Irish Essay- Politics

An Polaitíocht

Is minic na polaiteoirí i mbéal na ndaoine, gan trácht ar na nuachtáin, an raidió nó an teilifís. Dar leo féin gur daoine iad a dhéanann rogha den pholaitíocht chun leas na tíre a dhéanamh, gnáthdhaoine a bhfuil coinsias sóisialta láidir acu agus a théann i muinín na ndaoine chun vótanna a fháíl. An amhlaidh a thiocfadh na daoine leis an tuairim seo?

Is cnámh spairne iad na polaiteoirí don phobal i gcoitinne, má's fíor a ndeirtear fúthu. Is dócha go dtuigeann an pobal fírinne an tseanfhocail ''is fusa geallúint ná comhlíonadh''. Baineann seo leis na polaiteiorí ach go háirithe. Féach orthu ar lic na ndoirse ag geallúint gréine is gealaí roimh na toghcháin. Ní tuisce iad istigh sa Dáil ná go mbeidh malairt aigne acu mar go bhfuil airgead gann nó páipéar bán le críochnú. Feictear don ghnáthdhuine gurb ionann iad go léir ainneoin na difríochtaí idir na páirtíthe. Éiríonn na daoine bréan de ghealltanais gan substaint, agus ní haon ionadh é nach mbíonn meas madra acu ar na polaiteoirí.

Tagraíonn Peig Sayers do sheanfhocal cuí: ''An fear bocht mar is féidir agus an fear saibhir mar a shantóidh''. Caitheadh fiche milliún euro d'airgead lucht íoctha cánach ar áras an rialtais a athchóiriú, gan trácht ar na limisíní a úsáideann na hairí rialtais féin. Thuigfí don té a éireodh soiniciúil agus é tinn tuirseach de bheith ag ceangal a chreasa go teann fad a fheictear do a leithéid. Feictear don phobal go bhfuil na polaiteoirí go teann ina suí fad is atá an tír in umar na haimléise.

Cnuimh eile i tsrón an phobail i leith ár bpolaiteoirí ná na laethanta saoire fada a bhíonn acu, é sin agus postanna maithe cheana féin ag go leor dóibh. Nuair a bhíonn trí scór go leith bliain slánaithe ag an ngnáthdhuine, bíonn air éirí as obair. Braithfidh an pinsean a bheidh ag duine ar a bhfuil curtha i leataobh dó/di, ach má's polaiteoirí é/í, beidh pinsean breá Stáit aige/aici go deireadh a shaoil.

Fágann sin go gcothaítear meon soiniciúil i measc na ndaoine. Is beag ídéalachás ná ionracas féin a fheictear i measc cheannairí ár dtíre. Ní fada a mhaireann iad siúd a seasann lena bprionsabail. Cothaíonn an drochshampla seo olc agus fuarchúis i measc an aosa óig. Ní thig linn bheith ag siúl le caighdeáin arda moráltachta uathu súid nuair a fheictear dóibh an chaimiléireacht atá ar siúl i measc lucht riaracháin ár dtíre. An fiú do gharda óg dul i ngleic le gaigín fíochmhar nuair a thuigeann sé go mbeidh na stocairí sráide céanna amuigh ar na sráideanna, lá arna mhárnach? Cathain a athrófar na dlíthe chun an scéal seo a réiteach? An gá páipéar bán eile chun an scannal seo a léiriú dúinn arís?

Cinnte tá polaiteorí den scoth ann ar mór acu cothram na Féinne ach, faraor, is é tuairim an ghnathdhuine go bhfuil a bhformhór ag tochras a gceirtlín féin. Tá an baol ann go dtitfidh creatlach sóisialta na tíre as a chéile mura dtagann feabhas mór ar chursaí sa tír seo. Cé gur cheapamar uilig go raibh deireadh tagtha le réim na mbarún drugaí tar éis dhunmharú Veronica Guerin, faraor, bhí dul amú orainn. Tá na barúin dhrugaí go teann ina suí agus cóiriúlacht agus scríosadóireacht ó smacht sna cathracha. Nach bhfuil sé thar am do na polaiteoirí rud éigin cruthaitheach a dhéanamh faoi?

Conas is féidir má'sea meas an phobail a tharraingt orthu arís? Ar an gcéad dul síos, b'fhiú do gach polaiteoir tuairiscí dá shaibhreas pearsanta féin a chur ar fáil don phobal. Níor chóir go mbeadh lucht gnó ag cur airgid isteach i bpáirtithe polaitiúla mar is baol go mbeadh fábhar i gceist. Níor chóir go mbeadh pinsean Stáit ró-ard ag polaiteoir ar bith ná cead aige fanacht in oifig ró-fhada. Ba chóir do pholateoirí dlíthe a réachtáil do leas na tíre agus gan bheith ag tochras ar a gceirtlín féin sna clinicí áitiúla. Sa chaoi seo b'fhéidir go mbeadh aire na bpolaiteoirí ar fhadhbanna na tíre: ciníochas, stáid an chórais leighis, cóiriúlacht, cás na bpríosúnach agus cás lucht íochta cánach, gan trácht ar chás ár seandaoine.

Irish Essay- Refugee Crisis

Gearchéim na dTeifeach

Le tamall de blianta anois, tá cogaíocht agus foréigean ar siúl i dtíortha sa Mhéanoirtear, agus sa tSiria ach go háirithe. Tá na céadta míle duine tar éis bás a fháil sa choimhlint fhuilteach seo cheana féin. In 2015, thosaigh na mílte teifeach ag teacht chun na hEorpa ag lorg dídine ón gcogadh. Chuir rialtas na hÉireann an bád cabhlaigh an LÉ Eithne go dtí an Mheánmhuir chun tarrtháil a dhéanamh ar na céadta teifeach a bhí ag iarraidh dul go dtí an Iodail. D'éirigh leis an LÉ Eithne breis agus 500 imirceach a tharrtháil sular tháinig sí thar n-ais go hÉireann. I mí Lunasa, cuireadh an LÉ Niamh go dtí an Mheánmhuir agus rinne sí an rud céanna.

Ach cad ba chúis leis an ngearchéim na dteifeach seo? An chúis ba mhó ná cogadh cathartha agus an foréigean sa Mheanoirthear. Tá tromlach na dteifeach atá ag éalú agus ag teiteadh ag teacht ón tSiria. Ó thús an chogaidh in 2011, maraíodh idir 220,000 agus 330,000 duine agus tá 4,000,000 eile ar a laghad cláraithe mar theifigh. Tá an t-uafás dídeanaithe ón tSiria sa Tuirc, san Iordáin agus sa Liobáín cheana, ach de réir a chéile, tá níos mó acu ag teacht i dtír san Eoraip. Chomh maith leis sin, tagann teifigh ón Iaráic, ón Iaráin, ón bPalaistín agus ón Aetóip. Bíonn cuid mhaith de na daoine seo i ndeireadh na feide agus ar an ngannchuid. Ní bhíonn an tarna rogha acu ach teitheadh ón gcaismirt, ón deirteadh fola agus ón nglanadh eitneach ina dtíortha féin.

Is iad an Ungáir agus an Ostair an dá thír atá sa bhearna bhaoil, más maith leat. Bíonn ar na teifigh a mbealach a dhéanamh trí na tíortha sin chun an Ghearmáín, an Fhrainc, an Bhreatain agus Éire a shroicheadh. Tá ballaí cosanata curhta suas ag an Ungáir chun na teifigh a chóinneáil amach, agus is minic a bhíonn sceilmid, troid agus achram ag teorainneacha na hUngáire idir na teifigh atá ag iarraidh teacht isteach sa tír agus na póilíní atá ag iarraidh gan ligean dóibh teacht isteach. Cé go bhfuil líon mór daoine i bhfabhar na dteifeach, tá líon sách ard ann chomh maith atá ina gcoinne.

Ach chuir an grainghraf a glacadh den bhuacaill beag trí bliana d'aois ón tSiria- Aylan Kurdi- a bádh sa Mheanmhuir agus ar tháinig a chorp i dtír ar thrá sa Tuirc uafás agus alltacht ar an domhan mór. Bhí trua an domhain ag daoine do na teifigh bhochta agus mhéadaigh suim an phobail i ngearchéim na dteifech go mór. Ag cruinniú mullaigh sa Bhruiséil i lár na bliana seo caite, lean comhráite go moch maidine faoin tslí is fearr dul i ngleic leis an ngearchéim maidir le himircigh sa Mheanmhuir. D'aontaigh na ceannairí sa deireadh na mílte imirceach, atá tar éis an Iodail agus an Ghréig a shroicheadh, a athlonnú. Dúirt Áisíneacht na dTeifeach de chuid na Náisiún Aontaithe gur céim thabhachtach í seo, ach go gcaithfear i bhfad níos mó a dhéanamh.

Tá sé i gceist líon mór imirceach a athlonnú sa chéad dá bhliain eile, ach ní bheidh cuótaí éigeantacha ann do bhallstáit, rud a bhí á lorg ag an gCoimisiún Eorpach. D'aontaigh rialtas na hÉireann go mbeidís sásta glacadh le 4,000 teifeach agus soláthar díreach a chur ar fáil dóibh sa tír seo.

Mar fhocal scóir, ba mhaith liom a rá gur fadhb mhór í fadhb na dteifeach. Is in olcas atá an ghearchéím seo ag dul, agus tá líon na dteifeach atá ag lorg dídine agus ag teitheadh chun na hEorpa ag dul i méid an t-am ar fad. Tá muintir na hÉireann ag déanamh a ndícheall, ach ní dóigh liom go bhfuil go leor áiseanna ná go leor tithe againn anseo in Éirinn chun freastal ar an síoréileamh atá ann don soláthar díreach. Luath nó mall, caithfidh ceannairí an domhain teacht ar phlean chun an chogaíocht agus an foréigean go léir sa Mheanoirthear a laghdú.

Economic Geography- Renewable Energy

Discuss the environmental and economic advantages of using renewable energy resources.

Renewable energy is natural resources that will not run out. Renewable energy resources include solar, wing, water, tidal and biomass. Ireland has been slow to develop its renewable energy resources, but it has increased in recent years. By 2020, the European Renewable Energy Directive wants to increase the consumption of renewable energy to 16%. Ireland would see both environmental and economic advantages to increased use of wind and wave energy.

Wind Energy
Ireland has ideal conditions for generating wind power. As an island in the Atlantic Ocean, Ireland is constantly exposed to winds from the sea. The development of wind power began in the 1990's and includes 100 onshore wind energy projects and offshore wind farms. In 2010, 14% of electricity production in Ireland was produced from wind energy. The Arklow Bank Wind Park was the first offshore wind park located in Ireland, 10km from Arklow, Co. Wicklow. Developed in 2004, these 7 turbines were the largest commercial turbines in the world at that time. The environmental advantage of wind energy is that it is a clean and green source of power, and economically it is a free source of energy available in Ireland and cuts down the cost of importing other energy sources, Also, there is the possibility of generating money for the economy, as we may be able to export the excess wind power to neighbouring countries like the UK. 

Wave Energy
The sea is an endless source of power and, as Ireland is an island, the potential to use this natural renewable resource is endless. The waves hitting the western shores have travelled from the Atlantic Ocean, That combined with our South-Westerly prevailing winds makes the West of Ireland the world's most suitable location for wave power. The average wave has 76kw of power and there are plans to develop the world's largest wave farm along the west coast. Turbines are placed on the sea bed and as the waves pass through them, the turbines turn and generate electricity. The SEAI have tested these turbines in Galway Bay. Investment is now needed to implement this project, which would bring economic and environmental benefits to Ireland.

Physical Geography- Chemical Weathering

Explain how the process(es) of mechanical weathering or chemical weathering help to shape the Irish landscape.

Chemical weathering refers to the disintegration of rock as a result of chemical changes in the mineral composition if the rock. The four main processes of chemical weathering are: solution, hydration, oxidation and carbonation. Carbonation is caused by rainwater that has absorbed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to form a weak carbonic acid. The slightly acidic rainwater dissolves certain minerals in the rock.

Carbonation has shaped the Irish landscape in the Burren, Co. Clare. The Burren is Ireland's most famous limestone region. It was formed 300 million years ago during the carboniferous period. The bones of living things got compressed, compacted and cemented together to form a limestone pavement. Limestone is a permeable rock, which means water can pass through it. Carbonation can be seen above the surface in many areas of the Burren. Due to carbonation, clints and grikes can be seen in the strata of the limestone. Grikes are vertical cracks that develop along a joint. They are seen in between slabs of limestone known as clints. Karrens may also be evident when a small hollow forms on the surface of the limestone clint. They are caused by rainwater and acids dissolving the rock. 

Carbonation has also created a distinctive landscape below the surface of the Burren. It can lead to caves forming such as the Ailwee Caves. This happens when a river disappears underground through a swallow hole, leading to a passage being created. Many dripstone features can be seen in these caves or caverns, such as stalactites, stalagmites and pillars. Stalactites form when drops of water containing dissolved limestone seep through cracks in the cave roof. These drops lose carbon dioxide, deposit calcite and hang down from the cave roof. Stalagmites are formed when water droplets fall to the cave floor. They deposit calcite and build up from the floor. Pillars are formed when stalactites and stalagmites grow towards each other and eventually meet.

Economic Geography- EU Policy

Examine the impact of any one European Union policy on the Irish economy.

A European Union policy that has impacted on the Irish economy is the Common Agricultural Policy. Overall, Ireland has benefited greatly from this policy. The CAP was introduced in Ireland in 1973 when we joined the EU. The policy aimed to raise farm incomes, guarantee prices for agricultural produce and provide subsidies to support farmers. This ensures a good standard of living for agricultural workers as well as providing food at fair prices for consumers. 

The EU categorized Western Ireland as the most disadvantaged area in Ireland, so it received high subsidies and grants. This modernized the agricultural sector, made it more efficient, and improved food quality and animal welfare. However, it also brought about the following issues:

1. Food surpluses (linked to production): The more food a farmer produced, the more money they would receive. This caused a build-up of surplus food.
2. Food prices: Farmers received guaranteed prices for the food they produced. Tariffs were placed on goods imported from outside the EU. To maintain prices, the EU bought surplus produce. This build up of dairy, meat and cereal produce caused 'food mountains'. This storage of food was costly, so the EU sold surpluses at low prices. This damaged exports to developing countries.

The CAP has also had other impacts on the Irish economy and Irish farmers.

1. CAP reforms: The EU began reforming the CAP in 1992 as the high cost of its policies could not be maintained. The reform moved the CAP away from being a production-orientated policy. This encouraged farmers to diversify into other areas, such as organic farming.
2. Decoupling: This aimed to break the link between subsidies and production. Quotas were placed on the production of milk. Penalties were put on farmers for overproducing. As a result, farming became more sustainable and market orientated. However, these milk quotas expired in 2015.
3. Income supports: Price supports were replaced by direct income supports. A direct single payment is made to farmers each year. The removal of price supports means international food prices are no longer affected by the EU subsidizing agricultural exports.
4. Food safety: Consumer demand for food safety has risen due to food scares, eg. food and mouth, horse-meat burgers. The CAP therefore promotes food safety by encouraging products to be traceable back to their source. Food producers are responsible for the quality of their food.
5. Rural development policy: In the 21st century, CAP has focused on the economic, social and environmental development of rural areas. The policy supports innovation and competitiveness. Local Action Groups receive funding to design development strategies in local areas, eg. environmental improvements- water quality control, land management.

Physical Geography- Human Interaction with the Rock Cycle

Examine how humans interact with the rock cycle, with reference to one of the following:

• Mining
• Extraction of Building Materials
• Oil/Gas Exploitation
• Geothermal Energy Production

Humans interact with the rock cycle through the extraction of building materials, or quarrying. Quarrying is the removal of rock from large pits on the Earth's Surface. It is used to take building materials from the Earth. There are over 400 active quarries in Ireland, eg. Cemex in Tullamore. Solid rock is extracted from these quarries and provides the raw materials needed for roads, houses, paving and floors.

There are 3 different methods of quarrying: plug and feather, explosive and channel. Plug and feather quarrying involves drilling holes into the Earth's Surface to split the rock. It is used to extract large pieces of rock, eg. for floor coverings. Explosive quarrying involves the use of explosives to blast large or small rock fragments from the Earth's Surface. Channel quarrying uses machinery to cut large slabs of rock from the Earth's Surface. It is used for metamorphic rock, eg. marble. The Eiscir Riada is a large quarrying site stretching from Galway to Dublin where each of these methods take place.

Quarrying can have both positive and negative impacts. It employs thousands of people in Ireland, both directly and indirectly. The materials extracted from quarrying can be used in the construction industry. However, quarrying creates visual, noise, dust and water pollution, The heavy machinery needed for quarrying can cause damage to roads and infrastructure. Also, disused quarries scar the natural landscape. 

Carrara is a city in Tuscany, Italy that is famous for the marble quarried there. It is pure white marble that has been used since the time of Ancient Rome. It was used by Michelangelo to create the Statue of David. Carrara marble is exported all around the world and has been used in the construction of many famous buildings, such as the Taj Mahal in India. As it is pure white, it is ideal for use in warmer countries as it reflects the light and creates an air of coolness.

Economic Geography- MNC's

With reference to one MNC you have studied, examine how its distribution is influenced by global factors.

An MNC I have studied is Nike. Nike has a global approach to production and marketing, and its ability to trade on a global scale is down to improvements that have been made in the areas of transport, telecommunications, supply of raw materials, labour supply and government taxes.

As an MNC, Nike is an example of a footloose industry, meaning it has flexibility in relation to where it can expand its operations. Nike follows a pyramid structure where the headquarters is located in Beaverton, Washington. Most research and development is done from here. They have annual sales of $10 billion and directly employ 16,000 people. In its headquarters, the company employs a highly skilled and high wage workforce with an emphasis on research and the development of its main products, namely footwear and sports clothing. The HQ is the centre of decision-making and controls and monitors all Nike operations around the world.

Nike has many regional headquarters in Europe and Asia that control regional operations. However most of its production is outsourced to other companies. They have contracts with more than 700 shops around the world and have offices located in 45 countries around the US. Most of these factories are located in Asia, including Indonesia, China, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Pakistan, the Philippines and Malaysia. Nike is hesitant to disclose information about their contract companies, but they are said to employ up to half a million people. 

From the early 1970's to the 1980's, Nike operated production activities in core economies, including the USA, Ireland and Britain. However, due to rising labour costs and increased union activity, the company relocated these manufacturing units to cheaper labour markets, particularly in South-East Asia (South Korea and Taiwan, and more recently Indonesia, Thailand and China). Here, production activities are outsourced to over 30 different companies. During the 1990's, Nike was investigated due to concerns over potential exploitation of labour in these developing countries. Significant media coverage was given to these claims that Nike goods were manufactured in sweatshop conditions. IN an effort to reduce negative media attention, Nike joined the Fair Labour Association, which guarantees basic minimum wages and decent working conditions. Nike is an example of an MNC which has adapted a global approach to attain economic advantages related to the supply and cost of labour in the global periphery.

Regional Geography- Development of Paris as an Urban Area

Examine the factors which have influenced the development of one urban area in a European region (not Ireland) that you have studied.

The European urban area I have studied is Paris in France. 12 million people live in the city of Paris, with 25 million in the whole Paris basin. Due to this huge population, the city now extends over an area of 100km. This urban sprawl led to the creation of five new towns on the city's perimeter to accommodate for the overspill from the city. Marne-la-Vallée is an example of one of these towns, with a population of over 100,00 people. Many urban renewal programmes have also been put in place by the French government to improve the inner city. 

As the city of Paris was developed during medieval times on a bridging point and as a defensive settlement on the River Seine, many problems have developed such as traffic congestion, urban decay and inner city decline. To deal with these problems, the French government developed a scheme called 'Schéma Directeur' in 1964 to control growth and improve suburban areas in the city. The scheme involves protecting historical buildings, investing in public transport, urban renewal and regeneration projects in the older run down areas of the inner city. It also includes the development of suburban nodes or growth centers like shopping centers and the development of new towns along with decentralization of services from the city. These methods have all improves the development of the Paris Basin.

The Paris Basin is nowadays the most popular destination for immigrants to France with 1.3 million of all French migrants living there. Due to immigration of thousands from China, Eastern Europe and North and West Africa in Paris, problems can arise in poorer parts of the city. These areas can then develop into ghettos. With many immigrants still on the edges of French society, this can lead to poverty, youth unemployment and unequal opportunities. In 2005, terrible riots took place after 2 North African youths were killed for hiding from the police. Controversy has also developed due to the French governments restrictions on wearing headscarves. Riots took place due to this racial discrimination to Islamic women. Since the 1980's, due to these problems migration out of the region has increased due to recent job losses and strict immigration laws. All of the factors above have led to the development of Paris as an urban centre.

Physical Geography- Sedimentary and Metamorphic Rocks

Explain the formation of sedimentary rocks and explain briefly how they may be transformed into metamorphic rocks, with reference to Irish examples you have studied.

Sedimentary rocks were formed millions of years ago when the remains of animals and plants built up and compacted and cemented to form solid rock. Sedimentary rocks form in layers . This is because over time the rock fragments and remains of plants and animals build up in stratified layers. Each stratified layer is separated from the next by bedding planes, There are 2 types of sedimentary rocks: organic and inorganic. Limestone is an organic sedimentary rock. It is the most common rock type in Ireland and formed from the cemented remains of fish and other sea creatures. Limestone is made up of bedding planes containing vertical cracks called joints, which make the rock permeable. The Burren in Co. Clare is a well-known limestone region. Sandstone is an inorganic sedimentary rock. Sandstone is formed when rock sediments laid down in layers and over time each successive layer is compressed to the next layer. Most of the sandstone in Ireland is old red sandstone and was formed approximately 400 million years ago. Sandstone can be found in the Comeragh mountains, Co. Waterford and the Macgillycuddy Reeks, Co. Kerry.

Metamorphic rocks are formed when the appearance, texture and chemical composition of igneous or sedimentary are changed by great heat or pressure, or both. This can happen in 2 ways. Thermal metamorphism occurs when rocks are exposed to the heat of magma alone and this changes their composition. Regional metamorphism occurs due to great heat and pressure over a large region due to colliding plates and rising magma. With metamorphism, limestone is changed into marble. This is a hard crystalline rock of various colours and can be found in Connemara, Co. Galway. Sandstone is changed into quartzite. This is a light-coloured rock, often white, and can be found in the Great Sugarloaf Mountain, Co. Wicklow and Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo. 

Physical Geography- Prediction and Effects of Earthquakes

Explain how the occurrence of earthquakes can be predicted and how the effects of earthquakes can be reduced with reference to examples you have studied

An earthquake is the shaking or vibration of the Earth's crust. Earthquakes occur due to the movement of tectonic plates where the crust is under extreme pressure. Scientists have developed different methods of earthquake prediction to allow people enough time to prepare for the negative effects. Seismologists study the seismic history of the region because as soon as one earthquake occurs, pressure and tension begins to build up again. They also look for patterns of seismic activity to calculate the likelihood of an earthquake occurring. The longer the time since the last earthquake, the more imminent the next one is. Instruments called tiltmeters record changes in land levels. A bulge in the land may indicate a build up of pressure on the plates. Scientists may also look for signs of disturbance like foreshocks. Animal behaviour may also predict earthquake activity as animals tend to behave strangely before an earthquake.

The ability of a country to limit the effects of earthquakes is directly linked to its level of economic development. Developed countries will often have earthquake-proof buildings in regions prone to earthquake activity. These buildings use flexible columns to allow for movement. Building construction and bridges in these regions will be fire-proof. The buildings will be constructed on stable ground where liquefaction is not possible. Also, they region will regularly practice evacuation and safety plans to reduce deal with emergencies. These resources are much less available in developing countries.

An example of an earthquake I have studied is the Haitian earthquake of January 2010. This earthquake occurred on January 12 and measured 7.0 on the Richter Scale. Its epicenter was 25km west of Port-au-Prince. The effects of the earthquake were felt in several countries, including Jamaica, Cuba, Puerto Rica and the Dominican Republic. The earthquake occurred on the boundary between the Caribbean and the North-American Plate. As Haiti is a developing country, they were not well equipped to deal with an earthquake of this magnitude. Since the earthquake, over 200,000 people have been affected by cholera. The earthquake damaged infrastructure, which made it difficult to disperse aid. It is estimated that 300,000 died, over 300,000 were injured and 1 million were left homeless. Following the earthquake, seismologists started to examine the building up of pressure along the fault line to predict and reduce the effects of future earthquakes.

Geography Economic Elective- Colonialism

Examine the impact of colonialism on any developing economy you have studied

A developing economy I have studied that has been affected by colonialism is India. Colonialism is the domination of areas by powerful countries, primarily for economic gain. The changes in India's economic development is directly related to it's colonial past.

India was a British colony until it gained independence in 1947. Under the British Empire, unprocessed raw materials from India were used to fuel the economy of the colonial power. As a result, cash crops like tea, coffee, jute, spices and rubber took over from traditional food crops and caused major changes in native agricultural activities. The establishment of large plantations saw land removed from peasant ownership. These plantations were also established in the most fertile areas, which had a negative impact on food production for local people. India's industrial output was also limited so that it would not compete with  it's colonial power Britain. 

Prior to colonialism, India had well-developed craft manufacturing industries, especially textiles. It also had a good labour force and access to raw materials. However, under British rule, these industries were forced into decline to allow British products to access the large Indian market. Britain also wanted the unprocessed raw materials for its own economic gain. It processed these raw materials and India in turn bought back the more expensive finished product from Britain. The British Empire also failed to invest in India's infrastructure, They did, however, develop ports, such as Mumbai. Chennai and Kolkata. They also developed a long railway network. Both of these investments were for their own gain so that they could transport the raw materials easily and then export them back to Britain. Over time, India's trade became dependent on Britain. India produced raw materials and cash crops, while Britain became a key economic power in the production and sale of finished goods in the developed and developing world. Taxes were also placed on the Indian population, and these were paid to the British Empire. 

Under colonialism, India suffered greatly as the economy, raw materials and labour were exploited by Britain.

Geoecology Essay- Humans accelerating soil erosion

Discuss how human activities can accelerate soil erosion.

Soil erosion is when soil particles in the land get transported by gravity, water or wind. The human processes that accelerate soil erosion are overgrazing, over-cropping and desertification.

Overgrazing
Overgrazing occurs when farmers stock too many animals such as sheep, cattle or goats on their land. This damages the soil surface and increases the rate of soil erosion. Animals eat the vegetation cover and their hooves dig into the soil in wet areas or compact it into a hard surface in dry regions. This prevents grass growth and prevents water from percolating into the soil. Dry soils are eroded by the wind very easily. Once the soil has been trampled on and stripped of plants, its structure is damaged and its ability to hold water and nutrients is reduced. Soil structure is important because plant roots and water are found in the spaces between the soil peds. Peds are the small grains which are held together by humus and water. Peds have different shapes. Rounded peds give the soil a crumb structure. A crumb structure is best for soil aeration, water content and fertility. Overgrazing can change the structure to a platy structure or destroy the structure completely. As a result it can be easily eroded by wind and rain and pasture growth is also reduced. Too many animals on the land will eat all the plants and strip the soil of its protective vegetation cover. Plants, roots and branches protect soil from wind and rain. Soils that are exposed become drier and are easily blown or washed away. This situation has happened in many places around the world such as the Sahel region of Africa where population growth has led to an increase in the number of cattle and goats grazing on already dry land. It also occurred in Co. Mayo in Ireland during the 1990's when EU farm subsidies encouraged farmers to overstock their land with too many sheep. The fragile boglands of West Mayo were severely damaged.

Over-cropping 
Over-cropping occurs when the land is under continuous cultivation and is not allowed to lie fallow in between crops. The effect of over-cropping on soils is to reduce its water content and fertility. Infertile soils are more easily eroded by wins and rain. As nutrients are removed its structure is damaged as well. Over-cropped soils become dry and very dusty because the humus content has been reduced. Humus is important for improving the texture and structure of soil and for keeping it moist. In the Sahel region of Africa, over-cropping and overgrazing often occur together as a result of population increase. More people on the land leads to greater numbers of farmers who keep animals and grow crops. There is also less land to go around so whatever amount of land is available is under stress to produce food for the increasing population. Intensive cultivation of land in the soya plantations of South America can also lead to over-cropping. Here the soil is fertilized but the application of chemical fertilizers does not benefit the land as much as applying manure from animal waste. Therefore, over time the soil structure is damaged as it is over-cropped. The effect of over-cropping can be reduced by the addition of organic matter (cattle dung) to the soil and through immigration.

Desertification
Desertification is the spread of desert conditions into new ares. Desertified soils are dry , dusty and lack humus. Their fertility is reduced and they are affected by soil erosion. Africa is the continent most at risk from desertification, although Southern Europe, especially Southern Spain, is also at risk. Desertification often occurs as a result of a combination of drought, over-cropping, overgrazing and deforestation. High population growth in countries such as Sudan contributes to desertification due to the increases demand for food and fuel. Drought conditions increases the chance of desertification occurring when the soil is already stressed by over-cropping and overgrazing. In Sahelian countries such as Chad and Niger, cotton and cashew nuts are grown as cash crops on huge plantations as part of economic reforms in return for debt relief. People are removed form their land to make way for the plantations and must make a living on poor land at the edge of the plantations. The land is overgrazes and over-cropped and trees are cut down for fuel and building materials. Because so many trees have been cut down, cattle dung is used for fuel instead. This further deprives the soil of valuable nutrients, leading to increases desertification in the region during drought. The introduction of solar cookers in the Sahel could reduce the need for timber as a fuel. Trees are then planted which can help slow desertification in the region. 

Everywhere in the world where people change a natural ecosystem into agriculture, the land degrades. The visible part is erosion, when soil particles leave the land, transported by gravity, water or wind.

Geoecology Essay- Plant and Animal Adaptations to a Biome

Describe how plants and animals adapt to soil and climatic conditions in a biome you have studied.

A biome is an eco-system of 4 inter-related parts: climate, soils, plants and animals. The biome I have studied is the Tropical Rainforest Biome. In this biome, plants and animals have evolved body structures and ways of living that enable them to survive and reproduce in the particular soil and climatic conditions.

Climate and how plants adapt
In the tropical rainforest, the climate is wet and humid all year round. Heavy convectional rain falls each day with over 6000mm per year. Temperatures are high (average 27 C) and this combined with the heavy rainfall leads to high humidity, around 80%. Plants have adapted to the wet and humid conditions in many ways in order to survive in the tropical rainforest biome. Many plants have leaves designed to shed water from their surface very quickly. This prevents the branches becoming weighed down with water and breaking. Such designs include: 1. elongated leaves with deep grooves on the leaf surface to channel water to the tips, 2. leaves with very pointed ends (drip tips) to allow water to pour off them easily, and 3. smooth and hairless leaf surfaces to allow water to flow easily over them. A typical plant with these adaptations is the palm oil tree. If plants did not have these adaptations to their leaves, the plant would be weighed down with water and prone to fungal attack in the warm and humid conditions. Leaves are also large in order to capture as much light as possible in the dark understorey layer of the rainforest. Many tree species have saplings that have large leaves when they start to grow in the dark understorey but which then produce smaller leaves when they reach the light of the canopy. The emergent layer of trees is also an adaptation as tall trees grow and compete for light in the forest.

Soil and plant adaptations
Plants in the rainforest have adapted to grow successfully in the infertile latosol soil. They have adapted by growing very fast and having shallow root systems. Because of the wet, warm and humid conditions, dead organic matter is converted to humus very quickly by fungi and bacteria. If plants did not grow fast they would not be able to use the nutrients in the soil before they are leached out of it by heavy rain. Root systems are shallow because 90% of nutrients in the rainforest soil are in the upper O horizon so there is no need for plants to have deep roots. However to help support their great weigh, the tallest trees like mahogany have structures calls roots which grow out from the base of the trunk. These extended roots also increase the area over which nutrients can be absorbed from the soil.

Animal Adaptations to Climate and Soil
The tropical rainforest biome is perfect for animal survival. It is always warm and there are no seasons for food scarcity. There is shade in the jungle from the heat and shelter of the rain. There is no shortage of water. Due to the biodiversity of animals there is competition for food and space. Many animals have adapted by foraging for food at night, eg. jaguars. Many animals are arboreal, for example the wholly monkey and the sloth. They have adapted to living in tall jungle which grows in response to the climate and soil. Monkeys use their tails to keep balance as they jump from tree to tree. Flying squirrels have evolved flaps of skin between their front and back legs to jump between trees. Lemurs also live in the canopy. Macaws and parrots have hooked beaks which allow them to open nuts. They also use their beaks when climbing. The sloth has a two-toed claw to help grip the branches they hang from. They have large eyes to see in the shady environment. They have fur which keeps them warm as their metabolism is slow. The fur grows down form their body so the water form rainfall can be easily shed. Camouflage is one of the most effective adaptations used by many animals in the rainforest. One of the most common is for animals/insects/birds to use colour in order to look like a leaf or twig as the rainforest is scattered with with dead leaves. Moths, stick insects and tree frogs use this method. The jaguar has a spotted coat to blend into the shaded forest. Animals use blue/yellow/red to warn other species they are poisonous. An example is the macaw. The poison arrow frog is blue or green in colour and is poisonous. 

Geoecology Essay- Effect of Human Activity on a Biome

Assess how biomes have been altered by human activity

For the purpose of this question I will examine the Tropical Rainforest Biome and how it has been altered by human activities. Humans have had a massive impact on this biome and I will examine it under the headings of deforestation, intensive agriculture and the need for settlements areas.

Deforestation

There are various reasons why humans cut rainforests, however in Brazil it has been happening at an alarming rate since 1970. Trees are a renewable resource but in the Tropical Rainforest Biome not enough time is being given to allow to rainforest to grow back. The Brazilian Government is prepared to open up the 'Lungs of the Earth'in order to take advantage of the tropical hardwoods that grow in this biome and the mineral wealth that lies underneath the forest. Timber companies have been given the rights to remove forest and sell timber abroad. Tropical hardwoods such as teak and mahogany fetch huge profits abroad. The government of Brazil takes a percentage of these profits. However, illegal companies also operate, selling cheap supplies of plywood accounts for 80% of all timber produced. As the area is rich in resources, licences were given to mining companies o clear forests and mine for metals such as iron ore and copper. Experts estimate that 137 plant, animals and micro-organisms will be destroyed from this biome in the coming years due to deforestation. 40% of the rainforest will have disappeared. Natural habitats are being wiped out for plants and animal species, as well as the environment damage deforestation causes.

Intensive Agriculture

The Amazon covers 1 billion acres taking in countries like Brazil and Peru. 80% of the world's diet can grow in the Amazon like coconuts, oranges, bananas, rice, sugar and coffee. The opinion of the Brazilian government is that the rainforest is an economic resource and should be used to develop the economy. The demand in the Western World for cheap meat is met by Brazil's willingness to encourage MNC's to locate there to farm intensively or set up ranches. Ranches can slash and burn acres of rainforest and seed it with grass for cattle while receiving tax credits and loans from the government. Soya plantations are now becoming more of a threat than cattle ranches. Companies like McDonald's grow soya beans on acres of land that were once covered by forest. As a result the latosols of the Tropical Rainforest Biome are damaged by the agrochemicals and mechanisation levels to soil erosion. The roots of the trees that bind the soil together are gone and the heavy convectional rain washes the soil into the Amazon River. Soya is a plant not native to this biome and threatens the habitat as GMO's can invade the natural environment. The expansion of intensive agriculture (soya plantations) in Brazil is contributing to the loss of 40 hectare of rainforest every minute of every day. When a forest is cleared, the nutrient cycle is destroyed. The remaining soil can be easily washed away by heavy rain. In addition, as a result of the high temperatures in this region, the exposed soil is baked into a hard, brick-like surface, which cannot support plant growth. This is known as a laterite soil, which is useless for farming. The grass growth on the laterite is so poor that the beef cattle do not thrive and even more land is cleared to feed them.

Need for Settlement

A new capital, Brasilia, was built form scratch in the heart of the Amazon rainforest in the 50's as Brazil gained freedom from Portugal. This was to encourage the settlement of the region. Today it has a population of 2.3 million. To construct this city, large areas of forest were cleared. More deforestation occurred on the outskirts of the city where small, temporary housing settlements were built for the migrant workers who moved to this area in order to construct the new capital. Instead of returning to their original homes on completion of the city, these workers chose to stay and avail of the greater opportunities in Brasilia. An unlimited water supply and ideal river conditions led to the development of many HEP stations to support the growing settlements in the Amazon. Over 125 new HEP dams have been built in the Brazilian rainforest area. One example is the Tucuri Dam, which caused over 2500km  of rainforest to be flooded. More than 8000 people lost their homes and thousands of animals died. The Trans-Amazonian highway, a 5300km road, was built across Brazil from east to west to facilitate settlement in the Amazon basin and also to allow the movement of people and goods through previously inaccessible areas. This affects the emissions from all the cars using the road and many animals native to the biome were killed as the motorway crosses their natural habitat. In January 2000, the Brazilian government announced its plan for Avanca Brazil. This is a €30 billion plan to cover much of the Amazon rainforest with 10000km of highways, hydroelectric dams, power lines, mines, gas and oilfields, canals, ports, logging concessions and other industrial developments. All of the above has resulted in the loss of many species of plants, and this is a serious concern as some contain chemicals that could one day cure serious illnesses. About one quarter of the medicines we use come from rainforest plants eg. aspirin. The Tropical Rainforest Biome is a carbon sink meaning that the trees take in carbon from the air and store it and use it to create oxygen. Today as carbon emissions around the world rise, the loss of vast amounts of trees in the rainforest will contribute to climate change. By burning the forest to create land, more carbon is also released into the atmosphere.

Geoecology Essay- Characteristics of a Biome

Describe and explain the main characteristics of one biome that you have studied

The biome I have studied is the Tropical Rainforest Biome. A biome is an eco-system of four inter-related parts, namely climate, soil, plants and animals. The Tropical Rainforest Biome is found between latitude 5-23  north and south of the equator. The tropical rainforest can be found in 3 geographical locations: Central America and the Amazon Basin, the African-Congo Basin and Indo-Malaysia.

Climate
The climate in this region is tropical and its 2 distinguishing features are the constant heat and the high precipitation levels. Due to the location of this biome, which is so close to the equator, temperatures are high all year round. The temperature range is small between 20-30 C and there is no change in seasons. As the sun moves from its position over the Tropic of Cancer to the Tropic of Capricorn the area that receives the greatest amount of heat known as the Thermal Equator moves with it. The rainforests receive 12 hours sunshine of intense heat almost daily and there is a small summer range. Humidity, which is the amount of water vapour in the air, is between 77-88%. This is high and it gives the regions an airless feel. Rainfall is one of the most significant characteristics of the Tropical climate. The type of rainfall experienced is convectional rainfall and occurs daily through the year. Due to the constant heat from the solar radiation the ground becomes warm which heats up the air. Hot air rises and becomes lighter and then cools and condenses. It then falls as a heavy burst of rain and it is often followed by thunder, but it doesn't last long and dries up quickly. Convectional rainfall occurs at around noon each day, as it is the hottest part of the day. Average rainfall per year is between 1250mm and 6000mm, making the tropical rainforest biome one of the wettest places on earth. Rainforests are unique in this way as half of the precipitation comes from the forests own evaporation. Each year a tree can release over 755 litres of water by transpiration and this falls back to the land as rain. These climatic conditions have a huge influence on the soil formation, vegetation and animals in this biome. For example, plants grow very well and there is plenty of food for animals. 

Soils 
The latosol, which is a zonal soil, is associated with tropical rainforest biome. Due to the climate, there are 2 processes at work in forming latosols, namely leaching and laterisation. due to heavy rainfall, the process of leaching is common. Humus is washed down through the horizons, draining the soil of nutrients. Thousands of years of heavy rainfall has resulted in the soil being very poor in nutrients. As a result, there is a very short nutrient cycle for plants and trees, Nutrients are mainly found in the living plants and layers of decomposing leaf litter on the O horizon. Various species of decomposers such as insects, bacteria and fungi make quick work of converting dead plant and animal matter into nutrients. The heat and humidity of the climate also helps break down leaf litter very rapidly. In order to absorb the nutrients before they are washed down through the soil plants and trees absorb them in their roots the moment they are released. 99% of nutrients are held in the roots mats of the forest floor. Deforestation can leave the latosol infertile in a very short time. Laterisation is also an important process at work. Chemical weathering dissolves iron and aluminium, which are found in the bedrock. They do not fully break down but become oxidized from the rainwater. Iron oxide (rust) forms and this gives the latosol its red colour. 

Vegetation
There are thousands of plants and trees that grow in the tropical rainforest biome due to the climate and the red soils. It is a bio diverse area and it is estimated that the rainforest has the greatest variety of living things on the planet. It is estimated that a typical patch of rainforest measuring 6km  conatins as many as 1500 flowering plants and 750 varities of trees. The constant heat combined with the rainfall makes it a thriving environment for growth. Many species grow such as the Tropical hardwoods like mahogany and teak. In the rainforest there are four layers, the emergent layer, the canopy, the understorey and the forest floor. Trees tend to be tall and thin as there is competition for light and space. In the emergent layer the tops of the trees are very tall at 40-80m high. In this layer trees are exposed to drying winds and they tend to have small pointed leaves. These giant trees also have straight smooth trunks with few branches. Their roots system is very shallow. In the canopy layer, trees are found 20-40m above the ground. Epiphytes (air plants) like mosses, lichen and orchids are able to grow on trees and absorb the rainfall and sunlight. The understorey is a dark environment that is under the canopy. No light gets through so growth is limited. Most plants are short and leafy, mostly non-flowering shrubs, ferns and vines, that have adapted to he filtered ligh and poor soil. On the forest floor less than 3% of light gets through. Leaves and dead animals rot quickly in this layer, providing nutrients for the soil. The flowers that blossom as well as the fruit also provide sources of food for other animals that live in the tropical rainforest biome. The flowers also offer nectar that hummingbirds, bees and butterflies are able to consume. Another valuable plant in this biome is the bromeliads. They have leaves that look similar to those of pineapples. That design collects water in the centre of it. Frogs, lizards and insects live in that area of water. Both vines and ferns grow all over the tropical rainforest biome. They help to connect the various layers found in the biome. For example there are herbs and mushrooms that grow on the floor. Various types of fruits and nuts grow on the plants and in the trees. Bananas grow on the vines in this particular biome as well.


Animals
The climate in the tropical rainforest biome is perfect for millions of types of animals and plats to live in. At least 15 million different animals have been identified in the rainforest. It is believed that there are also many more that haven't been identified yet. This is why it is very important to protect them. The specific types of animals that live in the tropical rainforest depend on the location. Small insects including the Monarch Butterfly and beetles live here. Beetles are very dominant as are termites. There are plenty of ants and spiders found in the biome as well. They can range in size from extremely small to larger ones. These are important parts of the biome even though they aren't as big as other living creatures found in it. The mammals include a variety of different types of  animals. Monkeys, bats, possums, jaguars and foxes can be found, among others. Reptiles including a variety of snakes live here. Many of them are extremely large and they live in the trees of the tropical rainforest biome. Amphibians including the frog and salamander reside in this biome. Some of the popular birds living here include the African Grey Parrot, Eagles and Hummingbirds. In the water of the tropical rainforest biome you will find various fish. They can include ells or piranhas. This is also home to plenty of species of amphibians which includes numerous frog species. There are a variety of animals that live in every single layer of the tropical rainforest biome. Some of them stay in one layer such as in the higher trees. Others live both in the trees and on land. They will go where they can find food and shelter. They also strive to avoid carious predators that share their biome. 

Leaving Cert Geography- Geoecology Essay

Describe and explain the characteristics of any one soil type you have studied

The soil type I have studied is brown earth soils. The key characteristics of soil are: colour, alkalinity, structure, humus content, texture and water content. These characteristics are affected by parent material, bedrock, topography, time and human activity.

Alkalinity
The alkalinity of soil refers to its pH value (its acidity or alkalinity). pH value affects many aspects of crop production and soil chemistry, including the availability of nutrients, the types of micro-organisms and the action of certain pesticides. Brown earths in Ireland are slightly acidic because of the high amount of rainfall and leaching of minerals in the soil. The pH of a soil is determined by climate, the bedrock, vegetation and cropping history. The addition of lime to the soil reduces pH levels. thereby reducing acidity. Fertilizers can affect soil pH, depending on what is used. C.A.N. (Calcium, Aluminium, Nitrate) has an acidifying effect. Cropping history also influences sol pH, for example if the same crop is planted it can strip alkaline nutrients from the soil leaving it acidic. The pH for most soil ranges from 5.5 to 7.5, and the most suitable pH for agriculture is 6.5. Leaching strips basic ions from soil leaving it acidic. Rotting vegetation produces CO2 which can cause a weak organic acid to form. Acidic soils lack calcium, magnesium and potassium which crops need to grow. The bedrock also influences soil pH as certain rocks produce certain soils. For example, granite in Donegal and Wicklow produce acidic soils. Neutral soils originate from limestone. 

Structure
Soil structure refers to the shape of peds in the soil. There are 3 main soil structures: crumb, platy or block. The structure of soil determines its degree of drainage and aeration. The water content of a soil is likewise influenced by structure. The moisture content of brown earth soils is influenced by the time of year and the topography. The optimum moisture content of soils is 25%. Air content is also vital and determined by the soils peds. Oxygen is needed for soil germination, plant growth, respiration and the breakdown of organic matter. The air content is influenced by climatic conditions including rainfall and human activities such as ploughing. The key geographic locations of brown earths in Ireland include the south, south-east and the midlands.

Humus Content
Humus refers to microscopic organic particles which are formed from decomposed organic matter. Soil organic material is made up of decaying remains of plants and animals. While humus is a relatively small part of soil, it is very important in determining the soils physical and chemical characteristics, including its fertility. Humus contributes to soil cation exchange capacity, water absorption and soil structure stability. It also aids the formation of soil aggregates, which controls pore size distribution, and the flow of water and air into and out of the soil. Humus also helps protect soil from erosion. The accumulation of humus in the O horizon leads to the release of nutrients into the soil. The main factors that determine the levels of organic matter in a soil are moisture, oxygen supply, pH and temperature. The humification rate varies according to climate; it is usually fast in hot humid regions and slow in cool, temperate conditions. In Ireland, for example, humification can take up to 10 years. The rich organic layer in the brown earth soils in Ireland is related to climatic conditions, which are favourable to the development of the natural deciduous forest biome. The addition of organic fertilizers (slurry and manure) and ploughing of crop residues increases organic matter and humus over time. However, the use of chemical pesticides can reduce biological activity and in turn reduces the level of humus.

Texture
Texture is the most important characteristic of a soil. The texture of soil influences drainage, nutrient content and the degree of which plant roots can penetrate it. Many of a soil's physical, chemical and biological attributes are related to texture, and textural determination is one of the essential elements in soil analysis. The texture of oil can be influenced by human activities such as ploughing, harrowing and the implementation of drainage programmes. Living organisms, especially burrowers, can also improve soil texture: moles, rabbits and earthworms can move and mix significant amounts of material over time. Parent material also has a significant role to play in influencing soil texture, for example when sandstone disintegrates it creates sandy soils, as in the Munster Valley region, while shale results in the formation of clay-dominant soils. Soil texture describes the size and distribution of individual soil particles, and the term usually refers to the amounts of sand, silt and clay in the soil. Soils are normally a mixture of all these, and a soil can be classified as loamy, sandy or clay, according to the proportions of sand, silt and clay in it. Brown earths have a loamy texture. Loamy soil has a mixture of sand, silt and clay, it is well aerated, has good drainage and retains minerals. Because of its fertility, farmers and gardeners prefer a loamy soil. In contrast, sandy soils contain more than 70% sand, they are well drained but may lose nutrients and are vulnerable to drought. Clay soils are described as heavy, and because the clay particles prevent water percolation they can become waterlogged. They can be difficult to plough and are best suited to pastoral farming.

Éirí Amach na Cásca 1916

*Just a small update on the last post, more about why we should be celebrating   the Rising.

''I ndiaidh a chéile a thógtar na caisleáin'' a deir an seanfhocal agus is fíor é maidir leis an tír ghlás álainn seo agus an stair corraitheach a bhaineann leí ó 1916 go 2016. Ní lá a ghabhann thart anois nach gcloistear faoi Éirí Amach na Cásca sna meáin go leor. Gan dabht ar bith, is cnámh spairne é, ach ar an abhar achrannach sin, caithfidh mé a chur an cheist: an cóir dúinn Éirí Amach na Cásca a cheiliúradh an bhliain seo?

Ba é Ardoifig an Phoist i mBaile Átha Cliath an lárionad dena heachtraí a tharla san Éirí Amach. Ghabh na reibilúinagh seilbh ar Ardoifig an Phoist Luan Cásca, an 24 Aibreán 1916. Inniu, tuigim an foirgnimh seo mar siombail chaithréimeach do ghníomhartha gaile is gaisce ár laochra náisiúnta a sheas suas go cróga in aghaidh ansmachta agus éagóra ar an Luan cinniúnach úd céad bliain óshin. ba iad sínitheoirí an fhorógra ná Eamonn Ceannt, Seamas O Congaile, Sean Mac Diarmada, Tomás Mac Donnacha, Pádraig Mac Piarais agus Seosamh Pluincéad. Bhí siad in aghaidh saoirse teoranta a tugadh ''Rialtas Dúchais''. Bhí saoirse iomlán, neamhspleáchas polaitiúil iomlán agus a bParlaimint féin ag teastail ó na ceannairí Gael. Mar sin, sílim gur cóir Éirí Amach na Cásca a cheiliúradh, mar murach Éirí Amach, bheadh Éire i bhfad níos difriúla inniu, ach níl aon dabht faoi sin.

Is cuid tábhachtach dár stair é an tÉirí Amach, agus mar sin, ceapaim gur uafásach an scéal nach dtuigeann a lán daoine óga in Éirinn inniu tábhacht agus torthaí na n-imeachtaí a tharla chéad bhliain ó shin. I ndáiríre, níor thuigim féin na himeachtaí roimh an bhliain seo. Creidim ní mór dúinn níos mó eolais a chur ar fáil i gcuraclaim staire na scoileanna mar chuid den ullmhú riachtanach don chomóradh mór an bhliain seo. Mar mura bhfoghlaimíonn aos óg na firicí faoin aimsir sin, bheadh an dáinséar ann i gcónaí go mbeidh siad ar nós cuma liom maidir leis na himeachtaí go léir a chuirfear ar siúl in onóir laochra 1916. Chomh maith leis sin, cuireann an tÉirí Amach go mór leis na trioblóidí i dTuaisceart na hÉireann. Má theastaíonn daoine óga na gníomharthaí sceimhlitheoireachta sin a fhoglaim, is gá níos mó eolais a chur ar fáil faoin Éirí Amach na Cásca.

Deirtear gurbh é ''saoirse creidimh, saoirse shibialta, cearta cothroma agus deiseanna cothroma'' an aisling a bhí ag na ceannairí Gael, ach ar ndóigh, theastaigh siad an spioraid Gaelach a chaomhnú ag an am céanna. Is é mo thuairim féin go bhfuil spiorad na sínitheoirí beo fós i measc muintir na hÉireann, agus gan aon agó, bheidís bródúil as ár gcultúr. Creidim féin gur thógfaidís bród áirithe as ár gcluichí Gaelacha. Tá clubanna CLG i ngach baile ar fud na tíre. Imrítear cluichí Gaelacha le mórtas agus meas. Samhlaigh sinitheoirí an fhorógra ag féachaint na gCluichí Cheannais na hÉireann i mí Meán Fomhair. Samhlaigh na tírghráthóirí ina seasamh go hard is go mórtasach ar Chnoc 16 agus iad ag béiceadh amach focail ''Amhrán na bhFiann''. Caithfear a rá go mhaireann an fíorspiorad Éireannach inár gcluichí dúchais; iománaíocht, camógaíocht, peil Ghaelach agus liathróid láimhe.

''Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam''. Seo seanfhocal ó bhéal Mac Piarais é féin. Buíochas leis an Éirí Amach, bhí rialtas na hÉireann ábalta an Ghaeilge agus cultúr na Gaeilge a chaomhnú ar fud na tíre. Bhunaigh Pádraig Mac Piarais an scoil lán-Ghaelach Scoil Éanna i Rath Fearnáin sa bhliain 1908 chun tréaniarracht a dhéanamh an teanga álainn shaibhir a chaomhnú agus a chosaint. Is léir gur bhuaigh a chuid iarrachtaí mar inniu, bíonn gach dalta ar fud na tíre ag foghlaim na Gaeilge agus ag déanamh an ábhar san Ardteist. Agus cé a chreidfeadh i 1916 go mbeadh ár teilifíse Gaeilge féin againn ar TG4, agus an stáisiúin raidío Raidío na Gaeltachta? Cinnte, tá éacht déanta acu ag cur ár gcultúr agus ár dteanga chun tosaigh. Creidim go huile is go hiomlán go mbeadh bród ag Piarais agus go leor na ceannairí eile as an dul chun cinn atá déanta inár dteanga dúchais le céad blianta anuas.

Ba é an príomhchúis leis an tÉirí Amach na Cásca 1916 ná chun neamhspleáchas polaitiúil a bhaint amach, agus is cinnte go n-éirí le ceannairí é sin a fhaigheann. Roimh an Éirí Amach, bhí polaiteoirí na Breataine Móire ag tochras a gceirtlín féin le blianta fada, agus is cinnte dearfa nach ar mhaithe le muintir na hÉireann a bhídís choíche. I ndáiríre. bhí siad ag iarraidh Impireacht na Breataine a leathnú. Ní raibh muid saor leis na céadta bliana ach, i 1916, tugadh seans úr dúinn saol nua a chruthú don phobal Éireannach den chéad uair. D'éirigh muidne freagrach as ár dtodhchaí, agus inniu, seasaimid go bródúil i measc náisiún uile an domhain inár dtír neamhspleách nua-aoiseach. Sin é cúis go leor eachtraí 1916 a cheiliúradh.

Is fada an bóthar atá súilta againn ón mbliain chinniúnach 1916. Thaispeáin Éirí Amach na Cásca dúinn go léir, má chuirimid uile le chéile, is féidir linn mar thír deacrachtaí ar bith a shárú. Is dóigh liom go mbeimís ag déanamh éagór mhaithe má ligimís an bhliain seo a théann thart gan an bhliaintiúil a chomóradh agus a cheiliúradh. Tá sé de dhualgas orainn mar sochaí an fís a bhí ag sínitheoirí an fhorógra a sheoladh ar aghaidh chuig na glúnta atá le teacht le mana na dtírghráthóirí inár gcroithe; ''seán agus sonas a lorg don náisiún uile agus do gach roinn di''. Beidh mé ag ceiliúradh an cuimhneacháin mór atá ag teacht le bród agus meas i mo chroí. 

Leaving Cert Irish Essay- The 1916 Easter Rising

Éiri Amach na Cásca 1916

Éiri Amach na Cásca 1916- é a cheiliúradh?

Níl lá a théann thart anois nach mbíonn scéal éigin faoi Éiri Amach na Cásca sna meain go léir. Is cnámh spairne é i measc óg agus aosta. San aiste seo, beidh mé ag díriú isteach ar an cheist achrannach úd: an cóir dúinn Éiri Amach na Cásca a cheiliúradh an bhliain seo?

Rugadh agus tógadh mé i mBaile Átha Cliath mar sin is 'Dub' ceart mé go smior na gcnámh. Nach minic a fheicim Ardoifig an Phoist inar thosaigh an tÉirí Amach agus gach uile uair a fheicim é, tuigtear go soiléir dom gur siombail chathréimeach é sin do ghníomhartha gaile is gaisce ár laochra náisiúnta a sheas suas go cróga in aghaidh ansmachta agus éagóra ar an Luan cinniúnach úd céad bliain ó shin. Bhí na laochra sin in aghaidh saoirse teoranta an bhille ar tugadh 'Rialtas Dúchais'. Bhí saoirse iomlán agus neamhspleáchas polaitiúil iomlán ag teastáil ón Phiarsach agus ó lucht eagraithe an Éirí Amach. Bhí a bParlaimint féin ag teastáil ó na ceannairí Gael. Mar sin sílim gur cóir Éirí Amach na Cásca a cheiliúradh in 2016 ar bhealach mór galanta mar murach Éirí Amach na Cásca, bheadh Éirí i bhfad níos difriúla inniu, agus níl aon dabht faoi sin.

Is cuid tábhachtach dár stair é an tÉirí Amach. Ní thuigfeadh daoine as tíortha eile tábhacht ná brí an imeachta lárnaigh sin i stair na hÉireann mar ní thuigfidís taithí náisiúnta ná oidhreacht pholaitiúil mhuintir na hÉireann. In Éirinn fós bíonn ceist an náisiúnachais á plé an t-am ar fad. Fiú inniu, tá an t-oileán beag seo deighilte fós agus is iarsma den stair choilíneach na trioblóidí uile a tharla, agus a tharlaíonn, i dTuaisceart na hÉireann.

Is uafásach an scéal, dar liomsa, nach dtuigeann a lán daoine óga in Éirinn inniu tábhacht agus torthaí na n-imeachtaí móra a tharla i dtosach na haoise seo caite. Ní mhór dúinn, dar liomsa, níos mó eolais a chur ar fáil i gcuraclaim staire na scoileanna mar chuid den ullmhú riachtanach don cheiliúradh mór an bhliain seo. Mar mura bhfoghlaimíonn aos óg na firicí faoin aimsir sin bheadh an dainséar i gcónaí ann go mbeidh siad ar nós cuma liom maidir leis na himeachtaí go léir a chuirfear ar siúl in onóir laochra 1916 an bhliain seo. 

Thug Éirí Amach na Cásca neamhspleáchas polaitiúil dúinne. Ní raibh muid saor leis na céadta bliain agus den chéad uair tugadh seans úr dúinn saol nua a chruthú don phobal Éireannach. Bhí polaiteoirí na Breataine Móire ag tochras a gceirtlín féin le blianta fasa agus is cinnte dearfa nach ar mhaithe le muintir na hÉireann a bhidís choíche. Buíochas le hiarrachtaí agus le híobairtí réabhlóidithe 1916, d'éirigh muidne, muintir na hÉireann, freagrach as ár dtodhchaí féin agus inniu seasann muid go bródúil i measc náisiún uile an domhain inár dtír neamhspleách nua-aoiseach. Nach bhfuil bród orainn go léir as a ndearnadh ar ár sonsa?

Creidim go háirithe gur rud cróga a rinne said mar ní raibh tacaíocht ach fiú ón chuid is mó dá lucht comhaimseartha, ach mar sin féin rinne siad an rus ceart in ainneoin sin agus uile.

Mar sin óna bhfuil ráite agam is léir go gceapaimse gur ceart Éirí Amach a cheiliúradh le bród inár gcroí. Buíochas leis an Éirí Amach, bhí rialtais na hÉireann ábalta, bliain ina dhiaidh bliana, an Ghaeilge agus cultúr na Gaeilge a chaomhnú san Gaeltachtaí agus ar fud na tíre i gcoitinne. Inniu bíonn daltaí ar fud na hÉireann ag foghlaim na Gaeilge ar scoil agus nárbh é Pádraig Mac Piarais a thuig tábhacht na teanga dúchais nuair a chuir sé Scoil Éanna ar bun amuigh i Rath Fearnáin- an chéad scoil lán-Ghaeilge. Is iomaí saoire a chaith an Piarsach é féin i gConamara ag iarraidh feabhas agus foirfeacht a chur ar a chuid Gaeilge. Thuig seisean go maith tábhacht na Gaeilge i bhfuascailt na tíre ó ansmacht na nGall nuair a dúirt sé a mhana cháiliúil: ''Tír gan teanga, tír gan anam''.

Thaispeáin Éirí Amach na Cásca dúinn go léir, má chuirimid uile le chéile, is féidir linn mar thír, deacrachtaí ar bith a shárú- nach fiú mar sin teacht le chéile mór stairiúil na tíre seo a cheiliúradh agus é a cheiliúradh ó chroí agus ar bhealach mórtasach groí galánta an bhliain seo.

Translation:

There isn't a day that passes now where there isn't some story about the 1916 Easter Rising in all the media. It's a bone of contention aong the young and the old. In this essay, I will be focusing in on this intricate question: should we celebarte the Easter Rising this year?

I was born and raised in Dublin so I am a true 'Dub' to the bone. Isn't it often I see the GPO where the Easter Rising started and everytime I see it, I understand it clearly as a symbol of battle of the gallant acts and achievements of the national heroes that stood up bravely against the tyranny and injustice on that fateful Monday a hundred years ago. These heroes were against the limited freedom the bill of Home Rule gave. Pearse and the organisers fo the Easter Rising wanted complete freedom and complete political independence. The Gaelic leaders wanted our own parliament. Therefore I think The Easter Rising should be celebrated in a big fancy way because if it wasn't for the Easter Rising, Ireland would be a lot different today, and there's no doubt about that.

The Rising is an important part of our history. People from other countries don't understand the importance or the meaning of these central evens in the history of Ireland because the national exerience or political heritage of the people of Ireland is not understood. In Ireland still the question of nationality is discussed the whole time. Even today, this small island is divided still and there are remnants of colonial history from the Troubles that happened, and are happening, in the North of Ireland.

It's a terrible story, I think, that a lot of young people in Ireland don't understand today the importance and the results of the big events that happened at the start of the last century. We should, I think, make more information available in the history curriculum in schools as part of the necessary preparations for the big celebration this year. Because if the young people don't learn the facts about this time, there would always be a danger that they wouldn't care about the all the events that will be held in honour of the heroes of 1916 this year.

The Easter Rising gave political independence to us. We weren't free for hundreds of years and for the first time a fresh chance was given to create a new life for the Irish community. The politicians of great Britain were furthering their own ends for years and it's certain that it wasn't for the good of the Irish people they were doing it. Thanks to the attempts and the revolutionary sacrifices of 1916, we became, the Irish people, responsible for our own industry and today we stand proud among other nations of the world in our independent, modern country. Aren't we all proud of what was done on our behalf?

I especially believe that they did a brave thing because they didn't have support even from the most part of the peers, but they did the right thing despite this and all.

From what I have said, it is clear that I think we should celebrate the Rising with pride in our hearts. Thanks to the Rising, the Irish government was able, year after year, to preserve Irish and the Irish culture in the Gaeltachts and around the country in general. Today students all over Ireland are learning Irish in school and wasn't it Padraig Pearse who understood the importance of the native language when he founded Scoil Éanna in Rathfarnham- the first all-Irish school. Pearse himself spent many a holiday in Connemara trying to improve and perfect his own Irish. He well understood the importance of Irish in the awakening of the country from the British tyranny when he said his own famous mantra: ''A country without a name is a country without a soul''.

The Easter Rising showed us all if we work together, we as a country can overcome any difficulty- even in coming together as a country to celebrate the history of this country and celebrating it from the heart in a proud vigorous way this year.