The religious congregation that ran the Bessborough mother and baby home where more than 900 babies died has said it “did not contribute to the toxic agenda in Ireland at the time, but tried to respond to need”, new records have revealed. The religious run institution was known for its high mortality rates — with 923 children dying in appalling conditions during that time. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a proposed contribution to the mother and baby institutions payment scheme for survivors. They also said they were not denying the experience of survivors and agreed that the report is not easy reading. They said the congregation “were invited to Ireland to open and run the mother and baby homes in the three locations”.

Robyn recently opened up about going through a difficult in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey as a single mother in her 40s. She discussed her decision to pursue parenthood without a partner as well as how society views single mothers and the 'hardcore' IVF process she went through alone. She said she found the IVF process to be 'pretty hardcore' and said she was unsure initially 'if it was going to work' as she was beginning the process in her early 40s. Robyn, whose real name is Robin Miriam Carlsson, said she ultimately decided to begin the IVF process when she was in her early 40s. After deciding to pursue her 'desire,' she underwent the IVF process, which she said was 'challenging.'

Double celebration at Mountlucas parkrunIt was a cold, windy, dry and bright morning at the weekend for Mountlucas parkrun. Niall Stobie completed his 150th parkrun while Mary Dunne completed her 250th parkrun. Mountlucas parkrun takes place at Bord na Móna Mountlucas windfarm every Saturday morning at 9.30am sharp. There's something for everyone at Mountlucas parkrun whether you want to walk, run, volunteer or just meet new people. Whether you’re walking your first 5 km or picking up your 50th, Mountlucas parkrun offers something for everyone.

Maureen Lipman and her new husband David Turner have opened up on finding love together in their late seventies, six months after the couple tied the knot. Writing about how the children took the news, Maureen shared: 'All reactions were warm, and all were individual. Maureen first mentioned David in late 2023, when she shared that she was bringing a 'gentleman friend' to that year's National Television Awards. Discussing finding love again at 77, the star was overjoyed to be sharing life, saying: 'It's a gift for all concerned. After the death of her husband, she dated Italian businessman Guido Castro for 13 years before his death in 2021.

Heimir Hallgrimsson has indicated that he would like Séamus Coleman to continue playing for Ireland and believes that age alone should not be an obstacle to the veteran continuing to Euro 2028.

The number of foreign nationals granted Irish citizenship in 2024 increased by 32% to over 24,000 — the highest annual total in the past decade. Other countries whose natives acquired Irish citizenship in large numbers in 2024 were the Philippines, Poland, China, Pakistan, and South Africa. The figures show that 19% of new Irish citizens in 2024 — almost 4,500 individuals — came from other EU countries, mostly Romania, Poland, and Latvia. Per capita rankingThe latest figures show Ireland granted the fifth-highest level of citizenships on a per capita basis in 2024, with 4.5 new citizenships awarded per 1,000 population. "There will be welfare payments that will not, and should not, affect a person’s ability to apply and be granted citizenship,” he added.

Lots to love about the location here: No 3 Grange Court is in a pleasant cul de-sac part of the Grange Manor development in Ovens. This three-bed townhouse has a green-mortgage-friendly B2 BER, thanks to several recent upgrades including a new gas boiler, stove, and new front door. There is a good flow between the kitchen and the open-plan living/dining area, with several seating options, including a custom-fit corner dining bench, which has storage underneath. On the middle floor are two bedrooms, while the spacious main bedroom - right at the top - is ensuite and features built-in wardrobes. View to the front of 3 Grange Court in Ovens“Grange Manor is one of Cork’s most desirable suburban developments.

This week marks the 30th anniversary of Romeo + Juliet, the movie adaptation of the Bard's play. 'And it was kind of a mutual decision that it just wasn't going to be right at the time and I think the film came out really, really beautifully and Claire did a really, really beautiful job. Baz Luhrmann didn't know who Leo wasThe director was equally discerning when it came to casting his Romeo. The rumours were not helped by the fact that after wrapping the film Claire turned down another role opposite Leo - Kate Winslet's part in 1997's Titanic. 'It was obvious to all of us that she really was in love with her Romeo, but Leonardo wasn't in love with her.

There's a whole host of bonkers rules put in place on some of these series from underwear rationing to contestants being banned from self pleasuring on dating shows. In addition, contestants are filmed 24/7, with many areas (including the mansion) not having air conditioning to ensure clear audio. In another bizarre rule, contestants aren't actually allowed to eat at all when on dates. Former contestant Sean Lowe has previously said: 'No one looks good eating, and microphones pick up all kinds of chomping.' In series one producers went one step further when it came to the authenticity of camp life and banned deodorant.

Photograph: iStockI invested in a small amount of Datalex shares about 20 years ago. The company left the Irish Stock Exchange some time ago. Datalex, a software company specialising in the airlines business, has fallen a long way from the giddy days of its flotation. The shares did trade below the 30 cent at which they ultimately delisted at several points in their 25-year stock market. At that base, you are talking about €198 worth of shares before you take account of any trading costs.

The incident occurred in Derby city centre on Saturday eveningA man in his 30s has been arrested after seven people suffered serious injuries when a car hit pedestrians in Derby. The car, a black Suzuki Swift, struck a number of people in Friar Gate at about 9.30pm on Saturday, Derbyshire Police said. Seven people were treated at the scene and taken to hospital, with a range of serious but not life-threatening injuries, the force added. A man in his 30s, who is originally from India, was found a short time after the incident and arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent, and dangerous driving, police said. He remains in police custody.

At a meeting of a WCC delegation with Pope Leo on February 28th in the Vatican, while eucharistic sharing was mentioned in passing, it was not discussed. The issue of Eucharistic sharing was highlighted with the 1998 document from the Catholic hierarchies in Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, One Bread, One Body. It explicitly reaffirmed the teaching forbidding Catholics from taking Communion in Protestant churches and, except in extreme circumstances, vice versa. In 1920, Bishop Brent’s vision took definite shape with a preparatory meeting held in Geneva for the first World Conference on Faith and Order. Again, these are all worthy if somewhat esoteric matters, but Eucharistic sharing is ignored.

However, Saudi exports would also be blocked if the Houthis close Bab al-Mandab. In response, Israel, the US and UK staged strikes on targets in Yemen, and Washington imposed sanctions on the Houthis. The Houthis currently hold Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, the northwest of the country where most Yemenis dwell, the port of Hodeidah and Bab al-Mandab. By taking action to back Iran in this war, the Houthis could reignite Yemen’s civil strife. Although axis members Palestine’s Hamas and Lebanon’s Hizbullah have been weakened by Israeli attacks, the Houthis have remained relatively unscathed.

It wasn't long ago that Isla Phillips was known for her mischievous antics at royal events alongside her older sister, Savannah. But the youngest daughter of Peter Phillips and his former wife Autumn, who celebrates her 14th birthday today, is emerging as the new hope for the next generation of younger royals. The sisters are the oldest of the late Queen Elizabeth's great-grandchildren, and their part in how the Royal Family evolves over the coming years can't be underestimated. 'Her grandmother, Princess Anne, and her aunt Zara are famous for their equestrian feats, and this has led to them being extremely popular. 'Image is most important and she has a remarkable resemblance to her glamorous aunt Zara.'

Actor James Tolkan, best known for playing authoritarian figures in the 1980s classics Back To The Future and Top Gun, has died aged 94. Tolkan died on Thursday in Lake Placid, New York, where he lived, according to his booking agent. A brief obituary published on the Back To The Future website said Tolkan died “peacefully”, but no cause of death was given. Arguably Tolkan’s best-known role was as Mr Strickland in Back To The Future (Alamy/PA)“You got a real attitude problem, McFly,” Tolkan’s character says in the 1985 film. James Tolkan was best known for playing authoritarian figures (Alamy/PA)“God help us,” Tolkan’s character replies, laughing.