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Ireland squad named for Algarve Cup

click here — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:30:44 +0000

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)

Six Nations: Ireland v Wales (abandoned)

click here — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 15:06:17 +0000

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:

Six Nations: Team Ireland (part 2)

click here — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:17 +0000

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

Six Nations: Team Ireland (part 1)

click here — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:30:06 +0000

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

Six Nations may pave Ireland’s way to World Cup 2014

click here — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:30:03 +0000

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?

Ireland’s rugby squad for 2012 named

click here — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 09:48:41 +0000

ScrumQueens brings us news of Ireland’s rugby squad being confirmed for 2012. The announcement includes details of the squad and fixtures, including Six Nations fixtures for February and March.

The squad line-up includes stalwarts, such as captain and Irish Times Sportwoman Fiona Coghlan, Niamh Briggs, Lynne Cantwell, Lauren Day who was injured during Ireland’s World Cup outing, Gillian Bourke, former captain Joy Neville, Laura Guest, Helen Brosnan.

Other familiar faces are absent, although the opportunity to introduce new and uncapped players has arisen. These include Christine Arthurs, Ashleigh Baxter, Nikki Caughey, Paula Fitzpatrick, Siobhan Fleming, Ashling Hutchings, Glenda Mellon, Laura O’Mahony, Ruth O’Reilly, Sophie Spence.

Ireland’s Six Nations fixtures take place in February (on 3rd, 11th and 24th) and in March (on 9th and 17th). Keep an eye out as we play (away) against England on Paddy’s Day, as tradition demands. Come on, Ireland!

All of Ireland’s Six Nations home games will take place at Ashbourne RFC. (We need to get our national rugby team lining out in Lansdowne Road, people.)

As ScrumQueens notes:

Ireland finished third in last year’s 6 Nations, a remarkable achievement once again despite their lack of international development beyond their national side.

Ireland were the only side in the top four last year to not field an A or U20s side and there are no clear 7s pathways developed either for the Irish, who along with Luxembourg and Slovenia are the only European women’s rugby playing sides, not to enter the draw for the World Cup 7s qualifiers.

In addition to the Six Nations games, Ireland is due to play against an Irish Exiles team in January. Watch this space for details!

Ireland 2012 fixtures

(All times are local to where the games are being played)

Friday, February 3: Ireland v Wales, Ashbourne RFC, 7.30pm
Saturday, February 11: France v Ireland, Stade de Hameau, Pau, 6.30pm
Friday, February 24: Ireland v Italy, Ashbourne RFC, 7.30pm
Friday, March 9: Ireland v Scotland, Ashbourne RFC, 7.30pm
Saturday, March 17: England v Ireland, Esher RFC, London, 2.30pm

Squad

Christine Arthurs (Tralee – Connacht)*
Ashleigh Baxter (Belfast Harlequins – Ulster)*
Gillian Bourke (UL Bohemians – Munster)
Niamh Briggs (UL Bohemians – Munster)
Helen Brosnan (Highfield – Munster)
Lynne Cantwell (Exile)
Nikki Caughey (Belfast Harlequins – Ulster)*
Fiona Coghlan (UL Bohemians – Leinster)
Amy Davis (Blackrock – Leinster)
Grace Davitt (Cooke – Ulster)
Lauren Day (Cooke – Ulster)
Ailis Egan (Old Belvedere – Leinster)
Paula Fitzpatrick (St. Mary’s – Leinster)*
Siobhan Fleming (Tralee – Munster)*
Laura Guest (Highfield – Munster)
Shannon Houston (Blackrock – Leinster)
Ashling Hutchings (UL Bohemians – Munster)*
Niamh Kavanagh (UL Bohemians – Munster)
Stacey-Lea Kennedy (City of Derry – Ulster)
Glenda Mellon (City of Derry – Ulster)*
Alison Miller (Portlaoise/Highfield – Connacht)
Claire Molloy (Bristol – Exile)
Larissa Muldoon (Exile/UWIC – Ulster)
Joy Neville (UL Bohemians – Munster)
Heather O’Brien (Highfield – Munster)
Laura O’Mahony (Tralee – Munster)*
Ruth O’Reilly (Galwegians – Connacht)*
Marie Louise Reilly (Old Belvedere – Leinster)
Tania Rosser (Blackrock – Leinster)
Sophie Spence (Exile)*
Carol Staunton (Galwegians – Connacht)

* Denotes uncapped player

A Suppa Earl Gae

click here — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:46:39 +0000

Good morning, lesberinos! How are we on this fine November morn?

Grab yourself a hot cuppa and peruse some of the queer headlines from Ireland and around the world.

Gay Wexford have celebrated the conclusion of their first LGBT Visibility Week, with some amount of relief and pride. The group’s chair, Paul Cullen, writes in the Enniscorthy Guardian:

BE HONEST. Did you ever think that you would see the day? We have just survived the first ‘Wexford Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Visibility Week’ without major upset. Whew!

[...]

The revolution [in attitudes towards LGBT people] has come about so fast that there is already room for self mockery. The Visibility programme included a stimulating talk and slideshow on the ‘Irish Queer Archive’. Just as it has become acceptable for Irish people generally to call themselves Paddies, so it has become amusing for LGBT’S to be queer, at least amongst themselves.

[...]

Yet let no one believe that all is cosy on the Wexford LGBT front. It is notable that the programme for Visibility Week was presented almost entirely in Wexford town. The other three main towns in the county were catered for with low-key briefing sessions, while Wexford had the high profile parties and presentations, celebrity speeches and seminars. Yet, surely there are just as likely to be gays in Gusserane, lesbians in Liskenfere and bisexuals in Bunclody?

Elsewhere in Ireland, the Rape Crisis Network of Ireland reports that it has received a spike in demand for its services, while the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre warns about the dangers of further cuts to its funding.

In related news, Women’s Aid is gearing up for the start of the international 16 Days campaign to combat violence against women. We’ve written previously about the issue of violence between same-sex partners.

In happier Irish news (and this will elicit a little yelp of joy from our webmaster, I suspect), one of our national red tops reports that Westlife’s Mark Feehily plans to tie the knot with his beloved, photographer Kevin McDaid next year. The sun may be setting for Westlife, but hey – every cloud, eh?

Abroad, then, and in the United States, it’s all kicking off in California (again) where homophobes (again) are throwing hissy fits over inclusion and equality (again). This time, rather than seeking to ban marriage equality, ‘phobes are voicing their objections to LGBT history being included in education programmes.

(We can only assume these are the same people who think that creationism is a real thing.) Like Proposition 8 (the ballot initiative to ban marriage equality) the ‘phobes propose to ban this inclusive law by popular vote in 2012.

Elsewhere, allegations of “pinkwashing” by the Israeli government have made it to the pages of the New York Times. This is the term used by those who accuse Israel (or indeed any government or organisation) of co-opting and using LGBT rights issues in a bid to strengthen their own political position.

Electronic Intifada and many activists on Twitter and elsewhere have complained about this issue for some time now.

Meanwhile, AP reports that in west Africa, the parliament and federal government of Nigeria are making strides in their attempts to prohibit and criminalise marriage equality.

There are those who see the move for what it is:

Some gender experts say the bill could be an attempt to stir anti-gay sentiment.

“If you want to whip up homophobia, I think focusing on same-sex marriage is a very good way of going about it, just sowing the idea that there are lots of ‘those’ people who want to get married, so that it’s seen as attacking a fundamental social institution,” says feminist scholar Charmaine Pereira, who is based in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja.

Given the pervasive homophobia throughout society and the state in Nigeria, together with widespread and extremely conservative interpretations of Christianity and Islam (sometimes mingled with traditional beliefs), it would appear that these voices of clarity may be few and far between.

And finally, in bizarro-world news and closer to home, a politician in Switzerland has compared lesbians to cocaine. One more time with that: he has compared lesbians to cocaine. I.. I have no idea.. There are no words.. He’s obviously talkin’ out of his Swiss.

It’s the Eamon Delaney round-up!

click here — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:15:34 +0000

Welcome one and all – even imaginary bisexuals and trans* people – to your mid-week, once-off “Eamon Delaney round-up”. (Or, to your mid-week, once-off “Eamon Delaney antidote,” if you prefer).

By now many of you will probably have had your brain scarred, and intellect dulled, by subjecting yourself to the poorly written and offensive article by Eamon Delaney in The Sunday Independent, “Loud and proud gays want to take over rest of society”.

I promised myself on Sunday that I wouldn’t draw attention to his views; I also promised myself that I wouldn’t complain to the Press Council or otherwise seek to silence him.

(In any event, I don’t think he has done himself any favours with his strange little tirade: in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. “.)

Many a spleen has been vented since Sunday, y’see though, and I thought it might be of therapeutic assistance to share the many and varied words which challenge and counter his dangerous bigotry.

To borrow a phrase from Mary McAleese, we must dismantle the noxious apparatus of homophobia.

So, let’s begin:

Coincidentally, Jennifer O’Connell‘s considered article examining homophobia appeared in the Sunday Business Post on the same day as Delaney’s: Despite all the progress, Ireland is still no lavender-scented utopia in which to be gay.

Then, one of the first responses to the Sindo article I read came from Paul Bowler‘s blog with his thorough and passionate post.

Later I read a brilliantly strong post by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin, in equal parts suitably thoughtful and humourous.

Rachel Barry, Education Officer at Trinity College Students’ Union, made her feelings known in the University Times.

Aoife O’Riordan featured a guest post parsing Delaney’s verbal queerbashing.

Meanwhile, Alan Flanagan examined in particular the ways in which Delaney silenced and made invisible bi and trans people.

And Rebecca Murphy fired her riposte, focusing on the nature of Delaney’s ill-informed, groundless assertions.

Lorraine Haigney takes him to task: Look at these humans, wanting rights! Indeed.

Even the LGBT Liberal Democrats in Northern Ireland entered the debate, making the concise point that LGBTs simply seek equality.

And there’s more: London lesbians are non-plussed into the bargain with disapproval from the Cakettes as Delaney ruins their day as well as ours.

But there’s even more: From Scotland, James Whyte gives auld Eamon what for – ker-POW!

Wait! It gets better, still: Eamon Delaney’s stupidity has managed to reach the poor, unsuspecting people of North America – in particular, the poor, unsuspecting people of Autostraddle. At least they’ve improved on his article’s title: “Most idiotic anti-gay article of all time.” You said it!

UPDATE (3 Nov 2011):

Brian Finnegan, editor of GCN, writes that Eamon Delaney’s attack on gay people is full of all the oldest tricks in the book.

Broadcaster Scott De Buitléir differs, however, and removes the rose-tinted sunglasses.

In a similar vein, Nigel Dugdale views Delaney’s article from another angle.

UPDATE (4 Nov 2011):

CornflakeGirl lets us know in the comments of her taking Delaney’s witterings to task, and also discusses Oliver Callan’s appearance on The Saturday Night Show.

END OF UPDATE

I’m sure that’s just a sample of the sanity that prevails – Please let me know who I’ve missed!

Katherine Lynch judges Fatima Whitbread

Ms Gay Ireland 2011

tabula rasa — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 06:00:04 +0000

The final of the Ms. Gay Ireland competition was held in Limerick recently, and I was able to ask the winner, Emma Parkes (right, a bartender in The George) a few questions about her new role. Judging by her answers, we will be seeing great things from her this year!

What made you want to enter the Ms. Gay Ireland competition?

I entered Ms. Gay Ireland for a few different reasons, but I mainly entered for fun, I also felt I could represent gay Irish woman in a modern and non-stereotypical way. I wanted to change peoples’ normal stereotypical views, and show them any woman, regardless of looks, background or upbringings could be gay.

What was your favourite part of the competition?

Being back stage was such fun, the other contestants were the nicest, funniest bunch of girls I’ve ever met and it really helped my nerves before going onstage with each of us encouraging each other on.

Is there any charity you are representing and if so, what made you choose it?

I picked BeLonG To, based in the Outhouse in Dublin. I thought it was perfect because it fundamentally is the stepping-stone for young gay people to begin to discover their sexual identity in a safe and comfortable setting.

As the newly crowned Ms. Gay Ireland, what do your duties entail?

So far I’ve been doing interviews and raising awareness about BeLonG To. At the moment in work, another bartender named Ronan is representing The George in Mr.Gay Ireland so I’m boosting his campaign… We’d love to have both the titles in the George. Haha greedy I know!

What are you hoping for during your year holding the crown?

I’m hoping for BeLonG To to get more funding , and more young people will know about it. I’m also looking forward to Ms. Gay Ireland being held in TheGeorge next year, it’s going to really raise awareness about the Ms. Gay Ireland competition.

How would you describe your overall experience of the Ms. Gay Ireland competition?

Fun. I made loads of friends and enjoyed every minute of it.

Would you do it all over again?

Yes, it was so much fun, and as nerve-racking being on stage was, I’d do it all over again.

Rescheduled: Alexandra Stan to Play The George

tabula rasa — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 06:11:23 +0000

This event has been rescheduled for the 30th September:

Due to circumstances beyond our control the performance by Alexandra Stan due to take place in The George bar and nightclub next Friday August 19th, has now been rescheduled to September 30th. Tickets already purchased for the event will be valid for the September 30th show or a full refund is available from the bar.

When I received the press release for this event, I couldn’t for the life of me place who Alexandra Stan was. So, off I went to YouTube, and realised that I have been dancing away to her track Mr. Saxobeat for months without knowing it.

For anyone else who may also be curious as to who Alexandra Stan is, check this out:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sS76eS34Y0c

A Eurodance sensation, Alexandra Stan will be performing live on stage in The George on Friday 19th August.

We are promised a high energy performance, as Alexandra will perform a number of her hits include 2011 smash hit Mr. Saxobeat, her debut single Lollipop and her latest single Get Back.

The hit Mr. Saxobeat is described as:

A 2011 dance floor filler and the most viewed video on You Tube on the week of its release, Mr. Saxobeat, is Alexandra’s biggest success in Ireland. An up-tempo dance song with house elements, the song features a saxophone throughout and uses some trace beats.

Alexandra Stan will appear live on stage at The George from 11.30pm on Friday September 30th

This is a ticket-only event and tickets are priced at 12euro and are available directly from The George bar.

Would you have voted for David Norris?

CanuckJacq — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:00:37 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

From The Guardian’s Patrick Barkham: “He would have been the first openly gay president anywhere in the world.”

The last few months have been good for a lot of gay hearts in Ireland. Poll after poll showed us that Ireland — the country whose political establishment has always had to be dragged kicking and screaming into any semblance of modernity — was ready for a gay president. While many commenting on it pointed to Norris’ gay supporters as sheep — supporting his bid for the presidency because he is gay, it seemed to me to be about so much more than that.

First, it didn’t hurt to hear poll after poll showing that the people of Ireland (if not Ireland’s politicians) were ready to either embrace the gay senator and his sexuality, or were at the very least totally content to ignore it. Second, he’s a guy who has worked very, very hard to secure rights for his community. He’s not just some gay guy who happens to be a politician. He was high profile and fought when it wasn’t easy to fight. He’s undoubtedly smart but also charismatic. I’ve heard him speak in a crowded gay bar with a microphone that failed. You could have heard a pin drop. He has — for more than 20 years — been on the radar of every conservative organisation in the country. And somehow, it took until now for this particular scandal to drop.

It came as a surprise that the person who dug up the story was not motivated by homophobia, because that certainly seemed the obvious scenario, with a well-funded and viciously homophobic Iona Institute somehow still alive and kicking, but by a dislike of the senator’s pro-Palestinian politics.

You all know the basics of the scandal, I’m sure. That the senator wrote a character reference for a friend (and ex-partner) who had been convicted of the statutory rape of a 15 year old Palestinian. He was worried about his friend and believed that there had been several missteps by law enforcement in his arrest and trial that would mean his rights as a suspect were not respected.He wrote a ridiculous letter that reeked of desperation. He also wrote it on his official letterhead.

In the last week, we’ve heard comparisons between this incident and the Cloyne Report. We’ve seen headlines that insinuated that the senator stood around taking photos while his lover raped a six year old. What we have not heard are the details of the case. And while a 15 year old is not legally able to consent in Israel (or here, I believe), a 15 year old is legally able to consent in many places in the world. The weight of this crime is not as obvious as many would have us believe. Age of consent laws are dicey and anything but universal.

Even before this, David Norris faced a hard road. As an independent candidate, he faced the ludicrous situation of being the public’s favourite and still unable to secure a nomination without kissing up to the political parties who all had interests in other candidates. My blood boiled over that particular hurdle. Surely it’s a massive failure of democracy if the ridiculous political parties in this country can effectively block a person from even running for office.

What’s more, is that this particular method of nominating puts the people who would nominate in an impossible situation. Either they withdraw support, or they’ll be accused of supporting a rapist. I would have preferred to see his fate decided by a public vote.

I also had the dubious luxury of never having to know how I would have voted (as we all have now) as I’m a non-national without the means to pay for a citizenship application.

So, if he had still managed to secure a nomination, would you have voted for him? I’m pretty sure that, for me, the decision would have rested on the quality of the other candidates.

Just Love? Marriage Equality’s funding crisis

tabula rasa — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:37:44 +0000

Marriage Equality has been a stellar force in the campaign for full marriage equality in this country. And now as much as our community needs the campaign, they too need our help.

Marriage Equality is facing a funding crisis. For the last four years, the organisation has had the generous financial support of The Atlantic Philanthropies. Unfortunately, at the end of 2011, Atlantic Philanthropies are exiting the LGBT sector and therefore funding for the campaign will come to an end.

Ireland has come such a long way in the 4 years we’ve been campaigning for equality.
s been a huge part of that.

As Marriage Equality themselves state:

Public support for marriage equality grew from 56% in 2008, to 73% in early 2011. We’ve seen the introduction of Civil Partnership for same sex couples as a first step towards equality. We now have a promise from the Government to look at the provision of same sex marriage in the Constitutional Convention to be set up later this year. The LGBT community and our friends and allies are mobilised on this issues and our politicians know that this is something we will continue to fight for until we achieve it.

In an email sent out to supporters last week, they go on to thank all their supporters, saying that

None of this would have been possible without the support of people like you. You’ve emailed, called and visited your TDs, marched with us in Pride parades up and down the country, and spread the word about why marriage matters to same sex couples, our families and our children by telling your stories in the local, regional and national media. You are amazing.

I’m sure most of you agree with Marriage Equality when they say that Civil Partnership is not equality, but it’s a step in the right direction. And they are right, the LGBT community must keep the pressure on to make sure the job is finished.

But they can’t do that if the organisation is forced to finish at the end of this year.

Marriage Equality has sent out a call for donations, and it would be amazing if everyone gave even a little bit.

Any donation, no matter how large or how small, will help us keep our doors open, will help us win the right for loving couples in committed relationships to marry. Your generosity will help us win the right for children of same sex couples to be protected and cared for. We can pull through this funding crisis with your help.

To find out more about the Just Love? Urgent Funding Appeal, and to make a donation, please visit www.marriagequality.ie

Win Tickets! – Language UnBecoming A Lady

tabula rasa — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:10:24 +0000

Sorry kids the tickets have been won by E. O’Neill and B. Trope from Dublin. Enjoy the show!

Bottom Dog Theatre Company is delighted to announce the return of their hit show Language UnBecoming A Lady to Dublin – and to the city centre for the first time. After touring to 17 venues across Ireland throughout 2010, the award nominated show comes to The New Theatre in Temple Bar from April 18^th to 23^rd nightly at 8pm. To celebrate this, Gaelick has two pairs of tickets to give away to two lucky readers. Email gimme@gaelick.com with your name and preferred dates.

This one-man show, written and performed by Myles Breen, has played to numerous standing ovations in Donegal, Galway, Tipperary and Blanchardstown and had a record sell out run at both the Belltable and the Loft Venue in Limerick.

Originally presented as part of Limerick Pride in 2009, the play is set in the dressing room of an ageing drag queen who reveals his life and loves, victories and defeats. Exploring the themes of identity, love found and love lost, and using the music of Judy Garland, Barbra Streisand, Billie Holiday and more, Language UnBecoming a Lady tells the story of one gay man’s life. From his childhood through adolescence and onto adulthood, the one constant in his life is the music of the divas who provide comfort, strength and inspiration.

The show has had unanimous positive reviews including:

Irish Theatre Magazine:

“fabulously written, wonderfully acted, tells an extremely important story, and is an undoubted success”

“the play cuts the right balance between sentimentality and artistry”

“a touching historical journey through the Ireland of the last 30 years”

Irish Examiner:

“Robert’s story is touching, funny and achingly sad”

“Breen’s writing is sharp, colourful, aphoristic”

“it’s emotional honesty is compelling”

Limerick-born Myles Breen is a founder member of Bottom Dog and as well as being a writer and director he is one of the busiest actors in the country with a list of theatre, television and film credits stretching back over twenty years. He is directed in Language Unbecoming A Lady by another Bottom Dog founder, Liam O’Brien, who’s credits include Emmerdale, Fair City, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and the West End hit, The Rat Pack. Liam has previously directed for Limerick Youth Theatre and Bottom Dog and in 2010 trained in ensemble with Steppenwolf Theatre Company in California, and was part of the Next Stage development programme at this year’s Dublin Theatre Festival.

Bottom Dog premiered five short plays in January 2009 under the title Off The Wall, a new adaptation of The Revenger’s Tragedy and Language Unbecoming A Lady continues the company’s commitment to new writing. This funny and touching portrait of gay life in Ireland over the last 40 years toured through May and November to 17 venues nationwide.

This story of Robert and his struggle to get on with his life, no matter what, is an inspiration to us all. His sense of humour, his sense of farce, his love and loyalty to his parents is very moving. These are qualities that we all need to cultivate, particularly in this country and at this time.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyJVcmnBrTs

For more information check out:

www.bottomdogtheatre.com

Language UnBecoming A Lady

The New Theatre, Temple Bar

April 18^th to 23^rd nightly at 8pm.

Alternative Miss Ireland XVII 2011 Preview

tabula rasa — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 13:01:35 +0000

As the AMI team put the finishing touches on what looks set to be the gay event of the year, we at Gaelick thought we’d give our readers an in-depth look at what to expect from the night, and now that the full line-up for the evening has been announced, it really promises to be a spectacular evening!

Special Guests on the night will include:

Bourgeois & Maurice
RoySeven
Bitches With Wolves
Ponydance
Rubberbandits
Shirley Temple Bar
Veda Beaux Rêves
Smilin’ Kanker
Peaches Queen

Panti will be the fabulous MC, and the evening will also feature the voice of David Norris

Contestents for AMI XVII 2011:

Miss Julian Mandrews
Miss Haunty Beor
Miss Mangina Jones
Miss Candy Warhol
Miss Trannie Ward
Miss Patrice
Miss Widow Spanky
Miss Rusty Hinges

The press release from AMI gives us some insight of just what we can expect on Sunday:

Alternative Miss Ireland, the mother of all mother ships, lands in Dublin for her 17th pageant this March. Open to men, women and all kinds of space cadets, this traditional pageant puts an end to tradition at curtain up. At AMI there are no boundaries of beauty, gender, creativity or even taste. The cohort of eight Cailíns battle it out on stage for the much coveted AMI Crown that currently resides on the head of the reigning Queen of Ireland, Miss Peaches Queen. Hovering over the show, a glowing UFO in huge wig and skyscraper heels, queen of everyone’s back bothrín and AMI’s bean an tí, it’s Panti.

In the competition itself, the contestants compete for the chance to be crowned Alternative Miss Ireland. There is no prize money, as all proceeds for this event go straight to HIV/AIDS charities.

The competition requires contestants to create

an alternative “Miss”, a character that embodies, redefines and transgresses ideas and ideals of what it means to be an Irish beauty, an alternative Mná na hÉireann ascendant.

The rounds are made up of Daywear, Swimwear and Eveningwear and the contestants are all judged on their poise, personality, originality and, ultimately, insanity.

Contestants may go it alone, or may have an entire troupe to back them up; involving outrageous costumes, spectacular set pieces, and often hilarious disasters, they are interviewed by Panti, jeered and cheered by the bawdy crowd, and usually break their heart, soul and possibly their gentitals in the process — especially as this year’s pageant features a bout of “musical shells” in Swimwear.

The judges of this years competition are London based neo-cabaret duo Bourgeois & Maurice; home-grown reprobates Rubber Bandits; and Alternative Miss Ireland winner 2009, Her Royal Lowness Miss Smilin’ Kanker.

Between the rounds of abject and objectionable beauty, AMI presents astonishing performances from some international stars, and a few old Queens. The stage at the Olympia is set to be set alight by the electro-pop insanity of Bitches With Wolves; space punk cabaret with Bourgeois & Maurice; youthful Killer rock thrashers RoySeven; dancing on all fours with Ponydance; transgressive pop phenomenon Veda Beaux Rêves; and the eye poppin’, ball droppin’ Shirley Temple Bar. AMI XVII will also see the swansong of the reiging Queen of Ireland Miss Peaches Queen, just before the trap door opens beneath her…

AMI has raised an incredible amount of money for Irish HIV/AIDS organisations since it’s inception -over €300,000 since 1996. The money has been instrumental in the development of a variety of Irish HIV/AIDS related programmes across the country, each one with different concerns — from children to parents; prevention to post-infection healthcare; education, well-being and self-esteem.

What will save us, now that men don’t?

Alternative Miss Ireland 2011!

What more could you want from a night out?! AMI offers glamour, glitter, fun and it’s all for a good cause! So get your gladrags ready and grab a ticket ASAP.

Sunday 13 March, Olympia Theatre Dublin.

Tickets €41.50 / €29.50

Available from the Olympia Box Office (6793323 / 0818719330) and ticketmaster

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bm3a5Vz7xMQ

International Women’s Day: events

click here — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:51:39 +0000

There is a plethora of events happening around Ireland to mark the centenary of International Women’s Day, the annual celebration on 8th March. Oodles of information can be found online, including at InternationalWomensDay.com, NWCI, and Concern.

Check out some of the listings below – and tell us in the comments what we’ve missed!

Cork

8th Mar
10am – 2pm
Mercy Centre Fair Street, Mallow:

Tea party with home baking, chat, tea, raffle and bingo. Enjoy a morning with friends and make some new friends too. Child Care provided.

Organised by Le Chéile Family Resource Centre

8th Mar
From 12 noon
Solidarity Books, 43, Douglas Street, Cork City:

Solidarity Books celebrates the 100th International Women’s Day!
12 noon – 6pm: Feminist films at Solidarity Books
6pm – 6:50pm: Free Community meal at Fionbarras Pub (opposite the bookshop)
7pm: Margaret O’Regan “The Struggle for Contraception in Ireland
8pm: Nicola Morry “The Origins of International Womens Day”

Solidarity Books sells radical and 2nd-hand books and hosts the meetings of local left-wing campaigns It is run by an Irish Anarchist organisation

Dublin

7th Mar – 11th Mar
9am – 5pm
Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin, Dublin 8:

Exhibtion: “Nomadic Mapping Project.” A collaborative art project by women’s groups from St. Margaret’s Travellers Community Association and the Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project. Organised by Dublin City Council

7th Mar – 11th Mar
9am – 10pm
Trinity College Dublin, various locations across campus:

Trinity College Dublin celebrates International Women’s Day Centenary 2011 with a week’s programme of events supported by staff and students – including talks, film screenings, panel discussions, poetry and musical events. See TCD’s website for programme and bookings, or contact equality@tcd.ie

8th Mar
1pm to 2pm
Central Library, ILAC Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1:

“History of the Suffrage Movement in Ireland,” by Mary Cullen. Mary Cullen is a former Senior Lecturer in Modern History at NUI, Maynooth and is currently a Research Associate at the Centre for Geneder & Women’s studies at Trininty College. Organised by Dublin City Council.

8th Mar
1pm to 2 pm
Central Library, ILAC Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1:

“100 Years of Women’s Struggle: The origins and evolution of March 8th as International Women’s Day,” by Theresa Moriarty. Theresa Moriarty, Labour Historian, on the history of International Women’s Day. Organised by Dublin City Council.

8th Mar
5pm – 9pm
Temple Bar Hotel, Temple Bar, Fleet Street, Dublin 2:

International Women’s Day Celebration as AkiDwa Celebrates its 10 Year Anniversary. As the world celebrates 100 years of International Women’s Day, we in AkiDwa are organising a night of bliss for women!

8th Mar
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Raheny Library, Dublin 5:

“Irish Matriarchs: Grace O’Malley and Elenor Countess of Desmond,” by Anne Chambers. Brave, daring, intelligent – to safeguard their families, these are women who broke the mould and put their lives on the line in turbulent times. Organised by Dublin City Council.

8th Mar
7pm
Millennium Bridge, Dublin:

The Bridge Campaign takes place in Dublin at the Millennium Bridge on Tuesday, 8th March at 7pm. It’s part of an international campaign by Women for Women International, which provides women survivors of war, civil strife and other conflicts with the tools and resources to move from crisis and poverty to stability and self-sufficiency, thereby promoting viable civil societies. Running Amach will also be there!

11th & 12th Mar
Venue: UCD

Conference: “Creating Change: Feminism, the university and society.” Exploring the relationship between feminist academic work and social change, this international conference features keynote addresses from Rosemary Hunter and Joan Meier.

The conference is co-convened by Judy Walsh and Prof Kris Miccio, and is sponsored by the UCD School of Social Justice, University College Dublin; Sturm College of Law, University of Denver; Whittier Law School, California; and The Irish Fulbright Commission.
More: here and here

All month
Central Library, ILAC Centre, Henry Street, Dublin 1:

Exhibition: “Hannah and her Sisters”. Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington as a suffregette and Irish nationalist. She co-founded the Irish Women’s Franchise League in 1908 with the aim of obtaining women’s voting rights. She was later a founding member of the Irish Women’s Workers’ Union. Organised by Dublin City Council.

Kerry

8th Mar
7:30pm – 10pm
Teach Amergin, Waterville, Co.Kerry:

Celebrate 100 years of International Women’s Day with Southwest Kerry Women’s Association. Join us for pancakes at 7:30pm, followed by screening of “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts at 8pm. Organised by Southwest Kerry Women’s Association. SKWA is a network of community based women’s groups in southwest Kerry.

Kilkenny

8th Mar
12 noon – 2pm
Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny:

Kilkenny Business Women’s Network are celebrating International Women’s Day with a special lunch. Maureen Forrest, The Hope Foundation is the Guest Speaker. Tickets are €20 each.
Organised by Kilkenny Business Women’s Network: all proceeds raised will go to The Hope Foundation.

Laois

8th Mar
7pm – 11pm
Kavanaghs Pub, Main St, Portlaoise:

To celebrate ‘International Women’s Day, 2011’ Amnesty International, Amnesty Interational Laois Branch will host a literary and music evening in Kavanagh’s bar, Main St., Portlaoise on March 8 at 8pm. Organised by Amnesty International.

Limerick

8th – 31st Mar
The Hunt Museum, Rutland Street, Limerick:

“Women of Concern” Photographic Exhibition. This stunning exhibition sees three of Ireland’s top leading female photographers – Brenda Fitzsimons (The Irish Times), Kim Haughton (www.kimhaughton.com) and Marie McCallan (Press 22) exhibit images from three countries where Concern Worldwide supports women’s development projects. Their photographs give an insight into the lives of women in these three countries and how, with your support, Concern is helping them to improve their lives and communities. The resulting images tell powerful stories of hope, determination and survival from post-earthquake Haiti, Ethiopia and Bangladesh.

Organised by Concern Worldwide and The Hunt Museum. Concern is certified by the Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP).

10th Mar
9:30am – 4:30pm
Irish Chamber Orchestra Building, University of Limerick, Castletroy, Co Limerick:

Conference: “Women & Leadership”. The University of Limerick’s Women’s Forum celebrate International Women’s Day with a 1 day conference titled “Women & Leadership”. The University of Limerick’s Women’s Forum will host its third annual conference to mark the special day. Keynote speakers include: Prof Susan Vinnicombe, Emily O’Reilly and Mamo McDonald. Organised by the University of Limerick.

Sligo

8th Mar
10am – 12 noon
Sligo Family Resource Centre, Sligo:

Sligo Family Resource Centre celebrates International Women’s Day with friends and users of Footprints Drop-in Crèche. Come along and enjoy pancakes and party celebrations! Organised by Sligo Family Resource Centre: The centre provides a range of supports for families living in Sligo and the surrounding area.

Waterford

9th Mar
10am – 1pm
Edmund Rice International Heritage Centre, Mount Sion, Barrack Street, Waterford:

The Integration and Support Unit for New Communities (ISU) women’s group joined by friends across the city will celebrate their achievements through food, music, dance. They will display arts & crafts from their skills workshops. Organised by the ISU: The primary focus of the ISU is to empower and integrate refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants through initial skills education, information services and integration programmes

Wexford

8th Mar
10am – 9pm
Gorey Family Resource Centre, 4 Charlotte Row, Gorey, Co Wexford:

Gorey Family Resouce Centre celebrates International Women’s Day with a fun filled day for all women to celebrate international women’s day. From pancakes, makeup tips, yoga to Native American Ceremony. Organised by Gorey Family Resource Centre. The Centre aims to provide a wide variety of supports and services to people within our own community.

Wicklow

8th – 29th Mar
10:30am – 5pm
Community Gallery, Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co Wicklow:

Worldwide Postcard Art project! Send a postcard with the theme of “International Women’s Day – 100 Years of History” for exhibition. All media are welcome: painting, print, textile, collage, text, photography – or any combination! By entering your artwork in the exhibition you agree to the project’s terms of use. Organised by Tinahely Women’s Network (TWN): TWN is a women’s group that develops a program of educational and social activities, sharing talents and knowledge in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

8th Mar
8:15pm – 11:55pm
Kenny’s of the Harbour, Arklow, Co. Wicklow

Celebrating International Women’s Day. An opportunity for women’s groups to attend an evening of Networking and Karaoke to celebrate International Women’s Day 2011. Organised by Arklow Women’s Club: Where women come together to socialise, share new friendships and experiences and develop new and exciting Skills in an open and safe manner.

Alternative Miss Ireland 2011

tabula rasa — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:16:50 +0000

This year’s Alternative Miss Ireland looks set to be the best yet, if the line up is anything to go by!

Hosted by the fabulous Panti, 8 acts will be battling it out to be crowned Alternative Miss Ireland, performers on the night will include: Bourgeois & Maurice, Bitches With Wolves, Royseven, Rubber Bandits, reigning queen Peaches Queen, previous winners Shirley, Veda, and Smilin’ Kanker, among others.

Tickets are €29.50 or €41.50, and all the money raised goes to HIV/AIDS charities. Tickets are available directly from the Olympia box office (no service charge) on (01) 679 3323, or on the Ticketmaster website at the following link:

http://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/18004641986F228E?artistid=947607&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=52

Alternative Miss Ireland will take place in the Olympia Theatre on Saturday 13^th March, at 8pm.

This is a night not to be missed!

Rugby: Six Nations gets underway

click here — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 06:00:52 +0000

The RBS Six Nations rugby tournament kicked off at the weekend, with Ireland taking on Italy at the Rovigo stadium in Rome. Unlike the almost-embarrassment of losing to Italy in the men’s game, Ireland’s women resoundly trounced the Italian team 26 points to 6 on Sunday afternoon.

You may remember women’s rugby from such competitions as the World Cup 2010 in England late last year.

Another glaring dissimilarity between the women’s and men’s matches (being played in the same tournament), is that the women’s games are rarely broadcast. Last year, Sky had the rights to broadcast the World Cup, and primarily confined themselves to showing the England and southern hemisphere team games.

This year things seem to have worsened, and according to ScrumQueens the only game being beamed to your tellies will be Ireland v England, again on Sky. For shame, TV rights bidders…

Then again, it’s Ireland against England. It’s our last game of the Six Nations. It’s at home. And it’s on 18th March next, just after St Patrick’s Day. The perfect rugby storm!

I for one will be making my way to the nearest pub that has millions of screens and will demand that one of them be tuned to the match. Thankfully, the home of women’s rugby is bringing you all the Six Nations news that’s fit to print (broadcast or not), with details of teams, injuries, fixtures, results, analyses and more. Excuse me while I become addicted for the next few weeks.

For Ireland v England, there’s the local. For (that and) everything else, there’s ScrumQueens.

RBS Six Nations Ireland fixtures

Sun, 6th Feb 11 13:30 Italy v Ireland (Rovigo)
Fri, 11th Feb 11 19:30 Ireland v France (Ashbourne RFC)
Sat, 26th Feb 11 14:00 Scotland v Ireland (Lasswade RFC, Edinburgh)
Sun, 13th Mar 11 14:30 Wales v Ireland (Cross Keys RFC, nr Newport)
Fri, 18th Mar 11 19:30 Ireland v England (Ashbourne RFC)

ScrumQueens: Ireland team news | Twitter | Facebook
Rugby on Gaelick

Win a €5,000 Civil Partnership!

CanuckJacq — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:29:14 +0000

You know what’s annoying? We finally get civil partnerships and nobody has any money. Boo!

But there is now hope for a ceremony that does not consist of pringles-as-hors-d’oeuvres and your iPod as DJ.

The Cork Independent and the Cork International Hotel are holding a contest to win a wedding package worth €5,000.

All you have to do is get to the Cork International Hotel and sign into the contest on February 6th, tell them in 500 words or less why you deserve the wedding of your dreams and send in an adorable photo.

They’ll choose 10 finalists who will be put up for a public vote and they’ll announce the winners on March 6th.

It says wedding, bride & groom, etc all over it, but we at Gaelick have asked and civil partnerships, bride & bride and groom & groom, etc are definitely included too.

The prize includes: Bridal Suite with champagne breakfast included for the wedding night, arrival reception, wedding dinner and evening reception for up to 100 guests.

I hope to see some of our readers on that final list! Good luck everyone

And if any of you have tips for others — what to write, how to be adorable, etc, add them in the comments!

Details here.

Interview: Gay dads are first to have civil partnership recognised

CanuckJacq — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 07:00:53 +0000

photo by Karen Byrne

Glenn Cunningham and his Brazilian husband, Adriano Vilar, have lived with uncertainty for over two years.

Vilar was on a student visa and had to have it renewed often. Each time they applied to have it renewed, they risked it being declined, and Vilar would have been required to leave the country.

As a condition of the student visa, Vilar was only allowed to work 20 hours a week, which made family finances a bit tight, especially when his English and Business school tuition had to be paid every year as well. And although they had celebrated a civil partnership in the North, they had no standing to keep him in the country if his student visa was declined.

It almost sounds like a plot by the Irish government to make sure that the non-national partners of Irish gays are the best educated people in the country.

On Thursday, Ireland formally recognised marraiges and civil partnerships from 27 jurisdictions as civil partnerships under Irish law. While this is certainly good news for many, for those living at the mercy of the Garda National Immigration Bureau, it’s a kind of relief that is difficult to express.

Last year, Glenn and Vilar celebrated their relationship with a civil partnership ceremony in the North, and had a party at a hotel in Tallaght with family and friends. On Thursday, Irish law began to recognise foreign registered same-sex partnerships as Civil Partnerships.

Glenn and Vilar not only had their civil partnership recognition reported by the Irish Times, but Glenn told us today that his 5 year old daughter went to school on Friday as proud as punch, telling everyone.

My daughter [...] is so proud. She went to school on Friday telling everyone her dad and her step dad (that’s how she calls him) were the first ever.

And she didn’t get any grief from students or teachers either, according to her father. He says the key is to pick the right school, and he speaks highly of the Educate Together school that his daughter attends. They and the girl’s mother divide the living arrangements as they live nearby. Mollie spends 2-3 nights a week with her father and step-father and the other nights with her mother. Glenn told us that while he wasn’t with Vilar when Mollie was born, his daughter and his husband are very close.

The grooms, their daughter Mollie and Glenn's supportive parents, Seamus and Annette.

Civil Partnerships in Ireland don’t grant civil partners rights as step-parents or guardians of the other’s children, something that Glenn thinks is a serious omission from the legislation.

[Civil Partnership legislation] excluded those with children in a disrespectful thoughtless way.

But Glenn is optimistic that the courts may see things in their favour even if the family relationships aren’t spelled out in law.

Having said that, I’m glad we’ve begun with the civil partnership as it is. It’s easier now to move forward, and with a recognised civil partnership between a couple, courts will look on it differently.

When asked if he expects full marriage equality anytime soon, Glenn was pessimistic but upbeat about the recognition they have right now.

I do know its not full equality, but our commitment is seen as the same [by friends and family].

Now we have a solid secure foundation, where we can plan our lives. we are now part of society in a way we have never been.

Real life questions remain after abortion ruling

click here — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:34 +0000

Two weeks ago today, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Ireland is in breach of Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights due to absence of any legislative/regulatory regime for lawful abortion under 40.3.3 of the Constitution. The Court was at pains to make clear that it confines its ruling specifically to the three women in question (named in the ruling as A, B and C).

For background on the case, take a look at the excellent Human Rights in Ireland blog (HRinI), which explains the ruling from the basics to detailed analyses. For a concise summary of the effect of the Court’s ruling, listen to the HRinI’s Mairead Enright speaking on Morning Ireland last Friday (scroll down and click on the link for the audio).

The ruling relates to the provision in Ireland’s Constitution which states that abortions are permitted in Ireland where there is a real and substantial risk to the life of the pregnant woman. The Constitution allows for abortions to be carried out in Ireland in those circumstances, but there is nothing setting out the criteria, mechanisms, definitions, and so on, to implement this limited Constitutional permission to terminate pregnancy.

The European Court stated:

The Court considers that the uncertainty generated by the lack of legislative implementation of Article 40.3.3, and more particularly by the lack of effective and accessible procedures to establish a right to an abortion under that provision, has resulted in a striking discordance between the theoretical right to a lawful abortion in Ireland on grounds of a relevant risk to a woman’s life and the reality of its practical implementation.

Reading the decision illustrated to me that even with this ruling, there remain very serious shortcomings in Ireland’s laws in relation to women taking decisions about their bodies and their lives. This may seem like an obvious statement, but there were two particular issues which sprang to mind:

The situation of migrant women in Ireland and the supposed right to travel for abortions; and

Situations where medical advice is that a termination would be the most humane course of action, but there is no issue of risk to the woman’s life.

Migrant women in Ireland

C had a rare form of cancer and believed her pregnancy increased the risk of the cancer returning and that she would not obtain treatment in Ireland while pregnant. Even with this risk to her life, C was eventually forced to travel to the UK to have the termination carried out, as the hospital she was attending in Ireland eventually refused to carry out the procedure.

Among other issues, the Court was asked by C to consider whether there was a violation of Article 2 of the Convention (the right to life), in the context of failing to allowing her to undergo a termination of the pregnancy in Ireland.

The Court eventually ruled that there was no case to answer in relation to C’s right to life, even where there is a real and substantial risk to the woman’s life, if there is no impediment to travel abroad for an abortion.

This, of course, raises questions in relation to women who are nationals of a country which is not a member of the EU. People from EU countries are free to travel within the Union; for non-EU women, however, there are very real impediments to travel abroad for an abortion.

For instance, a woman who has been granted residency or a permit allowing her to live legally in Ireland may require a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Any women without permission to remain legally in Ireland – refugee applicants, trafficked women who have no status in the State, women awaiting a decision on whether they may remain in the State (which may take many months, if not years) – have no option to leave Ireland lawfully. For them, it is illegal to leave the State, and if they attempt to travel illegally they may be arrested by a member of An Garda Síochana at the point of entry or exit, and detained.

Are we to infer from the Court’s ruling on this point that Ireland is in breach of Article 2 if a non-EU migrant woman found herself in C’s position?

Where medical advice recommends termination

Looking at the Irish Constitution again, it states that

The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right.

In the famous X case the Irish Supreme Court explained how this provision is to be interpreted:

[…] if it is established as a matter of probability that there is a real and substantial risk to the life, as distinct from the health, of the mother, which can only be avoided by the termination of her pregnancy, such termination is permissible […]

There are real problems with the nature of the limitation that is imposed on abortions. These are revealed in the awfully painful situations which occur where it transpires during a pregnancy – including those which are planned and wanted – that the foetus is not and cannot be viable.

Anectodally, I know of two such cases, and there must be many more. In both cases, the women were required to travel to the United Kingdom to terminate the pregnancy.

The medical advice was that the foetus had developed in such a way that it would not survive. The medical advice was that even if the pregnancy could be brought to term and the child survived delivery, the infant would inevitably die in terrible circumstances shortly afterwards.

And yet these women could not, humanely and in accordance with the advice of their healthcare providers, and in accordance with their own wishes, end the pregnancy. It was not lawful for the woman or her medical advisers to do so as there was no “real and substantial risk to the life of the woman”, and moreover could have involved a risk of criminal prosecution if such a termination had been carried out in Ireland.

Amid the shrill and simplistic black-and-white moralising from some, and amid the politicking (especially in advance of a general election), these cruel realities are ignored or dismissed.