The co-founder of the Blackrock, Hermitage and Galway Clinics, James M Sheehan is one of four appellants to stall plans by Cairn Homes for 252 homes in Blackrock in south Dublin. Sheehan has lodged an appeal with An Coimúisin Pleanála against the decision of Dun LDún Laoghairedown County Council to grant permission to the 236 apartments and 16 houses proposed at Chesterfield, Cross Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin. Sheehan of Cross Avenue, Blackrock, contends “numerous properties will lose their privacy due to the height of the proposed apartment blocks”. In a fourth appeal, local resident Ronan O’Dwyer contends that the proposed height of the buildings is excessive. Mr Dwyer states that the requirement for new houses (socially and politically) “should not supersede entirely the requirement for good planning and development”.

I never knowingly met Frank O’Dowd, “reluctant businessman” and literary wit, late of Rathgar. Older Irish Times readers may remember O’Dowd from his many letters to the editor published in the 1970s and 80s. Which reminded me that, as a reluctant civil servant in the late 1980s, I too was in the habit of entering that contest for a period (under – God forgive me – different names). Most of Frank O’Dowd’s short stories, poems and playlets were unpublished in his lifetime. A literary labour of love, for everyone involved, the collection is available from Books Upstairs or via orpenpress.com.

Antonin Kinsky 'finished' as Ally McCoist points blame for Tottenham keeper humiliationTottenham interim head coach Igor Tudor has come under fire for replacing Antonin Kinsky less than 20 minutes into the Champions League clash with Atletico MadridView 2 Images Vicario replaced Kinsky in the first half against Atletico MadridAlly McCoist criticised Igor Tudor's decision to take off Antonin Kinsky after just 17 minutes, with Tottenham already trailing 3-0 away to Atletico Madrid. ‌Tottenham star makes feelings clear on Arsenal tactics with brutal 'boring' dig READ MORE :Why can Conor Gallagher play for Spurs in the Champions League after missing last two games? On co‑commentary, McCoist expressed sympathy for Kinsky and directed his criticism at Tudor. ‌View 2 Images Cristian Romero comforting Antonin Kinsky"The thing is, Atletico Madrid haven't even been asked to work for their goals. The Croatian coach is still searching for his first win, and a Champions League exit looks increasingly likely despite a second‑leg tie at home next week.

It told investigators it "did not have specialist aviation expertise within the department to discharge such oversight" of the Irish Aviation Authority. The department responsible for aviation safety admitted it did not understand aviation. Three were directed at the minister: ensure the department has "sufficient specialist aviation expertise," conduct a detailed review of IAA oversight mechanisms, and periodically review in-house technical capabilities. Before the crash, the department's lack of aviation expertise was a gap in the system. The four crew members of Rescue 116 intentionally flew, at night, into a North Atlantic storm, so others might live.

A Kerry coastal house’s sense of calm washes over the three judges the moment they dock. There’s a sense of simplicity, calm and the personality of the people who live here,” says architect Hugh. The family’s red-dot “favourite” spot in their open-plan living area offers views outside and of the home. Kate is really drawn to the natural materials, neutral colours and natural light that modern and Scandi interior styling invokes. She chose a palette of white and organic hues which complements natural materials, including wood.

In Iran over a thousand people have been killed, including 168 girls in a primary school and many more injured following waves of strikes across numerous cities. Food prices are up dramatically in the last week due to the regional violence. With the world now focused on Iran, Israel will take the opportunity to deepen closures and tighten and expand movement restrictions. In conflicts, women and girls often face heightened risks of violence, displacement and economic hardship. When food prices rise, livelihoods collapse and communities are displaced, women and girls frequently bear the greatest burden.

It has compiled details of all wedding dates in Ireland over the past 15 years, and found that December steals the show, with August not far behind. The two months account for the 10 most popular wedding dates over the past decade-and-a-half. August claims the next six favourite wedding dates, dominated by the early part of the month — August 3, 4, 5, and 2 — perhaps due to the August bank holiday. The most popular months to get hitched were August, July, September, June, and October, with December further adrift in sixth. Christmas Eve and St Stephen’s Day see only four and three weddings on average respectively, while Christmas Day, unsurprisingly, records a grand total of zero weddings.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart led the criticism of Tottenham boss Igor Tudor after he blanked Antonin Kinsky having substituted him just 15 minutes into his nightmare Champions League debut. A number of Spurs players, including Palhinha and Conor Gallagher, raced to console him after a nightmare Champions League debut as Tudor ignored his man. They are saying, "don't worry we are here for you". Former midfielder Steve McManaman, meanwhile, added: 'He is 22, been at Spurs for a year, getting paid Champions League wages. We all understand what happened and the mistakes, but it wasn't about that, it was about being a figure to say, "don't worry about it".

Lamine Yamal breaks Newcastle hearts but Barcelona tie in the balance - 5 talking pointsNEWCASTLE 1-1 BARCELONA: The Premier League outfit thought they'd had the dream night when Harvey Barnes scored late on, but Lamine Yamal converted a stoppage time penaltyView 4 Images Lamine Yamal's late penalty silenced St James' Park and saw Barcelona level the tieNewcastle's dream night was thwarted by a stoppage time penalty as Barcelona rescued a draw courtesy of Lamine Yamal's penalty - which cancelled out Harvey Barnes' late goal in the first-leg of the Champions League clash. Newcastle were unlucky not to go in at half-time leading, but for all their promising attacking positions they did little to force Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia into serious action. They only needed to hold on for less than 10 minutes but failed to do so - and the advantage they thought they'd gained from Barnes late goal was cancelled out. Barcelona pressed for an equaliser and were presented with the perfect opportunity with the clock beyond the four allocated minutes of stoppage time. That may well prove their best shot at securing a memorable night in Barcelona next week.

Independent TD Michael Lowry: 'Despite the unfair and unfounded opinions of the Moriarty Report, there are no charges being brought against me.' Photograph: Sam Boal/CollinsThe Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will not be proceeding with a criminal case against Independent TD Michael Lowry following a long-running investigation by An Garda Síochána and the Criminal Assets Bureau (Cab) into the findings of the Moriarty tribunal. The Irish Times revealed 12 months ago the Garda investigation into the findings of the Tribunal had been concluded with the file sent in 2024. “The Tribunal report, which was issued back in 2011, was always flawed, not being based on hard facts or admissible evidence, but on conjecture, manipulation and speculation,” he said. He said the subsequent Garda investigation has taken 13 years, saying the time span and complexity of the investigation was unique.

Moore, who lost his title as Hawks vice-captain after the off-season incident, said another charge relating to drug paraphernalia had been dismissed. Details of the pair's arrest emerged publicly just three days out from the Hawks' Round 1 clash with traditional rivals Essendon. 'It's something that I'll always regret,' Moore told Channel Seven in an interview aired on Tuesday night. 'Having Connor there with me, I should, as an older player and vice-captain at the time, I should know better. Both stars featured in Hawthorn's opening-round defeat to GWS and are set to line up against Essendon at the MCG on Friday night.

Kyle Walker has claimed England lacked the mentality to win big games at tournaments after he announced his retirement from international football. Walker last played for the Three Lions in their World Cup qualifier against Albania in March 2025, a 2-0 victory. He was dropped for Reece James for the following match against Latvia and hasn't returned to the England squad since. Walker played in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, the Euro 2020 final, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals and the 2024 European Championship final. Walker continued: 'You're seeing videos from back home where people are jumping in canals and everything like that.

Talks begin to establish bilateral air services agreement to facilitate routesTalks on establishing a bilateral agreement to facilitate a direct air link between Ireland and Brazil have formally opened between the two countries. The agreement will provide the ­legal and regulatory framework for the operation of scheduled air services between Ireland and Brazil. DAA, which operates Dublin Airport and Cork Airport, has ongoing discussions with airlines looking to inaugurate routes from Dublin to Brazil, as well as to India and South Africa. His department hopes that the demand for a route between Ireland and Brazil will be met by a carrier from Ireland or another EU country, or Brazil. While the cap ostensibly limits annual passenger numbers at the gateway to 32 million, Dublin Airport handled 36.4 million last year.

But it is true to say the price of some flights and some routes has taken off since the US and Israel launched their attack on Iran 10 days ago. Anyone travelling to Asia and Australia from Ireland in the weeks ahead will most likely have to avoid the hubs of Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Already many flights on those routes are around 20 per cent dearer than two weeks ago and worse is coming. Jet fuel prices, which were between $85 and $90 ​(€73-€77) per barrel before the conflict are now between $150 and $200 (€128-171). That could see increased demand for short haul flights to popular sun destinations in southern Europe which could see prices climb.

The special education minister has committed to ensuring “every child is given the stability and resources they deserve” at a Cork special school which parents warn is in crisis. Minister Michael Moynihan met with a group of parents whose children attend Carrigaline Community Special School (CCSS) on Tuesday to hear their concerns. A number of parents have been attempting to raise serious concerns about issues at the school around staffing and services since 2024. A number of parents have been attempting to raise serious concerns about issues at the school around staffing and services since 2024. A spokeswoman for Cork ETB said it does not comment on individual student matters.