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Irish Independent
17 minutes ago
- Irish Independent
Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh terror charge 'outside time limit', defence team tells court
LIVE | Follow our live blog of today's proceedings below A member of rap group Kneecap is appearing in court for allegedly supporting a proscribed terror organisation. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year. Demonstrations in support of the rapper were organised outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. The Metropolitan Police imposed conditions limiting where the demonstration outside the court can take place on Wednesday, saying they were needed to 'prevent serious disruption'. See our live blog, courtesy of our sister publication the Belfast Telegraph, below: 2 minutes ago Official Attorney General consent to terror charge came too late, defence claims Liam O hAnnaidh's legal team has told Westminster Magistrates' Court that Attorney General Richard Hermer did not officially grant approval when police charged the 27-year-old with a terrorism-related offence on May 21. They said consent was given the following day and are arguing that this was too late as it falls outside a six-month deadline. However, the Crown Prosecution Service is contesting that the Attorney General's approval is not necessary in order to initiate such a charge. 25 minutes ago Terror charge 'outside time limit', Kneecap member's defence team tells court Liam Ó hAnnaidh's legal team are arguing that the charge of supporting a proscribed terror group was brought too late and should be thrown out. The defendant was charged on May 22 this year – a day after the six-month limit for such charges. Prosecutors claim the charge was brought on May 21, exactly within the time limit. Judge Paul Goldspring is expected to issue a ruling later today. 46 minutes ago Lots of signage outside Westminster Magistrates' Court Hundreds of supporters greeted Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh with loud cheers as he exited a silver people-carrier and made his way inside the courthouse this morning. Fans held placards reading 'Free Mo Chara' while others waved Palestine and Irish flags. Chants of 'free, free, Mo Chara' echoed out of a megaphone which was repeated by the crowd. The court previously heard the 27-year-old defendant is 'well within his rights' to voice his opinions on the Israel-Palestine conflict. But prosecutors said the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, last November was a 'wholly different thing'. O hAnnaidh is yet to enter a plea to the charge of supporting a proscribed terror organisation. Our reporter Niamh Campbell is in London for today's proceedings. #mochara #kneecap — Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 Today 09:27 AM Kneecap shares image of road signs outside Westminster Magistrates' Court The band shared an image of road signs which read "ethnic cleansing in Palestine" shortly before they arrived at the courthouse. The social media post applauds activists. It comes after the rappers urged protesters to comply with the law. To whoever did this 👏👏👏👏👏 — KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) August 20, 2025 Today 09:21 AM Gerry Carroll addresses crowds outside court MLA Gerry Carroll addresses the crowds outside the courthouse, condemning "racist protests" in Northern Ireland and criticising the police for going after Kneecap and pro-Palestine groups instead of "racist bigots". Today 09:15 AM Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh receives another rockstar welcome at court Following similar scenes at his previous court appearance in June, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh arrived at court this morning and was once again supported by fellow bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh. The Met Police imposed restrictions on protesters to avoid chaos outside the court. Kneecap described the strict conditions on protesters as a 'calculated political decision' that was 'designed to try and portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome'. However the band had appealed to supporters "to go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful'. The other side you don't see - the media side! #mochara #london — Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 Today 08:53 AM Liam Og O hAnnaidh swamped by photographers as he arrives at court alongside fellow band member It took the 27-year-old more than a minute to enter Westminster Magistrates' Court as security officers attempted to usher him through the front entrance. Hundreds of supporters greeted the Kneecap rapper with cheers as he made his way from a silver people-carrier to the building, alongside fellow band member Naoise Ó Caireallain (Móglaí Bap). The third member of the Kneecap trio, J.J. Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí) has also arrived at the courthouse. Today 08:41 AM Mo Chara arrives at court This was the scene as Mo Chara arrived at Westminster Magistrates Court shortly after 9.30am. The crowd chanted 'Free Mo Chara', matching signs which were held aloft alongside Irish and Palestinian flags. Today 08:28 AM Sinn Fein MP among protesters outside court John Finucane is addressing activists ahead of Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's court appearance. The North Belfast representative has joined pro-Palestine campaigners outside the courthouse. "We will be here tomorrow, we will be here next week, we will be here next month," he said. "We will be here as long as is necessary, with one clear voice and one clear message, free Palestine, free Mo Chara, tiochfaidh ar lá" Today 08:21 AM 'I love their music and the fact that they want to free Palestine' Arul Joseph from London believes Kneecap are massively popular outside of Ireland and has been following them for a year. Today 08:11 AM Rush hour commuters express support for Kneecap member facing terror charge Drivers passing a protest zone outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London have been honking their horns in support of activists. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is due to appear before a judge this morning accused of supporting the proscribed terror group Hezbollah. Our reporter Niamh Campbell is there. Westminster Magistrates is packed - people keep beeping their horns as they drive past #kneecap #mochara @BelTel — Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 Today 08:07 AM 'I'm pro Kneecap' Niamh Campbell talks to Louise Kelleher, who is originally from Co Cork but lives in London, about why she is supporting Mo Chara today. Today 07:58 AM Crowd grows ahead of Kneecap member's court appearance Our reporter Niamh Campbell is outside court: "Protesters have been gathering outside Westminster Magistrates Court since 8am this morning. "Some of them are waving Palestine flags with one activist from NI wearing a massive papier-mâché head imitating DJ Provaí. "A small stage has been set up in a restriction zone with hundreds of cars driving past during rush hour beeping their horns in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. "One woman is holding a sign with a message to the Prime Minister. "It reads: "Catch yourself on Keir". " Today 07:39 AM Significant police presence outside Westminster Magistrates' Court The Met Police introduced a restriction zone for protesters who have already started gathering outside the courthouse. Plenty of Met Police ready to go ahead of Mo Chara appearing in court today... @BelTel — Niamh Campbell (@niamh_journo) August 20, 2025 Today 07:20 AM Catch up podcast: The first court appearance Today 07:12 AM What's been said During a recent Féile an Phobail event earlier this month, Kneecap's band manager, Dublin native Daniel Lambert, said that Óg hAnnaidh 'knows that he's right'. Speaking at the 'West Belfast Talks Back' initiative, he stated: 'I don't want to speak for Liam Óg, but I think there's a great sense of conviction that comes when you know that you're right... and you haven't done anything wrong. 'You walk into any room, and there's a group of people against you, but you're clear on what you've done and that you've done the right thing, and that kind of counts for a lot. That's the way he kind of feels about it.' Today 07:12 AM What's happening today? Legal argument is set to be dealt with in the court today. London's Metropolitan Police Service have also imposed conditions on planned protests due to take place today, as Ó hAnnaidh arrives. The Met Police confirmed it will enforce strict conditions to 'prevent serious disruption' outside the courthouse. We've imposed Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest outside Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow. Protest in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh and aligned causes must remain in the red area. Any stage must be erected in the green area — Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) August 19, 2025 Today 07:10 AM What happened during Mo Chara's last court appearance? As Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh arrived wearing a keffiyeh (a traditionally Palestinian scarf), thousands of supporters gathered outside the court, with many holding signs stating 'Free Mo Chara' and 'Free Palestine'. In that first sitting, Ó hAnnaidh confirmed his name to the judge in Irish, and an interpreter has been sought for today's proceedings, with the judge stating that one had not been available for June's court session. It is not yet known whether an Irish interpreter has been found for today's hearing. Court talk of Irish interpreter prompts giggles - is this life imitating art for Kneecap? It was expected to be hundreds but in the end it was thousands who stood outside Westminster magistrates court for the first appearance of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, AKA Mo Chara.
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Kingspan announces sponsorship deal with Toulon
Irish insulation giant Kingspan is the new main sponsor of French rugby club Toulon. The Kingspan brand will feature on Toulon's famous "Rouge & Noir" jersey for the next four seasons. France is Kingspan's number one market, where it employs over 2,300 staff across 47 sites. Last year, Irish golfer Shane Lowry cut ties with Kingspan following heavy criticism of the Cavan-based company in the final Grenfell Tower inquiry report. Kingspan began sponsoring Lowry in 2017, before the fire in London in which 72 people died. Kingspan was one of several construction firms to face significant criticism in the final report into the Grenfell disaster. The company has long said its K15 insulation product, which made up 5% of the insulation in the Grenfell Tower block, was used without its knowledge. Previously Kingspan had a partnership with the Mercedes Formula One team. However, the team pulled out of the deal following pressure from Grenfell families to cut ties. Last year Ulster Rugby also announced the end of its sponsorship deal with Kingspan. However, it did not link its decision to Grenfell. Kingspan says its commitment to environmental sustainability through its Planet Passionate programme reflects the company's dedication to tackling climate change, accelerating circularity and protecting the natural world. It adds: "This shared commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with RC Toulon's efforts to promote more environmentally conscious practices within the sport."
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
College student costs hit jarring figure for this academic year
College students face costs of more than €16,000 this year, new research shows. The total is up almost €600 on last year, with costs in even the cheapest town rising by 9%. The research shows the highest accommodation costs are found in Dublin, where students may have to shell out €642 more per month on accommodation, fees, nights out and groceries compared to those in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, the cheapest student town. Letterkenny costs students an average of €14,300 per year – €5,777 less than Dublin. This year, the cheapest student rents are again found in Letterkenny, Sligo, Dundalk, Waterford and Athlone, while Dublin, Cork and Maynooth are the most expensive. Pic: Getty Images The increased living costs are 'weighing heavily on Ireland's students', according to the study by utility-price comparison website The costs are being driven by soaring rents, with the national average up by 7.3%, according to a report. director Eoin Clarke said: 'While inflation may have eased, students are still feeling the pinch. Private student accommodation costs have surged in the past year, and for many, the cost of college is at its highest point yet. 'Even towns that have traditionally been viewed as affordable are seeing sharp year-on-year increases, making it harder for students to stretch their budgets. Our study found that in 2025, college-goers will need around €556 more than last year to cover annual expenses, while non-EU students face paying an average of €1,391 more. College Student. Pic: Getty Images 'Since we began tracking costs in 2023, average expenses for Irish students have jumped by €1,081, while non-EU students are paying €2,234 more. The good news is there are ways to ease the financial pressure; from grants, tax relief and scholarships to simply making the most of student discounts and freebies – while careful planning, savvy shopping and using budget tracking apps can all help students make their money go further.' The Student Cost of Living Guide 2025 reveals the cheapest student towns in Ireland, up-to-date expenses in each place and how much student costs have jumped in the past. Overall, students eligible for free tuition fees can expect to spend an average of €16,179 on college in 2025 – €556 more per year than in 2024, and €1,081 more than in 2023. International students face forking out an average of €27,871 per annum, €1,391 more than last year and €2,234 more than in 2023. Unsurprisingly, Dublin tops the table again as the most expensive place to study in Ireland. Since last year, the study found student costs have jumped by an average of 4% – more than double the current rate of inflation. This year, the most significant hikes in student rent were seen in Letterkenny, Carlow, Waterford, Sligo and Cork, which jumped by around 8%, mainly due to the increasing prices of private student accommodation. The best value groceries were found in Tralee, Sligo, Dundalk, and Letterkenny, but students in Cork, Dublin, Carlow and Waterford could be paying as much as 27% more for their weekly shop.
