While men’s football went into convulsions yesterday over Fabio Capello’s shock resignation as England manager, this writer learned about the naming of the Irish squad for this year’s Algarve Cup.

Women’s Soccer United and Extratime.ie’s Niall Farrell bring us the news that Sue Ronan has named a 24 woman squad, which includes nine players from the Bus Éireann Women’s National League, all four members of Arsenal, and one player each from Chelsea and Liverpool. Sara Lawlor, Emma Mullin, Ruesha Littlejohn and Sophie Perry make their debuts for their country.

Announcing the squad on Monday last, Ronan said:

I’m looking forward to getting the squad together for the Algarve Cup at the end of the month. We haven’t been together since our European Qualifying game v Israel in October, so the 4 games we will play in this tournament will be vitally important as we prepare for the next game in the group, which is away to Scotland in April.

This time of year is always a problem for us in terms of the match-fitness of our players because some are only in pre-season with their clubs. However for a change it’s the opposite at home where our new Bus Éireann Women’s National League is in full-swing and as a result, our home-based players are in tip-top shape!

Also the quality of the games these players are now getting on a weekly basis is a big plus and can only benefit the international teams in the coming years. Already it has led to Sara Lawlor, Peamount United FC, being named in the squad for the first time. Sara has played underage football for Ireland, but her outstanding performances in the WNL to date for her club, sees her included for the first time at this level.

Taking place at the end of the month and into March, The Algarve Cup will provide an ideal opportunity to field the national side and integrate the team’s new players ahead of the remaining Euro 2013 qualifiers later this year.

The Algarve Cup is a worldwide invitational tournament for national teams. This year, 12 countries will participate. It has taken place each year since 1994. Apart from the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Football, the tournament is one of the most prestigious women’s football events.

Ireland has been placed in Group C, facing Wales, Hungary and hosts Portugal over the course of six days.

The Euro 2013 qualifiers resume in April, with games against Scotland, Wales, France and Israel concluding in September.

The Ireland senior women’s team currently is ranked 28th in the World, in the FIFA international ranking list. The side is ranked 17th in Europe.

Algarve Cup 2012: Ireland fixtures

29 Febr 2012: Hungary v Ireland
2 Mar 2012: Wales v Ireland
5 Mar 2012: Ireland v Portugal

Ireland Squad, Algarve Cup 2012:

Emma Byrne (Arsenal FC)
Eve Badana (Drexel College)
Grace Moloney (Reading FC)
Yvonne Treacy (Arsenal FC)
Louise Quinn (Peamount United FC)
Megan Campbell (Raheny United FC)
Sophie Perry (Chelsea FC)
Grace Murray (Peamount United FC)
Meabh De Burca (Amazon Grimstad FK)
Niamh Fahey (Arsenal FC), Ciara Grant (Arsenal FC)
Dora Gorman (Peamount United FC)
Marie Curtin (Cork Women’s FC)
Julie Ann Russell (Doncaster Belles FC)
Aine O’Gorman (Doncaster Belles FC)
Stephanie Roche (Peamount United FC)
Fiona O’Sullivan (Soyaux ASJ)
Ruesha Littlejohn (Liverpool FC)
Denise O’Sullivan (Cork Women’s FC)
Shannon Smyth (Amazon Grimstad FK)
Emma Mullin (Castlebar Celtic FC)
Michele O’Brien (Chicago Red Eleven FC)
Diane Caldwell (Avaldsnes FC)
Sara Lawlor (Peamount United FC)

Related posts:

1. Ireland’s rugby squad for 2012 named
2. Guinean sisters dropped from World Cup squad
3. Six Nations may pave Ireland’s way to World Cup 2014

Yesterday the government introduced the Finance Bill 2012. The proposed legislation will be discussed today in the Dáil. “So far, so boring,” I hear you say.

Well, yes. But, in amongst the latest raft of measures implementing economic shock doctrine in Ireland, there are provisions which affect civil partners.

GLEN, not surprisingly, have cheerfully welcomed the measures as “extending equal treatment for civil partners in the tax codes”. Given the organisation’s record on how they represent civil partnerships, however, I’d be a bit sceptical and prefer to read the document and wait for the Oireachtas debates myself.

The relevant bit is in Part 6 at Section 117 (“Miscellaneous amendments: civil partners”). Unfortunately, since it’s a series of amendments, it may be difficult to make sense of it at first glance (unless you’re a tax lawyer, say).

The government’s simplified version is:

Section 117 makes a change in respect of the tax treatment of civil partners subsequent to the passing of Finance (No. 3) Act 2011. The section addresses issues in relation to maintenance arrangements for
civil partners as compared to the maintenance relief provisions for married couples.

It also places civil partnerships on the same footing as married relationships where it is accepted, that after the break-up of a relationship, often for economic reasons, persons may continue to live under the same roof.

A number of minor technical amendments identified after passage of Finance (No. 3) Act 2011 are also being dealt with.

On first glance, and with precisely no expertise whatsoever, here’s my own (probably wrong) initial assessment:

One of the amendments relates to “rent-a-room relief” and means that now if a child is paying rent to their civilly-partnerfied parents for a room in the parents’ private residence, that rental income is not exempt from income tax (within a certain upper limit).

Stay with me, now.

Another amends the law relating to “wear and tear allowances for licences for public hire vehicles“. Jesus wept. Anyway, the amendment means that civil partners are included as well as spouses in being recognised as the “beneficial owner” of the vehicle licence upon the death of their partner.

Cheery.

The next amendment appears (to this lay person’s eyes at least) to be a bit of a semantic change. The section that’s amended, however is interesting. It currently states: “in the case of civil partners where they are not living separately and apart in circumstances where reconciliation is unlikely [...]“.

“Where reconciliation is unlikely”? Really? Does anyone else remember the big deal the then Minister for Justice, Fianna Fáil’s Dermot Ahern, made about being unable to include any mention in the Civil Partnership Bill about requiring family lawyers to explore the possibility of reconciliation before pursuing a dissolution of a civil partnership?

His justification was that it would be “unconstitutional” to include such a requirement. (Please..) And yet, since the Fine Gael Labour government has come to power, the prospect or otherwise of reconciliation is important when it comes to tax law? How curious. Does anyone know if the main Civil Partnership Act has been similarly amended?

It’s a good thing, certainly, since the clause relates to children and one-parent family tax credits – but it’s still a general contradiction, isn’t it?

Moving on.

The next amendment relates to the definition of “dependent relatives”. Surviving civil partners are included as being dependent relatives. Two things, however: they can be the parent of an individual, of the parent of an individual’s husband or wife; but there is no mention of the parent of an individual’s civil partner. The dependent relative, if they are a surviving civil partner, must also have not entered into a further marriage or civil partner; there is no such restriction mentioned in relation to a surviving spouse.

(Someone please tell me I’m reading this wrong.)

(a) In this subsection ‘dependent relative’, in relation to an individual, means a relative of the individual, or of the wife or husband of the individual, who is incapacitated by old age or infirmity from maintaining himself or herself, or a person, whether or not he or she is so incapacitated, and—

(i) who is the widowed father or widowed mother of the individual or of the wife or husband of the individual, or

(ii) who is the father or mother of the individual or of the wife or husband of the individual and is a surviving civil partner who has not subsequently married or entered into another civil partnership.

The words that spring to mind are “glaring” and “galling”.

After that, there are amendments which: include children raised by civil partners in relation to retirement funds; include surviving civil partners in relation to PRSA products; again makes a seemingly minor change (though the divil is always in the detail) in relation to income tax and civil partners living separately where reconciliation “is unlikely”; and broadens the definition of “maintenance arrangement“.

There are also seemingly minor amendments to capital acquisitions tax law, which aim to include civil partners as well as spouses; and, finally, provisions setting out the times and dates from which assessments or calculations are deemed to commence.

Ain’t equality grand?

• Finance Bill 2012 (as initiated, together with Explanatory Memorandum) (PDF)
• GLEN’s press release

Related posts:

1. Missing Pieces: The Family Home & Finance
2. Missing Pieces: Parent & child, other issues
3. Civil Partnership: “An abdication of legislative responsibility”

Gaining marriage equality rights in one state may be considered fortunate. Gaining marriage equality in two states may be regarded as real progress.

California’s Proposition 8 ruling is, like, so two days ago. Now it’s all about the introduction of a marriage equality Bill by the Washington legislature. (Do keep up.) West coast, y’all!

The state House of Representatives debated the measure before taking a vote just before midnight Irish time. It passed by 55 votes to 43. Washington governor, Christine Gregoire, who introduced the measure has indicated that she will sign the Bill into law immediately.

With today’s vote, we tell the nation that Washington state will no longer deny our citizens the opportunity to marry the person they love. We tell every child of same-sex couples that their family is every bit as equal and important as all other families in our state. And we take a major step toward completing a long and important journey to end discrimination based on sexual orientation.

- Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire.

The New York Times reports that the Bill could be signed as early as next week, but cautions that it may not take effect right away because, well, haters gonna hate. If opponents to the law can cobble together at least 120,000 signatures, then under state law the measure will be put to a referendum.

Nevertheless, now we can add to the list of things Washington is famous for: rain, Sleepless in Seattle, Nirvana, Starbucks, and marrige equality.

This is about couples. This is about family. This is about kids. This is about love and commitment.

- Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma.

Why should their union of over 23 years not be recognized? They are committed to each other. They love each other.

- Rep. Ruth Kagi, D-Lake Forest Park, talking about her Democratic colleague, Rep. Laurie Jinkins, D-Tacoma, and her partner, Laura Wulf.

I’m very proud of my children. I’m very proud of my two sons. And they deserve the same rights and privileges that their brothers and sisters have. We have to have equal rights.

- Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney, D-Seattle, speaking about her two gay sons.

Congratulations, Washingtonians!

Quotations via AP/Seattle Post Intelligencer.

Related posts:

1. 14 year old girl asks Maryland to vote “No” on marriage equality for her birthday
2. Australian marriage equality ad is internet hit
3. Help Marriage Equality share Rory’s story

Proposition 8 served no purpose, and had no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California.

It’s LGBT History Month in the UK, but it was across the Atlantic that history was being made yesterday.

A court in the United States ruled yesterday on the validity of California’s Proposition 8, the referendum proposal which introduced a ban on marriage equality in the state.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, sitting in San Francisco, issued its ruling at 10am local time (6pm Irish time). It stated that Proposition 8 was unconstitutional as a matter of US federal law.

Although the [US] Constitution permits communities to enact most laws they believe to be desirable, it requires that there be at least a legitimate reason for the passage of a law that treats different classes of people differently. There was no such reason that Proposition 8 could have been enacted.

The Court’s ruling can be read here (pdf). The AP has some excerpts from the ruling here. The National Center for Lesbian Rights has issued a statement. There’s also an easy-to-understand analysis here.

Although strident in its language, the Court confined itself to a narrow issue: it did not address the question of the right to marry or equality for same-sex couples in general. Rather, the court looked at the particular circumstances which arose in this case.

California had already introduced marriage equality before the proposal to ban same-sex marriage was introduced, and eventually passed by voters.

The Court ruled that this measure, removing a right which had previously existed, was unconstitutional.

Because under California statutory law, same-sex couples had all the rights of opposite-sex couples, regardless of their marital status, all parties agree that Proposition 8 had one effect only. It stripped same-sex couples of the ability they previously possessed to obtain from the state, or any other authorized party, an important right — the right to obtain and use the designation of ‘marriage’ to describe their relationships. Nothing more, nothing less.

Does the ruling have any implications for Ireland? Well yes and no and maybe (but mostly no).

Irish courts can have regard to judgements from other countries, although such judgements are not binding.

The circumstances of US case don’t arise in the Irish context: although the Fianna Fáil-led government introduced legislation in 2004 to ban marriage between same-sex couples, Ireland hasn’t already expressly provided for equality.

(Compare Spain, however: there, the previous Socialist government introduced marriage equality, but before recent elections, the conservative Partido Popular pledged to remove such equality. It remains to be seen whether the current Spanish government will follow through with this election promise and, if they do, whether such a move will stand up to EU and/or European human rights laws.)

The case being taken by Senator Katherine Zappone and Dr Ann Louise Gilligan to have their Canadian marriage recognised in Ireland is currently awaiting a hearing date from the Supreme Court. Before Christmas, they were unsuccessful in including a challenge to the 2004 legislation, but in theory the legislation may be open to challenge.

Although the US ruling relates to different circumstances, some of the points it makes may well be relevant to the Irish situation.

Related posts:

1. Setback in fight for marriage equality in Ireland
2. Marriage equality comes to Washington state
3. Civil Partnership: “An abdication of legislative responsibility”

• This just in from our roving reporter in studentville, Soapie:

This week DIT’s LGBT Society will be holding DIT Rainbow Week 2012. With workshops galore, there’ll be speakers on trans issues, a homophobia discussion and a coming out workshop – not to mention bake sales and quizzes.

Kicking off today, Monday, we’ve Rebecca De Havalland, Ireland’s first recognized transgender woman, to speak about her journey. The talk will be held in DIT’s Aungier Street campus at 6pm, with light refreshments afterwards.

The Coming Out Workshop, on Tuesday, will act as a safe, inclusive space to LGBT students. Anyone querying coming out, head down to the Black Box Theatre in the basement of DIT Aungier Street for 4pm.

The same evening there’ll be the Homophobia panel discussion, held by USI LGBT Rights Officer Siobhán McGuire. The panel will feature “Growing up Gay” producer and “Hold on Tight” director Anna Rodgers, and Senator Katherine Zaponne. This will be held in DIT Aungier Street too at 7pm.

Bake sales will take over DIT on Wednesday hitting the Kevin Street, Cathal Brugha Street and Mountjoy Square campuses from 8:30am to 1pm. As the posters say, “Om Nom Nom Nom Nom.”

That evening, at 8pm, Panti will be hosting the Rainbow Quiz in aid of Aware. Held in Pantibar, on Capel Street, it promises great prizes from Nandos, Lush, Havana Tapas Bar, Foam Café & Gallery, Lemon Jelly Café, Burritos & Blues, Irish Film Institute, Lunatic Fringe, DIT LGBT Soc, Stephen Thomas Male Grooming, Pantibar, Boojum and many more! Tables are €25 for 4/5 people.

Louise Hannon and Broden Giambrone of the Transgender Equality Network of Ireland will visit DIT Aungier Street on Thursday, 9th February, to speak about transphobia and their own experiences of it. The talk will start at 6pm, with light refreshments afterwards.

Thursday night at 8:30pm will mark the opening of the DIT Rainbow Week Closing Party. DIT LGBT Soc and DJ Soc will be managing the tunes for the night in SOLAS Bar on Wexford Street.

A fantastic week of events, it looks to be highly informative and a great way of lending support to some much needed causes. I look forward to seeing a few of you there. Be proud!

• DIT Rainbow Week FB event
• DIT Rainbow Week FB page
• DIT Rainbow Week on Twitter
• DIT LGBT Soc website

Related posts:

1. Baking mad
2. It’s time to get Gay Prom fabulous
3. Bitches Be Crazy

UPDATE: 6th February 2012 at 10pm

Tonight’s Against the Head has footage of Friday night’s match – skip to the 24 minute mark. (Frustratingly, despite the fact that an RTÉ crew were therefore actually at the game, it was neither broadcast nor streamed online, nor were there any highlights on RTÉ news bulletins, unlike the senior men and under 20s boys teams.)

/ Update

The Six Nations got off to a disappointing start yesterday evening, when the Ireland v Wales match at Ashbourne RFC was abandoned at half time.

We brought you tweets live from the game as it happened. Unfortunately due to the freezing conditions and hardening of the ground, and citing concerns for the health and safety of the players, referee Kevin White made the decision to abandon the game. Indeed, even before game began, the ground was hard and grass crunched underfoot.

Niamh Briggs, who’s kicking was flawless, with one conversion and one penalty, tweeted:

To say we are disappointed is an understatement! We live to fight another day.. We’ll regroup for next match.. Support was unreal

The IRFU has confirmed that the Six Nations committee will meet early next week to decide on a date for the match replay. An offer had been made to replay the match today, but Wales declined.

(Personally, I’m delighted. A replay today would have meant I’d have missed it. The Six Nations: it’s all about me, really.)

View a slideshow of images from last night’s game.

The game (or half a game) itself was impressive. Both teams were fairly evenly matched, with Wales playing well defensively. Ireland appeared to have an edge, however, reflected by the 10-3 scoreline at half time.

Despite being confined to the Wales half for some time, Ashleigh Baxter and Lynne Cantwell combined before Cantwell got the ball to Connacht’s Alison Miller. Miller capitalised, with a blistering run from deep inside the Wales half to the try line, touching down in the 18th minute.

Niamh Briggs easily made the conversion, to make it Ireland 7-0 Wales.

Ireland later conceded a penalty in front of the uprights, giving away an easy three points to Wales. At the end of the half, a penalty was awarded in Ireland’s favour, and Briggs stepped up again for the kick. Sending the ball over dead centre from an awkward angle, Briggs made earning the additional three points look easy. The score at half time: Ireland 10-3 Wales.

Standout players included: Alison Miller, with a fantastic run and try; Niamh Briggs, with impeccable kicking; Sophie Spence, including an impressive run in her debut for Ireland; captain Fiona Coghlan, with a cracking block of a Welsh kick near the visitors try line.

More:

• ScrumQueens match report
• IRFU match report
• IRFU match preview
• The Irish Times match report
• Irish Examiner match report (Breaking News)
• Irish Examiner match report
• BBC Sport three-liner
• Newstalk one-liner
• The Indo st00pid headliner
• RTÉ match report

Related posts:

1. Six Nations: Team Ireland (part 1)
2. Six Nations: Team Ireland (part 2)
3. Rugby: Six Nations gets underway

Happy Six Nations Day, everyone!

Yesterday we introduced you to Ireland’s starting XV against Wales this Friday night, including the views of skipper Fiona Coghlan and former skipper Joy Neville.

The game kicks off this year’s RBS Six Nations proceedings from Ashbourne RFC.

Here we take a look at the XV’s replacements. An overview of the full squad (before the final cut) can be found here.

Let the games begin – Smashy smashy!

• Tonight’s XV Replacements

16. NEWBIE: Paula Fitzpatrick (St Mary’s/Leinster) *

New to the Ireland side, and a member of the Leinster squad, Fitzpatrick was captain of St Mary’s RFC for several years and coaches Leinster’s youth side. When she’s not belting around a rugby pitch, you might find her wielding a hockey stick at Glenanne Sports Club in Dublin. Or if she’s not there, you might find her in a lab. Like her team mates, she’s got plenty of brains as well as braun, and is a PhD candidate at DCU’s School of Health and Human Performance. It involves lots of NaHCO³, and that’s all we need to know really.

17. NEWBIE: Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians/Connacht) *

Another newbie, and another woman from the Wesht. Ruth O’Reilly is a Munster ex-pat, from Tralee, and lives in Galway. Along with provincial and national team mate Carol Staunton, she’s an assistant coach to the Connacht u-17 girls team, and therefore is one of those people who are instrumental to developing the pathways in women’s rugby mentioned by skipper Fiona Coghlan. O’Reilly can produce some impressive tackles, and has impact defensively as well as in anchoring the scrum, so here’s hoping it won’t be long until she gets the opportunity to demonstrate her skills.

18. NEWBIE: Siobhán Fleming (Tralee/Munster) *

Another of the uncapped players called up by Philip Doyle, and it’s easy to see why, Siobhán Fleming plays at flanker position. Another latecomer to rugby, Fleming started out in the sport only in 2007, and yet she’s captain of her club, Tralee RFC, and last year won Munster Ladies Rugby Player of the Year. She had originally been called up to play for her country last year, but was unable to participate due to personal reasons, so it’s particularly welcome to see her wearing the green jersey in 2012. She and her team mates appeared on Monday’s “Against the Head” on RTÉ Two. Take a look, sure (skip to 25 minutes in).

19. LEGEND: Heather O’Brien (Highfield/Munster)

The second qualified physiotherapist on the Ireland side (as far as I can tell), Cork’s Heather O’Brien plays in the lock position with Highfield, Munster and Ireland. She probably knows all about struggle and hard graft, and must be made of grit, having worked as a physio at two hospitals in the Irish health system before settling in private practice. Oh, and while she was working in the public system, she worked as a physio in private clinics, with rugby teams, GAA teams, basketball teams and the FAI. As well as pursuing further qualifications in specialist areas of her discipline. Clearly there are too many hours in the day, like.

An honours graduate from university in Edinburgh, she has also plaid college rugby in Scotland, as well as with the Irish Exiles and the invitational Shamrock Warriors 7s side. And if she’s feeling bored, she might just complete a marathon, climb Kilimanjaro, compete and/or teach various equestrian sports, and cycle the 80km round trip to work. Apparently. What is it with over achieving Irish rugby-playing physiotherapists, eh?

20. Larissa Muldoon (Exile/UWIC/Ulster)

After new cap, Ashleigh Baxter, is Larissa Muldoon the second-most wee member on the squad? (Well, they’re both born in 1991, so I feel old either way.) All the way from Ballybofey (wahey!), Cappry native Muldoon returns to the Ireland side again since the last Six Nations, after earning three caps thus far. Studying at and playing for the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, as well as the Irish Exiles, she will be very familiar with some of the opposition tonight who on other days are fellow team mates. Here she is speaking to IRFU TV and being just adorable. Aw. Mind you, she’s a scrum half, so that’s actually a bit scary.

21. NEWBIE: Nikki Caughey (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) *

We’ve found our baby of the bunch! (Née 1992.) Another brand new player called up to the national side and addition to Ireland’s Ulster contingent (that number is now seven, down from nine following the final cut) is Belfast Harlequins captain Nikki Caughey. Like her club team mate, Baxter, Caughey has been racking up the tries in her first two years playing senior rugby. She recently made several excellent runs, scored two tries and converted 5 out of 6 conversions for her club when Longford received a tremendous drubbing. Unsurprisingly, she was voted Players’ Player after the match.

It’s easy to understand Caughey’s accomplishments at such a young age, given that she has been playing since the age of five or six. She’s also a dab hand at hockey and netball, for the laughs, like. Caughey’s dream of playing for Ireland may be just around the corner (perhaps tonight), and the next goal? World Cup 2014 in France, baby!

22. AN Other

Ireland have left a spot empty on the bench as they await word on centre Shannon Houston‘s fitness. The Canadian, now a naturalised Irish citizen, collected an impressive 25 caps coming into the 2010 World Cup as a strong running centre, and since her debut in 2006 the tally is now running into the 30s.

A doctor by profession, she plays club rugby for Blackrock RFC and for Leinster. When she’s not representing club, province and country on the field, or curing disease, she’s a fan of skiing, and includes competitive weight lifting as part of her fitness programme. Of course!

* Denotes uncapped player

Related posts:

1. Six Nations: Team Ireland (part 1)
2. Ireland’s rugby squad for 2012 named
3. Six Nations: Ireland v Wales (abandoned)

It’s Six Nations Eve, everyone!

On Tuesday RTÉ brought us news of Philip Doyle’s choice for Ireland’s starting XV against Wales tomorrow night. (I know: RTÉ reporting on women in sport. Knock me on over with a feather!)

The game kicks off this year’s RBS Six Nations proceedings at Ashbourne RFC.

Also on Tuesday (knock me over a second time!), The Irish Times reported on captain Fiona Coghlan’s thoughts about her expectations as Friday night approaches.

The primary concern lies with the lack of team games played in advance of the competition. Ireland haven’t played a game since the last Six Nations. You read that right: that’s almost exactly a year. And with plenty of new talent in the squad, Ireland will hit the ground running in terms of putting their training into practice.

She told Scrumqueens:

We are set as we can be. We will have had four weekends together and there are some new faces in the squad so it will be good to see how they gel with the side in the first game out against Wales. They are similar to ourselves in that we haven’t had much time in games to work on things so I would say we will be fairly even. This game is always a massive one for both sides.

Discussing the fresh faces to the team, the Ireland captain told IRFU TV that many of the new players have excellent levels of skill and understanding of the game. She continued:

There have been [new] underage teams set up, so girls are playing [rugby] at a younger age. Their skill level is higher, their understanding of the game is better. And then they’ve been coming up through the provincials. Then there were inter-pros, and they were spotted at that, and then brought into national training for strength and conditioning. [The new squad members] have been involved since September in training and conditionging, so it’s been really good.

She confirmed that the development pathways from youth teams to national level are now meant to reflect the approach taken with the men’s game.

Coghlan, along with Lynne Cantwell and fellow team mates also appeared on Monday’s “Against the Head” on RTÉ Two. Those interviewed talked about their training, as well as about the challenges faced by the women’s game and the fact that the women’s game remains, as Ryle Nugent put it, “resolutely amateur”. It’s well worth a look (skip to 25 minutes in).

With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at the fifteen players selected for tonight’s game. There’s a healthy mix: Legends of the Ball; hardy perennial stalwarts; and wee newbies fresh from making their way up through the ranks.

We’ll also have a run-down of the XV’s replacements tomorrow, so check back! An overview of the full squad named before Christmas can be found here.

So, without further ado, to the players:

• Backs

15. NEWBIE: Ashleigh Baxter (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster) *

Belfast native Baxter plays at fullback position, and is just a wee thing at 21 years of age and 5’5″. She teams up with experienced hands Alison Miller and Niamh Kavanagh to complete the back three. But don’t let age or a singular cap deceive you: she began playing rugby in second year in school. Compare that with some of Ireland’s top players who began their rugby careers after their school years. Unsurprising, then, that she spent the end of last year scoring oodles of tries and conversions. More of that, please!

14. Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians/Munster)

This particular Niamh Kavanagh isn’t Ireland’s Eurovision legend, but is well on her way to becoming a legend for Ireland. Hailing from Offaly, Kavanagh made her first appearance for her country during last year’s Six Nations, and in her first two appearances managed to score a try for Ireland in each game against France and Italy. According to the woman herself, she’s met a Boston Celtic, is a fan of her Nan’s beef dinners, and is a bit addicted to YouTube. Here’s hoping she’s brought her lucky sports bra. She told the Offaly Express her feelings on playing for Ireland: “I’m very lucky and privileged. There’s loads of competition there. I don’t know what way to describe it really but it’s fantastic.”

13. LEGEND: Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians/Munster)

Careful now. Clonmel’s own Garda Briggs, by now a fixture of the Irish team, won’t take yer messin’. (Probably.) Previously playing the fullback position, Briggs joins Grace Davitt in the centre pairing. She’s a one time Munster Women’s Player of the Year, and member of Scrumqueens team of 2011. Keep up the kicking and get that long arm of the law over that try line, will ya?

12. Grace Davitt (Cooke/Ulster)

Stamullen’s Grace Davitt has played at outhalf and on the wings, with clubs Boyne and Blackrock as well as her current club, Cooke RFC. Tomorrow night she’ll play at inside centre, teaming up with Niamh Briggs. A reliable kicker for Ireland, she’s also had her fair share of tries. Keep her lit, Davitt!

11. Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Highfield/Connacht)

Winger and full-back Miller is Connacht’s captain, one of three provincial captains on the Ireland side. The peripatetic Laois woman, teacher and relative newcomer to rugby, starts against Wales on the left wing. Miller’s sporting origins are in athletics. She rose through the ranks of Laois county football from the age of 21, had a brief dalliance with rugby while in college, before she began playing for Portlaoise RFC in 2009. She has risen steadily in three short years. Give those Welsh hell, Miller!

10. LEGEND: Lynne Cantwell (Exile)

Everyone loves an over-achiever. With a record number of caps for Ireland, and representing her country at no less than three World Cup tournaments, Cantwell will earn her 68th cap against Wales on tomorrow night. With another change in the usual player positions, she lines out in the fly half position and will team up with Amy Davis.

A graduate of the University of Limerick with a Masters from Southampton, Cantwell is a qualified physio, and isn’t alone on the team in that respect. Previously working in Ireland and New Zealand, and popping over to Oz for an advanced diploma (as you do), she now works at a practice in the UK. Oh, and she’s qualified in acupuncture. Starting out in rugby while at uni, she’s played for Munster, UL Bohemians, College Rifles (Auckland), Richmond RFC; she’s from Dublin’s northside (superextrabonuspointsthankyou); she’s happy to partake in a pinch of athletics, basketball, camogie and swimming; has been up for numerous awards and has won several (exhibit A, B and C); she’s been nudging the IRFU towards holding Ireland’s matches at Lansdowne Road; and has worked with the Wooden Spoon children’s charity raising funds to improve the lives of mentally, physically and socially disadvantaged kids in the UK & Ireland. Plus she’s mad for a chicken korma.

Did we mention that she’s a legend?

9. Amy Davis (Blackrock/Leinster)

Comfortable at scrum half, wing or centre, Davis is another experienced hand for Ireland and will team up with Cantwell tomorrow at the scrum half position. A University of Ulster woman, originally for County Down, and with a rake of caps to her name, Davis can also turn her hand to athletics, weight lifting and water sports if the mood takes her. Here she is havin’ the chats with Ireland and Leinster team mate Tania Rosser.

• Forwards

1. LEGEND: Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians/Leinster) (capt.)

Yes, everyone loves Paul O’Connell and welcomes his captaincy for this year’s Six Nations, but there was a kind of fabulous symmetry with Brian O’Driscoll as skipper: both he and Fiona Coghlan are Clontarf natives, both captain Leinster, and of course both captain the national team. Coghlan has spoken of her anticipation of tomorrow night’s game against Wales: she knows they face a tough side but, despite the lack of game play with Ireland’s new line-up, she’s confident in her team. She stays on as prop tomorrow, leading Ireland in the loosehead position.

After Cantwell, she’s one of the country’s most capped players along with Joy Neville. A late-comer to rugby, she’s always been an enthusiastic sports woman. She tried out for Munster before joining the Leinster squad, and was introduced to the national side in 2002. When Coghlan is not propping up the Irish scrum she’s a full time PE and maths teacher. So behave down the back!

2. LEGEND: Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemians/Munster)

The University of Limerick just churns out Ireland’s top rugby players, and here’s another. Ireland’s hooker tomorrow, Bourke is among our veterans at the front and can also be found playing at prop. She started with the national team in 2009, had the good fortune and tenacity to be part of the side that defeated France, and has been a fixture ever since. Bourke is keenly aware of the additional dedication and challenges faced by women players compared with the men: “People don’t realise the commitment that women put in to play with their national team. I’m alright because my work can be reasonably flexible but there’s girls there who have less suitable jobs. There are a few teachers on the team who have to go to their headmaster asking for about 15 days off when that mightn’t be possible.”

She’s coached the UL team, as well as working as a youth development officer in Galway. Bourke is also a keen show jumper, if you don’t mind. (She doesn’t have much time for soccer players, though: they’re just too soft.)

3. Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

TCD graduate Egan is another top Leinster player on the national side. Her debut for Ireland was during last year’s Six Nations tournament, and she plays again at tighthead prop, joining Coghlan and Bourke in the front row. Rack up those caps! Do Ireland proud! Trinners for winners!

4. Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere/Leinster)

Although she has previously played at full back, Maz Reilly again takes up her position tomorrow night in the second row as lock. She first lined out for Ireland in 2010. And how did it feel to get picked for the Ireland squad for the first time? “Shock … nerves … excitement! Just delighted as I knew my family would be very proud.”

Prior to playing for Old Belvedere she played with Navan and with her first club, Tralee. From the land of the Lilywhites, Reilly attended Scoil Dara in Kilcock, attended college in Tralee, lives in Meath, and works as a sports development officer. So there now.

5. NEWBIE: Sophie Spence (Exile) *

Welcoming another new face into the Six Nations squad, Spence takes up the number 5 lock position in the second row. A current member of the Mowden Sharks, her previous clubs have been Teesside Uni and Darlington. In the autumn she made a powerful run for the Irish Exiles against Camp Hill (Birmingham), bursting through several tackles to earn a try under the posts. Her birthday’s at the end of the month, so let’s hope it’s a particularly special one!

6. LEGEND: Laura Guest (Highfield/Munster)

Clonakitly’s finest. A flanker with Munster, Laura Guest is another of Irelands legendary players. Tomorrow, she’ll be the blindside flanker with back row forwards Molloy and Neville. She’s also been a prop for Ireland, and plays tighthead for Highfield RFC. During the 2010 World Cup, she stepped in as prop to replace the injured Lauren Day.

A graduate of the University of Limerick, Guest is a former Clonakilty and UL Bohs player, has earned nine caps, is a secondary school teacher, and coach to UCC’s rugby team. She’s partial to a bit of golf, cycling, swimming and camogie if they’re going.

7. Claire Molloy (Bristol/Exile)

Openside flanker for Connacht, and captain of Cardiff University’s first XV, Galwegian Claire Molloy remains in this position for Ireland, although she’s also comfortable as a centre. She plays her club rugby for Bristol. Molloy spoke with IRFU TV before the 2010 World Cup, and gave an interesting insight into Connacht’s training and conditioning, as well as the experience of integrating into the national side. (Blogging Scrum Caps and Handbags for the IRFU, she also provided a ..unique post-World Cup run-down.) A GAA enthusiast, when her university studies in medicine took her to Wales, she settled for the next best thing: rugby. And thank feck for that.

8. LEGEND: Joy Neville (UL Bohemians/Munster)

Munster captain, former Ireland captain, one of Ireland’s most capped Ireland players with 58 caps, and a fixture of the national side for nine years. She made the Scrumqueens Team of 2011 and is described thusly: “The Ireland number 8 is an expert positional player with an array of ball skills. Works well from the base even when under pressure.”

Like Coghlan, Neville spoke with IRFU TV, and described the team’s preparation and the challenges they expect to face this week. She stays at the number 8 position tomorrow night. Yesterday, she spoke again about her expectations for the game, and how she’s looking forward to settle some scores against Wales:

All the training leading up to it has been really exciting and to put that jersey on, there is no better feeling to be honest.

Any time we play in the Six Nations will be a challenge but I’m really looking forward to playing Wales.

Wales is always a very hard tie. They are very strong and play with a lot of heart when they play against the likes of us.

A Limerick woman, she studied Social Studies and Social Care, works with a charitable organisation in her day-job, and has given her support to the Women’s Aid 16 Days campaign.

* Denotes uncapped player

Related posts:

1. Six Nations: Team Ireland (part 2)
2. Six Nations: Ireland v Wales (abandoned)
3. Ireland’s rugby squad for 2012 named

If you or anyone you know would like support and information from the Belong To LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees project, you can contact them by phone (01-670 6223) or by email (john@belongto.org)

This morning BeLonG To Youth Services launched their LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees Project.

BeLonG To created the Project to make life better for young asylum seekers and Refugees who may be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).

BeLonG To has found that in several cases, young people in the refugee determination process come out after their initial arrival into Ireland, and therefore after their initial claim for asylum has been lodged.

There could be a number of reasons for this.

Think about it: largely, the countries where LGBT people are persecuted are countries where officials are corrupt and/or the police routinely violate the human rights of those they are meant to protect.

It may not be surprising, then, for someone who has lived their lives in that society to be fearful of disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to officials in Ireland.

Consider, too, the situation of separated children under the age of 18 years. The very fact of their young age may mean they haven’t come out to themselves, let alone disclosed this fact to anyone else.

I know I certainly didn’t seek support until my final year in school, and didn’t disclose to my peers until some time after that.

Significantly, if a person who applies for refugee status is perceived by the determining authority to have “changed their story”, this will almost certainly be viewed as undermining the applicant’s credibility.

A culture of disbelief permeates Ireland’s refugee status determination procedures at every level as it is.

Without proper training for the relevant officials, a person who discloses or comes out after the initial application for refugee status has been made will effectively be regarded as either simply a liar or someone who is introducing new information as a way to “enhance their claim”.

It is important to bear in mind, too, what happens when a separated child turns 18 while they await the outcome of their asylum claim.

A separated child is one who is in Ireland and is been placed in the care of the HSE as soon as they come to the attention of the authorities here. Usually nowadays the child resides with a foster family and has the support of a HSE social worker and/or project worker.

As soon as they turn 18, however, they leave the care of the HSE and are placed in one of the hostels housing adult asylum seekers.

In other words, they leave the constant safety and support of their adult carers. Although they will normally have an “after care plan” with the HSE, these young people are suddenly placed in a new environment where the possibility of hostile attitudes towards LGBT people is very real.

Even if a young LGBT person overcomes the hurdles of disclosure, coming out, establishing their credibility with the authorities, adjusting to their living arrangements – all while trying to carry on as normal an existence as possible, incluing pursuing studies and receiving any possible medical treatment they may need – they still must contend with simple ignorance and failure to correctly apply the law in their cases.

A refugee is someone who is outside of their own country, who fears persecution – in these cases on the grounds of being LGBT, or being perceived as such – and whose own country is unwilling or unable to protect them.

The recent report, Fleeing Homophobia, found that there have been a number of cases involving people who identify as gay which were refused notwithstanding the fact that homosexuality is criminalised in their countries of origins. It also found inconsistencies where some applicants from a particular country – e.g. Kenya – were declared to be refugees whereas others were refused.

The same report found that Ireland often refuses asylum on the basis that if the applicant is “discreet” in his or her country of origin no persecution will arise.

This is despite the fact that a leading ruling regarding LGBT asylum seekers states clearly what approach is required in cases involving LGBT asylum seekers. In short, a person cannot be expected to conceal their sexual or gender identity in order to avoid persecution.

The court stated:

When an applicant applies for asylum on the ground of a well-founded fear of persecution because he is gay, the tribunal must first ask itself whether it is satisfied on the evidence that he is gay, or that he would be treated as gay by potential persecutors in his country of nationality.

If so, the tribunal must then ask itself whether it is satisfied on the available evidence that gay people who lived openly would be liable to persecution in the applicant’s country of nationality.

If so, the tribunal must go on to consider what the individual applicant would do if he were returned to that country.

If the applicant would in fact live openly and thereby be exposed to a real risk of persecution, then he has a well-founded fear of persecution – even if he could avoid the risk by living “discreetly”.

If, on the other hand, the tribunal concludes that the applicant would in fact live discreetly and so avoid persecution, it must go on to ask itself why he would do so.

If the tribunal concludes that the applicant would choose to live discreetly simply because that was how he himself would wish to live, or because of social pressures, e g, not wanting to distress his parents or embarrass his friends, then his application should be rejected. Social pressures of that kind do not amount to persecution and the Convention does not offer protection against them. Such a person has no well-founded fear of persecution because, for reasons that have nothing to do with any fear of persecution, he himself chooses to adopt a way of life which means that he is not in fact liable to be persecuted because he is gay.

If, on the other hand, the tribunal concludes that a material reason for the applicant living discreetly on his return would be a fear of the persecution which would follow if he were to live openly as a gay man, then, other things being equal, his application should be accepted. Such a person has a well-founded fear of persecution. To reject his application on the ground that he could avoid the persecution by living discreetly would be to defeat the very right which the Convention exists to protect – his right to live freely and openly as a gay man without fear of persecution. By admitting him to asylum and allowing him to live freely and openly as a gay man without fear of persecution, the receiving state gives effect to that right by affording the applicant a surrogate for the protection from persecution which his country of nationality should have afforded him.

The Secretary of State should, of course, apply the same approach when considering applications of this type. Although I have, for the most part, concentrated on the position of gay men, the Secretary of State and tribunals should approach applications concerning lesbian women in the same way.

(The man who wrote this seminal judgement, Lord Rodger of Earlsferry, sadly passed away almost exactly one year later, on 26th June 2011, following a brief illness. His same principles were later applied, separately, to a case relating to religious belief.)

The BeLonG To Project aims to develop best practice for inclusion of LGBT asylum seekers and refugees in those statutory and voluntary services which work with either asylum seekers and refugees or LGBT communities, and which have a focus on youth and young adults.

BeLonG To will offer training and capacity building to this end. The organisation will also provide direct support to LGBT asylum seeking and refugee young people aged 14-30 years through its Project Youth Worker, John Duffy.

The Project draws on advice and feedback from key partners in the statutory and NGO sectors. Training Workshops will soon be launched, and in December 2012 there will be a seminar and report published.  The Project will be completed in January 2013.

The LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees Project is co-financed by the European Commission under the European Refugee Fund (ERF) and is supported by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration in the Department of Justice and Equality, by Pobal and by the HSE.

Speakers at this morning’s launch included:

• Sophie Magennis, Head of Office, UNHCR Ireland
• Sue Conlon, CEO, Irish Refugee Council
• Dr. Nazih Eldin, Director, HSE Health Promotion Office, Dublin North East
• Patricia Brazil, Barrister and the Averill Deverill Lecturer in Law at TCD / National Expert for Ireland to the European Fleeing Homophobia Project

If you or anyone you know would like support and information from the Belong To LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees project, you can contact them by phone (01-670 6223) or by email (john@belongto.org)

For any further information, please contact the Project Coordinator, Marissa Ryan.

Related posts:

1. BeLonG To’s example leads first ever UN meeting on homophobic bullying
2. BeLonG To Gay Prom 2011
3. Visible Lives: Older LGBT people in Ireland

It’s a gloomy, rainy Monday. Are you in any kind of mood for work? Hell no! So here’s a round-up of some of the headlines that caught our eye over the past day or so. Enjoy.

News-y

The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, urged African countries to entrench civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights to boost stability and development in the continent. He cited discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity as one of the injustices that has been ignored or even sanctioned by many States for too long.

He told leaders:

This has prompted some governments to treat people as second-class citizens, or even criminals. Confronting this discrimination is a challenge. But we must live up to the ideals of the Universal Declaration [of Human Rights].

And he called for greater representation of women in parliaments across Africa, which he said currently stands 20 per cent on average, as well as speaking about young people in African nations:

We must ensure that women are fully represented in decision-making bodies, including in Egypt and Tunisia, where they played a role” in the recent pro-democracy protests.

And we must restore hope and a better future for youth in Africa. Unemployment and poverty feed chronic instability and create tensions. I intend to appoint a special representative for youth, who will open dialogue with young people and lead our efforts.

South Africa’s Times Live reports that the men convicted of the murder of Zoliswa Nkonyana are due to be sentenced later this week.

Nkonyana (19) was stabbed and stoned to death outside a shebeen in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, on 4th February, 2006.

The trial of the men has been beset by repeated delays in the nation where violence against women, and in particular the persecution of lesbian women, is endemic.

In other news, and without a hint of irony, an African Christian cleric has urged that “tradition and history” in England be preserved.

The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, told The Telegraph that “Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman,” and “[Marriage] is set in tradition and history and you can’t just [change it] overnight, no matter how powerful you are.”

Speaking of Biblical texts and “tradition”, those very same foundations framed arguments employed by those seeking to preserve the system of slavery and the slave trade in 19th century Britain and “anti-miscegenation” laws in the 20th century US.

Blogger Blabbeando brings has tweeted the news that Cuba’s Communist Party “has officially adopted platform to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity”. Far from being a bastion of human rights vindication, it will be interesting to see who this “official” move by the Cuban authorities plays out.

Meanwhile, Pinksixty News reports that Jamaican gay rights activist Maurice Tomlinson has fled his country after the police said they couldn’t guarantee his safety. Following reports of his marriage in Toronto to his Canadian partner, increased death threats made it impossible for him to remain.

On the good news front, lesbians feature in good-parents-shocker!

Q News brings us the latest from the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study.

The Study began in 1986, and the latest findings examines the situation of about 80 teenagers parented by lesbian couples. The young people were matched on gender, age, parental education, and ethnic background with adolescents in heterosexual-parent families. The children were interviewed at age 10 and again at age 17 with queries about their activities, social lives, feelings of anxiety or depression, and behaviour.

The authors found that children raised by lesbian mothers – whether partnered or single – scored very similarly to children raised by heterosexual parents on measures of development and social behaviour. They also discovered that children in lesbian homes scored higher than those in straight families on some psychological measures of self-esteem and confidence; did better academically and were less likely to have behavioural problems, such as rule-breaking and aggression

Take that, Professor Patricia Casey!

“Quality of Life of Adolescents Raised from Birth by Lesbian Mothers” is published in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.

Sport-y

On Wednesday, the Six Nations rugby fest was officially launched in London. It may have been easily missed (thank you, mainstream media) but the women’s captains were there as well as the men’s captains, and there’s even photographic evidence to prove it!

Here’s the skippers namecheck: Fiona Coughlan (Ireland); Sara Barattin (Italy); Katie McLean (England); Susie Brown (Scotland); Rachel Taylor (Wales); Nathalie Amiel (France).

(IRFU / TheScore)

Across the pond, the USA was victorious over Canada with four goals to nil in the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying final, securing the States qualification for this year’s tournament in London. Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan secured their country’s win with two goals each.

Fluff-y

In celebrity-ville, at last night’s Screen Actors Guild Awards, Emma Stone and Emily Blunt were looking a-fecking-mazing.

* swoon *

Irishers may not be too familiar with the phrase “No homo” – so here’s an intro from Current TV’s Bryan Safi to get you up to speed:

Now, Chescaleigh – she of “Shit white girls say to black girls” fame – brings you the ultimate how-to in finally ridding us of the rotten phrase. Behold!

Related posts:

1. A Suppa Earl Gae
2. A Suppa Earl Gae
3. A Suppa Earl Gae

You may have heard about #sopaireland: more info here.

If you haven’t read beaut.ie’s post about it, then off you go: Just Say No: 7 reasons to raise your voice against SOPA Ireland.

It’s a succinct, understandable round-up of all you need to know.

Once you’ve read it, sign the petition.

(And if you thought SOPA Ireland was bad, brace yourselves for ACTA. Not to mention Twitter’s decision to aid and abet repressive regimes.)

You have to wonder whether the opinions of those who actually create artistic works, those for whom intellectual property law is supposed to benefit – musicians, artists, writers – have been taken into account? Rather than just record companies. Why is the Minister of State, Seán Sherlock, not canvassing those views?

There has been a worrying lack of transparency regarding this issue in general. Wasn’t one of the huge problems of the last government the secrecy, the lobbying, the greasy palms, the quiet words with ministers?

The promised “full debate” in Dáil Éireann changes nothing: it’s still a Ministerial Order that he intends to sign, same wording, same everything.

In a fitting nugget of irony, there have been allegations that Sherlock’s own website was taken down “for maintenance” to remove images which – can you guess? – are copyrighted. Apparently so. Let he who is without copyright infringement sign the first Ministerial Order.

I’ve heard Seán Sherlock say “the net must innovate”. He seems to be missing the point entirely: the net has innovated; it is the record companies which refuse to change and keep up with these innovations.

Record companies – and anyone who thinks like them – need to face up to a simple truth: they must adapt or die.

Further reading & information:

• Stop SOPA Ireland
• TJ McIntyre
• McGarr Solicitors
• #sopaireland
• @tjmcintyre
• @tupp_ed
• @mneylon
• TheJournal.ie
• Broadsheet.ie

Related posts:

1. WIN! A Secrets Ireland hamper
2. Secrets Ireland competition winner!
3. A is for All-Ireland champions

Scrumqueens and the official Rugby World Cup website brought us news yesterday of the qualification process for the 2014 World Cup tournament.

According to the International Rugby Board (IRB), in total there will be six automatic qualifiers: New Zealand, England, Australia, France, USA and Canada.

As far as Ireland is concerned, the Six Nations tournaments of this year and next could decide the issue. Ireland opens this year’s Six Nations competition on 3rd February next, taking on Wales at Ashbourne RFC.

For the European teams looking to qualify for the Rugby World Cup, England and France will automatically qualify due to England being World Cup runners up in 2010 and France being the hosts in 2014.

The two top Six Nations teams other than England and France, therefore, will qualify plus the highest ranked teams in Europe.

If we look at the Six Nations tables, this looks promising for Ireland. Last year’s is below, and reflects the team’s form over recent years:

The expanded qualification process underscores the commitment of the IRB to grow global participation and achieve greater competitiveness as set out in the recently launched IRB Women’s Rugby Plan.

IRB Women’s Development Manager Susan Carty said:

“With over 200,000 registered women currently playing the Game in over 100 countries around the world, the qualification process reflects the significant and sustained growth we have experienced in recent years in the Women’s Game.”

“We now have an improved tournament structure around the world which reflects the appetite for high level elite competition amongst traditional and emerging nations and we have incorporated these existing competitions, wherever possible, into the qualification process in line with the IRB Women’s Rugby Plan.”

As I write this, the radio broadcasts an ad for a national newspaper’s special supplement on schools’ rugby, including detailed analyses and squad-by-squad breakdown. It’s a pity this level of sports reporting doesn’t seem to apply to women’s senior rugby, as well as the kiddies’ game.

Given the IRFU’s commitment to developing the women’s game in Ireland, let’s hope they and the mainstream press show the level of support deserving of our national team.

Anyone for the Rugby World Cup 2018 in Lansdowne Road?

Related posts:

1. Rugby: Six Nations gets underway
2. Six Nations fixtures announced
3. Six Nations: Team Ireland (part 2)

Following the heads-up about our appearance on yesterday’s installment of Near FM’s Pride Time, now you can listen back to the programme in all its glory!

Gaelickers Rachel (HAL) and Joan (click here) are interviewed by the fabulous Sinéad Ní Chonaill after our intro track, “Shady Love” by the Scissor Sisters (about 20 minutes in).

Scarlet for me, scarlet for me ma for havin’ me, etc.

Gaelick in studio! HAL (left) with Pride Time’s Sinéad.
Photo: click here

More:

blog / facebook / twitter / mixcloud / near fm

Still more:

Pride Time’s Icon of the Week poll this week is between our chosen icons, Gina Carano and Katie Taylor. It’s over on the Pride Time facebook page – So get voting!

Related posts:

1. Radio Gae Gae: Tune into Near FM this Sunday!
2. *Gaelick Exclusive* The Trouble Is are playing the Pride Night Party
3. Dublin Pride 2011 Events Listings

The awkward moment when you publish a post (especially one like this) about a person who’s just started following you on Twitter.

Ah, well.

Ana Matronic is a member of (possibly) the queerest band on earth; she’s bi; she was born in the queer-girl-est city; her real name is Anna Lynch (so we’re claiming her as one of our own): she’s a talented artist, singer, business woman; and she’s only feckin’ gorgeous. So, when do we stop ticking the “Amazing” boxes?

Let us try, as we gaze upon her beauteous being..

Photo: David Sherry

Photo: ContactMusic

Photo: Kevin Tachman Vogue

Photo: PacificCoastNews

Photo: mimiblerg tumblr

Kissing Kylie!
Photo: AdelaideNow/AFP/The Daily Telegraph

With Florence!
Photo: Scissor Sisters FB page

With Jake Shears. Photo: Scissor Sisters FB page

Fabulous.

Related posts:

1. From NYC straight to The George
2. Glee’s Naya Rivera Hosts 22nd GLAAD Awards in San Fran
3. A is for Andrej Pejić

Eek! We’re starting to feel very nervous here: two of Gaelick’s finest (aheh-hem) are due to appear on Dublin’s Near FM this Sunday, 22nd January, at 5:30pm for Pride Time with the fabulous Sinéad Ní Chonaill.

We’ll be chatting a bit about Gaelick, about ourselves, and generally about all things lesbian, bi, trans and queer in Ireland. Is there anything in particular you think we should mention?

If you’re a Dubliner and you’ve warmed the wireless, you can gather ’round and tune in on 90.3FM. Everyone else can catch the live stream online. Listeners can also text or tweet their comments while we’re on air.

And if you miss the show, you’ve no excuses: the show will be uploaded as a podcast afterwards. So yas better listen!

A bit about the Pride Time programme:

Pride Time is aired every Sunday on Near FM (90.3 MHz) from 5.30pm-6.30pm. It’s hosted by Sinéad Ní Chonaill and is an outlet for the LGBT community with music, gig guides, events and activities and interviews.

The inaugural show launched on Sunday, 4th September 2011.

Figures from the inaugural show have been impressive, and from different stats both through the radio frequency and streaming there have been listeners from all over Ireland, Britain, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Canada, USA, New Zealand, Ghana and South Africa.

(So no pressure, then..!)

Currently, Pride Time is one of two radio shows dedicated to the LGBT community in Ireland.

More:

blog / facebook / twitter / mixcloud / near fm

Still more:

In advance of Sunday’s programme, you can listen to Sinéad presenting Left of the Dial tonight. She’ll be playing oodles of indie and rock to shake your bones. The show starts at 10pm. So get listening!

Related posts:

1. Radio Gae Gae: Listen back to Gaelick on Pride Time!
2. OpenFM needs you!
3. Dublin Pride 2011 Events Listings

Today marks the start of the Dublin Chinese New Year Festival, and this year it’s the Year of the Dragon.

Good news for the morketing department of a certain Dublin bar, and the perfect excuse to gawp at compare and contrast the portrayals of a certain Scandinavian anti-hero.

So, here we have it: the girl with the dragon tattoo, Lisbeth Salander. The Hollywood re-make is out at the moment, and in today’s poll I’m asking you: who is your favourite Lisbeth Salander? Noomi Rapace or Rooney Mara?

Get looking and then get voting!

Noomi Rapace

Rooney Mara

Related posts:

1. Who will gain Oscar glory?
2. A Suppa Earl Gae
3. Globe time

I’m a bit late to the party with this one, kids, and for that I apologise.

Thanks to the lovely lasses at The Most Cake, I found Micachu, and I’ve decided to keep her.

And here she is with Speech Debelle:

More: web / accidental records / rough trade records

Related posts:

1. Naughty and nice
2. Great form
3. Top lady

• This just in from Irene Greene, an Applied Psychology student at University College Cork:

For my final year project I’m conducting research into the effect online support has on the well-being of transgender individuals.

Research in general populations regarding the effectiveness of online social support has found mixed results, but very little research has been carried out looking at the impact of social support on groups such as the transgender community.

We’re interested in examining whether online social support may positively affect the well-being of transgender individuals, as it may provide some people with a greater sense of support than they experience offline.

We hope that this study will lead to a better understanding of the impact of social support on the general well-being of members of the transgender community.

I have a short survey which should only take 15 minutes to complete. It is important for the study to get a large number of respondents in order to achieve reliable results.

If you are willing to take part, you can find the survey here.

Related posts:

1. Survey from UCC: Gay people and online communication
2. Survey: Sexual minority women
3. Let’s make trans people heard!

Prepare to put your brains in jars, people!

Released across the pond this month is Joyful Noise, where the worlds of Queen Latifah and Dolly collide.

It looks like hell on toast in film. I can’t wait to watch it!

It’s “a funny and inspirational story of music, hope, love and renewal,” apparently.

The promo blurb says:

The small town of Pacashau, Georgia, has fallen on hard times, but the people are counting on the Divinity Church Choir to lift their spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition. The choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but the discord between its two leading ladies now threatens to tear them apart. Their newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill (Latifah), stubbornly wants to stick with their tried-and-true traditional style, while the fiery G.G. Sparrow (Parton) thinks tried-and-true translates to tired-and-old.

Shaking things up even more is the arrival of G.G.’s rebellious grandson, Randy (Jeremy Jordan). Randy has an ear for music, but he also has an eye for Vi Rose’s beautiful and talented daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer), and the sparks between the two teenagers are causing even more friction between G.G. and Vi Rose.

If these two strong-willed women can put aside their differences for the good of the people in their town, they—and their choir—may make the most joyful noise of all.

Whatevs, lads. Show me the movie!

No related posts.

The Six Nations 2012 fixtures have finally been confirmed, thanks to ScrumQueens, with the tournament kicking off on Friday, 3rd February, when Ireland take on Wales at home.

There will be no fixtures at Lansdowne Road (or Aviva, if you insist). England get to play at least one game at Twickenham, and Wales at least one game at the Millennium Stadium.

I hope to be able to cheer the team on, but it’s curious: All of Ireland’s home fixtures take place on a Friday, while every men’s game will all take place on a Saturday or a Sunday (Fridays having been ditched), so there would be no risk of fixtures clashing.

Although the Ashbourne AFC grounds have, as ScrumQueens put it, served Ireland well, all of the women’s and men’s games could be accommodated at Lansdowne Road.

Update

The Fingal Independent reports on the recent Fingal Sports Star Of The Year for 2011 and spoke with Ireland’s most capped rugby player, Lynne Cantwell. Her thoughts on the evening:

That night it was really, really special to be there with Brian O’Driscoll and Sean O’Brien, and to schmooze with some of the big guns in the IRFU. [...] It was good to be able to talk to them one-to-one about playing in Lansdowne Road. There’s no reason why we can’t play in these stadiums and hopefully we will.

Hear hear!

/ Update

Notable also is that today – less than a month before the tournament begins – is the first time that all of the 6 Nations 2012 women’s fixtures have been announced, while as far back as January 2011, the men’s fixtures have been known for both 2012 and 2013.

ScrumQueens has also reported the concerns of coach, Philip Doyle, over Ireland’s lack of test games in advance of the 6 Nations tournament and his fears that the team will have to play catch-up by comparison with their competitors.

Surely something’s wrong here. I would hate to think that the women’s game is being neglected, especially since the IRB’s recent announcement of a Women’s Development Plan.

Regardless of the challenges the team faces, however, I’ll be giving them my full support throughout the 6 Nations. Come on, Ireland! Heeeeeeave!

• The full 6 Nations fixtures list is below. You can keep up to date on the ScrumQueens 2012 Fixtures and Results page here.

Round One

Fri, 3rd Feb: Ireland v Wales (Ashbourne RFC at 19:30)
Sun, 5th Feb: France v Italy (Stade Emile Pons Riom at 15:00)
Sun, 5th Feb: Scotland v England (Lasswade RFC at 17:00)

Round Two

Sat, 11th Feb: France v Ireland (Stade de Hameau, Pau, at 18:30)
Sun, 12th Feb: Italy v England (Rino Venegoni Stadium, Parabiago (Milan), at 15:00)
Sun, 12th Feb: Wales v Scotland (Cross Keys RFC at 13:00)

Round Three

Fri, 24th Feb: Ireland v Italy (Ashbourne RFC at 19:30)
Sat, 25th Feb: England v Wales (Twickenham at 18:15)
Sat, 25th Feb: Scotland v France (Stirling County RFC at 14:00)

Round Four

Fri, 9th Mar: Ireland v Scotland (Ashbourne RFC at 19:30)
Sat, 10th Mar: Wales v Italy (Millenium Stadium at 17:00)
Sun, 11th Mar: France v England (Stade Charlety, Paris, at 13:45)

Round Five

Sat, 17th Mar: England v Ireland (Esher RFC, London, at 14:30)
Sun, 18th Mar: Italy v Scotland (Pagani Stadium, Rovato (near Brescia), at 15:00)
Sun, 18th Mar: Wales v France (Cross Keys RFC at 14:00)

Related posts:

1. Rugby: Six Nations gets underway
2. Six Nations may pave Ireland’s way to World Cup 2014
3. Ireland’s rugby squad for 2012 named