Manchester United set for double injury boost as Everton forced to make defensive changeHarry Maguire and Mason Mount could return for Michael Carrick as Manchester United visit Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first timeView Image Jack Fletcher, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on February 13. Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty ImagesBoth Everton and Manchester United could make changes to their defences ahead of their clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday. ‌Blues boss David Moyes will be forced to shuffle his back line as he deals with the suspension of Jake O’Brien , who was sent off against Bournemouth last week. Speaking before the West Ham game, Carrick explained: "The Everton game feels like a long time away at the moment, so we'll see how he develops, but he's positive, he's moving in the right direction." Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source.

February 18, 2026 01:10 UTC

One of Belfast’s oldest and most historically important buildings, the Assembly Rooms dating from 1769, has been in a derelict state for more than 25 years. Traders and their stalls made it a popular market place and in 1776 it was converted to the Exchange and Assembly Rooms when an upper storey was added. During the 1780s and 1790s social and business activities held in its spacious and lavishly decorated rooms included civic balls, banquets and concerts. Bunting’s transcriptions of the harpers’ assembly were subsequently published in three volumes entitled The Ancient Music of Ireland. Belfast City Council has also purchased the Assembly Rooms for a sum thought to be in the region of £2.85 million.

February 18, 2026 01:01 UTC

A fixture in the civil rights movement and Democratic politics since the 1960s, Mr Jackson was once close to Dr Martin Luther King Jr. In an interview with the Guardian in May 2020, Mr Jackson said: “I was a trailblazer, I was a pathfinder. Twenty years later, the first Black president, Barack Obama, saluted Mr Jackson for making his victory possible. In 1964, Mr Jackson enrolled at the Chicago Theological Seminary, as he continued to be involved in the Civil Rights Movement. The 39-year-old Nobel Laureate was the father of non-violent resistance in the 1960s American civil rights movement.

February 18, 2026 00:58 UTC

Leinster House, home of Dáil Éireann, and the raided store room. The break-in on October 8th followed a number of reported incidents involving foxes on Leinster Lawn, which is located on the Merrion Square side of Leinster House. A decapitated bird on the lawn of Leinster House. Photograph: Houses of the OireachtasSigns of digging in a Leinster House flower bed. Staff at nearby Leinster House were warned at the time to ensure that all windows were properly shut to prevent any similar incursions by foxes.

February 18, 2026 00:56 UTC

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.

February 18, 2026 00:55 UTC





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.

February 18, 2026 00:31 UTC

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.

February 18, 2026 00:16 UTC

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.

February 18, 2026 00:11 UTC

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.

February 18, 2026 00:11 UTC

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.

February 18, 2026 00:08 UTC

‌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.

February 17, 2026 23:57 UTC

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

February 17, 2026 23:50 UTC

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.

February 17, 2026 23:38 UTC

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.

February 17, 2026 23:37 UTC

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.

February 17, 2026 23:30 UTC