THE Cheltenham Festival, which this year takes place March 11 to March 14, 2025, features 28 races, including 12 Grade 1 events, with the prestigious Cheltenham Gold Cup as its climax this year on Friday March 14. Notably, Irish trainers, jockeys, and horses have historically made a significant impact at the festival, a trend that looks like continuing robustly into … [Read more...] about And they’re off! A guide to the Cheltenham Festival 2025
Ancient law banning Irish language in NI courts finally repealed
In a historic victory for Irish language campaigners in Northern Ireland, the UK Government today repealed an almost 300 year-old statute prohibiting the use of non-English languages in the jurisdiction’s courts. The Administration of Justice Act 1737 makes specific reference to banning “any other tongue or language whatsoever” and has long been seen as a major barrier to … [Read more...] about Ancient law banning Irish language in NI courts finally repealed
Ireland’s EU presidency will offer ‘significant opportunity’ to lead European agenda
IRELAND’S upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union offers the nation a “significant opportunity” to lead the European agenda, the Tánaiste said today. Ireland will hold the presidency from July to December 2026, during which time Irish Ministers will chair meetings of the Council and steer the EU’s legislative and policy agenda. Speaking as the government … [Read more...] about Ireland’s EU presidency will offer ‘significant opportunity’ to lead European agenda
Update issued following ‘disturbing’ attempted murder in Belfast
POLICE have issued a public update following a shooting in west Belfast over the weekend. An investigation is underway after two masked gunmen shot a man in broad daylight on Sunday morning, February 23. The 49-year-old was targeted as he sat in a stationary taxi on in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry. The gunmen fired shots at him through the window of the car before … [Read more...] about Update issued following ‘disturbing’ attempted murder in Belfast
Anti-Traveller racism ‘permeates all aspects of life in Ireland’ claims Council of Europe report
A NEW report into the experience of Traveller and Roma communities in Ireland has found that they experience racism in ‘all aspects’ of life. Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty has today released three memoranda examining the human rights situation of both communities in Finland, Ireland and Slovakia. Each report features country-specific … [Read more...] about Anti-Traveller racism ‘permeates all aspects of life in Ireland’ claims Council of Europe report