Irish Sun

01/07/2025

"If I could contest it, I would happily do that," Hanafin said. "It's a role I would hope people could feel I would do well, both nationally and internationally."

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that the Green Army - Ireland's national hockey team - will join the FIH Hockey Pro League for the 2025-26 season. It will be the first time that the finalists of the 2018 FIH Hockey Women's World Cup will join the League of the Best. Ireland was p...

01/07/2025

Lausanne [Switzerland], June 30 (ANI): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that the 'Green Army' - Ireland's national hockey team - will join the FIH Hockey Pro League for the 2025-26 season. It will be the first time that the finalists of the 2018 FIH Hockey Women's World Cup will join the 'League of the Best'.

Ireland was promoted through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup played in Chile earlier this year. Whilst New Zealand won that event against Ireland in the final, Hockey New Zealand later indicated that the Black Sticks would not proceed with the invitation to join Pro League this time. Therefore, as stipulated in the regulations, FIH extended the invitation to the runners-up, namely Ireland, who have confirmed their participation, a release said.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: 'Congratulations to the Ireland Women's team for joining the next season of the FIH Hockey Pro League! It's wonderful to see a new team participating in the 'League of the Best'. Qualifying through the FIH Hockey Nations Cup confirms how much the latter is a great springboard to join hockey's elite.'

Speaking after the announcement, Ireland Women's Head Coach Gareth Grundie said: 'I am delighted that we have been given the opportunity to participate in the FIH Pro League 2025/26 Season 7. It's a testament to the quality of play this team has achieved to date and is an excellent and invaluable opportunity for further improvement. It comes at an ideal time for us as a programme also, pitting us against the World's best teams as we go in search of qualification for the 2026 FIH World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.'

Finishing the 2024-25 Women's Pro League season in last place of the rankings, India is relegated to the FIH Hockey Nations Cup.

On the men's side, following the Black Sticks' victory at the recent Nations Cup in Malaysia, FIH has extended an invitation to Hockey New Zealand for their men's team to join Pro League again next season. Since New Zealand's hockey governing body is currently undertaking a thorough analysis and decision-making process in this regard, FIH has approved their request for an extension of the deadline to confirm or decline their participation until July 21, the release said.

Should New Zealand eventually decide not to participate, the runners-up of the Men's Nations Cup, namely Pakistan, would have the opportunity to consider joining the 2025-26 FIH Hockey Pro League season. (ANI)

01/07/2025

Both the motorcyclist and the car driver were treated at the roadside before being transported to Cork University Hospital for further assessment.

CO CORK, Ireland - A motorcyclist in his 20s was taken to hospital following a serious collision with a car on the N71 near Clonakilty on Sunday afternoon. The...

22/06/2025

Trump orders U.S. to join Netanyahu's war on Iran

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump how bowed to pro-Israel elements in his administration and Congress, announcing that the U.S. military has bombed a...

20/06/2025

On June 16, following advice from the Irish Embassy, Murphy visited a police station in Cairo to retrieve his confiscated phone. He later sent messages expressing concern that his passport had been seized again and was informed that he could not leave the station.

Egyptian authorities released Paul Murphy, TD, from the People Before Profit party after his second detention on June 16

20/06/2025

DUBLIN, Ireland: In a significant demonstration outside Leinster House in Dublin, hundreds of housing protesters voiced their frustration over the current housing crisis, highlighting the transformation of homes into mere financial assets and young renters into sources of income for investors.

This rally, part of the "Raise the Roof" movement, featured speeches from five opposition TDs who condemned the government's approach to alleviating rent pressure.

The protest was organized in response to the Government's recent announcement on rent reforms, which critics argue will actually lead to higher rental costs. While the government claims that these plans will introduce new protections for renters and promote private investment in housing—a strategy they believe will increase supply and stabilize prices—the opposition remains skeptical. They warn that these measures are inadequate and may worsen the situation for tenants.

At the rally, Rory Hearne from the Social Democrats characterized the ruling parties, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, as architects of a system that prioritizes institutional investors over ordinary citizens. "Our younger generations have been turned into an asset class for investors," he stated, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

Hearne further argued that the real barrier to housing availability is not legislative blockages but the policies of the current government.

The rally included performances by artists like Lisa O'Neill, and attendees showcased a vibrant array of political flags and handmade signs with slogans such as "rent is too damn high" and "dereliction is a social crime."

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald criticized the government's housing policies as fundamentally misguided and called on unions and civil society groups to rally support against the ruling parties. She emphasized the need for collective action, urging the crowd to stand united against policies favoring significant investment funds over renters' rights.

Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik echoed these sentiments, calling the government's housing policies a series of flip-flops that fail to deliver absolute security for tenants. She pointed out that proposals to expand Rent Pressure Zones are ultimately ineffective, resulting instead in heightened fear and instability for renters.

Bacik also reminded the crowd that the last significant effort to provide social and affordable housing in Ireland was spearheaded by a state-backed national building agency established by Fianna Fáil, urging them to reconsider their current neglect of this solution.

Further emphasizing the urgency of the situation, People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy, recently returned from detention in Egypt, asserted that soaring rents have become a government policy.

With over 20,000 individuals projected to face homelessness by the next election, Murphy expressed grave concerns about the trajectory of rent prices, particularly in Dublin. He encouraged participants to engage in upcoming protests, including a significant demonstration planned for a Saturday in early July, aimed at mobilizing public discontent ahead of the autumn Budget discussions.

The protest coincided with a motion in the Dáil addressing housing and homelessness, advocating for a ban on no-fault evictions and urging the repurposing of vacant homes through compulsory purchase orders.

Following the rally, Sinn Féin TD Eoin Ó Broin noted the turnout, stating that several thousand people had come together to make their voices heard. In contrast, Housing Minister James Browne criticized the opposition for personalizing the debate, accusing them of lacking viable solutions to the ongoing housing crisis.

The divide between government and opposition perspectives underscores a crucial debate on the future of housing in Ireland.


Source: Irish Sun.com - https://www.irishsun.com/news/278391264/protesters-voice-frustration-at-rally-in-dublin-over-housing-crisis

18/06/2025

CO DONEGAL, Ireland - All roads lead to Donegal for the annual Donegal International Rally, which takes place this weekend, Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June, 2025.

The Donegal International Rally is known as one of the toughest rally car challenges in Ireland. The Donegal Rally consists of 3 adrenalin pumping days of spectacular rally car driving from the fabled Knockalla Coast Road to the lush green farm lands of Carnhill to the wide open bog land landscape of Glen.

The Donegal Rally also counts as one full round of the annual Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. Attracting huge crowds of over 70,000 spectators and close to 400,000 viewers on television and online makes the Donegal Rally one of the most popular in Europe. Being the only three-day tarmac rally in Ireland and the UK, the Donegal International Rally attracts the best Irish, British and International drivers from around the globe every year.

Source: IrishSun.com

09/06/2025

The training to become a Garda is rigorous and the commitment it requires to complete is next to none - that’s why behind every Garda are their loved ones just as devoted to their duties.
Among those newly attested at the Garda College on Frida was Garda Lisa-Marie Fitzgerald.

Garda Fitzgerald came to pursue her career in policing driven by her will to help keep the people of Ireland safe, while also raising her six children.

Her eldest couldn’t make yesterday’s attestation as he is currently completing his Leaving Certificate, but who we know must be very proud of his Mam.

There was a point in history when women were prohibited from joining Ireland’s Police and Security Service - Garda Fitzgerald is one of the now many strong women in An Garda Síochána that are proving the importance of their leadership and place in policing.

Look out for Lisa-Marie when she takes up her role in Buncrana Garda Station in the coming two weeks, and wish her well in her career.

06/06/2025

DUBLIN, Ireland 120 new Gardaí were officially sworn in Friday at the Garda College in Templemore, marking the latest addition to Ireland's national police force. The recruits, who will begin duties at stations across the country later this month, include 22 members born outside Ireland, reflecting the growing diversity of An Garda Siochana.

The new officers hail from countries including Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Croatia, England, India, Italy, Moldova, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, and Northern Ireland. Of the 120 recruits, 89 are male and 31 are female, with one former Reserve Garda among them.

The probationers will be deployed as follows:

Dublin Region: 74

Eastern Region: 17

Southern Region: 11

North Western Region: 18

With these new members, the total strength of An Garda Siochana now stands at 14,318 sworn Gardaí, supported by 3,680 Garda staff and 298 Garda Reserves. An additional 359 recruits are currently in training, with the next intake due to begin on 9th June 2025.

Speaking at the attestation ceremony, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris congratulated the new recruits and acknowledged the responsibilities they now carry.

"This is a proud and important day for you all," he said. "You have sworn an oath to serve the people of Ireland with fairness, integrity, and respect for human rights—upholding the values that have guided An Garda Síochána for over a century.," he said.

Harris also paid tribute to Garda Kevin Flatley, who was killed last month while on duty at a roads policing checkpoint in North County Dublin.

"His death reminds us of the risks Gardaí face every day," Harris said. "Yet, like Garda Flatley, you now have the opportunity to serve your communities with honour and pride."

The Commissioner urged the public to help improve road safety, saying: "If you know someone who drives recklessly, speak to them—it could save lives."

The latest recruits were hired as part of the 2022/2023 recruitment campaigns and began their training in September 2024. Their programme included online learning, in-person classes at the Garda College, and practical experience in training stations.

Since Garda recruitment resumed post-pandemic in December 2022, nearly 1,900 trainees have entered the College, with 1,259 now attested. The Garda Reserve has also restarted training, with 20 new Reserve recruits beginning a pilot course in April.

As Ireland's police force continues to expand, these new officers will soon be on the front lines, working to keep communities safe across the country.

Source: Irish Sun - https://www.irishsun.com/news/278261206/120-new-gardai-sworn-in-including-22-born-outside-ireland

06/06/2025

The pedal cyclist, a man aged in his 60s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

CO CORK, Ireland - A pedal cyclist has been killed after colliding with a van on the N25 at Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork. The fatal crash occurred on Wednesday night....

30/05/2025

CO GALWAY, Ireland - A woman in her 70s remains in serious condition in hosital after her car collied with a truck on Wednesday afternoon.

The collision took place on the R328 at Richmond, between Clonberne and Moylough. It occurred shortly after 12:15pm Wednesday.

When emergency responders arrived at the scene they found the driver of the car, a woman in her 70s, had sustained serious injuries. She was treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to University Hospital Galway.

The road was closed for a technical examination carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Investigating officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.

Investigators are seeking camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from road users on the R328 between Clonberne and Moylough from 12:00 to 12:30 pm Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 9631890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Source: Irish Sun -

CO GALWAY, Ireland - A woman in her 70s remains in serious condition in hosital after her car collied with a truck on Wednesday afternoon. The collision took...

28/05/2025

A woman in her 70s remains in serious condition in hosital after her car collied with a truck on Wednesday afternoon.

The collision took place on the R328 at Richmond, between Clonberne and Moylough. It occurred shortly after 12:15pm Wednesday.

When emergency responders arrived at the scene they found the driver of the car, a woman in her 70s, had sustained serious injuries. She was treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to University Hospital Galway.

The road was closed for a technical examination carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Investigating officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to come forward.

Investigators are seeking camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from road users on the R328 between Clonberne and Moylough from 12:00 to 12:30 pm Wednesday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballinasloe Garda Station on 090 9631890, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.