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Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Obituary: Cathal MacLiam, activist who helped ensure Irish voters had a bigger say on European issues
A strong supporter of the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland and active campaigner against the apartheid regime in South Africa, he also helped to ensure Irish voters got a greater say on European political issues. MacLiam was born on Christmas Eve, 1931, in Galway city to Charles Wilson and Elizabeth (nee Goulding), both from Dublin. Originally given his father's name, he opted for the Irish-language version at an early stage. He attended a Christian Brothers national school, but his parents were unhappy with the corporal punishment he suffered and secured early admission to the Jesuit school Coláiste Iognáid/St Ignatius College. He later became a medical student at University College Galway, but dropped out after a year, moving to Liverpool and later London. Jobs he held included laboratory work at Birkbeck College, part of the University of London. At his 23rd birthday party in London in 1954, he met and fell in love with Helga Boehmer, a German physiotherapist. They married in 1955, and had five children. He was a firm friend of political activist and historian Desmond Greaves. Both were key figures in the Connolly Association in London and used its newspaper, The Irish Democrat, to promote the rights of the Irish immigrant community as well as urging British Labour politicians and trade unionists to get involved in the Northern Ireland situation. MacLiam returned in 1956 to an Ireland caught up in an employment and emigration crisis, but managed to secure a position in the developing telecommunications sector. He and Helga lived in Finglas, north Dublin, before moving permanently to Rathmines. He later became an official in Liberty Hall with the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU, which later merged with another union into Siptu). Cathal MacLiam worked closely on political issues in Dublin with scientist and activist Roy Johnston, and they had many discussions with the 'official' wing of the republican movement, led by Cathal Goulding (a first cousin of MacLiam) and Tomás Mac Giolla, both of whom took a more political approach than the Provisionals at the time. MacLiam was chairman and secretary of the Wolfe Tone Society, which he and Johnston were involved in founding. When Ireland joined the EEC, he became active in the Irish Sovereignty Movement, with Trinity College lecturer Anthony Coughlan, in seeking to protect Ireland's independence within the common market. MacLiam played an active role in the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement They were strong supporters of the Crotty case, as it was called, taken in 1986-87 by agricultural economist Raymond Crotty, which sought a referendum on the Single European Act (SEA), aimed at creating a single internal market throughout the EEC. The Supreme Court found in Crotty's favour and a referendum took place on May 26, 1987. As a result of the Crotty case, major European treaties since then have to be put to the Irish people by way of referendum. MacLiam and his associates also supported court actions taken by political activist Patricia McKenna, which ultimately resulted in a Supreme Court decision that public money could not be used in a partisan way in a constitutional referendum. MacLiam played an active role in the Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement, which organised a major protest in January 1970 against the visit of the South African rugby team that played against Ireland at Lansdowne Road. Having been in poor health for some time, Cathal MacLiam died peacefully at home on July 14. Helga MacLiam died in August 2016. In accordance with their wishes, their bodies have been donated to the School of Anatomy in the UCD Medical Department. A memorial occasion celebrating his life will be held later. Cathal MacLiam is survived by his sisters Joanna and Cecily, and his five children: twins Fionnula and Egon, Conor, Bébhinn and Kilian, as well as four grandchildren.
West Australian
4 days ago
- General
- West Australian
Christian Brothers to leave the Kimberley after more than half a century
After more than half a century in the Kimberley, the Christian Brothers are packing their bags and heading back to Perth, as the organisation's work in the region comes to an end. Brother Berkeley Fitzhardinge and Brother Peter Thrupp will be leaving Broome at the end of the year after a combined 50 years in the Kimberley between them. Brother Thrupp said he had enjoyed his time in the Kimberley fostering connections in the community. 'I'm still relatively young — 82 — so I plan to go to a normal Brothers' community down in Perth … I hope to become a volunteer to a lot of our outreaches … so I'll keep active but I am sorry to leave. I enjoyed my 15 years here,' he said. 'We're not young anymore, and our health has been up and down. I suppose we have to bite the bullet and realise that we'd be better cared for down in Perth. Fifty-four years is a good contribution to the Kimberley.' Brother Fitzhardinge said he was sad to go but was looking forward to reconnecting with family back in Perth. 'There are advantages both ways … I've been away from family and relatives in Perth for most of this time and it's time at last to make some closer connections,' he said. Kimberley connections The Christian Brothers' work in the Kimberley started with the opening of Nulungu College in 1971, a boarding school for remote Kimberley Aboriginal students and the first to offer them secondary education in the region. The first boarders arrived in 1972 with Brothers Nick Bilich, Peter Hardiman and Tom Roberts playing a foundation role in constructing and running the college. Nulungu College would also gradually take over responsibility for Nulungu Girls College founded in 1974. Students also helped with the construction of the college, mixing concrete and cement and running wheelbarrows. Boarding at the college ceased in the 1990s in order for Nulungu to be managed by the Catholic Education Office prior to amalgamation with St Mary's Primary School as St Mary's College in 1995. However, the Christian Brothers continued working at the college and across the broader Kimberley community for the next 30 years. As well as their ministry at Nulungu and St Mary's College, the Christian Brothers have worked at St Joseph's School Kununurra, Ngalangangpum School in Warmun, Notre Dame University Broome Campus, Wirrumanu Adult Education Centre, Lombadina Mission, Broome Drop-in Centre, St John Ambulance, Centacare and many more. Brothers have also spent time as volunteers at Mirrilingki Spirituality Centre, Luurnpa School in Balgo and Sacred Heart School in Beagle Bay. A total of 45 Christian Brothers have worked in the Kimberley over its 54 years in the region. A troubling era The order is not free from controversy, however. From the early 1900s the Christian Brothers ran a network of institution across WA where children under their care, many of whom were wards of the State, were subject to widespread physical and sexual abuse. As victims came forward in the 1990s and 2000s, a public reckoning began to unfold, driven by survivor testimonies and national investigations. Boys were routinely subjected to physical beatings, sexual assaults and forced labour in schools such as Bindoon, Clontarf and Tardun. The abuse in WA was part of a wider global scandal involving Christian Brothers institutions in Ireland, Canada, the US, the UK and India. In 2007 the WA State Government issued a formal apology for the abuse suffered in State institutions, including those run by the Christian Brothers. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which began in 2013 and delivered its final report in 2017, found the Christian Brothers knew of the abuse and failed to act. 'The leadership of the Christian Brothers during the period 1947 to 1968 failed to manage each of the institutions so as to prevent the sexual abuse of children living in those institutions,' the commission found. The Christian Brothers issued a formal apology to victims in 2014 during the Royal Commission and later joined the National Redress Scheme alongside other Catholic orders. 'On behalf of all Christian Brothers across the Oceania Province, I reiterate our apology to those children who were deserving of absolute protection and yet suffered unimaginable trauma,' the Christian Brothers Oceania Province leader Brother Peter Clinch said at the time. 'The failures of the past cannot be undone however we can continue our work, and those of many across the community, to help bring healing and renewal to lives that have been damaged.' No allegations of abuse by the order have emerged from the Kimberley itself, although one Brother, Graeme 'David' Down, who worked in the region until the late 2000s, was later jailed for sexually abusing boys in Perth in the 1980s. In July last year, the Christian Brothers refused to appear before a WA parliamentary inquiry into institutional abuse, sparking outrage among victims. However, the Kimberley brothers don't hesitate to talk openly about the troubles, saying they want to see justice done. 'It's not something that we hide from,' Br Thrupp said. 'The Brothers are dealing with it honestly. We're committed to justice and doing what's right.' 'We know we've done good work in the Kimberley but we acknowledge that bad things happened.' 'We're all very damaged by it, but we're also very hurt for the people who were abused. So we're working with the justice system and trying to help the people who need help at this very minute.' Farewell More than 60 people gathered for a dinner at the Mangrove Hotel to commemorate the Christian Brothers' work in the Kimberley and offer their farewells to brothers Thrupp and Fitzhardinge on July 2. A small mass service was also held at the Nulungu Chapel. Reflecting on his time in the Kimberley and working at Centacare, Br Thrupp said the question of impact was difficult to answer. 'At my farewell, someone asked, 'Have you made any difference here in your 15 years?' I had to take a big breath and say: I can neither answer yes or no. All I can say is that many of the clients I first treated 15 years ago are still coming to Centacare. I've helped these people as much as I could,' he said. He also expressed deep gratitude for the community's support over the years. 'The support for the Brothers — not only in my time, 15 years, but from what I've heard over the whole time — has been absolutely tremendous. I say my personal farewell to a community that has been very generous and faithful to us in their support,' Mr Thrupp said. Br Fitzhardinge said earning the trust and acceptance of the community was one of the greatest gifts from his 35 years in the region. 'I wouldn't talk in terms of achievement, but I talk more in terms of connection. It took a long time to be accepted and to become part of the Kimberley, but that did happen,' he said. 'I think it was worth staying all that time because of the richness that has come with it — particularly some very close connections I have with people that I've taught and people I supported throughout the Kimberley.' In parting, he offered a final reflection on the importance of education. 'The more everyone values education, the better,' he said. 'Education is a step up for everyone, and a better provision of education in the Kimberley would be a gift to the people of the Kimberley.' If you or someone you know needs help, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), or Sexual Assault Counselling Australia on 1800 211 028, the WA Sexual Assault Resource Centre on 6458 1828 or 1800 199 888 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
ABC News
16-07-2025
- ABC News
Class action planned over alleged 'serious physical abuse' at Hobart's St Virgil's College in the 1970s and 80s
When Simon* was a student at a Catholic boys' school in Hobart in the 1970s, he says the school was run in an "archaic, cruel" manner. He said one of the teachers had a name for the strap that he would use to hit students. "He used to call it Horace, and he used to have a little rhyme he used to recite as he strapped you," Simon said. "It used to be: 'Horace hit his head with a hard, hard hammer and it hurt horribly'. "And he'd just go faster and faster and faster, and harder, until he'd just lose his way and then he'd give up." The school was St Virgil's College, which, until the late 1980s or early 1990s, was run by the Christian Brothers. "It was almost like every day they were trying to find excuses to strap people, to have their own little moment." During a civil trial in the Supreme Court in Hobart in March, another man alleged he was sexually and physically abused while a student at St Virgil's in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Christian Brothers offered a settlement part way through the trial, which was accepted by the man, and the trial was aborted. Several former St Virgil's students gave evidence during the trial about alleged harsh corporal punishment at the school at the time. The man's lawyer, Bruce McTaggart SC, also told the court of a "culture of fear" at the school at the time. He told the court St Virgil's had a room known among students and staff as the "crying room", where corporal punishment was administered. Lawyer Angela Sdrinis, director of Angela Sdrinis Legal, said that after the trial, several former students who had either experienced or witnessed alleged serious physical abuse sought advice about whether they might also have a viable claim against the Christian Brothers. "As a result of all of that and further people coming forward, we are looking at pursuing a class action in relation to the physical abuse which allegedly occurred at the school," Ms Sdrinis said. It is expected that a class action would include allegations from the 1970s and 1980s. Solicitor at Angela Sdrinis Legal, Ellen FitzGerald, said the Christian Brothers started to leave the school, or were pulled out, towards the late 1980s, "and things seemed to have improved". "But certainly the culture was one of violence and fear from at least the 60s onwards," Ms FitzGerald said. So far, 10 people, including Simon, have come forward with allegations. "We're collecting records, we've got a team of barristers who we've retained to work on the class action," Ms Sdrinis said. "There's a bit more information that we need to obtain, but other than that, we should be ready to go potentially by the end of the year, but certainly early next year." The action would be filed with the Supreme Court in Hobart. Simon said the corporal punishment he was subjected to affected his education and his career trajectory. "I was a very astute, academic-type student right through my early years, right from year 9 and going into year 10, [I] wanted to be an engineer, already planning university, my parents were already putting plans into place for that because my dad was very proud of wanting me to go to uni," he said. But he said the way he was treated led to a strong dislike of his teachers and, ultimately, to him losing interest in his schooling. "When it culminated in me getting expelled in year 11, I just fell out of school and ended up going through the trade lines for many years," he said. Later in life, Simon went to university and earned a diploma and then a bachelor's degree. He said he wanted the Christian Brothers organisation held accountable for the actions of some of their brothers and the lay teachers they employed, many of whom have since died. "The majority of these people are not able to be personally reprimanded for their actions, but they were operating under the umbrella of the Christian Brothers. "So, that umbrella ultimately has the responsibility for their actions … I want the general public to know what a lot of students, as well as myself, went through for this period and how it affected us. Simon said he was also speaking out on behalf of others who were not able to. "I've spoken to two past students in particular who I knew were treated much worse than I and, as much as they would like to come forward, they just can't because their mind is so traumatised by it all, they just can't re-live it." In 2018, Tasmania removed the time limit for bringing claims of child sexual abuse or "serious" physical abuse of a child. "It will be about this distinction between physical abuse and serious physical abuse," Ms Sdrinis said. The ABC asked the Christian Brothers Oceania Province if it wished to make any comment about "allegations of serious physical abuse relating to corporal punishment at [St Virgil's] in the 1970s and 80s". A spokesperson said: "The Christian Brothers Oceania Province has not been provided with any specific detail of what is alleged except that no claim has been filed with any court, and consequently, we are unable to comment." *Name has been changed.
Irish Independent
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Vincent Tuite – a true gentleman who enjoyed taking part in musicals and forged great friends in Greenore Golf Club
Vincent, who was born on July 10 1931, and was the eldest son of Laurence and Annie and brother to Brian, Aileen, Desmond, Kevin, Marie and Larry. Home was in the Deerpark and all was well until tragedy struck in 1944 with the passing of Laurence. Facing an uncertain future, there was no option but for Vincent to leave school and find work to support the family. He became an apprentice in 'The Dundalk Democrat' and continued to work there as a compositor until his retirement in 1996. Vincent's brothers and sisters often spoke of his quiet determination and his steadfast resolve to hold the family together during those difficult times. Never one to complain, they described him as a tremendous brother who in fact raised two families. Vincent always enjoyed Gaelic games and although an injury prematurely ended his own football career, he did have the opportunity to line out for the Christian Brothers school in Croke Park. However, football was only one of many pastimes. Vincent also enjoyed acting, often recounting stories of the evenings spent in the old Ravensdale Hall in plays and musicals under the direction of Fr. Hardy. Tears of laughter would roll down his face as he recalled forgotten lines, prompts across the stage or times when lines were forgotten altogether, all to the howls of laughter from the audience. Golf, and friendships forged in Greenore Golf Club provided many happy times for Vincent, none more so than his participation on the Newsam Cup winning team of 1987. There were also many golf trips to Portugal in retirement with a group calling themselves 'The Ryder Cup Team'. Having been born in Co. Monaghan, Vincent chose as his bride a young teacher from Scotstown, who had come to work in Dulargy National School. He and Maura McCann were married on August 5 1959. A devoted couple throughout their lives, they were seldom seen apart. They shared a passion for travel visiting many places throughout their married life, family holidays in Ireland, trips in Europe and Vietnam, also spending several holidays in Australia visiting son Ciaran and Vincent's brother Larry. Vincent and Maura shared an enjoyment of music and especially looked forward to attending performances by mezzo soprano Tara Erraught. The family were delighted that Tara and the Ravensdale Choir, of which Vincent was a long time member, were able to sing at the Funeral Mass, under the direction of Liz McConnon, organist. Working in Dundalk, Vincent became involved with the Local Civil Defence Unit and served on the Board of Directors of Cuchulainn Credit Union for many years. Faith was important to Vincent and he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Minister of the Word in the parish. A quiet man, with a great smile who enjoyed the simple things in life, his devotion to family will be forever remembered by his children, brothers and sister. Simply put, Vincent Tuite was a True Gentleman. Predeceased by his loving wife Maura, parents Laurence and Annie, brother Brian, sister Marie and son in law Barry. Survived by children, Anne, Margo, Joan, Ciarán and Tara, brothers Desmond, Kevin, Larry and sister Aileen. Daughter in law Tien, sons in law Jimmy, Gerard and Séamus. Grandchildren Valentina, Laura, Teresa, Christopher, Ruth, Claire, Luke, Oisín and Quan. Great grandchildren James, Aleigha, Leon and Jake. Having reposed at his home in Deerpark, Vincent was brought to St. Mary's Church on Thursday June 12 for Funeral Mass celebrated by Fr. S. Duffy P.P. assisted by Fr. P. Murphy. Symbols of his life were presented by grandson Luke, great grandchildren Aleigha and Jake, niece Catherine, with commentary by granddaughter Claire. Readings were given by daughter Joan and granddaughter Teresa. Prayers of Faithful read by daughters Tara and Margo, grandchildren Ruth and Christopher, brother Kevin and niece Siobhán. Offertory gifts presented by brothers Desmond and Kevin and nephew David. Reflection after Communion read by daughter Anne and Eulogy delivered by son Ciarán. Burial took place afterwards in Calvary Cemetery, Dulargy. The Tuite family would like to thank all those who called to the house, expressed condolences or sent Mass Cards. The Months Mind Mass for Vincent will be celebrated on Sunday July 6, at 11.30am in St. Marys Church, Ravensdale. Suaimhneas Síoraí i mbaclainn Dé
Hindustan Times
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Twenty Twenty, Christian Brothers and more: These Malayalam multi-starrers are sure to entertain you
Malayali cinephiles are generally big lovers of multi-star films that usually stand out for their mass appeal. The multi-star films, such as Twenty Twenty and Christian Brothers, have usually performed well at the box office and attracted large audiences. Over time, these films become even more enjoyable due to their rewatch value. Her are a few of the Malayalam multi-starrers that are accessible on OTT. Varshangalkku Shesham, Twenty Twenty Watch Mohanlal's all-time Malayalam hits such as Twenty Twenty, Sadayam, Grandmaster and more on OTTplay Premium Vishwanathan, a retired Supreme Court justice, returns home to learn about the murder of one of his grandsons, Arun. The film's main plot is followed by the aftermath of this incident. Upon hearing the term "multi-starrer," Twenty Twenty is the first film that comes to mind for Malayalis. The ensemble cast of the movie includes almost all of the best actors in Malayalam cinema, including the movie's biggest stars, Mammootty and Mohanlal. The movie never has a dull moment and is a complete entertainer. You can watch the film on Sun NXT and OTTplay Premium. Varshangalkku Shesham This film is centred on a gifted musician and an ambitious director, who unite with the goal of being successful in the film industry. The main question of the movie is whether their friendship holds up over time while pursuing their passion. Pranav Mohanlal, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Nivin Pauly, Kalyani Priyadarshan, Aju Varghese, and Basil Joseph are among the many talented young Malayalam actors who star in Varshangalkku Shesham. You can stream the popular film on Sony LIV and OTTplay Premium. Amar Akbar Antony The film's main cast included Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jayasurya, and Indrajith Sukumaran. It ran successfully in theatres with many praising its humorous aspects. The movie was a big box office hit. The plot of this movie is focused on three best friends named Amar, Akbar, and Anthony. When a tragedy strikes the colony, the three people's easygoing lives take an unexpected turn. The popular film is available to stream on Sun NXT and OTTplay Premium. Bougainvillea The thriller focuses on Reethu, a woman with amnesia, and her husband, Dr Royce Thomas. When police officer David Koshy suspects Reethu of being involved in a case of young women disappearing mysteriously in their town, the couple's lives are completely upended for the worse with several truths coming into light. Key characters in the movie are played by Kunchacko Boban, Fahadh Faasil, Sharaf U Dheen, and Jyothirmayi. It is available for streaming on Sony LIV and OTTplay Premium. Christian Brothers Christian Brothers, starring Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Dileep, and R Sarathkumar in the key roles, is another Malayalam multistar film that attracted attention after Twenty Twenty. As a family entertainment, it features numerous scenes that appeal to a wider audience. Christy, who is framed for murder while saving the Home Minister's daughter, is the main character of the movie. Along with proving his innocence, he must face the menacing forces who are targeting his loved ones. You can stream the film on JioHotstar. Also Read: Director Ahammed Khabeer on the possibility of Kerala Crime Files 3 | Exclusive
