From top: Dafydd Davies, Mark Whelan, Paul Salim, Edgar Kirby, Barry Rea, James Kendrick, Declan Savage, Ken Greaney and Mike O’Sullivan

This afternoon.

Ten finalists.

But who will be Ireland’s first ‘burly’ male model?

Seán writes:

BRLY (pronounced ‘burly’), Ireland’s new fashion and lifestyle brand for burly males, have announced their ten finalists to become the face of the Irish company for Spring/Summer 2021.

The search for Ireland’s first ‘burly’ male model began in Autumn 2020 and saw hundreds of entries from across the country.

The ten finalists, from all corners of Ireland, are now looking for your vote to be the face of Ireland’s new fashion and lifestyle brand for burly males.

You can vote now at link below. BRLY will launch with a full range of product for burly guys that will be available in the Irish market for Spring/Summer 2021.

Vote here (and leave your choice below).

BRLY

Gulp.

1969.

Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1.

They’d like to see the editor.

This afternoon.

Bar giant NolaClan (House Dublin, House Limerick and others) launches its first redeemable gift card  – with 10% of sales donated to homeless chairty Focus Ireland.

Sinead writes

2020 has been a challenging one for all NolaClan venues but the team are busy planning an exciting 2021 with new plans, designs, concepts and menus for when we can all once again enjoy being social.

The gift card can be purchased at link below or on any of the venue websites with 10% of every sale being donated to Focus Ireland.

Special Launch Offer: From Wednesday, November 25 – Tuesday December 1… €100 for a €120 voucher…

Gift Card (NolaClan)

NolaClan

Behold: the T. Fotiadis Ultra2 – a 91 metre concept superyacht with two onboard swimming pools,  saloon,  jacuzzi, IMAX screening room, plenty of water-toy storage, and a hybrid powertrain. But that’s not all.

The Bond villain security conscious billionaire that eventually commissions this mega-barge will also have a safe room, a diplomatic-grade secure-meeting room, and a crew trained in military counter-intelligence protocols by UK-based risk management company Romeo Foxtrot.

uncrate

And the price of speaking out against them.

From the ‘Very Opinionated Kate Wand Show‘.

Covid response critic Ivor Cummins writes:

A must watch. I can say no more. You can support the corporate takeover of our society. Or you can support truth in science, and protect our future. The latter protect our society, over the actions of vandals. It is your choice. Make it wisely….

Earlier: The Hugs Don’t Work They Just Make It Worse

RollingNews

Chairwoman of the RTÉ Authority Moya Doherty

This morning.

Further to Rtegate…

…via The Times:

In an email to all staff on Thursday afternoon Eimear Cusack, director of human resources at the broadcaster, said:

“As we enter what remains one of the busiest periods of the year, please ensure you are fully aware of our Covid-19 return to work protocols which we have carefully developed to enable us to operate safely as an essential service and to protect you and those who, out of necessity, visit our sites.”

The story in The Irish Sun was published on Friday morning.

Ms Cusack also told staff that they “must work together to stay apart (two metres) and continue to wash our hands”.

In a statement, RTÉ did not respond to queries if there were any reasons why the email was sent out, a day before the story broke…

Meanwhile…

Moya Doherty, chairwoman of the RTÉ Authority, said:

“I have asked for an update on this matter this week, and the board will address the matter in full at its meeting next week.”

RTÉ reminded staff of rules just before scandal broke (Brian Mahon, The Times)

Previously: Crimecall

RollingNews

This morning.

Arracht, a feature length Irish language film has been selected as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category.

Deirdre Ní Choistín writes:

TG4 is elated by today’s announcement by IFTA that Arracht, an Irish-language feature film from the Cine4 initiative has been selected as Ireland’s entry for the Oscars’ Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 93rd annual Academy Awards.

Cine4 is a partnership between TG4, Screen Ireland, and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) to develop original feature films in the Irish language.

Arracht was written and directed by Tom Sullivan and starring Screen International Star of Tomorrow 2020 Dónall Ó Héalaí alongside Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton, and newcomer Saise Ní Chúinn. Arracht was produced by Cúán Mac Conghail for Macalla Teoranta with executive producers Brendan McCarthy and John McDonnell of Fantastic Films.

Arracht (Cine4)

From top: Dublin Airport at Christmas; Professor Luke O’Neill

This morning.

UPDATE:

Biochemistry professor at Trinity College Professor Luke O’Neill has told Claire Byrne on RTÉ Radio One that people can have ‘a very quick hug‘ outside ‘as it’s Christmas’.

Prof O’Neill said that children should “hug their grandparents briefly outdoors, while wearing a mask”.

He said “sadly the less time the better” is the best way to reduce the risk of passing on the virus to older people.

“Don’t pass the gravy boat,” Prof O’Neill advised.

Thanks, Luke.

Earlier…

Via Irish Examiner:

The Government is to allow people to visit their family members on Christmas Day — but hugging their relations will not be permitted.

After the three party leaders in Government met on Monday night ahead of a key Cabinet meeting today, the Irish Examiner understands that while level 3 restrictions will apply in the main, the Government will permit “unfettered” movement across the country to allow families to come together.

All retail, gyms, and hairdressers will be able to open from next week, while a decision on restaurants and other pubs is likely to be made at a later date, possibly the following week.

Restaurants say that they have been told by the Government that daily cases have to be in the 200s for their reopening to be viable.

Strict warnings about keeping gatherings in homes safe will form a central part of the messaging to be rolled out later this week.

These will include ensuring no physical contact with family members not in your immediate family, and that rooms remain well ventilated throughout.

No hugging but government to dismantle travel restrictions for Christmas (Irish Examiner)

RollingNews/Claire Byrne Live

Earlier: The Science Of Not Worrying Enough

Broadsheet.ie