<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Irish Times Feeds]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com</link><atom:link href="https://www.irishtimes.com/arc/outboundfeeds/sitemap-news-index/2026-05-02/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><description><![CDATA[Irish Times Feeds News Feed]]></description><lastBuildDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 04:05:38 +0000</lastBuildDate><language>en</language><ttl>1</ttl><sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod><sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency><item><title><![CDATA[The International Protection Act does the precise opposite of what it says on the tin]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/03/the-international-protection-act-does-the-precise-opposite-of-what-it-says-on-the-tin/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/03/the-international-protection-act-does-the-precise-opposite-of-what-it-says-on-the-tin/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Marsden]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Rite & Reason: Democracies need to stand up for international law, not collude in its dismemberment]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 23:30:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/NDUGASGW5NHMXNF4HBC65YFZV4.jpg?auth=7108c5fb04419d8136c8d3269e42cb053ce80de1e0c6707ffb8ae272dcb20cce&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Refugees leave Hungary for Germany in October 2015 after fleeing civil war in their home country. File image. Photograph: Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">RadekProcyk</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Further fuel protests expected before the autumn Budget, spokesmen say]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/further-fuel-protests-expected-before-the-autumn-budget-spokesmen-say/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/further-fuel-protests-expected-before-the-autumn-budget-spokesmen-say/</guid><description><![CDATA[One, James Geoghegan, says Government package of supports will be running out by July]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 21:48:59 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IOZDWJEJ6MHM35DPPJJAMFWCJA.jpg?auth=be330793c79a4d270d101102d85006f9549bc670b1f44945109c70e2b11eebd4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[James Geoghegan, an agricultural contractor from Co Westmeath, speaks to the media before a Breaking Point event in Dublin on Saturday. Photograph: Conor Ó Mearáin/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Conor O Mearain</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cormac Costello’s 10-point haul helps Dublin ease past Louth and into Leinster final ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/cormac-costellos-10-point-haul-helps-dublin-ease-past-louth-and-into-leinster-final/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/cormac-costellos-10-point-haul-helps-dublin-ease-past-louth-and-into-leinster-final/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Keane]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Louth’s hopes of a two-in-a-row in Leinster hit a wall in Portlaoise as Dublin find some form]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 21:21:26 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/NKAYK6IM7BDBZB7QJN6SPUAUG4.jpg?auth=1993442a8c88e88fbbf1e11708758d90a13d7a816dde57e924d0199118029b35&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Dublin’s Cormac Costello celebrates scoring a point during the Leinster SFC semi-final against Louth at O'Moore Park in Portlaoise. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/James Crombie</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Richie Murphy hails ‘incredible’ second-half performance as Ulster reach final ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/richie-murphy-hails-incredible-second-half-performance-as-ulster-reach-final/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/richie-murphy-hails-incredible-second-half-performance-as-ulster-reach-final/</guid><description><![CDATA[‘I thought we played some really good rugby, and we are looking forward to going to Bilbao’]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 20:16:29 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RTQFZSHOJP52LLZGW4QNHTON74.jpg?auth=de9cd83abc4e714dedbaf45de886ef5b8a3f38e8e6717183ee0b21abfb5437ce&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ulster players celebrate following the Challenge Cup semi-final victory over Exeter Chiefs at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Photograph:  Peter Morrison/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Peter Morrison</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Saratoga and Mark Walsh sail to impressive Grade One triumph at Punchestown]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/2026/05/02/saratoga-and-mark-walsh-sail-to-impressive-grade-one-triumph-at-punchestown/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/2026/05/02/saratoga-and-mark-walsh-sail-to-impressive-grade-one-triumph-at-punchestown/</guid><description><![CDATA[Place De La Nation upsets Wodhooh at Punchestown in Mares’ Champion Hurdle]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 20:03:16 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3DFGZDIFF66IBGQYF2IVV6A3ZM.jpg?auth=e3fe6ee42145bebaa6b873f10e35f7f6dc71fd063c74b6fced181bb2235a1374&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Saratoga ridden by Mark Walsh on their way to winning the Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle on the final day of the Punchestown Festival. Photograph: Healy Racing/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Healy Racing</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Shaun Murphy overcomes John Higgins to reach fifth World Championship final]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/05/02/shaun-murphy-overcomes-john-higgins-to-reach-fifth-world-championship-final/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/05/02/shaun-murphy-overcomes-john-higgins-to-reach-fifth-world-championship-final/</guid><description><![CDATA[Titanic tussle looked nailed-on to go to a deciding frame until Higgins fluffed a black on a break of 50]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 19:51:07 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IDRM45BLXLGCJZQVTCI73URRB4.jpg?auth=4837a7bd7520ffa5da134ebef73aa3cf35e0e5242f7c7f2c1a6d5b12bcd452e6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Shaun Murphy celebrates after winning his World Championship semi-final match against John Higgins The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. photograph: Richard Sellers/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Richard Sellers</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inconsistent officiating on collisions is a massive bugbear for players and fans alike]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/inconsistent-officiating-on-collisions-is-a-massive-bugbear-for-players-and-fans-alike/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/inconsistent-officiating-on-collisions-is-a-massive-bugbear-for-players-and-fans-alike/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John O'Sullivan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Both Leinster and Toulon suffered and benefited from questionable decisions by officials]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 19:44:29 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XJQJ45IAXQIPDLODOGNCIV74Q4.jpg?auth=f752a366934c091a574e9dfb1e4626542036e6209678f52842012c2d64c35846&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[RC Toulon's Tomas Albornoz reacts after being penalised in the final moments against Leinster. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Brian Lawless</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Arsenal boost title hopes as Viktor Gyokeres double helps see off Fulham]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/arsenal-boost-title-hopes-as-viktor-gyokeres-double-helps-see-off-fulham/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/arsenal-boost-title-hopes-as-viktor-gyokeres-double-helps-see-off-fulham/</guid><description><![CDATA[Premier League round-up: West Ham’s survival out of their hands as Brentford’s win boosts European bid]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 19:38:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SU67EREBTDZW2ZYH2XJEVY5JVY.jpg?auth=33f93af5429109ae21450020c45ff134525a56328b2f5f8f1f32dcf649910ca9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Bukayo Saka scores Arsenal's second goal during the Premier League match against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium. Photograph: Adam Davy/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Adam Davy</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Railway Union and Lisnagarvey complete Irish Senior Cup three-in-a-rows]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/hockey/2026/05/02/railway-union-and-lisnagarvey-complete-irish-senior-cup-three-in-a-rows/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/hockey/2026/05/02/railway-union-and-lisnagarvey-complete-irish-senior-cup-three-in-a-rows/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mary Hannigan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Lisnagarvey come from two goals down to beat Three Rock Rovers in a penalty shoot-out]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 19:32:16 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PGGFRE4LCNHIBEO64JVM55LWC4.jpg?auth=5154db9449e50aadf5fc8453d368344ce44ec35863a68d8bccb9e6599fb4e454&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Katie Mullan was on target in Railway Union's victory over Monkstown  in the Irish Senior Cup final. Photograph: Frank Uijlenbroek/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Frank Uijlenbroek</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rory Beggan’s two-pointer seals dramatic extra-time victory for Monaghan over Derry]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/rory-beggans-two-pointer-seals-dramatic-extra-time-victory-for-monaghan-over-derry/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/rory-beggans-two-pointer-seals-dramatic-extra-time-victory-for-monaghan-over-derry/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Steven Doherty at the Athletic Grounds ]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Gabriel Bannigan’s side book a place in the Ulster final after thriller at the Athletic Grounds ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 19:23:44 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2VW7PLIRO5GQHORJK52HRSLTS4.jpg?auth=e68c91a9e68de42bda89a81230e3e6496af2c0dbdffff7f69e83c3ebdca82bc9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Monaghan's Rory Beggan celebrates his two-point free with the last kick of the game in extra-time to secure victory over Derry in the Ulster SFC semi-final at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photograph: Tom O’Hanlon/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Dominant Ulster through to Challenge Cup final after beating Exeter - as it happened]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/ulster-v-exeter-chiefs-live-updates-follow-action-from-challenge-cup-semi-final/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/ulster-v-exeter-chiefs-live-updates-follow-action-from-challenge-cup-semi-final/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Gorman]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Irish province make it to Bilbao after impressive second-half display]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 19:18:56 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/D266RNBV55GH34YWUHJCRWVAMA.jpg?auth=8b19f42a345123833f3a10790d8f809427a50c21b303e4045713355a593dbab7&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ulster's Jacob Stockdale is tackled by Exeter Chiefs' Christ Tshiunza. Photograph: Peter Morrison/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Peter Morrison</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ulster boss the Chiefs to make it to the Challenge Cup final in Bilbao]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/ulster-boss-the-chiefs-to-make-it-to-the-challenge-cup-final-in-bilbao/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/ulster-boss-the-chiefs-to-make-it-to-the-challenge-cup-final-in-bilbao/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ciarán Donaghy at the Affidea Stadium]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Richie Murphy’s side book their first European final since 2012 as they look to end 20-year trophy drought]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 18:55:25 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5TP5EAJ3EJCVZK5HCYM4X5G4LU.jpg?auth=c62e7a5e45d874036848a9618125a7284d2af1be8ce3824d3d225698f0cb66f5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Juarno Augustus celebrates scoring Ulster's first try of the game with Zac Ward during the Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs at the Affidea Stadium in Belfast. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Ryan Byrne</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leo Cullen praises players and vents frustration at perceived anti-Leinster agenda]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/leo-cullen-praises-players-and-vents-frustration-at-perceived-anti-leinster-agenda/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/leo-cullen-praises-players-and-vents-frustration-at-perceived-anti-leinster-agenda/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gerry Thornley]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Head coach also credits Toulon for staying in the game to the finish at the Aviva Stadium]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 18:33:26 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/G56MMLLOUOOYJXGMXA7GQNSW3U.jpg?auth=21991a63552ec290262d1035b7f3d9c9236666fbb2eb74ec103f88c78bab6974&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Toulon's Nacho Brex is tackled by Andrew Porter during the Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: Evan Treacy/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Evan Treacy</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Army bomb squad called in after suspicious device found in Donegal]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/02/army-bomb-squad-called-in-after-suspicious-device-found-in-donegal/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/02/army-bomb-squad-called-in-after-suspicious-device-found-in-donegal/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Chris McNulty]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[‘Controlled explosion’ carried out on object, which appeared ‘discarded’]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 18:22:08 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HU3BMWQV3DJ6JTOVQWKJCZPJ7U.jpg?auth=c7f17b3207d9c9b31f8e3d866e890159e2f6ac7bbc3f68d0dc2fd099da7d73ee&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Explosive Ordnance Disposal arrived at the scene on Saturday afternoon. File image. Photograph:: David Sleator]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Man arrested after cocaine worth estimated €1.2m seized in Co Tyrone]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/02/man-arrested-after-cocaine-worth-estimated-12m-seized-in-co-tyrone/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/02/man-arrested-after-cocaine-worth-estimated-12m-seized-in-co-tyrone/</guid><description><![CDATA[Seized phones showed evidence of drug supply and contained indecent images of children, says PSNI]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 18:06:49 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/NEPDF643INLTT4AIMACNMQ6UVE.jpg?auth=411b5a6eaaede7a81cc4ea92ffd78b611754a5be871000204e76f20378018176&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The drugs seized from a Dungannon property in Co Tyrone. Photograph: PSNI/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">PSNI</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Austrian police arrest man over baby food containing rat poison]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/05/02/austrian-police-arrest-man-over-baby-food-containing-rat-poison/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/05/02/austrian-police-arrest-man-over-baby-food-containing-rat-poison/</guid><description><![CDATA[Five ‘manipulated’ jars recovered last month in central Europe, but sixth yet to be found]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 17:44:46 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RNMDR53DV7OYVJR5Y6IBUQX3DY.jpg?auth=6aaf54897459ff9219b69ea1eff08f2883c700ce0a79f93897bed1cb51307be6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The maker received a demand for €2m and said it was an extortion attempt. File image. Photograph: Getty]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leinster hold off Toulon comeback to make Champions Cup final - as it happened]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/leinster-v-toulon-live-updates-follow-the-action-from-champions-cup-semi-final/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/leinster-v-toulon-live-updates-follow-the-action-from-champions-cup-semi-final/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[David Gorman]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Leinster looked to be cruising before two Toulon tries set up nervy finale]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 17:34:19 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3Z3KLL2FQ326GVMFC5FIGILGIE.jpg?auth=5a233cc334420dad95edeae923624a25842dcce6ac10f30aad7e780e10fb0965&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[RC Toulon's Tomas Albornoz  is tackled by Leinster's Tommy O'Brien. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Brian Lawless</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Champions Cup: Leinster book ticket to Bilbao after holding off Toulon’s daring late comeback]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/champions-cup-leinster-book-ticket-to-bilbao-after-holding-off-toulons-daring-late-comeback/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/champions-cup-leinster-book-ticket-to-bilbao-after-holding-off-toulons-daring-late-comeback/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gerry Thornley]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Relief the main emotion as Leo Cullen’s side exorcise a few demons to make a record-extending ninth final]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 17:24:06 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/W2PGF3INYJBIJLAN7NEGEQFZPY.jpg?auth=106e5ed82f10da5b325fd819a9fae2a311d0441fe6aecfa27bfb9cc76e467315&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Garry Ringrose celebrates scoring Leinster's third try with Hugo Keenan during the Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Ben Brady</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leinster 29 Toulon 25: How the Leinster team rated at the Aviva Stadium]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/leinster-29-toulon-25-how-the-leinster-team-rated-at-the-aviva-stadium/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/leinster-29-toulon-25-how-the-leinster-team-rated-at-the-aviva-stadium/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John O'Sullivan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Tommy O’Brien and Andrew Porter two of the standout performers as Leinster book place in Champions Cup decider ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 16:32:15 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3Z3KLL2FQ326GVMFC5FIGILGIE.jpg?auth=5a233cc334420dad95edeae923624a25842dcce6ac10f30aad7e780e10fb0965&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Leinster's Tommy O'Brien tackles Toulon's Tomas Albornoz during the Champions Cup semi-final at the Aviva Stadium. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Brian Lawless</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Flight with 275 passengers diverts to Dublin Airport after engine issue over Atlantic]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/05/02/flight-diverted-to-dublin-airport-after-crew-reports-engine-issue-over-north-atlantic/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/05/02/flight-diverted-to-dublin-airport-after-crew-reports-engine-issue-over-north-atlantic/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Pat Flynn]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Delta Air Lines flight DL-59 departed London’s Heathrow Airport at around 10.18am bound for Boston Logan International Airport]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 16:30:38 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4IEIKMAG6YFCHHNFOU3WK3EIU.jpg?auth=9e8e3001ffe88c7372a3917c758289411f1d318b33532ce17a641b50bfec8760&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The crew asked that emergency services be alerted and standing for them on arrival at Dublin Photograph: Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Joe Raedle</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Top Republicans express concern after US orders withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/05/02/top-republicans-express-concern-after-us-orders-withdrawal-of-5000-troops-from-germany/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/05/02/top-republicans-express-concern-after-us-orders-withdrawal-of-5000-troops-from-germany/</guid><description><![CDATA[Donald Trump reacts to criticism by German chancellor Merz of US war in Iran]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 16:05:39 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RXBWYOHL4YILQUROQYM6ZXJZWI.jpg?auth=3086eb15c550fb8d9ff369cd1ae71c0f3ab2813f5f774f917eb7cc3d464e923b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Donald Trump at the White House in March. Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Andrew Caballero-Reynolds</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bow Echo too good for Gstaad to run out brilliant winner of 2,000 Guineas]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/2026/05/02/bow-echo-too-good-for-gstaad-to-run-out-brilliant-winner-of-2000-guineas/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/2026/05/02/bow-echo-too-good-for-gstaad-to-run-out-brilliant-winner-of-2000-guineas/</guid><description><![CDATA[20-year-old Irish jockey Billy Loughnane enjoys career highlight at Newmarket]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 16:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/545QRVMFZUOAB6PPRSUTOABUAY.jpg?auth=42a5e2b512364d3a3b15fcc342d1b8cc261427ab5e8548f70b292e08bd52ecca&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Jockey Billy Loughnane celebrates on Bow Echo after securing victory in the Betfred 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire for The Jockey Club]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">David Davies for The Jockey Club</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[PSNI officer injured after being struck by motocross-style bike]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/02/psni-officer-injured-after-being-struck-by-motocross-style-bike/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/02/psni-officer-injured-after-being-struck-by-motocross-style-bike/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jade Wilson]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Six arrested in separate incidents for drink-driving and other offences]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 15:32:28 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QFVRZJMASVBWZOW2COZQVYAYYU.jpg?auth=c43dbeaac88ca866f779decb76046354886680956feaed922eaaf3e12c126f19&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[A man is due to appear in court accused of assault and dangerous driving. Photograph: Peter Muhly/Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">PETER MUHLY</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thunderstorm warning: Met Éireann predicts outbreaks of rain throughout weekend]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/thunderstorm-warning-met-eireann-predicts-outbreaks-of-rain-throughout-weekend/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/thunderstorm-warning-met-eireann-predicts-outbreaks-of-rain-throughout-weekend/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Katie Mellett]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for counties Donegal, Leitrim and Sligo until 6pm on Saturday]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 15:12:47 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KDDS6LKMGBHWNER4DJSG6HXUFE.JPG?auth=9c995b17dc9d30626705cad6e42acd2a3cfd2979a2998589071fc5445fde7179&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[16/04/2025  - Wet weather on the streets of Dublin City Centre as umbrellas are drawn to provide cover from the rain. Photograph: Alan Betson / The Irish Times]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Alan Betson</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sharlene Mawdsley’s searing anchor leg not enough to send Ireland into World Athletics Relays final]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/athletics/2026/05/02/sharlene-mawdsleys-searing-anchor-leg-not-enough-to-send-ireland-into-world-athletics-relays-final/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/athletics/2026/05/02/sharlene-mawdsleys-searing-anchor-leg-not-enough-to-send-ireland-into-world-athletics-relays-final/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian O'Riordan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[With qualification for next year’s World Championships also at stake, three Irish teams get another chance on Sunday]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 15:07:14 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PBSGLNWQ7PLXKDR5B6SDLQXJAE.jpg?auth=326254be3f2f07e79fe6bd8ebcb9363fc133fb0097400ff16bf555c1f1386808&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ireland's Seán Doggett hands off to Sharlene Mawdsley for the final leg of the Mixed 4x400m heat at the World Athletics Relay Championships at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana. Photograph: Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kemi Badenoch apologises for Bloody Sunday clips in social media video]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2026/05/02/kemi-badenoch-apologises-for-bloody-sunday-clips-in-social-media-video/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2026/05/02/kemi-badenoch-apologises-for-bloody-sunday-clips-in-social-media-video/</guid><description><![CDATA[Conservative leader said post criticising Labour’s Troubles Bill was sent out by ‘young people’]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 14:42:49 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2AKEBYTBAL3KH366NFC42FBS5I.jpg?auth=0b86d2d06c98454593d5b51338b7cf62b15b614bb30547aa404c97cd921266bb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch on the local elections campaign trail in London on Saturday. Photograph: Alishia Abodunde/Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Alishia Abodunde</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Funeral service for Gordon Snell will take place next week]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/funeral-service-for-gordon-snell-will-take-place-next-week/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/funeral-service-for-gordon-snell-will-take-place-next-week/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Olivia Kelleher]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Snell (93) died peacefully at home on Wednesday]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 14:10:46 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5UEDHMVSW5BHJL3HDE754IM7T4.JPG?auth=512e3df748abda8bec952e2a6698ba7a0a058a177aada2caa8d90cfa6037733c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The late Gordon Snell pictured at home.  Photograph Nick Bradshaw for The Irish Times]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Nick Bradshaw for The Irish Time</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[MG’s new Urban EV is its most affordable electric car yet]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2026/05/01/mgs-new-urban-ev-is-its-most-affordable-electric-car-yet/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/motors/2026/05/01/mgs-new-urban-ev-is-its-most-affordable-electric-car-yet/</guid><description><![CDATA[We’d have called it cheap, but since then Volkswagen has confirmed arrival of its €19,000 ID. Polo]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 14:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/K5WXZHROZJGYBCKZ2PZZEWNBJA.jpg?auth=1dcba60d3868e199228d8979a06befceaece93f442c4e203b6e5510dc2544f92&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[MG 4 Urban]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">LUCIANO CONSOLINI</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kasey McAteer among goals as Ipswich bounce back into Premier League]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/kasey-mcateer-among-goals-as-ipswich-bounce-back-into-premier-league/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/kasey-mcateer-among-goals-as-ipswich-bounce-back-into-premier-league/</guid><description><![CDATA[Championship final day round-up: Wrexham’s hopes of a fourth straight promotion thwarted as they miss out on playoff places]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 13:58:55 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZUICSSJOHRSOGFUFE72FAWH2BY.jpg?auth=1ec65e6a20798f46c49656bfad0da151f6325670b96a3657a1bdb3fea3233bba&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ireland international Kasey McAteer scores Ipswich Town's third goal during the Championship game against QPR at Portman Road. Photograph: Paul Harding/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Paul Harding</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mark Allen and Wu Yize quicken the pace to put ’embarrassment’ behind them at Crucible]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/05/02/mark-allen-and-wu-yize-quicken-the-pace-to-put-embarrassment-behind-them-at-crucible/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/05/02/mark-allen-and-wu-yize-quicken-the-pace-to-put-embarrassment-behind-them-at-crucible/</guid><description><![CDATA[Match level on 11 frames each after riveting third session at World Snooker Championship]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 13:23:55 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/S74KABCT4FPIDF74GB7ANS5ZFU.jpg?auth=e21ab4c4e0cfbff74a9b6cfa0738871011dc4914a53f21a77d5dfa7ac543a83d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Wu Yize during his semi-final match with Mark Allen at the Crucible. Photograph: Richard Sellers/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Richard Sellers</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Man charged with attempted murder over Dunmurry bomb attack at PSNI station]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/02/man-charged-with-attempted-murder-over-dunmurry-bomb-attack-at-psni-station/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/02/man-charged-with-attempted-murder-over-dunmurry-bomb-attack-at-psni-station/</guid><description><![CDATA[Kieran Smyth (66) with an address at Beechmount Avenue in Belfast, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court on Saturday ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 10:40:55 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GNCKW3BIGOU5UPN4ZURJZDIF7I.jpg?auth=2302c1262561d700f89beb7f25a0fcd4fbd2246b1fbac3f964dd712202a05fd8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Forensic investigators at the scene in Dunmurry in Northern Ireland after a car bomb exploded outside a PSNI station. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Niall Carson</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Decoding a genius – Kafkaesque: Ten Great Writers Translate the Twentieth Century]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/decoding-a-genius-kafkaesque-ten-great-writers-translate-the-twentieth-century/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/decoding-a-genius-kafkaesque-ten-great-writers-translate-the-twentieth-century/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Declan O’Driscoll]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Adopting an accessible, conversational style, Maïa Hruska examines Franz Kafka’s earliest champions]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 10:35:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/I4W5HY6XDYGL6AL7LQEAWI3UGA.jpg?auth=2d27e252fbffb5767b8ac1df500267afe0f3cd07154c6057ee38ad6553c04bbc&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Franz Kafka died in 1924, aged 40. His writing was not widely read during his lifetime. Photograph: Archiv Klaus Wagenbach, Berlin.]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alex Zanardi: Former F1 driver and Paralympic champion dies at 59]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/05/02/alex-zanardi-former-f1-driver-and-paralympic-champion-dies-at-59/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/05/02/alex-zanardi-former-f1-driver-and-paralympic-champion-dies-at-59/</guid><description><![CDATA[Italian lost both legs in a racing crash in 2001 but went on to win four para-cycling gold ‌medals]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 10:26:53 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PILMVNQKWRDOFIB2BTPGKS3BR4.jpg?auth=95ecb36faf3a581f354aff8afe527961102045bd278c79ea23b079642adb3fc5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Alex Zanardi has died aged 59. Photograph: Reuters]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Over 1,200 drivers detected speeding in first 48 hours of Garda roads policing operation]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/02/over-1200-drivers-detected-speeding-in-first-48-hours-of-garda-roads-policing-operation/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/05/02/over-1200-drivers-detected-speeding-in-first-48-hours-of-garda-roads-policing-operation/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Katie Mellett]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[One motorist in Co Donegal was caught driving 67 kilometres over the speed limit]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 10:25:17 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HC575GZGJ3ORN5Y5UBZIR7QJNE.JPG?auth=5edd182acc3e6ef5836a36e588bc435bba33c30f573e6f417fd2979392896932&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[On the R180 in Mount Brown, Dublin 8, a driver was found to be driving at 82 km/h in a 50km/hr zone. Photograph: Collins Photos ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Collins Photos</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jokes, but no jokey cover for reissue of Night Watch by Terry Pratchett]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/jokes-but-no-jokey-cover-to-undermine-reissue-of-night-watch-by-terry-pratchett/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/jokes-but-no-jokey-cover-to-undermine-reissue-of-night-watch-by-terry-pratchett/</guid><description><![CDATA[Plus reviews of These Isles by Brian Groom; and The Doom Loop by Eswar S Prasad]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 09:22:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XUGUXRD7YNMUBD3C3ITDTPQQGA.jpg?auth=18c44ea3b009ce46645db21ebc57d5a3fad47b6160f5d19a4ac04665d86a1321&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Terry Pratchett, author of Night Watch. Photograph: Cyril Byrne]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Cyril Byrne</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Consultant tells court of ‘chaotic’ scene as victim’s chest wound was ‘hissing’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/02/consultant-tells-court-of-chaotic-scene-as-victims-chest-wound-was-hissing/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/02/consultant-tells-court-of-chaotic-scene-as-victims-chest-wound-was-hissing/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Olivia Kelleher]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Dr Jason van der Velde told a trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court he thought the cavity surrounding the lungs of John Brennan had been breached]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 09:05:32 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TDREEIMUBZGHXBRG6MXIDKE6JQ.png?auth=3001edf19705265247b9dbd2f43d81276658272f4087be85e6115e9e83c7da6c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/png" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[William Brennan and Jerry Brennan snr pictured at Bantry District Court. Photographs: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Cork Courts Limited]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Man who took part in hijacking taxi on M50 is jailed]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/02/man-who-took-part-in-hijacking-taxi-on-m50-is-jailed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/02/man-who-took-part-in-hijacking-taxi-on-m50-is-jailed/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Isabel Hayes]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Driver tried to escape after his hair and arm were pulled as he was driving on busy motorway]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JAI2PDVN7NCX7GC2RIK4XJUEZQ.jpg?auth=b0cd95610d0110ba128e508adec9e0d5f2207b6e3e9cd374d11445371d1aac3b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The judge said it was lucky there were no collisions as a result of the incident on the M50. Photograph: Getty Images/iStockphoto]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">William_Potter</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Book That Taught the World to Orgasm and then Disappeared: Shere Hite and the Hite Report]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/review-the-book-that-taught-the-world-to-orgasm-and-then-disappeared-shere-hite-and-the-hite-report/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/review-the-book-that-taught-the-world-to-orgasm-and-then-disappeared-shere-hite-and-the-hite-report/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rosita Sweetman]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Rosa Campbell’s compelling work does justice to a feminist warrior]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 08:57:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MLZYSRM24J7BDQDLA26QFXJB4M.jpg?auth=bd1ed3adf218d0a81c100d64b73c7912fe11ae2999c95dab554af391116d0a87&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Through her research and writing, Shere Hite brought greater understanding to the reality of the female sexual experience. Photograph: Galuschka/Getty Images]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trump brought back down to earth by Iran war fallout]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2026/05/02/trump-brought-back-down-to-earth-by-iran-war-fallout/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2026/05/02/trump-brought-back-down-to-earth-by-iran-war-fallout/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James Politi in Washington]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Signs that president is losing the support of voters in advance of November's midterm elections]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 07:30:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XUI2WHP3E62N3M4L27T2OM4XBU.jpg?auth=4a85b718573f0b6a756124a6acfaec7c4b1d2eaf3e46377bc6a15066950888b9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[US president Donald Trump hosts the astronauts of Artemis II at the White House. His attempts to project swagger have increasingly fallen flat. Photograph: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images. ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Andrew Harnik</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tactical tweaks from Bohemians, a Shelbourne reprieve: Friday’s League of Ireland lessons]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/tactical-tweaks-from-bohemians-a-shelbourne-reprieve-fridays-league-of-ireland-lessons/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/tactical-tweaks-from-bohemians-a-shelbourne-reprieve-fridays-league-of-ireland-lessons/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cian O'Connell]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Chris Forrester shows his class in St Pat’s midfield; Aaron Bolger’s two goals for Galway display outstanding technique]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 07:20:08 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BRQPXOCLGEOUV3GXGKR6NIKK6A.jpg?auth=12da83bcc29338cb24c838e41c54189afa7488eb21bc4610cd9c5710ee5dd336&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Galway United's Aaron Bolger celebrates scoring a goal to equalise against St Patrick's Athletic at Eamonn Deacy Park, Galway. Photograph: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Laszlo Geczo</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[US budget carrier Spirit Airlines goes out of business after 34 years]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/02/us-budget-carrier-spirit-airlines-goes-out-of-business-after-34-years/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/02/us-budget-carrier-spirit-airlines-goes-out-of-business-after-34-years/</guid><description><![CDATA[The ultra-low cost airline which employs 17,000 people has started an ‘orderly wind-down’]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 07:11:06 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CPDFI5ZQVIVXQ3QPMLA7IUYB7U.jpg?auth=0086a548167e9dc9583258325b3d027848a5c137151977a6b2f3e5ee88f4d46c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The shutdown was expected after Friday came and went without a needed government bailout for the cash-strapped business. Photograph: AP]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Charles Krupa</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Casemiro puts the critics in their place with an outstanding late gallop at Old Trafford]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/casemiro-puts-the-critics-in-their-place-with-an-outstanding-late-gallop-at-old-trafford/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/casemiro-puts-the-critics-in-their-place-with-an-outstanding-late-gallop-at-old-trafford/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jamie Jackson]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Jamie Carragher admits he was wrong about the Brazilian, who leaves Manchester United at the end of the season]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 07:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SSEQQP5CCCSJVOJ4MXCKKJM5NU.jpg?auth=2dec672cd656cf1826dbafb4b16469b122aff4fad9fb6925276cee1382d74a48&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Manchester United's Casemiro tackles Brentford midfielder Mathias Jensen during Monday's Premier League match at Old Trafford. Photograph: Darren Staples/AFP via Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Darren Staples</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trump says Iran ceasefire means he does not need Congress approval for war ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2026/05/02/trump-says-iran-ceasefire-means-he-does-not-need-congress-approval-for-war/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2026/05/02/trump-says-iran-ceasefire-means-he-does-not-need-congress-approval-for-war/</guid><description><![CDATA[US president says Iran conflict ‘terminated’ despite stand-off in the Middle East as Congress consent deadline passes ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 06:25:10 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2SPJOPVPNY6AMBQBY6R3JKQ364.jpg?auth=ee8cf674500cd4190b507a03513572ee328d50811177f5388e56cd9536df8302&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport, Florida, on May 1st, 2026. Photograph: Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Roberto Schmidt</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ireland’s moment of truth in the energy crisis is fast approaching]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/irelands-moment-of-truth-in-the-energy-crisis-is-fast-approaching/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/irelands-moment-of-truth-in-the-energy-crisis-is-fast-approaching/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cliff Taylor]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Whether to spend big to ease rising household electricity and gas bills is Government’s next big test]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:47:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H4T2MS6BQZFBXK66H3ABO4POWU.jpg?auth=0f1cfcb6102b21709a469ee785b7faa0ed29873db27c74e320decf2edbda6331&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Cliff Taylor]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inspiring the next generation of innovators should be a national priority ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-innovators-should-be-a-national-priority/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/inspiring-the-next-generation-of-innovators-should-be-a-national-priority/</guid><description><![CDATA[The National Children’s Science Centre is needed more than ever]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:02:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Michael McDowell’s Covid response critique ignores the central clinical reality]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/michael-mcdowells-covid-response-critique-ignores-the-central-clinical-reality/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/michael-mcdowells-covid-response-critique-ignores-the-central-clinical-reality/</guid><description><![CDATA[The lesson from Covid is not that strong public-health measures should never be used again]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Glacial pace of byelection to fill Catherine Connolly’s former Dáil seat]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/glacial-pace-of-byelection-to-fill-catherine-connollys-former-dail-seat/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/glacial-pace-of-byelection-to-fill-catherine-connollys-former-dail-seat/</guid><description><![CDATA[More than 190 days will have elapsed between President’s inauguration and Galway West poll]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times – Letters to the Editor]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Working parents need greater flexibility]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/working-parents-call-for-greater-workplace-flexibility/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/working-parents-call-for-greater-workplace-flexibility/</guid><description><![CDATA[Calls for cultural shift in workplace attitudes to family responsibilities]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Loyalty platform Squid launches universal local rewards system]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/02/loyalty-platform-squid-launches-universal-local-rewards-system/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/02/loyalty-platform-squid-launches-universal-local-rewards-system/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Colin Gleeson]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Signed-up companies include Tesco, SuperValu, JustEat, Zurich Insurance, Hello Fresh, Uber Eats and Moonpig]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JKIBWVLQUU27SSNARAMFLRCXAQ.jpg?auth=e2537d9204fcd6f4aefdfe373947790657f17f620dcfdc0289301395ea1f1bfc&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Tesco and SuperValu stores are among the companies that have signed up to Squid. Photograph: Dave Meehan]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Any portent in a storm: Frank McNally on dogfights, doomsday and a tale of two Dundalks]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/an-irish-diary/2026/05/02/any-portent-in-a-storm-frank-mcnally-on-dogfights-doomsday-and-a-tale-of-two-dundalks/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/an-irish-diary/2026/05/02/any-portent-in-a-storm-frank-mcnally-on-dogfights-doomsday-and-a-tale-of-two-dundalks/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank McNally]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Robert Ross, royal diplomacy and linguistic battles over whiskey]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UDAUCLTQKRCT7ARNVUWOOPBZHI.jpg?auth=19378bab0cfb6e387aab4e20e2f3baa030f7913fcb7e7da80e45a8a255b670c2&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[A border collie in long grass. Photograph: Daniel Llao Calvet/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Daniel Llao Calvet</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Thousands told to leave Ipas centres by July as ‘no longer entitled’ to live there]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/05/02/thousands-told-to-leave-ipas-centres-by-july-as-they-are-no-longer-entitled-to-live-there/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/05/02/thousands-told-to-leave-ipas-centres-by-july-as-they-are-no-longer-entitled-to-live-there/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kitty Holland]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Correspondence issued to 475 families and more than 1,000 single adults with legal right to remain in Ireland]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/W55GJXNGFNGWFGBGK2DTF6KCRI.JPG?auth=797ee435a22619b6497ae6d0767862aa9d1fe3b6a22a3aefb3aacde26f1045ae&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[A man passes a small tent occupied by a homeless person at the back of Westland Row on South Cumberland Street, Dublin. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Bryan O'Brien</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Martyn Turner]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/cartoon/2026/05/02/martyn-turner/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/cartoon/2026/05/02/martyn-turner/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Martyn Turner]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[May 2nd, 2026]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RQO6DM5BRRG4JH4JVLQFC3UEQ4.jpg?auth=144e7c1836ed2592c5d98f5be7f8c9889c76f06a73b57c1840e80850f29de14c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Martyn Turner</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[European inspiration for cycle-friendly urban and rural areas]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/european-inspiration-for-cycle-friendly-urban-and-rural-areas/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/european-inspiration-for-cycle-friendly-urban-and-rural-areas/</guid><description><![CDATA[Life would be more relaxed, more sociable and healthier]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Reports on radiotherapy and neurology services and children’s hospital a cause for worry]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/reports-on-radiotherapy-and-neurology-services-and-childrens-hospital-a-cause-for-worry/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/reports-on-radiotherapy-and-neurology-services-and-childrens-hospital-a-cause-for-worry/</guid><description><![CDATA[Those responsible are doubtless working hard to resolve issues but could they speed up delivery?]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[If you’re unhappy about the discarded nappy ...]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/if-youre-unhappy-about-the-discarded-nappy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/if-youre-unhappy-about-the-discarded-nappy/</guid><description><![CDATA[It is difficult to understand the mentality of caring parents who indulge in such behaviour]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg?auth=2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Letter of the Day]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Inside the Kinahan cartel’s secret phone chats: ‘Nobody is stopping until they’re all dead’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/in-the-news/inside-the-kinahan-cartels-secret-phone-chats-nobody-is-stopping-until-theyre-all-dead/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/in-the-news/inside-the-kinahan-cartels-secret-phone-chats-nobody-is-stopping-until-theyre-all-dead/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Bernice Harrison]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[In the News podcast: Case against gang lieutenant Sean McGovern reveals how the Irish drug gang planned to murder rivals in feud with the Hutch gang]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7VNVSLPFHFGVZH5LAXGSGROMIU.jpg?auth=3c2b66cf84857d0a1498555b298d914ef40ca2e15c5aee077a9394a4ef450d63&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Sean McGovern inadvertently left a trail of data that helped gardaí understand some of the workings of the Kinahan cartel]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[MacSharry defends intervention in case of developer jailed for assault on three boys]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/02/macsharry-defends-intervention-in-case-of-property-developer-jailed-for-shocking-assault-on-three-young-boys/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/05/02/macsharry-defends-intervention-in-case-of-property-developer-jailed-for-shocking-assault-on-three-young-boys/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cormac McQuinn, Sorcha Crowley]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The former Fianna Fáil TD’s testimonial said Cathal O’Connor had an ‘impeccable record as a law-abiding citizen’ ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PPH2D7Y6SJSCRCMHVO2N5FQTGA.jpg?auth=c12beddc2319f6b43a860d603c616354b1728c2b49a7954c584304a5c9087474&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Marc MacSharry said he 'firmly believes the incident was completely out of character'. Photograph: Gareth Chaney/Collins 
]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Gstaad is Aidan O’Brien’s sole hope for more 2,000 Guineas glory in Newmarket ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/2026/05/02/gstaad-is-aidan-obriens-sole-hope-for-more-2000-guineas-glory-in-newmarket/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/2026/05/02/gstaad-is-aidan-obriens-sole-hope-for-more-2000-guineas-glory-in-newmarket/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian O'Connor]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Top mares Wodhooh and Jade De Grugy resume rivalry on final day of Punchestown Festival ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JWTKFCL2NDTYCQOLLL64HO5H7U.jpg?auth=514ef3abdc33e0dee5229307966500418296437b10bf3ed561505f81c468f0a4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ryan Moore riding Gstaad wins the Coventry Stakes on day one of Royal Ascot 2025. Photograph: Tom Dulat/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Tom Dulat</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Leinster have opportunity to purge Champions Cup demons against Toulon]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/leinster-have-opportunity-to-purge-champions-cup-demons-against-toulon/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/leinster-have-opportunity-to-purge-champions-cup-demons-against-toulon/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gerry Thornley]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Losing successive home semi-finals seems unthinkable, so the pressure is on the Irish province]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YH6CWGP4YJEVBOMFFEMLCJV6JI.jpg?auth=3b9419f751e374845cb565f71d35caa8f1eaf2e0f99b23a048dbf91658cc8028&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Leinster head coach Leo Cullen with Caelan Doris. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Ben Brady</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Easing planning rules for one-off housing makes no sense]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/easing-planning-rules-for-one-off-housing-makes-no-sense/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/easing-planning-rules-for-one-off-housing-makes-no-sense/</guid><description><![CDATA[Living in towns and villages brings economies of scale and reduces car usage]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times – Letters to the Editor]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[We still await our iodine tablets from 2002, never mind the Government’s emergency booklet]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/we-still-await-our-iodine-tablets-from-2002-never-mind-the-governments-emergency-booklet/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/we-still-await-our-iodine-tablets-from-2002-never-mind-the-governments-emergency-booklet/</guid><description><![CDATA[Announcement about distribution of pamphlet was made on first anniversary of Storm Éowyn]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times – Letters to the Editor]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Conor McManus: Following up on a big surprise is a different challenge for resourceful Down]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/following-up-on-a-big-surprise-is-a-different-challenge-for-resourceful-down/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/following-up-on-a-big-surprise-is-a-different-challenge-for-resourceful-down/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Conor McManus]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Conor Laverty’s team will find Armagh pose a more varied threat than Donegal last week]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/EYEAM4ZJ3VDBPJPYCPQZU6CH4U.jpg?auth=cf9d806d3c3e11fb468fd65d293bb72b8b137d9c9c85004a99c57076bf1f7aad&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Armagh's Oisín Conaty in action against Tyrone in the Ulster GAA Senior Football Championship. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/©INPHO]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Prepay Power price hike likely to be only the start]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/02/prepay-power-price-hike-likely-to-be-only-the-start/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/02/prepay-power-price-hike-likely-to-be-only-the-start/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Richard Cantillon]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Wave of price hikes seems inevitable, given jump in oil prices]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/EA5CALQKVJAHNMAXXXFES3FRJE.jpg?auth=eccc5f0dd3242b409d6dc3fd6ec37c29b6e08ef2779085a94364c865b9e4a26f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[More electricity bills are set to increase. Photograph: iStock]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">monkeybusinessimages</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ulster move to avert frontrow crisis for crucial Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/ulster-move-to-avert-frontrow-crisis-for-crucial-challenge-cup-semi-final-against-exeter/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/ulster-move-to-avert-frontrow-crisis-for-crucial-challenge-cup-semi-final-against-exeter/</guid><description><![CDATA[Angus Bell and James Hume lose battle to be fit for province’s first home knock-out European semi-final since 1999]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/V2DDLWHCIC4E4IAAUCWBRYDXKY.jpg?auth=6283c1ab60f9c664d654bf0a2dbab8b8aa05bafb0f302ec7d8d15b79473387f0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ulster's Jude Postlethwaite is challenged by Sam Prendergast of Leinster in their URC game at Affidea Stadium, Belfast on April 17th. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Morgan Treacy</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Westmeath still dreaming of a rare Leinster title despite Luke Loughlin injury blow]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/westmeath-still-dreaming-of-a-rare-leinster-title-despite-luke-loughlin-injury-blow/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/westmeath-still-dreaming-of-a-rare-leinster-title-despite-luke-loughlin-injury-blow/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gordon Manning]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Lake County have several players capable of causing Kildare bother in provincial semi-final]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GK5FPWPZCRAQLPGZQZIXNKSCLE.jpg?auth=f6fec380105d412b5bf69bddb61e7213e588304c8763e54c3eb9b2b0ee87e2fa&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Matthew Whittaker celebrates with Robbie Forde after Westmeath's victory against Meath in the Leinster Senior Football Champions quarter-final at Glenisk O'Connor Park, Tullamore, Co Offaly. Photograph: Grace Halton/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Grace Halton</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Attack drones have captured the most disturbing images of war I’ve seen]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/attack-drones-have-captured-some-of-the-most-disturbing-images-of-war-ive-ever-seen/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/attack-drones-have-captured-some-of-the-most-disturbing-images-of-war-ive-ever-seen/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark O’Connell]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[There is something undeniably sinister in the combination of intimacy and detachment in footage taken by ‘first person view’ drones]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LQ3W64XDOR7RTSWWAYNFF6SGUU.jpg?auth=171bc16e87c4bd78386021705d25c0a29c2671d738053eb92cad0acbdfd4b7c6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Members of the Ukraine volunteer army operate a drone flying over Russian-held territory. Photograph: Lynsey Addario/The New York Times]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Lynsey Addario</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Harry Byrne: ‘All I wanted to do was come back and compete, have a fair crack’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/harry-byrne-all-i-wanted-to-do-was-come-back-and-compete-have-a-fair-crack/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/harry-byrne-all-i-wanted-to-do-was-come-back-and-compete-have-a-fair-crack/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gerry Thornley]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The 27-year-old discusses his bond with his brother Ross, his loan spell in Bristol and his determination to earn the opportunity coming his way on Saturday, when he is to start for Leinster against Toulon ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RBJROKHAYW5ZGTRWZDQN662T6I.jpg?auth=29257ffabd6b9b6442d7a5a14747a2424114ea6381661e15e957203202844479&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Harry Byrne is excited about the prospect of making his first Champions Cup semi-final start, for Leinster against Toulon on Saturday. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Brian Lawless</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[DCC’s plc days seem numbered unless bid interest ignites its energy story ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/02/dccs-plc-days-seem-numbered-unless-bid-interest-ignites-its-energy-story/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/05/02/dccs-plc-days-seem-numbered-unless-bid-interest-ignites-its-energy-story/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe Brennan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[This week’s bid from ECP and KKR means the Irish company is firmly in play]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AMYNBKDAJFCVBOA37XHMNH73MA.JPG?auth=ad5f6492ae170c01ed3fbd400361c2e8f5c94220ec9cc8cacbafeeb237e83134&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[DCC chief executive Donal Murphy has refocused the business on energy. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien / The Irish Times  
]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Bryan O'Brien</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Does it matter that Ireland’s bar staff and baristas are over-qualified? I think it does ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/when-i-graduated-only-14-per-cent-of-irish-school-leavers-went-to-college-today-its-70-per-cent/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/when-i-graduated-only-14-per-cent-of-irish-school-leavers-went-to-college-today-its-70-per-cent/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[David McWilliams]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[If young people cannot secure jobs commensurate with their level of education, their ambitions will be dashed, creating resentment]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/K2APABF4MJBOREPQO2RKIKLKHU.jpg?auth=7522f406fbc04f17f76d30f4608255ef78f400b709eff5f2435d10cf0e0d92d2&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[David McWilliams]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jacob Stockdale broke try records in his 20s. Now, he has a new take on performance]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/jacob-stockdale-broke-try-records-in-his-20s-now-he-has-a-new-take-on-performance/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/05/02/jacob-stockdale-broke-try-records-in-his-20s-now-he-has-a-new-take-on-performance/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John O'Sullivan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[On Saturday at the Affidea Stadium, Ulster supporters will be hoping to see Stockdale at his imperious best]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5M7QR3JVBVFRTDTW3S5XI334NE.jpg?auth=82e49c548c9361bd5824b5b7ed2068488b4c99fcfb4a9af01c03469c311c26c5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ulster's Jacob Stockdale makes a break past Owen Watkin of Ospreys earlier in April. Photograph: INPHO/Ben Brady]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Ben Brady</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kate O’Connor on her gruelling seven-event sport: ‘It’s so tough on a woman’s body’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/05/02/olympic-hopeful-kate-oconnor-on-her-gruelling-7-event-sport-its-so-tough-on-a-womans-body/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/05/02/olympic-hopeful-kate-oconnor-on-her-gruelling-7-event-sport-its-so-tough-on-a-womans-body/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Laura Slattery]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The Dundalk heptathlon star loved ‘running around like a headless chicken’ at youth competitions. Now she’s aiming to reach the top of the podium this summer]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TX345ETMZRALHMI7H5WAZXDE2U.jpg?auth=6c21cf7fad5d46223b3b45d468a8204eba07caf8e083daff186e14abc599286b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Dundalk heptathlon star Kate O’Connor. Photograph: Barry McCall]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Barry McCall</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[National Lottery: harmless fun or gateway to gambling – and do good causes get much money?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/national-lottery-harmless-fun-or-gateway-to-gambling-and-do-good-causes-get-much-money/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/national-lottery-harmless-fun-or-gateway-to-gambling-and-do-good-causes-get-much-money/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Paul Colgan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The lotto operator has clashed with bookmakers by demanding a ban on betting on its draws]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/C5KHSNRWEDH3VVVTAGTE2WVHBQ.jpg?auth=62f97ff557c552d7f74378cf66644913b3c85dcaed7c1d33c977321226fcb371&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The National Lottery. Photograph: Cyril Byrne]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Martin Fraser bags Ambassador of the Year award, making him the diplomats’ diplomat ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/05/02/martin-fraser-bags-ambassador-of-the-year-award-making-him-the-diplomats-diplomat/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/05/02/martin-fraser-bags-ambassador-of-the-year-award-making-him-the-diplomats-diplomat/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Miriam Lord]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Outgoing Ambassador to the UK receives gong just before taking up new post as Ireland’s Ambassador to the UN]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WBJTISAFB5CAIAVFJHX4HUUIH4.jpg?auth=ba48b7dbc1683a502116de25980f35a55a803fe6ba33f0e09b5aa6cadb92ee3b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Martin Fraser, Ireland's Ambassador to the UK, was described as a ‘fixer extraordinaire’ at the awards in London’s Hilton on Park Lane. 
File photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Dan Sheridan</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[As Ukrainians prepare to exit Irish hotels, what will become of them and the rooms they leave behind?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/as-ukrainians-prepare-to-exit-irish-hotels-what-will-become-of-them-and-the-rooms-they-leave-behind/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/05/02/as-ukrainians-prepare-to-exit-irish-hotels-what-will-become-of-them-and-the-rooms-they-leave-behind/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ellen O’Riordan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[One Killarney hotelier has mixed feelings about ceasing to host Ukrainians as housing for up to 16,000 war refugees is to end]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AYT2KYRTIJEZ3IABRTNJXH4NCM.jpeg?auth=4829bfca3cb93261cfe7e1efe0230cd5b029b9b002ed0cd6f7e1323982f84f7e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Eviston House Hotel in Killarney, Co Kerry, has been hosting Ukrainians for four years. Photograph: Eviston House Hotel]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Contested goals and fan abuse: Shadowing referee Rob Hennessy for a full-on Dublin derby]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/contested-goals-and-fan-abuse-shadowing-referee-rob-hennessy-for-a-full-on-dublin-derby/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/05/02/contested-goals-and-fan-abuse-shadowing-referee-rob-hennessy-for-a-full-on-dublin-derby/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gavin Cummiskey]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[First-half of Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers clash packed in several games’ worth of incidents]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Y5YX2OOG6ZBGVGNHIF4UCASAMA.jpg?auth=c4021299f5f2157fd549f8717339f2285522515dcee84dac169e634162cf894c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Referee Rob Hennessy addresses Lee Grace and Daniel Kelly during the 2-2 Premier Division draw between Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park on March 9th. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Ben Brady</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sibling revelry: ‘We slag each other off constantly’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-family/2026/05/02/sibling-revelry-we-slag-each-other-off-constantly/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/health/your-family/2026/05/02/sibling-revelry-we-slag-each-other-off-constantly/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Marie Kelly]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Four pairs of siblings on what makes their relationships tick, and therapists on how childhood ties can affect our psychology well into adulthood]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CAQVC2OQXBCWJCRAENIOJ6IRTM.jpg?auth=5c79a8f0468a18ad737758101f53a22a63a1b3d45f31c7d109a80cd8baed8960&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ailbhe and Izzy Keane as children.]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Every time we take the easy route and let AI think for us first we risk weakening our brains ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/every-time-we-take-the-easy-route-and-let-ai-think-for-us-first-we-risk-weakening-our-brains/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/every-time-we-take-the-easy-route-and-let-ai-think-for-us-first-we-risk-weakening-our-brains/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian Robertson]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Superhighways of our minds need plenty of exercise to strengthen and sculpt intelligence]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AC6EGUND6RGHFKJ2QJKDMDGCKI.jpg?auth=8f320972c96dc24882764c23d54273cfe6f18fa8d653fda5bfed84f47901619c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[More young people are using AI for classwork. Photograph: iStock]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">portishead1</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The performance of Irishness for outside approval is finished]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/the-performance-of-irishness-for-outside-approval-is-finished/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/05/02/the-performance-of-irishness-for-outside-approval-is-finished/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sinéad O'Sullivan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Kneecap, Sally Rooney and the comedian Vittorio Angelone ask a question the State has avoided for years: what is all of this for, if not for us?]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7ZOUOYW2LFBMJASZCK2G2KLLDM.JPG?auth=22889de37435a1649fb4d7b3fc7087304fc65393f2f82eb27527c82ed3e5bf68&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[DJ Próvaí of Kneecap speak at an Irish-language convention in the Convention Centre Dublin. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Nick Bradshaw The Irish Times</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[They’re brown, hairy and known as woolly bears here in Ireland but don’t panic]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2026/05/02/theyre-brown-hairy-and-known-as-woolly-bears-here-in-ireland-but-dont-panic-2/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2026/05/02/theyre-brown-hairy-and-known-as-woolly-bears-here-in-ireland-but-dont-panic-2/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Éanna Ní Lamhna]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Eye on Nature: Eanna Ní Lamhna responds to readers’ queries and observations on the natural world]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GZ5KOAW26JD7VK3BBXC3H2S3JQ.jpg?auth=5a8fe5ac77110a9c0732c4f192b35bf820b194e4586908c94b8473a186e42926&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[This carpet beetle was relatively harmless by itself. In numbers, it can become a serious household pest. Photograph: Eric Gill]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nicky English: Clare’s forward power can tilt balance against weakened Limerick]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/nicky-english-clares-forward-power-can-tilt-balance-against-weakened-limerick/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/05/02/nicky-english-clares-forward-power-can-tilt-balance-against-weakened-limerick/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Nicky English]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Little is settled in terms of form or likely championship contenders, but this weekend in Ennis will be instructive]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6CVTHIZ5AJCDHMP6MPH7YXXCDE.jpg?auth=d69f638202d3c2894cea53a79bf3092201c6129b191c5947e9a50123533bad33&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Tony Kelly of Clare in action against Waterford's Darragh Lyons in last month's Munster SHC opener. Photograph: Natasha Barton/INPHO]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Natasha Barton</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Michael Campbell obituary: Pioneering writer and actor from Game of Thrones and Blue Lights]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/obituaries/2026/05/02/michael-campbell-obituary-pioneering-writer-and-actor-from-game-of-thrones-and-blue-lights/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/obituaries/2026/05/02/michael-campbell-obituary-pioneering-writer-and-actor-from-game-of-thrones-and-blue-lights/</guid><description><![CDATA[He took on the stage name Michael Patrick as there already was an actor with the name Michael Campbell]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QLKZHIKJIVD7RFMKYCET2QNWKQ.jpg?auth=43380d48c06f2de20bd986c0ac083c69eb65622cb6dd58592aa927711e51c28e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Actor Michael Patrick (Campbell)  at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast ahead of the reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Richard III in 2024. Photograph: Liam McBurney ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Liam McBurney</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Searching for the disappeared of Cyprus: ‘We are fighting against time’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/05/02/searching-for-the-disappeared-of-cyprus-we-are-fighting-against-time/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/05/02/searching-for-the-disappeared-of-cyprus-we-are-fighting-against-time/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Power]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Fifty years after the worst of the killing, investigators work to find the remaining mass graves from a conflict that tore the small island apart]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TDRY5OWUB5FPVJTWWUGSHKOAIQ.jpg?auth=76b86872a7bd78eccd905bd5cdae2eee23aa6327728434d7e5b7ef046ea9fc89&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Istenç Engin, a laboratory co-ordinator for the committee on missing persons in Cyprus, which works to identify remains through DNA testing. All photographs: Jack Power]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[How weight-loss drugs are reshaping modern life: ‘I’m paying €250 a month not to eat’ ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/05/02/how-weight-loss-drugs-are-reshaping-modern-life-im-paying-250-a-month-not-to-eat-i-get-the-absurdity-of-that/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/05/02/how-weight-loss-drugs-are-reshaping-modern-life-im-paying-250-a-month-not-to-eat-i-get-the-absurdity-of-that/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Conor Pope]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[GLP-1 drugs are reshaping the lives of many, but such treatments  can come with a side order of stigma, even shame]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4PBM64MXGBC4JOQGRK4TTVASWM.jpg?auth=2fee2f147ba5a85e69c2eeebd2a228659a01954d2c32ba80d704669f5c78b6c9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Fork with tape measure.]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Róisín Ingle: ‘What is The Beatles?’ the 23-year-old asked. I thought I heard her wrong]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/05/02/i-had-an-out-of-body-experience-sitting-in-a-cafe-with-a-23-year-old-who-had-never-heard-of-the-beatles/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/05/02/i-had-an-out-of-body-experience-sitting-in-a-cafe-with-a-23-year-old-who-had-never-heard-of-the-beatles/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Róisín Ingle]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[I had an out-of-body experience, sitting in a cafe with a 23-year-old who had never heard of The Beatles]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QDBT4DLO5HX26VCHXNOXAOB5KM.jpg?auth=d594453aabf634a1e20713010f50edcfee5bdafc911bfe759c8dad3e7af25bb8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Hello, Goodbye: Imagine, there’s no Beatles. It’s not easy even if you try. Photograph: Bruce McBroom/Apple Corps Ltd]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Bruce McBroom/Apple Corps Ltd.</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Google and Meta reveal uneven investor patience for AI]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2026/05/02/google-and-meta-reveal-uneven-investor-patience-for-ai/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2026/05/02/google-and-meta-reveal-uneven-investor-patience-for-ai/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Proinsias O'Mahony]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Alphabet’s shares rose sharply, while Meta’s lost almost a tenth of their value following release of financial results this week]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:56:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WC4RJCOUL5EVMT576YXQG4EKBI.jpg?auth=3b389ae5790e7058542be493a3fdc7a3c46de702e9725f0bd597a19e5672316f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Meta shares tumbled nearly 10% at Thursday's opening on Wall Street, while Google-parent Alphabet surged more than 6%. Photograph: Timothy A Clary/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Timothy A. Clary</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Most Irish companies say AI won’t hit their staff numbers ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2026/05/02/most-irish-companies-say-ai-wont-hit-their-staff-numbers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/work/2026/05/02/most-irish-companies-say-ai-wont-hit-their-staff-numbers/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Emmet Malone]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Use of AI in job interviews becoming a greater flashpoint]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:38:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WB7LQ6D5UBFL5BJYU6S4A7ETUY.jpg?auth=171cf2949f1017f9429e5ac7b2bd413911f8b3af893f517737a02311b3042b83&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[More than a third of the Irish respondents to the Glandore survey had been interviewed at least once by AI and of those 21 per cent said they realised it would be used only after the process had been deployed. Photograph: iStock]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">peterhowell</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[I have zero interest in her in that way – is it weird that I want to spend time with this girl?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/ross-ocarroll-kelly/i-have-zero-interest-in-her-in-that-way-is-it-weird-that-i-want-to-spend-time-with-this-girl/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/ross-ocarroll-kelly/i-have-zero-interest-in-her-in-that-way-is-it-weird-that-i-want-to-spend-time-with-this-girl/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ross O'Carroll-Kelly]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[I’m there, ‘I hope this doesn’t come across as creepy –' She goes, ‘Uh-oh!’]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:32:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AF7EEFVAEBA5XJKK2VPI2NR45I.jpg?auth=04a2dbd6c92a3ccdc410f69c806b1bac5213fbe3d43853210124961480d2d7d3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ross O'Carroll-Kelly: I’m like, 'Yeah, no, I was just going to say that I wish my wife had a rugby brain.' Illustration: Alan Clarke]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[CMAT, Forbidden Fruit, Fontaines DC, The Cure, Electric Picnic: Your guide to summer 2026 in music]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2026/05/02/cmat-forbidden-fruit-fontaines-dc-the-cure-electric-picnic-your-guide-to-summer-2026-in-music/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2026/05/02/cmat-forbidden-fruit-fontaines-dc-the-cure-electric-picnic-your-guide-to-summer-2026-in-music/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ruby Eastwood]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The biggest music festivals and outdoor gigs this May, June, July and August]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:31:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/EGHC73PARBEQLBYUP6RQ2HVCNA.jpg?auth=5a015a0ec4070c19383b43067df19bf14666599de0e37d15f1a0673e532f9a03&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[All Together Now festival at Curraghmore Estate, Co Waterford. ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Psychedelic rockers The Lemon Twigs: ‘Singing for Brian Wilson at his birthday was surreal’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2026/05/02/psychedelic-rockers-the-lemon-twigs-singing-for-brian-wilson-at-his-birthday-was-surreal/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/2026/05/02/psychedelic-rockers-the-lemon-twigs-singing-for-brian-wilson-at-his-birthday-was-surreal/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ed Power]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Hanging out with The Beach Boys’ troubled genius a signpost for still-youthful industry veterans Michael and Brian D’Addario]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:18:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZLVLNGVBYFEWPGB63O7QLOJ5MA.jpg?auth=cd1aa89679a78a0b3ebeb20f612cb4627a01433a35ea649fe8a6a2beba68cd83&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Brian D'Addario and Michael D'Addario of The Lemon Twigs at the 2025 Governors Ball Music Festival in New York. Photograph: Nina Westervelt/Billboard via Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Nina Westervelt</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ancient meets modern: Four great new wines from nearly forgotten regions ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/food/drink/2026/05/02/ancient-meets-modern-four-great-new-wines-from-nearly-forgotten-regions/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/food/drink/2026/05/02/ancient-meets-modern-four-great-new-wines-from-nearly-forgotten-regions/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Wilson]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[John Wilson: Have you ever tried wine from the Canary Islands? How about North Macedonia or Georgia?]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:10:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7ZIOJJTEJRA2XP6PRSARQD6M3A.jpg?auth=b70d8226710eb450dcdac50ff3ef95af09ad2afd65801528cfd6b091022f51a8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[It's worth venturing outside your familiar wine-producing areas to find some treasure.]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Food to fuel your summer: Classic Caesar and sesame tuna salads from Mark Moriarty]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/food/2026/05/02/food-to-fuel-your-summer-classic-caesar-and-sesame-tuna-salads-from-mark-moriarty/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/food/2026/05/02/food-to-fuel-your-summer-classic-caesar-and-sesame-tuna-salads-from-mark-moriarty/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Moriarty]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Simple marinades and dressings should be your go-tos as the seasons change]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TTKEG5EJ75AWLOZZRMTCK7BQP4.jpg?auth=221cacae8d5764e060804ac63e310cfabd9ec38bf04942834f739643a884f2bd&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Flavour-filled fuel: Mark Moriarty's classic Caesar salad with marinated lemon and thyme chicken thighs. Photograph: Harry Weir]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Horticulture doyenne Sarah Raven has an enduring eye for beauty and brilliance]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/gardening/2026/05/02/horticulture-doyenne-sarah-raven-has-an-enduring-eye-for-beauty-and-brilliance/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/gardening/2026/05/02/horticulture-doyenne-sarah-raven-has-an-enduring-eye-for-beauty-and-brilliance/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Fionnuala Fallon]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The gardening trailblazer is a key speaker at this weekend’s Festival of Gardens and Nature in Laois]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AJQZ4ZXUSNGBRLISAI3MZG7Y6Y.jpg?auth=7fbc11551a915929e1e49161164904b88ed177bb95dc2f9708007c8c620a826b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Sarah Raven carries a bucket of June flowers including foxgloves, roses, clematis, geraniums and later flowering alliums. Photograph: Jonathan Buckley]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Jonathan Buckley</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jewels including Burmese ruby from US industrialist family at Adam’s ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/fine-art-antiques/2026/05/02/jewels-including-kashmir-sapphire-ring-from-us-industrialist-family-at-adams/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/fine-art-antiques/2026/05/02/jewels-including-kashmir-sapphire-ring-from-us-industrialist-family-at-adams/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sylvia Thompson]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Auction house also has Burmese ruby and diamond dress ring for sale]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/35KWMCMFBZD4HAHVITK4FQAI2U.jpg?auth=b7a7f91dc926e1eae03b2ba870e7ec4c5f85f7c8f29b9bf86ace0481ba02c325&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Kashmir sapphire in the centre of a cluster of diamonds  on a ring, has an estimate of €50,000-€90,000 at Adam's Fine Jewellery and Ladies' Watches auction]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Parking at hospitals: Anxiety, stress, missed appointments and high charges]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/parking-at-hospitals-anxiety-stress-missed-appointments-and-high-charges/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/parking-at-hospitals-anxiety-stress-missed-appointments-and-high-charges/</guid><description><![CDATA[Areas surrounding hospitals have become chaotic ‘no-go areas’ ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6GVJTWXOI5FYPOLOK3JLHZZVVU.jpg?auth=2781af11b396c223ac2b1f05df19ecc2dafc39caa2ffa2f14069f0e5a11189ee&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Letter of the Day]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The less said the better when it comes to long-winded phrases]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/the-less-said-the-better-when-it-comes-to-long-winded-phrases/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/05/02/the-less-said-the-better-when-it-comes-to-long-winded-phrases/</guid><description><![CDATA[Fewer superfluous, unnecessary and meaningless words would improve some expressions]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VHFAVTA4U5C7FE2ZTPOGOKHXN4.jpg?auth=1f202b740bd44798a55898a19ef6a892873ae4e538e9e94222c2b3519c6cad0e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Irish Times – Letters to the Editor]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mark Moriarty’s classic recipe for Caesar salad with marinated lemon and thyme chicken thighs]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/food/recipes/2026/05/02/mark-moriartys-classic-recipe-for-caesar-salad-with-marinated-lemon-and-thyme-chicken-thighs/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/food/recipes/2026/05/02/mark-moriartys-classic-recipe-for-caesar-salad-with-marinated-lemon-and-thyme-chicken-thighs/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Moriarty]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Prepare this flavour-filled chicken in advance and store in the fridge]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:55:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TTKEG5EJ75AWLOZZRMTCK7BQP4.jpg?auth=221cacae8d5764e060804ac63e310cfabd9ec38bf04942834f739643a884f2bd&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Classic Caesar salad with marinated lemon and thyme chicken thighs. Photograph: Harry Weir]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mark Moriarty’s summer sesame tuna salad bowl with vermicelli rice noodles, ginger and ponzu]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/food/recipes/2026/05/02/mark-moriartys-summer-sesame-tuna-salad-bowl-with-vermicelli-rice-noodles-ginger-and-ponzu/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/food/recipes/2026/05/02/mark-moriartys-summer-sesame-tuna-salad-bowl-with-vermicelli-rice-noodles-ginger-and-ponzu/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Moriarty]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Take a minute to learn how to make this dressing and you’ll have a skill for life]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:54:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5M5GB7JAGFDMZO5IHW3EMR2KRY.jpg?auth=12a11efff509c3a0823b78194a813578c057954d877a89aa145e294cb3bbdf7f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Mark Moriarty’s summer sesame tuna salad bowl with vermicelli rice noodles, ginger and ponzu. Photograph: Harry Weir]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ruth McKee: ‘Pitching a novel about a suicidal middle-aged woman getting drunk on her birthday wasn’t easy’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2026/05/02/ruth-mckee-pitching-a-novel-about-a-suicidal-middle-aged-woman-getting-drunk-on-her-birthday-wasnt-easy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2026/05/02/ruth-mckee-pitching-a-novel-about-a-suicidal-middle-aged-woman-getting-drunk-on-her-birthday-wasnt-easy/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Martin Doyle]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The writer discusses her debut novel and what she’d like to do to Irish puppy farms]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:44:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LY7KTNYGMNEIJO4X3ULNYCIOFU.jpg?auth=0b89849a2ca42bfb520f31559c4bab77f1cd954cda4b05fbcbc3626b168b8a44&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ruth McKee says she there was no way she was going to change the ending of Wild Iris no matter what publishers said]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Poem of the Week: Men Flying Kites on the Back Beach, Laytown]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2026/05/02/poem-of-the-week-men-flying-kites-on-the-back-beach-laytown/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2026/05/02/poem-of-the-week-men-flying-kites-on-the-back-beach-laytown/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom French]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A new work by Tom French]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:37:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JBYH5T2IZ32VX7YDZS5DUUJ2SA.jpg?auth=5905b840779acfcb87f5086bfd60b660e49b67dd107ceab5eb8ec54093e32171&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Tom French: Men Flying Kites on the Back Beach, Laytown]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Getting the Electric by Louise Hegarty: Borges for the CMAT generation]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/getting-the-electric-by-louise-hegarty-borges-for-the-cmat-generation/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/getting-the-electric-by-louise-hegarty-borges-for-the-cmat-generation/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter Lonsdale]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Formally promiscuous, dark, jolting and rapturous celebration of the possibilities of short fiction]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:15:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/E2M4QP2GLZD5PMKFEADUDSQXWM.jpg?auth=e8485e9a2d2a5d08d01d2f82fccf8701089819079c3be887fa19921224d78ce4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[In Getting the Electric, her collection of short stories, Louise Hegarty is warm, funny, enjoyable company Photograph: Celeste Burdon]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Bleeding Horse and Other Ghost Stories by Brian J Showers: Meet Dublin’s restless dead]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/the-bleeding-horse-and-other-ghost-stories-by-brian-j-showers-meet-dublins-restless-dead/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/the-bleeding-horse-and-other-ghost-stories-by-brian-j-showers-meet-dublins-restless-dead/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Henrietta McKervey]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A confidently imaginative blend of fact and fiction]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:12:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HS3RFMI67ETWWGZRUK6SSAJZOU.jpg?auth=7b8c4b96c253097114f7e059fc7c101431be83710de945a8946e58c7c4b5dd13&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Brian J Showers's The Bleeding Horse and Other Ghost Stories collects his Rathmines tales along with other pieces. Photograph: Aoife Herrity]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hungry by Katriona O’Sullivan: Harrowing and uneasy in the same way as therapy]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/hungry-by-katriona-osullivan-harrowing-and-uneasy-in-the-same-way-as-therapy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/hungry-by-katriona-osullivan-harrowing-and-uneasy-in-the-same-way-as-therapy/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sinéad Gibney]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The author reaches heights of vulnerability in her writing, mercifully cushioned by humour]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:05:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HLBFETELJ5FZTBSXB2WH6MAQRM.jpg?auth=a8c10fa829dc78d144d40ffe8c2be16cdc7374473bdaf2eab8142115e9843dd8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Katriona O'Sullivan. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill









]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Dara Mac Dónaill</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Permanence by Sophie Mackintosh: Her best work yet asks how much love’s actually worth]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/permanence-by-sophie-mackintosh-her-best-work-yet-asks-how-much-loves-actually-worth/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/permanence-by-sophie-mackintosh-her-best-work-yet-asks-how-much-loves-actually-worth/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Goulding]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A unique, introspective book that is quietly devastating]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 03:03:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HWVZJBZWIZBWTA76SWPVOUWG2Y.jpg?auth=ae1243818bba45f5d8ba774d04a88ce1a3705960c54c24cff8b217b42e64741a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Sophie Mackintosh is an unquestionably skilled writer who creates a seductive alternative world in Permanence. Photograph: Alice Zoo]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Alice Zoo</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy: An exaltingly intelligent novel that defies expectation]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/the-wilderness-by-angela-flournoy-an-exaltingly-intelligent-novel-that-defies-expectation/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/05/02/the-wilderness-by-angela-flournoy-an-exaltingly-intelligent-novel-that-defies-expectation/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mei Chin]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Many novels about female friendship are meant to comfort but this one ends with robot police and curfews]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 02:57:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3I2G746UTVEVXFIRXCFNVJLDNM.jpg?auth=bb4918c7983cf3f51d811f777d253558d2da03492311075f7f39d993fe57972f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Angela Flournoy's The Wilderness is exquisite in its style and control. Photograph: Miranda Barnes]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Last night’s Late Late Show could have been Patrick Kielty’s last. Who needs the other more?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2026/05/01/tonights-late-late-show-could-be-patrick-kieltys-last-who-needs-the-other-more/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2026/05/01/tonights-late-late-show-could-be-patrick-kieltys-last-who-needs-the-other-more/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ed Power]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Television: With contract-renewal negotiations seemingly in limbo, there’s a chance the RTÉ host won’t be back next season ]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 01:30:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XGWXBR7UWUUUP7JHYXFYIFHJ3E.jpg?auth=b58bb8c643565339e0b6e783b546c6df9eb1d30691e05d0835b3059ba0ae6066&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Late Late Show: Patrick Kielty. Photograph: RTÉ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">RTE</media:credit></media:content></item></channel></rss>