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For many months, Ireland has been an outlier on international travel compared to other EU countries. Shutterstock/Lukas Gojda

Explainer: International travel, domestic trips and Dubliners - here's what you need to know

The government have moved to clarify their travel policy.

THE GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY published the much-awaited plan for living with Covid-19 over the coming six months.

The plan provides a framework of five levels of restrictions that can be in place on a county-by-county basis.

It deals with a wide range of issues including social gatherings, working at home, pubs reopening, sporting events and travel.

So under the new plan, what is the new advice?

Firstly, let’s look at international travel.

When the pandemic hit in March, international travel in and out of Ireland largely ground to a halt.

As government’s scrambled to figure out how to fight the virus, emergency measures and restrictions were imposed on air travel. However, there was never a ban on travel.

With many countries under lockdown, the numbers travelling fell drastically.

However, as the months progressed, EU countries moved to come up with a plan to allow for European citizens to travel – for holidays, business, or for any reason they saw fit. 

On 13 May, the European Commission presented guidelines and recommendations to help Member States gradually lift travel restrictions, with all the necessary safety and precautionary means in place.

The measures were intended to enable citizens to travel again after months of confinement. At the time, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) did not recommend the Irish government sign up to the measures.

One month later, the commission launched ‘Re-open EU’, a web platform to allow the “safe relaunch of free movement and tourism across Europe … and to help people confidently plan their travels and holidays during the summer”. 

ECDC advice, which was relied upon as evidence found that it “does not support recommending border closures, which will cause significant secondary effects and societal and economic disruption in the EU”.

“Border closures result in substantial challenges to logistics, trade and the movement of people, particularly during a crisis period.”

However, Ireland remained an outlier in Europe when it came to international travel, with the Tánaiste acknowledging that Ireland was operating one of the most cautious travel policies in the EU.

The Green List

Many ministers misrepresented the Irish government’s travel advice on the airwaves over the last few months, stating that the government’s policy advised against non-essential travel. 

While the Department of Foreign Affairs, which sets the government’s travel policy, advised against most non-essential travel overseas, travel to a very limited set of locations – named on the Green list – was always exempted from this advice.

Individuals arriving into Ireland from Green List countries do not have to restrict their movements upon entry into the country.

In July, when the list was released, Varadkar confirmed that the Department of Foreign Affairs website advised that no non-essential travel is the general advice, “but there are exemptions and the exemptions are the green list”.

He added:

“The virus does not know whether you’re on essential or non-essential business or what passport you have.”

The Big Travel Plan

In a departure from the earlier approach, the Taoiseach this week said Ireland will finally be aligning with the European Commission’s approach on travel.

The European Commission plan, due to be adopted next month, is a traffic light system, and will only come into effect in October.

These proposals will establish a common criteria and thresholds for EU member states when deciding whether to introduce travel restrictions. 

It would also provide mapping of common criteria using an agreed colour code, and a common framework for measures applied to travellers from high-risk areas.

The European Commission suggests that EU States should not restrict the free movement of people travelling from another member state where the total number of newly notified Covid-19 cases is equal or less to 50 per 100,000 during a 14-day period, or the percentage of positive tests from all Covid-19 tests in a given area is less than 3%. 

The European Commission suggests that anyone coming from certain designated areas that are more adversely affected by Covid-19 should either quarantine or undergo a Covid-19 test upon arrival to a country. 

As of yet, there is still no clarity on what the rules will be around travel to the US or other parts of the world. Again, travel to those regions is not banned, just not advised. 

And in the meantime…

In the meantime, the Irish government has sought to clarify its travel advice.

Varadkar told RTÉ’s Prime Time this week that travel policy is now clearer. He confirmed Ireland will be using the same metrics other EU countries use to update the Green List, which has not had any countries added since mid-August. 

“We are saying you can travel to those countries [on the Green List] without any restrictions,” he said.

So what about holidays then, that’s what the big question is?

When asked directly about this on Prime Time, Varadkar said:

“They can if they choose to.”

He said people are”free to go” to Green List countries “without restrictions”.

“That is your choice,” he said, reiterating that the countries on the list, as has always been the case, have a lower rate of disease incidence per 100,000 than Ireland. 

Instead of being updated fortnightly, as had been the case the last couple of months, the Green List will now be updated every Thursday. 

Additional countries will be added to the list on Monday, while some countries that have a higher incidence rate will be removed.

What about travel within Ireland?

All of the country is currently on Level 2, and if you look at the plan, it outlines that there are no domestic travel restrictions.

So, no threat to the staycations, no worry about driving over the county border.

However, there is a caveat – one the government has been criticised for in the past 24 hours.

Despite Dublin also being on Level 2, the capital is subject to additional restrictions

Dubliners are being encouraged to limit travel outside the region, if possible.

When questioned about this today in the Dáil, the Taoiseach reiterated that the advice for people in Dublin is that they should not travel outside the county, while also reaffirming that it is “not a legal restriction”. 

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe had earlier urged people in Dublin to “reconsider” leaving the capital for a wedding, asking them to think of the consequences of Covid-19 spreading at such an event. 

Ultimately, the advice to people in Dublin is to adopt a common-sense approach.

The government would prefer you don’t travel outside the capital, but if you have some personal reason that you deem to be pressing enough that you have to attend, no one is going to stop you. Use your own judgement.

There is a threat that Dublin could be moved to Level 3 – what would that mean?

NPHET is meeting tomorrow to consider the situation in Dublin, and there is an expectation that it might advise Dublin be moved to the next level.

It is a huge decision to make as it would impact on many businesses. Museums, librarians, and cultural areas would close, religious services would move online, and restaurants and cafes would have restrictions imposed on their indoor seating. 

And in terms of domestic travel, advice for Level 3 would be to stay in your county (or other defined geographical area) apart from work, education and other essential purposes.

This evening, a further 254 cases and three new deaths were reported.

A total of 136 cases were recorded in Dublin. The county has seen a considerable increase in the number of people infected with Covid-19 in recent weeks.

Professor Philip Nolan, Chair of NPHET’s Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group said Dublin has seen a sharp increase in cases in recent weeks.

Professor Nolan said the capital was reporting 1 – 2 new cases per day – per 100,00 population – and is now reporting 8 – 10 cases per 100,000. 

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32 Comments
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    Mute Sandra Anderson
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:52 AM

    The President should be there in person, not a virtual speech,

    Condolences to all the families.

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:45 AM

    @Sandra Anderson: He is at the National Holocaust Memorial. If there is any reason not to be at the Bloody Sunday commemoration, it is that.

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    Mute Jo H
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:21 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: an absolutely important event, one also worthy of his attendance, but I have to agree with the OP that if a choice had to be made between the two, in this instance he should have attended the Bloody Sunday Memorial

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    Mute John Mc Auley
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    Jan 30th 2022, 12:29 PM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: No its Not.

    104
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    Mute XvSv
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    Jan 30th 2022, 12:57 PM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: I think the President was very badly advised on this.

    He should have been in Derry today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. It was one the most momentous events of 20th century on the Island Ireland. It was was a catalyst for everything that followed for the next 25 years.

    Of course he should also mark the Holocaust. But United Nations has designated 27th January (last Thursday) as international Holocaust Memorial Day.

    So his advisors / Government should have ensured both Memorial events didn’t clash.This was poor planning by the President’s office, as the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday is a very significant event, the Office of the President is meant to represent all Irish Citizens.

    This was an event the President should have attended.

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    Mute Ger Murphy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:13 PM

    @Sandra Anderson: perhaps for health reasons or covid risk etc he is not there. He is 80+ years of age. I’d doubt there is any intended snub on his part.

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    Mute Jo H
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:30 PM

    @Ger Murphy: he is attending another event, albeit a very important one also, nothing to do with covid

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    Mute OneClubSince1888
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    Jan 30th 2022, 4:04 PM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill:
    Shocking decision by our president.

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    Mute Aidan Haughey
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    Jan 30th 2022, 8:38 PM

    The reason would be that he should be at home mourning his own. 50 is an important number. Wrong decision

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    Mute Gerry Gleeson
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:27 AM

    They were murdered by the British Army.

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    Mute The Grand Nagus
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    Jan 30th 2022, 7:17 PM

    @Gerry Gleeson:
    Are you serious?

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    Mute Doreen Murphy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:03 PM

    @The Grand Nagus: no one can deny that. Total murder and no one held to account.

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    Mute The Grand Nagus
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:33 PM

    @Doreen Murphy:
    Went over your head Doreen sorry

    6
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    Mute Caoimhín Ó Seanáin
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    Jan 30th 2022, 2:07 PM

    I watched wreath-laying ceremony live on Bbc news channel. Every political party in Ireland – except Unionists, not surprisingly – was represented. While the British Broadcasting Corporation provided live coverage of this event, the Irish national broadcaster offered Mass (fair enough), aussie rules women’s football or Junior Bake-off from England. Says it all.

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    Mute doyle
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    Jan 30th 2022, 6:17 PM

    @Caoimhín Ó Seanáin: Doug beattie I know his been in the news for all the wrong reasons of late but his the only unionist leader to show compassion for this on his Twitter page

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    Mute Sue OB
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:27 PM

    @Caoimhín Ó Seanáin: i would say 90% of the british public have no idea about bl@@dy S@@day and the establishment are quite happy to keep it that way

    41
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    Mute Chief Buck Cat
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:33 PM

    Those creatures slithered out Palace Barracks outside Belfast 50 years ago, faces painted black and high-velocity hollow tip rounds in their guns. They drove 85 miles up the road, those that had not already murdered unarmed civilians in Belfast now had a chance to murder in Derry. They laughed in the faces of old men and children as they lay dying and shot more rounds into them. Then they slithered back to Palace Barracks buzzing and congratulating a job well done. British soldiers killing unarmed Irish civilians under order was British policy, it always was and could always be again. The only solution is unity.

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    Mute camio55
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:42 AM

    This appalling event and the prolonged campaign for justice should be remembered with great sadness today. All of the innocent that lost their lives in this conflict must never be forgotten. Those that committed these acts should never delude themselves that they eclipsed the innocent in pursuit of a greater cause, it was simply murder.

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    Mute Declan Edward
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    Jan 30th 2022, 3:03 PM

    Absolutely shocked that Michael Higgins didn’t go to this.

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    Mute John O Mahony
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    Jan 30th 2022, 2:32 PM

    Bad mistake by Michael D no turning up, how can the families get justice if the president rates it as a second class event. Is this the same mehole who laid a wreath for Crown forces awhile ago. What a two-faced individual

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    Mute Daniel Roche
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    Jan 30th 2022, 2:46 PM

    @John O Mahony: If the taoiseach didn’t turn up,you be giving out,not defending wreath laying for British forces but you no reason to have a go at the leader of our government for doing the right thing today,pop away at the president.

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    Mute Madra
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:36 AM

    Mick D is a great man

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    Mute Richard Right
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:48 AM

    @Madra: A true socialist, and man of the common people.

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    Mute Frank Gooding
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:28 AM

    @Richard Right: wealthy socialist ok

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    Mute Cian
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:33 AM

    @Richard Right: surely satire?

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    Mute sean o'dhubhghaill
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:49 AM

    @Frank Gooding: What is the maximum wage a socialist can earn?

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    Mute iohanx
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    Jan 30th 2022, 10:59 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill:

    Not more than the next person.

    43
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    Mute Bri Lyons
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:01 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: don’t forget the tea parties

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    Mute Frank Gooding
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:43 AM

    @sean o’dhubhghaill: some socialists are more equal than others i guess.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:22 PM

    @Madra: On his tour of South America Higgins spoke of social injustice, pity his party agreed and implemented every austerity measure that was inteterduced on the ordinary people who put their faith in them to curb FG. So called Labour became more Blueshirt than the Blueshirts. Their position in the polls reflect their betrayal of those who voted for them.

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    Mute Tom Molloy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 1:22 PM

    The UN should investigate the curriculum in British and Protestant north of Ireland schools to prevent the sectarian mindset of hate being created in their people.

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    Mute Mentis Green
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    Jan 30th 2022, 3:49 PM

    Time for Ireland to fully highlight the past atrocities of the british state & its army alongside their collusion, gerrymandering, institutionalised sectarianism and abuse of civil rights.
    Not to mention the almost unending occupation atrocities perpetrated in Ireland prior to partition.

    Their “british” colonial state evolved around being a genocidal, ethnic cleansing, sectarian occupying power, a parasitic organism.
    A state that has never really faced or reflected on these past atrocities anywhere which is why their media & political structures today are a cesspit of propaganda that have turned inwards without hosts to feed off.

    Thankfully Ireland today has considerable soft power helping us protect the rights of our citizens who live in the 6 counties and their rights under the GFA

    153
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    Mute Finbar Delaney
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    Jan 30th 2022, 3:31 PM

    Any FG representatives attend?

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    Mute John Meade
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    Jan 31st 2022, 7:04 AM

    @Finbar Delaney: the article doesn’t list every politician that was there but it does have a tweet from Simon Coveney saying he is there

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    Mute Paul Byrne
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    Jan 30th 2022, 3:51 PM

    He laid a wealth for the soldiers that done it a thick

    49
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    Mute The Grand Nagus
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    Jan 30th 2022, 7:23 PM

    What ever about the rights and wrongs of the British Army been based in the North.
    The Paras should never had a role same can be said for the Royal Marine Comandos and the black watch.

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    Mute Kevin50
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    Jan 30th 2022, 7:07 PM

    Spoke to my children in their 20s (I know not children) at meal time today none of them knew anything about Bloody Sunday nor the Troubles. The murders of civil rights protestors, this was not a Republican march, by the British army was as bad as anything in South Africa, India or the southern states of America. It spawned the growth of the provos who themselves were as evil as the British and declared war on this country, every politician, judge Garda, Soldier, prison officer was considered a legitimate target. No wonder SF, who are still the political wing of the provos, are so popular with the young and uninformed. Our teachers and the civil service have downgraded history as a subject, one wonders why. BTW it is not the Taoiseach because he himself is a published historian.

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    Mute Dorothy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 7:40 PM

    @Kevin50: Teachers have not downgraded history as a subject. The belief that “education” is purely utilitarian job training is at the heart of many so called reforms in education.

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    Mute Sandra Duffy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:08 PM

    @Kevin50: Sinn Fein supported murders every bit as heinous.

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    Mute Sonic
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:09 PM

    @Kevin50: Sorry but this comment is nonsense. That your kids know nothing about bloody sunday is an indictment of you as a parent. We should make sure our children know and remember these atrocities else we risk history repeating. As for Micheal Martin being a published historian, please. He will forever be on the wrong side of history. Ever hear of collective cabinet responsibility? Ok now go back to 2008. QED.

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    Mute Liam MacSuibhne
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    Jan 30th 2022, 9:22 PM

    @Kevin50: Firstly, history has been upgraded to a CORE subject. Secondly, the fact that your children don’t know about it is an indictment of both their specific teachers and you, sorry to say. As for the rest of your comment, we’ll leave that for now.
    Try to stay on topic and stop referencing other actors in the conflict as some sort of latent excuse for what the British Army did that day and many other days. It was pure, unadulterated evil.

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    Mute Angela McCarthy
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    Jan 30th 2022, 11:04 PM

    @Liam MacSuibhne: when the conflict kicked off in 1969 and section 31 of the Broadcasting Act was introduced in 1971 by the southern state. It was clear those in power were desperate to stop the general population from joining the dots and linking what was happening in the north to what had happened in the south before partition (1916-22). So Irish history taught in the schools more are less ended with the civil rights movement, and didnt catch up again until 1994 when the peace process kicked in.

    so how could it be the responsibility of parents to teach their kids about Bloody Sunday and the conflict, when many of those young parents had been deprived of that history themselves.

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    Mute Anna Carr
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    Jan 30th 2022, 5:54 PM

    I thought it was a very respectful, solemn service. Everyone there behaved impeccably.

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    Mute Joan Grennan
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    Jan 31st 2022, 11:31 AM

    How well I remember it .50 years ago today I very young then and.very angry left my workplace and.joined the vast crowd heading to the British embassy .There we watched on as it was.set ablaze with the garda standing by and merely observing it all .The feeling was that these paras.were a shower of gurriers like the black and tans of a different era .The British government behind it were devious and dishonest ,gurriers too with posh accents .The.way the Widgery enquiry blackened the names of the murder victims was yet another outrage

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