Ukrainians protest in Ireland
Russian troops are bearing down on Ukraine’s capital, with gunfire and explosions resonating ever closer to the government quarter, in an invasion of a democratic country that has fuelled fears of wider war in Europe.
In Ireland, a large crowd of Irish-Ukrainians gathered outside the gates of the Russian Embassy in Dublin to denounce the invasion, holding Ukrainian flags and chanting “stop Russian aggression”. They were joined by other nationalities from across the world, including Russians.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said Ireland backs EU plans to freeze the assets of Russian president Vladimir Putin and his foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.
Earlier, the Taoiseach said the range of sanctions agreed by EU leaders will “hit hard” at Russia and its economy, but will not stop the attack against Ukraine. Ireland will feel the "economic impact" of the conflict, the Minister of State for European Affairs said.
Today in the courts
In the High Court on Friday, a family of six said they have been forced out of their council home by anti-social and racist attacks.
Elsewhere, a burglar who cut himself breaking into a “high end” bar closed during lockdown, and who was identified by DNA from the blood found throughout the bar area, has been jailed for two and a half years.
Five men have also received prison sentences for their part in a slash-hook attack carried out on a man in front of his young daughter.
Separately, Facebook Ireland has apologised unreservedly to broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan over fake ads on the social media platform which used her name and image.
Tributes to 'hero' Garda
Tributes have been paid to retired Detective Garda Ben O’Sullivan who died this morning, 26 years after he survived being seriously wounded in an IRA gun attack which claimed the life of his colleague Detective Garda Jerry McCabe.
Mr O’Sullivan (78) died surrounded by his family in the early hours of Friday after a short illness. He miraculously survived being shot 11 times during the IRA gun attack in Adare in June 1996 and was later awarded a Scott Gold Medal for his bravery.
Tributes to Mr O’Sullivan have poured in from political leaders, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Mayor of Limerick Daniel Butler and Garda members.
Pat Kearney, a brother-in-law of the late Detective Garda McCabe, said of Mr O'Sullivan: “Ben was a mighty character, a mighty strong man, physically, mentally, spiritually, he was a terrific man; he took 11 bullets into his body and lived.”
Tallaght shooting
A senior lawyer has been remanded in custody after gardaí charged him with the murder of Keith Conlon in a shooting on farmland near Tallaght in Dublin.
Diarmuid Phelan (53) appeared before Judge Patricia McNamara on Friday morning at Tallaght District Court.
The deceased was a father of four from nearby Kiltalown Park. The dog breeder was severely injured in the shooting incident at the foot of the Dublin mountains on Tuesday afternoon.
Mr Phelan's departure in custody from the courthouse area was highly charged as gardaí intervened when members of the public, hurling abuse, attempted to block and surround a vehicle bringing him away.
