Contractor Christopher Duffy Detained Briefly while Seeking to Question Taoiseach at Tullamore Show Christopher Duffy, a contractor from Castletown, Co. Meath, and one of the principal organisers of the fuel demonstrations earlier this year, was in attendance at the Tullamore Show today and sought to put a question to Taoiseach Micheál Martin regarding fuel price increases. Duffy has consistently campaigned for the removal of the carbon tax and measures to keep fuel prices lower at the pump for Irish citizens. Throughout the day he was seen with fellow principal fuel demonstrators James Geoghegan and John Dallon. Numerous attendees approached the three men for photographs and to offer kind words in recognition of their efforts seeking reduced fuel prices. In footage from the event, Mr Duffy is seen approaching calmly and asking his question. He was then quickly surrounded by members of An Garda Síochána and the Gardaí ministerial security detail, who pushed him back. One officer physically grabbed his arm as he attempted to leave and restrained him. Mr Duffy can be heard stating that he simply wanted to ask an elected representative a question and that there had been no signs on the way in indicating questions were not permitted. He then asked: “Am I under arrest?” to which an officer replied: “You are being detained.” The situation eventually de-escalated without further incident.

After Losing One Child, Cork Dad Begs for Treatment Ireland Still Won’t Fund — While €670 Million Goes to Ukraine A Cork father whose family has already been devastated by a rare genetic disease is publicly pleading with the Irish Government and HSE to fund Skyclarys (omaveloxolone), the first approved treatment shown to slow the progression of Friedreich’s ataxia. Craig Coady of Buttevant lost his 13-year-old son Rory to the condition in September 2025. His older son, Paudie (16), also has Friedreich’s ataxia and is deteriorating. The progressive neurodegenerative disorder damages the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and often the heart. Paudie, who did not need a wheelchair last year, now faces increasing mobility difficulties and fatigue. Coady has said: “I can’t lose him. He is all I have left.” Around 200 people in Ireland live with Friedreich’s ataxia. Skyclarys received European Commission approval in February 2024 for patients aged 16 and older. It is available in several other European countries, including France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain, but remains unreimbursed in Ireland. The HSE received the pricing and reimbursement application in August 2024. The HSE Drugs Group deferred a decision in mid-July 2026 pending further specialist input, with a hoped-for resolution within weeks. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated he wants patients to access the drug “as fast as we possibly can” and previously told Coady he would do everything possible to help. Lauren Shaw, another young Irish woman living with the condition, has also appealed publicly for funding, describing progressive damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves.Campaigners and support groups have contrasted the delays with Ireland’s overall support for Ukraine. Recent government announcements, including a further €125 million package, have brought Ireland’s total assistance to Ukraine since Russia’s encroachment in 2022 to more than €670 million (encompassing humanitarian, stabilisation, energy, and non-lethal military support). Public posts and commentary, including from groups supporting frontline health staff, have highlighted the Coady and Shaw cases alongside this figure, arguing that Irish patients are being left without a treatment that could slow irreversible decline while substantial public funds are directed overseas. One widely shared post noted the contrast with “almost 200 more people in Ireland” affected and called on Micheál Martin, Simon Harris, and the Government to prioritise funding for Skyclarys immediately. Friedreich’s ataxia has no cure. Skyclarys is the first therapy demonstrated in trials to slow disease progression. Families emphasise that every month of delay allows further irreversible loss of function. Coady has indicated the ongoing deferral could force extreme measures, including considering relocation abroad for access. The HSE maintains that reimbursement decisions follow objective clinical and economic assessment processes, with commercial negotiations ongoing. Families and advocates continue to press for an expedited final decision, stressing that time is critical for those living with the rapidly progressive condition.