Ireland Under-20s beat Scotland but wait for result of France vs EnglandKenneth FoxIreland face an anxious wait to see if they have secured a third consecutive Under-20 Six Nations title. Danny Sheahan scored two second half tries as Ireland secured a potentially crucial bonus point, beating Scotland by 36-points to 0 in Cork. They are just into the second half in Pau, where it’s France 31 England 31. They are hoping for a French win to help clinch the title. As things stand, Ireland will be champions.

The cost of cooking an Irish fry-up might be hard to swallow this bank holiday weekend, with new data showing the breakfast staple has increased by more than 3 per cent over the past year. On Friday, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) published statistics on the cost of a family-sized fry-up using the prices of some of the items it collects as part of the Consumer Price Index basket, which measures inflation in Ireland. Its sample breakfast, which is based on items it does collect prices for, includes rashers, sausages, a half-dozen of large eggs, mushrooms, and tomatoes. However, no traditional family fry-up would be complete without bread and butter, all washed down with a cup of tea or glass of milk. According to the CSO’s data, the only items to fall in price over the 12 months to January 2024 were bread, butter, and milk.

Photo: NPWSRare eagle shot found shot dead in South RoscommonThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has launched an investigation following the recent discovery of a dead white-tailed eagle near Cranberry Lough in South Roscommon and is appealing to the public for information. The two-year old female eagle was part of the NPWS White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme and was released in 2022 on the shores of Lough Derg. Investigating officers have established that the bird was shot, and are awaiting further results of forensic analysis that may provide additional information. The NPWS said it deplores the deliberate killing of rare and endangered species. It has appealed for any information the public may have in relation to the incident.

It comes following the resurrection of powersharing government in Northern Ireland in January. During the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon hosted by Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, Mr Biden invited Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly to stand up for applause throughout the room. “Today let us resolve to march forward with each other and all those who seek a better future. The guests included Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, MPs, TDs from the Irish Parliament and both Democrat and Republican members of the US Congress. “The United States has been a critical partner for peace in Ireland,” she said.

“I’m tired of the singles game,” said Long, that being Cupid’s game and not badminton, as he insists he wants “more than friends with benefits”. The dating culture is somewhat more conservative in Vietnam than in Ireland, Long explains, as he outlines the three magic laws of attraction, the first being, well, attraction. He holds up his phone and there, right next to his navel, are two badminton rackets and a shuttle cock. It puts his badminton racket tattoo (with the shuttle cock) to shame, even with the near-death story. Well, is badminton played with a shuttle cock?

While Scotland have not beaten rivals England, Ireland and Wales in a single championship since the 1990 Five Nations, Farrell acknowledges they have a track record of toppling Test rugby’s leading nations. “They’ve been consistent at beating big teams over the years and playing a brand of rugby that’s been great for everyone to see,” he said. “We’ve been lucky enough over the last few years to get on the right side of victory against Scotland,” said Farrell. “Of course winning matters a lot. “This year doesn’t get any better for Irish rugby, it doesn’t get any better,” said Farrell.

Over €1m in funding for Offaly community projectsSome €1.05m has been allocated to community projects in Offaly to help integrate new arrivals from Ukraine and elsewhere. This morning, the Minister for Rural & Community Development, Heather Humphreys together with her colleague Minister Joe O’Brien announced a further €50 million in funding under the Community Recognition Fund. The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced last year to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Under today’s announcement, a further €50 million is being provided again to deliver projects over 2024 and 2025. The response has been overwhelmingly positive and this fund recognises that – and the need for a whole of community approach.

Maev Doyle spoke to the media after former garda Mark Doyle was sentenced to six years in prison for assaulting her and her sons over the course of 11 years.

Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the main talking points ahead of Saturday’s match in Dublin. However, their respective hopes of finishing top of the table are highly improbable due to Ireland’s vastly-superior points difference. Scotland, meanwhile, are likely to still feel aggrieved about their controversial round-two loss to France, which was sandwiched between wins over Wales and England. But he has also overseen successive World Cup pool-stage exits, while frustrating inconsistency means the Scots’ wait for a maiden Six Nations title goes on. Decade of dominanceIreland continued their dominance of Scotland at last year’s Rugby World Cup in France (Andrew Matthews/PA)Ireland have played pivotal roles in Scotland’s recent underwhelming World Cup campaigns during a decade of dominance of this fixture.

As I'm writing, plans are afoot to dye the Chicago River green in time for Chicago's annual St. Patrick's Day parade. All of this is a little ironic considering Patrick was, in his own words, a "simple country person, a refugee, and unlearned." He also recounts hardships and threats he withstood, both from Irish leaders and church leaders back home. Some say we're all a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day. But regardless of whether you're Irish, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the imperfect but powerful life of the patron saint of Ireland.

Maev Doyle spoke to the media after former garda Mark Doyle was sentenced to six years in prison for assaulting her and her sons over the course of 11 years.

So, too, are those buying investment trusts with exceptionally long records of increasing dividends. And three of them, City of London Investment Trust, Caledonia Investments and Alliance, have upped their dividends for 57 years running - since back when England won the football World Cup. Equity income trusts make up a big chunk of the list. The key to investment trusts being able to achieve such lengthy records of increasing payouts lies in their structure. Annabel Brodie-Smith, communications director of the Association of Investment Companies said: 'Despite a tricky few years for the dividend heroes, ten investment trusts now have at least half a century of consecutive annual dividend increases.

House of Guinness: New Netflix drama will tell story of famous family dynastyA new drama about the Guinness family is coming to Netflix. House of Guinness will focus on the consequences of the death of Benjamin Guinness, the man responsible for the success of the Guinness brewery. Steven Knight, the writer and creator of the show, said the Guinness dynasty was known the world over. Anne Mensah, vice-president of content at Netflix UK, said House of Guinness "has all the power of Peaky Blinders but the scale and the sweep of a true family saga." House of Guinness is one of a selection of new shows with Irish links coming to the streaming platform over the next two years.

Microdisney, during their 2018 reunionThis documentary followed them during their 2018 reunion concerts, exploring the band's early days with in-depth interviews and asking why the band never achieved mainstream success. Filmmakers and spouses Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke have delivered a wild, ridiculous LGBTQ+ road trip film in a way that only they could. Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal each deliver powerful, heartbreaking performances in this story of grief, love, and loneliness. Andrew Scott, left, and and Paul Mescal in a scene from All of Us StrangersThe two actors and director Andrew Haigh received widespread critical acclaim. Scott and Mescal both picked up several award nominations, most recently at the IFTAs.

Speaking at the event, Mr Varadkar said: “A hundred years of official diplomatic relations have woven a relationship that is stronger and deeper than ever.”In his remarks, he also celebrated the countries’ long-standing, two-way trade relations, emphasising that he was “proud” Ireland was one of the top 10 investors in the US. Mr Varadkar and his partner Matt Barrett arrive for a St Patrick’s Day Reception hosted by the Irish Embassy at the official residence of the Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, in Washington, DC (Niall Carson/PA)On Friday, Mr Varadkar will meet US vice president Kamala Harris before a bilateral with Mr Biden at the White House. He will also meet the Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson at Capitol Hill. On Sunday, The Taoiseach will also gift Mr Biden a bowl of shamrock as part of an annual tradition to mark St Patrick’s Day. He said that the highlight of his trip so far was seeing Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly jointly address the Ireland Funds gala in Boston.