Key talking points ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finals
Key talking points ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup quarter-finalsBy PA Sport StaffThe FA Cup returns this weekend as the remaining sides look to seal a semi-final trip to Wembley. The Sky Blues are dreaming of a first FA Cup semi-final since they went on to win it 1987, while Wolves are determined to reach the last four for the first time since 2019. The FA Cup holders are favourites to progress at the Etihad Stadium, but they will have to do without star playmaker Kevin De Bruyne through injury. The 2021 FA Cup winners travel to a Chelsea side looking to put a poor Premier League campaign behind them and continue towards another final. Jurgen Klopp leads Liverpool to Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United on Sunday (David Davies/PA) Photo by David DaviesThe quarter-final weekend ends with the most mouth-watering fixture as bitter rivals Manchester United and Liverpool go toe-to-toe.
Source:Irish Independent
March 16, 2024 13:26 UTC
‘You’re our new couple friends’, Kamala Harris tells Leo Varadkar and partner
Cillian Sherlock, PA in Washington DCUS vice president Kamala Harris has told Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that she and her husband consider him and his partner their new “couple friends”. Ms Harris praised Mr Varadkar as a “global” leader, who has been an “extraordinary role model”, during a St Patrick’s Day event in Washington DC. US vice president Kamala Harris had high praise for Leo Varadkar during their breakfast meeting (Niall Carson/PA)Mr Varadkar’s partner Matt Barrett and Ms Harris’ husband Doug Emhoff were also in attendance. She told Mr Varadkar: “Doug and I decided last year that you’re our new couple friends.”Ms Harris praised the Taoiseach for “leading by example” and housing a Ukrainian refugee from Kyiv in his home. In response, Mr Varadkar said he understands the difficulties of being deputy leader of a country, and added he finds being the leader “a little bit easier”.
Source:The Herald
March 16, 2024 09:37 UTC
Shelbourne hold off St Pat’s fightback to move five points clear at the top
St Patrick’s Athletic 1 Shelbourne 2At the full time whistle, Damien Duff turned around from his station in the Shels dugout to let out a roar that informed the St Patrick’s Athletic fans behind him that he had really enjoyed this outcome.
Source:Irish Independent
March 16, 2024 08:31 UTC
What is St. Patrick's Day? Why do we celebrate it? The Irish holiday explained
Here is what to know about St. Patrick's Day:2024 calendar dates:Easter, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and other key holiday dates to rememberWhat is the meaning behind St. Patrick's Day? St. Patrick's Day 2024:Luck of Irish not needed to save some green on St. Patrick's Day food and drink dealsWhy is St. Patrick's Day celebrated on March 17? March 17 is the day St. Patrick is believed to have died. Is St. Patrick's Day a federal holiday? St. Patrick's Day is not a federal holiday in the United States.
Source:The Herald
March 16, 2024 07:03 UTC
Erin Go Braugh at Rangos Giant Cinema
PITTSBURGH — Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, the black and gold city will transform into green, white and orange as the lights dim for “Ireland,” a visually-appealing and insightful movie currently showing in The Rangos Giant Cinema at Carnegie Science Center. Thursdays through Sundays through March 31, viewers can paint the Steel City green as they embark on a giant screen adventure through Ireland, narrated by internationally-acclaimed actor Liam Neeson. Fans of the Emerald Isle will soar over Ireland’s stunning, natural landmarks such as the giant Cliffs of Moher, the volcanic wonder of Giant’s Causeway and the rugged Skellig Islands. Irish eyes will smile seeing the world’s most-famous illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells, in Trinity College Library, and get close enough to practically kiss the Blarney Stone. “Ireland” is a MacGillivray Freeman film presented by Tourism Ireland.
Source:The Herald
March 16, 2024 04:39 UTC
From 4-leaf clovers to some unexpected history, all you need to know about St. Patrick’s Day
National From 4-leaf clovers to some unexpected history, all you need to know about St. Patrick’s DayIf it's March, and it's green, it must be St. Patrick's Day. In fact, it was among Irish American communities that the day became the celebration it is, from its roots as a more solemn day with a religious observance in Ireland. St. Patrick's Day observances date back to before the founding of the U.S., in places like Boston and New York City. Oh, and by the way, for those who like to shorten names: Use St. Paddy's Day, not St. Patty's Day. A popular sight around the holiday is the shamrock, or three-leaf clover, linked to Ireland and St. Patrick.
Source:The Herald
March 16, 2024 04:38 UTC
Marist sink Sligo to claim Junior Cup crown
Marist College players Andrew Cotton, Oisin O’Donoghue and Reuben Colleran celebrate with the Connacht Junior 'A' Schools Cup after their victory over Sligo Grammar School. Marist sink Sligo to claim Junior Cup crownMarist College 22 Sligo Grammar School 14The Marist College junior rugby team fulfilled the promise they had previously shown by claiming the Connacht Schools Junior Cup with victory over Sligo Grammar School in Wednesday afternoon's final at the Dexcom Stadium. But Carnegie finished off a bout of strong Sligo pressure with his second try (43rd minute), Mullan's successful conversion levelling matters at 14 apiece. A couple of minutes later, Marist forced a penalty a little bit outside the Sligo 22 and Cotton understandably opted for the posts. Some turnovers of possession in the face of strong Marist workrate and tackling proved costly for Sligo.
Source:Irish Independent
March 16, 2024 04:15 UTC
'He died with his boots on': Warm tributes paid to Seán Quilty
The late Seán Quilty of Retreat Park, Athlone. Large crowds turned out to pay tribute to him at his removal last Wednesday evening and his funeral Mass, in the Franciscan Friary, on Thursday. "There are people in their 20s who aren't doing a quarter of what Seán Quilty was doing in his 70s and 80s." "Dad's loyalty to Limerick hurling, Munster rugby and Irish rugby eventually paid dividends in recent years," he said. "The current Irish rugby team and current Limerick hurling team have certainly sent him out on a high."
Source:Irish Independent
March 16, 2024 02:10 UTC
Long serving councillor stepping down from politics with “a heavy heart”
Long serving Sinn Féin councillor Michael Mulligan has announced that he is retiring from public life with “a heavy heart” due to health issues. Speaking to the Roscommon Herald, Councillor Mulligan said: "It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce my intention not to run in the local elections. "We will have a Sinn Féin candidate running in the election whom I will be putting my full support behind in the coming days. Speaking alongside Michael, local TD Claire Kerrane said:"Today is a sad day. Michael has been the greatest influence on me in politics, he is the reason I joined Sinn Féin in my teens.
Source:The Herald
March 16, 2024 00:52 UTC
Ireland’s boating season officially reopens on waterways
Ireland’s boating season officially reopens on waterwaysIreland’s boating season officially reopens from March 17, in line with other European countries, with all services and facilities once again accessible at the extensive range of moorings and harbours across Ireland. Over 15,000 registered boats avail of Ireland’s navigations for recreational use, with Waterways Ireland looking forward to welcoming their return to the water throughout the spring and summer seasons. Waterways Ireland provides a range of services and facilities at over 250 amenity sites across the 1,100km of navigable waterways. Since 2002, Waterways Ireland has invested over €100m along the Shannon Navigation and Shannon-Erne Waterway alone with significant investments across other navigations. Commenting on the season reopening, Inspector of Navigation, Paddy Harkin said: “As the boating season reopens, we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors back to enjoy everything the waterways have to offer.
Source:Irish Independent
March 15, 2024 23:00 UTC
Ireland Under-20s beat Scotland but wait for result of France vs England
Ireland Under-20s beat Scotland but wait for result of France vs EnglandKenneth FoxIreland face an anxious wait to see if they have secured a third consecutive Under-20 Six Nations title. Danny Sheahan scored two second half tries as Ireland secured a potentially crucial bonus point, beating Scotland by 36-points to 0 in Cork. They are just into the second half in Pau, where it’s France 31 England 31. They are hoping for a French win to help clinch the title. As things stand, Ireland will be champions.
Source:Irish Independent
March 15, 2024 22:43 UTC
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Cost of cooking a full family fry-up rises to €38, says CSO
The cost of cooking an Irish fry-up might be hard to swallow this bank holiday weekend, with new data showing the breakfast staple has increased by more than 3 per cent over the past year. On Friday, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) published statistics on the cost of a family-sized fry-up using the prices of some of the items it collects as part of the Consumer Price Index basket, which measures inflation in Ireland. Its sample breakfast, which is based on items it does collect prices for, includes rashers, sausages, a half-dozen of large eggs, mushrooms, and tomatoes. However, no traditional family fry-up would be complete without bread and butter, all washed down with a cup of tea or glass of milk. According to the CSO’s data, the only items to fall in price over the 12 months to January 2024 were bread, butter, and milk.
Source:The Irish Times
March 15, 2024 22:28 UTC
Rare eagle shot found shot dead in South Roscommon
Photo: NPWSRare eagle shot found shot dead in South RoscommonThe National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has launched an investigation following the recent discovery of a dead white-tailed eagle near Cranberry Lough in South Roscommon and is appealing to the public for information. The two-year old female eagle was part of the NPWS White-tailed Eagle Reintroduction Programme and was released in 2022 on the shores of Lough Derg. Investigating officers have established that the bird was shot, and are awaiting further results of forensic analysis that may provide additional information. The NPWS said it deplores the deliberate killing of rare and endangered species. It has appealed for any information the public may have in relation to the incident.
Source:Irish Independent
March 15, 2024 21:34 UTC
Let us all march forward together, Biden urges Friends of Ireland gathering
It comes following the resurrection of powersharing government in Northern Ireland in January. During the annual Friends of Ireland Luncheon hosted by Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, Mr Biden invited Michelle O’Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly to stand up for applause throughout the room. “Today let us resolve to march forward with each other and all those who seek a better future. The guests included Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, MPs, TDs from the Irish Parliament and both Democrat and Republican members of the US Congress. “The United States has been a critical partner for peace in Ireland,” she said.
Source:The Herald
March 15, 2024 20:23 UTC
Shankill personal trainer finds love with Vietnamese badminton player on First Dates Ireland
“I’m tired of the singles game,” said Long, that being Cupid’s game and not badminton, as he insists he wants “more than friends with benefits”. The dating culture is somewhat more conservative in Vietnam than in Ireland, Long explains, as he outlines the three magic laws of attraction, the first being, well, attraction. He holds up his phone and there, right next to his navel, are two badminton rackets and a shuttle cock. It puts his badminton racket tattoo (with the shuttle cock) to shame, even with the near-death story. Well, is badminton played with a shuttle cock?
Source:Irish Independent
March 15, 2024 19:27 UTC