SWIMMER Daniel Wiffen has ‘written himself into the history books’ by becoming Ireland’s first gold medalist of the Paris Olympics and the first man to ever secure a medal in the pool for Ireland. The Armagh native swam his way to victory on July 30, securing an Olympic gold medal in the final of the men’s 800m freestyle, in a new Olympic record time of 7:38.19. In doing so the … [Read more...] about A Gold For Ireland
‘Normal for Northern Ireland’
Should not Dull us to Troubles Abuses
Should not Dull us to Troubles Abuses
IA Newsletter July 13, 2024
THIRTY years after they ended, the capacity of Northern Ireland’s Troubles to shock us should probably have reached its limits by now.
Alas, the past bleeds into the present and two recent court cases, reported by the assiduous Belfast media, caught my eye.
The first concerned a hearing, which is set for November, concerning the importing of an arms cache for loyalist … [Read more...] about
Should not Dull us to Troubles Abuses
St. Dymphna: The Lily of Eire
IA Newsletter July 6, 2024
PATRON OF THE MENTALLY ILL; INVOKED AGAINST INCEST, DEPRESSION, STRESS, INSANITY, AND SLEEPWALKING. In Belgium, near the town of Geel, can be found one of Europe’s largest and most progressive hospitals for the care and cure of the emotionally disturbed. It was founded on the site of Saint Dymphna’s martyrdom and is named in her honor. Dymphna, born in the 7th century, was … [Read more...] about St. Dymphna: The Lily of Eire
Impunity and The Northern Ireland Conflict
IA Newsletter July 6, 2024
An international expert panel from Norway, Argentina, Israel, and Ireland has produced a monster piece of research on the British forces during the North of Ireland conflict that details impunity for torture, hundreds of killings, and many more in the context of collusion. Brian Dooley, Senior Advisor at Washington DC-based Human Rights First, and Honorary Professor of Practice … [Read more...] about Impunity and The Northern Ireland Conflict
Where Shall We Seek for a Hero?
Reflections on John Boyle O’Reilly
Reflections on John Boyle O’Reilly
180 years after his birth on June 28, 1844, the lessons of legendary Irish rebel, patriot, poet and activist John Boyle O’Reilly deserve to be remembered and cherished.
In today’s society of discontent and distrust mingled with guarded hope and optimism, O’Reilly would be hailed simultaneously as a disruptor of the status quo, a man unafraid to speak truth to power, a … [Read more...] about
Reflections on John Boyle O’Reilly





