Ten individuals were apprehended in West Cork by gardaí targeting a major international drug trafficking group. The suspicion is that these individuals were scheming to bring a cocaine shipment from a ship located offshore. The arrests were made in the vicinity of Skibbereen, specifically Leap and Tragumna villages, jointly executed by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and the Cork County Divisional Drug Unit around 7:30 am on Thursday. Notably, while a foreign-registered campervan was stopped in Leap, no narcotics were found.
Meanwhile, Iarnród Éireann, the Irish Rail, disclosed to have sanctioned a payout exceeding €207,000 to an ex-employee as part of a confidential arrangement in the previous year. The government is currently enmeshed in a controversy regarding a new referendum. Internal documents hint that the wording for the care amendment was picked out in an attempt to steer clear of imposing a definite, obligatory duty on the State.
There were numerous moments of emotional intensity in the memorial service for Charlie Bird. One of the highlights was when Tiger Bird, the dog, wept, much to the heartbreak of those present.
In other news, the Irish Red Cross (IRC) has cautioned about the new accommodation rules for Ukrainians saying it would apply “additional pressure” on the rental market and potentially put those escaping the conflict in a “direct competition” with the local population.
Lastly, this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin set for Sunday is part of a series of activities over a four-day festivity, anticipated to bring large crowds to the city centre.
In a striking divergence from convention, Chuck Schumer’s discourse on Israel highlights the approach of the Biden administration towards Gaza. In an unprecedented consensus, members of both the Republican and Democratic parties in the Senate expressed their approval. Schumer, who is no stranger to delivering speeches on Capitol Hill, seemed to be making a significant mark with this particularly impactful address, destined to become a landmark in his political journey.
One of the two additional floors in Clerys Quarter provides breath-taking views over the city of Dublin. As it swings its doors open for retail customers, some may be taken aback by the dramatic transformation of the historic Clerys on O’Connell Street. The conspicuous H&M posters signal its readiness for business, a decade after it abruptly ceased operation leaving hundreds unemployed. As it takes its place in the ever-evolving Dublin cityscape, it offers a potent reminder – nothing remains the same.
Justine McCarthy envisages a united Ireland led by a DUP taoiseach being a more likely reality than a gender-neutral constitution. Gerard Howlin opines that for waning giants Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, vying for the disenchanted centrist voters is the current imperative. ‘Weather forecasts – every cloud has a silver lining’ emerges as the letter of the day.
For Irish consumers, online platforms are transforming the beauty business. According to a survey conducted by the Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation of Ireland, Irish consumers were spending nearly €2.6 billion on beauty goods and services prior to the Covid pandemic, with skin, hair and cosmetic products constituting almost half of the expenditure.
In top sports news, Johnny Watterson analyses the Irish team’s performance, with the upcoming Six Nations game against Scotland providing the perfect setting to ascertain if the current team eclipses its predecessors.
‘Life & Style highlights’, and ‘Picture of the Day’, round off the day’s noteworthy pieces.
Advice on maintaining a healthy diet despite a packed schedule: seven key pointers provided by a food scientist, Maya Vadiveloo. As a dietitian and assistant professor of dietary science at the University of Rhode Island, Maya delves into extensive research to aid individuals in making healthier choices while shopping. However, once her workday ends, ideal nutrition is not her primary concern. Here she offers seven key strategies to achieve and maintain dietary balance, particularly for those who are time-poor.