In August, we scattered my mother’s ashes on a beach that she loved. But you can’t scatter your mother’s ashes on a cloche. So, when it came to the ashes, I wanted to take some ownership back. And I could tell my mother felt very deflated. The whole time, I was crafting the texts I would send to her friends once we got home,Spread Mum’s ashes on the beach today.

Well, we're just about of time this evening! Thank you for joining us here at the Irish Independent for another action-packed live blog. We hope you enjoyed the drama around the country as much as we did. We'll be back tomorrow to cover more GAA related action in the hurling as football takes a back seat, but for now enjoy the rest of your Saturday!

Greggs 'aims to roll out vending machines' across the UKNewcastle-born bakery chain is out to rise to market challengesView Image Greggs vending machines could be on the cards for fans to pick up its popular bakes (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)Greggs is keen to introduce a new way for customers to have their favourite bakes at their fingertips, through the UK-wide introduction of vending machines, say reports. The update follows the successful opening of three smaller format Greggs Bitesize shops as the chain faces another year of challenges. It said the drop in profits was partly linked to a tough market and a “spell of particularly hot weather”. ‌Greggs boss Roisin Currie said “easing inflationary pressures” should boost stronger consumer spending over the next few months. The sausage roll with mash meal is said to have been the most popular dish on the menu.

McCabe did muster a chance from open play with 13 minutes left. Her shimmy left one Dutch defender out of the equation but the follow-up shot didn’t mirror that class, veering wildly off-target. Vivianne Miedema squandered the best of them as the half mark loomed, left free inside after Ireland were sliced open down their left side. NETHERLANDS: L Kop; L Wilms, D Janssen, V Buurman, M Olislagers; D Egurrola, W Kaptein; J Roord, V Miedema, L Beerensteyn; R Leuchter. IRELAND: C Brosnan; A Patten, C Hayes, C Mustaki, A Mannion, M Connolly, M Sheva, K McCabe; L Quinn, E Murphy; K Carusa.

Ireland 4 Wales 0The Ireland men's hockey team have booked their place at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after an emphatic 4-0 victory over Wales, ending an eight-year wait to return to hockey’s biggest stage. The goal allowed Ireland to settle into the contest as Wales attempted to respond. Pushing their defensive line up to halfway, they pinned Wales deep and continued to apply pressure in the attacking third. With the result effectively settled, Ireland comfortably saw out the closing stages to confirm their return to the Hockey World Cup. They will now face the France men's national field hockey team in Sunday’s final (6.45pm Irish time), with the chance to complete the tournament with a perfect record.

Gregor Townsend hailed rampant Scotland for hauling themselves from the wreckage of Rome right into the thick of a Guinness Six Nations title shootout. The result leaves the Scots behind the table-topping French only on points difference and two points ahead of the Irish. “I think we probably wouldn’t have thought we’d be in this position after the first match,” admitted head coach Townsend. It’s not all in our hands because France will play after us. “We are disappointed,” said head coach Galthie.

The draws have been made for the group stages of the 2026 TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Championships. The senior and intermediate groups will be populated as the provincial championships progress.

‘I’m a normal person, I’m not dangerous’ – IPAS residents on the harrowing realities within the systemNew research lifts lid on state of IPAS centres as rights group calls for HIQA inspections of all accommodation sitesImage from an IPAS centre in LimerickEdana Flynn Today at 06:30Two residents have revealed their experiences of living in various International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centres around Ireland this week, where frustrations around delays to visas applications, society’s attitudes to single men within the system and problems with food provisions were highlighted.

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‌The England international is expected to have a long line of interested suitors when the transfer window opens this summer. ‌Juan Mata sends Bruno Fernandes message after Man Utd star shows true colours READ MORE :According to The Sun, the illustrious competition will be the 'defining factor' should he decide to embark on a new challenge. ‌FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! View 2 Images Adam Wharton could be featuring alongside Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United next season (Image: 2026 CameraSport)However, United do have one advantage over their top four rivals. Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football.

Italy 23 England 18Italy's Tommaso Menoncello celebrates after scoring a try during the Six Nations rugby union match between Italy and England in Rome, Saturday, March 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)England suffered a historic first defeat to Italy with a 23-18 collapse at the Stadio Olimpico raising the grim prospect of falling to their worst Six Nations finish. Italy then took advantage of Sam Underhill and Maro Itoje being sent to the sin-bin to strike the decisive blow when Leonardo Marin finished a thrilling try down the left touchline. The Azzurri found the killer touch when it mattered most, condemning England to a third consecutive mauling that intensifies the scrutiny on Steve Borthwick’s regime. The conversion and two penalties nudged England 18-10 ahead and with Giacomo Nicotera sent to the sin-bin, the outlook was looking up for the visitors.

Built environment consultancy Civic has appointed Aisling Murphy as its Ireland director, overseeing the delivery of transport, infrastructure and urban development projects. As the group continues to expand its presence in the Irish market, Aisling will lead the firm’s evolving Irish operations. She is a chartered engineer and a fellow of the Association of Consulting Engineers of Ireland.

Shannika Greene, from Co Roscommon, and Saoirse Hayden, from Co Leitrim, at the National Young Carers Conference in University College Dublin on Saturday. Helen Greene and Saoirse Shahzad with President Catherine Connolly at the opening of the National Young Carers Conference in the O’Reilly Hall, University College Dublin on Saturday. “Young carers’ lives are affected hugely. Young carers are 18-years-old and younger, while those aged between 18 and 24 are generally recognised as young adult carers. “As we know, there are over half a million family carers in Ireland, over half of whom are balancing care with paid employment,” Connolly said.

Iran issues chilling 'legitimate targets' warning to UK over RAF bases moveIran's ambassador in London has issued a chilling warning to the UK, stating that British military facilities could become "legitimate targets" if they are used in attacksView 3 Images Iran has issued the UK a chilling threat over its involvement in the war (Image: AFP via Getty Images)Iran has delivered a chilling warning to the UK, urging officials to be "careful" about deepening the country's involvement in the conflict. ‌Seyed Ali Mousavi, Iran's ambassador in London, said his country would have a "right to self-defence" if Britain directly participated in US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Yet despite Iran's president issuing apologies to Gulf neighbours following recent missile strikes, Mousavi made it abundantly clear that Iran would continue targeting US bases should strikes on Iran persist. He did, however, state Iran would persist in targeting any regional military bases deployed against it, declaring: "If the aggression continues there is no doubt we will defend ourselves. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the UK would not get involved but ultimately permitted the US to use British military bases for "defensive strikes" against Iran.

Aryna Sabalenka joked that she hoped her gigantic engagement ring put off her opponent, as she wore it during her first-round win at Indian Wells. Sabalenka defeated Himeno Sakatsume 6-4, 6-2, in their encounter and responded to questions about her new accessory afterwards. At the press conference one journalist asked: 'I'm curious as to playing with the ring on for the first time...'Sabalenka replied: 'It's very comfortable.' Sabalenka could not stop smiling as she embraced and kissed Frangulis while they stood near a candlelit swimming pool decorated with flowers. 'As always, last but not least, thank you my team for handling me,' Sabalenka said after winning the final.