Latest news with #MichaelD.Higgins
Irish Independent
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Triathlon event held in memory of killed Garda Kevin Flatley
A tribute was also read out for the 49-year-old father-of-two who was a keen runner and had previously completed a half iron man endurance event. Garda Flatley died last month after being struck by a motorbike on the R132 at Lissenhall on May 11. A member of the Roads Policing Unit in Dublin Castle, Garda Flatley was conducting roadside speed checks when the road traffic collision happened. The motorcyclist was rushed to Beaumont Hospital and passed away from his injuries on May 30. A keen fitness enthusiast and dedicated community volunteer, Garda Flatley was a member of the Fingal Triathlon Club. On Sunday the club hosted the Fingal Triathlon in which some 600 adults and 200 juniors took part in the multi-discipline race involving swimming, cycling and running. The event began at Red Island in Skerries, with a tribute read out in honour of Garda Flatley, followed by a poignant minutes silence with many of his garda colleagues present. Members of the Fingal Triathlon club later rode Garda Flatley's racing bikes in a touching tribute to their clubmate. They were flanked by local gardaí on bicycles and escorted by two motorcyclists from the Roads Policing Unit in Dublin Castle. A procession later took place in Skerries town centre with a guard of honour held. The Triathlon Sprint saw participants take on a 750m swim, a 20km cycle along the coastline, and finishing off with a 5km run. At his funeral last month, the congregation was told how Garda Flatley always focused on helping people which extended beyond his workplace and was 'always the first to offer support to community groups' and to volunteer. This included his work with the Special Olympics, O'Dwyers Gaa club, and the Fingal Triathlon Club where he was race director in 2013. His racing achievements included completing a half-Ironman triathlon and many other multi-discipline endurance races around the country. The funeral, attended by President Michael D. Higgins, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris, heard that Garda Flatley was a family man who died in the service of the State keeping the roads safe. He started his career at Pearse Street Garda Station, where he was a valued and respected member of his unit, before moving to Blanchardstown garda station in 2002. He later transferred to the Roads Policing Unit in 2018.
The Journal
29-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
President says corporations 'deliberately' working against climate action
THE PRESIDENT HAS said that there are corporations that are 'deliberately' working against climate action at the same time as the world experiences record-breaking weather extremes. President Michael D. Higgins delivered a speech this morning at the opening of Bloom, the annual food and gardening festival held in Phoenix Park. Addressing the crowd on the first day of the festival, the President used much of his speech to draw attention to the perils of the climate crisis and the need for action to address it. He said that the large attendance numbers at Bloom each year reflect 'the interest that people have in being outdoors' and the growing awareness of needing to protectthe natural world and move to a circular economy. 'We are living, as we all know, in an era of profound environmental challenges, one that is defined by shared interacting crises,' he said. The world's leading climate scientists have told us with increasing urgency that the planet we share is at a tipping point, and in some places has moved over that point,' he said, describing the 'devastating consequences of a warming world'. 'The impacts of climate change in Ireland are impacts with which we are now familiar. They are reflected not only in threat but in actual experience of the consequences of rising sea levels, by the increased frequency and severity of weather events such as high-impact storms, droughts and floods,' he said. Advertisement The President said that 'too many of us will have experienced the dreadful consequences of Storm Éowyn at the end of January', adding that he wanted to 'take this opportunity to thank again all those who worked to address the severe consequences, including the first-responders for their valiant efforts, and the great support they received from communities'. 'We have to make ourselves aware of the imbalance between those who are carrying the consequences of a warming Earth and those who contributed to where we find ourselves in terms of the climate change which has been provoked. 'The peoples of the world are aware of the crisis but unfortunately there are corporations that are deliberately going in another direction and are likely to be very active in trying to get us to retreat from the commitments at that great moment of humanity, the 2015 [Paris Agreement] commitments. During a speech at Bloom festival on climate change, President Michael D Higgins says: 'The peoples of the world are aware of this crisis but there are corporations who are going in the other direction and are very active in trying to get us to retreat from our commitments' — Muiris Ó Cearbhaill (@muirisoc) May 29, 2025 2024 was the warmest year on record , according to the World Meteorological Organisation's latest annual global climate report. The concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere was also higher than ever before. New projections published yesterday by the Environmental Protection Agency show that Ireland is far off track to meet its 2030 climate targets. Additional reporting by Muiris Ó Cearbhaill 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
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Tullamore joins nationwide street feast to celebrate community spirit
The nationwide 'street feast' initiative, which runs on May, 24 and May, 25 is now its 15th year and encourages communities to come together for informal street parties, picnics and shared meals. Over 800 feasts are expected nationwide this year, with participants who register as hosts by May, 29 to receive a free party pack. The packs contain bunting, invites, posters and an informational folder. Once registered, there is also a downloadable guide with tips. In Tullamore, the event is expected to bring together residents from various neighbourhoods to O'Connor Square. The event is being ran by Tullamore Chamber, The Phoenix Bar & Venue, and Tullamore Credit Union, along with receiving support from Offaly County Council. Local organisers are encouraging everyone to get involved in events on the day such as live music, a kids disco, face painting, and family fun. Street Feast is a Neighbourhood Network initiative, which aims to promote social inclusion, tackle loneliness and build supportive and resilient neighbourhoods around Ireland. Street Feasts are held for everyone to have the opportunity to be connected in a neighbourhood group and feel included and at home in their communities. President Michael D. Higgins, the festival's patron, praised the promotion of community spirit: 'We must all by now realise the importance of community, inclusion, creativity and togetherness. 'All values that require support and a conscious effort of care, protection and solidarity. Initiatives such as Street Feast provide exactly that type of opportunity'
Irish Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
President Higgins leads ceremony at Arbour Hill to commemorate executed Easter Rising leaders
PRESIDENT OF IRELAND Michael D. Higgins has led the annual State ceremony at Arbour Hill to commemorate the Easter Rising and the leaders of 1916. The president was joined by his wife, Sabina, as well as Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris at Arbour Hill. the final resting place of 14 of the executed Rising leaders, including the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic. The annual commemoration at the Dublin site is the longest-running State ceremony to commemorate the Rising, with this year marking the 101st time the event has been held. "Today marks over 100 years of this State Commemoration of the Arbour Hill Ceremony as we remember those who died for Ireland in 1916 and in particular, those 14 executed leaders of 1916 who are buried here at Arbour Hill," said Mr Harris. Arbour Hill is the final resting place of 14 of the executed Easter Rising leaders, including the seven signatories of the Proclamation of the Republic (Image: Maxwells Photography) "It is an honour and privilege for me, as Minister for Defence, to host this traditional commemorative event in the company of relatives of the executed leaders." Following the event, the Taoiseach said: "I was honoured to take part in today's ceremony at Arbour Hill. We remember those who fought and died for Ireland in 1916." As well as a Requiem Mass and a ceremony at the grave for the leaders of the Easter Rising, President Higgins laid a wreath to commemorate those who died in 1916. It is now more than 100 years since the commemoration at Arbour Hill began in 1923, shortly after the end of the Civil War, with the first State commemoration event taking place in 1924. A commemoration event has been held each year since and over 800 invitations were issued for this year's ceremony. The commemoration takes place at the Church of the Sacred Heart, the church for the Defence Forces, on the first Wednesday on or after May 3 each year.
Irish Post
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
President Michael D. Higgins leads Irish delegation at funeral of Pope Francis
AN IRISH delegation led by President Michael D. Higgins attended the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday. The pontiff was laid to rest at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome following a funeral Mass at the Vatican. Italian officials say more than 400,000 people gathered at St Peter's Square for the funeral and lined the streets as the Pope's coffin was taken to his final resting place. Speaking ahead of the funeral, President Higgins said Pope Francis 'led by example in embracing so many of the most important issues facing humanity'. "In attending the funeral and celebrating the life of Pope Francis, it is important to stress his work on our shared humanity and on the importance of peace, sustainability and of rights," he added. 'An example to us all' Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was an honour to attend Pope Francis' funeral and 'reflect on and appreciate the remarkable achievements of his life'. "He had a deep commitment to service," said Mr Martin. "He was a man of great humility who lived his life with an unwavering commitment to the principles of compassion, peace, and human dignity, providing an example to all." Before the funeral, the Taoiseach described the Pope as 'a voice for the marginalised, the poor, and the migrants'. Pallbearers carry the coffin at the end of the funeral of Pope Francis (Image: Antonio Masiello / Getty Images) "He truly lived the Gospel in his actions and in the example he set," he said. "Pope Francis showed leadership in the church. He pursued his vision of a Catholic Church that is open, compassionate, and does not shy away from the challenges the world faces." Tánaiste Simon Harris said after the funeral that it was a 'privilege to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, on behalf of Ireland'. "Pope Francis challenged us all to be better, to care more, to judge less and to lead with kindness," he said. "His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come." 'Honour his legacy' First Minister Michelle O'Neill was also in Rome for the funeral. "Today I joined political and religious leaders from across the world to pay my respects at the funeral of Pope Francis," she said. "We said goodbye to a leader of great stature, immense courage, and deep humility — a man who carried forward a powerful vision for a fairer, more just, and peaceful world. "It falls to all of us to honour his legacy by building that better future for our children and grandchildren, in every corner of the globe. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam." Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly was not in attendance, saying in a reply on Twitter/X that 'we didn't receive any invitation'. "The FM subsequently sought one and was able to obtain one just today," she added in the tweet on Friday.
