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Check FAQAbout Laura
Laura Lynott is a senior journalist based in Dublin, Ireland who has worked in national and local newspapers for 15 years. Laura has worked freelance for almost three of those and has written for magazines and websites in the U.K. and Ireland. Throughout her lengthy career, Laura has written crime, hard news, human interest, health, politics, celebrity news, social affairs, court reporting and business, among other issues. She has been at the centre of breaking news for many years and has also sought out the story behind main headlines for a different take on an issue and Laura has also news edited and help nurture journalistic skills in others. Among the tiles Laura has worked for are the Irish Independent, the Scotsman, the Irish Mirror, Irish Times, Irish Sun, Irish Daily Mail, Irish Star, Sunday World, Woman's Way, Pick Me Up, Edinburgh Evening News, Salford Advertiser, Derry Journal, Manchester Evening News, Belfast Telegraph.
English
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‘My business is gone,’ says owner of Rathgar workshop ruined by blaze as he hails mechanic’s lucky escape
The Moto Pitstop motorcycle service centre in Rathgar, Dublin, was destroyed in a fire, with all bikes for sale and repair lost. Owner Daragh Smith confirmed the business is gone but was relieved that his mechanic, who suffered burns, escaped alive and is doing well at St James' Hospital. Dublin Fire Brigade made good progress in controlling the blaze, which was intensified by the presence of oil in the workshop. Road closures were implemented around the area. Eyewitnesses from nearby businesses, including Howley Souhan Estate Agents, described the shocking event and the rapid response of the fire services.
‘My business is gone,’ says owner of Rathgar workshop ruined by blaze as he hails mechanic’s lucky escape
The Moto Pitstop motorcycle service centre in Rathgar, Dublin, was destroyed in a fire, with the owner Daragh Smith confirming the loss of the business and bikes. An employee sustained burns but is stable in St James’ Hospital. Dublin Fire Brigade responded to the well-developed fire, deploying multiple resources and advising residents due to smoke drift. Road closures were implemented, and the cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Urgent appeal for road safety after two deaths in separate incidents over the weekend
Two fatal road accidents occurred in Ireland over the weekend, with a pedestrian killed on the M1 in Lusk and a driver dying in a single-vehicle crash on the R448 in Kilcullen. Local councillors Robert O’Donoghue and Tracey O’Dwyer expressed their condolences and emphasized the importance of road safety. With 10 road deaths already in 2024 and a 19% increase in 2023 from the previous year, the Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage to aid in their investigations.
Concern for rise in children missing school amid high levels of teacher burnout from excessive workloads
Principals and deputies in Ireland are expressing concern over the increasing number of children missing school, attributing this trend to high levels of burnout among school leaders due to excessive workloads. The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals highlighted these challenges at their conference, emphasizing the need for educational reform in the wake of the pandemic.
Body of man (60s) discovered in Co Kerry house
A man in his 60s was found dead at a house in Duagh, Listowel, Co. Kerry, on Saturday afternoon. The scene has been sealed for forensic examination, and the body was moved to University Hospital Kerry for a post mortem scheduled for Tuesday. The investigation's direction will depend on the post mortem results. Local councillor Robert Beasley expressed shock and condolences to the man's family and friends.
Principals’ anger as ‘random number generator’ used to pick schools for science funding after arduous application process
School principals in Ireland are expressing frustration with Education Minister Norma Foley after her department used a random number generator to allocate funding for science projects, bypassing the assessment of over 2,000 applications for STEM equipment and projects. The process involved a preliminary lottery before human assessment, leading to disappointment among educators who had undergone an arduous application process.
Irish peacekeepers fear Israel-Gaza conflict may spiral into regional war one year on from killing of Seán Rooney in Lebanon
Irish and Maltese peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon are concerned about the escalating conflict between Israel and Gaza, fearing it may turn into a regional war. Explosions have been reported close to their United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) outpost. Lieutenant Essie O’Connell and Lieutenant Colonel Stephen MacEoin highlighted the peacekeepers' vital role in the area, which has been intensified by the presence of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Southern Lebanon. The militia has launched rocket attacks into Israel, prompting rapid responses. The remembrance of Private Seán Rooney, killed last year by suspected Hezbollah gunmen, underscores the risks faced by the peacekeepers.
Principal of fee-paying school advocates for increased uptake of apprenticeships
The principal of Dundalk Grammar School, a private boarding school in Ireland, is advocating for an increased uptake of apprenticeships, emphasizing the need for skilled tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians, and builders. The school is noted to be probably the 'most competitively priced in Ireland'.
Jonathan Irwin, former Goffs MD and founder of Jack and Jill Foundation, dies aged 82 after short illness
Jonathan Irwin, the former managing director of Goffs and founder of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, has passed away at the age of 82 after a short illness. He was celebrated for his extensive charity work and his innovative contributions to the bloodstock racing industry. Irwin, who had a diverse career including roles at BBA Ireland, The Turf Club, and Goffs, was also recognized with numerous awards for his philanthropic efforts. He is survived by his wife Mary Ann O’Brien and six children. The Jack and Jill Foundation praised him as a charismatic leader and advocate for family carers, emphasizing the impact of his work on thousands of families across Ireland.
Jonathan Irwin, former Goffs MD and founder of Jack and Jill Foundation, dies aged 82 after short illness
Jonathan Irwin, the former managing director of Goffs and founder of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, has passed away at the age of 82 after a short illness. He was celebrated for his transformative work in the bloodstock racing industry and his extensive charity work, particularly through the home nursing care model he established in his son Jack's name. The model has supported nearly 3,000 children across Ireland. Irwin, who had a diverse career and received numerous awards, was remembered as a charismatic figure with a passion for advocacy and storytelling.
Crash on Dublin’s M50 causes major southbound delays
A collision on Dublin's M50 southbound between Blanchardstown and J7 Lucan has caused significant delays. Emergency services, including heavy recovery for an HGV, are responding to the incident. The mainline lanes have since reopened, but the auxiliary lane remains blocked. The Irish Independent has reached out to the gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade for more information.
Cop 28: Taoiseach will pledge €225m a year to take on climate change
The Irish Government has committed to funding climate change initiatives with an annual pledge of €225 million in response to global extreme weather events. Taoiseach Mr Varadkar emphasized Ireland's duty to act 'harder and faster' for a safe environment. The 2023 summit, seen as crucial for assessing progress on the 2015 Paris Agreement, will focus on emissions reduction, renewable energy, and climate finance. Mr Varadkar will address the conference, highlighting Ireland's commitment to nations most affected by climate change. The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine will also be discussed, although key leaders like US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not attend.
Dublin stabbings hero vows to help family of gravely injured child ‘in any way I can’
A Deliveroo driver, Mr Benicio, who intervened in the Parnell Square stabbings in Dublin, has offered to help the family of a gravely injured five-year-old girl. The attack left the girl seriously ill, two other children and their teacher injured. The teacher used her body to shield the children, and a nurse, Leo Ralph Villia Mayor, provided medical attention to the child. A GoFundMe campaign has raised a significant sum to thank Mr Benicio for his bravery. The assailant, an Algerian-born naturalized Irish citizen, has been detained by Gardaí, with no terror motive suspected.
Dublin shooting victim Brandon Ledwidge (23) ‘had recent row with local criminal’
Brandon Ledwidge, 23, was shot in the garden of a home on Barry Drive in Finglas, north Dublin, and is the first gangland murder victim of the year. He was not considered a serious criminal but had links to higher-level gangsters. Tributes were paid by his family on social media. Local Fianna Fáil councillor Keith Connolly offered condolences and appealed for information. Ledwidge had been a defender at Finglas Celtic and a past student at local schools. A Garda spokesperson stated the scene was preserved for examination, and a post-mortem is expected at Dublin City Morgue.
Domestic violence fuelled Anna Finnegan’s murder by her partner, hears Laura Lynott
The article discusses the tragic murder of Anna Finnegan, who was killed by her partner Vesel Jahiri, the father of her two children. Anna had suffered years of domestic violence at the hands of Jahiri, who isolated her from family and friends to exert control. Despite attempts to leave him, including signing into a women's refuge, Jahiri murdered Anna in September 2012. The article highlights the dangers of domestic violence and urges victims to trust their instincts and leave abusive relationships before it's too late. Lisa Finnegan, Anna's sister, shares the story in hopes of advocating for other women and raising awareness about the signs of an abusive relationship. The article also provides contact information for Women's Aid for those affected by domestic violence.
‘It’s Penneys, Hun’ – New behind-the-scenes series on popular retailer to air next week
A new television series titled 'Inside Penneys' will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the popular retailer Penneys, also known as Primark, starting January 9 on RTÉ One. The series will explore the company's global headquarters in Dublin, its buying and design teams, and the opening of new stores. Despite facing inflation and being associated with fast fashion, Penneys has made efforts to adapt by changing sourcing and supply methods to protect workers and the environment. The series aims to provide insight into the business and its role in affordable fashion.
Michaela McAreavey murder investigators in Mauritius focus on four new suspects
Mauritian police are investigating four new potential suspects in the murder of Michaela McAreavey, who was killed in her honeymoon suite at the Legends hotel in 2011. The development follows the acquittal of two former hotel workers in 2012. The Director of Public Prosecutions in Mauritius indicated that fresh evidence is being prepared for a new trial. The families of McAreavey and Harte have been informed of the progress but are awaiting further details before commenting. A security source highlighted a dummy electronic card found in the victim's room as a key piece of evidence.
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