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Six Nations 2026: What went wrong for England in nightmare defeat by Ireland?

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Henry Pollock is given a yellow card

Ireland scored 22 points inside the first 30 minutes – the fourth-most first-half points conceded by England at home.

That followed England going 17-0 down in 15 minutes against Scotland at Murrayfield.

“Fast starts are not about being physical and smashing them, that is a given, you are running out for your country,” former England scrum-half Matt Dawson told BBC Rugby Union Weekly.

“It’s the tactics. It’s about how you are going to play, where you will play and how they will play.

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“It’s individual preparation and the understanding of how to play professional sport, not just rugby. Have you got that mentality to adapt from minute one?

“England, when it goes badly in the first 10 minutes, they are yet to find a methodology or a way out of it.”

Former England fly-half Paul Grayson added: “From nowhere England pulled out a performance that lacked accuracy, energy and emotion.

“The Twickenham crowd were making a heck of a racket at the start but 30 minutes in there were ironic cheers for making touch with a kick.”

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Borthwick has been here before as England boss. In 2023 his side shipped 53 points at home to France but later that year they were minutes away from making a World Cup final.

“England had a chance against Ireland to show the Murrayfield nightmare was just a blip, but instead things were even worse, with the defence porous, accuracy non-existent, and the gameplan exposed,” said BBC rugby correspondent Chris Jones.

“All the momentum and confidence generated from that 12-month winning run has evaporated in the space of 160 minutes of rugby.

“England’s tactics have been picked apart by Scotland and Ireland, and Borthwick will need to react and adapt if they are to salvage their campaign in Rome and Paris.”

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Bar owner remembered as ‘legend’ and ‘fixture of Belfast’ after his death

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Belfast Live

“Heroes Come and Go, But Legends are Forever”

Tributes have been paid to a Belfast bar owner who passed away peacefully surrounded by his family.

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Kevin Cassidy owned The Hatfield House in South Belfast and spent over four decades working behind the bar in the popular pub.

According to The Hatfield’s website, Kevin came to Belfast from his native Draperstown when he was 18 years old and went on to work and manage many of the city’s bars before buying the pub in 1976.

READ MORE: Belfast mum remembered for her “kindness and unwavering spirit” after battle with incurable cancerREAD MORE: Shay Toman: Tributes to Lurgan businessman after tragic death in Spain

His death notice remembers him as a “much-loved dad”, “loving Granda” and “beloved husband”.

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The Hatfield House took to social media to share the news with their customers. The pub is now run by his son’s Kieran, Stephen and John – with Kieran starting to work when he was just 12 so he could spend as much time as possible with his father.

The tribute reads: “Heroes Come and Go, But Legends are Forever.

“We are beyond Heartbroken that our dad and leader Kevin passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the 20th of February 2026.

“Team Hat forever”.

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Many took to the comments to share their stories of Kevin, with one describing him as “a fixture of Belfast”.

It said: “A true legend of the bar game across many eras.

“Mr Cassidy carried himself as a gentleman and always set an example to those around. Absolutely respected and loved.

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“To the family I am utterly sorry for your loss. A large hole is left with Kevin’s passing. But carry on as he would’ve wanted. Rest well Kevin there will never be another.”

Another read: “It is with the heaviest of hearts and the deepest pride that we say goodbye to one of our own.

“From the green hills of Cavanreagh, Sixtowns, Ballinascreen, to the bustling heart of Belfast, Kevin Cassidy carried the spirit of our community with him everywhere he went.

“We watched with immense pride as the young man from our parish took a chance 49 years ago, a chance that would build a legendary home from home for so many.

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“The Hatfield House wasn’t just a pub in the city; it was a little piece of us, a place where the craic was always mighty and the welcome was always warm.

“We remember Kevin not just as the legendary Boss, but as the boy from Cavanreagh. We shared the same country roads, and were shaped by the same strong community. In his smile, we saw the familiar face of home. In his success, we celebrated our own.

“While the city of Belfast and the wider world mourn a legend, here in the Sixtowns, we mourn a native son. Our hills seem a little quieter today knowing he’s no longer with us.”

To ensure you don’t miss out on all the latest from Belfast Live, be sure to make us your preferred source on Google.

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Person cut from vehicle after crash on M6 motorway

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Person cut from vehicle after crash on M6 motorway

The fire service was called to the M6 southbound, between junctions 28 and 27, at around 10pm.

Firefighters used a variety of equipment to rescue a person who was trapped in the vehicle. The casualty was treated by the ambulance service.

Fire crews remained on site for around an hour.

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A spokesperson for the fire service said: “At 22:03 on February 20th, 2026, two fire engines from Bamber Bridge and Leyland attended a road traffic collision on the M6 southbound between Junctions 28 and 27.

“Firefighters used cutting and spreading equipment to rescue one person trapped in a vehicle. The casualty was treated on-site by the North West Ambulance Service. Crews remained at the scene for around one hour.”

Lancashire Police has been approached for comment.

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Bruce Mouat’s GB curling team lose gold medal to ‘cheating’ Canadians

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Bruce Mouat’s GB curling team lose gold medal to ‘cheating’ Canadians

With so much at stake between two of the very best teams in the world, the first half of the match was tense and hard fought. Canada initially had the hammer but Team GB still built the first end impressively to hold three and place early pressure on Jacobs. He had the answer, though, and calmly drew first blood.

Team GB continued their precise start in the second end, once again steadily placing Canada on the defensive, with Lammie particularly influential to present Mouat with the chance to take two on the hammer. True to form, the Scot did not waste the chance. Canada were already on the back foot but British errors then crept in and, with Kennedy setting up the end quite beautifully, Mouat was powerless to prevent Jacobs, his opposite number, from himself talking two. After trading shots, the sixth end felt pivotal. Trailing by two, Mouat needed to cannon off one stone and then remove one of the Canadian yellows to take a pair for Team GB and seal a major momentum shift. He duly delivered, leaving Britain in control until that fateful ninth end.

“Ultimately, a couple of back to back mistakes in the ninth have have cost us – and the guys are big enough and bold enough to admit that that’s elite curling,” said the coach, Greg Drummond.

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It is Britain’s fourth medal of what is now arguably their greatest Winter Olympics. Yes, they have not yet reached the five medals won in 2018 and 2014 (although that could change with Zoe Atkin in the freestyle ski halfpipe on Sunday morning) but they have already won three golds after never previously managing more than one at a single Olympic Games. Five fourth-place finishes also suggests wider progress.

Atkin, who is the reigning world champion in the half-pipe, had been due to take on her great Chinese rival Eileen Gu in Livigno on Saturday night. Persistent snow, however, had affected visibility and the final has been pushed back to the final day of these Winter Games.

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The Seaham coastal spot earning rave reviews on TripAdvisor

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The Seaham coastal spot earning rave reviews on TripAdvisor

Nose’s Point, perched on the dramatic Durham Heritage Coast near Seaham, has been hailed as a “simply stunning” attraction offering rugged cliff-top walks, wildlife watching, and a fascinating glimpse into the area’s industrial past.

Once the site of Dawdon Colliery, where mining waste was dumped directly into the sea, the headland has since been transformed into a rich coastal habitat. Today, wildflower meadows, grasslands and unique geological formations attract visitors year-round — from dog walkers and family groups to photographers chasing the perfect sunrise.

Described by locals and tourists alike as a “coastal gem,” the viewpoint offers panoramic views of the North Sea and accessible paths for all visitors at the upper levels, though access to the beach can be more challenging.

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While there are no cafés or toilets directly on-site, Seaham’s town centre is just a short walk or drive away — home to its famous sea glass beach and plenty of inviting cafés for a post-walk treat.

Facilities include:

  • Cliff-top trails and circular walking routes with benches for rest stops
  • Dog-friendly open spaces
  • Car parking, including accessible spaces
  • Information boards detailing the site’s mining heritage

Nose’s Point currently holds a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor from more than 270 reviews, with many praising its sweeping sea views and peaceful atmosphere.

⭐️ “A beautiful place to go… a great spot for views.”
⭐️ “Great views across the Seaham post-industrial landscape.”
⭐️ “My favourite place in the UK to visit. Stunning scenery, breathtaking day or night.”

From its rugged beauty to its remarkable history, Nose’s Point proves why the Durham coast continues to surprise visitors — a testament to how nature can reclaim and redefine a once-industrial landscape.

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Bid to build bridge over A19 for Coast to Coast walkers

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Bid to build bridge over A19 for Coast to Coast walkers

North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA) has applied to National Highways for funding for a footbridge over the road near Ingleby Arncliffe.

The Coast to Coast Walk, which is used by more than 6,000 people a year, stretches from St Bees in Cumbria to Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire.

It will be officially declared a National Trail next month in a move supporters hope will bring in funding to improve the route, increase its popularity and secure its future.

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A diversion from the traditional route set out by celebrated fell walker and author Alfred Wainwright in 1973 has been put in place to discourage walkers from crossing the A19 at Ingleby Arncliffe.

But there is consensus that the ideal solution would be to build a footbridge where the route meets the arterial road near Exelby Services.

A report to next week’s NYMNPA finance, risk and audit committee notes that an application has been submitted for funding of between £6m and £10m for a green bridge.

Joel Brookfield, NYMNPA director of recreation and wellbeing, said the application was made to the National Highways’ capital programme, which offered capital funding for improvement works adjacent to the strategic highway network.

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Mr Brookfield said he understood the authority was still waiting for a response to the submission, which he described as “speculative”.

He added: “The current A19 bridge situation is that a feasibility and technical survey for a crossing at Ingleby Arncliffe was commissioned by Defra and completed, but the project was then put on hold. This was in early 2025.

“There has been no progress since then, other than the creation of a formal diversionary route of the Coast to Coast National Trail, which uses the Black Swan Bridge at Trenholme Bar.”

The funding bid has the support of Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond and Northallerton, who helped  secure the funds for the Coast to Coast Walk to be made a National Trail.

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He said: “I hope National Highways will take this forward.

“While National Trail status is secured and the official opening will take place next month, a footbridge at Ingleby Arncliffe over the A19  is ultimately the best option for the thousands of walkers who tackle the trail every year.”

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Thousands march in Lyon after killing of far-right activist Quentin Deranque | World News

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People holding lit torches during the march. Pic: Reuters

Some 3,000 people joined a march in France on Saturday after the killing of a far-right activist in an incident that shocked the nation.

Quentin Deranque, 23, died in hospital from brain injuries last week after being beaten in Lyon, where clashes between far-right and far-left groups have become more frequent.

A minute’s silence was held before the start of the march, organised by far-right groups, which saw some demonstrators hold white tulips while others carried banners and placards.

Many people dressed in black, some with their faces partially covered, and chanted “justice for Quentin” and “antifa assassin”.

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The march took place under heavy police scrutiny with no major incidents recorded, but the local authority said it had reported Nazi salutes and racist ‌insults filmed during the march to the prosecutor, after videos circulated on social media.

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People hold a banner that says ‘the far-left kills’. Pic: AP

A man holds a flare next to banners reading: 'justice for Quentin' and 'goodbye comrade'. Pic: Reuters
Image:
A man holds a flare next to banners reading: ‘justice for Quentin’ and ‘goodbye comrade’. Pic: Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron had called for calm ahead of the demonstration, saying: “This is a moment of remembrance and respect for this young compatriot who was killed, for his family and loved ones. That must come first.

“And then it is a moment of firmness and responsibility.”

Mr Deranque’s parents also called for calm and did not take part in the march.

The 23-year-old died after being attacked during a fight that erupted between far-left and far-right supporters, on the margins of a student meeting where a far-left lawmaker was a keynote speaker.

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A wreath at a makeshift memorial to Quentin Deranque. Pic: Reuters
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A wreath at a makeshift memorial to Quentin Deranque. Pic: Reuters

Pic: AP
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Pic: AP

Clashes between the two sides have become frequent in Lyon. The fighting often takes the form of organised street battles in the city, sometimes involving groups of several dozen people.

The city is seen by intelligence services as the cradle of far-right activism in France.

Its left-leaning militant groups have been formed more recently, in reaction to the many far-right groups that have been active for several decades.

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Read more:
British far-right activists ‘banned from France’
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Seven people are ⁠under formal investigation for their alleged roles in Mr Deranque’s murder, including a former aide to a lawmaker for the ‌hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) party, which has condemned the killing.

LFI’s opponents have accused it of stirring up violence and tensions with its combative far-left politics. Its leader, Jean-Luc Melenchon, has condemned the violence and insisted his party is not to blame for the tragedy.

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BBC The Walsh Sisters viewers fume over ‘truly awful’ detail just minutes in

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Belfast Live

The Walsh Sisters premiered on Saturday night, with BBC viewers sharing mixed reactions

New drama The Walsh Sisters, adapted from Marian Keyes’s bestselling novel, made its debut on Saturday night (February 21).

Keyes launched her first book featuring the Walsh Sisters, entitled Watermelon, in 1995, before releasing its hugely popular follow-up, Rachel’s Holiday, two years later. Angels and Anybody Out There were published in 2002 and 2006, respectively.

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The new BBC comedy-drama focuses on five sisters navigating their own triumphs and tribulations throughout their 20s and 30s, as they encounter some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

“This is a sisterhood full of in-jokes, hand-me-down resentments and more than a few old wounds. But their DNA, history and shared love of power ballads keep the Walsh sisters together in the face of heartbreak, grief, addiction and parenthood,” the official synopsis continues, reports the Mirror.

READ MORE: Where was BBC The Walsh Sisters filmed as ‘Hollywood’ arrives for Irish dramaREAD MORE: BBC The Walsh Sisters stars Irish legends from House of Guinness and Derry Girls

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Derry Girls star Louisa Harland portrays Anna in the Dublin-based series. The programme also follows Rachel (Caroline Menton), Maggie (Stefanie Preissner), Claire (Danielle Galligan), and Helen (Máiréad Tyers).

The opening episode introduced audiences to siblings Anna and Rachel, who share accommodation in Dublin, where late evenings and chaotic mornings are commonplace. However, after a rowdy night out with their partners, Aidan (Samuel Anderson) and Luke (Jay Duffy), friction quickly emerged when Luke grew anxious over Rachel’s irresponsible conduct.

Anna subsequently disclosed to Rachel that she was engaged, prompting her sister to voice her reservations, given they’d only been together for a few months.

Later during the episode, the five siblings went out for drinks to mark Claire’s divorce. However, catastrophe struck when Rachel was rushed to hospital. The episode concluded with a startling cliffhanger as Anna and her fiancé, Aidan, were caught up in a horrific car crash.

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After watching the first episode, numerous BBC viewers voiced their grievances, as they felt that the novels were better at depicting the sisters’ narratives and endearing characteristics.

“Glad I read the books first. So much better than the TV adaptation,” one individual posted on X (formerly Twitter), with another stating: “I’m not sure why they decided to clump all the sisters’ stories together. It’s not working for me.”

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A third remarked: “Everybody speaks the same terrible dialogue, but nobody looks even vaguely similar except they are all really unlikeable as people,” whilst another person similarly observed: “Who the f*** thought it was a good idea to give [Aidan] an American accent?!? Truly awful.”

In contrast, other audience members expressed optimism that the programme would strengthen as it progressed, with one individual noting: “This episode is just warming up… think the next episodes will be even better.”

The Walsh Sisters is available to stream on BBC iPlayer

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7 cases before Northern Ireland courts this week

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Belfast Live
7 cases before Northern Ireland courts this week | Belfast Live

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‘We need that’ – Pep Guardiola has message for Man City fans after Newcastle

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Manchester Evening News

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spoke about the atmosphere at the Etihad after their 2-1 win over Newcastle

Pep Guardiola wants a repeat performance at Manchester City for the rest of the season – from the fans. Two goals from Nico O’Reilly earned a big win over Newcastle in the Premier League title race and Guardiola wants the Etihad as alive as it was on Saturday night for the rest of their run-in.

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Recent matches in various competitions at the Etihad have seen empty seats at matches, with nine games in seven weeks proving too much for some supporters amid various issues around the matchday. But it was a full house for the fourth out of five confirmed meetings with Newcastle this season and the fans played their part in the Blues moving to within two points of Arsenal at the top of the table.

“Always I say to the players [that] we have to play for the fans – I have incredible respect for them,” said Guardiola. “Sometimes they cannot come for the price, for many reasons, because we play in midweek for example at 8pm, and the day after the kids have to be at school, the father and mother has to go to work.

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“And today, tomorrow is off, tomorrow is Sunday, so it’s perfect, and look at the opponent. We need that, I encourage them to come, we try to do our best, we don’t want to disappoint. Today the connection and vibe with our fans was the best of the season. We have five games left [at home in the Premier League], we need that vibe.”

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Meanwhile Guardiola started his press conference by congratulating James Milner after the former City player set a new standard in the league. “Today he made an incredible milestone to become the player with most appearances in the Premier League – it’s incredible, hats off!” he said.

“This is consistency, this is love for the game. I know he will become an incredible top golf player, but what he has done is unbelievable. So on behalf of Man City, because he played here, James, congratulations.”

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 04: Erling Haaland of Manchester City gestures during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on February 04, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Kate McShane/Getty Images)

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The Carabao Cup Final will see Arsenal v Manchester City at London’s Wembley Stadium this March.

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Film fans warned to take ‘precautions’ on Yorkshire Moors

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Film fans warned to take 'precautions' on Yorkshire Moors

The warning follows a 75 per cent increase in Google searches for “Yorkshire Moors” in the past week after the release of a new adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

The film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, has reignited interest in the dramatic Yorkshire landscape.

But outdoor experts are reminding visitors that the moors can be hazardous for those who arrive unprepared.

Natalie Wolfenden, author and outdoor enthusiast at GO Outdoors, said: “Moorlands are known for sudden weather changes, gale-force winds, uneven terrain, slippery paths, featureless surroundings and patchy mobile signal.

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Stunning Sky in Swaledale by Adrian Morris. (Image: Adrian Morris)

“If you’ve been inspired to head outdoors after watching Wuthering Heights, make sure to take extra precautions so you’re properly prepared for these environments.”

Ms Wolfenden has shared seven safety tips for those planning a ‘set-jetting’ trip:

Plan your route
Before setting off, review your route carefully to make sure it’s suitable for your ability.
Check for any steep or rocky sections, as these can become especially slippery after rain. If there’s been prolonged rainfall, steer clear of boggy terrain, which may be waterlogged.

Footwear
Sturdy shoes with good grip are essential for the moors, which can be slippery and muddy year-round.

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Visibility
Wear reflective clothing, especially in foggy conditions.

Carry a torch or headlamp.

Phone signal
Mobile coverage is patchy on the moors.

Fully charge your phone, download offline maps, and tell someone your route.

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Weather
Check the forecast and be prepared for sudden changes.

Companions
It’s safer not to walk alone.

A walking companion can help in emergencies and share kit.

Emergencies
In case of emergency, dial 999 or 112, ask for the police, then request Mountain Rescue.

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Remain where you are and follow instructions.

By following these guidelines, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking scenery safely.

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