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Irish firm wins contract to support overhaul of Scotland's electricity grid

Irish firm wins contract to support overhaul of Scotland's electricity grid

Irish Post12-05-2025
AN Irish firm has won a valuable contract to support the 'largest ever' overhaul of the Scottish electricity grid.
Kirby Engineering had been named as one of the preferred partners of Scottish Power as they deliver what they describe as the 'largest-ever overhaul of the electricity grid in Scotland.
Kirby is among a number of Irish firms that have expanded their offerings into the Scottish market this year.
With the support of Enterprise Ireland, more than 10 companies have announced new contracts and expansion in Scotland.
Cleantech Civils and Uniquely have both announced new offices in Scotland for 2025, with Uniquely planning to create 100 jobs as they establish their Scottish base.
Sheily O' Loughlin, Enterprise Ireland, Killian Smith, Cleantech Civils, Minister Niamh Smyth, Joe Healy, Enterprise Ireland, Jerry O'Donovan, Consul General of Ireland, pictured at the opening of Enterprise Ireland's new Glasgow office
Following a research and development investment of over £10m, Dublin-based Subsea Micropiles has launched a pioneering offshore wind anchoring solution, which will get its first commercial installation for Orkney Harbour Authority in Scotland.
The move will cut costs and environmental impact for the Authority, while bringing a further 100 jobs to the area over the next five years.
Enterprise Ireland recently opened an office in Glasgow.
'Our new Glasgow office signals a long-term commitment to Scotland as a key market and will further support the success and impact of Irish enterprise across the UK, our largest export market,' Enterprise Ireland Regional Director for the UK, Nordics & New Exporters, Deirdre McPartlin said.
'Scotland represents a dynamic growth market for Irish companies and its unique characteristics are best understood through a local presence,' she added.
'For the offshore wind sector, Ireland's established capabilities in engineering, marine services, and grid technologies are positioning its firms as key contributors to Scotland's clean energy transformation.'
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Lure of the Land Down Under: Record 39 Irish players set for new AFLW season
Lure of the Land Down Under: Record 39 Irish players set for new AFLW season

The 42

time33 minutes ago

  • The 42

Lure of the Land Down Under: Record 39 Irish players set for new AFLW season

WHILE 'THREAT' IS a word that has been used more and more around the Irish exodus to the Australian Football League Women's [AFLW], another is never too far away. 'Opportunity.' Why would a top Gaelic football player not want to go to Australia and try their hand at professional sport? Many of their non-sporting peers are doing so already, favouring the lifestyle, weather, improved employment and housing. Add in full-time football, profile, and pay for play . . . A record 39 Irish players are set for the new AFLW season, which starts tomorrow. The 2023-27 AFLW collective bargaining agreement (CBA) sees minimum salaries at $67,337 [€37,666], which will rise to $72,373 [€40,483] by 2027. Irish rookies also receive a $16,500 [€9,230] relocation allowance in their first year, while flights are covered. The highest earners are in tier one, their salary of $109,760 [€61,396] increasing to $117,968 [€65,987] by '27. Some of the Irish contingent would fall in that category, also afforded $6,000 [€3,356] as a relocation fee per annum. It's a far cry from being left out of pocket playing inter-county football, along with balancing full-time employment and other challenges for young people in Ireland. The Irish AFLW Class of 2025 hail from 19 counties, and are spread across 13 of the 18 Australian clubs. Mayo is the county with the most players, seven, while Carlton and Fremantle are the Aussie outfits most populated by the Irish, with five apiece. North Melbourne celebrate their 2024 win. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo North Melbourne, the defending Premiership champions, have four Irish players on their books: Vikki Wall, Erika O'Shea, Blaithin Bogue and Amy Gavin Mangan. Gavin Mangan is one of nine new Irish faces to have signed ahead of this, the AFLW's 10th season. Australia-based Cavan native Laura Corrigan Duryea was the only Irishwoman involved in the inaugural season of 2017, before Mayo legend Cora Staunton became the league's first-ever international signing the following season. Huge numbers have followed in her footsteps, endless top talents crossing codes from ladies football. Four players who featured in the All-Ireland senior final 10 days ago, Dublin duo Sinéad Goldrick and Éilish O'Dowd, and Meath's Wall and Aoibhín Cleary are all in situ Down Under. Jennifer Dunne, Grace Kos and Orlagh Lally previously played for those counties but have focused solely on AFLW of late. The Australian season has extended — although it's paused at 12 rounds for now — making it increasingly difficult for Irish players to split their careers and play both sports, as the majority previously had. On an individual level, the lure is undeniable, but player drain is an ever-growing issue for the LGFA and the game on these shores. That said, the amount of Irish players contracted is a good endorsement of LGFA standards. The skills are transferrable, the athleticism appealing as international recruits get the nod ahead of natives. The AFLW is still in its infancy, playing catch up as its underage structures develop. While New Zealand is the other nationality strongly represented — American, Canadian and South Sudanese players have also featured through the years — Ireland comfortably has the largest overseas contingent, making up over 5% of players on AFLW lists. Talk will heighten as the new season gets underway and the top ladies football talent are marked absent from club championships across the country. But their eyes are firmly fixed on the oval ball, and flying the flag Down Under. Here, The 42 looks at all 39 Irish players set for the 2025 AFLW season: ********** Adelaide Crows Amy Boyle-Carr (Donegal) 24 | Glenties Donegal flier and one-cap Irish soccer international, rewarded with contract extension after debut season. Kayleigh Cronin (Kerry) 28 | Dr Croke's Instrumental in Kerry's 2024 All-Ireland win, powerful defender now set for AFLW bow. Kayleigh Cronin. Laszlo Geczo / INPHO Laszlo Geczo / INPHO / INPHO Grace Kelly (Mayo) 31 | Moy Davitts Experienced player, gearing up for seventh AFLW campaign at a new club after earlier stints at West Coast Eagles and St Kilda. Niamh Kelly (Mayo) 29 | Moy Davitts Other Kelly sister, also started at West Coast. 2023 All-Australian speedster now leading the charge for Adelaide. Brisbane Lions Neasa Dooley (Kildare) 25 | Castledermot New to the game, joins 2024 runners up for first season. Jennifer Dunne (Dublin) 25 | Cuala All-Ireland champion and AFLW winner in 2023, Dublin powerhouse went all in with oval ball ahead of third campaign. Orla O'Dwyer (Tipperary) Advertisement 27 | Boherlahan Most capped Irish AFLW player, Tipp triple-threat has starred since debut in 2020. Two-time Premiership winner and first Irish female All-Australian. Orla O'Dwyer. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Carlton Blues Maria Cannon (Mayo) 22 | Burrishoole One of three new Irish faces at Carlton, 22-year-old set for first season. Dayna Finn (Mayo) 24 | Kiltimagh Ireland basketball international, has shown athletic prowess since arriving in 2023. Erone Fitzpatrick (Laois) 24 | Park-Ratheniska Back from an ACL injury after a brilliant debut campaign two years ago. Síofra O'Connell (Clare) 24 | Doora-Barefield Tall defender, earned contract after impressing scouts at recruitment session in Ireland. Aisling Reidy (Clare) 24 | Doora-Barefield Same goes for O'Connell's clubmate and UL colleague, versatile rookie out to make a splash. Collingwood Muireann Atkinson (Monaghan) 28 | O'Neill Shamrocks Powerful, tight marker, looking to drive on in second season. Kellyann Hogan (Waterford) 23 | Ballymacarbry Déise star forward was a big loss after departing for debut campaign, named to debut tomorrow. Sarah Rowe. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Sarah Rowe (Mayo) 30 | Kilmoremoy Like O'Dwyer, multi-sport star that needs little introduction. Shoulder injury will keep her out of early rounds of eighth season with Collingwood, won A-League soccer title in May. Fremantle Joanne Cregg (Roscommon) 32 | Michael Glavey's Quickly established herself after debut in 2023, now set for third campaign with Freo. Orlagh Lally (Meath) 24 | Clann na nGael 2021 and 2022 All-Ireland winner, utility player has focused on AFLW since. Aisling McCarthy (Tipperary) 29 | Cahir Another of the top Irish players in the league, 2024 All-Australian. Experience key ahead of eighth season, third with Freo after previous stints at West Coast Eagles and Western Bulldogs. Amy Mulholland (Armagh) 32 | Peadar Ó Doirnín Forkhill Fast and dynamic, hoping her fourth campaign will be as consistent as before. Aine Tighe (Leitrim) 33 | Kiltubrid Towering goal-kicker, has really made her impact felt since her return from a third ACL injury. Geelong Rachel Kearns (Mayo) 28 | MacHale Rovers Defensive anchor since her debut in 2022, strong background in Gaelic football, soccer and boxing. Kate Kenny (Offaly) 23 | St Rynagh's Offaly dual star, one to watch in her second AFLW season. Aishling Moloney. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Aishling Moloney (Tipperary) 27 | Cahir 2024 All-Australian turned down interest from other clubs to commit future to Geelong. Joint-top goal-kicker last season, towering Tipp star a joy to watch in any code. Gold Coast Clara Fitzpatrick (Down) 34 | Bryansford Has played 30 AFLW games since her bow in 2020, a versatile player for St Kilda and now, Gold Coast Suns. Niamh McLaughlin (Donegal) 31 | Moville The 2022 LGFA Player of the Year is the first Irishperson to captain an AFLW / AFL side, co-skippering the Queensland outfit in her third campaign. GWS Giants Grace Kos (Dublin) 23 | Kilmacud Crokes New to the game, joins Greater Western Sydney Giants for first season. Wasn't involved in Dublin's All-Ireland winning run. Eilish O'Dowd (Dublin / Leitrim) 27 | Na Fianna / Ballinamore Seán O'Heslin's Two seasons in Dublin midfield, two All-Irelands. Leitrim native focused solely on AFLW for her debut campaign last year. Hawthorn Aileen Gilroy (Mayo) 32 | Killala 2024 All-Australian, teak-tough defender, has been instrumental for Hawthorn since transferring from North Melbourne. Aine McDonagh (Galway) 26 | Maigh Cuilinn Creative spark who had a superb 2024 season. Also a talented basketball player. Melbourne Sinéad Goldrick. Leah Scholes / INPHO Leah Scholes / INPHO / INPHO Sinead Goldrick (Dublin) 35 | Foxrock-Cabinteely Fresh off fifth All-Ireland win, hard as nails, will be instrumental for Dees in seventh season. Blaithin Mackin (Armagh) 26 | Shane O'Neills Premiership champion alongside Goldrick in debut season of 2022, available for selection after hamstring injury. Sister Aimee is inactive. North Melbourne Blaithin Bogue (Fermanagh) 25 | Tempo Maguires Didn't feature in her first season as North were crowned 2024 champions. Has impressed through pre-season, kicked three goals in recent practice match. Amy Gavin Mangan (Offaly) 26 | Naomh Ciarán Offaly forward set for first campaign with holders. Erika O'Shea (Cork) 23 | Macroom AFLW's youngest ever Irish recruit, has established herself as a pivotal player in North's backline since debuting in 2022. Vikki Wall (Meath) 27 | Dunboyne Meath maestro's double helped Kangaroos to glory last year. Back in fold after All-Ireland defeat, ruled out for round one due to absence. Vikki Wall and Aoibhín Cleary after Meath's All-Ireland final defeat. Leah Scholes / INPHO Leah Scholes / INPHO / INPHO Richmond Aoibhín Cleary (Meath) 26 | Donaghmore Ashbourne Captained the Royals to third All-Ireland final in three years, now set for debut AFLW season. Sydney Swans Tanya Kennedy (Donegal) 32 | Robert Emmets Moved to Australia in 2012, recruited in 2023 as an injury replacement and quickly nailed down a permanent position. Paris McCarthy (Kerry) 21 | Castleisland Desmonds Featured for Kerry in 2022 All-Ireland final loss, then took up basketball scholarship Stateside at Tennessee University, began chasing AFLW dream in 2023. Julie O'Sullivan (Kerry) 23 | Inbhear Sceine Gaels Another Kerry native who joined with McCarthy in 2023 and played in '22 All-Ireland defeat. Consistent. **********

Around 2,150 jobs at risk as Claire's Accessories appoints administrators
Around 2,150 jobs at risk as Claire's Accessories appoints administrators

The Journal

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Around 2,150 jobs at risk as Claire's Accessories appoints administrators

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Global markets hover close to record highs as bullish sentiment hits Wall Street
Global markets hover close to record highs as bullish sentiment hits Wall Street

Irish Times

timean hour ago

  • Irish Times

Global markets hover close to record highs as bullish sentiment hits Wall Street

An index of global equity markets reached a new record for the second straight day on Wednesday, propelled partly by bullish sentiment on Wall Street as investors positioned for a likely interest rate cut from the US Federal Reserve. Dublin Euronext Dublin was largely in line with international peers as it finished the day up 0.9 per cent. Nutritionals group Glanbia was the big story of the day on the Irish market as it climbed almost 16 per cent after raising its earnings forecast for the year while appointing a new chairman and announcing the sale of an underperforming unit. Its share price move was described as 'whopping' by one trader. 'It had a pretty rough run into those numbers, which were then better than expected,' he added. READ MORE Meanwhile, Cavan-based insulation specialist Kingspan climbed 1.6 per cent. The group last week reported record revenues of €4.5 billion in the first half of the year as sales rose by 8 per cent. Elsewhere, most movers were largely in line with the broader index. London Britain's FTSE 100 closed 0.2 per cent higher, reaching a one-week peak, marking its third consecutive day of gains. The domestically focused midcap FTSE 250 index ended little changed. A gauge of Britain's energy companies declined 0.6 per cent as oil prices fell more than 1 per cent in the day, though losses were limited after US treasury secretary Scott Bessent indicated sanctions against Russia, or secondary tariffs, could increase if talks on Ukraine disappoint. Meanwhile, financials weakened with the non-life insurers' index falling 3.5 per cent. Beazley tumbled 12.3 per cent in its worst one-day slide in nearly five years after it lowered its annual premium growth forecast, hurt partly by subdued demand for its cyber and property risk insurance. Among other movers, infrastructure products maker Hill and Smith topped the gains on the midcap index, rising 10.2 per cent, after its half-yearly results and announcement of a share buyback programme. Housebuilder Persimmon fell 0.4 per cent despite solid first-half results, which saw pretax profit edge up and revenue improve. Europe European shares hit a near two-week high, underpinned by gains in heavyweight healthcare and technology stocks. European healthcare stocks were the strongest performing sector, with a 1.6 per cent rise. The subindex logged its fifth session of gains, the longest streak since late May. Genmab was up 3.8 per cent while Bayer rose 3.2 per cent. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed 0.5 per cent higher, while Cac 40 in Paris rose 0.8 per cent, and the Dax 40 in Frankfurt advanced 0.7 per cent. Shares of German tank gearbox maker Renk rose 2 per cent after it reported better-than-expected second-quarter revenue, benefiting from increased European defence spending. Sweden's Evolution fell 8.5 per cent after a Bloomberg report said its casino games had been distributed in banned markets. New York The benchmark S&P 500 and the Nasdaq hovered near record highs as investors were increasingly confident that the Federal Reserve will restart its monetary policy easing cycle next month. At 12.18pm eastern time, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.82 per cent; the S&P 500 gained 0.15 per cent; and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.07 per cent. The blue-chip Dow was within 1 per cent of its all-time high and the Russell 2000 index, which tracks rate-sensitive small-cap companies, added 0.1.3 per cent to hit a six-month high. Investors were also taking notice of other sectors following the recent tech-led rally in US stocks that have pushed valuations of the S&P 500 above long-term averages. Healthcare stocks, which have been beaten down for much of the year, led gains among the 11 S&P 500 sectors with a 1.4 per cent rise, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 index was marginally lower. CoreWeave, which is backed by Nvidia, slumped 17.6 per cent after the AI data centre operator reported a bigger-than-expected quarterly net loss. Paramount Skydance jumped 30 per cent. The company won exclusive broadcasting rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship for seven years earlier this week. – Additional reporting: Agencies

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