Journalists

Nicola Anderson: 'Woman's choice of underwear is never difference between rape and consent' 

Since when does your choice of underwear determine whether you were raped or if you actually consented to sex?

'There is a cold place in my heart after the barbaric treatment of our wonderful son' 

'The worst part of all was being told our son was a torso in a suitcase," Gerry O'Brien said in his victim impact statement.

Nicola Anderson: Statesmanlike words of Higgins are a tough act for Casey to follow 

After Michael D Higgins's noble and generous speech, Peter Casey had to deliver one of his own - and with a grimace, he acknowledged his misfortune.

'Government must be prepared for legal challenge to the removal of blasphemy from the Constitution' - Varadkar 

THE Taoiseach has warned that the Government must be prepared for the possibility of a legal challenge to the removal of blasphemy from the Constitution – but said he hopes to have the primary legislation in place to remove the Constitutional reference by the summer recess.

'If I was successful I would invite all the Travelling community to move into Phoenix Park' - Peter Casey 

Peter Casey has claimed that he has a "total respect" for the Travelling community and that if he had been successful he would have invited "all the of them to move into the Phoenix Park.”

'Imposing the shame of homelessness on older children is cruel' 

The founder of Focus Ireland says older children who are homeless feel shame and embarrassment about their situation.

'Tragic case' of gay couple hinges on claims of abuse 

The case of a pensioner accused of murdering his partner is about the "fundamental human right" of a person to "defend themselves from attack", his counsel has told a jury.

'I lost partner of 36 years, I'll never get over it,' says murder accused in trial 

Des Duffy, accused of murdering his partner Des Sullivan, yesterday told the court he was not there to "blacken" the name of the man he described as his "life partner".

How Gate's director Selina Cartmell set the stage for a theatre sea-change 

Sitting shoulder to shoulder in the dark with strangers, as you listen to stories. With your mobile phone turned off.

Pomp, ceremony and laughter as Michael D takes office for second stint in the Áras 

It is together that we shall go forward, he said. Together into "a future of equality, participation, inclusion, imagination, creativity, and sustainability".

Turnout low as voting closes in Presidential Election and blasphemy referendum 

Turnout was reported to be low in many areas of the country as voters took to the polls in the Presidential Election and the blasphemy referendum.

Hopefuls hit the streets for one last push before the polls open 

How to spend the last day of this monumentally bizarre presidential campaign?

Democracy has been served - it's a different story for the country 

How many personalities can you fit in one small TV studio?

Final presidential election debate: An exhausting shambles – but at least there was some real entertainment 

ONWARDS we go, limping towards the finish line with blisters on our heels and scars on our very souls.

Meeting expenses quota 'didn't dawn' on Freeman 

Presidential candidate Joan Freeman has said it "didn't dawn" on her that she might not meet the threshold to reclaim her election campaign expenses.

Casey visits the homes at centre of row - but not the families 

Peter Casey and his wife Helen arrived at Cabragh Bridge and gazed at the six neat houses.

Nicola Anderson: Peter Casey left quickly after getting the exposure he’d come for 

PETER Casey and his wife, Helen, arrived at Cabragh Bridge and gazed at the six neat houses.

Controversy continues as presidential hopeful Peter Casey visits houses for Traveller families 

CONTROVERSIAL presidential campaign hopeful Peter Casey has paid a visit to the houses built for Traveller families in Tipperary.

Trump-lite: Millionaire stirs more controversy to keep pot simmering 

It was always going to be about one thing - and that's exactly how it turned out.

Missing duo dominate dull opening to presidential debates 

Almost straight away they got to the main issue of this presidential debate. The dogs.

Nicola Anderson: Cruellest irony that woman who spearheaded the fight against cancer fell victim 

It was the photograph that was most sought after - the figure of Dr Gabriel Scally standing outside Leinster House as the remains of Emma Mhic Mhathúna were taken past in a final, stark gesture.

Murder accused who admits he shot victim found in canal told garda 'he was my friend' 

A man accused of murdering a father by shooting him in the head and dismembering his body told gardaí when he was arrested: "He was my friend."

Even in death, Emma makes the powerful quake on her final journey 

At 2.33pm, the hearse carrying the remains of Emma Mhic Mhathúna reached the bottom of Kildare Street and slowed to a crawl as it passed Leinster House.

'Thanks for being a wonderful force for good' - priest shares chapters of unfinished book by Emma Mhic Mhathúna at funeral 

A spontaneous round of applause broke out as the remains of Emma Mhic Mhathúna were brought up the steps of the Pro Cathedral.

Emma Mhic Mhathúna - A loving legacy evident in how her five brave children looked after each other 

His little face bright and trusting, three-year-old Donnacha perched on his mother's coffin all the way down the aisle of the church.

Casey seems an impressive candidate - so it's a shame he is going for the wrong job this time 

Peter Casey is interviewing for a job. He seems affable and enthusiastic. He has an expensive, tousled hair cut and is wearing a nice suit. The interview panel listen politely and nod.

Duffy out to prove he's not too 'businessy' and follow in the footsteps of Macron 

Is it possible to be too 'businessy' for the presidency?

In Focus: Closures 'nearly destroyed the town' but locals are fighting back 

Hot air balloons are scheduled to take off from Birr, Co Offaly - but strong winds and rain have put a spanner in the works.

'Gallagher's words might fill a notebook but melt away like candyfloss afterwards' 

Seán Gallagher's eyebrows shoot skywards when asked as to whether he might feel that we owe him the presidency because of what happened last time round.

‘Fat Freddie’ Thompson's ex Vicky among fans wowed by Michael D Higgins as he hits campaign trail 

PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins surprised shoppers in the city centre as he began his campaign for a second term in earnest by pressing the flesh.

Michael D's walkabout like set of a rom-com as mobile love bomb let loose on the capital 

He had scarcely taken 10 steps when it became glaringly apparent that this whole thing was ridiculous.

Waterford: No easy fixes for a city where the recession came early 

It is one of those much- feted sunny days in the south-east and there's a gentle, ambling, holiday quality to the mood on the streets of Waterford.

Islanders left reeling as Kerry Babies tragedy comes knocking at their door 

From a high road near the cemetery on Valentia island, the pale curl of Trá Bán, or Whitestrand beach, is clearly visible in the distance.

Over 61,000 hardy souls brave the elements 

It is safe to say that this is not the natural terrain of our very urban Taoiseach.

Government failed to alert public to extent of Storm Ali's dangers - Martin 

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has claimed the "eye was taken off the ball" in preparations for Storm Ali and "the Government didn't alert people enough to the potential dangers".

Show must go on amid visible scars of storm damage 

The blimps had returned, swaying gently in the sky - a sign to far and wide that the Ploughing was back in business.

Major row breaks out over TD letting slip 2019 Ploughing Championships venue 

A major row broke out at the National Ploughing Championships after the location for next year's event was prematurely let slip by a Fine Gael TD keen to give some good news to his own constituency.

Ploughing expected to head to Carlow in 2019 

Next year’s National Ploughing Championships is set to take place in Carlow, although NPA officials would not confirm it after Carlow TD Pat Deering let it slip that it would be held in his constituency next year.

FF leader against holding of probe of presidential spending before election 

FIANNA Fáil leader Micheál Martin has said a Dáil probe of presidential spending should not go ahead before the upcoming election.

Picking up the pieces as Storm Ali brings devastation to Ploughing site 

Amid the still-howling winds and furiously flapping canvas, some of the exhibitors who had waited in their cars for hours were finally allowed to go in and survey the wreckage.

Championships delay as Storm Ali arrives to batter Midlands 

The Ploughing Championships was postponed for safety fears due to Storm Ali this morning - and the Taoiseach has been forced to cancel his appearance.

Nicola Anderson: 'Dragons' and Michael D plough up support on stump in Screggan 

The Americans have their presidential campaign ground games that cost millions and employ complicated strategies to engage with voters.

'Having biggest share of Catholics has no bearing on attendances at Mass' 

"You wouldn't be looking at Mass attendance because there's a lot more to it than that," declared Canon Joseph Shire of the statistics that show Kilmallock is the town that most widely identifies itself as being Catholic.

Case study: 'I did consider cycling but the roads are extremely dangerous' 

With just three buses out of Bearna, Co Galway, before 9am, Julien Dorgere quickly realised he could not rely on public transport.

'What is the point of a nice-looking town when nobody is left living in it?' - Locals react to closure of post office 

A woman greets us cheerily as we push open the door. "Welcome to the Ceilí house," she says.

Nicola Anderson: Pope Francis makes poignant 'confession' to an Ireland no longer innocent 

On the face of it, what was different about this Papal Mass was the vivid rainbow of colours. A sea of red, yellow and blue hi-tech rainwear replaced the 1979 sea of sludge gabardine.

Simon Coveney bribes daughter (5) with kitten to greet the Pope 

It was a sweet family moment that set the tone for the Pope's visit - but Simon Coveney had to bribe his youngest daughter with a kitten so she would follow through with her promise to greet the Pope.

Francis puts family spirit centre stage at Croke Park 

Croke Park is no stranger to hopes, dreams and aspirations.

‘Massacre of innocents' - Syrian cardinal describes horrors of war at World Meeting of Families 

A Syrian cardinal has described the war in his native country as a ‘massacre of innocents,’ with many children dead as a result of bombings and some drowning in the sea in a bid to escape and seek asylum.

'Every rotten apple should be gotten rid of' - abuse survivor slams how church 'acted to protect itself' 

THE Catholic Church may be afraid to act on clerical abuse because of a fear of how deep or how wide the scandal may go – but “every rotten apple should be gotten rid of and it should happen now,” Marie Collins has insisted.

LGBTI choir sings 'We are Family' outside World Meeting of Families event they were forbidden to join 

There were poignant scenes as members of an LGBTI choir who were not permitted to take part in the World Meeting of Families sang “We are Family” outside the RDS.

From Pope dolls to a stained glass Popemobile - some 20,000 people enjoy first day of World Meeting of Families 

It's not exactly fit for ploughing down a boreen on a stormy day but the special edition Skoda with the stained glass windows would certainly turn heads in traffic.

'Infuriated and embarrassed' - World Meeting of Families opens with admission of failure to protect children and vow to do better 

The opening day of the World Meeting of families begins with an admission of failure to protect children and a vow to do better.

Double dreams and ticket hopes keep West awake 

Galway has a brand new tourist attraction.

Downton Abbey-like style on show at Dublin Horse Show 

The elegance of the riders with their poise, immaculate long riding habits and veiled top hats conjure up scenes of Downton Abbey.

Stylish, not sexist, say the ladies on their big day at horse show 

Ladies Day is a democratic affair at the Dublin Horse Show. You don't wait demurely for the tap on the shoulder - you just stride right up and put yourself forward.

Fans champing at bit as 100,000 to visit horse show 

Amid the steady thud of hoof on green grass, large-brimmed hats and clinking glass, the Dublin Horse Show kicks off today in style.

Lick of paint and extra choir rehearsals as Knock gears up 

On the main street in Knock, a shop renovation is so extensive that it even turns heads amid the general frenzy of painting, decorating and planting that currently holds the village in a grip.

How long until sparkle fades and reality bites Simon Harris? 

The sign in Dublin Castle after the referendum on amending the Eighth was succinct, if slightly tongue in cheek: "I fancy Simon Harris."

Gardai warn of doomsday scenario for Pope's Knock visit: Crowds may be forced to walk up to 12km unless they forgo cars 

GARDAI have warned of a doomsday scenario where those flocking to Knock for the pope’s visit may be forced to walk as much as 12km unless they forgo their cars and take the bus instead.

'People came to donate their unopened pay packets in run-up to the Pope's visit' 

It has gone down in history as something almost too immense to comprehend - but the small details of the visit by Pope John Paul II emerge as the most interesting of all.

Tourism boost 'fails to spread across country' 

The official bounce in tourism figures has not trickled down to all parts of the country, small businesses have warned.

INM staff mourning loss of Brian 

The CEO of Independent News and Media (INM) has spoken of the devastating sadness that has gripped the company in the wake of the tragedy in Greece.

'Our hearts are breaking for Zoe' - TV3 star Alan Hughes in tribute to tragic newlywed 

Television presenter Alan Hughes and husband Karl Broderick paid an emotional tribute to his friend Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp, who died tragically in the wildfires in Greece.

Two stamps launched to mark Pope's 'memorable, uplifting visit' 

Last time round, the stamp commemorating the Pope's visit to Ireland proved to be one of the most popular ever issued by the State.

GAA to consider proposal following 'open and constructive' meeting with organisers of Liam Miller tribute match 

A meeting between the GAA and members of the Organising Committee of the Liam Miller Tribute Match today was described as "open and constructive".

Tears and memories of dark times and loss as trailblazers celebrate 25 years of gay rights 

Ukuleles and tropical sunshine - what more could you need for a proper celebration?

Points trump pints for Junker's Croker photo-op 

As Jean-Claude Juncker and his delegation strolled onto the immaculate green pitch at Croke Park, the soundtrack of a rip-roaring All-Ireland final struck up to help simulate the atmosphere.

'I’m used to bigger balls' - Jean-Claude Juncker gets to grips with Gaelic games during Croke Park visit 

There was some top quality trolling of the Brexiteers at Croke Park today when Tánaiste Simon Coveney presented Jean-Claude Juncker with a Cork jersey emblazoned with the number ‘27’.

Fretful-looking character in the dock in sharp contrast with chipper banker 

It took David Drumm some time to work a mint loose from the tattered packet he had extracted from his suit pocket, before popping it into his mouth.

Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla visit Cork's English Market 

Prince Charles and his wife Camilla began their visit to Cork today with a trip to the English Market where they left weighed down with gifts, including a large hamper of Irish smoked salmon, cheeses and relish.

€100,000 win for writer McCormack 

Hours after author Mike McCormack finished writing his novel 'Solar Bones', his son Saul was born.

Parents of 13-year-old boy accused of killing Ana break down in tears 

The devastated parents of a 13-year-old accused of the murder of Anastasia Kriegel broke down in tears as they left the courtroom following a short hearing.

Nicola Anderson: The last shreds of secrecy and shame melt away as we live in interesting times 

IN a way, it’s a wonder that we were surprised at all.

Disbelief, euphoria and emotion as a deep wrong finally put right 

Amid the unfolding disbelief and rapture at the RDS, a trembling young woman in a Repeal T-shirt in the crowd reached out to touch the arm of Katherine Zappone, saying: "I was the rape victim case that you read out first in the Dail." The Children's Minister enveloped her in a tight hug.

'All the lads in the gym are voting Yes' - Taoiseach casts his vote 

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has said he worries that workers in Dublin may not go home to vote this evening because of the fine weather.

Nicola Anderson: Mood on 'boat to vote' is sombre and resolute 

After the hustle and bustle of Manchester, the train journey takes on a leisurely pace.

Community left struggling to come to terms with senseless, vicious attack on Jastine Valdez as 'normal life' resumes 

BY mid-afternoon, the Garda cordon had been lifted on the leafy country road and to all outward appearances, normal life in Enniskerry resumed.

'Tell the world what they did' – mother who died after missed test 

A woman who had regular smear tests as part of the CervicalCheck programme was diagnosed with stage two cancer in Belfast just nine months after believing that she got the all-clear in the Republic.

Being kept in the dark adds final insult to the grieving families at centre of crisis 

The cloud of anonymous statistics is dissipating into the ether, leaving behind human faces with devastating stories.

'Health care in Canada was great - in Ireland it's about cutting costs', says worried mum 

AS a young woman in her 20s, Edel Dooley had surgery in the US for the removal of abnormal cells in her cervix, discovered in a routine medical check-up.

Nicola Anderson: 'Sorry' seems to be the hardest word in cervical cancer scandal 

The tricolour was rolled out and speeches were given.

Google and YouTube to ban all ads relating to abortion referendum 

Google is to block all ads on its search engine and on YouTube relating to the upcoming abortion referendum.

Nicola Anderson: Veil of secrecy links terrifying health scandal with those that went before 

IN her annual report for 2009, then-ombudsman Emily O’Reilly described being led on “a sort of an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ trip” around the legal system by the HSE in a bid to get access to basic information.

Veil of secrecy links terrifying health scandal with those that went before 

In her annual report for 2009, then-ombudsman Emily O'Reilly described being led on "a sort of an 'Alice in Wonderland' trip" around the legal system by the HSE in a bid to get access to basic information.

'I was too young to know it was goodbye' 

For Alex Broderick, the hardest thing about the cervical cancer scandal is thinking of the young children who may face the same pain that she did.

Comment: Devastating week for women following tragic cases highlighting failings of State institutions 

Their stories were harrowing, their pain indescribable.

Women failed time and again in modern Ireland 

Their stories were harrowing, their pain indescribable.

Foster child who was raped was met by 'wall of silence' from agencies 

One of the victims raped within a foster family setting was met with a wall of silence from State agencies for years, her solicitor has said.

'This needs to be a watershed moment' - Solicitor acting for woman raped while in care of foster parents 

MANY ‘unanswered questions’ remain about the way the authorities handled the care of three young girls who were raped while in the care of foster parents, a solicitor for one of the girls has said.

'There'll never be another Big Tom' - Thousands turn out to bid farewell to country music legend 

TEARS streamed down the faces of Big Tom’s devoted fans as they gathered at his graveside to sing together with the cream of Irish country music.

'He may be gone but he'll live on' - Thousands attend funeral of Big Tom, and see graveside performance 

TEARS streamed down the faces of Big Tom’s devoted fans as they gathered at his graveside to sing together with the cream of Irish country music.

'Big Tom didn't realise how popular he was' - huge crowds pay respects 

No obstacle was too difficult for Big Tom's loyal fans to traverse. One fan recalled a journey of four-and-a-half hours on a Honda 50 to see him play in 1981. Another woman remarked on how a queue of two-and-a-half hours into a dance hall for a Mainliners gig had been the usual thing.

'We're losing a gentleman, he'll never be replaced' - hundreds line streets to pay tribute to Big Tom 

SINGERS TR Dallas, Margo and Derek Ryan were amongst those who came to pay their emotional respects to legendary singer Big Tom, at a public reposal in his native village of Oram, Co Monaghan.

Additional blood on Jackson's sheets and 'middle class' tweet - Reporting restrictions on Belfast rape trial lifted 

A JUDGE has lifted reporting restrictions on the trial of two Ireland rugby players acquitted of rape.

Laughter, jeers and scoffs from public gallery at woman were shocking 

The young woman in the witness box was asked by the barrister: “How did you feel being back at Paddy Jackson’s house?”

Nicola Anderson: Often we wondered if it was the young woman being put on trial 

Many times we wondered who exactly had been put on trial here.

'There are no winners here': Police hope trial result does not deter victims from coming forward 

Police in Northern Ireland say they hope the result of the rape trial of rugby stars Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding does not deter victims from coming forward.

Complainant 'understandably upset and disappointed' at outcome 

The complainant at the centre of allegations in the Ulster rugby case is "understandably upset and disappointed with the outcome".

Dara Florence: the crucial eyewitness at heart of arguments for both prosecution and defence 

Unusually, Dara Florence proved to be a crucial eyewitness witness at the heart of arguments for both the prosecution and the defence.

Judge Patricia Smyth presided over trial surrounded by media and social media frenzy with a cool hand 

AMID a pressure cooker environment rare in its intensity, this would have been no easy trial for any judge.

All four defendants found not guilty on all charges in rugby rape trial 

ALL four defendants in the Belfast rape trial have been found not guilty on all charges.

Nicola Anderson at rugby rape trial: Truth or mistruth - only unanimous verdict will be accepted 

The judge told the jury that the prosecution asks it to consider what the young woman at the centre of this has to gain by making these allegations; why would she make them unless it is because she is telling the truth?

Nicola Anderson: Strange sense of frantic finality descends on courtroom 

'A woman is entitled to say 'no' and to decide what sexual activity she wants, how far she is prepared to go, and what she does not want to do," Judge Patricia Smyth reminded the jury.

Nicola Anderson at rugby rape trial: 'Draw a distinction between consent and submission,' jury told 

AFTER a lengthy delay in the morning for “technical reasons”, at last it was the turn of Judge Patricia Smyth to address the jury – but only on points of law.