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Tag: Ireland

  • Ex-Minister and Left Winger Vie for Irish Presidency After Football Coach Withdraws

    DUBLIN (Reuters) -Ireland’s presidential election will be contested by a former minister and a left-wing lawmaker after a third candidate, a former Gaelic football coach, pulled out of the contest following questions about his time as a landlord almost 20 years ago.

    The withdrawal by Jim Gavin on Sunday, the candidate for Fianna Fail, one of Ireland’s two governing parties, means the contest for the largely ceremonial role will now be a straight shootout between independent lawmaker Catherine Connolly and ex-minister Heather Humphreys.

    The Irish Independent newspaper reported a claim by a former tenant that Gavin had failed to return a rent overpayment of more than 3,000 euros ($3,500) that was the result of a banking error.

    In a statement, Gavin said that recent days had given him “cause to reflect”.

    “I made a mistake that was not in keeping with my character and the standards I set myself. I am now taking steps to address the matter,” he said.

    Connolly, one of the leading pro-Palestinian voices in parliament, has built up a coalition representing most of the opposition, including the largest member Sinn Fein, which opted not to put forward a candidate of its own.

    Fine Gael, Ireland’s other ruling party, is backing Humphreys, a former social affairs minister.

    A poll for the Sunday Independent newspaper published on Sunday morning put Connolly at 32%, Humphreys at 23%, and Gavin at 15%.

    (Reporting by Graham Fahy; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)

    Copyright 2025 Thomson Reuters.

    Photos You Should See – Sept. 2025

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  • Irish foreign minister touts ‘sports diplomacy’ ahead of TCU game in Dublin

    TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) points against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first half Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

    TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Josh Hoover (10) points against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first half Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.


    Jacob Reiner

    Imagn Images

    Neale Richmond, Ireland’s deputy minister for foreign affairs and trade, on Friday visited TCU’s campus, where he spoke to the economic, educational and cultural benefits of the Frogs’ game in Dublin next August.

    Richmond was joined by former Aer Lingus CEO Stephen Kavanagh, and together they talked with TCU Chancellor Daniel Pullin and Athletic Director Mike Buddie about the reasons for exporting American football from Fort Worth to Dublin. The Horned Frogs will face the University of North Carolina.

    “It’s much more than a game,” said Richmond. He described the annual Aer Lingus College Football Classic as a key to strengthening Irish-American relations.

    For one, Richmond said the games are a tourism driver, attracting upward of 30,000 visitors to Dublin each August. And last year alone, he said, Ireland welcomed roughly 50,000 guests from Texas. Richmond hopes to see that number grow before, during and after TCU’s Dublin game, which is scheduled for Aug. 29.

    Richmond added that Texas is Ireland’s largest U.S. trading partner, and he believes the game will serve to bring together more Texan and Irish businesses.

    From Pullin’s perspective, competing in Dublin will help elevate TCU’s profile on the international stage. He pointed out that TCU already has a robust partnership with University College Dublin, and Pullin’s hope is that seeing the team play overseas will encourage more students to take advantage of study-abroad opportunities.

    “I think there’s a high return on investment,” Pullin said of the payoff for moving a home game to Dublin.

    Because it’s held during “week zero” of the season, when there are only a handful of other games, the Dublin matchup typically draws high ratings. Pullin feels those tuning in will not only view TCU as being competitive on the field, but from an academic standpoint as well.

    “Our commitment to be driven as an academic enterprise should resonate all over the world,” he said.

    When asked about American football’s place in Irish culture, Richmond said it’s popular and only becoming more so.

    “It’s certainly bigger than you think,” he said of Irish fandom. “You find a lot of Irish people who, every weekend, will watch college football and the NFL. They are passionate about the teams they follow.”

    Richmond said those traveling from Fort Worth next year to see TCU play will be met with a high level of excitement and energy, and he assured fans that Dublin is “ready for a purple invasion.”

    Those planning to make the trip are encouraged to visit a new website, frogs2ireland.com, for ticket and travel package details.

    This story was originally published October 3, 2025 at 6:04 PM.

    Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Matt Adams

    Fort Worth Star-Telegram

    Matt Adams is a news reporter covering Fort Worth, Tarrant County and surrounding areas. He previously wrote about aviation and travel and enjoys a good weekend road trip. Matt joined the Star-Telegram in January 2025.

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  • Vikings’ Justin Jefferson has “Ireland edition” of Griddy ready for Dublin game vs. Steelers




































    Vikings vs. Steelers face off in Dublin: Who will win?



    Vikings vs. Steelers face off in Dublin: Who will win?

    04:34

    Justin Jefferson has something special planned for Dublin when the Vikings face the Steelers at Croke Park.

    It’s the first time Ireland is hosting a regular-season NFL game, so the Minnesota wide receiver wants to make it memorable with a new twist to his touchdown dance.

    “We’ve got a little addition to the Griddy, a little Ireland edition. Hopefully, I’ll get to bust it out Sunday,” Jefferson said Friday after practice at the campus of Sport Ireland. “I definitely want to put on a show, especially since this is the first time we’re playing in front of people from Ireland.”

    An Irish Times reporter asked: “Will you call it the O’Griddy?”

    Smiling, Jefferson responded: “I might. I might take that, actually.”

    Jefferson, who hasn’t scored since Minnesota’s 27-24 win over the Chicago Bears in the season opener, said he’s combined some research with his knowledge of Irish culture to add to his routine.

    The Vikings, like the Steelers, landed in Ireland on Friday morning and the team will be sticking around afterward because they play the following week in London against the Cleveland Browns. It’s the first time that an NFL team has played back-to-back games in different international cities.

    “It’s such a cool opportunity for our organization,” head coach Kevin O’Connell said of playing abroad.

    The Vikings are 4-0 in regular-season international games — all in London. In the two international games he’s played, Jefferson has 16 catches for 239 yards, plus a rushing touchdown.

    They beat the Aaron Rodgers-led New York Jets 23-17 last season at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In that game, the Vikings had three interceptions — including a pick-6 by Andrew Van Ginkel, who has been ruled out for the Dublin game.

    CBS Minnesota

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  • How does the Ryder Cup work? Everything you need to know before tee off

    What are foursomes, who is playing, and why on earth is that rather inebriated spectator cosplaying as George Washington? The Ryder Cup can be a dizzying beast to wrap your head around if you’re not a seasoned golf enthusiast.In such headspinning circumstances, it’s helpful to start with the basics.Video above: Golf fans celebrate Ryder Cup victory in 2021So without further ado, here’s a drive through the format so you can get up to speed before tee off at New York’s Bethpage Black Golf Course on Friday.What is the Ryder Cup?Launched in 1927, the Ryder Cup is a biennial tournament that pits the best golfers from the United States and Europe against each other in a battle for bragging rights and a shiny gold trophy.That wasn’t always the setup: for the first 50 years, it was strictly Team USA versus Team Great Britain (renamed Great Britain & Ireland between 1973 and 1977). The problem was, it wasn’t much of a spectacle, with the U.S. winning all but four of the first 22 tournaments.To even the odds, the Great Britain and Ireland selection pool was expanded to include the wider continent from 1979. It worked: Team Europe have won 12 of the 22 tournaments held since, losing nine times and tying once (more on that shortly).Hosting privileges rotate each time, with Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, the arena for the 45th edition of the tournament after Rome’s Marco Simone Golf Club staged the 2023 contest.Winning away is no easy feat. Team USA’s defeat in Italy extended their winless run across the pond to a minimum of 34 years, while Team Europe have not tasted victory on American soil since a comeback for the ages in Illinois back in 2012.How do you win?Like most team sports, the side with the most points at the end wins. Sounds straightforward enough, but Ryder Cup scoring is a little more nuanced.While regular season events like The Masters run according to stroke play – whereby the player who navigates the course in the fewest number of ball hits triumphs – the Ryder Cup is a three-day match play competition.That means players are competing to “win” individual holes, rather than shoot the lowest overall score across the course. Win more holes than your opponent across an 18-hole match and you score a point for your team. If the match ends in a tie, each team receives half a point.With 28 total points up for grabs – eight apiece for foursomes and fourballs sessions across the first two days, and 12 for each Sunday singles matchup – the first team to nudge past the 14-point mark is crowned champion.In the rare event of an overall tie, the trophy is retained by the previous champion. Only twice in Ryder Cup history has this occurred, with the U.S. and Europe each retaining their crown in 1969 and 1989, respectively.What are foursomes?Friday and Saturday morning will be the time for foursomes, a format in which teams of two take alternate shots of the same ball until each hole is complete.For example, Scottie Scheffler could tee off, but his American playing partner would be the one playing from wherever the world No. 1’s drive landed. Teammates alternate hitting tee shots, so Scheffler’s partner would begin the next hole.Whichever pair finds the cup in the fewest strokes wins that hole, with the hole tied if both teams manage it in the same number of strokes. The winner of the most holes clinches the match and a point for the overall scoreboard, with a tied match rewarding each side with half a point.You may see results listed like “won 4&3,” which would – in that case – mean a pair was four holes up with three holes to play and, as a result, could not be caught.Scheffler and Brooks Koepka made unwanted history in Italy two years ago when they were obliterated 9&7 by Scandinavian duo Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, the largest margin of victory for any 18-hole match in Ryder Cup history.What are fourballs?The first two afternoons belong to the fourballs.Again, this is played in pairs and scored like foursomes, but this time players strictly hit their own ball as opposed to alternating shots: four balls are in play at the same time. The player with the lowest score wins that hole for his team.It is up to the home captain to decide which format will be played first, with new US lead Keegan Bradley opting to kick off proceedings with foursomes for the third successive tournament.Captains also have the critical power to choose which players to pair together, an intricate dance of team chemistry and opposition matchup that can make or break a Ryder Cup bid.European captain Luke Donald, retaining the armband after leading his side to triumph in Rome, has an advantage in that sense, with just one change to his champion roster: Rasmus Hojgaard in for his twin Nicolai.By contrast, only six players from that defeated Team USA lineup return: Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Sam Burns and Justin Thomas.What are singles matches?Sunday is dedicated solely to the singles matches, 12 tense shootouts contested by one member of each team.Usual match play rules apply, with the player who scores lowest on each hole taking that hole in the race to secure crucial late points.Expect drama aplenty, with Sundays staging many of the greatest moments in Ryder Cup history, from The Battle of Brookline in 1999 to The Miracle of Medinah in 2012.It is worth noting that, in match play, players have the option to “concede” a hole. This almost exclusively happens around putts, typically very short ones, whereby a player can concede to his opponent and allow them to pick up the ball and win the hole.The most legendary such instance occurred in 1969, when Jack Nicklaus conceded a short putt to Tony Jacklin, confirming the first tie in Ryder Cup history. “The Concession” has since been heralded as a display of supreme sportsmanship, though US captain Sam Snead was not best pleased.”When it happened, all the boys thought it was ridiculous to give him that putt,” Snead would later remark. “We went over there to win, not to be good ol’ boys.”Who is playing?Six players qualify automatically for each team based on ranking points accumulated through seasonal performances, with wins at the four majors giving out the most points.The remaining six slots on either side are left to the captain’s picks, a big talking point in the run-up to every Ryder Cup.Team USACaptain: Keegan BradleyAutomatic qualifiers: Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, Bryson DeChambeauCaptain’s pick: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Sam BurnsTeam EuropeCaptain: Luke DonaldAutomatic qualifiers: Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), Robert MacIntyre (Scotland), Tommy Fleetwood (England), Justin Rose (England), Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark), Tyrrell Hatton (England)Captain’s picks: Shane Lowry (Ireland), Jon Rahm (Spain), Sepp Straka (Austrian), Viktor Hovland (Norway), Ludvig Aberg (Sweden), Matt Fitzpatrick (England)What happened last time?Look away now, American readers.A spirited Sunday fightback proved too little too late as Team USA fell to a 16.5 – 11.5 defeat in Italy, the hosts tearing out of the blocks to avenge a record-breaking 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021.American captain Zach Johnson had faced criticism before a ball had even been struck at Marco Simone, with none of his six captain’s picks ultimately registering a winning record in Rome.Some Saturday evening drama did seem to spark an American response, with McIlroy having been incensed by the celebrations of US caddie Joe LaCava following a key putt for Cantlay.It led to an angry confrontation in the course parking lot and, although resolved over text, provides a juicy subplot heading into the next chapter of a storied rivalry this week.

    CNN —

    What are foursomes, who is playing, and why on earth is that rather inebriated spectator cosplaying as George Washington? The Ryder Cup can be a dizzying beast to wrap your head around if you’re not a seasoned golf enthusiast.

    In such headspinning circumstances, it’s helpful to start with the basics.

    Video above: Golf fans celebrate Ryder Cup victory in 2021

    So without further ado, here’s a drive through the format so you can get up to speed before tee off at New York’s Bethpage Black Golf Course on Friday.

    What is the Ryder Cup?

    Launched in 1927, the Ryder Cup is a biennial tournament that pits the best golfers from the United States and Europe against each other in a battle for bragging rights and a shiny gold trophy.

    That wasn’t always the setup: for the first 50 years, it was strictly Team USA versus Team Great Britain (renamed Great Britain & Ireland between 1973 and 1977). The problem was, it wasn’t much of a spectacle, with the U.S. winning all but four of the first 22 tournaments.

    To even the odds, the Great Britain and Ireland selection pool was expanded to include the wider continent from 1979. It worked: Team Europe have won 12 of the 22 tournaments held since, losing nine times and tying once (more on that shortly).

    Hosting privileges rotate each time, with Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, the arena for the 45th edition of the tournament after Rome’s Marco Simone Golf Club staged the 2023 contest.

    Winning away is no easy feat. Team USA’s defeat in Italy extended their winless run across the pond to a minimum of 34 years, while Team Europe have not tasted victory on American soil since a comeback for the ages in Illinois back in 2012.

    How do you win?

    Like most team sports, the side with the most points at the end wins. Sounds straightforward enough, but Ryder Cup scoring is a little more nuanced.

    While regular season events like The Masters run according to stroke play – whereby the player who navigates the course in the fewest number of ball hits triumphs – the Ryder Cup is a three-day match play competition.

    That means players are competing to “win” individual holes, rather than shoot the lowest overall score across the course. Win more holes than your opponent across an 18-hole match and you score a point for your team. If the match ends in a tie, each team receives half a point.

    With 28 total points up for grabs – eight apiece for foursomes and fourballs sessions across the first two days, and 12 for each Sunday singles matchup – the first team to nudge past the 14-point mark is crowned champion.

    In the rare event of an overall tie, the trophy is retained by the previous champion. Only twice in Ryder Cup history has this occurred, with the U.S. and Europe each retaining their crown in 1969 and 1989, respectively.

    What are foursomes?

    Friday and Saturday morning will be the time for foursomes, a format in which teams of two take alternate shots of the same ball until each hole is complete.

    For example, Scottie Scheffler could tee off, but his American playing partner would be the one playing from wherever the world No. 1’s drive landed. Teammates alternate hitting tee shots, so Scheffler’s partner would begin the next hole.

    Whichever pair finds the cup in the fewest strokes wins that hole, with the hole tied if both teams manage it in the same number of strokes. The winner of the most holes clinches the match and a point for the overall scoreboard, with a tied match rewarding each side with half a point.

    You may see results listed like “won 4&3,” which would – in that case – mean a pair was four holes up with three holes to play and, as a result, could not be caught.

    Scheffler and Brooks Koepka made unwanted history in Italy two years ago when they were obliterated 9&7 by Scandinavian duo Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, the largest margin of victory for any 18-hole match in Ryder Cup history.

    What are fourballs?

    The first two afternoons belong to the fourballs.

    Again, this is played in pairs and scored like foursomes, but this time players strictly hit their own ball as opposed to alternating shots: four balls are in play at the same time. The player with the lowest score wins that hole for his team.

    It is up to the home captain to decide which format will be played first, with new US lead Keegan Bradley opting to kick off proceedings with foursomes for the third successive tournament.

    Captains also have the critical power to choose which players to pair together, an intricate dance of team chemistry and opposition matchup that can make or break a Ryder Cup bid.

    European captain Luke Donald, retaining the armband after leading his side to triumph in Rome, has an advantage in that sense, with just one change to his champion roster: Rasmus Hojgaard in for his twin Nicolai.

    AP

    Europe’s Rasmus Højgaard chips to the green during a practice round at the Ryder Cup golf tournament

    By contrast, only six players from that defeated Team USA lineup return: Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Sam Burns and Justin Thomas.

    What are singles matches?

    Sunday is dedicated solely to the singles matches, 12 tense shootouts contested by one member of each team.

    Usual match play rules apply, with the player who scores lowest on each hole taking that hole in the race to secure crucial late points.

    Expect drama aplenty, with Sundays staging many of the greatest moments in Ryder Cup history, from The Battle of Brookline in 1999 to The Miracle of Medinah in 2012.

    It is worth noting that, in match play, players have the option to “concede” a hole. This almost exclusively happens around putts, typically very short ones, whereby a player can concede to his opponent and allow them to pick up the ball and win the hole.

    The most legendary such instance occurred in 1969, when Jack Nicklaus conceded a short putt to Tony Jacklin, confirming the first tie in Ryder Cup history. “The Concession” has since been heralded as a display of supreme sportsmanship, though US captain Sam Snead was not best pleased.

    “When it happened, all the boys thought it was ridiculous to give him that putt,” Snead would later remark. “We went over there to win, not to be good ol’ boys.”

    Who is playing?

    Six players qualify automatically for each team based on ranking points accumulated through seasonal performances, with wins at the four majors giving out the most points.

    United States captain Keegan Bradley points on the 16th hole during a practice round at the Ryder Cup golf tournament.

    AP

    United States captain Keegan Bradley points on the 16th hole during a practice round at the Ryder Cup golf tournament.

    The remaining six slots on either side are left to the captain’s picks, a big talking point in the run-up to every Ryder Cup.

    Team USA

    Captain: Keegan Bradley

    Automatic qualifiers: Scottie Scheffler, JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau

    Captain’s pick: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns

    Team Europe

    Captain: Luke Donald

    Automatic qualifiers: Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), Robert MacIntyre (Scotland), Tommy Fleetwood (England), Justin Rose (England), Rasmus Hojgaard (Denmark), Tyrrell Hatton (England)

    Captain’s picks: Shane Lowry (Ireland), Jon Rahm (Spain), Sepp Straka (Austrian), Viktor Hovland (Norway), Ludvig Aberg (Sweden), Matt Fitzpatrick (England)

    What happened last time?

    Look away now, American readers.

    A spirited Sunday fightback proved too little too late as Team USA fell to a 16.5 – 11.5 defeat in Italy, the hosts tearing out of the blocks to avenge a record-breaking 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021.

    American captain Zach Johnson had faced criticism before a ball had even been struck at Marco Simone, with none of his six captain’s picks ultimately registering a winning record in Rome.

    Some Saturday evening drama did seem to spark an American response, with McIlroy having been incensed by the celebrations of US caddie Joe LaCava following a key putt for Cantlay.

    It led to an angry confrontation in the course parking lot and, although resolved over text, provides a juicy subplot heading into the next chapter of a storied rivalry this week.

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  • Thousands of Vikings fans descending on Dublin for NFL’s first regular-season game in Ireland

    Purple faithful will be seeing green this weekend as thousands of fans descend on Dublin, Ireland.

    After a successful weekend hosting college football, it’s now time for the pros to invade the Emerald Isle for the first-ever NFL regular-season game.

    “With the Dublin games, this is brand new territory. Going to bring the energy. It’s going to be fun times,” Richard Dawson, co-president of the Vikings UK and Ireland Fan Club.

    Fan leaders say they’re excited to welcome Minnesotans to Ireland and want to help ensure fans have a great time while being respectful to a culture that may be new to American football customs.

    “Don’t do an Irish accent, because that won’t ingratiate you with anyone,” Tom Parry-Jones, the fan club’s content lead, said. “But, you know, be respectful. Enjoy the surroundings. Don’t be too loud.”

    Feel free to pack the horns and war paint; Dublin won’t mind.

    “If you’ve got a costume, please wear it,” Parry-Jones said.

    Expect a compact, walkable city with a big-event atmosphere.

    “Dublin is a small, compact, European city. You’re going to see tailgates. They want to make this a big party. You’ll be part of something big,” said Conor Brophy of the Irish NFL Show.

    Temple Bar is the popular first stop for visitors, but Brophy said locals often point guests toward smaller pubs nearby.

    “I’d say you have to experience Temple Bar, but if you asked a Dubliner, they’d give you a favorite tucked away,” he said.

    One game-day note at Croke Park: late alcohol sales will be limited.

    “You can drink in the stands. Fourth quarter purchasing of alcohol in the stands is not going to be allowed,” Dawson said.

    A final reminder for travelers: be mindful of the geography.

    “Understanding the difference between the UK and Ireland. You’re not in the UK,” Brophy said.

    Bottom line: bring the purple, bring the manners, and bring your curiosity. Do Dublin right — and the city will meet you with music, conversation and a weekend built for memories.

    The Vikings are slated to play the Steelers at 8:30 a.m. CT on Sunday.

    Nick Lunemann

    Nick Lunemann is a multi-skilled journalist for WCCO-TV.

    Nick Lunemann

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  • Native in West Cork, Ireland: A Landscape-First Hotel

    Increasingly vacation time is doing double-duty as a nature fix, an opportunity to be immersed in plants and nature for immediate decompression and reconnection. At Native, a destination on the beautiful wild coast of West Cork in Ireland, they’ve fashioned a new term for it: “a landscape hotel,” where vegetation is not mere dressing but an integral part of the experience.

    Founders Simon and Didi Ronan, who moved to West Cork from Dublin in 2021, spent three years looking for a site before finding (with some help from the local community after another purchase fell through) an overgrown derelict dairy farm. Simon, head of sustainable landscape studio SRLA, is originally from Wexford, while Didi is Irish but grew up in Belgium. Both have spent time living and working in London and Paris before relocating to Ireland. Part of the attraction to the area was the lively local scene; the village of Ballydehob on the Wild Atlantic Way, is home to a bohemian and arty scene with one of Ireland’s finest live music venues, Levi’s Corner House, as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant, Chestnut.

    Since the opening of their guesthouse last year (the rooms can be booked individually or the whole house can be taken over), the couple have added three garden suites, each with their own private garden and outdoor bath (and for the largest suite, its own sauna too). In addition there’s the Milking Parlour, a communal event and dining space where they plan to stage supper clubs that will showcase the area’s incredible local produce, from foraged plants to artisan cheeses.

    Outside the focus is on pollinator-friendly plants. Thanks to the North Atlantic Drift, this south-westerly point of Ireland enjoys warm air and water that arrives from the Gulf of Mexico. It provides a damp and temperate climate, and as a result, more opportunities for growing. The site also lies in a natural east–west valley, so that it’s sheltered from prevailing winds.

    But their project stretches much farther than the 2.5-acre site that surrounds the guesthouse and garden suites. Twenty per cent of the profits from the business is used to rewild a 75-acre site, just 10 minutes from Native and open to guests. Here, the couple has been eradicating invasive non-natives and allowing the land to regenerate.

    Let’s take a closer look.

    Photography courtesy of Native.

    Above: The exterior of one of Native’s new garden suites. The planting peaks in late summer and early autumn, when the garden hums with insects. In shadier areas, a more woodland feel is created with evergreen ferns and woodland flowers adding seasonal pops of color.

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  • ‘Unconscionable’: Ireland to boycott Eurovision 2026 if Israel participates

    Ireland have announced that they will boycott Eurovision 2026 “if the participation of Israel goes ahead”.

    Irish broadcaster RTÉ released a statement saying that at the General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest, in July, “a number of EBU members raised concerns about the participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest”.

    The statement read: “It is RTÉ’s position that Ireland will not take part in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, if the participation of Israel goes ahead, and the final decision regarding Ireland’s participation will be made once the EBU’s decision is made”.

    The broadcaster added: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation would be unconscionable given the ongoing and appalling loss of lives in Gaza. RTÉ is also deeply concerned by the targeted killing of journalists in Gaza, the denial of access to international journalists to the territory, and the plight of the remaining hostages.”

    This follows comments made by Spanish Culture Minister Ernest Urtasun regarding Spain’s participation in Eurovision next year.

    Earlier this week, Euronews Culture reported that Spain also threatened to withdraw from the contest if Israel is kept on the line-up. “I don’t think we can normalise Israel’s participation in international events as if nothing is happening,” said Urtasun during an interview on La hora de La 1 on TVE. “It is not an individual artist who participates but someone who participates on behalf of that country’s citizens.”

    Urtasun said that if Israel participated in 2026 “and we fail to expel it, measures will have to be taken” – as cited by the Spanish daily newspaper La Vanguardia – and reminded viewers that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez previously called on EBU to ban Israel from the international competition.

    In May, Sánchez called on the EBU to exclude Israel, saying that “no one was shaking their heads” when Russia was banned from international competitions and Eurovision after its invasion of Ukraine. He called for the same ban to be applied to Israel over the Gaza war.

    Urtasun specified that it is not antisemitic to denounce the “genocide” taking place in Gaza and described Israel as a “genocidal government.”

    These statements by Ireland and Spain, as well as growing public protests, show quite to what extent Eurovision is facing a huge crisis.

    The contest has been caught up in political tensions over Israel’s participation for two years now, and the director of Slovenia’s national broadcaster, RTVSLO, has already announced that it will likely withdraw from the contest next year if Israel participates.

    Indeed, Ksenija Horvat recently said that RTVE had reached out to EBU several times with concerns regarding Israel’s participation in next year’s competition.

    RTVSLO called for the expulsion of Israel from Eurovision 2025, joining more than 70 former Eurovision contestants signing an open letter demanding Israel and its national broadcaster KAN be banned from the contest.

    The winner of last year’s Eurovision, Austrian singer JJ, has said that he too wants Israel to be banned from the Eurovision 2026.

    The EBU has extended its penalty-free withdrawal deadline to December, when a final decision on Israel’s participation is expected at the General Assembly.

    Since Hamas’ attack on Israeli citizens on October 7, 2023, multiple UN human rights experts have stated that Israel’s military actions in Gaza amount to genocide, with the International Court of Justice finding claims of genocide plausible.

    Last month, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification announced that people in the Gaza Strip are officially facing “a man-made” famine in the territory – despite what the Israeli government has said.

    The 70th anniversary edition of Eurovision is due to take place in Vienna, Austria.The finale will take place on 16 May after the semi-finals on 12 and 14 May 2026.

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  • Review: A rap trio fights the power in Gaelic

    Review: A rap trio fights the power in Gaelic

    Belfast rapper Móglaí Bap was baptized under the searchlight of a British military helicopter. That’s how the movie Kneecap, a semi-dramatized biopic about the Gaelic rap group of the same name, begins. Bap’s father tells the young boy that “every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom,” and the movie initially seems like it will play that theme straight.

    The rappers use their language to outwit and snub British authority in Northern Ireland—or “the occupied six counties,” as they call it. Detective Ellis, a policewoman out to silence the rappers, makes the perfect villain. Even the name Kneecap is a reference to Irish guerrillas punishing enemies with a shot to the knee.

    As their music gains popularity, Kneecap finds a new enemy. Irish nationalist prudes think that songs about “antisocial behavior” give Gaelic a bad name. Washed-up Irish Republican Army guerrillas, rebranded as antidrug crusaders, threaten to kneecap the members of Kneecap for promoting ecstasy and hallucinogens.

    Meanwhile, sound mixer DJ Próvaí has to hide his role from his girlfriend, a pro-Gaelic activist who can’t afford any political scandals, and from the stodgy Catholic school where he teaches music. Kneecap shows how liberation is a two-front battle: The state may be the most heavily armed threat to freedom, but it’s not the only one.

    Matthew Petti

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  • Adair brothers lead Ireland to a first T20 victory over South Africa

    Adair brothers lead Ireland to a first T20 victory over South Africa

    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Two brothers played key roles in Ireland’s first-ever Twenty20 cricket victory against South Africa on Sunday with a 10-run win in the second and final match of the series.

    Ross Adair (100) hit his first international century in 57 balls before being dismissed the next delivery. Mark Adair then took 4-31 in four overs as Ireland drew the series 1-1.

    South Africa won the opener by eight wickets.

    Ireland posted 195-6 on Sunday after South Africa won the toss and chose to field on neutral ground in Abu Dhabi. The Irish held South Africa to 185-9 in reply.

    Ireland captain Paul Stirling and Ross Adair gave their team a strong start with an opening stand of 137 before Stirling was dismissed at the end of the 13th over. Adair’s innings included nine sixes but his team slowed down after his dismissal in the 17th over.

    Reeza Hendricks and Matthew Breetzke both scored 51 in South Africa’s chase. Opener Ryan Rickelton smashed four sixes in a 22-ball 36.

    Mark Adair set up the victory for Ireland with three wickets in the 19th over. He bowled Wiaan Mulder and Breetzke in the first three deliveries, and claimed Nqabayomzi Peter at the end of the over.

    Graham Hume conceded seven runs and also took a wicket in the final over before Ireland celebrated an upset win.

    The two teams start a series of three one-dayers in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

    ___

    AP cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket

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  • Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill Sparks Heated Debate Among Senators

    Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill Sparks Heated Debate Among Senators

    Ireland’s Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 set off a hot debate among senators in the Oireachtas, with senators voicing both support and concern over the proposed legislation, which aims to modernize and regulate the fast-evolving gambling industry. The bill has sparked discussions on a broad range of issues, from gambling advertisements to protecting vulnerable groups like minors.

    Advertising Restrictions Drew Significant Attention

    During the sessions in Dáil Éireann on Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, senators examined several amendments to the bill. For example, Amendment 53 gives the regulator increased resources for researching online gambling trends and technologies. Most of the debates centred around this particular amendment, reflecting the need to stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing and increasingly digital industry.

    One of the most hotly debated aspects of the bill is the proposed ban on gambling advertisements between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. This measure aims to insulate children and vulnerable individuals from gambling content. Senator Tim Lombard from Fine Gael recounted his own experience of hearing a gambling ad just 30 seconds after turning on Spotify in the car with his children.

    “We need to make sure something is done to protect our youth in society. And what’s there at the moment isn’t good enough.”

    Senator Tim Lombard

    Despite mounting concerns, this partial gambling ad ban has met stiff opposition. Horseracing channels, including Racing TV and Sky Sports Racing, have opposed the ban, citing the intrinsic link between racing and betting. However, Senator Shane Cassells countered this argument, urging the industry to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its reliance on gambling.

    Cassells has been one of the most vocal proponents of stricter regulations. He fiercely critiqued lobbying efforts by the gambling industry to weaken the proposed legislation. Cassells referred to gambling addiction as a growing societal issue and condemned members of both Houses of the Oireachtas who have lobbied on behalf of the gambling industry. 

    “Shame on those Members. I ask them to come to some of the gambling addiction meetings where I see people lose everything, not just money but family, businesses, and homes.”

    Senator Shane Cassells

    Many senators also acknowledged the importance of regulating an industry that has evolved far beyond traditional, land-based betting. Senator Alice-Mary Higgins further emphasized that the new gambling regulator will have to keep track of emerging trends like loot boxes in video games, which she said had “intrinsic” links to gambling. She called for proactive action against these new forms of gambling aimed at younger audiences.

    “If the regulator is not charged to watch for those trends and get ahead of them, then we are going to be again coming after the fact, talking about the new phenomenon, be it from loot boxes to whatever other trends are emerging.”

    Senator Alice-Mary Higgins

    While the Minister of State James Browne received praise for spearheading the overdue legislation, the ongoing debate suggests that the road to passing the bill may still be challenging. Senators from across the political spectrum recognize the need for effective regulation, but the specifics of how to best protect consumers while allowing the industry to thrive remain contentious.

    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Apple must pay Ireland more than $14 billion in back taxes, court rules

    Apple must pay Ireland more than $14 billion in back taxes, court rules

    The European Union’s top court on Tuesday rejected Apple’s final legal challenge against an order from the bloc’s executive commission to repay 13 billion euros, or the equivalent of more than $14 billion, in back taxes to Ireland, bringing an end to the long-running dispute.

    The European Court of Justice overruled a lower court’s earlier decision in the case, saying it “confirms the European Commission’s 2016 decision: Ireland granted Apple unlawful aid which Ireland is required to recover.”

    The case drew outrage from Apple when it was opened in 2016, with CEO Tim Cook calling it “total political crap.” Then-U.S. President Donald Trump slammed European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who spearheaded the campaign to root out special tax deals and crack down on big U.S. tech companies, as the “tax lady” who “really hates the U.S.”

    The European Commission, the bloc’s executive branch, had accused Apple of striking an illegal tax deal with Irish authorities so that it could pay extremely low rates. The European Union’s General Court disagreed with that in its 2020 ruling, which has now been overturned.

    “We are disappointed with today’s decision as previously the General Court reviewed the facts and categorically annulled this case,” Apple said in a statement.

    “There has never been a special deal,” the company said.

    Closing loopholes

    Eight years ago, the ruling that found Ireland had granted a sweetheart deal that let Apple pay almost no taxes across the European bloc for 11 years dramatically escalated the fight over whether America’s biggest corporations are paying their fair share around the world.

    The EU head office said that Ireland granted such lavish tax breaks to Apple that the company’s effective corporate tax rate on its European profits dropped from 1 percent in 2003 to a mere 0.005 percent in 2014. Apple has disputed such figures.

    The ruling that has now been upheld was one of a number of aggressive moves by European officials to hold U.S. businesses, particularly big tech companies, accountable under the EU’s rules on taxation, competition and privacy.

    Google also lost its final legal challenge on Tuesday against a European Union penalty for giving its own shopping recommendations an illegal advantage over rivals in search results, ending a long-running antitrust case that came with a whopping fine.

    The European Union’s Court of Justice upheld a lower court’s decision, rejecting the company’s appeal against the 2.4 billion euro ($2.7 billion) penalty from the European Commission, the 27-nation bloc’s top antitrust enforcer.

    Both companies have now exhausted their appeals in the cases that date to the previous decade. Together, the court decisions are a victory for European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, who’s expected to step down next month after 10 years as the commission’s top official overseeing competition.

    Experts said the rulings illustrate how watchdogs have been emboldened in the years since the cases were first opened.

    One of the takeaways from the Apple decision “is the sense that, again, the EU authorities and courts are prepared to flex their (collective) muscles to bring Big Tech to heel where necessary,” Alex Haffner, a competition partner at law firm Fladgate, said by email.

    Small dent in finances

    The Google ruling “reflects the growing confidence with which competition regulators worldwide are tackling the perceived excesses of the Big Tech companies,” said Gareth Mills, partner at law firm Charles Russell Speechlys. The court’s willingness “to back the legal rationale and the level of fine will undoubtedly embolden the competition regulators further.”

    Despite the amounts of money involved, the adverse rulings will leave a small financial dent in tow of the world’s richest and most profitable companies. The combined bill of 15.4 billion euro ($17 billion) facing Apple and Alphabet, Google’s parent company, represents 0.3% of their combined market value of 4.73 trillion euro ($5.2 trillion).

    Apple’s stock price dipped slightly in Tuesday’s late afternoon trading while Alphabet shares rose 1%, signaling investors were unfazed by the developments in Europe.

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  • Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and Gambling Santa Break ASAI Code

    Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and Gambling Santa Break ASAI Code

    A social media advert for former multi-weight Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Conor McGregor‘s Forged Irish Stout has received a complaint over sexualised content and it was upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI). 

    A gambling ad poster displaying Santa Claus sitting next to a slot machine in a casino also fell short of the same advertising standards. 

    These were just two of the total 18 recent complaints upheld by the ASAI recently, as they breached its Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in the country.

    Let’s take a closer look at what these ads displayed.

    McGregor’s Ad Allegeedy “Objectified Female Models”

    Last month, the Irish professional mixed martial artist and the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold UFC Championships in both Lightweight and Featherweight classes became online casino 88Malaysia’s brand ambassador. 

    However, McGregor is now in the news because of an Instagram reel advertising Forged Irish Stout Distribution, the icon’s brewery that turned into “Ireland’s biggest independent brewery brewed by Master Brewer Peter Mosley – Peter.” 

    The venture that introduced its “beautifully hand-crafted stout with hints of chocolate and coffee roasted notes” carrying the icon’s signature to the United States last October following its launch in Ireland apparently showed what was deemed a “sexually suggestive” ad.

    The ad showcased several female models wearing “cropped tops and high-leg hotpants” while drinking pints of the famous stout and striking poses next to a car and a person dressed up as a can of Forged Stout.

    The complaint that was registered with the ASAI said the advertisement contained sexualized content.

    The ASAI committee agreed, mentioning that the ad put “significant emphasis” on the models’ “cleavage and bottoms” using various camera angles.

    Moreover, the manner in which the models were shown in the ad was described as “sexually suggestive” and even objectifying at times. 

    The ASAI called it “an irresponsible manner in which to depict women.”

    Santa Claus Gambling Ad Potentially Targeting Minors 

    The ASAI also received complaints regarding Jesters Casino’s poster displaying the image of Santa Claus next to a slot machine inside the venue. 

    The gambling ad fell short of advertising standards as it was deemed to be targeting children since it features a particularly appealing character.

    The casino promptly removed the ad once it was officially informed of the complaints.

    Alcohol, Milk, and Jeans Ads That Broke the ASAI Code

    Sixteen other ads apparently breached the same ad regulations from the ASAI. One of them was a radio ad for Ireland’s leading convenience retail group counting 480 stores all around the country, Centra. 

    The ad stated its “enjoy alcohol sensibly” disclaimer too fast. The ASAI has asked advertisers to pay close attention when making disclaimers and responsibility messages around alcohol ads. 

    A similar alcohol-related ad in breach of the same code referred to a post featuring The Newpark Hotel’s cocktail, which failed to include the necessary responsibility message.

    Other complaints revolved around the marketing of Zalando’s discount codes for a pair of jeans, an ad for a school claiming to feature “Ireland’s Best Teachers,” an ad that claimed the AA offered “unlimited” windscreen cover, MoveHome.ie ads claiming a certain house in the Glasnevin region was only a 28-minute walk from Dublin’s city center, several milk ads, and one ad by Bourke Builders for a commercial property with inexistent advertised premises.

    Melanie Porter

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  • Turbulence hits Qatar Airways flight to Dublin, injuring 12 people

    Turbulence hits Qatar Airways flight to Dublin, injuring 12 people

    Twelve people were injured during a Qatar Airways flight hit by turbulence while en route from Doha to Dublin on Sunday, officials said.

    The flight QR107, which landed in Dublin just before 1 p.m. local time, experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey, Dublin Airport officials said in a statement. The aircraft was met by emergency personnel, including airport police and fire and rescue.

    Six passengers and six crew members reported injuries from the flight.

    “The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff,” the statement said.

    The airport did not provide details on the severity of the injuries.

    This comes after a Singapore Airlines flight carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew members was hit extreme turbulence in the Irrawaddy basin last week, hurling people and items around the cabin. The plane made a sharp 6000-foot descent in about three minutes, after which it diverted to Thailand. The drop came out 10 hours into the flight from London as the Boeing 777 finished crossing the Andaman Sea and approached the Thai coast. Thunderstorms were reported in the area.


    73-year-old man dies, dozens injured when severe turbulence hits flight headed to Singapore

    02:02

    A 73-year-old British man died of a suspected heart attack and dozens of passengers and crew members were injured, some critically. An investigation is underway.

    Singapore Airlines has issued a deep apology over the incident. Its CEO, Goh Choon Phong, has pledged it will cooperate fully in the investigation and has visited those in the hospital to offer his support.

    While turbulence is the most common type of accident involving air carriers, according to a 2021 National Transportation Safety Board report, deaths and serious injuries are rare. 

    But in July 2023, four people were injured by severe turbulence on a domestic U.S. flight in Florida.

    On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that while the extreme turbulence that was experienced on the Singapore Airlines flight is very rare, “turbulence can happen and sometimes it can happen unexpectedly.”

    “Our climate is evolving. Our policies and our technology and our infrastructure have to evolve accordingly, too. This is all about making sure that we stay ahead of the curve, keeping aviation as safe as it is,” he told “Face the Nation” host Margaret Brennan. “It’s not for nothing, that it became the safest form of travel in America. We’ve got to treat that not as some mission accomplished, but something you have to continually refresh to keep that safety record up.”

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  • Ireland, Spain and Norway recognizing a Palestinian state

    Ireland, Spain and Norway recognizing a Palestinian state

    Norway, Ireland and Spain said Wednesday they are recognizing a Palestinian state in a historic move that drew condemnation from Israel and jubilation from the Palestinians. Israel immediately ordered back its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland and appeared ready to do the same with its ambassador to Spain.

    The official recognition by the three nations of an independent Palestinian state will take effect on May 28, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told a news conference Wednesday, the Reuters news agency reports.  

    It was a lightning cascade of announcements. First was Norway, whose Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said “there cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition,” adding that, “By recognizing a Palestinian state, Norway supports the Arab peace plan.”

    Several European Union countries have in the past weeks indicated that they plan to make the same move, arguing that a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region. The decision may generate momentum for the recognition of a Palestinian state by other EU countries and could spur further steps at the United Nations, deepening Israel’s isolation.

    Norway was first with its announcement  

    Norway, which isn’t a member of the European Union but mirror its moves, has been an ardent supporter of a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

    NORWAY-PALESTINE-POLITICS-INDEPENDENT
    Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, right, next to Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, announces during a May 22, 2024 press conference in Oslo that Norway is recognizing Palestine as an independent state effective May 28. 

    ERIK FLAARIS JOHANSEN/NTB / AFP via Getty Images


    “The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,” the Norwegian government leader said. “Palestine has a fundamental right to an independent state.”

    The move comes as Israeli forces have led assaults on the northern and southern edges of the Gaza Strip in May, causing a new exodus of hundreds of thousands of people, and sharply restricted the flow of aid, raising the risk of famine.

    The Scandinavian country “will therefore regard Palestine as an independent state with all the rights and obligations that entails,” Gahr Støre said.

    The development comes more than 30 years after the first Oslo accord was signed in 1993. Since then, “the Palestinians have taken important steps towards a two-state solution,” the Norwegian government said.

    It said that the World Bank determined that a Palestinian state had met key criteria to function as a state in 2011, that national institutions have been built up to provide the population with important services.

    “The war in Gaza and the constant expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank still mean that the situation in Palestine is more difficult than it has been in decades,” the Norwegian government said.

    Ireland followed suit  

    Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris also made his announcement Wednesday, saying it was a move coordinated with Spain and Norway, “an historic and important day for Ireland and for Palestine.” He said the move was intended to help move the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to resolution through a two-state solution.

    IRELAND-ISRAEL-PALESTINIANS-CONFLICT-POLITICS-DIPLOMACY
    Ireland’s Prime Minister Simon Harris, center, flanked by Ireland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Michel Martin, right, and Ireland’s Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, delivers a speech during a May 22, 2024 press conference in Dublin that their nation is recognizing a Palestinian state effective May 28, 2024.

    PAUL FAITH / AFP via Getty Images


    Harris said he thinks other countries will join Norway, Spain and Ireland in recognizing a Palestinian state “in the weeks ahead.”

    Spain joined in

    Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, his country’s Socialist leader since 2018, made the expected announcement to his nation’s Parliament on Wednesday.

    He’s spent months touring European and Middle Eastern countries to garner support for the recognition of a Palestinian state, as well as a possible ceasefire in Gaza. He has said several times that he was committed to the move.

    “We know that this initiative won’t bring back the past and the lives lost in Palestine, but we believe that it will give the Palestinians two things that are very important for their present and their future: dignity and hope,” Sánchez said.

    Spain's Prime Minister Sanchez announces recognition of Palestinian state
    Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announcing in Madrid on May 22, 2024 that his country’s council of ministers would recognize an independent Palestinian state effective May 28, 2024.

    Violeta Santos Moura / REUTERS


     

    “This recognition is not against anyone, it is not against the Israeli people,” Sánchez added, while acknowledging that it will most likely cause diplomatic tensions with Tel Aviv. “It is an act in favor of peace, justice and moral consistency.”

    Sánchez argued that the move is needed to support the viability of a two-state solution that he said “is in serious danger” with the war in Gaza.

    “I have spent weeks and months speaking with leaders inside and outside of the region and if one thing is clear is that Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu does not have a project of peace for Palestine, even if the fight against the terrorist group Hamas is legitimate,” the Spanish leader said.

    Earlier this month, Spain’s Foreign Minister José Albares said he had informed U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken of his government’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state.

    In response to the fast-moving developments, Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz ordered his country’s ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return to Israel, and earlier threatened to do the same with its ambassador to Spain if it took the same stand.

    “Ireland and Norway intend to send a message today to the Palestinians and the whole world: terrorism pays,” Katz said.

    He said that the recognition could impede efforts to return Israel’s hostages being held in Gaza and makes a cease-fire less likely by “rewarding the jihadists of Hamas and Iran.”

    Reactions starting

    A senior official of Hamas, which is embroiled in the war with Israel in Gaza, said Wednesday the “brave resistance” of the Palestinian people spurred Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognize a Palestinian state, Agence France-Press reports.

    “These successive recognitions are the direct result of this brave resistance and the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people. … We believe this will be a turning point in the international position on the Palestinian issue,” Bassem Naim, a senior Hamas political bureau member, told AFP.

    The Palestine Liberation Organization, seen worldwide as the sole legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, called the moves by Norway, Ireland and Spain “historical moments in which the free world triumphs for truth and justice,” according to AFP, citing a post on X from Hussein al-Sheikh, secretary general of the PLO executive committee.

    Meanwhile,  Israel’s far right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, visited Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque compound, declaring the contested holy site belongs “only to the state of Israel.”

    Ben-Gvir said the visit was a response to the move by Norway, Ireland and Spain. “We will not even allow a statement about a Palestinian state,” he said.

    The hilltop compound is revered by Jews and Muslims, and the conflicting claims have led to numerous rounds of violence in the past.

    Israel allows Jews to visit the compound, but not to pray there. But the visit is likely to be seen around the world as a provocation.

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  • Ireland: Lawmakers Consider Exception for Ads by Gambling Charities

    Ireland: Lawmakers Consider Exception for Ads by Gambling Charities

    Similarly to the overhaul of the gambling sector in Great Britain, lawmakers in Ireland are considering significant changes to the gambling regulations. The review of the 2022 Gambling Regulation Bill is expected to protect consumers, while establishing strict rules related to gambling advertising and inducements that licensed casinos and sports betting operators may offer.

    Wednesday marks the final stop of the proposed legislation with Dáil Éireann, the country’s lower house, before the bill arrives at the Seanad for additional assessment. In light of this, lawmakers are currently debating changes related to the gambling regulation.

    One of the changes, supported by James Browne, the Minister of State, involves the exclusion of certain organizations from the controversial gambling advertising blanket ban proposed as a part of the country’s new gambling laws. He proposes charities or other gambling organizations that advertise “for a charitable or philanthropic purpose” to be excluded from the advertising ban, as announced by The Irish Times.

    The change from the initially proposed blanket ban came after lawmakers and representatives of the gambling and racing industry raised their concerns about the impact of such drastic restrictions. Moreover, broadcasters such as Racing TV for example, also sounded the alarm about the potential detrimental impact a blanket gambling advertising ban may have on the sector.

    Earlier this month, the operator that offers bettors options for wagers on national lottery results, rather than engaging in the draws themselves, Lottoland, revealed its concerns, explaining that despite addressing a number of issues in a letter to the Minister, Browne is yet to sit down for a discussion with the company.

    Irish Gambling Charities Continue Their Noble Work

    GamblingCare, a service funded and administered by the independent charity that focuses on research, education and treatment for people affected by problem gambling in Ireland, the Gambling Awareness Trust, released a comprehensive report about its services provided throughout 2023 late last month.

    In its report, GamblingCare revealed that last year, it provided 5,971 counseling sessions, recording a significant uptick considering the 4,230 figure recorded in 2022. During last year, the charity also recorded an exponential growth in the traffic for its website which increased from 14,000 in 2022 to nearly 103,000 in 2023.

    Data about the spending on advertising and promotion of services by GamblingCare was not immediately available.

    Still, if the lawmakers agree on the proposed changes, groups such as GamblingCare and Gamblers Anonymous Ireland, among other charitable organizations, may be exempt from the initially proposed blanket gambling advertising ban.

    Jerome García

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  • Denver International Airport adds new nonstop destination — the longest direct flight from DIA

    Denver International Airport adds new nonstop destination — the longest direct flight from DIA

    A new nonstop Turkish Airlines flight from Denver International Airport will carry travelers 6,152 miles between Denver and Istanbul — the longest flight from DIA.

    The recruitment of Turkish Airlines brings the number of airlines at DIA to 26. Flight searches on Google on Thursday morning showed round-trip flights available starting June 11 for around $1,329 roundtrip.

    Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and DIA chief executive Phil Washington planned to announce the flight Thursday morning. The new service is expected to bring a $54 million annual economic impact in Colorado and support the creation of about 350 new jobs around the state. The flight will take about 13 hours, longer than the 12-hour direct flight between Denver and Tokyo.

    DIA officials in recent years have prioritized “expanding our global connections” as part of their strategic plan for serving 100 million passengers a year by 2027 and more than 120 million by 2045, the airport’s 50th anniversary. A primary goal is to “expand the air networks to the continent of Africa and other disconnected destinations.”

    A 21-person delegation of airport, city government, and business officials from Denver visited Ethiopia in February 2023 on a trade mission to build relationships. They offered economic incentives as part of their efforts to persuade Ethiopian Airlines and, eventually, Egypt Air to commit to starting service to Denver with several flights a week. Another delegation visited Turkey in October 2022 to explore possibilities for starting a Turkish Airlines flight between Denver and Istanbul.

    The new flight announced Thursday “does not diminish in any way our desire” to line up a flight to other cities, said Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce president J.J. Ament, who joined both delegations.

    “A flight to Istanbul opens up India, and it also opens up Africa for us,” Ament said.

    “The imperative is that we continue to increase Denver’s global reach and the reach of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West with DIA as the gateway airport,” he said. “Being able to reach new parts of the world, growing parts of the world, is what is going to keep Colorado globally relevant.”

    DIA is the largest airport in the United States by size, covering 53 square miles of land. It also ranks among the busiest airports in the world. A record 77 million passengers went through DIA in 2023, up from 69 million in 2019.

    The airport offers flights to 217 destinations, predominantly domestic. But international air travel, including air cargo operations, has grown steadily and in 2023 brought more than 4 million travelers, up 21% since 2022.

    Earlier this year, airport officials announced new nonstop flights from DIA on Aer Lingus to Dublin, Ireland, starting on May 17. Other cities that DIA travelers can reach nonstop include London, Paris, Zurich, Reykjavik, Iceland, Munich, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and a dozen cities in Mexico and Central America.

    Bruce Finley

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  • British banks scramble after a Big Lebowski-inspired ‘Dudeist priest’ in Northern Ireland filed hundreds of false documents

    British banks scramble after a Big Lebowski-inspired ‘Dudeist priest’ in Northern Ireland filed hundreds of false documents

    Bosses at some of the U.K.’s largest banks faced confusion and chaos after discovering hundreds of fake documents relating to their financial assets, filed by an ordained “Dudeist priest” in Northern Ireland.

    The alarm was raised by banking trade association UK Finance, which wrote to its members earlier this year warning that over 800 false loan documents relating to 190 of the country’s largest companies, including The Bank of Scotland, estate agent Knight Frank and private equity giant Macquarie, had been filed with Companies House.

    According to The Times of London, the falsified documents marked each company’s loans as being repaid or “fully satisfied” despite all the charges still being outstanding.

    While the mass filings at the start of the year could easily have been part of a complex state-sponsored cyberattack or fraud on an industrial scale, they were, in fact, the actions of just one man. 

    The individual in question is an unnamed meditation and acupuncture practitioner from Northern Ireland who identifies as a so-called Dudeist priest. Dudeism is a religious movement inspired by the Coen brothers’ 1998 movie The Big Lebowski, which advocates the practices followed by the film’s main character, Jeffrey “the Dude” Lebowski. The movement likens itself to Chinese Taoism with its “take it easy manifesto.” 

    The movie’s plot centers around the laid-back Lebowski who gets ensnared in a kidnapping conspiracy involving a millionaire who shares Lebowski’s name. 

    In an interview with The Times, the man, whose identity the outlet didn’t reveal, stated that he had made the filings as he believed the businesses concerned owed him money.

    Fortune reviewed the list of companies shared by UK Finance that were impacted by the false dismissal of charges. Some of the banks tied to the unsatisfied charges include HSBC, NatWest, CBRE and Royal Bank of Canada. 

    The incident places further scrutiny on Companies House, an agency of the UK government that maintains the register of companies.

    Companies House has been heavily criticized in recent years as the publisher of often incorrect or misleading data about U.K. companies, a powerful tool used by bogus companies, fake directorships and money launderers to hide their true intentions.

    Things are starting to change, with new powers granted to the agency last year under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which allows Companies House to finally start scrutinizing the data submitted to it. However, a surge in demand for its services means concerns surrounding its operations impact many companies and individuals—and therefore, are essential to address.

    “We have taken steps to block the account that is linked with these transactions and, using new powers available to us, have removed all the related filings,” a Companies House spokesperson told Fortune in a statement. “We are contacting the companies concerned and have launched an urgent review of our processes. We continue to work with law enforcement partners where appropriate.”

    Northern Ireland’s Dudeist priest

    The issues surrounding false filings have largely been resolved now—but ironically, the person behind it didn’t have a clear rationale for pursuing the companies that he did. 

    Speaking to The Times, the man said: “I didn’t know anything about it [the filings] until I was reading it and then I was sending things away all at once.

    “When I found something new I’d sink into it a bit too much and then I would get a bit scattered. I think if I spread it out and read it slowly and took my time maybe things would have been different, but that’s not what happened, unfortunately.”

    All the false filings have now been removed from the Companies House website, with a “rectified” statement prefixed. For instance, Companies House’s record on Nero Coffee Roasting Limited said: “Rectified The material was formerly considered to form part of the register but is no longer considered by the registrar to do so.”

    Subscribe to the new Fortune CEO Weekly Europe newsletter to get corner office insights on the biggest business stories in Europe. Sign up for free.

    Prarthana Prakash

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  • America is green and giddy for St. Patrick’s Day

    America is green and giddy for St. Patrick’s Day

    FUN. BUT TO STAY SAFE. IT’S AN EPIC TRADITION IN SOUTH BOSTON IS GEARING UP FOR THE PARTY. EVERYONE’S GOING TO BE OUT. EVERYONE’S GOING TO SAY HI TO EVERYONE, CATCH UP WITH OLD FRIENDS AND FAMILY. IT’S AWESOME. WE HAVE 10,000 UNITS LAST YEAR. WE PROBABLY SOLD 6000 OF THEM. EVERYONE THINKS THEY’RE FROM SALTY, YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN? ORGANIZERS ARE HOPING TO KEEP THE PARADE UNDER THREE HOURS THIS YEAR, AND ASKING REVELERS TO BE RESPECTFUL. JUST GOING TO REMEMBER, THERE’S KIDS OUT HERE, THEY’RE SENIORS. THEY’RE OUR VETERANS. JUST RESPECT THOSE AROUND YOU AND HAVE A GREAT TIME. BOSTON POLICE WANT YOU TO CELEBRATE RESPONSIBLY AND WATCH YOUR DRINKS HERE AT LOCO TAQUERIA. AND OYSTER BAR. THEY’LL BE SERVING UP PLENTY OF PARADE THEMED EATS AND DRINKS, BUT ALSO ENSURING CUSTOMER SAFETY. DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS JOHNNY MCNAMARA SAYS THEY’VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH DRINK SPIKING, BUT THEY APPRECIATE THE REMINDER FROM BOSTON POLICE IT’S SOMETHING WE DEFINITELY TALK TO TO OUR SECURITY TEAM ABOUT, UM, THAT THEY’RE PREPPED ON JUST TO KEEP AN EYE ON. THEY’RE CONSTANTLY DOING LAPS AROUND THE AROUND THE RESTAURANT, KEEPING AN EYE ON PEOPLE, AND YOU NEED TO KEEP YOUR GUARD UP, TOO. IF YOU DIDN’T SEE YOUR DRINK POURED, DON’T DRINK IT. NEVER LEAVE YOUR DRINK UNATTENDED. AVOID SHARING DRINKS WITH OTHERS AND KEEP YOUR HAND COVERED OVER YOUR DRINK. WHEN YOU’RE NOT LOOKING DIRECTLY AT IT. IT’S DEFINITELY A MARATHON DAY. YOU GOT TO TAKE IT EASY. TAKE IT SLOW, STICK WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS AND YOU’LL HAVE A GOOD TIME. THEY’LL HAVE YOUR BACK. YOU GOT THEIRS. GOOD ADVICE. NOW TO MAKE THINGS EASIER TO GET AROUND ON. ON SUNDAY, THE MBTA IS OFFERING EXTRA RED LINE TRAINS AND FREE SHUTTLE SERVIC

    America is getting green and giddy for its largest St. Patrick’s Day parades

    St. Patrick’s Day parades across the U.S. are planned for Saturday, promising to turn one river green in the Midwest, commemorate the bicentennial of a parade in the South and put forth the first female leader of a major beer company as its marshal.The holiday commemorates Ireland’s patron saint and was popularized by largely Catholic Irish immigrants. While St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17, it’s being observed with major parades a day early so it doesn’t land on Sunday, a day of rest for the faithful.Video above: How South Boston gets ready for St. Patrick’s DayIn New York City, neighborhoods have held smaller parades for the past few weeks. In February, conservative Staten Island held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade allowing LGBTQ+ flags and groups. The main parade, in Manhattan, has included those groups and symbols since 2014.On Saturday, Heineken CEO Maggie Timoney plans to serve as grand marshal of the Manhattan parade, according to organizers. Originally from Ireland, she is the first female CEO of a major beer company. Some 2 million people are expected to watch.The Chicago Plumbers Union plans to once again turn the Chicago River green. Organizers say the tradition, started by the union, uses an environmentally friendly powder once used to check pipes for leaks.In Savannah, Georgia, organizers expect a historic crowd to participate in the parade, which started in 1824. Ahead of the bicentennial, Georgia’s oldest city had early 18,000 hotel rooms nearly sold out for the weekend.

    NEW YORK —

    St. Patrick’s Day parades across the U.S. are planned for Saturday, promising to turn one river green in the Midwest, commemorate the bicentennial of a parade in the South and put forth the first female leader of a major beer company as its marshal.

    The holiday commemorates Ireland’s patron saint and was popularized by largely Catholic Irish immigrants. While St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17, it’s being observed with major parades a day early so it doesn’t land on Sunday, a day of rest for the faithful.

    Video above: How South Boston gets ready for St. Patrick’s Day

    In New York City, neighborhoods have held smaller parades for the past few weeks. In February, conservative Staten Island held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade allowing LGBTQ+ flags and groups. The main parade, in Manhattan, has included those groups and symbols since 2014.

    On Saturday, Heineken CEO Maggie Timoney plans to serve as grand marshal of the Manhattan parade, according to organizers. Originally from Ireland, she is the first female CEO of a major beer company. Some 2 million people are expected to watch.

    The Chicago Plumbers Union plans to once again turn the Chicago River green. Organizers say the tradition, started by the union, uses an environmentally friendly powder once used to check pipes for leaks.

    In Savannah, Georgia, organizers expect a historic crowd to participate in the parade, which started in 1824. Ahead of the bicentennial, Georgia’s oldest city had early 18,000 hotel rooms nearly sold out for the weekend.

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  • Ireland’s rich blend of history, culture, and natural wonders awaits both returning visitors and first-timers

    Ireland’s rich blend of history, culture, and natural wonders awaits both returning visitors and first-timers

    Welcome to the island of Ireland, a place where every step unfolds layers of history, culture, and natural beauty. For
    the Irish diaspora and first-time visitors alike, embarking on a journey
    through the country promises countless experiences waiting to be discovered.

    Across each these distinct regions, you’ll uncover the essence of Ireland in
    ways that will surprise even the most seasoned travelers.

    Dublin

    Dublin is a city that’s as intimate as a village and as friendly as an Irish
    pub. Framed by mountains, centered on a river and edged by a beautiful bay,
    the city’s streets and alleys are filled with vibrant art and historic
    buildings,

    hip cafés and traditional “old man” pubs    , as Dubliners call them.
    Walk the streets
    and you’ll feel the energy of over 1,000 years of history, as echoes of the
    Vikings mix with buzzing boutiques, cobbled streets reverberate with the
    sounds of buskers, and 18th century parks play host to festivals, film and
    food markets.

    Limited - Temple Bar DublinBrian Morrison/Tourism Ireland

    Temple Bar, Dublin

    Dublin is a resoundingly social place, packed with culture, creativity and
    craic (fun). You’ll see it in the busy pubs, in the rolling nightlife scene,
    in the music and in the chat. But this ancient gem basks in natural beauty,
    too. Head out beyond the city, and the UNESCO Biosphere of
    Dublin Bay
    opens up with coastal walks, little villages, wide sea views and rugged
    mountain backdrops. Take to the
    Dublin mountains
    for a hike, go rock-climbing in Dalkey Quarry, walk the cliff path at Howth
    or join the Dublin hardcore who sea-swim whatever the weather. There’s an
    adventure around every corner.

    Ireland’s Ancient East

    At first sight,
    Ireland’s Ancient East
    is a tranquil and beautiful land of rolling green hills, charming towns and
    quiet waters, all framed by the River Shannon and the Irish Sea. But dig a
    little deeper and you’ll discover a

    region that ripples with over 5,000 years of history    . There are compelling characters and ancient mysteries, hidden stories and
    millennia-old myths.

    Limited - Spike Island - Co CorkLimited - Spike Island - Co CorkCourtesy/Spike Island Management

    Spike Island

    There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get as you step inside a
    5,000-year-old monument. Or the jaw-dropping coastal view from the top of a
    13th century lighthouse. But this is what Ireland’s Ancient East is all
    about: experiencing history from the inside out. Ride the waves across to
    Spike Island
    in Cork, known as Ireland’s Alcatraz, and once the largest prison in the
    world. Walk in the footsteps of the Vikings through the narrow streets and
    medieval treasures of

    Waterford    . Or take a moment on top of the mystical
    Hill of Tara
    in Meath, dwelling place of the gods. A trip around Ireland’s Ancient East
    brings history to life against a backdrop of unforgettable scenery.

    Wild Atlantic Way

    Enjoy a journey of a lifetime as you travel the 1,500-mile-long coastal road
    known as the

    Wild Atlantic Way    . From the wind-whipped tip of Malin Head in County Donegal to the balmy
    beauty of Kinsale town in County Cork, the west of Ireland will wow you with
    its epic landscapes and charm you with its quiet moments. This is a place
    that has inspired dreamers and drifters, poets and painters, with a
    landscape laced with dry-stone walls, thatched cottages, brooding mountains
    and deserted beaches. Escape, explore and enjoy an off-the-beaten track
    adventure on the very edge of Europe.

    Limited - Kerry CliffsLimited - Kerry CliffsBrian Morrison/Tourism Ireland

    The Kerry Cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way .

    It’s easy to feel the wild that defines this coastline; it’s everywhere,
    from
    sheer cliffs that plunge into crashing Atlantic waves
    to remote, weather-beaten islands. But the west of Ireland is about more
    than that, it’s about moments of connection. It’s the chat from locals, the
    warmth of a fire-lit pub, the tapping feet of a traditional

    music session    . From the elemental weather to the oak-smoked salmon, the essence of the
    Wild Atlantic Way runs deep.

    Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands

    Defined by its connection to both water and land and heralded for its pure
    beauty, Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands is a destination that basks in nature,
    with
    under-the-radar experiences
    that feel like you’re getting to the real heart of Ireland.

    Limited - Ireland Hidden HeartlandsLimited - Ireland Hidden HeartlandsKerry Kissane/All Around Ireland

    Ireland’s Hidden Hearlands

    Amidst a natural wonderland of rivers, canals and lakes, the world slows
    down. Calm your soul with

    a paddle along glass-blue rivers, lakes and canals    ;
    walk centuries-old canal paths
    once used for horses drawing barges; cozy up over candlelit dinners in

    waterside thatched pubs    ; and unearth thousands of years of history in heritage parks, historic
    abbeys and monasteries. In Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, it pays to take it
    slow.

    Northern Ireland

    When it comes to accolades, Northern Ireland has it covered. Come here and
    you can experience what’s been called “one of the greatest drives on earth”
    (The
    Causeway Coastal Route    ), “the best place to spend Halloween”
    (Derry~Londonderry),
    and Golf Digest’s number one golf course in the world
    (Royal County Down).

    Limited - Royal County DownLimited - Royal County DownChris Hill/Tourism Ireland

    Royal County Down Golf Club in Northern Ireland

    But there’s more to Northern Ireland than epic sights and world-class
    experiences – there’s a spirit. This is a land that resounds with myths from
    the Sperrin Mountains to the Giant’s Causeway. It’s a place of unbridled
    creativity, from the
    music scene
    in Belfast to
    literary greats
    both, past and present. And it’s

    hub of great food    , with cutting-edge restaurants and cosy old pubs.

    In Northern Ireland, you’re never far from a memory in the making. Walk the
    16th century walls of Derry~Londonderry. Paddle through the inky waters of
    Lough Erne, studded with islands where Celts, Vikings and Christian monks
    have all left their mark. Or discover Westeros on a
    Game of Thrones® tour
    of iconic filming locations. But, remember, for every show-stopping sight,
    there’s a quiet moment that will stay with you forever. If you’re looking
    for somewhere to nourish your spirit, Northern Ireland is it.

    Plan Your Ireland Adventure

    Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your homeland to spend time with
    family and friends, or you’re ready to discover the magic of Ireland for the
    first time, now is the perfect time to plan your vacation.

    Here’s
    a roundup of great offers on everything from accommodation to activities, attractions and transportation
    to help you find the best value – and enjoy the best trip of your life!

    Tourism Ireland

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  • Irish PM Concedes Defeat in Vote On Constitutional Amendments

    Irish PM Concedes Defeat in Vote On Constitutional Amendments

    DUBLIN — Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar conceded defeat Saturday as two constitutional amendments he supported that would have broadened the definition of family and removed language about a woman’s role in the home were headed toward rejection.

    Varadkar, who pushed the vote to enshrine gender equality in the constitution by removing “very old-fashioned language” and tried to recognize the realities of modern family life, said that voters had delivered “two wallops” to the government.

    “Clearly we got it wrong,” he said. “While the old adage is that success has many fathers and failure is an orphan, I think when you lose by this kind of margin, there are a lot of people who got this wrong and I am certainly one of them.”

    Opponents argued that the amendments were poorly worded, and voters said they were confused with the choices that some feared would lead to unintended consequences.

    The referendum was viewed as part of Ireland’s evolution from a conservative, overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country in which divorce and abortion were illegal, to an increasingly diverse and socially liberal society. The proportion of residents who are Catholic fell from 94.9% in 1961 to 69% in 2022, according to the Central Statistics Office.

    The social transformation has been reflected in a series of changes to the Irish Constitution, which dates from 1937, though the country wasn’t formally known as the Republic of Ireland until 1949. Irish voters legalized divorce in a 1995 referendum, backed same-sex marriage in a 2015 vote and repealed a ban on abortions in 2018.

    The first question dealt with a part of the constitution that pledges to protect the family as the primary unit of society. Voters were asked to remove a reference to marriage as the basis “on which the family is founded” and replace it with a clause that said families can be founded “on marriage or on other durable relationships.” If passed, it would have been the constitution’s 39th amendment.

    A proposed 40th amendment would have removed a reference that a woman’s place in the home offered a common good that couldn’t be provided by the state, and delete a statement that said mothers shouldn’t be obligated to work out of economic necessity if it would neglect their duties at home. It would have added a clause saying the state will strive to support “the provision of care by members of a family to one another.”

    Siobhán Mullally, a law professor and director of the Irish Center for Human Rights at the University of Galway, said that it was patronizing for Varadkar to schedule the vote on International Women’s Day thinking people would use the occasion to strike the language about women in the home. The so-called care amendment wasn’t that simple.

    While voters support removing the outdated notion of a woman’s place in the home, they also wanted new language recognizing state support of family care provided by those who aren’t kin, she said. Some disability rights and social justice advocates opposed the measure because it was too restrictive in that regard.

    “It was a hugely missed opportunity,” Mullally said. “Most people certainly want that sexist language removed from the constitution. There’s been calls for that for years and it’s taken so long to have a referendum on it. But they proposed replacing it with this very limited, weak provision on care.”

    Varadkar said that his camp hadn’t convinced people of the need for the vote — never mind issues over how the questions were worded. Supporters of the amendment and opponents said the government had failed to explain why change was necessary or mount a robust campaign.

    “The government misjudged the mood of the electorate and put before them proposals which they didn’t explain and proposals which could have serious consequences,” Sen. Michael McDowell, an independent who opposed both measures, told Irish broadcaster RTE.

    Labour Party Leader Ivana Bacik told RTE that she supported the measures, despite concerns over their wording, but said the government had run a lackluster campaign.

    The debate was less charged than the arguments over abortion and gay marriage. Ireland’s main political parties all supported the changes, including centrist government coalition partners Fianna Fail and Fine Gael and the biggest opposition party, Sinn Fein.

    One political party that called for “no” votes was Aontú, a traditionalist group that split from Sinn Fein over the larger party’s backing for legal abortion. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said that the government’s wording was so vague that it will lead to legal wrangles and most people “do not know what the meaning of a durable relationship is.”

    Opinion polls had suggested support for the “yes” side on both votes, but many voters on Friday said they found the issue too confusing or complex to change the constitution.

    “It was too rushed,” said Una Ui Dhuinn, a nurse in Dublin. “We didn’t get enough time to think about it and read up on it. So I felt, to be on the safe side, ‘no, no’ — no change.”

    Caoimhe Doyle, a doctoral student, said that she voted yes to changing the definition of family, but no to the care amendment because “I don’t think it was explained very well.”

    “There’s a worry there that they’re removing the burden on the state to take care of families,” she said.

    MICHAEL KEALY and BRIAN MELLEY / AP

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