Govt must do better for families, carers and those with disabilities
Last Saturday morning at 9am, the counting of votes began on the ‘family’ and ‘care’ referendums held the day before. Soon results started to trickle through from count centres around the country. By 10am political journalists were calling it: it was a No vote in both referendums. Following the announcement of the massive defeat, the […]
Tributes paid for ‘brave’ former RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird
Tributes have poured in following the death of celebrated former RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird, remembered as a “great man” and an example to all those suffering. Following his death aged 74 on Tuesday, Sr Stan said Mr Bird “had faith and that helped him” following his motor neuron disease diagnosis in 2021. “Since he got […]
Co. Louth priests threatened with axe in aggravated burglary
Two Co. Louth priests were left traumatised when four raiders broke into their house and confronted them with hammers and an axe on Saturday, March 9. The burglary comes less than a month after the parochial house in Athy, Co. Kildare was burnt down in a suspected arson, while the Diocese of Kerry has had […]
‘Neutral’ ethics plan dropped from primary curriculum
The head of the Catholic Education Partnership has welcomed the dropping of plans for a ‘neutral’ ethics programme at primary level, as a new round of consultation opens. The State previously sought to introduce education about religion and beliefs (ERB), which was supposed to be a neutral approach. “We have long argued this is based […]
‘Quick fix’ married priests solution won’t tackle vocations decline – bishop
Commitments between family and parish can cause “a battle in one’s heart” for married priests, the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore said, warning against the “quick fix solution”. Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, who is Chairman for the Council for Vocations of the bishops’ conference, spoke to The Irish Catholic in Knock, Co. Mayo at an event […]
‘Pay back to carers the money you wasted’ – Senator
An Irish senator has called on Government to pay the amount spent on the referendum to carer/disability charities, as they have been “cavalier with public monies”. Senator Rónán Mullen, one of the few politicians who campaigned for a No/No vote in the referendum, said the Government should “come under pressure” to direct €20 million to those […]
Environment Minister Ryan hears how Catholics are combatting climate change
The Laudato Si’ Working Group (LSWG) held an online meeting with Minister for Environment, Climate Action, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan last month where the role of local faith groups in their efforts to combat climate change and other environmental issues with state agencies was discussed. During the meeting the LSWG highlighted the commitment of the Irish bishops […]
‘Historic’ election of woman as Pioneer Association’s president
The election of a woman as president of the Pioneers for the first time in the apostolates’ 125-year history has been described as “historic”. The election of Galway-based mother of four, and grandmother of three, Frances Egan, was announced on Mothers’ Day, Sunday, March 10, with Ms Egan stressing the ongoing importance of the Pioneers’ […]
Referendum result damning for political leadership class
The Government and the main opposition parties have a lot to think about. They should start by apologising to the people today, writes Rónán Mullen The people of Ireland have had their first chance in four years to give their view as an electorate on the way they are being governed. This referendum result […]
TG4 explores the holy wells of Ireland
The Irish-language broadcaster TG4 is set to dive into the history, myths and legends associated with Ireland’s holy wells in a six-part documentary series. In Ag Triall ar an Tobar, presenter Manchán Magan will uncover holy wells that have been sites of worship and prayer for centuries and are still visited today for those seeking […]