Morning Briefing â Local Irish News
IRISH TIMES - Blanchardstown assault: A man in his 30s is in critical condition after being found unconscious on Mill Road, Dublin 15, around 4:20pm Sunday. GardaĂ appeal for witnesses who were in the Mill Road/Blanchardstown village areas that afternoon. - Irish student killed in Thailand: Tributes paid to 20-year-old Dublin film student Max Hendrickson and his girlfriend, both killed in a road crash in Thailand. Hendrickson, from Cabra, was Irelandâs Young Filmmaker of the Year 2023. The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance. - National Biodiversity Week: More than 300 events nationwide run through Sunday, May 24, including a Dublin Cycling Campaign âhedgerow cycleâ exploring urban nature. - Cabinet legal challenge: The Supreme Court will hear appeals by TDs Pa Daly (Sinn FĂŠin) and Paul Murphy (PBP) over the attendance of âsuper juniorâ ministers at Cabinet meetings, after both lost in the High Court in March. - Sexual offence cases: Rape Crisis Ireland urges stronger protections to limit disclosure of counselling notes, seeking a clear presumption of non-disclosure. The Department of Justice cites Attorney General advice that a blanket ban is not feasible. - Housing and disability: From the 2027â2030 Local Authority Housing Delivery Action Plans, councils must set targets for social housing for people with disabilities, including those needing 24/7 supports. Plans due in the coming months. - Lough Neagh crisis: Hundreds protested demanding urgent action over recurring toxic blue-green algal blooms, blamed on excess nutrients from multiple sources. Bernadette McAliskey addressed the rally; Chris Packham offered support. - Skellig Michael season: First viable weekend landings of the year drew visitors in sunshine after weather disruptions earlier in the week at the UNESCO World Heritage site. - Playground arson: Diamond Park playground (Gardiner St/Sean McDermott St) severely damaged by fire for a second time since a âŹ400,000 refurbishment last year. Garda investigation under way. - Road fatalities: Four people died in three separate crashes in Dublin and Donegal over the weekend. In Donegal, victims named locally as Caoilan Bushe (30) and Leon Shovlin (27) after a two-car collision on the N15 near Barnesmore Gap.
IRISH INDEPENDENT - Tributes to Max Hendrickson: Friends and educators remember the 20-year-old IADT film student from Cabra, who died with his girlfriend in a Thailand crash. - Blanchardstown assault: Man in his 30s fighting for life after serious assault on Mill Road; Garda appeal ongoing. - Leinster SFC shock: Westmeath stunned Dublin to win a first Leinster title in 22 years after extra-time (2-28 to 0-26), sealing only their second-ever provincial crown. - Hurling championship: Limerick beat Waterford 2-29 to 2-20 at the Gaelic Grounds to secure All-Ireland series qualification; Waterford and Tipperary bow out. - Golf: Rory McIlroy fell short at the PGA Championship as Rai clinched victory. - RTĂ radio slump: Former RTĂ presenter Ray DâArcy criticises management amid falling JNLR figures, saying the team that changed Radio 1âs music also let him go. - Missing person case spotlight: New Crime World podcast revisits Sandra Collinsâs 2000 disappearance; her family says key secrets persist in the local community.
Notes: GardaĂ are seeking witnesses for the Blanchardstown assault. National Biodiversity Week runs through Sunday with hundreds of events nationwide.