Ireland's warm summer may have led to an increase in biting insects, such as mosquitoes, midges, and horseflies, as well as stinging insects like bees and wasps. To avoid bites and stings, cover up, especially when outdoors, keep food and drink covered, and remain vigilant when eating and drinking. The warm and sunny days have prompted more people to leave doors and windows open, further attracting insects indoors. This increased interaction between humans and insects has resulted in a higher number of bites and stings [1].To mitigate the risk of insect bites and stings, it is essential to adopt preventive measures. The general symptoms of bites and stings are pain, swelling, and itchiness.
Source:The Irish Times
August 09, 2025 06:05 UTC
Photograph: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty ImagesA British MP has admitted mistaking a charity rowing crew for “illegal migrants”. The local coastguard contacted the crew to confirm their identity and Mr Lowe has since promised to donate £1,000 (€1,150) to their charity after admitting his mistake. “As a well done to the crew, I’ll donate £1,000 to their charity – raising money for MND. Eventually, a friend forwarded Mr Lowe’s post, which Mr Bates said provided “a moment of light relief”. Mr Bates said: “We’re rowing for hope, we’re rowing to find a cure, and hopefully we’ll raise £57 million – we certainly will if MPs keep talking about us.
Source:The Irish Times
August 08, 2025 22:05 UTC
Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is facing criticism from US President Donald Trump, who accused Tan of conflicts of interest. Despite no evidence supporting the accusation, the attack casts doubt on Tan's turnaround efforts. Trump has shown willingness to push companies to align with his agenda, as seen with Apple's commitment to domestic manufacturing. Intel's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, is under intense scrutiny following US President Donald Trump's public demand for his resignation. The stock volatility underscores the uncertainty surrounding Tan's leadership and the company's future.
Source:The Irish Times
August 08, 2025 12:33 UTC
Besiktas manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær has revealed he was approached by the FAI to replace Stephen Kenny as the Republic of Ireland head coach. “We had some good conversations,” said Solskjær, “but in the end it did not turn out that way. Solskjær and Besiktas have done their homework following the Saints’ 0-0 result last season against Istanbul Basaksehir in the Conference League playoff. Besiktas manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær signs a shirt for Adam McGill at Tallaght Stadium. “A centre forward who is lively, with very good movement, wide men who are very tricky with quick feet,” Ole added.
Source:The Irish Times
August 07, 2025 05:57 UTC
The British & Irish Lions celebrate with the series trophy after last Saturday's third and final Test at Accor Stadium, Sydney. Photograph: Billy Stickland/InphoThe focus was to win the Test series. The Lions had achieved their goal, but there was still one Test to go – an opportunity for the hosts to restore some pride. And when you’re even slightly off in a Test match, those margins punish you. Does it take away from the series win?
Source:The Irish Times
August 06, 2025 21:33 UTC
Irish credit and debit card users spent more on hotels abroad than in Ireland in June for the first time since 2022. The total value of card payments was close to €9.5 billion, up 1.7% on May and 15% ahead of June 2024. Domestic card spending values were down 0.2% on May and 1.5% year-on-year, while spending abroad on Irish cards increased by 10.7% in value terms over May and 16.6% year-on-year. Irish credit and debit card users spent more on hotels abroad than in Ireland in June for the first time since 2022, according to data from the Central Bank of Ireland. The data also indicates a potential boost in international tourism, which could have implications for the Irish economy.References:[1] https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2025/08/06/irish-credit-and-debit-card-users-splurged-on-foreign-hotels-in-june/[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/a-jpmorgan-is-about-to-take-over-applea-s-credit-card-programa--ce7c5fd2de8bf423
Source:The Irish Times
August 06, 2025 13:15 UTC
Irish tourism and leisure businesses experienced a fifth consecutive month of declining activity levels in July, according to AIB's purchasing managers' index. Despite the slowdown, businesses continued to increase prices. The transport, tourism and leisure subsector saw the largest decline, with weaker levels of growth across the services sector mainly attributed to a slowdown in new business expansion. Irish tourism and leisure businesses reported a fifth successive monthly decline in activity levels in July, according to AIB's latest purchasing managers' index (PMI) report. Despite the slowdown, businesses continued to increase prices, with cost pressures remaining highest among TTL firms.
Source:The Irish Times
August 06, 2025 00:07 UTC
Luke Kemp's book "Goliath's Curse" explores societal collapse and identifies the root weaknesses that lead to societal downfall. Kemp, a research affiliate at Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, analyzes 324 case studies spanning 4,000 years to identify patterns in societal collapse. Luke Kemp's "Goliath's Curse" offers a compelling exploration of societal collapse, identifying the root weaknesses that lead to the downfall of civilizations. Kemp, a research affiliate at Cambridge University's Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, examines 324 case studies spanning 4,000 years to pinpoint patterns in societal collapse. By examining historical case studies, Kemp provides valuable insights into the dynamics of societal collapse.
Source:The Irish Times
August 05, 2025 05:34 UTC
Jones Engineering, an Irish construction firm, expects a €1.5 billion turnover in 2025, up from €1.28 billion in 2024. The company's overseas business has driven growth, with a 25% increase in turnover and a 18% increase in headcount. Jones Engineering employs 4,500 staff across 19 countries and reported a profit of €75.5 million in 2024, up from €70.8 million the previous year. Title: Jones Engineering Projects €1.5 Billion Turnover in 2025Jones Engineering, an Irish construction firm, has set a target to achieve a turnover of €1.5 billion in 2025, up from €1.28 billion in 2024. Analysts predict a 228.3% increase in revenue to $6.214 billion from $1.89 billion a year ago, with earnings of $3.20 per share expected [2].
Source:The Irish Times
August 05, 2025 01:28 UTC
Shelbourne and Linfield could meet in a Uefa Conference League playoff, with the winner guaranteed €4 million in prize money. Shelbourne already knocked Linfield out of the Champions League, while Linfield are expected to see off Vikingur of the Faroe Islands. If eliminated, they'll face Linfield in the Conference League playoff. Shelbourne and Linfield are set to meet in a Uefa Conference League playoff, with the winner guaranteed €4 million in prize money for reaching the group stage. The winner of this match will secure a Conference League playoff spot against the loser of the Europa League tie between Shelbourne and Rijeka [2].The Conference League playoffs are scheduled for August 21st and 28th.
Source:The Irish Times
August 04, 2025 14:29 UTC
Dan Sheehan, a rugby player for Ireland and Leinster, has been suspended for four matches for an illegal clear out of Australia's Tom Lynagh during a Lions test match. The ban will be reduced to three games if Sheehan completes a coaching intervention course. Dan Sheehan, a British & Irish Lions hooker, has been handed a four-match suspension by World Rugby for a dangerous clear-out on Australia's Tom Lynagh during the third test in Sydney. The committee determined that Sheehan made head contact with Lynagh, who failed a head injury assessment (HIA) and was unable to continue [1][2].The ban will be reduced to three games if Sheehan successfully completes a coaching intervention. The game between the Lions and Australia was delayed due to a lightning storm, further complicating the refereeing process [3].References:[1] https://www.reuters.com/sports/lions-hooker-sheehan-handed-four-match-ban-over-lynagh-foul-2025-08-04/[2] https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/45897811/dan-sheehan-cops-four-match-ban-tom-lynagh-clean-out[3] https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2025/08/02/lions-v-australia-live-updates-tourists-look-for-3-0-series-win-in-sydney/
Source:The Irish Times
August 04, 2025 14:06 UTC
Big Tech companies such as Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta are investing heavily in generative AI, with plans to spend around $100 billion in 2026. Microsoft's spending on AI is more solidly grounded, driven by a burgeoning backlog of business and a shortage of data centers. Big Tech companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta are pouring significant resources into generative AI, with plans to spend around $100 billion in 2026. While many customers are piloting the new form of AI, few have implemented it on a full-scale basis.The tech giants are investing heavily in generative AI due to two primary beliefs. Big Tech may be basking in Wall Street's approval this week, but the urgency to show a payback from generative AI spending will only intensify [1].References:[1] https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2025/08/04/big-techs-spend-on-generative-ai-still-a-staggering-shot-in-the-dark/
Source:The Irish Times
August 04, 2025 04:41 UTC
Sky Sports' coverage of the Lions series finale was marred by a storm delay, forcing the rights holders to use ingenuity to prolong the game. Despite the Lions already securing victory, the broadcast initially promised a historic moment, but the wet weather and technical issues hindered the hype. Pundits attempted to maintain enthusiasm, but the segment on Hugo Keenan's back story provided a more genuine and emotional story without relying on hype. The Sky Sports coverage of the Lions series finale was marred by a storm delay, forcing the rights holders to use ingenuity to prolong the game. The storm delay and the emotional story of Hugo Keenan served as a reminder of the importance of adaptability and innovation in sports broadcasting.References:[1] https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2025/08/02/lions-v-australia-live-updates-tourists-look-for-3-0-series-win-in-sydney/[2] https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2025/08/02/lions-v-australia-live-updates-tourists-look-for-3-0-series-win-in-sydney/[3] https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2025/08/02/lions-v-australia-live-updates-tourists-look-for-3-0-series-win-in-sydney/
Source:The Irish Times
August 04, 2025 02:27 UTC
Raspberry plants producing few berries and dying back may be due to poor growing conditions or viruses transmitted by aphids or nematodes. Ensure fertile, well-draining soil and protect from birds. Raspberry plants, often hailed as one of the easiest fruits to grow at home, can sometimes face challenges that hinder fruit production. Ensuring these conditions can significantly improve the chances of a bountiful harvest [1].Poor drainage and alkaline soil are common culprits of raspberry plant decline. Additionally, annual mulches and slow-release fertilizers can help maintain soil fertility and suppress weeds, fostering a healthy growing environment.Regular pruning is also crucial for raspberry plant health and fruit production.
Source:The Irish Times
August 03, 2025 10:51 UTC
US President Trump ordered the firing of a labor official, fuelling concerns about data credibility. The presidential election winner in Ireland may receive a refund of up to €250,000 for election expenses. A jury in Florida ordered Tesla to pay $329m over a fatal crash. US President Orders Labor Official Firing, Fuelling Data Credibility ConcernsUS President Donald Trump has ordered the firing of a labor official, raising concerns about the credibility of data and statistics. Ms. McGuinness has backing from a large party and its financial resources, while Ms. Connolly is seeking donations from supporters and smaller parties [2].Tesla Ordered to Pay $329M Over Fatal CrashA jury in Florida has ordered Tesla to pay $329 million over a fatal crash.
Source:The Irish Times
August 02, 2025 22:00 UTC