A Northern Irish charity has dubbed an MLA’s decision to speak openly about gambling’s severe impact on his life as “exceptionally brave”. CARE NI Policy OfficerMark Baillie welcomed Philip McGuigan’s openness regarding an addiction to gambling that cost him more than £100,000. “Stories like his help to raise awareness about the harms problem gambling can…
The new church in the parish of Finglas West will be a positive change, said Fr Eamon Cahill, parish priest. Planning permission was granted on by Dublin City Council for the demolition of the Church of the Annunciation and the building of a new, smaller replacement seating 300 instead of 3,500. “It was so uncomfortable…
The foundation of a religious community of sisters in Tipperary has been described as “new life” for the diocese of Waterford and Lismore according to the bishop. The Sisters of the Home of the Mother began their foundation in Cahir at the beginning of this month with Mass in the parish church, St Mary’s. Bishop…
Bishop Denis McNulty has expressed his faith in the work of Accord Catholic Marriage Care, of which he is president, despite falling numbers. “A huge number of people are coming to our preparation’s courses, 15,000 that’s a huge number of people. And a huge number are coming to our counselling services.” A report from Accord…
The head of the Catholic Church in Ireland has encouraged more young people to “seriously consider” a career in the police. Archbishop Eamon Martin has previously called for the reinstatement of 50/50 recruitment to increase the number of Catholic officers in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Latest PSNI figures show only 32% of…
Irish people must hold their newly-elected leaders to account and make sure the crisis in Irish healthcare is tackled in order to stop sick children and the elderly “left waiting and exasperated”, according to Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin. Speaking on the World Day of the Sick on Sunday, the archbishop commended doctors, nurses and…
Archbishop says plan must proceed slowly with consideration Archbishop Eamon Martin has said that politicians must work towards a poll on Irish unification, but that this is something which must proceed slowly and with all voices considered. Speaking to The Irish Catholic about Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU) at the weekend, Archbishop…
Singing and dancing priest Fr Ray Kelly said if he was chosen for the Eurovision the song he entered could be a winner for Ireland. Fifty years on from Irish singer Dana Rosemary Scallon’s win with the song ‘All Kinds of Everything’ in 1970, Meath-based Fr Kelly said he would be “shocked and amazed” to be…
Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol encouraged people to see each other as equals at a Christian festival in Belfast last Friday. The Northern Irish singer [pictured] from Bangor said “I think that whether we see it or not we all have a bond with each other and a lot of that is to do with…
The decision by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Limerick to reject a course in Christian ethics has been dubbed “deeply regrettable” by outgoing Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath. A programme was developed and submitted to the college authorities after academics in MIC were approached by hospital chaplains who asked for professional training to deal with difficult…
Chai Brady