Ireland should transform itself into one of Europe’s first “electrostates” by 2030 and power the country with secure, affordable, and home-grown electricity, a conference will hear on Wednesday. Senior policymakers, electricity system leaders, developers, investors, and innovators will attend the conference, as it explores measures to accelerate the deployment of wind energy across the country. As part of a strategy to be unveiled at its conference, Wind Energy Ireland said delivering wind power at scale on and offshore, and accelerating the transition to a resilient, electrified economy would be key in making Ireland energy independent and help it meet its emissions cut targets. If we get this right, Ireland can deliver cleaner, more affordable electricity, strengthen our competitiveness, and secure the foundations for our future. "The decisions we take now will shape Ireland’s energy system for decades to come."

Can’t get enough of Heated Rivalry? Meet the Irish ice hockey players – and discover how the sport is related to hurlingAlthough sport plays second fiddle to romance in the hit series, many of its fans have a newfound interest in ice hockey. Here, we explore the sport’s Irish roots and how widely it’s played hereActors Huddson Williams, left, and Connor Storrie in The HBO series Heated RivalryArlene Harris Yesterday at 06:30It’s the buzziest, steamiest show streaming right now. With many people gripped by the action both on and off the ice rink in the top HBO series Heated Rivalry – which sees two Canadian major league ice hockey stars battle with feelings of competitiveness and attraction – it’s hardly surprising to discover that the sport has a growing following in Ireland.

A call for urgent action was made by Macra president Josephine O’Neill for the support of young farmers. Ms O’Neill has called for immediate and decisive action to support young farmers, warning waiting until CAP 2028 is simply too late given the current level of uncertainty facing the sector. Ms O’Neill asked Mr Heydon: “Considering the huge uncertainty surrounding Mercosur and the statistics of young farmers, waiting until CAP 2028 is too late to commit to young farmers. Ms O’Neill emphasised the recommendations already made by the Commission on Generational Renewal must be accelerated and implemented well before 2028. Waiting until the next CAP risks leaving young farmers behind.”

The Cork-based Tyndall National Institute is researching how to accelerate the rollout of electric buses across Ireland. Tyndall was awarded six projects under the Sustainable Energy Authority’s national energy research, development, and demonstration funding programme, to advance Ireland’s energy transition.

Today, we don't have any cheap seats for you, we have the most expensive Group Stage games in this summer's World Cup. Mexico vs. South Africa (Starting at $3,253)The opening match of the 2026 World Cup is naturally one of the most expensive games in the group stage. Mexico vs. South Africa World Cup tickets Watch the opening match of the 2026 World Cup in person between Mexico and South Africa. World Cup planning: Skip the hotel bookings and rent an RV for the 2026 World Cup4. World Cup Final: Here's how to buy 2026 World Cup Final tickets in New York

The High CourtMidlands man takes High Court action against Defence Forces complaints tribunalPaul NeilanAn Offaly man and former Portlaoise prison guard who alleges he was fired at with "lethal intent" while he helped to foil a 1988 escape attempt by a paramilitary prisoner, has taken a High Court challenge against a Defence Force tribunal that has refused to hear from him. Mr O'Brien submits he was a prison officer and civil servant at the prison from February 1980 to May 1989. He submits the Defence Forces had been "in control" of the prison by way of armed guard since 1973. He [Mr O'Brien] squarely falls into this category," said counsel, who added that "not being heard was a further trauma". Counsel said that to include Mr O'Brien in a Defence Forces complaints procedure investigation would "cast a very wide net" and that the tribunal had a three-year time limit.

It’s where they first met, and where they went on to build their livelihood, but after 20 years in the business, Barry and Catherine McLaughlin are calling time on the much-loved Poachers bar and restaurant in Bandon, West Cork. The husband-and-wife team were a good combination to run Poachers, as Barry is a chef who previously worked in Kinsale’s popular Fishy Fishy restaurant, while Catherine’s background is in accounting. Catherine & Barry McLaughlin at the Poachers in Bandon. Guiding at €750,000, two-storey, 2,700sq ft Poachers can cater for 60 sit-down customers downstairs, while overhead ‘Little Poachers’ can seat 50. Mr Kingston points out that Poachers is on the Wild Atlantic Way and that it’s ready-to-go for the buyer.

How the Irish MEPs votedThe European Parliament decided today to request the European Court of Justice to assess whether the EU-Mercosur agreement is in conformity with the EU treaties. With 334 votes in favour, 324 against and 11 abstentions, the European Parliament adopted a resolution asking for a legal opinion from the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on the agreement. The European Parliament will continue its examination of the texts, while awaiting the opinion of the EU Court. Of the Irish MEPs, the following nine voted for the referral to the ECJ:Lynn Boylan Sinn Féin – The LeftNina Carberry Fine Gael – European People’s PartyBarry Cowen Fianna Fáil – Renew EuropeKathleen Function Sinn Féin – The LeftBilly Kelleher Fianna Fáil – Renew EuropeMichael McNamara Independent – Renew EuropeCynthia Ní Mhurchú Fianna Fáil – Renew EuropeCiaran Mullooly Independent Ireland – Renew EuropeAodhán Ó Ríordáin Labour Party – Socialists and DemocratsThe following 4 voted against the resolution:Barry Andrews Fianna Fáil – Renew EuropeSeán Kelly Fine Gael – European People’s PartyRegina Doherty Fine Gael – European People’s PartyMaria Walsh Fine Gael – European People’s PartyDid not vote: Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan Independent – The Left. On social media, MEP Flanagan said it was "torture" for him to be unable on doctor's advice, to attend parliament to send the proposed Mercosur agreement to the European Court of Justice.

‘He was going to kill me if he got the chance’ – garda who shot and killed George Nkencho said he had no option but to use lethal force

The Irish capital has been named as the best solo travel destination for 2026 by Tripadvisor. Photograph: Dara Mac DónaillThe Irish capital has been named as the best solo travel destination for 2026 by the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best. Bali also featured in the top 10 solo travel destinations at number nine. The online travel platform cited Dublin’s blend of “old world-vibes with friendly, down-to-earth charm” as part of the attraction for travellers. Tripadvisor’s 2026 top 10 solo travel destinations:

A man who claimed social protection payments under a false name after he fled the UK while he was on temporary release there from prison has been jailed for two years. Nasser Hussein, aged 35, had residency in the UK and was on temporary release there when he came to Dublin having travelled to Ireland from Belfast. He used a false name to secure a social protection card which later allowed him to claim €5,913 in payments for day-to-day living. It was accepted in court that he used the false name in order to cover up his status in the UK. She said the court could not overlook the fact that he was on temporary release from prison and commended the gardaí for their investigation.

Photograph: David Young/PA WireLeft-wing political parties provided about €115,500 towards President Catherine Connolly’s successful election campaign. In addition to the contributions from the parties, the Connolly campaign conducted grassroots fundraising to cover election costs. Ms Connolly’s election victory last October entitles her to a €250,000 reimbursement of election expenses from the State. Its statement said it “loaned €15,000 to the Connolly campaign and the party spent €12,000 on the presidential election”. The Connolly campaign listed a €50,000 “authorised” spend sum below the name of People Before Profit national organiser Darryl Horan.

Independent TD for Offaly Carol NolanNolan calls for legislation aimed at home support services providersIndependent TD for Offaly Carol Nolan has called on the Government to prioritise the enactment of legislation aimed at setting out a registration framework for providers of home support services. Deputy Nolan was speaking during a Dáil debate on the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025 under which the Chief Inspector of Social Services at HIQA will have responsibility for establishing and maintaining a register for home support services operating in Ireland. The Bill will also provide for criminal liability to be assigned for unregistered home support services and the ability to cancel registration of a provider where serious non-compliance is established. We need to ensure that we have national home support service capable of delivering care according to the highest standards. "That is why we need national statutory legislation to be introduced as a matter of urgency.

Danielle O’Leary believes ladies football did not require radical surgery unlike the men’s game but the Kerry All-Ireland winner is glad the sport is receiving a facelift. “Whenever you're playing Kerry, it's obvious enough you're trying to slow down that fast attack, trying to get bodies back to surround the likes of Siofra (O’Shea) and Rachel Dwyer,” said O’Leary. But I do think the new rules are going to suit us big time in trying to help us with that.”Frustration had been growing for O’Leary in recent years. Neither of O’Leary nor 2020 player of the year Mackin have played competitive games under the new rules. “It is a big, big year and I suppose whatever team utilises the rules the most will (benefit) at the end of the year.”

Mr Trump said: “You need the ownership to defend it. But Mr Trump repeatedly returned to his argument that the US has had a raw deal from Nato, funding the protection of other European countries. Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, used his Davos speech on Tuesday to warn mid-sized countries to unite in the face of US “coercion”. Mr Trump took direct aim at Mr Carney in his speech, claiming that Canada had, “a lot of freebies” from the US. By contrast, Mr Trump said he had a “very good relationship with [Russia’s] President [Vladimir] Putin and President Xi [Jinping, of China].”- The Guardian