State had 'significant' role in Magdalene laundry referrals

Some 10,000 women and girls entered Magdalene laundries since 1922 with more than a quarter of referrals made or facilitated …

The entrance to the former Magdalene laundry at St Mary's Convent on  Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times
The entrance to the former Magdalene laundry at St Mary's Convent on Grace Park Road, Drumcondra, Dublin. Photograph: Matt Kavanagh/The Irish Times

Some 10,000 women and girls entered Magdalene laundries since 1922 with more than a quarter of referrals made or facilitated by the State, a report has found.

The 'Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalen Laundries' was published this afternoon. It found "significant" State involvement in the laundries.

In the report, the committee said it found “no evidence” to support the perception that “unmarried girls” had babies in the laundries or that many of the women were prostitutes.

“The reality is much more complex” committee chairman Dr Martin McAleese writes in the introduction.

READ MORE

The women admitted to the laundries “have for too long felt the social stigma” of the “wholly inaccurate characterisation” of them as “fallen women”, he said. “[This is] not borne out of facts.”

In the Dáil this afternoon, Taoiseach Enda Kenny expressed his sympathies with survivors of the laundries and the families of those who have died. “To those residents who went into the Magdalene laundries from a variety of ways, 26 per cent from State involvement, I’m sorry for those people that they lived in that kind of environment,” he said. However, he stopped short of issuing a full State apology.

Reasons for Entry

The committee found a wide range of reasons women and girls entered the 10 religious run laundries operating in the State between 1922 and 1996.

Reasons include: referrals by courts, mostly for minor or petty offences; by social services; from industrial and reformatory schools; rejection by foster parents; girls orphaned or in abusive homes; women with mental or physical disabilities; poor and homeless women and girls placed by their families for reasons including socio-moral attitudes.

Women and girls referred from industrial schools and non-State agencies would not have known why they were being sent or how long they had to stay in the laundries, the report finds. Those referred by officials in criminal justice and social services would have been told reason and duration.

“None of us can begin to imagine the confusion and fear experienced by these young girls, in many cases little more than children,” Dr McAleese writes. “Not knowing why they were there, feeling abandoned, wondering whether they had done something wrong and not knowing when, if ever, they would get out to and see their families again”.

State involvement

The committee found “significant State involvement” with the laundries, Dr McAleese writes.

Referrals were made or facilitated by the State made up 26.5 per cent (2,124) of the 8,025 cases for which reasons are known.

Some 8 per cent of women were referred to by the criminal justice system, either on remand, as a condition of probation or less formal referrals such as from the Garda. Some of the criminal justice referrals were based on legislation while others were ad hoc or informal. Common crimes included failure to purchase a ticket, larceny, vagrancy, assault.

Almost 8 per cent were referred from industrial schools, another almost 7 per cent from health and social services and almost 4 per cent from mother and baby homes. Some women were referred to laundries by the health and social services because it was cheaper than State-run facilities, the report said.

The report found direct State involvement in: routes of entry, workplace regulations and inspections, funding and financial assistance to laundries, routes of exit, death registrations.

The committee found the laundries were as workplaces subject to the Factories Acts and inspected by the State to the same extent as commercial laundries. The records show the laundries were generally compliant but standards are not equivalent to current workplaces.

Conditions in the laundries

The girls found themselves alone in a “harsh and physically demanding work environment”, Dr McAleese writes. The laundries were “lonely and frightening” places for many of the women.

"},{"_id":"AE2UD5JOZVGYBI53APFC3NQI44","type":"text","content":"

State involvement

The committee found “significant State involvement” with the laundries, Dr McAleese writes.

Referrals were made or facilitated by the State made up 26.5 per cent (2,124) of the 8,025 cases for which reasons are known.

Some 8 per cent of women were referred to by the criminal justice system, either on remand, as a condition of probation or less formal referrals such as from the Garda. Some of the criminal justice referrals were based on legislation while others were ad hoc or informal. Common crimes included failure to purchase a ticket, larceny, vagrancy, assault.

Almost 8 per cent were referred from industrial schools, another almost 7 per cent from health and social services and almost 4 per cent from mother and baby homes. Some women were referred to laundries by the health and social services because it was cheaper than State-run facilities, the report said.

The report found direct State involvement in: routes of entry, workplace regulations and inspections, funding and financial assistance to laundries, routes of exit, death registrations.

The committee found the laundries were as workplaces subject to the Factories Acts and inspected by the State to the same extent as commercial laundries. The records show the laundries were generally compliant but standards are not equivalent to current workplaces.

Conditions in the laundries

The girls found themselves alone in a “harsh and physically demanding work environment”, Dr McAleese writes. The laundries were “lonely and frightening” places for many of the women.

","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"JVJOVOTDSZG4BM7GZXP2OBCSSE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The question was based on baking a cake – a practical and relatable topic that allowed students to connect theory with their practical cooking class.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"5FXL67SPJJB3JHHGOFHAOZLTYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Question 11, she says, had a strong and well-integrated link to consumer studies, reflecting the recent trend of including one question that draws on content from multiple chapters. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4224ZHFOABCNNNZCUNYCACFVG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The task of drawing a bedroom floor plan was practical and relevant, which could allow students to apply the content to their personal living spaces. Plan a two-course dinner menu and provide meal planning also appeared which is highly predictable and frequent question,” she says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"4PBEQBN65VGM3DJLXLREZLFZFU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The inclusion of the Return Deposit Scheme – also seen on some mock papers – was likely a welcome relief for students. The main food commodity was Vegetables which incorporated questions on nutrition, cooking and how consumers can identify fresh vegetables before purchasing.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MX2IJ32TZF23H2JJPXZNYDNEE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Friel says students would have been familiar with the diagram of the design brief process, and the follow-up question relating to designing an apron was straightforward and commonly seen in past papers.","type":"text"},{"_id":"76ZSZU5EWJFOLNVMN5O2US6ESA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Overall, the exam featured very topical and student-friendly questions that were manageable and free of unpleasant surprises – sure to bring a smile to both students and teachers,” says Friel.","type":"text"},{"_id":"PKXIVQZ7JJD7HGXU2OBQBZRK6Y","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1749644160000},"id":"timestamp-82069","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5Q2REPYX3ZGGFDWSJ2EHXNYFZU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert French: ‘Tricky’ grammar and vocabulary challenges students","type":"header"},{"_id":"J5HQF576XREG5PVFMH3D6RVIWI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Students sitting this morning’s higher-level French paper were tested more than usual by tricky vocabulary and grammar questions in the second comprehension question. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LV2O2SXLSNEZPNH7JCSIHN44DQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"And some candidates may, at first glance, have been panicked by the absence of predicted topics in section B. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"3FNRDGXJPBAYVP5YZI3KKD6OEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s the verdict from Corinne Gavenda, a French teacher at the Institute of Education. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XQPPKG3HVRBG7JJD7XZZ54URKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“If students took the paper step-by-step and remained calm, they would have found this to be a rather approachable paper with balanced challenges,” says Ms Govinda. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"6KDRPHZQHJDGZNXGMJNCN4M4IE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“However, those who jump straight to section B’s production écrite options might have had a moment of panic as they assessed their options. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"P43LR6VM7BGFFON7MKWLYH7ANA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert French higher level","type":"text"},{"_id":"NOHL7RQOXZAA5FVFZMY4Q6COH4","content":"","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"GFCDBK6E5VB4LB6Z4HR5ZCPIRA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Section A","type":"text"},{"_id":"2C4LQJMEGNAM7KZJSV23FVHKZ4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Gavenda says section A’s first comprehension was a nice introduction to the exam. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FHBJTQLZ2BATPJXUQ4YNNJ2PII","additional_properties":{},"content":"“On the theme of scouting, there were no nasty surprises as the questions and vocabulary were accessible and clear. The lack of a reformulation question will have suited many and the question on grammar was straightforward,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"66QDKEVJDBG5RH3ELXOQ74IWN4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The second comprehension increased the level of difficulty. This piece is always drawn from literature and students sometimes struggle to really connect with it under the pressure of the exam hall. If students remained composed and read the English question they would have found a useful prompt to help them navigate it.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"ALFS6CSLXVFAVGG7A6JMS225WE","additional_properties":{},"content":"In general, Ms Gavenda says the vocabulary was much harder in this piece than the first. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"LPMEK4CNWZEMVEJOPH2KHBSQXU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The use of “j’ai désigné” (I showed) will have thrown some. This text also featured two reformulation questions, the second of which required them to recognise indirect object pronouns,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUF5BCEFXJF2JCHSJ4RZ6X75SI","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The grammar question was on the passé compose which hasn’t appeared in years – students only practising the most recent papers certainly won’t have seen it appear. This requires both the auxiliary and past participle, so students could potentially lose out on precious marks.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"XNLEYUSPVZHH3KYXCWLY4EBBLI","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"DXSB2QUPCRGAJERPZISURK6WAY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Section B","type":"text"},{"_id":"6MWLJTRELFBEPGLRG5OVWB572E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Section B, question 1 is compulsory and offers a list of three options. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PFP5JDQWCVCEHGKTOCU6BZPP7A","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Students who had spent time learning essays on anticipated topics like artificial intelligence or vaping will have been worried by their absence,” says Ms Gavenda. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"53Q2RBSHLJALPEEXJRAYYNS6UM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The first prompt was inspired by the comprehension on scouting and asked about the value of participation in teams. Read in isolation, this prompt’s mention of “scoutisme” might have worried some, but this was only a launching point into the topic. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAULETFMEBBCFN6BJVTT37VT6I","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Students who kept calm will have recalled material from their orals (sports, charity work etc.) that could easily be reworked to fit in here.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OUEZU5OGUBHSBEAB5Y7EJIAEZE","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Gavenda says this approach wasn’t likely possible for the second question on respect for the elderly. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"B5LPO7SZIZGUPFXAVV6WRJLTUU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“While socially topical, it is unlikely that it is very apparent in the direct experiences of young people and is not something that tends to overlap with other areas they studied,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"RWRD4FNPJRDYXHZEPRM4LUDMNM","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The third option was on the topic of challenges, but many students avoid this story telling question due to the trickier tense requirements. As a result, students will leave this section less confident than they will have expected.” ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZXM5SXVUUBAYFOMFD3FVTW6OPU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Ms Gavenda says that question 2’s “journal intime” (diary) was on cancelling a party due to bad weather, both of which were areas of vocabulary that students would know. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"KRI2RECZLVBPNBSX2VK25Z3V6Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The email in question 3 was even nicer with its focus on the use of mobile phones by young people. Students disappointed by the lack of vaping in question 1 could adapt some of the material for question 4’s opinion piece on drug use, so they will be pleased that their hard work did not go to waste,” she says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ETZG7XL5N5F3VLG3IZ4NEADGAU","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The other opinion piece on gender inequality will have suited some while the final question on young people’s political engagement will be too niche for many but really appealing to those who prepared material on voting. In the end, students could have read all the options and made a choice of what best serves their interest and abilities. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MLGFS5CUCRCWDHNIB5OXQFHI5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"Aural","type":"text"},{"_id":"PBMQHDFFZBBHDEENPDIFYPNREQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"For the aural exam, students might have found it tougher than last year as the pace of the speaker increased. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"QJ5KWIVDZRHY3PM5GBLIEZL3EU","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, for some this would be a benefit as it was a better representation of the natural cadence of the language, Ms Gavenda says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"UPSGTKYQYZBJXNETQDSO44GJG4","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Throughout the sections students will be happy with both the material and the vocabulary. Section D was particularly lovely as the topic of introducing uniforms in French schools was expected to appear this year – some students could have guessed the answers. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"PC35LTVWRBBXTD4SG4XX2WDLGY","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The biggest challenge came in Section E as the word “brisant” (breaking) was essential, but students would be more familiar with “casse” and so miss out on the exact answer.","type":"text"},{"_id":"AF4HBMOO5ZFC5F5JW3ZNS6CCYQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"“But this was only part of a generally very accessible paper that will have suited students of all levels,” says. Ms Gavenda.","type":"text"},{"_id":"S56RAXH3QNH3HMTY4QEGN3LY5A","additional_properties":{},"content":"We’ll have a full report, including an overview of the ordinary-level French paper, later today.","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZQO6WUZCM5C3JNLLMKHV3Z32QU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert French ordinary level","type":"text"},{"_id":"26OP2VT6YRG4BENSGZUCKZDLRA","content":"","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"LJRQBYF6QBHC3ABZATBMTB6DEU","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1749653149772},"id":"timestamp-26454","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"5NPBXSHJ75EUDHUF2D6XOQXB5M","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"4JJLE7SXIBE7JMPHTHPIXDR56Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert French: ‘Students shouldn’t worry too much about tricky vocabulary’","type":"header"},{"_id":"CJ4TZ7DHTFGUPGTVUVBINSZ3MA","additional_properties":{},"content":"My colleague Peter McGuire has spoken to a number of teachers today about the French paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"7KLNXSJGHZH5NPJMEFELZHS4RA","additional_properties":{},"content":"You can read his detailed reaction piece here, which also covers the ordinary level paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"SMZUDVDDYJA3VOK2AHXSK4Y7KM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The consensus among most teachers is that tricky grammar and vocabulary may have challenged students – but the appearance of familiar topics gave students a chance to use prepared material.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WC3KDL72LZBYBOH4FTFTTYBZKY","additional_properties":{},"content":"For students worried about the more challenging elements, one teacher says there is no need to:","type":"text"},{"_id":"G2FNDGHRH5FCLOXLGYDI7276SM","additional_properties":{},"content":" “ ... it must be pointed out that the marking scheme will be carefully designed and, if necessary, modified to ensure that candidates are rewarded for valid attempts, even where these fall short of full marks,” says French teacher and ASTI subject representative, Barry Hennessy.","type":"text"},{"_id":"UVSMLBSFLVBQ3KSETY7V26HOU4","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1749653310633},"id":"timestamp-17957","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"AGTD7LKYLNEFVOITKKTGDRZAUM","additional_properties":{},"content":"State exams statistic of the day:","type":"header"},{"_id":"PMWNG7GS6BF4LEDINGQBHZJHTM","additional_properties":{},"content":"€108,780,000 ","type":"header"},{"_id":"H6PT6O46OJC2VJPBXXWBAIS3HQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"That’s the cost of running the State exams last year, or almost €109 million.","type":"text"},{"_id":"W4HA7RQAD5H2LHHOJ3ZB23RUQM","additional_properties":{},"content":"The biggest costs are fees paid to examiners, superintendents and other contractors (€70m), staff salaries (€18m), travel & subsistence expenses (€13.5m) and overheads (€20.75m) ","type":"text"},{"_id":"DOJZEJ2Q4ND47OQH2RPNKHRLZ4","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1749655500821},"id":"timestamp-51706","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"UEJ7VLWT5RKPNZT4SVOMWF4GLI","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"IHTHYUZZ7ZC5VLJE2KPKYVBK6E","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert history: ‘Students needed to think on their feet’","type":"header"},{"_id":"HTJMZ5VVVFELTG3VVWBOCT625A","additional_properties":{},"content":"We’ve got reaction from this year’s higher-level history paper. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7PNU2TG3VDM3BJDMG7VQLIONI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Patrick Hickey, a teacher with the online grinds school, TheTuitionCentre.ie, says it challenged students with some unexpected elements while continuing established trends.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EGPZ6L3RTBCCFOIPPOELDDSULQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jamie Dockery, history teacher at Tyndall College, Carlow and a Studyclix subject, says the paper looked like a daunting prospect for students at first glance. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"OIP6EPFSNJAE7IHHRFXR47PJQA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Many will have been surprised not to see questions on Charles Stewart Parnell or the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Those who placed all their bets on these topics – undoubtedly a sizeable number—will be bitterly disappointed,\" he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"WJXGIZAL4RAIBBOOFWINY2ZPBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Stephen Tonge, history teacher at The Institute of Education, also says many will have found themselves adjusting to narrower confines in question choice and demanding material. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"7ELVZG4N2JFIHMXB7CYY5Z2X5I","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Definitely more taxing than they may have expected given previous exams,” he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"MJ3E3VLHPRGYFG63P7U23RNWUA","additional_properties":{},"content":"For students who really knew the material and are confident in their ability to adapt, edit and combine under pressure, however, this was “a nice exam”. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AD47HYWFLRBOHB7FJYQYL3M6FA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dockery agrees and says, for those able to surmount the challenges, there was much to be pleased with in the paper.","type":"text"},{"_id":"EJIZ6LYVDNEZJOH7IR7H7LTTOY","content":"","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"KCJOX6ZIUZG5PCBAAANCEJKVEA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Jarrow March","type":"text"},{"_id":"NP6QAERNOBCXDI4WJL34UYCCGE","additional_properties":{},"content":"For example, the documents-based question focused on the Jarrow March, a topic most well-prepared students would have covered thoroughly, says Dockery.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6QC2M5TW7JDQLCR236ICJXLPCY","additional_properties":{},"content":"This was a series of marches and protests in 1936 against poverty and unemployment in the UK town of Jarrow.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBNZXFDLMVEIXFOKVXI23K5J4Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The sources were engaging, and while the contextualisation question – asking whether the march was a failure – was slightly challenging, it was certainly manageable,” Dockery says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"42LCGYM4VNA5NFRJ2X47FQFOWI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hickey says question 3A, unusually, required outside knowledge alongside source analysis,” Mr Hickey says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ALLUQBUFYRBX7FQHI7KFB23SHA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Students evaluated whether Jarrow was a ‘total failure’, likely arguing it was well-organised but achieved limited short-term success, and later becoming a symbol of the Britain no one wanted to return to after World War Two,” he says,","type":"text"},{"_id":"XHJYO6PEBBFVJEQW5JA2AZUPLM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Reform","type":"text"},{"_id":"VAYBPPWN6RGUTDCXHDXFFINRXM","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dockery says the ‘Movements for Reform’ section featured an interesting question comparing the successes of Michael Davitt and James Larkin, two reformers with shared ideals but from different eras.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GYH5K4BEJJBRRPG72NQ3XZGRBA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Éamon de Valera was widely expected to appear on the paper, given that this year marks the 50th anniversary of his death – and ‘the Long Fellow’ didn’t disappoint. The question was broad, covering his role in the Treaty negotiations, the Civil War, and World War II,” he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"TUIZEH2XJNH7DHO5N7DAQEEY4M","additional_properties":{},"content":"America","type":"text"},{"_id":"TK762YYX4BEORLO5EZDFB6G3HE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Speaking of WWII, its appearance in an Irish context was welcome, as it hadn’t featured since 2021. The topic ‘The United States and the Wider World, 1945–1989’ proved tricky, with challenging questions on the American Dream and the role of religion in American life. However, the inclusion of LBJ will have come as a relief to many.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"E6APJOLTDZGKZICLHXVPCJZQ2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many would be disappointed that there was no civil rights movement question in the American section, Mr Hickey says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5YTKCP2VDJF7FB53KPPF65CMAE","additional_properties":{},"content":"“There was relief for the Lyndon Johnson question, and Berlin and Cuba appeared in a separate question, so students with American foreign policy prepared were in very good shape,” he says. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AFZJCA7Q5FFYRIBGHCNLOUSKYA","additional_properties":{},"content":"“The American dream economy question will likely be sidestepped, while the religion question was completely unanticipated.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"OH52IQXHNJHPRHHXGYFKYHDPL4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Tonge points out that only one case study appears - Vietnam - in the section. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ASLNVDYFYBGZZJOWYE274IQZ2I","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Earlier, ‘Ireland Topic 6: The Republic of Ireland 1949-1989′ had three case studies, so there is an imbalance in question selection,\" he says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"OBQ5G4RPWNEDTBMVPSBM73CN4Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"“Indeed, the US economy comprises roughly one third of that part of the course and is only tangentially related to one of the questions, while the much more niche power of religion in American life got a question to itself.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"CSZDXOZYZNAFBAGXG7FDVOK3A4","subtype":"youtube","type":"oembed_response"},{"_id":"XEXF36UBMVAQBBORKUNMNOG5HU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Women","type":"text"},{"_id":"EEQA5TJ44ZDJXN6VN6WLVLK4EQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Dockery says, as with last year’s paper, women featured prominently, with questions on Isabella Tod, Hanna Sheehy-Skeffington, Bernadette Devlin, Mary Robinson, Sylvia Meehan, Simone de Beauvoir, and Nadine Gordimer. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZAEKI4JTAZCXXJT6SW4EAVGFMA","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hickey also notes that essay questions continued the established trend of multi-aspect questions, preventing narrow preparation. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"2WZ3ZZRT3NDRDNEK6BAIGSOZEI","additional_properties":{},"content":"‘Pursuit of sovereignty’, combined the anticipated Treaty question with de Valera’s leadership across negotiations, the Irish Civil War, and World War Two. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"FBKKFZTHSBCLTEAP63DOEMJXTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Cultural identity featured the Eucharistic Congress for the eighth consecutive year, now within broader North-South contexts.","type":"text"},{"_id":"L22L734ZJZGAZLYHWG37MHVDYU","additional_properties":{},"content":"Hickey says the most interesting Northern Ireland development was the much-anticipated Sunningdale question, which appeared as “what moves were made towards finding a peaceful resolution of the troubles?” – a wording that many students may not immediately recognise from their studied material, Mr Hickey says.","type":"text"},{"_id":"6OAT5MMVC5BV5JIA5DRVINBP7Y","additional_properties":{},"content":"Despite the challenges, Dockery feels the exam “rewarded the candidates who avoided rote learning, who didn’t cut corners with their revision, and who were able to think on their feet.”","type":"text"},{"_id":"O4DF3BFDLRBUDC4ASPMKTVY3QQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert history, higher level - early modern:","type":"text"},{"_id":"QFBJPXA6GRGJRJDY6KN6AB4XCI","content":"","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"TWYQ6NN775HWLH5U2ZF22UR3T4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert history, ordinary level","type":"text"},{"_id":"MDIGSHMHFJAPJDQVRNYHKSDANM","content":"","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"VSKIPQPYMRGJFEQLDAMCWKOSHU","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1749658394312},"id":"timestamp-9794","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CIAIWFMIQBF2NFXKU23V4BBLEQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"First look: Junior Cycle Spanish","type":"header"},{"_id":"ZRGNX6EJWJBPPD2PTXPC7XVWKA","additional_properties":{},"content":"While all the focus is on the Leaving Cert history exam, thousands of Junior Cycle students were sitting the Spanish exam. You can scroll through the common level paper below:","type":"text"},{"_id":"UY4VW2CBQFF5NDKVVX5BCAABWQ","content":"","type":"raw_html"},{"_id":"CMQJXNPJDFFNZH26RI3B3IT5YA","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1749662539861},"id":"timestamp-54888","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"CXQLRJIVYADAMZBS2NN3MGRXAU","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"WYYOK53HZVFIZMU6EMCAXIXLRQ","additional_properties":{},"content":"Leaving Cert history: A tricky paper with narrow questions and unexpected topics from last year’s paper","type":"header"},{"_id":"U2GNWJ7O4JF2VFTRDQ3CN6HGOU","additional_properties":{},"content":"My colleague Peter McGuire has been in touch with several history teachers and has filed a detailed reaction piece. You can read it here.","type":"text"},{"_id":"JRU2AD5NS5HWVJZ45RONVPKJ3Q","additional_properties":{},"content":"It’s fair to say that most agree that this was a very challenging paper which was more taxing than many expected.","type":"text"},{"_id":"3GCS3CO3ANDQTIZESTLDTARI3E","additional_properties":{},"content":"However, for students who really knew their material and were confident in their ability to adapt, edit and combine under pressure, it will have been more rewarding experience.","type":"text"},{"_id":"H5DEQH2KCNFZBGPVIHQVAT2F2Y","embed":{"config":{"dateTimeField":1749663376063},"id":"timestamp-73947","url":"/"},"subtype":"timestamp_powerup","type":"custom_embed"},{"_id":"IPTGJCOGNZGXZG2RRIBZRDJ55A","additional_properties":{},"content":" ","type":"text"},{"_id":"Y7MIGFGUYUPPEYKASYSNSCGI7U","additional_properties":{},"type":"image"},{"_id":"X52C77GHZVCU3NYADJ3PDHZQCI","additional_properties":{},"content":"Is the ‘gaokao’ really the toughest end-of-school exam in the world?","type":"header"},{"_id":"OWNCB7WJGFBBNGGILHL5FCXXTI","additional_properties":{},"content":"China’s national college entrance exams, known as the “gaokao, finished earlier this week.","type":"text"},{"_id":"5G3YYCA3JREHXE5SIPA6LU2PY4","additional_properties":{},"content":"Crowds of parents gathered outside exam centres with sunflowers - which symbolise their hopes for academic success - while teachers high-fived students as they left exam halls. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"AK2H47EYOZE33ISLYX55Y5RXNA","additional_properties":{},"content":"They are widely regarded by the internatonal media as the toughest exams in the world, with nine hours of testing spread over two or three days. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"ZNADF3DSJBD3RA7KZB6FTJK644","additional_properties":{},"content":"Our only question is: have they not heard of the Leaving Cert? ","type":"text"},{"_id":"HSE5D5LFTBGS5M2L3AP77DFTMY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Many students face two three-hour exams in a single day, with some sitting up to 11 or 12 separate papers when the second English, Irish and maths exams are counted. It is, as any student will tell you, physically and mentally draining.","type":"text"},{"_id":"GBCRIJFIN5HEZFU4CVXGK7P7VA","additional_properties":{},"content":"One bright spot is that Leaving Cert reforms due to roll out over the coming years will result in fewer exams and more continual assessment. ","type":"text"},{"_id":"RKUXKO7DC5AW7BXIWLXJKRAPIY","additional_properties":{},"content":"Too late, unfortunately, for the class of 2025.","type":"text"},{"_id":"NPWRT4WGDJDW5PPV3WAM66GQDY","additional_properties":{},"content":"","type":"text"}],"content_restrictions":{"content_code":"free"},"credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Carl O'Brien"}},"name":"Carl O'Brien"}]},"description":{"basic":"Almost 100,000 students are completing papers on day six of the State exams"},"display_date":"2025-06-11T17:53:59.631Z","headlines":{"basic":"Reaction to day six of the State exams: tricky tests for Leaving Certs in French and history","native":""},"label":{"basic":{"display":true,"text":"State exams 2025 live"},"live":{"text":"inactive"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"4QI7NS5NGVBENDIVEAK7SATNHA","auth":{"1":"3c264748119bb7f2d04c8db3fc523b0349da5bc18fc01258e2299966d9b5f2ed"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/4QI7NS5NGVBENDIVEAK7SATNHA.jpg"}},"subtype":"live-story","taxonomy":{"sections":[{"name":"Education"},{"name":"Ireland"}]},"type":"story","website_url":"/ireland/education/2025/06/11/live-reaction-to-state-exams-leaving-cert-french-and-junior-cycle-home-economics/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland/education","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Education"}}}}],"count":10000,"_id":"bb0bc014e3c9ba65386105edbafebccfb4eef3442ac80a808df5ad9913dafd20"},"expires":1749679311478,"lastModified":1749679011341}},"most-popular":{"{\"feedOffset\":0,\"feedSize\":5,\"section\":0,\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"7BPCTF52VBFJPOZLNUXZJU7RQU","canonical_url":"/crime-law/2025/06/10/undercover-gardai-supplied-carlow-gunman-with-firearms-and-ammunition-oireachtas-hears/","display_date":"2025-06-10T19:56:18.36Z","headlines":{"basic":"Undercover gardaí supplied Carlow gunman with firearms and ammunition, Oireachtas hears","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OHAXSIL4CVBZPN3OSSADBXEZWI","auth":{"1":"204c27d82f9f11fc3c22d9c27df98c6711de7ac074692206853472bf9bfd5695"},"focal_point":{"x":703,"y":876},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OHAXSIL4CVBZPN3OSSADBXEZWI.jpg"}},"taxonomy":{},"website_url":"/crime-law/2025/06/10/undercover-gardai-supplied-carlow-gunman-with-firearms-and-ammunition-oireachtas-hears/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Crime & Law"}}}},{"_id":"37QDGIYHNNBYLAZDVCAPWIGNMQ","canonical_url":"/ireland/2025/06/11/who-is-the-american-who-left-535000-to-sinn-feins-us-fundraising-group-in-her-trust/","display_date":"2025-06-11T05:00:01Z","headlines":{"basic":"Who is the American who left €535,000 to Sinn Féin’s US fundraising group in her trust?","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OAVQXLV3GFA4FFYUBOZZOZIRHQ","auth":{"1":"107dde9c9c6ebe531a56a33bc95274283d9d0b91538f5b6de44dc39a8a75f1b9"},"focal_point":{"x":383,"y":157},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OAVQXLV3GFA4FFYUBOZZOZIRHQ.jpg"}},"taxonomy":{},"website_url":"/ireland/2025/06/11/who-is-the-american-who-left-535000-to-sinn-feins-us-fundraising-group-in-her-trust/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/ireland","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Ireland"}}}},{"_id":"BALAFVWIX5AIZG44RMQDEJKRZU","canonical_url":"/your-money/2025/06/11/sky-high-prices-leave-readers-baffled-on-behalf-of-older-relatives/","display_date":"2025-06-11T05:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Sky Television’s treatment of older customers leaves readers at a loss","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"5469"},"basic":{"display":true,"text":"Pricewatch"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"V4WP3EXCT3JGVVH4EFDGEESLOU","auth":{"1":"5ff3be702c38563042881c65447d446812722662fe54fc3e91f453397672d965"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/V4WP3EXCT3JGVVH4EFDGEESLOU.jpg"}},"taxonomy":{},"website_url":"/your-money/2025/06/11/sky-high-prices-leave-readers-baffled-on-behalf-of-older-relatives/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/your-money","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Money"}}}},{"_id":"AXGB4I2EZVGGBLTKMTZ7DLGEL4","canonical_url":"/health/your-wellness/2025/06/11/my-husband-is-obsessed-with-exercise-and-sports-it-feels-a-bit-like-an-affair/","display_date":"2025-06-11T05:01:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"‘My husband is obsessed with exercise and sports ... it feels a bit like an affair’","native":"‘My husband would rather go for a run, cycle or swim than spend time with me and the children’"},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"XV3QNRWG6JHEHCKM5QYPHAJFOI","auth":{"1":"d0787508c3decc5e31f05d544219fdb9e67322dedd19245be3645eda70fa2459"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/XV3QNRWG6JHEHCKM5QYPHAJFOI.jpg"}},"taxonomy":{},"website_url":"/health/your-wellness/2025/06/11/my-husband-is-obsessed-with-exercise-and-sports-it-feels-a-bit-like-an-affair/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/health/your-wellness","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Your Wellness"}}}},{"_id":"NNLTD2UOWVB6FAIY4ZFJB2Y7RU","canonical_url":"/property/residential/2025/06/11/the-lowest-priced-big-home-on-the-island-storied-georgian-pile-for-415888/","display_date":"2025-06-11T04:00:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"The lowest-priced big home on the island? Storied Georgian pile for €415,888 ","native":""},"label":{"audio_project_id":{"text":"8948"}},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"YYIBW5NS3JB73K7JKB3ETNBOEM","auth":{"1":"705b29b2d7c7b73f50964a6b470690e5353fd518eb03ea331bd3fed019ec7633"},"focal_point":{"x":2143,"y":1298},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YYIBW5NS3JB73K7JKB3ETNBOEM.jpg"}},"taxonomy":{},"website_url":"/property/residential/2025/06/11/the-lowest-priced-big-home-on-the-island-storied-georgian-pile-for-415888/","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/property/residential","additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Residential"}}}}],"count":5,"_id":"74148fa96cb5c9f9819711a45685215b71bd30b53d06f8be4c6bb29059009c13"},"expires":1749679191301,"lastModified":1749678890690}},"story-feed-query":{"{\"feature\":\"top-table-list\",\"offset\":0,\"query\":\"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/abroad* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/business* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/crime-law* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/culture* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/environment* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/food* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/health* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/history* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/ireland* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/life-style* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/media* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/motors* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/obituaries* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/offbeat* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/opinion* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/photography* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/podcasts* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/politics* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/property* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/science* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/sport* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/technology* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/transport* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/tuarascail* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/world* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/your-money* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\\/podcasts*) AND (subtype:\\\"default\\\" OR subtype:\\\"analysis\\\" subtype:\\\"feature\\\" OR subtype:\\\"opinion\\\" OR subtype:\\\"showcase\\\" OR subtype:\\\"columnist\\\" OR subtype:\\\"live-story\\\" OR subtype:\\\"podcast\\\" OR subtype:\\\"editors-note\\\") -(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\\"/opinion/letters\\\")\",\"size\":5}":{"data":{"content_elements":[{"_id":"PYWECZ2R2NDEZLPWXBAN656RPQ","credits":{"by":[]},"description":{"basic":"US health secretary says new members are ‘committed to evidence-based medicine’"},"display_date":"2025-06-11T21:37:36.464Z","headlines":{"basic":"RFK Jr names new vaccine panel members after firing previous ones"},"label":{},"owner":{"sponsored":false},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"H7KEOCJY6MZ2SIJ4AJ5F77ZIYM","auth":{"1":"d681d77c1b59f4348f82a4b96b5dd865c5f8ae6f3f9b4f78f5f13a83665b7860"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/H7KEOCJY6MZ2SIJ4AJ5F77ZIYM.jpg"}},"type":"story","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/world/us","name":"US"},"website_url":"/world/us/2025/06/11/rfk-jr-names-new-vaccine-panel-members-after-firing-previous-ones/"}}},{"_id":"5WJG6ZNESBH77A3LBZ3YBBVG7I","credits":{"by":[{"_id":"ed-power","additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Ed Power"}},"name":"Ed Power","type":"author","url":"/author/ed-power/"}]},"description":{"basic":"Television: Hurler Canning and athlete Thomas Barr prove unusually personable by sports star standards"},"display_date":"2025-06-11T21:35:00Z","headlines":{"basic":"Uncharted with Ray Goggins: Once Joe Canning thaws this tropical thrill ride is a fine full stop to a rewarding series"},"label":{},"owner":{"sponsored":false},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"DASE3UN3YNHKFFSG43F3MDWFLA","auth":{"1":"d51458ff7c39fc6883aa12b7d9227482dfa2c7dc41d9514ab69e9e6c814ca061"},"focal_point":{"x":3767,"y":1274},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/DASE3UN3YNHKFFSG43F3MDWFLA.jpg"}},"type":"story","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/culture/tv-radio","name":"TV & Radio"},"website_url":"/culture/tv-radio/2025/06/11/joe-canning-thomas-barr-rte-unchartered-ray-goggins/"}}},{"_id":"G2LIDEUJCFBHNGMB2UEEO2BVWM","credits":{"by":[{"_id":"harry-mcgee","additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Harry McGee"}},"name":"Harry McGee","type":"author","url":"/author/harry-mcgee/"},{"_id":"marie-ohalloran","additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Marie O’Halloran"}},"name":"Marie O’Halloran","type":"author","url":"/author/marie-ohalloran/"}]},"description":{"basic":"Central Bank governor says Israel has raised at least €100m from bonds approved for trading by Irish institution"},"display_date":"2025-06-11T21:07:40.71Z","headlines":{"basic":"Government defeats motion to end Central Bank’s facilitation of Israeli bond sales"},"label":{},"owner":{"sponsored":false},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"UGFNL2ZTXKZO4CLF5SWXA4MFXQ","auth":{"1":"9803b9306d61e87ad978145ca04521f69e513c34e04cd271877628d6829fcf10"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/UGFNL2ZTXKZO4CLF5SWXA4MFXQ.jpg"}},"type":"story","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/politics","name":"Politics"},"website_url":"/politics/2025/06/11/palestinian-lives-being-weighed-against-bond-markets-dail-hears-in-debate-over-israeli-bonds/"}}},{"_id":"2KF3V53CQRHKNHDN2O3LR7S7AI","credits":{"by":[{"additional_properties":{"original":{}},"name":"Susan Zalkind in Boston","type":"author"}]},"description":{"basic":"Jurors in Boston trial hear Terence Crosbie (39) denying rape of woman in audio recording of his interview with police detectives "},"display_date":"2025-06-11T21:02:38.289Z","headlines":{"basic":"Dublin firefighter accused of raping woman in Boston hotel says he ‘didn’t touch’ her, US court hears "},"label":{},"owner":{"sponsored":false},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"2GPSXBYECBBZNDNKPQ6JZUKDTE","auth":{"1":"546237244dc29dc612c9dbed5605fdc455ed0003291809cf88647b1588bfc7b0"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/2GPSXBYECBBZNDNKPQ6JZUKDTE.jpg"}},"type":"story","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law/courts","name":"Courts"},"website_url":"/crime-law/courts/2025/06/11/dublin-firefighter-accused-of-raping-woman-in-boston-hotel-says-he-didnt-touch-her-us-court-hears/"}}},{"_id":"RLG7T3GWGVDN3BFQ3XA5MDPCUA","credits":{"by":[{"_id":"conor-lally","additional_properties":{"original":{"byline":"Conor Lally"}},"name":"Conor Lally","type":"author","url":"/author/conor-lally/"}]},"description":{"basic":"Undercover gardaí acted on intelligence for sting operation resulting in ‘controlled delivery’ of decommissioned guns to Carlow man"},"display_date":"2025-06-11T21:00:31.841Z","headlines":{"basic":"Garda inquiry into Evan Fitzgerald followed tip-off Irish person trying to buy guns on darknet "},"label":{},"owner":{"sponsored":false},"promo_items":{"basic":{"_id":"OHAXSIL4CVBZPN3OSSADBXEZWI","auth":{"1":"204c27d82f9f11fc3c22d9c27df98c6711de7ac074692206853472bf9bfd5695"},"type":"image","url":"https://cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/OHAXSIL4CVBZPN3OSSADBXEZWI.jpg"}},"type":"story","websites":{"irishtimes":{"website_section":{"_id":"/crime-law","name":"Crime & Law"},"website_url":"/crime-law/2025/06/12/garda-inquiry-into-evan-fitzgerald-followed-tip-off-irish-person-trying-to-buy-guns-on-darknet/"}}}],"_id":"55ad8f143d3ed6021a39983151142a05b4ed1657282781b3ec1345b5b716f6d8"},"expires":1749679252000,"lastModified":1749678951657}}};Fusion.layout="right-rail-advanced";Fusion.metas={"page-type":{"value":"article","html":true},"twitter:title":{"value":"{{globalContent.headlines.tablet}}","html":true},"og:title":{"value":"{{globalContent.headlines.tablet}}","html":true}};Fusion.outputType="default";Fusion.template="template/article-right-rail";Fusion.tree={"collection":"layouts","type":"right-rail-advanced","props":{"collection":"layouts","type":"right-rail-advanced","id":"right-rail-advanced","childProps":[{"collection":"sections","id":0},{"collection":"sections","id":1},{"collection":"sections","id":2},{"collection":"sections","id":3},{"collection":"sections","id":4},{"collection":"sections","id":5},{"collection":"sections","id":6},{"collection":"sections","id":7},{"collection":"sections","id":8}]},"children":[{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":0},"children":[{"collection":"chains","type":"@wpmedia/header-nav-chain-block/header-nav-chain-block","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"@wpmedia/header-nav-chain-block/header-nav-chain-block","id":"0fyqVopZC0t22vx","customFields":{"hierarchy":"hamburger-menu","logoAlignment":"center","showHorizontalSeperatorDots":true,"leftComponentMobile1":"menu","rightComponentMobile1":"custom","rightComponentCustomIndexMobile1":3,"menuComponentMobile1":"custom","menuComponentCustomIndexMobile1":2,"menuComponentMobile2":"queryly","leftComponentDesktop1":"queryly","leftComponentDesktop2":"menu","rightComponentDesktop1":"custom","rightComponentCustomIndexDesktop1":1,"rightComponentDesktop2":"custom","rightComponentCustomIndexDesktop2":3,"menuComponentDesktop1":"none","menuComponentDesktop2":"none"},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0f1j0n1myTR7B9-0-0-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"","pbInternal_cloneId":"f0f1j0n1myTR7B9"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"subscribe-button/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"subscribe-button/default","id":"f0fcuF3rugfL8OV-0-0-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"customTopHtml":""},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"signin-subscribe/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"signin-subscribe/default","id":"f0fe6HNJvtOK8J1-0-0-2","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"loggedInNavigationTitle":"Logged-in-navigation"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"features","type":"zephr-target/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"zephr-target/default","id":"f0f7go6R0J9O9ao","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"targetClass":"toast-message"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/alert-bar-block/alert-bar","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/alert-bar-block/alert-bar","id":"0fyf1HqBRHEIbDE","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"_id":"FGGR5EBGGRAY7G37VQSXS6EWTQ"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":1},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fcvNGrcvki2qN","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"970x250|970x90|728x90|320x50","lazyLoad":false,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","id":"c0f2LvRmPkKi12U","customFields":{"linkText":"","linkUrl":"","layout":"[[12],[12],[]]","column1":2,"column2":0,"column3":0,"column4":0,"column5":1,"spacing":"spacing-0"},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"overline/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"overline/default","id":"f0fTKxPfSjDv26x","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"displayCenter":false,"paywallStatus":"premium","displayTransparency":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"headline/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"headline/default","id":"f0fHJiPzJQcP3M3","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"features","type":"subheadline/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"subheadline/default","id":"f0ffhsWu7lZs1Ob","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"valueToDisplay":"Subheadline"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":2},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0f1C3249hmWbRL","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"

"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":3},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"article/lead-art","props":{"collection":"features","type":"article/lead-art","id":"f0fAAYTlh2wcbga","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"shrinkToFit":true,"viewportPercentage":65,"hideTitle":true,"hideCredits":true,"imageLoadingStrategy":"eager"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"byline/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"byline/default","id":"f0fEBlpG3fy019r","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"displayImage":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"social-share-bar/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"social-share-bar/default","id":"f0fvnlj9Fxvj4g4","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"spaceAbove":true,"showCloseButtonLP":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"sponsored-byline/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"sponsored-byline/default","id":"f0fvB7DVZvHyc7b","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0fvB7DVZvHyc7b"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"chains","type":"article-body","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"article-body","id":"c0f3ApeXNwcF1r1","customFields":{"elementPlacement":{"1":"4","2":"4","3":"4","4":"6","5":"12","6":"18","7":"24","8":"30","9":"2"},"hideImageTitle":true,"hideImageCredits":true,"hideGalleryTitle":true,"hideGalleryCredits":true,"hideVideoTitle":true,"hideVideoCredits":false,"lazyLoad":null,"hideImageCaption":null,"hideGalleryCaption":null,"hideVideoCaption":null},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/htmlbox-block/htmlbox","id":"f0f1Ui2nzrty1pg-3-4-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"HTML":"
READ MORE
"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/top-table-list-block/top-table-list","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/top-table-list-block/top-table-list","id":"f0fmdhpvzrty1V1-3-4-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"listContentConfig":{"contentService":"content-api-collections-it","contentConfigValues":{"content_alias":"","from":0,"size":5}},"showOverlineXL":true,"showHeadlineXL":true,"showImageXL":true,"showDescriptionXL":true,"showBylineXL":true,"showDateXL":true,"imageRatioXL":"4:3","showBottomBorderXL":true,"shrinkToFitXL":true,"viewportPercentageXL":65,"showOverlineLG":true,"showHeadlineLG":true,"showImageLG":true,"showDescriptionLG":true,"showBylineLG":true,"showDateLG":true,"imageRatioLG":"4:3","showBottomBorderLG":true,"shrinkToFitLG":true,"viewportPercentageLG":65,"showHeadlineMD":true,"showImageMD":true,"showDescriptionMD":true,"showBylineMD":true,"showDateMD":true,"imageRatioMD":"16:9","showBottomBorderMD":true,"showHeadlineSM":true,"showImageSM":true,"imageRatioSM":"3:2","storiesPerRowSM":2,"imagePositionSM":"right","showBottomBorderSM":true,"extraLarge":0,"large":0,"medium":0,"small":4},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/top-table-list-block/top-table-list","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/top-table-list-block/top-table-list","id":"f0fPmE3Czrty1Nj-3-4-2","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"listContentConfig":{"contentService":"related-content","contentConfigValues":{"_id":"VPNPTSNIQ7CE3WYVDJS34KIJ5Q"}},"showOverlineXL":true,"showHeadlineXL":true,"showImageXL":true,"showDescriptionXL":true,"showBylineXL":true,"showDateXL":true,"imageRatioXL":"4:3","showBottomBorderXL":true,"shrinkToFitXL":true,"viewportPercentageXL":65,"showOverlineLG":true,"showHeadlineLG":true,"showImageLG":true,"showDescriptionLG":true,"showBylineLG":true,"showDateLG":true,"imageRatioLG":"4:3","showBottomBorderLG":true,"shrinkToFitLG":true,"viewportPercentageLG":65,"showHeadlineMD":true,"showImageMD":true,"showDescriptionMD":true,"showBylineMD":true,"showDateMD":true,"imageRatioMD":"16:9","showBottomBorderMD":true,"showHeadlineSM":true,"showImageSM":true,"imageRatioSM":"3:2","storiesPerRowSM":2,"imagePositionSM":"right","showBottomBorderSM":true,"extraLarge":0,"large":0,"medium":0,"small":4,"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0fKVozHijTt4pR","pbInternal_clipboardId":"f0f8sVpeXAfUiR"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fF3YXEzrty1PE-3-4-3","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"300x250","lazyLoad":false,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fyRwJHzrty1c0-3-4-4","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"300x250","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false,"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0fq2HIufcDr5Mt"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fwSQ7Kzrty1K7-3-4-5","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"300x250","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false,"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0f8wZfBvAILa7G"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fMBCjMzrty1UA-3-4-6","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"300x250","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false,"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0fNnztKDMLLaTe"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fjEsSOzrty1kQ-3-4-7","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"300x250","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false,"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0fn39YE5eOLals"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0ffkTty6QNr1mi-3-4-8","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"300x250_mobile","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"features","type":"article/promo","props":{"collection":"features","type":"article/promo","id":"f0f6akRfJv4g4jd","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/author-bio-block/author-bio","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/author-bio-block/author-bio","id":"f0fIbmDTBOuTfW","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","id":"c0ftyFC5UDap3CF","customFields":{"lazyLoad":false,"layout":"[[12],[12],[]]","column1":9,"column2":0,"column3":0,"column4":0,"column5":0,"linkText":null,"linkUrl":null,"showDividersDesktop":null,"showDividersTablet":null,"showDividersMobile":null},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/article-tag-block/tag","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/article-tag-block/tag","id":"f0f8CKxbDMZU36D-3-6-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"flex-promo/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"flex-promo/default","id":"f0f476HryJom9Jj-3-6-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"itemContentConfig":{"contentService":"related-content","contentConfigValues":{"_id":"VPNPTSNIQ7CE3WYVDJS34KIJ5Q","feedSize":1,"feedOffset":0}},"sizeOverride":6,"allowSpeechKit":false,"overlineAlignment":"Left","showCloseButton":true,"fontSize":"Small","headlineWeight":"Bold","headlineTextAlignment":"text-align_left","showHeadline":true,"showOverline":false,"showByline":false,"showDateTime":false,"showLiveStoryTimeline":false,"liveStoryEntriesCount":4,"showImageDesktop":false,"imageRatioDesktop":"1:1","imagePositionDesktop":"left","showImageMobile":false,"imageRatioMobile":"1:1","imagePositionMobile":"left","paywallStatus":"premium","lastBottomDividerDesktop":false,"lastBottomDividerTablet":false,"lastBottomDividerMobile":false,"offsetOverride":4,"bottomDividerDesktop":true,"bottomDividerTablet":true,"bottomDividerMobile":true,"pbInternal_clipboardId":"f0fjuGVBiIIF1fb","pbInternal_cloneId":"f0f476HryJom9Jj"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"zephr-target/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"zephr-target/default","id":"f0fncMzClD1S3cU-3-6-2","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"targetClass":"floating-subscribe"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"comments/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"comments/default","id":"f0fnwRcYNmy83bX-3-6-3","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0ffxI8BlJi466C-3-6-4","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"728x90|300x250","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"divider/default","id":"f0ferEY3Omy838l-3-6-5","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","id":"f0fSgg58Omy83Dq-3-6-6","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"text":"IN THIS SECTION","size":"Small","lightFontWeight":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"flex-promo/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"flex-promo/default","id":"f0f5uPLiY34AbIG-3-6-7","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"itemContentConfig":{"contentService":"story-feed-sections","contentConfigValues":{"includeSections":"/ireland","excludeSections":"","feedSize":5,"feedOffset":0}},"sizeOverride":5,"allowSpeechKit":false,"overlineAlignment":"Left","showCloseButton":false,"fontSize":"Medium Small","headlineWeight":"Bold","headlineTextAlignment":"text-align_left","showHeadline":true,"showOverline":false,"showByline":false,"showDateTime":false,"showImageDesktop":true,"imageRatioDesktop":"16:9","imagePositionDesktop":"left","showImageMobile":true,"imageRatioMobile":"3:2","imagePositionMobile":"right","paywallStatus":"premium","lastBottomDividerDesktop":true,"lastBottomDividerTablet":true,"lastBottomDividerMobile":true,"offsetOverride":0,"bottomDividerDesktop":true,"bottomDividerTablet":true,"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0f5uPLiY34AbIG","bottomDividerMobile":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fVVqvfOmy83uM-3-6-8","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"Fluid","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":false,"reserveSpace":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":4},"children":[]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":5},"children":[{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","id":"c0fRIDuqLx2q3EY","customFields":{"lazyLoad":false,"layout":"[[12],[],[]]","column1":2,"column2":0,"column3":0,"column4":0,"column5":0,"linkText":null,"linkUrl":null,"showDividersDesktop":null,"showDividersTablet":null,"showDividersMobile":null},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","id":"f0fsbRYV0R9s2qx-5-0-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"size":"Small","text":"MOST READ","showBorder":true,"link":"/most-read/","lightFontWeight":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"flex-promo/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"flex-promo/default","id":"f0fcWvV6MWCs2Eg-5-0-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"itemContentConfig":{"contentService":"most-popular","contentConfigValues":{"size":5,"section":0,"feedSize":5,"feedOffset":0}},"sizeOverride":5,"allowSpeechKit":false,"overlineAlignment":"Left","showCloseButton":false,"fontSize":"Medium Small","headlineWeight":"Bold","headlineTextAlignment":"text-align_left","showHeadline":true,"showOverline":false,"showByline":false,"showDateTime":false,"showImageDesktop":true,"imageRatioDesktop":"16:9","imagePositionDesktop":"left","showImageMobile":true,"imageRatioMobile":"3:2","imagePositionMobile":"right","paywallStatus":"premium","lastBottomDividerDesktop":true,"lastBottomDividerTablet":true,"lastBottomDividerMobile":true,"offsetOverride":0,"bottomDividerDesktop":true,"bottomDividerTablet":true,"bottomDividerMobile":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]},{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","id":"c0f59QxHa5Hq3Dm","customFields":{"lazyLoad":false,"layout":"[[4,4,4],[],[]]","column1":1,"column2":1,"column3":1,"column4":0,"column5":0,"showDividersDesktop":true,"showDividersTablet":true,"linkText":null,"linkUrl":null,"showDividersMobile":null},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fdR5Cf3u5J8U1-5-1-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"Fluid","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":false,"reserveSpace":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fUAqtGfnuJ8p2-5-1-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"Fluid","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":false,"reserveSpace":false,"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0fUAqtGfnuJ8p2"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0fPkgtFCgrJ8KI-5-1-2","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"Fluid","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":false,"reserveSpace":false,"pbInternal_cloneId":"f0fPkgtFCgrJ8KI"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":6},"children":[{"collection":"chains","type":"sticky-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"sticky-chain","id":"c0fgfk5TgQ19392","customFields":{"stickyItem":4},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"header/default","id":"f0fL9N16NDIJaep","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"size":"Small","text":"LATEST STORIES","link":"/latest/","showBorder":true,"lightFontWeight":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/top-table-list-block/top-table-list","props":{"collection":"features","type":"@wpmedia/top-table-list-block/top-table-list","id":"f0f2DPvY5g895iW","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"listContentConfig":{"contentService":"story-feed-query","contentConfigValues":{"query":"(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/abroad* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/business* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/crime-law* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/culture* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/environment* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/food* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/health* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/history* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/ireland* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/life-style* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/media* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/motors* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/obituaries* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/offbeat* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/opinion* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/photography* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/podcasts* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/politics* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/property* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/science* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/sport* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/technology* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/transport* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/tuarascail* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/world* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/your-money* OR taxonomy.primary_section._id:\\/podcasts*) AND (subtype:\"default\" OR subtype:\"analysis\" subtype:\"feature\" OR subtype:\"opinion\" OR subtype:\"showcase\" OR subtype:\"columnist\" OR subtype:\"live-story\" OR subtype:\"podcast\" OR subtype:\"editors-note\") -(taxonomy.primary_section._id:\"/opinion/letters\")","size":5,"offset":0}},"showOverlineXL":true,"showHeadlineXL":true,"showImageXL":true,"showDescriptionXL":true,"showBylineXL":true,"showDateXL":true,"imageRatioXL":"4:3","showBottomBorderXL":true,"shrinkToFitXL":true,"viewportPercentageXL":65,"showOverlineLG":true,"showHeadlineLG":true,"showImageLG":true,"showDescriptionLG":true,"showBylineLG":true,"showDateLG":true,"imageRatioLG":"4:3","showBottomBorderLG":true,"shrinkToFitLG":true,"viewportPercentageLG":65,"showHeadlineMD":true,"showImageMD":true,"showDescriptionMD":true,"showBylineMD":true,"showDateMD":true,"imageRatioMD":"16:9","showBottomBorderMD":true,"showHeadlineSM":true,"showImageSM":false,"imageRatioSM":"3:2","storiesPerRowSM":1,"imagePositionSM":"right","showBottomBorderSM":true,"offsetOverride":0,"extraLarge":0,"large":0,"medium":0,"small":5},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"Newsletter-Signup/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"Newsletter-Signup/default","id":"f0f1Df1mqY2kd24-4-0-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"inheritGlobalContent":true,"imagePos":"top","lazyLoad":false,"topDividerDesktop":false,"topDividerTablet":false,"topDividerMobile":true,"bottomDividerDesktop":true,"bottomDividerTablet":true,"bottomDividerMobile":true},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}},{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","props":{"collection":"features","type":"global/ads-block","id":"f0favy1DqY2kdT9-4-0-1","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"adType":"300x250|300x600","lazyLoad":true,"displayAdLabel":true,"reserveSpace":false},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]}]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":7},"children":[]},{"collection":"sections","props":{"collection":"sections","id":8},"children":[{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","props":{"collection":"chains","type":"flex-chain","id":"c0fNLj6sV6ys7ht","customFields":{"layout":"[[12],[12],[]]","column1":4,"column2":1,"column3":1,"column4":1,"column5":1,"lazyLoad":null,"linkText":null,"linkUrl":null,"showDividersDesktop":null,"showDividersTablet":null,"showDividersMobile":null},"displayProperties":{}},"children":[{"collection":"features","type":"footer-it/default","props":{"collection":"features","type":"footer-it/default","id":"f0fHTx5Jh4m0181-8-0-0","contentConfig":{"contentService":"","contentConfigValues":{},"inherit":true},"customFields":{"displayLogo":true,"navigationConfig":{"contentService":"site-service-hierarchy-it","contentConfigValues":{"hierarchy":"footer"}},"secondaryLinksConfig":{"contentService":"site-service-hierarchy-it","contentConfigValues":{"hierarchy":"our-partners"}},"iOSLink":"https://apps.apple.com/ie/developer/the-irish-times-ltd/id365544597","androidLink":"https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=The+Irish+Times+Ltd","secondaryLinksLabel":"OUR PARTNERS"},"displayProperties":{},"localEdits":{},"variants":{}}}]}]}]};Fusion.spa=false;Fusion.spaEnabled=false;