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  • Inspection finds warning signs at Cliffs of Moher ignored

    Inspection finds warning signs at Cliffs of Moher ignored

    By Luke Hurson

    An inspection of the Cliffs of Moher walking trail carried out by Sport Ireland has found that some visitors were not equipped for conditions and engaged in reckless behaviour close to the cliff edge.  

    The most recent incident at the cliffs happened on November 9 after a woman’s body was recovered from the base of a cliff in Co Clare following a multi-agency operation. 

    Featured Image: The Cliffs of Moher. Credit: Unsplash

    Sport Ireland has a responsibility for developing walking trails across the country, and for promoting a variety of outdoor and recreational activities to encourage people to become active outdoors. The organisation conducted the inspection in mid-August. 

    The inspection happened after two young people tragically lost their lives in the area in July. 

    Sport Ireland discovered that a large amount of visitors were choosing to ignore the warning signs and walk dangerously close to the edge.  

    Many of the visitors were straying off the official path due to sections of the walk that were too narrow to cater for the number of visitors walking in both directions. In one case attendees of a humanist wedding were found to be standing close to the cliff edge with their backs to the edge and the water below.  

    The report also found the trail was unsuitable for the type of people it was attracting and that the inspector saw multiple examples of dangerous or risky behaviour. 

    The inspector’s view was that the trail “be closed immediately” to make it safe, according to a copy of the report that was released under freedom of information laws. 

    In a statement sent to The City Sport Ireland said; “Following Sport Ireland’s recent inspection of The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail, several safety issues were identified along the trail. 

    In agreement with Clare Local Development Company, which manages the trail, these issues were deemed serious enough to require urgent attention.” 

    The visitor centre at the famous cliffs, along with 800m on either side, is managed by Clare County council, but it does not manage the cliff walk. 

    The coastal walk is managed instead by Clare Local Development Company (CDLC), which is responsible for its maintenance and negotiates with local landowners. 

    Cliffs of Moher. Credit: Pixabay

    Sport Ireland added: “The Cliffs of Moher Coastal Trail is included on the National Trails Register and is on the connected Public Liability Insurance Policy, which is managed by Sport Ireland Outdoors. Sport Ireland Outdoors inspects the trails on the National Trails Register periodically to ensure they continue to meet the required standards. 

    To remain on this register, any safety issues reported during these inspections must be resolved within 30 days of the inspection date. 

    The Cliffs of Moher are a key tourist attraction in Ireland, with the connected coastal trail attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Therefore, in managing these remedial works, Clare Local Development Company have structured their plans to allow sections of the trail to remain open while other parts are closed for renovations. 

    Clare Local Development Company have successfully addressed all safety issues in the areas of the trail that remain open.” 

    They concluded: “Sections of the trail with unresolved safety issues are now closed to the public until they are addressed.” 

    So how can people be safer when walking along coastal trails? 

    The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a charity that saves lives at sea in the Ireland and the UK and The City reached out to them for coastal waking advice. 

    A spokesperson from RNLI said; “be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Slips and falls happen in all locations; it is not just high cliff edges that are a risk. Always let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.” 

    “Take care when walking in dark and slippery conditions. Always take a means of calling for help and always check the weather and tides. Getting cut off by the tide is a common cause of lifeboat launches. Should you get into difficulty or see someone else in trouble, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.” 

    The Irish Coast Guard is another group that saves lives at sea. They are a part of the Department of Transport. The Coast Guard main roles include maritime safety and search and rescue.  

    Below is a clip of the Coast Guard carrying out a rescue on a cliff edge, courtesy of Irish Coast Guard on X:

  • Is Female Healthcare Taken Seriously in Ireland? 

    Is Female Healthcare Taken Seriously in Ireland? 

    By Molly O’Reilly

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect a woman’s health in more ways than one.  

    As more people are becoming aware of PCOS as a disorder women experience, there is more questions to answer as we discover female health continues to be more complex. 

    For instance, there are four categories of PCOS. Healthcare professionals try to avoid diagnosis until a person’s menstrual cycle has become regular or fully formed.  

    PCOS is characterised by irregular periods, high testosterone levels and ovarian cysts. The average age of diagnosis is around your late 20s.  

    However, there is not a long-lasting solution to help with PCOS.  Different life occurrences can alter the symptoms of the syndrome, such as childbirth, excessive exercise and stress.  

    Shirley McQuaid, who works with Dublin Well Woman Centre as a medical director, spoke about PCOS in Ireland and attitudes to female health in Ireland. 

    “PCOS involves certain changes to the cycle,” she said.  “If someone has very irregular periods, then it’s worth looking at whether or not that is due to polycystic ovary syndrome.”  

    Laoise Cruise, now 23 years old, spoke to The City.ie about her experience of getting diagnosed with PCOS at the age of 15, which is very unusual. 

    “It was like I had given birth because I had stitches, and I couldn’t stand up straight,” said Cruise. 

    In March 2016, Cruise thought she was getting her period for the first time. In reality, a cyst that was sitting and killing her ovary was causing her to bleed. After experiencing side effects such as extreme bloating, tiredness and intense cramps, Cruise went to her doctor and had to have surgery. 

    “It was basically the size of a melon is what I was told – they told me this is so strange for a 15-year-old.”  

    However, due to the size of the cyst, one of Cruise’s ovaries also had to be removed.  

    “It has affected my life completely – 50% of my chance of fertility gone,” she said. 

    Cruise also spoke about the lack of services provided during this time at 15 years old. 

    “I had my surgery in a general hospital, but it was under my insurance. Then I had to go privately for nearly a year after to go see the same surgeon that took out my ovary [in their private practice]” 

    “I wish it was more accessible; I’m hoping there will be more PCOS specialists in the future, who are more accessible for women who are younger.” 

    The process of getting diagnosed can be a stressful experience. 

    Katlyn Connolly, who is 22 years old, is currently on the journey of being diagnosed with PCOS.  

    “I started looking for help and advice on my female health around 14 months ago and since then I have been referred and sent to person after person,” said Connolly. 

    “I feel If I had backed myself up and was confident in my knowledge 14 months ago, I might be on a very different journey now. I am thankful that people are now talking about female health and fertility. It’s lovely to hear other people’s stories and tips and tricks regarding these issues.” 

    Female health issues continue to be a complex issue. 

    In terms of the long-standing ways of managing PCOS, McQuaid said there unfortunately isn’t one. 

    “There are a few things to manage PCOS but there isn’t a pill that they can take long term to deal with PCOS. It’s just as life events happen, we can help along the way with various things.”  

    Despite an enduring question over how serious female healthcare is taken within the Irish healthcare system, McQuaid said the introduction of the free conception has been a positive change. 

    “In the past a lot of women just were on the pill simply because that what was all available for them or they couldn’t afford to use coils and implants. But now they’ve got a huge choice,” she said.  

    Although there has been a positive progression for female healthcare in Ireland there is still a long way to go as many women continue to go undiagnosed.  

    “It’s not just four letters it’s your life,” said Cruise. 

  • “I Would Rather Die Here Peacefully, than be Killed There” – South Africans Living in Direct Provision on Hunger Strike Outside Dáil

    “I Would Rather Die Here Peacefully, than be Killed There” – South Africans Living in Direct Provision on Hunger Strike Outside Dáil

    By Jamie Ryan 

    Since Monday 21 October, these South African men and women who are living in Direct Provision have gone on a hunger strike in the hopes that the Irish Government will reconsider having South Africa listed on Ireland’s ‘Safe Countries’ list.  

    The EU and Irish Government define a ‘safe country of origin’ as a country in which: “there is generally and consistently no persecution, no torture or inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and no threat by reason of indiscriminate violence in situations of international or internal armed conflict.” 
    Neels Heystek – a South African that are taking part in the hunger strike. Heystek told TheCity.ie his daughter is suffering from PTSD and is having regular panic attacks at school as a result of what has happened to their family in South Africa.

    “This is our last resort now.”

    Neels Heystek
    Passersby and sympathisers have donated water to the hunger strikers.
    On the otherside of Dáil Éireann’s gates, was a protest held by Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine. Some of these protesters came over to the hunger strikers in support when a far-right agitator arrived.
    The Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine lending their megaphone to the South African hunger strikers to drown out the far-right heckler. 
    A collection of the protester’s signs 
    • ‘Rape Report every 12 minutes’ 
    • ‘75 Murders Per Day’ 
    • ‘Pleading for Safety’ 
    Hunger strikers displaying their respective signs telling those passing by why they are on hunger strike.
    One of the protesters, down on their knees sticking together another sign for passersby and government officials coming through the gates of Dáil Éireann to see and take notice of.
    Brian Mogotsi is another of the hunger strikers.
    He is taking part in this protest in the hopes that the Government will engage in a dialogue with South Africans that are living in Direct Provision to reconsider their position on deeming South Africa as a safe country

    “I fled South Africa in need of safety.” 

    Brian Mogotsi

  • Ireland U21’s European Dream Ends, but Strong Foundations Are Set for the Future 

    Ireland U21’s European Dream Ends, but Strong Foundations Are Set for the Future 

    By Sandra Dudkiewicz

    Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the UEFA U21 European Championship were dashed after a 1-1 draw against Italy in Trieste.  

    Ireland previously drew 1-1 with Norway on October 11, with Sean Roughan scoring for Ireland, only to see their lead vanish with a last-minute equaliser by Andreas Schjelderup. This result added more pressure as the Irish needed a strong finish against Italy.   

    Ireland’s Andrew Moran scored the crucial equaliser in the 66th minute, after Italy had taken an early lead through Cesare Casadei. Despite the draw, Italy booked their place in the 2025 European Championship that will take place in Slovakia. 

    Italy’s missed penalty in the first half by Gnonto, along with other squandered opportunities, gave Ireland hope, but they were unable to find that crucial second goal. 

    Ireland’s U21 team may have missed out on qualification for the 2025 UEFA European Championship, but their journey was filled with standout performances. 

    The boys in green opened the qualifiers with a 3-0 victory over San Marino in September 2023, with Sean Roughan and Sinclair Armstrong contributing key goals and a 3-2 win over Turkey in June. 

    Scoreboard: RTE

    The Republic of Ireland U21 team concluded their UEFA European Championship qualifying campaign in third place, level with Norway on 19 points, but missing out on the playoffs due to goal difference. 

    They recorded 5 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss across 10 matches, scoring 24 goals and conceding 12, for a goal difference of +12. 

    Bristol City player and Republic of Ireland international, Sinclair Armstrong said: “The unity and mentality within the group was incredibly strong, largely due to the belief that Jim Crawford instilled in us which is that we could win every game.” 

    “We went toe-to-toe with big nations, and we didn’t shy away from any challenge, from any fight and we gave it 100 percent. For the experience to end so early is very disappointing but it has been unbelievable, we got to travel to so many different countries and experience different cultures in the process and it’s something I will never forget,” he continued. 

    Sinclair Armstrong (9)  Photo Via Instagram

    Armstrong received his first call-up to the senior Republic of Ireland squad on September 8, 2023, for their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands and made his senior debut on September 10, 2023. 

    While the Republic of Ireland team fell short of qualification for the UEFA U21 European Championship, their solid third-place finish and impressive performances throughout the qualifiers sets a promising foundation for the future. 

  • Cuala triumph in first Dublin final since 1988 

    Cuala triumph in first Dublin final since 1988 

    By Oscar Lawlor Plazas 

    A nail-biting end to a dramatic game on a windy day in Parnell Park saw Cuala overcome local rivals Kilmacud Crokes with a last gasp hand passed point by Eoin Kennedy, after Luke Keating’s freekick fell short with seconds to go on Sunday afternoon. 

    This put a stop to Kilmacud’s hopes of winning 4-in-a-row for the first time since the 1960s and gave Cuala their first ever Dublin Senior Football Championship win, in their first finals appearance since 1988. 

    Players appeared to struggle to determine which way the wind was blowing. In the first half, it appeared to benefit Crokes, but that didn’t last long. It was evidently blowing in the main from the church- end and behind Cuala’s backs but was equally indiscriminatory and unpredictable throughout the afternoon. 

    Crokes tried to smother Cuala’s strong first half and contain the damage until they could make use of the wind in their favour, but they were guilty of a few hurried attempts at goal and, predictably, bad choices considering the difficult conditions. 

    With their ace attackers Paul Mannion and Shane Walsh each scoring one point in the first half, Crokes missed six opportunities, blowing attempts at the uprights wide or short into goalkeeper Skollard’s hands. 

    During this period, Cuala’s offensive style was much more direct and focused. They made fewer poor attempts and had some well worked teamplay as they repeatedly drove up the pitch in packs to take a healthy lead going into halftime.  

    Dublin defender Michael Fitzsimons contributed to their onslaught, by fist passing a smart point and following it up by hitting another creative score after flicking the ball over Walsh’s head and collecting it on the other side.  

    Cuala’s five-point advantage at the half was only cheapened by the fact that two goal scoring opportunities had escaped them in the first six minutes of the second half. 

    Con O’Callaghan had the first but was denied by brave defending. This was followed up by Niall O’Callaghan’s excellent strike at the top corner being elegantly tipped over the bar for a point by Devon Burns. 

    Within a frenzied few minutes though, everything looked as though it might change.  

    Cuala fans rush onto pitch after final whistle 

    The Dalkey men kept Crokes at bay with the odd score and some outstanding defending but couldn’t stop a more experienced Crokes side from cutting the margin to three points between the forty- and fifty-minute marks. This was then made worse for Cuala when after just a few minutes in play as a blood substitute, Kilmacud’s Luke Ward scored the game’s first goal to tie the score for the first time since the fourth minute, when Mannion found him with a sweeping pass across Cuala’s last line of defenders. 

    Then, during the break in play, there was drama at the opposite end of the ground when Con O’Callaghan was shown a straight red card by referee Sean McCarthey at Stillorgan sides goalmouth, for an elbow on Crokes goalkeeper Devon Burns. This made for a tense end to the finals for both sets of supporters, but the purple and gold of Kilmacud Crokes didn’t have enough in the end to halt a history making day for the red and white of Cuala. 

    The team’s victory was well-earned, handling the match and Storm Ashley with skill and caution. They now progress to the quarterfinals of the Leinster Senior Football Championship and will take on whoever comes out on top between the Wicklow and Longford Championships respectively. 

    Scorers for Cuala: L Keating (0-3, 0-2 frees); C Doran (0-3); M Fitzsimons (0-2); E Kennedy, C McMorrow, P Ó Cofaigh Byrne, P Duffy N O’Callaghan and C O’Callaghan (all 0-1). 

    Scorers for Kilmacud Crokes: P Mannion (0-4, 0-1 free and 0-1 mark); S Walsh (0-3, 0-1 free); L Ward (1-0); H Kenny, C Dias, D Mullin (all 0-1). 

    CUALA: R Scollard; D Conroy, M Fitzsimons, E O’Callaghan; E Kennedy, C McMorrow, D O’Dowd; P Ó Cofaigh Byrne, P Duffy; C Dunne, C Ó Giolláin, C Doran; L Keating, N O’Callaghan, C O’Callaghan. 

    Subs: C Groarke for Ó Giolláin (43); C Mulally for Dunne (48); L Ward for O’Brien (blood, 54) and for Murphy (56). 

    KILMACUD CROKES: D Burns; M Mullin, T Clancy, D O’Brien; M O’Leary, A McGowan, J Murphy; B Shovlin, R O’Carroll; H Kenny, C Dias, D Mullin; P Mannion, P O’Connor, S Walsh. 

    Subs: C O’Connor for O’Leary (43); T Fox for Kenny (45); M Conroy for D Conroy (56); S Cunningham for O’Connor (71). 

    Referee: Sean McCarthy (St Vincent’s). 

  • Leinster Maintain Perfect Form with Win Against Connacht 

    Leinster Maintain Perfect Form with Win Against Connacht 

    By Jessica Lee

    Leinster have kept their perfect record in the United Rugby Championship (URC), with a stunning bonus-point 33-12 win over a strong Connacht side in Galway on Saturday night.  

    Coming off the back of their win against Munster in a sold-out Croke Park last weekend, the boys in blue made a fast start to the game, with Jamie Osborne scoring a try in the seventh minute and was quickly followed by Ciaran Frawley kicking the conversion. 

    Despite Connacht’s defense holding firm against Leinster’s strong efforts, Liam Turner scored a try just minutes later, and the kick was converted. 

    Ciarán Frawley suffered an ankle injury during the buildup to Turners try and was replaced by Ross Byrne.   

    An injured Frawley will be a concern for Irish Rugby manager Andy Farrell, as Leinster are set to face New Zealand in the Aviva Stadium in three weeks’ time.  

    Leinster Captain James Ryan appeared to have scored a try; however, it was later disallowed due to accidental offside when Ryan received the ball and Connacht were awarded the scrum. 

    Connacht finally got into the game at the 33rd minute, after a scrappy tackle on the try line with Sean O’Brien getting the score.  

    World Cup winner and South African native, RG Snyman, got Leinster’s third try after gathering a loose ball just before half time, with Ross Byrne adding two points to Leinster’s advantage.  

    Just five minutes into the second half, Leinster further proved their dominance over the home side as flanker Max Deegan scored their fourth try for the bonus point. 

    Connacht returned from half time hungry to get scores on the board but struggled to get through the robust Leinster defense. However, a try from Cathal Forde came in the 64th minute and the conversion was scored by Josh Ioane.  

    This small win for Connacht was short lived, as just minutes later Andrew Osborne ripped up the wing to catch Byrne’s kick from the restart and scoring the final try of the game.  

    With 10 minutes left on the clock, Connacht desperately tried to close the gap, but it was too little, too late. The score was 12-33 to Leinster when the final whistle blew.  

    This is Leinster’s second consecutive inter-provincial victory so far in this URC campaign, with RG Snyman receiving player of the match for his performance. 

    Connacht: P O’Conor; S Bolton, D Hawkshaw (C Forde 62), B Aki, S Cordero (H Gavin 59); J Ioane, B Murphy (C Blade 56); D Buckley (P Dooley 52), D Heffernan (D Tierney-Martin 56), F Bealham (J Aungier 52); J Joyce (N Murray 52), D Murray; C Prendergast (c), S O’Brien (S Jansen 56), P Boyle. 

    Leinster: H Keenan; L Turner (H Cooney 74), G Ringrose, J Osborne, A Osborne; C Frawley (R Byrne 17), J Gibson-Park (F Gunne 71); J Boyle (A Porter 44), G McCarthy (S Smith 74), R Slimani (T Clarkson 44); RG Snyman (B Deeny 70), J Ryan (c); M Deegan, W Connors (S Penny 59), J Culhane. 

    Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU) 

  • “If You Choose to Stay, You’re Going to Die”: Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall in Florida 

    “If You Choose to Stay, You’re Going to Die”: Hurricane Milton Makes Landfall in Florida 

    By Jessica Lee

    Hurricane Milton made landfall in Florida as a Category 3 storm on the night of Wednesday October 9th. The hurricane made its way across the coast of Florida- downing trees and power lines, flattening homes and flooding roads. 

    This hurricane comes just days after Hurricane Helene devastated the southeastern coast of America and claimed the lives of 230 people, the largest loss of life in the US from a natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina. 

    The death toll for Hurricane Milton has increased to 16 people, with the number climbing as more bodies are recovered.  

    Evacuation orders were in place for over one million people living in the coastal areas of the state of Florida and 3 million people are currently still without power. 

    The hurricane caused so much rain to fall in the Tampa Bay region of Florida, it is being considered a once in a thousand-year rainfall event. 

    Radar map of Hurricane Milton. Source WMTV News 

    Mayor of Tampa Jane Castor issued a stark warning to Floridians in mandatory evacuation zones who chose to stay put in their homes; “I can say this without any dramatisation whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you are going to die.” 

    Despite this warning, some residents chose to stay in their homes- many of whom had nowhere else to go. 

    Images spread on social media of people writing their names and date of birth on themselves and their children’s arms in permanent marker in order to be identified if they were killed as a result of the hurricane.  

    A mother writes on her child’s hand with identification details. Source Ashten Lee on Tiktok

    Sinéad Gleeson, an Irish woman living in Florida told the City about her experience staying in her home during the hurricane. 

    “I had no choice but to stay in my house, I was not in a mandatory evacuation zone, but it was strongly encouraged by the mayor. I had nowhere else to, I didn’t have the money to fly somewhere…I just had to stay put and hope for the best.” 

    “Thankfully, it was not as bad as it was thought it would be but there was still a lot of damage done, we just hope this is the last hurricane of the year,” said Sinéad. 

    Damage caused by Hurricane Milton in Lee County, Florida. Source: Lee County Sheriff’s Office. 

    Despite warnings from President Biden and meteorologists alike, Hurricane Milton was not as severe as feared.  

    Although the hurricane spared much of the western coast of Florida, airports in the region including Tampa and Palm Beach have remained closed. 

    According to analysis by the National Hurricane Center, the storm surge spiked to 5 to 10 feet above ground level in some areas. However, it was initially estimated that the surge would reach 15 feet.  

    So far this year there have already been 13 named Atlantic storms. With more than six weeks left of Hurricane season there are fears that another severe weather event will occur. 

  • “I’ll take the bus,”- increased taxi fares for Ireland 

    “I’ll take the bus,”- increased taxi fares for Ireland 

    By Amy Murphy

    The National Transport Authority (NTA) has approved a nine per cent increase in the National Maximum Taxi fare. This increase is due to take effect from the 1st of December.  

    This adjustment is to ensure that taxi fares reflect the rise in inflation and costs of operating a taxi service in Ireland.  

    “I’ll just take the bus, I have a 24-hour bus that I can get home after being out, but for people who don’t, it’s just going to break their banks,” said Niamh Linnane, a 22-year-old student.   

    “The cost of a taxi in Ireland is extortionate if you aren’t sharing with people,” said Linnane.  

    We will also see a change to the ‘Special Rate’, which a rate charged only for journeys taken between Christmas Eve, Stephen’s Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day during unsocial hours.  

    The Special Rate will now cover the weekend peak hours from midnight to 4:00 AM on Friday night into Saturday morning and Saturday night into Sunday morning, year-round. The fare will be higher rate, and this change aims to encourage more drivers to support the nighttime economy.  

    There also will be an increase in pre-booking fees. During weekend peak times it will rise from €2 to €3.

    Photo by Naseem Buras / Unsplash

    “With the cost of petrol, diesel and all that goes into owning a car, never mind a taxi, I am happy to see this fare increase,” said Paul Murphy, a taxi driver of nearly 20 years.  

    “I know it sounds bad to customers but with the cost-of-living crisis it’s just something that needs to happen,” said Paul Murphy. 

    This National Maximum Taxi Fare Review takes place every two years to ensure the fares match the costs of maintaining a good quality taxi service and the cost of living within Ireland.  

    The 2024 Review, published in July, revealed that taxi operating costs increased by approximately 9-11% between 2022 and 2024. Following public consultations regarding these rising costs for taxi drivers, the Taxi Regulation (Maximum Fares) Order 2024 implemented an average fare increase of nine per cent, adjusted across different time bands and distances. 

    ‘Numbeo’ has ranked countries in order of the highest fare of a taxi per kilometer. Switzerland was ranked 1st with the average fare per kilometer being €4.15. According to ‘My Swiss Company’ the average salary in Switzerland is relatively high, reflecting the country’s strong economy, with figures around CHF 78,000 per year as of 2024, which is equivalent to around €83,000.  

    Ireland placed 13th out of 97 countries with an average of €2 per kilometer. 

    Taxi fares should reflect the country’s cost of living. Given Ireland’s cost of living crisis and high inflation, this has led to the increase on the taxi fares.  

    However, with the inflation rate falling to 1.7% in the month of August, figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shown. This is the first time the inflation rate has lowered since June 2021.  

    Despite this, The Budget 2025 informed us that the rate will increase from €56 to €63.50 for petrol and diesel. This means an extra €1.20 per full tank for motorists. Potentially meaning this increase taxi fare will not be changed. 

    “This increase will be in place for the next two years, if inflation continues to decline, then it will be considered and there may be a decrease in taxi fares, but it must match the cost of living at that time,” said The NTA press office.  

    Photo: Amy Murphy

  • How Communities are Tackling Loneliness in the Elderly

    How Communities are Tackling Loneliness in the Elderly

    By Paul Lee

    A recent study from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) in Ireland shows that about one-third of adults over 50 in the Republic of Ireland have experienced emotional loneliness at some point, with 7% feeling lonely often.  

    The research found that loneliness tends to decrease between the ages of 50 and 67 but rises again after that. 

    People over 75 are more likely to report feeling moderately lonely compared to younger groups. Factors like lower education, living alone, poor self-rated health, physical limitations, and chronic health conditions were linked to higher levels of loneliness. 

    Ireland is currently ranked number one in Europe for people suffering grom loneliness as of last year, with the coronavirus pandemic forcing generations to feel isolated.   

    Source: Institute of Public Health 

    Men above 65 years old saw a 25.1% increase in living alone, while women over 65 saw an 18.4% increase in the last six years. “The numbers are only going to continue rising,” said psychotherapist Maggie Molloy. 

    “I often deal with young people suffering from loneliness, so I know how bad it must be for the elderly who have far more reasons, most of which are out of their hands for feeling lonely.” 

    Last year The World Health Organization (WHO) declared loneliness to be a pressing global health threat, with the US surgeon general saying that its mortality effects are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. 

    Anne Butler is a woman who knows the effects of loneliness all too well, inspiring her to commit her life to helping the most vulnerable in her community. 

    “Loneliness is a big issue for older people, and I don’t think the general public realises this enough,” said Mrs. Butler, who is the manager of Walkinstown Social Service Centre. 

    “It is dangerous to the elderly, we are social creatures that need to interact and get out of the house, but for some people that’s just impossible. It is heartbreaking because some of the faces around here were stuck in nightmare cycles of being upset, refusing to eat, or turning to drinking alcohol at home. It’s stories like these that make me so happy that we’re making an impact in the community and the bigger problem,” she says.  

    The centre takes in 60 people daily between lunch and dinner with some walking and others taking the centre’s bus that collects them from their houses. The centre charges €10 for transport, a meal, and bonus activities, whether that is a game of bingo, or a fitness instructor to get them exercising. 

    Members of the centre enjoying the warm summer 
    Source: Facebook – Walkinstown Social Service Centre 

    Group day trips around the country are organised and voted on. Special events happen year-round with ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ watch parties and even live shows with staff members performing dances. 

    “I’ve been coming for the last few years now and it’s just brilliant,” said Monica Walsh, age 72. 

    “I’m not great on my feet any more so going out wasn’t really possible unless I waited for my kids to come and bring me out somewhere. The centre is great because I get a sense of independence back, able to go out on my own. 

    “I feel like a kid again, going out with friends, singing songs. This place has given me some of the best moments I’ve had in years. All the staff are true heroes.” 

    The centre’s staff is made up of half full-time workers and half part-time voluntary workers from the local area such as Amanda Nic Fhannchaidh.  

    “I don’t work on Thursdays or Fridays, and I’d just be watching the Telly all day, so it’s really a no-brainer for me to come here, have a laugh, and feel good about myself for helping out where I can,” said Amanda.   

    Both local schools, the Assumption Secondary School Walkinstown and Drimnagh Castle Secondary School, have included helping out at the centre as a part of the transition year experience. 

    “It’s the right thing to do, so it’s what the lads will do. It gives the school a good name in the community and a chance for the boys to see how far a little help can go,” said Drimnagh Castle Secondary School principal John Haze. 

  • Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Vapes?

    Is It Time to Say Goodbye to Vapes?

    The Government announced during Budget 2025 that e-cigarettes will increase in purchasing due to new taxes being introduced. 

    The tax will apply to all e-liquids at a rate of 50c per ml of e-liquid. A typical disposable vape contains 2ml of e-liquid and costs in the region of €8.  

    This new tax will bring the price of such a product to €9.23 including VAT. 

    The tax will come into effect in the middle of next year. 

    It is not a surprise that vapes are seeing this new tax being implemented as it can be seen as a way to discourage young people in Ireland from using vapes. 

    Minister for Finance Jack Chambers told the Dáil he was introducing the tax “on public health grounds as there has been a significant rise in their use”. 

    The Government believes the tax on vapes is a step in the right direction.  

    The Government is also working on legislation to ban the sale of disposable vapes on environmental and public health grounds. 

    If that is achieved there could potentially be a big decline in the smoking industry and shopkeepers that primarily sell vapes could be at risk.  

    The City.ie was able to sit down with Mohammed, a store owner at Moore Street who sells various items in his store like Prime, keychains, and vapes. 

    “See my friend, I don’t mind the new tax coming to my store, I will still get my customers why? Because the vapes sell very well, I just do not want the ban of disposable vapes many people come and buy it here and if it is no longer available, I will lose business”. 

    Vape/Cigarette store on Moore Street, Dublin Photo credit: Mene Agbofodoh 

    Occupational Therapist Adora Maxell spoke to the City.ie about some of the health risks associated with vaping amongst young people. 

    “One of the most common effects of vapes is that they are highly addictive due to their nicotine content and with the youth there are multiple flavourings that create this feel of a different taste with each vape”. 

    “During my internship, I saw cases of EVALI (E-cigarettes Vaping-Associated Lung Injury). This condition has been linked to vaping especially vapes that contain THC, it can cause serious lung damage, with symptoms like difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, and even hospitalization or and it more severe cases in death fortunately I have not experience to that level. 

    “The chemicals within vapes are possibly the worst things about them, they contain very harsh substances like formaldehyde, acrolein, and diacetyl which are damaging to the body when inhaled. Some of the substances can be responsible for what is commonly known as ‘popcorn lungs’ which is another way of saying bronchiolitis,” said Maxell. 

    The City.ie also took to the streets of Dublin to ask the general public how they felt about the new taxes being put in place on the vapes. 

    “Honestly, I think it is a good incentive going forward, it helps younger and older people alike the question of whether they should be spending their money on vapes right now or use it for something beneficial for themselves”. said Lee Mullen from O’Connell Street. 

     Jane,19 from Cork, also spoke to The City.ie on the issues of vapes. 

    “As a young person who buys the occasional vape on a night out or whenever I need to calm myself down it feels unfair going forward, I’ll have to spend even more to do now”. 

    “I feel the Government should focus more on helping younger people in other areas like education and housing instead of stuff like this honestly, at least the tax isn’t coming into effect until next year, so I’ll probably stock up or something I don’t know”.