A 64-year-old Irish man from the Midlands has died in an Ecuadorian prison just days after being arrested in connection with a significant cocaine trafficking case, authorities have confirmed. The man was detained on August 1 at Guayaquil Airport after police allegedly found 15 kilograms of cocaine in his luggage. According to Ecuador’s national police, the drugs were bound for … [Read more...] about Irishman accused of drug smuggling dies in Ecuador prison
Irishman accused of drug smuggling dies in Ecuador prison
Tourism industry calls for government intervention as numbers drop and prices rise
THE Irish Tourism Industry Confederation (ITIC), which represents over 20,000 businesses nationwide, has raised concerns over falling visitor numbers, rising costs and an overdependence on American tourists. In its most recent submission to the government ahead of the 2025 Budget, the ITIC laid out numerous areas where policy change is urgently needed to stabilise and grow the … [Read more...] about Tourism industry calls for government intervention as numbers drop and prices rise
Asian Hornet sighting in Cork sparks biosecurity alert
A CONFIRMED sighting of an Asian Hornet in Cork has sparked a biosecurity alert from the Irish Government. The hornet, native to Southeast Asia, has spread through continental Europe and poses a major ecological risk, with a single nest able to devastate local honeybee populations. Ireland has remained largely free from the invasive species, however, the sighting has led the … [Read more...] about Asian Hornet sighting in Cork sparks biosecurity alert
Family pay tribute to Co. Down murder victim Stephen Brannigan
THE FAMILY of a man murdered in Co. Down on Sunday have paid tribute to him. Stephen Brannigan, 56, was found dead at an address in the Marian Park area of Downpatrick on Sunday, hours after Parish Priest Father John Murray was assaulted at St Patrick's Church. A 30-year-old man is due to appear in court today charged with murder and attempted murder in relation to the … [Read more...] about Family pay tribute to Co. Down murder victim Stephen Brannigan
Two men due in court over attempted murder of off-duty police officer DCI John Caldwell in Co. Tyrone
TWO men are due in court over the attempted murder of an off-duty police officer in Co. Tyrone. Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell (pictured) was shot multiple times in front of his young son as he packed up after coaching a youth football team in Omagh in February 2023. He sustained life-changing injuries in the attack and retired from the PSNI in December 2024 on medical … [Read more...] about Two men due in court over attempted murder of off-duty police officer DCI John Caldwell in Co. Tyrone