“A tough type of woman, at the moment growing quite a successful moustache... Not particularly intelligent, and does not seem [to] take her work very seriously.”Despite this blistering account of her capabilities written by a training officer, Maureen O’Sullivan was one of the most successful Allied agents in the French Resistance, lasting seven months in the field compared to an average life expectancy of six weeks.
Stephen MaguireA Co Donegal man found with a large cache of 'weapons' which later turned out to be mostly imitation firearms has been given a chance by a Judge. McNutt, of Glinsk, Kindrum in Fanad, was charged with ten offences, including that he had in his possession a realistic imitation firearm. Mr McGee explained how the accused man had started playing with 'airsoft' weapons during the COVID-19 lockdown. A number of the weapons in McNutt's possession were slighting over one Joule but he did not realise this, the court was told. Judge Aylmer adjourned the case until June 9th, 2026, adding that it is clear what he will then do if the accused behaves himself.
It had been reported earlier this year that plans were under way to introduce charges for excess water use, which Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald had criticised as water charges “by the back door”. The correspondence was sent the same day the Irish Independent broke the news that water charges were “on the way back as wastage targeted”. A legal provision for charging people for excess use of water is already contained in the Water Services Act 2017, called the household water conservation charge. The island of Ireland is the only part of the EU that does not have metered water charges. A working group on water conservation was set up in 2025 and the first meeting took place in June.
Kitzbuhel produced a superb front-running display to give Willie Mullins a first victory in the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase at Kempton Park. A Grade Three-winning hurdler and a decisive scorer on his chasing debut at Punchestown last month, Kitzbuhel was the 13-8 favourite stepping up in trip and class for this three-mile Grade One and was soon bowling along at the head of affairs in the hands of Paul Townend. Read More Fact To File can turn tables on stablemate Gaelic Warrior in latest renewal of King GeorgeWhile chief market rivals Wendigo and Thomas Mor appeared to be struggling to keep up on this speed-favouring track, Kitzbuhel got into a perfect rhythm on the lead and produced some prodigious leaps in the back straight to leave the chasing pack on the back foot. Eventual runner-up Thomas Mor briefly threatened to close the gap rounding the home turn, but Kitzbuhel was not for catching and although he stood a long way off the final obstacle he safely made it to the other side to put the seal on a visually impressive two-and-three-quarter-length success.
A tiny detail on Kris Jenner's Christmas gingerbread house has proven that Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet's relationship has officially gone to the next level. Timothée has clearly learned a thing or two about personal branding and manipulating social media during his two-year relationship with Kylie. As breakup rumours swirled last month, a new profile of Timothée emerged, in which he dodged inquiries about his relationship with Kylie. Kylie and Timothée were first linked in April 2023 and went public that September when they were seen passionately kissing at a Beyoncé concert. Shortly after the Golden Globes, an insider shared the reason that Kylie waited until after the red carpet to materialise at his side later that night.
The European Union (EU) had been “monitoring” the introduction of excess water use charges in Ireland, according to a Department of Housing official. It had been reported earlier this year that plans were under way to introduce charges for excess water use, which Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald had criticised as water charges “by the back door”. A legal provision for charging people for excess use of water is already contained in the Water Services Act 2017, called the household water conservation charge. The island of Ireland is the only part of the EU that does not have metered water charges. A working group on water conservation was set up in 2025 and the first meeting took place in June.
Cian O'Neill reckons a 'loaded' narrative developed around how Kerry closed out the first half of the All-Ireland final, memorably holding the ball for nearly two minutes before David Clifford's two-pointer. Ultimately, Kerry coach O'Neill has questioned, 'what were we supposed to do' differently? I think the narrative was kind of loaded because, you know, what were we supposed to do, in terms of holding onto the ball? Kerry, leading by two points with time almost up, held onto the ball until the hooter sounded. I think that will probably be the best learning for everyone - what game suits us and the players we have?
For many older people, winter requires a little extra planning and support, especially when mobility, transport, or health conditions can make daily routines difficult. File pictureFor many older people, these relationships provide structure, purpose, and meaning — essential elements of positive mental health. Support digital connectionFor those comfortable with technology, setting up Whatsapp, video calls, or community-group notifications can help older adults maintain social contact. Libraries are a core service within our neighbourhoods, providing access to information, cultural services, digital opportunities, and social support to all age groups. To find out what activities are available in your local area, or to join your local Older People’s Council, please get in touch with your local authority.
Environmental policy has reached an odd moment in its life cycle. And yet, some of the debates taking place under the banner of environmental action feel strangely… small. And it is here that environmental action occasionally tips from the necessary into the faintly ridiculous. Over time, that breeds cynicism, not just about individual policies, but about environmental action itself. A modest suggestionPerhaps environmental policy needs a simple filter: 'does this meaningfully reduce environmental harm?'.
Prince William spotted 'Diana's biggest superfan' in the crowd of people lined up to greet the royals at Sandringham yesterday. But the Prince delighted him further by calling out to royal fanatic John Loughrey, 70, by name - before introducing him to Charlotte, Louis, and George. The royal children politely greet the superfan and thank him for their gifts, with Charlotte adding: 'Thank you very much, that's so kind'. 'I have met him several times before,' Mr Loughrey said of Prince William. Prince William also stopped in March to greet Mr Loughrey then, where he discussed his plans to have more royal memorabilia commissioned.
Loren Schauers' life changed irreversibly in a matter of seconds when he was just 18 years old. 'The biggest thing I miss is being able to just hop in my truck that has a clutch and drive! He said: 'Giving updates on how life was this month for the dude who got cut in half by a forklift is getting old/stale.' He also expressed his frustration that his family were 'not able to understand' that Sabia and Loren 'are truly in love'. However, Loren told the Mail that he does not 'really see it on the cards'.
Kym Marsh has revealed that her daughter Emilie Cunliffe has given birth to her second child. The actress, 49, took to Instagram to reveal she has become a grandmother for the fourth time after Emilie, 28, welcomed her child on Christmas Day. Kym shared a picture of Emilie’s son Teddy, six, and Emilie’s husband’s daughter Polly, nine. Kym shared a picture of Emilie’s son Teddy, six, and Emilie’s husband’s daughter Polly, nine, she wrote: 'Well what a wonderful Christmas gift this is!! They have since built a strong co-parenting and friendship dynamic, with Kym regularly sharing their moments together on social media.
The recent overwhelming defeat of the bill to ban the more particularly abhorrent forms of fox hunting was a real blow, to me, and to many others. A recent Ireland Thinks poll found that 72% of people believe fox hunting as a sport should be banned in Ireland. A 1998 UCD report concluded that mounted fox hunting contributed €80 million to the Irish economy. So, as someone who loves nature, and as someone who needs a place to live, the defeat of this fox hunting bill was a blow too many. Hunt alternatives: A pack of fox hounds and huntsmen on horseback cross the water of lake Chiemsee near Breitbrunn, southern Germany, during an annual hunt of the Bavarian fox hunt association.
Representatives for Tusla appeared at an in camera family law sitting at Bray District Court seeking an extension to the interim care order. A report regarding the children was handed into the court, with a Tusla social worker testifying that the contents of the report were true. The court was told that three parties are involved and that the prison has advised Tusla that they must deal with the prison chaplain. He also stated that if Tusla drafted an order for the Prison Service, he would sign it. The solicitor representing the mother, told the court that his last contact with his client was when she was in prison serving a sentence.
Cork cancer campaigner Natasha O’Byrne has died at the age of 26. The beautician, who was originally from Innishannon, was diagnosed with bowel cancer when she was just 24. According to the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), bowel cancer is the second most common cancer among men and the third most common among women, with around 2,500 new cases in Ireland each year. Even though it’s less common for younger people to be diagnosed with bowel cancer — about one in 10 diagnoses are in people under 50 — it’s occurring more frequently now. She added: “For that day to come when hopefully nobody gets cancer, organisations like the Irish Cancer Society need funding so they can invest more and more in cancer research.
