Hallgrímsson: 'Séamus Coleman proved me wrong over international career revival'
Heimir Hallgrímsson admits he was “proven wrong” by Séamus Coleman’s international revival which fuelled Ireland snaring next week’s World Cup playoff berth. Coleman’s inactivity at Everton convinced the Ireland manager to drop his captain for the start of the campaign but the 37-year-old started all four qualifiers upon his recall, culminating in November’s late victory over Hungary. “Let’s just make this easy - Séamus proved me wrong,” said Hallgrímsson when asked yesterday by the Irish Examiner why his selection criteria has altered. “I said I wanted to sign even after the (World Cup) tournament but there was big pressure from the association for me to sign before these playoff matches,” he explained. The striker’s ankle problem required surgery last week, the extent of which means unfortunately, like Josh Cullen, the World Cup will come too soon if Ireland progress.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 20, 2026 10:30 UTC
Fuel costs may be reduced next week with hauliers set for talks on finer details
Fuel costs may be reduced next week after indications from hauliers that excise cuts will be included in a suite of measures to be announced by the Government. However, government sources insisted on Thursday night that nothing had been decided and all options were still on the table. Asked after the meeting if ordinary motorists would benefit, Mr O’Brien said he could not go into specific details. "If the government were to increase the diesel rebate, they would only be supporting one sector and short-changing the general public. “Any measures that the Government takes next week need to fulfil two primary objectives,” Mr Harris told Mr Doherty in the Dáil.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 20, 2026 10:30 UTC
Unions ‘deeply concerned’ over Aer Lingus disciplinary procedures
Unions have clashed with Aer Lingus over disciplinary investigation procedures at the airline that they say disadvantage workers and are legally flawed. Aer Lingus, in some circumstances, removes names and other details from documents used in disciplinary proceedings, investigations and meetings with witnesses. Fórsa is demanding a meeting with airline management with an “absolute expectation” that this will put a stop to such practices, says Connell. Fórsa included a copy of Connell’s letter to Aer Lingus management in the newsletter, setting out the union’s concerns at the disciplinary practices. It also advises anyone attending witness meetings to clearly state that they “do not consent” to their statements being used for any other purpose than that of a witness meeting.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 10:30 UTC
England squad announcement: Thomas Tuchel leaves Man United star OUT as he names 35 players in 'competition for plane tickets' in last chance fight for World Cup places
Arne Slot tweaked his system against Galatasaray - and Mo Salah had his best game this season. This is why Egyptian's new role gets the best out of him, masks his flaws... and could even prolong his Liverpool career, writes LEWIS STEELE
Source:Daily Mail
March 20, 2026 10:26 UTC
Northern Lights possible to see in UK over next few nights
They are most visible in Scotland, northern England, North Wales, and Northern Ireland, but during intense solar storms, the lights can be seen much further south. However, over the next few nights, the Met Office has said that sightings of the Northern Lights are “most likely” across Scotland but also “perhaps” into northern England too. Timelapse of the Northern LightsIn a post on X, the forecaster shared on Thursday evening (March 19): “Keep an eye out as there is a chance of seeing the northern lights over the next couple of nights. Is 2026 a good year for the Northern Lights in the UK? “Oxygen produces green and, at higher altitudes, rare red auroras, while nitrogen creates blue and purple hues.”Have you ever seen the Northern Lights in the UK?
Source:The Herald
March 20, 2026 10:24 UTC
Kate's secret message to Camilla, Charles' kind gesture and 'diplomatic' jokes about jollof rice: All the moments you missed from the first Nigerian state visit in 37 years
And one lip-reader has claimed that the pair exchanged some sweet words, with Kate complimenting Camilla's appearance. Speaking to the Daily Express, Nicola Hickling said she believes Kate opened the conversation with: 'Good morning, how are you? Camilla as sophisticated in a pink wool crepe dress by Fiona Clare and a pink beret shaped hat by Philip Treacy. JOKES ABOUT JOLLOFIn moment of levity during his speech, the King also spoke about one of Nigeria's most beloved exports - jollof rice. The King and Queen then arrived at the Royal Dais in central Windsor, near the castle.
Source:Daily Mail
March 20, 2026 10:22 UTC
Conor Murray: Pay-off for Ireland’s risky Six Nations move will be seen in World Cup 2027
Ireland's Tommy O'Brien celebrates a try with Jack Crowley during the Six Nations win over Scotland. The state of Irish rugby – and the sport itself – is on an upward curve after an enormously entertaining Six Nations. It was a risky move, to use so many untested players, but the pay-off could be seen Down Under in 2027. Arguably Ireland’s strongest area, what with Tadhg Beirne, Joe McCarthy and James Ryan impressing on last summer’s Lions tour of Australia. Darragh Murray makes his mark for Ireland by scoring a try against Scotland in the Six Nations.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 10:17 UTC
John Scally: Dolores Keane was the original Galway girl and a true giant of Irish music
John Scally: Dolores Keane was the original Galway girl and a true giant of Irish musicFolk singer, who died this week at the age of 72, had magical voice and a brilliant careerDolores Keane performing on stage. Photo: Mick Hutson/RedfernsJohn Scally Yesterday at 06:30I thought of Jeremy Irons on Monday. When the Oscar-winning actor and Irish resident was a guest on the BBC’s Desert Island Discs, he spoke about how one of the joys of coming to live in Ireland was getting to discover Irish music.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 10:03 UTC
1930s home gets an Italian job in Stoneybatter
“I was offered a job in tech here and we were trying to find somewhere to live before we moved. It was a long journey.”The front door of 2 Temple Villas, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7The couple settled here in 2018 and later bought No2 Temple Villas, a 1,270 sq ft three-bedroom semi-detached home in Dublin’s Stoneybatter, which was built in 1934. “We worked with an Italian architect to make it as light-filled as possible.”The kitchen and island unit at 2 Temple Villas, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7When designing the interior, they attempted to marry Italian and Irish culture. The modern bathroom at 2 Temple Villas, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7Fabrizio likes to garden and has planted numerous flowers in pots and shrubs. One of the bedrooms at 2 Temple Villas, Arbour Hill, Stoneybatter, Dublin 7But with two young children and a dog, they now need more space.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 10:03 UTC
Arsenal and Man City fans given urgent warning over £1k Carabao Cup final fines
Arsenal and Man City fans given urgent warning over £1k Carabao Cup final finesA new law comes into force ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final at WembleyView 3 Images Arsenal and Manchester City fans would face heavy penalties if they breach the new law (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Supporters of Arsenal and Manchester City have been warned they face hefty fines and banning orders if they try to enter Wembley Stadium without a ticket. The Premier League's top two meet in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Offenders will be arrested and face a Football Banning Order of up to five years and a fine of up to £1,000. Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook pageCrime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said: "Football fans should be able to enjoy the game without feeling unsafe or threatened. In response to the shame scenes at the Euro 2020 final, the Football Association commissioned Baroness Louise Casey to undertake an independent review into the carnage.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 20, 2026 10:02 UTC
An Irish Goodbye… from Bologna: ‘Finding somewhere to live can still be competitive but compared to Ireland, the process felt more attainable financially’
An Irish Goodbye… from Bologna: ‘Finding somewhere to live can still be competitive but compared to Ireland, the process felt more attainable financially’Ciara Walsh moved from Galway to Italy in 2019. She lives in a one-bed apartment with her Italian partner and their sonCiara Walsh in BolognaNicola Brady Today at 06:30“I moved to Bologna for the first time on an Erasmus in 2015, followed by a year in Catania, Sicily. I was back living in Ireland when I met my Italian partner in 2019 – he was travelling in Ireland for a month. So I decided to pack up and move back to Bologna, a city that had once been a home for me too.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 10:02 UTC
Energy bills could rise by hundreds of euro as Government scrambles for solutions – but no return of energy credits
Energy bills could rise by hundreds of euro as Government scrambles for solutions – but no return of energy creditsAlready squeezed households facing huge cost increase that will only ramp up the longer that Iran war goes onElectricity bills could rise by €800 in fall-out from Middle East gas plants attacksCharlie Weston and Senan Molony Today at 06:30A spike in the cost of domestic electricity and gas is now on the cards after huge damage was done to key energy infrastructure across the Middle East in the past two days.
Source:Irish Independent
March 20, 2026 10:01 UTC
Everybody needs good neighbours. Like Ireland and Britain right now – The Irish Times
For now, at least the two countries are behaving like good neighbours. The principal reason for this is not simply Starmer’s obvious affection for this country, but his determination to act on it. At one level, the annual summits are designed to compensate for the fact that since Brexit, Irish and British political leaders and their top officials no longer meet regularly at EU events. A related issue was the commitment to closer defence co-operation to deter threats in the Irish Sea and the North Atlantic. But for now, at least the two countries are behaving like good neighbours.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 09:54 UTC
Judge blasts footballers for 'disgusting way' they talked about sexually assaulting 14-year-old girl as pair learn their fate
A judge has slammed the 'abhorrent male bravado' of two footballers as he jailed them for sex crimes against a 14-year-old girl. Judge Gerard Mullaly labelled their offending as 'disgusting' and 'degrading', as the men were much older and knew their victim was only 14. Later that evening, Fidge, then aged 22, lured the girl away from the party to the backyard and began kissing her. The two men jointly penetrated the girl, who could not speak or ask for help, before returning to the party. After being presented with 'overwhelming' DNA evidence, Fidge and Smith admitted their crimes, the judge said.
Source:Daily Mail
March 20, 2026 09:53 UTC
Trump considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island
Trump reportedly considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg IslandAccording to a report in Axios, the Trump administration is considering occupying or blockading Iran’s Kharg Island to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The island had been largely left untouched by the US-Israeli attacks during the first two weeks of the war. Gen Ali Mohammad Naini made the comments in a report quoted by Iran’s state-run IRAN newspaper. He also confirmed that Trump had asked Israel to hold off on such attacks. “Does anyone really think that someone can tell president Trump what to do?” Netanyahu told reporters, at a press conference.
Source:The Irish Times
March 20, 2026 09:50 UTC