Author Archives: Bodger

This morning.

Dublin Castle, Dublin 2.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath has said businesses in the hospitality industry who do not comply with rules around Covid-19 passes “do not deserve to remain open”.

On his way into Cabinet, the minister said that although there has been a “pretty good level of compliance.. those who aren’t are putting the public at risk”.

Non-Covid compliant businesses ‘don’t deserve to remain open'(RTÉ)

Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews

Mescal, from My Canine Companion in Currys PC World, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Cork

‘sup?

This afternoon.

Our good friends at Currys PC World have announced Cork-based charity, My Canine Companion as its charity partner.

They say:

With the cost of training one dog amounting to €10,000 each, Currys PC World, Ireland’s largest electrical retailer has pledged to raise at least €170,000 over the next year to fund training of 17 dogs – one dog for each of the 16 stores, plus one from currys.ie As well as raising funds, they will also help raise awareness of the charity.

Fundraising throughout the year will be a mix of in store and internal initiatives, meaning customers and colleagues alike will get the chance to help to raise the vital funds for this fantastic charity. The first activity will see Currys PC World colleagues take part in the 100km walking challenge for My Canine Companion, which all stores will participate in!

Arf.

currys.ie

My Canine Companion

 

Meanwhile…

Earlier: A Bit Negative

Unrepeatable

This afternoon.

Via Reuters:

Poland accused Belarus of trying to spark a major confrontation on Monday as video clips showed hundreds of migrants walking towards the Polish border and some trying to breach the fence using spades and other implements.

Warsaw said it had deployed additional soldiers, border guards and police, while neighbouring Lithuania said it might introduce a state of emergency on its border with Belarus.

The European Union, to which Poland and Lithuania both belong, accuses Minsk of encouraging migrants from the Middle East and Africa to cross into the EU via Belarus, as a form of hybrid warfare in revenge for Western sanctions on President Alexander Lukashenko’s government over human rights abuses.

Poland said it had withstood the first attempts on Monday by the migrants to force their way across the border.

Poland blames Belarus as migrants try to force their way across border (Reuters)

This afternoon.

Dublin Airport.

Lady Liberty welcomed Aer Lingus customers back on board its long-haul service to the United States, as the ban on travel into the US was lifted. The airline has launched a 48-hour flash sale offering €100 off return flights to the US ending tomorrow at midnight.

I think I prefer the old uniforms.

Travel to US reopens for fully vaccinated (RTÉ)

Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland


Valerie Judge and Ava Kenny read Gerry The Giraffe Goes To Hospital in The Gutter Bookshop, Dalkey, county Dublin this morning.

 

This morning.

Dalkey county Dublin.

‘Gerry Giraffe Goes To Hospital’, a children’s illustrated book written by mother of two Valerie Judge during lockdown, demystifies the experience of hospital for child patients.

Via Gerry Giraffe Goes To Hospital:

Valerie Judge, a management consultant who has returned to her artistic roots, wrote and illustrated ‘Gerry Giraffe Goes to Hospital’ during the pandemic lockdown.

The book is inspired by Valerie’s daughter Anna Rose McKeever who trained in CHI Crumlin and is now a cardiac children’s nurse at Great Ormond Street hospital in London and knows all about the anxieties children may have when going to hospital.

Gerry Giraffe Goes To Hospital‘ is on sale from Amazon at €20 per copy. To find a copy, search in your browser for ‘Gerry Giraffe Goes To Hospital’ by Valerie Judge, or visit the Gutter Bookshop (at link below).

Gutter Bookshop

Pic: Sara Hanley