Anything Good In The Drogheda Independent?
Thanks Suzanne Chase

Enda Kenny meets Shinzō Abe, Prime Minister of Japan at government buildings this afternoon
Universal hand signal from Shinzō at O.24.
Like a bosu.
Thanks anon
A random poll of random tourists in Dublin today conducted by the Dublin Visitor’s Centre, O’Connell Street, Dublin.
Not included: Sasha and Malia.
Dublin Visitor’s Centre (Facebook)
Thanks Tim
Karl has the same Aran already.
Models, from left: Yomiko Chen, Teo Sutra and Thalia Heffernan showcase three of the eight final designs of the Persil Irish Fashion Awards 2013,this afternoon. A winner, who receives €10,000, is announced tonight.
Yomiko wears Purple Rain’ by Laura May Hegarty (National College of Art and Design), Teo wears ‘Music in the Glan’ by Sinead Onora Kennedy (also NCAD), and Thalia wears ‘Birds of the Celtic Isles Traverse Worlds in Birds Song’ by Jessica Kavanagh (Limerick School of Art and Design).
Previously: The Aran Sweater: An Evolution
(Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland)
Dublin’s O’Connell Bridge used to be called Carlisle Bridge, pictured top in 1794.
Construction work to widen the bridge began in May, 1877 and was completed in August 1880, bottom picture. It was then renamed O’Connell Bridge.
The trams were still able to run along the tramlines over the River Liffey during the construction work, as seen in middle picture (1879).
Three years is a bit long though, in fairness.
Project history of Dublin’s River Liffey bridges (Michael Phillips and Albert Hamilton)
Hat/tip: Joan Byrne
He said in order to defend our own freedom he needed to fight for gay equality.
‘When we stand up for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters…we defend our own liberty as well.”
The reference is an echo to his inaugural address in 2013, when Obama said the journey is not complete until LGBT people are treated like anyone else under the law.
President Obama (top) at the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin, today with Angela Merkel (right), who opposes marriage equality.
Barack Obama calls for gay equality in Germany (Gaystarnews)
In Berlin, Obama pays tribute to Berliners and Western values (USA Today)
Meanwhile….
Michelle Obama, daughters visit Holocaust Memorial (Fox)
(AP/Fox)
The Irish wheelchair rugby 7 squad.
At the wheelchair 7s Six Nations in Vichy, France.
The results are in from Day 1 of the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby Six Nations and it’s been a spectacular start for Ireland who now sit top of the table after a remarkable 60 – 0 win against Wales.
Earlier in the day France defeated Italy 23- 18 in a bruising encounter and England edged out Scotland 14 – 0 in the final match of the day, leaving Ireland in top spot, on points scored, at the end of Day 1.
Ireland overcame Wales thanks to their physical defence and superior speed. The Irish line outs were sound and they just about shaded the scrums but it was the dominance of the pack in open play that lay down the foundations of this victory.
…It was a remarkable achievement for the Irish side, in their first ever match together, given that they didn’t arrive at their hotel until 7:30am yesterday morning.
Ireland travel to Montlucon this evening to play Italy at 6pm.
Wheelchair Rugby 6 Nations, Day 1 (The Front Row)
6 Nations Wheelchair 7s (Facebook)
Pic:IWA