Barry O'Connor

A Chicago jury awarded $29m in damages to the family of Michael Ryan, an Irish United Nations World Food Programme engineer who was killed in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max crash. His widow, Naoise Connolly Ryan, brought the civil case against Boeing. Her lawyers described the verdict as an important measure of accountability, while Boeing expressed sympathy and said families have the right to pursue claims in court. Ryan was remembered for humanitarian work in several countries, including building shelters, infrastructure and medical centres.

A Chicago jury awarded $29m in damages to the family of Michael Ryan, an Irish United Nations World Food Programme engineer killed in Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in 2019. His widow, Naoise Connolly Ryan, sued Boeing, whose spokesperson expressed sympathy and said families have the right to pursue claims. Ryan’s lawyers described the verdict as an important step toward accountability, while highlighting his humanitarian work in several countries. The report also explains how conflicting sensor readings triggered the aircraft’s automated system to repeatedly push the nose down before the crash.

Jonathan Anderson will present Dior’s Fall 2027 collection at Trinity College Dublin, marking both his first show in Ireland and the fashion house’s debut in the country. The designer described the opportunity as deeply personal, noting his early career in Dublin. Dior highlighted the Old Library as a culturally significant backdrop, while the announcement referenced Carmel Snow’s historic endorsement of Christian Dior’s work.

Jonathan Anderson will debut Dior’s Fall 2027 collection at Trinity College Dublin on 4 December, marking his first show in Ireland and the fashion house’s first in the country. Anderson described the opportunity as deeply personal, citing his early career in Dublin. Dior highlighted the Old Library as the show’s backdrop and referenced Dublin-born Carmel Snow’s historic influence on the brand.

More than 300 emergency calls were received by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service during Eleventh night, with 151 incidents attended, many linked to bonfires ahead of Twelfth of July parades. Firefighters withdrew from one bonfire in Cookstown after encountering hostility, and a major fire in Greenisland destroyed two homes. Additional incidents included property fires in Belfast, Antrim, and Coleraine, along with a lorry fire in Newry. Authorities warned of safety risks amid warm weather and ongoing bonfire activity, while several bonfires drew controversy over anti‑immigration messages and a replica mosque placed on one site.

Linfield FC demanded full and unconditional apologies from the Alliance Party after the party used an image featuring the club’s badge in a social media post promoting legislation on abusive flags. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw apologised for any offence caused, but Linfield criticised the response as conditional and objected to the association of its badge with the issue of abusive flags. The Alliance Party said the image was intended to highlight legitimate cultural expression and removed it to avoid misinterpretation. Political figures from the DUP and TUV criticised the incident, while Alliance leader Naomi Long defended the party’s intentions.

Linfield FC demanded full and unconditional apologies from the Alliance Party after the party used an image featuring the club’s badge in a post promoting a bill addressing abusive flags. Alliance MLA Paula Bradshaw removed the graphic and apologised, but the club rejected it as conditional. The dispute prompted criticism from unionist parties, with Alliance leader Naomi Long defending the image’s intent and accusing critics of misinterpretation.

Traders in Smithfield Market in Belfast report deteriorating conditions, citing dirty exteriors, broken lights, poor maintenance and minimal communication from Belfast City Council. Shop owners say these issues have hurt footfall and left them feeling ignored, particularly compared with other city markets. The council maintains it is committed to the market and is addressing maintenance needs, while a Green Party councillor calls for better communication and renewed attention to the area.

Traders at Smithfield Market in Belfast describe deteriorating conditions and poor communication from Belfast City Council, citing issues such as broken lighting, lack of cleaning, poor maintenance and minimal engagement. Shop owners say these problems contribute to reduced footfall and a sense of neglect compared to other markets in the city. Belfast City Council responds that it is committed to improvements and is addressing maintenance concerns. Green Party councillor Brian Smyth supports traders' calls for better communication and increased attention to the area.

Sinn Féin briefly voted against its own amendment during a Dáil cost‑of‑living debate after the question was posed in Irish, prompting confusion among members who did not understand the language. Speaker Verona Murphy repeated the vote in English, after which Sinn Féin supported the amendment. Aontú leader Peader Tóibín highlighted the error and commented on the party’s relationship with the Irish language. The incident prompted references to previous disputes involving Irish-language use in the chamber, including a 2025 exchange between Micheál Martin and Mary Lou McDonald.

A government review finding maternity services in England unsafe prompted renewed criticism that Northern Ireland has failed to implement reforms recommended in a 2024 review led by Mary Renfrew. She warned that despite strong support for her proposals, a comprehensive regional action plan has not materialized. Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister said delays stem from capacity issues and wider problems in the health system, highlighting stalled projects such as Belfast's new maternity hospital and service suspensions at Daisy Hill. The review, initiated after a coroner’s ruling on the death of baby Jaxon McVey, called for a full overhaul and set out 32 recommendations with a five-year change programme.

A review author warns Northern Ireland has missed a key chance to reform maternity services despite broad support for proposed changes. Professor Mary Renfrew said only small steps have been taken since her 2024 report and an overarching regional action plan is still lacking. The Department of Health maintains work is underway, but Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister says limited capacity and wider service problems are slowing progress. The review, prompted by failings linked to a 2017 infant death, outlines 32 recommendations and a five‑year programme aimed at addressing serious weaknesses in maternity care.