This week's bizarre Kerry news story

[culloty82]

So, the Jerusalem Post has provoked ire in the Kingdom by labelling a Cahersiveen secondary school as anti-Semitic (http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2013/0130/breaking43.html). There may be legitimate question marks as to the political neutrality of this particular Trócaire project, but some of the quotes attributed to children and staff are so outrageous as to cast the whole veracity of the article into question.

[BonnieShels]

I had read the story in the Times but I just read the article. I sometimes get the impression that Israelis go out of their way to get offended, very much like ardent Loyalists.

But approaching kids on the street in that manner is downright grotesque. If she feels the teachings to Irish Children about Palestine and its illegal occupation are wrong then she should have offered up an alternative viewpoint or sought to teach the children. Instead she blindly mocks their "ignorance" and then goes on that Ireland should like Israel because their militants were modelled on Irish militants.

And then she more-or-less labels the entire country as anti-Semetic. give me a break.

I wish they could start extracting the difference between anti-Semetic and anti-Israel.

[nigel-harps1954]

http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Columnists/Article.aspx?id=300877

The original article itself.

Absolutely crazy stuff, the comments underneath the article are even worse. Some people are borderline insane.

[DannyInvincible]

This week's bizarre Kerry news story: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-21534215


Pub owner fined after Irish 'nuns' are caught drinking illegally

An Irish publican has been prosecuted after police found dozens of "nuns" drinking illegally, several hours past closing time on his premises.

Christy Walsh, who runs the bar in Listowel, County Kerry, has been fined a total of 700 euros (£605) after his pub was raided twice in one night.

He had helped to organise a charity event in the town last July, in which hundreds of people dressed up as nuns.

Mr Walsh said he was "disappointed" but vowed to continue his charity work.

I hope they all managed to drive home safely...

[dahamsta]

€700 seems like a pittance of a fine. Sure the cute Kerry hoors'll tot that against the margin for the night and offset it against the nights they don't get caught, and then bust their holes laughing. You have to wonder about the quality of judges in this country.

[bennocelt]

Come on, its hardly the crime of the century:)

[dahamsta]

It isn't, but the punishment isn't a deterrent, which defeats the purpose entirely. You might as well give them a pat on the head and a lolly.

[BonnieShels]

It kinda counts as a Kerry story cos Michael Healy-Rae is mentioned...





Micheál Martin calls on Govt to reopen Vatican embassy
There have been calls for the reopening of Ireland's embassy to the Vatican, to mark the election of a new pope.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin congratulated the new pontiff, and praised RTÉ's coverage of the election, saying it reflected a deep interest among Irish people.

He asked if the Government would now consider providing funds to reopen the embassy to the Holy See, which was closed on grounds of cost.
His call was backed by Independent TD Michael Healy Rae, who said it would be a gesture to the new pope.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan said links with the Holy See have not been "severed".

He said there are still full diplomatic relations, with the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs accredited to the Vatican - the only change was that the ambassador was no longer resident there.

Independent TD Shane Ross said that as a “black protestant” he did not want to be left out of the goodwill messages to the new pope.

Minister Noonan responded by saying that no doubt the pope would be happy and noted a certain Old Testament tinge to some of the Mr Ross’ contributions to the House.

http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0314/376669-vatican-embassy/

I feel like I have been transported back in time. The hand of CJ McQ and Dev still at the tiller of FF.

If we reopened the embassy they would be first to cry foul and accuse Enda of a U-Turn.

I also commend the use of "black protestant". I never get to use it anymore as people think it's racist. :(

[Charlie Darwin]

I also commend the use of "black protestant". I never get to use it anymore as people think it's racist. :(
Try starting your sentence with "I'm not racist but..." I find that usually clears up any potential misunderstandings.

[dahamsta]

I think you'll find it's "I'm not a racialist, but..."

I've only ever heard racists use the word racialist.

[Eminence Grise]

It's been a rich week for Kerry, with a Tralee church getting an anonymous donation of €100,000 from a Hong Kong based, non-Catholic donor. I'd like to see the size of that collection plate!
http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0410/380741-kerry-church-gets-100-000-in-incredible-gesture/

And, spreading more cash around the kingdom, Paul Galvin is chalking one down to experience after a school where he lobbed a blackboard duster at a student settled for €8,000 in damages with the student. I'm more surprised to see that they're still using blackboards in that neck of the woods - maybe the backdrop allowed Galvin to show off his retro skinny jeans to better effect than a whiteboard?
http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/galvin-and-school-pay-8k-to-student-allegedly-hit-by-blackboard-duster-227780.html

[culloty82]

Well, they do call the DPR the Hermit Kingdom (http://www.independent.ie/world-news/asia-pacific/kim-jongun-has-friends-in-the-north-of-kerry-that-is-29193553.html) ...

[Eminence Grise]

O Lor'! Expect rendition flights through Farranfore any day soon!