John Connell: ‘I was running on empty and the mental health issues emerged. It started a journey that took a few years’Spring lamb is on the menu in LongfordFarmer and author John Connell on his farm near Ballinalee, Co Longford. Photo: Frank McGrathDónal Lynch Today at 06:30It still feels like winter as I navigate wet country lanes in Co Longford, but in John Connell’s kitchen there’s a welcome reminder that the seasons have changed: spring lamb is on the menu.
UNIFIL says two peacekeepers killed in south Lebanon on MondayThe U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two of its members were killed in southern Lebanon on Monday after an explosion of "unknown origin" destroyed their vehicle. The Irish Defence Forces have said all Irish peacekeepers are "well and accounted for" following the explosion peacekeepers near Bani Hayyan in southern Lebanon. "Óglaigh na hÉireann reaffirms our condemnation of any attack on peacekeepers and reminds all parties of their responsibilities under international law and echo UNIFIL's statement." Helen McEntee strongly condemned attacks on Indonesian personnel with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in a statement on Monday evening. Indonesia condemned the incident and said any harm to peacekeepers is unacceptable, while reiterating its condemnation "of Israel's attacks in Southern Lebanon."
It is possible that the 16-year, illiberal rule of Hungary’s Viktor Orban, the EU’s longest serving prime minister, may be coming to an end. Magyar, a 43-year old lawyer and former diplomat, quit the ruling Fidesz party to join Tisza and unite the opposition. But despite the willingness of other parties to step aside to give Magyar’s Tisza party a clear run in the country’s complex and government-favouring voting system – which Orban adjusted to his own advantage – nothing is a given. Orban’s enfeebling of Hungarian democracy, control of state institutions and tight grip on the media could still tip the election the prime minister’s way. The EU has consistently criticised Orban’s failure to tackle high-level corruption which, along with poor state services, has led to the prime minister losing support.
Three months into 2026 and the majority of Michael Flatley’s famous contortions and manoeuvres have taken place in a courtroom. As his Lord of the Dance live spectacular celebrates 30 years with an international tour, Flatley is busy contesting who exactly should be running the show. He also finds himself in a financially painful twist; one that has prompted a pair of helpful billionaires to step up. So, who are these generous benefactors, and how did Flatley get into this difficult position in the first place? On this episode of the Indo Daily, host Fionnán Sheahan is joined by Irish Independent legal affairs editor Shane Phelan, and by Irish Independent group business editor Donal O’Donovan, to check in on a contentious and fast-moving legal dispute.
OpinionMedders at Large: Apocolypse now – how to dodge Armageddon“Medders! Talk to me. Please, acknowledge signals. This is mission HQ calling Medders.” Hermione’s husband had come to a halt in the middle of the supermarket’s canned foods aisle. He simply slumped over the handle of their trolley …
His actions in November sent the nation into a frenzy and had many dreaming of a first World Cup in 24 years, but minutes after suffering an agonising defeat in Prague, Troy Parrott’s words spoke volumes about his character. He had done his bit on the pitch, scoring Ireland’s opener from the spot before repeating the trick in the shoot-out. However, off it, he shouldered the extra responsibility of expressing his emotions in a moment when no words could even attempt to ease the pain.
Former Nova stars Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton have spoken out about their brutal axing from the network and subsequent gagging. The network revealed in September that the Late Drive hosts Ben Harvey, Liam Stapleton, and co-host Belle Jackson would not have their contracts renewed. The non-compete clause meant that Ben and Liam were barred from broadcasting at another station for six months. Ben and Liam kicked off their radio careers in Adelaide on community station Fresh 92.7. The pair returned to Adelaide in 2020 to host Nova 91.9's breakfast show before relocating to Melbourne in early 2023.
UNIFIL says two peacekeepers killed in south Lebanon on MondayThe U.N. peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said two of its members were killed in southern Lebanon on Monday after an explosion of "unknown origin" destroyed their vehicle. The Irish Defence Forces have said all Irish peacekeepers are "well and accounted for" following the explosion peacekeepers near Bani Hayyan in southern Lebanon. "Óglaigh na hÉireann reaffirms our condemnation of any attack on peacekeepers and reminds all parties of their responsibilities under international law and echo UNIFIL's statement." Helen McEntee strongly condemned attacks on Indonesian personnel with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in a statement on Monday evening. Indonesia condemned the incident and said any harm to peacekeepers is unacceptable, while reiterating its condemnation "of Israel's attacks in Southern Lebanon."
US president Donald Trump has threatened to hit civilian infrastructure in Iran if ceasefire isn’t reached ‘shortly’. The mixed messages from Trump continued on Monday, making it difficult to assess if the Middle East war will escalate in the coming days. [ Trump issues new warning to Tehran as Iran rejects US demandsOpens in new window ]Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Trump was the only person who could stop the war. Sirens sounded across large areas of Israel amid missile and drone attacks from Iran and Hizbullah in Lebanon. “Although the war could shape the global economy in different ways, all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth,” it said.
Last Sunday week in Omagh, Cork achieved what is surely their most significant achievement of John Cleary’s tenure - promotion back to Division One. To back that up with a performance just seven days later, on the road again in Croke Park, albeit in defeat, is testament to the increasing standard of the “norm” for this Cork football side. Consistency - what has eluded Cork football for so long. This is exclusive subscriber content. Sign in Continue reading for €5 Unlock unlimited access and exclusive benefits
Fortunately, there are several countries across the world that pay individuals for relocating. Here are all of the countries where you could possibly end up earning money from if they moved there. The dreamy Greek island has fewer than 50 residents and offers an initiative that gives €500 (£434.13) a month for three years. MauritiusThose looking to move to Mauritius can get 20,000 Mauritian Rupees (£322) for starting up a businessThe dreamy island offers 20,000 Mauritian Rupees (£322) for those willing to move there and start up a business. Those planning to move must buy a property worth at least 200,000 Swiss francs (£189,000) and live in the area for 10 years.
Thomas Tuchel breaks down worrying Declan Rice issue as England boss makes World Cup admissionEngland face Japan at Wembley on Tuesday night with Thomas Tuchel answering questions on England's 'split camp' and the withdrawals of Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo SakaView 2 Images Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach of England (Image: 2026 The FA)Thomas Tuchel admits England's World Cup hopes are at "risk" from burnout. Tuchel revealed Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has been playing only at “70 percent capacity" because of injury and desperately needs a rest. England boss Tuchel insists the Football Association are doing everything possible to help the players recover but admits their plans could be undermined by a growing injury list. I still have 100 per cent trust in the honesty of Bukayo and Declan. But given the amount of Arsenal players, I understand the look.
According to the old adage, love often comes when we least expect it - and, by all accounts, Stephen Fry might be inclined to agree. Addressing followers on Twitter at the time, he wrote: 'It looks as though a certain cat is out of a certain bag. Images taken on the day capture Spencer in the background as he watches on proudly alongside Fry's mother and sister. 'Not sexuality, you understand - that was understood - but my preferences within that sexuality framework... well, I wasn't expecting that! He added of how the interview differed to those in his daily life: 'The frankness, the openness, the genuine curiosity.
Bernardo Silva drops Man City exit bombshell ahead of Arsenal title battleBernardo Silva is nearing the end of his contract with Manchester City and speculation about his future has been simmering over the course of the 2025-26 seasonView 2 Images Bernardo Silva has made a decision on his future (Image: Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images)Bernardo Silva has reportedly informed Manchester City that he will leave at the end of this season. Multiple outlets across Europe are reporting that Silva has told City chiefs that he doesn't want to be offered a new contract. Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook pageArsenal and Man City injury latest with fresh issues emerging ahead of Premier League title race READ MORE :OPINION Andy Dunn Potential Pep Guardiola farewell should set Arsenal alarm bells ringing in title raceSilva has enjoyed a glittering nine-year spell with City, winning the Premier League title six times. Which club should sign Bernardo Silva? After that, they'll make the visit to Chelsea and resume their Premier League title pursuit.
What is Scotland’s unemployment rate right now? Scotland unemployment rate 2026 - latest data explained and how the country compares to the rest of the UKThe latest official rate is 3.9% for people aged 16 and over in Scotland, covering November 2025 to January 2026. Scotland’s unemployment rate of 3.9% is below the UK rate of 5.2% in the same period. This means the unemployment rate for Scotland was lower than that of the UK. This means that Scotland had the 2nd lowest unemployment rate across the countries of the UK.
