Social Values in 2007

Posted on 27. Dec, 2006 in Community, Economy, Environment, Faith and Justice, Relationships

Ireland of the 21st century is a society in transformation. We can now enjoy freedom from the shackles – economic or social – of the past. However for all our success, many still feel disconnected and marginalised, as the gap between those who have that who have not widens. And despite our liberties, society lacks […]

Moving On

Posted on 27. Dec, 2006 in Church of Ireland, Church Teachings, Relationships

Dr. Robin Eames is retiring from office after 20 years as Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. For many years he has been very involved in N. Ireland politics and a prominent advocate for peace and understanding. During a distinguished academic career, he was lectured in philosophy by his future […]

Age of Consent Dilemma

Posted on 13. Dec, 2006 in Celibacy/Sexuality, Relationships

The current debate about whether of not the age of consent for sexual activity should be lowered to 16 is dominating the headlines. Many teenagers are having sex at a much earlier age than would have been the case some years ago – and this is causing concern and alarm particularly among the parents of […]

The No Name Club

Posted on 29. Nov, 2006 in Addiction, Faith and Justice, Relationships, Young people

Can young people enjoy themselves without alcohol?  Richie Ryan, national host of the No Name club believes that they can and that it’s often just a case of getting people involved and focusing their energies in different directions.  Miriam Gormally met Richie and asked him why he got involved with the No Name Club and […]

An ICA Christmas

Posted on 29. Nov, 2006 in Christmas, Faith and Justice, Relationships, Seasons of the Church Year

Carmel Dawson is the national president of the ICA – The Irish Countrywomen’s Association.  From Tullow in Co Carlow she is a life long member of the organisation.  At this time of the year she is finishing up her countrywide travelling, getting organised for Christmas and making time for her family which is very important […]

Bereavement Support

Posted on 15. Nov, 2006 in Death, Relationships

Coping with the death of a loved one needs on-going support.  Many people are lucky enough to have people around them to offer and provide this support, but others often need someone outside the family to be there just for them, to listen attentively, and allow them to talk about their loss.  The Bethany Support […]

Console

Posted on 15. Nov, 2006 in Death, Depression, Mental Health, Relationships, Suicide

Suicide in Ireland is on the increase, especially amongst young people.  Samantha McGarry is a counsellor who works for Console, an organisation which was founded by families who were bereaved by suicide, to offer support to other families.  Miriam Gormally met Samantha and asked her about her experience of working with families bereaved by suicide. 

Youth Focolare

Posted on 15. Nov, 2006 in Faith and Justice, Relationships, Youth

In a time when we hear about the emergence of a valueless society, where young people live only for themselves, the Youth Focolare are a group whose goal is unity and harmony in society.  Miriam Gormally met Kate O’Brien and James Lynch, two young people who work with the Youth Focolare and asked them what […]

Speaking Out at the UN

Posted on 15. Nov, 2006 in Different abilities, Discrimination, Faith and Justice, Relationships

Ann O’Brien, a traveller, recently spoke at a UN conference in New York about the rights of people who suffer discrimination and barriers.  She addressed an assembly of people from all around the world, highlighting the divisions that exist in society and looking for change.  Miriam Gormally met Ann after the conference and asked her […]

Experience in Losotho

Posted on 01. Nov, 2006 in Economy, Environment, Faith and Justice, Relationships

Kerry has been very successfully twinned with Lesotho, a small country surrounded by South Africa, in the hope that the two countries could learn from each other, particularly regarding the tourist industry.  Toiréasa Ní Fhearaiosa, former Mayor of Kerry County, went to Lesotho to see the country and how the projects were developing.  She began […]