President Donald Trump welcomed Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin on Wednesday for the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration at the White House, where he added Ireland to the list of countries he says are taking advantage of the United States. Martin countered by noting Ireland's contributions to the U.S. It was Trump's first Oval Office meeting with a foreign leader since his recent sit-down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which morphed into a shouting match as they jousted over ending Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The session ended with Zelenskyy being asked to leave the White House. Martin, who offered only gentle pushback to some of Trump's comments, returned to the White House in the evening and presented Trump with a bowl of shamrocks at an early St. Patrick's Day celebration. The duo also attended an annual luncheon at the Capitol. The president's banter during the Oval Office meeting also touched on Vice President JD Vance's shamrock-themed socks and Trump nemesis Rosie O’Donnell 's recent move to Ireland. The Republican president has been sparring with U.S. allies and adversaries alike over trade, slapping double-digit tariffs on imports from countries from Canada to China and in between. During the appearance with Martin, Trump repeated his claim that the European Union was created just to stick it to the U.S. Asked if Ireland, a member of the EU, was taking advantage, too, Trump said, “of course they are. I have great respect for Ireland and what they did and they should have done just what they did, but the United States shouldn’t have let it happen.” He was referring to the concentration of U.S. pharmaceutical companies in Ireland, due to the country's tax policies. “We had stupid leaders. We had leaders that didn’t have a clue or let’s say they weren’t businesspeople, but they didn’t have a clue what was happening and all of a sudden Ireland has our pharmaceutical companies," Trump said. Martin countered that the trade relationship is “a two-way street,” adding that Ireland's two largest airlines buy more aircrafts from Boeing Co. than anyone else outside of America. More than 700 Irish companies are also based in America, creating thousands of jobs, Martin said. “That's a little known fact that doesn't turn up in the statistics,” he added. Portugal’s govt falls prompting early election after confidence vote “I understand where you're coming from, fully,” Martin told Trump, “but I think it's a relationship that we can develop and that will endure into the future.” At one point, Trump became distracted as he talked about inflation in the U.S. “By the way, I love these socks. What’s with these socks? I’m trying to stay focused, but I’m very impressed with the VP’s socks,” Trump said, drawing chuckles from others in the room. Vance had worn socks patterned with small green shamrocks as a nod to Martin's visit. When a reporter asked Martin why his country would let O'Donnell move there, Trump jumped at the opening. “I like that question,” the president said, adding that Martin was ”better off not knowing” about O'Donnell. O'Donnell, a comedian and former talk-show host, and Trump have feuded for years. O’Donnell, who is gay, recently announced that she moved to Ireland in January, citing a lack of equal rights in America. Trump found a way to sneak his penchant for professional fighting into the discourse. As the meeting wrapped, Trump was asked to name his favorite person in Ireland. Trump referred to Irish mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor, partly because "he's got the best tattoos I’ve ever seen.” Trump is well known for his support of Ultimate Fighting Championship and attended bouts during the 2024 presidential campaign. He noted that Martin’s father was an acclaimed boxer, but motioned to Martin saying, “You’re so smooth,” suggesting he did not look like a boxer. “I’m a pretty good defensive boxer,” Martin joked in reply.

Ireland's Ambassador to Bangladesh and India Kevin Kelly has said his country will fully support Bangladesh's interim government and its reform agenda to restore democracy in the country. Kelly, who is based in New Delhi, said Ireland is also keen to send a team to help Bangladesh in its democratic transition. Bangladesh-Ireland cooperation holds vast potential: Masud Jamil Khan "Count our full support for you," Kelly said as he called on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at his Tejgaon office on Monday. Ireland women aim to rebound after heartwarming 'Dhaka Welcome'  

Veteran politician Micheál Martin is poised to assume the role of Ireland's prime minister for a second time on Wednesday, as lawmakers are expected to formally endorse him as the leader of a coalition government, reports AP. This confirmation comes nearly two months after an election in which Martin’s Fianna Fáil party secured the most seats but fell short of a majority needed to govern independently. Ireland votes in tight parliamentary election Following weeks of negotiations, the long-established centre-right parties Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael reached an agreement to form a coalition with support from several independent lawmakers. As part of the arrangement, Martin, aged 64, will serve as taoiseach, or prime minister, for three years, with Fine Gael’s Simon Harris – the outgoing taoiseach – acting as his deputy. For the remainder of the five-year term, the two leaders will exchange roles. Members of both parties have approved the coalition agreement, and Martin is set to be formally endorsed by the Dáil, Ireland’s lower house of parliament, on Wednesday. Following this, President Michael D. Higgins will officially appoint him as prime minister, after which Martin will select his Cabinet. Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognize a Palestinian state as EU rift with Israel widens In the election held on 29 November, Irish voters defied a global trend of ousting incumbent governments seen throughout 2024. Fianna Fáil won 48 of the 174 legislative seats, while Fine Gael secured 38. They garnered the necessary support to govern with backing from the largely conservative Regional Independent Group, which will receive two ministerial posts. Although Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael share broadly similar centre-right policies, their century-old rivalry dates back to opposing sides of Ireland’s civil war in the 1920s. The two parties first formed an alliance after the 2020 election, which ended in a near tie. This new coalition excludes the left-of-centre Sinn Féin, which will remain in opposition despite winning 39 seats. Both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael have consistently refused to collaborate with Sinn Féin due to its historical association with the Irish Republican Army during Northern Ireland’s decades of conflict. Bangladesh advocates for increased student admissions and IT professional recruitment in Ireland The incoming government faces significant challenges, including addressing Ireland’s acute housing crisis marked by rising homelessness, soaring rents, and property prices. Additionally, they must manage an increasing number of asylum-seekers. The cost of living, particularly the housing crisis, dominated the election campaign, with immigration emerging as a sensitive and complex issue in a country of 5.4 million people historically shaped by emigration.

India's women's team set a national record by making 435-5 during its massive win over Ireland in a one-day cricket international on Wednesday. It was India's highest score in ODIs by either its men's or women's team. It was the fourth highest total in the history of women's ODI's, with New Zealand scoring more on three occasions. Two of those came against Ireland, including a women's world-record 491-4 in Dublin in 2018. Pakistan recalls opening batter Imam for two test matches against West Indies Pratika Rawal (154) and Captain Smriti Mandhana (135) both scored centuries in their 233-run partnership for the opening wicket in Rajkot after India won the toss and chose to bat. India then dismissed Ireland for 131 to clinch a 304-run win and a 3-0 series victory.

Israel said Sunday it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorated over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials said new Israeli airstrikes killed over 30 people including several children. The decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland’s “extreme anti-Israel policies.” In May, Israel recalled its ambassador to Dublin after Ireland announced, along with Norway, Spain and Slovenia, it would recognize a Palestinian state. The Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel denies it. “We are concerned that a very narrow interpretation of what constitutes genocide leads to a culture of impunity in which the protection of civilians is minimized,” Ireland’s deputy premier and foreign affairs minister, Micheal Martin, said in a statement. Germany warns Assad supporters in Syria against trying to flee there Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's statement on the embassy closure said that “Ireland has crossed every red line in its relations with Israel.” Ahead of Israel's announcement, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris had called the decision to close the embassy “deeply regrettable.” He added on X: “I utterly reject the assertion that Ireland is anti-Israel. Ireland is pro-peace, pro-human rights and pro-international law.”   Israeli strikes hit Gaza Israeli forces continued Sunday to pound largely isolated northern Gaza, as the Palestinian death toll in the war approached 45,000. One airstrike hit the Khalil Aweida school in the town of Beit Hanoun and killed at least 15 people, according to nearby Kamal Adwan Hospital where casualties were taken. The dead included two parents and their daughter and a father and his son, the hospital said. In Gaza City, at least 17 people including six women and five children were killed in three airstrikes that hit houses sheltering displaced people, according to Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital. Israel's military in a statement said it struck a “terrorist cell” in Gaza City and a “terrorist meeting point” in the Beit Hanoun area. Another Israeli airstrike killed a Palestinian journalist working for Al Jazeera, Ahmed al-Lawh, in central Gaza, a hospital and the Qatari-based TV station said. The strike hit a point for Gaza’s civil defense agency in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, Al-Awda Hospital said. The civil defense is the main rescue agency in Gaza and operates under the Hamas-run government. The war in Gaza began after Hamas and other militants from Gaza stormed southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking well over 200 hostage. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed almost 45,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry’s count does not distinguish between combatants and civilians, but it says over half of the dead have been women and children.

Former champions Bangladesh will play their 2nd Group A match of the 16-team ICC U-19 Men's Cricket World Cup'24 against Ireland on Monday (January 22) at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Bangladesh, the champions of 2020, made a frustrating start in the global Youth Cricket, losing to defending champions India by a huge 84-run in their first match at Bloemfontein in South Africa Saturday night despite a five-wicket by pacer Maruf Mridha. ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup: Bangladesh suffer a huge  84- run defeat against holders India In another Group A match on Saturday, Ireland made a good start beating Unites States by seven wickets at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa. However, left-arm spinner cum captain Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, who led the Bangladesh team to win the first-ever U-19  Asia Cup crown very recently, will lead the Bangladesh team against Ireland on Monday to revive their proud and glory. BPL 2024: Nahid, Faheeim shine as Khulna Tigers Beat Chattogram Challengers After the first round matches, Ireland and India dominated the four-team Group A securing two points each with a run rate of +2.674 and +1.680 respectively. Bangladesh remained at the 3rd slot in the group by virtue of a run rate (-1.680) while United States remained at the bottom with a run rate  (2.680),  without earning any point. Shakib Heads to Singapore for Eye Treatment, Further BPL Participation in Jeopardy In the remaining Group A match,  Bangladesh will play United States on January 26, also at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa.

In a stunning show of unity, parents in a town in Ireland have banded together to jointly adopt a no-smartphone code for their children until secondary school. Parents’ associations across the Irish town of Greystones have adopted the no-smartphone code for their children, the Guardian reports. “If everyone does it across the board, you don’t feel like you’re the odd one out. It makes it so much easier to say no,” said Laura Bourne, one of the parents. “The longer we can preserve their innocence, the better.” Read more: How to Break Internet Addiction? Last month, schools and parents in the town of Greystones in Ireland took the initiative out of concern that smartphones were fueling anxiety and exposing children to adult content. It is a rare occasion for an entire town to take action together on such an issue, the Guardian reports. The voluntary “Greystones Pact” is to withhold smartphones from children – at home, in school, everywhere – until they enter secondary school. Applying it to all children in the area will, it is hoped, curb peer pressure and dampen any resentment. “Childhoods are getting shorter and shorter,” Rachel Harper, the principal of St Patrick’s School who led the initiative, told the Guardian. Nine-year-olds had started requesting smartphones, she said. Read more: How to keep your child engaged at home without gadgets “It was creeping in younger and younger, we could see it happening.” A town-wide policy reduces the chance of a child having a peer with a smartphone and parents can present the code as a school rule, said Harper. “They love it – now they can blame the schools.” The initiative has garnered interest from parent associations in Ireland and internationally, prompting Ireland's health minister, Stephen Donnelly, to recommend it as a national policy. Read more: Effects of Excessive Use of Smartphones “Ireland can be, and must be, a world leader in ensuring that children and young people are not targeted and are not harmed by their interactions with the digital world,” he wrote in the Irish Times. “We must make it easier for parents to limit the content their children are exposed to.” The “Greystones Pact” stemmed from children showing anxiety levels only partly attributable to Covid-era adaptation, Harper told the Guardian. Schools circulated questionnaires among parents, leading to a meeting of community stakeholders and an initiative dubbed “it takes a village”. Read more: How to entertain an unwell child without screen time Not all parents will deny their primary schoolchildren a smartphone – the code is voluntary – but enough have signed up to create a sense of critical mass, said Harper. “Hopefully down the line it’ll become the new norm,” she told the Guardian.

Tamim Iqbal scored 69 runs and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed 45 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 274 in 48.5 overs in the third ODI of the three-match series against Ireland on Sunday. Although Bangladesh looked set to reach 300, some quick wickets— five wickets in 13 runs— toward the end of the innings prevented them from achieving their target. Bangladesh’s biggest partnership came on the sixth wicket when Mushfiqur and Mehdiy Hasan Miraz added 72 runs on the board. Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first at County Ground, Chelmsford. Bangladesh began their innings well, with opener Tamim leading from the front. He scored a fifty after nine innings. However, he fell for 69 runs off 82 balls with 8 fours and a six, caught by Craig Young off the bowling of George Dockrell. Debutant Rony Talukdar was the first wicket to fall for Bangladesh, dismissed by Tucker for 4 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto scored a useful 35 runs off 32 balls, but was caught by Balbirnie off the bowling of Craig Young. The middle-order batsmen Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy also contributed with scores of 35 and 13 runs respectively, but both were dismissed by Mark Adair. Litton looked set to build a big innings, but he failed to carry on. Mushfiqur scored 45 runs off 54 balls but was eventually dismissed lbw by Andy McBrine. The onus was on him to accelerate the scoring rate towards the end of the innings, but he was given out lbw after a review went against him. Mehidy Hasan Miraz also played an important role, scoring 37 runs off 39 balls before being caught by Craig Young off the bowling of Mark Adair. Mrittunjoy Chowdhury played a crucial cameo towards the end of the innings, scoring an unbeaten 10 runs off just 8 balls, helping Bangladesh reach a total of 274 runs. Mark Adair was the pick of the bowlers for Ireland, finishing with figures of 4 for 40 in his 8.4 overs. Andy McBrine and George Dockrell also bagged two wickets each for Ireland. Bangladesh won the second ODI by chasing down a total of more than 300 runs, with Shanto scoring his maiden ODI century, while the first match was washed out due to rain. A victory in this match would secure the series for the Tigers.    

Bangladesh and Ireland are set to face off in the second one-day international at Chelmsford on May 12 at 3:45 PM BD time. Unfortunately, the first ODI between these two teams was abandoned due to rain. As a result, South Africa has secured a direct qualification for the World Cup, benefiting from the outcome. Despite their efforts, even if Ireland manages to win the remaining matches in the series, they will not secure a direct spot in the World Cup. However, that does not mean that they will show an ignorant attitude for the next two matches. Let's see what to expect in the 2023 IRE vs BAN second ODI. Ireland vs Bangladesh 1st ODI Result Bangladesh has been accompanied by rain since going to England, and the first ODI was the same too. Bangladesh team wanted to celebrate Mushfiqur Rahim's birthday with a win. But the rain did not allow that wish to be fulfilled. Last Tuesday (May 9) in Chelmsford, England, Bangladesh lost the toss and went into bat and scored 246 runs for 9 wickets. In reply, Ireland did not get a chance to score more than 65 runs for 3 wickets in 16.3 overs due to rain. Later, the match was declared abandoned as the game was not played on the field. Read More: Bangladesh-Ireland ODI series starts with a washout Ireland's openers Stephen Doheny and Paul Stirling got off to bat with a target of 247 runs. However, Stalling was caught by Shariful after 22 runs. After Stirling's departure, Balbirnie quickly returned. The right-handed batsman was bowled in the in-swing by Hasan Mahmud after the team scored 27 runs. The Irish team found themselves in a tight spot as they lost a couple of early wickets, increasing the pressure on them. Subsequently, spinner Taijul Islam claimed the dismissal of Doheny. Shariful and Hassan started to hold down the Irish after getting a quick wicket. But then the rain hit. Earlier, Bangladesh lost the toss and went into batting, lost 9 wickets, and collected 246 runs on the scorecard. Mushfiqur scored the highest 61 runs for Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh did not start well in batting. In the opening over, Josh Little came into the attack. A Yorker in the off stump on the fourth delivery of his over hit Litton's pads straight and it was an out. Litton had to return without scoring after playing just one ball. Further, Tamim Iqbal could last long. He scored 14 runs from 19 balls. Read More: BAN v IRE 1st ODI: Tigers restricted to modest total batting first Despite Bangladesh having a chance to regain momentum during the middle overs, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, and Shanto failed to capitalize on their promising starts and convert them into substantial innings. Shakib Al Hasan, known for his reliability, fell victim to Hume's bowling when he attempted a reckless shot. Shanto seemed to be in excellent form, but unfortunately, he mistimed a delivery from Curtis Campher, resulting in a straightforward catch for Mark Adair. Then Mushfiqur Rahim came to bat. On his 36th birthday, Mushfiqur Rahim showcased his skills in front of a passionate crowd of over 3000 predominantly Bangladeshi fans. He notched up a well-deserved half-century for his team. Alongside him, Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed with a commendable 44 runs. Despite their efforts, Bangladesh couldn't collect a challenging total on the scoreboard. The foundation of Bangladesh's innings was built upon Mushfiqur Rahim's fifty, with Shanto playing a supportive role in the process. Read More: Despite cricket-mad nation, broadcasters fail to secure Ireland tour rights IRE vs BAN 2nd ODI Preview In the first match, Bangladesh couldn't collect a big score. That's why the primary goal of the Tamim Iqbal-led team was to prevent Ireland from building a strong base. Both the pacers of the Tigers bowled well in the beginning, using the advantage of the wicket for that purpose. So, the Tigers will need to follow this approach in the next match even if they collect a big score. Further, both teams will need to focus on the field. The shape of the field at Chelmsford is also worth seeing, as one side is small, and the other side is big. Players will have to be tactical in such a field. Bangladesh will also need to focus on how the team will be coordinated in this condition. However, with Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the team, Bangladesh does not have to think much about coordination as Miraz is now a pure batsman. He has Test and ODI centuries, and we can call him an all-rounder. So is Shakib. Hence, Bangladesh is very lucky that they can play an extra batsman or bowler if needed. That's a luxury for any team. Read More: IRE vs BAN ODI Series 2023: Bangladesh Squad Analysis On the other hand, Irish bowlers did very well in the first match. They will need to keep it up and put more pressure on Bangladeshi batters. However, they will need to focus on batting as they lost three wickets in the first 15 overs. Probable Playing XI for Bangladesh Team Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain. Probable Playing XI for Ireland Team Stephen Doheny, Paul Stirling, Batting Allrounder, Andy Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Josh Little. Read More: Bangladesh cricket team departs for England tonight Key Players to Watch Mushfiqur Rahim Mushfiqur has had a great form lately. While the established batsmen failed to play long innings in the last match, Mushfiqur Rahim took the lead. With his half-century, Bangladesh marked it. But when more runs were needed on the scoreboard, he was caught out while hitting Little. The last established batsman fell on his departure in the 45th over. Mushfiqur made 61 off 70 balls before departing. It had 6 fours. So, fans can expect that Mushi will play another great inning in the second match. Josh Little Josh Little is a star bowler for the Irish, and he proved that too. The left-handed pacer, who played in the IPL as Ireland's first cricketer, gave the team success in the first over with a great delivery and dismissed Litton Das by LBW with a superb yorker off the fourth ball. He took 3 wickets for 61 runs for the Irish, and he started getting great movement from the first ball. So, he might play a great role in stopping the Bangladeshi batters. Final Words The first one-day game held at the Chelmsford venue was abandoned without a clear indication of which team had the chance to win. However, we anticipate that the more experienced Bangladesh side will emerge victorious in the second ODI as the game is taking place at the same venue. Read More: Bangladesh Tour of Ireland 2023: Venue, Schedule, Fixtures, Previous Records. Nonetheless, the Irish team displayed an admirable performance in the first match, indicating that we can anticipate a close contest in the IRE vs. BAN 2nd ODI 2023.

The Bangladesh cricket team travelled to England early this month to participate in the ICC ODI Super League against Ireland. On May 9, the first match of the series between Bangladesh and Ireland will take place in Chelmsford. The match will start at 3:45 PM BDT time. It is an important series for Ireland as a 3-0 will help them direct entry to the ICC World Cup in India. Although the Irish are easy opponents at home, it might be difficult for the Tigers to win in the English conditions. Unlike the series in Bangladesh in March, we may expect a competitive series in Chelmsford. IRE vs BAN Preparation Match Tamim Iqbal's team was scheduled to participate in the preparation match at Furners in Cambridge on May 5. However, the match was abandoned due to the rain. Even the toss couldn’t take place. The toss was scheduled to take place at 10:45 AM UK time but was not possible due to rain. After that, two hours passed like this. Later the rain stopped, but the match was declared abandoned due to a wet pitch. Although the Bangladesh team travelled early to practise in England conditions, they could practise for only two days. Now Bangladesh will head to the first match without playing any warm-up match. Read more: IRE vs BAN ODI Series 2023: Bangladesh Squad Analysis Ireland vs Bangladesh 1st ODI Preview Bangladesh last played in England in 2019. As a result, the Tigers will have to give a tough test on this wicket as they are not familiar with the current condition. Therefore, the preparation match would have been a great help for the Bangladesh team. But the Tigers are in good form, and it is expected that they will find an easy way to win the first ODI. Furthermore, Bangladeshi players have been playing continuously from the beginning of the year. BPL, Dhaka Premier League, series against England and Ireland kept Bangladeshi players in continuous practice. So, there will not be any problem for Bangladesh. Bangladesh will have to take the challenge of the wicket if they want to win. The pitch conditions are completely different than in Bangladesh. If the game was played in June-July, it would have been an advantage for the Tigers as the wicket remains dry at that time. But now the weather is different, and the pitch condition will be a big challenge for Bangladesh as well as for Ireland. Although this series is not so important for Bangladesh, it is a life-and-death battle for Ireland. Because if they beat Bangladesh by 3-0 in this series, the Irish will go directly to the World Cup with 30 points in the ICC ODI Super League. And if they fail to win 3-0, they will have to meet in Zimbabwe in June in the qualifiers. Irish are more or less familiar with the England weather and pitch conditions. Therefore, they will plan accordingly to give a good fight to win the match as well as the series. However, the recent loss to Bangladesh last March may decrease their confidence. But, the Irish star bowler Joshua Little is joining the team, and this will surely boost the confidence. Read More: Bangladesh Tour of Ireland 2023: Venue, Schedule, Fixtures, Previous Records Probable Playing XI for Bangladesh Team Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Rony Talukdar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Towhid Hridoy, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman. Probable Playing XI for Ireland Team Andy Balbirnie (c), Stephen Doheny, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Josh Little.