94 Comments

• seanomelb | Feb 04, 2013, 06:35 PM EST

  Brendan I do not see myself more Irish than anyone else. The post was rhetorical, but! If you wish to be a west brit so be it your choice.

• PatrickRiordan | Feb 04, 2013, 05:26 PM EST

  seanmelb - As a Garda I well understand democratic principles. I have never been to a police ball, we don't have them here. Why do you think you're more Irish then the rest of us who live here? What's a "west brit"? Kindly explain in detail. How do you plan to make them leave Ireland? People who don't live in the country can't vote and don't pay taxes.

• Gordan Duggan | Feb 04, 2013, 01:52 PM EST

  Every time Adams opens his mouth he belittles himself.

• IrelandNorth | Feb 04, 2013, 03:57 AM EST

  [Sur]realist! Like too many others, you've obviously made up your mind and don't want to be disturbed by incinvenient truths. You're blinded by prejudice, seasoned with subjectivity. If condemning belligerants who were killed in action brought them back to life, I'd condemn. It doesn't, so I dont. Purely utilitarian old chap! On a point of information, I did express my opinions to Civilian Kelly, and cautioned him about allowing himself be used by dark forces. You ignore my point apropos loyalty vs patriotism. So why argue. My patriotism is to what it said on the 1916 bisuit tin, not the Ballyseedy Brigade or Ballybricken pig buyers.

• anglo-norman | Feb 03, 2013, 06:39 PM EST

  Is that why you left Ireland sean?

• seanomelb | Feb 03, 2013, 05:31 PM EST

  OOps sorry for the repitition

• seanomelb | Feb 03, 2013, 05:30 PM EST

  Dublin born Brendan get it right. You are obliged to pay Gerry's salary,do you wish to cherrypick who deserves a salary and who doesn't. You obviously are not attuned to democratic principles. I would like all the west brits to leave Ireland.

• seanomelb | Feb 03, 2013, 05:30 PM EST

  Dublin born Brendan get it right. You are obliged to pay Gerry's salary,do you wish to cherrypick who deserves a salary and who doesn't. You obviously are not attuned to democratic principles. I would like all the west brits to leave Ireland.

• seanomelb | Feb 03, 2013, 05:30 PM EST

  Dublin born Brendan get it right. You are obliged to pay Gerry's salary,do you wish to cherrypick who deserves a salary and who doesn't. You obviously are not attuned to democratic principles. I would like all the west brits to leave Ireland.

• Realist | Feb 03, 2013, 04:10 PM EST

  IrelandNorth: "Is Ireland a branch of Tescos?" Would you have the gall to stand in front of Private Kelly's son and say that? I doubt it. I'm sorry, but all I see from you is a load of obfuscation and school-boy rhetoric....and, I'm afraid, at the end of the day what we have is an "ex-Irish Army man" who cannot bring himself to condemn the murder of a fellow Irish Army soldier who died trying to help rescue an innocent kidnapped man - sadly, and this is why I asked you to come out of the closet, I suspect it's because your true loyalty lies with the PIRA terrorists who murdered him. Shame.

• IrelandNorth | Feb 03, 2013, 02:41 PM EST

  Realist! (i) Kidnapping was/is crime ordinary, and as such should be dealt with by the state police - Án Gárda Síochana na h'Éireann (ÁGSÉ), not by the southern state's military - aka Oglaigh na h'Éireann. Fortunately, they've armed the ÁGSÉ appropriately as to be able to stand on their own two feet since, without being babysat and soothered by OnE. (ii) What was a probationer Gárda doing on a dangerous mission? (iii) How is springing a British supermarket executive defending one's state? Is Ireland a branch of Tesco (ex-Quinnsworth)? If so, would free groceries for life for his family not be better than a posthumous medalion. One isn't loyal to a state which claims to be a republic - albeit prematurely ejaculatory! One is patriotic to a republic but loyal to a constitutional monarchy. Private Kelly was a soldier not a servant. How is one patriotic to the Irish state by springing a British supermarket executive, unless they are Irish citizens, military comrades or political leaders. How come they didn't commission MP Cpl Kelly? Does the death of a father not qualify for a field commission? The Chief-of-Staff says more than he knows! Pte Kelly's other non-military son was shamelessly used as cannon fodder in the presidential campaign, allegedly by Fine Gael elements within ÁGSÉ, a dangerous interference in political affairs by elements within the state police, which is contrary to the Gárda Rule Book. Condemnation doesn't bring people back to life. And using working-class people like such who can't get better jobs is hardly inspiring. After all, I could've been a Pte Kelly, had I not had the good sense to get out when I did way back when.

• IrelandNorth | Feb 03, 2013, 02:39 PM EST

  Realist! (i) Kidnapping was/is crime ordinary, and as such should be dealt with by the state police - Án Gárda Síochana na h'Éireann (ÁGSÉ), not by the southern state's military - aka Oglaigh na h'Éireann. Fortunately, they've armed the ÁGSÉ appropriately as to be able to stand on their own two feet since, without being babysat and soothered by OnE. (ii) What was a probationer Gárda doing on a dangerous mission? (iii) How is springing a British supermarket executive defending one's state? Is Ireland a branch of Tesco (ex-Quinnsworth)? If so, would free groceries for life for his family not be better than a posthumous medalion. One isn't loyal to a state which claims to be a republic - albeit prematurely ejaculatory! One is patriotic to a republic but loyal to a constitutional monarchy. Private Kelly was a soldier not a servant. How is one patriotic to the Irish state by springing a British supermarket executive, unless they are Irish citizens, military comrades or political leaders. How come they didn't commission MP Cpl Kelly? Does the death of a father not qualify for a field commission? The Chief-of-Staff says more than he knows! Pte Kelly's other non-military son was shamelessly used as cannon fodder in the presidential campaign, allegedly by Fine Gael elements within ÁGSÉ, a dangerous interference in political affairs by elements within the state police, which is contrary to the Gárda Rule Book. Condemnation doesn't bring people back to life. And using working-class people like such who can't get better jobs is hardly inspiring. After all, I could've been a Pte Kelly, had I not had the good sense to get out when I did way back when.

• Willie Frazer | Feb 03, 2013, 11:49 AM EST

  I was told by some good and dacent friends of mine down in the state that this police man was a big bully and he also wanted to be a hero so to further his career, sort of.Now a wouldnt want inyone to think that a condone this act that took this mans life ,but a beleive, and me as a good presbyterian can tell you that the good book says that those of us who have not sinned should not be casting the first stone.

• Realist | Feb 03, 2013, 06:26 AM EST

  IrelandNorth: By the way, what has kidnapping innocent members of the business community got to do with achieving a "united Ireland"? Please spare me the Mickey Mouse Roger Garland quotation this time - weasel words, you can do better than that my friend. Come out of the closet and give straight answers to straight questions.

• Realist | Feb 03, 2013, 06:11 AM EST

  IrelandNorth: The Provisional IRA have openly admitted kidnapping Don Tidey. It is an accepted fact substantiated by the Garda forensic investigation and supported by the Irish and British Governments, and the Irish Defence Force, that both Private Kelly and Garda Sheehan were killed by the kidnappers (the Provisional IRA). Therefore; why do you print lies about this? Why, "as an ex-member of the Irish Army" do you, like former convicted IRA terrorist Martin McGuinness, refuse to condemn the murder of Patrick Kelly? Please explain.

• Realist | Feb 03, 2013, 06:02 AM EST

  "During the 2010 Irish Presidential election Kelly's eldest son, David, confronted Sinn Fein candidate and former IRA commander, Martin McGuinness. McGuinness denied knowing the killers, and that he was a member of the IRA army council at the time. Kelly called him a liar, saying that before there could be any reconciliation, there had to be truth, and "I want truth today. Murder is murder. I want justice for my father." He later described McGuinness' presidential bid as an "obscenity, because his organisation killed members of the security forces... I feel sympathy for all people who were killed by the Provisional IRA over the years - Detective Garda Jerry McCabe in Limerick and all the other people." Mr. McGuinness later responded to the incident, stating that "As a republican leader I have never and would never stand over attacks on the Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces." However McGuinness refused to condemn the killings of Kelly and Sheehan."

• Realist | Feb 03, 2013, 05:58 AM EST

  Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Sean McCann: "Today is a solemn day as the Military Star Medal is awarded to the Kelly Family and we recognise in a special way the ultimate sacrifice Private Patrick Kelly made in the defence of his country. Private Patrick Kelly was a loyal servant of the state, a family man and a true patriot , it is heartening to see that his son, Corporal Andrew Kelly, is continuing the Kelly family's proud tradition of service to Óglaigh na hÉireann and the country."

• Realist | Feb 03, 2013, 05:57 AM EST

  IrelandNorth:"Private Kelly was killed by friendly fire back in 1983"? From the Irish Government Department of Defence and Irish Defence Force websites, and I quote, "On December 16th 1983 Private Patrick Kelly died while taking part in an Aid to the Civil Power operation to rescue kidnapped businessman Don Tidey in Derrada Wood near Ballinamore Co, Leitrim. He died when the Army and Gardai Personnel searching for the kidnappers of Mr. Tidey were attacked without warning. The gang opened fire and threw a grenade killing Private Patrick Kelly and trainee Garda Gary Sheehan."

• IrelandNorth | Feb 03, 2013, 05:11 AM EST

  As an ex-member of the Irish Army, I took an oath of allegience to the 26 county Irish state. But they never did explain to us that coming to the "aid to the civil power" could mean anything from emptying dustbins, transporting commuters, or being armed security guards for private banksters during industrial disputes. When Private Kelly was killed by friendly fire back in 1983, the authorities never explained how paramilitary policing (like springing a kidnapped British supermarket executive) had anything whatsoever to do with being a member of a 'Defence Force' (sic). And they still haven't!

• Scouse Tony | Feb 03, 2013, 02:56 AM EST

  Car bombs and other IED’s where an equal opportunity killer, they didn't care about age religion or political affiliation. Speak to the relatives of the victims hand waved away as collateral damage in an armed struggle or someone who dealt with the direct aftermath of a bombing, I think they may not see ends justifying the means.

• Scouse Tony | Feb 03, 2013, 02:55 AM EST

  Car bombs and other IED’s where an equal opportunity killer, they didn't care about age religion or political affiliation. Speak to the relatives of the victims hand waved away as collateral damage in an armed struggle or someone who dealt with the direct aftermath of a bombing, I think they may not see ends justifying the means.

• Meanolgrouch | Feb 02, 2013, 08:15 PM EST

  Mamaginty, I enjoyed reading you. Little Stevie is a turncoat, not a good Irishman, so he tries to disqualify everyone else. Do you think he has any idea the depth of contempt he brings upon his pointy little head? I'm PROUD that my ggf and gf proved enough trouble to John Bull that they had to adopt Welsh identities and come to America, where they could continue support of those still on the ground. All Stevie can rightfully claim to be is a traitor and Brit arse kisser. Not much to write home about, is it? I'd rather be helping Ireland from here than to be there in person working to help the invaders like Stevie's ilk. They're full of crap.

• IrelandNorth | Feb 02, 2013, 02:00 PM EST

  Apologies and condemnations are the province of the ego. To understand all IS to forgive all! Violence was the language of the unheard! Therefore, we who didn't listen were responsible for the violence too. British imperialism and Irish class collaboration was the cause. Republican paramilitarism was the effect. For every action there was an equal and opposite reaction. Christian atonement, forebearance and voluntary union is the solution.

• BrendanBrien | Feb 02, 2013, 01:59 PM EST

  Willie I think you are joking, especially about the "bearded one". My great-great-ma lived through the famine (1820 - 1917, my great grandma lived through 1916 and the Civil War plus World War 1 My grandma through 1916, Spanish Flu, Word War One in which one of her brothers died, her husband fought and on returning he went back to his job as a school teacher, only to be murdered at the age of 32 by the IRA during the Civil War "by mistake" while conducting a class.She died in 1956 warning us never to get mixed up with "that lot on either side in Northern Ireland as they will only bring trouble on the Irish Republic. Boy was she right.!

• Freeman | Feb 02, 2013, 01:52 PM EST

  With the money you all stole from the EU,I guess it is easy to pay anyone.

• BrendanBrien | Feb 02, 2013, 01:04 PM EST

  If Irish Americans or Irish Australians don't like the comments on Gerry Adams of an Irish citizens living in the Republic, well tough, we pay the taxes. We also pay the likes of adams's salary.

• anglo-norman | Feb 02, 2013, 12:34 PM EST

  Again Stevenstar turn off your caps lock & if you do not know how to then get someone to do it for you.

• redhand32 | Feb 02, 2013, 12:12 PM EST

  re: STEVENSTAR First off lad. When posting, if you use all caps it makes you look and sound like an AH before you even get off the ground. Just Sayin' Standard Operating Procedure Guy ! You with me so far ? Good ! Now, the issue at hand. Me being one of those dumb Irish-Americans and all, let me say that our ancestors ("OUR TYPE") didn't get here "1100 YEARS ON A CATTLE SHIP." Some got here in the 18th century when mostly Dissenters thought they could get a better deal here than the whole Ascendency, Est. Church Brits and West Brits (aka yourselves) were "LAW ABIDING" and all. The big wave of Irish Catholics got here during An Gorta Mor, when the Brits and ("LAW ABIDING") West Brits starved all the future IRA people and forced them out (too many law abiding folks per square inch). I can't respond to your rant because it's so damn stupid, and incomprehensibly hysterical. "The IRA TYPES" as you put it, Republicans to normal people want "PEACE AND QUIET" too ! Call me weird, but, it's real tough to get "peace and quiet" when you couldn't get gainful employment, a flat, you were bby definition, not "law abiding," a criminal, -defined as Irish Catholic in the 6 counties. That being the case, i.e dispossessed and subject to penal laws, tends to piss folks off. So, wanting an all- Ireland republic is a part of the mix because everything went bad when the "law abiding" folks said the "Law abiding" Protestant folks could have the whole Protestant state for a Protestant people James Craig thing, and the 26 counties can have the whole 26 counties RC heirarchy "law abiding" thingie. Under an all-Ireland Republic Everyone can be "Law abiding" all the time. And, that's a good thing. Gerry Adams, and SF get that, the Irish-Americans who didn't take the west Brit soup get that too. HAVE A NICE DAY !

• Willie Frazer | Feb 02, 2013, 10:37 AM EST

  My Granda told me a long time ago that Ireland was raped (god save us) by Great Britain and that the Irish free state is now the illegitimate off spring of Britain.My granda said that inything conceived through forced nature of this kind would never succeed.And I can see it now, all these poor people leaving the free state going to look for jobs and the free state in an awful mess and begging money from every one in the world just to survive.My granda toul me that Ireland would one day be a great place when all of the people united together and that a great man with a beard and glasses would come from MY BELOVED Ulster and lead them to that place of glory.Let us pray.RIP GRANDA

• Jcs | Feb 02, 2013, 10:25 AM EST

  I disagree with your comments there StevenStar.In a recent poll the majority of Irish people voted Mr Adams a second preference to Mr Martin as the most respected politician in Ireland.I would doubt if you are living in Ireland Mr Star,you do not seem to be too well informed on the issues there.

• anglo-norman | Feb 02, 2013, 12:18 AM EST

  Irish-Americans are rightly proud of their heritage. Some self-loathing Irish person in Ireland can't get that through their thick skulls. Yet when it comes to famous Irish-American people through all spheres of life the Irish in Ireland claim them as their own.

• seanomelb | Feb 01, 2013, 09:23 PM EST

  Well may Brendan be sickened by Gerry's apology!! I would like to know why if Brendan and his ilk would like to hear apologies for the british murders committed in the north east. Maybe he has selective vision and hearing. Your just another british apologist.

• STEVENSTAR | Feb 01, 2013, 08:35 PM EST

  @mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:32 AM EST THE ONLY REASON PEOPLE LIKE YOU COME ON HERE IS BECAUSE LETS FACE IT, IT'S A 'LAST RESORT .. YOUR TYPE AND I KNOW YOUR TYPE BELIEVE ME, GERRY ADAMS AND THE IRA GET GREAT SUPPORT FROM THAT LOT ACROSS THE ATLANTIC WHO THINK THEY'LL ALL IRISH BECAUSE THEY'RE GREAT GRANNIES AUNT MOVED TO AMERICA A 1100 YEARS AGO ON A CATTLE SHIP ... YOUR TYPE AND GERRY ADAMS/ IRA TYPES HAVE NO REAL SUPPORT OR POLITICAL CLOUT IN IRELAND BECUASE PEOPLE LIKE ME WHICH ARE THE 'MAJORITY' AND DONT YOU FORGET IT, WANT PEACE AND QUIET AND THE LIKES OF THE IRA / GERRY ADAMS AND YOUR TYPES HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO POPULARITY OR SUPPORT WITH MOST OF US LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AND THE QUICKER YOU GET THAT INTO YOUR THINK SKULL THE BETTER FOR US ALL MATE !! & IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT ..THEN TOUGH !!!

• leahkinsella | Feb 01, 2013, 06:45 PM EST

  mamaginnity: Yes I've read all those books. I studied my own history and my brother was shot by the IRA while travelling on business to Belfast. I'am a criminal lawyer for 20 years. Like to argue further?

• STEVENSTAR | Feb 01, 2013, 06:31 PM EST

  @@@@Meanolgrouch | Jan 31, 2013, 08:12 PM EST YES DEAR LOOK ME UP WHEN YOUR GOING ROUND ON YOUR COACH WITH THE REST OF THEM ... BUT MAKE SURE YOU LOOK ME UP BEFORE YOUR 90 HOLIDAY VISA RUNS OUT AND WHEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE AGAIN ;-) YES AND HOW IRISH DOES THAT MAKE YOU IN THE FACT AS AN AMERICAN EVEN ONE DREAMING ABOUT BEEN IRISH YOU CAN ONLY EVER COME HERE ON A HOLIDAY VISA AND NEVER LIVE HERE OR WORK HERE ... NOW THATS NOT VERY IRISH NOW IS IT ? :) HAHA!!!

• BrendanBrien | Feb 01, 2013, 06:31 PM EST

  Seamus60: Dont be narky. I lived through those times and remember peoples attitude well. The resentment of people in the Irish state towards hunger strike supporters trying to bully us into supporting them was all too obvious.Going abroad we had to listen to it again and again from people who didn't know the North from the Irish Republic. Trying to point out it was none of our business was tiresome. My children don't know who these people were and don't want to know. It's in the past. It wasn't our Ireland they chose to die for.

• STEVENSTAR | Feb 01, 2013, 06:16 PM EST

  @ancavker | Feb 01, 2013, 11:38 AM EST IF YOUR SO PROUD TO BE IRISH ETC ETC THEN WHY ARE YOU HOT OVER HERE PAYING TAXES LIKE I AM ? ITS EASY TO HAVE OPINIONS WHEN YOUR LIVING OVER THERE AND CAN I ALSO ADD IF YOUR DEPENDING ON THE STORIES ON HERE AS TO WHATS GOING ON IN IREALND YOUR WAY OFF THE MARK MY FRIEND ... I KNOW LITTLE ABOUT AMERICAN CULTURE AS A MATTER OF FACT YOUR TALKING TO SOMEONE WHOS NEVER EVEN BEEN TO A MAC DONALDS AND THE ONLY AMERICAN TV SHOW I WOULD WATCH WAS 'FRIENDS'...SO YOUR VERY WRONG .. YOU NOW LIVE IN AMERICA AND THATS YOUR HOME MATE SO BE HAPPY ... AS REGARDS ME LIVING OVER HERE IN IRELAND AND PAYING MY TAXES ETC I THINK I HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO HAVE AN OPINON ABOUT WHATS GOING ON HERE IN IRELAND AND I THINK I HAVE MORE OF A RIGHT THEN YOU HAVE ... PERSONALLY AND THIS IS MY OPION MATE I MUCH PREFER THE BRITISH PEOPLE TO AMERICANS AND ITS OK IF YOU THINK DIFFERENT .. ALSO IF I BECAME UNEMPLOYED TOMORROW IM LESS THEN AN HOURS FLIGHT FROM LONDON AND CAN GO AND WORK THERE LIKE ALWAYS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS .. TRY THAT AND SEE IF I WANTED TO GOTO AMERICA .. IT WOULD BE NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE ..WHEN I HEAR PEOPLE LIKE YOU GOING ON ABOUT HOW GREAT AMERICA IS .. ITS MAKE ME THINK YOU HAVE BECOME AMERICANISED AND LIKE MOST AMERICANS TALK PURE BULLSHIT ... NOW THATS MY THOUGHTS AND IM ENTITLED TO MY OPINION ..CHEERS

• seamus60 | Feb 01, 2013, 02:43 PM EST

  BrendanBrien. You actually ran a 26 County poll on how many people hated Bobby Sands. Incredible.

• BrendanBrien | Feb 01, 2013, 12:15 PM EST

  It sickens me to hear Gerry Adams apologise in the Dail for the murder of Gerry McCabe and the other members of our security forces, when one considers his background and the type of people he called his friends. Who does he think he's fooling.I would hazard a guess that if the cowardly killers of Garda Donohoe turn out to be IRA members or "dissident republican" members he and his buddies will be flocking to their side. I have no tolerance for those who commit vile crimes in the name of Ireland including Dolours Price or Bobby Sands. This is not a knee jerk reaction. I felt the same in 1996 when Gerry Adams denied that the murder of Jerry McCabe was not commited by the IRA and later backtracked. Most Irish people in the State hated Bobby Sands and the others for trying to draw us into their protest and a "border poll" on joining the North would get a resouding NO.

• ancavker | Feb 01, 2013, 11:38 AM EST

  STEVEN: I am Irish born and live in the U.S., and most Irish Americans had a deep love for the land of their ancestors, and many are only one or two generations removed from Irelans. As far as stealing your culture what a laugh. Most in Ireland could not care a toss about Irish culture. It is Man Utd. and English and American popular culture all the way. The Irish- Americans I know treasure the Irish culture, and are great care takers of it. You keep saying you are culturally similar to the English and that is only because you speak English and copy English and American popular culture. Then in the same breath you say the north of Ireland is different from the south culturally. So you speak out of both sides of your mouth. And as far as your comments on Detroit and poverty, are you really going to compare the U.S. with 300 million people to Ireland with around 5 million. You also go on and on about how educated you all are now comapared to the older generations, and yet the country is still a mess. The fact is The Irish have made a mess of independence since the men and women who fought and died to give it to you. Don't blame the government, your government is a reflection of the people who voted for them.

• mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:34 AM EST

  oops something went wrong there.

• mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:32 AM EST

  Gerry makes an apology, no shock and horror here in Ireland in fact hardly a word about it, Leahkinsella..we do not have a parliament here in this part of Ireland, Running for president was proof enough that SF is not down and out. Mc Guinness got great support. Gerry Adams got so many votes that would never have been dreamed of ten years ago and SF are now in Leinster House, and are moving up in the polls, so it is silly to say no one in the South of our country likes him. Would do someof you some good to read the books..."The Forgotten White Slaves", thats our true history along with what the lords in Britain like to call "The Famine" then read about the "Black and Tans" finish off by reading about why "The Troubles" started in the 40/50/and 60s. Ristard ...a true irish paddy my ass. Oh and yes, Gerry did apologise before.

• mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:32 AM EST

  Gerry makes an apology, no shock and horror here in Ireland in fact hardly a word about it, Leahkinsella..we do not have a parliament here in this part of Ireland, Running for president was proof enough that SF is not down and out. Mc Guinness got great support. Gerry Adams got so many votes that would never have been dreamed of ten years ago and SF are now in Leinster House, and are moving up in the polls, so it is silly to say no one in the South of our country likes him. Would do someof you some good to read the books..."The Forgotten White Slaves", thats our true history along with what the lords in Britain like to call "The Famine" then read about the "Black and Tans" finish off by reading about why "The Troubles" started in the 40/50/and 60s. Ristard ...a true irish paddy my ass. Oh and yes, Gerry did apologise before.

• mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:28 AM EST

  Gerry makes an apology, no shock and horror here in Ireland in fact hardly a word about it, Leahkinsella..we do not have a parliament here in this part of Ireland, Running for president was proof enough that SF is not down and out. Mc Guinness got great support. Gerry Adams got so many votes that would never have been dreamed of ten years ago and SF are now in Leinster House, and are moving up in the polls, so it is silly to say no one in the South of our country likes him. Would do someof you some good to read the books..."The Forgotten White Slaves", thats our true history along with what the lords in Britain like to call "The Famine" then read about the "Black and Tans" finish off by reading about why "The Troubles" started in the 40/50/and 60s. Ristard ...a true irish paddy my ass.

• mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:26 AM EST

  Gerry makes an apology, no shock and horror here in Ireland in fact hardly a word about it, Leahkinsella..we do not have a parliament here in this part of Ireland, Running for president was proof enough that SF is not down and out. Mc Guinness got great support. Gerry Adams got so many votes that would never have been dreamed of ten years ago and SF are now in Leinster House, and are moving up in the polls, so it is silly to say no one in the South of our country likes him. Would do someof you some good to read the books..."The Forgotten White Slaves", thats our true history along with what the lords in Britain like to call "The Famine" then read about the "Black and Tans" finish off by reading about why "The Troubles" started in the 40/50/and 60s. Ristard ...a true irish paddy my ass.

• mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:25 AM EST

  Gerry makes an apology, no shock and horror here in Ireland in fact hardly a word about it, Leahkinsella..we do not have a parliament here in this part of Ireland, Running for president was proof enough that SF is not down and out. Mc Guinness got great support. Gerry Adams got so many votes that would never have been dreamed of ten years ago and SF are now in Leinster House, and are moving up in the polls, so it is silly to say no one in the South of our country likes him. Would do someof you some good to read the books..."The Forgotten White Slaves", thats our true history along with what the lords in Britain like to call "The Famine" then read about the "Black and Tans" finish off by reading about why "The Troubles" started in the 40/50/and 60s. Ristard ...a true irish paddy my ass.

• mamaginnty | Feb 01, 2013, 11:22 AM EST

  Gerry makes an apology, no shock and horror here in Ireland in fact hardly a word about it, Leahkinsella..we do not have a parliament here in this part of Ireland, Running for president was proof enough that SF is not down and out. Mc Guinness got great support. Gerry Adams got so many votes that would never have been dreamed of ten years ago and SF are now in Leinster House, and are moving up in the polls, so it is silly to say no one in the South of our country likes him. Would do someof you some good to read the books..."The Forgotten White Slaves", thats our true history along with what the lords in Britain like to call "The Famine" then read about the "Black and Tans" finish off by reading about why "The Troubles" started in the 40/50/and 60s. Ristard ...a true irish paddy my ass.

• seamus60 | Feb 01, 2013, 02:47 AM EST

  Is this a full moon or what ?

• seanomelb | Feb 01, 2013, 02:01 AM EST

  Crazy stevenstar is cmatosed again.

• Meanolgrouch | Jan 31, 2013, 08:12 PM EST

  Stevie child, I have more business on any Irish-related website than you do. Even though I'm second generation Irish American, at least my great-grandfather and his son fought on the right side with Collins! And let me tell you, to this day none of us kisses Brit arse the way you do. So for that reason alone, not to mention Gerry Adams' welcome mat, you don't have any say in the matter. You're a dinosaur of the imperialists, and the days are numbered for your kind. BTW, at the Gathering this summer, keep close watch around you, because you never know the online personality you might be insulting face to face. As Warren hinted, I should be able to recognize a Brit sympathizer by the smell. There's worse terminology I could use than just 'sympathizer', but I'm far too delicate a sweeeeet little old lady for that. You wouldn't be familiar with Ma Barker, would you? lol

• Meanolgrouch | Jan 31, 2013, 07:58 PM EST

  Ristard, I only nitpick (IT'S ONE WORD, BUDDY!) at those who live in glass houses but still throw rocks. You started the spelling bee when you unfairly attacked another's spelling with inaccuracies of your own. I merely pointed out the hypocrisy and error, as I will continue to do when it pleases me. As for age, better a wise old lady who still knows how to crack shins than a mewling kitten such as yourself.

• Meanolgrouch | Jan 31, 2013, 07:58 PM EST

  Ristard, I only nitpick (IT'S ONE WORD, BUDDY!) at those who live in glass houses but still throw rocks. You started the spelling bee when you unfairly attacked another's spelling with inaccuracies of your own. I merely pointed out the hypocrisy and error, as I will continue to do when it pleases me. As for age, better a wise old lady who still knows how to crack shins than a mewling kitten such as yourself.

• warrenpoint00 | Jan 31, 2013, 07:57 PM EST

  Lovely answer STEVEN, just the answer that I expected from a brit web troller, to be quite honest you always give me a much more respectable answer,S through your other poster aliases of anglo-norman,torytory, gordonduggan an Dan O longshanks. Man you old brits are getting weary, loose, reckless,we can smell you even on the internet highway.Next thing you know we Irish will know your ISP,NOW IS,NT THAT RECKLESS OF YOU OLD CHAPS. Well STEVENSTAR I am finished with you now,You never did answer my question, but I am satisfied, I pushed the button that made you respond in the way you did, it always works you know.We have,nt gone away you know. slan leat.

• Meanolgrouch | Jan 31, 2013, 07:53 PM EST

  Seamus, you're too funny! In a few words you get more across than that running mouth Steven. Brevity is the soul of wit!

• seamus60 | Jan 31, 2013, 06:47 PM EST

  Steven. At least theirs will more likely be one hundred per cent BEEF.

• STEVENSTAR | Jan 31, 2013, 06:42 PM EST

  TO ALL THE OTHER BUSY BODIES ON HERE UNLESS YOU WERE BORN IN IRELAND AND YOUR IRISH AND YOU HAVE AN IRISH PASSPORT THEN WHATEVER HAPPENS IN MY COUNTRY IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS, ,, JUST LIKE I COULDNT CARE LESS WHAT HAPPENS IN NEW YORK, CHICAGO OR IDAHO... ITS NONE OF MY BUSINESS AND I COULDNT CARE LESS... SO REALISTICALLY YOU HAVE NO SAY ON IRISH AFFAIRS... AND NEED TO KEEP YOUR ANTI BRITISH REMARKS TO YOURSELVES BECAUSE ALL THOSE REMARKS DO IS FEED IRA SUPPORTERS AND THEM REPUBLICAN TYPES ... IF YOU LIVED IN IRELAND AND YOU KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT THEM TYPES OF PEOPLE YOU WILL FIND MOST ARE UNEDUCATED, OLDER GENERATION MAINLY WORKING CLASS AND HAVE CHIPS ON THEIR SHOULDERS ... MY GENERATION WHO ARE MORE WELL TRAVELLED AND EDUCATED BELIEVE WE SHOULD ALL LIVE IN PEACE AND TO HELL WITH THE FAMINE AND TO HELL WITH GERRY ADAMS ... AND IM GLAD TO SAY MY VIEWS ON HERE ARE WHAT MOST SANE IRISH PEOPLE WOULD AGREE WITH ME .. HAVE A GOOD DAY YA ALL & DONT EAT TOO MANY BIG MACS :)

• STEVENSTAR | Jan 31, 2013, 06:36 PM EST

  LET ME REPLKY TO A FEW OF THE COMMENTS ON HERE ABOUT ME .. IM GUESSING FROM AMERICANS. YES I AM IRISH AND IM BORN HERE AND I LIVE HERE AND I PAY MY TAXES HERE THAT MAKES ME 100% AND MY GREAT GRANNY MOVED TO FRANCE 80YEARS AGO AND THAT DOES NOT MAKE ME FRENCH... @@@@TO Thomas84 | Jan 31, 2013, 09:17 AM EST I HAVE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR THE PEACE PROCESS ..BECAUSE I DIDNT CAUSE ANY OF THE TROUBLES.. IM A LAW ABIDING CITIZEN WHO LIKES MY FELLOW NEIGHBORS TO THE EAST OF IRELAND JUST NOT A FAN OF THE ONES WHO LIVE 1000S OF MILES THE OTHER SIDE WITH A 5 -8 HOUR TIME DIFFERENCE :) WHOM I FEEL ARE A LOAD OF BUSY BODIES .. WHO TRY TO STEAL MY CULTURE.. AS FOR WARRENPOINT00>>>>WELL I NEVER REPLY TO HIS COMMENTS ABOUT ME, BECAUSE NO1 IM IN MY MID30 AND HE SOUNDS LIKE HIS AGED ABOUT 90 SO I NEED TO RESPECT MY ELDERS AND I ALSO LEARNED LONG AGO WHEN OLD GUYS LIKE HIM HAVE A CHIP ON THEIR SHOULDERS ..WELL U NEVER GET THE BETTER OF THEM ,,, SO I JUST BELIEVE IN LETTING THEM GO ON AND ON AND ON CAUSE THATS WHAT THEY DO !!! ;-)

• warrenpoint00 | Jan 31, 2013, 04:12 PM EST

  I find it amusing that STEVEN STAR claims to be Irish, yet he suggests that Ireland is a nation of two different parts.I am anxious to know , from STEVEN of course, how a small little island, thousands of years old, that sits in the middle of the atlantic ocean can have two parts that are so different.I am sure it is STEVEN, that just wants to be different, why else would he want to post all his comments in upper case. Maybe it is because STEVEN was educated within that failed entity otherwise known to real Irish people as the free state.One of those poor unfortunate free state subjects with no country, not a lot of brain, and a big yellow streak running all the way down their backs.I can understand why STEVEN is so angry.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 31, 2013, 01:54 PM EST

  Menolgrouch - stop nit picking about spelling just because you don't agree with what people say. You're an old lady? Well I might have guessed!

• Ristard Millea | Jan 31, 2013, 01:48 PM EST

  Menolgrouch - stop nit picking about spelling just because you don't agree with what people say. You're an old lady? Well I might have guessed!

• Ristard Millea | Jan 31, 2013, 01:43 PM EST

  Menolgrouch - stop nit picking about spelling just because you don't agree with what people say. You're an old lady? Well I never would have guessed!

• seamus60 | Jan 31, 2013, 11:30 AM EST

  Thomas. He stopped making war, surrendered, unconditional surrender at that.

• ancavker | Jan 31, 2013, 10:29 AM EST

  STEVENSTAR: For the majority north and south there is no difference. You have those in both parts of the Ireland that treasure the music, language, and culture of Ireland, and then you have the majority who are captivated by English and American popular culture. Walk around any where in Ireland and you have silly 40 and 50 year old men running around in Manchester Unoted Jerseys. English and American popular music and culture is everywhere in both parts of the Ireland.

• SarahinLA | Jan 31, 2013, 09:52 AM EST

  Jeremiah D. McCabe, RIP, you were taken from us too soon. Can't believe the animals that took your life are wandering around, free as birds.

• Thomas84 | Jan 31, 2013, 09:17 AM EST

  Stephen star, you say mr adams has done nothing for peace. He negotiated the peace process, what have you done ? Its all well and good down there in cork to throw tantrums but you try to live his life and then talk. If you have read anything about the actual idea of re unification then you would lose your childish arguments against it. However what can you expect from a cork man, you had one hero in all your time and you shot him in the back for his trouble.

• STEVENSTAR | Jan 31, 2013, 08:05 AM EST

  CAN I ALSO JUST ADD THAT IM SOUTHERN IRISH CO.CORK AND THE DIFFERENCE BEETWEEN THE NORTHERN IRISH AND SOUTHERN IRISH IS IMMENSE.. EITHER THEY BE CATHOLIC OR PROTESTANT... WE ARE TWO DIFFERENT CULTURES AND THATS WHY I HAVE NO INTEREST IN THE NORTH EVER JOINING THE SOUTH .. PLUS ANYWAY WE CANNOT AFFORD IT.. WE HAVE ENOUGH PROBLEMS TRYING TO KEEP THE SOUTH GOING AND ARE BILLIONS IN DEBT .. SO REALISTICALLY THERE IS NO WAY WE IN THE SOUTH COULD AFFORD TO RUN THE NORTH ALSO ...

• Willie Frazer | Jan 30, 2013, 11:02 PM EST

  I have to say that I was particularly proud at Gerry Adams regret and somewhat emotional I might add but I do not think he can sfely say he represents the IRA.You know we all have lost loved ones here in northern Ireland and we are all responsible for a lot of grief and suffering but we must also nbe tolerant of each other.The lord is my shepherd ,I shall not want even though I walk through the valle of darkness I shall fear no evil.God bless you Mr Adams and thank you for your compassion and humility.

• STEVENSTAR | Jan 30, 2013, 09:25 PM EST

  SAVE YOUR APOLOGIES GERRY THEIR NOT IMPORTANT .. YOU HAVE DONE ABSOLUTELY NOTHING FOR PEACE IN MY COUNTRY AND AS FAR AS I CAN SEE YOUR MAIN AUDIENCE IS ON HERE IN THIS NEWSPAPER AND MILES ACROSS THE ATLANTIC ... WHERE THEY ALL SEEM TO ADORE YOU AND SEE YOU AS SOME MINI LITTLE HERO ... MAYBE YOU SHOULD MOVE THERE .. AND THAT WAY WE DONT HAVE TO LOOK AT YOUR UGLY FACE ANYMORE ...

• aloistmartin | Jan 30, 2013, 09:01 PM EST

  Gerry Adams has NOTHING to say for any other placator mitigationist '"Labor Party"' Social Democracy, Radical Republican Socio-Political Suffrage, but his Own ! ( Sinn Fein ) What will Gerry do next: Apologize for the Islamic Fundamentalist usurpation of the American Median Class Opportunist (Clinton/Obama)inspired Arab Spring ? Apologize for North Korea`s brash attempts at entering the Space Race ? Apologize for China`s Indolent efforts at following the Soviet Union into Bourgeois Capitalist Mediocrity ? Apologize for French Guillotining of the Royal Family ? What will Gerry Adams do next !

• Rebelforce | Jan 30, 2013, 08:33 PM EST

  Why on earth would Gerry Adams "apologize" for something other Republicans did 17 odd years ago? Did Queen Elizabeth apologize for the Irish children murdered by British plastic bullets in the north of Ireland when she visited Dublin? Did Nelson Mandela apologize for the victims of necklacing by his ANC supporters? Did Prime Minister DeValera have to apologize for every Free Stater who was "murdered" during the Irish Civil War? Gerry Adams and other Republicans have consistently made it clear that every death during the Troubles/War were regretable. Let's be grateful we have a semblance of reform and democracy in norn iron today, collectively move on and stop the whinging.

• anglo-norman | Jan 30, 2013, 06:54 PM EST

  seanomelb loves Ireland so much & wants to fight for it tht he went to the other side of the world where the Queen is Head of State...

• Meanolgrouch | Jan 30, 2013, 06:07 PM EST

  Oh, how I love it when one who mispells tut tuts someone else, especially his betters. Ristard dear, YOU misspelled 'skeleton' in a previous post. You wrote 'skelAton'! Tut tut indeed. Oh, I almost forgot; God Bless America, and God Bless Gerry Adams too! Also BTW, you and leahkinsella, I hardly think Gerry's exactly terrified by much of anything. Neither's McGuinness. Or did someone drop you on your head and then planted the notion that Sinn Fein's run by a bunch of little old ladies in rocking chairs? No, we sit and rock and pray and contribute financially as we're able. But SF runs itself quite famously w/o us. We old ladies can only stand on the wayside and cheer the boys on.

• Aliciarose | Jan 30, 2013, 06:02 PM EST

  It took 17 years. I told you yesterday that he was a Liar and a Murdering Bastard. I wonder if he gets to read Irish Central. He would soon know how people felt about him all over the world. Even far flung Australia.

• merefalow | Jan 30, 2013, 06:01 PM EST

  there is a hell of a lot of apologising to be done by military men world wide through the ages.dont cherry pick unless you want a few examples thrown up.turning the other cheek doesnt work when you have an oppressors boot on your neck.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 30, 2013, 06:00 PM EST

  Sean, tut tut it's spelt Ristard. What did they teach you growing up in Clondalkin - not to respect other people's opinions when they are anti Sinn Fein methinks.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 30, 2013, 05:50 PM EST

  Sean, tut tut it's spelt Ristard. What did they teach you growing up in Clondalkin - not to respect other people's opinions when they are anti Sinn Fein methinks.

• seanomelb | Jan 30, 2013, 05:40 PM EST

  BTW risteard if yuor posting from the beautiful city of Waterford I think you need to sleep at this late hour as your tiredness is clouding your judgement.

• seanomelb | Jan 30, 2013, 05:37 PM EST

  Dublin is from where I come Risteard. As you do not know me your speculations on why I live in Oz is far from the truth. Your article below is full of hate and loathing and could only come from a plastic paddy. BTW Risteard if you press submit and then refresh we would not have to read your repititious bull.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 30, 2013, 05:30 PM EST

  ah seanomelb, you can't tell the difference between a real Irishman from Waterford - still live there - and a plastic paddy. I visited the Bronx once and didn't like it. You sound like a bitter twisted Irish Republican who can't face reality.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 30, 2013, 05:20 PM EST

  Seanomelb: I'm live in Waterford not the Bronx and I'm a real Paddy. Can't you tell the difference anymore!Where are you originally from? You sound like a bitter twisted Irish Republican who's mad because you did not win "the war" and had to emigrate because you were not wanted here.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 30, 2013, 05:07 PM EST

  Seanomelb: I'm live in Waterford not the Bronx and I'm a real Paddy. Can't you tell the difference anymore!Where are you originally from? You sound like a bitter twisted Irish Republican who's mad because you did not win "the war" and had to emigrate because you were not wanted here.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 30, 2013, 04:58 PM EST

  Seanomelb: I'm live in Waterford not the Bronx and I'm a real Paddy. Where are you originally from?

• seamus60 | Jan 30, 2013, 04:56 PM EST

  As long as the apoligy went down well with Americans who are now, no doubt digging deep to contribute to Gerrys International campaign for a border poll. Other wise known as the bearded ones private pension scheme.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 30, 2013, 04:50 PM EST

  Seanomelb: I'm from Waterford. Where are you originally from?

• leahkinsella | Jan 30, 2013, 04:44 PM EST

  To see Adams in the Irish Parliament make a cringing apology to the McCabe and Donohue families was truly laughable. The terror on his face said it all.His colleagues - many of them ex-gunrunners and ex-Republican prisoners - trying to be serious and obviously frightened at what happened in part of Gerry's constituancy and the reaction of the Irish people at the killing of an Irish policeman. The killing and the death of Dolours Price has obviously shaken Gerry to the core. His day is coming to an end. Martin McG realised the true feelings of the Irish Reublic's electorate when tried to run for President in 2011 and failed. Your time has come and gone lads and those of your supporters.

• seamus60 | Jan 30, 2013, 04:34 PM EST

  Pilib04. Yeah go on, anyone involved with the peace process is above due process and sheltered from redicule. Fr Brendan Smyth done some good things in his life as well.

• seanomelb | Jan 30, 2013, 04:28 PM EST

  We have the usua bitter comments from the spite brigade below. Risteard from the bronx fails to mention that Gerry is a Louth T.D. and topped the poll when elected. His presence at the funeral representing himself and his electorate is correct. Risteard is just a bitter twisted plastic Irish fool and you can throw in a "would be"no nothing like Sarahinla in that genre.

• rgmcauley | Jan 30, 2013, 04:25 PM EST

  Contrary to the headline in Patrick Counihan's article Gerry Adams has previously apologised to the McCabe family.

• seamus60 | Jan 30, 2013, 04:19 PM EST

  Would there have been an apoligy for Mc Cabe had Donohoe not been killed. Opportunist at work.

• Ristard Millea | Jan 30, 2013, 01:51 PM EST

  Adams can stick his apology to Garda McCabe's family. His presence at the funeral of Garda Donoghue today was deeply resented by the people of Dundalk (4,000 people turned out for the State funeral). He's suddenly sorry after 17 years. The theory is he's afraid at recent events and he wanted to smooth things over with the Garda Siochana before he attended the funeral of Garda Donohoe (a true Irish Patriot)and he's terrified that the 15,000 people who voted for him in Louth will turn against him. His track record means nothing he says or does can be taken at face value. It's dawned on him that the people of the Irish Republic don't believe him or have any respect for him. The death of D. Price is also terrifying him, it means the skelatons may come out of his cupboard in addition to what the Irish Security forces know about his past. He continues to insist with a straight face he was never in the IRA while is apologising on behalf of Provo killers.Sinn Fein's politicans were photographed laughing with Garda McCabe's killers in jail and greeted them when they came of out of jail. His insulting behaviour to Anne McCabe over the years (once at a Sinn Fein rally in New York) has never been forgotten by the Irish people. If Adams is truly sorry then he should tell the full truth about his IRA role and the lives he helped to destroy (Jean McConville contuies to haunt him) because his his empty apology has won him no friends.

• pilib04 | Jan 30, 2013, 01:05 PM EST

  SarahinLA, this "guy" as you call him is President of Sinn Fein and TD for Louth. He is a major partner in the Good Friday peace agreement and the subsequent end to the War. Try supporting the peace agreement instead of attacking those who are responsible for it.

• pilib04 | Jan 30, 2013, 12:17 PM EST

  "Four members of the Provisional IRA members..." Nice proofreading, Irish Central.

• SarahinLA | Jan 30, 2013, 10:42 AM EST

  This guy had the audacity to show up at the funeral this morning of that poor detective that got shot in Dundalk. Some of Gerry's old pals may yet be found to be involved as they were in the case of Gerry McCabe.

• SarahinLA | Jan 30, 2013, 09:59 AM EST

  Weasel words, 17 years too late.