Rory Carroll

Billy Caldwell, who was once expected to die in infancy because of severe epilepsy, has turned 21 and remains seizure-free after cannabidiol treatment. His family’s 2018 campaign, including a public crisis after UK officials confiscated his medicine, helped lead to relaxed UK rules on cannabis-based medicines. Billy now walks, enjoys trips to the beach and receives treatment through the NHS, but his mother Charlotte says tightly restricted NHS prescribing forces many patients into costly private care and continues to campaign for wider access.

Daniel Kinahan has been extradited from Dubai to Ireland and charged in Dublin with directing organised crime, ending nearly a decade of exile in Spain and the United Arab Emirates. Authorities allege he led the Kinahan organised crime group, linked to extensive European cocaine trafficking, firearms and racketeering, while he denies or disputes the allegations and describes himself as a scapegoat. The international pursuit intensified after a 2016 gang feud and attempted assassination, followed by a US reward of up to $15 million, an Ireland-UAE extradition treaty in 2025 and the extradition and conviction of lieutenant Sean McGovern. Kinahan is being held in Portlaoise prison pending a High Court bail application and faces a potentially lengthy sentence if convicted.

Donald Trump said he had cancelled planned US strikes on Iran in anticipation of rapidly reaching a deal covering Tehran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with new talks supposedly starting Monday. Iran denied requesting the pause, warned of retaliation against the US, Israel and regional partners, and kept its forces on high alert. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly urged Trump to de-escalate amid fears that attacks on Iranian infrastructure could trigger retaliation against Gulf states. Mediation efforts continued, but prospects for an agreement remained uncertain as Israel maintained its threats against Iran and carried out deadly airstrikes in Gaza.

Mayo defeated Kerry 1-20 to 1-17 in the 138th All-Ireland senior men’s football final at Dublin’s Croke Park, ending a run of 11 final defeats since 1989 and a 75-year championship drought. The victory revived celebrations around the county’s supposed curse, although researchers found no evidence that a priest’s alleged 1951 curse existed. Mayo planned a major homecoming in Castlebar, while supporters, members of the Irish diaspora and prominent figures including Joe Biden, Mark Carney, Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher celebrated the breakthrough.

Former BBC Northern Ireland home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney was awarded £20,000 after the Investigatory Powers Tribunal ruled that MI5 and the Police Service of Northern Ireland unlawfully accessed his mobile-phone communications data while attempting to identify his confidential sources. The agencies conducted seven operations between 2006 and 2018, including one involving data from 1,580 calls or texts, and the PSNI compiled a profile containing personal information about Kearney and his family. The tribunal said the surveillance was disproportionate and contrary to law, stressing that enhanced protection for journalists serves the public’s access to information. Kearney called the ruling a victory for journalism, while the BBC said the conduct damaged trust and threatened public-interest reporting. PSNI chief constable Jon Boutcher accepted the judgment and apologized, citing subsequent changes to policy and practice.

An 81-year-old Australian woman, Judy Bain, discovered she is the granddaughter of pioneering aviator Arthur Whitten Brown after genealogical research revealed her father was Brown’s son, Arthur ‘Buster’ Brown, an RAF pilot killed on D-day. The revelation corrects the belief that Brown died without descendants and reconnects the family to a major figure in aviation history. Bain’s journey involved uncovering her birth mother’s past, resolving mistaken paternity, and collaborating with researchers to confirm her lineage. The finding has brought renewed interest in the Brown family’s legacy and may lead to her participation in commemorations of the 1919 transatlantic flight.

Andy Burnham’s new government held its first cabinet meeting, presenting itself as focused on the cost-of-living crisis and promising to cut VAT on electricity bills by £850 million from October, funded partly through the cancellation of a digital ID programme. Anas Sarwar is reportedly preparing to leave the Scottish Labour leadership and enter government as a minister after being elevated to the Lords. Burnham has also reorganised Whitehall, created a powerful Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, strengthened the role of No 10 North in Manchester and pledged greater defence spending. The reshuffle has drawn accusations of factionalism from Keir Starmer’s allies, while the BMA warned that NHS doctors could strike without improved pay. Other developments included closer UK support for Ukraine, planned business-rate cuts, growing Reform UK links with France’s National Rally and criticism of Burnham’s energy policy from Nigel Farage.

Emeritus mathematics professor Des MacHale has published Langers & Lashes, a compendium documenting Cork’s distinctive slang. Drawing on earlier books and conversations with residents, the collection records colorful expressions involving drinking, sex, religion, illness and everyday life, while Mercier adds notes warning about outdated or harmful stereotypes. MacHale argues that Cork’s vernacular is unusually extensive and deserves greater recognition, despite some terms not originating there. The article also notes the slang’s appearance in a recent political exchange involving Mary Lou McDonald and Micheál Martin.

Jeffrey Donaldson has lodged an appeal against his conviction for rape and other sexual offences against two children, following a jury verdict that found him guilty of 18 offences spanning more than two decades. The former DUP leader remains in prison ahead of a sentencing expected to be lengthy. Potential grounds for appeal include the court’s decision not to separate his trial from the trial of the facts involving his wife, Eleanor Donaldson, who was ruled unfit to stand trial but found to have aided his offending. The conviction has triggered internal reviews within the DUP and the Stormont assembly into longstanding allegations about his behaviour.

A loyalist bonfire in Moygashel, County Tyrone, featuring a mosque effigy and anti-immigration placards has been condemned by Amnesty International, politicians and Faith Matters as an incitement to anti-Muslim hatred. Police arrested a 56-year-old man on suspicion of displaying material intended to stir up hatred. The Moygashel Bonfire Association defended the display as a political protest protected by freedom of expression, saying it opposed illegal immigration, foreign criminals and government policy rather than individuals. The incident comes amid heightened tensions following race riots and is part of a wider pattern of anti-immigrant imagery at Northern Irish bonfires.

Political leaders across the UK and Ireland warn that a rise in Reform UK and Nigel Farage could accelerate constitutional upheaval, including the prospect of a rapid Irish unification referendum. Figures from Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland argue that English nationalism and potential Reform policies—such as leaving the European Convention on Human Rights—could alienate the UK's devolved nations and destabilize the union. Unionist and nationalist leaders alike call for preparation for possible constitutional shifts, highlighting financial, security and political risks. Concerns grow that a Farage-led government or strong opposition could push the UK toward deeper post-Brexit fragmentation, prompting governments and parties to plan for scenarios ranging from strengthened union strategies to new models of Celtic cooperation.

A jury at Ireland’s central criminal court found Riad Bouchaker guilty of attempting to murder three children and assaulting several others, including childcare worker Leanne Flynn, in a 2023 stabbing outside a Dublin creche. Prosecutors argued his targeting of young children demonstrated intent to kill, while a defence psychiatrist challenged his fitness to stand trial. Bouchaker, an Algerian-born Irish citizen, was subdued by bystanders after the attack, which later sparked major riots in Dublin. Sentencing is scheduled for September.

Former and current DUP members were aware of allegations about ex-leader Jeffrey Donaldson but failed to report them through official channels, according to party leader Gavin Robinson. The revelations follow Donaldson’s conviction on 18 child sexual offences, prompting further scrutiny of his past conduct, including claims of harassment, hypocrisy over sexuality, and heavy drinking. Internal and external critics questioned the credibility of the DUP’s announced independent review, while additional reports indicated senior party figures had previously received unreported complaints. The crisis has intensified amid concerns about transparency and accountability within the party ahead of next year’s assembly election.

The Democratic Unionist Party moved swiftly to repudiate former leader Jeffrey Donaldson after his conviction for 18 child sexual offences, with senior figures condemning him as a manipulator who deceived the party and the public. His imprisonment and the jury’s finding that his wife aided his crimes intensified political pressure ahead of upcoming elections. The verdict prompted calls for his knighthood to be revoked, the Orange Order severed ties, and leaders across Northern Ireland and Ireland commended the victims for coming forward.

A jury at Newry crown court convicted Jeffrey Donaldson of 18 sexual offences against two children, marking a dramatic downfall for the former DUP leader. The court determined his wife had aided aspects of the abuse, though she was deemed unfit to stand trial. Prosecutors highlighted the long-term trauma suffered by the victims, whose testimony proved decisive despite the absence of forensic evidence. Political figures across Northern Ireland condemned Donaldson’s actions and urged removal of his knighthood, while children’s advocacy groups commended the victims for their perseverance in securing justice.

Jeffrey Donaldson, former DUP leader, was convicted of historical child sexual offences after a four‑week trial that exposed decades of abuse committed while he built a prominent political career. Testimony from two victims detailed repeated assaults dating back to their childhoods, undermining Donaldson’s public image as a conservative, church‑going unionist. The case shocked Northern Ireland’s political establishment, leading to his suspension from the DUP and withdrawal from public life. Court evidence also revealed tensions within his marriage and earlier private apologies he later denied reflected abuse. The verdict marked the collapse of his long-standing political stature and delivered long-delayed justice to the victims.

Ireland’s parliament approved a bill to remove the mandatory three‑day waiting period for early‑pregnancy abortions, advancing it toward committee review. Supporters argued the rule was an unnecessary barrier to care, while opponents said it reversed a safeguard supported during the 2018 referendum. The vote passed 86–70, with some Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael ministers joining Sinn Féin and other opposition parties in backing the change. A 2022 legislative review recommended removing the requirement, though critics said many voters supported abortion legalisation on the basis of such protections.

Riots in Belfast have renewed scrutiny of loyalist paramilitary influence as racially motivated violence erupted in areas where such groups hold sway. Police reported no evidence of orchestration by paramilitaries, though some leaders adopted a stance of non‑intervention to highlight their perceived role in community control. Analysts and activists debated whether engaging with paramilitary groups could help curb unrest, with some arguing that doing so would be morally indefensible given their history of coercion. The disturbances followed a knife attack by a Sudanese refugee, intensifying tensions amid ongoing anti‑immigrant sentiment. Paramilitary factions remain fractured but active, with concerns that the unrest could fuel recruitment among young men. While loyalist and republican areas reacted differently, broader surveys indicate widespread scepticism toward immigration across communities.

Police in Northern Ireland fired plastic bullets and used water cannon to control racist riots following a knife attack in Belfast, while reinforcements arrived from Great Britain as unrest continued for a third night. Officials condemned intimidation targeting immigrants and healthcare workers, and concerns were raised about the risks posed by plastic bullets amid the presence of children. Arrests and injuries mounted as lists identifying foreign residents circulated online. Political debate intensified over the asylum process linked to the suspect in the knife attack, prompting criticism of previous government policies and public apologies from Conservative figures.

A stabbing in north Belfast triggered widespread racist violence after far‑right influencers, social media networks and some political figures framed the attack as proof of an immigrant threat. Homes and businesses belonging to ethnic minorities were burned as mobs mobilised across Belfast and surrounding towns. Crime statistics showed declining violence overall but rising racist incidents, highlighting how misinformation and political rhetoric intensified tensions. Community leaders, rights groups and experts linked the unrest to longstanding grievances, inadequate housing policy and Northern Ireland’s history of sectarian conflict.

Police used water cannon to disperse about 300 rioters during a second night of anti‑immigration unrest near Newtownabbey, where vehicles were burned and barricades erected. Additional disturbances occurred in Derry and Coleraine, though fewer than the previous night’s attacks on ethnic minorities following a stabbing in north Belfast. The family of victim Stephen Ogilvie denounced the violence and misinformation circulating online. Stormont ministers condemned the disorder as dangerous and exploitative. One suspect, Hadi Alodid, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife.

X will not face government action for at least two months over posts linked to violent unrest in Belfast, with responsibility for any reprimand left to Ofcom as it awaits a compliance report. Political leaders, security experts and community figures warned that far‑right agitation and inflammatory content were fuelling racially targeted attacks and escalating tensions following a knife incident involving a Sudanese refugee. Local officials urged calm while the government prepared updates to the Online Safety Act to mandate faster removal of illegal content during crises. Ministers and experts highlighted the growing threat posed by online radicalisation, while opposition leaders criticised delays in enforcing platform obligations.

Family members of stabbing victim Stephen Ogilvie urged calm after riots in Belfast displaced migrant families and caused extensive damage. Ogilvie remains in hospital while Hadi Alodid faces attempted murder and related charges. Migrant care workers described being trapped in their home during the unrest, and emergency services were praised for their actions. A judge condemned the attacks on responders and warned rioters of prison sentences. The family thanked those who aided Ogilvie and asked that the incident not be used to incite further hostility.

Far-right agitation following a stabbing in Belfast triggered widespread unrest, with masked crowds burning vehicles, attacking homes and shops, and clashing with police. The violence erupted after prominent rightwing figures amplified the attack online and encouraged protests. Political leaders across Northern Ireland and the UK called for calm and condemned attempts to exploit the incident, while police detailed the suspect’s background and urged communities not to be misled by online agitators. Immigrant communities took safety precautions amid fears of targeted reprisals.

Masked groups attacked homes and vehicles in several Belfast districts following online calls for protests after a Sudanese asylum seeker was charged with attempted murder. Violence spread across multiple areas with arson, assaults, and clashes as police initially held back, declaring a critical incident. Far‑right figures amplified footage of the earlier knife attack, fueling unrest that also appeared in parts of England. Local residents, including members of Belfast’s Sudanese community, expressed fear as shops closed early and families sheltered at home. Political leaders condemned the disorder and urged peaceful expression of concerns related to immigration.

Sudanese shop owners and workers in Belfast closed early and sheltered at home amid fears of anti‑immigrant protests after a Sudanese refugee was charged with attempted murder. Circulating video of the attack fuelled calls to action from far‑right figures, prompting widespread anxiety among immigrant communities. Police advised that the following 24 hours would determine whether appeals for calm would prevail over potential vigilante action. Local religious and community organizations urged residents to stay indoors and remain calm as tensions threatened to escalate.

Political leaders and community figures appealed for calm after a stabbing in Belfast triggered widespread online agitation, including anti‑immigration protest calls amplified by high‑profile figures such as Elon Musk. Police identified the suspect as a Sudanese asylum seeker and reported serious injuries to the victim. The incident prompted closures of local Sudanese‑owned businesses and the cancellation of activities at the Belfast Islamic Centre amid fears of unrest. Northern Ireland officials urged the public not to be swayed by inflammatory social media posts, while the PSNI increased its presence and prepared for potential disorder. National politicians expressed concern over escalating rhetoric, with some right‑wing figures using the attack to call for tougher immigration measures and protests. The UK government condemned the violence and emphasized the need to maintain public order.