David Young

Healthcare assistant Ciara Corvan was sentenced at Craigavon Crown Court to a two-year probation order and 100 hours of community service after pleading guilty to seven counts of ill-treatment involving four dementia patients at the Bluestone Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital. She photographed and recorded patients, sharing mocking images and videos on Snapchat. The judge condemned the abuse as a violation of the patients’ dignity and trust, while police described it as Northern Ireland’s first prosecution of its kind. Families said the conduct represented a gross violation of their relatives’ human rights; Corvan was warned that breaching the probation order could result in imprisonment.

A 25-year-old law student, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, was charged after Gardaí stopped a car near Carrickmacross and found a suspected sophisticated bomb containing Semtex and a detonator. A second man remains in custody. Sullivan was granted bail under strict conditions after her solicitor said she had been asked to transport a bag and did not know its contents. Garda and political officials described the seizure as highly significant and warned that dissident republican groups continue to pose a threat. Authorities in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK praised the close cross-border cooperation that prevented a potential attack.

A law student, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, was charged after Gardaí stopped her car near Carrickmacross and allegedly found a sophisticated device containing Semtex and a detonator. A second man remained in custody. Sullivan’s solicitor said she had been manipulated into carrying the bag, and she was granted bail under strict conditions. Gardaí, Irish and Northern Irish officials, and politicians described the seizure as highly significant and stressed the continuing dissident republican threat and the importance of cross-border security cooperation.

Law student Isobella Perrie Sullivan was charged after Gardaí intercepted a car near the Irish border containing a suspected sophisticated dissident republican bomb with Semtex and a detonator. She was granted bail under strict conditions, including a €15,000 surety, passport surrender and daily reporting. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly called the seizure extremely significant, while Irish and Northern Irish officials praised cross-border cooperation that they said prevented potential loss of life.

Irish police intercepted a vehicle carrying an allegedly sophisticated, military-grade explosive on the N2 near Carrickmacross in County Monaghan. A woman in her twenties and a man in his forties were arrested in connection with the device, which was examined and defused by the Irish Defence Forces’ explosive ordnance disposal team. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said the seizure demonstrated an ongoing threat from dissident republicans and highlighted close cooperation among An Garda Síochána, the PSNI and UK intelligence services.

Gardaí intercepted a vehicle carrying an “extremely significant” and highly sophisticated bomb containing suspected military-grade explosives on the N2 near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. The operation targeted dissident republicans, and the Irish Defence Forces confirmed the device after examining the vehicle. A woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s were arrested. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said a small minority of radicalised republicans who reject the Good Friday Agreement continue to pose a threat.

Stephen McCullagh was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum 31-year tariff for murdering his pregnant girlfriend, Natalie McNally, in Lurgan in December 2022. He staged a prerecorded Grand Theft Auto livestream on YouTube to create an alibi, tried to implicate McNally’s ex-boyfriend, and acted distressed around her family after the killing. The judge described the attack as brutal, calculated and exceptionally culpable, noting that McNally’s unborn child also died and that her face was placed in a dog bowl as part of her humiliation.

Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar said a Reform UK-led British government that pursued a harder Brexit and withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights could accelerate debate over Irish reunification. Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan similarly said such a government might bring forward a border poll and argued that Irish governments should begin planning for constitutional change, while acknowledging sensitivities among Northern Ireland’s unionist population. Political figures also discussed retaining Stormont and the Police Service of Northern Ireland in a united Ireland. Northern Ireland Secretary policy on calling a referendum remains undefined, while Keir Starmer has said reunification is not currently on the horizon.

Edinburgh Airport was evacuated after police discovered a potentially suspicious package on Friday evening. Police Scotland deployed an explosive ordnance disposal team, causing road closures and significant passenger disruption. The airport reopened around 3am on Saturday, but travelers were warned to check with their airlines because delays and cancellations were expected to continue throughout the day.

Police attended an altercation outside The Middle Ale, Lidl’s newly opened pub in Dundonald near Belfast, after a group of customers were asked to leave following last orders. One man was taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be serious. Lidl said security staff assisted with removing the group and stressed its zero-tolerance approach to disorderly behaviour, while the Police Service of Northern Ireland said inquiries were continuing. The pub opened as part of Lidl’s strategy to navigate Northern Ireland’s tightly controlled alcohol-licensing system after the chain could not demonstrate a shortage of off-licences in the area.

Lidl has opened The Middle Ale, its first pub, in Dundonald near Belfast to navigate Northern Ireland’s restrictive alcohol-licensing rules. Unable to obtain a conventional off-licence, the supermarket successfully argued that the area had too few bars and secured a pub licence. The 60-seat venue includes a separate off-licence section, is located beside an existing Lidl store, and has created eight jobs.

Lidl has opened The Middle Ale, a 60-seat pub and attached off-licence beside its supermarket in Dundonald near Belfast. Because Northern Ireland’s strict licensing rules made an off-licence application difficult, Lidl secured a pub licence by arguing that the area lacked sufficient bars, overcoming a legal challenge in the process. The opening created eight jobs, offers Lidl’s full range of beer, wine and spirits, and included a £1,000 gift-voucher donation to Dundonald Foodbank.

Lady Eleanor Donaldson has been ruled unfit to stand trial at Newry Crown Court after psychiatric evidence was considered. She will instead face a trial of the facts, which can examine the evidence but cannot result in a criminal conviction. Her husband, former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, is due to face trial on 18 alleged sexual offences, including rape, covering alleged incidents between 1985 and 2008. The court will decide whether the two proceedings should run together or separately.

Eleanor Donaldson has been ruled unfit to stand trial in a historic sexual offences case after medical evidence was presented. She will instead face a trial of the facts, which can assess the evidence but cannot result in a criminal conviction. Her husband, former Democratic Unionist Party leader Jeffrey Donaldson, is a co-defendant who denies 18 alleged offences, including rape and indecent assault. A judge will decide whether the proceedings against Eleanor Donaldson will run alongside his trial.

A car explosion was reported outside a Police Service of Northern Ireland facility in Dunmurry, on the outskirts of Belfast. Homes in the Kingsway area were evacuated and the public was told to avoid the area while police managed a security alert, established cordons and began an evacuation operation. Sinn Féin assembly member Danny Baker and DUP leader Gavin Robinson expressed concern, with Robinson suggesting dissident republicans could be responsible. The incident follows an attempted attack involving a viable explosive device at Lurgan police station the previous month.

A statue of Queen Victoria at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital was covered in red paint in an incident claimed by the Irish republican group Lasair Dhearg, which described the monarch as the “Famine Queen” and called for the removal of symbols of British imperialism. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is investigating the alleged criminal damage and appealing for witnesses, while the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is arranging for the paint to be removed. Democratic Unionist Party and Ulster Unionist representatives condemned the attack as vandalism that disrespected the hospital, patients, staff and Northern Ireland’s British heritage.

The UK Government defended its decision to provide £120 million toward a £150 million package, with Ineos contributing £30 million, to secure 500 jobs at the Grangemouth ethylene plant. Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said negotiations succeeded because Ineos had invested in the facility and offered a credible route to profitability, unlike ExxonMobil at the 40-year-old Mossmorran plant, which had reportedly lost money for five years and is due to close in February, putting more than 400 jobs at risk. Scottish Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan welcomed the jobs saved but criticized the Labour Government for intervening too late and allegedly neglecting Scotland’s industrial interests.

Volunteers at a sewing bee based at Dumfries House in Ayrshire have transformed old curtains from Sandringham House into 25 bespoke Christmas stockings. Twenty-four numbered stockings are being auctioned to raise funds for The King's Foundation, while the 25th will be given to King Charles III. Each stocking took more than six hours to make using traditional techniques including hand embroidery, piping, and precise seam matching. The project highlights the foundation's focus on practical heritage skills, community participation, craftsmanship, and sustainable reuse of textiles.

A family visits County Kerry for three days, exploring the Tralee–Fenit Greenway, Fenit Lighthouse, the Kerry Halloween festival, Kerry County Museum and Tralee Bay Wetlands. The region is presented as a safe, scenic and activity-rich destination for families, with greenway development and Halloween tourism supporting its appeal. The family stays at the Manor West Hotel and concludes that Kerry offers an enjoyable combination of outdoor recreation, cultural experiences and family-friendly attractions.

The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush generated an estimated £89.2 million in direct economic impact for Northern Ireland, including £43.7 million in the Causeway Coast and Glens area. Separate YouGov research valued the tournament’s global destination-marketing exposure at £191 million, bringing the combined economic and media benefit to more than £280 million. Nearly 280,000 spectators attended, with 59.5% travelling from outside Northern Ireland, and about 67% extended their stay to visit other parts of the region. The R&A, Northern Ireland’s government and tourism bodies praised the event’s boost to local businesses, tourism and international investment prospects, while Tourism Northern Ireland hopes Royal Portrush will host the championship again soon.

Calls to remove Prince Andrew’s name from streets and public places have intensified after the King stripped him of his titles. Councillors in Mid and East Antrim are set to consider renaming Prince Andrew Way in Carrickfergus, potentially after Queen Elizabeth II, while similar names remain in Belfast and County Tyrone. Supporters cite Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, although Andrew has denied wrongdoing. Councils outlined petition, consultation and approval requirements for any changes, and lawyer Gloria Allred backed the renaming campaign.

Bob Geldof said he was never seriously considering running for president of Ireland. Although he spoke with Taoiseach Micheál Martin after speculation about a possible candidacy, Geldof said his band commitments and the formal requirements of standing for election made a serious campaign impractical. Martin had already identified former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin as Fianna Fáil’s preferred candidate, and Geldof dismissed the prospect of running in the next election.

Bob Geldof said his rumored interest in becoming Ireland’s president was never a serious candidacy. After informal discussions prompted by comments he made at an Irish festival, he spoke with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who told him that Fianna Fáil had already selected former Dublin Gaelic football manager Jim Gavin as its preferred nominee. Geldof said he lacked the time to secure the required parliamentary or local-government backing and would not want to give up his family life, London connections, homes, or music career for the seven-year presidency. He also expressed relief that Conor McGregor had withdrawn from the presidential race and dismissed the idea of running in seven years.

Conor McGregor has withdrawn his bid to seek Ireland’s presidency after concluding that constitutional and eligibility rules prevented him from securing the required nominations from Dublin City Council and Kildare County Council. He described the rules as an outdated “straitjacket” but said his political ambitions remain and that he intends to contest future elections. The decision follows his loss in a civil case related to a rape claim, in which he was ordered to pay damages and legal costs.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney plans to ask Donald Trump to exempt Scotch whisky from the 10% US tariff on UK exports, arguing that its unique Scottish origin and importance to the US market justify special treatment. He said the tariffs are costing the industry around £4 million a week and are hindering economic growth. During Trump’s five-day private visit to Scotland, Swinney also discussed security costs and said authorities must both protect the president and preserve the public’s right to protest.

Belfast-based Inclutech has secured £400,000 to accelerate the commercialisation of its safety technology and pilot a new platform for high-risk victims, including people experiencing domestic abuse. The funding consists of £250,000 from Innovation Ulster and £150,000 from Invest NI’s Co-Fund III initiative. Founded by Becca Hume, Inclutech developed TapSOS, a Government-accredited app that enables users who cannot make a voice call to contact emergency services through a series of taps. The company is engaging potential law-enforcement and government customers and plans to expand into the private sector while recruiting additional staff.

Belfast-based cybersecurity company ANGOKA is investing £1.8 million in Cosmic, a software solution intended to protect digitised manufacturing and industrial control systems from cyberattacks. The project is being developed with Queen’s University Belfast’s Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and has received about £1 million in Invest NI grant funding. Over two years, AMIC will support product testing, customer identification and industry engagement, while the investment is expected to expand ANGOKA’s offering, create jobs and support growth in Northern Ireland’s cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Gerry Adams won a €100,000 libel judgment against the BBC in Dublin over a 2016 Spotlight programme that alleged he sanctioned Denis Donaldson’s killing. The jury found that the BBC had acted unfairly and not in good faith. Adams said the case was intended to hold the broadcaster accountable, while the BBC expressed disappointment and warned that the ruling could affect freedom of expression. Sinn Féin minister John O’Dowd urged BBC management to reflect on the outcome and avoid knee-jerk responses.

The R&A expects the 153rd Open at Royal Portrush in July to attract almost 280,000 spectators, making it the second-best attended Open in history. Organisers believe they can manage heightened interest in home favourite Rory McIlroy, whose Masters victory completed his career grand slam after tickets had already sold out. Chief executive Mark Darbon said crowd movement and spectator experience had been carefully planned. The R&A is also studying whether Portmarnock near Dublin could host a future Open, while Turnberry’s prospects remain uncertain because of transport and accommodation limitations despite praise for the course.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is exploring artificial intelligence to analyse mobile phone evidence, an area where demand is overwhelming investigative services. The PSNI already uses AI for firearms-licence background checks, voice transcription, automated email responses and CCTV analysis connected to the Noah Donohoe inquest. Senior officers said future applications could include police training and that additional specialist staff may be recruited, while stressing the need for controls over algorithms, commercial sensitivities and potential human rights risks.

Spanish state-owned shipbuilder Navantia has agreed to buy troubled Harland and Wolff, subject to regulatory approval, securing about 1,000 jobs and the future of four shipyards in Belfast, Scotland and England. The arrangement requires relatively minor changes to the £1.6 billion Royal Navy fleet solid support ship contract, potentially increasing taxpayer costs, but ministers say it is preferable to a loan guarantee that could have exposed taxpayers to losses. Government representatives and unions welcomed the rescue as a boost for UK sovereign shipbuilding and national security, while GMB warned that the yards will remain vulnerable without a steady flow of work.

Kevin Sinfield’s Running Home for Christmas 7 in 7 in 7 challenge reached Belfast on its third day, with the former rugby league player and his team running from Kingspan Stadium through the city before finishing at Windsor Park. Crowds braved freezing conditions to support the effort, which raises money and awareness for people living with Motor Neurone Disease. Donations had exceeded £380,000 by Tuesday evening, while the Belfast leg included tributes to MND campaigner Anto Finnegan and a meeting with Lady Mary Peters.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland apologised after a three-page document containing employment details of 160 current and former staff was mistakenly sent to 22 recruitment applicants. The information included names or initials, teams, employment status and staff movements, but no other personal data. Twenty recipients have confirmed deleting the material. The office notified the Information Commissioner’s Office, is contacting affected former employees and plans to appoint an independent investigator.

Aer Lingus pilots voted by an 85% majority to accept a Labour Court-recommended 17.75% pay increase, bringing an end to an industrial dispute that caused around 600 flight cancellations during a two-week work-to-rule and an eight-hour strike. The agreement runs through December 2026. IALPA president Mark Tighe called it the largest pay award for Aer Lingus pilots in 30 years and criticized management for failing to reach an agreement earlier, while Aer Lingus welcomed the ballot result.

A clinical trial found that high-resolution cardiac CT scans could identify severe coronary artery disease and blockages with 99.1% feasibility, potentially allowing doctors to plan bypass surgery without invasive diagnostic catheterisation. The University of Galway-led study involved 114 patients and was funded by GE Healthcare and HeartFlow. Researchers said the approach could reduce patient discomfort, procedural risks and healthcare costs while changing how GPs, radiologists, cardiologists and surgeons coordinate care. A larger randomised trial involving more than 2,500 patients across 80 European hospitals is planned.

Stormont’s Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee will examine how new or replacement EU laws could affect Northern Ireland, including the consequences of applying or rejecting them. Members discussed the risk of “trivergence,” in which Northern Ireland could retain rules that differ from both the EU and Great Britain if the Stormont brake is used and the UK later diverges. Officials said the committee can assess both options, while MLAs could still approve an EU law through an applicability motion. Members called for academic evidence and clearer definitions of the committee’s powers to guide decisions and reduce the risk of legal challenges.

Former British soldier Soldier F will be prosecuted for the alleged 1972 murder of Patrick McVeigh in Belfast and the attempted murder of four others wounded in the same shooting. Soldier F and three other former Military Reaction Force members will also face attempted murder charges over a separate Slievegallion Drive incident. The decisions were made before a government legacy law takes effect that would end future Troubles-related prosecutions. Prosecutors declined to pursue charges in several other historical shootings, including the death of 18-year-old Daniel Rooney, citing insufficient evidence, problems with the admissibility of soldiers’ 1972 accounts and inconclusive forensic examinations.

A study by the University of Galway and the University of Melbourne found that allowing employees to use personal smartphones for non-work purposes during the day reduced work-life conflict and helped them manage family responsibilities, without harming job performance. The year-long research compared about 40 employees using phones under a relaxed policy with a similar number who continued leaving their phones at home. Researchers recommend clear workplace expectations rather than blanket bans, warning that prohibiting phones can increase stress, absenteeism, turnover intentions and other wellbeing problems.

Damage to Dublin’s public infrastructure and businesses from the 23 November riots is expected to cost tens of millions of euros. The unrest followed a knife attack that critically injured a young girl and seriously injured a care assistant, and involved far-right elements, looting, arson and attacks on Garda vehicles. Leo Varadkar defended the police response and said government assistance would be available, while Mary Lou McDonald called for Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to resign over what she described as a catastrophic policing failure. More than 30 people faced court, dozens of officers were injured, and authorities increased Garda visibility while reassuring the public that most of Dublin remained safe.

Michael Gove said a potential Irish government legal challenge to the UK’s Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act would not damage improving relations between London and Dublin. Ireland is considering an interstate case at the European Court of Human Rights or support for an existing Belfast High Court challenge, while continuing to oppose provisions including limited immunity from prosecution, the closure of civil cases and the ending of legacy inquests. Leo Varadkar said the decision remained under consideration and that improved cooperation following the Windsor Protocol would be part of the government’s deliberations.

Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said he remained confident that a planned four-day Gaza ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange would proceed after a delay, though it was unclear whether Irish-Israeli hostage Emily Hand would be among the first 50 hostages released. The agreement would reportedly involve Israel releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners and suspending military action, creating an opportunity to deliver fuel, food, medicine and other aid to Gaza. Varadkar said the pause might be extended if more hostages were freed, argued that the conflict had no military solution, and called for coexistence or a viable two-state settlement. He also criticized the EU’s approach to Israel and Palestine and rejected unilateral Irish sanctions, advocating coordinated action through the EU, UN or a group of countries.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed hope that nine-year-old Irish-Israeli hostage Emily Hand would be among the first 50 hostages released under a four-day Israel-Hamas truce, while Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs stressed that no official list had been confirmed. Varadkar called for the ceasefire to be extended to enable sustained humanitarian aid and a peace initiative, criticized Israel’s military response in Gaza, and said Ireland would continue supporting aid and potential war-crimes investigations. He declined to immediately suspend the EU-Israel trade deal or formally recognize Palestine, pending legal advice and progress toward a secure two-state settlement.

Twenty-six Irish citizens and dependants crossed from Gaza into Egypt on Wednesday and Thursday, while more Irish citizens and their families were undergoing processing at the Rafah crossing on Friday. Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs was providing support through its embassy in Cairo. Deputy premier Micheál Martin said Israel had assured him that most remaining Irish citizens would be able to leave within days, while he also pressed for the release of nine-year-old Irish-Israeli hostage Emily Hand. The evacuation came amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and the continuing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Ireland’s government rejected opposition demands to sanction Israel, expel its ambassador, or refer Israel to the International Criminal Court, prompting accusations of double standards from Sinn Féin and People Before Profit. Finance Minister Michael McGrath argued that the situations in Israel-Gaza and Ukraine were legally different, noting that the ICC already has an ongoing investigation covering the Middle East. He defended maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel to help secure the evacuation of Irish citizens from Gaza, advocate for peace, and seek the release of Irish-Israeli hostage Emily Hand, while also condemning disproportionate force and collective punishment of Gaza’s civilians.

Amnesty International warned an Irish parliamentary committee that UK withdrawal from the European Convention on Human Rights would undermine the human rights guarantees at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement and follow Russia’s example. Patrick Corrigan also criticized the UK’s Illegal Migration Act, arguing that it could harden movement across the Irish border and expose non-Irish residents of Ireland to detention and deportation with severely limited opportunities to challenge decisions. The warning followed the UK Supreme Court’s ruling that the government’s Rwanda asylum policy was unlawful, which renewed calls from Conservative lawmakers to leave the Convention.

Ireland’s parliament rejected a Social Democrats motion seeking to expel Israeli ambassador Dana Erlich and impose economic and diplomatic sanctions on Israel, including suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement and Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe. A government amendment removing the sanctions proposals passed by 85 votes to 55, while a separate Sinn Féin motion calling for an International Criminal Court referral was also defeated. Outside the Oireachtas, more than 1,000 protesters called for the ambassador’s expulsion and a ceasefire in Gaza. Government ministers said diplomatic links were essential for communication and engagement, while opposition politicians accused Israel of war crimes and demanded concrete action over the humanitarian crisis.

More than 1,000 people protested outside Ireland’s parliament, calling for the Israeli ambassador, Dana Erlich, to be expelled and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. The Social Democrats proposed sanctions including suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement, excluding Israel from Horizon Europe and referring it to the International Criminal Court. Government ministers opposed severing diplomatic relations, arguing that communication channels and international engagement were essential, while acknowledging the humanitarian catastrophe and Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law. Opposition politicians accused Israel and Western governments of enabling severe civilian suffering. Parliament was due to vote on the proposals and related motions later that day.

Ireland’s Minister of State James Browne warned that expelling Israel’s ambassador, Dana Erlich, would isolate Ireland and weaken its influence in the Middle East by cutting diplomatic communication channels. The Social Democrats, led by Holly Cairns, called for sanctions including revoking the ambassador’s credentials, suspending the EU-Israel trade agreement and Horizon Europe participation, and referring Israel to the International Criminal Court. Sinn Féin also criticized the Government and EU for failing to pressure Israel over the humanitarian crisis and civilian deaths in Gaza. The Government backed continued diplomatic engagement, stressed that Israel’s right to self-defence is limited by international humanitarian law, and supported an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Ireland’s deputy premier Micheál Martin said a significant number of the roughly 35–40 Irish passport holders still in Gaza were expected to cross into Egypt through Rafah on Wednesday, while acknowledging that the situation remained fluid. During a visit to Egypt, Martin was also seeking the release of eight-year-old Israeli-Irish citizen Emily Hand, who is feared to be held hostage by Hamas, along with other hostages, particularly children. Emily’s father Tom and half-sister Natali had met Irish political leaders to raise awareness and seek government support.

RTÉ staff unions warn that employees could bear the cost of management and governance failures under a proposed strategic reform plan involving around 400 voluntary redundancies, a 20% workforce reduction and cuts to some digital radio services. The plan would prioritize technology, live and online content, regional production and greater use of independent producers. RTÉ faces substantial losses and declining television licence revenue following the Ryan Tubridy payments scandal and wider governance controversies. The Irish Government is withholding a €40 million bailout pending the reform plan while requiring €21 million in efficiencies, although Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says RTÉ is an essential public service and will not be allowed to fail.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said Ashling Murphy’s murder and the conviction of Jozef Puska had strengthened Ireland’s determination to end violence against women. She expressed sympathy for Murphy’s family, friends and communities in Tullamore and Durrow, and thanked the Garda, emergency services and criminal justice professionals involved in the case.

Jozef Puska was unanimously found guilty at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court of murdering 23-year-old primary-school teacher Ashling Murphy, who was stabbed while jogging on a canal path in Tullamore in January 2022. The jury heard that DNA under Murphy’s fingernails matched Puska’s sample, that a witness saw a man attacking a woman, and that Puska admitted the killing to investigators before later denying or claiming not to remember the statement. The judge endorsed the verdict, sharply criticized the defence, and acknowledged the devastating impact on Murphy’s family. Women’s Aid said the case highlighted the widespread risk of male violence faced by women. Sentencing and any victim-impact statement were scheduled for 17 November, with a mandatory life sentence applying for murder.

Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old teacher, musician and sportswoman, was randomly attacked and murdered while exercising beside Tullamore’s Grand Canal. Her death prompted vigils and public mourning across Ireland and internationally, with tributes highlighting her talent and the devastating impact on her family and community. Her relatives attended Jozef Puska’s three-week trial at Dublin’s Central Criminal Court, where his guilty verdict brought a measure of justice but could not lessen their permanent loss.

The jury has resumed deliberations in the murder trial of Jozef Puska, who is accused of killing 23-year-old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy on a canal path in Tullamore, County Offaly, in January 2022. After clarifying legal principles and evidence, Judge Tony Hunt reminded the nine men and three women that their verdict must be based on the evidence. Puska denies the charge.

The jury has begun deliberating in the murder trial of Jozef Puska, who denies killing 23-year-old schoolteacher Ashling Murphy on a canal path in Tullamore in January 2022. Justice Tony Hunt instructed jurors to assess the evidence objectively and convict only if satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Puska inflicted Murphy’s neck wounds intending to kill or cause serious injury. Key evidence includes an alleged hospital confession, DNA found under Murphy’s fingernails, Puska’s failure to answer questions, admitted lies, eyewitness testimony, CCTV, and his conduct after the killing. The defence says Puska was trying to help Murphy after another man attacked her, while prosecutors describe the evidence against him as overwhelming. Deliberations are due to continue after the jury was sent home for the evening.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said Ireland had received no indication that Israel was preventing Irish citizens from leaving Gaza as punishment for Ireland’s support for a UN ceasefire resolution. Around 35–40 Irish passport holders remained unable to cross from Gaza into Egypt through Rafah, while only about 20% of EU citizens had reportedly been allowed to leave. People Before Profit–Solidarity TD Paul Murphy accused Israel of selectively permitting nationals from countries that opposed the ceasefire and called for the expulsion of Israel’s ambassador, Dana Erlich. Varadkar rejected the proposal, arguing that it could hinder efforts to secure the release of Emily Hand and the safe passage of Irish citizens, while insisting Ireland would maintain its call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Judge Tony Hunt directed the jury in the trial of Jozef Puska, who denies murdering 23-year-old teacher Ashling Murphy in Tullamore in January 2022. The jury was taken through the alleged hospital confession, DNA found under Murphy’s fingernails, Puska’s failure to answer questions during Garda interviews, admitted lies and eyewitness testimony. The judge cautioned jurors to assess the reliability and context of each piece of evidence, noting that a DNA match does not by itself establish guilt and that lies or silence may have innocent explanations. The prosecution argues the evidence is overwhelming, while Puska claims he was assisting Murphy after another man attacked her.

Ireland’s Cabinet has approved guidance encouraging parents not to buy smartphones for primary school-age children. The voluntary approach, developed from an initiative involving eight schools in Greystones, County Wicklow, aims to help parents and schools collectively limit smartphone access. Education Minister Norma Foley cited risks including cyberbullying and exposure to violent or sexual content, while Tánaiste Micheál Martin said families and schools need expanded guidance and controls to help children navigate online threats.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar rejected calls, including from Sinn Féin, to expel Israel’s ambassador to Ireland, arguing that doing so would sever diplomatic channels needed to help secure the release of Emily Hand and facilitate the departure of Irish citizens from Gaza. He expressed grave concern over Palestinian civilian deaths, the humanitarian crisis and the risk of regional escalation, while calling for a humanitarian ceasefire, hostage releases, aid access and the evacuation of foreign passport holders. Varadkar said Ireland would pursue these objectives through the EU, the UN and bilateral diplomacy, but could not act alone to suspend the EU-Israel trade agreement or Israel’s participation in Horizon Europe. He said the EU remained far from taking such measures because member states hold sharply divergent views.

Northern Ireland’s Policing Board has approved its preferred candidate for the next permanent chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, choosing between interim chief Jon Boutcher and Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton. The selection now requires sign-off from Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris because the absence of a Stormont justice minister prevents the usual devolved approval process. The appointment follows Simon Byrne’s resignation after several controversies, and the new chief constable could be confirmed shortly after the government completes its procedural checks.

Interviews have been completed for Northern Ireland’s next chief constable, with interim chief Jon Boutcher and Assistant Chief Constable Bobby Singleton competing for the £220,000-a-year post. The Northern Ireland Policing Board will select a candidate and submit its recommendation to Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris, who must approve the appointment because the absence of a devolved justice minister prevents the usual Stormont sign-off. The new chief is expected to be confirmed after the board completes its deliberations and consultations.

Thomas Hand is appealing for the release of his eight-year-old daughter Emily, who was initially believed to have been killed during the Hamas attack on Kibbutz Be’eri but is now believed by Israeli and other authorities to be alive and held hostage in Gaza. The family, including Emily’s half-sister Natalie, expressed renewed hope while describing the trauma of losing relatives and fearing for Emily’s safety. Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said authorities were making every effort to secure Emily’s release. Ireland was also seeking the evacuation of approximately 35 to 40 Irish citizens from Gaza through the Rafah crossing. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar defended Ireland’s criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, saying Israel has a right to self-defence but must act proportionately and in accordance with humanitarian law.

Emily Hand, an eight-year-old Irish-Israeli girl initially believed to have been killed during Hamas’s October 7 assault on Kibbutz Be’eri, is now believed by Israeli and other authorities to be alive and held hostage in Gaza. Her half-sister Natalie Hand described the family’s anguish and renewed hope, while Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said every effort would be made to secure Emily’s release. Ireland is also pursuing the evacuation of roughly 35–40 Irish passport holders from Gaza through the Rafah crossing. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar defended Ireland’s criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, saying Israel has a right to self-defence but must comply with proportionality and humanitarian law.

Eight-year-old Emily Hand, an Irish-Israeli girl initially believed to have been killed during Hamas’s 7 October attack on Kibbutz Be’eri, may instead be alive and held hostage in Gaza. Her family was reportedly informed by the Israeli Defence Forces on 31 October that abduction was highly likely, after initially being told she had been murdered. Emily’s sister Natalie has appealed publicly for her return, while Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance to the family.

Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee said every possible effort was being made to secure the release and safety of eight-year-old Emily Hand, an Irish-Israeli girl believed to have been abducted by Hamas during the October 7 attack. Her family had initially been told she was dead but were later informed she may still be alive and held in Gaza. Ireland was also seeking the evacuation of approximately 35–40 Irish passport holders from Gaza through the Rafah crossing, though none had yet appeared on approved departure lists.

Ireland’s deputy leader Micheál Martin says there is no evidence that Ireland’s criticism of Israel is preventing the evacuation of roughly 35–40 Irish citizens from Gaza through the Rafah crossing. He condemns the scale and conduct of Israel’s bombardment, warns that war crimes may be occurring and calls for accountability, while also affirming Israel’s right to act against Hamas and condemning the group’s October 7 attacks. Martin rejects Sinn Féin’s demand to revoke Israel’s ambassadorial credentials as populist and potentially harmful to evacuation efforts. The dispute comes amid large pro-Palestinian demonstrations in Dublin and Belfast, alongside continuing pro-Israeli protests.

Momentum toward restoring Northern Ireland’s power-sharing institutions appears to have stalled, according to Irish deputy premier Micheál Martin. The Democratic Unionist Party continues to withhold support for a return to Stormont, seeking further UK government assurances about Northern Ireland’s place within the UK and post-Brexit trading arrangements. Martin warned that the absence of an executive is aggravating problems in health, education and public finances, and said the Irish government would seek clarity from London in the coming weeks if devolution is not restored.

Fianna Fáil leader and Tánaiste Micheál Martin says he intends to lead his party into Ireland’s next general election and hopes to serve in another government if voters support it. He says he remains committed to politics because he values decision-making and believes government can improve people’s lives. Martin describes the election as wide open, rejects the assumption that Fianna Fáil must decide in advance whether to form a coalition with Sinn Féin, and suggests the current coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party could remain in government. He also questions opinion polls showing Sinn Féin well ahead.

Irish industrial designer Shane Holland, a descendant of modern submarine pioneer John Phillip Holland, has created the 3.5-metre sculpture Submarinocurraplane from aluminium, titanium, recycled glass and parts of Boeing 707 aircraft. The work combines aviation, marine engineering and Irish currach-building traditions and will be exhibited at Dublin’s Art Source fair. Shane Holland also leads environmental clean-up trips around the islands off Skerries, where his crews have removed approximately 17,500 pieces of plastic waste from the sea.

Former Democratic Unionist Party Assembly member David Hilditch has died aged 60 after receiving cancer treatment. The long-serving East Antrim representative retired from the Northern Ireland Assembly in September 2023 after more than three decades in public service, having first entered local government in 1991 and been elected to the Assembly in 1998. DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson and chairman Lord Morrow praised his dedication to Carrickfergus, East Antrim and Northern Ireland, while offering condolences to his family and friends.

A pumping operation in Downpatrick removed floodwater from Market Street after two pumps operated at 7,500 litres per minute. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has stopped pumping, although high River Quoile levels are delaying the natural drainage of remaining water. Roads remain closed while council workers prepare a major clean-up, and calls are growing for financial assistance for businesses, many of which lacked flood insurance. Northern Ireland’s powersharing impasse has left Stormont without elected ministers to coordinate the response.