We need inquiry into democratic distortion

Dear Editor, Your coverage of Google and Youtube’s interference with last year’s abortion referendum process (IC 4/7/2019) raises grave questions about Irish democracy and its susceptibility to the caprices and biases of multinational tech corporations. Yes, it is true that it was not simply pro-life organisations and terms that were affected by manual tinkering with…

Answering God’s call to evangelisation

Personal Profile Madison Duddy   At the age of 16, Co. Carlow native Julianne Donlon Stanz climbed Croagh Patrick where she and her peers had a “transformative encounter with God”. She felt like God spoke to her, so she wanted to strengthen her relationship with the Lord. During her education, Julianne realised she wanted to…

Family News and Events

Don a daring face and do a duathlon Several kilometres of running, then cycling, followed by more running is definitely a testing challenge for any family looking for adventure, but it would certainly be rewarding to triumph over this physical feat. Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA club in Kilkenny has announced a brand-new event as part of…

Learning lessons from life’s leaders

Uplifting stories are the true source of inspiration and courage, writes Joanna Moorhead   It’s tempting, when you’re a journalist, to name-drop the famous people you’ve met. I’ve worked in newspapers for three decades, so there have been a few. Martin Sheen was gorgeous; Geri Halliwell was interesting. Damian Lewis was the best lunch date…

Vladimir Putin meets with Pope Francis

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Pope Francis at the Vatican today for a 55-minute private discussion. “Thank you for the time you have devoted to me,” Putin said after his audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. It was Putin’s third meeting with Pope Francis and fifth visit to the Vatican. The…

Zoning in on injustice

Exclusion zones are an infringement on democracy, writes Denise Kelly   One of the greatest challenges for the pro-life movement is in combating false public perceptions – perceptions that by and large are created by those most vociferous in opposing what we stand for. I get where the motivation comes from. If you’re going to…

Commemorating two Olivers

Britain should do more to remember the victims of its religious persecution, writes Francis Campbell   On this day in 1681, a short distance from this studio, an innocent man was hanged, drawn and quartered. That was the punishment for high treason. Today, July 1,  marks his feast day for he was St Oliver Plunkett.…