Donncha O’Connell
@donnchalaw.bsky.social
Law academic living in the west of Ireland. Interested in law, politics, history, theatre, music, books, art, people and dogs…not in that order.
Never forget Epstein’s little helpers – the powerful men who knew about his crimes, and helped him out anyway - Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Never forget Epstein’s little helpers – the powerful men who knew about his crimes, and helped him out anyway | Marina Hyde
I’m sorry, but this is not just a political scandal. Time to refocus on the horrific mistreatment of women and girls, and the role of these ghouls, says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:54 AM
Never forget Epstein’s little helpers – the powerful men who knew about his crimes, and helped him out anyway - Marina Hyde
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Courts here take three times longer than European average to conclude cases, Law Society report says
www.independent.ie/irish-news/c...
www.independent.ie/irish-news/c...
Courts here take three times longer than European average to conclude cases, report says
Irish courts are taking considerably longer than the European average to dispose of cases and are facing an increasing backlog each year, according to a new report on the health of the justice system.
www.independent.ie
February 4, 2026 at 7:19 AM
Courts here take three times longer than European average to conclude cases, Law Society report says
www.independent.ie/irish-news/c...
www.independent.ie/irish-news/c...
Human Rights Watch researchers resign after report on Palestinian right of return blocked
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Human Rights Watch researchers resign after report on Palestinian right of return blocked
The organization claims the report, which finds Israel’s denial of the right of return is a crime against humanity, is ‘paused pending further analysis and research’
www.theguardian.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:07 PM
Human Rights Watch researchers resign after report on Palestinian right of return blocked
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
'Profound disappointment' as construction of new Bish College Campus in Galway in limbo
www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-f...
www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-f...
'Profound disappointment' as construction of new Bish College Campus in limbo | GalwayBayFM
The Bish school says there is 'profound disappointment' over a further delay to construction of its major new facility in Dangan.
www.galwaybayfm.ie
February 3, 2026 at 3:51 PM
'Profound disappointment' as construction of new Bish College Campus in Galway in limbo
www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-f...
www.galwaybayfm.ie/galway-bay-f...
Tusla in conflict with Department of Justice over its ‘many objections’ to proposed law - Valerie’s Law’ - removing parental rights from killers
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
Tusla has ‘many objections’ to proposed law removing parental rights from killers
State agency argues parents accused of a ‘suspected killing’ still have ‘inherent rights’ to their children
www.irishtimes.com
February 2, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Tusla in conflict with Department of Justice over its ‘many objections’ to proposed law - Valerie’s Law’ - removing parental rights from killers
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/soci...
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
The Room Next Door - Donald Trump and the New Guy
Only on YouTube.
Only on YouTube.
The Room Next Door - Donald Trump and the New Guy
YouTube video by Michael Spicer
youtu.be
February 2, 2026 at 8:25 AM
The Room Next Door - Donald Trump and the New Guy
Only on YouTube.
Only on YouTube.
Galway city grocer, Ernie Deacy, wants to keep fruit and vegetable production hyper-local. The owners of the Westend shop want to see Ireland develop infrastructure that mirrors what the Dutch are doing.
www.independent.ie/regionals/ga...
www.independent.ie/regionals/ga...
Galway city grocer Ernie’s wants to keep fruit and vegetable production hyper-local
.
www.independent.ie
February 1, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Galway city grocer, Ernie Deacy, wants to keep fruit and vegetable production hyper-local. The owners of the Westend shop want to see Ireland develop infrastructure that mirrors what the Dutch are doing.
www.independent.ie/regionals/ga...
www.independent.ie/regionals/ga...
Happy St Brigid’s Day from Galway!
February 1, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Happy St Brigid’s Day from Galway!
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
In an article for The Conversation, Kelly Fincham explains why believing misinformation is often not just a content problem but an emotional and structural one.
Read here: https://theconversation.com/why-people-believe-misinformation-even-when-theyre-told-the-facts-271236
Read here: https://theconversation.com/why-people-believe-misinformation-even-when-theyre-told-the-facts-271236
Why people believe misinformation even when they’re told the facts
Misinformation is not just a content problem, but an emotional and structural one.
theconversation.com
February 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM
In an article for The Conversation, Kelly Fincham explains why believing misinformation is often not just a content problem but an emotional and structural one.
Read here: https://theconversation.com/why-people-believe-misinformation-even-when-theyre-told-the-facts-271236
Read here: https://theconversation.com/why-people-believe-misinformation-even-when-theyre-told-the-facts-271236
For some excellent long weekend listening back John Bowman on jazz in Ireland would be unbeatable @rteradio1.bsky.social
February 1, 2026 at 8:58 AM
For some excellent long weekend listening back John Bowman on jazz in Ireland would be unbeatable @rteradio1.bsky.social
Security not so light touch at dog groomers today…
January 31, 2026 at 2:41 PM
Security not so light touch at dog groomers today…
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
Poem of the Week: The Lie
Poem of the Week: The Lie
A new work by Mary O’Malley
www.irishtimes.com
January 31, 2026 at 4:17 AM
Poem of the Week: The Lie
And now for some method acting…
January 30, 2026 at 7:17 PM
And now for some method acting…
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
The president of the European Court of Human Rights spoke of “judicial pragmatism” when asked about concerns raised by states that have signed the human rights convention. But respect for the court’s “full independence” was essential, Mattias Guyomar insisted
rozenberg.substack.com/p/judicial-p...
rozenberg.substack.com/p/judicial-p...
Judicial pragmatism
We hear what you say but don’t tell us what to do, judges tell states
rozenberg.substack.com
January 30, 2026 at 6:05 AM
The president of the European Court of Human Rights spoke of “judicial pragmatism” when asked about concerns raised by states that have signed the human rights convention. But respect for the court’s “full independence” was essential, Mattias Guyomar insisted
rozenberg.substack.com/p/judicial-p...
rozenberg.substack.com/p/judicial-p...
‘Political priority cannot be a judge’s priority’- European Court of Human Rights president. Political pressure on jurisdiction of court ‘impossible to accept’, says Judge Mattias Guyomar
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
‘Political priority cannot be a judge’s priority’- European Court of Human Rights president
Political pressure on jurisdiction of court ‘impossible to accept’, says Mattias Guyomar
www.irishtimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:00 PM
‘Political priority cannot be a judge’s priority’- European Court of Human Rights president. Political pressure on jurisdiction of court ‘impossible to accept’, says Judge Mattias Guyomar
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/co...
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
The recruitment process for a new Special Rapporteur on Child Protection has been launched.
Special Rapporteur on Child Protection - Department of Children, Disability and Equality
Find the latest vacancies across both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland for solicitors, barristers and other legal professionals.
www.irishlegal.com
January 28, 2026 at 11:22 AM
The recruitment process for a new Special Rapporteur on Child Protection has been launched.
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
A number of garda recruits will be delayed entering the force as planned next week due to delays with receiving their garda vetting.
jrnl.ie/6940130t
jrnl.ie/6940130t
Garda recruits unable to enter force due to delays with garda vetting, Justice Committee hears
Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said the situation is “unbelievable”.
jrnl.ie
January 27, 2026 at 7:47 PM
A number of garda recruits will be delayed entering the force as planned next week due to delays with receiving their garda vetting.
jrnl.ie/6940130t
jrnl.ie/6940130t
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
Policing an armed society requires a commitment to transparency and accountability, Barry Friedman and Brandon del Pozo argue, and “in this regard, ICE and the federal government have failed dismally.”
ICE Is Failing the Legitimacy Test
America’s most fundamental values are at risk
bit.ly
January 27, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Policing an armed society requires a commitment to transparency and accountability, Barry Friedman and Brandon del Pozo argue, and “in this regard, ICE and the federal government have failed dismally.”
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
The Govt has advertised for applicants for the post of Special Rapporteur on Child Protection. I had the privilege of acting in this role from 2019-2022; I'm happy to chat to anyone considering applying.
bit.ly/LI_Org_SRCP26
bit.ly/LI_Org_SRCP26
Special Rapporteur for Child Protection - publicjobs
Title: Special Rapporteur for Child Protection. Vacancy type: publicjobs. Department/Organisation: Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Location: Dublin. Advertising date: 23/01/2026, 08:3...
bit.ly
January 26, 2026 at 9:17 PM
The Govt has advertised for applicants for the post of Special Rapporteur on Child Protection. I had the privilege of acting in this role from 2019-2022; I'm happy to chat to anyone considering applying.
bit.ly/LI_Org_SRCP26
bit.ly/LI_Org_SRCP26
Celebrate Jennifer Johnston - please sign petition: my.uplift.ie/petitions/cl... @uplift.ie
Celebrate Jennifer Johnston
Her family, authors of this petitition, and those who admired her tremendous body of work and passion for life would like to see her celebrated as a woman writer, all too neglected, and as...
my.uplift.ie
January 26, 2026 at 12:22 PM
Celebrate Jennifer Johnston - please sign petition: my.uplift.ie/petitions/cl... @uplift.ie
Reposted by Donncha O’Connell
This useful Webinar is happening tomorrow, Registration is Free and all are Welcome!
tinyurl.com/GaleNewspapers
#historicalnewspapers
tinyurl.com/GaleNewspapers
#historicalnewspapers
January 26, 2026 at 9:19 AM
This useful Webinar is happening tomorrow, Registration is Free and all are Welcome!
tinyurl.com/GaleNewspapers
#historicalnewspapers
tinyurl.com/GaleNewspapers
#historicalnewspapers
Well worth reading:
Murder and MI5: How an extraordinary battle erupted over what the state keeps secret
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Murder and MI5: How an extraordinary battle erupted over what the state keeps secret
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Murder and MI5: the extraordinary battle over what stays secret
Can the state, especially when it is implicated in killing, be trusted as the arbiter of what should remain confidential?
www.bbc.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Well worth reading:
Murder and MI5: How an extraordinary battle erupted over what the state keeps secret
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Murder and MI5: How an extraordinary battle erupted over what the state keeps secret
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Great interview by Mary Robinson on Morning Ireland @rteradio1.bsky.social on the so-called Board of Peace, Gaza and Trump’s America - powerful, clear-sighted, unapologetic moral leadership.
January 26, 2026 at 8:28 AM
Great interview by Mary Robinson on Morning Ireland @rteradio1.bsky.social on the so-called Board of Peace, Gaza and Trump’s America - powerful, clear-sighted, unapologetic moral leadership.