Reporting from the Connect conference, Emmet Malone writes in the Irish Times that pay rates below the minimum wage and long waiting lists for tuition are acting as major deterrents to those considering apprenticeships in vital trades, while Barry Roche reports that delays getting appointments with specialists are leading many migrant workers to return to their native countries for medical treatment.

The Dublin People newspaper has this piece today, marking the centenary of the Battle of Liberty Hall.

Elsewhere, it's reported that Professor Philip Nolan has accused some senior members of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) of making claims against him as part of an “orchestrated attempt” to frustrate organisational reform. Nolan made a High Court application yesterday that secured a 24-hour pause to his dismissal as director general of the SFI.

Elsewhere, draft planning legislation will make it a crime to demand “go away” money for not lodging or withdrawing appeals against property development, while Pat Leahy tries to capture the mood of the local and European elections.

Zen

I was sorry to hear about the passing of old Mr Brennan, who I now realise wasn't really that old (40-ish) when those distinctive radio ads for Brennan's bread began airing in the late 70s / early 80s. Those much-loved ads were complemented by a pre-internet viral sensation as this version did the rounds some time in the late 80s. My memory is that this version was circulated on cassette tape, which seems unthinkable now. 

Your bonus Zen moment today is for anyone heading to Forbidden Fruit at IMMA this weekend. Festival lineups grow increasingly unfamiliar as time marches on, but this isn't about me. As old Mr Brennan used to say, "Enjoy yizzer selves."

Have a great bank holiday weekend.

Niall