Two referendum will be held on 8 March to amend the constitution on the themes of marriage as fundament of the family and on the role of women in the family; proposed texts would bring the basic principles - fully respected - closer to 'real life'

U2 frontman Bono was awarded the Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden; he paid tribute to his bandmates and fellow activists as he became the first Irish recipient of the highest US civilian honour since Mary Robinson, awarded by Barack Obama in 2009

A historic gate in Dublin's Phoenix Park, removed last September after being hit by a council lorry, will be reinstated this month, the Office of Public Works said

PM Harris says Israel's decision to close its embassy in Dublin is 'deeply regrettable' and a sign of the 'diplomacy of distraction', adding Ireland will continue to engage diplomatically, but keep affirming its position on the war in Gaza

New bandaging aims to ease the agony of those living with genetic skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa; Maynooth University is leading research into 'spray on, wash off' bandages that won't cause severe pain when applied or removed, as those now used do