Eric Byrne
Standing Up for You
It is big news when Ireland has to close an embassy, and of course we should be opening more and more throughout the world, if our finances would permit.
Now I feel sad for the Philippine Community in Ireland and of course sad for the loss of the very fine team of Diplomats and Staff in the Philippine Embassy in Dublin, which closed in July 2012.
I recently took some time out to visit the Ballyfermot FÁS Training Centre, where I met with a guy who, it transpired, was an old schoolmate of mine from our days in Synge Street.
You may or may not know that my hobby is Hill Walking! Every year, Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, leads an Oireachtas Hill Walk for a nominated charity.
The last time I saw the Harold’s Cross Community Festival was on Sunday 2nd of May 2010 (see article and photo’s under Harold’s Cross). This year’s event was even an improvement on what was a fantastic event then, and to see such a huge gathering of adults, children and families from so many diverse cultures gave us an insight into the beauty of “Community Involvement” which enriches all of us.
I’m often asked by people if I have seen or heard of Ben Briscoe and Dr. John O’Connell, and if I know what they are doing, and in truth I do not often see them. However, on Friday 17 February 2012, who should I meet, except the two boys in the Dáil car park?