Irish Central
Ireland received nearly 100 international protection…
94 people from the US applied for international protection in Ireland in 2025, according to Ireland's Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration. The 2025 figure is more than quadruple the number of US applications received in 2024, which was...
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Michael Flatley accused of trying to "hijack" Lord of the Dance tour
Michael Flatley has been accused of trying to "hijack" the highly successful Lord of the Dance tour - in order to strip it of cash to fund his debts and personal lifestyle. The allegations are set out in affidavits before the High Court in Belfast in...
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Irish passport stays among the world’s most powerful
Irish citizens enjoy near-unrivaled travel freedom as the Henley Passport Index places Ireland in the upper tier of global mobility in 2026. The trend reflects decades of diplomatic reach and the unique rights Irish nationals enjoy across Europe and...
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Ever dreamed of living on a remote island? This summer could be yo…
A job opportunity has come up at the Great Blasket Island for two people to make the move to the Southern island for the summer. The remote island is situated off the coast of Dunquin in Co Kerry, near Dingle. The Great Blasket Island Experience are...
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Tragic Oisin Reddin’s friends and classmates supported by…
Specialist counsellors have been offering support to school friends of 12-year-old Oisín Reddin who was killed in a suspected murder-suicide on Thursday at a house just metres from his primary school. The body of Oisín’s father, Wayne O’Reilly, 48,...
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Irish leaders respond as Trump ramps up idea of US acquiring…
Ireland's Taoiseach and Minister of Foreign Affairs have both responded to US President Donald Trump's mounting desire for the US to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory in Denmark. "We need Greenland from a national security situation," Trump...
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Prehistoric Wicklow find could prove Vikings may not have built…
Researchers have uncovered evidence of a sprawling prehistoric complex in the hills of Wicklow that rivals the scale of early cities. This monumental find challenges the long held historical narrative that the Vikings were the primary architects of...
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150-year-old Meath pub vows 'we will go again' after being destroye…
Locals in Moynalvey, Co Meath, woke up on New Year's Eve to the shock news of a fire at Scut Fagans pub. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene, and the fire, which broke out in the wee hours of December 31, was brought under control by...
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From Conor McGregor to Enoch Burke: The high profile cases set…
We can expect to see many familiar faces contesting and defending cases during 2026. Among them will be MMA fighter Conor McGregor, and the nimble-footed dancer Michael Flatley and, of course, Enoch Burke and his family are unlikely to be far from the...
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Ireland to reach "peak population" in approximately three decades,…
"Building a Virtuous Demographic Cycle," the new research report published by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC) in Ireland, examines the impact of demographic changes on Ireland. The NESC says that Ireland is undergoing a series of...
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"Irish MAGA"? - Steve Bannon working "behind the scenes on th…
Steve Bannon, who served as the White House's chief strategist during US President Donald Trump's first term, says he is "working behind the scenes" to form a nationalist party in Ireland. Bannon, 73, mentioned Ireland while discussing the recently...
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Ireland's passport service says "don't be that person" in 2026
"Don’t Be That Person" - the 2026 information and awareness campaign for Ireland's Passport Service - has been launched by Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD. The campaign encourages the public to check their passport...
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Oscars 2026: Who are Ireland’s best hopes at a win?
Ireland has seen some success in recent years, most notably with Cillian Murphy taking home Best Actor in 2024. In 2026, it looks like at least one other Irish star could be heading home with an Academy Award. "Hamnet", which releases in January, is...
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Google reveals Ireland's most searched topics in 2025
As the year draws to a close, Google’s Year in Search reveals the questions we asked Google, the people who caught our interest, and the everyday curiosities we wanted to solve. For a country obsessed with weather it’s no surprise that the record...
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Watch: Dublin coffee shop sees humour in break-in footage as th…
A coffee shop in Dublin had to see the humour in a break-in to their shop, as they launched an appeal for information. Tribe Coffee Co in Dublin had its Rathgar location broken into just before Christmas earlier this week, with money being taken and...
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Man in Brazil to be quizzed over Daniel Aruebose murder
The man, who is living in South America, was detained by police in Brazil earlier this week. Officially, he was arrested over ‘immigration matters’, gardaí said in a statement. However, Extra.ie understands that the man will be met by gardaí at Dublin...
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Nollaig Shona Dhuit! Irish Christmas blessings to share wit…
Merry Christmas from us all here at IrishCentral! With the big day upon us, you may be on the hunt for some poignant Irish Christmas Blessings to share with your friends and family as you come together to celebrate. Irish Christmas Blessing - the...
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LISTEN: The Pogues release version of first time they played…
"It was Christmas Eve, babe ..." The opening lyrics to The Pogues' classic "Fairytale of New York" are timeless. Now, however, the Irish Christmas ballad is getting a new life, as The Pogues have released a version of the first time they ever played...
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Ancient Order of Hibernians slams the sudden shutdown of a crucial…
National Immigration Chair Dan Dennehy issued a stern statement today after the Department of Homeland Security announced an indefinite pause on the lottery system that has served Irish families for decades. He argued that using a recent tragedy to...
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"Driving Home for Christmas" singer Chris Rea dies at age 74…
The music world is mourning the loss of Chris Rea, who passed away in the hospital this Monday at the age of 74. His family confirmed the news of his death following a brief illness that took the life of the celebrated singer and songwriter.
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TUNE IN: Newgrange's Winter Solstice light show to be…
The Winter Solstice phenomenon at Newgrange in Co Meath will, once again, be available to watch anywhere in the world via livestream on Sunday, December 21. Ireland's Office of Public Works (OPW) and National Monuments Services (NMS) of the Department...
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Irish American Archbishop of New York is resigning, successor…
Archbishop of New York Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan is resigning, as required by Canon Law, and is being replaced by Ronald A. Hicks, who has served as the Bishop of Joliet in Illinois since 2020. Archbishop of New York since 2009, Dolan - whose...
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Irish Jewish group shares fury at Greta Thunberg’s visit to the Irish…
Hours after the anti-semitic terror attack on Bondi Beach, Ms Thunberg shared a video on social media calling on Palestinian activists to "mobilise and escalate". The Irish Jewish Representative Council said yesterday it was ‘troubled’ by President...
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WATCH: "Trump and the Irish" Undocumented Irish situation…
New figures revealed in a timely TG4 documentary, “Trump agus na Gaeil” ("Trump and the Irish") show a 65 percent surge in the deportation of Irish citizens from the United States in 2025 alone. This significant rise has prompted leading immigration...
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"Their pain is felt" - Irish Jewish community stands in solidarity…
The event heard messages of remembrance and condemnation of antisemitism following the mass shooting at a Jewish festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday evening, in which 15 people were killed. The alleged attackers, a father and son, opened fire...
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Inside Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin’s wedding as first clips…
The first photos and videos have emerged from Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin’s wedding. The former UFC fighter and his now wife, who share four children together, have been together since 2008, with McGregor popping the question back in 2020. Now, it...
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Case of Irish green card holder in ICE detention set to be reviewed …
The case of Donna Hughes Brown, the Irish citizen and US green card holder who has been in ICE detention since July, is set to be reviewed by the US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem. Hughes Brown, who was born to Irish parents in England...
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Fake story about Rosie O'Donnell's Irish citizenship application goes viral
A post on the 'America's Last Line of Defense' Facebook page that claims Irish officials have denied Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship application has racked up tens of thousands of reactions despite being fake. The December 6 post claims O'Donnell, who...
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Urgent social media warning for Irish travelling to the US
America’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposed the ideas for anyone who is planning to visit the country, whether they require a visa or not including an ESTA (electronic travel authorisation) where people can visit for up to 90 days without a...
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Grieving father warns parents after losing son who inhaled aerosol
Daniel Maguire, 14, lost his life on September 27 after he overdosed after inhaling an aerosol. Daniel’s Dad, Dermot, detailed how his son was pronounced dead at Temple Street Hospital in the hours after he found his son unresponsive in his...
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£73m Guinness brewery experience opens its doors in…
Vistors to Covent Garden, London have a spectacular new destination to add to their itinerary as Diageo unveils a massive Guinness experience in the heart of the city. This state-of-the-art facility marks a significant expansion for the brand and...
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Irish coffee with Baileys whipped Irish cream recipe
We know Irish coffee is a top treat and Baileys Irish cream is hugely popular but how about you put those two together and add some fresh cold cream! A post on Reddit for "Irish coffee, with Baileys whipped cream" got huge attention in 2022, and we...
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Late Late Toy Show appeal tops four million in a night of festive… The Late Late Toy Show appeal smashed fundraising expectations yet again, pulling in a phenomenal total for children in need as the 50th anniversary spectacular lit up Donnybrook.
The Late Late Toy Show appeal smashed fundraising expectations yet again, pulling in a phenomenal total for children in need as the 50th anniversary spectacular lit up Donnybrook. Patrick Kielty helmed the festive chaos, backed by a brilliant crew of...
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Four more sets of human remains recovered in Tuam Mother & Bab…
Four more sets of human remains have been recovered during the ongoing forensic excavation at the site of the former Mother and Baby Institution in Tuam, Co Galway. "The manner of burial of these four sets of human remains was consistent with that of...
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The Late Late Toy Show gets ready for blast off! How to watch from…
In Ireland, The Late Late Toy Show on RTÉ is the unofficial kickoff ot the Christmas season - and one of the biggest television events of the year. Not in Ireland? Not to worry! You can watch Toy Show 2025 live on the RTÉ Player from anywhere in the...
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Galway Famine workhouse selected for 2026 national…
The hauntingly preserved Irish Workhouse Centre in Portumna has been chosen as the setting for the National Famine Commemoration in May 2026. This decision marks the first time the solemn state event will be held in County Galway to honour the memory...
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Zelenskyy receives Irish parliament standing ovation as h…
Mr Zelensky shook hands with TDs and Senators who filled the Dáil [Ireland's Parliament] ahead of his speech. Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy paid tribute to Mr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska, who she said was "a model for women worldwide".
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WATCH: Joe Crowley honored at the 2025 IrishCentral Legal Elite…
The 2025 IrishCentral Legal Elite Awards gathered an inspiring cross-section of Irish American legal talent for an evening of recognition at the American Irish Historical Society. Esteemed guests, including elected officials, community leaders, judges,...
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More than 5,000 to become Irish citizens at Killarney ceremonies
More than 5,200 people will make the Declaration of Fidelity and Loyalty to the State at six ceremonies over two days in Killarney, a milestone the Department of Justice says highlights a rapid rise in naturalisation numbers in recent years. The...
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Garda cyber crime expert suspended over Harris hate tweets
A Senior member of the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau has been suspended after he made sinister online threats against Tánaiste Simon Harris, Extra.ie can reveal. Civilian Jonathan O’Neill, an executive officer at the GNCCB, called Mr Harris whose...
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Andrew McGinley backs Deirdre Morley’s court challenge to scop…
Ms Morley, a paediatric nurse, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering their young children, Conor, nine, Darragh, seven, and Carla, three, at their home in Newcastle, Co. Dublin, in 2020. Her trial in 2021 heard that Ms Morley had a...
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Ireland’s birth rate drops 20% in just 11 years
Ireland’s birth rate has dropped by 20% over the past 11 years, while the rate of potentially dangerous ectopic pregnancies has increased, a new study of the country’s maternity services has found. The HSE has published the national report, measuring...
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The tipples, trifles and truffles that make an Irish Christmas
Irish Christmas traditions and treats that make the season bright. Irish people are known the world over for their legendary hospitality, but never more so than at Christmas, when the drinks are overflowing and cupboards and fridges are stocked with...
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Northern Ireland man sentenced in Rhode Island as part of "Operatio…
Elijah Gavin, from Northern Ireland, has been sentenced to federal prison in the US as part of "Operation Take Back America," Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom has announced. 29-year-old Gavin admitted, in one case, to participating in a...
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John F Kennedy's granddaughter reveals she has a year to live afte…
The 35-year-old was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia shortly after giving birth in 2024, as doctors noticed abnormalities in her blood. Tatiana was feeling perfectly healthy at the time, describing herself as 'one of the healthiest people' she...
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New York man sentenced for manslaughter of Co Longford…
Marcin Pieciak, who pleaded guilty last month to the March 2024 manslaughter of Co Longford woman Sarah McNally, was sentenced to 24 years in prison and five years' post-release supervision on Friday, November 21. Pieciak reaffirmed his guilt and said...
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How to watch Catherine Connolly’s inauguration: Time, venue and all…
Michael D Higgins has left Áras an Uachtaráin after 14 years at the helm, with Connolly taking his place in Phoenix Park. The 68-year-old has pledged to be an "inclusive" president, as well as one who "listens and reflects and speaks when it’s...
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Airbnb growth in the Gaeltacht sparks concern over housing and…
New data from Inside Airbnb has revealed a dramatic surge in short-term lettings across Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions, prompting fresh warnings about the impact on housing, communities and the Irish language.
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Dublin star Barry Keoghan gearing up for bumper 2026 year
With a BAFTA Award under his belt and Golden Globes and Oscar nominations, actor Barry Keoghan has emerged as the toast of Tinseltown. The Dublin-born star, who has received widespread critical acclaim for his acting prowess in a myriad of roles, is...
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Far-right group threatened to attack mosque and asylum centr…
A far-right group threatened to attack a mosque and asylum centres around the country, a court has heard. Two men appeared before Portlaoise District Court yesterday charged with possession of explosives after a joint Garda-PSNI operation. Gardaí...
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Teabags, crisps, and chocolate can no longer be mailed from Ireland …
An Post, Ireland's state-owned postal service, has issued an advisory for people in Ireland planning to send mail and goods to the US. "There are some food items which cannot currently be accepted into the USA, including teabags, crisps and...
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Black Friday Savings on 2026 guided vacations to Ireland and beyond
If exploring breathtaking landscapes, ancient castles, and lively city streets is on your list for 2026, CIE Tours wants to make it easier and more affordable than ever. The award-winning Irish tour company is offering Black Friday deals with savings...
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"The pain doesn't fade" - John McAreavey meets with Simon…
Michaela and John tied the knot in a winter wedding in December 2010, but less than two weeks later, she was killed in her hotel room during the couple's honeymoon to Mauritius. Michaela's former husband, John, is still hopeful that justice will be...
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Ireland sees record number of babies born to mothers aged 45…
Ireland's Central Statistics Office (CSO) published its Vital Statistics Annual Report 2023 on Monday, November 3. Among the findings, the CSO reported that there was a record number of 408 babies born to women 45 years and over in 2023, an increase...
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Former Kilkenny all-star hurler gets jail time for "fake cancer"…
Denis Joseph 'DJ' Carey, the former Kilkenny hurler who pleaded guilty to ten charges of deception in July, has been jailed for five-and-a-half years. Carey, of The Drive, Newtown, Maynooth, Co Kildare, was sentenced this morning, Monday, November 3,...
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‘Defenseless’ dog killed by firework in ‘deliberate attack’ in…
A ‘defenseless’ dog has died following a ‘deliberate firework attack’ in Meath on Friday night. The dog was found with horrific facial injuries by a woman walking home in Dunboyne on Halloween night. She believed the attack was ‘not an...
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New York man pleads guilty to murder of Longford woman Sara…
Marcin Pieciak, of Glendale, Queens, pleaded guilty on Thursday to manslaughter in the first degree for fatally stabbing his girlfriend, Co Longford woman Sarah McNally, in New York in March 2024. McNally, 41, was working as a bartender at The Céilí...
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Happy Halloween! The Irish origins of today's traditions
The Celts believed that on the eve of Halloween, dead spirits would visit the mortal world. They lit bonfires to keep evil spirits away and dressed in disguises. Although our Halloween is less about dead spirits and more about having fun and dressing...
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Dublin firefighter sentenced in Boston for St. Patrick's Day…
Terence Crosbie, the Dublin firefighter who was last week found guilty of raping a woman in Boston in March 2024, was sentenced to seven to nine years in a Massachusetts state prison today, Thursday, October 30. Crosbie, who had pleaded not guilty to...
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Joe Crowley’s Irish-American journey from Queens to the heart…
Former Congressman Joe Crowley of Queens will be among the distinguished honorees at the 2025 IrishCentral Legal Elite Awards this November, an event that celebrates leaders whose work reflects the shared values of integrity, service, and cultural...
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Stand with Irish stories and sustain independent journalism
We rely on readers like you to keep Irish news and culture free to all. Your donation helps us remain independent and true to our mission. IrishCentral was founded to bring the best of Ireland to a global audience. From breaking news to features that...
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Seven in ten people who voted for Catherine Connolly feel worse off
After a wave of discontent fuelled a landslide victory for Ms Connolly, exit poll data from Ireland Thinks shows a majority of voters want a President who is critical of the Government and would not support a united left alliance in the next election....
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Catherine Connolly officially elected 10th President of Ireland
Catherine Connolly has been elected the 10th President of Ireland. The independent candidate, who was backed by a number of left-wing parties, beat Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys comfortably by 63.3% to Ms Humphreys’ 29.5%. Jim Gavin, who was set to...
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Catherine Connolly officially elected 10th President of Ireland
Catherine Connolly has been elected the 10th President of Ireland. The independent candidate, who was backed by a number of left-wing parties, beat Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys comfortably by 63.3% to Ms Humphreys’ 29.5%. Jim Gavin, who was set to...
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Ireland heads to the polls - how does the Presidential Election…
Ireland will be heading to the polls on Friday, October 24, to cast their vote for the next President. The election sees the conclusion of President Michael D Higgins' second consecutive seven-year term in the Aras. In Ireland, a...
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Soldier F found not guilty of Bloody Sunday murders and attempted…
Soldier F, the former British paratrooper accused of murdering James Wray and William McKinney and the attempted murder of five other people - Joseph Friel, Joseph Mahon, Michael Quinn, Patrick O’Donnell, and a person unknown - in Derry on Bloody...
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"Game over" - Viewers come to same conclusion after final…
As part of a "Prime Time" special, the two began with statements explaining why they would be a better President than the woman standing beside them. Humphreys seemed to stumble and get lost in her opening statement as she repeatedly...
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Rapist who pretended to be an Irish orphan gets five years to life…
A man who posed as an Irish orphan and fl ed across the Atlantic has been sentenced in Utah to between five years and life for a rape committed in 2008. Friends and authorities say Nicholas Rossi — also known by his legal name, Nicholas Alahverdian —...
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Presidential hopefuls don’t hold back as scathing attacks launced…
Fine Gael’s Heather Humphreys and Independent Catherine Connolly launched scathing attacks against each other yesterday as the race entered its final week. Ms Connolly accused Fine Gael of reaching "a new low" after Ms Humphreys...
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Connolly’s Brexit views come into focus as election nears
Catherine Connolly ‘spoke the language of Nigel Farage’ on Brexit and has ‘cynically pivoted’ her position on Europe, her Áras opponent Heather Humphreys said yesterday. Fine Gael’s Presidential candidate said Ms Connolly...
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Irish dance org's finances "improving," though risk of costly…
An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), the oldest and largest competitive Irish dance organization in the world, appears optimistic about itsfi finances amid reports that costly litigation could threaten its existence. According...
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Dublin granny hit by car in Massachusetts has died
Kathleen Ryder, the Dublin grandmother who was struck by a car in Worcester, Massachusetts, on September 25, has died. Kathleen "passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family while visiting Worcester, US" on Friday,...
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Irish voting rights group reiterates call for Irish electoral reform
VotingRights.ie has this week published a second edition of The Citizenship Papers - a series of essays that advocate for voting rights for all Irish citizens - while reiterating its calls for Irish electoral reform.
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Irish Ambassador to US to stay on amid uncertain diplomatic times
Geraldine Byrne Nason will remain Ireland's ambassador to the United States. The Irish government said continuity in Washington is vital because Byrne Nason's cross-party relationships on Capitol Hill and her role in opening Ireland's new embassy...
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Micheál Martin "deeply moved" by release of Israeli hostages in Gaza
Martin paid tributes to the released hostages and spoke about the footage of their reunions. Hamas released all 20 of the Israeli hostages as part of an exchange for roughly 2,000 Palestinians held captive by Israel. The Palestinian...
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