Jun 22, 2025 | BREAKING NEWS, Money Matters, NEWS
A hopeful Irish Lotto player has landed a significant windfall of €194,616 in the main Lotto draw, correctly matching five numbers plus the bonus missing out on the jackpot by just one number. The exact retailer hasn’t been disclosed yet, but it’s expected to be revealed over the weekend .
In the same draw, twenty other players each secured €1,659 by matching five numbers, while 87 raffle winners collected €500 apiece—the winning raffle number being 9824 .
This win comes on the heels of a record-breaking €250 million EuroMillions jackpot, claimed by an Irish bettor after purchasing a ticket at Clifford’s Centra on Shandon Street in Cork.
That remarkable victory marked Ireland’s largest-ever lotto prize and its 13th EuroMillions millionaire of 2025 . Irish Lottery Manager Cian Murphy highlighted the profound, life-changing effects of such wins, underscoring that winners may remain anonymous if they so choose .
Whether it’s the six-figure Lotto prize or the massive EuroMillions haul, there’s plenty to celebrate—and Cork is right in the thick of it.
Jun 22, 2025 | BREAKING NEWS, NEWS
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a fatal single-vehicle road traffic collision near Milford, Co. Cork yesterday, Saturday 21st June, 2025.
Gardaí were alerted to a motorcyclist found unresponsive this morning on the R515 at Coolnagour between Milford and Dromcolliher, Co. Limerick.
The motorcyclist, a male in his 50s, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The Coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
The road is currently closed for a technical examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions are in place.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 1:00pm and 6:00pm on Saturday 21st June 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Mallow Garda Station on 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Investigations are ongoing.
Jun 18, 2025 | BREAKING NEWS, NEWS
Ireland is celebrating a record-breaking EuroMillions win, with the €250 million jackpot ticket confirmed to have been sold in Munster.
The ticket, bought in a retail store, marks Ireland’s biggest-ever lottery prize and the 18th Irish EuroMillions win since the game began in 2004.
National Lottery officials say the winner has not yet come forward, and they are urging all Munster players to check their tickets carefully. They advise the winner to sign the back of their ticket and contact the claims team immediately.
The winning numbers were 13, 22, 23, 44, 49, with Lucky Stars 3 and 5. The exact shop and county where the ticket was sold are expected to be announced in the coming days.
Spokespersons Jennifer Crowe and Emma Monaghan described the win as “eye-watering” and “life-changing,” encouraging the winner to stay calm and seek legal advice
As excitement sweeps the country, people have been sharing what they would do if they had won from supporting family to solving homelessness or simply buying a holiday home in Spain.
The winner has 90 days to claim their prize, and the National Lottery is ready to guide them through every step.
Jun 18, 2025 | BREAKING NEWS, NEWS, Politics
Councillor Albert Deasy has tabled a motion urging Cork City Council to request an immediate meeting with Minister for Housing, James Browne, to ensure full funding for 173 home acquisitions approved in 2024 without reducing the €20 million allocated for 2025.
The Tenant in Situ and Rightsizing Programmes allow local authorities to purchase homes to prevent tenant evictions and support older residents in downsizing. However, Minister Browne recently announced that carry-over costs for 2024 acquisitions, including properties already in the sale-agreed stage, will be deducted from the 2025 budget.
This decision will exhaust the €20 million fund, leaving a €1.6 million shortfall and jeopardizing vital housing initiatives.
Cllr Deasy argues that this approach is unfair, as no specific budget was set for 2024 acquisitions, only a target number.
He notes that the financial years 2023 and 2024 were treated separately for funding purposes, setting a precedent that should apply now. “Deducting 2024 carry-over costs from 2025 funds is unreasonable and risks pushing vulnerable households toward homelessness,” Deasy said. “We need a clear agreement to protect the 2025 budget and deliver these critical homes.”
Cllr Deasy calls on Cork City Council to support his motion and urges the public to advocate for fair housing funding. A meeting with the Minister is essential to secure the resources needed to protect Cork’s most vulnerable residents.
About Cllr Albert Deasy:
Cllr Albert Deasy is a dedicated member of Cork City Council, committed to addressing housing challenges and advocating for equitable policies to support all residents of Cork City.
Jun 18, 2025 | NEWS
Ireland has struck gold again as a lucky ticket holder scooped the €250 million EuroMillions jackpot, the largest ever won in the country.
The winning numbers were 13, 22, 23, 44, 49 with Lucky Stars 3 and 5
The National Lottery has urged players to check their tickets and contact HQ if they’re the winner. CEO Cian Murphy reminded people to sign the back of their ticket, keep it safe, and seek legal and financial advice.
This win marks the 18th time an Irish player has won the EuroMillions jackpot, continuing a proud tradition that began with Dolores McNamara’s historic €115m win in 2005.
Other major Irish wins include a €175.4m family syndicate win in 2019 and multiple group wins by work colleagues and family syndicates across the country.
The €500,000 EuroMillions Plus prize was also claimed in tonight’s draw. The location of the winning ticket sale will be revealed in the coming days.
Jun 16, 2025 | NEWS
GAA legend Anthony Nash faced a courtroom bombshell after a dramatic roadside incident in Cork but walked free after a stunning legal twist
The two-time All Star goalkeeper was arrested on suspicion of drink driving after his SUV was found lodged in a ditch with its rear jutting into a busy road in Cloghroe.
When Garda Catherine Byrne arrived, Nash staggered out, reeking of alcohol, and confessed, “I’m drunk,” before asking her, “Do you know who I am?”
In an emotional meltdown, the 40-year-old admitted drinking a bottle of wine and feared his “life was ruined.” Blood tests later showed a staggering 236mg of alcohol per 100ml — nearly five times the legal limit. But despite the damning admissions, the case collapsed.
Why? His barrister successfully argued there was no concrete proof of when he was driving — a crucial legal technicality. Judge Philip O’Leary agreed, declaring that “suspicion is not conviction,” and dismissed the case.
Fans were stunned as one of Cork’s most decorated hurlers — and a role model for youth — walked away without a conviction. The incident has sparked furious debate about legal loopholes, accountability, and the privileges of public figur
Jun 15, 2025 | NEWS
Independ Junior Minister’s driver drink driving banminister’s driver drink driving banIndependent junior minister Marian Harkin has appointed Michael Gaffney—who was banned from driving twice for drink‑driving—as one of her state‑paid drivers IRISH INDEPENDENT
Gaffney, long trusted in Harkin’s inner circle, now holds an official position despite his record of serious road offenses, raising alarm over public safety and judgment.
The revelations, first reported today, have sparked criticism on social media. A Reddit commenter described it as a “sense of entitlement that’s rotten… more than just poor optics, it’s low-level corruption”
. The controversy has also gained traction on platforms like X, highlighting concerns about the potential risks of having someone with repeated DUI convictions behind the wheel of ministerial transport
The appointment has prompted questions about vetting procedures and whether someone with such driving infractions should be entrusted with a public role. As calls grow for greater scrutiny, Harkin may face rising pressure to explain how this choice aligns with her responsibilities and Ireland’s road safety standards.
The public debate underscores broader unease over accountability in government appointments, especially where safety and trust are key.
Jun 14, 2025 | NEWS
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following a serious injury road traffic collision which occurred in the townland of Donemark, Bantry, Co. Cork in the early hours of this morning Saturday 14th June, 2025.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian shortly after 3.00am.
The male pedestrian, aged in his late 30s was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
The male driver of the vehicle, aged in his 20s, did not require medical attention.
There were no other injuries reported.
The road was closed for Garda Forensic Collision Investigators to conduct an examination of the scene which has been completed and the road has now reopened.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 2.30am and 3.00am are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bantry Garda Station on 027 20860, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
Jun 14, 2025 | NEWS
Cork Airport has officially named its main entrance road ‘Rory Gallagher Avenue’ in tribute to the legendary Irish guitarist, marking the 30th anniversary of his death.
The honour was unveiled by Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who praised Gallagher as a “genuine rock star” whose music inspired fans worldwide. Though born in Donegal, Gallagher grew up in Cork, where his influence remains strong.
The naming forms part of Cork City Council’s new ‘Stompin’ Ground’ trail, celebrating places linked to Gallagher’s life and career. This is the first time the city has commemorated his international success on such a large scale, with special events and tributes taking place over the weekend.
Rory’s brother, Dónal Gallagher, expressed deep gratitude, noting how often Rory had travelled the road during his career. The ceremony featured a performance by Belgian guitarist Jacques Stotzem, adding a musical tribute to the heartfelt event.
Lord Mayor Dan Boyle remarked that Gallagher will always be remembered at the airport that both sent him off and welcomed him home. The dedication ensures Rory Gallagher’s memory continues to inspire both locals and music lovers from around the world.
Jun 13, 2025 | NEWS
Cork City is celebrating the 30th anniversary of guitar legend Rory Gallagher’s death with a weekend of tributes across the city. Born in Donegal but raised in Cork, Gallagher was a world-renowned blues and rock virtuoso whose influence remains powerful.
The Cork Rocks for Rory festival, backed by city and county councils, includes concerts, exhibitions, and the launch of the Stompin Ground walking trail, which highlights locations tied to his life and music.
A major highlight is the renaming of the main roadway at Cork Airport to ‘Rory Gallagher Road’, officiated by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The Cork Public Museum is featuring The Continental Op, an exhibition with personal instruments and family archives. City Hall hosts a rare photographic display of his career.
Gallagher’s iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster, recently acquired and donated to the National Museum of Ireland, symbolizes his enduring impact. His grave in St. Oliver’s Cemetery remains a pilgrimage site for fans, while his legacy is preserved at the Rory Gallagher Music Library.
This is the city’s largest tribute yet, honouring one of Ireland’s most beloved musicians with fitting reverence and celebration.
Jun 11, 2025 | NEWS
Historian Catherine Corless, whose tireless research exposed the tragic burial practices at the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, has welcomed the long-awaited announcement of the site’s excavation. Speaking emotionally, she described the upcoming works as “wonderful news” and a momentous step for survivors and grieving families who’ve waited over a decade for justice.
Corless’s 2014 research uncovered a startling fact: 796 children died at the institution over 36 years, yet no burial records existed. Further investigation revealed their remains had been discarded in a disused sewage system beneath the site. Her findings led to national and international outcry, eventually resulting in a formal state investigation and the establishment of an agency to oversee the exhumation.
She commended the Director of Authorised Intervention, Daniel MacSweeney, expressing confidence that the excavation would be handled with care and respect. Despite her relief, Corless acknowledged lingering concerns about illegal adoptions, falsified death certificates, and the potential that not all the children may be recovered.
Reflecting on years of governmental resistance, she said she was proud to have stood firm, refusing to accept a mere memorial. “This is justice,” she concluded. “I had to speak for the babies. No one else would.”
Jun 11, 2025 | NEWS
A single overnight stay involving Tánaiste Simon Harris, Irish Ambassador Martin Fraser, and six officials cost taxpayers nearly €4,200, sparking criticism over government spending. The expense was incurred during Harris’s trip to Oxford in July 2023 to attend the European Political Community summit and meet UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Harris stayed at the luxurious five-star Old Parsonage Hotel, where his one-night accommodation alone cost €563. The Department of Foreign Affairs defended the booking, citing high demand due to over 40 international delegations attending the summit.
Meanwhile, junior staff stayed at a nearby Premier Inn for almost €275 a night—still a notably high rate. This trip is just one example in a broader pattern of high embassy expenses, revealed through Freedom of Information requests
.
In Paris, significant costs were logged during the Rugby World Cup and 2024 Olympics, including €5,576 for an Airbnb, €2,800 for temporary staff housing, and €620 for rugby tickets under the label of “political engagement.” Other purchases included Christmas lights, umbrellas, promotional items, and kitchen appliances.
Officials claim these costs supported Ireland’s diplomatic and consular roles during major global events. However, public concern continues to grow over transparency and necessity of such expenses.
Jun 10, 2025 | NEWS
image soucrce: Irish Independent
The family of Sophie Toscan du Plantier has raised serious concerns over a new film that dramatizes her unsolved murder. Sophie, a French film producer, was found dead near her holiday cottage in Toormore, West Cork, in December 1996. Nearly three decades later, her case remains unresolved and highly sensitive.
The upcoming film, Re-Creation, stars Colm Meaney and speculates on how the case might have unfolded had it been fully tried in an Irish court. Directed by Jim Sheridan, the project is drawing criticism from Sophie’s family, who worry it could jeopardize ongoing investigations and public perception.
Sheridan, however, defends the film, stating that he aimed to explore the legal ambiguities surrounding the case. He controversially compared it to the O.J. Simpson trial, suggesting there’s far more evidence linked to Ian Bailey, a long-time suspect, than what existed in Simpson’s case.
Sheridan said his intent was to support justice, not undermine the authorities.
Despite the director’s claims, the family argues that portraying speculative courtroom drama over an unresolved murder is both insensitive and potentially harmful to the case’s integrity. The controversy underscores the lasting impact of Sophie’s death and the delicate nature of true crime storytel.
Jun 10, 2025 | NEWS
The ongoing legal proceedings involving former TD Colm Keaveney have been adjourned for the eleventh time. Keaveney, who served as a Labour TD for Galway East in 2011 before joining Fianna Fáil, is accused of driving under the influence of cocaine. The incident allegedly occurred on June 12, 2023, in Cummer, Tuam, County Galway.
At the recent Tuam District Court sitting, defence solicitor Gearóid Geraghty requested a final adjournment, citing a medical issue that needs resolution before a plea can be entered.
Despite concerns from Garda Sergeant Christy Browne about repeated delays, Judge James Faughnan agreed to the request and scheduled the case for final hearing in September.
The court previously heard that a two-stage drug test confirmed the presence of benzoylecgonine—commonly associated with cocaine—in Keaveney’s system. The testing process took place between July and August 2023.
Keaveney, who lost his Dáil seat in 2016 and later served on Galway County Council, no longer holds public office. He was present in court but did not participate in the brief proceedings. With the next date set, the judge emphasized that the matter will conclude at the upcoming hearing.
Jun 9, 2025 | NEWS
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