Dublin homeless centre volunteer friar rushed to hospital after assault while handing out breakfast | CB51DXX | 2024-05-02 00:08:02
A HOMELESS centre volunteer was rushed to hospital after being injured in an assault while handing out breakfast.
A man in his 30s was arrested after the incident at the Capuchin Day Centre on Dublin's Bow Street.
Dublin homeless centre volunteer friar rushed to hospital after assault while handing out breakfastGardaí have arrested a man in connection with the assaultPA:Press Association
Father Ademir Marques, who is in his 50s, was rushed to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital following the incident.
His injuries were "superficial" and he will be return to his duties on Friday, the Capuchins confirmed.
Gardai are continuing to investigate the incident, which took place in Dublin 7 at around 10.40am on Thursday morning.
And they confirmed a man in his 30s has since been arrested and charged in, and is due to appear before the CCJ District Court.
Gardaí said: "Gardaí are investigating an assault that occurred at a premises on Bow Street, Dublin 7 at approximately 10.40am this morning, Thursday April 25 2024.
"A male in his 50s was conveyed to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injury.
"A male in his 30s was arrested at the scene under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and detained at a Garda station in the DMR North Central region.
"He has since been charged in relation to this incident and is expected to appear before the CCJ District Court (Court No. 2) this afternoon, 25th April 2024.
"Investigations are ongoing."
Father Marques suffered an injury to his head, with the Capuchins telling RTE News in a statement: "We can confirm that an incident did occur this morning that was effectively managed by our team on site.
"Emergency services were contacted for follow-up support."
Chief Executive of the Capuchin Day Centre Brian Friel said: "Thankfully, the prompt intervention of our team meant that Fr Ademir sustained only a superficial injury and will be back to his ministry again tomorrow as usual."
Cyclist, 20s, and biker, 40s, killed in separate horror crashes with trucks in Dublin and Cork as urgent appeals made | CB51DXX | 2024-05-02 00:08:02
TWO people have tragically died on Irish roads today after separate fatal accidents in Cork and Dublin.
A motorcyclist in his 40s lost his life in Cork following a horror smash, while a woman in her 20s was killed while cycling in Dublin.
Cyclist, 20s, and biker, 40s, killed in separate horror crashes with trucks in Dublin and Cork as urgent appeals madeTwo people have died on Irish roads today in separate crashes
Both fatal accidents involved collisions with trucks.
The male motorcyclist, 40s, tragically died after a crash in Toureenfineen in Cork, shortly before 8am this morning.
No other injuries were reported form the incident.
The biker's body is due to be brought to Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem will take place.
The road remains closed at this time and local diversions are currently in place.
Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are currently carrying an examination of the scene.
Investigators are appealing to any person who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
A spokesperson said: "Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this available to Gardaí.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda station on 022 31450 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
The second road tragedy occured at roughly the same time this morning in in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
A female cyclist, aged in her 20s, was killed in a crash with a truck at around 8am.
Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene at the junction of the Glenageary Road Upper, Mountown Road Lower and Kill Avenue after the alarm was raised.
Fatal hit
The cyclist was taken to St Vincent's Hospital where she later passed away from her injuries.
The road remains closed at this time and a technical examination of the scene by Forensic Collision Investigators is taking place.
Local diversions have been put in place but motorists have been warned that delays are to be expected.
Gardai have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward with information, particularly if they are in possession of any footage.
Appeal
In a statement this afternoon, a Garda spokesman said: "Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
"Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on 01 666 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
Drew Harris says gardai revisiting Stardust files as 'investigations back to the fore' after new verdict | CB51DXX | 2024-05-02 00:08:02
GARDA Commissioner Drew Harris has revealed cops are revisiting files on the Stardust tragedy in relation to a possible criminal probe.
At a Policing Authority meeting in Co Limerick, Harris was asked about the potential for a new criminal investigation following last week's inquests' verdict of unlawful killing.
Drew Harris says gardai revisiting Stardust files as 'investigations back to the fore' after new verdictStardust Disaster relatives pictured at the Garden of RemembrancePaul Sharp - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
Drew Harris says gardai revisiting Stardust files as 'investigations back to the fore' after new verdictTaoiseach Simon Harris released a State apology to the families of the Stardust victimsGetty Images - Getty
And the Garda Commissioner told how he has asked officers to revisit two tranches of files regarding the Stardust disaster.
Harris said he expects to receive a report shortly from the Dublin City coroner.
He added that there was a memorandum of understanding in place, where, in the wake of the verdict, the coroner will bring issues to his attention if she thinks they are relevant to gardaí.
Harris said he has asked the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation to "revisit" two investigation files that were submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, one from the early 80s and another from 2016.
He said he expects to receive a report from the coroner Dr Myra Cullinane in the next two or three weeks.
Harris acknowledged that the inquest verdict has "brought our investigations back to the fore".
The top cop said: "We're at the beginning of the road in examining what's being done."
And the Irish Sun's podcast on the Stardust fire tragedy is sailing up the charts just hours after it was released.
The eight-parter explores one of Ireland's worst disasters, telling the tragic story of the infamous night of February 14 1981 when 48 young people lost their lives in the Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin.
And following its premiere on Thursday, the pod was a hit on all popular podcast platforms.
A fresh episode will be released weekly as the Irish Sun investigates one of the most shocking disasters in Irish history.
Taoiseach Simon Harris this week issued a State apology to the families of the Stardust fire tragedy – more than 40 years after the blaze.
Mr Harris is to write a "personal" letter of apology to Stardust families in the aftermath of his State apology in the Dail.
The Taoiseach pledged to write to families in the coming days to express his remorse for what happened.
A new inquest into the fire at the Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin, on Valentine's Day in 1981 found the blaze was started by an electrical fault in a hot press.
The jury ruled the 48 victims – aged 16 to 27 – were unlawfully killed, with a number of issues contributing to their deaths, including the fact some exits were locked.
The new inquiry into the tragedy came after 43 years of campaigning by families who were distraught at the finding of a separate probe which ruled the horror inferno was arson.
The State repeatedly blocked the families' attempts to get the truth and justice for their lost loved ones.
After the ruling of the new inquest, Mr Harris announced the Government plans to provide counselling for the Stardust families.
The families' solicitor Darragh Mackin welcomed the move, saying this is the first time they have been provided with the necessary support to accompany them "on this deeply traumatic journey".
Mackin highlighted how grieving relatives had told the Taoiseach last weekend how they had been "left out in the cold having to fend for themselves without any support or counselling services".
The families' solicitor said the Mr Harris has now acted and should be commended for responding with decisiveness.
Listen to Episode One of the Stardust Tragedy, from the creators of the Kinahans and the Making of a Detective podcasts, out now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Dublin teen, 17, in court over fifty theft and motoring offences makes no reply when charged as he's denied bail | CB51DXX | 2024-05-02 00:08:02
A TEENAGER has appeared in court charged in connection with over fifty theft and motoring offences, the Irish Sun can reveal.
The youth, 17, from south Dublin, appeared at the Children's Court in the capital this morning.
Dublin teen, 17, in court over fifty theft and motoring offences makes no reply when charged as he's denied bailThe teen is to appear before the children's court again next weekAlamy
He faces a total of fifty two charges that are alleged to have taken place in the Cabra, Crumlin, Sundrive and Kilmainham areas of the city.
The motoring offences he has been charged with include dangerous driving, driving licence offences and driving with no insurance.
He has also been charged with stealing four motorbikes and attempting to steal other vehicles.
And the accused is also charged with three counts of possession of certain articles used in connection with theft offences.
He is also charged with two counts of producing an article during the course of dispute.
On this occasion, he has been charged with producing two screwdrivers when confronted by the owner of a property.
The other charges he faces include trespass, criminal damage and resisting arrest.
When charged with the offences the accused made no reply. The teenager's legal team made an application for bail but this was denied by Judge Paul Kelly following Garda objections.
The alleged offences are understood to have taken place between February and April of this year.
The investigation into his alleged offences is being run by Garda Stephen O'Brien from Sundrive Road Garda station.
The accused was brought to court on Wednesday morning after he was arrested in the capital.
Education chief Norma Foley issues social media ban warning for kids amid 'inappropriate content' alert for parents | CB51DXX | 2024-05-02 00:08:02
EDUCATION Minister Norma Foley today warns she could outlaw social media for under-13s if tech giants don't act to stop underage kids from creating accounts.
The Fianna Fail TD told The Irish Sun: "Our first duty is to protect children."
Education chief Norma Foley issues social media ban warning for kids amid 'inappropriate content' alert for parentsMinister Foley grilled by our Political Correspondent Adam HigginsFran Veale
Education chief Norma Foley issues social media ban warning for kids amid 'inappropriate content' alert for parentsMinister Foley vowed to hit social media firms hard if they fail to cooperateFran Veale
Education chief Norma Foley issues social media ban warning for kids amid 'inappropriate content' alert for parentsChildren as young as six are being exposed to inappropriate content onlineGetty Images - Getty
And the Education Minister is pleading with parents NOT to buy smartphones for their children until after they leave primary school.
A survey from CyberSafeKids found that almost one quarter of six-year-olds in Ireland have one, while 45 per cent of ten-year-olds are allowed to use their phones unsupervised in their bedrooms.
Last year, parents at a school in Greystones, Co Wicklow, came together to agree that none of them would buy their child a smartphone until they were 12 — which got rid of the idea kids would see their pal with a phone and want one too.
The Government jumped on the idea and have sent out guidelines to help parent groups set up similar agreements in their own schools.
Over recent months, Minister Foley has engaged with schools and parents groups about implementing a voluntary smartphone ban.
And she told The Irish Sun she has heard about cases where young children have been the victim of sextortion by sickos pretending to be a child on social media.
In another horrifying case raised with Minister Foley, she was told of a primary school class where pupils had a Snapchat group that was flooded with inappropriate content, including porn.
She said: "We have children as young as six and seven years of age and they are being exposed to content no parent or guardian would want them to see.
"Children are being groomed where an adult is engaging with them on the pretence they are a young person and they are sharing content that's wholly inappropriate."
She says many schools have already signed up to the new voluntary ban.
And in one area in Co Kerry, two neighbouring schools got together to offer kids a trip to the cinema as a reward for giving up smartphones until secondary school.
Minister Foley said: "I'm not saying to parents to permanently deny them a phone. I'm saying defer it.
"Defer it until at least the child has left primary school and know why I'm asking you to do that."
But some parents have criticised the Government's voluntary ban as not going far enough, saying it's just passing the buck to parents.
Asked why she doesn't introduce legislation for a mandatory ban on smartphones for primary kids, Minister Foley said: "The real issue is adults are purchasing the phone for children.
"So therefore what we're saying in this first step is — know what's happening when you give smartphones to a child. Know what they can be exposed to, know what can happen and then make the decision. I think in education that needs to be our first priority to provide the information, provide the education.
MEETING WITH SOCIAL MEDIA BOSSES
"If ultimately, that isn't working I take nothing off the table but I do think we have an obligation for parents to be informed."
However, the Fianna Fail TD believes social media companies need to take more responsibility for their platforms and work to keep young kids off their platforms.
Sites such as Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram all require children to be older than 13 to set up a profile. However, youngsters can easily get around this rule.
Earlier this year, Minister Foley met with executives from social media companies to ask them to tighten up their age barriers to stop kids getting onto their platforms.
But the firms did not commit to making any real changes to age restrictions — leaving the minister frustrated with their lack of help.
She said: "I have heard them come forward with suggestions that there is a responsibility for the EU, there is a responsibility for the app store — so there's responsibility everywhere else except with their platforms and I don't accept that at all. I absolutely don't accept that.
"As far as I'm concerned, each one of them have an obligation and a duty of care to young people.
"So they have to, they have to implement age verification."
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The Government recently set up media regulator Coimisiun Na Mean which has the power to issue fines of up to €20million to internet companies if they breach an online safety code that includes protecting children from harmful content.
However, this is currently being challenged in the courts by web platforms including Reddit and Tumblr.
And the minister believes the Government needs to get tough on social media firms in order to force them to finally take their responsibilities more seriously when it comes to protecting kids.
Asked by The Irish Sun if she will try to bring in legislation to force them to take kids off their platforms, she warned: "Ultimately if that's what we have to do then that's what we have to do."
And quizzed if it was possible to outlaw social media for children under 12, she said: "We're in the place at the minute where we're asking for everybody's co-operation.
"But I would take nothing off the table. I am absolutely open to that. This is the first step we're taking. We have asked for co-operation.
"We have asked for individual responsibility to be accepted and again, if you don't do that, there can be €20million of a fine.
"And if you don't do that then I think we have to be open to looking at every possible avenue here. Our first duty is to protect children."
Ireland is currently home to the EU HQs of many of these social media and internet companies with legislation introduced here possibly having a knock-on impact for the companies' operations in Europe.
Asked if legislation to keep young kids off social media could have an impact across the continent, the minister said: "That's something that would have to be worked through but I don't think we should be afraid to do what we need to do.
"And if this is what it takes then this is what it takes."
She added: "I meet with parents on a regular basis and I know how frustrated, how concerned and how worried they are."
Education chief Norma Foley issues social media ban warning for kids amid 'inappropriate content' alert for parentsAlmost one quarter of six-year-olds in Ireland have a smartphoneGetty Images - Getty
Electrician, 26, 'sadly missed by his heartbroken' family after fatal motorcycle crash with van in Cork | CB51DXX | 2024-05-02 00:08:02
TRIBUTES are being paid to an electrician who was killed in a tragic motorcycle accident in Cork this week.
Paul Harrington, 26, from Kilcully near Ballyvolane in Cork city sadly lost his life when his motorcycle collided with a van on Tuesday evening.
Electrician, 26, 'sadly missed by his heartbroken' family after fatal motorcycle crash with van in CorkPaul Harrington, 26, died after his motorcycle collided with a van on Tuesday eveningNot known, clear with picture desk
The fatal accident happened in the Ballinahina area at White's Cross shortly before 6pm.
Gardai and emergency services raced to the crash site, but sadly the 26-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was employed by Wizer Energy as an Auto Electrician in Little Island.
Paul was fondly remembered as a "gentleman" by his family and wide circle of friends.
He is survived by his loving parents Declan and Margaret, his sisters Olivia and Deirdre and his girlfriend Kamile.
They paid a heartfelt tribute to Paul in his online death notice.
It read: "Paul, late of Wizer Energy and formerly of Tim O'Keeffe Electrical, beloved son of Declan and Margaret (née O'Connell), loving brother of Olivia and Deirdre.
"Sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, sisters, girlfriend Kamile, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends."
Local councillor Kenneth O'Flynn said: "To the family, I offer my deepest condolences and unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time."
His mass will be held at 10am on Saturday in the North Cathedral, followed by a burial at St Catherine's Cemetery in Kilcully.
Gardai continue to appeal to any witnesses of this collision to come forward.
A spokesperson said: "Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, who were travelling in the Ballinahina area between 5.45pm and 6.10pm are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Watercourse Road Garda Station on 021 4558260, or via the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111."
Paul is one of three motorcyclists to die on Cork roads in recent days.
A man in his 60s died following a collision involving a motorcycle and a truck at Toureenfineen, near the Cork-Kerry border this morning.
Meanwhile, last Sunday rugby coach Niall Murphy, 65, was fatally injured following a single vehicle collision which occurred on the R579 near Banteer after returning home from watching his beloved Highfield RFC play Kilfeacle RFC in the Munster Cup.
