Latest news with #O'Donovan
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Paul O'Donovan set to compete in heavyweight double at final World Cup regatta
There is a strong chance he will go head-to-head with his crewmate in Paris 2024 and Tokyo 2020, Fintan McCarthy, who will also compete in a double in Lucerne. Lightweight rowing is no longer an Olympic discipline and top lightweights are moving up to openweight crews. O'Donovan will team up with Clonmel man Daire Lynch, the Paris bronze medallist in the heavyweight double. McCarthy continues his partnership with Konan Pazzaia. They took bronze on their first outing in a double at the European Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, last month. Philip Doyle, who partnered Lynch in the medal-winning double at Paris 2024, competed in a quadruple at the Europeans, but he has stepped away from the team for the moment. Brian Colsh replaces him in the quadruple for Lucerne. The original entry also included the Ireland pair of Ross Corrigan and Nathan Timoney, which last competed in the Paris 2024 final, finishing sixth. However, Timoney is recovering from injury and the crew will miss this regatta. Tiarnán O'Donnell, who won gold in the PR2 single at the first World Cup regatta last weekend, teams up with Sadhbh Ní Laoghaire in a new PR3 mixed double. They are effectively competing one level up. This will allow Ní Laoghaire, who is new to pararowing at this level, to be classified so she could be in the picture to compete at the World Championships in September. On the women's side, Ireland will have two single scullers. Alison Bergin competes alongside Fiona Murtagh, who took silver on her debut in the single at this level at the European Championships. Fermoy's Bergin competed in a quadruple at the Europeans, but Imogen Magner effectively takes her place in a crew which has now been entered as a four. Zoe Hyde and Mags Cremen will again represent Ireland in the double, while Siobhán McCrohan returns to action in the lightweight single sculls. Dominic Casey, who heads up Irish rowing as interim lead coach, continues to downplay the importance of results this early in a new Olympic cycle. 'It's a long road ahead,' he said. However, in a prepared statement, he opined: 'Lucerne is one of the standout events in the rowing calendar. The squad selected brings together a mix of youth and experience, and it's a key opportunity for us to benchmark against world-class crews as we look ahead to the next major test.'
The Journal
a day ago
- Business
- The Journal
Artists to receive an extra €8,450 as Basic Income for the Arts scheme extended until next year
THE BASIC INCOME for the Arts (BIA) payment scheme has been extended until February 2026 – meaning that artists currently on the pilot programme will receive an additional €8,450. This extension applies to the 2,000 artists participating in the scheme, who receive a weekly payment of €325. Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, confirmed that the government remains committed to reviewing the BIA pilot scheme to 'maximise its impact'. He explained that the six-month extension of the scheme allows the department time to prepare proposals for a new successor scheme. Last month, the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport published a report on the scheme, in which artists highlighted how the weekly stipend improved their mental health, gave them a greater sense of empowerment, and provided much-needed stability in their lives and work . Advertisement Other benefits cited included helping artists secure more sustainable housing, start families, and establish pension schemes. Arts groups have warmly welcomed the scheme. Launched initially in September 2022, the Basic Income for the Arts scheme has been a vital source of support for many creatives. O'Donovan plans to present proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026. The six-month extension will be used to finalise research on the pilot and engage with key stakeholders in the arts sector. The minister said this approach would provide the government 'with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions' regarding the scheme. 'I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to bring some certainty to those currently benefiting from it,' he added. Following the announcement, the National Campaign for the Arts (NCFA) launched a new campaign urging local government representatives to back calls for the scheme to be permanently retained, extended, and expanded. 'Our campaign aims to benefit Irish society by ensuring the BIA scheme becomes a permanent support mechanism for artists, recognising its potential to transform Ireland's precious creative landscape,' NCFA Chairperson Maria Fleming said. 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
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Major decision on €325 weekly payment for thousands of Irish in 6-month move amid fresh ‘kicking can down the road' fury
THOUSANDS of Irish people getting a €325 weekly payment have been handed a six-month lifeline - in a move that's been slammed as "kicking the can down the road". The Basic Income for the Arts is a pilot The main aim of the payment is to address the job and financial instability faced by many in the creative industry. There were 2,000 creatives selected to The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan confirmed today the pilot scheme will be extended for a further six months. The READ MORE IN NEWS He said the six-month extension will allow for both allow time for "the full evaluation of the pilot" and "stakeholder engagement". "Confirming the plans in a statement today he said: "The Programme for Government commits to assessing the Basic Income for the Arts pilot research scheme to maximise its impact. "In order to allow for the preparation of proposals for a new scheme, based on the research and consultation with the sector, I am today announcing a six-month extension of the current scheme. "I fully appreciate the importance of the Basic Income support for artists and am glad to be able to bring some certainty to those currently on the scheme." Most read in Money He continued: "I know there is broad-based support for the scheme, and I intend to bring proposals for a successor scheme to Cabinet as part of Budget 2026. "The extension I am announcing today will provide time to finalise the research programme and to undertake stakeholder engagement which will provide the Government with a comprehensive evidence base upon which to base future policy decisions about the Basic Income for the Arts. New online application system opens for €360 or €180 Domiciliary Care Allowance applications "To facilitate this work, I am extending the pilot scheme for those currently participating in the pilot for six months to February 2026.' However, the move has been met with strong criticism claiming it leaves artists in "limbo" rather than aids them. The Labour Party blasted Minister O'Donovan and claimed the extension was part of a "drip feed of promises". Labour's Arts spokesperson Rob O'Donoghue said the TD was "kicking the can down the road" with the new extension. He fumed: "This scheme has been a tremendous success, with artists across the board stating how it has been instrumental in their ability to work more effectively and more creatively in their vocations. "Why then has the Minister simply added a 6-month Sword of Damocles hanging over their heads? With no further information as to what the successor scheme will entail, how can the Minister leave artists in limbo?" 'BEGGING BOWL' He added: "We know there are some adjustments that require addressing for example the criteria for entry, the lack of inclusion of certain artistic forms, and the nebulous appeals process for those who did apply for the scheme in the first place. But will these really be addressed with a six month extension?" 'Ireland has always managed to produce some of the best artistic talent the world has ever known. Our support for our artists must be extended and done so with a clear vision. 'I'm calling on the Minister to stop kicking the can down the road. Artists need security and not have to worry about bringing the begging bowl back to the Government table.' 'CONSISTENT, POSITIVE IMPACT' As part of assessing the current benefits the Basic Income for the Arts payment is providing the Department of Finance is preparing a report on the first two years. The Department detail while research is ongoing, current data highlights a positive impact. They said: "It is clear from evidence collected to date that the BIA payment is having a consistent, positive impact across almost all indicators - affecting practice development, sectoral retention, well-being, and deprivation." Artists receiving the payment are reported able to produce more work and devote more time to their work. Those on the scheme have also reported a wellbeing boost and the reduction of anxiety. 1 Thousands will continue to receive the payment over the next half a year Credit: Getty Images
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Social media: Irish and French ministers press for Europe-wide age rule to protect children
A letter has been sent to the European Commission calling for the introduction of mandatory age verification for access to social media. Media minister Patrick O'Donovan, who signed the letter alongside French digital affairs minister Clara Chappaz, said it is time to take action and initiate a European response to the issue. Given the considerable and potentially negative effects of social networks on young people, Mr O'Donovan called for the mandatory age verification to be included in the guidelines on the protection of minors online within the framework of the Digital Services Act. The Fine Gael minister and Ms Chappaz are seeking an urgent meeting with the commission to progress dialogue. Patrick O'Donovan and his French counterpart Clara Chappaz, above, co-signed the letter to the European Commission and are seeking other EU states to join their bid to protect minors from harmful social media content. File picture They also want their letter to be co-signed by the relevant minsters of other EU states. O'Donovan met social media firms Separately, the minister met with social media platforms in Dublin on Monday where a "productive" discussion was had. Mr O'Donovan outlined to the companies that the damage social media does to young people and society in general is very worrying, saying that his singular focus is on protecting children from harmful online content. He said age verification must be a priority for platforms and outlines his intention to work across government and with all stakeholders to ensure children could enjoy the benefits of connectivity while being safe from harmful or illegal content online. The representatives for the platforms set out the work they had done and were continuing to do to address concerns. Coimisiún na Meán code A new code, set out by broadcasting regulator Coimisiún na Meán, is aimed at protecting children online, with binding rules that seek to prevent harmful content such as cyberbullying, racism, or incitement to hatred. These rules will require platforms to introduce robust age verification — such as verifying a passport — to prevent children from accessing pornography or gratuitous violence online. If a company breaks the new code, fines of €20m, or 10% of their turnover, could apply. The code itself has received pushback from some tech firms, with a number of companies, including X, Reddit, and Tumblr, taking judicial reviews against the code. Both Reddit and Tumblr failed in their High Court cases. In the case of X, it accused Coimisiún na Meán of 'regulatory overreach' in its approach. That judicial review is set for hearing in June. In April, digital services commissioner John Evans said that, based on discussions with these platforms, they already have a 'sense of what direction different players are going and what our approach might be'. He also said that 'different platforms have different attitudes' to the code, and that the regulator has been subject to 'pushback' from some platforms regarding the obligations being put upon them.
The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
Man (18) charged in connection with Limerick drive-by gun attack refused bail
A MAN, WHO gardaí allege is 'actively involved' in an ongoing 'violent feud' in Limerick City, was today refused bail on charges connected to a drive-by shooting last May. The gun attack occurred on 8 May when a masked gunman driving a stolen black Audi A4 fired multiple shots from a semi-automaton handgun at occupied homes at Hyde Road, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick. Gardaí alleged during a bail hearing today that John O'Donovan, (18), Valley View, Southill, Limerick, was involved in a feud between rival crime families and that he was involved with others in the shooting. The drive-by gun attack was video recorded on a mobile phone and shared on social media, gardaí told the court. Mr O'Donovan is accused of three counts of using or possessing cars, which were stolen from Dublin and used in the shooting. He is also charged with one count of arson in respect of the car that gardaí allege was used in the shooting. Detective Garda Darragh Conroy, Roxboro Road garda station, Limerick, told the court that Mr O'Donovan made 'no reply' when cautioned after he was charged with the four offences. Objecting to bail, Det Gda Conroy said Mr O'Donovan was arrested as part of the investigation into the shooting, which he said was linked to 'a violent feud involving the Collins family and the O'Donoghue organised crime group'. Detective Gda Conroy said a 'semi-automatic firearm' was discharged at a number of 'occupied' homes at Hyde Road, and that Gardai observed 'bullet holes' in the front windows and front doors of the residential properties. Although the houses were occupied, there were no reports of injuries to persons. Detective Garda Conroy alleged that a black Audi A4 and a white Lexus NX 300h were stolen in Dublin on April 25th last and driven to Junction 14 service station, at Monasterevin, Co Kildare. Garda Conroy alleged Mr O'Donovan and others attended the service station where 'an exchange' of the stolen vehicles occurred, and that Mr O'Donovan took possession of the Lexus SUV from a 'Dublin criminal'. Advertisement The stolen cars were driven 'in convoy' from the service station to Limerick, the Lexus, which gardaí allege was driven by Mr O'Donovan, was parked up at the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel, Limerick until it was used again on the night of the shooting to ferry Mr O'Donovan and others to Murroe Co Limerick where gardaí located the Audi A4 'burnt out'. Garda Conroy said gardaí observed 'bullet holes' in an 'upstairs bedroom window' of one of the houses targeted in the gun attack, and that 'shots were fired through the front door' of another property. 'All of the houses were occupied. Eight spent 9mm cartridges were found at the scene,' Det Gda Conroy said. Garda Conroy said the driver of the stolen black Audi – who was not identified in court – 'using a semi-automatic firearm, fired shots at properties from a moving vehicle', and that the occupants of the car 'recorded a video' of the gun attack. Detective Garda Conroy alleged that the Lexus travelled in convoy with the Audi to Murroe, Co Limerick where it was found burned. Garda Conroy further alleged that Mr O'Donovan was captured on CCTV footage at a filling station purchasing gloves and placing a container of petrol into the stolen Lexus before driving the vehicle away prior to he shooting. The garda alleged that Mr O'Donovan supplied the fuel used to torch the stolen Audi and that his mobile phone was turned off prior to the shooting and turned back on again minutes after the shooting. A text message was sent to Mr O'Donovan's mobile phone explaining that gardaí were on route to the scene of the shooting, Det Gda Conroy also alleged. A search of the online travel agency ' was conducted on Mr O'Donovan's phone immediately after the text message was received, Garda Conroy alleged. Garda Conroy told the court: 'It is my belief that he (Mr O'Donovan) will continue to be involved in the feud, commit further offences, and there would be a further risk to property and risk of loss of life if he was granted bail'. Garda Conroy said Mr O'Donovan, represented by solicitor Sarah Ryan, had 'maintained his right to silence' throughout interviews with Gardai following his arrest. Judge Patricia Harney said she was satisfied to refuse bail and remanded Mr O'Donovan in custody to appear before Limerick District Court via video-link for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions on Tuesday, 17 June. 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
