Westmeath defied history, injuries, fatigue and, ultimately, a ferocious Kildare comeback to drag themselves into just the sixth Leinster final of their history — and, better yet, into this year’s All-Ireland series, writes Garry Doyle.
There was nothing straightforward about it. Nothing comfortable. Nothing that suggested, at any stage, that this was a team cruising towards a milestone. Instead, it was wrestled, reclaimed and, in the end, seized through sheer persistence in O’Connor Park.
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When the final whistle sounded after extra time, confirming a 2-21 to 0-23 victory, the pitch invasion told its own story.
There are layers to this win, and history sits at the centre of them. This is only the sixth time Westmeath have reached a Leinster final. Of the previous five, four ended in defeat. The outlier — 2004 — came under the guidance of an outsider, Páidí Ó Sé, who reshaped belief in the county.
Now, two decades on, there is a familiar echo. Mark McHugh, another voice from the west, has brought something similar. Not in style, perhaps, but in substance. He has refined them tactically and strengthened them emotionally. He has made them harder to break, and, crucially, harder to dismiss.
On paper, they had no business beating Meath in the quarter-final — Division 2 champions, All-Ireland semi-finalists a year ago. But they did. And here, against a Kildare side with greater depth and expectation, they did it again.
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This time without Luke Loughlin and, for most of the game, Matthew Whittaker, their two most influential players.
If that stripped them of firepower, it forced them into something else — collective resilience.
But nothing about the journey through this semi-final came easily.
Kildare were sharper from the outset. Eoin Cully and Ben Loakman set the tone early, both finding their range with a directness that immediately put Westmeath under pressure. Even when Ray Connellan responded with a point from play and a free to level matters, there was a sense that Kildare held the rhythm.
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Loakman’s third point and Tommy Gill’s contribution pushed them into a 0-4 to 0-2 lead, and it might have been more. Cully’s goal chance — denied only by a sharp intervention from Jason Daly — lingered as one of those moments that quietly shape a game.
Kildare pressed again. Another Loakman score extended the lead, and although Shane Corcoran responded, Callum Bolton restored a three-point cushion. Kildare looked to be in control.
Then, almost without warning, it shifted.
Westmeath began to disrupt. Turnovers became their currency. Kevin O’Sullivan sparked it, Senan Baker followed, and suddenly possession began to translate into pressure.
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Brandon Kelly reduced the gap. Baker levelled. Kelly edged them in front. What had been Kildare’s game was no longer under their control.
And then came the moment that defined the half.
Sam McCartan, operating with clarity throughout, slipped a pass into the path of Brian Cooney. The finish was instinctive and precise. Gill was beaten for pace, keeper Cian Burke exposed, and from a tight angle Cooney found the net. In the space of seven minutes, Westmeath had turned a four-point deficit into a 1-8 to 0-7 lead.
It was not just the scores — it was the shift in belief.
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Kildare, to their credit, steadied. Darragh Swords landed a two-pointer, their first score in over a quarter of an hour, and Cully followed with another point. By half-time, the gap was back to a single point — 1-8 to 0-10 — and the game had reset itself.
The second half followed the same restless pattern.
Cully levelled early, but Tadhg Baker responded. McCartan’s two-point free and another Brandon Kelly score stretched Westmeath’s lead again, only for Alex Beirne and Darragh Kirwan to drag Kildare back into contention.
Kevin Feely’s equaliser on 55 minutes felt significant — not just in terms of the scoreboard, but in momentum. Again, Westmeath had to respond.
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And again, they did.
McCartan, calm and clinical, delivered from placed balls and from play to push them clear once more. But Kildare would not allow separation. Points from Jack Robinson, Cully and Kirwan brought them level again, the game tightening with every exchange.
Shane Allen’s score on 68 minutes looked, briefly, like it might hold. But deep into stoppage time, Beirne stepped forward and levelled it again.
No separation. No resolution.
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Extra time was inevitable.
And it was here that the game finally revealed itself.
Kildare struck first, Kirwan putting them ahead for the first time since the 28th minute. It was a moment that might have been decisive. Brian McLoughlin followed with a free, and for a brief spell, Kildare held the initiative.
But Westmeath refused to concede the narrative.
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Ronan Wallace, their captain, stepped forward with a score that steadied them. It was not spectacular, but it was necessary. It pulled them back into the contest and reset the terms.
Then came the defining sequence.
Cooney’s initial effort was saved by Cian Burke, but the rebound fell to Brandon Kelly. His reaction was immediate. The finish, instinctive. The effect, decisive.
2-17 to 0-21.
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For the first time since early in the game, there was daylight.
Kildare tried to respond. Colm Dalton added a point, but something had shifted. Westmeath, despite the fatigue, found another surge. Charlie Drumm extended the lead. Robbie Forde followed. Eoghan McCabe added another. Kelly, now central to everything, struck again.
Each score carried weight. Each one edged Kildare further from reach.
By the closing stages, Westmeath were the ones still moving, still thinking clearly, still executing. Kildare, who had matched them for so long, began to fade.
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The final whistle confirmed what the performance had suggested — this was not about control or dominance, but about endurance.
Westmeath had been tested in every way. They trailed, they led, they were pulled back, and still they found a way forward.
For Kildare, it is another difficult chapter. They had opportunities, control at times, and momentum when it mattered. But they could not close it.
Westmeath could.
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And that, more than anything else, is why they are heading to a Leinster final.
Lancashire Constabulary received numerous reports of youth anti-social behaviour at the quarry in Adlington.
Within the site, young people were seen going up and down the conveyor belt to jump into the sand.
Alexander Banister, an officer at Chorley Rural East, said: “I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the dangers within these areas.
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“Although it might seem like a good idea to explore, there are numerous dangers often hidden within these areas, such as quick-sinking sand and mud and dangerous equipment.
“As these youths were seen going up and down the conveyor belt to jump into the sand, this is extremely dangerous as the sand sits on concrete, which could have resulted in someone getting injured.
“Please ensure you stay away from these areas and avoid putting yourself in any unnecessary danger.
The officer was forced to draw his gun during the incident in the Holylands area of South Belfast
16:09, 04 May 2026
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An asylum seeker allegedly advanced towards a PSNI officer with a knife before shouting the Islamic proclamation “Allahu Akbar”, a court heard today.
The officer was forced to draw his gun when Libyan national Hamza Banali, 24, confronted him in the Holyland area of south Belfast at the weekend, a judge was told.
Banali, of address at Farnham Street in the city, denies any religious or hate motivation behind an incident linked to reports of cars being damaged in the area.
He appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with possessing a bladed article in a public place and resisting police.
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Officers went to Damascus Street late on Saturday night amid claims that a man was damaging parked cars with a knife.
Banali, who is originally from Tripoli, was approached after he matched the description given of the perpetrator.
“He advanced towards the police, drawing a short, bladed knife,” an investigating detective claimed.
A sergeant at the scene then drew his gun, telling him to drop the knife and get onto the ground.
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Within seconds Banali allegedly discarded the blade before being detained and handcuffed.
As he was being arrested he shouted “Allahu Akbar”, the Arabic phrase meaning “God is greater”, the court heard.
The defendant was said to be so aggressive that he had to be physically restrained as officers transported him into custody.
“During interviews he denied any hate or religious motivation,” the detective added.
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“He alleged intoxication was the cause, and denied ever having the knife in his possession.”
Banali has not been charged with criminal damage to any of the cars on Damascus Street.
But police opposed bail amid claims that he poses a risk to the public
Defence solicitor Aidan Carlin argued that it was nothing more than an alcohol-fuelled incident.
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“He made comments while intoxicated, sadly like so many people who come before the courts,” the lawyer submitted.
“He said things and behaved in a way that he regrets.”
Mr Carlin described Banali as an unemployed pizza chef currently seeking asylum in the United Kingdom.
Refusing bail, however, District Judge Amanda Brady cited the risks that he could either re-offend or flee.
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She remanded Banali in custody to appear in court again on May 7.
Here is all you need to know about voting in the local elections 2026
Local elections are just around the corner, meaning it is nearly time to vote for your chosen candidates. This year’s elections in Cambridgeshire are taking place for Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, and Peterborough City Council.
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Elections are not taking place in Fenland District Council or East Cambridgeshire District Council this year, as they will take place in 2027. For anyone wanting to vote, here is all you need to know about it.
When can I vote?
Polling stations open at 7am on Thursday, May 7. They remain open until 10pm. Counting will then take place on Friday, May 8.
Some voters may have taken the opportunity to take part in an early voting trial scheme before May 7. Others may have used a postal vote to select their preferred candidate.
Where can I vote?
Your local polling stations will be listed on your polling card, if you have one. You can also find them on the relevant council website.
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What do I need?
You will need a form of photographic ID in order to vote at your local polling station. This includes a UK passport and driving licence.
Other forms of ID will be listed on your polling card or the council website. It is now essential to take photographic ID, but you do not need to take your polling card.
Where can I see the results?
Results for each council will filter throughout the day on Friday, May 8. They will be listed on each council website as and when they come through. CambridgeshireLive will also be regularly updating readers with the results.
Where earlier versions felt like re-badged alliance products, this generation delivers on the promise of that three‑pointed star on the grille, especially in well‑specced trims.
On the road, the Citan’s most striking trait is how little it feels like a van. The steering is direct and consistent, with a surprisingly sharp turn‑in that lets you place the nose precisely into corners and roundabouts.
Body roll is much better contained than you might expect from a tall, boxy vehicle; it leans a little in faster bends, but never sloppily, and quickly settles again.
That composure and agility encourages you to drive it much as you would a family hatchback rather than a reluctant workhorse, which should go down well with drivers spending long shifts shuttling between jobs.
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The Citan
The diesel engine is modest on paper but well‑matched to the Citan’s brief. Official figures put the 1.5‑litre unit in the low‑to‑mid‑50s miles per gallon, depending on version, and in practice it feels flexible enough for urban errands and motorway stints alike.
There’s enough torque to pull away cleanly with a sensible load on board, and while it won’t set the pulse racing, it settles into a relaxed cruise once up to speed.
Road and engine noise are both well suppressed for a vehicle of this type, adding to that car‑like impression from behind the wheel.
Practicality remains central, of course, and here the Citan makes good use of its footprint. L2 versions offer roughly 3.6 cubic metres of load volume and a payload a touch over 850kg, depending on final specification, which comfortably covers lighter‑duty trades, parcel work and service engineers with racking.
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Mercedes-Benz 110 L2 SELECT
Twin sliding side doors on the long‑wheelbase model make life easier in tight streets and busy yards, while wide‑opening rear doors keep access fuss‑free when you’re backing up to a loading bay.
From the driver’s seat, the Citan’s cabin feels smart and deliberately car‑influenced rather than bare‑bones commercial. There’s a clear, logically laid‑out dashboard with a modern touchscreen in the centre and physical controls for the essentials.
Even in workwear, it comes across as a pleasant place to spend the day rather than something you merely tolerate. The driving position is comfortable, with plenty of adjustment, and visibility is generally good, helped in no small part by the standard reversing camera on this test van.
That camera is genuinely useful, offering a clear image and guidelines that take some of the guesswork out of slotting into tight spaces or lining up with a loading dock.
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The Citan
Material quality and design also give the Citan an edge over some rivals.
Hard plastics are inevitable in a vehicle that must withstand daily abuse, but the way they’re textured and assembled does lend an air of solidity.
Storage is sensible rather than spectacular – you get door bins large enough for big bottles, a decent glovebox and a smattering of smaller cubbies for phones, paperwork and the day’s receipts.
In higher trims, extra touches such as leather‑trimmed steering wheels and subtle chrome or gloss‑black accents lift the ambience further without straying into silliness.
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Mercedes-Benz 110 L2 SELECT
Safety and technology are strong points too. Depending on trim, the Citan can be had with a suite of driver‑assistance systems including lane‑keeping support, autonomous emergency braking, traffic‑sign recognition and blind‑spot monitoring, along with parking sensors and that reversing camera.
For small‑business operators and fleet managers alike, that combination of kit and underlying engineering offers reassurance that drivers are well‑protected if the worst should happen.
Foreclosure rates shot at the start of 2026 but experts say the trend isn’t worrisome… yet.
Some 118,727 properties were in foreclosure nationwide during the first three months of 2026 – up 26 percent from a year ago and the highest number since 2020, a recent report from housing data and analytics firm ATTOM revealed.
States with the highest foreclosure rate – number of homes in foreclosure versus total number of homes – were Indiana (1 in 739), followed by South Carolina (1 in 743), Florida (1 in 750), Delaware (1 in 757) and Illinois (1 in 833), according to the report.
For cities with at least 200,000 people, the South was hit hardest. Two Florida cities, Lakeland and Punta Gorda, had the two highest foreclosure rates in the country, followed by Columbia, South Carolina; Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Macon, Georgia, ATTOM reported.
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Foreclosure starts – the number of homes thatbegan the process at a given time, were up 20 percent from a year ago.
Some 118,727 properties were in foreclosure during the first three months of 2026 – up 26 percent from a year ago and the highest number since 2020 (Getty Images)
Responses to the data were mixed. Some – like ATTOM CEO Rob Barber – believe that the numbers indicate that Americans are feeling the pressure of higher prices across the board and may struggle to pay their mortgage.
However, others say the spike is more a return to normal foreclosure rates after five years of suppressed rates, thanks to COVID-era homeowner protections.
That was the opinion of Donna Schmidt, CEO of DLS Servicing, a company that helps mortgage lenders make the foreclosure and repossession process more efficient.
Schmidt told housing market publication HousingWire that five years of putting off foreclosures could result in a rush of them in the next two years.
Tommy then demonstrates how he deals with the serpents: “So what we do is we gently prod her.”
He prods. Then addresses the snake directly.
“Go on, f*** off.”
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The offended snake slithers away.
“And she’s gone. You’d think we were in f****** Texas, not Northumbria.”
Wild snakes
Only 3 types of snake are found in the wild in the UK.
The adder is the only poisonous (venomous) snake, but you should get all snakebites checked as soon as possible.
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Telling the doctors the colour and pattern of the snake that bit you could help them treat it.
According to the Wildlife Trust, the adder is the UK’s only venomous snake. Still, its venom is generally of little danger to humans: an adder bite can be painful and cause inflammation but is really only dangerous to the very young, ill or old.
If bitten, medical attention should be sought immediately. Adders are secretive animals and prefer to slither off into the undergrowth rather than confront and bite humans and domestic animals; most attacks happen when they are trodden on or picked up. Instead, they use their venom to immobilise and kill their prey of small mammals, nestlings and lizards.
The officially licensed Star Wars Crocs Kids Classic Clogs feature an R2-D2 design that young fans will love. They’ve been reduced to £24.25 on Amazon – a saving of over 56% off the usual £54.99 price.
Nisha Mal and Sarah Tulloch Senior Affiliates Writer
14:33, 04 May 2026Updated 14:38, 04 May 2026
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Amazon is giving Star Wars fans something to celebrate on the official May 4th day, with a cracking price reduction on a pair of children’s Crocs.
The Star Wars Crocs Kids Classic Clogsordinarily retail at £54.99, but in a deal that’s out of this world, they’ve been slashed to £24.25 — a remarkable saving of £30.74, or 56% off. The limited-edition footwear boasts an R2-D2 design, offering a charming droid-inspired look that little ones are sure to love.
For further Star Wars bargains, LEGO enthusiasts can snap up a Cobb Vanth’s Speeder Toy for Kidsat Argos for £19, reduced from £25. Suitable for children aged seven and above, the set contains 107 bricks.
Over at Debenhams, adult fans can treat themselves to a Star Wars Blanket Hoodiepriced at £41.75, featuring a bold Darth Vader armour mask graphic across the chest, complete with suit detailing throughout, reports the Daily Record.
The Star Wars Crocs Kids Classic Clogscarry an impressive 4.7 customer rating on Amazon, with glowing reviews, many purchased as gifts. One satisfied shopper wrote: “My Star Wars-loving son was thrilled. True to size, comfortable, and great quality. Wipe off easily with some soap and water. Happy with this purchase.” Another delighted parent commented: “My little one loves Crocs and Star Wars, so these were great. They fit perfectly and are super comfortable.”
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Someone else remarked: “Love these shoes, they’re so comfortable and easy to wear!”
One reviewer deducted a star due to pricing, noting: “These Crocs are the same as basically all Crocs from a style and quality standpoint. The R2D2-themed styling is fun for kids who are fans of Star Wars. The price point is a little bit higher than I’d like. The fit is the same as other versions of Crocs!”
Another purchaser had a more positive take, commenting: “Really cool”, while a different shopper observed: “Cute as can be.”
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A further customer shared: “My grandson loves them, he wares constantly, very comfortable too. Easy slip on and off.”
Whitby Goth Weekend was staged from Friday, May 1 to Monday, May 3 in what is billed as a celebration of alternative music, literature, fashion, art and the pursuit of “community, friendship and freedom of expression”.
The hugely popular event is held twice a year, in Spring and Autumn, and sees the streets and venues of Whitby packed with people dressed in an array of gothic costumes.
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend (Image: Garry Hornby)
Vampires rub shoulders with steam punks, while cybergoths mingle with zombies.
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
The event was first hosted by Jo Hampshire, when she invited 40 of her pen pals to The Elsinore Inn, close to the centre of the idyllic town.
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Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
Visitors show off their costumes at Whitby Goth Weekend 2026 (Image: Garry Hornby)
Now, it attracts guests from all over as a celebration of gothic culture.
The weekender was founded in 1994 and is now one of the most famous gothic events in the world.
Whitby has long been a mecca for goths after the town inspired author Bram Stoker’s classic gothic novel, Dracula.
The change means certain models of the company’s Kindles will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content from the store.
The affected devices were introduced between the years of 2007 and 2012, with the move coming due to technology advancing since then.
Amazon has said it is offering affected customers money off select new Kindle devices as well as store credit after purchasing a newer model.
Amazon ending support for old Kindle devices in coming weeks
There are 13 affected Kindle devices in total that support is ending for, all of which were introduced between 2007 and 2012, and have been supported since.
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Affected customers received an email from Amazon if they are affected, with a promotional code to switch to newer models and next steps.
The full list of models affected is:
Kindle 1st Generation (2007)
Kindle 2nd Generation (2009)
Kindle DX and DX Graphite (2009 and 2010)
Kindle Keyboard (2010)
Kindle 4 (2011)
Kindle Touch (2011)
Kindle 5 (2012)
Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation (2012)
Kindle Fire 1st Gen (2011)
Kindle Fire 2nd Gen (2012)
Kindle Fire HD 7 (2012)
Kindle Fire HD 8.9 (2012)
Kindles remain popular with customers who enjoy reading e-books (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
For Kindle Fire tablets, only Kindle purchasing and downloading is affected, with other Amazon services on Fire tablets remaining fully functional.
Customers’ accounts and Kindle Library remain fully accessible, and they can continue reading previously downloaded books on these devices and can access their entire Kindle library on Kindle for Web, the free Kindle app for Android, iOS, Mac, and PC, or on newer devices.
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An Amazon spokesperson told Newsquest: “Starting May, 20, 2026, customers using Kindle and Kindle Fire devices released in 2012 and earlier will no longer be able to purchase, borrow, or download new content via the Kindle Store.
“These models have been supported for at least 14 years—some as long as 18 years—but technology has come a long way in that time, and these devices will no longer be supported moving forward.
“We are notifying those still actively using them and offering promotions to help with the transition to newer devices.
“Their accounts and Kindle Library also remain fully accessible through the free Kindle app and Kindle for Web.”
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What to do if you have an old Kindle as support for devices ends
Customers can use Amazon’s recycling program if they no longer want to hold onto an affected device.
Amazon recommends that to dispose of electrical or electronic equipment, you donate the unwanted item to a charitable organisation, if it still works, or recycle it.
More information can be found online on how to do this.
Amazon is also offering a promotional code for 20% off select new Kindle devices as well as a £15 eBook credit that will be automatically added to your account after purchasing a new device.
This is valid through to June 20, 2026 (terms and conditions apply).
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Amazon said its newer Kindle devices bring improvements in screen quality, performance and accessibility, and customers will have access to their complete Kindle library and the Kindle Store.
You can also continue to read all your books on our free Kindle apps (Android, iOS, Mac, and PC) and Kindle for Web.
For any questions or assistance, visit the help page.
Launched just over six years ago, it was designed to give hands-free voice control over Fire TV-compatible streaming devices, such as Fire Sticks and Echo smart speakers.
Recommended reading:
It was to aid customers who may have older TVs and soundbars by allowing them to control them with their voice.
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However, due to newer HDMI-CEC technology and the further evolution of Amazon’s Fire TV product lineup, the need for the product has dwindled.
Do you still use any of the old Kindle models that are affected by the change? Let us know in the comments.
Among those, awareness group Holocaust Awareness Ireland, said on social media that the host showed “a singular lack of empathy when speaking about Jews” and asked if he had been “corrupted” by what it described as “the RTE hive mind where the narrative around the issue of Israel and Jews is disturbingly unbalanced.”
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