Hegseth says Iranian military is ‘combat ineffective’US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has given an upbeat assessment of the military operation in Iran. In a press conference at the Pentagon, Hegseth said Friday will be the heaviest day of attacks on the country. Their military is “combat ineffective” and “functionally defeated and destroyed”. Six crew members feared dead following US military aircraft crashA ‌US military refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on ‌Thursday in an incident US Central Command said involved ​another aircraft but was not the result of hostile or friendly fire. US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said the move, announced on Thursday, was a step to stabilise global energy markets roiled by the Iran war.

Teacher suspended after grabbing and dragging pupilThe pupil's mum told the hearing: 'She came towards him, grabbed him by his right arm, dragged him into the classroom. The pupil's mum told the hearing: "She came towards him, grabbed him by his right arm, dragged him into the classroom. The chair also highlighted evidence from Rhian Darch, the teacher in the class, where she said how in the weeks prior to the incident Williams had become more short-tempered. Following a school disciplinary hearing and disciplinary appeal hearing she resigned from her role in July, 2024. ‌Allegation 1 - On or around May 20, 2022, Williams dragged and/or pulled and/or grabbed Pupil A by the arm or wrist.

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NEW VAN FOR DAY CENTREElphin Day Centre has a new meals on wheels van on the road. COUNTDOWN TO ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADEElphin's St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of Connacht’s oldest, family friendly events will take place on March 17th starting at 5 p.m. with €1,200 in prizes - 1st, €500; 2nd, €250; 3rd, €100; 4th, €100; 5th, €50. Best dressed tractor, best dressed window, best dressed dog, €50. The Tower invites all musicians, singers and dancers to come along after the St. Patrick's Day Parade for a feast of traditional music. SETS CEILIAs part of Seachtain na Gaeilge Elphin Comhaltas will host a sets ceili with the current All-Ireland champions Ceili Bank Glor na dTonn in Elphin Community Centre on Saturday, March 14th at 9 p.m..BINGOBingo every Monday starts at 8 p.m. in Elphin Community Centre.

14 jobs are set to be created at Bord Gáis Energy's facility in Monksland following its selection as a location for the company’s Power Global Control Centre. The selection of Bord Gáis Energy’s site in Monksland will create 14 highly skilled roles in the Midlands, strengthening Ireland’s operational capability in energy system management. It will begin operating Bord Gáis Energy’s Irish assets from mid-2026, with Centrica Power’s UK assets transitioning in phases during Q2 and Q3 2026. It is a market where policy ambition is increasingly matched by delivery, creating the conditions needed to invest in critical energy infrastructure. The news from Centrica and Bord Gáis Energy is a powerful example of that partnership in action.

In Chequers, the country home of the British prime minister, the two sank pints of Guinness and committed to a new annual summit between both governments. Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcoming British prime minister Keir Starmer at Cork Airport ahead of the UK-Ireland summit in the city. Garda outriders beside the plane carrying Keir Starmer, ready to escort him to the events in Cork. British prime minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin meeting young people from the Ireland-UK Youth Forum at 1 Lapp's Quay, Cork. With a potentially trying few days ahead in Washington DC, Mr Martin will have been thankful that, on home turf, his first few hours with Mr Starmer were fairly free of controversy.

AFTER a tough two decades, Australian rugby’s luck is suddenly on the up. The defection of NRL flyer Zac Lomax gives the Wallabies a powerful new weapon in the moonshot quest to win a home World Cup in 2027. Lomax was seen loitering with intent at RA headquarters in Moore Park the very next day, having secretly visited the Western Force facilities over summer. “The dream of one day representing the Wallabies on an international stage and potentially competing at a Rugby World Cup is a powerful motivation,” he said. If the Wallabies want to defy their current No 8 world ranking and win the World Cup in two years they’ll need every one-percenter they can get.

Modern Morals: I’m in couples counselling, but my marriage is dead and it feels like a waste of time and money. Should I stop? I don’t see the point of paying over €1,000 to have a relative stranger tell us what we already know'When couples come to therapy after a long period of unhappiness, the early sessions can sometimes feel discouraging.' Photo: Picture posed/GettyKatie Byrne Today at 06:30Question

The Republic provides tax relief for those who live in the State but work abroad – there is no equivalent relief under the UK tax systemA bilateral deal with the UK on the taxation of cross-Border workers is being sought by Minister for Finance Simon Harris. The Republic provides tax relief for individuals who live in the State but work abroad. However, there is no equivalent relief available under the UK tax system. Hybrid working across borders can cause headaches such as potential tax liabilities for workers and employers, and have implications for exchequer revenues. The Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) – the Government’s employers and workers policy exchange – is looking at the issue as part of the Shared Island programme of cross-Border issues.

UK prime minister Keir Starmer has called for increased cooperation between the UK and Ireland in an “age of dramatic uncertainty”. The prime minister said both governments were focused on “turning the page on the turbulent Brexit years”. They accused Starmer and Martin of being complicit in genocide in Gaza and criticised Cork City Council for flying the Union flag over Cork City Hall. Mounted Garda outside of Cork city hall ahead of UK prime minister Keir Starmer's arrival. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish TimesEarlier in Northern Ireland, Starmer said addressing soaring energy bills is “absolutely on my radar”.

As an island nation, Ireland’s geography has historically dictated an exceptionally open economy. For centuries, the country’s prosperity has relied upon its ability to navigate international waters and seek out trading opportunities in distant markets. External trade is not merely a component of the economy; it is its cornerstone. This outward-looking model has evolved significantly over time. Sign in Unlimited access starts here.

Sir Keir Starmer was greeted by Taoiseach Micheal Martin at Fota House ahead of a series of meetings involving ministers from both governments. Earlier, the two leaders visited the Tyndall National Institute, an electronics research centre at University College Cork. Sir Keir Starmer and Micheal Martin visit a laboratory at the Tyndall National Institute in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)As the high cost of fuel and energy is expected to dominate discussions at the Cork summit, energy links between Britain and Ireland will also be emphasised. The Prime Minister is joined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, and Business Secretary Peter Kyle. Sir Keir and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met the region’s political parties on Thursday.

Concerns over 'men in balaclavas' putting up flags in Cheltenham'The intimidating sight of men in balaclavas hoisting flags fills many people with fear and disgust'View 3 Images Men wearing balaclavas were reportedly seen attaching flags to lampposts in Cheltenham this week. (Image: Submitted/Getty)There are concerns men in balaclavas were reportedly seen attaching flags to lampposts in Cheltenham this week. ‌A mix of Union Flags and St George's Cross were put up near the Evesham Road and Wellington Road junction earlier this week. ‌Councillor Julian Tooke (LD, Pittville and St Paul's) who represents that part of the spa town at Gloucestershire County Council said he was contacted by a concerned resident. ‌He said she witnessed men get out of a van and use a lift to attach flags high up on the lampposts.

Adam Olaniyan shrugs off Moses Itauma fight but welcomes future rivalryOlaniyan is widely regarded as a future heavyweight world champion and makes his professional debut in Dublin on Saturday nightView Image Adam Olaniyan speaks outAdam Olaniyan is yet to make his professional debut, but has already been tipped to achieve boxing supremacy. ‌After penning a lucrative deal with Frank Warren's Queensberry Promotions, Olaniyan is fully aware that the hard work begins now. While Olaniyan is only just getting started, many are drawing similarities between the two power punchers and are sensing a future rivalry. "Look, God willing, it's going to be a really big fight in the future, no doubt. But right now, I'm doing my apprenticeship, I'm learning, I'm still getting used to the pro style of boxing and I'm still adapting.

Man dies on North Staffordshire railway linePolice and paramedics were called to the sceneView Image Train tracks (stock image) (Image: PA)Police are not treating the death of a man as suspicious. Police and paramedics discovered the man's body after being called to a railway line between Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford. ‌A British Transport Police spokesman said: "We were called to an area of the line in Stone following reports of a casualty on the tracks. The incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner." Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives - and it is free