Marion Milner

me

[Ken O’Flynn TD @kenoflynnTD]

Today I wrote formally to the Board of the Zoological Society of Ireland, which operates Dublin Zoo, regarding their Mother’s Day promotion.

Many families contacted me expressing genuine offence at the decision to present a drag performance character as the public face of a celebration dedicated to mothers.

Mother’s Day is about recognising mothers. The women who carried children, raised families and made sacrifices across a lifetime.

Dublin Zoo is one of Ireland’s most prominent family institutions. Decisions taken by such institutions carry cultural meaning and responsibility.

In media coverage the zoo claimed this performer represents a “light-hearted celebration of Irish culture”.

I have asked the Board to explain exactly what they mean by that and how this decision was reached.

I have also asked whether the Board accepts that many mothers and families feel this promotion trivialised motherhood and whether an apology is now warranted.

Public institutions must be prepared to explain their decisions when those decisions cause legitimate public concern.

The full letter has been sent to the Board of the Zoological Society of Ireland today.

#MothersDay #RespectMothers #Ireland #Family

[Carvill John @JohnJCarvill]

@PaulTreyvaud At this stage, because of their totally inadequate response to massive public anger, it’s time for Dr Christoph Schwitzer to resign as head of Dublin Zoo. All he had to do was say sorry, we made a mistake, we’ll correct it. The buck stops at the top. Resign @c_schwitzer

[Gerard @downgerd]

@PaulTreyvaud Time for Christoph Schwitzer Director of @DublinZoo to explain why he is using an obese bearded man to represent women and Mothers

[LauraM @LauraMu26036754]

@PaulTreyvaud This took a minute to make but it's much more friendly, it's cute, animal themed, Dublin zoo advertisement is insulting to women and mothers, where is the mother in the advert! Absolutely ridiculous advert, this wouldn't make me want to visit Dublin zoo

[Paul Treyvaud @PaulTreyvaud]

This is an absolute national disgrace.

Mothers of Ireland, this is what Dublin Zoo thinks of you.

‘Mammies go free’ for Mother’s Day and this is the picture they use to promote it

Who in the name of god signed off on this. They probably think, well everyone will share it so the whole country will be talking about us

Perhaps, but not for the right reasons

It’ll be interesting to see when they come looking for donations because footfall drops.

This is simply beyond disgraceful

[John Fitzpatrick @johnmfitzp]

Cork v Tipperary
What a game, an advert for the sport of Hurling. We’ve had goals, a sending off, Cork have hit the post or cross bar 4 times. These are amateur players, playing for their counties, no big money transfers. They will be back at work This is what pride is about!

[Balls.ie @ballsdotie]

There will be no homecoming for the Cork hurlers this evening, at the behest of players and management.

Cork GAA released a statement this morning confirming the news.

Large crowds attended SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh last July to welcome the Cork hurlers home after their All-Ireland defeat to Clare.

The Tipp hurlers will bring Liam MacCarthy back to Thurles this evening.

[Larry Ryan @RyanLarry]

TJ warming up for the @daloanto preview show at @SarsfieldsCork impressive gym.

[Nature is Amazing ☘️ @AMAZlNGNATURE]

This is the real face of humanity...

[Ger McCarthy @germccarthy74]

Latest from @BigRedBench @germccarthy74

🏆 @MunsterGAA SFC semi-final

🔴⚪️ @OfficialCorkGAA 1-17
🟢🟡 @Kerry_Official 1-17

��️ @SuperValuIRL @PaircUiCha0imh
⏱️ 61
#️⃣ #corkgaa #cork #gaa #Munster

Red card for Paudie Clifford. Kerry will see out the remaining time with 14 players.

Can Cork make their numerical advantage count? Cathail O’Mahony and Sean McDonnell land 2-pointers before Chris Óg Jones GOALS !!!

[Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband]

Rory McIlroy lifting up and hugging his daughter Poppy.

This is what it’s all about. #TheMasters

[Jared Doerfler @DoerflerJared]

Rory’s dad worked 100 hours a week. His mom worked night shift in a factory.

All to support him chasing his dream.

I find this stuff inspiring. Behind success is great sacrifice.

Sometimes it doesn’t pan out - sometimes it does. But you’ll never find out if you don’t try.

[The Athletic @TheAthletic]

Rory McIlroy is the first man from Northern Ireland — and the island of Ireland — to win the Masters 🇮🇪

[Aoife Dowd Artist @Aoifedowdartist]

Faoi Bhláth♥️

[The GAA @officialgaa]

A year to remember for Jack O'Connor! 👏

Hear the Sarsfields' clubman's thoughts after picking up an AIB Club Team of the Year award! ✨

[Craic Of The Ash @CraicOfTheAsh]

Sport is secondary tonight in Cork. Rip Ray Ryan

[UCC GAA @ucc_gaa]

Fresher All Ireland champions 2012, John Corcoran presents the cup to Conor Lehane. The John Corcoran Cup will be presented to the winners of Thursday’s final between UCC and UL remembering a great man @ul_gaa @HigherEdGAA @UCCSport @SaintMarysGAA @FiFinnymac @Denis_Hurley

[Glanmire noticeboard @GNBCORK]

Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Riverstown will be open for parking from 3.15 pm tomorrow to help alleviate parking pressure for Ray Ryan's removal.
May dear Ray Rest In Peace.
Pádraig Bracken.@scoilnaomhiosaf @padraigosull @SarsfieldsCork

[Glanmire LGFC @glanmireladies]

POSTPONED…

We have made the decision As a mark of respect to Aishling, the Ryan family & our wider gaa club.

More information & a reorganised event will be communicated through the various team mgts over the coming days & weeks.

Mind each other.

🙏🏼🫶🏼🏐🫶🏼🙏🏼

@GNBCORK