Ireland in the news: protests over Israel fixtures and a fuel crisis shake the gov, plus Kinahan arrest in Dubai. Ireland—tiny island, big headlines.
The government is moving to expand online safety rules, with ministers preparing a framework that could bar under-16s from certain social media platforms. Officials say secondary legislation will be used to implement any ban, aiming to move faster while consultative processes continue.
England’s Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are under investigation for a breach of team protocols after an incident at a nightclub following the first Test against New Zealand at Lord’s. The ECB and the regulator are seeking full facts while preparing for the second Test at The Oval.
Labour lawmakers have signed a letter urging Britain to end trade with illegal West Bank settlements, arguing that sanctions are needed as the E1 project proceeds and the situation worsens for Palestinians. The move follows a wave of international warnings and UK actions under Prime Minister Starmer.
Britain's HMS Dragon was delayed in deployment to the Mediterranean after a drone attack on Cyprus. The ship, equipped with advanced missile systems, is now en route after logistical and strategic delays. Critics cite funding and strategic shifts towards Russia as reasons for the slow response.
St. Patrick's Day on March 17 saw worldwide festivities, including New York's parade with 2 million spectators, Edinburgh's city-wide events, Montserrat's commemorations of a historic rebellion, and innovative celebrations like a mobile Irish pub in New England. The day highlights Irish culture and history globally.
During a Euro playoff game in Prague, Irish midfielder Jayson Szmodics collapsed after a collision, displaying involuntary arm movements. He was treated on the field, stretchered off, and taken to hospital. The incident occurred less than two minutes after he entered the game. The match ended with Czech victory on penalties.
Protests over rising fuel costs have continued in Ireland, causing blockades at key fuel depots and ports. Police are enforcing measures to clear the blockades, which have led to fuel shortages at over a third of service stations. The government is considering further action as protests persist.
EU foreign ministers have requested discussion of suspending the 1995 EU‑Israel Association Agreement after Spain, Ireland and Slovenia have formally asked for the issue to be placed on the agenda. Member states remain divided: Germany and Italy are opposing suspension while France, Belgium and others are pushing targeted measures, and public pressure has surged following Israel's policies in Gaza, the West Bank and a new death‑penalty law.
The Irish government has secured support in a confidence vote following protests over rising fuel costs. Sinn Fein has criticised the government's handling of the protests, which have included blockades and disruptions. Prime Minister Micheál Martin has announced new tax cuts to address the crisis, which has been driven by the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The political fallout continues as protests persist and opposition parties push for an election.
Daniel Kinahan, alleged leader of the Kinahan crime group, has been arrested in Dubai on an Irish warrant. The arrest follows years of international efforts to apprehend him over serious organized crime charges, including drug trafficking and firearm offenses. The case highlights ongoing cross-border law enforcement cooperation.
Protests in Ireland have entered their tenth day, with farmers and hauliers blocking roads, ports, and fuel depots over rising fuel costs linked to global tensions. The government has announced support measures, but protests continue, raising concerns about potential political and economic impacts.
Tickets for next year's Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland have sold out quickly during the Irish-only window, with prices reaching €499 for match days. Organisers highlight record demand and plan to enhance the onsite experience, including a new campsite and more seating, amid the highest prices in European Ryder Cup history.
Eurovision 2026 is set to unfold in Vienna with 35 countries competing. Several broadcasters have pulled out in protest of Israel's inclusion amid the Gaza war. Slovenia will not broadcast the contest, opting to show films about Palestine; other countries have made similar decisions or limited coverage. The event maintains a governance framework intended to keep politics off the stage, but tensions remain evident around the competition’s political neutrality.
Whitbread has announced a five-year plan that includes cutting about 3,800 UK and Ireland roles and closing the remaining Beefeater and Brewers Fayre restaurants as part of a shift to a pure‑hotel model, funded by selling £1.5bn of freehold properties. The group is pursuing cost savings amid tax rises and activist investor pressure, with redeployment offered where possible.
The England men’s and women’s rugby teams are under scrutiny after a mixed Six Nations. The women have extended a winning run and face Ireland next, while the men’s setup is undergoing a formal review with no coaching changes announced yet.
Bulgaria has won the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna with Dara's 'Bangaranga' on 17 May; Israel's Noam Bettan has finished second with 'Michelle', taking 343 points to Bulgaria's 516. The final has followed weeks of protests, five broadcaster boycotts and tightened voting rules after concerns about disproportionate promotion.
Irish celebrities and sports figures have joined a campaign urging the Republic of Ireland to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, amid claims of genocide in Gaza and breaches of UEFA/FIFA rules. The open letter to the FAI, backed by prominent signatories, argues humanitarian concerns should take precedence over sport. Ireland is set to host Israel on October 4 at Aviva Stadium, with a September 27 neutral-site Israeli home match planned.
Five countries have withdrawn from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation in the Gaza war, leaving 35 participating nations. Ireland has sparked controversy by showing a Father Ted episode during the final; the Eurovision voting process faces scrutiny after a NYT report alleging a state-backed campaign to boost Israel. Eurovision chief Green says efforts are ongoing to bring back missing broadcasters; new limits on voting have been introduced.
EU ambassadors have launched the formal process to open the first negotiating cluster with Ukraine and Moldova, and the Cyprus presidency has prepared intergovernmental conferences for June 15. Hungary has signalled a breakthrough on minority rights with Kyiv, and German proposals for an "associate member" status for Ukraine are shaping rival views of how fast accession can proceed.
Yves Sakila has died after being restrained by security guards on Dublin’s Henry Street on May 15. Video shows multiple guards pinning him to the ground for about five minutes. Police are investigating all circumstances; Prime Minister Micheál Martin has called for a thorough inquiry and the Congolese community mourns an unintended outcome of a purported theft investigation.
A persistent heat dome has driven unprecedented May temperatures across western Europe this week, with the UK and France having broken May records (Kew Gardens provisionally 35.1°C). Ambulance services have reported record call volumes, amber heat-health alerts have been issued, thunderstorms and fires have followed the heat, and officials are urging caution around open water.
Ireland is moving to pass a law limiting goods from Israeli-occupied West Bank settlements to a goods-only ban by mid-July, in line with government aims. The measure has faced opposition from business lobbyists and some politicians who prefer expanding the ban to services. Prime Minister Micheál Martin has signalled that widening to services would be unworkable, keeping the focus on goods.
A pan-European heatwave has shattered May temperature records in the UK and France, with London and Kew Gardens reaching 35C while minimum temperatures stay above 20C for consecutive nights. Met Office warnings are in place as authorities warn of heat-related health impacts and potential storms across parts of England.
Irish activists have disrupted a Dublin friendly between Ireland and Qatar by throwing tennis balls on the pitch to protest upcoming Nations League games against Israel. The protests have intensified pressure on the Football Association of Ireland to boycott the Israel fixtures, with dates set for September and October. Ireland’s coach and players have called for peaceful protest while insisting the matches will go ahead.
China has rolled out new national security screening rules for Chinese companies seeking overseas investment, supplementing April regulations that allow intervention to relocate supply chains. The move signals a tougher, more fragmented global economic environment as major powers turn to trade barriers and China seeks to harden its technology and supply chains.
Israel has announced the approval of 2,162 new Jewish homes in the occupied West Bank, including a new settlement near Jerusalem and expansions near Nablus and Hebron. Officials say the project aims to strengthen Israeli control on the land, while Palestinians warn it deepens occupation and threatens future peace.
Robbie Keane is a leading contender to become Celtic's manager, prompting protests from pro-Palestinian supporters who highlight his decision to stay in Israel during the Gaza conflict. Graffiti and banners outside Celtic Park, plus statements from supporter groups, reflect a divide in the fan base as talks with Dermot Desmond continue.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has urged Iran to refrain from interference and pushed Hezbollah toward diplomacy, saying the conflict with Israel requires a negotiated settlement. Israeli strikes continue across Lebanon as a US-brokered truce process unfolds amid ongoing clashes and casualties.
The European Union has proposed a broad new sanctions package targeting Russia’s economy, including a visa ban for ex-combatants, a price cap on oil, and restrictions on banks, crypto platforms and third-country traders. The measures, announced by Ursula von der Leyen, aim to choke Moscow’s war economy while extending pressure on energy revenues and military supply chains.