Many universities are fast becoming cold houses for people who want genuine debate, writes Michael Kelly I had the pleasure recently of speaking in a debate organised by the Literary and Scientific Society at Queen’s University, Belfast. It was a civilised and convivial occasion, and we were debating the motion ‘this house believes that society…
The latest partnered exhibition at the National Gallery, featuring as it does the works of a series of great artists, Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer and a few others, is a remarkable show, not so much for its bravura accomplishments of style and setting, but for its concentration on the wonderful landscapes of the human face through…
Jesus keeps ‘left’ and ‘right’ in balance, writes Elizabeth Scalia A discussion among practicing Catholics occurred in a social media group, inevitably landing on current divisions between Catholics – those who would describe themselves as ‘orthodox’ vs the ‘more progressive;’ those who pronounce themselves ‘proudly cafeteria’ versus those who identify as ‘proudly traditionalist’.…
Nuns at protest raises questions about clashing views of justice, writes David Quinn A big demonstration passed through Dublin on Saturday mainly to protest against what is happening in Gaza, but also on behalf of a whole plethora of minority groups from asylum-seekers, to Travellers, to transsexual people, to those with disabilities. Among those taking…
All parishes in the Diocese of Kerry are being asked to review their security arrangements amid concerns about break-ins and burglaries in churches and other buildings. Churches in Killarney have been targeted in broad daylight over the last number of months, including the rural Muckross Church near the Killarney National Park with money being taken…
A man has been remanded in custody over the alleged arson of the parochial house in Athy, Co. Kildare, on February 18. James Rowan (45) faces allegations of burglary and criminal damage, which caused hundreds of thousands of euros worth of damage, Naas District Court was told. Garda Ken McDonald alleged the defendant stole cash…
There was no ‘Women’s History Month’ when I was growing up and I wasn’t oppressed, writes Martina Purdy I find myself identifying with a man: the Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman. Ironically, this self-identification began this month, with Women’s History Month (which flows from International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, and inspired by German marxist,…
Phil Lenahan In word and deed, Pope Francis continues to encourage Catholics to reach out to the poor and not succumb to a consumerist mentality where what we have is deemed more important than who we are. The season of Lent provides a special opportunity to take the Holy Father’s words to heart and live…
There’s a phrase in sport to describe when a player has thought so much about what he is doing that he can’t do it anymore: analysis paralysis. With the proliferation of coaches, experts, statisticians and the recording technology, the wealth of information and advice can overwhelm even the most talented sportsman or woman. You take…
A love of home, ‘one’s own place’, is said to have characterised Irish people from the earliest days. These days, when people remove themselves to as far away as the Antipodes, there is still, even in the sunshine of Bondi Beach, that melancholy longing for the old place at home. How we lived in the past is…
Michael Kelly
Peter Costello
David Quinn
Martina Purdy