Ireland

Ireland, officially known as the Republic of Ireland, is a sovereign country located on the island of Ireland in Northwestern Europe. It shares the island with Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom. Here are some key aspects of Ireland:

  1. Geography: Ireland is known for its lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and rugged coastlines. It is the third-largest island in Europe and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Celtic Sea, and the Irish Sea.
  2. Capital: Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. It is the country’s economic, cultural, and political center.
  3. Government: Ireland is a parliamentary democracy with a President serving as the head of state and a Prime Minister (Taoiseach) serving as the head of government. The Irish Parliament, known as the Oireachtas, consists of the Dáil Éireann (House of Representatives) and the Seanad Éireann (Senate).
  4. History: Ireland has a rich and complex history, including periods of Celtic influence, Viking invasions, and English colonization. It gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1922 and became a republic in 1949. The country has a long history of literature, music, and cultural contributions.
  5. Economy: Ireland has a strong and open economy, known for its tech industry, pharmaceuticals, finance, and agriculture. The country is often referred to as the “Celtic Tiger” due to its rapid economic growth in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
  6. Culture: Ireland has a vibrant cultural scene, with a strong tradition of literature (including famous authors like James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, and Samuel Beckett), music (traditional Irish folk music), dance (Irish step dancing), and visual arts. The Irish language (Gaeilge) is an important part of the country’s culture, alongside English.
  7. Education: Ireland has a well-developed education system, with a strong emphasis on literacy and higher education. The country is home to several prestigious universities and institutions.
  8. Tourism: Ireland is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions. Tourists visit landmarks like the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, Dublin Castle, and various castles and ancient ruins.
  9. Religion: The majority of the population in Ireland is Roman Catholic, but there is also a growing secular and diverse religious landscape in the country.
  10. Sports: Sports are an integral part of Irish culture, with Gaelic football, hurling, rugby, and soccer being among the most popular. Ireland has a strong sporting tradition and has produced many internationally renowned athletes.
  11. Political Neutrality: Ireland follows a policy of military neutrality and is not a member of any military alliances like NATO. It is known for its commitment to international peacekeeping efforts through the United Nations.
  12. Environmental Concerns: Ireland has been increasingly focused on environmental conservation and sustainability. The country is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, and there are efforts to protect and preserve the environment.

Ireland is a country with a rich cultural heritage, a dynamic economy, and a strong sense of national identity. It has a significant role in international diplomacy and is known for its contributions to literature, music, and the arts.

 

Growhouse worker was victim of human trafficking – Connacht Tribune – Galway City Tribune
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Growhouse worker was victim of human trafficking – Connacht Tribune – Galway City Tribune

A victim of human trafficking from Vietnam ended up working in a cannabis growhouse in East Galway, where he was arrested by Gardaí. However, on discovering that the defendant had been brought to the growhouse without even knowing that he was in Ireland, the charges were withdrawn. The defendant, Huy Van Ngo (42) was before…

‘Reach every victim’ and ‘leave no one behind’: Sisters combat human trafficking
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‘Reach every victim’ and ‘leave no one behind’: Sisters combat human trafficking

July 30 is the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The theme for this year is “Reach every victim of trafficking, leave no one behind.” Our sister panelists shared what their congregations are doing to eliminate this grave offense against human dignity by responding to the question: What have you or your congregation…

‘Sound of Freedom’ to Screen in Overseas Movie Theaters: Box Office Update
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‘Sound of Freedom’ to Screen in Overseas Movie Theaters: Box Office Update

Faith-Based Political Thriller “Sound of Freedom” Set for International Release The highly anticipated faith-based political thriller, “Sound of Freedom,” is gearing up for its international release. Angel Studios, known for its independent approach to filmmaking, has announced release dates for 21 markets, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, South Africa, and various countries in Latin…

Dave Hannigan: Ritual abuse in locker room puts American college football beyond the pale
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Dave Hannigan: Ritual abuse in locker room puts American college football beyond the pale

A rookie making a mistake in training or during a game for the Northwestern University Wildcats was punished with “running”. Not actual laps; this was just the code name given to something involving eight or 10 senior players donning Purge masks, pinning the neophyte down in the locker room and then “dry-humping” him as the…

Review into former Vineyard leader alleges ‘patterns’ of ‘spiritual abuse’
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Review into former Vineyard leader alleges ‘patterns’ of ‘spiritual abuse’

Vineyard UK and the leadership of Causeway Coast Vineyard Church (CCV) have apologised after releasing preliminary findings into complaints relating to a former leader. The review was commissioned in February 2023 in response to complaints about pastor Alan Scott and is being carried out by Trusted HR Ltd. Trusted HR said it had “identified themes…

ExplainSpeaking | Global Slavery Index: Where does India rank, and why are its findings contested?
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ExplainSpeaking | Global Slavery Index: Where does India rank, and why are its findings contested?

ExplainSpeaking-Economy is a weekly newsletter by Udit Misra, delivered in your inbox every Monday morning. Click here to subscribe Last week saw the publication of the Global Slavery Index 2023. According to it, on any given day in 2021, as many as 50 million people were living in “modern slavery”. Among these 50 million, 28 million…

True Crime: Documentary 'California's Forgotten Children' Examines Child Trafficking
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True Crime: Documentary 'California's Forgotten Children' Examines Child Trafficking

There are many types of true crime, and many documentaries are released every year covering it. But undoubtedly, documentaries about crimes that involve children are the most disturbing. The new documentary California’s Forgotten Children explores the devastating present-day child sex trafficking that happens daily in an attempt to bring it to an end and rescue…

Ireland to apply to be part of EU measures combating human trafficking – Irish Examiner
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Ireland to apply to be part of EU measures combating human trafficking – Irish Examiner

Justice Minister Simon Harris received Government approval to join an EU directive which will amend the anti-trafficking directive and focus on combating human trafficking while protecting victims. The proposal is designed to “strengthen the ability to combat crimes related to human trafficking and to harmonise human trafficking rules across EU member states”, a Government spokesperson…

Patrick hailed as saint for victims of human trafficking – CathNews
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Patrick hailed as saint for victims of human trafficking – CathNews

Archbishop Eamon Martin (LiamMcArdle.com/ Irish Catholic bishops) St Patrick has been celebrated as a patron for human trafficking victims and migrants in a statement by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Eamon Martin. Source: The Tablet.  Archbishop Martin marked St Patrick’s Day on Friday by reflecting on the saint’s experiences as a…