Courtney McGrailLike many others across the country, I was horrified at the sentence received by Patrick O’Brien for the years of abuse and torment of his daughter Fiona to which he pleaded guilty. This week the Court of Appeal agreed with most right-minded citizens when it ruled that the sentence – 12 years in prison with…
Category: Family & Faith
Don’t be disheartened by broken resolutions
Cathal BarryHealthy Living
The blessing of St Blaise
Erin FoxThe feast of St Blaise is in a few days on February 3. Not much is known about St Blaise except that he is the patron saint of sore throats and wild animals. More is known about devotion to him rather than his life itself. On his feast day, the anointing of the sick takes…
A St Brigid’s cross with a difference
St Brigid’s Day is coming up on February 1 and it is time to start gathering rushes to weave into crosses for the feast day. Traditionally, the crosses were made in the hope that they would protect the household for the rest of the year. Weaving the crosses is great fun as you can make…
Dad’s Diary
My first niece was born before Christmas, Grace arrived into the world in Holles Street hospital, to a celebratory city strewn with lights. Christmas is a beautiful time of year for a baby to be born. My wife and children had already gone to London ahead of me for the Christmas break, and so I…
Make an early start on your spring garden
Paul GarganThe new year brings with it fresh optimism for the new growing season. The first signs of spring are showing. Snowdrops are bursting out of the frozen ground and buds are swelling on trees and shrubs, just waiting for their time to come. The buds have to wait, but you don’t. Get out in the…
Overcoming Catholic intolerance in college
Ben ConroyYouth Space
How to make an everlasting snowdrop
We know spring has arrived when snowdrops start shooting up out of the soil. The flower is mostly found on roadsides and in damp woods. Sometimes they are found in gardens but they are tricky to grow. Delicate and fragile looking, snowdrops have such a fleeting life that we don’t get to enjoy them for…
We meet Jesus in our daily lives
Bairbre CahillFaith in the Family
Life’s little things
My youngest son is one of these fortunate individuals for whom life is a bit of a doddle. He was born somewhat overdue but in a furious hurry, eyes wide open and all smiles. That set the tone for his life to come. He walked, talked and did pretty much everything sooner than was expected.…