Happy St. Patrick’s Day

Let’s celebrate being Irish and our small green island that has sent its spirit around the world!
The garden is full of daffodils as we welcome the Spring and as part of The Greening Season 2013 and St Patrick’s Day Celebrations around the world – The Pyramids, Sydney Opera House, and Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro along with lots of Dublin landmarks will all be turning Green.
Today everyone is a little bit Irish!

Irish Taoiseach apologises to Magdalene Women

Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny issued an emotional and heartfelt apology today in the Dail to all the women who spent time in Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. Following the publication of a report on The Magdalene Laundries by Senator Martin McAleese, the Taoiseach admitted the women were blameless, and on behalf of the state and government and Irish citizens apologised for the hurt that was done to them and for any stigma they suffered as a result of time they spent in the Magdalene Laundries. He said they deserved more than an apology and Judge John Quirke will undertake a three month review with regards to assessing help and support for the women. There was huge applause and high emotions in The Dail as some Magdalene survivors were present for this historic speech. This official recognition was long overdue!