Last week marked a tragic increase in swimming deaths in Ireland’s seas and lakes. While many of us are still focused on covid restrictions, delta variants and hospital beds, the rate of swimming deaths in Ireland this week was seven times the rate of covid deaths. There were 148 road fatalities in Ireland in 2020 but an almost equivalent 124 drownings in Irish waters. 76% of drownings are m... read more>

This week we are enjoying record temperatures around Ireland, although still not at the all-time record of 33 C set in Kilkenny in 1887. However, all-time record temperatures are being recorded in Canada and California. The Met office in the UK has issued its first ever extreme-heat warning after a bus shelter spontaneously combusted in the west midlands. Germany has just been subjected to disa... read more>

On Sunday England’s football team was defeated by Italy in the Euro 2020 final. The disappointment for fans was huge and the English media spoke of hurt, heroes and heartbreak. But there was also an unpleasant side to the poignant defeat. The English Football Association CEO described how “drunken yobs” without tickets invaded Wembley stadium. Meanwhile on social media there was a torrent of... read more>

On July 1st, the European Union launched the EU Digital COVID Certificate to re-open travel within the EU. All member states participated, even those states with high vaccine hesitancy rates like Romania, who have just sold us 1 million surplus vaccines. All 27 member States that is, except Ireland. We are delaying our launch until July 19. Ryanair has called on the Government to explain why Ir... read more>

Even though we are still struggling through a pandemic that has reduced GDP, house prices in Ireland have increased by 13% over the last year. And not just in Dublin; prices are up by 18% in Munster, 16% in Leinster and 15% in Connacht and Ulster. What’s more, this is not just an Irish phenomenon.  House prices have increased by 13% in the US, while Germany, Netherlands and the UK have all seen... read more>