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Top readers' comments of the week

Here’s our round-up of the best, the most interesting and the most commented-on pieces from the past week. Did you make it in?

EVERY SATURDAY MORNING we take a look at all the best comments left on the site by you lot over the past week.

This week there was a lot of talk about the extraordinary Ohio kidnap case, the looming strike at Bus Éireann, the strange case of the TD’s assistant who took thousands of copies of a local newspaper from shops, and reasons why Cork may possibly be better than Dublin, among other things.

So here, in no particular order, are the standout comments from the week that was.

The top 5 articles which received the most comments this week

1. 11 reasons why Cork might actually be better than Dublin (336 comments)

2. Proposed bill would ban flouride from Ireland’s water(229 comments)

3. Boston cardinal says he will boycott event because Enda Kenny is going (227 comments)

4. FG and Labour at odds over possibility of amending abortion bill (219 comments)

5. Bus Éireann workers to strike from Sunday (218 comments)

Some of the best comments left on the site this week

(Image: Cmdr_Hadfield/Twitter)

Readers shared their stories about burglaries beneath this article warning that people are leaving the keys to their homes in obvious places where burglars can find them – and Gaius Gracchus had this comment about burglars with specific tastes:

A friend told me about her mates apartment being broken into and when she called over to console her she was sobbing on the floor holding a cd,and cried ‘What’s wrong with Simply Red?’ they had stolen over 100 cd’s and left the ginger ones Greatest Hits

Do you still listen to your voicemails? Readers were divided by this poll earlier in the week. Here’s Annette Temple explaining why she hated voicemail so much:

This is why I deactivated my voicemail… ‘You. Have. Three. New.messages………….. To. Listen. To. Your. Messages. Please . Continue. To. Listen. To. This. Very. Drawn. Out. Information….to. Return. To. The. Main. Menu. Press. Some. Number. Button……. Giant. Pause…. This. Message. Was. Left. today. At….six. Forty. Three. P.m…giant pause….. Riiiiiiiiinnnnnggggggttttttooone . ….to. Return. A call. To. This. Number…please. Press. 6. Now…..giant pause…
Message two…. This. Message. Was. Left…. Today….At. Six. Forty. Seven. Pm……. Riiiiiiiiinnnnnggggggttttttooone ….
To. Return. A call. To. This. Number…please. Press. 6. Now…..giant pause…
Message. Three….this. Message. Was. Left. Today. At…..six. Fifty..four. Pm…. Hi an - ‘you have insufficient funds to continue this call….’ ARRRGGGGGHHHHH

The option to bury people without coffins when they die was announced by the Department of the Environment this week. Some people had other ideas for their final act though. From Chris Neville:

I want to be shot out of a cannon from George’s head in Kilkee, dressed as a clown, arms flaying as I hit the water.

There was a lot of praise for nurses beneath this article about why they are like superheroes. Fintan Sheerin explained what he gets out of his job:

Nursing is a demanding job but one which I enjoyed for 20 years. I have always felt privileged and proud to be a nurse…i married a nurse…now my daughter is a student nurse. The privilege is in being allowed to be with other people at good and difficult times in their lives and to be able to try and make a difference. We don’t always get it right, but we are there. Now I have the privilege of teaching new nursing students. I am always impressed by the quality and motivation of these students who maintain the values that have been inherent in nursing across the globe.

Shop-owners on Dublin’s Thomas Street are pulling together to make an effort to save one of the city’s most iconic streets which has become badly run down in recent  years. Elizabeth Gibson had this story about visiting the area with her mother:

My mam used to go into Meath Street every Friday to do a bit of shopping and then onto Thomas Street to get the fish for the dinner, alway to the same two auld dears with hands twisted by arthritis but jaysus could they wield their knives, sharper than a samurai’s sword and they could split the hair off a fleas back without leaving a mark on it. They are long gone now but it will be a long time before they are forgotten.

Maggie Elizabeth Walsh summed up the views of many people with this comment about Priory Hall:

I passed this site on Monday, I remember it when it was lived in, it was a nice little place, now its just an eyesore, falling into ruin and a sad reminder of greedy developers and the corners they cut. My heart goes out to all the people stuck paying mortgages on property they can no longer live in or sell.

Someone inspected this site and passed it as safe to be sold, someone somewhere must have signed a document to that effect, where is this person, why are they not being asked questions about why they did this?

Commander Chris Hadfield is coming to the end of his time aboard the International Space Station but he’s still tweeting lots of great photos – including this gorgeous one of Ireland hiding underneath a lot of cloud. Tracey Walker had this suggestion:

Hope cmdr hadfield gets an invite to Ireland as he has cheered so many people up with his amazing pictures. Can we make him an honorary Irish man?

Finally, Alan Rothwell got more than 600 thumbs up when he explained why he has been having trouble sleeping lately beneath the article about – well, why people can’t sleep at night. Looks like today is the big day, so best of luck Alan! Hope you managed to get some sleep in the end…

I know why I can’t sleep…. getting married on Saturday! :-/

(Postscript: When people starting giving advice – and there was a lot of it – Alan came back to thank people for it all, both helpful and unhelpful):

Thanks for all the support/warnings! Gotta go ahead with it now or we’d loose the deposits! Well that and I love her!

The 5 most popular comments on the site this week

1. The most popular comment this week came from one of the most-read (and most contested) articles this week: 11 reasons why Cork may be better than Dublin. Eighties BlackGuy got more than 1186 thumbs up for his assessment:

Plus Cork has the guy who pulled the flute off himself on the plane as a direct result of having a Disprin and a pint

2. Brian Culleton had the second most popular comment this week with 1,030 thumbs up for his contribution to things only an Irish mammy can teach you:

Take off that coat or it’ll be no good to you when you get outside.

3. In third place was Alan Grouse with 867 thumbs up for his comment about the extraordinary story of the three missing women found in a house in Ohio years after they went missing:

Amazing and wonderful news. Stories like this give me hope that madeline mccann and others may one day be found

These stories are scarily frequent, i shudder to think how many missing persons are alive but being held captive around the world. God help them

4. Remember the things you used to have in your teenage bedroom? Denise Houlihan got 854 thumbs up for her description of the evil prank she played on her sister back in the day:

My sister had a poster of Jim Morrisson over her bed. She ‘made contact’ with him one day at school with a ouija board.
Myself and the other sister loosened the blu tac on the poster before she went to bed.
The whole house was awakened at 4am with her screams. Everyone ran to the bedroom to find her grappling with the poster in a pure blind panic, which brought on an asthma attack.
Oh the fun…she never went near a ouija board again.

5. Last but not least, in 5th place this week was Dave with 828 thumbs up this week for expressing his disbelief about the story of a TD’s assistant who allegedly picked up lots of copies of a local free newspaper which contained a negative story about the TD in question (who said he knew nothing about the assistant’s actions).

“Without his knowledge or consent”…… My arse

Spot a good comment on an article? Let us know: mail christine@thejournal.ie with any suggestions for comments which you think should make it in for next week.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

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14 Comments
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    Mute Yorkie1892
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:06 PM

    What about men?

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    Mute Paul O'Sullivan
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:07 PM

    @Yorkie1892: all men are monsters apparently ….. I dunno

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:17 PM

    @Yorkie1892: Yes of course men, but the vast majority of abuse of children and women is carried out by men.

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:22 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: the vast majority of REPORTED crime yes. What about the ones not reported? Or what about the rest. Do we not care about everyone equally regardless of gender?

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    Mute my name
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:22 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: what’s your point Pauline?

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    Mute alphasully
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:25 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: Pauline the vast majority of abuse of men is carried out by women

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:29 PM

    @GaMran: eh, i DO. but what can you do about the ones not reported? there was a very powerful ad on tv a while ago about women abusing their male partners. But unless men have the courage to come forward, the service cant help them. The demand for these services are mostly for women and children, they are the ones who ring looking for help the most. Deal with it, mr sensitive

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:33 PM

    @alphasully: My god, give it a rest. This article is about the CEO if a charity that helps women and children. They are the MOST in need statistically, by a long shot. Why dont you donate to Cosc.ie, then.

    51
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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:38 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: woman need to let men report these without being told to shut up cause its the Great Vagina times out there. They need our support because no matter if you are a men or woman you will feel ashamed,suicidal,sad,angry the same way when someone abuses you. Yet men are being told to shut up about their agenda cause they are not majority?. How would this help Pauline? Should we not talk about this as an issue that affects every gender?

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:40 PM

    @Yorkie1892: THIS article is about the CEO if a charity that helps women and men. So why would she mention men? Most abuse victims are women and children. Of course there are men, and there are services like Cosc.ie for them to go to. All these comments are ridiculous, and frankly heartless and lacking in sympathy. Women and especially children are more defenceless and vulnerable than men.Men are more prone to violence, both physically and sexually, then women. A man can beat a child or woman to death in minutes, a woman is much less likely to do that. Spare me the gender equality, these are facts, deal with it. There is awareness of men suffering domestic abuse, i dont dispute they are victims, i dont deny it.

    62
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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:40 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: also why do you assume Im a men? Cause I stand up for them? For your info I am more of a woman than you’ll ever be. Putting men down for speaking out is not going to make you a better person. But sure assume away

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:41 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: I meant women and children, obviously.

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    Mute Oracle Steve
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:43 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: you’re simply wrong on the stats unless you consider 55-60% as the vast majority….?

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:45 PM

    @GaMran: This article is about abused women and children, not your gender equality issues. The woman speaking is the CEO if a woman and child centre, they are the ones most likely to flee an abusive household. You are the one who cant deal with facts. I dont deny men get abused, but they are less vulnerable than women and children to it. There are services for them, why dont you donate something if you care so much? Why not raise awareness yourself? i remember the ad about the woman hitting the man, it was on tv for ages. Very powerful. So dint be assuming that i dont know or care about that. Its just this article isnt about that, is it?

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:51 PM

    @Oracle Steve: Well those stats arent accurate. Answer honestly now, how many people do you know in your life, where the woman had to leave the man because he was knocking her about? i know at least two. How many children (im my case, now adults) do you know where sexually abused by a man, either their father, grandfather, uncle or family friend? i know more than a few. I think EVERYONE can honestly admit that they know of these people.

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:56 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: the article is good. The issue is real for all involved to answer your question how do we help people not reporting on it is by talking about all aspects, all genders and make everyone feel that they can report abuse regardless of gender. Today already 2 articles on the journal talking about kids and woman. No mention on men. The problem here is with the media ignoring half the population. No one has a problem with what charity aids trying to do

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 5:01 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: i know of two men who has been financially exploited and emotionally abused by woman.One was seripusly assaulted but told by other people to suck it up and grow a pair. I also know of woman ho had been abused. This is a crazy world and all we should do is EQUALLY represent all in the media. Make men feel like its ok to be vulnerable. Make woman feel like we care. Make kids feel like someone is here for them. Should we not help everyone?

    47
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    Mute Wolfe Stirfry
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    Apr 10th 2020, 5:20 PM

    @Yorkie1892: there are charities that help abused women and charities that help abused children. Why not start one to help abused men? It would help those men in abusive situations.

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    Mute Barry Doyle
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    Apr 10th 2020, 5:22 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: Thumbs down.

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 5:27 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: im here raising awerness

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    Mute Miriam
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    Apr 10th 2020, 5:56 PM

    @Yorkie1892:

    I hear you, but if I tried to beat my fella and he felt his life was about to end he could put me on my arse in one shot.

    But if he decided to turn nasty I’d be a goner – I know that’s not the same for every couple but in general a man will have superior strength to defend himself. Even a fat aul fella has more power than your average woman, fact.

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    Mute Carl
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    Apr 10th 2020, 6:07 PM

    @Yorkie1892: took the words right out of my mouth

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    Mute my name
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    Apr 10th 2020, 6:13 PM

    @Miriam: I think his point is, when was the last time there was an article about domestic abuse towards the man in the relationship. Two articles today alone in a short period of time aimed at women’s aid.
    What about men?

    32
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    Mute Nikolina Fiume
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    Apr 10th 2020, 6:15 PM

    @GaMran: you are maybe a man, maybe awoman, but most certainly a troll. And not an intelligent one.

    21
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    Mute Trev Gilmore
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    Apr 10th 2020, 6:18 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: TV hard man Ross Kemp was beaten by his partner, disgraced News of the World editor Rebekah Brooks.

    24
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    Mute John Flavin
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    Apr 10th 2020, 7:01 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: switch the genders for a moment. Imagine the outrage if a man said “but unless women have the courage to come forward, the service can’t help them.” Talk about double standards and hypocrisy. Feminism these days is a cancer on society. The service should be available to everyone regardless of gender!

    37
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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 7:26 PM

    @Nikolina Fiume: Im a troll for standing up for all genders equally to you…nice one . Your views will not make me silent on this matter which has never affected me personally but other people. You are however the exact definition of a troll. Your not here to defend helpless people and shine a light on an issue. You came here and took a side and tried offending someone who stands up for a thing she believes. Look inside yourself instead and see what sort of person will do that.

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    Mute mrdingaling
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    Apr 10th 2020, 7:32 PM

    @Yorkie1892: toxic feminist media hype

    16
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    Mute Felix O Mahoney
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    Apr 10th 2020, 8:16 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: you’re a vile puece of work Pauline. You should be ashamed of yourself, because your own dad and brothers would disown you seeing your attitude towards “cowards who are afraid to report abuse”

    17
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    Mute Sandra Duffy
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    Apr 10th 2020, 9:21 PM

    @my name: because it is the women and children who can’t escape right now that are at greatest risk of physical harm. Men in some abusive gay relationships are also at severe risk but for the most part straight men don’t have to fear severe physical damage. Very many women do. Having these articles is important because it helps alert women to the steps they can take.

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    Mute Àine Nì Cleìrìgh
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    Apr 10th 2020, 9:57 PM

    @Yorkie1892: It’s always the same response what about men. We know men are victims too and many services support men. It’s a fact that more women experience domestic abuse than men. Let try response like what do men abuse their partners.

    10
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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 10:18 PM

    @Felix O Mahoney: Wow. Very harsh. Im hardly a vile piece of work, that would be the description of an abuser, wouldn’t it? And where did i call male victims cowards? Nowhere! it takes courage to ask for help, but if you dont ask, you dont get. Whats so offensive about that? we wouldnt even know about victims of abuse if they didnt end up getting help, would we?? Sometimes a friend or neighbour or other family member will call services for them, but how on earth is me saying you need courage the equivalent of calling them a coward if they cant or dont? i wouldnt say that about women and children too afraid to get help, and im not saying it about men either.

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    Apr 10th 2020, 10:20 PM

    @Sandra Duffy: so just ignore them is that your reply? Two articles in the space of a few hours on this subject, would it not be beneficial to have just the one for the men stuck in the same position? Equality for all except in this instance?

    9
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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 10:21 PM

    @John Flavin: What outrage would there be? you have to ask for help to get it, otherwise you suffer in silence. The services dont know you exist otherwise. It does courage to come forward, do you deny that fact? but that doesnt mean im thinking less of the ones who cant or dont..it takes a lot of bravery to do it, its a frightening thing to go and seek help, because thats it, once you do, theres no going back, your life wont be the same, because the secrets out. I am NOT belittling the ones who are afraid. You and everyone on here is a complete jackass for thinking thats what i meant.

    10
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    Mute Nikolina Fiume
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    Apr 10th 2020, 10:42 PM

    @GaMran: its not that simple, but you are simple. Otherwise you would think twice about commenting on this article, with aquestion “what about men”. If you don’t see a problem with that, what can I do but call you a troll.Or worse.

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 11:33 PM

    @Nikolina Fiume: you can educate yourself on the matter and instead of trying to offend people who care be mature and try make a point. Spewing vile crap at people is a definition of ignorant. Why cant you play adult like the rest of us here. Its ok to have differing opinions but this bully attitude is not ok

    5
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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 11th 2020, 12:27 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: don’t mind the name callers Pauline. Not gonna agree on everything with you but I do get your points;) We shouldnt call each other names anyway. Clearly its a deeply sensitive subject to some of us but we should keep it civil people..

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    Mute Denis McClean
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    Apr 11th 2020, 1:49 AM

    @Miriam: How many men sleep with the vocalized threat that they can be stabbed in their sleep, yet still have enough respect for themselves not to violently react in self defense? The answer is ‘Way Too Many’.

    4
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    Mute Sol Mac Eoghan
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    Apr 11th 2020, 9:12 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: I know someone that went through hell with an abusive partner. There are very very little supports out there, the weapon they used amongst others was to sever all contact with the kids, its child abuse really but again no support for kids either.

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    Mute Patrick Swan
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    Apr 11th 2020, 9:28 AM

    @Pauline Gallagher: those stats are accurate. It’s surprising to most people, no doubt.

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    Mute Fephie Stitz
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    Apr 11th 2020, 10:49 AM

    @Yorkie1892: wHaT AbOuT mEn

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    Mute Trevor J Coonan
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    Apr 11th 2020, 11:31 AM

    @Paul O’Sullivan: You should say that to the faces of the women and children being abused. It’s definitely the most important element of this issue.
    You’re a true hero and noble.
    Well done. You should run for office. You’re not a dangerous mupper

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    Mute Pád
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    Apr 11th 2020, 3:10 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: You would be the first one burning your bra if the article was only about men.
    You are an absolute disgrace. It effects all genders and should be reported on that way.
    Pull your neck in!

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    Mute SkepticalHippoEyes
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:36 PM

    Im looking forward to the Journal giving the CEO of AMEN a similar platform to discuss this topic with a reasonable level of balance.

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    Mute Oracle Steve
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:42 PM

    @SkepticalHippoEyes: amen to that!

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    Mute Arch Angel
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    Apr 10th 2020, 9:56 PM

    @SkepticalHippoEyes: When it comes to domestic abuse it rarely ends in murder, thankfully, although many victims report that the psychological element can be worse and more terrifying than the physical one. Others report intimidation and control, emotional abuse, threats, economic abuse, harassment and of course physical abuse.
    Many victims report being afraid that people won’t believe them, that their abuser has the upper hand and society will believe the abuser over them. Introducing the Domestic Violence Act 2018 Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan said a recent report found that two in three cases involved emotional and psychological abuse.
    Now imagine the public narrative says you’re the abuser, the media says it, almost every magazine article, every TV article, radio, internet, everywhere, it’s just assumed. Men are the abusers, women are the victims. Ignore the statistics, the reality, the truth. Charlie Flanagan also said a similar ratio of men are affected, according to the most recent report from Amen.
    This shouldn’t be confused as some sort of apology for domestic abuse against women, it’s an appalling crime which nobody despises more than most men, nor is it meant to be a whine. Domestic abuse is abuse, full stop. We need to change the narrative.

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    Mute Àine Nì Cleìrìgh
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    Apr 10th 2020, 9:58 PM

    @SkepticalHippoEyes: It’s not longer Amen, they changed their name to Anyman, and changed again to Mensaid.

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    Mute Denis McClean
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    Apr 11th 2020, 1:53 AM

    @Arch Angel: So well written … so well.

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    Mute Mr_Bumkee
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:30 PM

    I hate to be the one to say it; (And I genuinely do share the serious concern for victims being trapped with their abusers); but why is it so hard for articles like these to even imagine that men might be the victims too??

    In an age where we should be considering all people and all genders; why is it that when it comes to domestic abuse; men just don’t exist?

    OBVIOUSLY, the vast majority of victims are women and children. That’s not the point. What other social issue, any at all, are we supposed to just ignore the silent minority? Seriously. Think about it. And think about how demoralizing it would be to read this article as a male abuse victim.

    I hope all abuse victims find a way out of what must be a horrendous prison of a scenario at the moment.

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    Mute Oracle Steve
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:41 PM

    @Mr_Bumkee: it’s not the vast majority. Most studies have men being the victims of 40%+ of intimate partner violence. In couples not cohabitating men are the victims in over 50%

    It’s the biggest lie out there that women are the vast majority of victims.

    It’s a narrative peddled by radical feminists (most of whom work in academia and the media)

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:42 PM

    @Mr_Bumkee: oh here wait till Pauline start telling you off as well for speaking out..she dares calling me a man for standing up for the men in my life

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    Mute Pauline Gallagher
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:52 PM

    @GaMran: the men in your life? so i take it you know of a man who is being knocked around by his wife or girlfriend? i bet you know of more women than men though.

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 5:04 PM

    @Pauline Gallagher: yes I do and it is as bad as you can imagine. It breaks a person be it a man or woman. It will change you forever if you manage to stay alive and with it.
    If you or anyone around ever truly experienced that they can tell you about it.

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    Mute Sandra Duffy
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    Apr 10th 2020, 9:23 PM

    @Oracle Steve: BS. Any nurse in an emergency room would soon put the the lie to your ‘fact’.

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    Mute Àine Nì Cleìrìgh
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    Apr 10th 2020, 10:00 PM

    @Mr_Bumkee: Again here we are it’s always comes back to what about men. We know men are victims, however the vast majority of of domestic abuse is perpetrated by men. Let’s try asking what do men abuse their partners.

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    Mute Patrick Swan
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    Apr 11th 2020, 9:30 AM

    @Àine Nì Cleìrìgh: slim majority, not vast.

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    Mute Mr_Bumkee
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    Apr 14th 2020, 10:53 AM

    @Àine Nì Cleìrìgh: It’s almost as if you didn’t read my comment. I actually said that the majority of victims are likely women. I suppose then, that we’ll just have to wait for another Domestic Abuse article in the national media to include the words Male Victim; and ignore this one.

    but sure look; who cares right? It’s just men.

    And seeing as men perpetrate so much of the violence as you said; then the male victim, who’s never hurt anyone, and who is reading this; must take some responsibility for other mens’ actions, and just “Take it Like a Man” then? /s

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:27 PM

    Honestly this is getting ridiculous. If people, journalists and charities dream of an equal society they have to stop speaking only about the woman and kids only. No matter how they are majority. There’s plenty of men out there with an abusive partner be that a male or female. And abuse comes in all form not just physical but mental and emotional. Im a woman and find it hurtful that any men in my life feels they are not important enough to talk about their experiences in the media.

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    Mute Àine Nì Cleìrìgh
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    Apr 10th 2020, 10:02 PM

    @GaMran: You are right it is an equality matter, why do men abuse their partners? More women experience abuse than men. Since 2016 more women have died in the home than gangland criminals. That’s a fact. It’s not about women v men, it’s about women losing lives.

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 11:53 PM

    @Àine Nì Cleìrìgh: Im not doubting facts only saying that the media should speak to all that are abused not just the majority. As many above mentioned its just a trend on the journal now only reporting on one side. It is such a sad issue and it should be reported on as much as we need to to help tackle and raise awareness.

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    Mute THINK Paddy THINK
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    Apr 10th 2020, 6:01 PM

    What about men who are stuck with wives who abuse them both verbally, physically or psychologically. It is not just men who can be violent and abusive. It can be women too and also teenage children.

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    Mute GaMran
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    Apr 10th 2020, 7:45 PM

    @THINK Paddy THINK: awe careful now some people might start to call you a troll for speaking up about this..

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    Mute Àine Nì Cleìrìgh
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    Apr 10th 2020, 10:04 PM

    @THINK Paddy THINK: your name should give you a hint Think Paddy Think. More women experience abuse than men. Why not ask why do men beat, strangle, rape, their partners.

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    Mute Eoin Daniel
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    Apr 10th 2020, 5:18 PM

    Anything to be said for reaching out to the hospitality sector (hotels or airbnb’s) to ask for temporary shelter for the victims (women or men) and their children?

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    Mute Joey Roche
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    Apr 10th 2020, 6:18 PM

    “‘The silence right now is ominous:’ Concern for Victims trapped with abusers during Covid-19 shutdown”

    Fixed. Abuse can come from anyone and affect anyone. It is not acceptable to push this ‘abuser = man’. It’s just not representative of modern Life. How incredibly hard it is for anyone to speak up about abuse, don’t make it harder for a man to come forward.

    Look at Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. Depp was initially dismissed as the victim because he was a man.

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    Mute John Flavin
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    Apr 10th 2020, 7:09 PM

    @Joey Roche: yes we live in a victimhood society where the victims are always women. Men = bad, women = angels.

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    Mute Oracle Steve
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:46 PM

    Look at the graphic used in the indo. This is the media’s perception of domestic violence. Says it all

    This is what Young impressionable boys and girls are being told

    https://www.independent.ie/world-news/coronavirus/government-says-2km-rule-does-not-apply-to-domestic-abuse-victims-39118776.html

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    Mute Atreyu_82
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    Apr 10th 2020, 5:12 PM

    What about parents trapped with the kids?

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    Mute shay
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    Apr 10th 2020, 6:03 PM

    Why does everything have include everyone, don’t be so sensitive lads,

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    Mute Bigroad
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    Apr 10th 2020, 4:26 PM

    Yorkie, that what I thought when read headline!

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    Mute John Lynch
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    Apr 11th 2020, 1:09 AM

    I’m skeptical about all self-appointing organisations.
    Womens’ aid need more women to aid, immigrant do-gooders need more immigrants. Housing associations need housing shortages.
    What they all need is our money because they have have CEOs and staff on big money. Some of then their main activity is fund-raising to pay themselves.
    Those were the days when nuns worked for nothing.
    In regard to who abuses whom – I have seen decent men cleaned out in divorces by women who exploit the bias of the system against men. Advised and supported by women’s organisations. There is a real war going on in society.

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    Mute Blind Faith
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    Apr 10th 2020, 7:46 PM

    Because I’m still in my own bubble It’s honestly not something I had considered or thought about until I read this article. It’s a terrifying idea, that vulnerable women & children are trapped exactly where their monster wants them 24 hours a day 7 days a week with no opportunity of escape . . . Sadly there’s gonna be some horrific stories emerging after the end of this crises.

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    Mute Jenny Brandon
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    Apr 11th 2020, 2:47 PM

    Remove the abuser, not the abused.

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    Mute Lao Tzu
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    Apr 11th 2020, 6:06 AM

    @ Blind Faith: I’ve been reading news articles from around the world for the past 6 weeks about the increase in domestic abuse since lockdown has been imposed in many countries; it’s very distressing to read – not just about the abuse, but how the authorities treat victims and the lack of support for victims in normal times, much less during a pandemic.

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    Mute Denis McClean
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    Apr 11th 2020, 2:10 AM

    Serious question. When I support the Journal with my card details, will the blue (An Irritating shade of EU/ECB) go away on my next visit or will I be haunted with it forever? Nothing worse than some unfortunate chap clinging tighter to my red coat tails with every farthing I drop. (You had to be there)

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    Mute Maximilian Wilde
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    Apr 11th 2020, 11:22 AM

    Covid-19 = Women most affected (even though far more men have actually died from the virus)

    Testicular cancer = Women most affected!

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    Mute DeirdreMMcAndrew
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    Apr 11th 2020, 2:28 PM

    I think its important to highlight the plight of everyone in an abusive circumstance in this unprecedented time. Society is full of vulnerable people of all genders, ages & circumstances who may be locked in with an abuser right now in domestic & other settings. We should all be extra vigilant, mindful & supportive.

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