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The passing of Emma Mhic Mhatúna has been felt around the entire country since news of her death broke yesterday afternoon.

The untimely passing of the mum-of-five has broken the hearts of the nation, especially after how hard Emma fought for the women affected by the Cervical Check scandal.

Emma was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 after two smear tests showed incorrect results.

Fellow campaigner Vicky Phelan has paid tribute to Emma in a touching series of tweets.

“May you rest in peace now Emma. My thoughts are with your children who should not have to be facing into a future without you Xxx,” she wrote.

Vicky explained that she needed to take some time away from social media as tributes poured in for the 37-year-old.

She revealed that another woman affected by the Cervical Check scandal had passed away this weekend.

“Julie, who wished to remain anonymous, passed away in Dublin on Saturday morning and Emma passed away this morning.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ryan Tubridy (@instatubridy) on

Vicky extended her thoughts to Emma’s family, especially her five children who have been left without a mum.

“As I sit here in the quiet with only my thoughts and my husband and two children tucked up in bed, I am so very grateful to be alive and well. Yet, my heart breaks for two more families devastated by cervical cancer,” she wrote.

 

There’s no doubt Emma’s tireless campaigning and determined spirit will forever be remembered. Her family said they are grateful for the legacy she left behind.

“We take some comfort in the knowledge that Emma will be long remembered by the thousands of people who have been inspired by her fight for justice, transparency and improved services."  

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Conor McGregor has had a bit of a rocky history with the press.

However, this time around – Conor's Twitter has blown up for all the right reasons.

The MMA star was a massive legend and helped a sick 5-year-old by donating €10,000.

The Irish boy is Bryan Buckley, known as Bru, received a Sepsis diagnosis last year, and is awaiting life-changing surgery.

Little Bru is unable to eat or walk and has an NG tube up his nose – something no child should experience. 

His mum, Grainne worked tirelessly to raise funds for Bru's medical care, so she can "get private care and the help he deserves."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on

As of yesterday, the GoFundMe had managed to raise a little over €3,000.

However, the MMA fighter quickly changed that by donating the €10,000, which had been their original target.

Conor had given the money anonymously, but mum Grainne made sure to publicly thank the star for his generosity.

Taking to Twitter, she wrote: “We are forever grateful. I will never forget what you have done for my boy, you truly are a legend.” 

Incredibly, their GoFundMe has now reached over €14,000, with donations still flooding in. 

We are wishing Bryan the very best of luck with his surgery and we hope he gets better soon.

It seems that despite being a global superstar, Conor hasn't forgotten where he has come from. 

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The mere thought of sitting the Leaving Cert again makes me feel queasy. The memories of my final year exams aren’t pleasant, and I’m sure I’m not the only Irish person who feels that way.

Reading crumpled history notes through strained eyes at 2 am became a staple part of my nighttime routine during sixth year.

Some people sail through exam season, but other succumb to the pressure of the Leaving Cert.

We got frustrated over our struggle to understand Pythagoras’ theorem.

We shed tears over the pressure to memorise quotes from Macbeth for higher level English.

We had nightmares about not getting enough points for our dream college course.

I couldn’t possibly go back to that time of never-ending stress, tears and the Straith Pictíur, unlike broadcaster Stephen Byrne who went back-to-school nearly a decade after he sat his Leaving Cert.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Stephen Byrne (@stephenbyrne) on

The former YouTube star has a show on one of the nation’s biggest radio stations and has interviewed everyone from Oprah to Steven Speilberg, so why on earth would you swap the Oscar red carpet for French grammar lessons?

He told SHEmazing: “It felt incredibly different but all so similar at the same time. When I first sat down in Geography and began learning about rocks, it felt incredibly nostalgic.”

The one difference he noted was young people’s ability to open up about their mental health: “The progressiveness of young people and their vocabulary around mental health though has changed in a major way."

He explained: “I felt very proud to sit among the students I spent my classes with but at the same time was incredibly jealous of that experience too."

"I feel like LGBT people of my generation have a somewhat delayed adolescence because we didn't get to experience similar things to other young people as we were suppressing ourselves for much longer. “

The documentary is bound to start a huge conversation surrounding young people’s mental health, but the entire process took quite the knock on the 28-year-old.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Stephen Byrne (@stephenbyrne) on

Despite his struggles, Stephen described the experience as one of the most cathartic journeys of his life

“I was quite lost last year and that felt very similar to how I felt during my original exam year so this sort of bridged a connection between that younger version of me and my current self,” he commented.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Stephen Byrne (@stephenbyrne) on

It’s clear the Leaving Cert doesn’t cater to everyone. At the end of the day, it’s a memory test and the students who can memorise poetry quotes and geography facts the best are rewarded.

We never truly see the real picture of what life as a Leaving Cert student is like. People share good luck tweets during exam season and like photos of their friend's results on Instagram, but Leaving Again will open the eyes of the public to the reality of the Leaving Cert.

Leaving Again airs on RTÉ One at 10:15 pm.

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Health Minister Simon Harris has confirmed abortion services will be free in Ireland. He said the services will be available for all women from all financial backgrounds.

He said he wants the services to be available to everyone who needs them. According to the Irish Examiner, he said cost should not be a barrier for women who need these services.

The Health Minister confirmed: “Yes, it is my intention that the services will be free.”

"I've said from the start that I don't want cost to be a barrier, because if cost is a barrier you get into a situation where one of two things happen, you get abortion clinics to develop or you can see people having to continue to travel,” he commented.

"I want this to be provided as part of our health care system, our public health care system and part of our primary health care system,” he added.

Ireland’s constitutional ban on abortion was officially lifted on September 19.

The 8th amendment was removed from the Irish Constitution, as President Michael D Higgins signed the formal repeal legislation.  

The 36th Amendment of the Constitution reads:

'Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.'

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As we try to come to terms with how on earth it's Monday again, Aoife O'Sullivan is getting to the grips with her win.

Last night, the 23-year-old was crowned Miss Ireland 2018. 

And as you can bet, she's utterly wholesome and absolutely stunning.

Pic: Brian McEvoy

In the Dublin's Helix Theatre, 31 finalists went head to head.

But it was Cork's beauty who came out on top.

Aoife is a primary school teacher and teaches senior infants in St Maries of the Isle in Cork. – Cute, right?

Well, if that wasn't enough, this stunner also balances a modelling career. – Aoife is signed with Andrea Roche’s agency in Dublin.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Aoife – Miss Ireland 2018 (@aoifeesull) on

This isn't the 23-year-old's first go at Miss Ireland.

Three years ago she came in at third place, which launched her modelling career.

This time around, Aoife's chosen charity to support was Jigsaw in Cork, which aids young people with their mental health.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Aoife – Miss Ireland 2018 (@aoifeesull) on

Of course, we can't forget her fella, Colm. 

The sportsman plays for the Cork hurling team and is also a teacher.

The couple both share a passion for GAA. – N'awh!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Aoife – Miss Ireland 2018 (@aoifeesull) on

Taking to Instagram, Aoife penned how surreal the win was.

"I have woken up this morning in total disbelief of what has happened last night. I am so so GRATEFUL for this once in a lifetime opportunity," she said.

Aoife being the good soul she is, shouted out some love to the other woman who took part.

"To all of the beautiful and kind-hearted contestants, you have made this journey to Miss Ireland all the more special and I will always cherish the friendships I have made."

"It is truly a dream come true to take on this prestigious role and I am so honoured to follow in the footsteps of the previous Miss Ireland’s who I have always admired."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Aoife – Miss Ireland 2018 (@aoifeesull) on

"I look forward to the year to come and take great pride in representing Ireland in the @missworld final in China later this year,"  she concluded. 

Gwan Aoife! 

No better woman for the job, we'll be backing you every step of the way. 

 

Feature image credit: Brian McEvoy.

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In a long-awaited report into the Cervical Check scandal, health expert Dr Gabriel Scally has commented on the state of the national cervical cancer screening service.

The author of the new report into the CervicalCheck debacle described it as so poorly run it was “doomed to fail” and said some of the treatment of women “bordered on misogynism,” according to the report.

The past number of months have been a time of great distress and pain for the 221 women who developed cervical cancer and the families of 18 women who have died – as a result of the failings of those involved in the programme. The scandal emerged after it was revealed that over 200 women had their cervical smear results audited by Cervical Check – but were never told of the discrepancies in these results.

“A whole-system failure” meant women were not told about an audit showing problems with past smear tests until after they were diagnosed with cancer. As a result, this meant they potentially missed out on earlier interventions.

Some women, such as Vicky Phelan, waited years to be told she had been misdiagnosed years earlier. She is now battling terminal cancer. 

The report also found that the suffering of the women and their families was "aggravated by some doctors."  

"The anger of many woman and families about how they have been treated in respect of disclosure is intense and raw,” Scally wrote. He used words such as inappropriate, unsatisfactory, damaging, hurtful and offensive to describe the manner in which some women were told about their results. 

He did say, however, that the continuation of cervical screening in the coming months was of crucial importance. “My scoping inquiry team has found no reason why the existing contracts for laboratory services should not continue until the new HPV regime is introduced.”He also added that he is satisfied with the quality management processes in the current laboratory sites used as part of the screening service.

Responding to the report, the HSE said they would respond to the report and those affected once they had time to "read and review it with care."

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Rachel Allen has issued a statement following the arrest of her 18-year-old son. Her son was arrested following a €30,000 seizure of cannabis.

The mum shared that her son has admitted to being guilty of possession and of the intent to supply drugs to others. He is cooperating fully with the police.

“When formally charged Joshua will be pleading guilty at the first opportunity.”

The TV chef and husband Isaac said: “We are absolutely devastated at this turn of events.”

“Our son is 18 years old, has never been in trouble with the gardaí, and has made a huge mistake, which will have profound consequences for him,” they continued.

“We do not in any way condone his actions. In fact, we utterly condemn them, but it is not for us to condemn him,” they added.

The family admitted they were appalled to hear of their teenage son’s arrest, but as his parents they must support him.

Rachel and Isaac said it is now time for them to look after their son Joshua and their family in the best way you can.

The parents stressed: "We would ask that the legal process would be allowed to proceed to deal with this matter, without interference, and that we would be allowed to deal with this, like any other parents in a similar position.”
 

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“There just aren’t enough hours in the day,” is a phrase we mutter far too often. It feels like we are busier than ever and the pressure to have a lively social life can sometimes take over, resulting in you attending every social event you’re invited to.

Finding the perfect balance is tricky, but it can be worth it and extremely necessary. One thing we should all try to do more of is volunteering.

Volunteering is the perfect way of giving back to those in need. The Me Too movement showed us just how many women suffer from sexual assault on a daily basis. As women we should try to support one another in whatever way we can.

If you’re hoping to volunteer then one very important Irish charity could do with a helping hand. The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre have issued a call for volunteers.

They need people, who are over the age of 25, to help with their 24-hour helpline. They are also looking for people to assist victims on visits to court, Garda stations and hospitals.

The Dublin Rape Crisis Centre explained that volunteers are extremely valuable to their service. In 2016, their 99 volunteers accompanied over 260 survivors of sexual violence to sexual assault treatment units, to court and Garda stations.

Volunteers will be given extensive training by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre team.

If you want to find out more about volunteering you can call 01 6614911 or email the organisation.

Visit their website for more information on how you can donate and support the hard-working organisation.

 

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Bernard Brogan and his twin boys are just too cute for words and his latest Instagram proves it.

The doting dad posed with his two boys- Donagh & Keadán- whilst out for brunch over the weekend.

The stylish dad and his two boys even wore matching outfits for the occasion. He captioned the adorable photo: “Brunchin with the lads! #matchin #babychinos.”

 

A post shared by @bernardbrogan on

34-year-old Bernard donned a pair of chinos, a navy polo shirt and navy loafers. His boys rocked the same baby chinos with navy cardigans and even tiny navy shoes- How adorable.

TV presenter Sile Seoige gushed over Bernard and his boys: “Ah this is absolutely brilliant! Massive congrats to yee.”

“Two beautiful baby boys! Enjoy every moment of them!” said one fan.

“Cuteness overload,” another said.

 

A post shared by @bernardbrogan on

It’s safe to say Bernard is enjoying every moment of fatherhood. He recently told RTÉ’s Eoghan McDermott: “I’m absolutely delighted, every day is different. You're finding the personalities of the lads.”

Adding that he can’t get enough of his “two bouncing baby boys.”

Bernard announced the arrival of their twin boys on Instagram on July 13. The dad posted a black and white snap of him cradling both boys in his arms.

He captioned the snap: “Never have I felt as blessed. Thank you to my beautiful wife @keekib22 for bringing me so much joy. Welcome Donagh & Keadán Brogan 10/7/2018.”

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An Irishman has sadly passed away in the Greek wildfires. He has been named as Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp.

Brian was on his honeymoon with wife Zoe Holohan when the fires broke out.

The pair tried to flee seaside resort Mati, but were separated in their efforts to escape.

Zoe was taken to hospital in Athens and is understood to be receiving treatment for burns to her head and hands. It is believed she will make a full recovery.

The newlyweds married in Ireland last Thursday before jetting off to Greece on Saturday.

Their families issued a statement following the news of Brian’s passing:

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of our family member, Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp.

"The families would respectfully appreciate privacy at this time as we grieve and as Zoe makes her recovery.

"Funeral arrangement will be announced at a later stage,” they added.

The Greek wildfires have claimed the lives of over 80 people. The death toll is expected to rise.

Rescuers continue to search the area for survivors.

This is the worst fire crisis the country has seen in over a decade. The wildfires are a recurring issue during the hot, dry summer months in Attica.

It is believed the flames were fanned by high winds this week.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is said to be “providing consular assistance to a number of individuals in Greece.”

Anyone with concerns should contact the Irish Embassy in Athens 0030-210-723-2771 or  01-4082000.

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The six students who lives were tragically lost in the Berkeley balcony collapse of 2015 have been honoured in a special ceremony.

Niccolai ‘Nick’ Schuster, Eimear Walsh, Olivia Burke, Eoghan Culligan, Lorcán Miller and Ashley Donohoe were remembered at the service in California.

A memorial plaque was unveiled in their honour, which featured a quote from James Joyce: “They lived and laughed and loved and left.”

The plaque reads:

“Berkeley, named after an Irish philosopher, will forever remember the six young adults from America and Ireland, guests in this city, who tragically died near this spot in a balcony collapse at 2020 Kittredge Street early in the morning of June 16, 2015.

“Here, the families of those who passed and the community of Berkeley have joined hands to establish a permanent memorial.”

The families of the six students attended the moving service. They recently marked the third anniversary of the horrifying accident on June 16.

Speaking of the tragedy, Ireland’s Ambassador to the USA, Daniel Mulhall said: “The Berkeley balcony collapse of June 2015 was a terrible tragedy and one which had an enormous effect on Ireland. The depth of grief, shock and sorrow was immense – six young lives so tragically and prematurely ended and serious injury inflicted on so many.”

“I would like to pay tribute to the first responders, medical staff and our wonderful Irish community who provided such fulsome support for everyone affected, especially the young people and the families directly involved,” he added.

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Some Irish workers can look forward to a slight increase in their hourly pay as Ireland’s living wage has increased by 20 cents.

Workers will now be paid at least €11.90 an hour so they can enjoy a decent standard of living.

It is understood that the boost is down to Ireland’s housing crisis. People are struggling more than ever to afford housing in Ireland, which means the price of living has increased.

The news was confirmed by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice: “Rising rents push Living Wage to €11.90 per hour in 2018, a €0.20 increase from 2017. The #LivingWage represents the minimum average gross salary of a single full-time worker without dependents, needs to afford an acceptable minimum standard of living.”

There has been a drop in the cost of health insurance, transport and food in 2018, but the growing rent prices are swallowing up nearly half of the average person’s wages.

Dr Bernadette McMahon of the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice stated:  “We try and reflect a figure which actually reflects the cost of living and what people have to spend for a reasonable standard of living.”

Employers do not have to pay their workers the living wage, but many companies support the idea.

There is no plan to increase the minimum wage yet. The minimum wage currently stands at €9.55 in Ireland.

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