Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice has announced that he is joining the newly formed political part, Independent Ireland. The fledgling political party was set up by Independent TDs Michael Collins (Cork South West) and Richard O’Donoghue (Limerick County), in late 2023. I believe that Independent Ireland can be that choice,” he said. “Independent Ireland will be contesting upcoming elections with detailed election manifestos. We have great people doing great work right across the country,” he promised.

Nick Taylor beats Charley Hoffman on second hole of playoff to win Phoenix OpenJohn Besley and Phil Casey, PANick Taylor rode a late surge to secure his fifth PGA Tour title in the second hole of a playoff against Charley Hoffman at the WM Phoenix Open. The Canadian birdied three of his final four holes on Sunday to force the playoff against America’s Hoffman, who soared to the top of the leaderboard with a fourth-round score of 64. After each man birdied the first extra hole, Hoffman left his birdie attempt short, leaving the window open for Taylor to sink a birdie putt from 11 feet and clinch the title. It closed out what had been a frantic final day with Zach Johnson and Billy Horschel earlier exchanging angry words with spectators. “He’s trying to hit a damn golf shot here – it’s our f****** job.”The WM Phoenix Open is easily the best attended tournament in golf, but the behaviour of some fans has again attracted more attention than the golf itself.

Now he’s taking his camper van on a solo busking tour of Northern Ireland, bringing the “mesmerising” sounds of the handpan to new audiences. More than 100,000 people watched a Facebook video of him performing, inspiring Micheal to write music for the instrument. He launched a five-song EP at the Alley Theatre in Strabane last September, followed by a music video in December. It is just about each person’s personal quest to understand themselves in the world and their relationships.”You can watch Micheal’s music video for Sovereign on YouTube, see http://tinyurl.com/mwbsmme5. You can follow his camper van tour of Northern Ireland on Facebook @Micheal O’Dalaigh

Four-bed family home in highly desired area65 Bloomfield Drive, Coosan, is a pristine, semi-detached four-bedroom family home in a quiet cul-de-sac setting, presented in walk-in condition with a bright, smart interior. This home has been immaculately cared for, and now comes to the market as a generously appointed, turnkey family home. Classic elegance and comfort go hand in hand in this very appealing residence, which offers generous accommodation and outdoor space. Upstairs there is a large bright landing area and two large and generously appointed double bedrooms to front of house, and two medium bedrooms to rear of house, and a main family bathroom off the landing area. Outside there is a generous landscaped garden area to front with mature shrubbery and a tarmacadamed driveway, and a sunny rear garden, which has feature circular stone patio area, and a landscaped mature lawned area, with side gate access.

Erik ten Hag says Scott McTominay an example to others after match-winning cameoBy Simon Peach, PA Chief Football WriterErik ten Hag praised Scott McTominay as an example for others after the super sub sealed Manchester United’s belief-boosting win at fellow Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa. United lost their way after that 17th-minute opener in a bright start and Villa eventually secured a deserved second-half leveller through Douglas Luiz. “This season, last season as well (McTominay made an impact), so I think he’s an example for many other players nowadays,” Ten Hag said of a player whose overall top-flight goal tally this term is seven this term. “But Scott is the example, always giving the spirit, in the week when he is training, doing the right things, working on himself, gives max. “He’s ready for one minute, he’s ready for 90 minutes, he’s always ready.

A relative of two Israeli hostages rescued from Gaza by the IDF said that he was “shocked” to hear the news of their rescue. Video: Reuters

Anderson, IN (46016)TodaySunshine in the morning followed by cloudy skies during the afternoon. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph..TonightCloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.

The reigning champions registered a thumping 36-0 bonus-point win to back up last week’s statement success away to pre-tournament favourites France. Winless Wales visit Dublin on February 24 before Ireland finish their campaign with March appointments against England and Scotland. Head coach Farrell feels his team have made a “decent start” to the championship as they seek to make history by claiming back-to-back Grand Slams. “Obviously delighted with two from two and maximum points, 36-0 is a nice scoreline for us,” he said. “Hugo’s got a bang on his knee so I don’t know,” said Farrell.

Through all the turbulence of the last few years, it is school leavers who need the most support. Now look at school leavers in some of the UK’s most deprived areas and the barriers intensify. Backing: Getting young people into work should be a priority for the government, Ken Murphy saysToday, we are launching our new Stronger Starts apprenticeship for 16–18-year-olds. We can only offer 150 Stronger Starts Apprenticeships, when we know there will be demand for so many more. To date we have put in more than £100million to the Apprenticeship Levy but according to the Government, our new Stronger Starts apprenticeship barely qualifies for levy funds.

Newstalk ZB's D'Arcy Waldegrave and the NZ Herald's Bonnie Jansen get together to preview the weekend's sport. Video / NZ HeraldIreland racked up another huge home win over Italy, scoring six tries in a 36-0 hammering today that kept the defending champions on course for unprecedented back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six Nations. Hooker Dan Sheehan went over twice, along with tries for flyhalf Jack Crowley, No. Lowe sidestepped through two challengers for the fifth try in the 62nd and fellow winger Nash rounded off the scoring in the 78th. Italy opened with a 27-24 loss at home to England.

Unbeaten Leverkusen outclass Bayern Munich 3-0 to take control of title raceThomson ReutersBundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen outplayed champions Bayern Munich for a 3-0 victory on Saturday that sent them five points clear at the top of the league and put them firmly in charge of the title race. Goals from Josip Stanisic, Alejandro Grimaldo and Jeremie Frimpong made sure of the three points as Leverkusen, who have never won a Bundesliga title, stretched their unbeaten run to 31 matches across all competitions this season. Bayern, chasing a 12th straight league crown, were nowhere to be seen and managed only a single shot on target over the 90 minutes. Xabi Alonso's team, who also twice hit the woodwork, are now on 55 points, with Bayern in second place on 50. The hosts were more aggressive than Bayern who initially had possession but lacked attacking ideas.

Photo: GettyA Fáilte Ireland presentation on concerns over anti-social behaviour in Dublin said perceptions of safety in the capital were in line with the norm for other large cities, but nearly a quarter of businesses were worried about their impact. The briefing said 23pc of businesses in Dublin had concerns about anti-social behaviour, which compared unfavourably with just 5pc of businesses for the rest of Ireland. Common themes were anti-social behaviour, open drug use and dealing and violent attacks, with O’Connell Street, Dame Street and Temple Bar the most frequently mentioned locations. A spokesman for Fáilte Ireland said it was important to note some of the research presented to the board last July dated from 2022. Fáilte Ireland will continue its regular engagement with An Garda Síochána and Dublin’s local authorities to ensure that all visitors continue to feel safe and welcome,” he said.

Taylor Swift thanks fans for Japan concerts ahead of expected Super Bowl arrivalBy Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment ReporterTaylor Swift has thanked fans for their support at her Japan concerts ahead of an expected appearance at the Super Bowl in the US. Swift is not expected to perform at the NFL championship game at the Allegiant Stadium as R&B star and eight-time Grammy winner Usher headlines the popular half-time show. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, Swift said: “Tokyo!!! Kelce and the Chiefs, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are appearing in their fourth Super Bowl in five years. Fans have speculated online that big names including Alicia Keys, Lil Jon, Ludacris, Beyonce and Justin Bieber could be his surprise musicians.

50 year old Jeffrey Jackson was stabbed to death on Thursday. According to the Irish Times: A 38-year-old man appeared before Naas District Court yesterday, charged with the murder of a man in Kilcock on Thursday. Ryan Kearney, of Loughnamona Drive, Leixlip, is accused of murdering Jeffrey Jackson (50) at The Lamps, School Street on February 8th. Detective Sgt Ger Moore told a special sitting of the court that when he charged the defendant, he replied: “I stabbed Jeffrey but I did not murder him. Judge Desmond Zaidan remanded the accused in custody to Cloverhill Prison in Dublin, to appear before Naas District Court again next Wednesday 14 February.

State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, CanadaZip Code