AGP Executive Report

EU Presidency in Cork: Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Cork ahead of joint Government-EU Commission meetings focused on competitiveness, security and values, with a tour of the Tyndall Institute and a full plenary session with all commissioners. Camogie (Croke Park): Tipperary face Clare in the All-Ireland senior camogie quarter-final on Sunday, with Tipp aiming to bounce back after a tough group stage and Clare arriving in strong form. Ladies football (senior status at stake): Tipperary and Tyrone meet in a relegation playoff semi-final as Tipp look to secure senior status and avoid a relegation final. Sports safety: Clare’s Shane O’Donnell backed tougher rules on head-high tackles after teammate David Reidy was knocked unconscious in a collision with Dublin’s Brendan Kenny. Deposit return scheme: Ireland hit a record 5.8m drinks containers returned in one day, while Re-turn flagged ongoing mixed dry recycling issues. Business & jobs: PwC Ireland named six new partners, and Ireland launched a €10m AI Factory Ireland Antenna to give access to Europe’s AI factories and high-performance computing. Weather: Met Éireann forecasts sunny spells early, then heavy downpours in parts, with high pressure bringing mostly settled, warm conditions later in the week.

Rugby Nations Championship: Andy Farrell has named Leinster fly-half Sam Prendergast to start Ireland’s opener against Australia in Sydney, with Jock Campbell also set to return for the Wallabies after a 1,316-day absence. Weather Watch: Met Éireann says Dublin logged its hottest-ever June, with multiple stations breaking June temperature records. FAI Israel row: The FAI says members will vote next Wednesday on endorsing fulfilment of Nations League fixtures against Israel at neutral venues, warning a boycott would cause “significant and lasting harm.” EU Presidency momentum: Ireland’s EU Council work is underway, with meetings in Cork and a focus on competitiveness, security and EU priorities. Digital Ireland: The government digital wallet consultation has closed and the project is moving into a pilot phase. Local sport & community: Galway goalkeeper Connor Gleeson returns to Dublin with Galway United, while Tyrone and Cork set for the All-Ireland minor final showdown. Business & energy: Ibec warns Ireland risks missing the AI opportunity without a shift to lifelong reskilling, and Energy Dome and Google push forward long-duration storage plans in Ireland.

EU Presidency: Ireland officially took over the EU Council presidency for six months, kicking off at Dublin Castle with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance and a clear focus on competitiveness, security and enlargement. Ukraine: Zelenskyy cut his visit short after warning Russia is preparing a major new attack, urging Ukrainians to heed air-raid alerts. EU diplomacy in Cork: Ursula von der Leyen is due to meet the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in Cork, with rolling disruption expected around Cork Airport and the city centre. Housing: New figures show housing output up 32.9% in Q1 2026, with 7,800+ completions, but demand still outstrips supply and planning remains a risk. Sports—Rugby: Andy Farrell names Sam Prendergast at fly-half for Ireland’s Nations Championship opener vs Australia, while Jock Campbell returns to the Wallabies after 1,316 days. Sports—Hurling: Clare’s Seán Rynne says they must avoid “flat” performances as they face Limerick in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final. Politics & rights: Teacher Enoch Burke has been released from prison after a High Court order. Business: Currys reports stronger sales and earnings, while Google says its Africa AI push could drive major economic gains.

EU Council Presidency: Ireland officially takes the rotating EU Council presidency for six months, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin setting priorities around competitiveness, values and security as hundreds of meetings gear up in Dublin. Ukraine Focus: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy used the Dublin Castle platform to press for tougher EU action on Russian-owned firms and to speed up Ukraine’s accession talks, while warning of preparations for another major Russian strike. Limerick Alumina Scrutiny: Zelenskyy said he hopes Ireland’s investigation into Aughinish Alumina won’t drag on for months, as officials weigh whether exports could be linked to the war effort. Dublin Court Case: Riad Bouchaker was found guilty of attempting to murder three children in the Parnell Square stabbing that triggered riots, with the victims’ mother saying she sees “nothing to forgive.” Health Care: Mayo University Hospital became the final public elective hospital to join the Irish National Orthopaedic Register for hip and knee replacements. Sports (GAA): Louth and Mayo are set for an All-Ireland SFC semi-final at Croke Park on July 11 (6pm), after both booked their last-four spots with standout runs. Cricket (India-England): Rain abandoned the opening England-India T20I in Durham, leaving the series level at 0-0 and Sooryavanshi still waiting on a senior debut.

EU Presidency Launch: Ireland takes over the rotating EU Council presidency today, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin outlining priorities on competitiveness, values and security, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set to attend Dublin Castle ceremonies. Food Safety: The FSAI has recalled multiple cooked ham products from Tesco, Lidl and Brady Family brands due to possible listeria monocytogenes, with use-by dates of July 16—shoppers are told not to eat the affected batches. Housing & Tourism: A crackdown on short-term letting is in focus, but coverage argues Ireland also needs more hotels to fix the accommodation squeeze. Energy Costs: Over one million households face higher electricity and gas bills today as price hikes from Electric Ireland and Yuno Energy come into effect. Sport—Dublin Focus: Dublin’s Oisín McGorman battled through a fractured jaw to play on in Monaghan’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final loss to Louth, while Eamonn Fitzmaurice says Dublin can be dangerous if they sharpen up their finishing for the semi-final. Business & Agriculture: ArraTipp’s co-op merger is recognised with a Chambers Ireland award, and AIB’s manufacturing PMI shows growth easing but still solid.

EU Presidency Spotlight: An Post has issued an “E” rate stamp to mark Ireland’s EU Council Presidency, with the design reflecting the nebula spiral and the 27 EU member states; Ireland takes the rotating chair from 1 July to 31 December. Security & Logistics: A major security operation is underway in Cork for EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s visit, with UCC locked down and road closures, parking limits, and drone restrictions in place. Data Privacy: Ireland’s Data Protection Commission is reviewing its decision to block TikTok’s EU-to-China data flows after a High Court ruling told it to reconsider the suspension order; the regulator will decide whether to pursue fresh sanctions. Energy Costs Row: Aontú TD Paul Lawless says ESB profits of €2.9bn (2022-2025) are “scandalous” ahead of an 8% electricity price rise, and plans a Dáil motion to push profits to zero. Local Sports Funding: Mayo Sports Partnership allocated €32,400 to 48 clubs and community groups via its Club Development Small Grant Scheme. Health Access: The HSE has launched a free online assessment pathway to improve access to HIV PEP when people can’t reach a sexual health clinic within 72 hours. Transport Snapshot: CSO data shows public transport use rising, including an 11% Luas increase (week of 25 May) and a 13% rise in rail journeys (Jan 1 to May 24). All-Ireland Build-Up: LGFA confirms TG4 Intermediate semi-final venues and dates, including Westmeath v Roscommon at Kingspan Breffni Park (Sun July 12, 4pm).

Fuel Costs & Inflation: Ireland’s coalition is meeting to decide whether to extend petrol and diesel tax cuts beyond 31 July, with ministers aiming to avoid a sudden jump in pump prices as oil costs fall. Heat & Tourism: Europe’s heatwaves could make Ireland’s cooler, changeable weather a surprise draw for summer breaks. Young People Leaving: New USIT research shows County Roscommon among the most eager in Ireland to escape to Australia, based on search demand from 18–35s. Menopause at Work: A new analysis argues free HRT has turned menopause into a wider economic and workplace issue, not just a medical one. Water Pollution: Oireachtas fisheries scrutiny will hear how pollution has driven a sharp drop in salmon and trout numbers over decades. Food Safety: FSAI consumer complaints rose 23% in 2025, mainly over unsafe food and hygiene issues. Domestic Violence Capacity: Safe Ireland says almost 1,900 women were turned away from DV services in six months due to refuge and staffing limits. Customs Change: From 1 July, new EU customs charges apply to low-value imports into Ireland, with €3 per item plus VAT. Sport (GAA): Referees Johnny Murphy and Thomas Walsh confirmed for this weekend’s All-Ireland SHC semi-finals at Croke Park. Cricket (Ireland): Gary Wilson is appointed Ireland men’s head coach after Heinrich Malan stepped down following the historic 2-0 T20 series win over India.

Cricket Shake-up: Heinrich Malan has stepped down as Ireland men’s head coach just a day after the team completed a historic 2-0 T20I series win over India; Gary Wilson is set to take over immediately as Ireland shifts focus to ODI World Cup qualification. International Football: Ireland’s Nations League home game vs Israel on Oct 4 will be played behind closed doors at the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola, Serbia, after UEFA approved the neutral-site request. Selection Row: India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi again missed out on playing time in the Ireland T20Is, sparking fresh criticism and calls to fast-track his debut for the England series. Sport Spotlight: Nigeria’s Mariam Eniola Bolaji won silver at the British & Irish Para-Badminton International in Ireland. Rural & Farming: Tillage Industry Ireland is asking that the Straw Incorporation Measure be fully funded for 2026/27, warning tillage incomes remain under pressure. Security & Protests: Defence Minister Helen McEntee says the army will back gardaí if fuel protestors block critical infrastructure during Ireland’s EU Presidency.

Cricket Shockwave: Ireland completed a historic 2-0 T20I series win over India in Belfast, sealing a one-run thriller at Stormont as Jai Moondra’s early strikes derailed India’s chase and ended their 16-series unbeaten run. Team Talk: Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said India failed to adapt quickly enough to the conditions, while also insisting teen prospect Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is “absolutely ready” but must follow the same selection process as others. Local Sport (GAA): All-Ireland SFC semi-finals are set after Dublin’s quarter-final win over Galway and Louth’s comeback against Monaghan—Dublin face Kerry and Louth meet Mayo. Camogie: Clare take on Tipperary and Waterford play Kilkenny in Croke Park quarter-finals next weekend. Safety & Travel: Three Irish people died in a crash in Spain near Málaga; the Foreign Affairs Department is providing consular help. Data Protection: A Compliance Institute survey of Irish financial services staff says more than half believe data breaches go unreported. Weather Watch: Met Éireann signals another warm spell may return soon, with heat building after recent storms.

Cricket Shockwave: Ireland made history in Belfast, beating T20 world champions India by 1 run to seal a stunning 2-0 series sweep and end India’s 16-series unbeaten run in the format. Captain’s Challenge: Lorcan Tucker said the win proved it wasn’t a one-off, with Jai Moondra and Matthew Hollard starring as both took three wickets in the chase. Match Moments: Harry Tector top-scored with 53 as Ireland posted 154/8, then held on as Tilak Varma’s 55 kept India close before they fell short on 153/9. GAA Dublin Momentum: In Croke Park, Dublin kept their All-Ireland SFC quarter-final comeback going to beat Galway 1-25 to 1-21 and book a semi-final showdown with Kerry. Controversy After: Galway boss Pádraic Joyce complained about “questionable decisions” after two late penalty incidents swung the game. Camogie Semis Set: Cork and Galway secured semi-final spots with emphatic wins, while the quarter-final draw for the remaining teams was confirmed.

Cricket Ireland’s big moment: Ireland stunned India in the first men’s T20I in Belfast, winning by 34 runs for their first-ever victory over India in any format. Now attention turns to the second and final T20I at Civil Service Cricket Club on Sunday, with India captain Shreyas Iyer under pressure to level the series and Ireland hoping to finish the job. Teen debut watch: The standout talking point is 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi—rested in the opener—while India weigh whether to change a top order that collapsed under pressure. Women’s World Cup surge: Orla Prendergast powered Ireland to their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup win, beating West Indies by six wickets in Bristol, keeping their campaign alive. EU presidency focus: Ireland’s EU presidency agenda is set against major pressures in Europe, from security and defence to competitiveness and digital/tech rule changes. Health and trust in screening: A new National Cervical Screening Laboratory at Dublin’s Coombe Hospital aims to reduce reliance on overseas testing after past smear-test controversies shook confidence. GAA quarter-final day in Dublin: Dublin host Galway at 4pm and Louth face Monaghan at 1.45pm, with both games live on RTÉ2.

All-Ireland Football: Mayo booked a semi-final spot with a 0-23 to 0-18 win over Cork at Croke Park, powered by Darragh Beirne (Man of the Match) and Kobe McDonald’s Croke Park debut spark. All-Ireland Football: Kerry edged Tyrone 2-25 to 0-27 in a thriller, with Armin Heinrich’s late goal sealing the win and sending the Kingdom back to the last four. Women’s Cricket: Ireland finally ended a 12-year wait for a Women’s T20 World Cup win, beating West Indies by six wickets in Bristol as Orla Prendergast struck 63 and Rebecca Stokell finished the chase. Local Courts: A French man who arrived in Ireland two days before an autumn 2025 hospital incident pleaded guilty to sexual assault while a woman waited for a psychiatric assessment. Dublin Pride: Tens of thousands turned out for the annual Dublin Pride parade, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin among those attending. Rugby Update: Ireland’s Nations Championship squad is in good form after arriving in Australia, but captain Caelan Doris and Tommy O’Brien are ruled out for the Wallabies opener.

Historic Cricket: Ireland pulled off a first-ever men’s T20I win over India, defending 182/9 at Stormont to win by 34 runs and take a 1-0 series lead; Lorcan Tucker made 50, Gareth Delany 49, and debutant Matt Hollard starred with 3/28 as India were bowled out for 148. Debut Drama: India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi again missed out in the opener, with captain Shreyas Iyer saying the team would back in-form players until “the time comes,” while Abhishek Sharma blamed a failure to adapt quickly to Belfast conditions. EU Presidency Watch: Dublin Airport says it expects limited disruption as Ireland takes over the EU Council Presidency on 1 July, with around 30,000 visitors expected for events centred on Dublin Castle. Weather Reset: A Status Yellow heat warning is expiring, with thunderstorms easing and cooler conditions expected, though rain may spread through the day. Local Heritage: Donegal’s Clonleigh Parish Church in Lifford is among projects sharing €98,051 in Heritage Council funding. GAA Focus: Cork host Mayo in the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final (4pm, GAA+), with both sides chasing a place in the last four.

Cricket Shock in Belfast: Ireland made history by beating T20 world champions India by 34 runs at Stormont, snapping a long winless streak in the format. Debut Heroes: With injuries hitting Ireland’s bowling, Matt Hollard (Player of the Match, 3 wickets) and Jai Moondra (2 wickets, including a first-ball strike) starred as Lorcan Tucker led the chase with 50 and Gareth Delany added 49 to set 182/9. India’s Collapse: India were bowled out for 148, with Abhishek Sharma top-scoring at 49. Next Up: The sides return to Stormont for the series finale on Sunday. Sports & Health: A new study highlights that lowering the legal rugby tackle height is linked to fewer injuries and concussions in Ireland. Local Justice: A Bulgarian woman jailed for pickpocketing in Dublin after targeting tourists and a student. Weather Watch: Ireland’s heatwave conditions are still driving warnings as thunderstorms loom.

Music & Tickets: Role Model’s “Chuck On Tour” hits Dublin’s 3Arena on Feb 22, with general sale at 10am today; Don Toliver’s “Nitrous” UK/Europe dates (including Dublin) go on sale at 12pm today. Cricket (Ireland vs India): Gareth Delany says India’s Shreyas Iyer-led side is tough across batting and bowling ahead of the first T20I in Belfast on Friday, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the big name in the spotlight. Para Sport Governance: Paralympics Ireland confirms para swimming, para athletics and boccia will move into their national governing bodies by Aug 1, aiming for better pathways and support. Legal Aid Protest: Solicitors in Nenagh withdraw from Nenagh District Court over proposed legal aid payment changes from July 1, warning it will undermine access to justice. Finance & Housing: Irish credit unions report a record €6.7bn loan book and strong mortgage growth, while a “Your Money” guide highlights pension tax relief planning. Weather & Health: A severe European heatwave is easing in Ireland with warnings still in place, as scientists say today’s conditions would be “virtually impossible” decades ago. Business: The Fed voices anger at Telegraph Media Group’s decision to defer retailer margins as Irish/UK cover prices rise.

All-Ireland Football: Dublin’s Con O’Callaghan is named to start against Galway at Croke Park, with Eoin Kennedy coming in at full-back as Ger Brennan’s side chase the quarter-final spot. Injury Update: Tyrone forward Darragh Canavan is unlikely to return for the quarter-final against Kerry after a hip flexor problem, while Darren McCurry could be in contention. Sport & Community: The John West Féile Peile na nÓg Under-15 finals light up Derry this weekend, with an Europe LGFA team taking part for the first time. Local Life: Roscommon rural pubs face mounting closure pressure, with calls for targeted Government support to protect the community hub. Health & Hope: Cavan athlete Louise McDevitt-Farrelly heads to the European Transplant Games in the Netherlands to compete in sprint events. Business & Industry: Aviva will rebrand Probitas 1492 as “Aviva Syndicates” from September as it fully integrates its Lloyd’s platform. Weather Watch: Ireland remains in the grip of heat and storm risk, with warnings for thunderstorms and flash flooding. Cricket Ireland Series: India’s camp is debating whether 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could debut in the first T20I in Belfast, with coaches stressing form shouldn’t be sacrificed for hype.