An overturned transport truck in County Donegal, Ireland, resulted in the escape of 15,000 live crabs bound for Portugal. Local car dismantler Odhran McLaughlin, assisted by volunteers, crab fishermen, and a veterinarian, spent 18 hours wrangling the crustaceans back into their container. Approximately 95% of the crabs were recovered, though they were deemed unfit for consumption and had to be disposed of. The cause of the accident remains unclear, but McLaughlin suspects the unfamiliarity of the roads by the truck driver may have been a contributing factor.
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“Be in no doubt” EU will retaliate to any new US tariffs, Ireland says. This statement, it seems, is less a declaration and more a stark reality check. The potential for a trade war looms, and the implications are significant, particularly for countries like Ireland with close economic ties to the United States.
It’s worth noting that Ireland’s economic model, in part, has been built upon attracting US multinational companies. This strategy, while successful in generating jobs and wealth, has created a significant dependence on American investment. Some feel that Ireland’s leadership should be actively working to diversify its economic partnerships to lessen this vulnerability.… Continue reading
This year marks a historic milestone for the Republic of Ireland, as there have been no recorded gun killings. This is the first time in nearly six decades that such a statistic has been achieved. Historically, gun violence was more prevalent, particularly during the Troubles and the peak of drug-related crime. The last year without a gun-related fatality was 1968, highlighting the significance of the recent achievement.
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Four unidentified drones were spotted near Dublin, Ireland, appearing to target Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plane during his official visit, breaching a designated no-fly zone. Authorities are investigating the origin and purpose of the drones, which flew with their lights on, raising security concerns. The Irish Defense Forces confirmed their support of the security operation, which allowed Zelensky’s visit to proceed safely. The incident is part of a broader context of European nations experiencing drone incursions, potentially linked to hybrid warfare tactics.
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Late Monday night, four unidentified military-style drones breached a no-fly zone near Dublin Airport, flying towards the expected flight path of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s plane shortly before its arrival. The drones, which took off from the northeast of Dublin, then orbited an Irish Navy vessel deployed in the Irish Sea. Irish authorities are investigating the incident, which has been classified as a potential hybrid attack, mirroring similar drone incursions in other European countries. While the drones were not shot down, and there was no damage, the event prompted a high-level meeting regarding national security concerns.
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Independent TD Catherine Connolly secured a landslide victory in the Irish presidential election, winning 63% of the vote. Fine Gael candidate Heather Humphreys received less than half of Connolly’s votes, and Fianna Fáil candidate Jim Gavin received 7%. The high turnout of 46% was potentially influenced by a campaign encouraging voters to spoil their ballots, which came in at a significantly higher percentage than usual. Connolly’s win marked a historic moment, the third woman to be elected president and the largest margin of victory in presidential history. The results were seen as a potential shift in the political landscape.
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The potential victory of Connolly wouldn’t be unexpected, given the evolution of the Irish presidency since Mary Robinson’s win in 1990. This shift reflects a voter preference for a president who can challenge the establishment. Connolly, like her predecessor, Michael D. Higgins, has been outspoken on international issues, including her condemnation of Israel and her stance on Hamas. Her critical views on NATO and European security, however, could create tensions for the Irish government.
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Anti-immigrant protesters burn police van in Dublin after young girl attacked: A concerning event has unfolded in Dublin, with a police van set ablaze following a disturbing incident involving a young girl. The core of this story is undeniably the alleged serious assault, which has been reported as rape, of a ten-year-old girl. This heinous act sparked outrage and fueled a demonstration that ultimately led to the burning of a police vehicle.
The anger and frustration among the protestors are palpable, and it is easy to see the factors that contributed to it. There’s a deep-seated feeling that this particular crime, and the circumstances surrounding it, have not been handled adequately.… Continue reading
Ireland’s Basic Income for the Arts pilot program, initiated in 2022 and providing artists with a weekly stipend, is nearing its conclusion. Despite the pilot program’s initial end date of August, it was extended to February 2026. The Irish government announced that the 2026 budget includes a successor scheme, aiming to make the basic income program a permanent fixture within the arts and culture sector, highlighting its positive impact on participants. This decision reflects the program’s success in reducing financial stress and fostering professional growth, as noted in a government report, with support from the Arts Council.
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Conor McGregor has ended his bid to run in the upcoming presidential election, announcing his withdrawal after careful consideration and consultation with his family. McGregor had been seeking nominations from local authorities to secure a spot on the ballot, but his campaign was ultimately cut short. While no longer a candidate, he stated his intention to use his platform to promote Irish interests, strengthen economic opportunities, and advocate for transparency. Other notable candidates for the October election include Heather Humphreys and Jim Gavin, along with Catherine Connolly, who has received support from various political parties.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood