Ireland not involved in Strait of Hormuz security, Taoiseach says
The escalating conflict has impacts on the supply of oil and other key resources through the Strait. Taoiseach Micheal Martin, who is due to meet Mr Trump on Wednesday, said there was a “conversation going on within Nato” about the security of the passage, but added that Ireland was not a member of that alliance. Asked about Mr Trump’s request for countries to assist in securing the strait, Mr Martin told reporters in Washington: “We’re not a military power. The Irish Government has yet to announce what measures it may take, with the Taoiseach stating he could not provide any details on Tuesday but reiterating the approach would be “targeted” at those on low incomes. Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Niall Carson/PA)Asked about the UK intervention, Mr Martin said: “I think you need to assess what the UK Government has actually announced, and you know, we will do that.
Source:The Herald
March 16, 2026 15:39 UTC
Retired couple ordered to remove £4,500 fence built for 'privacy and security'
Retired couple ordered to remove £4,500 fence built for 'privacy and security'David and Denise Hopwood retrospective planning application was refused and appeal dismissed by councilView 2 Images David Hopwood standing by his fenceA retired couple have been instructed to dismantle a £4,500 seven-foot-high fence they erected to prevent neighbours snooping into their garden. David and Denise Hopwood installed the 25-metre-long, grey composite barrier around their property for privacy and ease of upkeep. However, following a complaint from a neighbour about its height, David, 67, and Denise, 66, were compelled to seek retrospective planning permission. We put it up for privacy and security, as well as it is ideal for maintenance purposes. The report said they considered the personal circumstances of the appellant - including privacy and security - but there was little evidence to claim that the 'height and materiality of the fence is necessary to achieve the security and privacy'.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 16, 2026 15:28 UTC
Black NFL prospect sparks race debate by claiming teams want him to stop playing QB because of his color
Former Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green recently made an appearance on the 'Outta Pocket' podcast with former signal-caller Robert Griffin III and his wife, Grete. Green says that he only wishes to play quarterback at the next level, saying that questions about his ability to switch positions may stem from his race. Green continued: 'RG3, I'm pretty sure you've been through that... at this process too. It's not uncommon for athletic quarterbacks to switch positions when they arrive in the NFL. ESPN NFL Draft aficionado Mel Kiper has ranked Green sixth on his 'Big Board' of quarterback prospects and is projected to be a day-three pick.
Source:Daily Mail
March 16, 2026 15:18 UTC
Nashville Elvis Festival to Celebrate 10th Anniversary March 19-22 at The Factory at Franklin
NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, March 16, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Elvis™ fans from around the world are headed to Middle Tennessee this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary Nashville Elvis Festival, taking place March 19-22, 2026 in Liberty Hall at the Factory at Franklin. The 4-day festival will celebrate the music and legacy of the King of Rock & Roll with 30 of the world’s top Elvis tribute artists and special guests. Another highlight of each Nashville Elvis Festival is the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, with the winner moving on to Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinal & Finals in Memphis during Elvis Week each August. Nashville Elvis Festival is hosted by TOM BROWN, who as the former Vice President of Original Production for Turner Classic Movies (TCM), was the executive in charge of production on special Elvis projects featuring Priscilla Presley, Scotty Moore, D.J. Nashville Elvis Festival is produced by Brian Mayes & Tom Brown for Frankland Events LLC.
Source:The Herald
March 16, 2026 15:18 UTC
'Normalisation of war can never be accepted, says Catherine Connolly in St Patrick's Day address
“The normalisation of war can never be accepted,” President Catherine Connolly has said the "normalisation of war can never be accepted", as Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to meet US president Donald Trump. In her first St Patrick's Day address to the nation, President Connolly said that "we must renew our commitment to peace and diplomacy in line with the principles of international law as set out in the United Nations Charter", "now more than ever". While giving her St Patrick's Day speech, President Connolly said Irish people are "uniquely placed to offer a valuable perspective", as her speech focused on the war. In her address, Ms Connolly recalled the "foundational story" on which St Patrick's Day is based. The President emphasised Patrick's story is one of "hospitality and kindness".
Source:Irish Examiner
March 16, 2026 15:17 UTC
Snoop Dogg vows to turn Swansea into Vegas as incredible 10-year plan revealed
Snoop Dogg vows to turn Swansea into Vegas as incredible 10-year plan revealedThe American rapper is now a co-owner of Swansea City and visited the club for the first time last monthView Image Swansea City AFC club co-owner Snoop Dogg (Image: Getty Images)Global rap icon Snoop Dogg says he wants to transform Swansea into the “Vegas of Wales”, complete with world-class hotels, clubs and huge music events. The American superstar, who became a minority co-owner of Swansea City last year, has revealed an ambitious 10-year vision to turn the city into an international entertainment destination. “I got a 10-year plan to make Swansea the Vegas of Wales,” he said. Follow Wales Online’s Swansea City FB page for more news and analysisSnoop, who has long spoken about his love of Vegas, says the American party capital provides the blueprint. “Vegas is my town, I love Vegas, I lost count of how many good nights I have had there,” he explained.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 16, 2026 15:13 UTC
Bayern Munich plunged into Champions League crisis as FOUR goalkeepers injured
Bayern Munich plunged into Champions League crisis as FOUR goalkeepers injuredBayern Munich are set to be without a senior goalkeeper for Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg at home to Atalanta after a fourth shot-stopper went downView 3 Images Vincent Kompany is dealing with a crisis (Image: Oliver Kaelke/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)Vincent Kompany could hand a 16-year-old his professional debut in the Champions League after all FOUR of Bayern Munich's senior goalkeepers picked up injuries. Academy star Leonard Prescott is line to start when Bayern host Atalanta for their round-of-16 second leg on Wednesday. Bayern boss Kompany is dealing with a crisis after veteran goalkeeper Sven Ulreich became their latest absentee. Neuer, meanwhile, has returned to training following a calf strain, but Kompany insists that he won't rush the Bayern legend back. Who'll win the Champions League?
Source:Daily Mirror
March 16, 2026 15:01 UTC
That infuriating fixture of office life: the protected species who gets away with murder
As Disney president, Michael Ovitz developed the gesture of whispering into chairman Michael Eisner’s ear, a habit that irritated colleagues. If they were, it would be something to see what would happen to one of the most enduring and infuriating features of corporate life: the protected species. I speak here of the office colleague who, year in, year out, gets away with behaviour that would spell dire trouble for anyone else. Feathers were much ruffled in the upper ranks of the Walt Disney Company in 1995 when then chairman Michael Eisner decided to make Hollywood superagent Michael Ovitz Disney’s president. All this is a reminder that trying to build one’s protected status by invoking proximity to power can be risky.
Source:The Irish Times
March 16, 2026 15:01 UTC
Micheál Martin praises ‘enduring bond’ between Ireland and US at Washington reception
Micheál Martin has described being back in Washington, DC for St Patrick’s Day as an honour in advance of a number of high-profile engagements with the US administration. On Sunday evening, Geraldine Byrne Nason, the Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, formally introduced the Taoiseach to a packed residence, with hundreds of guests including Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. Byrne Nason hailed the last two days in Philadelphia with Martin, seeing “more of that green thread woven through the great tapestry of the great United States from the very, very beginning”, and the “forever romance between Ireland and the United States”. “It covers our politics, our culture, our history, our business and, most importantly, our peoples, that relationship between the United States and Ireland is enduring,” she said. Martin said celebrating St Patrick’s Day across the Atlantic carries particular resonance as the US marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Source:The Irish Times
March 16, 2026 15:00 UTC
GAA moves to defuse alarm by clarifying rules around streaming club fixtures
The GAA have clarified they will not be enforcing a national streaming black-out while games are being televised. The addendum will ease concerns for counties and streaming companies who had reacted with consternation to the original wording of the policy. What will be just as comforting to counties is clarification on the requirement that streaming requests have to be made six weeks in advance of games. The Irish Examiner also understands several counties have recently been contacted by Croke Park about their streaming contracts. But it's just we want to make sure that our counties are getting best value for money.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 16, 2026 14:59 UTC
Ireland’s ancient pilgrim paths: 14 trails to walk across the country
Pilgrim paths are having a moment. Conspicuous consumption may occupy the very core of modern life, but multitudes now reclaiming the age-old tradition of a pilgrim walk are proof of a continuing desire for higher meaning that materialism leaves unsatisfied. And each year, Pilgrim Paths Week (PPW) offers a perfect opportunity to explore the Irish paths in the company of like-minded people. Advance booking essential via Eventbrite at: St Kevin’s Way; email stkevinsway@gmail.com. Book at brigidsway.ie or email info@brigidsway.ieSt Declan’s Way, Tipperary/Waterford(April/May)St Declan's WayIf you can’t make it into the Irish countryside for Pilgrim Paths Week, fear not.
Source:The Irish Times
March 16, 2026 14:57 UTC
Why Bruno Fernandes does NOT deserve Footballer of the Year despite stellar season
It is some turnaround, another stellar season and, as a colleague wrote after the Villa game, where would United be without him? Surely an Arsenal player has to win if they win the title. It has to be about a player making an impact to help his team win a trophy. Over the course of the season, Guehi looks a great choice. Great player, has set a great example and has taken his performances to a new level.
Source:Daily Mirror
March 16, 2026 14:49 UTC
Oscars 2026: The full list of winners
A night of big wins and historic moments was celebrated at the 98th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Kerry’s Jessie Buckley picked up the Academy Award for best actress for her heart-rending performance in Hamnet. Animator Richard Baneham from Dublin was also among the winners on the night as Avatar: Fire and Ash took home the award for Best Visual Effects, marking a third Oscar for Baneham. Daniel Barrett, Eric Saindon, Richard Baneham, and Joe Letteri, winners of the Best Visual Effects award for Avatar: Fire and Ash pose with Sigourney Weaver in the press room during the 98th Oscars. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for Sinners and Amy Madigan took Best Supporting Actress for Weapons.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 16, 2026 14:47 UTC
Ireland can learn from China for MetroLink and Cork Light Rail, says Jerry Buttimer
Photograph: Liu Song/VCG via Getty ImagesIreland can learn from China’s rural transport strategy when it comes to expediting delivery of projects such as MetroLink and Cork Light Rail, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer has said. He said Ireland had been behind the curve in developing infrastructure but that China excelled at rolling out big projects. “They’ve developed a rural transport strategy. They’ve developed a light rail and a rail system that is carbon friendly, that is meeting their climate change commitments,” he told The Irish Times. “We’re now looking at our biggest transport project, the MetroLink, at €8 billion and looking at Cork Light Rail.
Source:The Irish Times
March 16, 2026 14:46 UTC
Cork in control with promotion on the line in Tyrone
There was a first-half Kildare point attempt that he confidently came off his line to catch overhead. In the half-back line, Brian O’Driscoll returned after three games absent — Cork’s running game is stronger for his involvement. The other had arrived a few minutes earlier when it was announced over the tannoy that Louth had downed Derry and Cork were back in control of their promotion push. Scorers for Cork: C Óg Jones (1-9, 2tp); S Sherlock (0-10, 2tp, tp free, 0-1 ‘45); M Cronin (0-4, tp); L Fahy (tp), D Sheedy (tp, 0-3 each); T Walsh, P Walsh (0-1 each). CORK: P Doyle; M Shanley, D O’Mahony, S Brady; B O’Driscoll, T Walsh, L Fahy; C O’Callaghan, I Maguire; P Walsh, D Sheedy, S McDonnell; M Cronin, C Óg Jones, S Sherlock.
Source:Irish Examiner
March 16, 2026 14:45 UTC