Bishop Michael Duignan of Clonfert, Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora celebrated St Joseph’s Day at Clonfert College in Ballinasloe last week, where he congratulated recipient of the Founding Vision Award Phillip Costello. Clonfert College is the result of an amalgamation between two former Co. Galway secondary schools, Garbally College and Ardscoil Mhuire. The event marked the…
In Ireland,surrogacy lobbying seems to be at full speed. No less than three surrogacy promotional events were held here within weeks of the passing of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act two years ago which legalises both domestic and international surrogacy. Under the Act both couples and single people can apply to the Assisted Human…
Young people in Ireland are moving from climate concern to action through creative learning initiatives, according to organisers of Trócaire’s Game Changers competition, which held its national final in Dublin this week. A recent survey by ECO-UNESCO found that 97% of young people in Ireland are worried about climate change. That concern was reflected at…
When Isabel Vaughan-Spruce stood silently praying near an abortion facility in Birmingham, she did not expect to become a test case for the limits of public expression. Yet a few years on, her case remains ongoing, with a trial expected later this year under the UK’s buffer zone legislation. What began as a single arrest…
The world was shocked by footage of a 48-year-old French sister being randomly attacked by a stranger in Jerusalem, who then returned to kick her on the ground. The attack took place outside the Cenacle, a site sacred to Jews and Christians, as it is believed to be the burial place of King David and…
In the space of just 10 years the number of Catholic weddings taking place in Ireland has fallen by half. If that is not a sign of the times, it’s hard to know what is. But what exactly is it a sign of? Let’s have a look at the facts and figures before trying to…
Bishop Donal McKeown, who is set to retire, has always made a point of walking the streets of Derry to meet the people. It is a town he has come to love. “There is an energy about Derry,” said the Bishop, “and it is a blessing to be part of that. He was appointed Bishop…
I’m usually pleased to see Irish people achieve renown and an international status – from historic figures like Msgr O’Flaherty to contemporary ones like Colm Toibín or even the bumptious Michael O’Leary of Ryanair. But it’s only recently dawned on me that a sensational Irish celebrity brand now enjoying global recognition are – a bunch…
The annual March for Life event took place in Dublin on Monday, May 4, attracting thousands to the city centre on the bank holiday. The focus of this year’s event was on Ireland’s rapidly rising abortion numbers and the need for promotion of positive alternatives to abortion. The march started at St Stephen’s Green and…
For almost 54 years the families of five people who were shot dead around 10pm on Sunday, July 9, 1972, have fought to establish what happened that day. A short IRA ceasefire had just ended. Soldiers were stationed in Corry’s Timber Yard in Belfast’s Springhill/Westrock area. An inquest a year later returned an open verdict.…
Breda O'Brien
David Quinn
Martina Purdy
Mary Kenny
Renata Steffens
Nuala O’Loan