A burglar who broke into a student’s apartment and stole her laptop, called her pretending to be from a computer repair shop to try and get her password.
Mohamed Osman Omar (28), with an address at Sandy rd Galway city, pleaded guilty to a string of crimes at the District Court including burglary, theft, and fraud.
On September 8 of last year Omar broke into 146 Gort na Coiribe at four in the morning and stole a Macbook and charger worth €1,000.
While the victim was asleep the whole time, her roommate heard someone moving around in their apartment that night. She came out of her her room and turned on the lights, exposing Omar; he mumbled something to her and fled downstairs and out of the apartment.
Omar said that he called the owner of the laptop a month afterwards and told her it was at a repair shop if she wanted it. However, according to the gardaí what actually happened was that he pretended to be work to be from the repair shop and asked for her password to unlock the computer.
Judge Fahy commented that aside from having violated her home, the loss of a laptop was particularly troubling to a student as she like kept her college work on it, “That’s the most distressing part. Aside from the fact that they cost a thousand euro.”
Omar was also charged with stealing a visa card from Daniel Murray at Sleepzone hostel at Bóthar na mBan going on a shopping spree with it last November 18.
That night, with the stolen visa card, Omar went shopping at Penny’s and Dunnes Stores, went to see a film at IMC Galway, and got something to eat at McDonald’s on the Headford rd.
Garda Niall Lennon was alerted to multiple fraudulent uses of the stolen visa card and was able to identify Omar from cctv footage.
The final, serious charge Omar pleaded to was the stealing an €800 iPhone on the night of April 19 this year, and demanding €100 for its return, though he said that he wasn’t stealing it and tried to return it to its owner.
That night Omar claimed to find the phone on a barrel in the lane next to Busker Browne’s and went into the bar looking for its owner, without success.
According to the gardaí when the owner of the phone, Mr. Cian O’Baoill found that it was missing he called it off someone else’s phone, and the person on the other end demanded €100 for it back.
Omar said that he agreed to meet O’Baoill at the Spanish Arch to return the phone, but they attacked him and took his phone and wallet.
Solicitor for the defence Briain Gilmartin said that Omar was willing to compensate his victims for their losses, but Judge Fahy denied that effort, saying the charges were too serious to be dealt with by compensation.
“This man, he doesn’t really have an insight into the impact on his victims,” Judge Fahy said, “He sees himself as a victim.”
Mr. Gilmartin said that his client had been living in Ireland under a subsidiary protection visa which had recently expired in 2017. Omar’s crimes took place over a ten month period when he was homeless and feared being deported back to Sudan, Mr. Gilmartin said.
The court gave Omar a total of 16 months in prison for the various theft and burglary charges he faced. For the burglary charge Omar received a nine month sentence. For the theft an fraudulent use of the visa card he received six months to be served consecutively, and Judge Fahy gave him a final, consecutive month for stealing the iPhone.
A government report on the Magdalene laundries warned of illegal adoptions and tampering with birth records back in 2012.
Galway West TD Catherine Connolly told the Dáil that the report said urgent investigation was needed to find out if there was any evidence of trafficking children, but that no action was ever taken.
“In respect of the mother and baby home and Bessborough, and in the context of the Magdalene laundry, where information came up the people in charge said that it was beyond their scope.”
In a press conference on May 29, Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone said that Tusla had identified adoption records for 126 people at St. Patrick’s Guild adoption society which had been falsified.
The only reason those 126 were found was because they had been marked, “adopted from birth”. It’s still unknown how many people are truly affected by this, but the number is certain to be far higher than 126.
The people affected may not even know that their birth records were falsified, or the true circumstances of their birth.
Minister Zappone said that investigations by Tusla will have to be carried out carefully or else risk causing even more damage to families, with people potentially finding out in a phone call that their birth parents aren’t who they think.
According to Deputy Connolly, the only thing about Minister Zappone’s announcement that was shocking to her was how long it took for this to be confronted head on.
“The story has arisen time and again and successive Ministers have either failed or refused to act. I cannot count the number of Ministers involved. There were at least three, but a lot more since the 1950s.”
Speaking on the floor of the Dáil, Deputy Connolly quoted from the report on the Magdalene Laundries led by then-Senator Martin McAleese, which raised strong worries that government employees were involved in trafficking children.
“This may prove to be a scandal that dwarfs other, more recent issues with the Church and State, because of the very emotive sensitivities around adoption of babies, with or without the will of the mother.
“A concern is that, if there is evidence of trafficking babies, that it must have been facilitated by doctors, social workers etc., and a number of these health professionals may still be working in thesystem.”
“It is more important to send this up to the Minister as soon as possible: with a view to an Inter-Departmental Committee and a fully fledged, fully resourced forensic investigation and State Inquiry.”
The McAleese report had particular difficulty gathering data on the Galway Magdalene Laundry, run by the Sisters of Mercy, since so few records survived after it closed in 1984.
But what little information that they were able to gather from Census data and Diocese records found that nearly a third of women in the laundry came from the Tuam Mother and Baby Home.
Marion Reynolds, former deputy director of social services in Northern Ireland, has been appointed as an independent reviewer to analyse records held by Tusla and the Adoption Authority of Ireland for more potential illegal adoptions.
The adoption scandal has also become a topic of inquiry for the ongoing Mother and Baby Homes Commission.
While this story is still unfolding in the public eye the Dáil is also debating the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill which would create a Register of Adoption Contact Enquiries so the Child and Family Agency to help people who have been through adoption services to make contact with birth relatives.
For the third consecutive year, Galway and Roscommon go head-to-head in the Connacht Football Final with so much at stake and questions about the Tribesmen’s credentials needing to be answered.
There’s a ‘Groundhog Day’ feeling to 2018’s first provincial decider. Galway are red hot favourites (4/9) against outsiders Roscommon (9/4) and expectations among the maroon and white faithful are at fever pitch.
A place in the new look Super 8s is also on the line; the teams have shared one Connacht title each; and Galway will be anxious to atone for their demoralising 2-15 to 0-12 loss in Pearse Stadium in 2017.
Kevin Walsh’s side seem to have improved since. They were unbeaten in the National League before falling in the decider to Dublin, they beat Mayo for the third year in succession, walloped Sligo when expected and have only conceded two goals all year.
Whispers in the background have them as All-Ireland championship dark horses. Even if those are premature, they are expected to be at the business end. And they are expected to reclaim the Connacht crown.
But anybody discounting Roscommon need to have a serious think. It’s all set up again like last year. They dispatched Leitrim and could have planned for this game for months. And they are in a winning habit in 2018 with seven wins from nine including the Division Two league title.
Diarmuid Murtagh is their main attacker but how corner forwards Donie Smith and Niall Kilroy fare could determine Kevin McStay’s team’s fate. Ciarain Murtagh is another to watch while David Murray and Brian Stack will lead the defence.
We need to remind ourselves that Roscommon are defending champions! The game is in Dr. Hyde Park and after fighting hard to ensure they hosted the fixture, the primrose and blue will be determined to leave their mark.
That’s the challenge for Galway. Under normal circumstances, a Connacht title wouldn’t define them but they need to win this match. After choking against Tipperary (2016) and Roscommon (2017), they need to prove they can handle the role of favourites more than just one productive afternoon against Sligo.
Damien Comer is one of the country’s current top players; Eamonn Brannigan, Shane Walsh and Johnny Heaney are a quality half forward line; Paul Conroy’s influence in midfield will be beneficial; and Sean Andy O’Ceallaigh and Sean Kelly have helped secure their defensive frailties. However, corner backs Declan Kyne and David Wynne could hold the keys against Smith and Kilroy.
Whether Galway are All-Ireland contenders won’t be answered over these 70 minutes but they could be ruled out. It must be a professional effort, whether defensive or attack orientated. And they must be victorious with no doubt near the finish.
Roscommon will have similar thoughts setting this up to be a massive battle. But surely Galway have learned from seasons past and will be holding the Nestor Cup again on Sunday evening.
AuriGen Medical was the top ranked applicant out of 1,280 candidates for the EU’s Horizon 2020 SME funding and has secured €2.5 million to further the development of its implant to treat an irregular hearbeat.
Atrial Fibrillation is a condition where the chambers of the heart are beating out of rhythm with each other, often caused by erratic electrical signals being sent through the muscle.
Its most common symptoms are shortness of breath, weakness, and heart palpitations. But in severe cases atrial fibrillation can cause blood clots to form, putting the patient at risk of heart failure or a stroke.
Current treatments include using medications, cardioversion and ablation, or keyhole surgery to destroy whatever tissue in the heart is causing the irregular electrical signal.
But AuriGen says these procedures are only really helpful for people with an intermittent case of the disease. Their device is aimed at the roughly 10 million patients across Europe with persistent atrial fibrillation racking up billions of euros in medical costs every year.
AuriGen was founded in 2015 by medtech engineer Tony O’Halloran and former intensive care doctor, John Thompson. The two met through NUI Galway’s BioInnovate programme which has fostered many successful startups in the medtech and life sciences sectors.
Speaking to the Irish Times, CEO of Aurigen, Dr. Thompson said that beyond just receiving funding, being the top ranked applicant is a strong endorsement of what they’re doing.
“Ranking first in the Horizon 2020 SME instrument is an incredible endorsement of AuriGen Medical’s technology, market opportunity and the company’s management team,” he said.
AuriGen say their implant is the first device of its kind that will allow doctors to treat the risk of both heart failure or a stroke that can come with atrial fibrillation.
The implant will sit in the left atrial appendage, a flap where blood clots can be formed by an irregular heartbeat, and use its onboard sensors and algorithms to give real time feedback to doctors treating the patient’s heart.
According to AuriGen this information can help reduce procedure times while improving success rates, and open up these procedures to more doctors.
Mr. O’Halloran, chief technology officer at AuriGen, says the funding will help the startup hire more staff and bring forward the implant’s development in order to be ready to start human trials in 2020.
When completed they’ll first take aim at treating the 200,000 persistent atrial fibrillation patients a year who have repeat ablations of the heart, the cost of which AuriGen puts at over €50,000 per person.
SSE Airtricity League First Division – Friday, 15th June 2018
Wexford FC 0-0 Galway United
The two-week break will give Galway United plenty to ponder after they failed to find the net against a team they beat 4-1 just two months ago.
Results elsewhere mean they remain just three points behind the play-off positions but that was the only positive that could be taken from their trip down to the South East.
It wasn’t for the want of trying as United did the majority of the attacking but just couldn’t find a way through opposing keeper Corey Chambers or keeping the ball on target. Indeed, Wexford did get a goal only for Danny Doyle to be ruled offside.
UCD’s 3-1 win over Finn Harps meant the Ballybofey side slipped to fifth and Longford Town assumed the qualifying spot on 29 points, three ahead of Galway. But the students moved 12 clear with 10 games remaining. The First Division title was surrendered in Wexford.
HALF TIME: Wexford FC 0-0 Galway United.
United with all the play and chances in the opening 45 but Wexford have defended stoutly in numbers. #GUFCpic.twitter.com/WVIpP5dFKY
They started promising as Eoin McCormack create a chance involving Carlton Ubaezuonu but Stephen Kenny struck wide after just 30 seconds. Ubaezuonu was denied by Chambers and Marc Ludden was also off target in the opening five minutes.
Their next chance came on 26 minutes when Stephen Walsh shot over while Kenny also forced Chambers into making a stop. The Wexford stopper had Kenny’s number as he denied him again before half-time.
Wexford’s first major chance arrived two minutes after the restart when Doyle came close only for Alex Byrne to make the block. Kenny, Ubaezuonu and Conor Barry combined to create Galway’s next chance but defender Conor Sutton was on hand to stop them.
The goal that wasn’t came on 64 minutes when Doyle went early and strayed offside before beating Connor Gleeson. It was the best chance in the match even though Barry volleyed over and Kenny again was foiled by Chambers.
Dean George got Wexford’s last chance in the final minute before an extra 10 minutes were added after a head injury ended Barry’s involvement.
Ryan Connolly nearly struck a screamer from 30 yards shading the upright in the 95th minute. Unlike Uruguay and Iran in that day’s World Cup, there was no late winner to reignite Galway’s season. Their break will feel like a retreat as they try and save their campaign.
Wexford FC: Corey Chambers; Conor Sutton, Owen McCormack, Thomas Croke, Dean Kelly, Sean Kelly, Aaron O’Connor, John Morgan, Ryan Nolan, Danny Doyle, Dean George. Subs used: Liam McCartan for O’Connor (73 mins), Mikey Byrne for McCormack (82 mins), Mark Slater for Doyle (88 mins).
Galway United: Connor Gleeson; Gary Shanahan, Alex Byrne, Stephen Walsh, Marc Ludden; Stephen Kenny, Conor Melody, Ryan Connolly, Conor Barry, Carlton Ubaezuonu; Eoin McCormack. Subs used: Conor Layng for Melody (71 mins).
A four day trial ended in a guilty verdict at the Circuit Court for a man accused of hijacking a car and taking its frightened owner on a high speed chase with gardaí through the city.
John Conroy (23), with an address at Lakeview, Donaghpatrick in Headford, was convicted of 15 charges including the unlawful seizure of a vehicle, reckless endangerment, and 13 counts of dangerous driving at the Circuit Court.
The court heard that on the evening May 31 of 2016, John Conroy, also known as JJ, and two other men had Thomas Ackroyd (27) drive them to a back road south of Tuam where they assaulted him and forced him into the back seat of his car.
They then drove into Galway city where a high speed chase with two Garda patrol cars started in Salthill and carried on the length of the city, ending in a ditch in Corrundulla.
When called to the stand Thomas Ackroyd, who works with a valeting company in Ballinrobe, said that he couldn’t remember anything from that day after leaving work.
The State’s prosecutor Ms. Silke presented Mr. Ackroyd with two statements about the hijacking he gave to Sgt. Emma Kerin who was leading the investigation. One statement was from June 7, a week after the incident, and the second was from June 17.
Mr. Ackroyd said that he recognised his address and signature on them. But, when asked how well he remembers giving those statements he said he could only recall about two percent.
He also said that at the time of the first interview he was still under the influence of morphine from outpatient treatment he received at UHG the day before.
The prosecution asked for those statements to be entered into evidence since Mr. Ackroyd couldn’t properly testify as to what happened himself. The defence objected on the grounds that they wouldn’t be able to challenge Mr. Ackroyd’s statements because he was just going to say he didn’t remember.
Judge Eoin Garavan decided that the two statements given to gardaí in 2016 should be admitted in place of testimony from Mr. Ackroyd.
Mr. Ackroyd’s statements were read out to the court by Sgt. Kerin from Tuam garda station who was first on the scene of the crash at the end of the chase.
On the night of the incident Thomas Ackroyd was in his car in the Cornmarket area of Ballinrobe after work when the accused man, John Conroy, and another man named Michael Sweeney got into his car. He said they told him to take them to Galway city, and when he refused they told him to take them to Tuam.
“I felt like I had no other option,” he said, “Their attitude was changing. They were no longer asking me to take them, they were telling.”
According to Mr. Ackroyd’s statement on the way there they told him to pick up T.J Sweeney, and then drove out to a dirt road near Tuam.
There, Mr. Ackroyd said Conroy headbutted him, then T.J Sweeney dragged him out of the car and threw him into the back seat while Conroy took over driving.
“I hadn’t a notion of resisting what they were doing to me, as I really thought I was going to be stabbed.” Mr Ackroyd said.
On the way into Galway city Mr. Ackroyd says the group stopped at Joyce’s to get cider and all three of them were drinking Bulmers. The prosecution noted that empty cider cans were found in the car.
High speed chase through Galway city
Garda Denise O’Halloran from Salthill Garda station told the court that at 11pm that night she was on patrol on the Upper Ballymoneen rd. when a black Volkswagon came speeding over the crest of a hill on the wrong side of the road and she was forced to swerve the patrol car to avoid a head on collision.
The car continued on towards the Western Distributor rd. at roughly 100kmph and the Garda pursued them. Garda O’Halloran said that the black Volkswagon was driving extremely dangerously, weaving in and out of traffic and blowing through red lights from the Western Distributor rd. to the Quincentenary Bridge.
Gardaí said that the Volkswagon crossed to the wrong side of the Quincentenary bridge and drove along it against traffic, forcing cars to swerve out of its way.
At the junction by Galway Shopping Centre a second Garda car, driven by Garda Nigel Silke of Mill st Garda station, joined the chase now heading out the Headford rd.
Garda Silke’s partner, Garda Ronan Leonard said that he at the junction he saw the driver of the Volkswagon wearing a blue t-shirt. A blue t-shirt was found at the scene, the prosecution said. And the first gardaí on the scene of the crash found Conroy topless in the street.
The state made a particular point of how the car drove onto the Browne and Kirwan roundabouts at high speed, forcing other cars to brake hard or else risk crashing.
The chase continued out the Headford rd, straight through the Kirwan roundabout and out Curraghline, where gardaí said Conroy was doing in excess of 160kmph.
Mr. Ackroyd said that Conroy yelling, “Drive it like you stole it.” while they were being chased.
Gardaí decided to call off the pursuit at Clonboo because it was becoming too dangerous, according to garda O’Halloran. The defence argued that garda O’Halloran was making it sound like it was rush hour on the roads, but this actually took place late at night.
Mr. Ackroyd said that after losing the gardaí at Clonboo the car took a corner at around 80km an hour, hitting into a wall and a ditch before ending up on its side. He said he had climb out of the back window, and could immediately tell there was something wrong with his arm.
Sgt. Kerin and other Gardaí were soon on the scene, including the two patrol units who’d chased the Volkswagon through city, along with emergency services.
Mr. Ackroyd was the most seriously injured of the four men, suffering a compound fracture to his his arm that left the bone exposed, and with a small injury to his forehead which prosecutors attributed to Conroy’s headbutt.
In his statement he said that before the gardaí arrived the other were warning him not to say anything, and that he only really felt safe when he was in the ambulance.
DNA evidence was taken from blood stains in the back of the car and sent to them to be analysed, a sample taken from the back passenger side seat matched a DNA sample taken from Mr. Ackroyd.
In its closing argument, the defence said that there was no evidence placing Conroy in the driver’s seat of the car other than Mr. Ackroyd’s statements, who said he couldn’t remember anything from that night, and suggested that Mr. Ackroyd had a vested interest in placing someone else in the driver’s seat other than himself.
The Prosecution said that while Mr. Ackroyd hadn’t given evidence in court, his statements were detailed accounts of what happened that match up with what physical evidence was recovered.
After a two hour deliberation, the jury returned with a guilty verdict for Mr. Conroy on all counts. The court adjourned the case to July 20 for sentencing.
It’s a big night for Galway United (Friday, 15th June) as they take on Wexford FC before the SSE Airtricity First Division two-week break.
The Tribesmen sit in sixth place, 10 points behind leaders UCD. But more importantly, they are three points behind the play-off spots where Finn Harps in fourth place.
United have a lengthy list of absentees for the trip to Ferrycarrig Park. Tadhg Ryan (quad), Aaron Conway (knee), Maurice Nugent (ankle), Alan Murphy (broken rib), Robbie Williams (calf), Danny Furlong (hamstring) are all ruled out through injury.
Adam Rooney and Ronan Manning will miss the trip due to Leaving Cert commitments. And the club is awaiting confirmation from the FAI on the registration of three under-19 players, an announcement on that should be made on Friday afternoon.
AIRTRICITY LEAGUE (Preview): WEXFORD FC vs GALWAY UNITED (Friday, 8pm Ferrycarrig Park) https://t.co/B02ckwjda0
“It goes without saying that we’re not remotely happy about how the first half of the season has gone for us,” said manager Shane Keegan to the club’s official website (www.galwayunitedfc.ie).
“That said, we’re not a million miles off being back where we need to be in terms of making sure that we are in the shake up and certainly finishing the first half of the season on a positive is an absolute must for us.
“If we can get the win on Friday night and depending on how other results go, we could still end up back in promotion spots and back in the picture. That’s what we’ve got to do with the transfer window opening up and obviously everybody is very aware of the situation going on in the background.
“Despite the fact that we’re incredibly frustrated with our first half of the season, it could all turn back very quickly for us, but the most important thing for us is to get the three points from the Wexford game.
“The Wexford result will dictate the humour that the players arrive back in after the mid-season break and if we can get the result we need, I think players do arrive back for the second half with very achievable aims in front of them in terms of righting the wrongs of the first half of the season.
“The result is so important. We’ve got an incredible list of players out at the moment, but the first eleven that steps out for us on Friday night will be a very strong eleven and an eleven that I would have great faith in. We have to take the first steps in our bounce back in Wexford.”
Galway United meet Wexford FC in the 2018 SSE Airtricity League First Division on Friday, 15th June. Kick-off in Ferrycarrig Park is 8pm.
President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins delivered the keynote speech at a Symposium on Conradh na Gaeilge and the Revival of Irish today in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway.
The day-long symposium, ‘125 Bliain ag Fás – An Athbheochan agus Conradh na Gaeilge’, is the University’s main event for Bliain na Gaeilge, which marks the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Conradh na Gaeilge.
President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins Gives Keynote Speech at a Symposium on Conradh na Gaeilge and the Revival of Irish in the Aula Maxima, NUI Galway on Friday, 15 June The day-long symposium, ‘125 Bliain ag Fás – An Athbheochan agus Conradh na Gaeilge’, is the University’s main event for Bliain na Gaeilge, which marks the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Conradh na Gaeilge.Viewing extracts from Conradh na Gaeilge Archive held in NUI Galway are pictured l-r: President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, Cuan Ó Seireadáin, Conradh na Gaeilge, and looking on from back l-r: are Dr John Walsh and Dr John Cox from NUI Galway. Photo: Aengus McMahonAttending a Symposium on Conradh na Gaeilge and the Revival of Irish at NUI Galway are pictured l-r: Dr Niall Comer, Conradh na Gaeilge, President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway and Dr John Walsh, NUI Galway. Photo: Aengus McMahonViewing extracts from Conradh na Gaeilge Archive held in NUI Galway are pictured l-r: President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and Cuan Ó Seireadáin, Conradh na Gaeilge. Photo: Aengus McMahonAttending a Symposium on Conradh na Gaeilge and the Revival of Irish at NUI Galway are pictured l-r: President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins and Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, President of NUI Galway. Photo: Aengus McMahon
Michael D. Higgins gave the following speech as Gaeilge at the event.
A Dhaoine uaisle,
Ar an gcéad dul síos is mian liom mo bhuíochas ó chroí a ghabháil libh as ucht an fhíorchaoin fáilte a d’fhear sibh romham. Is mór dom a bheith anseo in bhur dteannta ag an ollchomhdháil speisialta seo atá á heagrú ag Conradh na Gaeilge i gcomhpháirt le hOllscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh.
Is mian liom mo bhuíochas a ghabháil le hUachtarán Ollscoil na hÉireann, Gaillimh, Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, agus guím gach rath air dos na blianta atá le teacht. Gabhaim buíochas chomh maith le hIar-Uachtarán na hOllscoile, James J Browne, leis an Dochtúir John Walsh ó Scoil na dTeangacha, na Litríochtaí agus na gCultúr, leis an Dochtúir Niall Comer, Uachtarán Chonradh na Gaeilge, agus le Julian de Spáinn, Ard-Rúnaí Chonradh na Gaeilge, as ucht caoinchuireadh a thabhairt dom bheith i láthair ag an ócáid seo.
Agus nach suimiúl an clár atá leagtha síos dúinn inniu. Chuala sibh ar maidin ó Alan Esslemont maidir le tábhacht an chraic trí Ghaeilge, agus ón Dr. Máire Harris maidir le hEoin Mac Néill. Thug an tOllamh Tadhg Ó hIfearnáin aitheasc ar Canúint agus Caighdeán agus an Conradh agus labhair an Dr Hugh Rowland romham i dtaca leis na seascadaí agus cad a bhí ar siúl ag an gConradh an tráth sin.
Níos déanaí beidh Dr John Walsh ag labhairt faoi chraoltóireacht trí Ghaeilge ó bunaíodh an Stáit, beidh An tOllamh Regina Uí Chollatáin ag labhairt faoi ghuth na mBan in Iriseoireacht na Gaeilge agus Cuan Ó Seireadáin ag labhairt faoi Chartlann an Chonartha. Tá aiféala orm nach bhfuil sé ar mo chumas a bheith libh don phlé a bhí agus a bheidh agaibh ar na hábhair shuimiúla agus thábhachtacha seo, ach táim ag súil go mór na páipéir éagsúla a léamh nuair a sheolfar amach iad.
Sa saol nua seo atá os ár gcomhair tá ról an Chonartha chomh tábhachtach agus a bhí i ré Dhubhghlas de hÍde. San aois seo tá sé de dhualgas orainn, im’ thuairimse, mar chaomhnóirí oidhreacht an Chonartha, agus mar chaomhnóirí ár gcultúir, an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn mar theanga labhartha laethúil in Éirinn le fuinneamh ar leith, ag tógáil san áireamh dúshláin agus féidearthachtaí an lae inniu.
Tá 2018 fógraithe mar “Bliain na Gaeilge”. Leis an teideal sin curtha ar an mBliain, tá dualgas orainn a bheidh i ndáiríre faoi úsáid laethúil na teanga agus faoi thodhchaí úsáid na Gaeilge. Caithimid aon leisciúlacht a chur ar leataobh agus níl aon amhras ná go bhfuil iarracht bhreise, nua ag teastáil ó gach leibhéal de chóras riaracháin an Stáit. Caithim a rá nach leor an eiseamláir atá le feiceáil ó na leibhéil is airde sa státchóras, iadsan a bheadh in ann difríocht mhór a dhéanamh trína sampla agus leis na hacmhainní atá ar fáil acu.
Sa chomhthéacs reatha seo tá sé intuigthe gur aithnigh coiste eagraithe na comhdhála seo plé agus cíoradh ar athbheochan na Gaeilge agus ról Chonradh na Gaeilge ann mar théama agus muid ag ceiliúradh Bliain na Gaeilge 2018. Tá sé oiriúnach mar théama i gcomhthéacs ár gcomóradh 125 bliain ó bunaíodh Conradh na Gaeilge agus cinneadh stairiúl, fíor-thábhachtach an Chonartha a chartlann a chur i dtaisce go buan i Leabharlann Shéamais Uí Argadáin anseo in Ollscoil na hÉireann Gaillimh.
Eiseamláir do chách maidir le hathbheochan na Gaeilge ná Dubhghlas de hÍde – An Craoibhín Aoibhinn. Cuimhnímid air go speisialta inniu agus comóradh ochtó bliain a oirnithe mar chéad Uachtarán na tíre seo ag teacht, seachtain ó Dé Luan seo chugainn, an 25ú lá de Mheitheamh.
B’fhiú dúinn a aithint gurbh é an dúil a bhí ag Dubhghlas de hÍde sa Ghaeilge agus i nósanna cultúrtha na tíre seo, dúil a shaothraigh sé ag leibhéal domhain, go saonta, agus go muiníneach agus a bhí in ómós do litríocht na hÉireann, ba é an dúil sin a chuir an ruaig ar aon sórt cúngaigeantachta i nDubhghlas de hÍde. Fear oilte, il-teangach agus fadradharcach a bhí ann.
Chaith sé an dúil sin go macánta agus go bródúil. Cé go raibh sé ag snámh in aghaidh easa ar feadh cuid mhaith dá shaothar, bhí fís aige tógtha ó na glúnta a bhí imithe ach dírithe ar na glúnta a bhí le teacht. Sheas sé an fód agus thuill sé dea-mheas na ndaoine sa bhaile agus i gcéin. Níor chuir sé iontas ar éinne, nuair a tháinig an t-am chun duine a roghnú mar chéad Uachtarán na hÉireann, go raibh a ainm ar bharr an liosta.
An meas a bhí ag a chomhpháirtithe air, mar cheannaire ar ghluaiseacht na hathbheochana agus an meas a bhí acu ar a ghrá do chultúr na hÉireann, ba iad sin na cúiseanna fíor-láidre gur roghnaíodh é don Uachtaránacht. Cuimhnigh arís gur domhan mórthimpeall orainn a bhí anordúil a bhí ann ag an am, le fás an fhaisisteachais thar timpeall na hEorpa agus an bochtanas agus an t-éadóchas a tháinig ar raon de thíortha sa tréimhse deich mbliana sin leis an Spealadh Mór (Great Depression).
Chun ceannaireacht chuí a thabhairt do mhuintir na tíre seo ba eisean a tháinig, mar idéal, go mór le coincheap Oifig na hUachtaránachta a bhí mar chuid lárnach den Bhunreacht nua. Mar iarrthóir ar an Uachtaránacht rinne Dunleavy agus Dunleavy cur síos ar mheon an taidhleora mheiriceánaigh John Cudahy ag an am: “Hyde’s candidacy, Cudahy believed, reflected the conception of the office held by the framers of Ireland’s new constitution: ‘one of permanence, a symbol of Ireland, one of dignity and representation far removed from the tumult and hurly burly of political strife.’”[1]
I nDún Gar i gContae Ros Comáin a rugadh é. Ba ansin, go deimhin, ar spreagadh é agus ar thosaigh sé a thuras pearsanta agus poiblí le bheith ina Ghaeilgeoir agus ina Hibernophile. Ba ansin a chluin sé teanga folaithe na ndaoine aosta – an Ghaeilge. An teanga a bhí ag an ngnáthphobal, an teanga a bhí ag na bochtáin aosaithe, ba í a mheall é. An meas a bhí aige ar dhaoine eile mórthimpeall air, dar ndóigh, a bhí taobh thiar den smaointeachas seo.
Thuig sé go raibh oidhreacht na nÉireannach le haithint sna nithe laethúla den saol thar timpeall air: sa ghnáth-idirghníomh i measc na ndaoine agus sna sean-amhráin de chuid na ndaoine aosta. Ba iad a spreag a chuid suime in amhráin an phobail agus a mheall chun aistir é. Scríobh sé Ámhráin Ghrá Chúige Chonnacht agus a shaothair eile dá bharr.
Thuig sé go sciobtha an baol a bhí ann maidir leis an teanga, agus go raibh an Ghaeilge, agus an cultúr Gaelach ar imeall a mbáis. Thuig sé leis go raibh géarghá le ghluaiseacht náisiúnta chun í a choimeád slán. Agus ní raibh sé leis féin ina thuairimí.
I Márta 1893, leag Eoin Mac Néill a thuairim féin síos in Irisleabhar na Gaeilge. Dar leis:
“…gan amhras is féidir linn an Ghaeilge a choinneáil beo. Mura gcoinnítear beo í, is sinne a bheas ciontach lena bás. Cuirimis romhainn feasta í a choinneáil beo.”
Bhí Eoin Mac Néill ag lorg bunú eagraíochta chun ceannaireacht a léiriú agus ba go fonnmhar a ghlac Conradh na Gaeilge leis an dúshlán sin. Nuair a bunaíodh an Conradh i mí Iúil 1893 bhí pobal na hÉireann in ísle brí agus bhí an tír faoi réimeas Impireacht na Breataine. Bhí an lámh in uachtar ag an mBéarla agus bhí ár dteanga dhúchais faoi chois, gan stádas agus ag fáil bháis de réir a chéile.
Bhí smaointe Dhubhghlas de hÍde, Uí Néill agus a gcomhghleacaithe bunaithe ar an mbunphrionsabal nárbh fhéidir leis an bpearsantacht Éireannach dul i mbláth i gceart agus nach mbeadh sí in ann lán a cumais a bhaint amach toisc na srianta agus na mbacainní a bhain leis an tsochaí a bhí ann ag an am.
Mar a dúirt mé cheana, is sochaí a bhí ann a cruthaíodh agus a treoraíodh den chuid ba mhó ar mhaithe leis an Ríocht seachas ar mhaithe leis na hÉireannaigh. Bhí athbheochan na teanga mar chuid lárnach den fhealsúnacht a bhí lárnach don ghlún réabhlóideach, a bheag nó a mhór. An t-idéal a bhí acu ná sochaí Ghaelach a athchruthú a bheadh oiriúnach don phobal Éireannach agus ag a mbeadh ceangal díreach lena n-oidhreacht Ghaelach. Ba é aidhm na físe nua ná áit na bréagshochaí coilíní a líonadh.
Sa leabhar suntasach sin le Nicholas M. Wolf a foilsíodh in 2014, An Irish Speaking Island, léirítear dúinn go raibh suas le ceithre mhilliún cainteoir Gaeilge in Éirinn in 1830. Sa chéad leath den naoú haois déag, bhí Gaeilge á labhairt i ngach ceann de na 32 contae agus go forleathan – ní amháin san Iarthar ach fud fad na tíre ó thuaisceart Bhaile Átha Cliath agus Chill Mhantáin go Port Láirge agus Oirthear Chorcaí. Ó Chontae an Dúin agus Aontroma go Cabhán agus Muineachán.
In 1851 bhí comharsanacht ina labhraítí Gaeilge i ngach ceann de chathracha agus de mhórbhailte na hÉireann. Sa bhliain sin bhí ar a laghad 10,000 Gaeilgeoir i gCathair Chorcaí, 15,000 i gcathair na Gaillimhe agus 4000 i gcathracha Luimnigh agus Phort Láirge. Agus bhí an Ghaeilge le cloisteáil i measc daoine de gach aicme agus gach reiligiún.
Dar le Wolf, chun tuiscint iomlán a bheith againn ar údair chaolaithe na teanga ní leor dúinn diriú ar dhearcadh Dhónal Uí Chonaill gan athbheochan na Gaeilge a chur chun cinn mar ghné den ghluaiseacht don neamhspleáchas, ar an gcóras oideachais nó ar mheon na hEaglaise i leith na teanga. Bhí an scéal i bhfad níos casta le tionchar an-mhór ag tosca tráchtála, riachtanais i leith fostaíochta agus féidearthachtaí eacnamaíochta agus na cúinsí a bhain leis an imirce.
Tar éis an Ghorta Mhóir, thit an daonra ó ocht go leith milliún duine sa bhliain 1845 go cúig mhilliún duine sa bhliain 1851 agus thit líon na nGaeilgeoirí go milliún go leith. Faoin mbliain 1911, mar gheall ar imirce agus cúinsí eile, bhí an daonra tite go 3.1 milliún duine agus gan ach leathmhilliún duine díobh ag maíomh go raibh cumas sa Ghaeilge acu.
Sna cúinsí sin, is dea-scéala é, céad is a seacht bliain ina dhiaidh sin, go bhfuil daonra na tíre, ó thuaidh agus ó dheas, méadaithe go hos cionn 6.5 milliún duine agus 2 mhilliún duine díobh ag maíomh go bhfuil cumas sa Ghaeilge acu.
Táim ana-shásta go bhfuil staraithe ar nós Nicholas M. Wolf arís ag díriú ar chúrsaí teanga le linn an naoú haois déag agus ar na cúiseanna ar tháinig meath chomh mór ar líon na gcainteoirí Gaeilge le linn na tréimhse sin. Is cuid lárnach dár stair nach bhfuil aird chuí faoi leith faighte aige ó scoláirí agus is léir go raibh deacrachtaí ag baint le cur chuige mhórchuid na staraithe a rinne plé ar an scéal, dar le Wolf.
Ró-mhinic, b’fhéidir, ní raibh taighde ná anailís chuimsitheach déanta ar an ngaol casta a bhí ann idir an teanga agus an náisiúnachas, cúrsaí eacnamaíochta, cultúr agus cúrsaí creidimh, nó fiú ar na difríochtaí suntasacha a bhí ann laistigh den ghrúpa d’fhir agus mná a bhí gafa le húsáid na teanga le linn na ré sin idir 1770 – 1870.
Cuireann taighde Nicholas Wolf go mór lenár dtuiscint maidir leis na tionchair éagsúla a cuireadh i bhfeidhm ar an daonra agus ní ar mhaitheas na Gaeilge a bhí siad. Nuair a thuigimid na fáthanna a d’iompair an méid sin daoine a ndroim ar an teanga, roinnt mhaith acu nach raibh aon dul as acu, b’fhéidir go dtuigfimid conas daoine a mhealladh ar ais chuici.
Ta plé déanta agam cheana ar thréimhse na hathbheochana agus áit lárnach an Chonartha sa ghlúin réabhlóideach agus sna hiarrachtaí ár dtír a threorú i dtreo an neamhspleáchais. Tá go leor scríofa ar an gceist go dtí seo agus tá súil agam, le lonnú cheartlann an Chonartha anseo in Ollscoil na Gaillimhe, agus an cinneadh atá déanta go gcuirfear ar fáil go digiteach í, go ndéanfar tuilleadh taighde agus go bhfaighfear tuiscint nua, le foilsiú ag scoláirí agus staraithe ar an tréimhse sin, ar imeachtaí laochra an Chonartha sna laethanta rí-thábhachtacha ag deireadh an naoú haois déag agus tús an 20ú haois.
I measc na doiciméid tá bailiúchán suntasach d’fhoilseacháin an Chonartha thar na blianta: Fáinne An Lae, An Claidheamh Soluis, Misneach, Feasta, Rosc agus nuachtáin eile ar nós An tÉireannach agus An Glór ina measc.
Níos suimiúla, ar shlí, tá cáipéisí ann a bhaineann le riaradh agus forbairt polasaithe na heagraíochta ó 1893 ar aghaidh: Leabhar Cláraithe na gCraobhacha, Leabhair Ard-Fheise, miontuairiscí an Choiste Gnó. Comhfhreagras Uachtaráin Chonradh na Gaeilge sna 60idí agus 70idí agus cáipéisí a bhaineann le Craobh Chonradh na Gaeilge i Londain, ina bhfuil cáipéisí a thugann breis eolais dúinn ar nasc Mhíchíl Uí Choileáin leis an gConradh.
Is bailiúchán é a leireoidh dlúthbhaint stair agus obair na heagraíochta ní hamháin le próiseas bunaithe an Stáit, ach le próiseas múnlaithe an Stáit le linn a staire uilig, go háirithe i gcomhthéacs forbairt polasaithe oideachais, gluaiseacht na nGaelscoileanna, bunú Raidió na Gaeltachta agus TG4 (is cuimhin liom go maith an t-am sin!), agus na hiarrachtaí a rinneadh thar na blianta polasaithe inmharthanacha (sustainable) don Ghaeltacht a chruthú agus a chur i bhfeidhm.
Tá ceisteanna le freagairt. Conas ar éirigh leis an gcaolaigeantacht agus an coimeádachas greim chomh mór sin a fháil ar an nGaeilge. An dtuigimid na difríochtaí idir na modhanna teagaisc? Céard iad foinsí na tíorántachta a shleamhnaigh isteach?
Le blianta beaga anuas, agus muid ag céiliúradh na n-eachtraí agus na ngluaiseachtaí cinniúnacha sin ó bhreis agus céad bliain ó shin, tá sé imithe i luí go mór orm an tábhacht atá ag baint le chaomhnú ábhair chartlainne, ní amháin ar leas staraithe agus scoláirí ach ar leas gach éinne a bhfuil suim acu dul i ngleic lenár stair; chun scéal casta na hÉireann a thuiscint níos fearr agus chun brí cheart a bhaint ó eachtraí atá caite agus an tionchar atá acu fós ar ár dtír mar atá sí inniu.
Gan chaomhnú cúramach agus cruth ceart curtha ar an ábhar seo, tá baol ann go gcaillfear go deo snáitheanna dár scéal mar thír agus mar phobal. Cuireann digitiú an ábhair seo lena luach, ag cinntiú go mbeidh na doiciméid shuntasacha seo ar fáil go forleathan, do chách. Molaim sibh.
Caithfimid breathnú siar chun fíor-thuiscint a bheith againn ar an áit ina bhfuilimid. Mura bhfuil an tuiscint sin againn beidh sé deacair orainn tionchar dearfach a bheith againn sna todhchaí.
Mar sin, cad atá i ndán don Ghaeilge? Conas ar féidir linn sochaí a thógaint in mbeidh fáilte forleathan roimh an nGaeilge agus meas ar an dteanga mar chuid lárnach dár saol mar dhaoine agus mar phobal?
Chun é seo a phlé ní fiú dúinn ach a bheith macánta maidir leis na straitéisí agus na polasathe nár éirigh leo agus maidir leis an tacaíocht a bhí ag teastáil, nó lena rabhamar ag súil, ach nár tháinig.
Ar íoc muid praghas ard ar aicmeachas na hathbheochana ar uairibh? Ní réabhlóidithe uilig a bhí ann ar ábhar na cothromaíochta mar shampla.
Caithfimid, ag an am céanna, a bheith dóchasach maidir leis na rudaí dearfacha a tharla agus atá ag tarlú agus na féidearthachtaí atá ann dúinn ach iad a aithint.
Cé go bhfuil go leor dúshlán le sárú ag an nGaeilge mar theanga mhionlaigh atá timpeallaithe ag mórtheanga dhomhanda an Bhéarla, tá ár dteanga dhúchais féin againn. Tá seans againn rudaí nua a dhéanamh le huirlisí nua. Is teanga í a bhfuil cosaint bhunreachtúil aici agus aitheantas mar theanga oifigiúil de chuid na hÉireann agus de chuid an Aontais Eorpaigh. Sin aitheantas oifigiúl ach is aitheantas i meon an phobail atá ar iarraidh.
Ó thaobh na hEorpa de, is fiú a aithint chomh maith go mbíonn an dátheangachas nó an t-ilteangachas níos coitianta ná an t-aonteangachas. Tá an Ghaeilge á múineadh do mhórchuid daltaí an Stáit seo agus fás iontach tagtha ar an nGaeilge i gcóras Oideachais an Tuaiscirt. Tá borradh tagtha ar líon na nGaelscoileanna ar fud na tíre agus an t-éileamh ann do thuilleadh.
Tá earnáil chruthaitheach, nuálach go hiomlan trí Ghaeilge sna meáin chumarsáide, le craolacháin den scoth ar TG4, Raidió na Gaeltachta agus stáisiúin eile nach iad. Nach trua aon uair a mbíonn sé ag teastáil iad a mheabhrú faoina n-oibligeáidí. Dá mbeifeá ag breathnú orainn ó 1893, b’fhéidir go ndéarfá go bhfuil roinnt dul chun cinn déanta, ach gan dabht tá tuilleadh le déanamh fós.
An rud is tabhachtaí ná caithfimid a bheith dáiríre inár n-iarrachtaí chun úsáid na Gaeilge a leathnú san Éirinn nua-aoiseach, ilchineálach ina bhfuilimid ag maireachtáil.
Caithfimid cuimhneamh, chomh maith, go bhfuil an athbheochan atá á plé againn is a bheidh cuí don aois seo againne difriúil b’fhéidir ón athbheochan a phléigh siad céad fiche cúig bliain ó shin, nó caoga bliain ó shin nó fiche bliain ó shin fiú. Tá seanchleachtadh againn thar an am sin – cad a d’oibrigh, cad nár oibrigh. Tá ár sochaí athraithe chomh maith. Tá meon na ndaoine maidir leis an iliomad gné den saol ag athrú go sciobtha agus tá baoil agus féidearthachtaí nua ann don teanga dá bharr.
Tá pobal na tíre réidh d’iarrachtaí nua maidir le hathbheochan na teanga. Is ceist chultúrtha iomlán í, dar liom. Ceist dhaonna atá inti agus ceist dár dhaonra ina iomláine. Baineann ceist na Gaeilge go mór le ré nua na hÉireann, leis an tsochaí nua ilchineálach atá ann. Tá daonra na hÉireann níos ilnáisiúnta, níos ilteangaí agus níos il-eitní ná mar a bhí riamh in ár gcuid comhchuimhne. Tá ceist na Gaeilge le plé sna réaltachtaí a ghabhann le hÉirinn ilteangach agus ilchiníoch.
Thart timpeall orainn anois tá ciníocha eile ag maireachtáil taobh linn, lena gcuid teangacha cuí, agus tá Éire nua á cruthú againn dá bharr. Is deis iontach í seo chun luach na Gaeilge a chothú an athuair.
Tá sé ag teastáil go mbeadh uaisleacht ag baint leis an bhfáilte a chuireann Éire roimh ciníocha le teangacha agus cultúir dá gcuid féin acu agus tugann sé sásamh faoi leith dhom nuair a chasaim le leanaí na n-imirceach céanna agus iad ag tabhairt faoi chómhra liom i nGaeilge.
Tá an domhain ag cungú ar go leor slite agus cé go bhfuil cultúr mealltach domhanda le brath ar shaol digiteach na linne seo, ar shlí cuireann an t-aonchineálacht seo i gcuimhne do dhaoine go bhfuil luach faoi leith ag baint lena gcultúr féin, lena dteanga féin agus gur fiú iad a chosaint agus a nochtadh. B’fhéidir gur spreagadh í seo chun a teanga féin a úsaid, fiú.
An fís is cóir a bheidh againn ná go mbeadh an Ghaeilge lonnaithe i gcroílár ár gcultúr náisiúnta, agus í á caitheamh againn go headrom mar dhaoine agus mar dhaonra. Ach ní tharlóidh a leithéid gan dáiríreacht agus gan pleanáil, bunaithe ar fhís réadúil. Is fiú Bliain na Gaeilge a úsáíd mar uirlis chun laochra na teangan a aithint, An Conradh ina measc, ach ní leor í. Caithfimid dáiríreachas nua a chur ar an saol i leith na Gaeilge.
Is mór an deis atá again, ach í a thapú, chun daoine a mhealladh ar ais chuig an teanga agus, mar a impím orthu ó am go ham, an tarna seans a thabhairt don Ghaeilge.
I dtaca leis an gcóras oideachais, tá sé ró-éasca a bheith diúltach ina leith agus gan dabht tá fadhbanna ann i gcónaí maidir le múineadh na Gaeilge agus le tacaíocht do ghaelscoileanna. Ach caithfimid aitheantas a thabhairt d’iarrachtaí macánta chun feabhas a chur ar an scéal. Faoi láthair tá nuálaíochtaí sa chóras oideachais ag an mbunleibhéal, an dara leibhéal mar aon leis an tríú leibhéal á gcur i bhfeidhm chun an caighdeán Gaeilge mórthimpeall orainn a fheabhsú.
Ag deireadh mí an Mhárta d’fhógair Institiúid Oideachais Marino agus Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál, Ollscoil Luimnigh go mbeadh siad ag cur dhá chlár oideachais do mhúinteoirí nua trí mheán na Gaeilge ar fáil. Is cúis dóchais í seo, gan dabht.
Ag féachaint siar ar chinnithe rialtais, n’fheadar an mórbhotún a bhí ann sna seascadaí nuair a rinneadh an cinneadh sin na Coláistí Ullmhúcháin sna Gaeltachtaí a dhúnadh. Is deis a bhí ann do mhúinteoirí óga iad féin a shá go hiomlán sa Ghaeilge agus sa Ghaeltacht ar feadh tréimhse. N’fheadair an bhfuil an laghdú i gcumas teanga agus i ndea-thoil ár múinteoirí scoile maidir leis an teanga, mar thoradh, i bpáirt, ar an gcinneadh sin? Ceapaim go bhfuil sé fíor go ndearnadh botún mór ó thaobh an oideachais de ar bhonn airgead a shábháil agus greim a fháil ag údaráis an Stáit agus ag údaráis an chreidimh ag an am céanna ar an gcóras.
Ar deireadh an lae, má táimid le bheith dáiríre i dtaca leis an nGaeilge caithfimid aghaidh, i ndáiríre, a thabhairt ar an tslí ina bhfuil sí á múineadh sna scoileanna, na háiseanna atá ar fáil, agus an tslí ina bhfuil ár múinteoirí oilte chuige sin, agus an athoiliúint atá ar fáil.
Túr dóchais eile dom ná an dul chun cinn atá déanta ag pobal na Gaeilge sa Tuaisceart le blianta beaga anuas agus ar an bhfuinneamh agus an cruthaitheacht atá le feiceáil go soiléir ina n-iarrachtaí scoileanna agus cultúrlanna a bhunú agus ranganna Gaeilge a reáchtáil. Is gné shuimiúil í i stair na teanga an méid Gaeilge a bhí in úsáid ag na hAontachtaithe agus na Protastúnaigh leis na céadta bliain anuas. Cuireann sé díomá orm go bhfuil an Ghaeilge anois mar ábhar conspóide sa Tuaisceart. Ní mar sin ar chóir dó a bheith. Caithfimid a chuimhneamh nach le haon fhealsúnacht pholaitiúil faoi leith ná le haon chreideamh faoi leith an teanga. Tá fáilte roimh chách i bpobal na Gaeilge agus is féidir gach saghas “saoirse intinne” a chleachtadh, is cuma cén dúchas atá ag duine.
Dúinne, atá tógtha leis an nGaeilge, is ábhar céiliúrtha í an teanga dúinn mar chuid lárnach dár n-oidhreacht. Nuair a thuigimid luach na teanga agus gach ní a bhaineann léi, tuigimid, ag an am céanna, luach na dteangacha eile a úsáidtear ar an oileán seo, agus tábhacht na dtraidisiún éagsúil atá ag maireachtáil ar scáth a chéile fud fad na tíre.
Is ceist mhór, chun leas an phobail ina iomláine, úsáid na Gaeilge a leathnú agus is i measc an phobail, ó shaoránaigh uile na hÉireann, thuaidh agus theas, a fhásfaidh athúsáíd na teanga, más féidir linn le chéile an tine a lasadh arís agus muintir na hÉireann a spreagadh chun bheith mar phobal a fháiltíonn go tréan roimh an teanga.
Chun é seo a dhéanamh caithfear na bacainní agus na cúiseanna nár éirigh, den chuid ba mhó, le beartas an Stáit maidir leis an dátheangachas, agus cad é an bealach is fearr le cur leis an dearcadh dearfach atá ag pobal mór na tíre i leith na teanga agus conas cur ina luí orthu í a úsáid. Níor chóir aon eagla a bheith orainn ár n-aghaidh a thabhairt ar bhealaí nua chun an teanga a mhúineadh, a fhoghlaim agus a úsáid, sa chóras oideachais agus lasmuigh de araon.
Ag féachaint ar an ualach mór tuarascálacha faoi na Gaeltachtaí, ag tosnú leis an gceann is fearr i mo thuairimse, tuarascáil Risteárd Uí Mhaolchatha i 1926, ta sé soiléir go bhfuil dúshláin faoi leith le sárú fós sa Ghaeltacht leis an nGaeilge a choinneáil mar theanga pobail agus chun go mbeidh fás agus forbairt ar na pobail sin trí chur ar a gcumas pleanáil ón mbun aníos. Tá dúshlán faoi leith os comhair mhuintir na Gaeltachta ach tá gá le tacaíocht sa bhreis uathu chun an tseoid seo dár gcultúr a choimead slán.
Is minic a deirtear gurb iad na Gaeltachtaí tobar na teanga sa tír seo, agus tá sé riachtanach go n-aithneoimid, mar thír, ní amháin chomh luachmhar ach chomh fulangach is atá siad.
Tá sé éasca é sin a rá, ach chun go n-eireoidh linn, beidh orainn uile, sa státchóras agus sna Gaeltachtaí araon a bheith dáiríre faoi cad atá uainn, agus má táimid dáiríre, na cinnithe cuí a dhéanamh agus na hacmhainní agus an tacaíocht cuí a chur in áit.
Mar thír, creidim go bhfuil seans ann go bhfuilimid réidh anois leis an gcéad chéim eile a ghlacadh i dtreo fhís bheo na hathbheochana, ‘sé sin úsáid na Gaeilge a spreagadh agus a chraobhscaoileadh go bródúil agus go forleathan ar fud na tíre agus lasmuigh de i measc na n-Éireannach atá ina gcónaí thar lear. Ach ar uairibh, tá an fhianaise lag.
Tá dualgas orainn agus ról againn ar fad san iarracht seo. Molaim sibhse sa Chonradh atá ag iarradh a bheith in bhur gceannródaithe nua-aoiseacha, mar a bhí sibh le 125 bliain anuas. Tá páirt lárnach agaibhse atá gafa sna hollscoileanna agus sa chóras oideachais. Beidh fís agus ceannasaíocht ag teastáil ó pholaiteoirí, uathu siúd le cumhacht sa státchóras agus go háirithe ó na meáin chumarsáide. Molaim go mór na hiriseoirí sin a bhí agus atá fíorchabhrach dóibh siúd sa saol poiblí a labhraíonn Gaeilge. Beidh mé libh ag tabhairt cibé cabhair is féidir liom fad is atá mé mar Uachtarán na hÉireann, agus ina dhiaidh sin chomh maith.
Fad is a mhairfidh an prionsabal go mbaineann an ceart do theanga dhúchasach a usáid mar shuaineantas i gcroí an daonlathais, mairfidh an Ghaeilge. De réir mar a neartófar an fhís, neartófar an Ghaeilge.
Tréaslaím arís le Conradh na Gaeilge as a obair ón am ar bunaíodh é go dtí an lá inniu. Tréaslaím arís le hOllscoil na Gaillimhe maidir leis an mbeartas áirithe seo agus an dea-obair atá faoi bhun agaibh thar na blianta.
Cllr. Niall McNelis has been elected Mayor of Galway for the coming year.
The election to replace Cllr. Pearce Flannery took place today, Friday, 15th June.
The Labour party city councillor and his wife Aideen run their own business, Claddagh and Celtic Jewellery Co.
He was selected as the party’s Galway West candidate last year.
In the past, Niall has highlighted issues such as lack of community facilities particularly in areas such as Knocknacarra where there is no community centre, post office or facilities for young people such as a youth cafe.
Galway senior camogie manager Cathal Murray has made two changes to his team ahead of their second All-Ireland championship round-robin fixture against Waterford on Saturday (16th June).
Dual star Caitriona Cormican and Sarsfields captain Orlaith McGrath come into the starting line-up instead of Niamh Kilkenny and Niamh Hanniffy.
Kilkenny picked up a thumb injury her player of the match performance against Clare last Saturday (9th June). And goal scorer Hanniffy in that 1-16 to 0-9 victory also picked up a knock and both are rested though they are named on the bench if required.
Another positive result will put one foot into the knock out series and the Tribeswomen will be strong favourites having trounced the Deise 5-28 to 1-10 in 2017 thanks to goals from Finola Keely and two each for Ailish O’Reilly and Noreen Coen.
Another noteworthy positional move sees Heather Cooney named at centre back with Shauna Healy dropping back to the corner.
Galway meet Waterford in the 2018 All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship on Saturday, 16th June. Throw-in at Kenny Park, Athenry is 5pm and will be proceeded by the intermediate game between Galway and Tipperary.
Galway Ladies Football are running a fundraiser this Saturday night (16th June) and it promises to be a fun-filled event.
‘Night At The Dogs’ promises quality entertainment with tree prizes worth €500, €300 and €200 being handed out on the night.
All proceeds go towards Galway Ladies Football with the seniors preparing for the Connacht Final on Sunday, 24th June. And the minors and under 16s have All-Ireland semi-finals against Cavan and Donegal respectively.
The event takes place in Galway Greyhound Stadium on Saturday with Gates opening at 6.30pm and the first race taking place at 7.52pm with at least 10 races on the night.
Tickest are just €20 and includes entry free for the draw and a race card and are available from your local club or any member of the Galway executive.
So, if you haven’t made any Saturday night plans yet, then Galway Greyhound Stadium in conjunction with Galway Ladies Football is the place to be.
Upcoming Galway LGFA Fixtures:
TG4 Connacht Senior Ladies Football Final – Sunday, 24th June
GALWAY vs MAYO (4pm MacHalePark, Castlebar)
All-Ireland Minor LGFA Semi-Final – Saturday, 30th June
GALWAY vs CAVAN (Moate, Westmeath – Time TBC)
All-Ireland under 16 LGFA Semi-Final – Wednesday, 4th July
GALWAY vs DONEGAL (7.30pm Connolly Park, Owenmore Gaels, Sligo)
The Galway Film Fleadh has announced Masterclasses with Andrew Scott, Madeleine Olnek and Ed Solomon.
The Masterclasses offer a unique chance to learn from experts in their respective fields, in an intimate engaging environment.
The much-acclaimed Irish actor Andrew Scott, who has starred in a diverse array of projects across film, TV and theatre, will deliver the Actors Masterclass on Saturday 14th July.
Andres Scott has starred in a vast number of successful feature films. Recent work includes Denial, starring alongside Rachel Weisz and Timothy Spall; Spectre from the James Bond franchise; Alice Through the Looking Glass with Johnny Depp, Ken Loach’s Jimmy’s Hall.
He received the British Independent Film Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his role in hit British film Pride.
Scott’s forthcoming film Steel Country will screen on Friday 13th July as part of this year’s Galway Film Fleadh programme.
Director & Writer Madeleine Olnek will be the subject of the Directors Masterclass, taking place on Thursday 12th July. Madeleine’s films have been nominated at SXSW, Sundance and Seattle International Film Festival, among others.
There will be a screening of Madeleine’s latest feature Wild Nights with Emily – a comedy with absurdist leanings, focusing on the secret life of Emily Dickinson – taking place on Wednesday 11th July. Using Dickinson’s letters and poems, the film paints a much sunnier portrait of the poet than that of the reclusive spinster terrified of publication.
Instead, the film imagines a lively woman forced to hide a lifelong love affair whose work was mostly rejected by a literary establishment that would embrace it after her death.
The subject of this year’s Screenwriting Masterclass will be Ed Solomon, taking place on Friday 13th July.
Ed Solomon began his career in his teens as a joke writer, playwright, and stand-up comedian. He was hired (while still in college at UCLA) as a staff writer on ABC TV’s hit comedy show Laverne and Shirley, which made him the youngest member of the Writers’ Guild at the time.
He went on to write hundreds of episodes of television and dozens of feature films. Ed is best known for Men in Black, Charlie’s Angels, Now You See Me 1 & 2 and Mosaic starring Sharon Stone. Ed is currently working on the long awaited third instalment in the Bill and Ted franchise: Billy and Ted Face the Music, set to shoot in February 2019.
Directors Masterclass – €25 – Thursday 12th July from 10am – 1pm
Screenwriters Masterclass – €50 – Friday 13th July from 10am – 1pm
Galway’s intermediate camogie team has been announced ahead of their Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Championship opener against Tipperary on Saturday (16th June).
It’s the first of five games for the Tribeswomen with further games to come against Antrim, Kildare, Westmeath and Kilkenny. The top two teams qualify for the semi-finals with the finalists competing in Croke Park on Sunday, 9th September.
Noel Finn is back as a Galway manager after leading the seniors to All-Ireland finals in 2010 and 2011. And he also brought Roscommon’s juniors to GAA headquarters in 2015.
But before the maroon and white’s last intermediate success in 2013, Finn was in charge when they were champions in 2004 and 2009.
The 2018 squad is captained by Mullagh’s Ciara Donohue, sister of senior Aoife. And the defence includes the consistent Lorraine Coen and Eva Gilmore at centre back. Davitts’ Tara Murphy returns to inter county actions after playing in the 2017 league.
Liam Mellows and Castlegar combine in midfield as Sinead Minihan partners Elisha Broderick. And the attack contains Karen Kennedy, Rachel Monaghan and Tara Ruttledge, who scored a goal in the 2011 All-Ireland senior final.
And with Dervla Higgins and Aoife Lynskey included among the bench, confidence is high that the Tribeswomen will have a serious chance at competing for the Jack McGrath Cup.
The senior team to take on Waterford is expected to be announced at 5pm.
Galway meet Tipperary in their opening game of the 2018 Liberty Insurance All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship on Saturday, 16th June. Throw-in in Kenny Park, Athenry is at 3pm and will be followed by the senior clash between Galway and Waterford.
Star of Derry Girls and Oranmore native Nicola Coughlan has hit out at theatre reviewer Philip Fisher for commenting on her weight in a review of the play she is in.
In a series of Tweets yesterday, Coughlan said: “Hi @BritTheatreGuid, for the second time your reviewer Philip Fisher has come to see a show I’m in, and as part of reviewing the show he has also reviewed my body. How can you continue to support this?
“I was in a show called Jess and Joe Forever @traversetheatre last August which he came to see and his opening sentence was “Jess is a fat girl” My weight has no relevance to either the performance I gave in that or in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.”
Part of Fisher’s review
She added: “Just so you know @BritTheatreGuid I am so disappointed you let a man like this review for you. Let me state this clearly, he is not welcome to review any show I am in from now till forever. And I plan to be in a lot of damn shows. Peace.”
Fans flocked to support the Galway actress who shot to fame last year in Channel 4’s biggest new comedy for nearly five years.
I genuinely struggle to understand how that is even a prominent characteristic of you physically? You’re not a large person? There’s nothing wrong with being big, but you’re just not?
Next Wednesday’s (20th June) episode of TG4‘s Tocht na Máthar will feature interviews with friends and relatives of Siobhán Hynes, a 17-year-old from Leitir Mór who was sexually assaulted and murdered in Carraroe in December 1998.
Tocht na Máthar is a documentary series that examines how mothers cope when the worst happens to their children.
In next week’s episode, Bríd Hynes, Siobhán’s mother, recounts the tragic story of how her teenage daughterwas assaulted and murdered, just a week after her 17th birthday.
That night, Siobhán left a car parked outside a hotel in An Cheathrú Rua in Connemara and never returned.
Her body was found the next day on a local beach.
Local man John McDonagh was arrested and charged with her murder.
Much to the family’s relief on June 18th, 2001, McDonagh was jailed for life and also received a 10-year sentence for rape.
It has been 19 years since Bríd’s daughter was taken from her and although time has passed, a deep pain remains in her heart.
This documentary will be on TG4 on Wednesday 20 June at 10.20pm & repeated on Friday 22 June at 11.35pm.
Sean Canney TD has confirmed that the additional walking trail on Knockma Hill is now complete and is open for use.
It includes a 1.7km additional walking trail and will open up this historic location for people to view all parts of Galway.
“This amenity is an asset to our tourism attractions and I am delighted to have been involved in getting a €80,000 grant under the town and village renewal scheme for this project.
“Additionally a number of bus parking areas will be installed to accommodate school tours and tourists to this location.
“Knockma possesses a unique abundance of wildlife and bio diversity, and is also a very historic location. It is an ideal location for people to exercise or just to relax taking in the full views available from the top of the hill. I would like to congratulate Caherlistrane/Kilcoona Community Council and their sub-committee for driving this project.
“I acknowledge the total support and commitment of Galway County Council, National Parks and Wildlife under the leadership of Ranger John Higgins, and the Department of Community and Rural Development for their support. I have been working on this project for a number of years and I want to acknowledge the assistance of former TD Paul Connaughton in convincing the Department of Heritage to purchase the land at the top of the hill.
“I also want to acknowledge the work of Cllr. Billy Connelly Chairman of the Community Council for driving this project at local level.
“We now have an amenity which will be a major focus point for tourism in our area and I will be encouraging the Department of Tourism to market this amenity under the Hidden Heartlands of Ireland brand.
“We have many such unique amenities in Galway East and I am determined that these amenities form part of the tourism map nationally,” said the Galway East TD.
Bhuaigh Bloc TG4 gradam sa Rannóg na Gaeilge ag na Sockies san Ard Chathair.
Aréir d’fhreastal slua mór ar na Sockies – searmanas a bhíonn ann chun tacaíocht a thabhairt dos na gnólachtaí a bhaineann úsáid as na hárdán meáin soisialta chun chur leis an gnólacht.
Bíonn grúpaí agus gnólachtaí ainmnithe i catagóirí áirithe agus ar an oíche bronntar duais ar grúpa amháin i chuile catagóir.
Ag an searmanas san RDS aréir bhain Bloc TG4 amach an duais sa Rannóg Gaeilge, do Úsáid na Méain Shoisialta.
Tá Bloc ar an bhfód ó dheireadh na bhliana 2017 agus iad iontach sásta gur iadsan a bhain an duais amach sa rannóg Gaeilge aréir.
Phiocadh Bloc amach as an chatagóir sin agus bronnadh gradam orthu do úsáid na meáin soisialta sa rannóg Gaeilge.
Tá Bloc TG4 dírithe ar lucht féachana atá idir 18-34 bliain d’aois agus bíonn pearsantaí láidir bainteach leis an ábhar físeán a cruthú.
Bíonn Mícheál Ó Ciaraidh (láithreoir Raidió na dTreabh freisin), agus Michael Griffin (múinteoir atá ar briseadh ón múinteoireacht ar feadh bliain go mór mór ag cur na físeáin i láthair.
É sin ráite bíonn mór chuid pearsantaí eile agus iad sa cúlra ag déanamh cinnte go mbíonn gach aon ní ag dul i gceart.
Beidh Bloc ag teacht beo ó Féile na Gealaí, féile cheoil agus cámpála i nGaeltacht Rath Chairn a bheas ar siúl tráthnóna inniu agus amárach freisin an 15-16ú Meitheamh.
Más mian libh faire ar an chaoi a mbeidh an imeacht sin ag dul thuas i Rath Chairn is féidir Bloc a leanúint ar Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, agus Instagram.
Comhgairdeachas mór le Bloc an duais a bhaint amach agus ar ndóigh beidís ag tnúth le a thuilleadh a bhuacaint sa todhchaí.
The Maldron Hotel had never seen anything like it and Galway Bay FM’s Mike Raftery is buzzing with excitement. Even the Connacht Tribune’s Keith Kelly can’t hide his happiness.
Maroon and White jerseys have never been displayed with such passion and not a Supermacs Logo in sight. After an overturn in their organisation, set-up and ownership, it’s a new era with a Tribal feeling. It’s Special! It’s Needs A Special One!
“I am a winner. I like a challenge. I am ready. I have won four leagues and the Airtricity will be the best. It’s a special city along the Wild Atlantic Way. And I am special. I am fantastic! I can be wild! And I am going to bring the Capital of Culture into Europe.”
New Galway United manager Jose Mourinho has made his opening statement after being snatched away from Manchester and the new Saudi owners believe their investment is ready to bear fruit.
“Have you any targets in mind Jose,” beams Galway Bay FM’s Ollie Turner at this Press Conference never before seen in the Western Capital. George McDonagh, Kevin Dwyer and John Mulligan have already penned the song ‘Galway United Man’ and the Connacht Tribune’s John McIntyre is waiting to hear about Jose’s men fighting in the trenches like his did as Tribal manager and Tipperary player.
“I have spoken with the owners. They have promised to spend,” added Mourinho. “They are fantastic. They could have bought any club. Any club would do. But they saw, like I saw, something special in Galway. They are a sleeping giant. I will wake them up. I’m fantastic!”
The Tuam Herald’s David Connors has the scoop. He’s done the homework and knows the Unique Sports Management connection. A man with Connemara roots is going to be the first signing.
“I will not speak about a player from another club,” adds the man whose won league titles in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain. “But we are very interested in any top player that wants to play for Galway. And the owners have promised to help get anyone I want.”
“So are you after Harry Kane,” asks the Connacht Tribune’s Stephen Glennon looking for the back page story that could make Page One of the regional player.
“Harry Kane is special. So is Dele Alli and Cristiano Ronaldo. We have Robbie Williams, Stephen Walsh, Ryan Connolly and Eoin McCormack.
“And my assistant Gerry Murphy says that Joe Canning, Daithi Burke, Damien Comer or Sean Andy O Ceallaigh could be worth a look. They are all great players. I’m a great manager. It will be a great club.”
IMAGINATION
Ok my imagination got the run on me today with the start of the World Cup, rumours about takeovers at Galway United and a picture of Harry Kane on the front page of the Connacht Tribune.
We mightn’t be in it but World Cup Fever has arrived and I’ve just watched Russia give us a starting performance better than any other host with a 5-0 trouncing of Saudi Arabia.
My love affair with sport began on May 31st 1986 thanks to a combination of boredom playing outside and my mother’s awareness that a soccer match was on TV.
Italy against Bulgaria and Mexico 86 would take my breath away for the next month and every World Cup since, I just found it hard to concentrate on anything else when the biggest sporting event on Earth takes over our minds and thoughts.
I’ve not always seen as many games as I’d like. And I’m sure I won’t see as many from this as I’d prefer. It could be a damp squib or it could be something amazing. At least two of Russia’s goals in the first match will be remembered at the finish.
1986 – Maradona against England (hand and run)
1990 – The Mighty Quinn and those penalties in Genoa
1994 – The Giants Stadium, John Aldridge and the Man in the Yellow Hat
1998 – Zidane, Beckham and Michael Owen’s Goal
2002 – Saipan, Ronaldo and Damien Duff’s Celebration
2006 – Headbutts, Klinsmann and the WAGs
2010 – Those bleeding vuvuzelas, Dutch ‘destructive’ football and Lampard’s ‘goal?’
2014 – Brazil’s meltdown, James Rodriguez and German superiority
Should a takeover happen and I’d imagine there’s a process to go yet, I doubt the dream like scenario above will materialise to that extent. Though Galway in the Champions League would be something special!
But with dreams come waking up. And Galway United need to reawaken their promotion ambitions tonight (Friday) when they travel to Wexford.
I like Shane Keegan having met him a few weeks ago. And while I joke about Jose Mourinho, I think Galway have the man that can lead them to success in time and no doubt, he’ll use the two-week break to plot a way back up the table.
DIARY
When we decided to reintroduce Darren’s Diary – post-kicking the habit – I expected the first instalment to be about the Connacht Football Final. It is an important game for both counties. But a lot is happening Terryland Way and keeping a tab on upcoming developments will be equally interesting.
The right decision regarding Galway United’s future will be made in time regardless what way it goes. Excitement brings imaginative thoughts and the inner child can run off with his/her thoughts and with amazing scenarios that are possible if improbable.
My New Office 🙂
For me, I’ve a month ahead to enjoy like I did as a seven-year-old all that time ago. I’ll never forget my mother helping me fill a bubble gum poster. I might have outgrown that now but all football fans will have more memories to savior between now and the 15th of July.
And should it come to pass, maybe a special time for our own local club will follow. If so, as Jose would say, that would be “fantastic.”
All the talk has been about takeovers and Saudi Arabia but a very important fixture awaits Shane Keegan’s men before they take their mid-term break.
The Tribesmen have secured just one point from the last four games, their impressive home record has been torn apart and they languish in the bottom half of the First Division when they’re supposed to be favourites for promotion.
However, all is not lost and a win in Ferrycarrig Park will go a long way to turning the tide. While automatic passage to the Premier Division appears a pipe dream with UCD 10 points clear with only 11 games remaining, Galway United are still in the play-off hunt.
Finn Harps sit three points ahead in fourth spot and that will be the initial target in the final 10 games but Galway must take a victory in Wexford first.
Regardless how poor Galway have been recently, Wexford FC are struggling and are in second last (9th) with only eight points from 16 games. A 1-1 draw with Finn Harps is their only positive result in the last five fixtures. And when they visited Eamonn Deacy Park in April, they took a 4-1 hiding.
Danny Furlong, Alan Murphy, Carlton Ubaezuonu and Eoin McCormack were Galway’s goal scorers that day and all should be involved with Conor Barry and Marc Ludden others capable of finding the net.
May 2018 Player of the Month Robbie Williams, Ryan Connolly, Stephen Walsh and Gary Shanahan will be others needed to inspire the maroon and white against a Wexford FC unit with nothing to lose.
Congratulations to Galway United F.C. defender Robbie Williams who won player of the month for May 2018. He was presented with his award by Tommy Shields. This award is sponsored by O'Brien's of Galway. pic.twitter.com/A5fSLdou7o
Dean Kelly is the key man for the Slaneysiders along with Thomas Cooke and Mark Slater. And they will look to Aaron Dobbs and Shane Barnes for goals in a potential shock result.
Understandably, Keegan could be looking over his shoulder if Galway’s results don’t improve. Their last win was on May 20th in Cabinteely, now remembered for the bizarre goal conceded by Tadhg Ryan.
They need to draw a line on that and can only do it with victory. It’s not going to be as straight forward as it should. But at 2/7 favourites, they simply have to win! And they should!
Catherine Connolly TD says someone she knows in Galway has recently been offered a house – after SIXTEEN years on the waiting list.
Catherine Connolly TD has said in the Dáil that there is no master plan for housing in the city, and criticised the government for ‘leaving it to developers all over again’.
The Galway West TD was speaking in support of a housing motion put forward by Richard Boyd-Barrett TD.
Deputy Connolly said that the crisis in Galway is worse than in Dublin and that there is a denial that there even is a housing crisis in the State.
She also said that she knows someone who was recently offered a house after being on the waiting list since January 2002.
“We have two official languages in this country, Irish and English,” said Deputy Connolly.
“But we seem to have a third language, one of denial that there is a housing crisis and of the solutions being put forward.
“I have said repeatedly in this Chamber that I come from a city where the housing crisis is worse than in Dublin.
“I know of somebody who has finally been offered a house but he has been on the waiting list since January 2002, that is, for 16 years.
“This year and next, 14 houses will be built in Galway. The last house built for social housing was built in 2009. I live in a city where there is no master plan.
“There are public lands in Ceannt Station, the docks and elsewhere and we are leaving it to developers all over again.
“The senior Minister agreed with me when I raised this at Leaders’ Questions and said we need a master plan.
“There is no master plan in Galway city.”
Catherine Connolly said that the crisis is man-made, and that it is caused by government policies – including those of the previous Labour- Fine Gael government, which she said made the most fundamental change in housing policy when it said housing support was now a house.
“That was an utter twist of language.
“It is difficult enough to understand the complexity of our attitude to the Irish language but in respect of the language around housing, my mind boggles to think that housing support is now regarded as a social house.”
Richard Boyd Barrett TD said the motion argued that ‘the intolerable human misery caused by the current housing and homelessness emergency is not an accident but rather arises from rampant land-hoarding, property speculation and profiteering by investors, landlords and developers’.
“Members are here every week, not to be negative but to use our voices to tell the Government that there is a housing crisis that is now an emergency,” added Deputy Connolly.
“If the Government does not declare an emergency, we cannot come up with proper solutions. Fianna Fáil has a golden opportunity. I find myself in agreement with it on certain issues but not on this one.
“This is the time for it to say it will not support Government policy and to support this motion.”
