Latest news with #BrendanO'Connor
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Michael Flatley dances around Irish presidency bid
Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, said he had not made a final decision on the matter but is consulting with a 'team of advisers'. Speaking to RTE Radio One about newspaper speculation on a potential bid, the Irish-American said he is stopped on the street 'everywhere' he goes and asked if he will run. However, he said that speculation was the result of his last appearance on the show with host Brendan O'Connor. The choreographer and dancer said: 'I take it seriously but no I have not made a decision'. Pressed on the matter, Flatley said: 'I have a huge business to run, I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living. 'I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with. 'If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and – maybe more importantly – if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people' He added: 'Right now, I don't think they have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.' Flatley said he hears they concerns of 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now', adding: 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people.' He said he was not sure the role needed another politician, adding that he had spent three decades promoting Ireland and Irish culture. He said he had not been approached by any political party, but had been contacted by some 'people in the know'. 'It's certainly not something that I've made any decision on, but it does get frustrating when you see the hardworking Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things.' Asked if he was leaning more in favour of running, he replied: 'Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people.' To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older. They must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities. Former or retiring presidents can nominate themselves. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race. Mairead McGuinness, who was a TV presenter and farming journalist before becoming an MEP and EU commissioner, is the nominee to become Fine Gael's presidential candidate. Catherine Connolly, Independent TD for Galway West, has received the backing of the Social Democrats and People Before Profit, as well as independent TDs and Senators. Fianna Fail, the party with the most TDs in the Dail, has not clarified if it will run a candidate and is to make a decision in the early autumn. Sinn Fein has also not indicated a final decision on the race.
RTÉ News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Can videogames improve mental health and wellbeing?
The misconception that violent videogames cause aggression in children has persisted since the dawn of modern gaming. Decades of research has failed to find any real support for these concerns. Recent research has, in fact, revealed that even the most typically violent videogames can provide for therapeutic experiences. "Gaming" is no longer a niche, easily-stereotyped hobby. Billions of people around the world are playing videogames. Mobile games are permeating the app market. Established game franchises like Minecraft and Sonic the Hedgehog are producing hit box office films. It's safe to say that gaming has become mainstream. Naturally, our collective interest in videogames has caught the attention of researchers and clinicians. Their exploration of our gaming experiences has revealed that videogames enable us to fulfil some of our psychological needs. Staying grounded First-person shooter games (like Call of Duty or Halo) are hugely popular and intrinsically violent. These games do what they say on the tin: players experience all the action of combat-based gameplay from a first-person perspective, producing a highly immersive gaming experience. Beyond their appeal to a broad demographic of players, these games have been repeatedly reported by veterans as helpful in managing their combat trauma. From RTÉ Radio 1's Brendan O'Connor, 'the Playstation changed the gaming landscape' Research with US veterans returned from service in Iraq or Afghanistan found that combat-themed first-person shooter games helped veterans cope with returning to civilian life. Whether it was channelling their military training in a safe environment, or learning to manage physical symptoms of their combat trauma, the veterans clearly viewed these games as valuable therapeutic, recreational outlets. A similar, larger study also found that veterans were able to work through their military-related issues by reliving combat through videogames. These studies also revealed the risk of veterans experiencing distressing flashbacks while gaming, or developing unhealthy gaming patterns. Balancing these risks with the very real benefits, it seems that guidance from experts (in gaming and psychotherapy) could prove extremely beneficial to people dealing with combat trauma. Escaping reality Veterans in the studies above also relished the simple joy of finessing skills and connecting socially with other gamers. For those who enjoy playing them, games are ultimately a fun way to spend time. They're engaging, immersive, and allow us to escape the stress and strain of everyday life. From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, Prof. Mark Campbell from the University of Limerick on research showing the positive impacts of gaming Research studies support the claim that moderate amounts of gaming improves mood, relieves stress and enables us to manage our emotions. In a recent review published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research: Mental Health, 26 studies directly compared gaming with other strategies to manage stress or anxiety. In 17 of these studies, gaming was found to be more effective at relieving stress or anxiety compared to guided relaxation, surfing the web, watching a film and even anxiety medication. It's also telling that we collectively increased the amount of time spent gaming during the pandemic. Granted, our entertainment options were limited, but testimonials from research show people used videogames as a way to escape reality, reduce distress and connect socially during lockdowns. This can also be seen in the runaway popularity of certain games during the pandemic. Whether it was basking in the idyllic island life of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, adventuring through the vast and beautiful landscapes of Breath of the Wild or frantically interrogating your teammates to identify the impostor in Among Us, games provided us with refuge from the fear and anxiety that coloured every relentless day of the pandemic's lockdown. Using games in therapy Using games in therapy is not a new concept. The idea that play allows children to express and process complex experiences has been around for nearly 100 years, and modern play therapy was formally established in the 1960s. Games from the Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda and Lego Star Wars franchises have all been harnessed by therapists to help form connections with, and enhance the treatment of, young children. One therapist report details how he treated a 10-year old boy primarily using videogames. The boy had previously suffered physical and verbal abuse, and his parents were concerned about his tendencies towards aggression, anxiety, depression and heavy gaming. The boy gamed extensively, favouring the Borderlands trilogy (a series of combat-focussed, first-person shooter games). Realising that the hero's journey of these games was helping the boy process his own traumatic experiences, the therapist was able to guide the boy in relating his gaming experiences to the 'heroic' and 'villainous' behaviours of his real life. From TEDxUCD, consultant psychologist John Francis Leader on combining what we have learnt from media and entertainment with an understanding of therapeutic psychology to assist us in leading healthier, happier lives However, games (and their potential therapeutic benefit) are decidedly not just for kids anymore. In some ways, videogames render play therapy a more appealing treatment option for people of all ages. As one study argues, clients who might balk at a physical sand tray (a classic tool of traditional play therapy) could be tempted to explore and build in a sandbox game like Minecraft. 'Sandbox' describes a diverse genre of videogames where the main point is to explore and be creative; there are no fixed objectives or storylines to follow, players have total freedom to play as they please. This is just one example of how games might be incorporated into therapy. As our technology use continues to evolve, videogames might provide a valuable pathway to levelling up our approach to psychological wellbeing.
Irish Examiner
02-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Plan aims to reverse run-off pollution to Our Lady's Island Lake
Nearly 5,000 acres in Co Wexford are likely to be included in an action plan to reverse the pollution of Our Lady's Island Lake. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has envisaged a cross-departmental, whole-of-government approach to deal with pollution of the lake, where severe degradation is mainly attributed to about 40 years' run-off of excessive nutrients from agriculture. The 340-hectare lagoonal lake is a few kilometres south of Rosslare, near Carnsore Point. It discharges to the sea via a man-made cut in the sand dunes. A two-year investigation on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency found that the lake's poor ecological condition is related to excess nitrogen input. A five to seven-fold reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus inputs will be necessary to try to restore the lake. According to the investigation report: "Whether such a reduction can be achieved by means such as artificial wetlands, better nutrient management on farms, or watercourse management, remains to be seen". Sediment removal from the lake bed might also be necessary. "Lady's Island Lake is not the only Irish lagoon in ecological decline, analyses show that most lagoons in agricultural catchments are also eutrophicated," said the report. Habitat restoration of such lagoons requires reducing the use of imported nitrogen on farmland, measures to retain nutrients on farmland and forestry, removing or capping nutrient-rich bottom sediments, and maintaining or restoring salinity. A recovery action plan would be likely to focus on the 4,734 acres draining into Lady's Island via 12 feeder streams and other sub-drainage systems. Of the 72 farmers in this area, 13 have tillage as their primary enterprise (the catchment is known for its early potatoes), 16 dairy, 24 beef, six sheep, and the remaining 13 are equine related or specialise in hay or silage for sale. There are only seven farmers in derogation. During a recent Oireachtas debate on the state of the lake, Dr Brendan O'Connor, Aquafact International Services Ltd, co-author of the report for the EPA, said: "Farmers are substantially compliant with the current legislation". But there would have to be changes in the rules, "or we will have to help farmers to farm in a slightly different way". He suggested: "We put in buffer zones that are bigger than required. We have buffer zones of 10m instead of 3m. We actively manage the buffer zones, rather than just putting in a buffer and walking away." Other remedial techniques on the farms are likely to include fencing of watercourses and replacing cattle drinking points with water troughs, buffer zones at drainage outlets, hedgerow and woodland planting, sediment traps, settlement ponds, arable grass margins, farm roadway works, soil sampling and Nutrient Management Plans. However, some have suggested more radical measures. Dr Cilian Roden of Aquafact International Services told the Oireachtas debate Ireland should reduce food production, or do something about efficiency, because the more food exported, the more nitrogen is put into our environment. He said 70% of nitrogen, which costs a lot of money to import, is being flushed into the lakes. Dr O'Connor said it could take up to 20 years to restore the lake, even if agricultural nitrate pollution ceases, and the lake bed is dredged. Farm inspections Since 2018, Wexford County Council conducted 30 farm inspections under planning application requirements, Good Agricultural Practices audits, and in response to environment complaints. Minor non-compliances were found and cross-reported to the Department of Agriculture for sanction with single farm payment penalties. Poorly maintained septic tanks may also have contributed to the lake pollution. A further 90 inspections of septic tanks were conducted between 2018 and 2022, of which 63 failed inspection. There were 21 systems directly discharging to surface waters. Six septic tank failure cases remain open, and are being actioned by the Council. It has been calculated that total annual inputs to the lake from all sources (principally agriculture) amount to 60 tonnes of nitrogen and 1.8 tonnes of phosphorus. Less than 1% of the nitrogen arises from the small wastewater treatment plant serving the village of Lady's Island and its population of 182. The council has twice upgraded the plant. When the council sampled all 12 feeder streams and a discharge point southwest of the lake last April, 11 of the 13 samples exceeded nitrate limits for surface waters, and eight of 13 exceeded phosphate limits. An anti-pollution scheme is likely to cost about €2.25m (excluding dredging of the lakebed, which might be necessary). In addition, a proposed pipeline from the lake to the sea is estimated to cost €2.5m. Bringing local wastewater for treatment elsewhere would cost €5-6m. Special Area of Conservation The flora and fauna of the lagoon bed died when decay of algal biomass deoxygenated sediments. Dr Brendan O'Connor said the lake now smells of hydrogen sulfide, and unsightly algae washes up on the lakeshore. It is designated as a Special Area of Conservation for lagoon and other habitats, and as a Special Protection Area for birds, including four species of terns that nest on islands in the lake. Nature conservation is carried out by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with a high degree of support and co-operation from landowners and the local community in tasks such as daily wardening of the internationally important tern colonies, and cutting a drainage channel through the seaward barrier each spring, to drop water levels in time for the nesting season. There is also a project to save Ireland and the UK's last remaining cottonweed, which is found on the seaward barrier of the lagoon. The NPWS has also commissioned a survey of Foxtail Stonewort and Bearded Stonewort, two rare lagoon plants.
Irish Examiner
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
RTÉ's Oliver Callan adds 25,000 listeners to show, according to JNLR survey
Oliver Callan was the big winner in the latest radio listenership figures, adding 25,000 in the space of a year to his weekday show on RTÉ Radio 1. The Joint National Listenership Survey (JNLR) report suggested that 3.94m people in Ireland are listening to radio every week which is the highest weekly listenership ever recorded, as 90% of all adults are tuning in. More than two million people are tuning into RTÉ radio with Morning Ireland the most listened to show in the country with 471,000 listeners, up 2,000 on the previous year. The show that follows it, Oliver Callan, has 355,000 listeners while Today with Claire Byrne has 348,000 listeners each day, up 7,000 year-on-year. Meanwhile, as he prepares for retirement, Joe Duffy can be satisfied as Liveline added 6,000 listeners year-on-year to add up to a listenership of 307,000. Brendan O'Connor has 369,000 listeners. On the weekend, Brendan O'Connor on Saturday also added listeners by the thousands, up 14,000 on Sundays year-on-year to 369,000. Patricia Monahan, director of audio at RTÉ, said: 'RTÉ 2FM retains its position as the most-listened-to by 15–34-year-olds, now reaching 714,000 listeners every week. 'RTÉ lyric fm builds on a consistent period of growth, reaching 320,000 listeners every week. RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta also sees an increase in its share of audience now reaching 97,000 listeners every week as it continues to play a crucial role in supporting our language and culture.' Top 20 shows RTÉ enjoys 17 of the top 20 most-listened to programmes in the country, with Pat Kenny on Newstalk, The Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show and Dave Moore on Today FM also making the top 20. Ian Dempsey has 204,000 listeners to his morning show while Dave Moore has an audience of 193,000. 'It's no surprise that one of Ireland's most loved broadcasters continues to dominate mornings,' Today FM's managing editor of music and entertainment James Brownlow said. 'Even in a challenging market, the Today FM team's ability to deliver big for its partners and audiences is unique.' Although Pat Kenny makes the top 20, his show has lost 5,000 listeners year on year with 224,000 tuning in. There was better news for Kieran Cuddihy as the Hard Shoulder added 5,000 listeners to 153,000. Newstalk also singled out Off The Ball and The Anton Savage Show at weekends as recording growth. 'Both Saturday and Sunday are proving audience winners throughout the day,' its managing editor Eric Moylan said. Elsewhere in the survey, it found 20% of 15-34 year olds are doing their radio listening through a connected device with a smart speaker. Furthermore, over 70% of people listening to radio in Ireland tune into independent local, regional or national stations. Read More Gardaí investigate viral horse cruelty video after searching farmland in Co Tipperary
RTÉ News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
2FM top for younger listeners as RTÉ Radio 1 holds lead
RTÉ 2FM remains the most-listened-to radio station in Ireland among 15 - 34-year-olds, according to the latest Joint National Listenership Research (JNLR) figures released today. RTÉ Radio 1 remains the number one radio station in the country reaching 1,378,000 listeners every week. Across all demographics, Morning Ireland continues to dominate, with 471,000 (+5,000 book-on-book) listeners tuning in daily on RTÉ Radio 1, maintaining its position as the country's most popular radio show. Weekend listenership remains strong, with Brendan O'Connor attracting 363,000 listeners on Saturdays (+5,000 book-on-book) and 369,000 (+3,000 book-on-book) on Sundays. Meanwhile, Sunday with Miriam holds steady at 304,000. On weekday mornings, Oliver Callan's 9am - 10am slot on RTÉ Radio 1 continues its upward trend, now reaching 355,000 listeners - a gain of 6,000 since February's book. Over on RTÉ lyric fm, Marty in the Morning continues to thrive. Marty Whelan held onto the record-breaking audience of 71,000 he gained in the previous book, up 17,000 year-on-year - his highest figure ever for the slot. Speaking on the latest figures, Patricia Monahan, Director of Audio, RTÉ said: "We are privileged that so many listeners continue to choose to engage with us every week making RTÉ stations the most-listened-to in Ireland. We are particularly delighted to welcome new and younger listeners as we expand our reach and relevance to new audiences." 2FM's new schedule is only partly reflected in this round of JNLR data, capturing just its first two weeks. Still, the station retains the top spot among 15 - 34-year-olds with an 11.3% primetime share and reaches 714,000 listeners every week. Book-on-book refers to a comparison of the average listenership for programmes across the four previous quarters (three-month periods). There have been slight dips across some 2FM weekday programmes in the latest round of results. The 2FM Breakfast Show is down 4,000 to 148,000 (book-on-book), The Laura Fox Show drops by 4,000 to 127,000 (book-on-book), and The Tracy Clifford Show is down 8,000 to 109,000 (book-on-book). Weekends on 2FM with Bláthnaid Treacy has 158,000 (+3,000 book-on-book) turning the dial to 2FM on Saturdays and 135,000 (- 6,000 book-on-book) on Sundays. On RTÉ Radio 1, Today with Claire Byrne is down 1,000 to 348,000 (book-on-book), The Louise Duffy Show drops by 5,000 to 223,000 (book-on-book), and News at One now has 297,000 listeners, a book-on-book decrease of 5,000. Liveline with Joe Duffy saw a dip of 7,000 to 307,000 (book-on-book). The veteran broadcaster recently announced his retirement, bringing an end to his 27-year run at the helm of one of Ireland's most influential radio shows. RTÉ is expected to open expressions of interest for his replacement in the coming weeks. The Ray D'Arcy Show is down by 2,000 to 192,000 (book-on-book), and Drivetime with Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra has dropped 5,000 to a total audience of 221,000 (book-on-book). RTÉ broadcasts 17 of the top 20 radio programmes in Ireland and remains the largest broadcasting group, with a market share of 29.2%. Nationally, Today FM continues to be the leading commercial radio station in Ireland with a weekly listening audience of 914,000 - a decrease of 39,000 book-on-book. Newstalk is the second most-listened-to commercial station with a weekly reach of 861,000 - down 10,000 since the last round of results. In Dublin, SPIN 1038 saw its flagship breakfast show Fully Charged with Emma, Dave & Fiona increase its listenership by 3,000 (book-on-book) to reach 60,000. The biggest show on Cork radio, The Neil Prendeville Show, has an audience of 83,000 (+1,000 book-on-book).
