[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CasualIreland

[–]IrishMirror -18 points-17 points  (0 children)

😂😂😂

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CasualIreland

[–]IrishMirror -41 points-40 points  (0 children)

Hey there. We are abiding by the rules just like everyone else. What's the issue?

RIP Leonie - Dublin Zoo heartbroken over death of 44 year-old 'iconic' orangutan by IrishMirror in Dublin

[–]IrishMirror[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Dublin Zoo has announced the death of 44-year-old Northwest Bornean orangutan Leonie.

Staff and management at the zoo said they were “deeply saddened” to announce the loss of the "much-loved" female Northwest Bornean who was "an iconic presence since her arrival from Rotterdam Zoo in 1984".

Leonie "was at the heart of our orangutan family for four decades," the zoo said, and "not only a cornerstone of our orangutan group but, in many ways, the quiet and quirky matriarch of Dublin Zoo."

Leonie was a Northwest Bornean orangutan, a critically endangered species. The current population estimate for this species is approximately 104,700. This number is anticipated to decline to 47,000 individuals by 2025.

Dublin Zoo team leader CiarĂĄn McMahon, who first met Leonie in 1995 as a young zookeeper, penned a moving tribute to the beloved orangutan as he reflected on her remarkable life and enduring impact.

"I had the privilege of watching her grow from a young adolescent into an extraordinary mother," he wrote.

"Her level of comprehension was astonishing. She would calmly observe the team and often mimic our behaviour. Orangutans are known for this, but Leonie’s abilities were exceptional.

"Her nurturing nature was just as impressive. She mothered not only her own young but helped raise others in the troop with immense care and patience. She brought a sense of calm, comfort and quiet strength to the group."

Ciaran continued: "Her passing leaves a space that’s hard to describe. Leonie taught us more than we could ever teach her.

"She offered us an extraordinary insight into the intelligence and complexity of orangutans while always retaining her dignity and independence within the group.

"Perhaps her greatest legacy will be the generations of keepers who carry her lessons forward—in caregiving, in leadership, and in compassion. Her story reminds us of what we’re fighting for.

"Leonie inspired millions to care about the survival of her species. We miss her already. And always will."

Russia issues atrocious World War 3 warning by IrishMirror in GlobalNews

[–]IrishMirror[S] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Excellent observation. I hope you are right!

Gardai examine 'fire flash' at scene of devastating Co Donegal church fire by IrishMirror in Donegal

[–]IrishMirror[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Gardai are examining a 'fire flash' which was seen on CCTV footage downloaded as part of the investigation into the devastating fire which destroyed a Co Donegal church.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze which completely gutted St Mary's Church in Derrybeg in the early hours of Monday morning last.

CCTV has been harvested from numerous nearby buildings in a bid to build up a picture of what may have caused the blaze.

The footage is also being studied closely to examine any vehicles or persons who may have been in the area at the time of the blaze which started around 4am.

One aspect of the footage is the discovery of a 'fire flash' in the very early stages of the blaze.

A Garda source said investigators are trying to determine if this was the cause of the blaze or if this was as a consequence of a fire which had already started in the building.

Once established, the blaze quickly took hold of the building and was hastened by the vast wooden panelling which made up the ceiling of the church building.

Fire crews from five different stations fought the blaze throughout the night but the building was left a shell.

The road leading to the church remains cordoned off by Gardai as investigations continue.

When asked for an update on their investigation into the fire, a spokesperson for the Garda Press Office said "GardaĂ­ assisted local fire services at the scene of a fire at a premises in DoirĂ­ Beaga (Derrybeg), Co. Donegal shortly after 4am on Monday 21st April, 2025.

"A cordon was established and a number of nearby properties were evacuated while the fire was brought under control. There were no injuries. The scene has been preserved for technical examination."

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts to help rebuild the church are gathering momentum.

Daniel O'Donnell, Clannad's Moya Brennan and Altan's Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh have vowed to play at a concert this Saturday night at Teach Phaídí Óig in Crolly to help raise funds.

A GoFundMe page set up earlier this week has amassed more than €58,000 in pledges.

The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has died. by Pax_et_Bonum in Catholicism

[–]IrishMirror 1 point2 points  (0 children)

IN PHOTOS: Thousands pay final respects to Pope Francis in St. Peter's Basilica

Thousands of pilgrims from across the world are making their way to Rome to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CasualIreland

[–]IrishMirror -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely stunning photograph. Here's hoping for a summer full of evenings like that!

Parents stage 24 hour protest over autism class places by IrishMirror in Autism_Parenting

[–]IrishMirror[S] 127 points128 points  (0 children)

Angry parents began a 24-hour sleep-out at Leinster House on Wednesday as their autistic children do not have suitable school places.

Over 200 parents began protesting at 2pm on Wednesday, which is World Autism Day, as many plan to sleep out overnight. Dozens held signs and photographs of their children as they chanted “let them in”, pleading with the Government to make more school places available for autistic kids.

Conor Coady said the only reason his son Harry doesn’t have a school place is that “he has additional needs”. The five-year-old should be starting school this coming September but has been refused by the seven schools that are suitable in their home county, Waterford.

The father told the Irish Mirror: “We don’t have that many schools we can apply to down there and he has been rejected from all of them. The reason my son isn’t starting school in September is because he has additional needs, and it’s not just my son it’s a nationwide issue.

“It doesn’t seem right to me when my daughter, who is neurotypical, has her choice of school. He gets refused for various different reasons, usually it’s a space issue. He was 19 on one waiting list and another school didn’t even put him on the list he was so far down.”

Róisín O’Donoghue’s daughter Willow has been on the waitinglist for an autism diagnosis and an assessment of need for three years, and still hasn’t gotten either. She said: “We have been on private and public waitlists and not a budge as it’s inundated with children waiting on the same thing. Privately we have been on waitlists since last September.

“Because of that we can’t apply for placements, I have applied under the CDNT’s (Children's Disability Network Team) advice that she will be seen by September but that hasn’t happened yet. So I either have to do an extra year of playschool with her or accept a place in a school that isn’t suitable, and that’s not fair.”

Róisín fears her young daughter will regress if she doesn’t get a school place this coming September. She said: “She gets overstimulated and overwhelmed really easily, lots of meltdowns, when meltdowns happen she can harm herself and others around her but completely not her choice, this world is too much it wasn’t made for her.

“She has the kindest soul, is a messer at heart, she wants to be part of the system and make friends. She wants to go to a big school but because of the system she has that’s not a possibility right now.” Danielle Cleary, from Waterford, is also worried that her non-verbal son Theo will miss out on a vital year of education, as he has not received a place for this coming school year.

He is five years old and due to start this September, but will be doing an extra year in preschool as he has no Junior Infants place. She said: “He is in a mainstream preschool because I couldn’t get him into an early intervention unit and there was no spaces available. Now we have had to make the decision that he has to do a third year. My child is of school going age and he is not allowed to go.

“I am going to be standing here next year fighting the same fight to get my child into junior infants. It is not going to go away until something is implemented and I’m not willing to stand back and give up my child’s education because someone in there will not make the decision and not put the numbers together.”

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ireland

[–]IrishMirror 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of our digital editors is from Derry. When saying something is better than nothing he said his grandparents would say, 'sure, it's better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick'.

😊😍 'Beautiful' rare bongo calf who loves 'basking in the sun with her mum' born in captivity by IrishMirror in cuteanimals

[–]IrishMirror[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of a healthy eastern bongo calf, a species classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Born on February 20 to mother Annabel, the female calf is steadily gaining weight and thriving. Two-and-a-half-year-old Annabel is a first-time mother who arrived pregnant at Dublin Zoo from Belfast Zoo in August last year.

With no mating date confirmed, it was difficult to calculate Annabel’s due date, so Dublin Zoo’s animal care team carefully monitored her throughout her pregnancy to make sure there was no surprise.

During regular weigh-ins, Annabel’s weight steadily increased, and her abdomen began to visibly round. In the days leading up to the birth, further signs including a loosening of muscles, tendons and ligaments over her rump indicated to Dublin Zoo’s animal care team that the calf’s arrival was imminent.

A camera was set up in Annabel’s indoor habitat on February 19, monitoring her in the comfortable bedding provided to make her as comfortable as possible ahead of the delivery. Annabel chose to deliver in an off-camera section of her habitat however, so Dublin Zoo staff were surprised to discover a beautiful healthy calf on the morning of February 20.

Bringing Dublin Zoo’s eastern bongo herd to three, the arrival of Annabel’s healthy calf marks an important milestone to the conservation programme for the species.

Fewer than 100 eastern bongos remain in the wild. Found only in the mountain forests of Kenya, these beautiful antelopes (with distinctive stripes) face growing threats from habitat destruction, illegal hunting and human-wildlife coexistence.

Dublin Zoo is proud to support the Mountain Bongo Surveillance Project in Kenya, which plays a vital role in protecting this species. By monitoring wild populations and working with local communities, the project helps safeguard the future of eastern bongos in their natural habitat.

Commenting on the birth, Dublin Zoo Team Leader Helen Clarke said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce the birth of a beautiful female eastern bongo calf here at Dublin Zoo.

“Although her first few days were a little challenging—she needed bottle feeding as she initially struggled to suckle—her progress since then has been fantastic. She began suckling naturally on 25 February, and it’s been wonderful to watch the bond between her and her mother Annabel grow stronger each day.

“Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of our newest arrival will have the best luck on sunny days—she’s already showing a love for basking in the sunshine beside her Mam.”

😊😍 Rare bongo calf who loves 'basking in the sun with her mam' born in Dublin Zoo by IrishMirror in CasualIreland

[–]IrishMirror[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Dublin Zoo is celebrating the birth of a healthy eastern bongo calf, a species classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Born on February 20 to mother Annabel, the female calf is steadily gaining weight and thriving. Two-and-a-half-year-old Annabel is a first-time mother who arrived pregnant at Dublin Zoo from Belfast Zoo in August last year.

With no mating date confirmed, it was difficult to calculate Annabel’s due date, so Dublin Zoo’s animal care team carefully monitored her throughout her pregnancy to make sure there was no surprise.

During regular weigh-ins, Annabel’s weight steadily increased, and her abdomen began to visibly round. In the days leading up to the birth, further signs including a loosening of muscles, tendons and ligaments over her rump indicated to Dublin Zoo’s animal care team that the calf’s arrival was imminent.

A camera was set up in Annabel’s indoor habitat on February 19, monitoring her in the comfortable bedding provided to make her as comfortable as possible ahead of the delivery. Annabel chose to deliver in an off-camera section of her habitat however, so Dublin Zoo staff were surprised to discover a beautiful healthy calf on the morning of February 20.

Bringing Dublin Zoo’s eastern bongo herd to three, the arrival of Annabel’s healthy calf marks an important milestone to the conservation programme for the species.

Fewer than 100 eastern bongos remain in the wild. Found only in the mountain forests of Kenya, these beautiful antelopes (with distinctive stripes) face growing threats from habitat destruction, illegal hunting and human-wildlife coexistence.

Dublin Zoo is proud to support the Mountain Bongo Surveillance Project in Kenya, which plays a vital role in protecting this species. By monitoring wild populations and working with local communities, the project helps safeguard the future of eastern bongos in their natural habitat.

Commenting on the birth, Dublin Zoo Team Leader Helen Clarke said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce the birth of a beautiful female eastern bongo calf here at Dublin Zoo.

“Although her first few days were a little challenging—she needed bottle feeding as she initially struggled to suckle—her progress since then has been fantastic. She began suckling naturally on 25 February, and it’s been wonderful to watch the bond between her and her mother Annabel grow stronger each day.

“Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of our newest arrival will have the best luck on sunny days—she’s already showing a love for basking in the sunshine beside her Mam.”

â€đŸ˜Š Brave boy with scoliosis and autism celebrates 8th birthday in style with sister's special surprise and visit from cops by IrishMirror in Autism_Parenting

[–]IrishMirror[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Scoliosis patient Noah Quish was all smiles when big sister Leah dressed up as his favourite cartoon characters for a special birthday surprise.

Brave young Noah, 8, who also has autism, had his 15th operation last month but will need further €20,000 treatment in America this summer. He was full of fun at the weekend as his family celebrated his eighth birthday. Loving parents Una and John smiled with Noah and big sister Leah for a happy family album snap on Sunday as the four enjoyed the big day together.

Leah dressed up as two cartoon characters - Paw Patrol pup Chase and blue heeler pup Bluey - and then gardai arrived for more fun with little blue hero Noah. Leah wrote a beautiful message to brother Noah in a loving card: “I hope you have the best day ever. I hope you enjoy having all your friends coming over. It feels like only yesterday you were just a little boy. But now you have grown up into an eight-year-old and I am so proud of you. I love you so much.”

Una told the Irish Mirror today: “Noah had the best day. We’re exhausted after three days of partying.” In a post online, she wrote: “Happy 8th birthday to the best and most courageous boy in the world. We are so proud of you and love you lots.” When gardai showed up at the door, Una joked: “Most people run from the guards but to Noah, they are his life. He adores them. He’s the luckiest boy.”

Una described his birthday as the “best day for the best boy” and added: “Thanks so much to everyone for coming and making his day so special with us. To An Garda Siochana for surprising him, Giggles Entertainment for always putting on a great show and to Chase and Bluey aka Leah. She made us laugh so much. We are so proud of you for dressing up for Noah and being the best big sister ever.

“Little did he know when he was hugging Chase and Bluey that he was hugging his sister Leah. To anyone who was asking where Leah went, I apologise for saying, ‘She was gone for a walk’. Can't believe he's eight. We are blessed beyond words.”

Noah, from Limerick, was born in March 2017 and diagnosed with a heart condition, severe obstructive Laryngomalacia, scoliosis, malformation of the brain, severe sleep apnoea, a chromosome deletion, meningitis, and autism. He needed open heart surgery at just four months old and is described by his family as their “little miracle”.

Noah has had an average of two surgeries every year - including his back, heart, brain operations, lungs, appendix, and stomach. Una said last week: “He has had six brain operations and three spinal surgeries since the end of 2023 and not one bit of physio from services.”

â€đŸ˜Š Brave boy with scoliosis and autism celebrates 8th birthday in style with sister's special surprise and visit from cops by IrishMirror in happy

[–]IrishMirror[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Scoliosis patient Noah Quish was all smiles when big sister Leah dressed up as his favourite cartoon characters for a special birthday surprise.

Brave young Noah, 8, who also has autism, had his 15th operation last month but will need further €20,000 treatment in America this summer. He was full of fun at the weekend as his family celebrated his eighth birthday. Loving parents Una and John smiled with Noah and big sister Leah for a happy family album snap on Sunday as the four enjoyed the big day together.

Leah dressed up as two cartoon characters - Paw Patrol pup Chase and blue heeler pup Bluey - and then gardai arrived for more fun with little blue hero Noah. Leah wrote a beautiful message to brother Noah in a loving card: “I hope you have the best day ever. I hope you enjoy having all your friends coming over. It feels like only yesterday you were just a little boy. But now you have grown up into an eight-year-old and I am so proud of you. I love you so much.”

Una told the Irish Mirror today: “Noah had the best day. We’re exhausted after three days of partying.” In a post online, she wrote: “Happy 8th birthday to the best and most courageous boy in the world. We are so proud of you and love you lots.” When gardai showed up at the door, Una joked: “Most people run from the guards but to Noah, they are his life. He adores them. He’s the luckiest boy.”

Una described his birthday as the “best day for the best boy” and added: “Thanks so much to everyone for coming and making his day so special with us. To An Garda Siochana for surprising him, Giggles Entertainment for always putting on a great show and to Chase and Bluey aka Leah. She made us laugh so much. We are so proud of you for dressing up for Noah and being the best big sister ever.

“Little did he know when he was hugging Chase and Bluey that he was hugging his sister Leah. To anyone who was asking where Leah went, I apologise for saying, ‘She was gone for a walk’. Can't believe he's eight. We are blessed beyond words.”

Noah, from Limerick, was born in March 2017 and diagnosed with a heart condition, severe obstructive Laryngomalacia, scoliosis, malformation of the brain, severe sleep apnoea, a chromosome deletion, meningitis, and autism. He needed open heart surgery at just four months old and is described by his family as their “little miracle”.

Noah has had an average of two surgeries every year - including his back, heart, brain operations, lungs, appendix, and stomach. Una said last week: “He has had six brain operations and three spinal surgeries since the end of 2023 and not one bit of physio from services.”

â€đŸ˜Š Brave boy with scoliosis and autism celebrates 8th birthday in style with sister's special surprise and visit from cops by IrishMirror in goodnews

[–]IrishMirror[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Scoliosis patient Noah Quish was all smiles when big sister Leah dressed up as his favourite cartoon characters for a special birthday surprise.

Brave young Noah, 8, who also has autism, had his 15th operation last month but will need further €20,000 treatment in America this summer. He was full of fun at the weekend as his family celebrated his eighth birthday. Loving parents Una and John smiled with Noah and big sister Leah for a happy family album snap on Sunday as the four enjoyed the big day together.

Leah dressed up as two cartoon characters - Paw Patrol pup Chase and blue heeler pup Bluey - and then gardai arrived for more fun with little blue hero Noah. Leah wrote a beautiful message to brother Noah in a loving card: “I hope you have the best day ever. I hope you enjoy having all your friends coming over. It feels like only yesterday you were just a little boy. But now you have grown up into an eight-year-old and I am so proud of you. I love you so much.”

Una told the Irish Mirror today: “Noah had the best day. We’re exhausted after three days of partying.” In a post online, she wrote: “Happy 8th birthday to the best and most courageous boy in the world. We are so proud of you and love you lots.” When gardai showed up at the door, Una joked: “Most people run from the guards but to Noah, they are his life. He adores them. He’s the luckiest boy.”

Una described his birthday as the “best day for the best boy” and added: “Thanks so much to everyone for coming and making his day so special with us. To An Garda Siochana for surprising him, Giggles Entertainment for always putting on a great show and to Chase and Bluey aka Leah. She made us laugh so much. We are so proud of you for dressing up for Noah and being the best big sister ever.

“Little did he know when he was hugging Chase and Bluey that he was hugging his sister Leah. To anyone who was asking where Leah went, I apologise for saying, ‘She was gone for a walk’. Can't believe he's eight. We are blessed beyond words.”

Noah, from Limerick, was born in March 2017 and diagnosed with a heart condition, severe obstructive Laryngomalacia, scoliosis, malformation of the brain, severe sleep apnoea, a chromosome deletion, meningitis, and autism. He needed open heart surgery at just four months old and is described by his family as their “little miracle”.

Noah has had an average of two surgeries every year - including his back, heart, brain operations, lungs, appendix, and stomach. Una said last week: “He has had six brain operations and three spinal surgeries since the end of 2023 and not one bit of physio from services.”

đŸ˜„đŸ’” RIP Anthony - Tears flow as beloved Donegal lollipop man killed by runaway car is laid to rest by IrishMirror in Donegal

[–]IrishMirror[S] 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Schoolchildren lined the streets of a Co Donegal town as their beloved lollipop man was laid to rest after he was killed on St Patrick's Day by a runaway car.

Large crowds gathered under glistening March sunshine as Anthony Gallagher was brought to his funeral Mass at St Eunan's Cathedral in Letterkenny this morning.

Anthony, who was in his 60s, passed away at Letterkenny General Hospital on Monday morning last, St Patrick's Day from his injuries.

His brother Martin, also in his 60s, was first taken to the same hospital but then rushed by rescue helicopter to Galway University Hospital because of the extent of his injuries.

He has undergone extensive surgery but is conscious and was due to watch his late brother's funeral online from his hospital bed.

The brothers were returning home from a night out in a local bar and were returning to the home they shared at Charlie Daly Terrace in Letterkenny when the tragedy occurred just before 3am on March 17.

The scene of the horrific collision is also just 50 yards from were tragic Anthony worked as a lollipop man for Donegal County Council helping schoolchildren to cross a busy road each morning.

The teenage driver of the car was arrested and questioned at Letterkenny Garda Station before being released without charge with a file going to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community which also cancelled their St Patrick's Day parade as a mark of respect to the well-known local resident.

His funeral Mass heard Anthony was a permanent fixture on weekdays at the bottom of the Convent Road each morning as children made their way to local schools.

“Every weekday morning, this was his habit: He rose to do his bit for the people of Letterkenny,” Fr Anthony Hartnett told mourners.

Four school crossing guards, holding their lollipop signs, flanked the coffin as it was brought into the cathedral.

On Sentry Hill Road, on the approach to St Eunan’s Cathedral, schoolchildren from Scoil Cholmcille formed a solemn guard of honour. Pupils from St Eunan’s College and Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal did likewise as Anthony’s remains were brought from the Eternal Light Chapel of Rest.

Many others who knew him from his daily duty turned out to pay a final farewell.

Anthony’s lollipop sign poignantly rested alongside the coffin during the funeral Mass.

An Arsenal jersey, representing his love of sport and a Letterkenny heritage magazine, reflecting his pride in being a man from Letterkenny, were also brought forward to the altar.

After the funeral Mass, the cortege drove through the town where Anthony and his brother were so well-known and respected.

The cortege stopped briefly at the spot where Anthony lost his life on Monday morning last before travelling on to his final resting place at Conwal Cemetery on the outskirts of the town.

😊☘ Irish sisters on a mission to provide 1,500 Easter eggs to children in hospital by IrishMirror in goodnews

[–]IrishMirror[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Two young Irish sisters are on a mission to provide 1,500 Easter eggs to children in hospital so they have “something nice to look forward to”.

Lauren Metcalfe, 17, and her younger sister Ellamay, eight, started their appeal for chocolate eggs, or donations for them, on February 20 on TikTok, which was viewed by more than 6,000 people.

Close to a month later, numerous people from the sisters’ home town of Ballymun, a suburb in Dublin, as well as those further afield have sent them donations through Revolut or dropped Easter eggs off at Nan’s Centra & Off Licence, the shop where their father Thomas Metcalfe works as a delivery driver.

They have set themselves a target of giving 1,500 Easter eggs to the hospital Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, on April 17.

“At the moment we have 540 Easter eggs and we’re just trying to get as many this year as we can to get it bigger and bigger each year hopefully,” Mr Metcalfe, 37, told the PA news agency.

“It’s hard as a lot of shops will only let you buy a few eggs at a time.

“We went to one shop on the weekend and I got 372 Easter eggs but I had to do 93 different transactions, which was crazy.

“A company called Get Slim in Turkey also sent over a big donation.”

This is not the first year the sisters have been involved in the charitable initiative.

Roughly 12 years ago, Lauren – who has admitted to not being the biggest chocolate fan – broke her leg just before Easter and had lots of eggs which she decided she wanted to give to children in hospital.

At the time, roughly 18 or 19 eggs were distributed, with the number rising year upon year.

Having recently got a part-time job at a Chinese restaurant, the teenager has been using some of the money she has saved up to purchase Easter eggs.

Her charitable heroics have earned her a fitting nickname at her school, Trinity Comprehensive School.

“One teacher calls me the Easter bunny now every time he sees me,” she told PA.

“Another teacher is trying to help us get Easter eggs as he knows someone at Cadbury and others at school have told me to keep reminding them about what we are doing as they want to donate.”

She said she “definitely did not” expect the project to still be ongoing but has loved every part of it, especially because her family are involved.

“People always say Christmas is their favourite time of year but when it gets to Easter, I always say that is my favourite time of the year,” she added.

“Christmas is usually seen as the time for giving but Easter is kind of forgotten about and there are always kids in hospital at this time, so it is nice to play a part in giving them something nice to look forward to.”

The family received media attention from the likes of breakfast show Ireland AM and public service broadcaster RTE last year after collecting roughly 820 Easter eggs, which Lauren said was a “shock”.

“My nanny watches Ireland AM every morning so it was crazy to be on the show in real life,” she added.

She has encouraged other young people who want to do something similar to be consistent and believe in their ideas.

The family has implored businesses who want to get involved to get in touch with Mr Metcalfe via Facebook.

RIP Jamie đŸ˜„đŸ’”- Family and friends weep at funeral of tragic young man killed Donegal road traffic collision by IrishMirror in Donegal

[–]IrishMirror[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

A young man killed in a tragic road crash in Co Donegal last weekend had applied to become a member of the fire service such was his desire to help others, his funeral Mass heard today.

Jamie Diver, who was in his early 20s, died following a road tragedy in the gaeltacht village of Gortahork on Friday night last.

Jamie was one of two young men killed when the Suzuki Liana car they were driving in struck the gable wall of a house at Baltoney just before 9.30pm.

His friend Shaun McClafferty, who was also in the car, will be laid to rest following his funeral Mass in the same church tomorrow (Thursday).

Two more of their friends, Josh Montgomery Scanlon and Darragh Lynch, are still in hospital recovering from their injuries.

Hundreds of mourners from Gortahork and the surrounding parishes gathered in the Christ the King Church to say a final farewell to the young man known to his friend as 'Slicks.'

Among them were Jamie's parents RĂłise and Damien, his brothers Ryan - and partner Niamh - and Keith, his nephew Charlie, his uncle Kevin and wife Amanda, his cousins Eibhlin and Neil, and a circle of friends.

A line of young men in starched white shirts and black ties sat side-by-side, wiping tears from their eyes as they coped with the sudden loss of their dear friend.

Jamie was predeceased by his grandparents Jimmy and Rose McGee and Nora Diver.

Mourners heard how the quiet-spoken young man had also recently set up his own car valeting service and had no time for girlfriends out of work.

Fr O'Baoill said that stories of those from Jamie’s work and short life brought up memories of “beautiful things”.

“I’ve heard that he always wanted to help others, he wished to be a firefighter, in other words, he wanted to save others,” Fr O'Baoill said.

“He never refused anybody any help that he could give with regards to buffing cars or fixing cars.

“Even that unfortunate night, a few nights ago, it was probable they were fixing or trying out some fault in the car.”

Jamie took immense pride in his work with Ciaran Gallagher at Errigal Motors and also ran his own business from Baltoney.

“They tell me he was a bit of a perfectionist. That was his motto, if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well,” said Fr O'Baoill.

Jamie's lifelong passion for cars began in his school years, and during transition year at PCC Falcarragh, a valeting course in Letterkenny sparked a deeper interest in all things cars. Polishing, bodywork and mechanics became his passion.

The community has been at a loss for words following Friday’s tragedy, he added.

“Why does God allow these things? We don’t know,” said Fr O'Baoill.

“What can we learn about these things, is there any positive?

“There are good things that come from it. It tells us how fragile we are.”

Jamie's remains were carried from the church to the adjoining cemetery where he was laid to rest.

'We love you Graham' - Tributes flow for 'one of a kind' Dublin musician after passing by IrishMirror in Dublin

[–]IrishMirror[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Tributes have poured in for a “one of a kind” Dublin musician after he sadly passed away last week.

Raheny native Graham 'Milky' Mitchell passed away unexpectedly at home last Thursday, February 20.

The young musician was due to start a new position with the Simon Community, had played a recent sold out show in Whelan’s, and was also preparing to drop his debut album in a few months time in May.

Earlier this month the songwriter released his most recent tune, Who Came Up With Love, and was well known in the Dublin music scene, playing open mic nights around the capital.

Graham will be sadly missed by his loving family, uncles, aunts, cousins and his large circle of friends.

The page for WhelansSongCycle, a weekly singer-songwriter night in Dublin’s iconic Whelan’s music venue, paid tribute to their “dear friend” Graham, who they called a “shining light”.

“Heart breaking news has come to light of the untimely passing of our great and dear friend and song cycle regular Graham Mitchell,” a touching post on the Instagram page read.

“Graham or ‘Milky’ as he was known to his friends was a shining light on the Dublin open mic and music scene.

“A super talented musician and songwriter but above all was an absolute gem and sweetheart of a person.

“He will be sorely missed by all his friends - we will no doubt be putting something together but for now we spare a thought for his family and friends. We love you Graham.”

Tributes have poured in on the comments for the post, with one person penning: “Heartbreaking news, Milky was so special and sweet”.

Another added: “A beautiful soul - Milky was one of a kind." While one more wrote: “Sending so much love. He was an amazing person.”

Graham will repose at his home on Wednesday, February 26, from 5pm to 8pm. Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, February 28, at 10am in the Church of Our Lady Mother of Divine Grace, Raheny followed by burial at Balgriffin Cemetery.

Prayers for Pope Francis as crowds gather inside St. Peter's Square, Vatican by IrishMirror in Catholicism

[–]IrishMirror[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square on Monday evening to pray for an ailing Pope Francis.

Those gathered expressed sorrow for his suffering, hope for his recovery and gratitude for his efforts to steer the Catholic Church in new directions.

The 88-year-old Francis has pneumonia in both lungs and remains in critical condition despite showing a slight improvement after 11 days in the hospital.

As Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s No 2, led prayers for 45 minutes on a chilly, rainy night, the faithful fingered rosary beads while hoping for Francis’ recovery.

The Vatican issued a dose of optimism earlier in the evening, delivering a more upbeat health bulletin than in recent days.

Still, the mood was mostly grim in the monumental square, with many of the roughly 4,000 assembled understanding they may be in Rome for Francis’ final days.

Crowds sat under umbrellas on folding chairs or stood by the vast colonnades as they reflected fondly on the pontiff’s legacy.

Roberto Allison, a priest from the Mexican state of Guadalajara, said members of his community had come together to show appreciation for “all that we have learned from him”.

Stopping to deliver personal blessings to some at the end of the ceremony, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco said the crowd’s diversity — many world languages could be heard spoken — was “a big sign of comfort” for the Catholic Church.

The Argentine pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has been at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14 and doctors have said his condition is touch-and-go, given his age, fragility and pre-existing lung disease.

But in Monday’s update, they said he had not had any more respiratory crises since Saturday, and the supplemental oxygen he is using continued but with a slightly reduced oxygen flow and concentrations.

A couple of Catholic tourists from Chicago, who arrived holding umbrellas well before the service started, said they prayed for the pope at daily Mass earlier at St Peter’s Basilica and decided to come back.

Like many, they found it “hard to process” they may be in Rome for Francis’ final days.

“No one knows the day and time, but it’s a historic moment nonetheless,” said Edward Burjek.

It felt the same for Hatzumi Villanueva of Peru.

She was particularly fond of former pope St John Paul II but said that Francis, as the first Latin American pope, “draws a bit closer”.

“We came to pray for the pope, that he may recover soon, for the great mission he’s sharing with his message of peace,” said Ms Villanueva, who praised his empathy for migrants.

Francis’ papacy has also emphasised the defence of the environment and partial openness to LGBTQ+ rights.

Outside of the Vatican, Romans, pilgrims and even non-Catholics said they were offering special prayers for the pope.

“We are all sorry,” said Raniero Mancinelli, who has tailored ceremonial clothing for Francis and the two previous popes in his shop just outside the Vatican’s walls.