Capital city of Ireland; a global hub at the heart of the island
Disruptions surrounding Celtic Football Club have intensified following tennis-ball protests aimed at Dermot Desmond at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in St Andrews. Celtic condemns the act and cuts ties with the Celtic Fans Collective, while supporters groups push back and vow further action.
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector after official reports alleged an incident in or around the tunnel at halftime of Ireland27s 1-1 Nations League draw with Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia. Ireland27s staff have alleged an Israeli player spat at a member of the Irish backroom team; FAI and UEFA enquiries are ongoing.
A roundup of recent cultural highlights across multiple venues, from a punchy Undertones tribute in Edinburgh to daring, boundary-pushing experimental releases and folk revivals. The scene remains vibrant as artists push genres and voices in new directions.
Demonstrations marking three years since Israel’s Gaza war have drawn thousands in London, Berlin, Dublin and other cities. Protesters call for sanctions on Israel and an arms embargo, while police warn of zero tolerance for hate crimes amid counter-demonstrations.
Saracens’ director of rugby Brendan Venter has returned to a central role amid ongoing debate over his media commitments and evolving job title. The club was fined after he skipped a pre-season media day, while questions linger about his day-to-day responsibilities and the team’s performance.
Liverpool city region has begun bringing bus services back under public control, starting in St Helens. Fares stay capped at £2, and the network aims to increase frequency, improve evening and weekend services, and better connect hospitals and rail links.
Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary has defended previously controversial remarks that compared rival airlines to rapists, saying he has not trivialised rape and will not apologise. The comments have drawn condemnation from victims’ groups and politicians in Ireland and the UK, ahead of Ryanair’s AGM.
Oasis has revealed a 2027 world tour spanning the UK, Europe, and the US, with 11 Manchester shows and five Celtic Park dates in Glasgow. Richard Ashcroft will be the special guest on all dates. The news follows their 2025 reunion tour and a wave of teasers and drone displays ahead of the official announcement.
Houthi advances along Yemen’s coast and the capture of Mocha put Bab el-Mandeb at risk. The United States faces political pressure as it weighs whether to intervene, while Saudi Arabia seeks to protect Red Sea shipping amid Iran-linked disruptions.
Burnham is expected to meet Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York as the UK‑US relationship navigates past earlier criticisms. He has held two official calls with Trump since taking office, and Parliament allies say the ties go beyond any one president or prime minister.
Ukraine has carried out long-range drone strikes on multiple Russian oil refineries this week while Russia has launched large drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged Kyiv to stop targeting diesel facilities as U.S. diesel prices hit record highs, and Russian officials report dozens of intercepted drones and refinery damage.
Houthi forces have seized large stretches of Yemen's Red Sea coast and islands, tightened control over the Bab al‑Mandeb shipping lane and have launched missiles, drones and ballistic rounds at Saudi cities including Riyadh and Yanbu. Saudi air defences have said they have intercepted strikes; residents have reported explosions and smoke. The advance has disrupted shipping and pushed global energy markets higher.
The DP World Tour has revised its 2027 calendar as the Ryder Cup moves Ireland-ward, prompting date shuffles for key events and a reordering of the European circuit’s calendar. Several tournaments relocate in the lead-up to the 2027 season, with Wentworth and other Rolex Series events affected along with national opens and Open Qualifying Series slots.
Rapper Macklemore has been dropped from Ed Sheeran’s US Loop Tour after pro-Palestine remarks, prompting other acts to withdraw and drawing scrutiny of venue owners and promoters. Ed Sheeran says the decision was promoter-driven, not his, while fans and artists weigh in on free speech, sponsorship, and accountability. The tour resumes in Philadelphia with uncertainty over lineup and ticketing.
Britain seeks closer access to European markets as the EU pushes the Industrial Accelerator Act to curb China’s role in Europe’s supply chains. Britain warns against new barriers while exploring a reset with Brussels.
The Union Jack Classic has brought Kansas and Arizona State to Wembley, marking London’s first college football game at the stadium and underscoring the Big 12’s international ambitions. The event blends pageantry with sport, drawing tens of thousands of fans and international attention.
The Swedish left-wing bloc has secured a slim 176-seat majority following a tightly contested election. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has resigned, and Magdalena Andersson is exploring coalition options with the Left Party, Greens and Centre Party. The speaker will oversee subsequent talks to form a government within a tight timeframe.
Irish public opinion has grown increasingly opposed to Ireland’s Nations League games against Israel amid ongoing protests and political pressure. The government and football authorities have faced calls to boycott, with players weighing a collective stance as matches move to neutral venues.
Ireland’s Data Protection Commission has ruled that Google has infringed GDPR in the processing of location data for Web & App Activity, Location History and Location Accuracy, issuing a €403 million fine and ordering compliance within six months. Google says policies have evolved since 2019. BEUC warns late enforcement harms consumer rights.
Sen. John Curtis has asked the Republican-led Senate Judiciary Committee to subpoena Donald Trump Jr. over his business ties, foreign gifts and a Russian oligarch-funded wedding party. Curtis has demanded the same scrutiny for Hunter Biden and cited reporting that Umar Kremlev paid substantial costs for Trump Jr.'s Bahamas celebrations in May.
Ireland’s manager and Israel’s football federation have exchanged sharp public remarks ahead of Nations League fixtures. Ireland’s call for a boycott has grown amid protests at team hotels. Both sides insist on neutral venues as security concerns mount.
Macklemore has announced a short "Free Palestine" tour, saying three European dates have sold out and that proceeds will go to Palestinian aid groups. The shows will run in Dublin on Oct. 26, Paris on Oct. 29 and London on Oct. 30; additional US dates and guest artists will be announced. He made the move after being removed from Ed Sheeran's US tour earlier in September.
Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel are under intense scrutiny as players debate boycotting amid Gaza war concerns. The team has moved a game to a neutral venue and will play behind closed doors in Belgrade, Serbia, with protests continuing and players weighing their stance.
U2 has announced Carnaval de Luz, their 16th studio album, to be released on 13 November. The album features Dolly Parton on the final track Torn, described as a tender country duet. The Edge and Bono describe the project as a messy, provocative collection; the album includes collaborations with Martin Garrix and Ryan Tedder. Parton’s involvement marks her final vocal performance. The band previously released two EPs this year and has toured extensively.
Ireland has decided to proceed with Nations League fixtures against Israel in Hungary, despite internal dissent and protests. One player has withdrawn, discussions among players and officials have stretched over hours, and the team plans to wear armbands and donate match fees.
Portugal has secured a 4-2 win over Denmark, while Germany beats Serbia 2-0 and the Netherlands draw with Greece as part of Nations League action. Ireland defeats Israel 3-0 amid security concerns surrounding the Israel fixture. Ronaldo remains on the bench for Portugal in Oslo.
Arab warnings from Egypt and the UAE are now corroborated by multiple outlets, including The Atlantic and The Wall Street Journal. The reports describe Israeli leaders receiving cautions about Gaza's volatility in the weeks before the October 7, 2023 assault, with Egypt’s Abbas Kamel and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly warning of imminent danger.
Republic of Ireland has determined to play Israel in Nations League fixtures, including a behind-closed-doors match in Serbia, as protests at home continue. The team’s stance follows its collective vote and recent debate over Gaza war coverage.
UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector following a tense Nations League double against Ireland and Israel. Reports allege an Israeli player spat at Ireland’s fitness chief; Ireland’s coach says the rounds were marked by intimidation attempts. Both matches ended 3-0 and 1-1 respectively, with Ireland citing security and protest concerns.
UEFA has opened an ethics and disciplinary investigation into potential misconduct by players after a 1-1 Nations League clash in Backa Topola, Serbia. An incident near the tunnel at half-time is alleged; Ireland’s staff member Damien Doyle was reported to have been spat at by an Israeli player. Ireland says the match was tense but managed by players; Israel denies any spitting. Both teams played behind closed doors amid protests.