Irish Times
Top highlights - Record Leaving Cert cohort: 66,911 students sit English Paper 1 today, up 9% on last year, amid a record overall number of candidates for the Leaving Certificate. - Alumina export figures under review: The CSO is clarifying data from Aughinish Alumina after the Government was made aware of errors; the Enterprise Minister says the true share sent to Russia in Q1 is closer to ~45% than the previously reported 83%.
Other key updates - Carlingford Lough sinking: One person was rescued and a search continued for a second after a fishing boat went down near Greencastle Point; RNLI and Coast Guard involved. - 2026 Béal na Bláth oration: RTÉ broadcaster and historian David McCullagh will deliver the address marking the 104th anniversary of Michael Collins’s death on Sunday, August 23, 2026. - Grafton Street fatal stabbing: Gardaí probing the death of 21-year-old gig promoter Qayyum Balogun are reviewing multiple videos; no racial motive suspected, and links to Dublin’s African music scene are being examined. - Blanchardstown death: A postmortem found “traumatic” head and neck injuries in the case of Alex Coughlan (37); two teenagers (16 and 17) previously charged with causing serious harm remain before the courts. - DART trains fit for tunnels: Irish Rail rejects social media rumours that new DART carriages are too large for Bray Head tunnels, attributing the talk to service delays and overhead line works. - Donaldson trial: The woman accusing ex-DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson of child rape told Newry Crown Court the alleged abuse is “seared” into her memory; she was challenged on why she did not disclose it at the time. Donaldson denies the charges. - Women of Honour legal challenge: The group is seeking a judicial review of Defence Minister Helen McEntee’s decision not to fund their participation at the judge-led tribunal into Defence Forces abuse, while stressing they do not wish to delay the inquiry. - Garda to stand trial: Suspended garda Alan O’Mahony has been sent forward to Letterkenny Circuit Court on charges including burglary, criminal damage, assault and sending grossly offensive messages.