The Court of Appeal has now reserved judgment on a bid by the couple to have their conviction for the female genital mutilation (FGM) of the child, which was quashed in 2021, declared a miscarriage of justice. Hugh Hartnett SC, for the child’s father, said the couple’s conviction in 2019 and subsequent two-year imprisonment amounted to a miscarriage of justice. However, Mr Grehan said the DPP now has no intention of pursuing the charges against the couple. Mr Justice John Edwards, presiding, with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, said they have a lot to think about and reserved judgment. They were found guilty of the FGM charge in 2019 and it is this conviction that the couple wish to be declared a miscarriage of justice.

A paedophile who sent 'utterly depraved' messages planning to rape children as young as six has been jailed for life after a slew of child sex offences. Edward Gratwick, 68, was arrested at Stansted Airport, where he attempted to board a flight to Romania in March, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said. And when officers took the paedophile into custody, they discovered items they believe he was planning to use to abuse children. She described one group of messages sent by Gratwick as 'the stuff of nightmares' and 'utterly depraved'. He was also found not guilty of one count of arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

Irish Times Debate semi-final at the Law Society, Dublin. Team winners were Anya Wilson, TCD Hist with Athena Wu, TCD Hist and Individual winner Cadet Clodagh Lehane, Curragh. Photograph Nick BradshawA third group of finalists for the annual Irish Times Debate has been confirmed, with students from Trinity College and the Army Cadet School advancing from Friday night’s semi-final. The Irish Times Debate is now in its 66th year. Ciara McLoughlin, a team winner from 2024, is the convenor of The Irish Times Debate for 2025/26.

Philippe Lazzarini said Israeli forces stormed the UNRWA headquarters and began demolishing buildings inside the compound. Ms McEntee said she was “appalled by the further destructive actions taken by Israeli authorities”In a statement, she said: “These actions are not isolated incidents. “They form part of a wider and sustained effort to undermine and dismantle UNRWA’s operations across the occupied Palestinian territory. “These organisations are delivering life-saving assistance and essential services to civilians across the occupied Palestinian territory and the wider region. “Any actions that obstruct this work only deepen the humanitarian crisis and place civilian lives at even greater risk.

Here, thirtysomething Margo feels that her life will finally begin once she manages to buy the house of her dreams. With her relatable characters Judy Blume is one of the greatest writers of all time... first gave you the reading bug? Judy Blume was everything to me growing up, and Deenie was the first book that really stole my heart. Deenie goes on quite the journey in this book, from agonising self-consciousness (check) and teenage insecurity (check) to self-acceptance and inner peace (any day now). Though she wrote these books decades ago, Blume really is the greatest of all time.

They believed the traditional phrase “attacks on healthcare” failed to describe the intentional and systematic nature of the attacks on medical professionals. “The UN accused Israel of deliberately killing the humanitarian workers and demanded answers and accountability. Healthcare workers and facilities are no longer guaranteed protection under international humanitarian law and people are intentionally left without access to medical care. “Health and care workers have been continuously targeted, detained, tortured and are now, like the rest of the population, being starved,” the experts said. “The absence of accountability serves only to legitimise and normalise attacks on healthcare workers.

A murder investigation is underway following the death of a three-month-old boy who suffered a head injury. Officers attended an address in St John's Chase shortly after 11am. A post-mortem examination noted his preliminary cause of death to be a head injury, pending further medical inquiries. Prior to his death, a 25-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man, both from March, were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH). The pair were re-arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday and remain in custody.

The weekend will see rain and breezy weather, with just limited bright spells as low pressure continues to dominate. Met Éireann has said Friday and Saturday will be generally dull with outbreaks of rain and drizzle, and highest temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees. Highest temperatures will be between 5 to 9 degrees, with moderate to fresh winds becoming mostly easterly and easing. Highest temperatures will remain between 5 and 9 degrees, with moderate to fresh southeasterly winds, stronger on eastern and southeastern coasts. Highest temperatures will be between 4 to 8 degrees, with light to moderate northwesterly or variable winds.

Limerick City and County Council has apologised after the gates of Mount St Oliver Cemetery were not opened on Christmas Day, leaving grieving families locked out on what is traditionally one of the most important days of the year for visiting loved ones’ graves.

Sinn Fein Infrastructure Minister and MLA for Newry and Armagh Liz Kimmins, spoke at the mass in St Catherine’s church, Dominic Street, Newry, saying Mr Brady always defended “the most vulnerable in our communities”. Mr Brady was Sinn Fein MLA for Newry and Armagh from 2007 to 2015, before becoming the MP for the area in 2015 to 2024. Sinn Fein vice president Michelle O’Neill and Mickey Brady (left) (Brian Lawless/PA)Prior to entering politics he ran a welfare rights advice centre in Newry. Mr Brady’s daughter Saoirse paid tribute to a “caring husband, a loving and dedicated father, a devoted and doting grandfather”. “Mickey became their bright star in a dark, dark night during dark, dark times, he was one of their own.

New Cork hurling manager Ben O'Connor has named his team for Sunday's opening round of the National League against Waterford at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The starting side features 10 players who started last summer's All-Ireland final defeat to Tipperary.

URC: Munster 22 Dragons 20Gavin Coombes’ two-try bench impact and Tony Butler’s 75th-minute penalty saw Munster overturn a 13-point deficit to snap their four-game losing streak in front of 8,422 fans at Virgin Media Park. However, Fineen Wycherley was pinged for hands in the ruck and Angus O’Brien slotted the penalty for a 10th-minute lead. Munster couldn’t make hay from their first 22 entry before further disciplinary blunders cost them further points. Scorers for Munster: Tries: G Coombes 2, B Gleeson; Cons: T Butler 2; Pen: T Butler. Scorers for Dragons: B Coghlan, D Richards; Cons: A O’Brien 2; Pens: A O’Brien 2.

It made its debut in the West End of London three years later, featuring Jodie Comer, who then appeared in it on Broadway too. Prima Facie’s pulsating soundtrack is by the English musician Self Esteem. GigsPilgrimsFriday, January 25th, Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely, Co Wicklow, 7.30pm, €30, courthoursearts.iePilgrims: Paul Noonan and Brian CrosbyFriends reunited? Kathleen Marshall choreographs and directs, with costumes (by Yvonne Milnes) and set designs (by Peter McKintosh) effectively co-starring. StageEureka DayFrom Friday, January 30th, until Sunday, March 8th, Gate Theatre, Dublin, 7.30pm, from €16.50, gatetheatre.ieAny takers for a smash US comedy focusing on a private California elementary school that prides itself on its liberal values?

A crisp firm has been fined after almost 600 people fell ill with salmonella from eating 'Mr Porky' pork scratchings. Tayto Group Ltd was prosecuted following an outbreak of the illness linked to its factory in Westhoughton, Bolton. One woman said she has 'never been so ill' after getting salmonella from a box of the contaminated product. Victim Ruanda Davis, from Cardiff, was hospitalised for five days with severe vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration after consuming the snack in June 2021. Mr Goulding said the firm has reached the highest safety accreditations in its Bolton plant and at its other locations.

The minister was asked to consider a change to the methodology used to calculate the levy, which would have benefited PTSB. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PAFormer minister for finance Paschal Donohoe reversed a decision that officials said could create “more of a level playing field” in the operation of the State’s €200 million-a-year bank levy. The bank levy was first put in place in 2014 in order to claw back some of the funds injected by the State into the banking sector during the financial crisis. The change would have meant a higher levy imposed when a bank hit a certain level of profitability, above €450 million. The budget did extend the bank levy for one year and made some technical changes to its operation.