The VEX IQ Junior Robotics team from Tullamore College who will travel to St. Louis, Missouri next month to represent Ireland at the VEX World Robotics Championships, Diarmuid Eager, Fionn Thomas and Robert GormanTullamore College Vex Robotics team fundraiserA fundraiser set up to cover the cost of sending the Tullamore College Vex Robotics team to the World Championships in the USA next month has raised over €3,000 of its €18,000 target. Having won the All-Ireland final last month, the VEX IQ Junior Robotics team members, Diarmuid Eager, Fionn Thomas and Robert Gorman will represent Ireland at the VEX World Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, Missouri, and an iDonate page has been set up to raise funds for their once in a lifetime trip. The VEX IQ World Championship is the largest robotics competition in the world with teams from all over the world competing. The tea, which also won the robot design award at the All-Ireland finals in Cork, were mentored by Mr. Goodings. To make a donation towards the team's trip to the USA click here

Weight-loss jabs could slash the risk of becoming addicted to alcohol, cigarettes and drugs by up to a quarter, a major study reveals. Weight-loss drugs include glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s), which help people feel fuller by mimicking the natural hormone released after eating. Now, a large US study has found the jabs could work to prevent and treat addiction to a range of substances including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine and opioids. A large study has found weight loss jabs could work to prevent and treat addiction to a range of substances including alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, nicotine and opioids. Among those with an existing substance use disorder, starting a GLP-1 was linked to 31 per cent lower risk of SUD-related emergency department visits, 26 per cent lower hospital admissions, 50 per cent lower deaths and 39 per cent fewer overdoses alongside 25 per cent lower risk of suicidal thoughts or attempted suicides.

A new NCT centre could open in North Cork under plans recently submitted to the county council. Developer Kilknockan Partnership has sought planning permission to construct a new National Car Testing Centre at a site located on the N20 Road in the townlands of Kilknockan and Lackanalooha in Mallow. Improvement works are also proposed for the existing site entrance onto the N20 Road, including the provision of a right-hand turning lane on the N20 Road to facilitate access to the site. It is also seeking to construct a single-storey rear extension at the ground floor level to provide auxiliary storage for the proposed betting facility. Cork County Council are due to decide on the application by April 23, 2026.

Trial halted after Newcastle protest defendant realised she'd met juror on TinderThe trial of Summer Oxlade, Hollie Mildenall and Georgia Coote had a false start after Oxlade recognised a jurorView Image Hollie Mildenhall, Summer Oxlade and Georgia Coote leaving Newcastle Crown and Magistrates courts Newcastle Quayside (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)A jury in a pro-Palestine protest trial had to be discharged after one of the accused realised she'd met one of the jurors selected to try them on Tinder. The jury had been sworn in and prosecutors had completed their opening address by the time Summer Oxlade realised she had met and "interacted" intimately with one of the people who was set to decide on her guilt or innocence. ‌Oxlade's barrister, Mira Hammad, told the court "they met on Tinder" some years ago and had a "brief relationship". Now Oxlade, Hollie Mildenhall and Georgia Coote have all been found guilty of causing criminal damage to the Pearson Engineering factory, at Armstrong Works, on Scotswood Road, Newcastle. Newcastle Crown Court heard they targeted the factory because it is owned by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, an Israeli state-owned weapons technology company.

The Government has signed a contract worth almost €18m for the construction of the first stage of a modern facility for the Defence Forces’ elite armed intervention unit. Building of a new headquarters for the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) has been hit by delays. Defence minister Helen McEntee said on Wednesday her department had signed a €17.65m contract for the construction of the ARW headquarters at Defence Forces Training Centre, Curragh, Co Kildare. She said the contract represents “phase one” of the development of the purpose-built Special Operations Forces facility, a three-phase project with a total cost of around €46m. The Commission on the Defence Forces in February 2022 recommended that the ARW should have permanent air and maritime task groups in Baldonnel Airport in Dublin and Haulbowline Naval Base in Cork.

Manchester United youngster Jack Fletcher has apologised for using a homophobic slur during an EFL Trophy match after being handed a six-game ban. Fletcher was heard by the referee directing the term "gay boy" at an opponent, with a regulatory commission hearing deciding he had used it as an insult. A statement from United read: "Manchester United has worked with Jack to strengthen his understanding of discriminatory language and why it is harmful. "Manchester United prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming club. "We hope Jack learns from this and grows as a person and a player," it read.

Wales have made three changes as they bid to end their Guinness Six Nations losing streak in Ireland on Friday. Fly-half Dan Edwards, who started the opening two games against England and France, comes in for the injured Sam Costelow. “I thought the defence against Scotland was much improved, so we definitely want to double down on that going to Ireland. Ireland, who have bounced back from opening defeat to France by beating Italy and England, have not lost at home to Wales in the competition since 2012. Replacements: R Elias (Scarlets), N Smith (Leicester), A Griffin (Bath), A Beard (Montpellier), O Cracknell (Leicester), K Hardy (Ospreys), J Evans (Harlequins), L Hennessey (Bath).

The Irish winter just passed was wetter and warmer than normal with temperatures exceeding long-term averages for the sixth season in a row, according to new figures from Met Éireann. The fresh data suggest that the national mean winter temperature was 6.58 degrees, which is 1.21 degrees above the average recorded between 1961 and 1990 and 0.58 degrees higher than the average recorded between 1991 and 2020. The figures suggest that average rainfall was 113 per cent of the norm, making it the 17th wettest winter since records began. The wet winter in the midlands, south and east was due to a south-shifted jet stream and a succession of slow-moving low pressure systems that brought repeated frontal rainbands from the south. December was mixed with Atlantic low pressure dominating the first two-thirds, bringing mild, wet and sometimes windy conditions.

Most people in Ireland are familiar with the concept of a “good Irish death”. A “good Irish death” can be harder to achieve in Britain. “We have all been at weddings which have seemed mournful and Irish funerals that have been very joyous,” he said, smiling, to a knowing Irish crowd. The report found particular issues affecting those in the Irish community in Britain who may have experienced abuse in Irish institutions, such as reform schools and Magdalene laundries. “Survivors may have a fear of being re-institutionalised and of losing control.”A good Irish death matters as much for the community in Britain as it does anywhere at home.

To kick off her favourite picks for Spring, Holly modelled the chic Bentley Cotton Polo Sweater. The timeless jeans come in a range of colours and sizes and would make the perfect addition to your spring wardrobe. Another staple item Holly loves is the Veda Harrison Leather Oversized Bomber, priced at £493. The trendy oversized bomber jacket features a funnel neck collar, long sleeves, and front pockets with a zipper closure. The Ramona Top features short sleeves, a V-neckline, a button-up front, and flutter sleeves, making it the perfect go-to top.

Disruption to shipping and energy markets can push costs up, meaning people may want to consider stocking supplies while they can. People who rely on the fuel should consider topping up before another unwelcome surge. Budget-conscious Brits may want to finish upcoming DIY work like decorating earlier than planned to ensure the process remains comparatively economical. ‌Household plastic-based productsPlastics are manfactured using Ethylene, an oil derivative, as a key component, meaning price movements can also impact several household products. People who like to keep a consistent supply of candles, whether for personal or emergency use, might want to consider stocking up.

The Trump administration is not planning to launch special ICE operations during the upcoming World Cup. In the end, ICE did not continue its crackdown in the Bay Area and now Alex Lasry has suggested immigration agents will stay away from the World Cup, too. Eleven different host cities will host 78 games across America this summer, with Canada and Mexico co-hosting the tournament. The World Cup is less than 100 days away and the tournament has been plagued by controversy surrounding ticket prices, visa concerns and the relationship between Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Iran has qualified for its fourth successive World Cup but could now stay away.

This Morning's Dr Philippa Kaye has revealed she has undergone a hysterectomy following a 'cancer risk'. Philippa took to her Instagram on Wednesday and shared smiling selfies alongside thoughts about her surgery. She said: 'Thoughts I have about my hysterectomy that do and don't make sense. She captioned the post: 'Post op thoughts don't always make practical, intellectual sense.' After undergoing six months of chemotherapy and a 12-hour surgery to remove a final cancer lesion, she revealed in 2020 that she was given the all-clear.

Ireland will take centre stage in global agriculture in May when it hosts the 2026 Nuffield Agri-Summit. ', is led by Nuffield Ireland as part of the global Nuffield International network encompassing over 1,700 scholars from 16 countries. Speaking ahead of the event, newly appointed chair of Nuffield Ireland and Ireland’s first ever female Nuffield Scholar, Gráinne Dwyer said: “Hosting the Agri-Summit is a defining moment for Ireland. The Agri-Summit is the flagship event of the 14th Nuffield Triennial, which runs from 18–26 May 2026. Tickets for the 2026 Nuffield Agri-Summit, including the gala banquet, are €175 and are expected to sell quickly.

The 54-year old US national accused of the murder of Kenmare farmer Michael Gaine appeared before Tralee District Court this morning. Michael Kelley, of no fixed abode and with a recent address in Tralee, is charged that on a date unknown between March 20 and March 21, 2025, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co. Kerry he did murder 56-year-old Michael Gaine.