Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD has long been an outspoken critic of Tusla, consistently advocating for transparency and reform. Recently, the party secured documents under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, specifically an email exchange between the Minister for Children and Tusla’s CEO as well as briefing notes from a call between the two on…
Inside the 2025 Papal Conclave: meet the Cardinal Electors
The papal conclave of 2025 will begin following the passing of Pope Francis, whose 12-year papacy profoundly shaped the Catholic Church. The conclave, expected to take place on May 7, faces the difficult task of selecting a successor—one who must navigate a diverse Church and lead it through a complex global landscape marked by various…
Ireland’s marriage rates on the decline, new stats show
A recent release from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows that the number of marriages post-Covid have been on the decline. In 2024, Ireland saw 20,348 marriages registered, including 668 same-sex unions, marking a 3.8% drop from 2023 and a 7.7% decline since 2014. Overall the marriage rate was 3.8 per 1000 people, down from…
AMRI hosts gathering for returned missionaries
AMRI hosted a gathering for returned missionaries at the Avila Retreat and Conference Centre in Dublin. The event was primarily social, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect, share stories, and engage with others, whether they had recently returned or had been back for some time. The idea for the event stemmed from last year’s…
Irish Cardinal Kevin Farrell plays key role following Pope Francis’ death
Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell has taken centre stage in the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday. As Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, Cardinal Farrell holds a critical role overseeing Church operations during the sede vacante – the period of papal vacancy. Cardinal Farrell, 77, confirmed the Pope’s death from…
Lough Derg welcomes relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis as retreat season opens
Lough Derg has received a permanent relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the soon-to-be canonised Italian teen known as the “influencer of God.” The relic—a lock of his hair—now rests in St Mary’s Chapel on the island, following a request by Bishop Larry Duffy to the Diocese of Assisi. Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006 and…
New film ‘Sins of Ireland’ calls Ireland to confession
A new documentary, Sins of Ireland, premiering on Good Friday, April 18, explores the complex legacy of the Catholic Church in Ireland through the lens of confession, an idea which came to filmmaker Alex Fegan at his son’s first confession. It follows fifteen priests as they go about their lives, reflecting on a sacrament that…
The other ‘son of the Father’
The events surrounding the Passion and death of Jesus feature many interesting characters who show up and are then entered into legend. Joseph of Arimathea, Simon of Cyrene, the centurion. But among the secret believers is one who is not, one who in fact seemed to be the opposite of Jesus and that is the…
Priest pays tribute to beloved footballer Mick O’Dwyer
The legendary Gaelic footballer and manager, Mick O’Dwyer – affectionately known as Micko, passed away at the age of 88 on April 3, 2025. Fr Seán Jones PP of Dromod/Waterville paid a heartfelt tribute to the man who inspired generations of players. A sporting icon, Micko won four All-Ireland titles and twelve Munster championships as…
Sr Carmel Earls bids farewell after 34 years of service in Clondalkin
After an incredible 34 years of dedicated service, Sr Carmel Earls, OSF, of the Order of St Francis of Philadelphia, is leaving St Peter the Apostle Parish in Clondalkin. A native of Wicklow, Sr Carmel is moving to the United States for her retirement, though those who know her well say that won’t slow her…








