2 h. ago Hong Kong in frame to host Nations Championship finals and Lions matches

Kai Tak Sports Park favourite to stage event post-2028Stadium to host Spurs, Arsenal and Liverpool in JulyHong Kong has emerged as a candidate to stage future Nations Championship finals at its new Kai Tak Sports Park and would be an ideal British & Irish Lions stopover, according to a senior World Rugby executive.The inaugural Nations Championship finals – the biennial playoffs among the world’s leading international sides – is to be held in London in 2026 with Qatar lined up for 2028 but the Hong Kong stadium is an increasingly popular suggestion for subsequent editions. Continue reading...

Sport

4 h. ago Bullaun Press wins Republic of Consciousness prize for ‘rollicking picaresque’ novel

Irish publisher receives award for small presses for Gaëlle Bélem’s There’s a Monster Behind the DoorIrish publisher Bullaun Press has won the Republic of Consciousness prize for small presses with the book There’s a Monster Behind the Door by Gaëlle Bélem, translated from French by Karen Fleetwood and Laëtitia Saint-Loubert.There’s a Monster Behind the Door is a “rollicking, sardonic picaresque”, said judge Houman Barekat. “The novel has important things to say about colonialism and society, but it’s also tremendous fun – darkly funny, acerbic, energetic.” Continue reading...

Politics

5 h. ago Fox News pundit accuses publisher of stealing his book idea and giving it to another MAGA personality

‘My proposal was to write a book that shed light on significant political and legal developments affecting the nation – the lawfare campaign against President Trump. Unfortunately, I believe my project was co-opted without my knowledge or consent,’ Gregg Jarrett said in a statement

Events

6 h. ago Injury update means Duhan van der Merwe is on track for action with Lions

Edinburgh say the South Africa-born 29-year-old is scheduled to return some time next month.

Events

6 h. ago Wales' newest star gives coach the chills and laughs off Lions question

Blair Murray also addressed his chances for the British and Irish Lions.

Politics

6 h. ago Irish premier rounds on opposition parties as confidence motion gets under way

The Dail is debating a confidence motion in Ceann Comhairle (speaker) Verona Murphy.

Politics

6 h. ago Grandfather of Little Emile who was hauled in for questioning over the toddler's death 'had previously slapped and punched his children and pulled their hair', wiretap probe reveals

The grandfather of tragic Émile Soleil had previously slapped and punched his children, according to reports of wiretapped conversations. 

Society

7 h. ago Grandfather dubbed the 'Bird Man of Hartlepool' who buys 30 loaves of bread everyday to feed wildlife is fined

Brian Wilkins, 76, received a Community Protection Order after councillors complained about him scattering bread around Hartlepool, County Durham.

Politics

8 h. ago ‘Absolutely devastated’ family pay tribute to grandfather who died in XL bully attack

Police were forced to shoot two XL bully dogs 19 times after the vicious attack in Warrington, Cheshire

Events

8 h. ago Family pay tribute to grandfather, 84, who died a month after XL Bully attack as they release first picture of him

John McColl, 84, was walking home when he was pounced upon by an XL Bully on February 24 in Warrington. He died on Sunday surrounded by his family.

Events

9 h. ago Unhappy life of Myra Hindley's sister: accusations, attacks and an early death

The youngest sister of Myra Hindley, Maureen, was just a teenager when her sibling's wicked crimes first came to light. A new ITV series now available on Netflix explores their relationship

Events

10 h. ago Design work on Irish language station signs halted due to potential legal action

Infrastricture Minister Liz Kimmins gave the go-ahead for the signage last week, but it has led to a row among Stormont Executive ministers.

Politics

12 h. ago Sabrina Carpenter's ex and Stranger Things star to play Beatles in four films

Irish actor Barry Keoghan, who used to be in a relationship with Espresso singer Sabrina Carpenter, is set to play Ringo Starr in a new set of movies about the Fab Four

Politics

13 h. ago Next rivals LookFantastic with £50 Easter egg full of premium beauty products worth £183

Move over chocolate eggs, this year it's all about the beauty Easter eggs - and Next's offering contains popular brands like Laura Mercier, ICONIC, Ted Baker and more

Economics

13 h. ago Regulation and technology can help combat spread of online misogyny, expert says

Online safety expert Lina Ghazal said shows like Adolescence ‘shine a light on the devastating impact’ the spread of online hate can have on children.

Science

13 h. ago The woman who mended Pierce Brosnan's broken heart: How Keely Shaye Smith, 61, won over bereaved Bond actor after his wife's tragic death

Despite his decades in the spotlight in an industry renowned for bitter divorce rows and public relationship drama, the Irish actor, 71, has enjoyed an enduring romance with his wife.

Events

14 h. ago Defiant Greenland leader warns Trump the territory will 'never be a part of America' days after US President refused to rule out seizing it with military force

Jens-Frederik Nielsen said he wanted a 'strong relationship' with the US but that his nation would 'never be for sale' in light of Donald Trump's pledge to take over Greenland.

Events

14 h. ago ‘Unfair’ to blame speaker for controversial Dail changes – Irish premier

Micheal Martin said it was a ‘bit rich’ for the opposition to blame the Ceann Comhairle after creating widespread disruption.

Politics

14 h. ago Legal duty to bring Irish language signs decision to Executive – Little

Controversy has flared after Sinn Fein minister Liz Kimmins announced dual language signage will be installed at Belfast’s Grand Central Station.

Politics

14 h. ago The Breakdown | Marcus Smith’s duel with Sam Prendergast could define Lions hopes

When the two fly-halves meet at Croke Park, the result could weigh heavily on Andy Farrell’s selectionSometimes players like to pretend they barely contemplate their direct opponent. That way they can neatly sidestep all external comparisons and inner doubts and concentrate on their own jobs. It is a team game, after all, and it never pays to waste time fretting about things over which you have limited control.Every now and again, though, the “game within a game” duel narrative is unavoidable. Even if Leinster’s pack give a well-stuffed armchair ride to their young fly-half Sam Prendergast on Saturday his Harlequins opposite number, Marcus Smith, will still be expected to make some sort of impact. If not, his chances of being among the chosen few to tour with the British & Irish Lions this summer will recede and Prendergast’s will be suitably enhanced. Continue reading...

Politics