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Monthly Archives: September 2017

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It's been a pretty rough few weeks for Ryanair (and their customers), after the airline initially cancelled hundreds of flights due to scheduling issues.

Then, the budget airline cancelled a further 18,000 flights, effecting up to 400,000 passengers.

Now, Ryanair has been ordered by the UK's aviation regulator to provide compensation to those impacted, and soon.

The airline must organise full refunds for the mass cancellations by 5pm today, in a ruling from The Civil Aviation Authority.

The passengers due refunds by today are those who were flying to or from the UK.

The airline is also bound to provide help and information to those impacted by the situation.

'There is still no information here about how expenses will be treated where passengers are re-routed to and/or from other airports or where they otherwise incur additional out-of-pocket expenses as a result of the cancellations,' said the CAA, according to the BBC.

'Further changes are therefore required to make it clear that any such expenses will be reimbursed by Ryanair.'

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Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have been surrounded by speculation recently, after reports emerged that they are expecting their third child.

Neither Kanye nor the Kardashian clan have come forward to confirm the rumours – until now.

Kim took to social media to share the new trailer for the upcoming 14th season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

In the 60 second long video, Kim is seen telling Khloe that she is going to have a baby.

The sisters are filmed face timing one another in the short clip.

Kim asks Khloe: 'What happens every time I say, 'Guess what?'"

 

Khloé replies: "Pregnant, or the person's pregnant,' before Kim says 'We're having a baby!'

It is believed that Kim and Kanye will be expecting their third child via surrogate after complications during Kim's previous pregnancies.

The trailer shared by Kim does not make reference to the rumoured pregnancies of her sisters Kylie and Khloe.

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Break out the broomsticks – there's a Hocus Pocus sequel reportedly in the works!

24 years after its original release, Forbes have reported that a follow up film is finally on its way.

Speaking to the magazine, the film's writer, Mick Garris, revealed that while he is not involved in the upcoming production, he believes a second script is in the early stages of development.

“I have heard they are developing the script, I haven't been involved in it but I think there will be a sequel it might be for Disney Channel or Freeform or ABC. I think it will be for television but I hear that it is moving ahead.”

It's not clear yet whether the original trio (Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker) will be reprise their roles, though Mick did say re-casting the film would be a “big mistake.”

"I think they are, yeah, I think they are. If they don't do that I think it would be a big mistake because all three of them are still so incredibly potent and powerful and great performers and who else can recreate those characters?"

According to Deadline, David Kirschner, producer on the original movie, is on board to executive produce, while Kenny Ortega (High School Musical) will direct.

We can not wait for this!

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Ladies, get ready for the throwback of all throwbacks! 

Omniplex Cinemas are bringing all your favourite old school films back to the big screen with the launch of #BringItBack.

Audiences will get the chance to re-discover a series of classic movies exactly the way they were intended to be enjoyed.

From October 2, Omniplex Cinemas in Mahon Point, Cork; Rathmines, Dublin; Dundalk, Limerick, Tralee, Wexford, Craigavon, Lisburn and Dundonald will play host to #BringItBack every Monday at 7:30.

From tearjerkers, to thrillers, Omniplex have created a programme of screenings to suit all tastes, including My Girl, The Godfather Part II, The Addams Family, The Princess Bride.

The October run concludes with a special screening of The Shining on Halloween night.

Warm popcorn, comfy chair and classic flicks – what more could you want?

Tickets are just €8 and are available at www.omniplex.ie.

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Repeal jumpers at the ready – the 6th Annual March for Choice takes place in Dublin this weekend.

On Saturday September 30, pro-choice campaigners from across the country will descend on the capital city to fight for the right to free, safe and legal abortion in Ireland.

In what will be the last march before a referendum is called, Abortion Rights Campaign are calling on the citizens of Ireland to make their voices heard.

Assembling at the Garden of Remembrance on Parnell Square from 1.30pm, campaigners will take to the streets before marching on Dáil Éireann at 2pm.

Proceeding down O'Connell street, marchers will turn left at the quays towards The Custom House. Those unable to walk the full route are advised to join the march at this point.

Crossing the Liffey and moving toward the back entrance of Trinity College, campaigners will proceed down Pearse Street and onto Merrion Square, before finishing up outside Dáil Éireann.

Here, crowds will hear from speakers who will drive home the message that although the march may be over for another year, the fight is not over until our government legislates for free, safe and legal abortion in Ireland.

Those wishing to travel to the march on Saturday have a number of options available to them. Pro-choice groups across the country have organised a number of buses scheduled to leave from Belfast, Clare, Cork Galway, Donegal, Derry, Kerry, Limerick, Longford, Meath, Sligo, Tipperary and Wexford.

You can find more information and a full list of available transport here, on ARC's Transportation Facebook page, where many campaigners have organised carpools from every corner of the country.

This is our last chance ladies, so make sure you make your voice heard! 

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As news broke that a referendum on the 8th amendment had finally been confirmed for next year, thousands celebrated the advancement in a long-running campaign to repeal the hugely contentious law.

But who are the people driving the campaign? What compels them to work free of charge? And what obstacles do they face when demanding change for the women of Ireland?

We sat down with Abortion Rights Campaign volunteer, Sarah Monaghan, to get an insight into the work that goes into pushing one of the biggest political movements of recent times.

As Partnerships and Outreach Rep for ARC, Sarah is responsible for liaising with the organisation's multiple Regional Groups as well as other affiliated groups around the country, but how did she go from attending the March for Choice in 2013 to taking an active role in the campaign?

“When the story of Miss Y – an asylum seeker, raped in her home country and seeking an abortion in Ireland under the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 – broke I was horrified,” she recalls.

“Miss Y sought an abortion on the grounds of being suicidal, the panel delayed her case to the point of gestation that she was no longer eligible. As an asylum seeker, she was unable to travel to the UK for an abortion under her Visa. She went on hunger strike, was forcibly hydrated, before undergoing a caesarean section against her will.”

“This case disgusted me to the point that I could no longer be passive, attending a march once a year was not enough. Things in this country needed to change and joining ARC was my first step in helping with this,” Sarah explains.

Over the course of recent years, Sarah has seen a shift in societal attitudes, saying: “When I became involved three years ago I encountered a lot more direct criticism than now. The fact is the majority of people in Ireland are now pro-choice so instances of being called a murderer have lessened drastically.”

Despite the aforementioned shift, the pro-choice campaign still bears the brunt of criticism regarding the delivery of their message.

Acknowledging this perception, Sarah says: “We’re told we’re too angry, we’re too shrill.”

“[But] as someone who has been involved in the hard work of enacting change, faced with a Government who has repeatedly stalled a referendum and allowed countless people to travel for medical care and disregarded those who are unable to travel, I am angry. And you should be too.”

Sarah’s role affords her an insight into the lived experience of women who have been affected by the 8th Amendment – stories which continue to fuel her desire for change.

“In the beginning, I was certainly shocked by the stories of those affected by the 8th Amendment. I also learned how the 8th effects so many aspects of reproductive care and women’s rights in Ireland. After three years, I am not particularly surprised, rather, I am often upset and furious that this is still ongoing,” she explains.

With a referendum scheduled for 2018, Sarah highlights the illogicality of the government’s decision to delay it for so long, reminding us: “It has been 34 years since people in Ireland had the opportunity to vote on the 8th Amendment.”

“No-one who voted in that referendum is currently of child bearing age. Those who it directly affects have never been afforded the respect to vote for a change that will save lives and bring us in line with International norms for Reproductive Rights.”

With the March For Choice taking place in Dublin city centre this Saturday, the majority of attention is focussed on the Irish capital, but having worked directly with Regional Groups, Sarah has borne witness to the ardent campaigning which takes place around the entire country.

“Being involved in activism in Dublin has its challenges; being involved in a pro-choice campaign in rural areas is an entirely different story,” she explains.

“Those involved are some of the bravest and fiercest people I have ever met. They are constantly met with obstacles such as lack of public transport, lack of supportive venues and often having your opposition being your next door neighbour!”

“On the day of Strike for Repeal thousands of people marched in Dublin. In Skibereen, 11 people marched down main street," she reveals. "That takes amazing dedication and daring.”

Back in 2013, Sarah attended a march organised by the Abortion Rights Campaign, four years on she plays a vital role in the execution of many of the organisation’s events.

If you too want to make the leap, Sarah insists that everyone has a place.

Whether you are creative and want to join Actions, interested in social media, want to work with Allied groups, interested in hosting fundraising events, or would prefer to work in the background in the organisation's admin group, Sarah says: “There is no one way to be a member of ARC."

"We crucially need more help in every single area, no matter how much or how little time you can afford to give,” she urges. “This will be an incredibly important year, get involved and tell future generations you fought for their rights. “

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College life is hard, guys.

Juggling classes, assignments, jobs and of course, going out (you are in college after all) takes it toll on you and can leave you constantly tired.

While getting a sufficient amount of sleep is essential, eating well is another key element to success in college. 

You probably don't have the time and money to make Insta-friendly acai bowls with hemp seeds and goji berries, but this doesn't mean you can't be healthy, 

If you follow these simple rules, which are more like general guidelines, you are sorted. 

 

1. Learn how to make the most of a microwave

Microwaves are great to reheat some pre-cooked food, but you can also cook loads of things with this appliance: mug cakes, rice, pasta, eggs, veggies, potatoes, fish.

Do a bit of research and you'll be surprised to see how useful a microwave can be. 

 

2. Get a small blender

For a healthy breakfast or a quick snack, throw whatever fruits you have around, a handful of spinach, almond or peanut butter, almond milk, yoghurt or just water and make a tasty smoothie.

This is an easy way to make sure you get a lot of nutrients and fibres at once, even of the rest of your day is instant noodles or pizza.

 

3. Eat bananas

They are cheap, easy to carry to classes, don't make a mess when you eat them, and also, they are quite delicious. Rich in vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C, potassium, copper and fibre, bananas are nature's best snack on-the-go.

Get a bunch of bananas every time you do your food shopping so you'll always have something healthy to snack on when you get hungry. They are also a tasty base for your smoothies. 

4. Eat something green every day

No, this doesn't include green Smarties and M&Ms. We are talking broccoli, spinach, courgettes, kale, peppers, and any leafy green.

Even if you struggle to get your five a day, including one portion of greens ensures that you get essential nutrients and fibre.

 

 

5. Have substantial meals

Chocolate bars and packs of crisps are not real food, they are empty calories. The reason why you crave them is because they fill you up quickly when you are hungry.

To make sure you don't get the midday slump, get (or make, even better) a hearty pasta salad for lunch, a bowl of soup with a sandwich, a big salad with carbs and protein… Something that will actually keep you going for a while.

 

 

6. Avoid sodas as much as possible

Sugary and fizzy drinks (even the light version) are pricey and not healthy. Water should be your beverage of choice 99% of the time.

To this day, water is still the best way to stay hydrated, and also the cheapest if you invest in a water bottle. 

 

7. Stop everything when you eat

It is important, even for a few minutes. While we understand breakfast is a tough one, get 15 minutes to enjoy your lunch and your dinner, without being on your phone or on your laptop.

Use this time to focus on your food, chew properly (the first step to a good digestion), talk with your friends or just empty your head. 

 

 

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A student at the University of Limerick has died following an incident on Monday, September 25.

Sophie Coll, originally from Barna, Co Galway, suffered critical injuries after taking a fall in an off-campus house.

It's understood the 19-year-old was treated at University Hospital Limerick Intensive Care Unit, but later died as a result of her injuries.

Those in the local community have described the death as a “tragic accident.”

The President of UL, Dr Des Fitzgerald, has offered condolences on behalf of staff and students.

"It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you of the sudden death of UL student Sophie Coll, 2nd year, BBS International as a result of a tragic accident on Monday September 25," he said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Sophie's parents Rory and Carol, her sisters Stephanie and Abbie, her friends, housemates and fellow students," he added.

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Abortion Rights Campaign (ARC) volunteer Naomi Elster investigates the use of safe but illegal abortion pills in Ireland today.

The abortion pill is a safe method for ending early pregnancies, and even though it is on the World Health Organisation list of essential medicines, it is illegal in Ireland.

Despite this, hundreds of people in Ireland illegally import the pill every year.

While there are reputable sources for ordering the pill online, there is always the risk of women paying for fake, ineffective or even dangerous substances from unauthorised sources.

Therefore, the only way to guarantee safety is to give Irish women the right to free, safe, legal abortion in Ireland. 

On 30 September 2017, ARC are organising the 6th annual March for Choice. ARC campaigns for free, safe, legal abortion in Ireland.

Abortion in Ireland is illegal, and carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison. It has been legal since 1992 to travel abroad for an abortion, and last year, over 3,000 women attending abortion clinics in the UK gave Irish addresses.

The real number may be higher, as at our speak-out events, where we provide safe spaces for women to tell their abortion stories, we have heard from women who, out of fear, gave UK addresses rather than their real Irish one.

But travelling abroad for an abortion comes at a high price.

The Abortion Support Network is a small UK-based charity which provides practical information and financial support to Irish women travelling to the UK for abortions.

Their director, Mara Clarke, shared a price list from British clinics with me. To get an abortion up to 14 weeks is between €380 and €535, up to 19 weeks it’s up to €795 and up to 24 weeks it’s €1625.

Women in England, Scotland and Wales can access these same procedures for free on the NHS, but Irish women, who don’t receive that same support from our government, have to pay. These prices are only for the termination and don’t take into account travel, accommodation, childcare, and any extra expenses such as visa applications.

'People are like, "Ryanair’s still cheap",' Mara said. 'But you know what? Women can’t plan their unplanned pregnancies around fare sales.'

The abortion pill is sometimes called 'a safe illegal.' It’s available from doctor-led websites in exchange for a non-mandatory donation of up to €90 (no one will be denied a medical abortion from these NGOs due to lack of funds).

Medical abortion involves two pills. The first is a tablet called Mifepristone, which you swallow to block the hormone progesterone. This makes it impossible for the pregnancy to continue. The Mifepristone tablet is followed by an intra-vaginal tablet called Misoprostol, which induces contractions to flush the pregnancy out.

A medical study of 1,000 Irish women who took abortion pills they got from one of these doctor-led websites showed that the procedure is remarkably safe.

In response to news that the number of women known to travel to the UK for abortions has been gradually declining, the HSE crisis pregnancy agency pointed to research showing more Irish women are contacting providers of abortion pills.

But while we can be glad that there’s now a safe option for women who can’t continue their pregnancy and can’t travel, the only way to guarantee that Irish women with unwanted pregnancies are safe is to make free, safe and legal abortion available here in Ireland for all who need or want it.

Taking the abortion pill on Irish soil is illegal.

As Caoimhe Doyle, co-convener of The Abortion Rights Campaign, explains: 'The Protection of Life During Pregnancy act, introduced in 2013, means that anyone prosecuted for taking abortion pills can be sentenced to up to 14 years in prison. As of yet no-one has been prosecuted under this act.'

'However in Northern Ireland we have seen a number of investigations and prosecutions, both of those taking and providing these pills, so it is not unlikely that we may start to see prosecutions here.'

The PSNI came under fire this year when, on International Women’s Day, they raided the homes and even workplaces of Northern Irish pro-choice activists, looking for abortion pills. According to Mara, legitimate sources of abortion pills have shipped to Irish women via Northern Ireland in recent years. Out of fear that women in the Republic would be arrested, the providers asked them to provide an address in the north.

'There have been more and more confiscation of pills in the north,' Mara continued. 'So women have contacted us saying "I ordered the pills and they’ve been stopped. They’ve been stopped by customs, they never arrived.'"

Because it’s illegal to buy or take abortion pills in Ireland, it’s difficult to promote reputable websites where women can consult medical doctors and be provided with what they need for a safe abortion.

Mara has also had women contact her who, hoping they wouldn't have to travel to end their pregnancies, contacted other websites claiming to sell medical abortions.

They paid €200, waited weeks, and nothing arrived.

And even though complications are very rare, they can occur. The pill works by stimulating a miscarriage, triggering cramps and bleeding.

Abortions carried out without the reassurance of a medical team nearby to advise when something is normal, and help when it’s not, can add an unnecessary level of upset and trauma to what should be a straightforward procedure.

According to Caoimhe, 'The fear of prosecution often puts those who take these pills at risk, as they are afraid to seek medical assistance in the rare event that something goes wrong.'

34 years on from the introduction of the 8th amendment, we live in an Ireland where what should be a medical issue is now a human rights issue.

The Government has said that a referendum on the 8th will be held next year. It is impossible to change our laws on abortion without a referendum.  

This will be the last March for Choice before that referendum, and we need every one of you to join us on that march and make your voice heard.

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Ahead of this Saturday's March for Choice, Abortion Rights Campaign and Damn Fine Print are teaming up to host the ultimate pro-choice poster printing workshop.

Supporters are invited to drop in and print their very own poster/placard for use at the upcoming press conference and the annual march on September 30.

Keeping the theme of this year's march, 'Time to Act', Damn Fine Print will have many designs to choose from, including one from street artist and Radio DJ, Will St Leger.

A limited amount of supplies will be on hand, but organisers have recommended that those interested in attending the event bring their own cardboard/paper/placard.

This event is free to attend, though donations toward the campaign are welcome but not expected.

Abortion Rights Campaign Props Make-In takes place in Damn Fine Print, Brunswick Street, Dublin 7, from 6pm – 9pm on Thursday September 28.

Click here for more information.

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According to reports from TMZ, the main suspect in the robbery of more than $10 million dollars worth of jewellery from Kim Kardashian last year has written the reality TV queen a letter of remorse. 

Aomar Ait Khedache, a 60-year-old criminal who is believed to be the orchestrator of the crime, wrote the letter to the celebrity's French legal team.

The letter, which was handwritten in French, reads as follows: 

'After observing your emotion and realising the psychological damages I inflicted … I decided to write to you, not to obtain from you some sort of indulgence.'

'I want to come to you as a human being to tell you how much I regret my gesture, how much I have been moved and touched to see you in tears,' it says, according to TMZ. 

'Know that I fully sympathise with the pain you are enduring, your children, your husband, and your close ones.'

 

A post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on

'I hope that this letter will allow you to forget little by little the trauma that you suffered by my fault.'

We don't think he should hold his breath for a response. 

Almost one year ago, on October 3 2016, Kim was robbed at gunpoint by in her Paris apartment during Paris Fashion Week. 

The reality TV star truly feared for her life during the horrendous event, which she expressed during an episode of KUWTK. 

Khedache said that Kim's constant posting on social media made her vulnerable, as it was easy for the gang to monitor her movements. 

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In a week which began with confirmation of a referendum on the 8th amendment and culminates in the March for Choice this Saturday, there is no greater time to find out what the Repeal the 8th campaign means to our readers.

Eager to hear how the last 12 months in Ireland has impacted you and your stance on the 8th, we reached out, and you responded in your droves.

From pro-life and pro-choice readers to women with personal experience of a termination, our investigation shone a light on the far-reaching effect the campaign has had on women in Ireland, irrespective of their position.

Upon reflection, Two Women Travel, the Strike for Repeal and the results of the Citizen’s Assembly have acted as milestone moments in many of our readers’ memory of the campaign.

“The two women tweeting their abortion journey was heartbreaking and opened people’s eyes to the stark reality,” asserted one, while another considered the courage of the nation’s women the defining factor.

“Seeing so many braving the backlash to tell their stories publicly resulted in the overwhelming numbers on the March for Choice,” she said.

Echoing this sentiment entirely, another respondent said the merit of first-person experience cannot be underestimated.

“[The stand-out memory of the campaign] was hearing from people who are actually affected by the amendment, and not others talking for them.”

Given the intensity of the campaign, it’s perhaps unsurprising that some of our readers found themselves reconsidering their stance over the course of the last 12 months, with more than 20 per cent confirming as much.

“I personally wouldn’t have an abortion, so I was against the repeal at first, but with some research I’ve discovered it’s more than just that, and it’s about all women’s rights which we should be entitled to,” explained one.

“I used to believe the unborn child deserved the right to live, but was too naïve to see and understand the impact an unwanted child can have on a woman’s life,“ admitted another converted pro-choice reader.

“I was always opposed to the 8th. But I used to think there should be limits on abortion access. I don’t anymore because I realise that opinion is based on the notion that women can’t be trusted, which is misogynistic," another added.

With more and more women fighting for a repeal to the 8th in this country, a small number of our pro-lifer readers have admitted they have struggled to articulate their thoughts on the campaign due to the backlash they receive.

“You can’t say anything pro-life without being verbally attacked,” responded one reader. “You can’t be feminist, liberal or intelligent it seems, unless you are pro-choice. You’re not allowed to have or share an opinion unless it is the ‘correct opinion’.”

“I generally just don’t talk about it, and avoid the campaign at all costs”, she added.

It seems this works both ways, however, with one pro-choice user explaining that she has struggled to argue her stance on occasion.

“I tend to know what I’m talking about for the most part, but sometimes I’m made feel so guilty by anti-choice campaigners that I forget the reasons I believe what I believe,” she admitted.

For one pro-life reader, the pro-choice decision to mark International Women’s Day last March with a protest was an imposition of sorts.

"[They] made a day that was supposed to be about every woman everywhere into a day for being pro-abortion and repealing an amendment that perhaps some women (including myself and several people I know) want to keep. It upset me that I couldn't just celebrate Women's Day."

According to our findings, the desire for reasoned debate appears to be a priority regardless of position, with one user recalling her direct experience of the campaign.

"A guy from Amnesty International tried to mansplain to me and my sister why we need abortion to be legal and how it affects us and our bodies and autonomy", she recalls.

"But there was also a lovely girl I met on the street, who I have to say was the only person I was actually able to have a conversation with on the issue, and although we disagreed on the 8th amendment, she was so nice."

Ultimately, 90 percent of our respondents said they are eager to see a repeal to the amendment, citing equality and bodily autonomy as the principal reasons for their interest in the campaign and the outcome of next year's referendum.

“I have been forced out of my country for a basic medical procedure,” explained one woman. “I don’t want any more women and families to feel like criminals because our politicians are cowards.”

“In the 21st century, there is still a chance that I may some day have to travel for health care that should be available to me in my own country. I do not have full ownership of my own body,” added another.

“If I get pregnant, I will be more or less punished in this country, punished by having to carry a baby I don’t want.”

But whether for or against its repeal, the impact the campaign has had on Irish society cannot be underestimated, with one young woman asserting: ”It’s everywhere. How can you not talk about it?”

“As debate grows, so too does discussion and so does the hope that sooner rather than later, this country will look after its women properly.”

The March for Choice in Dublin City Centre takes place this Saturday, September 30.

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