Year: 2012

Stories2 Comments

Terror 1974 – a story by Michael Collins

Michael Green

There was laughter in the car. The vehicle sped up the main road from Dublin to Belfast. And there was laughter in the car. They were on a mission. Pat and Mick. Yes, Pat and Mick, even though it sounds like the start of a thousand crude music-hall jokes. They had an appointment in Belfast. Pat was the literary dreamer from the far West of Ireland. Mick was third-generation English-born Irish, catapulted back from the land of his birth to the land of his worthless grandfather. Unlike many using the road, Pat and Mick were well educated, the one young … Continue reading Terror 1974 – a story by Michael Collins

News from Ireland2 Comments

The Changing Face of Irish Religion Revealed by CSO Statistics

Michael Green

The Central Statistics Office has released more figures from the 2011 census that has highlighted the changing makeup of religion in Ireland. * The number of agnostics or atheists has increased dramatically and now represents 5.9% of the population * Catholics represent 84.2% of the population, the lowest percentage ever recorded * Muslims account for 1.1% * Non-Christian religions in Ireland account for 1.9% Other highlight from the 2011 census include: * There were 42,854 more females than males in the State in April 2011 * Immigration by Irish nationals was 19,593 in the year to April 2011 * Immigration … Continue reading The Changing Face of Irish Religion Revealed by CSO Statistics

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Daniel O’Connell – The Life and Times of The Liberator 1775 – 1847

Michael Green

By Anthony Lynott Daniel O’Connell, affectionately known as The Liberator or The Emancipator was an Irish political activist. His activism and many accomplishments spanned a period of almost 50 years beginning in the latter part of the 18th century. He would be mostly known for his campaign for, and achievement of, Catholic Emancipation, followed by his unsuccessful campaign for the repeal of the Act of Union that formed the Union of Great Britain and Ireland. O’Connell was born August 6, 1775 at Carhen near Cahirciveen, County Kerry to Morgan and Catherine O’Connell of Derrynane. At one time a wealthy landed family, … Continue reading Daniel O’Connell – The Life and Times of The Liberator 1775 – 1847

Stories2 Comments

‘The Outsider’ – An Irish Story by Michael Collins

Michael Green

The morning air had a quality only found on an island: cool yet warmed by the rising sun and the rocks still giving off yesterday’s heat. The three men tramped up the gravel track, the slope steeper as they neared the western end of the island. The sun was diagonally behind them, low enough to pick out in detail every feature of this rough and ready place. To the left the light was reflected in a sparkle from the surrounding seas. Ahead the cliffs rose to breast the Atlantic. To the right the bulk of the island swelled steeply upwards … Continue reading ‘The Outsider’ – An Irish Story by Michael Collins

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Remarkable Reversal in Fortune is Possible for Fianna Fail

Michael Green

The Fianna Fail party that governed while the Irish economy collapsed is showing signs of life. The party was pummeled in the last general election, winning only 20 seats in the Irish parliament (Dail Eireann), having previously held 71 seats. The big winners were Fine Gael and the Labour Party who won an extra 25 and 17 seats respectively, sweeping the two parties into a coalition government on the back of an unprecedented popular mandate. It looked like the end of the road for the once all-powerful Fianna Fail. Since that February 2011 election Fianna Fail has struggled to establish the … Continue reading Remarkable Reversal in Fortune is Possible for Fianna Fail

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Internet usage in Ireland to boost Irish economy by up to 6 Billion Euro

Michael Green

A report commissioned by media group UPC has revealed that as much as 6 Billion Euro could be contributed to the Irish economy by 2016, thanks to an increase in ecommerce activity. 2012 is expected to see spending of 3.7 Billion Euro, rising to 5.7 Billion Euro by 2016. This figure would constitute 7% of all consumer spending in Ireland. The report found that Irish adults who shop online spend an average of 116 Euro monthly. 80% of Irish adults now use the internet regularly, up from 50% in 2007. 45% of Irish consumers have made on online purchase in … Continue reading Internet usage in Ireland to boost Irish economy by up to 6 Billion Euro

News from Ireland1 Comment

Abortion debate ignited by tragic death in Galway Hospital

Michael Green

 The death of Savita Halappanavar in Galway University Hospital on October 28th has re-ignited the smoldering abortion debate in Ireland. The 31-year-old woman died after her medically induced miscarriage went wrong and, despite repeatedly asking that the miscarriage be induced further to hasten its completion, it seems that this request may have been denied. The death of Mrs. Halappanavar, who was a native of India, was reported in the ‘India Times’ newspaper under the headline: ‘Ireland Murders Pregnant Indian Dentist’. An investigation into the exact circumstance of her death is under way but regardless of its outcome the divisive issue of abortion … Continue reading Abortion debate ignited by tragic death in Galway Hospital