For Butch and Sundance read Antoine Dupont and Matthieu Jalibert, the creative partnership behind a France team weaving the prettiest of Six Nations patterns. Between them “Jalipont” are helping to fashion some of the most spectacular attacking rugby anyone could wish for. Dan Sheehan is tackled by Romain Ntamack and Gabin Villiere during France's game against Ireland during the 2022 Six Nations. Having two petits généraux on the field simultaneously can be invaluable if both innately understand what is best for their team. But give them quick ball and half a yard of space, and double trouble awaits all their Six Nations rivals.

Athlone's 'Irish food ambassador' in ChinaWhen Athlone man Curt Evans first moved to China in 2018, he didn't plan on making it a long-term arrangement. Restaurant openingIn recent years Curt got involved in food consultancy work and helped open a restaurant in Hefei producing Western food. "I wanted to get back to what I considered basics, and wanted to try a modern Irish restaurant. Something he has been focusing on of late is promoting his restaurant, and Irish food in general, on social media in China. "I got to meet him because of having a ambassadorial role, I suppose, for Irish food and that was lovely.

Anthony Richardson is reportedly considering asking for a trade away from the Indianapolis Colts. The former first-round NFL draft pick lost his starting spot after a quarterback battle with Daniel Jones during preseason. The Colts believe 2025 sixth-round pick Riley Leonard is capable of being Jones' backup, meaning opportunities for Richardson will be in short supply next season. Anthony Richardson is considering asking for a trade away from the Indianapolis ColtsRichardson lost his starting spot after a preseason quarterback battle with Daniel JonesOwner Carlie Irsay-Gordon resisted calls to fire Colts coach Shane Steichen this offseasonThe No. Colts head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard face a huge offseason after being given a stay of execution by owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon.

Similarly, expectations for increasing headcount over the next 12 months have also weakened, dropping from 59% to 46% over the same period. Rising geopolitical tension, persistent inflationary pressures and slower global growth are forcing business leaders to become more conservative in their outlook for the next 12 months. Mr Shanahan added the challenges facing Irish firms were “compounded by domestic pressures", particularly rising energy and labour costs and the growing difficulty in hiring skilled talent. Firms are responding to global uncertainty by focusing on those levers that are within their direct control,” he said. Only 38% expect to increase their investment in sustainable initiatives over the next 12 months.

One in three people would pay higher taxes if it meant improved public services, a new study from the ESRI has found. The research, conducted by the ESRI in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, found that 35% of respondents believe taxes in Ireland are too high, 25% think taxes should remain at the same level, and 34% would accept higher taxes if it meant more or better public services.

A Premier League proposal to centralise perimeter advertising sales - which they claim could net an extra £750m a year - has met with a frosty reception from some of its top clubs. However, Daily Mail Sport understands that both Manchester clubs - and others within the 'Big Six' - have considerable concerns over the proposal. For example, should the Premier League sign a deal with an automotive partner it would create potential issues with companies from that industry which already have deals. While the Premier League declined to comment, insiders say any move would be for any entirely for the benefit of its clubs. Despite early support, the proposal was rejected at a Premier League meeting in November.

‌However, Chantel's mum has blasted the parole board for allowing her daughter's killer back on the streets, with him already having had more than 30 day releases and 10 overnight releases. She told the ECHO: "I feel as though my Chantel's life was worthless. The family is proposing a new piece of legislation called Chantel's Law, which Jean says will "address a critical gap in the justice system". ‌"I wrote to the Parole Board last year and explained why I think he shouldn't get parole. View 5 Images Jean Taylor at the funeral of her murdered daughter Chantel Taylor at Our Lady's church Cavendish street, Birkenhead.

Resurgent Plymouth Argyle dominate again in Leyton Orient victoryThe Pilgrims secured an eighth away League One win of the campaign by beating Orient 3-1 at Brisbane RoadView 2 Images Goal celebrations for Argyle's Ronan Curtis during the Sky Bet League One match against Leyton Orient at BetWright Stadium, London on 17 February 2026. Photo: Garry Bowden/PPAUKPlymouth Argyle made it back-to-back away League One wins in four days with a confident and commanding 3-1 victory over Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road. Argyle threatened next when Edwrds swung a cross into the Orient box and Mitchell sent his header straight at goalkeeper Tobi Oluwayemi. View 2 Images Wes Harding of Plymouth Argyle and Dominic Ballard of Leyton Orient during the Sky Bet League One match at BetWright Stadium, London on 17 February 2026. ‌REFEREE: Alex ChilowiczATTENDANCE:You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HEREArticle continues below

The jury accepted the prosecution’s case that all of the evidence pointed to the “inescapable conclusion” that Mrs Sheehan, a mother of three, died at Long’s hands. Mr Delaney also told the court that all of the physical exhibits in the case, amounting to more than 300 items, had been lost over the years, describing how this occurred as “a mystery”. Long had initially been charged with murder in 1981, Mr Delaney said, before the charge was dropped. While a DNA breakthrough occurred in 2008, Mr Delaney said “nothing of substance” was achieved thereafter. “If the delay in this case isn’t sufficient to presume prejudice then I say what is?” said Mr Delaney.

Dashcam appeal after two-car smash on North Staffordshire A-roadFirefighters were also sent to the sceneView Image The crash led to delays (stock image)Police have launched an appeal following a two-car smash on a North Staffordshire A-road. Officers and firefighters were sent to the scene in Main Road, Betley, following the collision at 1pm today (February 17). ‌It has now been confirmed that no-one was injured in the smash. However, Staffordshire Police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed what happen. ‌A force spokesman said: "We were called at 1pm today to Main Road in Betley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, following reports of a collision.

The new Chief Executive of Offaly Council Council, Mr Eoghan RyanNew Chief Executive addresses council chamberBy Rebekah O'ReillyThe new Chief Executive of Offaly Council Council, Mr Eoghan Ryan has addressed the council chamber at the February local authority meeting. Mr Ryan said he is 'looking forward' to the role, which he officially took up on Monday, February 9. He acknowledged the 'great work' of his predecessor Anna Marie Delaney, who retired after serving as Chief Executive of the Council for the last 10 years, noting that he hopes he can continue to help Offaly to prosper. Mr Ryan noted that he comes to Offaly County Council with a "well-rounded background". Most recently, Mr Ryan worked in Kildare County Council as a Director of Services and as the Director of Planning and Strategic Development.

Search underway for five bodies suspected hidden beneath town centre car parkA digital radar scanner has been used at the car park of County Hall in Carmarthen where the bodies are thought to beView 4 Images A deep-ground scan has taken place in Carmarthenshire County Hall car park (Image: Carmarthenshire Council)A search has begun for the bodies of five criminals executed two centuries ago at a former jail which is now the site of a town centre car park. ‌A deep-ground scan has taken place at Carmarthenshire County Hall in Carmarthen, where it is thought the remains of the five men lie hidden underneath what is now a car park used by council staff and members of the public. The men were all hanged between 1818 and 1894 on the grounds of what was Carmarthen Gaol - a jail at the site of Carmarthen Castle. ‌You can read much more about the fascinating history of the County Hall site here. More than three decades later, in 1956, Carmarthenshire County Hall, designed by respected architect Percy Thomas, opened at the site following long delays partly caused by the breakout of the Second World War.

The whole of Ireland is at risk of flooding, according to the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management (NDFEM), with weather warnings applying to 18 counties. Met Éireann has issued several yellow-level warnings in which members of the public were told there is a flood risk in 17 counties. However, the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management said: “Flooding is a risk across the country due to the current conditions. A third yellow warning for rain applies to Donegal between 2am and 2pm on Wednesday, with Met Éireann warning that falls of sleet and snow are possible. The NDFEM will continue to liaise with Met Éireann, local authorities and key stakeholders to monitor the situation and coordinate the appropriate response.

The European Commission has opened an investigation into online retailer Shein, including on how it limits the sale of illegal products such as “child-like sex dolls”. “The Digital Services Act keeps shoppers safe, protects their wellbeing and empowers them with information about the algorithms they are interacting with. This includes “content which could constitute child sexual abuse material such as child-like sex dolls,” it said. Now that it has launched its probe, the European Commission said it will continue to gather evidence to assist with its investigation. Coimisiún na Méan said: "We are very happy to be supporting the European Commission in the opening of formal proceedings against Shein.

Amad drops major hint over permanent Michael Carrick stay at Man UtdMichael Carrick has spearheaded an eye-catching turnaround at Manchester United since replacing Ruben Amorim and winger Amad has shared his feelings on his appointmentView 2 Images Amad has given Michael Carrick some glowing praise (Image: Getty Images)Manchester United star Amad has underlined the importance of Michael Carrick following the Red Devils’ impressive upturn. ‌Winger Amad has now shared his take on Carrick and has given him a glowing reference. Speaking on the Inside Carrington podcast, he said: “I think having Michael Carrick as head coach in the team is very important because he knows the club. Liverpool icon Jurgen Klopp lands new job after Man Utd issue response over 'offer' READ MORE :Wayne Rooney makes feelings clear on Luis Enrique taking Man Utd job from Michael Carrick READ MORE :MAKE THE MIRROR YOUR FIRST CHOICE! ‌View 2 Images Amad celebrates with Michael Carrick after the win vs Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE!