Welcome to IT Sunday, a weekly digest of the best articles from The Irish Times for our subscribers. In this issue, we cover a variety of topics from urban regeneration to personal finance, GAA Go Games, immigration and cultural adaptation, US politics, pop culture, property, restaurants, parenting, child safety, and sexual health.
Car-free cities have been a topic of discussion for many years, and some areas in Dublin have already benefited from pedestrianisation. However, as David McWilliams argues in his article, setting aside prime urban space is more than a matter of convenience – it is about prioritising people over profit. Cars are polluters and space hogs that impede social interaction and negatively impact small business owners. Car parks are underused and eyesores that block the view and deprive valuable space of other purposes. McWilliams calls for better urban planning that puts people first and eliminates car dependency.
In the personal finance section, Dominic Coyle answers a tricky question from a reader regarding inheritance rights when a mother-in-law claimed a widow’s pension for her first husband while married to her second. Coyle clarifies the legal and ethical implications of the case and provides useful advice on how to navigate such complex family issues.
The GAA’s Go Games policy has caused quite a stir recently, as more people are questioning the merits of non-competitive games for kids under 12. However, as Malachy Clerkin points out in his article, the Go Games are more than just a politically correct gesture – they are about creating a positive and inclusive environment for children to develop their skills and love of sports. By removing the pressure to win or lose, children can focus on teamwork, individual improvement, and having fun.
In the New to the Parish series, Juci Kulloi shares her experience of adapting to Irish culture and language. She finds Irish English distinct and charming, and she enjoys learning new phrases and expressions to make her communication more engaging and authentic.
Fintan O’Toole takes a critical look at US politics and foreign policy in light of Henry Kissinger’s 100th birthday. He sees Kissinger’s century as a time of moral bankruptcy, where democracy is subverted, power is prioritised over morality, and violence is justified by reason. He argues that Americans need to reckon with their complicity in global injustices and learn from history to cultivate a more humane and ethical foreign policy.
The recent death of Tina Turner prompted Ed Power to write a tribute to the legendary pop icon. He reflects on her tumultuous life journey, from growing up poor and abused in the rural South to finding fame and success as an electrifying performer and singer. Turner’s resilience and talent inspired generations of fans and musicians alike, and her message of love and empowerment transcended racial and cultural boundaries.
In property news, Jessica Doyle reports on the struggling sale of Clare Island Lighthouse, a stunning historical property with incredible ocean views. She notes that the asking price has dropped by nearly 40% without any takers, perhaps due to the challenging location and maintenance costs.
For foodies, Corinna Hardgrave reviews Roam, a new Belfast restaurant run by chef Ryan Jenkins. She praises the quality and creativity of the dishes, especially the scallops and flat iron steak, and gives it a four-star rating.
On the parenting front, Carl O’Brien writes about the voluntary smartphone ban among eight primary schools in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. He notes that the move is driven by the concern over children’s mental health and exposure to harmful content online.
Sheila Wayman tackles a related issue in her article about the dark side of social media and its impact on children’s mental and emotional well-being. She cites the US surgeon general’s warning about the profound risk of harm posed by social media to children and shares a parent’s experience of trying to monitor her son’s online activity and protect him from disturbing content.
In the sexual health column, Roe McDermott answers a reader’s question about body image and self-esteem after a breakup. McDermott empathises with the reader’s pain and encourages her to focus on healing and self-love before seeking a new relationship.
Overall, this week’s articles cover a wide range of topics that reflect the diverse interests and needs of our readership. We hope you enjoy this selection and welcome your feedback and suggestions for future topics.
