All the grumpiness of being awoken at 6am is dispelled by a single word: ‘cug’. A ‘cug’, in my two-year-old’s nomenclature, is something halfway between a cuddle and a hug. So when I’m awoken by a persistent request for a cug, it’s hard not to be touched, however early the hour. However, making regular use…
Temper tantrums are a normal part of human development, writes Rory Fitzgerald There’s bad news about the ‘terrible twos’: researchers now say they can begin well before the age of two, and can go on for a number of years afterwards — if you’re not careful. The symptoms are well-known to all parents…
Small schools across the country under threat of teacher cuts have geared up their protest campaign this week as leading educationalists say children’s futures are being sacrificed for the austerity budget. Staffing requirements, based on enrolment figures in primary schools introduced in the last budget, will lead to increased class sizes, loss of teachers…
It’s ironic that a secularist is seeking to use the criminal law to prevent free speech, writes Rory Fitzgerald A remarkable story emerged this week: The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is considering prosecuting Bishop Philip Boyce of Raphoe for inciting hatred against secularists. This offence can carry a penalty of up to two years…
Two Irish Sisters of Saint Joseph received Order of Australia awards during the Australia Day celebrations last week. Sr Maria Casey from Kildysart, Co. Clare was honoured for her service to the community as Postulator for the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop, as well as to the Catholic Church in Australia. Sr Mary Leahy from…
The invaluable work done by school chaplains at community and comprehensive schools across the Republic has come under fire from Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. Despite the fact that the role of chaplain in such schools is mandated by legislation Mr Ó Ríordáin, who two weeks ago told The Irish Catholic he thought…
Minister Alan Shatter has justifiably called attention to the horrible historical phenomenon known as The Holocaust – the cruel genocide by Nazi Germany against Jews as well so many other minorities – when he was opening an exhibition at the Department of Justice. Minister Shatter took the opportunity to criticise Irish neutrality during World…
Young people from across the country are coming together in Tullamore this month to express their views, share ideas and celebrate their faith among their own peer group. Tullamore Junior Parish Pastoral Council is holding its annual National Parish Youth Conference on Saturday, February 25 in St Mary’s Youth and Community Centre in Tullamore,…
Catholics who apply for jobs in the civil service would be screened to ensure that they are not too Catholic under a proposal being discussed by the Labour party. The plan is likely to cause further tension with coalition partners, Fine Gael, who have been accused of allowing Labour to set the Government’s agenda.…
The secret of making a good St Brigid’s cross, The Irish Catholic learned last Sunday, is to hold it at the bottom as you weave. This discovery was made at a weaving workshop on the first day of the annual Feile Brid in Kildare town, where the Brigidine sisters extended the hospitality of St…
Rory Fitzgerald
Mags Gargan
Michael Kelly
Mary Kenny