Irish

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed his intent to seek "demanding answers" from Israel following an incident where Israeli forces fired upon a European Union delegation that included two Irish diplomats in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military stated that warning shots were fired during the visit to Jenin, prompting widespread condemnation as pressure mounts on Israel to facilitate aid to Gaza. Among the diplomats involved were the head of mission from the Irish Representative Office in Palestine and the deputy…

U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta expressed his hopes that the Trump administration and immigration officials will "do the right thing" regarding the plight of an Irish woman currently held in a U.S. immigration detention facility. The Democratic Congressman from California has strongly advocated for Cliona Ward's release, noting that the final decision rests with the administration. He emphasized, "It is my responsibility to ensure that officials are aware of all the facts surrounding this case, so they can exercise their…

In a moment that marks a significant chapter in the history of the Catholic Church, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, an Irish-born leader, has officially announced the passing of Pope Francis. The 77-year-old cardinal confirmed that the Pope died on Easter Monday following a series of health challenges, including pneumonia. "Today, we reflect not only on the life of Pope Francis but also on the love and guidance he has provided to so many," remarked Father Michael Collins, a noted author on the Pope's life. As the Camerlengo of the…

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, recently announced that a Russian intelligence-gathering ship has "left our area of interest." This declaration was made during his visit to Athlone, where he took the opportunity to provide insights into the ongoing situation. Mr. Harris noted that the Defence Forces had been actively monitoring the vessel off the Irish coast for approximately 36 hours. He emphasized the importance of being informed, stating, "I am being kept updated on the situation and the steps…

“We are a primary target, whether we like it or not,” reflects 87-year-old Monsignor James Kelly as he discusses his mission of aiding immigrants amidst the Trump administration's plans for mass deportations. We met at District 3 Immigration Services, a modest office located along a bustling Brooklyn thoroughfare, with a glimpse of the Manhattan skyline in the backdrop. Originally from Adare, County Limerick, Fr. Kelly embarked on his journey in Rome to learn Italian. Upon arriving in New York in 1960, he found himself…

Donald Trump is unique among U.S. presidents, being the only one since John F. Kennedy not to claim Irish ancestry, despite Bill Clinton’s connections being somewhat tenuous. Last week, however, President Trump embraced the longstanding custom of previous administrations, including his own, by designating March as "Irish-American Heritage Month." "They’re great people," he noted as he signed the proclamation in the Oval Office, adding with a hint of humor, "and they voted for me in heavy numbers, so I like ‘em even more."…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris are embarking on a significant journey today, heading to Germany to participate in the Munich Security Conference, which will unfold over the weekend. Regarded as the premier platform for addressing international security policy, the conference draws an impressive assembly of over 450 decision-makers. This includes a constellation of heads of state and seasoned policy experts who gather to scrutinize the pressing issues of our time. Among the distinguished attendees are US…

“Too big to fail.” A phrase that resonates deeply in the world of sports, especially in the context of London Irish—a club that, until recently, appeared too entrenched in history to face the unthinkable. With its 125th anniversary fast approaching and a commendable fifth-place finish in the Premiership, the notion that this storied club could collapse suddenly seemed surreal. Yet, like the fates of Wasps and Worcester, the specter of administration loomed ominously, and the clouds began to gather. Just months ago, whispers…

In a monumental shift for the London Irish rugby club, a consortium spearheaded by former Formula One team owner Eddie Jordan has completed the purchase of the historic team—an announcement that comes over a year after the Premiership side faced suspension due to financial instability. The tumultuous events began in June 2023 when London Irish found itself suspended from all levels of rugby, unable to meet the payroll demands for its players. Following this suspension, the club entered administration, invoking a wave of…

Mogadishu (AX) — In a harrowing turn of events at Rosslare Europort, a mere whisper of alarm echoed through the grim silence of a shipping container. Nine migrants, hailing from Somalia and Eritrea, had endured an unimaginable ordeal. Starved and parched, they spent four days in the stifling dark, stuffed like sardines, all in a desperate bid for freedom. Why endure such hardship, one might wonder? A phone call for help stirred a chain of actions that led to their rescue on a brisk Monday morning. Upon their discovery, the…