“It’s a Wonderful Life’

Fascistic right wing thinking is alive and well in world politics. There have been numerous pieces in the news in recent months to support this view.

The first piece of evidence I cite is the medieval bigotry, and violence allowed to prevail against LGBT activists in Russia by Vladimir Putin’s Government. I’m sure many readers saw the footage of police officers in Russia allowing gay rights activists to be beaten for a few minutes before stepping in to half-heartedly pull the vicious bigots off. Worse still are some of the stories of torture and murder emerging from the ‘proud orthodox nation’. One such case was a teenager who was tortured and murdered by his alleged friends after he ‘came out’ to them.

 It seems that while in places in the Western world like Los Angeles where LGBT victories are consistently won and Holland where tolerance has prevailed for centuries, other parts of the world seem to be going backwards.

For example, the Supreme Court in India recently reinstated a colonial-era ban on gay sex that allows the jailing of homosexuals. A landmark  ruling made in Delhi high court in 2009 which found that section 377 of the Indian penal code prohibiting “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” infringed the fundamental rights of Indians was struck down recently.

Head of the Supreme Court bench, GS Singhvi, seemingly eager to go out with a bang on the penultimate day of what I’m sure was an impeccable career, found the high court had overstepped its authority and that a law passed by the British in 1860 was still constitutionally valid. This is despite the fact that the same law was repealed in the rest of the United Kingdom long ago.

“It is up to Parliament to legislate on this issue,” said Singhvi.

Back to ‘Mother Russia’ for more evidence. Last Summer, Vladimir Putin’s government abruptly ceased all Ukrainian imports. The block was lifted a week later, but according to regional analysts Mr. Putin’s message to Kiev, and the European Union, was clear. All doubts were allayed with a subsequent threat to cut off Ukraine’s access to energy from Russia if it pursued the trade and political agreement it was negotiating with the EU. Like a parent cutting off pocket money because their child spoke to the ‘bold’ child from across the way despite being warned not to.

Moscow wants Kiev to join a “customs union” it is creating as an alternative to the EU, including Ukraine and two other former Soviet republics, Belarus and Kazakhstan. However despite this during his annual address recently Putin took a few veiled, ambiguous shots at the USA;

“We do not aspire to be called some kind of superpower, understanding that as a claim to world or regional hegemony,” Mr. Putin said. “We do not infringe on anyone’s interests. We do not force our patronage on anyone or try to teach anyone how to live.” Said Russia’s answer to Benito Mussolini (I refer to the propaganda photos of Putin riding horses topless, brandishing hunting knives also topless! Etc etc. Like Mussolini did with illustrated posters of the Italian army, fixed bayonets in hand and each of them has Benito’s smug, self satisfied face, or the man himself up on a roof, pick-axe in hand, doing his bit for Italy). Isn’t self obsession and a huge ego one of the marks of a textbook psychopath?

Another incident which, although occurred in North Korea as opposed to Russia, harkens back to the purges and show trials of Joseph Vissarionovich Dzughashvili AKA ‘Stalin’. Basically, Kim Jong Un, the current despot running North Korea, had his Uncle Jang Song-thaek murdered. They call it execution. His crime? Allegedly gambling and taking drugs.

So two years into his reign, in the midst of threats of missile strikes on the USA and his southern neighbours, and production of nuclear weapons, Kim Jong Un, had his aunts husband, who up to his death was the number 2 man in NK, put to death for partying too hard. These were the allegations, however, uncle-Jang had been the champion and main supporter of Chinese-style reforms in NK. So in true Hitler fashion (the man Stalin learned it from) implementing Fascist tactics in an allegedly Communist  regime, Jung Un saw a potential threat to his power, and neutralised it. Jong Un took out Good Ole’ Uncle Jang in the same way Good Ole’ Uncle Joe (as Roosevelt called him) did Kamenev, Zinoviev and thousands of others (the remaining millions were killed in myriad other ways from starvation to exhaustion and use as cannon fodder).

All this considered, coupled with the spirit of the festive season, all I can say is;
“It’s a Wonderful Life”.

Centra Host Clinic with Hurling Heroes

Despite the dream for Dublin’s Senior Hurling team coming to an end as they lost to Cork in a terrific battle in the semi-final of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship; the dreams of the 135 children who attended Centra’s family community event in Ballyboden GAA Club last Saturday remain alive as they hope to one day represent their county. Cork hurling legend Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and Tipperary hero Eoin Kelly gave the young aspiring hurlers from local clubs the chance to showcase their hurling skills.

Girls and boys aged between five and twelve came out in their droves from numerous local clubs to brush up their skills with the two hurling stars, as well as enjoying a great family day out in the warm summer sun. The skills session was followed by a delicious BBQ and a host of entertainment including face painting, a hurling simulator to test their hurling skills, music, prizes and much more.

The Dublin event was supported by local Centra retailers; Alan Jordan of Jordan’s Centra Springfield, Ciaran O’Cleirigh and Fergal Scolard of Centra Oldbawn and Centra Grange Road, Sandyford, Centra Jobstown, Breda Cahill of Cahill’s Centra Marley Park, Mark and Olver Coughlan of Coughlan’s Centra Ballsbridge, Brian and Lisa Maher of Maher’s Centra Errigal Road, Brian and Maureen O’Hara of O’Hara’s Centra Glenageary.

Centra, Ireland’s largest convenience retailer, who is celebrating its fourth year as sponsor of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship, is continuing to work with the GAA to promote the game of hurling for all ages right across the country; in both developing and well established hurling counties.

At the heart of communities throughout Ireland, Centra with 460 stores nationwide, has got together with some of the greatest hurling stars throughout the summer to help develop the game through a series of family community hurling events throughout Ireland. For more information on Centra’s community events go to www.centra.ie or find ‘Centra Ireland’ on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

Crowe Weighs in on Organ Donation Issue

Local Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has said that he supports the recall of the Dáil to address the organ transplant issue.

Crowe, an organ card carrier, signed a letter today calling on the Ceann Comhairle, Seán Barrett, to recall the Dáil to discuss European legislation on the issue.

Crowe believes there is a need for legislation that would make it easier to opt in for an organ donation and to create a single authority to handle organ donations. Any change would require annulling the current legislation before August 27th, because it cannot be repealed after that date and for that to happen, 55 TDs would have to petition the Ceann Comhairle to recall the Dáil.

 

“Given the inadequate nature of the government’s implementation of the EU Regulation on organ donation and the manner in which the regulation was handled by the government, my Sinn Féin TD colleagues and I are supporting the call for a recall of the Dáil to debate the matter and to demand more progressive legislation.” Said Crowe, “Our Senators supported the recall of the Seanad and this is a natural progression of that process. It should be noted that on May 1st the Dáil, with the agreement of the government, unanimously adopted a motion calling on the government to ‘immediately devise and implement a multi-pronged approach aimed at improving donation services’.“

“It is right that the Minister for Health should be held to account on this matter, given the large number of people waiting for transplants and on dialysis. There is an urgent need to greatly improve the infrastructure for the provision of transplants, as shown at hearings held by the Oireachtas Health & Children Committee earlier this year.” Crowe went on, concluding that; “Anything that increases the availability of life changing organs to those on the waiting list has my full support.”

 

Burnt Coolmine Train Station Shelter Finally Repaired

Green Party Dublin West representative, Roderic O’Gorman has welcomed the swift action by Irish Rail to repair a vandalised shelter at Coolmine Train Station. O’Gorman had contacted Irish Rail about the damage, soon after the shelter was burned out.

“It is hugely disappointing to see that this sort of thing is still happening. The fire at the shelter has done significant damage and left a situation which is both dangerous and unsightly for commuters.” said O’Gorman at the time, adding; “Those of you using Coolmine Station have probably seen the burned out shelter. I’ve contacted Irish Rail to ask them to quickly repair this damage. Their maintenance department are working on the issue and hope to have it repaired in two weeks.” said O’Gorman who had contacted Irish Rail back in June regarding the damaged shelter.

 

Vandalism is not the only anti-social problem at Coolmine Train Station, bicycle theft is also a problem, with people cycling to the station and locking up their bike to get the train to work. On returning many have found their bicycles stolen or damaged, countless reports of which appear constantly on Boards.ie and other such websites.

Coolmine Train Station services a huge number of people from the Coolmine, Blanchardstown, Carpenterstown and other surrounding areas.

“I want to complement Irish Rail on working so quickly to fix the shelter at Coolmine Station. When I contacted them initially about the damage, they stated that they hoped to get the repairs undertaken as quickly as possible. The shelter is now fully fixed and the surrounding tarmac that had been badly scorched has been replaced”, stated Roderic O’Gorman.

 

Durkan Suggests Economic Recovery Bond

Fine Gael Kildare North TD, Bernard Durkan, has suggested on Monday August 12th that the Government should introduce an economic recovery bond to help provide funding for the local authority housing sector. Deputy Durkan added that this would have a number of knock-on benefits, such as reducing the numbers of the on live register and boosting activity in the construction sector.

“With up to 100,000 families on local authority housing lists the recently expressed fears of a housing crisis are well founded. This is ironic after the building boom, but most of the available houses in the Greater Dublin Area in particular are not suitable for families. This comes after ten years of little or no investment in the traditional local authority house building programme.” said Durkan “Approximately 30,000 local authority family-sized homes are needed over the next three years to address the issue. Investing in such a programme will have wide ranging and far reaching positive economic benefits. It would also relieve part of the burden of rent support currently carried by the Department of Social Welfare, in lieu of local authority housing.”

“A further economic benefit would be the generation of much needed employment in the housing, construction and associated sectors. Such a programme has the potential to bring about a reduction in the numbers on the live register of up to 10,000.” he continued adding that; “While it is recognised that we must continue to reduce the current budget deficit, funding for such a scheme could come from a special Government economic recovery bond of suitable duration and return. This would encourage those with savings to invest in the economy, and would provide them with a return far in excess of current interest rates. This mode of using savings for investment purposes could significantly benefit the wider economy, as well as the individual investors.

The minister then laid out the potential benefits:

· A substantial reduction in the numbers unemployed

· Meeting the housing demand of those currently on local authority housing lists

· Reduce social welfare spending on housing by way of rent support

· The generation of economic activity in the construction sector

· A reduction in social welfare spending

“I have written to the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, to put forward my suggestion.” he concluded.

International Roses Come to Blanchardstown

On Monday August 12th, The Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown hosted a fantastic evening with the 32 International Roses of Tralee and an excited crowd of over 200 invited guests.

The evening was filled with drama from the personalised floral arrangements with gold fish from local floral company Magic Moments to the amazing Carlton Rose Dress worn by model Ciara Ryan made completely from Rose petals made by the very talented Davis Lamb and Vaneta Tiramu.

Over a champagne drinks reception, the 200 strong crowds mixed and mingled with the Roses as they enjoyed entertainment from magicians and fire breathers which all added to the fun festival atmosphere.

Also in attendance and causing quite a stir was the Carlton Hotels Group’s Charity of the Year “Dogs Trust” who brought along some furry friends who seemed rather fond of Dáithí Ó Sé!

Carlton Hotels is an Irish owned company with several luxury properties in stunning locations throughout Ireland. This is Carlton 6^thYear to sponsor the Rose of Tralee International Festival. Dogs Trust is the Carlton Hotel Group charity of choice this year. This relationship helps build awareness of the charity and raise funds through various campaigns and events.

Dogs Trust has been working in Ireland since 2005 and its mission is to bring an end to the destruction of stray and abandoned dogs through a national responsible dog ownership campaign, including neutering and an education programme.

According to Dogs Trust, it is working towards the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. Dogs Trust has a non destruction policy; they never destroy a healthy dog. The Centre is based on the Ashbourne Road, Finglas Dublin 11.

Carlton Hotel Group has developed a novel way of assisting Dogs Trust to find homes for stray and abandoned puppies and dogs. Carlton Hotels have developed a Facebook app with photographs and descriptions of the 32 selected Dogs who are named after each of the 32 Roses. With 12 Rose dogs already rehomed the campaign has a fantastic response. So, if you would like to assist in rehoming your favourite Rose’s Dog, just log on to www.facebook.com/CarltonHotelGroup and you can enquire directly about adopting or simply share with your friends/family.

‘We are delighted with the success of the Carlton App. It is helping us reach more people in order to find loving homes for the fantastic puppies and dogs in our care, waiting for a home. We are very grateful to all the team at the Carlton Hotel Group.” said Executive Director of Dogs Trust Mark Beazley.

The evening continued with a world class meal followed by live performance and dancing until late. The Roses then reluctantly made their way to bed to get their much needed rest before they make the journey to Belfast, Derry and Salthill before they arrive in Kerry on Friday for the International Rose Ball with over 1,050 guests. Let’s just say the gift of Carlton branded eye masks will get plenty of use over next few days as they grab 40 winks in-between the sing songs on the Rose Coach.

 

2, 300 Kildare Students Receive Leaving Cert Results

2,300 Kildare Leaving
Certificate students received their exam results on Wednesday August 14th. They
are among the 57,000 students, nationwide, finding out how well they did in the
State exams.

One Kildare student Áine Redmod has achieved 7 A1s in the Leaving Cert., one of
only a small number of students to do so in Ireland. Mark Berney, who went to
Gorey Community School, in Co Wexford, is the only student in Ireland to have
achieved 9 A1s, while 161 others got six A1s or more.

The number of students who sat the exams fell to its lowest number in six
years, though a higher number of students than ever before took Higher Level
Maths.

Principal of Coláiste Lorcan in Castledermot Ciaran Keegan has said that local
girl Áine Redmod’s achievement was very well deserved.

Man Robbed and Beaten on Sth Anne St

Gardai at Pearse Street are investigating a robbery which occured at South Anne Street, Dublin 2 at 11.10am on Tuesday the 6/8/13.

The injured party was intending to make a lodgement at a nearby bank he was attacked first by one man, and then by a second male. He received a number of blows to the ribs, elbow and head and a sum of money was stolen from him he received medical attention locally. The second man was picked up by a motorbike being driven by a third man and they fled down Dawson Street, right onto Nassau Street, left onto Lincoln Place and into Fenian Street. The first man fled on foot up Dawson Street and across St Stephens Green.

The first attacker was wearing a navy boilersuit, sleeveless high vis jacket, a dark beenie hat, and was of normal build. The second attacker wore blue jeans, sleeveless Council high visibility jacket and navy baseball cap and was standing outside a shop on South Anne Street before the robbery. There was no description given of the third man other than he sat on the motorbike for about 1 hour before the mugging outside the Church on Dawson Street with no helmet on and wearing a bluetooth ear piece

Investigating Gardai are seeking witnesses to the raid. They wish to speak to anyone in the vicinity of South Anne St / Dawson St who saw these men, the bike, the man sitting on the bike outside the Church, saw the bike leave the scene, who is aware of the direction of travel after Fenian St, or who saw the raider escape on foot up Dawson Street.

Gardai would also like anyone with any information about this robbery to contact Pearse St. Garda Station on 01 6669000, their local Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

 

Irish Research Council Awards €16.8 Million in Grants

Seán Sherlock, Minister for State for Research and Innovation, announced on Tuesday 6^th August that the Irish Research Council will make research awards totaling €16.8 million. This money will support 353 postgraduates and postdoctoral candidates in what is one of the largest award events for Irish researchers this year.

The Government of Ireland Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Scheme provides scholarships and fellowships to research masters, doctoral (PhD) and postdoctoral candidates to pursue full-time research in any discipline whilst based in an Irish HEI.

Other schemes of this nature include; The Enterprise Partnership Scheme, which through the partnering and co-funding with enterprise and employers, facilitates masters, PhD and postdoctoral candidates to pursue full-time research in any area whilst also having the opportunity to work closely with an enterprise/employer mentor. And the ELEVATE (Marie-Curie Co-Fund) Scheme which provides co-funding for postdoctoral researchers so that they can gain experience by being based at an international host institution for two years and then returning to Ireland for a further year.

 
Over 1,600 people applied to the schemes and the winning researchers represent the best and the brightest of recent graduates. The Irish Research Council’s funding is intended to provide support for innovative and creative ideas and to help launch research careers. The awards will be funded through a multi annual investment of €16.8 million from the government with a further €2 million being invested by the EU and enterprise partners.

“The awards now being made by the Irish Research Council provide significant funding for researchers in a wide range of disciplines in the areas of science, technology and the humanities. This funding supports a new generation of researchers and continues our emphasis on creating a vibrant research community which is essential for Ireland’s future economic growth and reputation as a knowledge society,” Said Minister Sherlock, adding; “The progress of our research system is a result of having a strong cohort of highly creative and innovative researchers who will be Ireland’s future leading innovators. Research investments have already had a very positive impact on Ireland’s development and highlights how research, development and innovation can contribute significantly to job creation and economic prosperity.”

Professor, Orla Feely, Chair of the Irish Research Council, offered her congratulations to the successful candidates, saying: “The standard of applications was extremely high this year. Competition was fierce and the Irish Research Council strove to ensure that the most innovative, creative and excellent people and their projects were chosen for funding.“ before adding that; “In order to achieve this, over two hundred independent international assessors evaluated the proposals. We wish the awardees the very best with their endeavours and look forward to exciting outcomes.”

The objective of the Irish Research Council is to support excellent researchers, in particular at postgraduate and early stage postdoctoral levels. It funds a broad range of disciplines spanning the humanities, business, social sciences, law, sciences, technology and engineering. Encouraging interdisciplinary research and engagement with employers, it aims to; “Support an expertise-driven research system in order to enhance Ireland’s innovation capacity and skills base in a rapidly changing global environment.” 

 

Lots to Do Locally in Kildare

There is much to do in Co Kildare in the coming weeks with the Kildare Chamber of Commerce announcing all manner of workshops, networking opportunities and events.

The Kildare Chamber of Commerce are currently compiling their Autumn/Winter training schedule. The schedule already includes 3 sales workshops and a Tender Seminar with Bid Management, if members have any specific training/briefings they would like the Chamber to host, they are urged to contact the office.

One featured event is the ‘Connect with China’ event at Carton House Hotel, Maynooth, Co. Kildare on Tuesday 3 September 2013, from 1pm-5.30pm. “Through this event, we aim to provide a gateway of information and opportunity for Irish businesses who hope to build or strengthen links to the Chinese market.”  said the Chamber.
Speakers at the event will include Eileen Sharpe of the IDA and Philip Singleton of Enterprise Ireland, as well as experts in Chinese contract law and intellectual property law. How to use Irish research networks to support your connection to China will also be explained. There will be networking opportunities during the afternoon event, and a question and answer session with a panel of expert speakers. This event is free of charge and has been made possible by a Science Foundation Ireland International Strategic Collaboration (ISCA) Award.

Another event is the ‘CANNONBALL Ireland Road Trip’ which starts in Naas this year. CANNONBALL Ireland is the largest organised road trip in Europe and one of the most exciting motoring and social events of the year. The trip usually features 160 super cars including: McLaren, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche, Masseratti, Rolls Royce and Bentley. Over 100,000 people are set to fill the streets as CANNONBALL passes through towns and counties over the weekend in spectacular style raising funds in aid of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice.

Organisers are happy to confirm the start line for this year’s event is Mondello, Naas Co Kildare on Friday 23^rd of August between 9am-1pm. All spectators are welcome on the morning to view and take photos of the cars where 2FM will be broadcasting live during the free family event.

 

Main organiser of the event Alan Bannon, has an exclusive sponsorship package available for Kildare businesses

Yet another event is the North Kildare Chamber Annual Golf Classic sponsored by Ladytown Business Park which takes place on Friday 16th August 2013 at the Palmer Course, The K Club. The price of a four-ball is €395.

 

“It’s time for all our Chamber golfer’s to dust down the golf bags, clean the clubs and get to the driving range in readiness for the Annual Chamber Golf Classic. With only a few weeks to go, The Palmer Course is going to be a hype of activity with businesses from all around North Kildare vying for the top prize which is being kindly sponsored by Kildare Village” said the Chamber.

The format will be Stableford, with the 2 best scores to count and there will also be prizes for nearest the pin and the longest drive.

It begins at 8.30am with a Shotgun Start, followed by a buffet lunch and prizes. The golf classic will book out fast with 19 teams booked in already and a limit of 22 teams. The K Club are offering a discount on the day for players who wish to rent a buggy – €25 per buggy is the limited offer price.

First prize is €100 shopping voucher for Kildare Village for each team member and there are plenty more prizes for the other teams.

Goody Bags are sponsored by O’Briens Sandwich Bars Clane and Newbridge and

Nearest the Pin is kindly sponsored by J.F.Dunne Insurances.  The prize for this event is a box of 12 PRO V1 and a €50 voucher to put towards an Insurance policy with J.F.Dunne Insurances.

There are plenty of other interesting and entertaining events taking place in Kildare in the next few weeks. For more information visit www.NorthKildareChamber.ie.