Irish Ranger Killed; Homebuyers Overpay

The details of an ex-unit member of Ireland’s Army Ranger Wing’s death while engaged in warfare against Russian forces in Ukraine have recently emerged. Robert Deegan (29) from Newbridge, Co Kildare, suffered fatal injuries last Thursday and had previously lost an eye in an explosion following an attack in Ukraine. As of now, it is uncertain whether his body has been retrieved by his Ukrainian associates, however, numerous sources in Ireland have indicated that attempts may still be ongoing.

In other Irish news, there are claims of nine supposed militarised transport trips to Israel utilising Irish airspace according to an official investigation. These flights are believed to have been conveying military arms and have occurred since the war in Gaza began. President Michael D Higgins has called out Israel for leaking a goodwill letter he had addressed to Iran’s recently elected president Masoud Pezeshkian. There are climate-focused guidelines for universities to wind down car parking in areas well-served by public transport.

In the housing market, on average, Irish homeowners are coughing up 10% more than the quoted price. Approximately 40 per cent of all property purchases in Ireland are settling at prices 10 per cent higher than the initial asking price, a trend noted by the Bank of Ireland as being fuelled by stiff competition for homes.

In the wake of 16-year-old Aoife Johnston’s death last December at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), six individuals are facing a professional conduct investigation. The Health Service Executive CEO Bernard Gloster has voiced concerns over persistent life-endangering risks at UHL due to treatment delays.

On the weather front, a generally cloudy day is anticipated on Monday with sporadic sunny periods. Patches of residual rainfall in the southeast might linger into the morning, accompanied by scattered showers in the west and north. The day will see top temperatures between 14 and 17 degrees. The evening will be dry with clear periods but possible patches of mist, fog and drizzle. There could also be periodic rainfall in northern regions, with minimum temperatures expected to fall between 6 and 10 degrees.

A travel arrangement gone sour: ‘I begged Loveholidays to reinstate my original reservation, but they refused.’ Brian, a reader, planned a four-day trip for him, his spouse, and his son and daughter-in-law to Fuerteventura through Loveholidays in mid-May. However, the experience left him feeling disillusioned with Loveholidays.

Commentary
– Rachel O’Dwyer: ‘From a recklessly enjoyable summer to a measured Kamala’: How Gen Z is overhauling the established politics’ rule book.

Business
– Viewpoint: The workplace isn’t the only answer: Do you remember the halcyon days? Corridors abuzz with innovative ideas flickering between top-level managers and entry-level employees? And the break rooms!

Sports
– Paul Merson’s less than stellar weekend leaves him downcast as Arsenal displays lacklustre form: What a peculiar weekend it was, the highlights of which included heavy criticism levied against a young man for his performance on Wembley’s pitch on a Saturday evening.

Global
– Israel encourages Lebanese civilians to abandon settlements in anticipation of renewed Hizbullah offensives: Ongoing tension between the Israeli military and the Hizbullah militia, heightened by a week of escalation, is inching towards open warfare, following Israeli warnings to Lebanese civilians to evacuate villages harboring Hizbullah weaponry.

Life & Style
– Paul Howard’s Falkland Islands reflections: ‘Being here underscores the senseless extravagance of it all’: Your initial impressions upon departing Mount Pleasant Airport would likely be of the stark, empty landscape – reminiscent of the English moors, striking in its desolation but that quickly loses its novelty – accompanied by the lingering scent of peat.

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