12 Mar 2024| 06:47am ISTGovt extends validity of job scheme for freedom fighters’ childrenCM says after verification of applications, around 30 applicants who had applied after expiry of scheme will be consideredTeam HeraldPANJIM: The State Cabinet on Monday approved a proposal to extend the validity of scheme of providing government employment to children of freedom fighters for a year i.e. After chairing the Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that around 30 applications of children of freedom fighters who had applied for jobs after expiry of the scheme will be considered after verification of the applications. He said that Cabinet desired that the continuity of the scheme was essential to bestow the benefits under the scheme to the children of freedom fighters. Sawant said that the validity of the scheme has now been extended from March 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. Thus two per cent of the jobs in Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ will be reserved for children of freedom fighters based on roaster points for a period of one year from March this year.

John 'Shark' Hanlon pictured at the Galway Races last year. Cheltenham Preview Night a fantastic successA great evening was had by all who attended the Cheltenham Preview Night organised by Edenderry Lions Club recently. A visit to Shark's yard went to Annie Moroney and friends, while a visit Gavin’s yard went to Patrick Larkin and friends. Edenderry Lions Club wished both trainers the best of luck in Cheltenham, particularly Shark and Hewick, in the Gold Cup. Edenderry Lions Club is a voluntary organisation who raise funds and allocate them to help worthy community and personal needs within the district.

Rupert Murdoch and the owner of The Daily Mail have held talks about a potential joint takeover of The Telegraph alongside UAE-backed RedBird IMI, as opposition to its solo bid hardens. Mr Murdoch’s News UK and DMGT, which owns the Daily Mail, have held talks about putting money into the bid, Bloomberg reported, in a move that would dilute UAE money in the takeover. The pressure has forced RedBird IMI to consider rethinking the structure of the deal. Sir Paul is understood to still retain an interest in buying The Telegraph if the RedBird IMI bid ultimately fails. Asource close to Sir Paul said: “If it comes up at the right price and at the right time, he will consider it.”RedBirdIMI, News UK and a spokesman for Sir Paul declined to comment.

Rupert Murdoch ’s News Corp. and the owner of the Daily Mail have held talks about a potential joint takeover of the Telegraph — one of the UK’s most famous newspapers — alongside the UAE-backed investment fund RedBird IMI, people familiar with the matter said. A joint bid by the three would result in a smaller stake for RedBird IMI, which may ease concerns by British politicians over foreign state control of a legacy media outlet, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private talks. Representatives from the Daily Mail and General Trust — owner of the Daily Mail newspaper controlled by Jonathan Harmsworth — and News Corp.’s News UK unit have held back-channel conversations on how to form such a joint structure, they said.

Photo: Julien Behal PhotographyTaoiseach departs on seven-day US St Patrick's Day tripTaoiseach Leo Varadkar is undertaking an official visit to the United States from March 11 to 17, including a visit to the White House on St Patrick's Day. The White House St. Patrick’s Day reception, including the traditional shamrock ceremony will take place on St. Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17. The Taoiseach will present President Biden with the traditional shamrock bowl, extending St. Patrick’s Day greetings from the people of Ireland to the people of the United States. Patrick’s Day is a moment to reconnect with the 70 million people worldwide of Irish background, and not least the over 30 million in the US of Irish heritage. “The Government’s theme for St. Patrick’s Day 2024 is ‘Ireland’s future in the world’ so this year I wish to celebrate the achievements of our young diaspora leaders in the US across the fields of innovation, creativity, community development, business, and academia.

A look at three exciting Six Nations weekends following a memorable fourth roundPA Sport StaffThe 2024 Guinness Six Nations burst into life with a memorable fourth round of action that produced thrilling victories for Italy, England and France. Here's a look at three of the most exciting weekends in Six Nations history. Wales were first out of the blocks, and they did not disappoint as George North scored three tries in a 61-20 rout of Italy. Wing Alex Cuthbert scored two tries, and England had to be content with the runners-up spot. The Azzurri had never previously beaten Ireland on the Six Nations stage, but nothing could eclipse events in Wales.

Kielan Woods celebrates after riding Global Citizen to victory in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup Handicap Chase in 2022. Overall, Woods has wracked up four wins out of 15 rides since he served his ban. It's an ideal run ahead of the biggest week in the racing calendar and Woods will be hoping that not only his own fine form but that of trainer Ben Pauling continues this week, particularly as the Athlone man missed out through injury on the festival last season. Woods of course has triumphed twice at Cheltenham in recent years, on both occasions in the Grand Annual, on Croco Bay in 2019, and Global Citizen in 2022. Woods is also likely to be in the saddle on The Jukebox Man in the Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle on Friday at 2.50pm.

Oppenheimer claimed seven awards at the Oscars, including best picture, as Christopher Nolan won best director, his first Oscar win from his eighth nomination.

Miller joins up with the squad as fellow back-rower Hamish Watson drops out along with prop Jamie Bhatti and second-rower Glen Young. None of the forward trio were involved on Saturday as the Scots crashed to a damaging 31-29 defeat away to Italy. Had the Scots won in Italy at the weekend, they would be heading to Dublin this weekend for a title shootout with their hosts. If Scotland – currently third in the table – lose on Saturday, they will end the tournament with just two wins from five and could feasibly finish fifth if Italy defeat Wales this weekend. “There’s going to be no shortage of motivation after Saturday’s game and the last time we played Ireland so we’re excited for it.

The change was not only pushed by the government, but also by the vast majority of opposition parties. The Catholic Church in Ireland was one of the few organisations that spoke out against changing the constitution. The role of mothers should continue to be cherished in our Constitution,” the statement concluded. It appears that Ireland agreed during the vote that was held on International Women’s Day . Photo: Following the referendum votes are counted at the RDS Dublin Count centre, Dublin, Ireland, 9 March 2024.

Cillian Murphy’s former school delighted after his ‘inspiring’ Oscar winGráinne Ní Aodha, PAThere was delight at Cillian Murphy’s old school community after his Oscar success for his starring role in Oppenheimer. The principal of Murphy’s old secondary school said he “absolutely” expects students to be inspired by the Cork man’s Oscar win. Senior politicians and film sector organisations have congratulated Murphy on becoming the first Irish-born star to win an Oscar for best actor. Murphy’s Oscar win follows other successes on the awards circuit – with a Golden Globe, a Bafta and a Screen Actors Guild award bagged for his starring performance in Oppenheimer. David Barry, the principal of Murphy’s former school, said they were “absolutely delighted”.

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St. Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday this year, and many of our local Irish pubs and other venues will take advantage of the occasion with celebrations not only on March 17 proper, but the whole weekend. Yet most of these events will feature plenty of libations, favorite Irish dishes such as corned beef and cabbage, and live music and dance. Here are the top St. Patrick's Day celebrations taking place in Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties this year, presented in roughly chronological order. 7-11 p.m. Saturday; Old Main Street, Bradenton; facebook.com/bradentonsaliveSt. Paddy’s Trip to AmericaIrish-American balladeer Dwight Sullivan performs a St. Patrick’s Day program of classic Irish song favorites, and Irish humor and history with scenes from modern Ireland. of Presidents, Sarasota; 941-388-5550; lynches.pubSt. Patrick's Day at T.J. Carney'sThe downtown Venice restaurant will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with live music and entertainment by Ken McBride, step dancers and bagpipers.

Film about Muhammad Ali to be screened in Tullamore next weekA film about the boxer known as 'The Greatest', Muhammad Ali, will be shown at the Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore next week. Cassius X: Becoming Ali will be shown on Tuesday, March 19, at 8pm, as part of the Esker Arts Film Club. "Cassius X: Becoming Ali is the extraordinary story of how one young boxer from Louisville, Kentucky became a cultural icon for the ages." Tickets for the Tullamore screening, priced €7, can be booked here. You can see the trailer for the film here:

Five more risks need urgent action, the report says. “Our new analysis shows that Europe faces urgent climate risks that are growing faster than our societal preparedness,” said the EEA’s executive director Leena Ylä-Mononen. The European Commission said it would present a communication on managing climate risks early this week. The EEA report says several climate risks have already reached critical levels. If decisive action is not taken now, it says, most climate risks could reach critical or catastrophic levels by the end of this century.