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Danny Healy-Rae calls it “Puss Book”. Why? Because, apart from everyone’s face, everyone’s paw marks are all over it.

Well, guilty as charged. I have given up Facebook for Lent (apart from the odd peek). Removed the app from the iPad, so every time I am tempted to take a break and see what’s happening on FB, and maybe release a bit of stress by giving out about something, or get a buzz by gazing at a painting on the arts sites I follow, or see the news from “friends”, I have to think of something else to do.

But it is easier to give up the fags than Facebook. Granted, I can still sneak the occasional FB fix and sure who will know? No smoke will rise if I go the long way round via password and email and access a peek (a bit like smoking outside) - though there is the risk of letting off steam and hot air.

Even if I remain inside for my fix, no physical toxins will attach from my screen. So, what of it then?

The problem is everyone will know, actually. Facebook is watching me and everyone else and each time I log on they not only know what I am up to, they know where it is I am up to it!

Facebook began for me as a journalistic tool, but has become a daily attraction, sometimes a several times a day habit, a nightly engagement, and a bit of fun. But I am getting less enamoured with it. I am also becoming increasingly self-conscious not just in what I say and what I reveal indirectly about myself in “likes”. And sure isn’t it all likes and isn’t everything happy-clappy on FB where it is the best of all places in the best of all possible worlds. Isn’t it now? (Unless you make an awkward remark and disturb the ever narcissistic glass pool.)

Only that the New York Times tells us in a piece by an FB insider that “when Russians decided to target Americans during the 2016 election, they didn’t buy TV or newspaper ads, or hire a skywriter. They turned to Facebook, where their content reached at least 126 million Americans.”

Facebook prioritized data collection, handing over information about their users instead of protecting them. In other words, it doesn’t give a fig leaf for any of us.

Worse, the spied upon have a hand in it themselves in opening the door and revealing their own worlds. In all innocence. Figs? We are back to the garden, Adam and Eve, too, bit the apple, probably not realising the consequences fully.

Anyway for now, I am trying to resist the bite.

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

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Women’s Aid highlights rising femicide figures following Killarney death

Following the violent death of Jamey Carney in Killarney on Tuesday, national charity Women’s Aid has released a stark update regarding violence against women in Ireland.

According to the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch for the Republic of Ireland, eight women have died in violent circumstances so far this year.

This figure already exceeds the total of seven women recorded during the entirety of 2025.

Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, said:

“Violence, abuse, and even at its extremes, death, are still a reality for many women living in Ireland. After the devastating murder of Ashling Murphy in 2022, Ireland said never again. But Ireland has not lived up to that promise.

“Since then, 40 women have died violently in Ireland. That is 40 women with lives, dreams, family, friends and communities.

“Since we started the Women’s Aid Femicide Watch in 1996, 286 women have died violently in Ireland. Every death is an outrage. An absolute tragic loss of life resulting in utter heartache and trauma for those left behind.

“We are thinking today of those who will be deeply impacted by the loss of life in Killarney. Prevention of all domestic, sexual and gender-based violence is crucial and urgent.”

“The Women’s Aid Femicide Watch shows that 87% of women (where the case has been resolved) were killed by a man known to them. We also know that in Ireland, one in three women has been subjected to domestic abuse of some kind.

“Every woman has the right to be safe in her home and in her community, and this is just not the case. We must do the work required to achieve equality and safety for all, to make Ireland a country that truly has zero tolerance for domestic, sexual and gender-based violence.”

Support is available on the Women’s Aid 24-Hour National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900, or go to womensaid.ie to use the Instant Message Service or for more information on domestic violence and abuse.”

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

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Killarney Gardaí await post-mortem results as Muckross Road scene remains cordoned off

Gardaí investigating the discovery of a woman’s body at a residence on Muckross Road in Killarney are awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination to determine the direction of their inquiries.

It is understood that a full murder investigation is expected to be launched.

The deceased has been named locally as Jamey Carney, an American national in her 40s and the mother of a 13-year-old girl.

The scene at the domestic residence remains cordoned off today for a full technical examination, with a visible Garda presence continuing at the location.

An incident room has been established at Killarney Garda Station under a Senior Investigating Officer. Local businesses in the area have already begun supplying CCTV footage to assisting officers.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser, local councillor Martin Grady expressed the deep sense of shock in the area.

“I want to offer my condolences to the family,” Cllr Grady said. “This is an awful shock to the local community. I encourage anyone to come forward with any information they may have to An Garda Síochána. Whoever committed such a crime is a cowardly person and should get the maximum penalty.”

Gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who was in the Muckross Road area between the evening of Monday, July 6 and the afternoon of Tuesday, July 7 to come forward. They are particularly appealing to road users and business owners who may have dashcam or CCTV footage from the area during those times.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064 667 1160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

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