An inquiry is underway at Ireland's most prestigious university,Trinity College Dublin, after a series of "outrageous" incidents at a popular French ski resort.
Among the events under investigation is a sexual incident involving a female student being woken up to find three naked male students in her room, €50 notes being burned and smoked and swastikas sprayed by Irish students on to walls of chalets.
More than 300 students from Dublin -- a majority believed to be from Trinity --
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
A British monarch, my brother and an inspiring tale of the struggle to speak
Stammerers bravely fight a daily battle to be heard, writes Alison O'Riordan
Stammerers speak as if they have a bag of marbles in their mouth.
They get tongue-tied and contort their faces to get the words out.
They fill their inflamed red cheeks with hot air in an effort to persevere through their verbal pain.
Some are like a machine-gun on full blast.
People forget those with speech impediments have a right to be heard and that they, too, have a voice.
A king from the British
Stammerers speak as if they have a bag of marbles in their mouth.
They get tongue-tied and contort their faces to get the words out.
They fill their inflamed red cheeks with hot air in an effort to persevere through their verbal pain.
Some are like a machine-gun on full blast.
People forget those with speech impediments have a right to be heard and that they, too, have a voice.
A king from the British
Monday, June 27, 2011
It's a beautiful day for cancer charity
A massage, a body wrap or even having your nails painted pink -- this was a charity event with a difference. The staff of a beauty salon and day spa in Sandycove, Co Dublin, donated their wages for the day, and 40 per cent of all takings on treatments were given to Action Breast Cancer.
And the community of Glasthule have continued to rally round Nuala Woulfe's Beauty Salon and Serenity Spa to raise even more funds for the worthy cause.
"My 25 employees and I had a brain-storming event
And the community of Glasthule have continued to rally round Nuala Woulfe's Beauty Salon and Serenity Spa to raise even more funds for the worthy cause.
"My 25 employees and I had a brain-storming event
Snow' left at doors to entice a new breed of addicts
Free samples of a dangerous ecstasy-like drug known as "snow blow" are being left at people's front doors as banned head shops go underground due to a crackdown on their business.
The illegal high (real name mephedrone) is being sold in Dublin for three times its original price.
Street-level dealers are strategically placing free samples of this psychoactive drug at front doors of private apartments and doorsteps belonging to houses of young professionals to entice a new type of addict
The illegal high (real name mephedrone) is being sold in Dublin for three times its original price.
Street-level dealers are strategically placing free samples of this psychoactive drug at front doors of private apartments and doorsteps belonging to houses of young professionals to entice a new type of addict
Friday, June 24, 2011
Spend an evening surfing with Ireland's young professionals and log on to love
Young professionals are casting aside the taboos and raising the temperatures with a surge in on-line dating to find their soul mate. Popping out on your lunchbreak to grab a sandwich with someone who you met online the night previous is becoming the norm.
With less time on their hands due to work commitments, and less disposable income to spend on clubbing and bar-hopping, Irish singletons are turning to their laptops to find a new partner, with Irish online dating sites reporting a big
With less time on their hands due to work commitments, and less disposable income to spend on clubbing and bar-hopping, Irish singletons are turning to their laptops to find a new partner, with Irish online dating sites reporting a big
My name is Alison and yes, I am a tan-orexic
A total ban may be be only way to save those addicted to tanning, says Alison O'Riordan
WE ALL have our little pleasures in life, vices that help us get through the day. For some, it is a cigarette. For others, it's a drink. For me, it is the sun. And in the absence of the real thing, it's a session on a sunbed.
Now Mary Harney, the Minister for Health, wants to deprive me of my one pleasure in life. The minister is seeking EU support for a total ban on sunbeds.
I am not ashamed to say
WE ALL have our little pleasures in life, vices that help us get through the day. For some, it is a cigarette. For others, it's a drink. For me, it is the sun. And in the absence of the real thing, it's a session on a sunbed.
Now Mary Harney, the Minister for Health, wants to deprive me of my one pleasure in life. The minister is seeking EU support for a total ban on sunbeds.
I am not ashamed to say
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A real mover and shaker in fashion
Alison O'Riordan talks to Rachel Treacy of Ruby Couture on her plans for a stylish future in Dubai
Twenty-nine-year-old Rachel Treacy has her finger on the pulse of savvy shoppers; she put 'Ruby Couture' on the map inIreland and turned a six-week pop-up shop into a full-time job.
Rachel runs an outlet shop in Blackrock, Co Dublin, that offers 80 per cent off women's designer fashion, with big names such as Prada, Maxmara, Gucci, YSL, Balenciaga, Chloe and Stella McCartney -- and
Twenty-nine-year-old Rachel Treacy has her finger on the pulse of savvy shoppers; she put 'Ruby Couture' on the map inIreland and turned a six-week pop-up shop into a full-time job.
Rachel runs an outlet shop in Blackrock, Co Dublin, that offers 80 per cent off women's designer fashion, with big names such as Prada, Maxmara, Gucci, YSL, Balenciaga, Chloe and Stella McCartney -- and
Developer denies damaging historic Mountjoy houses
A property developer has denied he is damaging buildings of immense historical and architectural importance on Mountjoy Square -- Dublin's 'forgotten' Georgian square.
Renovation work has been taking place on two of the city's most historical buildings in Dublin's north city centre. The square was once home to numerous prominent figures, including brewer Arthur Guinness and playwright Sean O'Casey.
Recently proposed as an Architectural Conservation Area, a specially protected district
Renovation work has been taking place on two of the city's most historical buildings in Dublin's north city centre. The square was once home to numerous prominent figures, including brewer Arthur Guinness and playwright Sean O'Casey.
Recently proposed as an Architectural Conservation Area, a specially protected district
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sun-starved 'tanorexics' just can't help faking itIrish people are prepared to risk leathery skin, age spots and even cancer to achieve a tanned look, says Alison O'Riordan
WE ARE fast becoming a nation of tanorexics. Come winter, rather than give up our drug, Irish sun worshippers are hitting the tanning salons -- despite the guarantee of more wrinkles and the risk of contracting cancer. Why is this? Because many of us are addicted to UV rays.
'Tanorexia' describes a condition in which a person excessively sunbathes or uses other methods such as sun beds to achieve a darker complexion because they perceive themselves as unacceptably pale. Although the syndrome
'Tanorexia' describes a condition in which a person excessively sunbathes or uses other methods such as sun beds to achieve a darker complexion because they perceive themselves as unacceptably pale. Although the syndrome
Trapped in a negative equity nightmare after dreams of city apartment living turned sour
When Alison O'Riordan splashed out on a trendy pad, she had no idea that it would end up becoming her very own financial prison
IT was supposed to be the most exciting time of my life -- instead I've endured sleepless nights and bouts of anxiety and regret since that fateful day when I signed away my life without really knowing what I was getting into.
A year ago, I was ready to embrace apartment living and swap the leafy suburbs of Rathmines for life as a city slicker in the sought-after
IT was supposed to be the most exciting time of my life -- instead I've endured sleepless nights and bouts of anxiety and regret since that fateful day when I signed away my life without really knowing what I was getting into.
A year ago, I was ready to embrace apartment living and swap the leafy suburbs of Rathmines for life as a city slicker in the sought-after
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Fears of attack at college pro-life protest
A Member of a pregnancy counselling clinic had to be escorted from Maynooth University last week amid fears of physical attack from 'pro-life' students.
Tensions ran high during Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance (SHAG) week at the one-time clerical university outside Dublin.
A representative from the advice clinic Marie StopesReproductive Choices was not safe on the college grounds due to the behaviour of protesters and had to be personally escorted when she arrived at the campus to
Tensions ran high during Sexual Health Awareness and Guidance (SHAG) week at the one-time clerical university outside Dublin.
A representative from the advice clinic Marie StopesReproductive Choices was not safe on the college grounds due to the behaviour of protesters and had to be personally escorted when she arrived at the campus to
Thank you, Grandad, the hero of Irish cinema Leo Ward
Thank you, Grandad, the hero of Irish cinemaLeo Ward's love affair with film has lasted more than half a century, writes his granddaughter Alison O'RiordanROLL IT: Alison O'Riordan with her grandfather Leo Ward, MD of the Ward Anderson Cinema Group, in the IMC Dun Laoghaire
IT WAS because of him that I was the hit of my primary school in March each year. Everyone wanted to attend my birthday party because they knew it would involve a private screening of a film in the Savoy cinema on
IT WAS because of him that I was the hit of my primary school in March each year. Everyone wanted to attend my birthday party because they knew it would involve a private screening of a film in the Savoy cinema on
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
FF hopefuls fear party is facing local poll wipeout
Smaller rivals reaping benefits as voters vent anger on the doorsteps
FIANNA Fail candidates for the local elections are being "hammered" on the campaign trail with many of them fearful that the party will be annihilated on polling day, June 5.
"Of course there is anxiety out there because of what is happening at a national and global level and sometimes people will initially say 'I'm not voting for you because you're Fianna Fail', but I represent an opportunity to vote for a change,"
FIANNA Fail candidates for the local elections are being "hammered" on the campaign trail with many of them fearful that the party will be annihilated on polling day, June 5.
"Of course there is anxiety out there because of what is happening at a national and global level and sometimes people will initially say 'I'm not voting for you because you're Fianna Fail', but I represent an opportunity to vote for a change,"
'Titanic' director and cast are asked to help ship's last survivor
An Irish author and photographer, Don Mullan, is challenging the director and cast of the 1997 film Titanic to take care of the last living link to the 1912 maritime tragedy.
Millvina Dean, at just nine weeks old, was the youngest passenger to be carried into the third class accommodation on the ship.
Her father perished after saving his wife, young son and baby daughter and his body was never recovered.
And with the 100th anniversary of the tragedy approaching in 2012 Mullan believes
Millvina Dean, at just nine weeks old, was the youngest passenger to be carried into the third class accommodation on the ship.
Her father perished after saving his wife, young son and baby daughter and his body was never recovered.
And with the 100th anniversary of the tragedy approaching in 2012 Mullan believes
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
When dreams are on the line, we need proof that every vote counts
Viewers have a right to a breakdown of voting figures for TV competitions, writes Alison O'RiordanWOULD BE STARS: Brian Ormond (centre) with contestants in this year's 'You're a Star' contest at the Helix in Dublin. Viewers who vote by phone and text are told that the voting is 'very close' but they are never told the actual number of votes for each act
'Welcome to this week's You're A Star, live from the Helix theatre in DCU, where we have seven acts performing tonight. Our first contestant
'Welcome to this week's You're A Star, live from the Helix theatre in DCU, where we have seven acts performing tonight. Our first contestant
Playboy's Irish high-flier reveals Hef and fiancee 'like any couple
THE Dublin woman behind Playboy's global success has given her blessing to Hugh Hefner's third marriage to 24-year-oldCrystal Harris -- even though her boss will turn 85 this week.
Lorna Donohoe, from Clondalkin, can find no fault with the 60-year age gap between the billionaire and his love interest.
"Hef and Crystal have so much in common, they have a lot of fun together, they are both very interested in movies and pop culture. They are like any other couple," she says, adding: "I have
Lorna Donohoe, from Clondalkin, can find no fault with the 60-year age gap between the billionaire and his love interest.
"Hef and Crystal have so much in common, they have a lot of fun together, they are both very interested in movies and pop culture. They are like any other couple," she says, adding: "I have
Monday, June 6, 2011
STUDENTS FOUND GUILTY OVER TRINITY TRIP VANDALS: ALPINE RESORT HOTEL DAUBED WITH SWASTIKAS
Three Trinity students have been found guilty of perpetrating a series of breaches of student conduct while visiting the skiing resort, Les Deux Alpes in France last month.
The three were found guilty following an extensive investigation by college authorities and will be punished by serving two weeks' community service for the college.
Authorities in the college launched the inquiry into the conduct of former pupils from some of Dublin's most exclusive schools following a series of
The three were found guilty following an extensive investigation by college authorities and will be punished by serving two weeks' community service for the college.
Authorities in the college launched the inquiry into the conduct of former pupils from some of Dublin's most exclusive schools following a series of
WESLEY'S NEW MODEL - A €175K FERRARI
Wesley Quirke certainly has an eye for quality.
The heir to Dr Quirkey's Good Time Emporium is already in a four-year relationship with former Miss World Rosanna Davison - and now he has another nice model on his arm.
Worth a whopping €175, 000, the Foxrock native has bought a Ferrari F430.
But petrolhead Wes did not wish to reveal too much about his new dream purchase for fear of showing off - simply stating: “I'm a car fanatic”.
Until recently, Wes has been working for the
The heir to Dr Quirkey's Good Time Emporium is already in a four-year relationship with former Miss World Rosanna Davison - and now he has another nice model on his arm.
Worth a whopping €175, 000, the Foxrock native has bought a Ferrari F430.
But petrolhead Wes did not wish to reveal too much about his new dream purchase for fear of showing off - simply stating: “I'm a car fanatic”.
Until recently, Wes has been working for the
Friday, June 3, 2011
Aussie dream turns sour as visas cut and work dries up
It has been the refuge of thousands of Irish students and backpackers, but Australia is now saying no more after it drastically cut the number of visas to migrant workers last week.
In a move that will cause huge concern to many Irish students and young professionals, the Australian government announced it is cutting its intake of migrant workers for the first time in a decade.
The cull comes amid domestic concern that skilled foreigners, including Irish workers, would "steal jobs from
In a move that will cause huge concern to many Irish students and young professionals, the Australian government announced it is cutting its intake of migrant workers for the first time in a decade.
The cull comes amid domestic concern that skilled foreigners, including Irish workers, would "steal jobs from
Sexting not harmless fun for the cheated wife
THE days of illicit lust-filled love letters may be long gone but online social networking and "sexting" are now putting relationships under pressure and causing increasing marital strife.
This perilous behaviour has evolved into a new form of online flirting that starts out guilt-free but soon loses its innocence.
Catholic marriage counselling service Accord said recently that internet use was to blame for problems in about 1,000 marriages as spouses look increasingly towards social
This perilous behaviour has evolved into a new form of online flirting that starts out guilt-free but soon loses its innocence.
Catholic marriage counselling service Accord said recently that internet use was to blame for problems in about 1,000 marriages as spouses look increasingly towards social
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Close to a blue flag beach
Place: Cranbrook, Ballyduff, Cloyne, Cork
Price: €610,000
Lowdown: Impressive and elegant period-style home set on an acre of landscaped gardens enjoying magnificent views.
This delightful four-bed detached family home is set in the heart of the East Cork countryside close to the blue flag beach at Garryvoe and a stone's throw away from the pretty village of Ballycotton.
East Cork is a massively under-rated part of the southern capital. As well as hosting the famous Ballymaloe
Price: €610,000
Lowdown: Impressive and elegant period-style home set on an acre of landscaped gardens enjoying magnificent views.
This delightful four-bed detached family home is set in the heart of the East Cork countryside close to the blue flag beach at Garryvoe and a stone's throw away from the pretty village of Ballycotton.
East Cork is a massively under-rated part of the southern capital. As well as hosting the famous Ballymaloe
Irish volunteers help to bring hope to Africa
PATRON: Derek Davis is involved in the Kenyan-based project
Broadcaster Derek Davis has become patron of a new project in which Irish volunteers travel to Kenya to give young people a chance in life.
In a move which has proved successful in other parts of Africa, The Building of Hope Project is taking place next year in Mombasa, the second largest town in Kenya where 200 skilled and unskilled Irish people are needed to build a training and feeding centre, in an effort to save lives and
Broadcaster Derek Davis has become patron of a new project in which Irish volunteers travel to Kenya to give young people a chance in life.
In a move which has proved successful in other parts of Africa, The Building of Hope Project is taking place next year in Mombasa, the second largest town in Kenya where 200 skilled and unskilled Irish people are needed to build a training and feeding centre, in an effort to save lives and
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Rugby star opens up about how he tackled bouts of depression
Quinlan to give series of public talks on battle with the blues
IRISH rugby ace Alan Quinlan is to speak publicly for the first time at a series of regional events on mental health next week about his experience of depression, hitting "the bottom of the barrel" and having suicidal thoughts.
The ex-international star has spoken out about how he sank into the depths of depression after a suspension for eye gouging Leinster captain Leo Cullen in 2009, which resulted in the back-row star
IRISH rugby ace Alan Quinlan is to speak publicly for the first time at a series of regional events on mental health next week about his experience of depression, hitting "the bottom of the barrel" and having suicidal thoughts.
The ex-international star has spoken out about how he sank into the depths of depression after a suspension for eye gouging Leinster captain Leo Cullen in 2009, which resulted in the back-row star
My battle with the banks left its scars
Relentlessly pursued by her lenders, Tara O'Grady was on the brink of a breakdown, writes Alison O'Riordan
HARASSMENT by banks is causing untold suffering to thousands of struggling business proprietors, according to a former restaurateur from Bray, Co Wicklow, who has spoken out about being plagued "to the bitter end" by the aggressive attitude of financial institutions.
A proud smile lights up the weary face of Tara O'Grady as she reflects on her time as owner of 'Diva' in Greystones. Her
HARASSMENT by banks is causing untold suffering to thousands of struggling business proprietors, according to a former restaurateur from Bray, Co Wicklow, who has spoken out about being plagued "to the bitter end" by the aggressive attitude of financial institutions.
A proud smile lights up the weary face of Tara O'Grady as she reflects on her time as owner of 'Diva' in Greystones. Her
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