By focusing on features such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and algorithmic recommendation, the plaintiffs sidestepped the legal protections that have long shielded social media firms. Then, as now, companies denied harm while internal evidence and mounting public concern suggested otherwise. Time to ban sunbeds There are moments in public policy when the evidence becomes so overwhelming that hesitation is no longer caution — it is negligence. The recommendation by a government working group to ban commercial sunbeds in Ireland is one such moment. A ban on commercial sunbeds would not be an overreach: It would be a proportionate response to a preventable cause of disease.

Ireland’s World Cup dream over after penalty heartbreakBy Damian Spellman, Press AssociationJan Kliment fired the Czech Republic to within 90 minutes of the World Cup finals as they broke Republic of Ireland hearts in a dramatic penalty shoot-out to set up a showdown with Denmark. Parrott had to wait as the Czechs protested, but eventually thumped his spot-kick low to Kovar’s right to give the visitors a dream start. However, the hosts grabbed a lifeline with 27 minutes gone when Nyberg awarded a second penalty, this time for Manning’s needless tug on Krejci’s shirt, and Schick duly obliged from 12 yards. But the sting in the tail came with just four minutes remaining when Krejci powered substitute Michal Sadilek’s free-kick past helpless goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to level. There were worrying scenes in extra time when Sammie Szmodics collided with fellow substitute Stepan Chaloupek and had to be carried from the field on a stretcher, but Ireland’s hopes were dashed in cruel fashion as Kovar’s night took a distinct turn for the better.

Iranian naval commander Alireza Tangsiri had been leading Iran’s successful effort to close the Strait of HormuzAlireza Tangsiri, the commander of the naval forces of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is the latest senior Iranian military figure targeted by Israel in its month-long bombardment of Iran. Israel said it had killed Tangsiri in a strike on Thursday; Iran has not commented. It was not immediately clear what effect Tangsiri’s death would have on Iran’s Strait of Hormuz strategy. Iran’s ability to control passage through the strait has been made possible, in part, by its use of attack drones. Khamenei was killed in an air strike at the outset of the US-Israeli campaign against Iran last month.

Emmanuel Gregoire waves to supporters as he rides a public bike-sharing bicycle heading to Paris townhall after his victory in the mayoral election. But voters in all three of those countries, as well as those in Germany and Italy, sent a message of discontent that should set alarm bells ringing. Marine Le Pen’s National Rally failed to take control of its key targets of Marseilles, Toulon and Nîmes in France’s municipal elections on Sunday. But the party made unprecedented gains, winning dozens of mayoralties in its strongholds in the southeast and northeast of France. Elections in the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate saw the far-right Alternative for Germany double its share of the vote to almost 20 per cent.

The tone appeared set when Chiedozie Ogbene forced Ladislav Krejci into conceding a cheap corner inside the first minute. Ireland pressed well and attacked with confidence to give themselves the platform to succeed. Yet the decision to name him in the starting XI was an inspired one - even if the tie was decided after he had departed. While Krejci scored the late equaliser, the Czechia captain was repeatedly turned inside out by Ogbene, whose speed and directness ensured such a dominant start. DECISIVE: Ladislav Krejčí of Czechia is fouled by Ryan Manning to award the hosts a penalty, and a way back into the contest.

Ireland take on Czechia in today’s semi-final of the World Cup play-offs. With kick-off at 7.45pm Irish people around the world are gearing up for what is to be an exciting match. We want to see how you’re showing your support. Whether you’re in the stands at the stadium, in a pub in Prague, in your local pub or watching from home – we want to see it all. COYBIGSubmit your photos and videos hereSee your photos here

Wales suffer penalty agony as defeat ends World Cup hopesBy Phil Blanche, Press AssociationWales suffered World Cup play-off heartbreak as Bosnia and Herzegovina won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Cardiff. It was a cruel repeat of Wales’ exit in the Euro 2024 play-offs as spot-kicks again proved their undoing. Neco Williams missed from the spot for Wales (David Davies). Wales fans screamed for a penalty, but Romanian referee Istvan Kovacs ruled against Ampadu for a high foot. Alajbegovic’s stinging drive was also repelled by Darlow as Bosnia threw caution to the wind and Wales became anxious.

Athlone Town striker Dana Scheriff will be hoping to continue her early season goalscoring form when the Women's All-Island Cup starts on April 4. Athlone Town women's All-Island Cup fixtures confirmedAthlone Town's fixtures for the 2026 Women's All-Island Cup have been confirmed. Athlone Town have been placed in Group C along with Treaty United, Cork City and Irish League Women's Premiership club Cliftonville. The Town complete their group phase fixtures with a trip to Limerick to play Treaty United on Saturday, May 30, at 2pm. The All-Island cup final will take place on Sunday, July 18, and will be broadcast live by TG4.

Ireland had come within four minutes of victory when Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci headed the hosts level on a night when the visitors had led 2-0 after just 23 minutes to leave them dreaming of a first World Cup adventure since 2002. Skipper Krejci’s intervention took the tie to extra time and it was the Czechs who squeezed through 4-3 on penalties despite Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men producing a performance of real character. Parrott had to wait as the Czechs protested, but eventually thumped his spot-kick low to Kovar’s right to give the visitors a dream start. However, the hosts grabbed a lifeline with 27 minutes gone when Nyberg awarded a second penalty, this time for Manning’s needless tug on Krejci’s shirt, and Schick duly obliged from 12 yards. But the sting in the tail came with just four minutes remaining when Krejci powered substitute Michal Sadilek’s free-kick past helpless goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to level.

World Cup playoff: Wales 1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 1 (B&A win 4-2 on pens)Wales suffered World Cup play-off heartbreak as Bosnia and Herzegovina won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Cardiff. It was a cruel repeat of Wales’ exit in the Euro 2024 play-offs as spot-kicks again proved their undoing. Wales were four minutes from booking a home play-off final against Italy – 2-0 winners over Northern Ireland – on Tuesday after Daniel James put them ahead with a stunning strike soon after half-time. Neither side could force a winner in 30 added minutes and Wales drew first blood in the shootout as Karl Darlow saved Ermedin Demirovic’s kick. But Brennan Johnson blazed over and Neco Williams saw Nikola Vasilj push away his penalty, allowing Alajbegovic to plunge the dagger into Welsh hearts.

At Sinnotts sports bar, a queue of fans formed outside before kick off, while another pub set up a TV on the bar counter to draw in punters. It was a frantic game from the off – with three goals within 30 minutes, two of which were penalties – leaving Irish fans “all over the shop”. At the Thomas Moore bar in Dublin city, fans roared at Ireland’s chances and mumbled at the first Czech goal. After the Czechs scored just minutes before the full-time whistle, fans covered their eyes and dropped their heads in their hands. Joey Quinn, who is from Co Kerry and watched the match in the Thomas Moore, said Ireland played well but “gave them an in”.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp breaks silence on Mo Salah exitMohamed Salah announced he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, this weekView 2 Images Jurgen Klopp has spoken about Mohamed Salah's upcoming departure from Liverpool at the end of the season (Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to Mohamed Salah after the 33-year-old announced his exit at the end of the season. ‌On Tuesday, the Egypt international made the bombshell announcement that he will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. Salah will leave the club on a free transfer after reaching a mutual agreement to end his deal early. Liverpool and the forward eventually came to an agreement, ending the saga, with Salah signing a two-year deal. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

Lincolnshire village school where 'lessons are unmissable' gets glowing reportInspectors praised 'fun and unmissable lessons'View 2 Images Pupils at The Marton Academy, which received a strong Ofsted report (Image: The Marton Academy)A village school where pupils ‘thrive’ has been given high marks by Ofsted. ‌The Marton Academy in Marton near Gainsborough was rated ‘Strong standard’ for all areas, including teaching, behaviour, early years, and children’s wellbeing. ‌Under the stricter new Ofsted rating system, schools are awarded between ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Urgent improvement’ in six areas, with ‘Strong standard’ being the second highest. Inspectors who visited the West Lindsey school in February praised “fun and unmissable lessons”, and said it is a school where “all pupils learnt well and thrive”. Ofsted found that attendance was high “because they are happy and excited to come to school”.

Senator Aubrey McCarthy said he held no bitterness towards the convicted man. At a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Court, Judge Patrick Quinn suspended the final 3½ years on condition McCann attend all medical appointments and receive all treatments for serious mental health and addiction issues. McCann was a former resident of Tiglin, which provides residential rehabilitation for addiction, homelessness and social exclusion. He had earlier harassed McCarthy by posting threatening comments on the charity’s social media pages over a period of time. Our mental health system must be stronger, more compassionate, and far more accessible,” he said.

U-21 Euro 2027 qualifier: Ireland 1, Moldova 1Jamie Mullins (centre), celebrates after scoring for Ireland during the European U-21 Championship qualifier against Moldova at Tallaght Stadium. Photo: Sam Barnes/SportsfileIreland’s hopes of staying involved in the Euro 2027 playoff race suffered another deflating setback as Jim Crawford’s men were held at home by Moldova. Even in defeat, there was plenty to admire about the Irish performance in a 2-0 loss away to group favourites England late last year, but their shock 4-0 drubbing in Andorra four days later was a devastating setback for that play-off push.