual Cork International Short Story Festival.
In announcing O’Brien as the winner, Munster Literature Centre director Patrick Cotter praised the standard of this year’s entries, which he said was uniformly high.
The decision to award O’Brien the prize was, he said, a majority one, and not unanimous, and there had been some heated debate among the judges, who included the poet Thomas McCarthy, novelist and journalist Alannah Hopkin, music and book critic Chris Power.
The other shortlisted authors were Yiyun Li, Alexander McLeod, Suzanne Rivecca, Valerie Trueblood, and the Irish writer Colm Toibin.
Frank O’Connor’s daughter, LIadin, was on hand to present O’Brien with a copy of O’Connor’s book, 'The Habit of Getting It Down Right'.
O’Brien, who had read from her collection in the same venue on Saturday evening, seemed genuinely thrilled to have won the award.
“This is lovely, wonderful,” she said. “When Maureen Stapleton won an Academy Award, she said she’d like to thank everyone she’d ever met. I should probably limit that to Munster… I’d like to thank this wonderful festival for doing so much to stimulate the dying flower called literature.
“I can’t be blamed for the judges getting hot-tempered,” she added. “I haven’t won that many prizes in the past, so I have no qualms about accepting one on this occasion.”
O’Brien was born in Tuamgraney, Co Clare in December 1930. She first began writing short stories in Dublin, where she had moved to study pharmacy.
O’Brien recalled that her literary heroes were Frank O’Connor, Sean O Faolain and Peadar O’Donnell, who published her first stories in the literary magazine 'The Bell'.
“I didn’t know much about seduction in those days. I still don’t. But Peadar O’Donnell would buy me sweets rather than ply me with drink, and he told me that I needed to read a lot more.
“I’m still grateful to Peadar for that, that he encouraged me to educate myself.”
O’Brien’s earliest books were the novels 'The Country Girls', 'The Girl With Green Eyes' and 'Girls in Their Wedded Bliss'. For many years, her books were banned in Ireland.
O’Brien received the prize in person at 8pm this evening, at the Metropole Hotel, in Cork. She is the first Irish writer to win.
The award, worth €35,000 and now in its seventh year, is the richest in the world for a collection of short stories. It is sponsored by Cork City Council and organised by Munster Literature Centre as part of its annual Cork International Short Story Festival.
In announcing O’Brien as the winner, Munster Literature Centre director Patrick Cotter praised the standard of this year’s entries, which he said was uniformly high.
The decision to award O’Brien the prize was, he said, a majority one, and not unanimous, and there had been some heated debate among the judges, who included the poet Thomas McCarthy, novelist and journalist Alannah Hopkin, music and book critic Chris Power.
The other shortlisted authors were Yiyun Li, Alexander McLeod, Suzanne Rivecca, Valerie Trueblood, and the Irish writer Colm Toibin.
Frank O’Connor’s daughter, LIadin, was on hand to present O’Brien with a copy of O’Connor’s book, 'The Habit of Getting It Down Right'.
O’Brien, who had read from her collection in the same venue on Saturday evening, seemed genuinely thrilled to have won the award.
“This is lovely, wonderful,” she said. “When Maureen Stapleton won an Academy Award, she said she’d like to thank everyone she’d ever met. I should probably limit that to Munster… I’d like to thank this wonderful festival for doing so much to stimulate the dying flower called literature.
“I can’t be blamed for the judges getting hot-tempered,” she added. “I haven’t won that many prizes in the past, so I have no qualms about accepting one on this occasion.”
O’Brien was born in Tuamgraney, Co Clare in December 1930. She first began writing short stories in Dublin, where she had moved to study pharmacy.
O’Brien recalled that her literary heroes were Frank O’Connor, Sean O Faolain and Peadar O’Donnell, who published her first stories in the literary magazine 'The Bell'.
“I didn’t know much about seduction in those days. I still don’t. But Peadar O’Donnell would buy me sweets rather than ply me with drink, and he told me that I needed to read a lot more.
“I’m still grateful to Peadar for that, that he encouraged me to educate myself.”
O’Brien’s earliest books were the novels 'The Country Girls', 'The Girl With Green Eyes' and 'Girls in Their Wedded Bliss'. For many years, her books were banned in Ireland.
Tipperary claim first Minor title since 1934
GAA Football All-Ireland Minor Championship FinalDublin 1-14 Tipperary 3-9
Tipperary are All-Ireland Minor champions for the first time since 1934 following a dramatic victory over Dublin in a thrilling final at Croke Park on Sunday.
After a brilliant start – they scored 1-1 in the first two minutes – Tipperary trailed until the closing stages of the game when Colman Kennedy smashed home a 57th minute goal that effectively won them the title.
Dublin responded well to the concession of that early goal and a purple patch which yielded 1-7 without reply, including a Gavin Ivory wonder strike, left them comfortably ahead, 1-10 to 2-2, at the break.
However, the Dubs probably should have led by more at that stage but for a Michael Quinlivan penalty just before half-time, which gave Tipperary a cause to rally around.
And rally they did, kicking the first four points of the second half to cut the gap back to a single point within seven minutes of the restart.
Philip Quirke, who was brought on as a sub at half-time, made a massive impact in the second half, scoring three points from play and keeping Tipperary in the game as the clock counted down.
Then, with three minutes left Dublin goalkeeper Ross O’Hanlon unwisely sent a hand pass to full-back Robert McDaid, who was stripped of the ball and substitute Kennedy rifled it into the top corner.
Although Ciarán Kilkenny kicked his seventh point of the game in injury time to close the gap to one, Dublin failed to find an equaliser and the victory went to the Premier County, just their second ever in the grade.
As rank outsiders to win a first Minor title in 77 years, Tipperary needed a good start. They got a great one, Bill Maher sending over a point at the end of the first move of the game, before danger man Liam McGrath scored a quite remarkable goal a minute later. McGrath sliced through the entire Dublin defence and finished neatly past O’Hanlon to give his side a 1-1 to 0-0 lead.
Dublin, clearly the bigger and stronger side, soon got on top after that poor start and two Paul Mannion points did a lot to settle their nerves. After that the powerful Dublin midfield of Emmet Ó Conghaile and Patrick O’Higgins began to dominate and it was one-way traffic for the next 15 minutes.
Just six minutes in, Dublin had scrubbed Tipp’s lead, as Gavin Ivory did his very best to outdo Liam McGrath by scoring an equally stunning goal. Ivory profited from Dublin’s ability to win primary ball, took a pass in his stride and unleashed a superb shot into the top corner.
With Ciarán Kilkenny and Cormac Costello shining in attack, Dublin racked up 1-7 without reply in an electrifying 14-minute spell. Tipperary were struggling without any real target in attack and they continually coughed up possession.
However, they might well have come right back into the game when Ian Fahey was presented with a great chance after good work by Maher, but the giant midfielder skewed his shot badly wide. Tipperary had a goal just before the break, though, when Liam McGrath was taken down by Dublin goalkeeper O’Hanlon and referee Pádraig Hughes pointed to the spot. Quinlivan smashed home from the spot.
Five down at the break, that gap was cut to one within seven minutes of the second half, as Kennedy and Quirke, half-time subs, mad a huge impact in the Tipperary attack.
It was nip and tuck until the closing stages when Kennedy stepped up to inscribe his name in Tipperary folklore with a brilliantly-taken goal.
Dublin Scorers: C Kilkenny 0-7 (0-3f), G Ivory 1-1, P Mannion 0-2 (0-1f), C Costello 0-1, E Ó Conghaile 0-1, J McCaffrey 0-1, J Small 0-1.
Tipperary Scorers: L McGrath 1-2, C Kennedy 1-2, M Quinlivan 1-1 (1-0 pen), P Quirke 0-3, B Maher 0-1.
Dublin: R O’Hanlon; G Hannigan, R McDaid, R Real; E Lowndes, J Small, J McCaffrey; P O’Higgins, E Ó Conghaile; C Costello, C Kilkenny, G Ivory; S Fulham, P Mannion, C Meaney.Subs: D Campbell for C Meaney (40), D Byrne for G Hannigan (53), N Scully for S Fulham (60).
Tipperary: E Comerford; N O’Sullivan, J Meagher, C O’Sullivan; C O’Riordan, D Fitzelle, S Kennedy; S O’Brien, I Fahey; G Henry, P Quirke, B Maher; L McGrath, M Quinlivan, TJ Ryan.Subs: P Quirke for J McGrath (HT), C Kennedy for TJ Ryan (HT), A McGuire for C O’Riordan (44), J Lonergan for G Henry (51), J Martin for B Maher (55).
Referee: P Hughes (Armagh)
BROGAN SAVIORS WINNING FEELING
Bernard Brogan struggled to articulate his emotions after the dramatic All-Ireland final win over Kerry.
After all, it was a completely new feeling for the Footballer of the Year, who contributed six points to Dublin’s total in a compelling game.
In the end, it was the man he spent hour after hour practicing frees on the training pitch with, goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton, who was Dublin’s hero with the winning point in added time, but such was Brogan’s joy at the final whistle those dramatic final moments were a blur.
“I couldn’t believe it after the game,” said the 2010 Footballer of the Year. “I didn’t know where I was, I had to ask who scored the last point. Emotions took over and I couldn’t understand what had happened.
“It was a feeling I had never felt before obviously but it’s an unbelievable feeling. They had to pull me off the pitch and the stewards had to ask me to leave.
“I was sitting on the centre circle, I didn’t want to leave. It’s a feeling that you don’t get very often and I wanted to soak up every second of it.”
Brogan says he never doubted Cluxton would nail the free that would win the game in added time.
“We’ve been in kicking practice all year, for the last nine months," he said. "‘Clucko’ has been kicking frees from that spot and I never had a shadow of a doubt that he was going to kick it and I knew that it was going over the black spot.
“He’s got a great mental ability to kick them without any nerves. It shows his strength. He’s an unbelievable talent and we are lucky to have him.”
Despite falling 1-10 to 0-9 behind with seven minutes left, Brogan says he never felt the game was gone from them, especially after the comeback they staged in the semi-final win over Donegal.
“Obviously we weren’t in a great position, but if you look back at the Donegal game they were three points up which is the equivalent of about six or seven point.
“So I said we have done this before. Kevin McManamon is after coming off the bench. He was always going to go at players and I knew that something would come. In fairness to the man he has been unbelievable all year and I am delighted for him today.”
He also paid tribute to his older brother, Alan, who scored two points from play and strengthened claims to keep the Player of the Year award in the Brogan household with another superb performance.
“I’m delighted for Alan who has given 10 years of Trojan work. He must be in line for Footballer of the Year,” Bernard said.
“Last year, me and Pat (Gilroy) had a chat after I had won Player of the Year and he said: ‘Congratulations, I am delighted, but we have to back to square one. My dream next year is to win an All-Ireland against Kerry and Alan is Player of the Year’.
“We are nearly there. Half way there.”
DUBLIN END 16 YEAR WAIT FOR SAM
GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final
Dublin 1-12 Kerry 1-11
Dublin 1-12 Kerry 1-11
Dublin ended their long wait for an All-Ireland title in the most dramatic circumstances imaginable, as goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton kicked the winning point in added time to ensure Sam Maguire stays in the capital for the first time in 16 years.
Pat Gilroy’s side trailed by four points with seven minutes left and looked set for further heartache, but they dug deep and defied the odds to pull off a stirring comeback in the closing stages.
Just when it looked like their race was run, second half sub Kevin McManamon scored a brilliant goal seven minutes from the end. When Kevin Nolan followed it up with the equalising point with five minutes left, the momentum had suddenly and dramatically swung in their favour.
Inevitably, Kerry came back, but the Dublin defence stood firm, showed remarkable discipline in the tackle - having given away far too many frees in the 15 minutes before that - and moved the ball down the other end of the field, where Diarmuid Connolly’s industry opened up space for Bernard Brogan to land his sixth point of the game.
But there was more drama to come…Kieran Donaghy looked to have sent the game to a replay when he dropped over a monster of a point from play a minute into added time. The script was written, it appeared, and it looked like Kerry would spoil the Dubs’ big day.
We hadn’t reckoned with the resolve and the character that Gilroy’s side now have in abundance. They went for the win, sensing the chance to make heroes of themselves. And how they did.
McManamon was still full of running in the tension-filled, dying minutes and he was rewarded for his industry when he was awarded a free just inside the ’45. Cluxton, who has experienced more heartache than most in his 10 seasons in the Sky Blue jersey, stood up and fulfilled a Dublin dream that was 16 years in the making.
“We’ve been to hell and back this year,” Dublin captain Bryan Cullen said when he became the first Dublin captain since John O’Leary to lift the Sam Maguire Cup.
This was a taste of heaven, Dublin’s 23rd All-Ireland title and their first win over their great rivals Kerry in the Championship since 1977. For Kerry, there is bitter taste of a second year without an All-Ireland title for the first time since 2003 and further question marks over whether this is the end of the team that has dominated the game for the last decade.
Those questions probably do an injustice to Dublin, who can now become a real force after winning an All-Ireland title with a side that is young in years and lacking big game experience. Not that it showed. Gilroy’s players have always had question marks hanging over them since they were destroyed by 17 points by Kerry in the 2009 All-Ireland final.
This, though, is a very different team both in character and confidence. When everyone in Croke Park expected them to capitulate in the last 10 minutes, they came back stronger, calling on the spirit that saw them beat Donegal in similarly trying circumstances.
Kerry made their first incision in the Dublin defence inside the second minute. Darran O’Sullivan’s searing pace was key, as the Glenbeigh man created space for Declan O’Sullivan – stationed at full- forward - to fist over the bar.
Dublin’s defending was typically intense in the opening 10 minutes, with Nolan making a vital interception in the eighth minute when Donnchadh Walsh was played through on goal.
Having soaked up the early pressure, Dublin went in search of scores and it was their most experienced player, Alan Brogan, who came up trumps, sending over two points from play to nudge Dublin into the lead.
However, on 19 minutes Kerry scored the kind of goal they are always capable of. Darran O’Sullivan lit the touchpaper with another jet-heeled run, shifting into top gear and racing through Dublin’s defence before picking out Kerry’s supreme finisher, Cooper, who picked his spot brilliantly, giving Cluxton no chance.
Tight to this point, suddenly gaps started opening at either end. Kerry goalkeeper Brendan Kealy had to make a brilliant save to deny Alan Brogan, who had been played in by his brother, Bernard’s clever knock down.
Two minutes later, and it was Kerry’s turn to cause havoc in the Dublin defence. Donaghy, who started at wing-forward, switched with Declan O’Sullivan on the edge of the square and was found with a superb, diagonal ball. Donaghy beat Rory O’Carroll to the high ball and turned sharply, but his shot was blocked by a last-gasp Cian O’Sullivan touch.
Paul Galvin had been brought into the Kerry attack for Kieran O’Leary at this stage, but his entrance didn’t seem to have the effect manager Jack O’Connor would have hoped. Indeed, Dublin hit three points in a row to take over. Bernard Brogan struck a brilliant score from play and added a free, while Cluxton also landed a free from nearly 50 yards out.
Dublin led by 0-6 to 1-1 when Galvin made his first real impression, sweeping up the loose ball after Bryan Sheehan’s free fell short and popping over the bar to leave one between the sides at half-time.
Denis Bastick had Dublin three points clear within five minutes of the restart, but it was then that the Kingdom began to click, hitting four points in a row to reclaim the lead by the 50th minute.
Bernand Brogan briefly arrested the slide with a point from a free, but it was then that Kerry landed another four points without replay in a nine-minute spell, Bryan Sheehan punishing Dublin’s indiscipline with a string of frees, while Colm Cooper dropped over two more points, the second ensuring he finished as top scorer in the 2011 Championship.
It was then that Dublin did what was least expected of them, as McManamon’s goal sparked a never-to-be-forgotten comeback that culminated in Cluxton kicking the winning point in added time.
Dublin Scorers: B Brogan 0-6 (0-4f), K McManamon 1-0, S Cluxton 0-2 (0-2f), A Brogan 0-2, D Bastick 0-1, K Nolan 0-1.
Kerry Scorers: Colm Cooper 1-3 (0-2f), B Sheehan 0-4 (0-3f), K Donaghy 0-2, Declan O’Sullivan 0-1, P Galvin 0-1.
Dublin: S Cluxton; C O’Sullivan, R O’Carroll, M Fitzsimons; J McCarty, G Brennan, K Nolan; D Bastick, MD Macauley; P Flynn, B Cahill, B Cullen; A Brogan, D Connolly, B Brogan. Subs: P McMahon for J McCarthy (46), K McManamon for Paul Flynn (51), E O’Gara for B Cahill (57), E Fennell for D Bastick (63)
Kerry: B Kealy; K Young, M Ó Sé, T O’Sullivan; T Ó Sé, E Brosnan, A O’Mahony; A Maher, B Sheehan; D O’Sullivan, D O’Sullivan, D Walsh; C Cooper, K Donaghy, K O’Leary. Subs: P Galvin for K O’Leary (24), K O’Leary for Declan O’Sullivan (44-45), BJ Keane for D Walsh (51), D Bohan for E Brosnan (63)
Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan)
Attendance: 82,300
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