EuropeanIrish.com News Stories

More Irish people head to Europe, than to UK or USA

Cork Ireland, January 23rd 2008

A recent report by the CSO indicates that between the years 2006 and 2007, at least 25% of all Irish Emigrants settled in Continental Europe (CSO Population/ Migration Report December 07).
This is greater than those travelling to the UK 23.9%, and more than 3 times greater than the percentage travelling to the USA, both the traditional destinations for Irish emigrants.
It is estimated that approximately 300,000 Irish people have made their homes across Europe, and with 3.5 million trips by Irish residents to the Continent in 2006, Ireland’s relationship with her European neighbours has deepened considerably.
The Irish emigrants have settled in their new countries, raised families, and have sown the roots of future generations. As in the past, they have brought with them the wealth of culture that is unique to the Irish, a tradition long since enjoyed in both England and the States. A testament to this is the increasing number of Irish Clubs and Societies that have grown up across Europe, catering for both the Irish and native Europeans all of whom have a shared love of Irish Culture, Sport and Music.
For those interested in the Irish Scene across Europe, there is one unique central point – EuropeanIrish.com.
The brainchild of well travelled Irishman, Siasy Collins, this website is the focal point for all the information one needs to enjoy the Irish scene across Europe.
For the past 5 years the site has been managed on a part-time basis. Since May 2007, however, the emphasis has been on upgrading the existing site, to provide Irish in Europe with the opportunity to connect with other Irish in Europe, and with similar interests.
Siasy Collins, Editor & Publisher, EuropeanIrish, having been based in Europe himself, and involved in the local Irish scene there, explained that Irish people in Europe - want to find where to watch the All-Ireland or Heineken Cup, and where to find Irish Dancing Schools, Bands, Festivals, Irish Sports & Social Clubs, The Irish Embassy, and a choice of more than 2200 Irish Pubs across the Continent, when any local Irish Entertainment or Sport Events are on, and European Irish News.
“The new look Europeanirish.com has a lot of new benefits for visitors. The website is easy to use & navigate. You can build your profile and meet others through M I N E, which is My Irish Network in Europe. You can also chat with others, create a personal story and add events, items or news”, Siasy added.
Irish in Europe can always feel close to home, with the short and lower cost flights, and now through this website one can tune-in live online to over 50 Irish Radio stations, and download free music, supplied by Irish bands based at home and in Europe.

With thousands visiting the website daily, EuropeanIrish.com has something added for everybody, whether you’re an Irish person living in Europe or planning travel to Europe, or whether you’re from Continental Europe, enjoying Irish music, culture, sports or pubs.
Do you know any Irish person in Europe? Let them know today.
Are you planning a trip there for a vacation, on business, to study or to live?
The Next step is simple – just click on www.EuropeanIrish.com, browse the site, stay a while and enjoy it.
– Ends –

Wouldn’t it be great to hear more about top Irish sports stars who are competing for Ireland all across the Continent.

EuropeanIrish.com will feature any sport and all age groups too, if you are Irish and competing in Europe – you are just as important as the Irish Senior soccer team or Munster Rugby, or the Olympic Athletes.EuropeanIrish.com wants to hear from you all - simply visit http://www.europeanirish.com/ News and add the News story.

or maybe you are based in Europe and run a club or a member of one which features a number of irish players, - if you have a news story add it.The Irish in Europe would love to read about it.

2008 Athletics events across the Continent with Irish participation have been added today.

The Brand new website is going live his week.

we are currently tranfering the data from the existing site to the new one.

There are many  athletics events this year, chances than no matter what part of Europe you are based - Irish athletes will be competing nearby sometime this year.
These include events in Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Turkey, Russia, Estonia, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland and Belgium.
You can even start planning for 2009, with events in Russia, Italy, Lithuania, Serbia, Finland, Germany and Ireland all added already.

currently can be seen at

http://www.europeanirish.com/new/events.php

The first ever survey about Irish people in Europe is being conducted.

If You are Irish and are based in or moving to Continental Europe -

This short survey is for you!

Please forward this email to every Irish person you know living in Europe. 
It is really important for the Irish in Europe.
Please answer just a few short questions in 90 seconds or less Click the Link and answer the questions, thanks.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=c_2bbUKK6N36zUdjY5Fx1FKA_3d_3d

What are the best and hardest things about living in Europe ?
Why might you stay, why might you return?

This survey is specifically about you - Irish people living in Continental Europe.

If you know of any Irish person living anywhere in Continental Europe , please send this survey to him or her today.
If you know many Irish People living in Europe, please send this to them all. This very important survey about you and for you,  and is finishing this week. If you are Irish in Europe - now you can get your say. Click Here to take survey - Have You taken the survey yet? 

Thanks in Advance
Siasy Collins

The Hague, Netherlands, 8th December 2007

Killurin 3-13   1-10 County Europe
“Killurin, winners of the Leinster Special Junior Club Hurling Championship defeated a brave ‘County Europe’  in the Historic Away Leinster Final  held in The Hague, The Netherlands on Saturday December 8th” reports Siasy Collins, Editor of EuropeanIrish.com.

There was no shortage of skill and clash of the ash on display, as Killurin and Europe played out a keenly contested close first half. Just a single point separated the sides at half time.
Played over the full hour, Europe team which although fit, had not played together as a competitive team before, and is used to playing the European Championship over shorter 2 20-minute halves.
The more experience of the Killurin club side from Offaly began to tell late in the second half. Having whipped to a 3 point lead 1-13 to 1-10 with a few minutes left in the match, they finished the stronger with 2 dynamite late goals, to an overall win 3-13 to Europe’s 1-10. Maastricht based Hurling referee was Tony Bass.

 “As the winners of the 2007 European Hurling Championship, Den Haag GAA Club of The Netherlands, one of the longest established and most successful GAA clubs on mainland Europe, were awarded the honour of hosting Killurin and Europe in this first ever match by a mainland Europe Hurling team in the Leinster Championship series.”, says Marie Sheehan, Den Haag GAA Club PRO. “County Europe team comprised hurlers from clubs in Brussels, Paris, Luxembourg, Zurich and host club Den Haag.”

“European County Board (ECB) currently encompasses 27 clubs in 13 countries speaking 11 different languages with over 600 male and 170 female adult players, which is an increase of 28% on two years ago! The largest clubs in Europe being Paris, Luxembourg, Munich & The Hague but all still have less than 100 members each. “ stated Eileen Jennings, Chairperson of the ECB.

Killurin from Offaly were crowned Leinster Special Junior Club Hurling Champions when they defeated Park Ratheniska from Laois on November 18th. On December 8th they added the first Away Leinster Special Junior Club Title to their honours.

www.EuropeanIrish.com

The Hague, Netherlands, 8th December 2007

Killurin 3-13   1-10 County Europe
“Killurin, winners of the Home Leinster Special Junior Club Hurling Championship defeated a brave  “County Europe”  in the Historic Away Leinster Final held in The Hague, The Netherlands on Saturday December 8th” reports Siasy Collins, Editor of EuropeanIrish.com - the resource for Irish people living in Contiental Europe.

Hurling is one of Ireland’s two national sports, and is currently also played in Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) clubs across Continental Europe – in Brussels, Paris, Luxembourg, Zurich, Den Haag, Maastricht, Amsterdam, Groningen,  Munich, Dusseldorf, Budapest, Vienna, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Knn Croatia and Llati Finland. Gaelic Football, Ireland’s other National Sport is also played in Sweden, Czech Republic and Portugal.

Played at lightening speed, hurling is similar to hockey, played on a sports field, and the players can pickup the ‘sliotar’ (ball) and strike it long distances with the hurley. With ‘H’ shaped goals, 3 points are awarded for a Goal under the crossbar, and 1 point for a score over the crossbar and between the posts. The match is played with 15 players per side, a standard club match lasting 60 minutes, played in 2 halves.

“As the winners of the 2007 European Hurling Championship, Den Haag GAA Club of The Netherlands, one of the longest established and most successful GAA clubs on mainland Europe, were awarded the honour of hosting Killurin and Europe in this first ever match by a mainland Europe Hurling team in the Leinster Championship series (Leinster is an Irish Province)”, says Marie Sheehan, Den Haag GAA Club PRO. “County Europe team comprised hurlers from clubs in Brussels, Paris, Luxembourg, Zurich and host club Den Haag.”

There was no shortage of skill and clash of the ash on display, as Killurin and Europe played out a keenly contested close first half.
Just a single point separated the sides at half time.
Played over the full hour, Europe team which although fit, had not played together as a competitive team before, and is used to playing the European Championship over shorter 2 20-minute halves.
The more experience of the Killurin club side from Offaly began to tell late in the second half. Having whipped to a 3 point lead 1-13 to 1-10 with a few minutes left in the match, they finished the stronger with 2 dynamite late goals, to an overall win 3-13 to Europe’s 1-10. Maastricht based Hurling referee was Tony Bass.

“European County Board (ECB) currently encompasses 27 clubs in 13 countries speaking 11 different languages with over 600 male and 170 female adult players, which is an increase of 28% on two years ago! The largest clubs in Europe being Paris, Luxembourg, Munich & The Hague but all still have less than 100 members each.”  stated Eileen Jennings, Chairperson of the ECB.

Killurin from Offaly were crowned Leinster Special Junior Club Hurling Champions when they defeated Park Ratheniska from Laois on November 18th. On December 8th they added the first Away Leinster Special Junior Club Title to their honours.

www.EuropeanIrish.com

Do you think that Gaelic Games should be an Olympic Sport.

Gaelic Football and Hurling are now played in  Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic,  Guernsey island, Jersey Island, Hungary, Croatia.

Add in the Asian Gaelic Games, Gaelic Games in Australia, Canada, UK, USA and you find gaelic football and hurling growing in global profile.

http://europeanirish.com

Gaelic Games as an Olympic Sport ?

30th November 2007
At the GAA European County Board Convention, being held in Budapest Hungary on 1st and 2nd December 2007, wording is being agreed to submit a motion to Ireland’s Annual GAA Congress to ‘pursue the recognition of Gaelic Games as an Olympic Sport’.

The motion being submitted by the European County Board looks to establish an International Gaelic Games Federation. This Federation would drive the development of Hurling, Gaelic Football and Camogie across the globe. It would look for recognition as a sport from official authorities in countries where Gaelic Games are played, and pursue the recognition of Gaelic Games as an Olympic Sport.

“This is just one of more than 75 Motions being discussed this weekend at the County convention of the European GAA County Board.” reports Siasy Collins editor of EuropeanIrish.com.

ECB Secretary Tony Bass of Maastricht Gaels explained that “Almost 30 clubs and one national federation …, over 600 men and 200 women played Gaelic Games on European soil during the year”

Chairperson of the ECB Eileen Jennings (Paris Gaels) is delighted “to welcome Helen O’Rourke (Ladies Football Association), Pat Toner (GAA Overseas Committee) and GAA club development personnel Con Hogan, Pat Fitzgerald and Kieran Leddy from Ireland and all European Club delegates to the 2007 ECB convention”
Delegates from every club arrive in Budapest Hungary for the weekend which comprises of a GAA Club Development Training Seminar, a Games Workshop, and the ECB Convention.

Follow a morning Training Seminar, the Convention opens at 16:30 on Saturday 1st December, with reports from the Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The election of 2008 officers and voting on ECB Motions continues on Sunday from 10:00.

European County Board (ECB) is an official Gaelic Athletics Association County, under Croke Park (Dublin, Ireland) and the Leinster Council, similar to Kilkenny County Board or Dublin County Board.
In fact, Killurin from Offaly ,  Leinster Special Junior Club Hurling Champions  travel to The Netherlands next weekend December 8th and will take on County Europe – a team comprising hurlers from Brussels, Paris, Luxembourg, Zurich and host club Den Haag, in the away final of the Leinster Special Junior Club Hurling Championship.

Read More on European GAA at www.EuropeanIrish.com

EP News

Plenary Session ( Brussels )

28-29 November 2007

How to combine social security for employees and flexibility for employers?

On Wednesday, the European Parliament will vote on a report by Danish MEP Ole Christensen which comments on the European Commission’s recent Communication on ‘More and better jobs through flexibility and security’.  On behalf of the Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee, Mr Christensen’s report highlights the need for a well-educated and adaptable workforce in the EU. The report agrees that ‘flexibility can be in the interests of the employee as well as the employer’, but it emphasises that the policy of ‘flexicurity’ (a combination of labour market flexibility and social security for the employee) ’should be based on common values that underpin the European Social Model’.  MEPs call on EU Heads of State and Government at the next summit meeting of the European Council (December 2007) to “adopt a balanced set of common principles of flexicurity”, which would include “core rights for all workers regardless of their employment status”, adaptable but reliable contracts coupled with action against abusive labour practices, measures to reconcile work and private life, gender equality and equal opportunities.

Irish MEPs on this issue: Marian Harkin ( Ind. - North West ); Kathy Sinnott (Ind. - South); Mary Lou McDonald (SF - Dublin ); Proinsias De Rossa (Labour - Dublin ) 

Quality of tourism in the EU

Italian MEP Paolo Costa has drafted a report on behalf of the European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism, which looks at tourism in the EU and the drawbacks associated with EU Member States interpreting the classification of accommodation for example (number of stars, etc.) differently.  The report argues that this and other difficulties have hampered growth in tourism across the EU.  MEPs claim that an EU-wide classification should be introduced with a standard EC quality mark.  The importance of accessibility for all is emphasised in the report, not only for accommodation, but also for museums, restaurants, etc.  Procedures relating to the issuing of visas to non-EU tourists are also dealt with in the report, although the recommendations focus primarily on the Schengen Member States. 

Irish MEPs on this issue: Liam Aylward (FF - East); Jim Higgins (FG - North West ); Kathy Sinnott (Ind. - South);

The EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights

This week’s Plenary Session in Brussels will begin on Wednesday with a debate about the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, to which the European Parliament has been asked to give its approval.  This Charter sets out the rights to which EU citizens are entitled and aims to ensure that in all of its activities, the EU institutions respect those rights.  The Charter will also apply in the EU’s Member States when EU law is being implemented.  Jo Leinen MEP, Chairperson of the Parliament’s Constitutional Affairs Committee will recommend on Wednesday that the Parliament approves the Charter. 

Irish MEPs on this issue: Proinsias De Rossa (Labour - Dublin ); Kathy Sinnott (Ind. - South); Seán Ó Neachtain (FF - North West ); Marian Harkin ( Ind. - North West );

In addition:

The Future of Europe

Brian Crowley (FF - South), Mary Lou McDonald (SF - Dublin ); Proinsias De Rossa (Labour - Dublin ) and Gay Mitchell (FG - Dublin ) will participate in the debate on the Future of Europe with the Prime Minister of Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero.  Marian Harkin ( Ind. - North West ) will also ask the Council of the EU about a consolidated text (one easy-to-read text) for the new Treaty.

Economic Partnership Agreements with the 78 ACP countries

Eoin Ryan (FF - Dublin) and Gay Mitchell (FG - Dublin) will speak during the discussion which will follow the European Commission’s statement on progress relating to the new Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) currently being negotiated with 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.  The current agreements are due to expire at the end of this year.

Agricultural development and food security in Africa

Gay Mitchell (FG - Dublin ) and Kathy Sinnott ( Ind. - South) will participate in the debate on the European Parliament’s resolution on advancing African agriculture.

Railways

Jim Higgins (FG - North West ), Kathy Sinnott (Ind. - South) and Bairbre De Brún (SF - Northern Ireland ) will speak during the debate on three reports dealing with the railway network in the EU.  The measures are aimed at revitalising the network by removing the obstacles to the free circulation of trains throughout the EU.

Court of Auditors

Mairéad McGuinness (FG - East) and Gay Mitchell (FG - Dublin ) will speak following the presentation of the Court of Auditors’ Annual Report for 2006.

Humanitarian Aid

Kathy Sinnott ( Ind. - South) and Gay Mitchell (FG - Dublin ) spoke during the debate on humanitarian aid which took place in Strasbourg earlier this month.  MEPs will vote on a resolution on this issue on Thursday.

Trade and Climate Change

Kathy Sinnott ( Ind. - South) and Bairbre De Brún (SF - Northern Ireland ) will participate in the debate on the role of trade policy in climate change.

Individual MEPs:

·         Avril Doyle (FG - East) will deliver a speech to the European Landowners Organisation on the links between climate change and biodiversity; she will also participate in a meeting of the Parliament’s working group on Islam.

·         Kathy Sinnott ( Ind. - South) will speak about the following issues which will be on the Agenda of this week’s Plenary Session - GM food and feed; medicinal products for human use; residue levels of pesticides in food or feed; export and import of dangerous chemicals.

·         Mairéad McGuinness (FG - East) will participate in the Agriculture Committee’s hearing on the CAP Health Check on Tuesday.

·         Mary Lou McDonald (SF - Dublin ) will participate in the debate on the forthcoming constitutional referendum in Venezuela .

Chris de Burgh will be doing a limited number of shows in 2008,
initially in Eastern and Western Europe.

Details to be announced soon!

http://europeanirish.com/Music/irishbandsontour.html

Maastricht Gaels, supported by the ECB, will host a foundation level football coaching course with two coach tutors from Dublin on Saturday, November 24th, between 10:00 & 17:30.

The couse is targeted at those who would like to introduce those interested in bringing gaelic football into schools etc. The principal objective is to qualify coaches to teach 8-12 y.o’s.

Both coaches are qualified tutors.
Damian Byrne is a former Dublin hurling goalkeeper and one of the first full-time coaches in the GAA. He was recently appointed Hurling Development Manager for Dublin and is currently a senior county team selector.
Ken Fitzgerald is full-time coach with a leading Dublin club and coach of a third level (DLIADT) college football team.

The course will be broken into a theory session in the morning and a practical skills session in the afternoon. A light lunch (soup/sandwiches) will be available. Copies of the slides etc will be made available. Participants should wear a tracksuit and bring football boots.

Please let Tony Bass (Secretary ECB) know as soon as possible if your club has anyone interested in attending.
Or indeed if you wish to introduce Gaelic Football or Hurling to a new area in Europe. Contact Tony at maastricht GAA club - details here:

http://www.europeanirish.com/Sport/GAA/gaaclubs.html

Ministers have spoken in Irish 22 times at EU meetings since the language became an official one last January, while MEPs have used it about twice as often.

http://www.irishclub.be/display_news.php?ID=17

The European Commission Irish language website is up and running, however efforts to recruit at least 30 Irish language translators and interpreters at an annual cost of about E3.5 million have proven difficult.

There have been teething problems introducing the language to the European Union institutions over the last 10 months, Multi-lingualism Commissioner Leonard Orban is expected to tell representatives from a number of language organisations when they meet in Brussels today.
The meeting aims to assess how the integration of Irish as a working language is progressing within the different EU institutions and has been organised by MEP Sean O Neachtain, who is a native Irish speaker.

He said they would focus in particular on how recruitment of Irish interpreters, translators and jurist-linguists is proceeding.

There have been delays recruiting staff as few, if any, had the necessary qualifications to become a recognised EU translator of texts or interpreter of the spoken word.

This has been followed by a slow take-up of posts as some offered jobs did not want to move to Brussels while others just came for a short time on secondment.

There are also problems filling the posts of legal experts fluent in Irish who are required to translate complex text into Irish.

As a result, only those which are seen as essential texts are being translated.

A number of MEPs use Irish regularly including Jim Higgins, Proinsias De Rossa, Marian Harkin and Liam Aylward and Bairbre de Brun, a Sinn Féin MEP for Northern Ireland.

The Commission’s Irish language site is available at: http://europa.eu/index_ga.htm 

www.examiner.ie

The next production of The Irish Theatre Group Belgium - is ‘Quintessence’ , an evening of drama by two giants of the Irish written word: J. M. Synge & W. B. Yeats.

A young girl elopes with the man she loves and hopes to escape her destiny.

An old woman mourns her sons.
 

A suspicious husband sets a trap for his wayward wife.
 

Two tramps wander through a ruined house between time and eternity.

Join us and experience the hauntingly powerful quintessence of Irish drama from 27 November to December 1. Tickets cost 16 euros (or 12 euros for students or groups of 20 or more).
To book a ticket visit http://www.irishclub.be/display_events.php?ID=83

http://www.europeanirish.com/Music

17-Nov Germany Mary Black Soltau Alte Reithalle
18-Nov Netherlands Mary Black, Groningen   Oosterpoort
19-Nov Netherlands Mary Black Amsterdam RAI Auditorium
21-Nov Netherlands Mary Black Eindhoven MC Frits Philips
22-Nov Netherlands Mary Black Nijmegen De Vereeniging
23-Nov Belgium Mary Black Hasselt Cultuurcentrum Hasselt
25-Nov Belgium Mary Black Brugge Cultuurcentrum Brugge / Stadsschouwburg
26-Nov Netherlands Mary Black Rotterdam Nieuwe Luxor Theater

Played in The Hague, then Amsterdam, then Luxembourg (The Black Stuff tournament), and Maastricht,
Luxembourg came out on top, with 75 points, The Hague close behind on 60 points, joint for 3rd were Maastricht and Amsterdam on 46 points.

The 2007 European GAA
Men’s and Women’s
Regional and All-Europe
Championships & Shields

are all available on an easy to follow spreadsheet - with scores, points per tournament, and matches and tournaments  played.

Thanks to Mike Cryan of Paris Gaels GAA and European GAA County Board, for compiling the comprehensive details from the year.
Step 1. Go to: http://europeanirish.com/Sport/GAA/index.html

Step2. Click on
European Men’s and Women’s Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie - Championship, Shield, European Regional and all-Europe competitions
CLICK HERE NOW

Step 3.  Read the Spreadsheet - page 6. Benelux Regional Results

The 2007 European GAA
Men’s and Women’s
Regional and All-Europe
Championships & Shields

are all available on an easy to follow spreadsheet - with scores, points per tournament, and matches and tournaments  played.

Thanks to Mike Cryan of Paris Gaels GAA and European GAA County Board, for compiling the comprehensive details from the year.
Step 1. Go to: http://europeanirish.com/Sport/GAA/index.html

Step2. Click on
European Men’s and Women’s Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie - Championship, Shield, European Regional and all-Europe competitions
CLICK HERE NOW

Step 3.  Read the Spreadsheet -

Page 2 has the Championship and Shield Results from each tournament.

Page 3 has the Hurling Results, showing how Den Haag captured the Hurling Championship ahead of Brussels, Luxembourg, Paris and Zurich.

Page 4 has the Ladies Championship Tournamnet Results - from each match played across 7 Rounds in 2007.

The 2007 European GAA
Men’s and Women’s
Regional and All-Europe
Championships & Shields

are all available on an easy to follow spreadsheet - with scores, points per tournament, and matches and tournaments  played.

Thanks to Mike Cryan of Paris Gaels GAA and European GAA County Board, for compiling the comprehensive details from the year.
Step 1. Go to: http://europeanirish.com/Sport/GAA/index.html

Step2. Click on