Greetings from what Google Maps insists on informing me is the surrounding region of Aviva Stadium located in southern Dublin. I have applied my shimmery makeup and put on my cowboy hat along with a glittery outfit in preparation to get amongst 50,000 spectators that will be attending Taylor Swift’s debut performance in Dublin during her Eras Tour. And all of this I’m doing for the sake of journalism.
The anticipation of Swift’s presence in Ireland and the subsequent media coverage that has been spread across the last few days is a testament to the popularity of the star. Coupling this with other major events such as the performances by Shania Twain, Pride, and Longitude, it’s quite obvious that Dublin is host to a notable cultural assembly this weekend.
Beyond the array of cultural events, several other stories have unfolded recently and I have handpicked a few that I found particularly intriguing and persuasive.
1 – Taylor Swift enjoying an immense power among her fans was evident when disappointments ran high amongst them last year due to failing to secure tickets. Cian O’Connell provided coverage of the multitude of Swift’s fans at the 3Arena on Thursday. Regardless of one’s feelings towards Swift, one can’t deny the impressiveness of the fact that she managed to sell out three nights at the Aviva Stadium instantaneously and even necessitated an additional venue to meet the fan demand for merchandise featuring her likeness. One of her fans, Bernard McGrath, aged 71, boasted about possibly being the “oldest Swiftie in town”.
2 – It is unfeasible to overlook the ever-intensifying reverberations from the wholly suspended sentence received by Cathal Crotty, a Defence Forces member, after he assaulted Natasha O’Brien. Protests ensued with Ms. O’Brien criticising the need for an overhaul of the judicial system. A report compiled for the Tánaiste revealed that 68 soldiers are either convicted criminals or currently facing court charges with criminal offences. This list of offences reportedly ranges from assault and sexual assault to rape.
Earlier in the week, Miriam Lord voiced the sentiment shared by all women in Ireland reflecting on male violence against women: “We say never again. We express our fury. We tune into the pledges. Until the next incident. Because male violence against women always finds a way to reoccur.”
3 – Daniel McLaughlin uncovers the tale of an Irish charity in Ukraine that is transforming a local orphanage into a facility for those with special needs. Despite the persistent conflict, he interacts with locals eager to begin reconstructing their homeland without waiting for the war to conclude.
4 – I gained considerable insight from Cliff Taylor’s Smart Money section last Thursday. He investigated the evolving trends of women’s participation in the workforce in the State. The data reveals that the number of women employed (not domestically) has ascended from under 50% at the dawn of this century to exceed 60% at present. According to Taylor, this trajectory shows no signs of changing.
5 – This week, the political realm was abuzz with activity. The hustle for the Green Party’s new leadership role has kicked off and Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman, alongside State Minister and Senator Pippa Hackett, are battling for the position.
The principal political metamorphosis was the appointment of Michael McGrath as the forthcoming European Commissioner. This precedent led to the instalment of Jack Chambers as Minister for Finance. It requires a courageous individual to embrace such a role, particularly on the brink of an “election budget”. Pat Leahy, the Political Editor, outlines the swift ascension to such a top government role of Chambers at just 33, making him one of the youngest occupants of this office.
In Case You Missed It:
Frank McNally’s memoirs in the Irishman’s Diary earlier this week have sparked an interesting culinary correspondence on the charge of his Dublin croissant, priced at €6.50. Eoghan Mac Cormaic’s entertaining commentary raised a chuckle: “A chara, – Beckett was reportedly so fond of the French wartime environment that he chose it over Ireland’s peace. Perhaps the cost of croissants had a role in his decision.”
Image of the Week:
My most poignant image from last week’s selection is a photograph captured on Thursday. The photo captures mothers who campaigned for a probe into the historic licensing and application of the anti-epilepsy remedy Sodium Valproate (also known as Epilim). They are seen embracing tearfully following the announcement that an inquiry chairwoman has been chosen to investigate the medication.
Campaigners have been inquiring after the effects of a particular drug for over ten years. It is believed to cause birth deformities and issues with a child’s learning and development if consumed by the mother during pregnancy. A few families have approached the High Court for compensation. The ongoing investigation aims to construct a development timeline of scientific knowledge about the potential repercussions of this medicine on foetal growth.
In other news, the first American presidential debate featuring incumbent, Joe Biden, and the former president, Donald Trump, occurred on Thursday night, or early Friday morning in Ireland. David Smith of The Guardian was present during the debate in Atlanta, portraying a vivid and subtly criticizing depiction of the two contenders. Referring to the Democratic Party, he stated, they had finally realised they had backed the wrong man after months of planning and anticipation.
In the week’s most-read news:
1 – Aer Lingus cancels 270 flights: complete list
2 – Eight years post seeking refuge in a Garda station, an asylum seeker leaves in uniform.
3 – Despite pleading guilty to a violent assault on an ex-girlfriend, a Naval Service officer continues to serve.
4 – Davy Russell – a jockey and participant on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ shares about his life in Youghal.
5 – The judge involved in the Cathal Crotty case is set to retire this week.