"Misfortunate" in wheelchair begging on Eyre Sq.

Run_to_da_hills

I was waiting at Ayre Sq for the No 3 bus the other night and I saw this woman across the road in a wheelchair struggling, and I mean struggling to make it up the incline on her own. I was just about to cross over to the other side of the road to give her a hand and I got distracted with call.

When I turned around she was right back at the bottom of the incline again, this time looking closely she was hassling passers and taxi drivers for change as she struggled again up the hill, the process was repeated several times until the bus arrived.

In Dublin a few years back a Roma was caught out by the media walking away normally after spending the whole day incapacitated on crutches begging from paper cups off the longmile road.

Has anyone ever studied the legitimacy of this individual, is it genuine?

Mr.Mister

Was she of Romanian origin? If so she's the same one who is out in the Headford Road direction whose always floating about the N17 superstore.

LadyMayBelle

I saw that women last year, doing that same thing (this is on the path across the road from number 3, as in outside o'Connells pub). So many people ended up pushing her up the hill, and then having her give her some change because they felt sorry for her. Then she'd free wheel all the way down again

Run_to_da_hills

Mr.Mister wrote: »

Was she of Romanian origin? If so she's the same one who is out in the Headford Road direction whose always floating about the N17 superstore.

Romanian and Roma are two seperate peoples, don't confuse them. Even SNCF have this problem.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1253130/Railway-race-row-SNCF-displays-posters-warning-passengers-report-sightings-Romanians-thefts.html

PopeBuckfastXVI

This thread will not become a 'Characters of Galway' thread.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yCtH2xUBXg

/moderation.

kodute

Anyone else see that galway character.... *sees PBs moderation*
Uh oh..

So shouldn't this type of begging be illegal?

biko

Begging was illegal.
The Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847 was introduced during the Great Famine. Section 3 of the Act made begging in a public place an offence and provided for a sentence of up to three months on conviction on that charge.

BUT, then a Dublin man in 2007 won a High Court claim that a law outlawing begging in a public place is unconstitutional because it excessively interferes with his right of freedom of expression. This opened up the floodgates.

New laws are on their way, or may have been introduced already, not sure.

Columc

Begging is one things, but what this person is doing is on the lines of scamming, making people belive she is struggling wither her disadvantage, and takeing the advantages of people being nice to increase her loose change.

Saying that, It is also hard to know who are the people trying to take advantage of you. Makes me now rethink any good deed I would usualy do, asking myself well have they been doing this all day to try get some sympity money?

Disgrace really. Always had some sort of begging in galway, and thats fine enough to a certain degree but this adds a whole new level onto it, which is a sad day to Galway

Run_to_da_hills

biko wrote: »

Begging was illegal.
The Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847 was introduced during the Great Famine. Section 3 of the Act made begging in a public place an offense and provided for a sentence of up to three months on conviction on that charge.

BUT, then a Dublin man in 2007 won a High Court claim that a law outlawing begging in a public place is unconstitutional because it excessively interferes with his right of freedom of expression. This opened up the floodgates.

New laws are on their way, or may have been introduced already, not sure.

Yes they are on the way, more should i say nuisance laws, ie begging within 50ft of ATM's 50ft, doorwells of places of work, retail outlets etc which would should cover most urban thoroughfares and taxi ranks.

There should be no excuse for begging in this country, those that are genuinely poor and in need should be eligible for state benefits, those that are begging and in "need" that are not eligible for state benefits should be sent home on the first boat.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0130/1224263434247.html

Xiney

I wish they'd outlaw chuggers while they were at it.

QikBax

She's definitely a fraud. I saw her walking with the wheelchair on Sandy road about a year ago.

I always shoot her a dirty look whenever I see her. I'm such a badass

sealgaire

She is no more wheelchair bound than I am

biko

Not sure about this particular individual but I was in Sri Lanka years back and was sitting outside a bar.
Over the shoulder of a mate I see a guy walking across the road a couple of hundred meters away, carrying some crutches under his arm.
Sure enough, a few minutes later he drags himself up to our table on the very same crutches.
I just laughed.

Run_to_da_hills

jamc wrote: »

She's definitely a fraud. I saw her walking with the wheelchair on Sandy road about a year ago.

I always shoot her a dirty look whenever I see her. I'm such a badass

Next time have your vid camera ready.

People really need to be vigilante with things like this. If you even catch a glimpse of her getting out of the wheelchair, take a photo or videotape it.

Only thing is where would you go once you've gotten evidence?

Oh - and anyone see Knack- oh wait - those keys were jingling. He means business.

EI111

Does she look indian rather than romanian?

LadyMayBelle

EI111 wrote: »

Does she look indian rather than romanian?

That's the lady I saw, I would describe her more as Indian.

EI111

LadyMayBelle wrote: »

That's the lady I saw, I would describe her more as Indian.

Has anyone seen her actually begging?

biko

Roma are a tribe originally from India.
Romanians are from Romania.
Romania has the largest portion of Roma living within their borders.
But they're not the same.

Run_to_da_hills

EI111 wrote: »

Has anyone seen her actually begging?

Yes, I saw her hassling passengers and drivers at the taxi rank on Eyre Sq as mentioned in the OP. Most drivers brushed her off as they would have be familiar with her at this stage however tourist passengers may not.

Roma can also have salo complexion, ie dark skin and jet black hair. A video cam would be the business to catch her on the act and then hand the footage over to the authorities.

She looks Roma (the Roma are of Indian origin) - I have seen her around the N17 store / Dunnes Terryland.

I remember a campaign by the mayor of London not to give money to beggars - to give it to charity instead.

If I ever see her walking I will take a picture and send to the Advertiser.

Run_to_da_hills

Deleted User wrote: »

She looks Roma (the Roma are of Indian origin) - I have seen her around the N17 store / Dunnes Terryland.

I remember a campaign by the mayor of London not to give money to beggars - to give it to charity instead.

If I ever see her walking I will take a picture and send to the Advertiser.

The Sunday World would be a better bet as the story would get nationwide. They thrive on this stuff like the double jointed beggar that use to drag his feer along the Nulans x / Walkingstown junction. A camera crew followed him around the corner and caught him red handed walking away with his crutches under his arm, same guy was seen with a flash mobile phone making calls.

telepylus

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

Yes they are on the way, more should i say nuisance laws, ie begging within 50ft of ATM's 50ft, doorwells of places of work, retail outlets etc which would should cover most urban thoroughfares and taxi ranks.

There should be no excuse for begging in this country, those that are genuinely poor and in need should be eligible for state benefits, those that are begging and in "need" that are not eligible for state benefits should be sent home on the first boat.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2010/0130/1224263434247.html

to be eligible for state benefits you need to have a fixed address, and if you are homeless you don't have one, henceforth not eligible for them. For many individuals who cannot stay in homeless hostels, they have no refuge except sleeping on the streets or in squats. for many, staying in a hostel with numerous other individuals all suffering from one issue or another is not viable, so begging is the only option. the arguments will always go forth that they are just going to spend it on drink etc. but in fairness, if you were sleeping outdoors in the likes of the winter we just had, I think you would spend most of your money on drink too.

I see this woman begging everyday at n17 shop, terryland etc. She seems to have her working hours of begging and then in the evening she just stalls around the place. She's always outside that indian take away near the bike shop. not sure what the story with her is

TheCosmicFrog

Crap, I gave her a push up the road from Monsoon to the top of Eyre Square. Didn't ask me for money or anything, nor was anything implied. Thought she was just wheelchair-bound and tired. Was raining too, so felt really bad. Definitely her too, I would describe her more as Indian.

Will know better for next time!

inisboffin

TheCosmicFrog wrote: »

Crap, I gave her a push up the road from Monsoon to the top of Eyre Square. Didn't ask me for money or anything, nor was anything implied. Thought she was just wheelchair-bound and tired. Was raining too, so felt really bad. Definitely her too, I would describe her more as Indian.

Will know better for next time!

If she didn't ask you for cash, what harm is done? She could very well be wheelchair bound and tired, whether she is begging or not. I dunno, seems like a hard life either way...

telepylus

telepylus wrote: »

to be eligible for state benefits you need to have a fixed address, and if you are homeless you don't have one, henceforth not eligible for them. For many individuals who cannot stay in homeless hostels, they have no refuge except sleeping on the streets or in squats. for many, staying in a hostel with numerous other individuals all suffering from one issue or another is not viable, so begging is the only option. the arguments will always go forth that they are just going to spend it on drink etc. but in fairness, if you were sleeping outdoors in the likes of the winter we just had, I think you would spend most of your money on drink too.

Still not a good reason to give money directly to someone on the street rather than a homeless charity or whatever.

Run_to_da_hills

TheCosmicFrog wrote: »

Crap, I gave her a push up the road from Monsoon to the top of Eyre Square. Didn't ask me for money or anything, nor was anything implied. Thought she was just wheelchair-bound and tired. Was raining too, so felt really bad. Definitely her too, I would describe her more as Indian.

Will know better for next time!

Did you wait and see if she would go back down to the bottom of the hill again when you left her?

GalwayKiefer

I've seen her several times out at Terryland Retail Park both in the wheelchair and walking around without it so it's obviously not too essential for her. She was hassling me for money in Dunnes' carpark a week ago and I told her no a few times as i was loading things into my van. Went to reverse out and couldn't see her her anywhere so just to be sure I jumped out and she was behind my van waiting for me to clip her (and presumably sue). :mad: She learned a few new words that day.

inisboffin

From what I can tell, there are at least two women who look similar and one is definitely a genuine wheelchair bound person (my friend works in the hospital). Sounds like there is a second woman who may be a chancer. Just thinking we should be careful who we are judging, based on who it *might* be from a boards discussion.
It may also be that one of these women has a back injury and is in pain, but is able to walk.
*augmenting* begging power seems a way lesser scam than someone trying to sell you a dud, short change you, or rob your house.
Agree giving people cash can be an issue. TBH if I give someone money it is up to them what they do with it, as that's the way I would want it if *I were on the streets! A cuppa tea is often appreciated though if you feel like your money is going astray.

mhigh86

GalKiefer wrote: »

I've seen her several times out at Terryland Retail Park both in the wheelchair and walking around without it so it's obviously not too essential for her. She was hassling me for money in Dunnes' carpark a week ago and I told her no a few times as i was loading things into my van. Went to reverse out and couldn't see her her anywhere so just to be sure I jumped out and she was behind my van waiting for me to clip her (and presumably sue). :mad: She learned a few new words that day.

when i live in limerick city there was this guy that used to beg, he'd go around in crutches all day, then in the evenings he put the crutches away and walk home.

Mrs OBumble

EI111 wrote: »

Has anyone seen her actually begging?

Yup, she asked me for money yesterday.

I just smiled at her and said no: I usually say a friendly hello to beggars before they ask me and move on quickly. The regulars get to know it, some keep on asking out of habit, some give up. (I live in the inner city).

Franky, she's less damaging to society than some bankers.

telepylus

inisboffin wrote: »

*augmenting* begging power seems a way lesser scam than someone trying to sell you a dud, short change you, or rob your house.
Agree giving people cash can be an issue. TBH if I give someone money it is up to them what they do with it, as that's the way I would want it if *I were on the streets! A cuppa tea is often appreciated though if you feel like your money is going astray.

I agree

paconnors

she does canvas salthill as well at the weekends when there is more people about have even seen her in seapoint harrasing the customers for cash, but she gets fecked out every time she goes in, also her wheelchair squeeks, so she is known to some as squeeky.

Run_to_da_hills

GalKiefer wrote: »

I've seen her several times out at Terryland Retail Park both in the wheelchair and walking around without it so it's obviously not too essential for her. She was hassling me for money in Dunnes' carpark a week ago and I told her no a few times as i was loading things into my van. Went to reverse out and couldn't see her her anywhere so just to be sure I jumped out and she was behind my van waiting for me to clip her (and presumably sue). :mad: She learned a few new words that day.

This is the very carry on that I would be ver worried about. Is there someone above her that would be making off her, who else could be involved.?

martyboy48

I am totally against these scams, but I'd just like to make two points.
1 If people are foolish enough to give them money it's their hard luck imo. Begging,(seperate issue I know) or any body with their hand out shouldn't be given money. If you do want to do something, buy them some food/tea/coffee, talk to them, maybe do some charity work which would benifit them ect..

2 There seems to be a few references in posts prevoius regarding people getting up out of wheelchairs and walking, and being made out to be benefit fraudsters.. I'd just like to point out that a person may have limited mobility. For example, my father, he can't walk(more of an unstable shuffle) for more than 2 mins before he has to sit again. So if he has to go any distance at all he will be in a wheelchair even though he can get up from it and 'walk' to another seat...
I'm not giving out to any of the previous posters, just highlighting a fact... And no, my father is not a begger or fraudster:D:D:D

Thargor

Ive seen all these female Roma beggars having a conference with some fat Roma man in the alley down near the library a few times now, the one beside the church with the headshop and cafe in it, its a little business they've got going. Personally I cant stand them, Id sooner throw my money in the river especially if it turns out they're on the dole aswell. Hurry up with the new begging legislation.

inisboffin

Thargor wrote: »

Ive seen all these female Roma beggars having a conference with some fat Roma man in the alley down near the library a few times now, the one beside the church with the headshop and cafe in it, its a little business they've got going. Personally I cant stand them, Id sooner throw my money in the river especially if it turns out they're on the dole aswell. Hurry up with the new begging legislation.

If you know for *sure* that these people are in some kind of scam-gang, and you know for *sure* that it is scamming the system, and taking extra benefits, then that's one thing, but otherwise I don't see how it's any different to talking a business down on boards tbh, and might be just as libellous (never mind the race card as you said it was *all* of them)...

If you feel strongly that they are scamming the dole, and you need to so something about it, why not just take a photo and report them? A business begging scam is different to an individual begging.

Thargor

What race card? They're obviously Roma, and yes, it was all of the Roma beggars, the one with the baby near the O2 shop, the 2 fat ones from down at the Amnesty International shop and the one with the horrible teeth that begs on the bridge, they're begging, so that makes them beggars, you see? No racism there that I can see. I think you're really clutching at straws in your attempt to be all self righteous here.

And no, I dont think expressing distaste for what is clearly an organised scheme in there group (and they are a group, as Ive seen them having a group meeting on 3 occasions now) is the same as "talking down" a legitimate business at all, wherever you got that from I dont know, also the idea that this discussion is libellous when I didnt mention anyone is pretty laughable you'd have to admit.

inisboffin

Thargor wrote: »

What race card? They're obviously Roma, and yes, it was all of the Roma beggars, the one with the baby near the O2 shop, the 2 fat ones from down at the Amnesty International shop and the one with the horrible teeth that begs on the bridge, they're begging, so that makes them beggars, you see? No racism there that I can see. I think you're really clutching at straws in your attempt to be all self righteous here.

And no, I dont think expressing distaste for what is clearly an organised scheme in there group (and they are a group, as Ive seen them having a group meeting on 3 occasions now) is the same as "talking down" a legitimate business at all, wherever you got that from I dont know, also the idea that this discussion is libellous when I didnt mention anyone is pretty laughable you'd have to admit.

Thargor, I am not trying to be righteous! A dude in Dublin had his eye on a 'Roma' beggar for nicking sweets- turned out she was a legally here Pakistani national who was taking the p*ss! I don't know how you can possibly know they're all Roma and also make sweeping statements like it's *all* the Roma beggars in Galway??? There are a lot of them you know!

The 'characters of Galway' thread is often locked for just this reason - you are describing and accusing (whether there's truth or not) people in Galway without proof to back it up. Begging isn't illegal. But if 'they' are on the dole and meeting en-masse down alleys, then isn't that some sort of organised crime? Or else they are all from the same family and just 'meeting'. It is either legal or it isn't...that's why I suggested if you felt it was that illegal then report it to the dole.

a123

GalKiefer wrote: »

I've seen her several times out at Terryland Retail Park both in the wheelchair and walking around without it so it's obviously not too essential for her. She was hassling me for money in Dunnes' carpark a week ago and I told her no a few times as i was loading things into my van. Went to reverse out and couldn't see her her anywhere so just to be sure I jumped out and she was behind my van waiting for me to clip her (and presumably sue). :mad: She learned a few new words that day.

She has done that to me too.
I got petrol at the pumps and went to park over at the Indian as I was wating to meet someone. She was sitting in her chair on the mini roundabout, Luckily I was going slow as I was just pulling out of petrol station but if someone pulled in from the road junction they would have had no chance to avoid her.
I motioned to her to move, which she did and I went to park, she moved down the footpath and when I went to reverse into the space she moved again to be directly behind me.:mad:

swe_fi

a123 wrote: »

She has done that to me too.
I got petrol at the pumps and went to park over at the Indian as I was wating to meet someone. She was sitting in her chair on the mini roundabout, Luckily I was going slow as I was just pulling out of petrol station but if someone pulled in from the road junction they would have had no chance to avoid her.
I motioned to her to move, which she did and I went to park, she moved down the footpath and when I went to reverse into the space she moved again to be directly behind me.:mad:

What you and Galkiefer just said is actually shocking stuff. If it turns out as someone suggested she might be a legitimate business I suppose we'll just have to take your input as consumer advice.

I have seen the woman described as well, and she was asking me for money but I did not give her any. Something does not feel right about her and that wheelchair, the way she "maneuvers" it or what you would say.