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Irish Independent
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘Courage and resilience' of Ukrainians is an inspiration in Wicklow community
Organised by manager Fiona Mulvey and supported by the Department of Children's Community Integration Fund, the event brought together Irish and Ukrainian communities to share in music, dance, craftsmanship and food. Families enjoyed a vibrant mix of performances and activities, from Ukrainian embroidery displays and children's games to live traditional music by Sean Olohan, Sofia and Tatiana, Erich and Viktoria from Tiglin, and Gavin and Sienna Murphy. A young Ukrainian performer also impressed the audience with her skill in Irish dancing, a beautiful symbol of cultural connection. The day concluded with entertainment for all ages and a community barbecue that brought everyone together around shared tables and stories. The event was hailed by the team at Coolnagreina as a powerful reflection of mutual respect, understanding and the deep friendships that have grown between Ukrainian families and the local Irish community. Ukrainian residents have embraced life in Ireland, learning the language, enrolling in schools, and building bonds across cultures. The Irish community, in turn, has welcomed them with open arms. Playdates between Ukrainian and Irish children are now a familiar and heart-warming sight. At the same time, the day acknowledged the hardship many Ukrainians continue to face, with loved ones still in their home country and uncertainty about the future. The desire for peace and the hope of returning home remain strong. Among the special guests were Senator Aubrey McCarthy and Yaroslav Ruban, a representative from the Ukrainian Embassy to Ireland. Senator McCarthy, founder of Tiglin and convenor of the Ukraine-Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group, spoke about the spirit of unity and compassion shown across communities. "The Ukrainian people have become part of our extended family in Greystones, Wicklow and beyond. Their courage and resilience inspire us every day," he said. Mr Ruban expressed his gratitude for the care and solidarity shown since the beginning of the Russian invasion. He thanked Senator McCarthy for his advocacy and the people of Greystones for their continued support. Rachel Harper, a board member of Tiglin, summed up the day, when she said: "There is a real sense of togetherness and celebration, a recognition of the friendships that have grown between Irish and Ukrainian families."
Irish Independent
04-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Call for Dublin street to be named after Capuchin Day Centre founder Brother Kevin Crowley
Br Kevin, who died on Wednesday at the age of 90, founded the Capuchin Day Centre on Bow Street in 1969, which provides over 1,000 hot meals and more than 1,000 food parcels to those living in homelessness and poverty each day. His funeral mass will take place in Dublin tomorrow morning at the Church of St Mary of the Angels at 11am. Senator Aubrey McCarthy, who founded the charity Tiglin, which provides supports to people experiencing homelessness and addiction, has said naming a street in honour of Br Kevin 'would be a fitting and permanent tribute to a man who gave so much to Dublin'. Mr McCarthy has written to the Lord Mayor of Dublin City Council requesting that the move be considered as a way to honour Br Kevin's contribution to Irish society. 'Br Kevin was a beacon of compassion, dignity, and service in our city,' he said. 'His legacy is etched into the lives of thousands of people he helped quietly, humbly, and without judgment. Naming a street after him would be a fitting and permanent tribute to a man who gave so much to Dublin.' Born in Kilcolman in Enniskeane, Co Cork in February of 1935, Br Kevin was baptised with the name William. He entered the Capuchin Postulancy in Co Kilkenny in April 1958. In October of that year, he was admitted to the Novitiate in Rochestown in Cork where he received the name Kevin. After spending time working in the Cooperative Clothing Guild in Dublin, he had offices on Bow Street reconstructed to build the Capuchin Day Centre. The organisation, which was visited by Pope Francis during his time in Ireland in 2018, has become a vital facility for supporting poor and homeless people in Dublin. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more President Michael D Higgins led tributes to Br Kevin earlier this week, praising his 'invaluable contribution to the people of Dublin city' through the 'essential services' the centre provides. He described him as a 'warm, caring, yet fearless man, who dedicated his life to living his Christian faith in dedication to those most in need'. 'The hot meals, food parcels, clothing, showers, family services, and medical and dental services have not just extended care of the most vulnerable, but have been exemplary in showing a fundamental respect for the dignity of each person and allowed so many of those who have availed of the services to rebuild their lives," he said. The Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell, said his work and the work of the staff and volunteers 'transformed the lives of the poor and marginalised in our city who availed of its services, from misery and despair to hope and love'. Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Br Kevin as a 'good friend' and 'proud Cork man' who was 'a tireless and passionate advocate for justice, dedicating his life to helping those in need'. 'His compassion, devotion and non-judgmental approach to helping the marginalised was unwavering,' he said. Tánaiste Simon Harris said Br Kevin was 'one of life's true heroes' who dedicated his life to helping others.
The Journal
29-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
Two more names surface for presidency bids as Mary Hanafin confirms intent to run
LAST UPDATE | 30 mins ago AS THE PRESIDENTIAL election draws nearer, more people are emerging from the woodwork to cautiously raise their hand – or in other cases, wave it furiously – for consideration for the job. Yesterday it was reported that former Fianna Fáil minister Mary Hanafin was 'in the mix' for the party nomination. Appearing on RTÉ Radio One this morning, Hanafin doubled down on her intention to snag the Fianna Fáil nomination for the office. She told Brendan O'Connor, 'Yes, I'd love the opportunity. I'd love the opportunity to be a Fianna Fáil candidate, and I'd love to bring my experience in public service, law into the job of president, which is the most important job in the country.' Hanafin said that ultimately it seemed that the decision would lie with party leader and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, whom she has had discussions with on the topic. She noted that Peter Power, another former minister from the party who now heads Unicef Ireland, is reportedly in talks with Fianna Fáil leadership about the possibility of contesting the presidential election, according to the Irish Independent . Advertisement Power, aged 59, was a TD for the party for Limerick East up until the financial crash. He then began as the head of Unicef Ireland in 2012 and has remained there since. He is a qualified solicitor. Hanafin stressed her record of public service and said that she strongly believes that Fianna Fáil should contest the presidency. Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless this afternoon refused to be drawn on his opinions on his party's options for presidential nominations, but said that he thought there would be a candidate established throughout the summer. Outside of Fianna Fáil, Independent senator and founder of homeless and addiction charity Tiglin, Aubrey McCarthy, told Virgin Media News that the presidency was 'something to consider'. NEW – Independent senator and Tiglin founder Aubrey McCarthy tells @virginmedianews : "If there was a conversation to be had regarding… a social inclusion candidate, where housing, second chances are part of the norm… certainly I would love the opportunity" to run for #aras25 — Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 28, 2025 McCarthy said that he would 'love the opportunity' to run as a social inclusion candidate where 'housing, where second chances are part of the norm'. Related Reads Why are so few candidates dipping their toe in the water in the race for the Áras? He added that he was focused on his role in the Seanad, where he sits on the housing committee. McCarthy was first elected to the Seanad this year in the Dublin University constituency. The Co Kildare man has been heavily involved with projects combatting homelessness and addiction, as well as rehabilitation for those who are affected by either issue. The presidential election must take place by 11 November at the latest. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wicklow charitymarks 15 years as annual report highlights ‘helping homeless with dignity'
Senator Aubrey McCarthy marked the milestone with a reminder of how 'a small group of us came together to create an organisation dedicated to helping those facing addiction and homelessness with dignity', and described 2024 as 'both busy and impactful'. In his message, he pointed to huge challenges in the early part of the year, when, in February, the demand for homeless services surged at Tiglin's Lighthouse homeless café, in Dublin. "Despite limited resources, the team persevered, distributing essentials to those in need,' he said. He was rewarded personally for his endeavours when he was bestowed with the Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year award, in May, something he modestly described as a 'true team effort'. This was followed in June, when he was 'both surprised and delighted' to be presented with the RDS Lifetime Achievement Award. From a challenging start, the year ended on a hugely positive note, with the organisation benefitting from a €1.4m grant to enhance women's recovery facilities, in September, followed by the October purchase of the Loreto convent in Bray. CEO Phil Thompson called the acquisition of the Bray facility 'remarkable', and noted how the site, currently home to around 40 Ukrainian nationals, 'opens new possibilities for Tiglin to address housing and healthcare needs for vulnerable populations'. "Looking ahead, we are excited to collaborate with Wicklow County Council and other state bodies to unlock the full potential of this site,' he said. The event, on Thursday, May 22, was hosted by Senator McCarthy, who was recently appointed to the Oireachtas Committee on Housing and Local Government, and showcased the charity's impactful and life-changing work across the country. The report itself outlines a year of intense activity and growing need. In 2024 alone, Tiglin's frontline Lighthouse Café served over 100,000 hot meals – an indicator of the deepening crisis of homelessness and hardship in Ireland. Social Care in Action brought together members of the Oireachtas, frontline workers, service users, and supporters. It offered a rare opportunity for policymakers to hear directly from those working on, and affected by, the realities of Ireland's social care landscape. A central theme was the role of lived experience in shaping effective national policy, particularly in the areas of addiction recovery, housing, and reintegration. ADVERTISEMENT Among the speakers were Tiglin graduates Paul and Nicola, who shared powerful personal stories of transformation. Nicola reflected on her past. 'My main goal for the day used to be just to drink. That was it. And saying it now, it's heartbreaking,' she said. Nicola was a participant in RTE's riveting three-part documentary in April, Hooked, hosted by Dr Brian Pennie. She was in the latter stages of treatment for alcohol addiction at Tiglin's Women's Centre in Greystones, and recounted how her days were shaped by addiction. These days, as part of Tiglin's reintegration programme, she's working in the bakery at the Rise coffee shop, while studying and slowly rebuilding herself as she strives to 'dip back into reality and to life'. Meanwhile, Paul, who also spoke at the launch, described how his life has too changed: 'Right now, in the community, I'm not 'Paul the addict' anymore,' he said. 'I'm just Paul. People don't know my past unless I tell them. And for the first time, I see a future – one where I give back and help others find their way too.' Today, Tiglin operates across seven locations, offering rehabilitation, supported housing, education, youth outreach, and community employment programmes. All of its work is grounded in a holistic, person-centred approach of restoration and dignity. The 2024 Annual Report highlights some remarkable outcomes for the organisation, including:
The Journal
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Brendan Gleeson and Johnny Sexton among those honoured with Lord Mayor's Awards
BRENDAN GLEESON AND Johnny Sexton are among those who have this evening been awarded with Lord Mayor's awards in Dublin. Seven awards were presented by Dublin's Lord Mayor Emma Blain this evening at the Mansion House. The awards have been presented annually since 1989. 'These awards are a chance for me to say thank you, on behalf of all the citizens of Dublin, to some people who have made a real difference to the social fabric of life in our city,' Blain said. 'Some of the award recipients will be well known to many of us, others not so. However, they are all very worthy of this award and I am delighted to be able to honour them in this way.' Gleeson was given an award in recognition of his 'outstanding achievements' in acting and social justice, while Sexton received his for his achievements in rugby. Athlete Rhasidat Adeleke received an award for her achievements in athletics and 'inspiring a new generation of female athletes'. Brendan Gleeson with the Lord Mayor, Emma Blain and his award in recognition of his outstanding achievements in acting and social justice. Leah Farrell / © Leah Farrell / © / © Identical twins Allen and Jay Bobinac were given an award for their voluntary service to the people of Dublin and their 'dedication to helping the homeless in our city'. Advertisement The brothers, originally from Croatian island Krk, began their time in Ireland sleeping rough and with the help of homeless charity Tiglin have gone on to graduate with masters' degrees in Social Care. A posthumous award was given to Isobel Henderson, who passed away earlier this month. She was previously the Vice President of the Girls' Brigade Ireland , which has been described as a 'international, interdenominational youth organisation which strives to help girls develop new skills, knowledge and confidence in a safe and fun environment'. She was given the award as a result of her 'outstanding service and unwavering dedication' to the organisation. Team Power of 1 were given an award in recognition of their achievement in the World's Toughest Row. The team rowed 5,000km across the Atlantic in memory of Saoirse O'Driscoll to raise funds and awareness for Heart Children Ireland and Children's Heart Centre. Saoirse passed away as a result of congenital heart disease at the age of 13 in April 2024. The team have continued on her legacy by raising awareness of the disease and stressing the importance of organ donation. Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O'Brien pictured at the launch of the 30th anniversary of Alzheimer's Tea Day in March 2024. Sasko Lazarov / © Photocall Ireland Sasko Lazarov / © Photocall Ireland / © Photocall Ireland Actors Bryan Murray and Úna Crawford O'Brien are known for their roles in Fair City. They were given an award in recognition of their 'outstanding contribution to the arts, on stage and on screen and for raising awareness of dementia'. Bryan was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease six years ago at the age of 69. His longtime partner Úna has been involved with Alzheimer Society of Ireland and has been behind several initiatives to raise awareness of the disease. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
