European stocks are set for their best year since 2021 amid resilient economic growth and the strongest showing in the banking sector in nearly three decades. French shares edged lower and UK stocks were steady as the European benchmark was set to wrap up 2025 near record highs. Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said European stocks should maintain momentum into the new year. PTSB’s share price increased by 96.5% over the course of the year, from about €1.44 at the start of January. Ryanair's share price increased nearly 55% over the year to just under €30.

‘Mary Lou does not talk to me’ – Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín hits out at Sinn Féin ‘pettiness’Tóibín believes his party will hold balance of power next timePeadar Tóibín has claimed that Mary Lou McDonald doesn't speak to himSenan Molony Today at 06:30Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has ­predicted his party will hold the balance of power and prove to be kingmakers after the next general election, with up to a dozen party members elected as TDs.

‘I’d hear mothers crying, babies crying at night’ – Mayo man recalls childhood in Tuam Mother and Baby HomeSeosamh Ó Maolchróin (73) from Aughagower, County Mayo, looks back on his time in the Tuam Mother and Baby HomeSeosamh Ó Maolchróin from Aughagower, County Mayo, pictured outside Tuam Mother and Baby Home in County GalwayOisín McGovern Today at 08:00Seosamh Ó Maolchróin is known to many people due to his varied interests.

Damien Martyn is in an induced coma in hospital as he battles the killer disease meningitis. AFL legend Brad Hardie sent his 'thoughts and prayers' to Martyn and his family during his late-night radio broadcast on 6PR on Tuesday. Martyn's former teammate Darren Lehmann posted a message of support on X as the news broke. During his career, Martyn, who played first-class cricket for Western Australia, scored 4,406 runs across 67 Test matches. Martyn notably shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket in the middle of the 2006-07 Ashes at the age of 35.

John Rainey, originally from Omagh but now working in Belfast, said he wanted to push the boundaries of traditional forms in his artistic creations. “I always just thought there was a kind of magic to it, being able to make things. The sculptor said he wanted to merge traditional techniques with new digital technology (Jonathan McCambridge/PA)He said: “It will be a combination of robotic carving and traditional hand carving techniques. “It starts with a solid block of marble in Tuscany, and then the machine starts to subtract material from it. “Being based here in Belfast is really it’s a great place for production, the art community here is really strong.

Zac Ward celebrates after the final whistle in Ulster's win over Connacht last Saturday. Photograph: Nick Elliott/InphoBack-to-back interprovincial wins are the target for Ulster as they prepare to open 2026 by hosting Munster in Belfast on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm). “We started the season positively and the confidence within the group is growing every week,” he added. Ulster may be boosted by the returns of skipper Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Matthew Dalton and Eric O’Sullivan. Munster are believed to be resting some frontline players, and Murphy hinted Ulster may also look at standing down those who have had a heavy workload.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice across large parts of England and Wales between midnight and noon on January 2. It could see some areas blanketed in snow up to 5cm deep, especially on higher ground in parts of North Wales and north-west England. The Met Office has also warned of injuries due to slips and falls on icy surfaces, which will develop quickly as sleet and snow clears. However, yellow alerts have been upgraded to amber across the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. There will also be frequent, and at times heavy, snow showers across northern Scotland and potentially in the north east of England.

Lisandro Martinez offers damning Man Utd verdict after dropping points to WolvesManchester United were held by winless Wolves on Tuesday night and Lisandro Martinez bemoaned their inability to get the win on their own patch as they were booed offView 2 Images Lisandro Martinez didn't hide his frustration after Man Utd were heldLisandro Martinez was left fuming after Manchester United were held by Wolves at Old Trafford and told his beleaguered team-mates that they "have to win when they play at home". Ruben Amorim explains Man Utd decision that left Gary Neville baffled after woeful draw READ MORE :"Very frustrating. View 2 Images Man United were held to a less than convincing draw against WolvesHad Ruben Amorim's side won then they would've leaped into the top four ahead of Liverpool, at least momentarily, but instead they remain in sixth. I've watched six out of their last seven games to know what looks right and what isn't right and I'm really surprised." We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

But the threat from global trade tensions and challenges posed by infrastructure issues and stock market uncertainty could affect growth, KPMG economic experts warned, with the wider European region risking falling behind in the race for economic security if it fails to act. That compares to growth in Europe and the UK, which is expected to reach 1 per cent in terms of GDP. The US, meanwhile, is forecast to reach 3 per cent growth as data centres and artificial intelligence (AI) play a big role. Listen | 44:48“Ireland’s economic growth in 2025 far outpaced its European peers, underscoring its economic resilience. There is a real risk of a disconnect between strong economic growth and what people see in their wallets.”Employment growth is expected to remain positive, but moderate to 1.5 per cent, while unemployment is expected to settle around 5 per cent.

Simon Harris says he considered resigning from politics and public life earlier this year after a series of disturbing and violent threats were made against his wife and his two small children. I guess, when people go for your children ... ,” says Harris in an interview with The Irish Times. Harris replies: “No.”He singles out child homelessness as a reason why “the social housing allocations system is just not working right”. “That bit I’m struggling with.”There are more than 5,000 homeless children in Ireland. But what about single adults, who constitute the majority of people on social housing lists?

Photograph: Alan BetsonA woman has suffered serious injuries following an incident involving a pitbull terrier in Carlow this afternoon. The incident occurred shortly after 2pm in Ashfield, Blackbog Road, on the edge of Carlow town. Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident, and it is understood the woman (50s) has been attacked by one of two dogs she owns. The woman is believed to have suffered injuries to her face and head in the incident which occurred inside her home. Gardaí said the woman was airlifted from the scene to the Mater Hospital in Dublin for treatment of serious injuries.

Jamie Carragher blasts Arsenal star as Viktor Gyokeres reaction speaks volumesJamie Carragher said after Arsenal beat Aston Villa that Mikel Arteta has to change his Arsenal starting line-up over their next couple of Premier League matchesView 2 Images Viktor Gyokeres fired another blank as Arsenal beat Aston Villa (Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres embraced Gabriel Jesus on the Emirates Stadium pitch after Arsenal's 4-1 victory over Aston Villa. It came as Jamie Carragher has called on Mikel Arteta to drop Gyokeres for Jesus in their upcoming matches. ‌View 2 Images Jamie Carragher has said Gabriel Jesus is a better player than Viktor Gyokeres (Image: Carl Recine, Getty Images)Arteta said after the game: "I'm very happy for [Jesus]. "He looks really, really, really happy. He told Flaschore: "Arsenal spent a lot of money on Viktor Gyokeres, and that was a key move.

Dec. 31, 2025, 5:05 a.m. ETWhether you’re seeking quiet reflection or trying to be more active in the new year, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ “First Day Hikes” are a great way to start your 2026 off on the right foot. “First Day Hikes” are a national tradition dating back to the 1990s, where nature-loving individuals can meet new friends, exercise and reign in the new year – often with some fun perks like guided tours or light refreshments.

Remembering John O’Donohue, a poet, author and sage – who offered words and learnings for a modern lifeAhead of what would have been his 70th birthday, he is fondly remembered in an excerpt from John Scally’s ‘Extraordinary GAA People’John O'Donohue. Photo: Eric LukeJohn Scally Today at 06:30I always felt John O’Donohue was christened wrongly. I think he should have been given the Russian name Alexa. It means defender of people.

Agents forecast increased residential investment to boost overall value of deals to more than €3bnIreland’s commercial property market is expected to change gears in 2026 moving from recovery to expansion in some sectors with at least one agent predicting that total investment property deals could be worth more than €3bn. That compares with the recovery phase of around €2.4bn each in 2024 and 2025 after climbing back from the trough of €1.85bn in 2023.