A LOCAL Green Party representative has expressed his deep concern at the recent aggression towards elected representatives.
Anluan Dunne, who is a candidate for the party in the upcoming local elections in the Tralee area, issued a statement after masked men went to the home of Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman to protest against immigration on Thursday evening.
“The increasing targeted aggression towards elected representatives is extremely concerning,” said Anluan Dunne.
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“To see masked men attack my Green Party colleague, Roderic O’Gorman’s house in this way is shocking and I condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms.”
“We have seen a continual increase in harassment and intimidation of politicians and representatives. This must be addressed and stopped. As someone who is running for election in Kerry, I find this deteriorating situation troubling both for myself and my family. No one doing their job should be treated in this manner.”
“I am also deeply concerned at reports of a lack of action from Gardaí in tackling what is clearly antisocial behaviour and a potential breach of the peace. We need thuggery of this sort addressed swiftly and comprehensively,” he said.
David Moriarty reports on the game last night at Mounthawk Park where Kerry FC’s unbeaten run came to an end…
KERRY FC 1-2 ATHLONE TOWN
On the hunt for nine games unbeaten, Kerry FC were back at home on Friday night as they took on Athlone Town for the first time this season at Mounthawk Park.
The only game between the two this season was the beginning of last month when the sides drew one all with goals from Dylan Hand and a screamer from Daniel Okwute. Kerry FC’s last home game was a historic one as the side recorded their first-ever League of Ireland home win beating Longford Town 3-0.
Last week they drew 0-0 away to Treaty United in a game where they easily could have won with most chances in the second half coming the way of the Kingdom but unfortunately nothing was landed, and it was a game Kerry felt annoyed not to be coming away with all three points.
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Athlone Town came into the game without an away win this season so they wanted to put that right this week.
A win at home last weekend against Finn Harps put the Town in good spirits as they made the trip down to Tralee. Nathan Gleeson returned to the matchday squad on Friday after a lengthy spell on the side-lines.
Sean McGrath also returned to the starting eleven after missing last week’s Treaty United game. He returned after his man of the match performance in that game against Longford Town.
Kerry FC started the game very well and tested Athlone keeper Enda Minogue on a couple of occasions in the opening six minutes.
Kennedy Amechi got on the end of a long ball over the top and dinked it over Minogue before the linesman put his flag up. Just four minutes later Ryan Kelliher created a great chance for himself as he controlled the ball fantastically with a couple of flicks over the oncoming defence.
He took on a half volley twenty-two yards from goal, but Minogue got down well to claim the ball. The shot unfortunately was straight at the Athlone Town shot stopper, but nothing could be taken away from the sheer persistence and skill on show from Ryan to get Kerry their first big chance of the evening.
Enda Minogue was called into action again as he tipped a Sean McGrath shot over the crossbar and out for a corner.
Kerry FC fans feared it would be two great goalkeeping performances in a row against them and were desperate to see one of these chances hit the back of the net.
McGrath saw himself in space and aimed for the top right corner, but his great effort was well matched by Athlone’s number one.
Kerry FC, who were the better team in the opening half an hour, received their reward in the nineteenth minute when they were awarded a penalty for an Aaron Connolly handball inside the area.
The ball bobbled a couple of times inside the area and unluckily for Connolly made clear contact with his hand which Ian O’Keeffe had no hesitation in penalising.
Kennedy Amechi stepped up and calmly slotted the ball hole into the bottom left corner to give Kerry a well-deserved lead.
Kerry nearly doubled their lead three minutes later when Ryan Kelliher went on another great run which saw him get around the goalkeeper.
Unfortunately, the angle tightened too much, and he was only able to put the ball into the side netting. A real let off for Athlone who were feeling the oncoming and fast never-ending Kerry FC pressure.
Athlone started to get back into the game with ten or so minutes remaining in the half, but nothing was landing in dangerous areas for them.
They needed a slice of luck to break down the Kerry FC defence which they eventually got in the two remaining minutes of the opening forty-five when Ruben Ferreira drew the sides level.
A low cross into the box on the right side was unfortunately missed and not cleared by Samuel Aladesanusi who’s half clearance landed to the feet of Ferreira who was composed and buried the opportunity into the bottom left corner.
It was a real kick in the teeth for Kerry who would have much preferred to go in at half time leading, but that bit of luck was not with them in the evening’s proceeding.
Daire McCarthy nearly headed Kerry FC back in front a minute into the second half after a corner reached Andy Spain just outside the six-yard box who headed towards McCarthy but unfortunately McCarthy’s header from close range could not be directed on target.
Sean McGrath had another shot from distance to test the waters again with Minogue but this time it did not have enough on it to test him. Kerry FC took a back foot on the game from this time as Athlone really stepped up a gear to try and get themselves in front.
In the sixty-second minute the visitors did just that as Carl Mujaguzi scored an unbelievable acrobatic goal.
A corner was swung into the box, headed away from Sean O’Connell, and reached Mujaguzi who had no right to try the shot from there, but he did just that and bagged full reward for the pure audaciousness of the effort.
Mujaguzi was feeling confidence after the earlier goal and hit the post seventeen minutes later. He took the ball down with composure on the edge of the area before aiming for the left side of the goal.
Thankfully for Kerry it did not double the Athlone lead as it bounced back off the post and into the hands of Antonio Tuta.
Kerry had a few more free kicks in good areas but did not trouble Athlone in any way as the game finished with a 2-1 win for the away side. Kerry FC’s eight game unbeaten run was ended by an Athlone side who won their first away game of the season.
Kerry looked to lose steam at the start of the second half and was conveyed in the performance. A great run ended but a great chance to bounce back as they visit the Carlisle Grounds and Bray Wanderers next week.
KERRY FC TEAM: 1. ANTONIO TUTA, 15. KEVIN WILLIAMS, 5. ANDY SPAIN (C), 18. SAMUEL ALADESANUSI, 3. SEAN O’CONNELL, 8. RONAN TEAHAN, 21. DAIRE MCCARTHY, 7. SEAN MCGRATH, 12. KENNEDY AMECHI (GOAL 19’ PEN), 11. DANIEL OKWUTE, 9. RYAN KELLIHER.
SUBS: AARON O’SULLIVAN, JACK KAVANAGH, ETHAN KOS, NATHAN GLEESON, STEVEN HEALY, CIAN BROSNAN, VICTOR UDEZE, GRAHAM O’REILLY, EVISON RRAMANI.
ATHLONE TOWN TEAM: 1. ENDA MINOGUE, 3. JARLATH JONES, 5. DANIEL MCKENNA, 7. RUBEN MANUEL OLIVERIA FERREIRA (GOAL ’43), 8. AARON CONNOLLY, 9. DEAN EBBE, 10. JAMAR CAMPION-HINDS, 12. CARL MUJAGUZI (GOAL ’62), 18. OISIN DUFFY (C), 22. BRIAN TORRE, MATTHEW LEAL.
Know Your Rights has been compiled by Kerry Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public…
Many companies in Ireland offer telephone services for both fixed line and mobile. Each of the providers offer different packages to consumers.
Before entering into a telephone contract, you are advised to think carefully about your needs and compare prices and plans.
ComReg’s price comparison tool allows you to compare mobile phone charges across all operators. It helps you to select the best mobile phone package for you, based on your individual usage.
What is a fixed line contract?
Fixed line is commonly known as your landline or home telephone. A fixed line means that your telephone (or the stand for a cordless telephone) is not wire free but is physically connected to a point on a wall in your home.
Many providers now offer fixed line services as part of a package (also known as a ‘bundle’) along with home internet, and sometimes TV.
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What contracts are offered by mobile network providers?
Mobile network providers offer a range of plans (with or without a new phone) that includes a certain amount of calls to other mobiles or landlines, text messages and data (this allows you to use internet while not connected to WIFI).
There are 2 main plans that mobile phone providers offer:
Prepay: This is a pay-as-you-go option where you buy credit from various outlets such as shops, bank machines and online and top up your phone when you need to.
Some providers offer prepay options that include calls, texts and data. You don’t need to sign to a contract and are free to switch networks at any time.
Bill pay: This means that you get a monthly bill for the services you have used in the previous month and will pay a set price. The duration of the contract will usually be either month-to-month or 12 to 24 months.
If you go above your allowance of calls, texts and data you will have to pay extra. When you enter into a bill pay contract, your contract is with the mobile network provider.
Bill pay plans usually give you the option to either buy a phone outright or buy it (either free or at a significantly lower price) as part of a bundle. There is also the option of a SIM-only plan where you don’t need a new phone and simply sign up to a monthly bill pay contract for calls, texts and data.
What’s usually included in my plan?
This depends on the plan and provider but generally your plan includes:
• A certain amount of free national calls
• A certain amount of calls to particular networks
• An allowance for SMS (text message)
• An allowance for data usage (usually measured in gigabytes or GB)
Can the cost of my mobile or broadband package increase mid contract?
Many of the State’s leading telecom operators link the price of their mobile and broadband packages to inflation, with increases of 3 per cent plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation rolled out each year.
These increases are usually applied in April each year. The increases are outlined in the terms & condition of your contract and consequently are not considered to be a breach of contract by the provider.
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What is roaming?
Roaming is using your mobile phone while abroad. EU regulations mean that mobile phone customers are charged the same price for calls, texts and data when travelling in the European Economic Area (EEA), which include all European Union countries plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
You should be aware that you may still be charged roaming rates for international travel outside the EEA.
What is the impact of Brexit on roaming charges when travelling to UK?
Since 1 January 2021, you are no longer entitled to the same roaming rates under EU law when travelling to the UK.
You should contact your provider to check the up-to-date prices that apply and what mobile allowances apply when travelling in the UK. ComReg has more information about the impact of Brexit on mobile roaming.
What information should I get when I sign up to a contract?
Providers of fixed or mobile services must give you the following information in your contract:
• The name and address of the service provider
• Details of the service to be provided, the quality levels and the waiting periods for first-time connections.
• Details of the pricing and charges (tariffs)
• Maintenance service available and if any charges apply.
• The duration of the contract and how to renew or cancel it
• Your right to compensation or refund if service quality levels are not met.
• Details of the complaint handling procedure
When you sign up to a new contract, you can only be bound to the contract for an initial minimum period of 24 months (2 years) or less.
You can keep your existing landline or mobile phone number when switching to a new provider. Once the contract has been agreed, the number should be activated within a few hours.
Can I cancel my phone contract?
You should check the terms and conditions of your contract to find out what your cancellation rights are. You may have to pay a fee to cancel a contract. Your legal right to cancel the contract for free depends on whether you signed up over the phone, in person, or online.
If you signed up over the phone or online you can cancel the contract if you signed up less than 14 days ago over the phone or online.
This is called a ‘cooling-off’ period. If you have already used the service (for example, you made calls on a phone), you are likely to be charged for what you have used. If you are waiting for a good such as a mobile phone to be delivered, the cooling off period starts the day you receive it.
This is to allow you time to check if the phone is what you paid for. If you cancel outside of the cooling off period, you may be charged a penalty fee or have to pay off the rest of your contract. Check the terms and conditions of your contract.
However, you don’t have the legal right to a 14-day cooling-off period if you signed up in person, for example you met a salesperson and signed the contract in the shop premises.
Any costs and charges for cancelling your contract should be made clear in your contract and at the point of sale.
What should I consider if I am switching providers?
Before switching providers, you should check your previous bills to review how many minutes and texts you use and how much data you will need.
When comparing providers and plans, you should think about:
• Discount schemes
• Minimum contract period
• Penalties for ending the contract early
• Charges and fees (can include connection charges, monthly rental fees, call costs, disconnection and reconnection charges)
• Price options
• Number portability
For mobile contracts, also think about:
• Network coverage
• Roaming for travel abroad
ComReg’s price comparison tool allows you to compare mobile phone charges across all operators. It helps you to select the optimum mobile phone package, based on your individual usage.
Before you switch, you should contact your existing provider to check if any cancellation period or penalties apply. You will probably need your Universal Account Number (UAN) to switch. This is usually displayed on your bill, but if you can’t find it you should ask your existing provider.
Are calls to Non Geographic Numbers (NGNs) such as 1800 or 0818 more expensive?
Calls to 1800 numbers are free. Calls to 0818 numbers still cost the same as calls to landline numbers.
You can read more about changes to non-geographic numbers on the ComReg website or watch this video about the changes.
Further information
ComReg has detailed information on a range of topics about home and mobile phone contracts. The contact number is 01 804 9668 or email consumerline@comreg.ie
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has more advice about mobile phones contracts. Their number is 01 402 5555
• If you need further information about any of the issues raised here or you have other questions, you can drop-in to your local Citizens Information Service in Tralee, Killarney or Caherciveen – opening hours are listed on our website www.citizensinformation.ie
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some films to enjoy on RTE and TG4 this Saturday…
Let’s start with a typical Saturday afternoon tale of daring do with The Guns of Navarone(Saturday 2.50pm RTE1).
In 1943, a small commando team is sent to destroy huge German guns on the Greek Island of Navarone in order to rescue Allied troops trapped on Kheros.
Led by British Major Franklin (Anthony Quayle), the team includes American Mallory (Gregory Peck), Greek resistance fighter Stavros (Anthony Quinn) and reluctant explosives expert Miller (David Niven).
Facing the usual impossible odds of this genre, the group have to battle stormy seas, daunting cliffs, personal enmities and the potential of internal betrayal.
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One of my favourite cinematic biographies is Richard Attenborough’s multi-Oscar winning film (eight out of eleven nominations) and surprisingly historically accurate Gandhi(Saturday 3.35pm TG4).
Starring, and introducing to the big screen, Ben Kingsley as Mohandas K. Gandhi, it shows his rise from small town lawyer in South Africa to his role as a leader of India’s fight for independence and ambassador for non resistance peaceful protest.
Also starring Candice Bergen, Edward Fox, John Gielgud, Trevor Howard, John Mills and Martin Sheen, this is a very long film, as it has to be to fit everything in, but is well worth the time and effort .
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory(Saturday 7pm RTE1) is the Tim Burton version of Roald Dahl’s children’s story starring Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket, who finds a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, winning a once in a lifetime tour of eccentric Willy Wonka’s (Johnny Depp) magical factory.
This is a lot closer to the macabre tone of the book rather than the Gene Wilder version, and Deep Roy has great fun playing all the Oompa Loompas, and a chilling reminder of what happens to misbehaving children.
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I wonder do any readers remember the night Johnny Cash, June Carter and Kris Kristofferson gave a concert in the Brandon Hotel in 1996. It is certainly one of my favourite memories.
Walk The Line(Saturday 9.50pm TG4) stars Joaquin Phoenix as Cash, focusing on the Man in Black’s rise from a sad and traumatic upbringing, to touring with Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis and his troubled descent into drink and drug addiction.
Reese Witherspoon gives an Oscar winning performance as June Carter, who helped and supported Cash to overcome his troubles.
Directed by James Mangold, who has vast experience across a range of genres, this is a superior film that is an honest and raw depiction aided by two supreme central performances who learnt to play the instruments as well as sing the songs themselves.
Racked with guilt over his involvement in the murder of a protestant police officer, Cal(Saturday 11.25 RTE2) ,played by John Lynch, is a young republican who turns his back on violence.
However, when he falls for an older widow, Marcella (Helen Mirren), life gets more complex when Cal realises she had been married to the policeman. Enjoy!
Our movie guy, James Finnegan, on some films to enjoy on RTE and TG4 this Saturday…
Led by British Major Franklin (Anthony Quayle), the team includes American Mallory (Gregory Peck), Greek resistance fighter Stavros (Anthony Quinn) and reluctant explosives expert Miller (David Niven).
Starring, and introducing to the big screen, Ben Kingsley as Mohandas K. Gandhi, it shows his rise from small town lawyer in South Africa to his role as a leader of India’s fight for independence and ambassador for non resistance peaceful protest.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Saturday 7pm RTE1) is the Tim Burton version of Roald Dahl’s children’s story starring Freddie Highmore as Charlie Bucket, who finds a golden ticket in a chocolate bar, winning a once in a lifetime tour of eccentric Willy Wonka’s (Johnny Depp) magical factory.
Reese Witherspoon gives an Oscar winning performance as June Carter, who helped and supported Cash to overcome his troubles.
Racked with guilt over his involvement in the murder of a protestant police officer, Cal (Saturday 11.25 RTE2) ,played by John Lynch, is a young republican who turns his back on violence.