Morning Briefing – Irish local news
IRISH TIMES - Downpatrick: A man has been remanded over a series of driving incidents in which a PSNI officer was struck by a stolen police car and seriously injured. UK prime minister Keir Starmer condemned the “horrific incident.” - Dublin city centre stabbing: 21-year-old Qayyum Balogun was chased and fatally stabbed off Grafton Street after a late-night gig. Gardaí believe the killing is linked to a dispute between rival groups. - River Liffey death: A man in his 30s died after swimming across the Liffey following an alleged assault. Gardaí are probing several linked incidents around Islandbridge and Chapelizod Road. - Air travel safety: Aer Lingus has updated passenger guidance, urging extra care with lithium-ion power banks and reinforcing safety rules due to fire risk. - Jeffrey Donaldson trial: Newry Crown Court heard testimony that Eleanor Donaldson “did nothing” after being told of an alleged incident when the complainant was a teenager. Cross-examination continues. - Clontarf rescue: Four Dollymount Sea Scouts quickly saved a swimmer trapped under the wooden bridge on Bull Island after being alerted by a passerby. - Santry assault case: A woman says she “played dead” while being strangled by her housemate. Donatas Jankauskas (44) was denied bail and also faces charges of assaulting a Garda, resisting arrest, and criminal damage. - Co Laois cemetery violence: Two men and two 17-year-old boys were remanded on continuing bail after disorder at an annual cemetery Mass; one faces a charge under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. - Exams: With Junior and Leaving Certs underway, advice focuses on managing stress for students and families over the next fortnight. - Waterford coast: Three people were rescued from rocks near Tramore Pier after a jet-ski incident triggered a multi-agency response, including the RNLI and Coastguard.