AGP Executive Report

Council of Europe / Human Rights: Nobel laureates and lawyer Ibrahim Bilmez say Turkey still hasn’t implemented the ECtHR “Right to Hope” ruling for Abdullah Öcalan, with critics pointing to delays and vague Kurdish references. Local Politics & Economy: Enterprise Ireland-backed BMC Manufacturing plans an extra 500 jobs by end-2028, mainly in Dublin with roles also in Co Meath. Budget 2027: Tánaiste Simon Harris flags tax and childcare changes ahead of October’s budget, while unions warn of industrial unrest if workers aren’t delivered for. All-Ireland Football: Round 3 draws are set after weekend results, with Dublin beating Cavan and Galway, Tyrone, Louth and others booking quarter-final places. EU Enlargement: Hungary’s veto lift clears the way for Ukraine and Moldova to begin EU accession talks, a key theme for Ireland’s upcoming EU presidency. Sports & Culture: Tributes continue after Liz Howard’s death, while Mark Carney returns to Mayo for a family-home welcome.

All-Ireland Football: Dublin kept their Sam Maguire hopes alive with a strong second-half showing to beat Cavan 1-24 to 0-16, with Ger Brennan back on the sideline after his suspension. Championship Draws: The Round 3 All-Ireland SFC and Tailteann Cup semi-final draws are set for Monday morning on RTÉ Radio 1 (Morning Ireland) at 8.30am. Dublin’s Next Step: If Dublin are drawn at home, Brennan wants the game moved to Parnell Park, not Croke Park. Other Results: Galway booked a quarter-final spot after edging Westmeath in Salthill, while Tyrone squeezed past Mayo in a one-point thriller thanks to Niall Morgan’s late two-pointer. Women’s Sport: India began their Women’s T20 World Cup campaign with a 64-run win over Pakistan, with Deepti Sharma taking 5-10. Canada-Ireland: Prime Minister Mark Carney wrapped up a visit to his Mayo roots and warned that AI over-reliance is a “model risk,” urging diversification ahead of the G7. Animal Welfare: The NSPCA is calling for an urgent legal ban on sulky horse activity on public roads.

All-Ireland Football: Dublin’s championship survival is on the line as they face Cavan in Round 2B at Kingspan Breffni (2pm Sunday). It’s a must-win for the Dubs after their shock loss to Louth, while Cavan are reeling from an extra-time defeat to Westmeath. GAA Football (TV/streaming): The Cavan v Dublin clash is not on live TV and won’t be streamed on GAA+. Sport Ireland (cricket): Ireland’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign continues after a 40-run loss to Scotland, with Ireland set to regroup after the opening defeat. Politics & diplomacy: Canadian PM Mark Carney continues his Ireland visit, including a Mayo homecoming to Aughagower to meet family and attend Mass. Health & community: Men’s Health Week highlights “one step at a time” support for farmers, urging small, practical actions like health checks and earlier advice. Local culture: Kodaline frontman Steve Garrigan reflects on how “High Hopes” was written on an old family piano, as the band’s farewell tour brings them to Cork and Dublin.

All-Ireland SFC: Monaghan booked Round 3 with a 1-20 to 0-14 win over Roscommon in Clones, turning clinical after a wind-blown first half and ending the Connacht champions’ run. All-Ireland SFC: Cork stunned Donegal 0-17 to 1-13 at Ballybofey, with Steven Sherlock’s two-pointers and late surge sending the Rebels into the quarter-finals. All-Ireland SFC: Kerry eased past Kildare 1-19 to 0-8 to secure a home quarter-final, while Kildare now face Tipperary next weekend. Women’s football: Dublin beat Donegal 2-13 to 0-5 at Parnell Park to reach TG4 All-Ireland quarter-finals. International diplomacy: Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed Canadian PM Mark Carney to Dublin as both sides push deeper Canada-EU cooperation ahead of Ireland’s Council presidency. Sport (cricket): Scotland beat Ireland by 40 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup opener at Old Trafford, with Kathryn Bryce starring for Scotland. Health & justice: A Meath man convicted in Canada for child exploitation has pleaded guilty in Ireland to possessing child abuse images.

Health Pressure: Ireland hits a record 1,008,600 people on public hospital waiting lists, with big jumps in first outpatient appointments and GI endoscopy waits. Immigration & Crime: A UK healthcare worker pleads guilty to smuggling a woman using a Swedish “lookalike” passport into Ireland via Dublin Airport. Local Sport: Donegal and Cork clash again with Donegal hosting, as the sides chase a last-eight spot at MacCumhaill Park. Tech & Climate: Dublin sustainability firm Superfy targets a €2m funding round, using “smart bin” tech to cut unnecessary waste collections. Arts & Culture: Mary Black plays her final solo Vicar Street gig tonight as her Slán tour ends. World News With Irish Interest: Mark Carney begins a two-day visit to Ireland, with talks with the Taoiseach and a Trinity College stop. Business: Revolut makes a savings account change affecting 3.4m Irish customers. Entertainment: Mary Black’s farewell show and Love Island’s shock dumping headline lighter reads.

Women’s T20 World Cup: Ireland kick off a busy day at Old Trafford with Ireland vs Scotland (9.30am GMT), with Ireland still searching for their first win after 17 attempts. Sports Coaching: Former Chelsea winger Damien Duff joins Brentford’s staff as assistant manager under Keith Andrews. Gardaí & Courts: A man wanted in Germany over alleged kidnapping offences was arrested in a Cork massage parlour and remanded after court heard his daughter is a “high-risk missing person”. FAI & Israel Nations League: Ireland’s Oct 4 Nations League game vs Israel will be played behind closed doors at a neutral venue overseas, after protests and safety concerns. Boxing: Katie Taylor says a Croke Park fight could be the perfect end to her career as she eyes a return to undisputed champion status. Leaving Cert: Teachers say this year’s Leaving Cert Art/Visual Studies paper offered clearer access to studied areas, with some questions still challenging. Local & Community: Athlone teen Mikey Conway secures an advanced darts tour card for 2027.

International Protection Act 2026: Minister Jim O’Callaghan has welcomed the commencement of the new International Protection Act, bringing major asylum-law reform including screening on arrival, biometric data, faster processing and a new Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA). Road safety: The RSA says alcohol was a factor in fatal and serious crashes between 2021 and 2025, and is rolling out a summer breathalyser campaign at major events nationwide. EU migration: The EU Migration and Asylum Pact is now in effect, with Ireland’s asylum process set to align more closely with EU rules. Sports—cricket & Ireland: Ireland head into the Women’s T20 World Cup still searching for their first-ever tournament win, while Belfast unrest has raised questions about whether India’s T20 series in Ireland could be moved. Business & energy: Accenture’s Ireland chief warns AI productivity gains depend on investing in people, and the ECB has raised interest rates, adding pressure for mortgage holders. Local sport: Louth and Meath face big All-Ireland weekend tests, with Meath’s do-or-die clash vs Derry and Louth’s opener vs Armagh. Human story: A Dublin mother caring for twins with complex needs says respite is “critical” as carers face severe strain and isolation.

EU Presidency & Policy: Ireland’s EU presidency priorities are taking shape, with energy and children’s online safety flagged as key themes ahead of major events across the country. Mortgage Pressure: The ECB has raised rates again, with tracker mortgage holders set to feel the hit on repayments in the coming weeks. Sports & Politics: A Dáil row over Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel is back in focus, with motions to stop the games voted down and calls for a neutral venue or full boycott continuing. Local Courts: A Dublin man jailed for grabbing a taxi driver by the neck and threatening to stab him has been sentenced to 2.5 years after pleading guilty. Environment: Crayfish plague has been confirmed in Dublin waters, with the minister urging “Check, Clean and Dry” to protect white-clawed crayfish. Dublin Culture & Food: Taste of Dublin 2026 is on in Merrion Square, with Achara and other top Irish food and drink names winning Best in Taste awards. Business & Housing: Dublin City Council has given the green light for 618 apartments despite rodent concerns.

EU climate update: Copernicus says May 2026 was the second-warmest on record, with early, intense heatwaves hitting western Europe including Ireland, while parts of the region saw sharp dry spells and flooding elsewhere. Airport & jobs: Dublin Airport has finished a food-and-beverage revamp across Terminals 1 and 2, boosting choice and outlets to 50, while Applegreen plans to create up to 450 jobs opening Popeyes in Ireland over the next four years. Online safety: Ireland may trial a digital Government ID for age checks, potentially requiring it to access porn sites under the Online Safety Code. Coastal erosion: Residents on Dublin’s Portrane coast say erosion is rapidly shrinking gardens and forcing protective works. Foreign policy & sport: In the Dáil, opposition motions push for support of a boycott of Ireland’s Israel Nations League matches, with debate spilling into clashes between leaders. Crime: Gardaí appeal for witnesses after a smash-and-grab ATM theft from a Bank of Ireland branch in Little Island, Cork. World stage: 22 countries condemn Iran over alleged attacks “on our soil,” as tensions ripple across the region. Local sport: Dublin goalkeeper Eddie Gibbons says the Dubs must go “fearless” into their All-Ireland quarter-final against Clare.

EU Presidency Focus: Ireland’s six-month EU Council Presidency programme is set around backing Ukraine, keeping growth on track and protecting children online, with ministers flagging extra workload and energy security as key themes. All-Island EU-UK Links: Defence and European Affairs Minister Thomas Byrne used the All-Island Stakeholder Forum to push stronger EU-UK cooperation, with business and civil society central to the presidency’s “Competitiveness, Values and Security” pillars. Agriculture & Innovation: Teagasc’s Johnstown Castle open day spotlighted soil health, water quality and emissions cuts, while MEP Barry Cowen told European colleagues that innovation is the answer to farming challenges. Rural Depopulation: EESC president Séamus Boland warned parts of rural Ireland are shrinking and called for more integrated planning to keep people living there. Competition Watch: The CCPC welcomed higher merger notification thresholds from 1 July, aiming to cut regulatory burden while focusing scrutiny on deals that may harm competition. Sports & Community: Katie Taylor’s Croke Park fight is nearing a sell-out after 40,000 tickets sold in pre-sale; and Westmeath head to Salthill for a big Galway test after Leinster glory.

Ireland-Israel Football Row: The Government is facing fresh pressure over calls to stop Ireland-Israel Nations League games, with activists pushing for clarity on neutral venues and boycott efforts. Climate Watch: A new EU Copernicus report says May 2026 was the world’s second-warmest on record, with an unusually early heatwave across western Europe including Ireland. Energy & Industry: Net Zero Energy has opened consultation on a proposed €2bn, 600MW long-duration energy storage project in Co Carlow using green hydrogen. Research Push: The State plans €460m for seven advanced tech research centres, including major funding for AI and advanced therapies. Local Life: A public meeting is set for June 18 in South Roscommon to back a proposed Lidl store in Monksland. Childcare Strain: Parents in Dublin, Kildare and Meath report creche rooms closing at short notice, forcing “fake sick days” or last-minute childcare changes. Sports Ireland: Ireland’s World Cup dream stays alive after a narrow France defeat, with play-offs now the focus for Carla Ward’s side.

EU Presidency Prep: Helen McEntee met EU High Representative Kaja Kallas to set priorities for Ireland’s EU Council Presidency, with competitiveness, values and security due in the programme. Security & Neutrality: Kallas warned neutrality won’t shield Europe from Russia, citing hybrid threats and sabotage, while Ireland flags maritime security as a focus. Disability Rights: Minister Emer Higgins delivered Ireland’s national statement at the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities conference in New York, including events on disability in conflict and assistive tech. High Court Clash: Elon Musk’s X has launched a High Court challenge against Ireland’s media watchdog Comisiún na Meán over the lawfulness of its investigations under the EU Digital Services Act. Housing Pressure: Carlow County Council says rising costs forced 22 of 48 homes in Tullow’s Foran’s Way social estate to be sold privately. Rare Disease Drug: Taoiseach Micheál Martin pushed for faster access to Skyclarys for Friedreich’s Ataxia, aiming to get it considered at the July HSE drugs meeting. Sport—Big Night: Ireland face France in a crucial Women’s World Cup qualifier tonight, with selection centred on Emily Murphy vs Abbie Larkin. Tennis in Dublin: Grigor Dimitrov headlines the ATP Challenger 75 tournament in Dublin, with matches running through next week. Local Culture: An Post’s “Letter to My Future Self” returns after last year’s 40,000+ sign-ups, with letters now being delivered back to writers.

Triple-Lock Overhaul: Cabinet is set to discuss removing the UN Security Council approval requirement for larger Irish Defence Forces deployments, with critics warning it chips away at neutrality. Asylum System Update: The Government will also consider a new appeals structure for international protection applicants, including a Chief Appeals Officer for the new Tribunal for Asylum and Returns Appeals (TARA). Domestic Violence Register: Helen McEntee’s Cabinet bid also includes “Jennie’s Law”, creating a public register for people convicted of serious domestic violence. FAI Israel Venue Pressure: Tánaiste Simon Harris urged the FAI to bring clarity on whether Ireland’s Israel Nations League match will stay in Dublin or move to a neutral venue, as boycott calls and Dáil motions grow. Courtroom Gangland: Senior Kinahan figure Sean McGovern has been sentenced to 24 years, with court reporting a gasp as the term was outlined. Higher Education Funding: New projections to be put before Cabinet warn a near-20% rise in third-level enrolments could mean over €200m extra annual funding needs. Irish Language Exemptions: A new report says exemptions from Irish are rising fast post-primary, risking the State’s Irish-language targets. Online Shopping Change: From 1 July, a €3 customs duty will apply to many low-value non-EU parcels, ending the old “frictionless” de minimis relief. Jobs Boost: Apache Pizza says it will create 120 jobs with 12 new stores as it marks 30 years in Ireland. Dublin Crime: A man who beat his former partner with a golf club has been jailed for nearly four and a half years.

Crime & Courts: A Dublin 7 man, Glen Clarke (“Teeth”), is linked in secret Kinahan messages to a botched cartel hit in 2016 that targeted a grandfather Noel Kirwan, with the gunman believed to have been fatally wounded later that year. Health: The Rotunda’s deadline for an audit of private consultant work on public-only contracts has been extended, with ministers warning of “escalation” if it doesn’t comply. Sports (GAA): PTSB has become sponsor of the Dublin club leagues and championships (2026-2028), with draws set to stream live from 8pm on Dubs TV; meanwhile, All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals are confirmed for Clare v Dublin (June 20, 7pm) and Cork v Offaly (June 21, 3.30pm). Community: €1.218m in youth volunteering funding will back volunteer recruitment and expansion of volunteer-led youth clubs nationwide. International (Ireland-Israel): The FAI says any decision on moving Ireland’s Nations League home game vs Israel from Dublin will come after the women’s France qualifier. Business/Local: Kildare County Council has published plans for Naas’ northwest quadrant to deliver 4,000 homes and 5,000 jobs over 14 years.

Housing Delivery: Cork County councillors have rezoned land for almost 50,000 new homes over the next decade, following a ministerial push to speed up building, with extra units earmarked for West Cork towns including Dunmanway, Clonakilty, Castletownbere and Skibbereen. Health Oversight: The Rotunda Hospital has been ordered to provide the HSE with an audit of private work carried out by consultants on public-only contracts by today, after a fresh row over whether the practice has continued. Transport Risk: Irish Rail says its train-control system has just two spare central processing units left, raising the risk of disruption as delays and costs continue around a long-planned replacement. Local Living Costs: AA Ireland reports diesel prices falling further in June while petrol edges up slightly, with EV charging rates broadly stable. Community & Culture: Sligo has been named Ireland’s cleanest town again in an IBAL litter survey, while a new film set in Dingle, 500 Miles, is highlighted for its heartfelt adventure. Justice Update: New “alien DNA” findings in the Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder case are described by her family as valuable in the search for the killer.

Cricket & Ireland Tour: India’s teen batting star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been given the green light to have his parents travel with him on the Ireland and England tours, with the BCCI covering their UK expenses. He’s set for two T20Is in Belfast on June 26 and 28, after which India plays England, with the Asian Games next. Health & Science: Boehringer Ingelheim says its obesity drug survodutide hit strong Phase III results, including up to 34% visceral fat and 63% liver fat reduction, while limiting lean-mass loss. Foreign Policy: Ireland has imposed travel bans on Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, with the Taoiseach saying their conduct warrants EU-level sanctions. Local Business: MACE Ballinalack in Co. Westmeath was recognised for “exceptional standards” at the MACE Excellence Awards. Sport (GAA): Dublin beat Mayo in the TG4 All-Ireland opener, while Galway overcame Meath and Kerry routed Tipperary in other group matches. Munster Hurling: Limerick reclaimed the Munster SHC title from Cork in a tight, rain-soaked final, setting up All-Ireland quarter-final fixtures.