national

National News Briefs

Lower than expected turnout for Eucharistic Congress

Thousands of people are set to attend day two of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in Dublin today, which began yesterday with lower than expected attendance and amid renewed calls for the resignation of Cardinal Seán Brady.

Over 12,000 pilgrims turned out for the opening ceremony of the eight-day religious festival in Dublin yesterday, which got underway with an open-air mass, although up to 20,000 people had been expected.

A small group of around 50 protestors from the Irish Survivors of Child Abuse (Irish SOCA) group picketed the congress venue, a specially designed Eucharistic village in the RDS, in protest at the Church's handling of clerical abuse cases in Ireland.

They were calling for the resignation of Cardinal Sean Brady – Primate of All Ireland – who was one of a number of Church officials who was made aware of sex abuse being carried out by paedophile priest Brendan Smyth.

_____________________________________

Galway men to be sentenced under new anti-gang legislation

Two Galway men are to be sentenced today having pleaded guilty to membership of a criminal organisation, marking the first conviction under new anti-gang legislation.

Thirty-one-year-old Michael O'Loughlin of Rahylin Glebe, Ballybane and 28-year-old Eddie O'Loughlin of Rockfield Park, Rahoon both pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of a criminal organisation in the Galway area between February and June, 2010.

The men were originally charged with organising a criminal organisation but entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of membership.

They face a maximum of 15 years in prison under the 2009 Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act when sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

__________________________________________

Garda Ombudsman investigating fatal Wicklow crash

The Garda Ombudsman is investigating a fatal single car crash in Co Wicklow.

It happened at Sean Kelly Bridge in Sally Gap around 5.30pm yesterday evening, claiming the life of a young man.

Two other passengers were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The incident was referred to the Ombudsman Commission by the Garda Commissioner.

They are appealing for any witnesses to the crash or to anyone with information to contact them on 1890 600-800

_____________________________________

'Its not over yet' - Irish fans

The twelfth man of Poznan refused to accept Euro2012 was over just as it started for the Irish.

More Croats left early for the exits than their noisy opponents and an air of optimism still hung in the stands despite the devastating defeat last night.

And with most talk centred on match officials rather than chances missed, there were a handful of conspiracy theories thrown into the bargain.

Killian Martin from Cavan stopped short of lashing out at Uefa chiefs for refusing to have goal line technology and replays.

“The ref was dodgy. He gave way too much to the Croatians,” he said.

“Robbie Keane should have had a penalty, a goal was offside and looking at that would have you wondering we didn’t get what we deserved.”

The green army outnumbered the Croats three to one – in the 44,000 seater Stadion Miejski that’s 33,000, well oiled and in full voice.

________________________________________


Sinn Féin move to end dual mandates

Sinn Féin MP for Mid Ulster Martin McGuinness is to resign his seat, forcing a by-election, as part of a shake-up to end Sinn Féin dual mandates at Westminster.

Party president Gerry Adams said Sinn Féin’s four other MPs will stand down from the Northern Ireland Assembly where new representatives can be put in their place without further elections.

Mr Adams said his party would continue to refuse to sit in Westminster, but wanted to avoid creating a string of electoral contests by resigning all five of its parliamentary seats.

Stormont politicians have been heavily criticised in the past for holding posts in local councils, the devolved Stormont Assembly and at Westminster.

Mr Adams said: “The key thing to be said about this issue is that other parties are talking about ending dual mandate, Sinn Féin has ended dual mandate.”