Where do you stand ?

 

Catherine Connolly was elected President of Ireland in a landslide last October and took office in November 2025. As a long-time independent lawmaker, she has repeatedly described Israel as a “terrorist state” and “rogue state,” accused it of committing genocide in Gaza, and stated that Hamas forms “part of the fabric of the Palestinian people.”

She has condemned the October 7 attacks as wrong while insisting the conflict’s history did not begin that day, and has called for both sides to disarm and be held accountable for war crimes. These views, expressed before and during her campaign, drew sharp criticism from some Irish leaders and Jewish community voices, yet aligned with significant public sentiment in Ireland. In her ceremonial role she continues to speak against the “normalisation of war and genocide.”

 

 

NAZA, the documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, has set Israel ablaze — not with remorse, but with rage. Rather than confront what the film documents, most Israelis condemned it. The government branded the two filmmakers traitors, ministers demanded their citizenship be revoked, and they now live under death threats.

That is disgraceful. But the greater tragedy is Israel's refusal to look in the mirror and admit that crimes against humanity — genocide — were committed in Gaza. Denial is not a shield; it is moral collapse. A nation that cannot face what it has inflicted on the Palestinians will carry that stigma for generations. When will Israelis wake up? Until they do, the truth will wait — and the price will go much higher.

Far-right Israeli activists have gathered outside the home of Rachel Szor's parents in the town of Savyon, demanding that the family be expelled from the country and their homes sealed.

Protesters have chanted slogans such as "death penalty for traitors" and demanded that the filmmakers be tried and executed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denounced the film as anti-Semitic incitement. Following this, Culture Minister Miki Zohar accused the directors of "treason" and began taking immediate steps to investigate revoking Abraham and Szor's Israeli citizenship.

 

More than 700 Israeli filmmakers and international figures have signed a petition standing in solidarity with the directors, warning that the state-led campaign is moving dangerously close to "effectively sanctioning violence" against them.

The International Federation of Journalists report that at past 267 journalists and media workers have been killed since October 7 2023. (An estimated 67-69 journalists were killed during World War Two)

The Ed Sheeran Loop Tour will reportedly continue. The lights will come on. The merchandise tables will open. Thousands of people will sing along, and the enormous machine will keep moving because enormous machines are built to survive the removal of anyone with a conscience.

But the absence will be louder than the music.

Macklemore will not be there.

Finneas will not be there.

Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe, and Beoga will not be there.

The tour may still have its headliner, but the people willing to risk something have left the building.

Ed Sheeran wanted his stage to remain neutral.

Now it is simply empty.

 

 

 

Point the finger at the Billionaires deciding who gets on stage, not the artist they turned into the story so you'd stop looking at them. Channel that venom at the powers that be. Write to your MP. Post about what's happening in Gaza. Refuse to attend shows in venues that censor what's said on their stages. Refuse to buy the brands funding genocide. And if you don't like Ed, his music or his politics, don't go to the show. But don't let this story be hijacked the way it has been to demonise someone we all know has done more for more causes over the last twenty years than just about anyone else in this game.

Here is a full transcript of what Macklemore said that had him removed from a tour, and kicked out of stadiums. Please tell me where he's wrong.

“I've been trying to figure out a way to say this all day. One of the reasons why I wanted to come on this tour was because I wanted to stand up here on stages and stadiums across America and say two words that are very near and dear to my heart: Free Palestine.

"I said, Free Palestine.

“I want those words to be loud and clear, so the people from Gaza, all the way to the occupied West Bank, know that we have not forgotten them.

“To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters: criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide in no way is a criticism of you. My message is for peace; love for all human beings to be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.

“So I say Free Palestine, I say Free Lebanon, I say Free Cuba, I say Free Congo, Free Sudan, I say Free all people in America living in fear of this terrorist organization, ICE. None of us will be free until we are all free."

 

" I Rise " - you can rise up from anything.

 

 I rise - fearless Soul.

From the ashes of silence
From the weight of the fall
From the edge of breaking
I stand tall

Through the dark I remember
Through the pain I decide
I was never defeated
I rise

Every scar is a lesson
Every wound is a spark
Every step through the shadows
Lit my heart

I feel the fire growing
I feel the strength return
I was made for rising
I burn, I burn

Push me down, I rise again
Break the storm, I won't bend
Through the pressure, I ignite
I was born to win this fight

I rise
Higher than the fear inside me
I rise
Stronger every time I fall
Nothing can hold me
Nothing controls me
I rise, I rise, I rise

Through the weight of the world
Through the test of time
Through the voice of doubt
I still climb

Every breath is power
Every step is flame
I don't wait for destiny
I become the name

Push me down, I rise again
Break the storm, I won't bend
Through the pressure, I ignite
I was born to win this fight

I rise
Higher than the fear inside me
I rise
Stronger every time I fall
Nothing can hold me
Nothing controls me
I rise, I rise, I rise

I stand, I fight, I rise
I stand, I fight, I rise
Through the fire, I transform
Through the storm, I am reborn

I rise (Rise up, rise up)
I rise (Rise up, rise up)
I rise
I stand, I fight, I rise
Nothing will stop me
Nothing denies me
I rise, I rise, I rise

I rise
Higher than the fear inside me
I rise
Stronger every time I fall
Nothing can hold me
Nothing controls me
I rise, I rise, I rise

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKR3jINH1uA&list=RDzKR3jINH1uA&start_radio=1

"The wise Old Owl" : In order to Listen You have to be Silent

 

The Wise Old Owl

Long ago, in the heart of a peaceful forest, there lived an old owl who perched high in the branches of a giant oak tree. Every day, the owl quietly watched the animals as they went about their lives.

The rabbits hurried through the grass, the squirrels raced from tree to tree, and the birds filled the air with cheerful songs. The owl rarely spoke. Instead, he listened carefully and observed everything around him.

One morning, two young foxes began arguing over who had found a berry bush first. Their voices grew louder and louder until the whole forest could hear them.

The old owl watched silently.

Soon after, two crows started boasting about who could fly the fastest. They talked over one another so much that neither listened to what the other was saying.

Again, the owl remained quiet.

Later that day, a young rabbit climbed up to the owl's tree and asked, "Wise Owl, why do you never join in the arguments? Don't you have something to say?"

The owl smiled gently.

"I have learned that speaking is easy," he replied. "Listening is much harder. Every day I hear something new because I spend more time listening than talking."

The rabbit thought about the owl's words.

From then on, the rabbit paid closer attention to others instead of interrupting them. He found that he understood his friends better, solved problems more easily, and made wiser decisions.

Before long, many of the forest animals began following the owl's example. They listened more carefully, argued less often, and worked together in greater harmony.

The old owl continued to sit quietly in his tree, watching, listening, and learning every day.

Moral of the Story

The more you listen, the more you learn. Wisdom comes from observing and understanding, not from speaking the most.

"An Appreciation and Remembering the legacy of Dolly Parton"

 

Coat of Many Colours                                                                                                                                    sung in Paidi O'Shea's Pub in Kerry - "it could only happen in Ireland."

Back through the years
I go wonderin' once again
Back to the seasons of my youth
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us
And how my momma put the rags to use
There were rags of many colors
But every piece was small
And I didn't have a coat
And it was way down in the fall
Momma sewed the rags together
Sewin' every piece with love
She made my coat of many colors
That I was so proud of

As she sewed, she told a story
From the Bible she had read
About a coat of many colors
Joseph wore and then she said
Perhaps this coat will bring you
Good luck and happiness
And I just couldn't wait to wear it
And momma blessed it with a kiss

My coat of many colors
That my momma made for me
Made only from rags
But I wore it so proudly
Although we had no money
I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

So with patches on my britches
And holes in both my shoes
In my coat of many colors
I hurried off to school
Just to find the others laughing
And making fun of me
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me

And oh, I couldn't understand it
For I felt I was rich
And I told 'em of the love
My momma sewed in every stitch
And I told 'em all the story
Momma told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colors
Was worth more than all their clothes

But they didn't understand it
And I tried to make them see
That one is only poor
Only if they choose to be
Now I know we had no money
But I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me
Made just for me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3ardckySYY&t=7s

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library launched in Ireland at the same location seven years ago and has gifted more than 420k books to children 

Every book is a treasure and every time you open one up you will meet new friends and take wonderful journeys to magical places.” She also wished her young readers well in their future reading journey — and offered them some words of advice.

“I hope you have a great time in school. I bet your school will even have a library where you can check out books. You and all of your friends are very special. There is no limit to what you can do or how far you can go. Just remember the lessons my family taught me — dream big dreams; learn everything you can learn; and care for all those who care for you. You do all of these things, and you can be anyone you want to be.”

Parton concluded, “You are terrific, and remember… I Will Always Love You.”0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyas8aAueAM&list=RDvyas8aAueAM&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1OU4qKrunE&list=RDy1OU4qKrunE&start_

radio=1

"World Peace Award 2026"

 

𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗔 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗘𝗖𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡

At the World Peace Award ceremony in Stockholm, Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra delivered a powerful acceptance speech centered on one simple but profound message:

𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗨𝗦.

Receiving the award, he expressed deep gratitude and humility, emphasizing that the recognition does not belong to one person alone, but to every individual who continues to believe that peace is possible and is willing to work for it.

He reflected on the Walk for Peace across the United States, which began on October 29, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. Together with Theravada monks from different countries, he walked approximately 2,300 miles (3,700 km) over 112 days, crossing 10 states before reaching Washington, DC.

But, he explained, the true meaning of the journey was not found in the number of miles.

𝗜𝗧 𝗪𝗔𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘.

Along the road, they met veterans, police officers, firefighters, nurses, teachers, public officials, families, immigrants, and people of many different faiths and backgrounds.

Some offered flowers.
Some offered food and water.
Some simply stood beside the road.

And many shared tears.

The message was clear: people everywhere may have different beliefs, languages, political views, and cultures, but beneath those differences is the same human heart — a heart that can be wounded, but can also heal.

Venerable Paññākāra reminded the audience that peace cannot simply be handed from one person to another. It cannot be purchased with money, received through an award, or imposed by force.

𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗕𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗗.

If we want peace in the world, we must first learn to care for the anger, fear, greed and sorrow within ourselves.

He also spoke about how conflict begins long before weapons are used. It can begin when fear grows without understanding, when we stop seeing the humanity of people who are different from us, and when anger becomes stronger than compassion.

Peace, therefore, is not only the responsibility of presidents, diplomats, religious leaders or international organizations.

𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗢 𝗗𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗔𝗧 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘, 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠, 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗖𝗘, 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗪𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗞𝗘.

He challenged everyone to ask themselves:

Can we disagree without humiliating another person?

Can we listen without preparing an attack?

Can we protect our beliefs without treating another human being as an enemy?

He further emphasized that inner peace must become compassionate action — feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, protecting children, caring for animals, welcoming strangers, and standing beside those who feel forgotten.

And then came one of the simplest practical messages of his speech.

Every morning, instead of allowing the mind to immediately fill itself with anger, hatred, greed and other unwholesome thoughts, begin the day with a wholesome intention.

Write down:

𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗢 𝗕𝗘 𝗠𝗬 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬.

Read it. Say it aloud. And then live it — mindfully, peacefully, one task at a time.

He reminded the audience that our minds often become distracted because we try to do many things at once. Even during his speech, people could become distracted by something appearing on a screen while no longer truly listening.

𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗧 𝗔 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘.

Mindfulness, he explained, is part of the journey toward a peaceful life.

The World Peace Award, he said, is not the end of the work.

𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗦 𝗔 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬.

From Stockholm, his message went beyond the ceremony and beyond borders:

𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗦𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗘𝗟𝗦𝗘’𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬.

𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗔 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗔𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘.

𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘.
𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗪.
𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗦 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡 𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗨𝗦.

May those living in war find safety.
May separated families be reunited.
May those carrying hatred find the courage to put it down.
And may every child inherit a world where differences never become a reason for violence.

𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗣. 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘. 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗖𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗. 

A natural disaster reminds us that we are all connected. When one community suffers, compassion calls us to care, support, and stand together. May relief efforts reach affected communities as quickly as possible, bringing safety, shelter, medical care, food, and hope to those who need them most. 

Compassion Knows No Borders

The devastating floods near the Nepal–Tibet border have brought grief, uncertainty, and hardship to many families and communities. As rescue and relief efforts continue, our hearts and prayers are with everyone affected by this natural disaster.

"The Empty Pot"

The Empty Pot

Long ago in China, there lived a wise and aging emperor who loved flowers more than anything else. His gardens were filled with beautiful blossoms from every corner of the kingdom. As he grew older, however, he faced an important problem: he had no children and needed to choose someone worthy to become the next emperor.

Instead of selecting the strongest warrior or the richest noble, he decided to find the most honest child in the land.

One day, he invited all the children in the kingdom to the palace. To each child, he gave a single flower seed.

"Take this seed," the emperor said. "Plant it in a pot, care for it with all your heart, and return in one year. I will choose my successor based on what you bring back."

Among the children was a boy named Ping, who loved gardening. He hurried home, planted his seed in fresh soil, watered it carefully, and placed it in the sunlight.

Days passed.

Then weeks.

But nothing grew.

Ping changed the soil, watered just the right amount, and made sure the pot had enough warmth and light. Still, the pot remained empty.

Months went by, and Ping became discouraged. While other children talked excitedly about their growing flowers, bushes, and colorful blooms, Ping had only an empty pot.

His mother comforted him.

"You have done everything you could," she said. "When it's time to see the emperor, simply take him the pot and tell him the truth."

When the year was over, children from across the kingdom arrived at the palace carrying magnificent flowers of every color and shape. Their pots overflowed with beautiful plants.

Ping felt embarrassed carrying his empty pot. He wanted to turn around and go home, but he remembered his mother's words.

So he stood quietly among the crowd.

The emperor walked slowly past each child, looking carefully at every flower. To everyone's surprise, he did not smile.

Finally, he came to Ping.

"Why is your pot empty?" he asked.

Ping bowed his head.

"Your Majesty, I planted the seed you gave me. I watered it, cared for it every day, and tried everything I knew. But it never grew. I am sorry."

The emperor's face brightened.

He asked Ping to step forward.

Then he turned to the crowd and said, "A year ago, I gave each of you a seed. But I had boiled every seed before giving it away. Boiled seeds cannot grow."

The crowd fell silent.

"You could not have grown these flowers from the seeds I gave you. Many of you replaced the seed with another because you wanted to impress me."

The emperor placed his hand on Ping's shoulder.

"This boy brought me the only thing I asked for: honesty."

He declared Ping his successor, saying, "A ruler must have courage, integrity, and truthfulness. These qualities are worth far more than the most beautiful flower."

And so, Ping became the next emperor, remembered not for the flowers he grew, but for the honesty he showed when it mattered most.

---

Moral of the Story

Honesty is more valuable than success gained through deceit. It takes courage to tell the truth, especially when everyone else appears to be succeeding. In the end, integrity is rewarded because trust is the foundation of good leadership and strong character.

" Heart of a Teacher "

 " The Heart of a Teacher "

Heart of A Teacher
by Paula J. Fox

The child arrives like a mystery box…
with puzzle pieces inside
some of the pieces are broken or missing…
and others just seem to hide

But the HEART of a teacher can sort them out…
and help the child to see
the potential for greatness he has within…
a picture of what he can be

Her goal isn’t just to teach knowledge…
by filling the box with more parts
it’s putting the pieces together…
to create a work of art.

The process is painfully slow at times…
some need more help than others
each child is a work in progress…
with assorted shapes and colors

First she creates a classroom…
where the child can feel safe in school
where he never feels threatened or afraid to try…
and kindness is always the rule

She knows that a child can achieve
much more when he feels secure inside
when he’s valued and loved…and believes in himself …
and he has a sense of pride

She models and teaches good character…
and respect for one another
how to focus on strengths…not weaknesses
and how to encourage each other

She gives the child the freedom he needs…
to make choices on his own
so he learns to become more responsible…
and is able to stand alone

He’s taught to be strong and think for himself…
as his soul and spirit heal
and the puzzle that’s taking shape inside…
has a much more positive feel

The child discovers the joy that comes…
from learning something new…
and his vision grows as he begins
to see all the things he can do

A picture is formed as more pieces fit…
an image of the child within
with greater strength and confidence…
and a belief that he can win!

All because a hero was there…
in the HEART of a teacher who cared
enabling the child to become much more…
than he ever imagined…or dared

A teacher with a HEART for her children…
knows what teaching is all about
she may not have all the answers…
but on this…she has no doubt

When asked which subjects she loved to teach,
she answered this way and smiled…
“It’s not the subjects that matter…

It’s all about teaching the CHILD.”

Teachers inspire the smallest hearts to grow big enough to change the world.” 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+heart+of+a+teacher

The Heart of a Teacher

Teaching is more than just a role we play

It's a passion we carry every day

Though some moments are hard, we stay strong

Guiding children where they belong.

 

We give them knowledge, help them grow,

Support their steps as they come to know.

Through struggles and joy, we stand by their side

With love and care as their faithful guide.

 

We see their progress, we see their fight

We lift them up when they lose sight.

As teachers we give from the heart

In this journey we each play our part.

 

With passion, we teach, we guide, we care

Helping children rise everywhere.

We're proud of the work we do each day

And together we will show them the way.

 

Through love and struggle, joy and pain

We help them grow and rise again.

People may imagine, but can't truly feel

The hard work that makes our passion real.

 

We share the load, we lift each other

As teachers, we stand strong together.

We see their struggles, their highs and lows

And through it all, our love still grows.

We teach with care, we teach with pride

With every lesson, we're by their side.

We're more than teachers, we're a team

United by one common dream.

 

To guide the children who cross our way

To shape a brighter, better day.

With passion, we teach, we guide we care

Helping children rise everywhere.

 

We're proud of the work we do each day

And together we will show them the way.

Through love and struggle, joy and pain

We help them grow and rise again.

 

We have one voice, our mission clear

To touch each child we hold so dear.

We teach with hope, we teach with pride

And walk with them, side by side.

a heartfelt tribute to the dedication and passion teachers bring to their work 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhAeyzgwlFc&list=RDbhAeyzgwlFc&start_radio=1