TheCity

Tag: ireland

  • All-day protest outside the Dáil demands movement on the Occupied Territories Bill 

    All-day protest outside the Dáil demands movement on the Occupied Territories Bill 

    Protesters gathering on Kildare Street in favour of the OTB. Photo credit: Kelly Smyth. 

    Dozens of protesters from across the country gathered outside Leinster House aiming to progress the passing of the Occupied Territories Bill (OTB), with many calling for services be added to the bill. 

    By Kelly Smyth 

    Demonstrators have gathered outside of the Dáil urging the Government to push forward on passing the OTB, with many branches of the pro-Palestinian movement uniting for the protest. 

    Groups from as far as Kerry joined in the demonstrations, with artistic performances, poetry and speeches being notable features of the all-day demo. The groups were accompanied by politicians, notably Senator Frances Black, throughout the day. 

    The OTB is a proposed piece of legislation that would criminalise Irish businesses trading goods with illegal settlements as per international law. The Bill aims to prevent trade with Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine, such as the West Bank and East Jerusalem.  

    A protestor from Limerick spray-painting a sign at the scene. Photo Credit: Kelly Smyth. 

    Caroline O’Keane, a member of Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine, spoke on behalf of the group regarding their presence outside of Leinster House. 

    “We’re here today because what they’re doing there is completely against all of our ethical beliefs and everything that we work for,” said O’Keane. 

    “It’s a mystery to all of us here why the government has not enacted this bill. So we’re here to try and push this bill forward in the Dáil, get it enacted, and stop buying goods from the illegally occupied territories in Palestine.” 

    Caroline O’Keane alongside Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine members. Photo Credit: Kelly Smyth. 

    Another protester, Eileen Yates, expressed a much more personal reason for her presence at the protest; her experience of motherhood guided her support for the OTB. 

    “I am a mam. I see kids like my own being killed. I have a friend in Gaza with four kids who have never seen a life without genocide,” said Yates. 

     Eileen Yates holding her handmade sign. Photo Credit: Kelly Smyth. 

    As part of the protest, Sinn Féin TD Donnachadh Ó Laoghaire addressed the crowd, calling for services to be added to the bill. 

    “Why shouldn’t there be consequences for who trades not only in goods, but also in services? The Irish Government has fallen behind,” he said. 

    Donnachadh Ó Laoghaire TD addressing the protesters. Photo Credit: Kelly Smyth. 

    Following Ó Laoghraire’s address, Senator Frances Black attended the demonstration, meeting many of the organisers of the event. 

    Speaking to TheCity, Black expressed disappointment with the Government’s delay in passing the bill. 

    “We’ve seen absolutely no signs of this bill getting moved at all. The people have not forgotten those promises, that’s why they’re here today. The activists are saying, ‘We want this bill passed’, and they want it passed as soon as possible,” she said. 

    Senator Frances Black speaking with a protestor. Photo Credit: Kelly Smyth. 

    Black, who first introduced the bill in 2018, believes the passing of the bill will set an example to the international community on upholding international law. 

    “There are no consequences to what Israel is doing, breaking international law on a daily basis. And the reality is that if there are no consequences to what they’re doing to the Palestinian people, if we don’t stand up for what’s right and for international law, then none of us are safe. And I think that’s really important to say. So we need to now really get this bill passed as soon as possible.” 

    The last time the OTB was discussed in the Dáil was in November, with the Government claiming the legality of implementing the Bill being a reason it is being delayed.  

    “The trade in services is considerably more complex than goods and there remains considerable legal uncertainty as to whether the inclusion of services is permissible under EU law. We know for certain that the inclusion of goods is permissible under EU law. 

    We need legal clarity on the point on services. We must take into account practical issues with regard to implementation should services be included in the scope of the Bill,” said Minister for State for Europe and Defence Thomas Byrne. 

    It remains to be seen whether the Bill will be passed in coming months or if services will be included in any progress despite pressures from protesters. 

  • Celebrating Process Over Output: How Witty writer’s podcast inspires its audience  

    Celebrating Process Over Output: How Witty writer’s podcast inspires its audience  

    The Witty Writer’s anniversary workshop examines how music, art, and other visual forms fuel the craft of writing. 

    By Samuel Adeleke 

    The Witty Wicklow writers’ workshop, a workshop that aims to bring writers and readers together, celebrated its first anniversary on the 24th of March at the Arthaus Hotel in Dublin. 

    The idea started with Victor Vicente, a writer, who started hosting a podcast and invited his friend Jeroen Vandommele as a guest, where they review and discuss his written pieces. This has grown into a workshop.  

    Victor Vicente is setting up for the live broadcast on YouTube, ensuring that the session will be accessible for others and allowing a wider audience to engage with the workshop online. Photo credit:Samuel Adeleke 

    “Jeroen started to write in the main time, and I thought I could expand the scope of the podcast into a writing workshop,” Vicente said. 

    The YouTube livestream is fully set. Vicente introduced his co-host and outlined ­­the workshop agenda in detail, as they also took a moment to celebrate the milestone of their first anniversary.  Photo credit: Samuel Adeleke 

     The need for an editor for one of these written pieces led Jeroen to meet Maria Stavropoulou, who expressed an interest in joining the podcast at Vicente’s request. 

    “We have been doing it for a year, either online or live, and every month we have different topics,” Vandommele said. 

    Stavropoulou engaged the audience on the significance of the writing process, emphasising that the process holds much value as the final output itself. Photo credit:Samuel Adeleke 

    The Workshop has carved out ­­a distinctive niche in the writing community by offering something unique to its audience. “During the last online workshop, somebody noted that there have been a lot of podcasts about finished books, but not about the process of writing,” said Vandommele

     

    Vandommele speaks of how his mother inspired his writing through her art, which she passed on to him. Photo credit:Samuel Adeleke 

    “Until you get to finish writing a book, there are a lot of things that people writing books know that you can only discover yourself by going through the grind, failing, and trying different things,” Stavropoulou said. 

     

    Stavropoulou discussed her journey as a writer and shared the inspiration that has fueled her writing, using her personal experience. Photo credit: Samuel Adeleke 

    ­­­­­Although she has no written book, she said, “There are a lot of things to learn from being in the process of it instead of, oh, I wrote this book myself,” highlighting the value of the journey rather than just the end goal.” 

    Stavropoulou also highlighted the importance of attending a workshop like Witty Wicklow’s. “I was at the Ireland publishing show last week, where there was all the information and advice that it would have taken me years to find out in the writing process.  

    “Writing backwards was one of them, just have a point in your story and then ask yourself one question, how did we find ourselves here, what happened before that?” Stavropoulou said.

    This new but handy information helped Stavropoulou get out of her writer’s creative block after 3-4 months of being stuck. 

    The theme for the first anniversary is “How painting, music, poetry, and visuals influence writing.” This is aimed at exploring and encouraging attendees to find inspiration for their writing through various forms of art.  

    Additionally, as part of their regular practice during the workshop, each participant will share a reading and engage in discussions about what inspired or influenced their writing, making this the centerpiece of the evening. 

    Vicente is reading from his book, which is inspired by the literary work of Harry Kernoff. Photocredit: Samuel Adeleke 

     “This is a book that I published in October 2023, inspired by Irish British printer Harry Kernoff,It is a typical example of how virtual art and poetry work together, and I thought I could expand that idea with the team tonight,” said Vicente.  

    Vicente presents a painting from one of the pages of his book, sharing insights into how art possesses the ability to inspire writing.  Photocredit: Samuel Adeleke 

    “I think it is good to bring some art together because today we are all somehow united, and we can all benefit from learning from each other,” he added. 

    “All arts influence writing, and with the piece I am going to bring tonight, it’s about my Mum, who was an artist, musician, and a singer, all those things, are what she kind of gave to me. 

    “There is a cross-pollination between all arts, and you can learn from different artists and different music genres, and it can bring something to you and definitely inspire you to write,” said Vandommele.

     

    Vandommele’s reading for the night explored how his mother’s different forms of art were a great influence on his writing. Photocredit: Samuel Adeleke 

    “I don’t think there is one single art that is dry, and it is about the self. You get inspiration from your senses, and from other people,” Stavropoulou said. 

    “You can’t take the visuals out of the writing, and you can’t take the writing out of the visuals. It is when different things meet that you have the best result,” she added.

     

    Stavropoulou emphasised the importance of community belonging as a powerful source of inspiration to delve into and explore the craft of writing. Photocredit: Samuel Adeleke 

    Stavropoulou highlighted the podcast’s impact on her personality. “Since I started being a part of this podcast, I have become way more curious, I have met more people, and I have been more motivated,” she said. 

    “I would like this to be a job, I enjoy doing it, and I enjoy talking to people about it,” she added. 

    Not only has the podcast had a big impact on her personally, but has also been a source of inspiration to others. “We’re building a community where people are being motivated to write, and it is really beautiful, I won’t be here if I wasn’t motivated to,” Stavropoulou said. 

    “Normally, I like reading books, and I have read Victor’s book in Portuguese, and I like it so much. I joined this community because it is very interesting, and getting to know people’s perspectives on things is great,” said attendee Judani Bijah. 

    Participants at the workshop listened attentively as the speakers shared valuable insights. Photocredit: Samuel Adeleke 

     Vicente expressed excitement about the growth of the writers’ community, mentioning the numerous upcoming workshops, magazines, and writers’ conferences they have planned for the year and going forward. 

    “We didn’t expect to be here a year ago, and we are here a year later. We will keep the podcast going because it has a huge number of listeners. 

    “People have reacted really positively to the podcast, and people are coming out to say I have been writing secretly at home, and I want to do it more,” Vandommele said. 

  • Local Cafe and Greengrocer in Naas expands to meet evolving customer demand

    Local Cafe and Greengrocer in Naas expands to meet evolving customer demand

    Founded in 1985, Swans on the Green is expanding to keep pace with Naas’s growing cafe culture and changing customer demand.

    By Iqra Siddiqui 

    Three weeks ago, Swans on the Green opened its expanded seating area, adding approximately 100 sq/m to accommodate a growing number of customers.

    The newly expanded seating area at Swans on the Green. Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui

    The cafe is located at Kilcullen Rd, Naas East, Naas, Co. Kildare. The recent expansion has added a new rear section to the cafe, increasing seating capacity. The layout of the extended area has been adjusted to support smoother movement within the space, making it easier for both staff and visitors during busy periods.

    The extension reflects the cafe’s response to growing demand and to improve the overall customer experience.

    “It is an important place for people. As a family business, we’ve seen customers return over the years as they have watched us grow and change,” the owner, Larry Swan, said.

    “The space is kept simple, with a concrete floor and basic furniture. Seating is a key to a cafe like this,” he said.

    “The new space, he says, increased footfall and brought in a wider range of customers. It attracts more people to the cafe.”

    Before the extension, Swans on the Green had a more compact seating arrangement, but a hub of conversation, community, and new expansion continues to provide a welcoming environment with increased capacity.

    The cafe seating area before the new extension. Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui

    “People of all ages gather here to socialise,” Swan said. With the new space, people can continue to socialise and now have more room to enjoy.

    Over the years, Swans on the Green have embraced growth and change. “We were originally a grocery store with the emphasis on fruit and veggies,” the owner recalled.

    Swans on the Green in its early days. Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui

    While talking to TheCity.ie, Larry Swan reflected how the cafe has adapted over time. “That has all changed over the last 15 years. Like any business, we evolve to meet new demands,” he said.

    “People’s requirements are very different now, especially with younger customers interested in coffee culture.”

    “We started with a small seating area, maybe 10 seats,” he said.

    Swans on the Green kept up with the evolving trends and the pressures of the pandemic in 2019. The owner told TheCity.ie, “The cafe introduced new offerings, including baked goods, ice cream, cakes, and other products.”

    This shift allowed the business to diversify its products despite the challenges caused by the pandemic.

    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui

    “This space was reconfigured during the pandemic to meet changing customer needs and introduced new products to the shelves,” Larry Swan Said. 

    However, businesses continue to face challenges within rising trends and changing customer behaviour, even if they meet growing demand.  The cafe has recently extended its seating area, but competition from big giants has put pressure on it. 

    “Our business was being eroded because of the advent of the big multiples-Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco,” he said. 

    Larry Swan explained the financial pressures of competing with large retailers: 

    “It was putting our core business in challenging positions. How can I sell the same product that Aldi or Lidl sells for 49 cents? For me to buy it would cost €1.” 

    “We had to adapt and come up with a different business model.” 

    “The only way to do this was to get into the food area, to specialise in sit-down and takeaway food in a nice environment.” 

    “When we got into the business of food and coffee, there was an increasing demand. We offer a good product, a good price, and a nice environment with good staff. That’s the way we went; that’s the way it evolved.”

    Customers are placing orders at Swans on the Green. Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui

    “The trend is moving towards food-to-go and food to sit in and eat on the premises. We adapted and created more seating within the cafe,” Larry Swan said.

    “We keep adapting our model to grow. As the business grows, the staff level has also increased, allowing us to create more jobs.

    Looking ahead, Swans on the Green continues to evolve, with the latest addition of more seating marking its adaptation to customer demand and market trends.

    Quotes are displayed inside the old seating area of the cafe. Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui

  • ‘It’s time to stop being nightwalkers’: Identity coach Ché Fegan on creating a new landscape for gay men in Ireland 

    ‘It’s time to stop being nightwalkers’: Identity coach Ché Fegan on creating a new landscape for gay men in Ireland 

    Ché Fegan. Photo Credit: Alex O’Brien 

    In a time where many gay men still struggle to find themselves, Ché Fegan is making space for them to feel more honest and aligned with themselves. Following his own struggles and travelling the globe, Fegan reflects on his journey to finding himself.  

    By Kelly Smyth 

    As toxic masculinity and identity politics dominate the online world, identity coach and wellness practitioner Ché Fegan is making space in the real world for gay men to stop chasing validation and embrace who they truly are. 

    Hailing from a rural town in Northern Ireland, growing up wasn’t always simple for Fegan. “From a younger age I was always odd. I had this wild imagination and connection with the outdoors. I was very sensitive and in tune with my emotions,” he said.  

    While this was seen as acceptable for a young boy, things changed as he entered puberty, which is when he believes many men in Ireland are taught to deny who they are in favour of society’s masculine model. 

    “Once you hit puberty, you begin to look like a man instead of a boy. You are kind of pushed away by the men in your life. You are told ‘don’t feel anything’, ‘man up’, ‘toughen up’ – to fit into those already established gender roles. For men, that often means killing everything inside you,” he recalled.  

    For Fegan, being a young gay man caused issues; his sexuality attracted bullying. “It was a place where something different was a curse rather than a blessing,” he said. 

    Despite this, Fegan’s sexuality was a guiding light for who he wanted to be. Although it was “distorting” to be both gay and facing up to masculinity as a young man, his identity brought a real drive for equity in his heart. 

    “My homosexuality gave me a lot of needed fight, and I’ve always had a strong sense of fairness. It fires something up in me,” he said. 

    While this drive to move forward carried him through his teenage years, he found himself battling his identity and sexuality through his twenties. “As a man, regardless of sexuality, you can still go through identity issues. You tend to figure out things behind the scenes. It could be arguing, travelling, hypersexuality. Anything to get away,” he shared.  

    Much of his young adulthood was spent travelling, with his move to Australia finally breaking the cycle of battling his own identity. 

    “Between twenty-eight and thirty I lived in Australia, and I felt incredible loneliness. It was a moment when I was finally feeling. I remember thinking ‘this is f-cked up’ because I should have been able to feel comfortable by myself. But I felt like a stranger in myself. I thought I knew myself, but really, I was just a people pleaser. I had never truly known who I was,” he revealed.  

    This revelation is ultimately what led Fegan to spirituality, beginning with reiki before embracing breathwork, yoga, and sound healing. Part of his spiritual journey was almost serendipitous, with a book on Buddhism he found on the streets of Berlin introducing him to new ideas and a “broadening of the mind”. 

    Embracing wellness has led him to learn more about himself. Now he is ready to share it with others. “I am at a point where I know things now that I want to share. I want to help people feel how I feel now,” he said. 

    Ché Fegan leads one of his breathwork classes. Photo Credit: Ciaran Gildea. 

    Hearing more and more about men in Ireland struggling with their mental health and suicide, Fegan decided it was time to create space for men to find themselves. He also noticed gay men in particular had no spaces beyond nightlife.  

    “If you don’t drink or don’t go out it can be very isolating. It’s time to stop being nightwalkers and time to be seen and heard,” he said. “The space I want to create is based around community. I want to start getting men together and create an environment of softness.” 

    Part of how Fegan is doing this is by offering Men’s Circles, where any man can go to experience somatic movement, breathwork, and a sound bath aimed to help them reconnect with themselves. 

    Additionally, Fegan runs retreats for gay men to help them break harmful patterns surrounding their identity. 

    “Because the gay community is so new in terms of history, so many patterns of harm are repeating regarding shame. I want the next generation of gay men to heal. Why not rule out hate all together?” he said.  

    While many men who are on this journey tend to be older, Fegan reaffirms “the door is open to anyone who wants to come”. 

    “The work I do is about helping men slow down and actually reconnect with themselves through breathwork, nervous system work, and deeper pattern awareness. It’s not about fixing them. 

    “It’s about helping them understand themselves, so they can stop performing and start making choices that feel more honest and aligned with who they are. I think a lot of men are quietly dealing with this, but don’t always have spaces where they feel safe enough to explore it. That’s something I’m trying to change through the work I do.” 

  • “That was a light I had never felt before” 

    “That was a light I had never felt before” 

    The journey to New York and the unexpected encounter of discovering God beyond Catholic beliefs. 

    By Samuel Adeleke 

    From the rave club to the altar, Samuel Walsh, a 22-year-old Irish man, has come a long way, He was born into a Catholic family and studied biochemistry at UCD.  

    Although he has always been passionate about science and biology, he made a big switch to sales and business. 

    He has always been interested in sports and trained in taekwondo, football, and hockey when he was younger.  

    Walsh had a much stronger desire to know God beyond just a household religion. “I grew up as a normal Irish teenager not knowing God,” he said.   

    “When I got to college, things got ramped up, I started partying a lot and got surrounded by the wrong crowd 

    “I remember I had just finished my school leaving certificate examinations when my friends and I started smoking throughout the week, and it grew from there,” Walsh said. Not only did Walsh develop the habit of smoking weed, but it also became a gateway to many more. 

    Things got worse when Walsh started his first job. “My manager was a DJ, and he invited me into the rave scene, and as a naïve teenager, I joined and started taking rave drugs and was also consumed with the lust for women.” 

    While Walsh believed he was fulfilling his desires and turning fantasies into reality, he soon faced an internal spiritual conflict that brought awareness of his identity. “I felt terrible, I was going away from myself and going down a way that leads to destruction,” he said. 

    However, the change that this awakening would bring about didn’t occur until Walsh spent a summer holiday in the USA. “Two years ago, there was a visa that allowed Irish students to spend a summer abroad, and my friends from college and I flew to New York and worked as bartenders for the summer.”  

    “As young Irish guys in New York, we were enjoying ourselves, smoking and partying,” he said. 

    One day in New York, Walsh had an encounter that would change his life. “I met this young woman in a smoothie shop. She asked what my name was, and then asked, ‘Do you believe in God?’” Without hesitation, she started mentoring Walsh in Christianity, faith, and the truth of God’s word. 

    “That was a light I had never felt before, a moment I clung to, and at that point, everything just fell into place.” “I felt this need and a calling to step into the light.” He said. 

    Photo Credit: Samuel Adeleke

    With this calling came the need to move from darkness and from the friends who wanted to pull him back into that world 

    “It was difficult, but God really provided me with light to step into, and I am eternally grateful for this,” Walsh said.  

    “It was truly an inner knowingness and an inner certainty placed in my heart and in my soul by God, an alignment I couldn’t turn down,” he added. 

    Although Walsh acknowledged that he had a religious inclination growing up with his dad being Catholic and his mother a Protestant, he said, “they were just labels, they were not practicing at all, my dad used to when he was a child, but not anymore.”  

    But Catholicism was also deeply woven into Irish life, shaping not only people’s beliefs but also their cultural identity. “The Catholic Church was the government back in the days. They controlled everything, so they had a lot of power.” Walsh said. 

    “Catholicism never interested me as a child; that’s why I never touched religion because I saw it as slow and boring, but when I first heard about Christianity in New York, it was like a fire, a spark of energy, this flow of the Holy Spirit that I’d never felt before.”  

    “While Catholicism involves a lot of traditions and rituals, Christianity is very relationship-centered,” said Walsh. 

    Walsh, who was concerned about how his parents would react to his shift from Catholicism to Christianity, was pleasantly surprised by their reaction.  “They were surprised because they never expected it, but they were happy for me.” 

     By extension, Walsh’s friends began to see changes in his personality.  “I used to be very arrogant before Christ, but afterwards they saw that I acted and treated them differently,” he said.  This in turn prompted a change in his friends, some of whom have started going to church themselves.  

    Not only did Walsh start attending church, but he also joined a Christian community on campus, where he continued to grow his faith.  

    This community gave him the opportunity to share his testimony of newfound faith in just two months into his journey, in front of about 100 people.  

    “I was nervous, but it was a great opportunity and a moment to express what God has done in my life,” he said. 

    From sharing his testimony to just 30 people, Walsh was also allowed to preach during communion in his church in Tallaght and to the larger young congregation at St. Mark’s Church in front of 2-300 people.  

    “From there God has just been taking me from step to step and I think that’s how he works” he said.  

    “If he can trust you to speak in front of 30 people then he can trust you to speak in front of 300 people but you must not jump the steps.”  

    Photo Credit: Samuel Adeleke

    With such great momentum Walsh has experienced in such a short time, from raving in the club to becoming a spotlight on the altar, he has been enjoying the presence of God that has humbled him and kept him grounded.  

    But “Christianity is not all rosary, it is a difficult journey that brings hardship, slander, and persecution, but we are grateful that we have the grace of God through Christ, which helps us get through it and be victorious,” Walsh said. 

    While Walsh mentioned that he will not shy away from an opportunity to explore Catholicism as an adult, he said, “young people trapped between the Catholic traditions and Christianity as a way of life, should read the word of God, seek counsel from older Christians, and not be afraid to explore different churches.”  

    “Find a group of Christians or mentors who can guide you along your path. If you try to search for God on your own, you might find reasons to fall off.” He added. 

    Walsh saw the church as a wonderful community.  

    “The church is one of the most welcoming places on earth. When I am in church, I feel this overwhelming sense of welcome around the church, and now I call it my second family because that’s what they truly are,” said Walsh. 

    For Samuel Walsh, the trip to New York was more than just a summer vacation; it was a moment when he encountered the light of God’s word, a time that helped him understand Christianity beyond tradition and gave him the chance to share his testimony. He now invites others to see that same light by sharing his story. 

  • Far from home, Poojan Mahajan builds Sui Dhaghaa

    Far from home, Poojan Mahajan builds Sui Dhaghaa

    The clothing brand Sui Dhaghaa is the story of Poojan Mahajan’s journey of creativity and resilience. When Mahajan moved from India to Ireland for her studies, she never imagined she would build a clothing brand that blends South Asian traditions with a new country.

    Poojan Mahajan in a Sui Dhaghaa outfit. Photo Credit: Poojan Mahajan

    “I was having an Indian Masala Tea and thought I needed to do something to feel more confident, not lost in life. I wanted a pathway to success,” she said


    With ambitions in her suitcase and uncertainty in her heart, she arrived in the unfamiliar streets of Ireland in 2018 and navigated emotional challenges. “I did not have a plan to start a business here. I finished my master’s in international business at the University of Limerick, landed a new job, and once you have a job, it feels like you have a stable career, but I was not happy. I was doing marketing in a construction company,” she said.


    Thousands of miles from home, Poojan Mahajan was often shadowed by the sense of not belonging. “I was in a foreign land, but still missed home. I missed the feeling of belongingness,” Mahajan said, “I realised I need to build something for myself; I am the one who will be recognised. This is how I thought of starting the Sui Dhaghaa.”


    Mahajan’s Sui Dhaghaa- meaning needle and thread – symbolises connection and simple tools that stitch pieces of fabric together. “I want to connect it back to my origin. And if you tell someone in English that it means needle and thread, they will connect as well. To me, needle and thread stress the meaning of boutique,” she said.


    For Poojan Mahajan, it has become a way of bridging cultures in Ireland, keeping traditional roots alive. “I noticed the local community wanted to find out about Indian wear. People could not travel back to India that often, so that’s where I see a huge demand, but there was no supply,” she said. “I do stitch here; get dresses altered, but get my raw materials from India because you cannot get that clothing in Ireland.”


    Mahajan believes that not every passion is taught; some are passed through inheritance. “It is not always what you studied; sometimes it is what you inherited from your parents. In India, my mother and my father run a clothing business. I have seen my parents since childhood working on it, so I know how to do it. I know the basics; I need to upskill and learn how to do business.”


    Turning the idea into reality comes with a set of emotions, doubts, and determination. “I first started to build Sui Dhaghaa in 2023, but at the beginning, I feared judgment and how the public would respond. That was the first question,” Mahajan said, “and the second was how I would even start. I did not have a team. I had to do everything on my own. I have experience in International Business, and I know tricks and ways that I could facilitate building a brand.”


    Despite her doubts, Mahajan’s idea began to take shape in Lucan, Dublin. “In a foreign land, it was challenging to start; how to comply, how to really start. I just took a leap of faith and opened an Instagram page. I come from marketing; I know that social media would help reach a mass audience and could save huge amounts on advertising.”


    The challenge, she says, was straightforward. Building something from scratch comes with some hurdles. “Operating a business in a foreign land is very different,” she said, “I face the challenges in the supply chain, with logistics proving the complicated part. If you ship something from India, it takes much longer. The expected time could be 10 to 15 days; realistically, it could take a month.”


    For Mahajan, some challenges are unavoidable and are a part of the process. “In this situation, there is not much you can control; you must give it time.”


    With hard work and dedication, Mahajan began to earn customers’ trust. “I now have more than 500 clients, and we are currently delivering all over Ireland. It’s not only the Indian diaspora. But now Indian and Irish weddings are becoming more popular. The people were delighted that they didn’t have to travel to the UK to buy dresses for such events now.”


    “I remember the milestone in this journey when I prepared dresses for 11 bridesmaids, and it was a life-changing experience and gave me confidence to do a job for someone,” she said


    Through Sui Dhaghaa, Mahajan created a space for women to bring their own vision of clothing to life. “I realised it was a means for women to customise dresses as they like. It gives women the freedom to bring their own fashion ideas to life,” she said.

    Photo Credit: Poojan Mahajan

    Mahajan’s little wins and passion aim to expand her business. “I am trying to make efforts to extend it to larger audiences. I am also trying to get on Amazon.”


    Looking back on her journey of Sui Dhaga, she carries a simple message, “Until you don’t try, you don’t realise your potential. Initially, it does not have to be perfect. At least put yourself out there, be vulnerable, and have a zeal to learn. It is only about taking a leap of faith in yourself because if you don’t, no one else will.”

  • Bringing my culture, my soul, out with this place 

    Bringing my culture, my soul, out with this place 

    Inspired by the ancient civilisation of Mohenjo-Daro, Moenjo restaurant blends its centuries-old traditions with contemporary dining in Rathmines, Dublin.

    By Iqra Siddiqui

    Irish customers outside the restaurant are reading about Pakistani traditional cuisine, drawing attention to the Moenjo as a cultural bridge between Pakistani Cuisine and Irish dining culture. Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/TheCity.ie 

    Moenjo Restaurant officially opened in Dublin on 9th February 2026. Founded by entrepreneur Afkar Ahmed, the halal Pakistani restaurant draws inspiration from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Serving traditional dishes prepared with authentic spices and recipes that bring the essence of Pakistani heritage to the plate.

    “To me, Moenjo feels like Munjho- in Sindhi language, it means mine,” owner Afkar Ahmed said. “It feels like my own. It’s personal.”

    The owner, Afkar, stands in front of the traditional poster of the Hallmark of Mohenjo-Daro, inside the restaurant. The vibrant pattern reflects the heritage of Sindh and the ancient city of Mohenjo- Daro. It inspired the restaurant decor and menu. Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/TheCity.ie

    “I wanted to show where I am from, who I am, who this culture belongs to, how long it has existed, what these people do, what their contributions to the world are, because it seems like all the world has forgotten about it,” he said to TheCity.ie

    A traditional poster hangs on the wall of a restaurant.
    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/ TheCity.ie

    A traditional piece of cloth, “Ajrak”, is hung on the wall. Ajrak is a block-printed textile pattern. It represents a rich cultural and artistic ancient tradition.
     Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/ TheCity.ie

    “We come from a huge legacy and history behind it. It is just a means to share the culture,” Afkar said. 

    “Ajrak patterns are inspired by the designs seen on artefacts uncovered at Mohenjo-Daro by British archaeologists. In our culture, it is used to honour guests to show a respectful gesture,” he said. 

    A framed piece of cloth representing the linguistic identity of the Sindh region, the archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro.
    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/TheCity.ie

    “Bringing in the colours of Sindh, calligraphy, and a different wall art that tells you about the culture and history of a place,” owner Afkar said. 

    This corner of the restaurant features the prominent figure of Mohenjo- Daro and antiques. The painting of Priest King reminded one of the prosperous years of the Indus Valley civilisation. And the bronze Dancing Girl reflects the artistic expression and sophistication of the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro. Decorative clay pots and handmade Pindi reflect the heritage and provide insights into the domestic household. The display revives long-standing cultural practices. 
    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/TheCity.ie

    The beauty of this landscape developed a culture of harmony and peace. This map traces the cradle of civilisation, telling how the Indus River connected the Himalayas to the sea, which historically enabled the city to thrive. Before it was ruined, the city was engaged in trade and counted among the world’s earliest cities to have proper infrastructure. 
    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/TheCity.ie

    “These people were Buddhist; these people were Hindus. People live there in peace and harmony, that’s what we wanted to show.”   

    These were not technical achievements but a route to cultural integration, where daily life, work, and culture brought the community together. 

    “This is the way to keep my culture alive. This is close to my heart. This is my soul on the walls. This is me on the wall,” Afkar said. 

    Inside the restaurant, the ancient city speaks, a place where cultures blend; people share a sense of belonging, and the restaurant embraces diversity.  
    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/TheCity.ie

    “The idea is to make this place a hub for cultural enthusiasts, so people come in and experience a new culture,” the owner said. 

    “A lot of Irish people, people from Pakistan and India, and a mix of different cultures are coming to taste the food and experience the newness of the place.” 

    “The Irish people have been extremely supportive. John Stephens was here, the Deputy Lord Mayor, to open the place,” he said 

    Chef Abid places the spice-marinated plump pieces of chicken onto a skewer, bringing the flavours of tradition to life.  
    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/TheCity.ie

    “It is more than work, but a way to connect with people,” Chef Abid said.

    The Clay oven is the secret ingredient to keep the tradition alive. This traditional oven tells a story of fire and flavours. This illustrates the culinary heritage of people in Mohenjo-Daro and other Indus cities. 
    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/The City.ie

    “Everything about this place refers back to the Indus Valley Civilisation,” Afkar said. 

    Sindhi Chicken Karahi, Roti, and Biryani serve the taste of homes miles away. The rich colour, spices, and the smell of food are a way to touch cultural roots. 
    Photo Credit: Iqra Siddiqui/TheCity.ie

    “This place is not just about food; It’s about storytelling,” the owner said. 

  • The ‘Vinted Effect’ in Ireland’s Thrift Economy 

    The ‘Vinted Effect’ in Ireland’s Thrift Economy 

    The rapid growth in resale platforms shows a shift in how young Irish consumers shop, as rising living costs accelerate a boom in Dublin’s thrift economy. 

    By Peace Okolo

    As inflation and the high cost of living continue to shape consumers’ spending habits, second-hand fashion has emerged as one of the fastest growing retail businesses among young consumers in Dublin.  

    Globally, the second-hand apparel market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2028, growing three times faster than the overall apparel market, according to the ThredUp 2024 Resale Report. 

    Recent research by PayPal also shows that over 780,000 adults purchased second-hand clothes in a single year, totaling more than €61 million, with Gen Z making up nearly half of this group. 

    “I love shopping secondhand fashion because a lot of the items are vintage, so you’re unlikely to look the same as everyone else,” said Sasha Robinson (20), from Dublin.  

    The clothing rack in a thrift store. Photo credit: Peace Okolo 

    Second-hand shops and online resale platforms like Vinted and Depop are expanding at a faster rate than conventional clothing retailers, and this growth is driven largely by Gen Z buyers. 

    Dublin college student Erin Murray said she initially joined the platform to find unique pieces at affordable prices. 

    “I started using Vinted about a year ago because I’m always looking for cool, unique clothes,” she said. “I love fashion, but as a broke college student it has to be done on a budget.”  

    Since launching into European markets, including Ireland, Vinted has seen an accelerated growth in consumer engagement and activity.  

    In 2024, the online shopping platform reported a 36% increase in global revenue (€813.4 million) and a 330% jump in net profit.  

    The company’s expansion into markets such as Ireland, Croatia, and Greece was cited as a key factor in this growth.  

    According to Vinted’s latest EU filings as of 31 January 2026, the platform had an estimated 29.3 million monthly active users across Europe, including countries like; France, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg.  

    The app lets people buy and sell second-hand items directly with each other, creating a large marketplace network. 

    “I sell on Vinted because my income is too small, and I buy on Vinted because I can’t afford to buy new,” Murray said. “It feels like the price of everything just keeps going up.” 

    Many young people in Dublin are now using these platforms not just to clear out their wardrobes, but as a way to manage the rising cost of living. 

    Kala Akinniranye, 19, said the rising cost of living has forced her to rethink how much she spends on clothing. 

    “The ads on Vinted were really enticing, the whole ‘get rid of clutter’ idea. It was well marketed,” she said. 

    However, affordability remains the main factor behind her interest in second-hand shopping. 

    “It’s more sustainable, but it’s also cheaper,” she said. “In this current economy, I can either buy clothes or buy food.” 

    She added that resale and thrift fashion have become normalized among her peers. 

    “All my friends use Vinted or Depop. Poverty is touching everybody right now.” 

    Holly O’Donnell, like many young consumers in Dublin, said the rising cost of living has increased how often she uses resale platforms. 

    “Whenever I want to buy something, I check Vinted first because it’s nearly always cheaper,” she said, adding that she buys or sells around ten items a month.  

    For many, resale platforms are not just about decluttering; they have become a side hustle. 

    Thrift store manager, Siobhan Murphy, 34, from Dublin’s Temple Bar, said: 

    “We’ve definitely noticed more young customers coming in who are curious about resale and thrifting. They buy from us, sell online, and sometimes come back looking for new stock to flip. It’s a completely different kind of shopping now.” 

    According to a 2025 PwC circular fashion survey, around 40 % of Gen Z and 28 % of millennials surveyed have bought second-hand fashion, and 41 % of Gen Z have also sold thrift items.  

    Emma Okoli, 21, who both buys and occasionally sells on Vinted, said resale has changed how she thinks about shopping. 

    “I don’t see it as decluttering anymore; it’s more like managing my wardrobe as an asset. If I buy something, I’m already thinking about what I could resell it for,” she said. 

    The growth of the resale economy is also evident in delivery trends.  

    By late 2025, An Post reported that online sales made up almost 7% of all Irish retail, with packages sent between consumers – like those from Vinted or Depop – growing faster than traditional online shopping.  

    This suggests that buying and selling second-hand is no longer a small niche, it’s now a normal part of Ireland’s retail scene.  

  • Taoiseach faces backlash from Latin American activists over upcoming Shamrock Ceremony with Trump 

    Taoiseach faces backlash from Latin American activists over upcoming Shamrock Ceremony with Trump 

    Ireland-based Latinx collective Sobremesa en Disidencia claim the US should not receive ‘unconditional support’ from Ireland amid ICE violence and invasion of Venezuela.  

    By Kelly Smyth 

    Sobremesa en Disidencia organisers Catalina Hernández, Barbara Sena and Shoshi Chong. Photo Credits: Sobremesa en Disidencia. 

    As Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due his annual visit the White House this St. Patrick’s Day, activist group Sobremesa en Disidencia says the move is “very strange”.  

    The recently established feminist collective has emerged with strength in recent months, working closely with left-wing political group ROSA to represent Latinx diaspora in Irish politics. 

    Organiser Catalina Hernández said that she felt the decision to uphold the 70-year-old tradition following the recent foreign-policy actions of the Trump administration is not good diplomacy. 

    “We understand this is a long-standing tradition but visiting Trump is legitimising the policies that are harming marginalised communities,” she said. 

    Hernández, a Mexican expat who has lived in Ireland for over a decade, believes that Latin American diaspora living in Ireland have been forgotten in much of the debate surrounding the Taoiseach’s affirmation to visit the White House in coming weeks. 

    “I don’t think it is reflecting the opinion of people in Ireland. I live here, I am a part of the community,” said Hernández. 

    Fellow organiser Barbara Sena, who moved to Ireland from Brazil four years ago, also felt the gesture neglects to consider the large Latin American population living in Ireland, with over 27,000 Brazilian citizens alone living in Ireland according to the 2022 census.  

    “We accompany the politics by being here. We shouldn’t have the Taoiseach agree to meet with someone who kidnaps other presidents, invades countries and bombs them,” she said.  

    A poster advertising the protest on Dawson Street. Photo credits: Kelly Smyth.

    Sobremesa en Dicidencia is not the only group to object to the Taoiseach’s White House visit, with ROSA Socialist Feminists and TD Ruth Coppinger backing the ‘No Shamrocks for Trump’ protest that took place outside the Dáil on the 8th of March, with thousands attending.  

    In a social media statement, ROSA condemned the Irish government for upholding the tradition, stating: 

    “The latest Epstein files released detail grotesque allegations of child sexual abuse against Trump. The genocide in Palestine and the ICE terror of immigrants and people of colour should be enough for an Irish government to boycott but the Epstein file revelations are yet another reason,” said the statement.  

    While Sobremesa en Disidencia are optimistic about the protest, they do feel the public attention to the Epstein files has cast a shadow over the Trump administration’s policies towards Latin America. 

    “Every week there is something new with Trump and it is easy to forget other important issues. From our own perspective, Venezuela and ICE are forgotten because of the Epstein files,” said Sena.  

    Hernández argues was part of the reason for the Latin American diaspora turnout which attend the protest on International Women’s Day, saying, “We need to take a stand as immigrants in Ireland. We will not allow this ceremony to happen.” 

     The organisation understands that diplomacy is important between the two countries – with over 245,000 people in Ireland directly employed by US-owned companies.  

    “We need to be less economically dependent on the US. We can’t say anything. What else does Trump have to do to us to finally say something?” said Sena.  

    The organisation strongly believes in Ireland’s global voice, with the Government’s recognition of Palestine as a state in 2025 being a beacon of hope.  

    “The rest of the world recognises our actions. It makes me really proud to live here. We can always do more,” said Hernández, “One small action can send a message.” 

    “Neutrality doesn’t exist at all. Silence is complacency,” said Sena.  

    Despite the large turnout at the protest and US military activity in Iran, the Taoiseach has confirmed that he is still visiting the White House tomorrow.  

  • ‘We finally have an international-level card show’: a Dublin Card Show photo essay 

    ‘We finally have an international-level card show’: a Dublin Card Show photo essay 

    The Dublin Card Show has established itself as the largest card convention held in Ireland to date with a headcount of nearly 5,000 people. 

    By Alex Cloud 

    The Dublin Card Show held on February 28th is quickly becoming a staple in the card collecting and hobbyist community. The show is amongst the first of its kind to host two floors in the Convention Centre Dublin to accommodate international sponsors and attendees.  

    “My background is in sports cards, and I would always have to tell vendors at international conventions that we didn’t believe the Irish scene was ready for a show on this large a scale. Through their support, we took a leap of faith,” said Jason Flynn, co-organiser of the Dublin Card Show. 

    The Convention Centre in Dublin has been used by the Dublin Card Show for the last two consecutive years in a row.

    Early entry attendees queued around the convention centre at 9:30am, eager to enter. 

    “Our first year, we had about 1,200 in attendance, and last year it was 2,800. This year, we had nearly 5,000. The tickets sold out, and we had to add afternoon tickets too,” said Flynn. 

    A representative of the convention centre confirmed these figures. 

    Topps, a leading trading card and collectible manufacturer, has sponsored the event and brought the genuine Premier League golden boot trophy to showcase. 

    “They have been fantastic to work with and continue to support us as we have grown,” said Flynn. 

    Richie Elliot and his daughter Lacey donating a binder of cards to Titan TCG, a vendor at the event, so he may give them to other children who come to the stall. 

    “We don’t have a lot of space for collecting in Dublin, so seeing the community come together and giving back really makes you feel good,” said Thomas Cahill, vendor and owner of Titan TCG. 

    “It’s wild to think that we finally have an international level card show after all this time.” 

    Items from various collecting hobbies such as sports, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic: The Gathering and more were showcased and available for purchase. 

    “We just brought our international sports card community here and were met with this really enthusiastic and indigenous trading card community,” said Flynn. 

    “Once we pulled off the first year, and word got out. It’s just taken on a life of its own.” 

    Young Alex Larkin ecstatic to show off his Pokémon collection and share with the community of like-minded individuals.  

    “This is by far the biggest event in Ireland to date for the collectors and it’s something adult collectors can share with their kids for sure,” said Cahill. 

    Although there was a designated trading area, attendees chose to sit in the heart of the action on the first floor, where the majority of vendors were based. 

    On the second floor of the convention, another partner who flew in internationally for the event, GTS Distribution, sponsored a live selling stage. 

    “People watching on the live stream can be at the Dublin Card Show without being physically there on the day,” Flynn said. 

    There were mini-games, raffles, spin-the-wheels and more activities available on the second floor of the venue next to the live selling stage. 

    The creative scene has also been given a spotlight, as various vendors who produce their own products were in attendance.  

    “We plan on making it even bigger and better in 2027, hopefully in a way that hasn’t been done before,” said Flynn.