Photograph: Sam Boal/CollinsThe Naval Service will have expanded powers to board vessels, including those from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet , in Ireland’s maritime zones under new laws being drafted by the Government. McEntee said in a statement on Wednesday that recent events in the Baltic Sea and the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet “have highlighted the importance of ensuring that we have the legal framework necessary to respond to evolving threats”. McEntee said the Defence Forces currently exercise their maritime powers on behalf of other State agencies under other pieces of legislation. Sanctioned shadow fleet vessels cause environmental and national security concerns, and often exhibit unusual behaviour such as taking economically inefficient routes or sailing well outside recognised shipping lanes. Russia has increasingly relied on its shadow fleet to smuggle oil and natural gas following the imposition of sanctions after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Barry Keoghan finally cleared up how to pronounce his surname as he appeared on BBC Radio One's Breakfast Show on Wednesday. Barry said: 'Until a Keoghan tells you it's not how you say it...', before he confirmed Greg was saying it right as he said: 'Kee-gan is wrong. Barry Keoghan finally cleared up how to pronounce his surname as he appeared on BBC Radio One's Breakfast Show on WednesdayThe clip from the interview was shared on TikTok and fans took to the comment section to say Barry is the one who is saying it wrong. They wrote: 'Barry pronounces his own name wrong. Elsewhere in the interview, Barry joked he watches his Saltburn naked scene every Monday.

“Our backs were against the wall after Rome,” said back-rower Darge, alluding to the 18-15 defeat by the Azzurri in round one. “So for a while now, it’s been win or you’re not going to be in with a shout. “I’ve played in a few Six Nations now and to be going into the last weekend with what’s at stake, it’s really exciting. Darge said such an achievement would be “huge”, given that Scotland have failed to defeat Ireland since 2017. “I think Ireland will pose a different threat to France.

Locals pulled a 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman from the water at Shell Cove, south of SydneyA couple from the UK have died at an Australian beach after being pulled from the water, police said. New South Wales Police said officers received reports that two people were struggling in the water at Shellharbour Beach, Boollawarroo Parade, Shell Cove, south of Sydney, at 11am local time on Wednesday. Locals pulled a 66-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman from the water, the force added. Officers confirmed they were a married couple from the UK. Bondi beach in Sydney.

Loan stints elsewhere and his wages being covered have meant that United haven't paid all of that astronomical figure directly to Sancho. Although United have received some funds for Sancho, Sir Jim Ratcliffe disclosed last year that £17m was still owed to Dortmund. From 28 appearances for Villa this season, Sancho has registered just two goal contributions - one assist in the Premier League and a solitary strike in the Europa League. View 2 Images Jadon Sancho during his time at Man United (Image: PA)Both sides are firmly competing for Champions League qualification next season, though each have encountered recent setbacks. ‌Last Wednesday evening, Will Osula struck a last-gasp winner for 10-man Newcastle United to halt Michael Carrick's unbeaten run in charge, whilst Villa suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.

The inquest into the death of a Waterford man who lay unidentified in a Dublin morgue for almost a month will take place on Thursday. His inquest is scheduled to take place on Thursday afternoon at the Dublin District Coroner's Court. The inquest has previously been adjourned following a complaint filed by Mr Weldon’s family to the then Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission about the handling of the case. The family of Jamie Weldon, Billy, Monica, Frances, Fiona, and Sean, from Butlerstown, Co Waterford. The family says Mr Weldon's phone was in his apartment on the date his body was found.

The Irish Government will release 1.6 million barrels of oil onto the market – around 10.5 days of supply – as part of a global move to keep a lid on prices. The move is part of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) agreement to discharge 400 million barrels from emergency oil reserves, the largest-ever release, as governments seek to contain a spike in energy prices driven by the Middle East war. The Paris-based IEA is a global organisation made up of member country governments, which each hold strategic oil reserves in case of threats to fuel supply. Ireland is a member of the IEA and typically aims to hold 90 days of oil supply in the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA). "IEA member countries have responded with an emergency collective action of unprecedented size."

Pace and speed are now needed to ensure plans to build a new hospital for HSE Mid West are not delayed, doctors and trade unions have said. However, he cautioned: “There would be anxiety in the Mid West about the progress of it, and that it keeps moving along. Plans for developing the site are not yet laid out, but Mr Devlin noted: "If it has its emergency department, then it's a Model 4 hospital. "So an emergency department on this new site would mean there is not an emergency department on the Dooradoyle site." This should be led by people “managing and responsible for healthcare in the Mid West”, he said.

Now, ahead of "Super Saturday", Scotland are well in the running for a first-ever Six Nations win, following the competition's rebrand in 2000. Win (well) against Ireland in DublinIt goes without saying that, to give themselves the best possible chance, Scotland must defeat Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Despite this, they could potentially have a massive say in the outcome of the Six Nations trophy. READ MORE: Rory Darge insists Scotland can handle Six Nations pressureHypothetically, if Scotland can secure a bonus-point win over Ireland, and England hold France to a basic victory, or better, then Townsend's side would be declared champions. Unfortunately, due to France's superior points difference, being level on points would realistically not be enough to secure a tournament win for Scotland - a favour may be required from their nearest neighbours.

A displaced Palestinian child walks down the stairs of a destroyed buildings by Israeli military bombardment of the Gaza Strip on March 10, 2026. The Iran war has put Gaza reconstruction on hold. The Israeli military closed the Gaza crossings at the start of the Iran war, citing security concerns. Meanwhile, Israeli leaders are warning of dire consequences after the war if Hamas does not disarm. Maryam Abu Warda, 46-year-old displaced Palestinian, who lost her right hand and right leg during the conflict in Gaza.

Well-known motor dealership Cavanagh’s, in Fermoy, has been put on the market for €1.5m following a decision to enter voluntary liquidation. The decision to sell the substantial premises on the Cork Road marks the end of an era, as Cavanagh’s has been synonymous with Fermoy for more than a century. The late Tom Cavanagh Jr, whose father, Tom Sr, started the family business in 1919. In 1954, Tom Cavanagh Jr took over from his father, serving as managing director of the Cavanagh motor group, from where he oversaw its diversification. At the turn of the millennium, the company continued to expand operations and relocated to Cork Road.

Boy (3) dies after being hit by car in Co DublinA three-year-old boy has died from his injuries after he was hit by a car in Finglas, Co Dublin. The incident occurred on Wednesday at 8:40 am, when a child was hit by a car in the underground car park of Charlestown Shopping Centre. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to support the family at this time. The scene is preserved, and a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators is being carried out. Anyone with information is asked to contact Finglas Garda Station on 01 666 7500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

A toddler has died after being struck by a car in an underground car park in west Dublin. Emergency services attended the scene, and the three-year-old boy was rushed to Temple Street Children’s Hospital in the city centre. A forensic examination of the underground car park is taking place by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, the Road Safety Authority, and An Garda Síochána made the appeal at the National Safer Roads Road Safety Conference and Exhibition in Killarney, Co Kerry on Wednesday. An Garda Síochána will be carrying out an enforcement campaign across the country across the weekend, from 7am on Thursday to 7am next Wednesday, March 18.

US inflation held steady at 2.4 per cent in February, matching economists’ expectations, although the data was set to be overshadowed by the energy shock unleashed by the war in the Middle East. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty ImagesUS inflation held steady at 2.4 per cent in February, matching economists’ expectations, although the data was set to be overshadowed by the energy shock unleashed by the war in the Middle East. Core inflation, stripping out volatile food and energy prices, was also flat at 2.5 per cent, in line with Wall Street forecasts. Energy inflation was just 0.5 per cent in the 12 months to February, with petrol prices falling 5.6 per cent over the period. Housing-related inflation, which held steady at 3 per cent, was the most significant contributor to the February inflation figure.

The IEA will release as much as 400m barrels of oil into the market amid rising prices. Photograph: Arash Khamooshi/The New York TimesThe International Energy Agency (IEA) will release as many as 400 million barrels of oil from its reserves in an unprecedented move to counteract the Iran war’s impact on global energy prices. “The oil market challenges we are facing are unprecedented in scale, therefore I am very glad that IEA member countries have responded with an emergency collective action of unprecedented size,” IEA executive director Fatih Birol said in a statement. The country plans to make available about 15 days of private sector reserves and a month’s worth of State reserves. This is the sixth time the IEA has tapped its reserves during a crisis.