AGP Executive Report

Republic of Ireland–Israel Nations League: Heimir Hallgrímsson’s pre-match press conference in Bačka Topola ended early after a “verbal attack” from Israeli reporters, with the FAI insisting only football questions be asked; Hallgrímsson also said stand-in captain Dara O’Shea will miss the trip as his wife is due to give birth, while Gavin Bazunu is again absent. Local Sports & Community: Galway have unveiled Éamonn Fitzmaurice as senior football manager, citing squad quality and logistics behind his return, while a new Gaelic Games match official pathway was launched to align referee development from youth to national finals. Climate & Rural Life: Carlow community groups received €423,696 for climate and energy projects, and Meath’s Boyne Rivers Trust is recruiting an agricultural community animator for water-quality work under an EIP-Agri project. Health & Agriculture: Ireland’s agriculture minister says Shamonda virus is not notifiable and there are no movement or trade restrictions, as follow-up investigations continue after detections in Co Cork. Budget 2027 chatter: Ministers are discussing a possible €300 Christmas lump sum for Fuel Allowance recipients, alongside pension and Living Alone increases.

Industrial Action in Schools: The Teachers’ Union of Ireland has voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, with measures starting Monday Oct 12 (no emails/calls outside working hours and withdrawal from “Croke Park hours”), followed by all-out strike action on Wed Oct 14 and a second strike day on Wed Oct 21 if needed. EU Budget Fight: Seventeen EU countries, including Ireland, are pushing to protect farm and cohesion funding in the 2028–2034 budget, setting up a clash with Germany and others over proposed cuts. Republic of Ireland Football & Protests: Ireland’s Nations League build-up remains dominated by Gaza-related protests, including tennis-ball pitch disruptions and renewed debate over the team’s Israel fixtures. Agriculture Alert: Shamonda virus has been confirmed in three cows on two Cork dairy farms; officials say it’s notifiable neither in Ireland nor the EU, with the main risk for pregnant animals. Weather & Cost of Living: Met Éireann says September was Ireland’s second-hottest on record, while house prices show a modest rise in the last three months. Sport (Local): Bohemians survived a late scare to beat Dundalk and move joint top in the League of Ireland.

Tax and cost-of-living fight: People Before Profit is pushing a “radical budget” with a new tax on multimillionaires and a corporation tax rise to 20%, alongside a €500 electricity credit funded by a levy on data centres. Protest and sport: Pro-Palestine protesters disrupted Ireland’s Nations League match vs Austria with tennis balls and flags, demanding the next Israel fixture be stopped. Local business and jobs: Rhomberg Sersa won a €140m Irish Rail contract to operate and maintain specialist track machines, expanding coverage from 14 to 19. Health and research: A University of Galway team is developing a flexible implant aimed at delivering ovarian cancer therapies directly where tumours develop. Weather: Met Éireann issued a Status Yellow rain warning for heavy downpours and possible localised flooding. Community and culture: DIY SOS: The Big Build Ireland returns on RTÉ One from Oct 4, with major home transformations across Limerick, Kildare, Wicklow and Offaly.

Housing Pressure in Dublin Commuter Belt: In Greystones, CSO figures put the median home price at about €580,000, leaving some locals priced out and pushing younger buyers to look beyond the area. Hospitality Watch: PwC says hospitality insolvencies fell 23% in the first nine months, with a VAT cut to 9% for restaurants and catering cited as helping stabilise the sector. Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s embassy has officially opened in Ballsbridge, with consular services planned after administrative set-up. Tech Jobs: Stripe will create 200 more roles in Dublin, taking headcount to over 1,000 in Ireland. Football & Protests: Republic of Ireland’s Nations League clash with Austria at the Aviva ended 2-2 after Troy Parrott’s brace was cancelled by late Austria goals; the match was twice interrupted by Palestine-related protests, including tennis balls on the pitch. EU Health Crackdown: EU plans would let member states share doctors’ professional histories to stop sanctioned clinicians slipping between jurisdictions. Workplace Tragedy: A dad and his daughter died in a concrete-facility accident in Offaly.

LGBTQ+ Solidarity: Irish groups including LGBT Ireland and Dublin Pride rallied outside the European Parliament Liaison Office in Dublin in solidarity with LGBTQ+ people in Türkiye after raids and shutdowns tied to “LGBT propaganda.” Business & Jobs: EY has opened a new Dublin HQ at Wilton Park, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin attending, as the firm highlights growth across the island. Economy: CSO flash data shows annual inflation rising to 3.9% in August, driven by higher energy prices. Justice & Rights: Rape Crisis Ireland says Ireland’s “rape shield” law is routinely failing to stop sexual-history cross-examination, launching a new study. Health Data: Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has been reprimanded by the Data Protection Commission over insecure storage of children’s records at Tallaght. Sports: Galway appoints Eamonn Fitzmaurice as senior football manager; Ireland’s rugby squad makes six changes for a Japan rematch in Cork. Local Culture: Ireland Music Week launches a Trevor Dietz bursary to back the next generation of Irish managers and artists.

Israel Football Fallout: Heimir Hallgrimsson says the Republic of Ireland will fulfil the second Nations League fixture against Israel on Sunday, insisting he must “focus on football” as protests and “Stop the Game” calls continue. FAI Scrutiny: At the Oireachtas committee, FAI officials faced tough questions after it emerged nobody spoke to the Ireland goalkeepers ahead of the Israel fixtures. Sports & Community: Katie McCabe was absent as Chelsea drew Lyon 0-0 in the UWCL; meanwhile, Galway named Éamonn Fitzmaurice as senior football manager on a three-year deal. Local Economy & Jobs: Indeed reports nearly 5% of Irish job postings now mention data centres, with Ireland standing out. Public Services: Tusla “regrets sincerely” missing special care targets, with the PAC set to hear from the agency. Energy Security: The National Oil Reserves Agency warns oil supply is “extremely volatile” and is moving to its own storage leases. Arts Funding: Government announced a €6m Arts Capital Investment Fund for equipment and refurbishments. Rural Life: Vintners’ Federation of Ireland urges Budget 2027 support to save rural pubs.

Customs & Cost of Living: Revenue confirms a new EU handling fee of €2 per distinct item for online purchases shipped from outside the EU to Ireland (including Great Britain), effective 1 November, on top of the €3 customs duty and potentially collected at checkout or on delivery. Public Safety Funding: Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan announces €4.84m from the Community Safety Fund for 56 community projects, backed by proceeds from crime seized by the CAB and An Garda Síochána. Justice & Survivors’ Rights: Rape Crisis Ireland launches research saying Ireland’s rape shield law is routinely failing to stop cross-examination about sexual history. Sports & Governance: Heimir Hallgrímsson says Ireland will fulfil the second Nations League fixture against Israel in Serbia, while Stop the Game urges Aviva protests ahead of Austria. Local & Environment: Cork is on high alert after the first confirmed asian hornet sighting of 2026 near Ringaskiddy. Agriculture: Cork hosts the European Organic Congress 2026 (6-8 October). Health & Work: More than 100,000 public sector workers begin work-to-rule industrial action over pay, with further strike days planned for 14 and 21 October.

FAI Accountability: The FAI will brief the Oireachtas Sports Committee on how it decided to play Israel again after last week’s Gaza-fuelled Nations League chaos, with CEO David Courell defending the move as “in the best interests of Irish football.” Protests & Next Fixture: Campaigners plan demonstrations ahead of the October 4 rematch in Serbia, while Ireland’s coach says the squad hasn’t decided “100%” what it will do. Sports Spotlight: Ireland U21s kept Euro play-off hopes alive with a 4-3 thriller over Kazakhstan at Turners Cross, sealed by Tommy Lonergan’s late penalty. Health & Care: Families protest at the Dáil over disability services delays, while a nurse has been found guilty of misconduct after posting a resident on soiled bedsheets online. Energy & Prices: EU energy ministers in Dublin warned of a “very difficult winter” for heating costs. Business Appointments: Activ8 Energies appoints Barry Gavin as chair, and Genesis expands its aviation parts hub in Singapore. Culture: An Post’s Bookshop of the Year longlist names 12 finalists, and entries open for the 2026 Agri Guild Awards.

FAI Israel Fallout: Republic of Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary after a crisis vote following goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu’s refusal over Gaza, with FAI president Paul Cooke saying the association “handled the week quite well” and praising the squad’s conduct. Transport & Travel: From Sept 28, ferry passengers between Holyhead–Dublin and Fishguard–Rosslare must carry a valid passport, with no other ID accepted. Local Politics/Jobs: A Laois TD says the IDA is neglecting the county, citing just 156 IDA-supported jobs locally, while the minister points to Midlands employment figures. Retail Recall: Tesco Ireland recalls its F&F Home Glass Latte Mug due to a manufacturing fault that can cause breakage in normal use; refunds offered without a receipt. Tourism: CSO reports 789,000 foreign visitors in August, up 2%, with €729m spent. Energy & Climate: Ireland energises its first SRESS solar project in Cork, while Elgin buys a late-stage 200MW Meath solar farm. Sports & Culture: U2 confirm a new album for Nov 13 and stage a surprise Dublin rooftop set; BAR 1661 lands No.98 on the world’s best bars list.

Camogie Spotlight: Sorcha McCartan is short-listed for the 2026 PwC senior camogie Player of the Year after a starring All-Ireland run, with Cork’s Laura Hayes and Galway captain Carrie Dolan also in the top trio, while Cork lead the All-Star nominations with 14 players. Food & Budget Pressure: ESRI warns of higher food prices and a fragile tax base ahead of Budget 2027, citing the knock-on effects of multinational activity on income tax and VAT. Energy Support: Environment Minister Darragh O’Brien seeks Cabinet approval for an enhanced boiler scrappage scheme, including €2,000 grants for oil/kerosene boilers replaced by heat pumps, plus wider energy affordability measures. FAI/Football & Gaza Row: Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen amid black armbands, bowed heads, and no handshakes; the FAI is reviewing allegations of racist chanting after Adam Idah was targeted, while UEFA says its process can’t start due to reporting steps. Tech & Privacy: Ireland’s DPC fines Google €403m over historical location tracking practices. Health Inquiry Push: Parents demand public hearings for a proposed CHI inquiry into scoliosis/spina bifida care, arguing delays and shortcomings must be examined openly. Sports Coaching: Ireland appoints Ed Joyce as high-performance batting coach for the men’s team. Culture: Oasis’ reunion documentary “Don’t Look Back in Anger” lands on Disney+ and Hulu from 9 October with extra footage.

Sport & Protest: Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen but the night was dominated by politics: players wore black armbands, bowed during the anthem, and refused handshakes. FAI & Player Fallout: Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu boycotted the games over Gaza, while the squad voted to proceed despite public pressure. Racism Row: UEFA says alleged racist chants toward Adam Idah won’t be investigated because the proper protocol wasn’t followed, though the FAI says it will review video. Food & Cost of Living: Aldi pledged a £900m push for 40 new UK stores in 2027 and more price cuts, even as profits dipped. Local Politics: A Cork TD says the government should reassess back-to-school costs, arguing the allowance doesn’t reflect real expenses. Justice & Child Protection: The District Court criticised Tusla’s failures in grave child abuse cases. Climate & Energy: Ireland’s first solar farm under SRESS has started in Co Cork, and free Scots pine saplings are being offered in Galway for National Tree Day.

Football & Gaza Protest: Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, wearing black armbands and bowing their heads during the Israeli anthem, with no pre-match handshakes after a fraught week that nearly derailed the fixture; goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu boycotted on moral grounds, triggering a four-hour squad vote that backed going ahead. FAI & Sanctions: FAI president Paul Cooke said the week “went as well as could be expected” and that any extra UEFA sanctions were “undetermined” if Ireland had refused to fulfil the games. Racism Claim Closed: UEFA confirmed an allegation of racism aimed at Adam Idah by Israeli fans won’t be investigated because the proper protocols weren’t followed. Nations League Elsewhere: Greece stunned Germany 1-0 as new coach Jürgen Klopp suffered his first defeat; Portugal beat Norway 2-1 with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench. Other Ireland News: Gardaí charged a man after a €208,000 cannabis seizure in Cork under Operation Tara. Business/Markets: Monzo is reported to be in early talks over a possible deal valuing it at £8bn–£10bn. Music: U2’s new album “Carnaval De Luz” will include Dolly Parton’s final vocal performance.

Republic of Ireland football: Gavin Bazunu has confirmed he will not play either Nations League fixture against Israel, saying it would be “wrong to participate” over the killing of civilians in Gaza. The match still goes ahead after a squad vote, with Ireland set to wear black armbands and play behind closed doors in Hungary (and later Serbia). Sport & politics: The row has sparked a wider war of words between the FAI and Israel’s football authorities, while players and fans debate whether boycotts are the right move. Local community: A South Roscommon family group raised €10,400 for Roscommon-Mayo Hospice after taking part in Dublin’s Women Mini-Marathon, with a cheque presented to the hospice. Sustainability events: Cavan Eco Féile returns Oct 23-25 with free concerts, a large EcoFun Zone, sustainability talks and workshops, and family-friendly activities. Climate science: A study says Ireland’s record July drought impact was made far worse by climate change-driven evaporation, not just lack of rain. Road safety: Gardaí have arrested a man in his 30s after a fatal hit-and-run in Co. Kerry involving a van and a pedestrian.

Ireland-Israel Football Row: The Republic of Ireland’s UEFA Nations League match in Hungary will go ahead after a four-hour squad summit, with players voting by a “significant majority” to fulfil the fixture and agreeing to wear black armbands and skip parts of the pre-match ceremony; goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn, saying it would be “wrong to participate” over Gaza atrocities, while former manager Brian Kerr says Bazunu felt “shunned” and urges the FAI board to resign. Politics vs Sport: Irish opposition parties have demanded the Government step in to cancel the game, calling it “treason” and warning of pressure on players. RTÉ Under Fire: RTÉ aired a Garda whistleblowers documentary despite warnings from the DPP, then pulled it from RTÉ Player 48 hours later, with fears it could derail a firearms trial. Drugs Bust: A man in his 20s was arrested after €208,000 of cannabis was seized in Co Cork during searches in Mallow and Doneraile. AI Security: Minister Niamh Smyth says she’s “deeply worried” about AI hacks after reports of rogue bots “meddling” with organisations worldwide. Local Business/Tech: A new AI tool, Furrow, is being pitched to reduce farm succession stress by preserving a “living memory” of farm records and advice.

Israel-Ireland Football Row: Republic of Ireland players are in talks in Hungary over whether to boycott the Nations League games against Israel after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu said he does not want to play, with reports suggesting up to five teammates may follow; the squad’s pre-match press conference and training were delayed at short notice, and a player statement is expected. Weather Watch: Met Éireann has issued a status yellow rain warning for 20 counties from 4am to 11am Sunday, with heavy thundery rain, blustery conditions and possible local flooding. Defence Update: Government has signed an acquisition order with France for five long-range deployable radar systems, aiming for a “Recognised Air Picture” of Irish airspace by end-2028. EU Energy Pressure: Brussels warns gas prices are tied to a supply crisis and urges Ireland and other EU states to cut demand as storage sits at about 70% full. Local Justice: A judge says Tusla’s child-protection policies were “completely wanting” in a case involving “appalling and sustained brutality” in a “house of horrors.” Road Safety/Recalls: Drivers are urged to check VW and Audi models after a steering-related recall affecting millions across Europe, with an initial Ireland database check suggesting only a small number of cars may be impacted.

U2 in Dublin: The band marked 50 years with two surprise hometown moments—first a schoolyard set at Mount Temple, then a balcony performance on Grafton Street that drew huge crowds. Music & tickets: Oasis Live ’27 ticket sales are underway with a fresh scam warning as fans are sent unique, non-transferable codes. Sport (rugby): Connacht’s URC season opener at Galway ended in a 29-15 loss to the Stormers, with Mack Hansen returning but the visitors’ power telling late. Sport (football): Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason Knight became the first Irish player to publicly say he thinks the Israel Nations League game “shouldn’t be going ahead,” while the match goes ahead in Debrecen with no Irish ticket allocation. Local business & planning: Monaghan developers filed further details for the Drum biogas plant, while the county also announced a free circular economy conference in October. Road safety: TikTok removed a dangerous driving clip after it racked up 150,000 views, as Ireland-focused enforcement details were shared. Arts & culture: A 2€ U2 commemorative coin launched today, and The Lost Children of Tuam continues to be reviewed as a restrained, hard-hitting film on Ireland’s past.