Mary Black

21/05/2026

Minister McEntee contacted me this morning about the Occupied Territories Bill and I strongly welcome that we’re finally seeing movement. It’s long past time that Government finally brought this legislation to the Dáil and delivered on the clear promises made. The key thing for me will be make sure that the law is thorough and effective - a ban on all trade with the illegal settlements, both goods and services. That is the standard set by my original Bill, by the ICJ, and which the Govt have accepted is an obligation under international law. Other EU Member States like Spain have shown that we can take this kind of action with the right political will. I look forward to the debate.🇵🇸🇵🇸

https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/05/21/government-to-bring-occupied-territories-bill-back-to-dail/

20/05/2026

14/05/2026

The biological explanation of the underlying problem in human life of the human condition that finally enables us to FIX THE WORLD.

07/05/2026

If you haven’t got tickets to see Róisín O on her Irish tour now’s your chance! Gonna be a cracker!

Tickets - lnk.bio/roisino

02/05/2026

15/04/2026

I was deeply saddened to hear of the recent death of Moya Ní Bhreanán. I had the pleasure of touring with Moya and Clannad in the UK a while back and it was so great to get to know the person behind that amazing voice. She was such a wise and beautiful spirit who along with her family in Clannad paved the way for so many irish artists who came after them! Sincere condolences to her family and all who loved her. Ar dheis Dè go raibh a hanam. ❤️

11/04/2026

The Seanad Public Consultation Committee has extended the deadline for the consultation on arts and cultural infrastructure for another week to the 17th of April. If you are a musician, artist, or work or are involved in any cultural groups and have experienced difficulties accessing space, I’d be delighted if you would submit a response. I hope the report the Committee will publish will help shape policies to provide desperately needed cultural infrastructure, but the consultation needs to hear about your experiences directly! The details to submit can be found through here:

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/committees/making-a-submission/public-consultations/20260224-seanad-public-consultation-on-culture-and-arts-infrastructure/

18/03/2026

Rathlin Radio comes alive!!
rathlinradio.co.uk
It has become a reality! Our station is set to launch at 6.00am GMT on 17th March (11.00pm PST 16th March)

We have a world news feed at the top of the hour, every hour, followed by local announcements 5 after, and then programming — it’s an exciting step for the residents and listeners worldwide! Tune in to hear all of the hard work put in by the community on your phone, computer or tablet. As an online station — you can access Rathlin Radio anywhere you have an internet or wifi connection!

Highlights include celebrity shoutouts, Rathlin musical talent, stories and memories, live broadcast of the Rathlin parade and post-parade frolics! (Please be patient with us as we work through possible station technical and weather related issues)!

Schedule for March 17th and descriptions below if you wish to check. (Scheduled times are Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) so remember Pacific Coast Time (PCT) is seven hours behind).

6:08-7am: Slow Airs & Rathlin Sounds (Nature sounds and gentle music to get you going)

7:08-8am: Festive tunes

8:07-9am: Irish oldies & country (Good old Irish standards and country)

9:08-10:00am: Modern Irish (Great contemporary Irish musicians)

10:08-11:00am: Stories & Memories (A highlight! Listen for magical accents and stories from Rathlin)

11:08-12pm: Festive tunes (in keeping with St. Patrick’s Day)

12:08-1pm: Live Rathlin Parade Broadcast (or more tunes dependent on weather)

1:08-2pm: Michael’s Trad Launch (Michael Black’s Irish traditional music program)

2:08-3pm: Irish oldies & country

3:08-4pm: Rathln Stories & Memories (Repeat)

4:08-5pm Rathlin Talent (A sample of local musicians and singers)

5:08-6pm: Irish oldies & country (Standards)

6:08-7pm: Stewart’s Rockin’ St. Pat’s

7:08-8pm: Paschal’s Launch (an introduction to classical music by Fr. Paschal Kearney)

8:08-9pm: Rathlin Stories & Memories (Repeat)

9:08-10pm: Modern Irish

10:08-11pm: Ceili Rebroadcast (Rathlin ceili - one of our first test recordings from February! We’ve cone a long way!)

11:08-midnight: Michael’s Trad Launch (Repeat)

24/02/2026

24/02/2026