<?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/2026-10-02/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><description><![CDATA[Irish Times Feeds News Feed]]></description><lastBuildDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2026 03:39:39 +0000</lastBuildDate><language>en</language><ttl>1</ttl><sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod><sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency><item><title><![CDATA[Ten-man Bohemians survive late scare to win at Dundalk and go joint top]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/ten-man-bohemians-survive-late-scare-to-win-at-dundalk-and-go-joint-top/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/ten-man-bohemians-survive-late-scare-to-win-at-dundalk-and-go-joint-top/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James Rogers]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Colm Whelan and Ross Tierney put Gypsies in front, but late penalty for home side set up nervous finish]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:36:07 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DWUIRVPPEB5P6A4UHD5HMRIN6E.jpg?auth=06584ae468e7123e48a523a07e8c49a87cae67ae31b23b4a9811730a77c873db&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Bohemians' Ross Tierney celebrates after scoring his side's second goal at Oriel Park. Photograph: Nick Elliott/INPHO]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ciarán Frawley’s stunning debut try helps Connacht pull off away win over Benetton]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/ciaran-frawleys-stunning-debut-try-helps-connacht-pull-off-away-win-over-benetton/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/ciaran-frawleys-stunning-debut-try-helps-connacht-pull-off-away-win-over-benetton/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gerry Thornley]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Irish province had the kitchen sink thrown at them against a stacked Benetton team]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:34:41 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/I2RMNVMBHNROG3IBQQJGY56G4I.jpg?auth=40b10492171ec332380c6338a6d9d782bbb7227960a233351b1d57d29617dc1d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Connacht’s Ciarán Frawley scores a try despite Benetton's Matt Gallagher. Photograph: Matteo Ciambelli/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Matteo Ciambelli</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ceadach O’Neill saga closes as he wins fourth cap for Northern Ireland as they beat Ukraine]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/ceadach-oneill-committed-to-northern-ireland-as-they-secure-impressive-win-over-ukraine/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/ceadach-oneill-committed-to-northern-ireland-as-they-secure-impressive-win-over-ukraine/</guid><description><![CDATA[Michael O’Neill’s side cruised to victory over Ukraine in Slovakia]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 21:18:24 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QAAZ23EPX3XYBTOT6B4AADITS4.jpg?auth=393b150d9184002238feeeab6bf57b64d9d7faec8edd35a79310af7c17a82c15&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ceadach O’Neill is no longer eligible for the Republic of Ireland. Photograph: William Cherry/Presseye/Inpho]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teachers’ Union of Ireland latest group to overwhelmingly back industrial action ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2026/10/02/teachers-union-of-ireland-latest-group-to-overwhelmingly-back-industrial-action/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2026/10/02/teachers-union-of-ireland-latest-group-to-overwhelmingly-back-industrial-action/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Katie Mellett]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[General secretary Michael Gillespie urges Government to ‘engage meaningfully’ on new pay agreement]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:35:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/GSKG55PU4ZC2BN7YGARCOT236A.jpg?auth=91f0d96cbb96ccc1f1632fb37acb49819c3dd5d52b93495ead687f0b4b6fbd20&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[TUI general secretary Michael Gillespie said all public service unions were united in their approach to industrial action. Photograph: Tommy Clancy ]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ann Widdecombe murder suspect charged with planning terror act against Nigel Farage]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2026/10/02/ann-widdecombe-murder-suspect-charged-with-planning-terror-act-against-nigel-farage/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2026/10/02/ann-widdecombe-murder-suspect-charged-with-planning-terror-act-against-nigel-farage/</guid><description><![CDATA[Joshua Kerry to appear in court after police reopened inquiry into alleged attack at Reform UK leader’s home]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:45:23 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FG4CBXOYYCBUO6CO62ZCBKIIYI.jpg?auth=ba0418c76b99d6cf803b733a2bde5573ae8f4393866908bb134c61c6067e25e0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Nigel Farage told the Daily Telegraph in April a lit incendiary device was pushed through his letterbox last year. Photograph: Ben Birchall/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Ben Birchall</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Irish Times view on the Drumcree stand-off: a  failure  of politics and institutions]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2026/10/02/the-irish-times-view-on-the-drumcree-stand-off-a-failure-of-politics-and-institutions/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2026/10/02/the-irish-times-view-on-the-drumcree-stand-off-a-failure-of-politics-and-institutions/</guid><description><![CDATA[Despite a generation of peace, old sectarian resentments remain as entrenched as ever]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7I4BJ52JI5AEZGRNAXMMZMGJRQ.JPG?auth=9e46d3f9e007d914dcd4ae64eae68ba157d18f6b28e16973cda185dcb9d35427&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[People walk past an altered road sign as talks continue over the disputed route of the Orange Order's annual Drumcree parade, in Portadown, Northern Ireland, October 2, 2026. REUTERS/Cathal McNaughton]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Cathal McNaughton</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Marina Hyde’s last Guardian column: ‘You have exactly 24 hours to complain before my inbox self-destructs’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2026/10/02/marina-hydes-last-guardian-column-you-have-exactly-24-hours-to-complain-before-my-inbox-self-destructs/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/2026/10/02/marina-hydes-last-guardian-column-you-have-exactly-24-hours-to-complain-before-my-inbox-self-destructs/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Marina Hyde]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The veteran columnist signs off after an ‘endlessly enlightening and stimulating’ 25 years ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:30:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Q6QBJ3DSWRHBLCNBDXE757JSYQ.jpg?auth=b50cf9afe0f7398dc151be4f80826435c6b9be6450edba36511b0533ec6a29aa&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Marina Hyde: 'I am very much hoping we don’t get a complaint on this last column, although that would in some ways be amusingly on-brand.' Photograph: Faber]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Two dead after becoming trapped in a trench while carrying out works in Co Down]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/emergency-services-at-scene-of-serious-workplace-incident-in-co-down/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/emergency-services-at-scene-of-serious-workplace-incident-in-co-down/</guid><description><![CDATA[Police close local Crossnacreevy road to facilitate emergency operation]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:05:19 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HS5BNSBOPPB6XS4ANHFTNX4TDE.jpg?auth=b0504bdf5cacf4296f648ec684699d080156f08153db279956da8fdb3620ed20&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Emergency services at the scene of the incident on the Ballygowan Road in Crossnacreevy, Co Down. Photograph: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Everybody wants this to end’: Protestant group pushes UK government to end Drumcree standoff]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/02/everybody-wants-this-to-end-protestant-group-pushes-uk-government-to-end-drumcree-standoff/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/02/everybody-wants-this-to-end-protestant-group-pushes-uk-government-to-end-drumcree-standoff/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Seanín Graham]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Standoff entered sixth day on Friday as residents prepare to lodge fresh legal challenge on Monday]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:02:28 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7I4BJ52JI5AEZGRNAXMMZMGJRQ.JPG?auth=9e46d3f9e007d914dcd4ae64eae68ba157d18f6b28e16973cda185dcb9d35427&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[An open letter from 'concerned individuals from a Protestant background', which has over 1,000 signatures so far, is urging the Orange Order to 'look at the bigger picture' and end the parades impasse. Photograph: Reuters/Cathal McNaughton]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Cathal McNaughton</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Do we dare ask: What if Troy Parrott is only getting started?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/do-we-dare-ask-what-if-troy-parrott-is-only-getting-started/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/do-we-dare-ask-what-if-troy-parrott-is-only-getting-started/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gavin Cooney]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Heimir Hallgrímsson may be on to something in reuniting Parrott with Adam Idah up front]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DVF3NTY7MHDMYWKLSWI236J4J4.jpg?auth=e137adbb2d67c87d1e601eda197a97e86f4523b8d947be50908d5d260f4e8815&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Troy Parrott scores Ireland first goal past Austrian goalkeeper Florian Wiegele during Thursday's Nations League game in Dublin. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Asian hornets’ nest located in Cork after tiny trackers were fixed to the insects]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/10/02/asian-hornets-nest-located-in-cork-after-tiny-trackers-were-fixed-to-the-insects/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2026/10/02/asian-hornets-nest-located-in-cork-after-tiny-trackers-were-fixed-to-the-insects/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Katie Mellett]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The nest was located near Ringaskiddy and will now be removed, but monitoring will continue to identify any further activity]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:50:43 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CEZ3EULHVBBINJ7PR2YGDHF23E.png?auth=4c1891420ede5b1475dd68929aaf79730b753d74c4993b5053aa566684c2d871&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/png" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Rangers successfully located the Asian hornet's nest in Cork on Friday. ]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Manchester City verdict has big implications for game’s integrity, FA warns as club appeals]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/manchester-city-verdict-has-big-implications-for-games-integrity-fa-warns-as-appeal-lodged/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/manchester-city-verdict-has-big-implications-for-games-integrity-fa-warns-as-appeal-lodged/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Matt Hughes]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Governing body will wait until appeal process has concluded before deciding whether to take action]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:47:21 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H47B4UQNURCYXCQNTH2GCRWIYM.jpg?auth=0fa68b601962bc308c33927afa8030ca7e6374955d153d58d1f40da95e7348f1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The FA has broken its silence days after Manchester City were found guilty of multiple breaches of financial regulations. Photograph: Kate McShane/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Kate McShane</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mona McSharry wins World Cup gold at 100m breaststroke in Baku]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/10/02/mona-mcsharry-wins-world-cup-gold-at-100m-breaststroke-in-baku/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/10/02/mona-mcsharry-wins-world-cup-gold-at-100m-breaststroke-in-baku/</guid><description><![CDATA[Sligo swimmer won silver medal in the 200m breaststroke on Thursday]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:46:13 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5BR24QYSUVDWLISQ5GDSMNVA6I.jpg?auth=bf11fa0e321b7ad40b34fdd7d36afadcbbbe7ea3b57a6c79393368c61db76467&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ireland’s Mona McSharry won the 100m breaststroke in Baku. Photograph: Andrea Staccioli/Inpho]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[New York governor attacks law enforcement’s handling of 2024 Cornell rape investigation ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2026/10/02/new-york-governor-attacks-law-enforcements-handling-of-2024-cornell-rape-investigation/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2026/10/02/new-york-governor-attacks-law-enforcements-handling-of-2024-cornell-rape-investigation/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Joseph Ax]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Letitia James’s office to oversee reopened investigation after Hochul names attorney general special prosecutor]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:35:29 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4BY5TYIDBP2ZZIDZ65XSL5E4QQ.jpg?auth=a7259d65b2ddf53e350e6e391e90faaf86793745c85d2eb95ae71c59036afdec&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[New York Governor Kathy Hochul walks into a news conference with New York attorney general Letitia James in Manhattan. Photograph: Spencer Platt/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Spencer Platt</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Taoiseach appeals for weekend calm in Drumcree ahead of legal challenge ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/02/taoiseach-appeals-for-calm-in-drumcree-over-weekend-ahead-of-legal-challenge/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/02/taoiseach-appeals-for-calm-in-drumcree-over-weekend-ahead-of-legal-challenge/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Olivia Kelleher ]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[‘Solution has to be through dialogue,’ Martin says, as sides prepare for High Court hearing on Monday ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:31:31 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QIJFJHYWPDQ2235Y2URIHHBCZA.jpg?auth=0d4bf2dda9a34499db029c485c2a726c063f571a7159fa0e6a346a5321ad9fd0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Talks aimed at resolving the dispute broke down without agreement on Friday. Photograph: Peter Morrison/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Peter Morrison</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Arán Bakery in Kilkenny takes top Blas na hÉireann award for second time]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/food/2026/10/02/aran-bakery-in-kilkenny-takes-top-blas-na-heireann-award-for-second-time/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/food/2026/10/02/aran-bakery-in-kilkenny-takes-top-blas-na-heireann-award-for-second-time/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Úna McCaffrey]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Recognition for bakery’s spelt sourdough makes it first food producer to win supreme champion title twice]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:30:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/VPOFWEVEEJE5PF2IRBNFIZCY4Y.JPG?auth=7fee66af1a51b9a6afb9b0df558635f2daba6e0dc9b480ff0ddaa6633849e86d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Bart Pawlukojc and Nicole Server-Pawlukojc, owners of Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro in Kilkenny and two-time winners of the supreme champion title at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards. Photograph: Patrick Browne]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Patrick Browne</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Irish Times view on the UK and Europe: with or without EU]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2026/10/02/the-irish-times-view-on-the-uk-and-europe-with-or-without-eu/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/editorials/2026/10/02/the-irish-times-view-on-the-uk-and-europe-with-or-without-eu/</guid><description><![CDATA[Andy Burnham has put the issue back on the table, but the EU will not make it easy]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:18:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RSHJCIYT7IHTQHUKPQG5CEWKMY.jpg?auth=f0b78520c56bef338be9bcd003c2ecc9ce97653324b7f6191fd172518940a6d0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham at Labour Party conference in Liverpool, where he spoke about relations with the EU. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images)]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Paul Ellis</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Flydubai captain describes cockpit attack]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/02/i-could-not-let-people-die-flydubai-captain-describes-cockpit-attack/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/02/i-could-not-let-people-die-flydubai-captain-describes-cockpit-attack/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mehul Srivastava in London and Andres Schipani in New Delhi]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Smit Machchhar wiped away tears as he spoke from a hospital bed to India’s prime minister​]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:07:03 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XOAVON5TGZFZLOONQ4TPYHUW2A.jpeg?auth=d1cb297484eeb134846be11c056d9e6856d9f674cb8872c6ddda9c52b43fcf22&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Smit Machchhar said he had been flying planes for 17 years and a captain for 12. ]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[St Mary’s v Clontarf rematch the headliner in AIL second round]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/st-marys-v-clontarf-rematch-the-headliner-in-ail-second-round/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/st-marys-v-clontarf-rematch-the-headliner-in-ail-second-round/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gerry Thornley]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[St Mary’s came out on top when the sides met in the AIL final in April]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IHTGITQW4FFADK6EF2LFBOLN4A.jpg?auth=1b3abae4129e8486257e24a120b921429e7f512e3e851f131b6b83af9b0483e7&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[St Mary's College and Clontarf met in the Division 1A final last season. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Ben Brady</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Autumn reflection: Frank McNally finds poetic cheer in the October gloom]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/an-irish-diary/2026/10/02/autumn-reflection-frank-mcnally-finds-poetic-cheer-in-the-october-gloom/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/an-irish-diary/2026/10/02/autumn-reflection-frank-mcnally-finds-poetic-cheer-in-the-october-gloom/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank McNally]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Rereading Patrick Kavanagh’s poem has brought the sobering thought that it may be October in my life now too]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CT26FFI4PEDL6MMDBRCRJW4VYA.jpg?auth=cde7ddb2c081379ba9b02bfe012b1423f8d323aa94c1bd11ac9d9bc34dde79b8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[ Patrick Kavanagh: he was 53 when his poem October was published and had been weakened by a recent bout of lung cancer, but said he wrote it and a sheaf of other poems during a week-long burst of energy.]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Spanish right-wing politicians defeat housing crisis plan as protest movement grows]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/spanish-right-wing-politicians-defeat-housing-crisis-plan-as-protest-movement-grows/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/spanish-right-wing-politicians-defeat-housing-crisis-plan-as-protest-movement-grows/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ashifa Kassam in Madrid]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Opposition lawmakers join forces to scupper proposals by socialist-led coalition after 87-year-old’s eviction]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:58:21 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FK3POLMLFX73XIA5TCLEHMXJUE.jpg?auth=ebfe2d3e72c29feb8c2a8d43f4f45586ac449d972f4aa060a0e0185fad2f8f3c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Protesters outside the Spanish parliament are angry about housing costs and want action. Photograph: Thomas Coex/Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Thomas Coex</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[European shares rebound as falling oil prices ease concerns]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/european-shares-rebound-as-falling-oil-prices-ease-concerns/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/european-shares-rebound-as-falling-oil-prices-ease-concerns/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ciara O'Brien]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Irish index ends week 1.5% higher]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:58:19 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BJRR3O4MDKB5RNMSGCZDIUVWV4.jpg?auth=13baec4eb0c56ca3c879d7a99fe790a269ab1f0a72cc5dd56729196c94dbfd66&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Nike fell 5.6% on Friday after the US sportswear firm forecast a steep drop in annual revenue due to weakness in China. Photograph: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">David Paul Morris</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sacked garda spared jail for control and coercion of wife over three years]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/10/02/sacked-garda-spared-jail-for-control-and-coercion-of-wife-over-three-years/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/10/02/sacked-garda-spared-jail-for-control-and-coercion-of-wife-over-three-years/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom Tuite]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Judge Keenan Johnson imposed an 18-month suspended sentence and ordered David Reynolds to pay €10,000 in compensation]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:43:28 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/W43PLNCFXFDHHGI4XPFQROP6P4.JPG?auth=191ad481b61f2e45254113c99a0fbfb53bb3624fe25af7772c8d5ad5b7dcb415&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Former garda David Reynolds (45) outside Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court at an earlier date after pleading guilty to the coercive control of his now-separated wife, Ashley Masterson, over a three-year period. Photograph: Tom Tuite]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Tom Tuite</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Last month was second-hottest September on record, Met Éireann says]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/last-month-was-second-hottest-september-on-record-met-eireann-says/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/last-month-was-second-hottest-september-on-record-met-eireann-says/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Tim O'Brien]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Human-caused climate change singled out as temperatures rise two degrees above 1961-1990 average]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:31:16 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZCKXOUYWO5CG7PNWURMWVBCDGM.JPG?auth=5424e4eea73ed74e0857307fe40d1e46a3f6171dd503a4fa0da2d86d6d69961b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Six of the 10 warmest Septembers on record have occurred since 2001, the forecaster says. File image. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Bryan O'Brien</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Much-changed Munster hope new faces push them to victory at end of difficult week]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/much-changed-munster-hope-new-faces-push-them-to-victory-at-end-of-tough-week/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/much-changed-munster-hope-new-faces-push-them-to-victory-at-end-of-tough-week/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John O'Sullivan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Jack Aungier in for his debut while Marnus van der Merwe to make first start in home URC clash]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:23:43 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BO3DQTYQHXWRSP7G562VOMEWOI.jpg?auth=53d9a9e0f3f01129ee3857e916c6ffcace53ffb8c8d4726c381045919d0da326&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Craig Casey will captain Munster against the Bulls at Thomond Park in Saturday evening's URC match. Photograph: Tom O’Hanlon/Inpho]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Former banker Mark Duffy’s Axis Capital ‘considering PTSB bid’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/former-banker-mark-duffys-axis-capital-considering-ptsb-bid/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/former-banker-mark-duffys-axis-capital-considering-ptsb-bid/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Joe Brennan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Company has yet to secure funding for potential bid]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 17:04:44 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IFMBHEPASFFQHMVNJL2MQMXDZE.JPG?auth=be0d53e6c7c883a9a9b1a971fcfa8b50366eabaa3906e30c9808a1e0f8910fff&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[PTSB agreed to sell itself to Austria's Bawag in April for €1.62bn.  Photograph Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Former fisheries chief ‘targeted’ by comments in Dáil and protected disclosures, WRC hears]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/former-fisheries-chief-targeted-by-comments-in-dail-and-protected-disclosures-wrc-hears/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/former-fisheries-chief-targeted-by-comments-in-dail-and-protected-disclosures-wrc-hears/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Martin Wall]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Civil servants believed Francis O’Donnell had right to go back to previous role, WRC hearing also told]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:48:09 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/R5B3SBIWT5BYLKE5XU6ZEWQ7NY.jpg?auth=3a3cff15898bb8f0e3848d2438a949f80f8b488e8879a5c2353e512402b16fda&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Francis O'Donnell has said he was entitled to return to his job as regional director, but IFI disputes this. Photograph: Barry Cronin]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Barry Cronin</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Protesting farmers demand Bord Bia chair quits over foreign chicken served in restaurant]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/protesting-farmers-demand-bord-bia-chair-quits-over-foreign-chicken-served-in-restaurant/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/protesting-farmers-demand-bord-bia-chair-quits-over-foreign-chicken-served-in-restaurant/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Órla  Ryan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Larry Murrin co-owns Dublin’s Sole Seafood & Grill, which does not serve Irish poultry]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:21:53 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5RPABN5Y6BSED6Z6YBFBIF4OHA.jpg?auth=f4dce843125aeb69c75162bb51118b88209b7692a5a43076b1d271c422c89d8f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Irish Farmers' Association members and farmers protest outside Sole Seafood & Grill on Friday. Photograph: Collins]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Students in France take to the barricades over conditions  ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/french-secondary-schools-burn-as-student-unrest-spreads/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/french-secondary-schools-burn-as-student-unrest-spreads/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Angelique Chrisafis in Paris]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Up to 400 schools to close on Friday as France’s prime minister blames far-left party for stoking violence]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:09:08 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HQNIOCL7LQ6JECVPHDQJIP3D6I.jpg?auth=9cf4c4d5c1c2dfa8af6d9b6a5b81a3ce194aed20a6bdf17b1d18916ab132a5e5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Students protest near Place de la Nation in Paris on Friday. The protests have spread to other cities nationwide. Photograph: Thomas Samson/AFP/ Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Thomas Samson</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Front-footed Ulster can cause an upset in Glasgow]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/front-footed-ulster-can-cause-an-upset-in-glasgow/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/front-footed-ulster-can-cause-an-upset-in-glasgow/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John O'Sullivan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Last half-hour against Edinburgh last weekend was Ulster at their dazzling best]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +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[Jacob Stockdale will start at fullback for Ulster against Glasgow Warriors. 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 pack must front up as Sharks will take no prisoners]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/leinster-pack-must-front-up-as-sharks-will-take-no-prisoners/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/leinster-pack-must-front-up-as-sharks-will-take-no-prisoners/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John O'Sullivan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Leo Cullen’s side move on to Durban after narrow opening defeat at altitude]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 16:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2N4XSJGBXBHDNGM5PH7DHYX4BE.jpg?auth=9f09b5a6a57c05ce8fd2d76b82fc0ebb0272dcbcbf7f4cd0ce27a8ca7ab1fdbe&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Centre Robbie Henshaw will act as backrow cover for Leinster against the Sharks. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/James Crombie</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[State’s tax take boosted by €3bn as multinationals ‘front-load’ payments  ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/states-tax-take-boosted-by-3bn-as-multinationals-front-load-payments/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/states-tax-take-boosted-by-3bn-as-multinationals-front-load-payments/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eoin Burke-Kennedy]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Exchequer returns show Government collected €4.9bn from business tax in September]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:31:55 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RWJF4CMWBVFZXHRHPZGG25MPYQ.jpg?auth=d1eeffad6d87f8e93b63616e0bbd76af503203617c997119db6c6be9d95f50ae&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Minister for Finance Simon Harris and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers will head into Budget 2027 with fiscal options. Photograph: Dara MacDónaill/The Irish Times]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Dara Mac Dónaill</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[G7 to release 100m barrels of diesel and crude under pressure from Trump]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/diesel-falls-sharply-as-eu-considers-releasing-50m-barrels-under-trump-pressure/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/diesel-falls-sharply-as-eu-considers-releasing-50m-barrels-under-trump-pressure/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ian Johnston]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Diesel falls sharply in markets in move that could see prices at the pump fall by up to 13 cent a litre in time ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:25:35 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/EREI54PEOWRAYUCKRKF2XKT5O4.jpg?auth=b29171edb5fb2c4c08d1e6da4805512e5550a3f8b1b2b395ef65375c16fdc4eb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Diesel prices fell 6 per cent on reports that 50 million barrels of EU reserves could be released. That would translate into an 8 cent cut per litre at the pumps. Photograph: Andy Rain/EPA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Andy Rain</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ardmore village named as Ireland’s Greenest Place]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/10/02/ardmore-village-named-as-irelands-greenest-place/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/10/02/ardmore-village-named-as-irelands-greenest-place/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cian O'Connell]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The judges recognised the Co Waterford community’s broad and innovative range of green initiatives, working together for a more sustainable future]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:20:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SWBXG46Y3FAX5BPJZMNY4HX5SM.JPG?auth=7fd09afd6d4bd9951bb6ac1b003c1c6cc954eb151d17ab6e574c94f54c44c3ae&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ireland’s Greenest Place: A large green area has been set aside as a bee, moth and butterfly garden in Ardmore, Co Waterford. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw/The Irish Times]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Nick Bradshaw / The Irish Times</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Win tickets to one-of-two Dublin Theatre Festival performances]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/competitions/2026/10/02/win-tickets-to-one-of-two-dublin-theatre-festival-performances/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/competitions/2026/10/02/win-tickets-to-one-of-two-dublin-theatre-festival-performances/</guid><description><![CDATA[Dublin Theatre Festival is giving away ten pairs of tickets to shows this October.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:11:58 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3S5A74ITN5A7BIQUHW5MAVBVGU.jpg?auth=eda99266338a9b5cb7e79e8848bf2c084f9130f4d8e3ddfa525e00e56563e8c6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Dublin Theatre Festival SFTW]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Complaints about doctors to the Medical Council were up 12% in 2025]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2026/10/02/complaints-about-doctors-to-the-medical-council-were-up-12-in-2025/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2026/10/02/complaints-about-doctors-to-the-medical-council-were-up-12-in-2025/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Shauna Bowers]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Preliminary Proceedings Committee made decisions on 387 cases, with 86 referred to fitness-to-practise]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:11:30 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZPZNJHCIZPKXZMAGWWVCDUJ67U.jpg?auth=4ce7f8e43b1c109a9533070f7e19f71e6aab942744ff11cdde1ef7fea77059a0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Communication-related issues were the most common concern raised about doctors with the Medical Council in 2025. Photograph: Colin Keegan/Collins]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Colin Keegan</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[How start-ups can navigate the bumpy journey to growth when bank loans aren’t an option]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/how-start-ups-can-navigate-the-bumpy-journey-to-growth-when-bank-loans-arent-an-option/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/how-start-ups-can-navigate-the-bumpy-journey-to-growth-when-bank-loans-arent-an-option/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Danielle Barron]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A good idea can get a company up and running, but it will rarely be enough to attract investment]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:11:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/I6Y3RTKDQ5FNZBBB6H2EOYUZUM.jpg?auth=a7e1aef8b9f271a09efa2cb7098d5d9e655da39143dd06cb119c291ea2ac1d3b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Merely staying afloat is a significant challenge for many start-ups as they travel through risky waters]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">DNY59</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alternative budget ideas: A €500 ‘everyday costs’ card, cheap e-bikes, a State building firm]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/01/main-points-from-taxes-to-bills-what-does-the-opposition-want-in-budget-2027/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/01/main-points-from-taxes-to-bills-what-does-the-opposition-want-in-budget-2027/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cormac McQuinn, Colm Keena, Caroline O'Doherty, Marie O’Halloran]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Parties outline various ways in which rival budgets might appeal to the public ahead of next week's announcement ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:08:15 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OB7ZARYGOT2BNOOQWC5MVUPRUE.jpg?auth=b18c5812a9a83e0de66dad7d5eb9dddbe42c7c6ab9877d13f54aa40be58544b1&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ways to ease cost of living pressures feature heavily in alternative budgets from Opposition parties. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sales executive loses gender discrimination claim against human resources firm]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/sales-executive-loses-gender-discrimination-claim-against-human-resources-firm/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/sales-executive-loses-gender-discrimination-claim-against-human-resources-firm/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Bourke ]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Employee alleged male colleagues were given more and better leads on new business]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:03:47 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WZU3ML2RT7QSQEMYL32E4M5MGU.jpg?auth=3c9c4e1e758c9d6dcde95132e324b64bc90708339856c643462d2c3efabc42a4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Amanda Ball said her earnings were 'drastically reduced' when a new sales system was brought in. Photograph: Alan Betson]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Budget talks enter ‘banging fists on the table’ phase – metaphorically at least]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/02/budget-talks-enter-banging-fists-on-the-table-phase-metaphorically-at-least/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/02/budget-talks-enter-banging-fists-on-the-table-phase-metaphorically-at-least/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cormac McQuinn]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Inside Politics: Meanwhile, Brexit is back and the Drumcree stand-off continues]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 15:01:28 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MXMLE2UNWEF3FCRFVD7A3QEWAI.jpg?auth=a1b06719c1a707a9aaa43e402541043d06628baaef13b0dae0d6e4e0ab41a969&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers is focused on limiting budget spending increases to 6% across the board. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Niall Carson</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[US adds 29,000 jobs in September as hiring slows sharply]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/us-adds-29000-jobs-in-september-as-hiring-slows-sharply/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/us-adds-29000-jobs-in-september-as-hiring-slows-sharply/</guid><description><![CDATA[Figure prompts traders to rein in bets on further Federal Reserve interest rate rises]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:47:58 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DBEQ25FJMJFHTFWVFCVVDJRKH4.jpg?auth=714597f041532962ef38eabff783f440dda20eeef8e7db0f7d843532a7475ac6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Friday’s figure from the Bureau of Labor Statistics marked an abrupt reversal from the downwardly revised 133,000 jobs added in August. Photograph: Getty Images ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">gorodenkoff</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘If you don’t like it, don’t come’: proud locals bristle at Blackpool’s dark tourism reputation]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2026/10/02/if-you-dont-like-it-dont-come-proud-locals-bristle-at-blackpools-dark-tourism-reputation/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/uk/2026/10/02/if-you-dont-like-it-dont-come-proud-locals-bristle-at-blackpools-dark-tourism-reputation/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mark Paul]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[It has always been a hotspot for fun, sticks of rock and rollercoasters, but now it also has a surfeit of addicts and deprivation]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:40:44 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SO73RETRSFAJZCRDCJBSQANN6U.jpg?auth=aa0edd6a8ee309bd2fb9db0c93432a32da9df7ee0c6550f14b0e05fe6470b1d5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[A man carries a Union Jack flag as he passes Funland Amusement Arcade on the promenade in Blackpool, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Christopher Furlong</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Only one other Ireland goal made as many jaws drop as Troy Parrott’s mazy run against Austria]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/this-is-exquisite-was-troy-parrotts-goal-against-austria-the-best-ireland-have-ever-scored/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/this-is-exquisite-was-troy-parrotts-goal-against-austria-the-best-ireland-have-ever-scored/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mary Hannigan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Was Parrott’s goal the best Ireland have ever scored? ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:16:55 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/B6HBBEROHD3ID3NZXKZVOTXFOM.jpg?auth=70dac8a949f7f05a40e53ecf7815ca9b70e872dc35b1bfb3516d3da1fbd5282e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Nations League match against Austria. Photograph: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Charles Mcquillan</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Putin has told military leaders to abandon rules of war, Zelenskiy says]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/putin-has-told-military-leaders-to-abandon-rules-of-war-zelenskiy-says/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/putin-has-told-military-leaders-to-abandon-rules-of-war-zelenskiy-says/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Miller in Kyiv]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Ukrainian leader says Putin gave order in September, as Russia began hitting schools, hospitals and data centres]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 14:00:25 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/NI6J4PD6AVTNKU5RSVLUYH7FQQ.jpg?auth=d8e3bdc0b7ece4c8673beecc57457e95be922c9d935ced40df5ae98fc5b59ab9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Damage at the site of a Russian drone strike on a school building in a residential area of Kyiv on Thursday. Photograph: Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA
]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Sergey Dolzhenko</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buying refurbed rather than new can mean big savings on tech upgrades ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2026/10/02/buying-refurbed-rather-than-new-can-mean-big-savings-on-tech-upgrades/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2026/10/02/buying-refurbed-rather-than-new-can-mean-big-savings-on-tech-upgrades/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Foxe]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The old adage that ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is’ applies - but bargains are available]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:47:29 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4RJ3RZHMSJFOVHJIMPIE6IM73M.jpg?auth=dfab981fca33781d42222ac44a2be20e3e320d5e0f2bae087c0c89e0670aa9df&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Unlike an ordinary second-hand product, a refurbished device will generally have been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned, with faulty components repaired or replaced. ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Man sentenced to six years for repeatedly stabbing former friend over horse bet]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/10/02/six-year-sentence-imposed-for-stabbing-former-friend-repeatedly-over-bet-on-horse/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/10/02/six-year-sentence-imposed-for-stabbing-former-friend-repeatedly-over-bet-on-horse/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom Tuite]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Victim’s liver sliced, resulting in emergency surgery and removal of gallbladder, court hears]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:27:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UFTOU3UZW5BTZMJ7INIT2ZWYWY.png?auth=04281a2eed4cbac3bef06dba351eeaa4eabac3c5ae5ab526e102b477fbc57f0c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/png" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Mark Conway (40) of Athlone, Co Westmeath, began drinking from the age of 14 after his mother died and later he also began abusing medication. ]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Win a €250 Dulux Heritage voucher and a consultation with a colour expert]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/competitions/2026/10/02/win-a-250-dulux-heritage-voucher-and-a-consultation-with-a-colour-expert/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/competitions/2026/10/02/win-a-250-dulux-heritage-voucher-and-a-consultation-with-a-colour-expert/</guid><description><![CDATA[The Irish Times has teamed up with Dulux Heritage to celebrate the return of the PTSB Ideal Home Show.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:26:21 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MMUEBYJJVBFCTCUKPHE3Q4T4SU.png?auth=71619d6143924b93530c3c9974bd88ce402390de5360219b73962812eefe8ac7&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/png" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Dulux Heritage Home Show]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Budget drama could go to the wire as ministers wrestle for cash that may not come]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/budget-drama-could-go-to-the-wire-as-ministers-wrestle-for-cash-that-may-not-come/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/inside-politics/budget-drama-could-go-to-the-wire-as-ministers-wrestle-for-cash-that-may-not-come/</guid><description><![CDATA[Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:11:29 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/M2WT3Z5GYVARLGVAZLTVDOVLG4?auth=ab0bbc1a136bd4ac2bdb79cdb08ee46878405ea17ebe1029cc5c1d8fe5d56a99&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[(left-right) Professor Orla Doyle, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers during the National Economic Dialogue at Dublin Castle. Picture date: Monday June 15, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Niall Carson</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Pedestrian dies following incident involving bus in Cork City  ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/gardai-in-cork-city-attending-serious-incident-involving-pedestrian-and-bus/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/gardai-in-cork-city-attending-serious-incident-involving-pedestrian-and-bus/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Olivia Kelleher]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Incident happened on Lower Glanmire Road at 6.30am]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:10:13 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ADWQDZTHXBBGVG5XRNE2TGLC3E.JPG?auth=4caedc396fd1489deedcfead0a98f5df8b0cab4ab25b4d8f5e732d4494e7615c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Gardaí have advised motorists to take alternative routes. 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[Millionaires’ tax central to People Before Profit Budget 2027 proposals]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/02/millionaires-tax-central-to-people-before-profit-budget-2027-proposals/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2026/10/02/millionaires-tax-central-to-people-before-profit-budget-2027-proposals/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Marie O’Halloran]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Party plans corporation tax of 20%, €500 energy credit and €1.75 per litre cap at fuel pumps to ease cost of living crisis]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:09:17 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WUPIDBGDQ5MIS66RQBUVPMKXK4.JPG?auth=56cd72c48646634f705340273ff2c235a33b463c3a6add3858e4fe362dd7fdfb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[People Before Profit–Solidarity leader Richard Boyd Barrett TD at a press conference on Friday to launch the party's Budget 2027 proposals. Photograph: Garrett White/Collins]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘We’re in limbo’: Enniscorthy businesses feel defenceless after latest flood]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/10/03/were-in-limbo-enniscorthy-businesses-feel-defenceless-after-latest-flood/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/climate-crisis/2026/10/03/were-in-limbo-enniscorthy-businesses-feel-defenceless-after-latest-flood/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James Cox]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Locals have endured several floods from the river Slaney and are worried about the lack of defences as extreme weather becomes more common]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 13:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4STTQZJGMSAUOO2KVVWVRVZXKA.jpg?auth=3d77b097f917e44de923091c568817e3cce52b001ca34bd828580559a1110670&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Water from the river Slaney after it burst its banks during Storm Chandra in Enniscorthy in January. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Paul Faith</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Seven-year campaign against Galway family leads to first arrest as woman (40s) detained]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/10/02/woman-arrested-in-co-galway-over-alleged-six-year-harassment-campaign/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/2026/10/02/woman-arrested-in-co-galway-over-alleged-six-year-harassment-campaign/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Conor Lally]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Harassment suspect detained by gardaí, with search carried out and items taken for examination ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:36:45 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UFPOEVPOXFGPDESLZ3MG4HLTNU.jpg?auth=a74b2973027ca52ca4471b6985e14522597dbca402bf86034b2ad12f90b3eb7b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The woman is being held at a Garda station in the northwestern region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Stephen Barnes</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Without Distinction of Sex review: A cautious approach to what should be a radical call for change]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/stage/review/2026/10/02/without-distinction-of-sex-review-a-cautious-approach-to-what-should-be-a-radical-call-for-change/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/stage/review/2026/10/02/without-distinction-of-sex-review-a-cautious-approach-to-what-should-be-a-radical-call-for-change/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ruby Eastwood]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Dublin Theatre Festival 2026: Veronica Coburn asks what happened to the promises about women’s place in the State. But her demands are disappointingly modest]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:18:03 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PNXFLTQKK5AZJHYNIOYDWDYHDQ.jpg?auth=75ce120ade1c1574216d7ad62f8d696b4e3d13bb602b433637f2e196cf6f3b1f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Without Distinction of Sex. Photograph: Ewa Figaszewska and Medb Lambert]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rebel riders: Cork linked to more than half of 857 confiscated free travel passes ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/rebel-riders-cork-linked-to-more-than-half-of-857-confiscated-free-travel-passes/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/rebel-riders-cork-linked-to-more-than-half-of-857-confiscated-free-travel-passes/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Foxe]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Bus Éireann services accounted for three-quarters of the passes confiscated in 18-month period]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:13:35 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YWREBBSOODAX3PBOO4EXY4SVSQ.jpg?auth=950cd9de742384db30ac89d6b3e763a1feb5096bcd6d4310efa9a9c1f76a7628&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Bus Éireann services accounted for three-quarters of 857 confiscated travel passes. Photograph: Dara Mac Donaill/The Irish Times]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Remains of 10 more infants found at site of former mother and baby home in Tuam]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/ten-more-sets-of-remains-found-at-former-mother-and-baby-home-in-tuam/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/ten-more-sets-of-remains-found-at-former-mother-and-baby-home-in-tuam/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack White]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Latest discoveries bring total number of remains recovered to 109]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:09:48 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RLCZSARA5CIWGSYH3BE4W3HJMQ.jpg?auth=250aef1881b50b8a6905b42e8989f0c1f15908193bd4f3dd02e96c349bfebfa0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Historical map of the Tuam mother and baby home, where Odait has been carrying out a forensic excavation. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Liam McBurney</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Woman who stabbed abusive partner to death wins bid to overturn murder conviction]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/10/02/woman-who-stabbed-abusive-partner-to-death-wins-bid-to-overturn-murder-conviction/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/10/02/woman-who-stabbed-abusive-partner-to-death-wins-bid-to-overturn-murder-conviction/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alan Erwin]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Jurors were misdirected on Belfast woman Julie Ann McIlwaine’s loss of control defence to the killing of James Joseph Crossley ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:06:39 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/26IFRWLFSZHZ7F24DTVGPQCEDE.jpg?auth=beb675e99e3972673d8b403bab1dd82b17cdf4ffbdffdf9a232f0f2d2019b954&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Julie Ann McIlwaine pictured at Coleraine Crown Court during her trial in October 2024. Photograph: Sarah Harkness]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Sarah Harkness</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[US deploys thousands of troops to Middle East as Donald Trump weighs strikes on Iran]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/02/us-deploys-thousands-of-troops-to-middle-east-as-donald-trump-weighs-strikes-on-iran/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/02/us-deploys-thousands-of-troops-to-middle-east-as-donald-trump-weighs-strikes-on-iran/</guid><description><![CDATA[Aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt expected to arrive in the region by the end of November, a US official says]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 12:01:46 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QTDTWEUCTPS2QNGJYRAWEE74S4.jpg?auth=3bd90160c87cd373c587722dcfc017c1e0424228dde231ab52bd5c3cb59aeb0b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Military planes stand on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. Photograph: US Navy/AP]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Seaman Ryan Holloway</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 2 Johnnies Late Night Lock In review: A turkey with all the trimmings. End this craic attack]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2026/10/02/the-2-johnnies-late-night-lock-in-review-a-turkey-with-all-the-trimmings-end-this-craic-attack/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2026/10/02/the-2-johnnies-late-night-lock-in-review-a-turkey-with-all-the-trimmings-end-this-craic-attack/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ed Power]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Television: The chicken fillet roll has gone cold, the immersion has indeed been left on all night and Mammy is reaching for the wooden spoon]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:57:47 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ACMCT4OLVJAINMY6MP5KUFAJGQ.jpg?auth=fd31d7b95bc6e7447f6b7a1a6ffa7f1bc8c5f181ad34403fdee99b3d9d7f314a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The 2 Johnnies: cheeky panto banterers]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Andres Poveda</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Europe rearms: files reveal extent of plans for a new ‘defence union’ ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/europe-rearms-files-reveal-extent-of-plans-for-a-new-defence-union/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/europe-rearms-files-reveal-extent-of-plans-for-a-new-defence-union/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jack Power]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Documents show capitals encouraged moves towards common ‘European defence culture’ and closer Nato cooperation ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:48:31 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/H36J5D6OHLW3OGKZMMZS4HHK6A.jpg?auth=a262b8a82410438e016d6ce5c8cdfbb31a5d31650a4a144743909e488c851c87&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[An ATACMS rocket on display at Rheinmetall's artillery plant in Unterluess, northern Germany, last year. Photograph: Ronny Hartmann/AFP via Getty Images         ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Ronny Hartmann</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sylvester Stallone’s memoir is fascinating at times but doesn’t quite hit ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/10/02/sylvester-stallones-memoir-is-fascinating-at-times-but-doesnt-quite-hit/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/10/02/sylvester-stallones-memoir-is-fascinating-at-times-but-doesnt-quite-hit/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dean Van Nguyen]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The writing moves with the rock-‘em-sock-‘em rhythm of his best flicks]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 11:20:40 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2M4B274SHFBF5KOSAHN2PX4VTA.jpg?auth=6d6848e6dcbc78465bdb818c693b76d4bf26904ac1daedc802c27bb6cce66401&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Sylvester Stallone with Talia Shire in a scene from Rocky V. Photograph: John Bryson/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">John Bryson</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[All you read is love: The books about Mayo’s All-Ireland win that just had to be written ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/10/03/all-you-read-is-love-the-books-about-mayos-all-ireland-win-that-just-had-to-be-written/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/10/03/all-you-read-is-love-the-books-about-mayos-all-ireland-win-that-just-had-to-be-written/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Malachy Clerkin]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Never has one sporting moment inspired so much literary output so quickly]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/V5NUN2GCBJAERFYGBQJZSTR2HI.jpg?auth=27f5fe204b7a8a840d16fc1c80c583410b054cc8cbe5303ca413fedb409d0d0c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Mayo's manager Andy Moran celebrates with fans after the All-Ireland final. It's unclear whether Mayo's celebrations will ever end. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘No such thing as half a march,’ says Mac Cionnaith as Drumcree talks break up without deal]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/01/forcing-orange-march-down-garvaghy-road-could-be-catastrophic-psni-warns-as-policing-bill-hits-3m/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/01/forcing-orange-march-down-garvaghy-road-could-be-catastrophic-psni-warns-as-policing-bill-hits-3m/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Seanín Graham, Marie O’Halloran]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Orange Order says it will accept outcome of upcoming High Court appeal]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:50:55 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BZTOZK3GO5KJJVM57SCRJPFR5U.jpg?auth=874ef241d30bb3715ed50005665ea4f686b3b06ec1cd8b4ba278adf87952b917&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Drumcree Church in Portadown. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Liam McBurney</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rebellious Hope review: Seven dancers in search of connection with their audience ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/stage/review/2026/10/02/rebellious-hope-review-seven-dancers-in-search-of-connection-with-their-audience/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/stage/review/2026/10/02/rebellious-hope-review-seven-dancers-in-search-of-connection-with-their-audience/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Seaver]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Dublin Theatre Festival 2026: Philip Connaughton’s impressive cast dismantle the divide between performer and spectator]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:41:49 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Z5EWM5CXN5E5PKV4E4UBRUDFSU.jpg?auth=85eac840eae1036f770e44ee2aec07ede330f3ba69af1fb8be1bcf01b51f8fde&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Rebellious Hope: Amy Swanson, Magali Caillet Gajan, Montse Colomé and Joanna Banks. Photograph: Luca Truffarelli]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Euro zone inflation jumps to highest level in three years, paving way for another interest rate rise]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2026/10/02/euro-zone-inflation-jumps-to-highest-level-in-three-years-paving-way-for-another-interest-rate-rise/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2026/10/02/euro-zone-inflation-jumps-to-highest-level-in-three-years-paving-way-for-another-interest-rate-rise/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Olaf Storbeck]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Consumer prices were 3.8% higher in September than a year ago, up sharply from 3.2% in August]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:28:57 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XIWP6XLPWRBBFNZUUKW6N7WZ7I.jpg?auth=6eb5a00a28b03efc213b9a90a94bcb2ad0de777eb9780c53e968e18d7bdbf53d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[A Middle East war-driven surge in euro zone inflation makes an expected interest rate rise by year end even more likely. Photograph: iStock]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Schroptschop</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Moon for the Misbegotten review: Virtuoso performances power an often sublime Druid production]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/stage/review/2026/10/02/a-moon-for-the-misbegotten-review-virtuoso-performances-power-an-often-sublime-druid-production/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/stage/review/2026/10/02/a-moon-for-the-misbegotten-review-virtuoso-performances-power-an-often-sublime-druid-production/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Max McGuinness]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Dublin Theatre Festival 2026: Eileen Walsh, Lorcan Cranitch and Marty Rea excel under Garry Hynes’ direction]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:15:37 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/U4BTAMWKGJHAZCO5PI2AG66AQM.jpg?auth=a11a5f58ab34e925fe1d194429fe72040fafbd8dd4df898009c1d85ca0bc28bb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[A Moon for the Misbegotten: Marty Rea and Eileen Walsh in Druid’s production. Photograph: Ste Murray]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Ste Murray</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Russia plans most powerful blow yet to freeze Ukraine this winter]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/russia-plans-most-powerful-blow-yet-to-freeze-ukraine-this-winter/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/europe/2026/10/02/russia-plans-most-powerful-blow-yet-to-freeze-ukraine-this-winter/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Constant Méheut]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Ukraine says intercepted document shows Moscow wants to cripple the power grid using ballistic missiles and jet-powered drones]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:03:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LA6LJK3SGIH23CCMG6ADTONBVQ.jpg?auth=cc0f396b85749ae38454a833b2fb6c7bf170c98c82ccf74ba34e4300965f390b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[A power company worker repairs an energy substation in Kyiv, Ukraine, last February. Photograph: Paula Bronstein/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Paula Bronstein</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Troy Parrott at it again for Ireland]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/10/02/troy-parrott-at-it-again-for-ireland/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2026/10/02/troy-parrott-at-it-again-for-ireland/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mary Hannigan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Dubliner’s brace not enough to best Austria; provinces look to rectify disappointing opening weekend]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 08:40:59 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/P77ZWJ4WVAW4OMWBAEDRDL46YU.jpg?auth=4455b9570adbdd8c6a885cb7c7c77cec423026ef1c5f0da7950c42ed8e4ff596&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Troy Parrott celebrates after scoring Ireland's second goal against Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday. Photograph: Tom Maher/Inpho]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hot summer boosts Wetherspoon’s sales growth]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/hot-summer-boosts-wetherspoons-sales-growth/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/hot-summer-boosts-wetherspoons-sales-growth/</guid><description><![CDATA[Pub and hotel operator reports 28% fall in profit for last year after four profit warnings over higher costs ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 08:39:23 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Y3627VMHHQUZQ2LZLYPUORQSRI.jpg?auth=012f55f2237423c41a74e422568fe5341ee72b06aade8410cd17023107c72b28&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[J D Wetherspoon reported a 28 per cent drop in pretax profit for the year ended ​July but said it expects profit for its current fiscal year to be in line with market expectations. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Gareth Fuller</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Under-18s banned from using e-scooters from today]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/under-18s-banned-from-using-e-scooters-from-today/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/under-18s-banned-from-using-e-scooters-from-today/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Órla  Ryan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Fees for detention and storage of seized e-scooters also double amid crackdown on the vehicles]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 08:26:32 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UFY7H6QOU5F4VLSTHSUTRUPKB4.jpg?auth=74fcb92b082eef0e2261155da5cbc8859c35e50b6c18988ad6f45e31536f17b4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The new regulations follow changes that made helmets and high-visibility clothing mandatory for e-scooter users since September 4th. Photograph: iStock]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Zheka-Boss</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Industrial action at Oberstown Child Detention Campus postponed after WRC talks]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/industrial-action-at-oberstown-child-detention-campus-postponed-after-wrc-talks/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/industrial-action-at-oberstown-child-detention-campus-postponed-after-wrc-talks/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Órla  Ryan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Fórsa members were due to take part in a 72-hour work stoppage next week over staffing issues]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 08:25:10 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4RPASQIPJSFRDKUCE6JT6B6I6A.JPG?auth=dbd1c71a94f58dcfdfba481ffbbbf5f10b5d7dec014f0fc58d72ad9e7ad8ffee&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Staff at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus staged a number of stoppages during the summer. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photos ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Sam boal/Collins Photos</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Christa Pike: Life, death and a botched execution in Tennessee]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2026/10/02/christa-pike-life-death-and-a-botched-execution-in-tennessee/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2026/10/02/christa-pike-life-death-and-a-botched-execution-in-tennessee/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Keith Duggan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Pike was sentenced to death in 1996 for murder and now lies in hospital after two lethal doses failed to kill her]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:12:18 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/X6EFXHZIYNH2HCOR3HK6NXDLIU.jpg?auth=2e22f1083fbb1b34c197ed98fff8c1b43df5d90f6e7204af258fb21a83c384c4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Christa Pike and then-boyfriend Tadaryl Shipp were convicted of killing Colleen Slemmer (19) in Tennessee in 1995. Photograph: TDOC via AP]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">AP</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trump says Iran may be linked to co-pilot who tried to crash Israel-bound plane]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/02/trump-says-iran-may-be-linked-to-copilot-who-tried-to-crash-israel-bound-plane/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/middle-east/2026/10/02/trump-says-iran-may-be-linked-to-copilot-who-tried-to-crash-israel-bound-plane/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Melanie Lidman, Samy Magdy and Cara Anna, Associated Press]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[US president says Tehran will ‘be hit very hard’ if it was behind the attack]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 06:02:24 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FUW5QUX4JVGGS7I33HQCNJE53A.jpg?auth=0b7ab5e032d75edf255a2073e61af1ec74c3f538622b60d3715130cdc509a637&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 said Iran would be ‘hit very hard’ if it turned out Tehran was behind the attempted attack on a FlyDubai plane. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Jacquelyn Martin</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hospitality insolvencies down and budget draws ever closer]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/hospitality-insolvencies-down-and-budget-draws-ever-closer/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/hospitality-insolvencies-down-and-budget-draws-ever-closer/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Peter Flanagan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Business Today: the best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:34:04 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/3L57GPA5XTWJPNBETLBGQHXI5E.jpg?auth=fddafbac19176415eb83f7194c03375f4fbbd3c0b6ee7016310ff848e405c2cd&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Tanaiste Simon Harris, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, Minister for Children Norma Foley and Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise Niamh Smyth following the Government's decision to reduce the VAT rate for restaurants, cafes, other food and catering services and hairdressers to 9 per cent earlier this year. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins Photos
]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Galway’s Taaffes shop, empty for 30 years, has a new owner]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/galways-taaffes-shop-empty-for-30-years-has-a-new-owner/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/galways-taaffes-shop-empty-for-30-years-has-a-new-owner/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Killian Woods]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Building on William Street has been vacant since 1996, when the family-run shop closed down]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:27:19 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/UNNY7PANTNDXFCRNJZZ6LFEII4.JPG?auth=1d4cbf9548db5925fed7c5be9d166ce021c02beac7b88eeb517763b875640373&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The site of the former Taaffes shop, which sold woollen goods until its closure in 1996. 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[Manchester City or Scam FC – the €1bn scandal ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/in-the-news/manchester-city-or-scam-fc-the-1bn-scandal/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/in-the-news/manchester-city-or-scam-fc-the-1bn-scandal/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Bernice Harrison]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[In the News podcast with Bernice Harrison]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:15:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/CVAJYXVAXN7K3QXWPLOYPKGNME.jpg?auth=82f5d160164a50f4df605686a4ce732b2e853239388f7b09b59a7f7c3dab0c65&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Premier League confirmed that City had been found guilty of all charges relating to breaches of its financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. Photograph Carl Recine/Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Carl Recine</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Return of Ireland contingent just what the doctor ordered for Connacht in Treviso clash]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/return-of-ireland-contingent-just-what-the-doctor-ordered-for-connacht-in-treviso-clash/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/return-of-ireland-contingent-just-what-the-doctor-ordered-for-connacht-in-treviso-clash/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gerry Thornley]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[All eyes on Ciarán Frawley as Stuart Lancaster’s men aim to bounce back from Stormers disappointment]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WIOU5VXGKBCRTPXGCLH2DL2RE4.jpg?auth=bbf4e93a93c3adcd045c55eb7e9da997247d6349a7a77bfdf0bbdd15dfc7c896&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ciarán Frawley is set to make his Connacht debut against Benetton in Friday's URC clash at Stadio Monigo, Treviso. Photograph: Tom O'Hanlon/Inpho]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Eamon O’Shea’s Ireland panel coming together for ‘throwback’ hurling-shinty international]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/10/02/eamon-osheas-ireland-panel-coming-together-for-throwback-hurling-shinty-international/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/10/02/eamon-osheas-ireland-panel-coming-together-for-throwback-hurling-shinty-international/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gordon Manning]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Galway All Star nominee Darragh Neary among early call-ups for October 24th double-header at Páirc Uí Chaoimh]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/MB57HSB6QNBJTMEMHPTQHHCJNY.jpg?auth=a7b7b7693bfdcff6db20e2ce9b1f6a5d104fd3daf1d1588397eb6584a7832d51&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Waterford goalkeeper Billy Nolan clears the sliotar under pressure from Tipperary's John McGrath during the counties' Munster Senior Hurling Championship round-two match at Walsh Park, Waterford, last April. Photograph: Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Maurice J Casey and John Waddell win Michel Déon Prize]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2026/10/02/maurice-j-casey-and-john-waddell-win-michel-deon-prize/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/2026/10/02/maurice-j-casey-and-john-waddell-win-michel-deon-prize/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Martin Doyle]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Books newsletter: a wrap of the latest news and preview of tomorrow’s pages]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/72PENR3IMVBHRGOBJNRCAC6PRE.jpg?auth=c1c9b05ee3773038bd85db71fe21026f7cb48f808af448a840955359370fbd9d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Prof Daniel Carey, President of the Royal Irish Academy, Maurice J Casey, joint winner of the 2026 Michel Déon Prize, John Waddell, joint winner of the 2026 Michel Déon Prize, Céline Place, ambassador of France, and Eugene Downes, Cultural Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Photograph: Johnny Bambury]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Johnny Bambury 2026</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Fuel protester who allegedly drove through Garda road block to be tried in District Court]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/10/02/fuel-protestor-who-allegedly-drove-through-garda-road-block-to-be-tried-in-district-court/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/crime-law/courts/2026/10/02/fuel-protestor-who-allegedly-drove-through-garda-road-block-to-be-tried-in-district-court/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Barry Roche]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Man (28) arrested after allegedly attempting to join demonstration at Cork’s Irving Oil refinery]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HXMAJHZLBBBRNAZO55KOB5KT24.JPG?auth=d5a5d258321ae5ce2e76e64fb724e27fc04bd9510b64eb60d8b20908f28ea469&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Darra O’Shea with an address at Corbally South, Ballincurrig, Leamlara, Cork, at Midleton District Court ahead of a previous appearance. Photograph: Cork Courts Limited]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Daragh McSweeney</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Andy Burnham has a mission. Now he needs a mandate to deliver it]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/10/02/stephen-collins-andy-burnham-labour-election-brexit-european-union-nigel-farage-reform-uk/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/10/02/stephen-collins-andy-burnham-labour-election-brexit-european-union-nigel-farage-reform-uk/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Stephen Collins]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Popular prime minister might be tempted to call an early election, but keeping out Reform UK means tactical voting]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IA7OPLD354FQJMKG6Q56WUEV2M.jpg?auth=4079155d0aab3ab5ef31cb2c6693d4d77e840dd19a025e4742c1164c76e02a7c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA["Andy Burnham has a long way to go, but he has already reinvigorated British politics after a decade of disasters." Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Christopher Furlong</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Let migrants upskill, improve their lot and contribute to society]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/let-migrants-upskill-improve-their-lot-and-contribute-to-society/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/let-migrants-upskill-improve-their-lot-and-contribute-to-society/</guid><description><![CDATA[Those coming to our shores should not be seen as a budgetary burden]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 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[Teachers have no choice but to take industrial action over pay]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/teachers-have-no-choice-but-to-take-industrial-action-over-pay/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/teachers-have-no-choice-but-to-take-industrial-action-over-pay/</guid><description><![CDATA[Government must return to negotiating table with an offer ‘that reflects reality’]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 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[There are more than two sides to Drumcree]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/several-sides-to-drumcree-problem/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/several-sides-to-drumcree-problem/</guid><description><![CDATA[The British government’s patronising, condescending outlook is very much part of the problem]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 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[Dublin City Council intends to press ahead with bin bag ban in February]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/10/02/dublin-city-council-plans-to-press-ahead-with-bin-bag-ban-in-february/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/10/02/dublin-city-council-plans-to-press-ahead-with-bin-bag-ban-in-february/</guid><description><![CDATA[Residents of Stoneybatter, Phibsborough, Smithfield and Broadstone face fines if they resist wheelie bins]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WJMGSFPUQL3U7J6TXMFPFXCIQ4.JPG?auth=e62c0743b501543c9c0d33b407489ca8341bdf2f8d2903ae4cec8f28619fcea4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Residents of Dublin 7 protesting outside City Hall, Dublin on Monday over council plans to ban the use of bin bags. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins  ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Sam boal/Collins Photos</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Church services]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/10/02/church-services/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2026/10/02/church-services/</guid><description><![CDATA[Week beginning Saturday, October 3rd, 2026]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IN7OZZ6E2NGO5KX2KLF2SIQGJU.png?auth=d4b9e121d137a9aeef92fc18438df403b5c177f6a3855de62a93ccfae6ccb05d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/png" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Church Services]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘Literally unbelievable’: Ministers get ‘a kicking’ from Chambers’s team as budget talks near end]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2026/10/02/rough-budget-negotiations-leave-most-departments-without-agreement-as-limits-bite/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/your-money/2026/10/02/rough-budget-negotiations-leave-most-departments-without-agreement-as-limits-bite/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Pat Leahy, Jack Horgan-Jones]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Jack Chambers fights to meet 6 per cent limit on increases, with Ministers complaining bitterly]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Q4IOTY3MAKL7CBYUX6WKTDTTGQ.JPG?auth=601aeea7c708ff0568bba761ddf483ab88d2d9deae57fedcc6cdacb1741b21ba&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers. Photograph: Sam Boal/Collins Photo Agency]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Collins Photos</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Opposition alternative budgets; Grinds 360 boardroom war; and the viability of domestic rugby]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/early-edition/opposition-alternative-budgets-grinds-360-boardroom-war-and-the-viability-of-domestic-rugby/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/early-edition/opposition-alternative-budgets-grinds-360-boardroom-war-and-the-viability-of-domestic-rugby/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew McNair]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Early Edition with Andrew McNair]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KIXEDRLTJBIIDPSTMCS3SEDPIQ.jpg?auth=4b5cc9b30a2fcde7660e2c22fc9ddfdffe1c738b7e3d9b381a175de7d5ab41f4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Labour Party leader Ivana Bacik with finance spokesman Ged Nash as they present the party's alternative budget. Photograph: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Leah Farrell</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Aughinish Alumina steps up lobbying as European Commission considers sanctions]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/aughinish-steps-up-lobbying-campaign-as-european-commission-considers-sanctions/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/aughinish-steps-up-lobbying-campaign-as-european-commission-considers-sanctions/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Conor Gallagher]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Taoiseach, Cabinet Ministers and MEPs contacted by Russian-owned plant in Co Limerick]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/R46NDCNWQFHPVLIDDNJX7LCG24.JPG?auth=d6fb2f84f6e52d46535969e1078aac0459d2321f457f83f92cd26b1dda66ff9d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Alumina made in Aughinish, above, is exported to smelters that sell aluminium to a trader supplying Russian arms manufacturers. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Nick Bradshaw</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘I’ve been through enough to know how they go’: Leinster’s Jordan Larmour on overcoming injury]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/be-positive-work-hard-try-to-get-back-leinsters-jordan-larmour-on-overcoming-injury/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/be-positive-work-hard-try-to-get-back-leinsters-jordan-larmour-on-overcoming-injury/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John O'Sullivan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Talented winger expects to return to the pitch shortly after straining calf in preseason training]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BDG3L33K5ZDMDMK76W5TZ3EUMA.jpg?auth=b6376d93ee84a997bfa923cf0b4079b4f8c9df02d5a2731d88329136bf39ebdb&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Jordan Larmour in Leinster squad training at UCD in June. Photograph: Grace Halton/INPHO]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Grace Halton</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Drumcree proves that unification of Ireland is the North’s best bet]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/10/02/drumcree-proves-that-unification-of-ireland-is-the-norths-best-bet/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/10/02/drumcree-proves-that-unification-of-ireland-is-the-norths-best-bet/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Justine McCarthy]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[This is not just about Orange Order entitlement to walk a stretch of road – it is about entitlement to rule the roost]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/54VY5A6IWRETZEJTBLCYI5D55Y.JPG?auth=a7c49bc4f69763a6262a79dd4c90304aa81ba5970bcaa41749d34a69c7c3b4b4&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Garvaghy Road residents have been clear in their opposition to the Orange Order marching down their road since the dispute started last Sunday. Photograph: Conor McCaughley]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Conor McCaughley</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[US Catholic university has not applied for accreditation over Waterford campus]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/us-catholic-university-has-not-applied-for-accreditation-over-waterford-campus/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/10/02/us-catholic-university-has-not-applied-for-accreditation-over-waterford-campus/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Barry Roche]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Ave Maria University, a Florida-based conservative institution, announced study-abroad programme at former monastery]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HZE7CEDHYJAIDN2UDCJ76SOAWY.JPG?auth=40756659c52d492121f39edfc190de51ca2e8b50cf28fe621881d2a39f01ab46&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The chapter room of Mount Melleray Abbey in Co Waterford. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Laura Hutton</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Éamonn Fitzmaurice return gives Galway fresh hope of ending Sam Maguire drought]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/10/02/eamonn-fitzmaurice-return-gives-galway-fresh-hope-of-ending-sam-maguire-drought/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/2026/10/02/eamonn-fitzmaurice-return-gives-galway-fresh-hope-of-ending-sam-maguire-drought/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gordon Manning]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Former Kerry boss takes charge on a three-year term after Pádraic Joyce’s departure]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2GYMG45E6VDQFDE7BZWEDZI4WY.jpg?auth=33a1b6ec12498cd260dbe82930e187a824274df0e20d363cb8e810e2020a452e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Éamonn Fitzmaurice. Photograph: Laszlo Geczo/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Guinness Enterprise Centre to provide path to UK growth for Irish start-ups]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/guinness-enterprise-centre-to-provide-path-to-uk-growth-for-irish-start-ups/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/guinness-enterprise-centre-to-provide-path-to-uk-growth-for-irish-start-ups/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ciara O'Brien]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Deal will also facilitate the growth of fledgling UK companies in Ireland]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TRQLCXKQN5AENPQTZCIFOL76MA.jpg?auth=f6303af5f0c8bbc763598eff67ecb96f69f4ed9081414a99bb96b4f8911e09ad&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Niamh Collins (left), centre director of the Guinness Enterprise Centre, with UK ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen. Photograph: John Ohle]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">John Ohle Photo</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Events surrounding Nations League turn Ireland’s football hope to shame]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/events-surrounding-nations-league-turn-irelands-football-hope-to-shame/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/events-surrounding-nations-league-turn-irelands-football-hope-to-shame/</guid><description><![CDATA[Irish players, fans, Gaza and Palestine have all been all let down]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 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[Financial reality Irish schools face is not reflected in OECD’s statistics]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/funding-schools/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/02/funding-schools/</guid><description><![CDATA[If education in Ireland were properly funded, think what could be achieved]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 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[Leinster with some improving to do against strengthened Sharks, says Cullen]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/leinster-with-some-improving-to-do-against-strengthened-sharks-says-cullen/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/leinster-with-some-improving-to-do-against-strengthened-sharks-says-cullen/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Scully]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Head coach taking little satisfaction from opening defeat to the Lions despite two bonus points]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YAVDHXBLGBFOPMDD2PBMLG36KY.jpg?auth=76c48e735e6e41fdf2bfc6d7a75f703762a3cf2d54b639a53c6941682ddf1a9d&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 has gone for a 4-4 bench split to face the Sharks in Durban. Photograph: Christiaan Kotze/Steve Haag Sports/Inpho]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Steve Haag Sports</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Octopus Energy boss would ‘love’ to enter Irish consumer market]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/octopus-energy-boss-would-love-to-enter-irish-consumer-market/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/octopus-energy-boss-would-love-to-enter-irish-consumer-market/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Cormac McQuinn]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Octopus is UK’s biggest household electricity supplier ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IDOQ5C7FKRYXKDLJ7IKR6E2KMY.jpg?auth=6ed7bca60319f4b4e99ec9774b3452e050f839080f186ad2385da41cab5e5c48&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Octopus Energy chief executive Greg Jackson. Photograph: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Chris J. Ratcliffe</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Who owns Galway’s Eyre Square? The billionaires, hoteliers and publicans running the central plaza ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/who-owns-eyre-square-the-billionaires-hoteliers-and-publicans-of-galways-central-plaza/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/who-owns-eyre-square-the-billionaires-hoteliers-and-publicans-of-galways-central-plaza/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Killian Woods]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[A property-by-property examination reveals the square’s diverse cast of investors, families and public bodies ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IWJRQF43XFATNKFCPDLCOWVNNU.JPG?auth=5e93dc08f35b7f76d39e45eabd884512b97162fed61fb05d84c487d8feb8e3c2&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Named after former mayor of Galway Edward Eyre, the square is surrounded on all sides by both historic and modern buildings. 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[Dublin 1 unfairly burdened with ‘huge overconcentration’ of social services, says Robert Watt]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/10/02/dublin-1-unfairly-burdened-with-huge-overconcentration-of-social-services-robert-watt/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/10/02/dublin-1-unfairly-burdened-with-huge-overconcentration-of-social-services-robert-watt/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Olivia Kelly]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Other councils must help provide support for homeless, refugees and others in need, too, regeneration chief says]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KMGXKEECDFBU7NJ7Q6TDJBH74I.jpg?auth=c74f0a4fb20bee6f02f5ed610ccc511c9be0a67dd967b57a40c3ba64cdd10a99&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Under temporary plans for the GPO, the building will house cultural and community facilities, the planning conference also heard. Photograph: Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">mady70</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Increasing irrelevance of betting shops a growing problem for racing’s finances]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/2026/10/02/brian-oconnor-betting-shops-ireland-uk-andy-burnham-prix-de-larc-de-triomphe-tip/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/racing/2026/10/02/brian-oconnor-betting-shops-ireland-uk-andy-burnham-prix-de-larc-de-triomphe-tip/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Brian O'Connor]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Boss of one bookmaker has even predicted there will be no High Street betting shops by 2030]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BURITG45CZDULGNHQOGHDDK4YE.jpg?auth=cd3449c5a23081d89f608800927ba6aa9703a2fc1d68abf67efeccd14b1670b2&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[As is tradition, customers watch horse-racing inside a betting shop. Photograph: Hugo Philpott/Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Bloomberg</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Weather whiplash leaves us with no illusions about the reality of climate change]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/10/02/diarmaid-ferriter-extreme-weather-climate-change-carbon-tax-fossil-fuel-petrol-diesel-budget/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/10/02/diarmaid-ferriter-extreme-weather-climate-change-carbon-tax-fossil-fuel-petrol-diesel-budget/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Diarmaid Ferriter]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[And yet the Government is still speaking out of both sides of its mouth]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QOJSJFG5OBFHREJSKZYT42NE6I.jpg?auth=c39636f962231444962ad68e2df83590bd8f2127e47af87a4c5247ea124706ef&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Diarmaid Ferriter]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Martyn Turner]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/cartoon/2026/10/02/martyn-turner/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/cartoon/2026/10/02/martyn-turner/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Martyn Turner]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[October 2nd, 2026]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:01 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/524VDD5WDZCOPB47GHYUMSPGUI.jpg?auth=b71f56d7d5f3d45fc74fc6f84496163ef248896e1ef0cdc60287008877c32abc&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[Séamas O’Reilly: Am I a soft, overprotective dad bringing his own childhood traumas to bear?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/10/02/seamas-oreilly-am-i-a-soft-modern-overprotective-dad-bringing-his-own-childhood-traumas-to-bear/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/10/02/seamas-oreilly-am-i-a-soft-modern-overprotective-dad-bringing-his-own-childhood-traumas-to-bear/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Séamas O'Reilly]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[My son doesn’t yet have proper football trainers, since we, his miserly parents, haven’t yet committed to such accoutrements]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/PWWEK4HJTBBGZLGSL7C46WAVRM.jpg?auth=91a56e9412451d4e38cfdf6e9a7d66793f3e3f1ce2db987945830bc43f93f6f9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Séamas O'Reilly: 'There was a little blood, several deployments of sterilising wipes and plasters, and more than a few bouts of tears.' Photograph: Steve Ryan for The Irish Times]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Steve Ryan</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Georgian home and stud farm of up to 112 acres in Co Kildare]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/10/02/georgian-home-and-stud-farm-of-up-to-112-acres-in-co-kildare/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/10/02/georgian-home-and-stud-farm-of-up-to-112-acres-in-co-kildare/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Miriam Mulcahy]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Six-bed house on 16 acres near Rathangan is for sale for €2m, with option to buy additional land]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/YDAF4YOUO5ALFL77DJQOTJFAMQ.jpg?auth=65242a415a67f3db70bc9cc31f45321fd0671c78a08d07777e5a919ea05bad9b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Mount Prospect, Rathangan, Co Kildare]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[‘There is certainly pressure on people to stay relevant in this economy’]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/there-is-certainly-pressure-on-people-to-stay-relevant-in-this-economy/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2026/10/02/there-is-certainly-pressure-on-people-to-stay-relevant-in-this-economy/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Emmet Malone]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Hireovate founder Declan Fitzgerald on how AI is changing the game for recruitment]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/V3JOWNGTZNGKVEKSGJVLMG5HZU.jpg?auth=968934fa74953489e52faf2172817a9c4ca5147843911b8fa62368d54eeb9c20&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Declan Fitzgerald is founder of Hireovate. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish Times















]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Dara Mac Dónaill</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hot and cold therapy meets massage at this west of Ireland spa]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/fashion/2026/10/02/hot-and-cold-therapy-meets-massage-at-this-west-of-ireland-spa/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/fashion/2026/10/02/hot-and-cold-therapy-meets-massage-at-this-west-of-ireland-spa/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Simone  Gannon]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The Voya Cryo Revive Ritual combines a full body massage with alternating heat and cold]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SHX7A6THJBFXJFL7OGCFB2W6T4.jpg?auth=10c6caf72adfdd04890b760dcfbb8d08ff05cd5e09c6b8cbcdc86c503ad7ff11&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Chill Spa at Ice House Hotel: 'Closing my eyes, I feel like I’m gently rocking on the river Moy']]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">andrew bradley photography</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[A united Ireland could find a home in the Commonwealth just like other republics have]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/a-united-ireland-could-find-a-home-in-the-commonwealth-just-like-other-republics-have/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/a-united-ireland-could-find-a-home-in-the-commonwealth-just-like-other-republics-have/</guid><description><![CDATA[Expecting unionists simply to merge with our State as it is does not seem to be practicable]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +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[I started crying the day I was born and haven’t stopped since]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/i-started-crying-the-day-i-was-born-and-havent-stopped-since/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/i-started-crying-the-day-i-was-born-and-havent-stopped-since/</guid><description><![CDATA[I am not one bit ashamed to cry]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +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[Believing the believers]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/believing-the-believers/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/believing-the-believers/</guid><description><![CDATA[We should also be able to ask all believers, religious and non-religious, about the consistency of their belief system]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +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[Family care homes could be revived to meet needs of the elderly better]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/family-care-homes-could-be-revived-to-meet-needs-of-the-elderly-better/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/family-care-homes-could-be-revived-to-meet-needs-of-the-elderly-better/</guid><description><![CDATA[Donegal scheme was also beneficial to people living in rural isolation]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +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[Europe’s China shock is hollowing out industry and shifting politics to the right]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2026/10/02/europes-china-shock-is-hollowing-out-industry-and-shifting-politics-to-the-right/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/business/economy/2026/10/02/europes-china-shock-is-hollowing-out-industry-and-shifting-politics-to-the-right/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Eoin Burke-Kennedy]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Europe’s industrial base is weakening while support for the far right is growing]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/Y5ZJ65NOV5GVHGKJTXWHETHZXM.jpg?auth=b4cd36733d5413ebd5d5a8a6bda612f11fd387ae5e591de2bc89e549dced2425&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[European leaders are slowly waking up to the so-called 'China shock 2.0'. Illustration: Paul Scott]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Comedian Justine Stafford: ‘I thought if I lost weight, it would help, but it spiralled’ ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/10/02/justine-stafford-i-was-bullied-for-my-weight-i-thought-if-i-lost-weight-that-would-help-but-it-spiralled-out-of-control/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/life-style/people/2026/10/02/justine-stafford-i-was-bullied-for-my-weight-i-thought-if-i-lost-weight-that-would-help-but-it-spiralled-out-of-control/</guid><description><![CDATA[The Meath comedian on being bitten by the entertainment bug as a child, overcoming anorexia, and her new book and podcast]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TFOQYPLZRZBE7IGJRPVVUYVGLA.jpeg?auth=01c7c9bf8b2a38ba1cad8a9adf9c88f5bfd7f60794802e869b66d6d7992ab541&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Justine Stafford has a new book out called The Irish Art of It’ll be Grand]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mother who died in Dublin balcony fall named locally ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/10/02/mother-who-died-in-dublin-balcony-fall-named-locally/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/dublin/2026/10/02/mother-who-died-in-dublin-balcony-fall-named-locally/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Conor Lally]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Family prepare funeral arrangements for Kathleen Carey (30s) weeks after burying sister ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/6XUBKJ64UVDQFPUHCD6EHFKUUM.jpg?auth=102ffcace3ac0afb2fe12f274814a9009e0cdf5e8a0a741e0dd84ac0c7487caf&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Kathleen Carey died in hospital on Wednesday after falling from a balcony on Monday, with gardaí investigating the incident.]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are we building offshore wind farms to save our planet or to power data centres?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/30/are-we-building-offshore-wind-farms-to-save-our-planet-or-to-power-data-centres/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/09/30/are-we-building-offshore-wind-farms-to-save-our-planet-or-to-power-data-centres/</guid><description><![CDATA[Costs of renewable energy justified when it cuts emissions, less so if main beneficiary is industrial growth]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +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[Protesting from home]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/protesting-from-home/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/protesting-from-home/</guid><description><![CDATA[Will public sector workers walk up and down with placards outside their own homes?]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +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[Valuing stillness]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/valuing-stillness/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/valuing-stillness/</guid><description><![CDATA[I am so grateful my children met this concept while still young]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +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[A lotta Lotto tax]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/a-lotta-lotto-tax/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/2026/10/01/a-lotta-lotto-tax/</guid><description><![CDATA[The price of maintaining the illusion of hope has recently gone up by 50 per cent]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +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[Jemima Adams Verling is high on life after breaking into Irish team]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/jemima-adams-verling-is-high-on-life-after-breaking-into-irish-team/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2026/10/02/jemima-adams-verling-is-high-on-life-after-breaking-into-irish-team/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Michael Scully]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The versatile backrow is a poster girl for the Women’s National Talent Squad pathway]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/ZZV2BENBUBS6IVCNIWIBUMUS2M.jpg?auth=e123c50734f1bb54c4f6c8db97b05b2b6f5fecc08f853c7be0d63109b95269f5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Jemima Adams Verling will make her third start in as many weeks. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ireland find focus as Troy Parrott scores one of the best goals we’ve ever seen]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/ken-early-ireland-find-their-collective-focus-while-troy-parrott-goes-solo/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/2026/10/02/ken-early-ireland-find-their-collective-focus-while-troy-parrott-goes-solo/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ken Early]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Many hours spent arguing in team meetings last week could have confused and demoralised Ireland, but it seems to have cleared their heads]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 05:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/QLRCNXPSSMR3UTCZQAAEV2GXQM.jpg?auth=6416bbd59dc70785dcd1c2245671fc8558f5c5714661dce8287d1a62a475183c&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Ireland's striker Troy Parrott celebrates scoring goal with Adam Idah. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP via Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Paul Faith</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Europe wants to get tough on China. The risks could be enormous]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/world/asia-pacific/2026/10/02/europe-wants-to-get-tough-on-china-the-risks-could-be-enormous/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/world/asia-pacific/2026/10/02/europe-wants-to-get-tough-on-china-the-risks-could-be-enormous/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Denis Staunton]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[With tensions rising, next week’s talks will test whether the EU can curb Chinese imports without harming its own economy]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:56:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/2AQRGFGJQVAXZBV7KM4N4XU75Y.jpg?auth=9a4815941f44b6fcd3bcc34a34a155fbcbbf3b9ba052be5d6ff267ac42d62ac0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Denis Staunton.]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu"></media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Look inside: Luxury Kinsale penthouse with sea views for €3.25m ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/10/02/look-inside-luxury-kinsale-penthouse-with-sea-views-for-325m/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/10/02/look-inside-luxury-kinsale-penthouse-with-sea-views-for-325m/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Erin McCafferty]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Airy and spacious three-bed built on the site of a former Mercy Convent in popular west Cork location]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:45:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/HKZTIBG6F5EYZDZQT532U6QJPY.jpg?auth=53202953395d07daa1050f0ae5daa5f86f1359d163e30226efbaa383a3ff7d45&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[5 Schooner Cove, Convent Garden, Kinsale, Co Cork]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Nerijus Reminas</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman strive for balance on Drumcree. But it’s a strain]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2026/10/02/ciara-kelly-and-shane-coleman-strive-for-balance-on-drumcree-but-its-a-strain/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio/2026/10/02/ciara-kelly-and-shane-coleman-strive-for-balance-on-drumcree-but-its-a-strain/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Mick Heaney]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Radio: On Newstalk, the Hard Shoulder host strains for balance during grim events in the North, while Andrea Gilligan hears an unorthodox voice on Lunchtime Live]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:15:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TMH3MVMNUZDTXGTAG76XNGRV6U.jpg?auth=9e1eaa5b72336a3bc03ee47d6662e5ed82d51cb8c1edee7cdd4781c711ec682d&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[The Hard Shoulder: Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman. Photograph: Newstalk]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Are groceries in Irish supermarkets about to rise again? Three items will, but one may fall]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/food/2026/10/02/are-groceries-about-to-go-up-again-three-items-definitely-will-but-one-might-fall/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/food/2026/10/02/are-groceries-about-to-go-up-again-three-items-definitely-will-but-one-might-fall/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Niamh Browne]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Energy crisis and extreme weather events in summer expected to trigger higher food prices]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/XGFZ3U5SUBDQ5BGVTE5YYXYAJU.jpg?auth=ca16eac16c458b529e7b5d8d5f1b0fb928ddd48dea077b14e0620a623676d0d3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[‘Global food price shocks can be expected to pass through meaningfully to Irish consumer prices,’ says ESRI. Photograph: iStock]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">iStock</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sowing the seeds of success ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/sowing-the-seeds-of-success/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/sowing-the-seeds-of-success/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Edel Corrigan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The challenge to funding is often not securing initial funding but demonstrating enough traction to justify a larger institutional round]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/OUKLX5W7CJCO5IKYAVFGVYCMNQ.jpg?auth=af443aa4882ae54f654dc6889e1a453be78479ceedf392b6a3318faee83ad48f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA['Seed stage is seen by many as the most challenging area of the fundraising']]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">erhui1979</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[When it’s time to say goodbye ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/when-its-time-to-say-goodbye/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/when-its-time-to-say-goodbye/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Dillon]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Exit readiness is largely about reducing uncertainty]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RVB2LWF57REGRIGEZZLP5SYJJY.jpg?auth=46c666fbff699675c302dd5828bcd26eed8a560900af174d447d32ac04013211&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA['The most successful exits are typically the result of years of preparation focused on improving earnings quality, reducing perceived risk and demonstrating a credible pathway for future growth']]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Milan Markovic</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[How businesses can decide if an MBO is for them]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/how-businesses-can-decide-if-an-mbo-is-for-them/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/how-businesses-can-decide-if-an-mbo-is-for-them/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Edel Corrigan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[The size of the management buyout team, their life stage and the overall economics of the transaction all come into play]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AEQOCAZKIFBLNJQJPRXKHKQEZY.jpg?auth=fcdf96dbb4b6cb7a3c07292c6338eef9a7a9c097a8d69fff920f14c4aed899b2&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA['The strongest MBOs combine enough leverage to enhance equity returns, while retaining sufficient headroom to fund growth initiatives, acquisitions and investment post-completion']]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">da-kuk</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Forget the points race, FET opens doors after the Leaving Cert]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/2026/10/02/forget-the-points-race-fet-opens-doors-after-the-leaving-cert/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/2026/10/02/forget-the-points-race-fet-opens-doors-after-the-leaving-cert/</guid><description><![CDATA[Through hands-on learning and career opportunities, further education and training is offering school leavers a route that works for them]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/IEWWMNE6LBAR3M3V6Q66MC6TKY.jpg?auth=c055535d33c44f673e20ec6b6034bdc41843ebd0ace9e66b46e49aafa3b46aa6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Further education and training offers school leavers another way to build qualifications and gain practical experience. Photograph: iStock]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Prostock-Studio</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Trading cash for control ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/trading-cash-for-control/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/trading-cash-for-control/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Emmet Ryan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Expectations vary depending on approach taken by private equity and sector involved]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/BKQPDK23YJC5NAXKFR7VBQ2MSI.jpg?auth=427eb241d6876cd41c4a6a06f341814a4e15c31dd02382a8afdc49fa431df35b&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Tensions can arise when investors expect to influence decision making in a business. Photograph: Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">pixelfit</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[More funding options than ever but scaling gap remains ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/more-funding-options-than-ever-but-scaling-gap-remains/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/more-funding-options-than-ever-but-scaling-gap-remains/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Danielle Barron]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Recent improvements in Irish firms’ access to finance are now encountering headwinds]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/DR6NLQU7BVGPLDDRLWYCAA62SY.jpg?auth=045eafa8b0e10cd1874f70820e8a12675be0dff2d7c2d91ad2b462de2657c97f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA['For many SMEs and early-stage companies, the biggest obstacle is the gap between the capital they need to scale and the funding available at that stage.' Photograph: Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">miniseries</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Making projects pay for themselves ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/making-projects-pay-for-themselves/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/making-projects-pay-for-themselves/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandra O'Connell]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[‘Funding normally combines sponsor equity with senior debt from commercial banks, development institutions or export credit agencies’]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/5CAKA3BRHFF6LA6JIKJNFEPL5Y.jpg?auth=4a3dca267ea9b2fe79c3452c0b1ce28cc90b9dcbc2d882e326e86b3101164885&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Project finance is most suitable for large, capital-intensive assets with long operating lives, in sectors such as transport, renewable energy and utilities. Photograph: Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">EP-stock</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The finance to turn sustainability goals into practical action]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/the-finance-to-turn-sustainability-goals-into-practical-action/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/the-finance-to-turn-sustainability-goals-into-practical-action/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Edel Corrigan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[‘Businesses that reduce their reliance on fossil fuels are also less exposed to future shocks’]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/EPAYXWNIURDWJMNIKFDQM3HMZA.jpg?auth=b16a4d9cae73fe018b7b0f3e2db1bedd76e8ec7aa564e6d077d929ce638df11f&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA['There has been a steady increase in demand from SMEs for sustainability related or green finance over the past number of years']]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">zamrznutitonovi</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Securing Ireland’s energy future through home-grown renewable power at the heart of BnM plans]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/2026/10/02/securing-irelands-energy-future-through-home-grown-renewable-power-at-the-heart-of-bnm-plans/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/2026/10/02/securing-irelands-energy-future-through-home-grown-renewable-power-at-the-heart-of-bnm-plans/</guid><description><![CDATA[Securing Ireland’s energy future through homegrown renewable power at the heart of BnM plans]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/AVSXO33V5JEUPGSFI3GPQPEDPY.jpg?auth=cf4b668ae0561f55543628f8c9cd6354ca6b60dbbe98b7a320ce006121478842&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Recent energy shocks have underscored the importance of developing Ireland’s indigenous energy sources]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[What will €685,000 buy in Donegal, Italy, Denmark, France and Wales?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/10/02/what-will-685000-buy-in-donegal-italy-denmark-france-and-wales/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/property/residential/2026/10/02/what-will-685000-buy-in-donegal-italy-denmark-france-and-wales/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Alison Gill]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[One price, home and away: from a bungalow in Muff to a sprawling period property in Piedmont]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/TRYPHGA625CHRKB3CPSRAF43NM.jpg?auth=88d52b5adc1daee7d1295c14d093d11629bba181a976ce2ee3452de68c27c575&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Italy: Piedmont]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Affordable wines: an Italian white and an Argentinian red from Dunnes]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/food/drink/2026/10/02/affordable-wines-an-italian-white-and-an-argentinian-red-from-dunnes/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/food/drink/2026/10/02/affordable-wines-an-italian-white-and-an-argentinian-red-from-dunnes/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[John Wilson]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Wines for the Weekend: The Gavi would go well with lighter fish dishes while a steak would be the obvious match for the malbe]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/KTA5J3723NACTDQ6ZDOUFWNQCQ.jpg?auth=0660eb5d676b9c669f0e500e67a404267a343ec7869b3f658422182b47f9adef&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[John wilson 0210-2bottles]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[A powerful platform for growth, but not the only one ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/a-powerful-platform-for-growth-but-not-the-only-one/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/a-powerful-platform-for-growth-but-not-the-only-one/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Barry McCall]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Stock exchange flotation has attractions including access to capital for ambitious companies, but comes with strings attached ]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7GG46BFXUFAIHBANT6MEJIKB44.jpg?auth=3ca34b22319bcb58c1505264f19323e326b33223727d9f11fc0b471a7c9edee0&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA['A flotation makes most sense when a business has reached sufficient scale and requires significant capital to fund its next stage of growth.' Photograph: Getty ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">AndreyPopov</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Touched by an angel ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/touched-by-an-angel/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/touched-by-an-angel/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Frank Dillon]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[‘The best angel investors bring contacts, credibility and hard-won advice’]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/I6RVACKL4RH4PKWFWODYBPCWVQ.jpg?auth=5df53dd9b5d1248f6fad207589248981bb23dd0cd3f962504a086e100e7a652e&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Angel investors are 'hunting for the company that can return 10 times their money'. Illustration: Getty]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Khafizh Amrullah</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Budget 2027: Ireland’s rare advantage and how to use it wisely]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/advertising-feature/2026/10/02/budget-2027-irelands-rare-advantage-and-how-to-use-it-wisely/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/advertising-feature/2026/10/02/budget-2027-irelands-rare-advantage-and-how-to-use-it-wisely/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Rossa White, chief economist at EY Ireland]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Ireland’s finances are strong. The next test is capital for entrepreneurs, modern R&D rules and ensuring faster infrastructure delivery, says Rossa White, chief economist at EY Ireland]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/S3NE7MH4OBAJ5J65DE5ZPTHZ5Y.jpg?auth=1a279eb449d71e9f89bb12d3d7de9ce77528657c08e67b86833037764d354af9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Rossa White, chief economist at EY Ireland]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choosing the right funding structure is as crucial as choosing the right target ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/choosing-the-right-funding-structure-is-as-crucial-as-choosing-the-right-target/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/choosing-the-right-funding-structure-is-as-crucial-as-choosing-the-right-target/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandra O'Connell]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Every euro invested in an acquisition is a euro that cannot be deployed elsewhere]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/S5UD4BJ35JCDVOY5JXSESXNBMQ.jpg?auth=59db45d05f5cc62b3a5b909b5dfaca4b6b8ab10c9c66cad7981c1da4ab486261&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Although a more expensive form of debt than bank lending, alternative lending can be more flexible in terms of repayment structures]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">PrathanChorruangsak</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[UCD Smurfit School reports 88 per cent graduate employment rate ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/advertising-feature/2026/10/02/ucd-smurfit-school-reports-88-per-cent-graduate-employment-rate/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/advertising-feature/2026/10/02/ucd-smurfit-school-reports-88-per-cent-graduate-employment-rate/</guid><description><![CDATA[‘Doing a Master’s at Smurfit can supercharge your career and open doors,’ says recent alumnus Aoife Corscadden Hennessy]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SWLZSFTEEBFKBL4HIMCBEBEYKM.jpg?auth=b8756ca1b9d87595dcdcc8835965f50e49f81402f3be19e99604417cd73ebda9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[A UCD Smurfit School postgraduate qualification can provide a pathway into the domestic graduate employment market]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Is Irish and British domestic rugby broken?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/the-counter-ruck/is-irish-and-british-domestic-rugby-broken/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/podcasts/the-counter-ruck/is-irish-and-british-domestic-rugby-broken/</guid><description><![CDATA[The Counter Ruck Podcast]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/4HJ26BT6HJBSRHG4AVS7OBWL7Y.jpg?auth=43949649022b5a11181468022970cc8f6e326e78a03d587ab651d3fc825173e8&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[London Irish last played in the Gallagher Premiership in 2023. Photograph: Federico Guerra Maranesi/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">MI News</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Profit and cash are not the same thing for growing businesses ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/profit-and-cash-are-not-the-same-thing-for-growing-businesses/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/profit-and-cash-are-not-the-same-thing-for-growing-businesses/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Barry McCall]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[‘Profit is booked when a sale is made, while cash arrives only when the customer pays’]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/LW37XESA4RDB3J55F7QNQIRB3E.jpg?auth=81630925f99290b7380314dd1e6013a90e5d1a6bf5c05a5f92bd0cc42ad8273a&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[SMEs are now owed an average of €82,960 in unpaid invoices, according to research by Bibby Financial Services.]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">MicroStockHub</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[When it’s time to ignore Shakespeare on borrowing ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/when-its-time-to-ignore-shakespeare-on-borrowing/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/when-its-time-to-ignore-shakespeare-on-borrowing/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Emmet Ryan]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Neither a borrower nor a lender be? Corporate finance wasn’t exactly the Bard’s speciality]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/FACDJGSA6ZBLFHB2LQZPQYSNDE.jpg?auth=cc93530c2c5c7ce439302bac400c8fd00e59b9f8cd41c1616d329697e52bdf08&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Borrowing can be risky but best approached for the right reasons, in the right way, at the right time]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">merovingian</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Timing is crucial for successful restructuring ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/timing-is-crucial-for-successful-restructuring/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/special-reports/2026/10/02/timing-is-crucial-for-successful-restructuring/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Sandra O'Connell]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Immediate challenge centres on finding the necessary finance to support the process]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 04:00:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/JE27FNHRKRFKBNFXR5JPMICJ4U.jpg?auth=8afcbb05bbcce6eb43137563b39f28bd324b8c509e2233eefdb396f3ec957fd3&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA['Businesses requiring restructuring can look to a number of sources of capital, depending on the severity of the situation.' ]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Eoneren</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[Joy Division: Eternal review – A buttoned-down band unbowed, unravelled and gloriously unleashed]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/review/2026/10/02/joy-division-eternal-review-a-buttoned-down-band-unbowed-unravelled-and-gloriously-unleashed/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/review/2026/10/02/joy-division-eternal-review-a-buttoned-down-band-unbowed-unravelled-and-gloriously-unleashed/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Ed Power]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[This €124 box set is not the best place for the Joy curious to start. But it is a stunning testament to the greatness of the Manchester four-piece]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:59:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/WKNVPTXUUJG4HMDEONWDKHISRE.jpg?auth=ebc321c8abbe05d286f9a1e902e7f239ab5f130cfa8e5ffb72654853b8644dc6&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Mannered misery: Joy Division on stage in January 1980. Photograph: Rob Verhorst/Redferns]]></media:description><media:credit role="author" scheme="urn:ebu">Rob Verhorst</media:credit></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[James Marriott’s The New Dark Ages: A lucid, well-written antidote for the distracted public ]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/10/01/james-marriotts-the-new-dark-ages-a-lucid-well-written-antidote-for-the-distracted-public/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/books/review/2026/10/01/james-marriotts-the-new-dark-ages-a-lucid-well-written-antidote-for-the-distracted-public/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Kevin Power]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[‘The habit of reading good books needs all the talented defenders it can find’]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:43:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/RVRRQOMBVRDTFA3RGYDKMQ5U3I.jpg?auth=88469517adae6c3697b0025a6cd70adc6d6ecb23d9704ac9d7f0d587aac9f7e5&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[James Marriott has produced the book version of a long read. ]]></media:description></media:content></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Movie Quiz: Which is not a Michael Caine film?]]></title><link>https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/2026/10/02/the-movie-quiz-which-is-not-a-michael-caine-film/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/2026/10/02/the-movie-quiz-which-is-not-a-michael-caine-film/</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Donald Clarke]]></dc:creator><description><![CDATA[Plus: Who plays over the end credits to Reservoir Dogs?]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 02 Oct 2026 03:42:00 +0000</pubDate><media:content url="https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/SSOP4FDHOBP3ZTPGZYSFDNVKZM.jpg?auth=497d31f0ccc16ecb8e9251da865a8fa9de1b3f04fdaad95e179c9a41cf778a89&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" type="image/jpeg" height="800" width="1200"><media:description type="plain"><![CDATA[Actor Michael Caine and football star Bobby Moore in Escape to Victory. Photograph: Ray Moreton/Keystone/Getty Images]]></media:description></media:content></item></channel></rss>