Vatican enters period of mourning after the death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7.35am CEST in his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae within Vatican City. The 88-year-old pontiff's death was officially announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Irish-born Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, during a televised statement from the Vatican. The Vatican will now begin the … [Read more...] about Vatican enters period of mourning after the death of Pope Francis

CLARE County Council spent €8 million acquiring two plots of land near the Cliffs of Moher last year — despite ongoing planning and access issues — according to the latest report from the local government auditor. The sites, considered "of special interest” due to their strategic location beside Ireland’s most visited natural attraction, were bought at what the auditor … [Read more...] about Clare Council in Cliffs of Moher €8m land deal

QUEEN Camilla’s appearance at the Easter Matins Service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, was a subtly stylish nod to one of her favourite fashion designers. She wore a pale blue coat dress paired with a rose-trimmed hat by Irish-born milliner Philip Treacy, continuing a royal fashion partnership that spans two decades. The dress was by Fiona Clare Couture. Hat creations by … [Read more...] about Queen Camilla’s Easter hat highlights longstanding link to Irish designer

A NEW tourist tax on hotel stays in Dublin is being developed by the capital's four local authorities, with the aim of having it in place by September. The proposal, backed by a cross-party group of councillors, is intended to generate additional revenue for public services such as street cleaning and public toilets. While the measure would require national legislation, … [Read more...] about ‘Pay to Stay’ — Dublin looks to join cities charging visitors

AN ARREST warrant has been issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for an Irish national alleged to be in the country unlawfully. Michael Connors, 25, who was last seen in Brisbane, Queensland, on March 15, is being sought by authorities for alleged passport offences. He has been known to assume other identities, including the names Craig O'Neill, Michael O'Brien, John … [Read more...] about Australian police issue arrest warrant for Irishman known to use multiple aliases