In an era of drone attacks on data centres, digital resilience is key
Recent attacks on digital infrastructure during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East highlight a reality that governments and businesses can no longer ignore — the systems sustaining modern economies are increasingly digital. In tandem with these physical attacks on digital infrastructure, we are also seeing the velocity of cyber incidents continuing to increase, with some linked to nation-state backed hackers. The shared digital infrastructure model has delivered enormous benefits, allowing organisations to innovate faster, scale services efficiently and deliver better outcomes. In highly digitised societies the resilience of shared infrastructure increasingly determines whether essential services can continue functioning during crisis. For this reason resilience can no longer be treated as something that can simply be delegated to technology providers or suppliers, because in an economy built on shared digital systems resilience must be deliberately engineered.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 20, 2026 13:32 UTC
Inside rugby’s law battles: How politics shapes the game
Photograph: Tim Clayton/Getty ImagesIn 2009, when I was coaching Ulster, World Rugby proposed a few sensible law changes that would allow players to execute quick lineout throws. When it comes to law reform, World Rugby is a geopolitical battlefield where conservatives, reformers and political animals of influence clash. World Rugby and their hard-working staff should be applauded for continuing the long struggle towards law reform with their series of conferences on The Shape of the Game. The goals of these meetings include growing rugby’s audience appeal, law innovation and game presentation, growing participation in the community game and sustainable growth of the women’s game. This type of refereeing error could and should be taken out of every rugby game.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 13:31 UTC
Jessica Reynolds: ‘Being in the Kneecap film opened my eyes to my Irish identity’
Jessica Reynolds currently stars in A Woman of Substance on Channel 4. But also, for me, it really opened my eyes to Irish identity, and my Irish identity. But Kneecap really opened me up to that world, and Irish republicans, and how entrenched in culture those communities are. Jessica Reynolds with Kneecap at the Sundance film festivalCalling myself Irish makes the most sense to me. Jessica Reynolds currently stars in A Woman of Substance on Channel 4, streaming on channel4.com.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 13:31 UTC
WNBA's hottest star Cameron Brink sends fans into meltdown with new bikini shots in Instagram photo dump
WNBA superstar Cameron Brink is back in Los Angeles enjoying her last few weeks of downtime ahead of the 2026 season. The 24-year-old flaunted her incredibly toned physique with a number of sizzling bikini photos, captioning the post: 'I missed LA.' In one video included in the carousel, Brink was captured posing for photos on a beach, sporting an eye-catching orange swimsuit. The 2026 WNBA season tips off on May 8 after the league and its players' union finally agreed to terms on a new collective bargaining agreement. The 24-year-old averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game throughout the 2025 WNBA season.
Source:Daily Mail
March 20, 2026 13:26 UTC
Iranian man arrested after 'trying to get into nuclear submarine base'
Iranian man arrested after 'trying to get into nuclear submarine base'Police said a 34-year-old man and 31-year-old woman were arrested following the incident at HM Naval Base ClydeView Image A photograph shows a general view of HM Naval Base Clyde at Faslane (Image: ANDY BUCHANAN, AFP via Getty Images)An Iranian man has been arrested after trying to enter the naval base in Scotland where Britain's nuclear submarines are based. Police Scotland said that the 34-year-old and a 31-year-old woman were arrested on Thursday following the incident at HM Naval Base Clyde, which is known as Faslane. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inboxA Navy spokesperson said: "Police Scotland have arrested two people who unsuccessfully attempted to enter HM Naval Base Clyde on Thursday 19 March. A Police Scotland spokesman said: "Around 5pm on Thursday, 19 March, 2026, we were made aware of two people attempting to enter HM Naval Base Clyde. Article continues below"A 34-year-old man and 31-year-old woman have been arrested in connection and enquiries are ongoing."
Source:Daily Mirror
March 20, 2026 13:22 UTC
Irish citizens across Middle East made almost 2,500 calls for assistance to Department of Foreign Affairs since Iran war began
The Department of Foreign Affairs has handled almost 2,500 calls to its crisis centre from Irish citizens across the Middle East since the start of the Iran war. A briefing document from the Department of Foreign Affairs showed that more than 2,450 Irish citizens across the Middle East were provided with direct consular assistance. It also said the Department handled 171 inbound calls to its consular crisis centre during the first weekend of the crisis, while the consular duty officer received 48 calls over the same period. Earlier this week, Qatar Airways have announced it will resume its flights between Doha and Dublin from Friday, March 20. It comes as two Government charter flights have operated from the war-torn Middle East to Dublin.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 13:19 UTC
Postcards from the past – messages of love, loss and home from Irish diaspora
Postcards from the past – messages of love, loss and home from Irish diasporaUniversity project showcases online collection of messages sent to and from America in 1900sSome of the cards from the Imirce Collection at the University of Galway Library. Photo: Aengus McMahonKathy Donaghy Yesterday at 06:30If a picture paints a thousand words, the postcards sent by people in Ireland to their loved ones in the US in the 1900s speak volumes: stories of love, longing, loss and home.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 13:14 UTC
Leading UK insurer Insurevo opens Carlow Office as it expands travel insurance business
Photo Credit: Brownes PhotographyLeading UK insurer Insurevo opens Carlow Office as it expands travel insurance businessInsurEvo, a leading UK insurance company has announced Carlow as the destination of its EU hub. The group's expansion into Ireland is designed to establish the country as a central operational hub, supporting both its business activities and European growth through JustCover, InsurEvo's leading travel insurance brand. InsurEvo is recruiting for a range of roles at its European hub in Carlow, spanning operational support, IT, HR, and administration. The ongoing transformation of SETU and the wider South East makes this the right place for long-term growth, innovation and job creation. Their decision to locate here, alongside a commitment to create 22 jobs, is a strong endorsement of the region’s talent base and the calibre of graduates emerging from South East Technological University."
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 13:12 UTC
East Lothian police race to 'antisocial' incident at Pepe's Piri Piri restaurant
East Lothian police race to 'antisocial' incident at Pepe's Piri Piri restaurantPolice respond to incident at local fast food chain. Police respond to group of youths on Musselburgh High StreetOfficers have responded to an alleged antisocial behaviour incident at Pepe's Piri Piri in Musselburgh. The incident is understood to have taken place at around 5pm on Thursday March 19 at 94 High Street in the East Lothian town. In February Edinburgh Live spoke to Sumith, a manager at the local Pepe’s Piri Piri, who also accused the group of racist abuse. But when it is dark they come and target the full High Street creating a massive problem in every shop.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 20, 2026 13:03 UTC
Evan Ferguson will miss out on World Cup if Ireland qualify – Heimir Hallgrimsson
Heimir Hallgrimsson expects to be without Evan Ferguson for the World Cup if Ireland qualify for this summer’s finals. And the Ireland manager – who has signed a new deal that will keep him in charge until Euro 2028 – also anticipates planning without Mikey Johnston if his team can beat Czechia and then Denmark or North Macedonia to set up the trip of a lifetime.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 13:02 UTC
Fathers of teenage boys involved in ‘Epstein Files’ float in St Patrick’s Day parade defend their sons after outrage
Fathers of teenage boys involved in ‘Epstein Files’ float in St Patrick’s Day parade defend their sons after outrageOne man said youths thought it would be a ‘bit of fun’ and they would ‘maybe win a prize’‘Appalling failure of judgment’ – ‘Epstein Files’ float in Ballinrobe St Patrick’s Day parade condemnedEavan Murray Today at 06:30The fathers of two teenagers involved with controversial St Patrick’s Day parade floats that parodied the Jeffrey Epstein scandal have defended them.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 13:01 UTC
Tallaght houses go to market after compulsory acquisition by South Dublin County Council
The derelict houses at St Maelraun’s Park, Tallaght that are to be sold. Photograph: Sarah BurnsTwo neighbouring derelict houses in Tallaght have been put up for sale, with a further two due to come onto the market shortly, after being compulsorily acquired by South Dublin County Council. The council acquired the properties from the bank, and the acquisition has been the subject of ongoing legal action from the businessman. The council said it had carried out minor refurbishment works on the houses to comply with building regulations. The council said eligible purchasers may also be able to apply for the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, subject to criteria.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 13:01 UTC
Turkey sends message to UK tourists ahead of Easter and summer holidays
Turkey sends message to UK tourists ahead of Easter and summer holidaysTurkey's tourism leaders reassure UK holidaymakers that flights, hotels and holidays are operating as normal amid Eastern Mediterranean booking slumpView Image Tourism bosses in Turkey have sent out a clear message to British holidaymakers (Image: Chris Jongkind via Getty Images)Tourism bosses in Turkey have sent out a clear message to British holidaymakers that the country remains fully operational, with flights, hotels and package holidays running normally. The reassurance follows reports from travel companies of a sharp decline in bookings for Eastern Mediterranean destinations including Turkey, Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, amid fears they could be affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Yet Turkish tourism officials have been keen to emphasise that the nation continues to be a safe choice for visitors. Neither airports nor carriers within the nation have faced shutdowns, constraints or diversions owing to "regional events". Turkey is urging travel companies and reservation platforms to "actively sell" getaways for the 2026 summer period.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 20, 2026 12:58 UTC
UCD archaeology lecturer charged with hacking students’ personal data and harassment
Stephen Davis, of Elgin Wood, Killarney Road, Bray, Co Wicklow, leaves Dublin District Court after being charged with hacking and harassment. Photograph: Collins CourtsA university archaeology lecturer has appeared in court on more than 140 charges of hacking students’ personal data and harassment. University College Dublin (UCD) assistant professor Stephen Davis (53) is accused of using “a piece of software to steal students’ passwords and access their accounts”. It is alleged he “did without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, intentionally access an information system by infringing a security measure”. The court heard Davis was cautioned and indicated he understood the caution and the reason for his arrest.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 12:53 UTC