An inquiry into Muckamore Abbey hospital in Northern Ireland revealed widespread abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults, including physical harm, over-medication, and systematic bullying. The report made 106 recommendations to prevent recurrence.
Ireland's government has launched a new action plan to combat financial crime, specifically naming crypto-assets as an evolving threat. Measures include enhanced safeguards for digital finance and establishing industry standards for verifying crypto funds.
An inquiry into Muckamore Abbey hospital in Northern Ireland found that mistreatment of vulnerable adults, including physical abuse, neglect, and over-medication, had become 'normality'. The hospital is under the UK's largest police investigation into vulnerable adult abuse, with 124 referrals for prosecution.
The UK government is allocating £4m in emergency funding to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to cover costs incurred during recent public disorder in Belfast. The violence, sparked by shared footage of a knife attack, led to attacks on homes, businesses, and vehicles, as well as racist assaults on healthcare workers. The funding will support overtime and mutual aid, with 115 households seeking housing assistance due to the unrest.
England and Scotland have received their playoff draws for the 2027 Women's World Cup. England faces Greece and either Slovakia or Ukraine, while Scotland has a more challenging path, potentially needing to beat Sweden. Wales and Northern Ireland also face difficult routes.
England will face Greece in the first round of the 2027 Women's World Cup play-offs. The Lionesses need to win two rounds of home and away ties to qualify for the tournament in Brazil, after finishing second in their qualifying group behind Spain.
Ireland's squad for the Nations Championship has been announced, with uncapped Connacht players Billy Bohan, Sam Illo, and Sean Jansen included. Injured fly-half Jack Crowley is out, leaving Sam Prendergast, Harry Byrne, and Ciaran Frawley to compete for the No. 10 position. Caelan Doris will captain the 36-man squad.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Erling Haaland delivered standout performances in recent World Cup matches. Messi scored a hat-trick, Mbappé set a new national scoring record for France, and Haaland netted two goals in his GWC debut.
Ireland assumes the EU presidency with high expectations for progress on key policy files, including the bloc's next long-term budget and industrial strategy. Facing a deadline before the 2027 French presidential election, Dublin must navigate complex negotiations on issues from tech sovereignty to emissions rules.
Ireland takes over the EU Council presidency with the difficult task of negotiating the bloc's next seven-year budget. Wealthier nations rejected a recent proposal for modest cuts, increasing pressure on Ireland to broker a deal amid competing demands from member states.
As Ireland prepares to lead EU tech policy, its close ties to US tech giants present a conflict of interest. Sixteen of the world's top 20 tech companies have hubs in Ireland, contributing significantly to its corporate tax revenue. Critics question Ireland's ability to act as an 'honest broker' due to its economic reliance on Big Tech.
As Ireland prepares to assume the EU Council presidency, concerns are mounting over its military capabilities to secure summits and critical infrastructure against drone and cyber threats. Despite low defense spending and limited military assets, Dublin insists it is prepared, citing increased budget allocations and security agreements.
Ireland faces a pivotal role as mediator in a major ideological dispute among EU member states over the future of the bloc's Emissions Trading System (ETS). The European Commission's review, due mid-July, will determine how the 20-year-old carbon pricing policy is reformed amidst industry pressure and differing national interests.
Ireland assumes the EU Council presidency on July 1, facing a critical juncture with a narrow window for major decisions due to the upcoming 2027 French presidential election. Dublin aims to advance key issues like EU enlargement and the next long-term budget, but political caution in Paris, influenced by far-right polling, limits negotiation time. The departure of Hungary's former PM Orbán has created new momentum on stalled files, presenting an opportunity for progress.
England secured a four-wicket victory over Ireland in a rain-affected T20 World Cup match in Southampton. Sophie Ecclestone starred with the ball, taking 3/22, as Ireland posted 118/9. England chased the target, with Nat Sciver-Brunt scoring 48 before retiring hurt, to maintain their winning momentum.
Lidl has opened its first pub, The Middle Ale, in Northern Ireland, a move driven by the region's strict licensing laws. The supermarket had to overcome legal hurdles, including the 'surrender principle' and the 'inadequacy' test, to obtain a license for a pub, which it passed due to recent bar closures.
UK ministers are accused of applying the definition of terrorism inconsistently, labeling Palestine Action protests as terrorism while downplaying far-right riots. This double standard is highlighted by differing legal treatments and sentencing for activists and rioters.
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt retired on 48 with a calf injury scare in their T20 World Cup victory over Ireland. The injury raises concerns ahead of their next match against Scotland.
England secured their second win in the Women's T20 World Cup by defeating Ireland by four wickets in Southampton. However, captain Nat Sciver-Brunt retired hurt with a calf issue, raising concerns about her fitness for the remainder of the tournament.
England secured a four-wicket victory over Ireland in Southampton, chasing 119 with 15 balls to spare. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt retired hurt after top-scoring with 48, raising fitness concerns ahead of their next match against Scotland. Ireland's bowlers, particularly Lewis and Prendergast, caused early trouble for England's top order.
England secured a four-wicket victory against Ireland in the Women's T20 World Cup, but captain Nat Sciver-Brunt's late calf tightness scare cast a shadow over the win. She retired on 48 with nine runs needed, raising concerns about her fitness.
Elon Musk is taking legal action against German broadcaster ZDF for allegedly falsely claiming he incited anti-migrant violence in Northern Ireland. ZDF admitted its wording was "imprecise and therefore misleading" after Musk posted on X about the unrest in Belfast.
Roberto "Pico" Lopes was instrumental in Cape Verde's historic 0-0 draw against Spain in their World Cup debut. The defender, who didn't turn pro until 24 and received his first international call-up at 28, played a full 90 minutes, securing a clean sheet against the favored Spanish side. His journey from mortgage adviser to World Cup player highlights perseverance and the evolving landscape of international football.
Asian confederation teams have extended an unbeaten run against European opponents to four games at the World Cup. While early, this trend suggests a potential shift in global football power dynamics, with teams like Japan and South Korea displaying improved tactics and confidence.
