‘Just because you did it before and didn’t die, doesn't mean you won't next time’ – frontline doctor's ‘chroming’ warning as hospitalisations riseHSE figures show increasing numbers inhaling toxic chemical fumes as part of ‘challenges’ on social mediaJust because you did it before and didn’t die, doesn't mean you won't next time’ – Emergency paediatric doctor warns of ‘chroming’ dangers as hospitalisations riseKeith Kelly Yesterday at 06:30An emergency paediatric consultant has warned parents of the potentially lethal dangers to children of “chroming”, which has risen in popularity recently due to a social media “challenge”.

Despite fallout from the expenses scandal and Bondi, Labor still holds a 54–46 lead in the latest Resolve poll, but Anthony Albanese's ratings have slumped. It's not clear whether Albanese and Labor were damaged by the expenses, Bondi or both. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's net likeability increased 16 points since December 2024 to +3, but was down five points since November. Joyce's net likeability was up 18 since December 2024 and up four since November. Only one politician suffered a fall in net likeability since December 2024: Liberal Jacinta Price was down five points to +3.

Sligo has been named the cleanest town in Ireland, but there was less good news for Cork's Northside in the Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) rankings. There was better news for other Cork areas, though, as previous blackspot Mahon and Cork City Centre saw improvements from last year, finishing 18th and 27th respectively. Both areas were said to be clean when compared to European norms. The IBAL highlighted that there was good news as no town or city was judged to be “seriously littered”. Meanwhile, Waterford reclaimed the accolade of Ireland’s cleanest city, winning for the third time in four years, ahead of Galway in 2nd.

A man who died following an assault in Co Donegal has been named locally as Stephen McCahill. In a post on social media, the group stated: "Stephen was a true friend to Glenties and always an avid supporter of our town. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Stephen's family, friends and the entire Ardara community at this very difficult time." Mr McCahill had been named Donegal Person of the Year in 2016. He was previously a chairman of the Ardara Heritage Centre and the Ardara Community Centre and former chairman, secretary and PRO of Ardara Parish Council.

Four children were orphaned after their mother and father were found dead in a campervan at a cider festival. Kayleigh and Christopher Coll, 38 and 45, were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning at the New Forest Cider Festival on October 12, an inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court has ruled. But they died in their vehicle during the festival, with a gas heater later discovered inside the privately-owned caravan, the court heard. Four children were orphaned after mother and father, Kayleigh and Christopher Coll, pictured, were found dead in a campervan at a cider festivalA GoFundMe set up to raise money for the orphaned children and their family has received more than £30,000 in donations. They were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning at the New Forest Cider Festival on October 12, an inquest at Winchester Coroner's Court has ruledThey said: 'We were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of two individuals who attended the New Forest Cider Festival this weekend.

The services sector in Ireland saw a slowdown in growth during December with business activity rising at the softest rate in three months and employment increasing only modestly, the latest AIB Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) shows. The rate of growth in the Irish services sector continues to outperform the eurozone, UK, and US flash PMIs of 52.6, 52.1 and 52.9, respectively. The services sector is divided up into four sub-sectors of which three expanded during the month. Financial services recorded a reading of 63.7 — the sharpest increase of the four sub-sectors — while technology, media, and telecoms had a reading of 54.2, and business services had a reading of 52.2. "Overall, services employment rose modestly in December but eased from the exceptional pace in November.

According to Met Éireann, Ireland had its second warmest year on record during 2025, only surpassed by 2023. Photograph: Alan BetsonLast year was the second warmest year on record in Ireland, according to data released by Met Éireann. Only 2023 was warmer than 2025, according to the meteorological service’s provisional figures, which will be fully revealed on Tuesday. Met Éireann also said December saw an average temperature of 7.23 degrees, 1.02 degrees warmer than would be expected for the month. The UK Met Office has issued a yellow ice warning for all of Northern Ireland, valid until 10am on Tuesday.

Donald Trump’s ability to blend facts, or even a lack of them, into his own truth, has been a singular phenomenon throughout both his terms of office. The island nation has long been desired by China, which claims it is historically linked to the People’s Republic. It may be emboldened by Trump’s stomping on international norms, via his raid on Caracas, to try something similar against Taipei. Despite promises of reform by the Road Safety Authority, more than 70,000 drivers are languishing on waiting lists to get a test. The number of self-employed workers losing their lives — 40% of the total — is an equal concern.

Video: 'When I look in the mirror, I am satisfied': Hunky transgender man finds success as a male model just two years after he started taking testosteroneA hunky New York model who's racked up tens of thousands of Instagram followers is known for his piercing eyes, broad shoulders, and sexy six-pack ¿ and, if you know his backstory, the fact that he used to be a woman.

The Chief Executive of Cork innovation hub and co-working space, the Republic of Work, has acquired the business from its shareholders, Dan and Linda Kiely and co-founder Dave Ronayne. The acquisition marks a planned transition for Republic of Work following a period of sustained investment and strategic development. “I am most grateful to Dan, Linda and Dave for their input into ROW. Republic of Work has consistently delivered that, through good times and very challenging ones. We’re proud of what the Republic of Work has become, and we’re excited to see Frank take it forward.

As the tour concluded, Guckian announced a plan: to rebuild Gralton’s Hall in Effrinagh. Photograph: Enda O'DowdThe story of Gralton’s Hall – or Jimmy’s Hall, as the title of Ken Loach’s 2014 film goes – is well known. Gralton's Hall, formally known as Pearse-Connolly Hall, was used for dances and educationThirteen years ago, one of the greatest filmmakers of our time, Loach, came to Leitrim to make his film. Now Guckian and a group of eight others are determined to bring Gralton’s Hall back to Effrinagh. Bringing back Gralton’s Hall is a great collective new year’s resolution.

But Ireland has barely begun to develop the tools, expertise, and institutions that let governments think in decades rather than quarters. Founded in 1992, the Finland Futures Research Centre at the University of Turku has become a leading hub for foresight education and research. With around 50 staff, it trains masters and doctoral students and co-ordinates futures teaching across nine universities through the Finland Futures Academy, strengthening foresight capacity across the public and private sectors. The parliament of Finland’s committee for the future, founded in 1993, was the world’s first standing parliamentary committee dealing with future policy. Second, create a futures centre for research and training to develop the skills needed inside government, business, and civil society.

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in total agreement on Liverpool controversyFlorian Wirtz's equalising goal for Liverpool in their 2-2 draw with Fulham was initially ruled out before VAR intervened and ruled that he wasn't actually offsideView 2 Images Florian Wirtz's goal for Liverpool has been debated (Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Both Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have claimed that Florian Wirtz's controversial equaliser against Fulham shouldn't have stood - despite VAR awarding the goal. Liverpool star Wirtz made it 1-1 at Craven Cottage on Sunday after being threaded through by Conor Bradley. "Fine margins helped them get the Wirtz goal because, looking at that, I thought it was offside." Even Wirtz wasn't convinced. Should Florian Wirtz's goal have been allowed to stand?

Gardaí have appealed for help to locate a teenager missing from Midleton, Co Cork. Szymon Zajko, aged 14, was reported missing from his home in Midleton on Monday.

The two retailers had already undergone restructuring and were bought by investment firm Modella Capital last year. It will mean 1,355 employees in the UK and Ireland at 154 Claire’s shops will be put at risk, and 1,220 staff across 140 TOFS’ stores. “The climate on the high street remains extremely challenging, and TOFS and Claire’s are not alone in experiencing difficulties,” the firm said. The fashion accessories chain had appointed administrators for its UK and Ireland business after filing for bankruptcy in the US. Modella has become a significant force in the British retail industry, having bought WH Smith’s high street chain last year and taking over arts and crafts retailer Hobbycraft in 2024.