REVIEW OF THE YEAR: JULY 2023

Keane lands management job in Israel

Irish football star Robbie Keane surprised fans this month with the announcement of his new position of manager of Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The move was greeted with a mixed reaction, with Israeli media outlets referring to him as “the good boy” and an “Irish football legend”, but Sinn Féin Mark Ward TD has questioned the move.

Speaking to Southside People, Deputy Ward said he is “disappointed” about Keane’s decision to manage the Israeli team, saying that Keane is contributing to “sportswashing.

Pictured is Kathleen Donohoe congratulating her grandson and newly elected Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Daithí de Róiste outside The Mansion House, Dawson Street. Picture Conor McCabe Photography.

Ballyfermot Councillor elected new Lord Mayor of Dublin

Fianna Fáil councillor Daithí de Róiste was this month elected as the new Lord Mayor of Dublin, with party colleague Claire O’Connor serving as his deputy.

Councillor De Róiste, who was first elected to the Council in 2014 at the age of 26, succeeded Councillor Caroline Conroy in the role.

Taking to Twitter, De Róiste said he was “truly humbled” at the support he had received from his Council colleagues, and pledged to make Dublin a “city of kindness.”

Dubs reclaim Sam Maguire

Dublin beat Kerry to become the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship at Croke Park this month to bring Sam back to the capital.

The Boys in Blue beat the men from The Kingdom 1-15 to 1-13.

The win was Dublin’s first All-Ireland victory since 2020 and the counties 31st All-Ireland title.

Clongriffin residents call for safer access

This month we reported that over 2,000 residents signed a petition on Uplift requesting safe access to the Clongriffin DART station from the Baldoyle side.

Speaking to Northside People, local resident Elaine Verdon said that the lift on the Baldoyle side of the station does not work, the stairs have fallen into disrepair, and there is prominent anti social behaviour at the station.

Verdon, who also serves as chairperson of Myrtle The Coast Residents Association, said “at a time when we’re all being encouraged to use public transport, using the DART from the Clongriffin station would actively put you off using it.”

Members of the writer’s association Irish PEN gathered at the Russian Embassy on Orwell Road on July to hand in a statement regarding the tragic murder of Ukrainian author and human rights activist, Victoria Amelina, by Russian forces in Kramstorsk.

Protest at Russian Embassy following murder of Ukrainian author Victoria Amelina

Members of the writer’s association Irish PEN gathered at the Russian Embassy on Orwell Road on Tuesday, 4th, morning to hand in a statement regarding the tragic murder of Ukrainian author and human rights activist, Victoria Amelina, by Russian forces in Kramstorsk.

They were joined in their protest by Fighting Words and Ukrainian Action Ireland. Victoria Amelina, who was aged 37, died on Friday, June 30, from her injuries after a Russian missile hit a pizza restaurant in Kramatorsk on Tuesday, June 27

Tributes paid to Joe Costello as veteran politician steps down

Veteran Dublin politician Joe Costello announced his resignation from Dublin City Council, signalling an end to the career of one of Dublin’s most prolific politicians.

Costello, who served in every role from Councillor, Senator, TD, Minister and director of elections for Michael D Higgins’ successful 2011 presidential bid, spoke to Northside People about his long-spanning career, the changes in politics in his lifetime, and his hopes for the future.

Speaking about his extensive and varied career, Costello said it was a “privilege” to serve in elected office, and remarked that “any elected office is a good office.”

“Toxic culture” at RTE

An Irishman who said he pitched the concept for The Voice to RTÉ in 2008, said the “toxic culture pervading Montrose” prevented his idea from getting off the ground.

The state broadcaster was embroiled in recent controversies surrounding barter accounts, car sponsorships and payment-related issues, but according to Roy Barry, the dysfunction is nothing new.

Barry told Dublin People that he registered the copyright for what he says was the original idea behind global TV hit The Voice in August 2008 with the Copyright Office in the United States, and subsequently pitched the idea to RTÉ producer Eoghus McNally that same year.

Barry said he “respected” RTE’s initial stance that the show “was unsuitable for their network” and that he accepted their decision.

Ireland’s Women’s National Team, the first Irish team to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, were celebrated at Farmleigh House on July 4 ahead of their
departure for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

Kilnamanagh native and Captain of Ireland’s Women’s National Team, Katie McCabe, pictured with then manager Vera Pauw, Minister Catherine Martin and Minister of State Thomas Byrne, at an event at Farmleigh House on July 4, where Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Ministers Martin and Byrne led tributes to the manager, players and coaches ahead of their departure for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

Women’s World Cup

Ireland’s Women’s National Team, the first Irish team to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, were celebrated at Farmleigh House on July 4, as Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, Minister Catherine Martin, and Minister Thomas Byrne led tributes to Vera Pauw and her players and coaches ahead of their departure for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.

The team performed admirably, two narrow defeats, to Australia and Canada respectively, were followed by their first ever point at a World Cup finals earned in a 0-0 draw with Nigeria in their final match.