The Paris-based Olympic Games became the focal point this past weekend, following a remarkable inauguration on Friday night. Ireland’s 133 strong contingent was symbolised by Shane Lowry and Sarah Lavin who bore the country’s flag along the Seine. Among those competing on Saturday was gymnast Rhys McCleneghan. The men’s Rugby Sevens squad, after securing a sixth place, must now ruminate over missed opportunities. Meanwhile, an impressive performance was recorded by rowers Philip Doyle and Daire Lynch in the double sculls.
Their compatriots including Paul O’Donovan and Fintan McCarthy, both Olympic gold winners, commenced their Olympic journey today. Spectator Denis Walsh engaged with a few athletes, learning about their sports’ growth and the immense task of battling the world’s top competitors. To grasp the full roster of Irish competitors participating today as well as the overall schedule, consult our summary of Irish athletes.
This week’s column by Denis Walsh looks into the quandary facing Rhasidat Adeleke as she must decide whether to participate in the 4x400m mixed relay or concentrate on her solo events. Johnny Watterson pointed out that the one constant the athletes understand is that the Games can expose their weaknesses, often teaching tough lessons. Rugby players, in particular, are gaining this understanding in the present moment.
Whilst the Olympics has drawn a large number of athletes and spectators to Paris, many locals have chosen to leave the city. As writer Áine Healy explains, those who have stayed have filled the city with a sense of detachment, leaving the soul of Paris desolate. Journalist Sharon Gaffney reveals the large-scale security measures in place around world-renowned landmarks. As one tourist sadly noted, “It feels like being in a battle zone”. However, Gaffney mentions that the citywide concern about the Games’ logistics is slowly diminishing.
The Olympic event is viewed as the kick-off to a major renovation project aimed at fusing the sprawling city and its suburbs. Healy states that the risk of successfully hosting the Games has been high-stakes politically, with recent French elections steering the country on a new path. Although the city is tense with anticipation, a cautious sense of optimism prevails.
There’s a buzz today as it’s the final day of the All-Ireland games, promising an unusual winner – either Armagh or Galway, neither team has been crowned champions in the past 20 years. Armagh could clinch a narrow victory according to the columnist Dean Rock, should they manage to avoid distractions that may accompany the finals week. Michael Murphy penned his thoughts on the chaotic ramp up to the final earlier this week, while Seán Moran provides a preview of the game.
Unrelated to the games, there continues to be a stir in the political world following US President Joe Biden’s choice not to stand for re-election. Political commentator Fintan O’Toole, highlighted Biden’s half a century of public service and his ultimate act of stepping aside to give the Democrats a fight for American Republic. The responsibility now lies with the Democrats to seize this opportunity with vigour and determination, something which they failed to do up until now, consequently losing their credibility. However, the time to regain it hasn’t passed.
The focus has now shifted towards Kamala Harris, who will face Donald Trump in the November elections. The prospects of her win are analyzed by Washington Correspondent Keith Duggan who spoke of the wave of optimism that has washed over the Democrats. Features of Harris’s Irish lineage, traced back to her four-times-great-grandfather Hamilton Brown from Co Antrim, born in 1776, captivated many this week. Brown later became a fervent slave owner in Jamaica, then a British Colony. Locals in Ballymoney discussed these links and Brown’s character with Seanín Graham.
On a serious note, the lengthy 17-year imprisonment of Raymond Shorten for sexual assault on two young women inside his taxi has caused ripples within the country. In the courtroom was Miriam Lord who mentioned, “Shorten, a 50-year-old father of seven, did not seem a monster. They seldom do. But he is.” The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, in response to the sentencing, pledged to expedite the revamp of the taxi licensing system.
The past week witnessed an absorbing tale as shared by Conor Gallagher, stating that Irish right-wing activists have been seeking advice and reinforcement regarding their anti-immigration demonstrations from a previous influential member of the Ku Klux Klan, who was also a convicted terrorist. Further inside details about the connection between these radical groups from the US and Ireland are explained in the following Q&A.
At the weekend, Róisín Ingle from Irish Times Magazine got the chance to engage with Aidan Gillen, focusing on his career as an actor and what now holds significance in his life. In the Ticket section, a conversation with Belfast’s Kneecap rappers unfolds as Una Mullally throws light on how their initial controversy-ridden fame has now translated to praise and recognition.
The On the Money newsletter authored this week by Joanne Hunt pondered over the cost-effectiveness of renovating one’s home.
Unravel a trove of interesting articles at irishtimes.com which offer something for everyone – exhaustive reviews of latest films, gourmet suggestions for notable eateries and an assortment of other carefully curated pieces for Irish Times subscribers.
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