Two Gardaí Hospitalised After Handling Suspected Cannabis Vapes
EDENDERRY, CO OFFALY - Two male gardaí were hospitalised and Edenderry Garda Station was forced to close after the officers became unwell while handling suspected cannabis vapes during an investigation.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, 22 July 2026. The officers were processing vape products seized from a commercial premises as part of an ongoing investigation when they became ill.
HSE Scraps Insourcing Initiative - Up to 4,000 Extra Patients Per Month Could Hit Waiting Lists
Up to 4,000 additional patients per month could be placed on regional waiting lists after the Health Service Executive scrapped a key initiative aimed at improving access to healthcare, an internal HSE report has warned.
Insourcing - where private companies are paid to use HSE staff and equipment after hours to hold special clinics for patients on waiting lists - was abolished from July 2026 due to concerns around governance, value for money and perverse incentives.
Woman Released Without Charge in UCD Deception Investigation - DPP to Review File
A woman in her 20s who was being questioned by gardaí over an alleged deception against a third-level institution has been released without charge.
A file will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions for consideration. The woman was detained yesterday under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act at a south Dublin garda station. Gardaí carried out a search and seized electronic devices and other items.
Government Considers Bicycle Registration Plates and Mandatory Helmets for Cyclists in Major Road Safety Clampdown
The Government is considering forcing cyclists to display registration plates, wear high-visibility vests and helmets as part of a major road safety clampdown.
The measures are being examined alongside new restrictions on e-scooters, which will face a ban for under-18s next month, plus mandatory hi-vis vests and helmets for riders.
Body of Missing Cork Man Gerard 'Jay' Walsh Found — Community in Shock
MAYFIELD, CORK — The search for a young man missing from Cork's northside has ended in tragedy, with gardaí confirming the discovery of a body earlier today.
Gerard 'Jay' Walsh, 27, had been missing from his home in Mayfield since Monday, 20 July 2026. Gardaí issued an official missing persons appeal yesterday, sparking a massive community response.
Man Charged Over Church Stabbing in Tramore — Victim Attacked While Praying the Rosary
TRAMORE, CO WATERFORD — A 36-year-old man has been charged after a woman was stabbed while praying in Holy Cross Church on Tuesday morning.
The woman was taken to hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. Her injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Woman Arrested Over Alleged Deception Against UCD — Linked to Graphic Photo Distribution and Rape Claim
DUBLIN — A woman in her 20s is being questioned by gardaí this afternoon over an alleged deception against a third-level institution, understood to be University College Dublin (UCD).
The woman was arrested yesterday afternoon and is being detained at a south Dublin garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, allowing up to 24 hours of questioning. Gardaí carried out a search and seized electronic devices and other items.
Woman's Body Recovered from River Blackwater Near Mallow
MALLOW, CO CORK — The body of a woman has been recovered from the River Blackwater near Mallow in north County Cork.
Emergency services were alerted after the woman's body was discovered on Tuesday morning, 21st of July 2026. Gardaí and the Coast Guard attended the scene and brought the deceased ashore.
Man Freed on Bail After Armed Standoff with Gardaí in Dundalk
A 31-year-old man has been granted bail after appearing in court charged over a public order incident involving an armed standoff with gardaí in Dundalk.
The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Drogheda District Court.
Dissident Threats Believed to Be Driving PSNI Officers Away from Frontline Districts
Growing concerns over dissident republican activity are believed to be contributing to a significant number of Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers requesting transfers out of one policing district, according to reports.
It is understood that 10 officers have left the district over the past 17 months, with security concerns and the continued threat posed by dissident republican groups believed to be among the key factors influencing their decisions.
Gardaí Appeal for Witnesses Following Serious Assault in Galway City
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30pm on Tuesday, 7 July, on St Mary's Road, where a man who was cycling was allegedly assaulted by a man walking in the area.
As part of their investigation, Gardaí are appealing to the public for information and have released a description of a person they wish to identify.
Gardaí Inspect Nine Cork Brothels During Major International Human Trafficking Crackdown
The operation, led by Europol and involving law enforcement agencies from 59 countries, focused on identifying victims of human trafficking, disrupting criminal organisations, and gathering intelligence on those exploiting vulnerable people.
Across Ireland, Gardaí carried out inspections at 166 brothels and engaged with 269 people involved in the sex trade. Investigators say the operation has already generated new intelligence, with potential victims contacting Gardaí in the weeks following the initiative. Similar operations in previous years have led to investigations into international trafficking networks operating within Ireland.
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, a convicted Rapist From Egypt Faces Sentencing After Second Rape Conviction Following Release from Prison
Egyptian national Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, 48, was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of raping and sexually assaulting a woman in Dublin city centre in February 2025.
Court proceedings heard that Gharib had previously received a 10-year prison sentence in 2018 for the rape of a student in Carlow after following her from a bus. He was released from prison in January 2024.
Woman stabbed during Mass in Waterford Church
TRAMORE, CO WATERFORD — A woman in her 50s has been seriously injured after a stabbing during Mass at Holy Cross Church in Tramore this morning. It was reported by WLR FM that the woman was stabbed at the altar of the church during Mass.
Gardaí responded to the incident at approximately 9:45am on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. The woman was taken to University Hospital Waterford with serious injuries.
John Allen AKA "Junkie John" Jailed for Sexually Assaulting Schoolgirl on Dublin Bus
DUBLIN - A homeless drug user known locally as "Junkie John from Whitechurch" has been jailed for 10 months after sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in her school uniform on a Dublin bus.
John Allen, 53, of Whitechurch, Ballybodan, Dublin 16, pleaded guilty to sexual assault at Dublin Metropolitan District Court. Judge John Hughes imposed two 10-month sentences, with the second suspended for two years on strict conditions.
Tipperary TD Slams Electric Ireland Over "Aggressive" Arrears Letter to Widowed Pensioner Owing Just €16
TIPPERARY — Independent TD Mattie McGrath has condemned Electric Ireland after a recently widowed pensioner in his 80s received what he describes as an "aggressive and intimidating" arrears letter threatening disconnection — despite owing only €16, an amount since fully cleared.
The elderly man, a constituent of Deputy McGrath, lost his wife last year and has been struggling under the weight of funeral costs and rising living expenses. His electricity payments fell into approximately €800 in arrears.
Algerian Man Jailed for Six Years for Sexual Assault and Strangulation in Donegal Alleyway
LETTERKENNY, CO DONEGAL — A factory worker who choked and sexually assaulted a young woman down a dark alleyway has been jailed for six years.
Mohamed Hallam, 28, an Algerian national living in Donegal since 2023, attacked the woman after meeting her at a nightclub in Letterkenny on 20 October 2024. He was convicted at the Central Criminal Court in January of sexual assault, assault causing harm and non-fatal strangulation, having pleaded not guilty.
Man in 50s Hospitalised After Hit-and-Run in North Belfast - Driver Arrested
NORTH BELFAST — A man in his 50s has been taken to hospital following a hit-and-run incident in north Belfast.
The pedestrian was struck on Glandore Avenue at approximately 6:10pm on Monday, 20 July 2026. Police, ambulance staff and an air ambulance crew attended the scene.
Three Men Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder in North Belfast
NORTH BELFAST — Three men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault in the New Lodge area.
The incident occurred inside Eithne House on Duncairn Parade at approximately 6:00pm on Monday, 20 July 2026. Emergency services responded to the scene.
Aontas na Mac Léinn Warns College Costs Are "Single Greatest Barrier" to Higher Education in Ireland
IRELAND — The president of Aontas na Mac Léinn, the national representative body for third-level students, has warned that the cost of college is becoming the "single greatest barrier to higher education in Ireland," with an affordability crisis gripping the sector.
Daniel Walsh, speaking on RTÉ's Saturday with Cormac Ó hEadhra, said rental costs were a primary driver of the crisis.