Always in awe of Lelia Dolan, and especially today. I had the privilege of learning from Leila in NUIG. Raising funds for Médecins Sans Frontieres – and their life-saving work in Gaza. Support if you can! idonate.ie/fundraiser/Lel…

Michael was such a generous colleague, a great conversationist, storyteller and observer of politics. Rest in Peace: Michael O’Regan, ‘generous, compassionate’ Irish Times journalist, dies at home in Dublin irishtimes.com/politics/2024/…

It’s Donald, duck! Former president Trump boasts of 295-yard swing but some dodgy ball placements raise doubt buff.ly/3VBfrzZ

The visit became an emotional one for President Biden when he discovered the priest that administered the last rites to his son, Beau, was now retired and a chaplain in Knock Shrine buff.ly/3oeDNmL

Joe Biden visits Mayo: 'Anything that could be painted in Ballina had been painted – with a last-minute mural of Croagh Patrick the final flourish. Anything that could be cleaned had been cleaned – down to the street paving brought back to mint condition' buff.ly/3obyhRP

Dress rehearsal in Ballina

Gordon Elliot’s battalions out on the gallops this morning

The Irish have landed #cheltenham

'Disgrace' as GAA umpire allegedly assaulted during minor hurling game in South Dublin suburb buff.ly/3ycIjUj

Great to talk to John Reddington for this

An intense curiosity about the world, and the people who made it turn, meant she had plenty of opinions to share. It was what made her not only a well-loved and cherished colleague, but a valued and highly regarded journalist.
independent.ie/irish-news/tri…

Ailish O'Hora has died. It is desperately sad news. A proud Kiltimagh woman, Ailish had the kindest of hearts beneath the hardy exterior she showed to the world. Our thoughts are with her mum & dad & sisters at home in Kiltimagh. Rest gently Ailish. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam

‘Free’ money from the taxman
*World’s best rugby team in action
*A load of Irish Xmas gift ideas
*Quick reads and music

What more would you want on Saturday morning? All on independent.ie too.

Vicky Phelan left me speechless more than once… For a variety of reasons myself, Billy (Billy Keane) & Nicola (@tokonic) found making this podcast very emotional. And then there’s a blast of ‘Brewing Up A Storm’ in the middle to perk things up!

open.spotify.com/episode/7gEGXD…

In modern-day Ireland, Vicky stands as a key icon who helped to sweep away the old-style Paternalistic culture that denied women the right to ask questions about their own healthcare and forced them to remain silent buff.ly/3UWPdq2

RIP Vicky Phelan - an incredible, inspirational and powerful woman who changed Ireland for the better. #Vicky

Sally Rooney: ‘I don’t think I could write a piece of fiction not set in Ireland’ buff.ly/3Dk1AWn

Today podcast looks at what sort of relationship King Charles III is likely to have with Ireland - and whether it matters. (With John Downing & nicola anderson who has covered many of his visits here).

open.spotify.com/episode/52k8oM…

oh what a mess in Russia.