LONDON (AP) — England captain Ben Stokes eased concerns about his ability to bowl in the upcoming Ashes series because of long-standing knee issues and said Wednesday he is planning to play every test this summer.
Milestones in women’s boxing ahead of Katie Taylor’s homecoming for fight in Ireland
May 18, 2023 GMTDUBLIN (AP) — Women's boxing has been achieving a lot of “firsts” in recent years and will add to the list when Katie Taylor fights Chantelle Cameron in Dublin on Saturday.
Taylor has never fought in her home country of Ireland as a professional, and promoter Eddie Hearn says it's the first time two reigning undisputed world champions in the four-belt era will square off.
Sri Lanka beats Ireland again, wins test series 2-0
April 28, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Prabath Jayasuriya became the fastest spinner to reach 50 test wickets and Ramesh Mendis claimed his fourth five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka cruised to an innings and 10-run win over Ireland on Friday to seal the series 2-0.
Sri Lanka amasses 357-1 vs. Ireland in 2nd test in Galle
April 26, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka hit centuries in a record opening stand as Sri Lanka amassed 357-1 on a rain-affected Day 3 of the second test against Ireland on Wednesday.
Balbirnie’s 95 powers Irish to 319-4 on Day 1 vs. Sri Lanka
April 24, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — A record Irish stand of 115 between skipper Andy Balbirnie and Paul Stirling powered Ireland to an imposing 319-4 at stumps on day one of the second test against Sri Lanka on Monday.
AP Week in Pictures: Europe and Africa
April 21, 2023 GMTAPRIL 14-20, 2023
From U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Ireland for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement to Orthodox Easter celebrations and the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters, this gallery highlights some of the most compelling images made or published in the past week by The Associated Press from Europe and Africa.
Jayasuriya 10 wickets lead Sri Lanka to big win over Ireland
April 18, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by an innings and 280 runs inside three days of the first test and recorded its biggest victory margin on Tuesday.
Ireland lost 13 wickets on the day to be all out for 143 and 168 in reply to Sri Lanka's 591-6 declared.
Ertz signs with Angel City after lengthy NWSL absence
April 17, 2023 GMTMidfielder Julie Ertz has signed a one-year contract with Angel City that will bring her back to the National Women’s Soccer League after a nearly two-year absence.
Ertz has not played in the league since spring 2021 because of injuries and after taking time off for the birth of her son.
Ireland faces follow-on after Jayasuriya’s 5 wickets
April 17, 2023 GMTGALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Sri Lanka declared on 591-6 and deepened Ireland's distress by reducing the visitor to 117-7 after two days of the first test on Monday.
Prabath Jayasuriya ran through the Irish on a Galle pitch turning more and more by taking 5-42.
Northern Ireland peacemakers urge end to political impasse
April 17, 2023 GMTBELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — An American architect of Northern Ireland’s historic 1998 peace accord on Monday urged its feuding politicians to revive the mothballed Belfast government, as a current political crisis clouded celebration of the peacemaking milestone.
It’s ‘The Joe Show’ as Biden closes out Ireland visit
April 14, 2023 GMTBALLINA, Ireland (AP) — Quoting Irish poetry and soaking up the cheers of thousands, President Joe Biden on Friday pronounced Ireland not just part of his family history but part of his soul as he wrapped up a trip that gave him the kind of adoration that eludes him back in the U.S.
Biden in Ireland encourages nations to ‘dream together’
April 13, 2023 GMTDUBLIN (AP) — Holding up his family history as an example, President Joe Biden on Thursday told lawmakers in a packed parliament building that the story of Irish immigrants setting sail for the U.S.
After calls to resign, Feinstein seeks Judiciary replacement
April 13, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, who has faced calls to resign from fellow Democrats, asked Wednesday to be temporarily replaced on the Judiciary Committee while she recovers from illness that has kept her away from Washington for weeks.
Joe O’Biden? In Ireland, president wonders why anyone leaves
April 12, 2023 GMTDUNDALK, Ireland (AP) — President Joe Biden returned to his ancestral home of Ireland on Wednesday, welcomed back by thousands of cheering people who lined up four and five deep for hours in the cold rain in hopes of getting a glimpse, a photo or even the slightest touch from him.
Cook scores on her birthday, US beats Ireland 1-0
April 12, 2023 GMTST. LOUIS (AP) — Alana Cook scored her first international goal on her 26th birthday and the United States beat Ireland 1-0 in an exhibition on Tuesday night as the teams prepare for the Women's World Cup this summer.
Biden celebrating peace, family history in Irish visit
April 11, 2023 GMTBELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — President Joe Biden embarked Tuesday on a journey of diplomatic and family celebration, highlighting the U.S. role of 25 years ago in ending deadly bloodshed in Northern Ireland while catching up with distant relatives in the Republic of Ireland.
Biden and Irish poets: ‘Hope and history,’ a lifelong love
April 10, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — When President Joe Biden visits Ireland this week, he will mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, confer with top officials on current issues and honor his Irish ancestors.
Swanson has torn tendon in her left knee, may miss World Cup
April 9, 2023 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Forward Mallory Swanson has a torn patella tendon in her left knee, leaving her chances of playing for the United States in this summer's Women's World Cup in doubt.
Swanson injures left knee in US match against Ireland
April 8, 2023 GMTAUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Forward Mallory Swanson was carted off the field during the first half of the United States' exhibition match Saturday against Ireland with an apparent left knee injury, a blow to the national team ahead of this summer's Women's World Cup.
Biden’s ancestral hometowns prepare warm Irish welcome
April 8, 2023 GMTBALLINA, Ireland (AP) — Joe Blewitt is just about the busiest man in Ballina. His phone rings constantly with calls from locals and the world's media as he prepares to welcome a relative — U.S.
Biden to visit Ireland, mark Good Friday accord anniversary
April 5, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will travel to the United Kingdom and Ireland next week in part to help mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday accord, a U.S.-brokered agreement that helped end decades of deadly sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.
Julie Ertz returns to US team with World Cup looming
April 4, 2023 GMTLike a lot of new moms, Julie Ertz had emotional conversations with her husband about what her return to work would look like after having a child.
Only Ertz's job as a midfielder for the United States is a bit more unusual.
Grassroots faith leaders navigate a Northern Ireland in flux
April 4, 2023 GMTBELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — Teenagers from Catholic and Protestant youth groups lit candles on a Belfast street in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, then listened solemnly to a warning about the dangers of Northern Ireland’s own infamous religious bigotries.
Grassroots faith leaders navigate a Northern Ireland in flux
April 4, 2023 GMTBELFAST, Northern Ireland (AP) — Teenagers from Catholic and Protestant youth groups lit candles on a Belfast street in memory of those who perished in the Holocaust, then listened solemnly to a warning about the dangers of Northern Ireland's own infamous religious bigotries.
Ireland dismissed for 214 on Day 1, 1st test vs. Bangladesh
April 4, 2023 GMTMIRPUR, Bangladesh (AP) — Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed 5-58 as Bangladesh dominated the opening day of the lone test against Ireland on Tuesday.
Playing its first test since 2019, Ireland was bowled out for 214 in its first innings after failing to deal with Bangladesh’s vaunted spin attack.
Lebanon abruptly nixes plan for $122M airport ‘Terminal 2’
March 30, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — A contract for a new terminal at cash-strapped Lebanon's main airport was cancelled following criticism that no public bidding was held for the $122 million project, Lebanon’s caretaker transportation minister said Thursday.
Bangladesh routs Ireland in 2nd T20, clinches series
March 29, 2023 GMTCHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh routed Ireland by 77 runs in their second T20 international to clinch the three-match series on Wednesday.
Opener Liton Das struck a 41 ball-83 and skipper Shakib Al Hasan took 5-22 in a game reduced to 17 overs because of rain delays.
Julie Ertz returns to US team for 2 friendlies with Ireland
March 28, 2023 GMTJulie Ertz has been named to the U.S. roster for a pair of upcoming matches against Ireland after taking time off for the birth of her son.
Ertz has not played for the United States since the bronze medal-winning victory over Australia at the Tokyo Olympics.
Teen striker Ferguson raises Irish hopes with early success
March 25, 2023 GMTTeenage striker Evan Ferguson isn't getting carried away after scoring his first goal for his national team. The rest of Ireland will gladly do that for him.
The 18-year-old Ferguson is having a breakout season with Premier League club Brighton and now for Ireland, which hosts France on Monday in European Championship qualifying.
Bangladesh beats Ireland by 10 wickets and takes ODI series
March 23, 2023 GMTSYLHET, Bangladesh (AP) — Fast bowler Hasan Mahmud claimed his maiden five-for as Bangladesh defeated Ireland by 10 wickets and took the one-day international series 2-0 on Thursday.
Bangladesh won the first match by 183 runs for its largest ODI victory and the second match was washed out.
Mushfiqur hits fastest Bangladesh ton before ODI washed out
March 20, 2023 GMTSYLHET, Bangladesh (AP) — Mushfiqur Rahim hit the fastest century by a Bangladeshi batter before rain forced the second one-day international against Ireland to be called off on Monday.
Mushfiqur reached his ninth century off 60 balls, eclipsing Shakib Al Hasan’s mark of 63 balls set against Zimbabwe in 2009.
Lebanon to construct new terminal at Beirut airport
March 20, 2023 GMTBEIRUT (AP) — Lebanon will construct a $122 million terminal at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport to be operated by a leading Irish airport company when it's completed in four years, officials said Monday.
Ireland send Bangladesh in to bat in second ODI
March 20, 2023 GMTSYLHET, Bangladesh (AP) — Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie won the toss and sent Bangladesh in to bat in the second one-day International on Monday.
Ireland handed a debut to left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys, who replaced legspinner Gareth Delany in its only change from the previous game, which they lost by 183 runs.
Ireland fulfills hype with Six Nations Grand Slam
March 18, 2023 GMTDUBLIN (AP) — Jonathan Sexton is all about team. So when it was time to lift the Six Nations trophy as Ireland captain, he wanted to share the moment.
6N: France beats Wales 41-28, but loses the title to Ireland
March 18, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Defending champion France completed its Six Nations campaign by scoring five tries in an entertaining 41-28 win against Wales, but it wasn't enough to retain the title as Ireland beat England 29-16 later Saturday to clinch a Grand Slam.
Bangladesh routs Ireland for record victory in 1st ODI
March 18, 2023 GMTSYLHET, Bangladesh (AP) — Shakib Al Hasan’s splendid allround effort helped Bangladesh seal its largest-ever victory when it beat Ireland by 183 runs in the three-match one-day international series opener on Saturday.
Biden cheers for Irish bonds, unity on St. Patrick’s Day
March 17, 2023 GMTWASHINGTON (AP) — Sporting a green tie and shamrocks for St. Patrick’s Day, President Joe Biden on Friday voiced his support for a recent economic accord affecting Ireland as he hosted the republic's prime minister, a longstanding meetup scuttled by the COVID-19 pandemic the past two years.
Farrell family ties tricky before Six Nations decider
March 17, 2023 GMTEngland captain Owen Farrell hopes his two young sons are wearing their England jerseys when he faces Ireland on Saturday in the Six Nations title decider.
Trouble is, youngsters Tommy and Freddie are staying in Dublin with grandad.
Bangladesh looking to rotate against Ireland in ODI series
March 17, 2023 GMTSYLHET, Bangladesh (AP) — Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha is keen to rotate as many players as he can in the three-match ODI series against Ireland as he wants to create a bigger player pool for the World Cup later this year.
Ireland keen to seal first Six Nations Grand Slam in Dublin
March 16, 2023 GMTIreland has been talking up England all week.
The Irish have restyled their Six Nations rugby finale on Saturday into a Grand Slam party after tearing through Wales, France, Italy and Scotland.
England lose injured Lawrence before Ireland closer
March 13, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — Inside center Ollie Lawrence's hamstring injury has ruled him out of England's match against Ireland in the Six Nations this weekend.
Lawrence was hurt on Saturday towards the end of England's heaviest home defeat, by 53-10 at the hands of France at Twickenham.
Henderson, Ringrose out of Ireland’s Grand Slam decider
March 13, 2023 GMTDUBLIN (AP) — Lock Iain Henderson and center Garry Ringrose will miss Ireland's bid for the Six Nations Grand Slam against England this weekend.
Henderson broke a forearm in the first half of the 22-7 win over Scotland on Sunday at Murrayfield, and Ringrose was taken off on a stretcher in the second half after a head blow while attempting a tackle.
6 Nations: Ireland beats Scotland 22-7, close to Grand Slam
March 12, 2023 GMTEDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) — The Irish are one win away from a Grand Slam in the Six Nations.
By outlasting Scotland 22-7 at Murrayfield on Sunday, Ireland earned a fourth straight victory of the championship to move onto 19 points — four more than defending champion France.
Harrington, LPGA founders join ’24 Golf Hall of Fame class
March 8, 2023 GMTPONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, the late Tom Weiskopf and the remaining founders of the LPGA Tour were among those elected Wednesday for the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Italy’s injured Capuozzo will miss rest of Six Nations
March 6, 2023 GMTROME (AP) — Italy suffered a blow when it was confirmed fullback Ange Capuozzo will miss the rest of the Six Nations due to a left shoulder blade injury.
Capuozzo was injured two weekends ago in the loss to Ireland in Rome but was summoned by Italy to camp.
Scotland’s Gilchrist banned 3 weeks for red card vs France
March 6, 2023 GMTLock Grant Gilchrist was suspended for three weeks on Monday and will miss Scotland's remaining Six Nations matches against Ireland and Italy.
Gilchrist was sent off two Sundays ago just seven minutes into the game against France in Paris for catching Anthony Jelonch in the face with his shoulder.
New Zealand men’s, women’s teams perfect at Vancouver Sevens
March 4, 2023 GMTVANCOUVER, Canada (AP) — New Zealand, Britain, Argentina and Ireland finished the day unbeaten on the first day of the Vancouver Sevens tournament on Friday while the United States, Australia, France, Ireland and New Zealand did the same in women's play.
In ‘The Quiet Girl,’ a history making film for Ireland
March 3, 2023 GMTIrish filmmaker Colm Bairéad discovered Claire Keegan’s novella “Foster” a little later than most.
The “long short story,” as Keegan likes to call it, is told through the eyes of a 9-year-old girl in rural Ireland who leaves her overcrowded, neglectful family in the summer of 1981 to live with distant relatives— an older, childless couple.
Serrano hurt, no May 20 women’s boxing rematch vs. Taylor
February 28, 2023 GMTNEW YORK (AP) — The rematch between undisputed women's boxing champions Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano won't take place as planned on May 20 because of an injury to Serrano.
Ireland loses Bealham but Furlong, Sexton, Ringrose recover
February 27, 2023 GMTDUBLIN (AP) — Ireland prop Finlay Bealham has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations because of the left knee he injured in the win over Italy on Saturday.
Bealham was forced off in the first half and put on a knee brace while watching the 34-20 win in Rome.
6N: Four-try France holds off Scotland comeback to win 32-21
February 26, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Six Nations defending champion France bounced back from losing to Ireland by holding off Scotland 32-21 at home Sunday to end Scottish hopes of a Grand Slam.
Tries from flyhalf Romain Ntamack, left winger Ethan Dumortier and fullback Thomas Ramos had France 19-0 ahead with as many minutes on the clock.
Ireland holds off competitive Italy 34-20 in Rome
February 25, 2023 GMTROME (AP) — Ireland had just enough firepower to suppress Italy and win an entertaining Six Nations rugby contest 34-20 at Stadio Olimpico on Saturday.
The Irish notched a third win from three matches in the Six Nations for the first time since 2018, when the team last won the title with a Grand Slam.
Galthié backs France to rebounce against Scots in 6 Nations
February 24, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Fabien Galthié listened to the criticism of his defending champion France side following their defeat to Ireland in the last round of the Six Nations.
They made one less line break and yet scored only one try and gave up four in Dublin, their ball retention was poor in conceding 14 turnovers, their ruck clearance was slower, and they beat 38 Irish defenders but had to make 235 tackles and ran out of puff.
Injured Ringrose withdraws from Ireland before Italy game
February 24, 2023 GMTROME (AP) — Ireland was forced to make a late change when center Garry Ringrose withdrew due to a calf injury on Friday, the day before their Six Nations match against Italy.
The game at Stadio Olimpico was going to mark Ringrose's 50th cap for Ireland.
France recall Haouas and Scotland summon Watson in 6 Nations
February 24, 2023 GMTPARIS (AP) — Only prop Mohamed Haouas was brought into the France XV to face Scotland at home on Sunday in the Six Nations after the end of its 14-match winning streak.
Tighthead Uini Atonio was suspended for three weeks following a high tackle on Ireland hooker Rob Herring during France's 32-19 defeat in Dublin two weeks ago.
Italy in Ireland’s crosshairs on path to Six Nations title
February 23, 2023 GMTThe Ireland-France match lived up to the hype. Rugby's No. 1 vs. No. 2 showdown was a Six Nations classic.
While the clash in Dublin two weeks ago was billed as a title decider, the title wasn't decided then.
Review: Irish Oscar nominee ‘The Quiet Girl’ speaks clearly
February 23, 2023 GMTThough gently restrained and delicately crafted, “The Quiet Girl” has managed to make plenty of noise. Colm Bairead's modestly scaled drama, his narrative directorial debut, is the highest-grossing Irish-language film of all time.
India scrapes into T20 World Cup semis after rainy win
February 20, 2023 GMTGQEBERHA, South Africa (AP) — India scraped through to the semifinals at the Women's T20 World Cup after narrowly winning its rain-shortened final group game against Ireland on Monday.
India triumphed by five runs on the Duckworth-Lewis method after setting a target of 155-6, boosted by another half-century by star opener Smriti Mandhana, who survived a host of chances to make a career-best 87 from 56 balls.
UK PM splashes cold water on prospects of quick trade deal
February 18, 2023 GMTLONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday sought to dampen optimism about an imminent settlement in the dispute over post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland that has brought political turmoil to the region and clouded relations with the European Union.
West Indies and New Zealand get 1st wins at T20 World Cup
February 17, 2023 GMTCAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — West Indies ended a 15-match losing run in Twenty20 internationals when captain Hayley Matthews launched a four over backward point to clinch a thriller against Ireland with one ball to spare at the Women's World Cup on Friday.