Sir, – Anthony Leddin correctly highlights the risks of extracting water from the Shannon during drier summer spells (“Shannon water abstraction raises summer flow concerns,“ Letters, March 16th). But far from being grounds to cancel the scheme, it provides an excellent opportunity to expand it. What the proposed scheme really lacks is a big reservoir constructed in a flooded valley at the top of the Slieve Bloom mountains. Similar processes already take place at the Turlough Hill facility in Co Wicklow. As we are going to endure local opposition anyway, then let it be for far more imaginative projects like those we once embarked upon in Ardnacrusha and Turlough Hill.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 18:04 UTC
I am a parent of three primary school children – two boys and a girl. One attends our local mainstream boys’ school, another travels by bus to a special school and my daughter will soon attend a separate local girls’ school. Yet our family lives with a quiet reality: children who grow up side by side are educated apart. They do not share the same school community, friendships or daily experiences. It should mean creating schools where children of differing needs and abilities can learn together, with appropriate resources in place.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 18:02 UTC
In the immediate shocking aftermath of the Armenia defeat, he was probably the calmest person in the stadium. Hallgrimsson said the players were suffering and suggested it would be a good idea not to kick them too much while they were down. He talked about the Czechs’ record of 15 wins and only one defeat in the last 18 matches at home. Hallgrímsson sees his task not so much as to motivate or hype them up as to help them relax, clear their minds and focus. Now they have this experience to be ready for a game like this.”Séamus Coleman after Ireland's win in Hungary.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 18:01 UTC
As the site of Ireland’s first Turkish baths, frequented by the wealthy, it carries a nice cachet, albeit all that’s left of the 19th century Hydro is a couple of ruins. Having bought 30 acres from landowner Michael O’Regan a few years back, OMD hope to deliver many more homes on the Hydro lands, subject to planning. For now, the first five come to market with Suzanne Tyrrell of Cohalan Downing, who is quoting prices from €860,000 for a 170sq m (1,850sq ft) four-bed detached (there’s a larger 208sq m detached four-bed too), with expectations that the five-bed detached (254sq m) will sell for more than €1m. Fitted kitchen at one of the new homes in Hydro Manor, Tower. Purchasers of the remaining four can choose their own fit outVERDICT: Set in rolling countryside, yet just a 15-minute drive to Cork city, Hydro Manor, like its distinguished predecessor, is set to become a fashionabledestination too.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 20, 2026 17:42 UTC
15 food lovers to follow on Instagram for cheap eats, budget recipes and supermarket stealsIf pay day still feels far away, these content creators can help you eat well for lessThese bloggers will help you find delicious and nutritious food on a budget. Photo: GettySaoirse Hanley Today at 06:30They say “a girl’s gotta eat” but in a cost-of-living crisis, it’s increasingly important that she does so without incurring huge costs. Whether you’re looking for cheap recipes or delicious dinners on a budget, there are countless people on social media who are well-placed to help you fill your stomach without emptying your pocket.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 17:33 UTC
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Source:The Herald
March 20, 2026 17:32 UTC
Hugo Keenan will make his first appearance of the season for Leinster's trip to play URC leaders Glasgow on Saturday. Nevertheless, this clash between the champions of the last two seasons could well have significant repercussions in the knock-out stages. What we learned from their Six Nations campaign Listen | 41:37Glasgow remain leaders but that defeat has had a concertina effect on the top of the table, with Leinster down to fourth but just four points behind the Warriors. former Scotland Under-20s captain Johnny Ventisei will make his Glasgow debut at outside centre. GLASGOW: Josh McKay; Kyle Rowe, Johnny Ventisei, Stafford McDowall, Ollie Smith; Dan Lancaster, George Horne; Patrick Schickerling, Gregor Hiddleston, Fin Richardson; Alex Craig, Alex Samuel; Euan Ferrie, Sione Vailanu, Macenzie Duncan.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 17:26 UTC
BTS will kick off the tour with a concert on April 9th in the South Korean city of Goyang . More than three years later, they are reuniting to embark on a world tour to showcase their new album Arirang. BTS will kick off their 82-date world tour in April, beginning in Goyang, which will be shown in cinemas across the world, beforing taking to stages across Asia, North and South America, Europe, and Australia. They’re in this for the long run, he said, and the Gwanghwamun Square concert is only the beginning of a brand new BTS era. The Gwanghwamun Square concert will be live-streamed on Netflix on March 21st at 11am Irish time, with a new Netflix documentary titled BTS: The Return, releasing on Friday, March 27th.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 17:25 UTC
Margo McNultyEsker Arts residency artist to discuss her workRoscommon artist Margo McNulty, who is currently exhibiting at Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore, will discuss her work with curator Catherine Marshall on Saturday, March 21. The event, 'In Conversation: Margo McNulty and Catherine Marshall', will cover the current 'From the Earth' exhibition, Margo’s wider practice and the experience of her Studio Residency at Esker Arts. Originally from Achill Island, Margo McNulty studied Fine Art in Galway and completed her Masters in NCAD, Dublin. Earlier this year, she was awarded the Esker Arts Studio Residency, and this exhibition marks the culmination of that residency. Admission to the in conversation event, at 2pm, on Saturday, March 21, is free but booking online at eskerarts.ie is advised.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 17:20 UTC
American actor and martial artist Chuck Norris has died aged 86, his family has confirmed. In a post on Norris’s Instagram account, his family said: “It is with heavy hearts that our family shares the sudden passing of our beloved Chuck Norris yesterday morning. While we would like to keep the circumstances private, please know that he was surrounded by his family and was at peace. “To the world, he was a martial artist, actor, and a symbol of strength. Norris also had a daughter called Dina from an extramarital relationship during his time in the US Air Force.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 20, 2026 17:15 UTC
Video: Ronnie O'Sullivan makes HISTORY with snooker's highest ever break - before celebrating with a hilariously laid-back video messageRonnie O'Sullivan reacts to his record-breaking 153 break
Source:Daily Mail
March 20, 2026 17:02 UTC
FAMILY members at the funeral of the much-loved singer Dolores Keane. Photo: Ray Ryan‘Proud and privileged to call her one of our own’Huge crowds attend celebration of life of Dolores Keane“WE were proud and privileged to call her one of our own” were the words of Parish Priest Fr Dixy Faber at the funeral Mass of the late folk singer Dolores Keane in the small church in Kilcoona this afternoon. President Catherine Connolly arrives for the funeral of singer Dolores Keane at Kilcoona Church. “The heavenly choir has only got better,” quipped Fr Peter Gannon, a long-time friend of the Keane family. In an emotional address to those gathered, Matt Keane said Dolores’ story will be told hundreds of times and they are grateful that she will be remembered.
Source:The Herald
March 20, 2026 16:51 UTC
Pep Guardiola confirms Carabao Cup final selection decision two days before gameManchester City take on Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday and boss Pep Guardiola has already confirmed who will play in goal against the GunnersView 2 Images Pep Guardiola has spoken ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final vs Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)Pep Guardiola has confirmed that James Trafford will play in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. Trafford, 23, has played a supporting role for City this season following his return to the club from Burnley in the summer. He has made just 12 appearances in all competitions so far, with Gianluigi Donnarumma being preferred but Guardiola has confirmed that the England man will play this weekend. Trafford has played every minute of City’s Carabao Cup campaign so far this season, a run that is set to extend at Wembley. Being there [Wembley] is a big opportunity because you don't know when it's going to happen again.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 20, 2026 16:47 UTC
That has formed the basis for a lot of the questions you have sent in for this week’s Newcastle Confidential. (Bronto1) and..What’s the word around selling Nick Woltemade and/or Wissa this summer? I don’t think there would be any market for Wissa this summer, especially not given the £55million Newcastle paid for him. Still, Newcastle need cover and depth in the position. But dealing with more realistic swing factors, Newcastle need to make off-field progress and improve the optics around the direction of the club under PIF.
Source:Daily Mail
March 20, 2026 16:44 UTC
Information event on free, fast surgery in Northern IrelandKingsbridge Private Hospital is hosting a free information event on Saturday, March 21, in the DBC Athlone: Chartered Physiotherapy & Sports Medicine Clinic. The event, which takes place from 10am to 4pm, will allow locals learn how to access world-class medical treatment in Northern Ireland - fully reimbursed by the HSE. Through the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS), patients living in the Republic of Ireland can receive medical treatment in Northern Ireland and claim 100% reimbursement from the HSE for approved surgeries such as hip and knee replacements, ACL repairs, gallbladder removals, hysterectomies, and more. “This data shows a major gap in awareness around cross-border healthcare,” said Mark Regan, CEO of Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. It’s life-changing for so many families.”Kingsbridge Healthcare Group is the largest private healthcare provider in Northern Ireland with over 600 consultants, four hospitals, 17 theatres and 70 inpatient beds across more than 70,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 16:35 UTC