More and more countries have followed the lead of places like Amsterdam in decriminalising Cannabis in recent years. Is it time for Ireland to take another look at the issue?
Everyone has an opinion on cannabis. Is it harmless fun or an addictive drug? Should it still be a criminal offence to possess it?
People are extremely divided on the effects of cannabis, some argue it is as damaging and addictive as any drug, indeed a lot of its effects on the brain are still being studied. Others argue that it is no more harmful to society than alcohol, and they also have a legitimate argument.
Some may feel a nation as conservative as Ireland would never follow this lead, however even 20 years ago who would have thought we would be on the cusp of a referendum to legalise same sex marriage?
Daniel, Donal and James of TheCity.ie took to the streets to ask people where they stood on the issue. As you may expect the results were divided.
On May 22nd, the country will vote on the same-sex marriage referendum which will decide if gay marriage is voted into law.
If you haven’t heard anything about the referendum, you quite simply must have been living under a rock for the past few months. In recent weeks, the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns have been in full flight with both sides vociferous in their criticism of the other.
There has been some controversy, with the ‘No’ side complaining that their banners are being defaced and pulled down. Then there was the mural on the side of the building in Dublin, depicting two men hugging, which was brought to the nation’s attention when Dublin City Council threatened to remove it.
But the vast majority of the referendum debate and news coverage has been focused around Dublin. The capital is obviously of huge importance but we already know that the majority of Dubliners are voting ‘Yes’, what about the rest of the country and how they view the upcoming referendum?
In light of this Donal, Daniel and James took the City.ie on a tour of Wexford to explore people’s opinions on the referendum in the sunny south east and investigate whether there is a rural-urban divide.
The key finding was that the majority of people were firmly in favour of a yes vote. This would appear to be in line with the popular view in the capital. Whatever way the vote goes on May 22nd, it is important not to forget the rest of the country and be sucked into a city only view of the vote.
The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has announced a €22 million investment in major commemoration projects.
The money will be made available throughout next year in order to ensure that the sites, which are all of historical importance, will be open for the 1916 centenary.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Tánaiste Joan Burton, Arts Minister Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Aodhan Ó Riordáin recently visited the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, Dublin, where a major 1916 exhibition will open in time for the centenary. They were there to announce the programme of commemorative events that will be launched to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rising.
Some of the highlights include:
A major exhibition of 1916 archival material at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks
‘Proclamation Day’, which will be held in all schools on March 15th 2016
The National Flag and a copy of the Proclamation will be delivered to every school in the country
A series of State commemorative events, including a parade from Dublin Castle to Parnell Square on Easter Sunday 2016 and a special State Reception for relatives
7 new public projects at the GPO, Kilmainham Gaol, Pearse’s Cottage, the Military Archives and other sites
A multi-location public event, to be broadcast on television on Easter Monday 2016, telling the story of Ireland, through music, dance, drama and song
A series of conferences on 1916 through our universities
Cultural events around the globe, to be co-ordinated through our embassies and Culture Ireland, including Irish cultural festivals in Washington and London
But that doesn’t mean we have to wait until next year, there is still plenty to see right now. There is already a 1916 exhibition, as well as other exhibitions from important parts of Irish history, on show at Collins Barracks.
The City recently visited the museum to view the exhibition, which traces the background to the events of 1916, examines the battle itself, considers the aftermath up to 1923, and, finally, explores the ways in which the Rising has been commemorated to the present day.
And we still managed to find time to check out some of the other interesting pieces of history on show!
Rory Gaffney has achieved a lot for a 25 year old. Having started his footballing career while studying at GMIT, Gaffney is now plying his trade at Cambridge United. Remember them, Manchester United fans?
If you’re looking for a city break, think Barcelona. The city guarantees sun, good food, shopping, and culture. Situated on the Mediterranean sea you can jump right from a busy day wandering the city’s streets into the sea. Whether you’re there for a short break or a longer period, these are five attractions not to miss out on.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is the heart of the city, you really cannot miss it. It’s just as popular with the locals as it is with tourists and you can find literally anything on the stalls that line the street. There are also an abundance of restaurants but you would be well advised to avoid what the locals call street vendors, let’s leave it at that. However if it’s a bargain you’re looking for you can find anything, souvenirs, clothes, books, tickets for walking tours or FC Barcelona matches, ice-cream, seeds (for legal things of course), jewellery or anything else. Las Ramblas stretches 1.2 kilometres from Plaça de Catalunya in the centre to the Christopher Columbus monument at Port Vell. The towering statue casts a huge shadow which looks spectacular in the sun. You could spend anything from a few hours to a day happily wandering Las Ramblas and when you reach Port Vell the magnificent harbour is the perfect place to take a break. One thing to be wary of on Las Ramblas is pickpockets. While this is true in every major city, pick pocketing is particularly prevalent in Barcelona. The city holds the unwanted title of being the European capital for pick pockets and Las Ramblas is an easy destination for them given the high density of tourists. This should in no way put you off visiting Barcelona or Las Ramblas but it’s just something to be aware of. Strolling up and down the bustling activity of Las Ramblas really gives you a sense of the vibrant city. It makes you feel like you’re at the heart of Barcelona, you get the sense Las Ramblas has been untouched by time. It could be 2015 or 1970, the sounds and smells are the same.
Barcelona Aquarium
This is off the beaten track but the aquarium is well worth a visit. T Admittance is only €20 and it would be a good place to visit in conjunction with your visit to Las Ramblas because it’s at the heart of Port Vell where Las Ramblas ends. It is the largest Mediterranean aquarium in the world containing 450 different species. The highlight is the ocean tank which is home to sharks, rays and a whole host of other larger fish. The unique 80 metre “shark tunnel” allows you to walk underneath the tank to get a close up view of the sea predators. Indeed, you catch a sense of what it may like to be their prey, fear not however theres a solid tank saving you from becoming their dinner.
Camp Nou
For football lovers or those with no interest in the game a visit to the home of FC Barcelona is a highly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Tickets for the Camp Nou are €20 with concessions for larger groups and can be done with a tour guide or without one. The stadium is steeped in history and is guaranteed to dwarf any arena you’ve visited with a capacity of 99,354 making it the largest stadium in Europe. The circular arena has a colliseum like feel to it and the club’s trophy room is worth the admittance alone. The first team often hold open training sessions in the pitch beside the entrance to the arena so you might be lucky enough to see Messi and co making the magic happen if you happen to be there at the right time. Even better you could see the team in action with a full stadium roaring on the team, tickets can be purchased at stalls all along Las Ramblas. No need to be afraid of scalpers either as these are all Barcelona accredited sellers.
La Sagrada Familia
You don’t have to be religious to recognise the magnificence of Gaudi’s famous cathedral. Once the atheists among you see if you might even have an epiphany, and if not the stunning architecture won’t leave you feeling disappointed. The UNESCO world heritage site is one of the most popular attractions in Barcelona. This means there are huge queues to get inside literally morning, noon and night. The throngs of people snaking around to get their chance to see inside is a sight in itself. Fear not though even walking around the outside is well worth it and if you’re determined to brave the queue, just make sure to be there before 10am.
The Gothic Quarter
The Gothic Quarter is the centre of the old city of Barcelona. Walking along the narrow streets feels like taking a trip back in time. The buildings are mostly preserved and have a medieval feeling to them. For those of you who burn easily in the midsummer height (ignoring your mammy’s nagging to wear factor 50) the many squares in the Gothic quarter offer some shade while not completely blocking out the midday sun. While there were some updates to areas of the Gothic Quarter around the 19th and early 20th century, the remains of some of the old Roman buildings in the city can be seen. The most spectacular of these is the Roman Wall in the North of the Gothic Quarter. The remains of this huge structure are an absolute must see. And who said the Irish didn’t go everywhere the Roman’s did? At the northerly point of the Roman Wall a single Irish pub called Dunne’s faces the ancient structure with its beer garden boasting a great view. Sláinte!
With the continued success of the Irish rugby team one cannot help but wonder how a united Ireland football team would fare. The nation has been divided in football since 1921 when the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was formed following a split from the IFA over claims of bias towards Belfast. Since then both sides have had varying success, the Republic of Ireland more so in recent times having qualified for Euro 2012 and the 2002 World cup while the North’s last major tournament was the 1986 world cup in Spain. The thought of a united Irish side is something most Irish football fans have thought about, and possibly discussed over a beer or two, in this article we look at what a united Irish side of current internationals might look like.
Goalkeeper:
David Forde (Millwall and Republic of Ireland)
David Forde has captured the hearts of the Republic’s fans after making his debut at 33, coincidentally against Northern Ireland in 2011. He has gone on to capture the number one role. Forde starred in the recent one all draw against World Champions Germany, making a number of key saves most notably from Mario Gotze.
Defenders:
Right back- Paddy McNair (Manchester United and Northern Ireland)
Some may consider the 19 year old a surprise selection, especially seeing as he is yet to be capped by the North at senior level. However, McNair has impressed for United since being thrown into the first team in the 2-1 win over West Ham in September following an injury crisis. McNair has made twelve appearances this season and fitted in seamlessly at centre back and right back despite his age. United coaches feel McNair’s natural position is as an offensive midfielder and this is not surprising given his comfort on the ball.
Centre back- Johnny Evans (Manchester United and Northern Ireland)
Evans practically picks himself in this team. McNair’s team mate has been a first team regular at Old Trafford since 2009 having also come through the youth academy. He has racked up an impressive 129 appearances and counting for United and 31 international caps.
Centre back- John O’Shea (Sunderland and Republic of Ireland)
Similar to Evans, O’Shea is the Republic’s first choice centre back. He burst onto the scene with Manchester United in 2002 and made 256 appearances at the Old Trafford outfit. He joined Sunderland in 2011 and was immediately given the captaincy. O’Shea’s versatility has seen him play all over the park throughout his career, but he’s found his best position at centre back.
Left Back- Marc Wilson (Stoke City and Republic of Ireland)
Wilson represented Northern Ireland up until under 15 level when he switched his allegiance to the Republic. Wilson is a regular at Premier League side Stoke city and like O’Shea his versatility has seen him play all over the pitch, however left-back is where he has played his best football.
Midfielders:
Right midfield- Seamus Coleman (Everton and Republic of Ireland)
You were wondering why Coleman was left out of the defence right? Well the simple reason is his attacking ability is vital to both Everton and the Republic. David Moyes signed Coleman for a bargain £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in 2009 and since then he has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent performers. With someone like McNair playing behind him, Coleman’s speed and attacking ability could be used to devastating effect.
Centre midfield- James McCarthy (Everton and Republic of Ireland)
The Glaswegian elected to represent the Republic in 2011 and has since become the fulcrum of the midfield. McCarthy’s passing game keeps the tempo up for any side he plays for, and at 24 he has yet to reach his prime. McCarthy was central to Wigan’s 2013 FA Cup win and his career looks like it has a lot more to offer.
Centre midfield- Chris Brunt (West Bromwich Albion and Northern Ireland)
Albion’s captain has recently moved from left mid into a more central attacking position and he has flourished here. While he’s only scored once in 46 Northern Ireland caps, Brunt offers a constant attacking threat often involved in the build up to Albion’s goals. His offensive abilities would balance well with the more defensive McCarthy.
Left Midfield- Aidan McGeady (Everton and Republic of Ireland)
Another Glaswegian who declared for the Republic, McGeady is a vital member of the Republic’s team. The flying winger is our third Everton representative, having joined the Toffees via Celtic and Spartak Moscow. He scored a crucial last minute winner in Ireland’s European qualifier against Georgia in September
Forwards:
Shane Long (Southampton and Republic of Ireland)
Long’s talent has been underappreciated by some managers, most notably Ireland’s previous manager Trapatonni. Long has been a solid performer for Reading, Hull City, West Brom and Southampton and his work rate is an asset to any side he plays for.
Kyle Lafferty (Çaykur Rizespor and Northern Ireland)
On loan at Rizespor from Norwich, Lafferty has scored goals at every club in his nomadic career which has seen him play for FC Sion and Palermo among others. He was at his most prolific at Rangers scoring 104 goals between 2008 and 2012.
Manager- Martin O’Neill
With all due respect to the North’s gaffer Michael O’Neill, we had to go with Martin. The current Republic manager made 64 appearances for Northern Ireland in a distinguished playing career. His positive attitude and enthusiasm is infectious as we saw during his time managing Celtic and Aston Villa and his start to international management has been good so far.
While Ireland may never unite in footballing terms it’s nice to dream. In the mean time both sides resume their Euro 2016 qualification campaigns this Sunday, Northern Ireland host Finland and the Republic of Ireland will take on Poland in Dublin.
Attention all Breaking Bad fans, everyone’s favorite lawyer is back! The spin-off series airs every Tuesday and is available on Netflix. The series has been hotly anticipated, so has it lived up to expectations so far? In a word, yes. In fact if anything Better Call Saul has exceeded all expectations.
Although it is a spin off series, anyone who has not seen Breaking Bad (yes, there may still be some of us living under a rock) can easily view Better Call Saul as it is an independent series. In fact, as impressive as Breaking Bad is, this series is really too good to be seen as a spin-off. High praise after only four episodes right? Well Better Call Saul deserves all these plaudits and more.
The series centres around Jimmy McGill, a down on his luck public defender trying to build his own law firm from the ground up. Jimmy is living in the shadow of his reclusive brother Chuck’s law firm, now run by Jimmy’s arch enemy, Hamlin. As cunning and devious as he is resourceful, Jimmy is literally willing to do whatever it takes to make his way to the top and this makes for extremely entertaining viewing.
In Breaking Bad Jimmy (known as Saul) is an entertaining and mainly humorous character. This led to many people predicting Better Call Saul would be mainly a comedy. However, while there are many comedic elements to the show, to label it purely as a comedy would be limiting the series. In truth it is more of a drama, thus far anyway.
We are to expect expect some cameos from the Breaking Bad characters with one show favourite already a constant, Mike (Jonathan Banks). We meet Mike as a disillusioned parking attendant in Better Call Saul, but he undoubtedly has a bigger role to play as the series develops.
Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould have definitely got it right again after their highly successful production breakthrough in Breaking Bad. Better Call Saul differs from Breaking Bad as it is very much Jimmy’s story (so far anyway) whereas Breaking Bad had two protagonists in Walt and Jessie. but this is a good thing, and the show looks like it has massive potential. Bob Odenkirk (Jimmy) has flourished in the main role after his bit part character in Breaking Bad. For those of you who haven’t started watching yet, I have three words: Better Call Saul.
City of Manchester Stadium. Photo by Bill Boaden- Wikipedia
The race for Europe’s top prize heats up this week as the Champions League round of 16 ties continues. The City.ie looks ahead at what to expect from this week’s fixtures.
Tuesday
Manchester City v Barcelona
This is undoubtedly the biggest match up in the round. City will be seeking revenge after losing out 4-1 on aggregate to Barcelona at the same stage last year. Despite boasting a front three of Messi, Neymar and Suarez, Barcelona aren’t as heavily favoured coming into the tie this year. A lot will depend on the performance of Messi’s compatriot Sergio Aguero: on his day Aguero has the ability to be the catalyst for a City victory over any opponent but he has been hampered by injury this season. City are also missing their key man in midfield Yaya Toure which will be a huge loss. Despite this however, City should have enough for Barcelona on the night. The return in the Nou Camp will be a different story however and the Catalans should sneak through over the two legs, but just.
Juventus v Borrusia Dortmund
Dortmund’s unexpected struggles in the Bundesliga this season have been well documented. Jurgen Klopp’s side, who reached the Champions League final in 2013, have been languishing in the relegation places for much of this season. However, their form in Europe has been good, and three wins in the league have pushed them up to 12th place recently so they will come to Turin with confidence. This form probably won’t be enough against Juventus though. They sit at the top of Serie A, nine points clear of Roma, and have only lost two of their last 28 Champions League games on home soil (W17 D9), both against Bayern Munich. With the likes of Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba and top form, the Italian champions should win tonight and ease their way through over the two legs.
Wednesday
Arsenal v Monaco
The Gunners have been on their best run of form this season and will be buoyed by leapfrogging Manchester United into third place over the weekend. Realistically Monaco were the best team they could have hoped to draw in this round and Arsenal should have too much for the principality both in this game and the return. Dimitar Berbatov will need to be well marshalled by the Arsenal defence, but aside from the Bulgarian, Monaco won’t pose much threat.
Bayern Leverkusen v Atletico Madrid
The Spanish champions reached the Champions League final last year, and while such a run might be beyond them this term they should progress against Leverkusen. The only fear is complacency. However Atletico have consistently overcome the ‘underdogs’ tag against domestic rivals Barcelona and Real Madrid so complacency is unlikely. Leverkusen will hope for an upset but this too is highly unlikely: they have never won a last 16 tie in the Champions League.
James Cox looks ahead to the FA Cup quarter-final ties following last night’s draw
Roy Hodgson was the guest of honour as the BBC conducted the quarter final draw before last night’s final FA Cup fifth round tie between Preston North End and Manchester United. The Preston fans reacted joyously to the possibility of hosting the cup holders Arsenal but it wasn’t to be as United stumbled to a 3-1 victory. Thecity.ie gives you the lowdown on an exciting quarter-final draw.
Aston Villa v West Brom
This all premier league tie has the potential to be a cracker or a damp squib. We’re going to take a positive view and go with the cracker. West Brom pulled off a shock beating high flying West Ham 4-0 in the fifth round and appear rejuvenated under Tony Pulis. However Villa are in the honeymoon phase under Tim Sherwood and enjoy home advantage so don’t be surprised to see them go through.
Bradford City v Reading
Reading have veteran striker Yakubu in form and should have the advantage over a League One side, but Bradford won’t read the script. Enjoying home advantage and having already disposed of Premier League leaders Chelsea and Sunderland, you should expect their fairytale run to continue. Another trip to Wembley after the 2013 league cup final seems on the card for the Bantams.
Liverpool v Blackburn
Blackburn pulled off a shock to defeat Premier league side Stoke 4-1 in the fifth round so will come to Anfield full of confidence. Rudy Gestede will be a danger man for Rovers in particular. Bolton already pulled off an unexpected draw at Anfield this season; however Liverpool have found their best form of the season since then. Liverpool will edge this one, but it will be tight.
Manchester United v Arsenal
Last but not least, this one is definitely the pick of the bunch. Manchester United have drawn criticism from all corners for their displays under Louis Van Gaal but attractive football or not, they have been getting results. United sit third in the Premier League and with no other distractions their sights are firmly on the cup that Arsenal currently hold. Arsenal are on better form at the moment but much can change between now and the weekend of 7th and 8th March when the ties are due to take place. Wenger’s men will be desperate to keep their hands on the trophy, but it seems when these teams meet that no matter how badly United play, Arsenal just can’t win. In their last 11 games against Manchester United, the record reads: United wins: 7, Draws: 3, Arsenal wins: 1.
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