History does not repeat itself exactly, but it often rhymes in the ways hatred is excused, renamed, or redirected.
In the autumn of 1941, a ravine on the edge of Kyiv became one of the most devastating killing sites of the Holocaust. German forces had occupied the city on September 19th, and within days the Nazi campaign of persecution turned into mass murder. Notices appeared ordering Kyiv’s Jews to report with documents, clothing, money, and valuables. Many believed they were being deported or resettled. Instead, they were being led to Babi Yar.
On September 29th and 30th, Jewish families moved through the city in long, fearful columns. Parents carried children. Elderly people walked beside relatives. Others brought small bundles containing whatever remained of their lives. At the ravine, they were stripped of their possessions and clothing, forced toward the edge in groups, and shot. In only two days, 33,771 Jewish men, women, and children were murdered there, making Babi Yar one of the largest single massacres of the Holocaust.
Section of bodies photographed at the mass grave in Babi Yar, Ukraine, by Soviet researchers, three years later in 1944.
The killing did not end with those two days. During the Nazi occupation, Babi Yar continued to be used as an execution site. Jews who had survived or hidden were later brought there and killed. Soviet prisoners of war, Roma people, resistance members, civilians, and others targeted by the occupiers were also murdered in or near the ravine. What had once been a natural landmark became a mass grave and a symbol of the “Holocaust by bullets,” the campaign of open-air shootings carried out across Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe.
After the war, Babi Yar’s memory was itself subjected to silence. Under Soviet rule, public commemoration often avoided naming the Jewish victims specifically, presenting the dead mainly as Soviet citizens. For survivors, relatives, and historians, this omission deepened the wound. The ravine held not only the bodies of the murdered but also a history that official memory struggled to acknowledge.
Soviet POWs being used by Germany to cover the mass grave after the massacre, on October 1st 1941. Pic: Johannes Hähle.
Today, Babi Yar stands as a place of mourning and warning. Its story reveals how quickly ordinary streets can become routes to destruction when hatred is organised by the state and human beings are reduced to targets. Behind the number 33,771 were families, neighbours, children, workers, students, grandparents, and entire communities whose lives were ended together at the edge of a ravine. To remember Babi Yar is to restore their humanity against the machinery that tried to erase them.
That silence also speaks to the present. History does not repeat itself exactly, but it often rhymes in the ways hatred is excused, renamed, or redirected. Anti-Semitism rarely begins with violence at the edge of a ravine. It begins with language that turns Jews into a collective blame, with suspicion cast over Jewish identity, with the idea that Jewish fear is exaggerated, or that hostility toward Jews can be justified by events elsewhere. In Ireland today, where public feeling about Israel and Gaza is often intense, there must still be a clear moral line; criticism of any government is legitimate, but blaming Irish Jews for the actions of the Israeli state, intimidating Jewish people, distorting Holocaust memory, or treating Jewish belonging as conditional is antisemitism.
To remember Babi Yar is therefore not only to look back at 1941, but to ask what kind of society we are becoming now. The lesson is not that today is the same as then; it is that dehumanisation must be challenged long before it becomes catastrophe. A country can defend Palestinian lives and rights while also defending Jewish safety, dignity, memory, and belonging.
The measure of moral seriousness is whether we can hold both truths at once, refusing to let grief for one people become hatred of another.
Tipperary filmmaker Anne Williamson has won international recognition in Los Angeles for her short film Bridget, a powerful drama based on the life and death of Bridget Cleary, who was murdered in Co Tipperary in 1895.
Ms Williamson, from Mullinahone, Co Tipperary, directed and co-wrote the film, which revisits one of Ireland’s most haunting historical stories. Bridget tells of the murder of 26-year-old Bridget Cleary, who was killed by her husband, Michael Cleary, after he claimed she had been taken by fairies and replaced by a changeling.
The film was co-written by Williamson and Brian Clancy from Clooneen and was filmed by cinematographer Louis Buggy of Diceman Films. It combines a modern-day introduction, filmed in colour, with a striking black-and-white historical retelling of the events surrounding Bridget’s death.
Speaking at a recent screening of the film at the Abymill Theatre in Fethard, Co. Tipperary, Ms Williamson said the story had stayed with her since childhood. “It was always a story that fascinated me from listening to stories my grandfather told me when I was a child,” she said. “It was always a tale that tore at my heart strings — the fact that Bridget was burned and buried in the middle of the night with no mourners. It always got to me that she was wronged.”
Ms Williamson travelled to Los Angeles with cast members Vicky Maher, who plays Bridget Cleary; John Peter Morris, who plays Michael Cleary; and Deirdre De Búrca, who plays a local gossip. All three were present at the Regal Theatre in Los Angeles when Williamson collected her award.
The production features performances from members of the Fionn MacCumhaill Players from south Tipperary. The cast also includes young actor Cathal Fahey as Danny, Mark Fitzgerald as his father, and Eugene O’Meara as his grandfather, who introduces the story.
The drama includes an original ballad, ‘The Maid of Old Clooneen’, written and performed by Dublin folk singer Chris Kavanagh.
Local support for the film has been strong, with cast and crew members receiving messages of congratulations from across Ireland and abroad following Ms Williamson’s success in Los Angeles.
Fethard undertaker and publican Mr Jasper Murphy, who plays a priest in the film, said the award had brought great pride to everyone involved.
Bridget shines a new light on the Bridget Cleary story, seeking to restore dignity to a young woman whose death shocked Ireland and became known around the world. Through the dedication of local writers, actors, musicians and film makers, the film brings this tragic chapter of Tipperary history to a new international audience.
There was once an old wedding tradition that believed it was good luck for a bride and groom to meet a chimney sweep on their wedding day. The story is often linked to a royal legend: a chimney sweep is said to have helped save a king from runaway horses, after which sweeps became known as bringers of good fortune. Whether the tale is fact or folklore, the symbolism is easy to understand. The sweep was connected with the hearth, the fire, and the warmth of the home; all powerful images for a newly married couple beginning life together.
Today, this tradition has become a charming wedding extra. A chimney sweep may appear outside the church, registry office, or wedding venue to greet the couple, shake hands with the groom, kiss the bride on the cheek, pose for photographs, and offer a few words of good luck. It is unusual, memorable, and full of character, exactly the kind of detail many couples now look for when planning a wedding. Wedding venues and professional photographers could also adopt the idea as an added service for couples looking for something traditional, quirky, and memorable.
“Wishing you a lifetime of love, luck, and happiness.”
A venue might offer a “lucky chimney sweep” as part of a heritage or vintage wedding package, while photographers could suggest it as a characterful photo opportunity after the ceremony. Some couples may worry about soot marking the bride’s white dress, but this can be easily avoided. The sweep can arrive in clean ceremonial clothing, use a display brush rather than a working one, avoid close contact with the dress, and pose carefully at the bride’s side. With a little planning, the charm of the tradition can be kept without any risk to the gown.
For modern chimney sweeps, this old custom could also offer a useful additional income stream. The trade is changing. With cleaner heating policies, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and the gradual move toward low-carbon homes, traditional chimney work is not the same as it once was. Gas, oil, coal, wood, and smokeless-fuel use are all under closer environmental scrutiny, and many households are moving toward heat pumps, better insulation, and electric heating. At the same time, sweeps remain important for homes with working fireplaces, wood burners, and multifuel stoves, where regular sweeping is still essential for safety.
That creates a challenge but also an opportunity. A wedding appearance does not replace the practical work of chimney sweeping, but it can sit alongside it. It makes use of the sweep’s traditional clothing, local reputation, storytelling, and historic image. It can be offered as a weekend or seasonal service, especially during the spring and summer wedding months, when demand for chimney maintenance may be lower.
A Chimney Sweep could offer packages such as: ► A lucky sweep appearance after the ceremony. ► Photographs with the bride and groom. ► A short traditional blessing or good-luck greeting. ► A certificate or keepsake for the couple. ► Optional attendance at the reception for photos with guests.
The idea works especially well for historic venues, country weddings, church weddings, vintage-themed ceremonies, and couples who want something different from the usual wedding entertainment. It also gives younger generations a chance to see a trade that was once central to everyday life but is now becoming less visible. In that sense, the wedding chimney sweep is more than a novelty. It is a way of keeping an old craft in public view, preserving folklore, and helping working sweeps adapt as heating habits change.
For chimney sweeps looking to diversify, the message is simple: the soot may be less common, but the story still has value. A clean chimney keeps a home safe; a lucky sweep at a wedding brings a smile, a photograph, and a tradition that couples will remember for years.
“Come on, lads — let’s bring a little imagination to wedding events.”
River Suir in Thurles; Fine words are not enough, while the river Suir remains in a state of further decline.
Looking skyward from Barry’s Bridge in Thurles, my eyes are drawn to the golden Laburnum I planted there in 1989, now grown into the full grace of maturity. Along the eastern bank of the River Suir, the Hawthorn too is in bloom, softening the riverside walkway with its delicate spring beauty. Yet, for all this natural splendour, the exposed bed of the Suir successfully dims the scene, drawing the eye away from the quiet enchantment of tree, blossom, bridge, and river.
Reading a local newspaper report recently, one wonders, has Cllr Mrs Kay Cahill Skehan actually walked along the River Suir in Thurles recently and has she observed the current condition it is in?
The video shown below is only a small example of what people in Thurles are expected to look at: shopping trolleys dumped, plastic, debris, waste caught along the banks, and a general appearance that is simply unacceptable for a river running through the heart of a busy historic, midland town.
Two very large piles of shredded timber are currently located, dumped within approximately half a metre of the river’s edge, following recent tree-pruning works in the area.
This presents a serious environmental and flood-related risk. In the event of heavy rainfall or flooding over the coming months, the lightweight shredded timber is likely to float and be carried downstream. Once saturated, the material may also release tannins, resins and other wood leachate into the water, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic life. Research on wood residue near aquatic environments notes that wood leachate can have harmful effects on fish and aquatic habitats. As both piles appear to be located within a flood-risk area and immediately adjacent to the riverbank, they should be removed and relocated without delay. If immediate removal is not possible, the piles should at minimum be securely covered with heavy-duty tarpaulin and properly weighted or fastened to prevent displacement during heavy rain or rising water levels. We won’t mention the nice piles of logs, as some smart individual might decide to bag them for use as firing next winter.
Whatever other effluent is being washed into the river water, same forms a rich soapy caught by the overhanging vegetation..
We have reported this matter to the Local Authority and request that urgent action be taken to prevent potential pollution, obstruction, and downstream environmental damage.
Cllr Mrs Cahill Skehan is correct when she says the River Suir is a huge issue for Thurles. She is also correct in stating that people notice it more when water levels drop. But the people of Thurles do not need more sympathy. What they crave is action.
There is also a wider issue here. Her brother, former Fianna Fáil TD and former Chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee Mr Jackie Cahill, recently appointed Chairperson of the National Milk Agency by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon in April 2026, was also a prominent critic of the reduction in Ireland’s nitrates derogation from 250kg to 220kg organic nitrogen per hectare, warning of serious consequences for the dairy sector.
Indeed, no one sector should carry all the blame. But we also have to be honest. Nitrogen leaching, nitrates, agricultural run-off and intensive land use are a major part of the water-quality problem in the River Suir. Farmers cannot be blamed for shopping trolleys dumped in the River Suir, but agriculture cannot be written out of the wider pollution picture either.
So where does that leave Thurles? It leaves us with a river that is visibly neglected, environmentally under pressure, and politically talked about for the last 15 years with absolutely no action being taken. Local Authority Waters Programme officials, (LAWPRO), may be sampling water. Reports may be being written. Presentations may be being given, but no one needs a scientific investigation to view shopping trolleys in the river. No one needs a catchment study to identify rubbish, plastic, clothing and debris sitting in plain sight. This is the work of highly paid Municipal District officials.
If Cllr Mrs Cahill Skehan is serious about the River Suir being an issue for Thurles, then the question must be asked; what immediate action is being demanded from Tipperary County Council and the other relevant authorities, to clean what is clearly visible today? The public are tired of hearing that “work is ongoing”, while the river remains a total eyesore.
Thurles deserves better than this. The River Suir should be an asset to the town, not something people are embarrassed to walk past, holding their noses.
Responsibility must be shared, yes; but responsibility must also be acted upon.
RSPB England Issues New Seasonal Guidance on Garden Bird Feeding to Prevent Disease Spread.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has issued new guidance urging the public to adopt seasonal bird feeding practices to help protect vulnerable garden bird populations from disease. The charity is advising households across England to pause routine bird feeding between May 1st and October 31st, citing increased risks of disease transmission during warmer months, when feeders can become contamination hotspots.
Rising Concern Over Bird Disease. The recommendation follows growing concern over trichomonosis, a parasitic disease that affects birds’ mouths, throats, and digestive systems, often making it difficult for them to eat or breathe. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water sources and has been linked to significant declines in several species. Among the most affected is the greenfinch, whose population has dropped by an estimated two million birds in the UK, placing it on the conservation red list. Long-term monitoring data also shows a steep decline in sightings, with greenfinches falling from one of the most commonly recorded garden birds to much lower rankings in recent years.
Seasonal Feeding Approach Recommended. Under its new campaign “Feed seasonally, feed safely”, the RSPB is encouraging the public to rethink year-round feeding habits. While feeding birds can provide benefits, especially during colder months, the charity warns that concentrated feeding in summer can facilitate the spread of disease. Limited feeding may still be appropriate if done carefully. The RSPB advises offering only small quantities of food, such as mealworms or fat-based products, sufficient for one or two days at most.
Hygiene Measures Essential.
To reduce risks, the RSPB recommends:
Cleaning bird feeders at least once a week.
Regularly changing feeder locations to prevent waste buildup.
Providing fresh tap water daily if offering water.
Cleaning bird baths weekly.
Avoiding flat surface feeders, such as traditional bird tables, where contamination can accumulate more easily
The organisation has already begun phasing out flat feeders from its own product range.
Widespread Public Impact. Bird feeding is a popular activity in England, with millions of households participating regularly and significant annual spending on bird food. The RSPB acknowledges that changing established habits may be challenging but stresses the importance of protecting bird populations. The guidance has been developed in collaboration with scientific partners and is based on an extensive review of available evidence. While some industry groups have raised concerns about the changes, the RSPB maintains that precautionary action is necessary.
Supporting Birds Responsibly. The RSPB emphasises that feeding birds can still play a positive role when done responsibly. However, it warns that continuing current practices without adjustment could contribute to further population declines.
“We cannot continue as usual,” the charity stated, highlighting the need for collective action to safeguard garden birds for the future.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead More
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Recent Comments