A new report produced by the Central Statistics Office in Dublin shows that Ireland is second only to Cyprus in the percentage increase of population within the EU between 1995 and 2004. The CSO report, titled `Measuring Ireland's Progress,' makes a number of observations that underline significant social change in Irish society. The average household size has decreased from … [Read more...] about Report Highlights Change in Ireland’s Population
2005
GAA Opens Up Croke Park
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) made an historic decision at the organization's annual congress this year by opening up its Croke Park headquarters to non-GAA sporting events such as international soccer and rugby. The decision marked the end of a highly contentious debate that has caused bitter division within the Association in recent years. Under the GAA's Rule 42, … [Read more...] about GAA Opens Up Croke Park
Judge Questions “Colombia Three” Verdict
Although the whereabouts of the so-called `Colombia Three' remain a mystery, a judge on the three-member appeal tribunal has publicly questioned the guilty verdict returned against them. The three Irishmen -- Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley (pictured above) -- were accused of assisting FARC rebels in Colombia and passing on expertise gained from IRA … [Read more...] about Judge Questions “Colombia Three” Verdict
Ballymun Makeover Begins
Visitors to Dublin will notice a major change to the skyline on the next approach to the city's airport. Demolition has begun on high-rise apartment blocks nearby in Ballymun. The first high block to be knocked was the 15-story Sean MacDermott Tower, named after one of the signatories to the 1916 Proclamation. Hundreds of Dubliners gathered to watch the controlled explosion, … [Read more...] about Ballymun Makeover Begins
Irish Heroes of the Vietnam War
At a barbershop in Ringsend, Dublin, hangs a purple heart awarded to Lieutenant John Driver of the 101st Airborne, killed in action when his patrol was ambushed in Thua Thien, South Vietnam on April 17, 1969. His older brother, Jim Driver, keeps his memory alive with a display of memorabilia in his barbershop, and until recently John Driver was believed to be the only Irish … [Read more...] about Irish Heroes of the Vietnam War