Tommy Meskill

London Correspondent

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court,

Graham Linehan cleared of harassing transgender activist

Father Ted co-creator Graham Linehan has been found guilty of the criminal damage of a transgender woman's phone at an event in London last year, but not guilty of harassment.

Courts • 8 hrs

Photo show people gathered for Irish workshop for beginners organised Croí na Gaeilge in London

Celtic revival: The growth of Gaeilge in Britain

There's been a significant surge in interest in learning the Irish language in Britain, according to those involved in teaching it. One of the largest online education providers in the UK, City Lit, says that Irish is its second fastest growing course.

UK • 24 Nov

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson leaves Dorland House after giving evidence to the COVID inquiry in London

'Too little, too late' - key points from UK Covid Inquiry

One of its headline findings is that 23,000 fewer people would have died in England during the first wave had the government introduced a lockdown one week earlier, writes Tommy Meskill.

Analysis and Comment • 23 Nov

Post-Brexit record in Irish passport applications from UK

Almost a quarter of a million people living in the UK applied for an Irish passport last year, the highest number since the UK formally left the European Union.

Ireland • 14 Nov

A man dressed in a grey suit and hat standing posing for a photo in front of a door

The charming Irish pensioner murdered for his groceries

A beloved uncle, brother and friend, John Mackey was a "gentleman" who can now be remembered for the man he was.

Analysis and Comment • 14 Nov

police shot of Peter Augustine's face on a blue background

Man guilty of murdering 87-year-old John Mackey in London

A man accused of the murder of Irish pensioner John Mackey in London has been found guilty.

UK • 24 Nov

87-year-old John Mackey died from blunt force impacts to his head and chest

Mackey murder accused tells trial of previous convictions

The man accused of murdering an elderly Irish pensioner in London has told the jury that he once accidently struck his former girlfriend in the face.

UK • 12 Nov

John Mackey died two days after being attacked as he walked home from his local shops

Mackey trial accused felt 'responsible' for death - court

The man accused of murdering an elderly Irish man in London has told the Old Bailey that he felt 'responsible' for his death, but insisted that he never harmed him.

Courts • 10 Nov

John Mackey died in May after being attacked in north London while walking home from his local shop

'I know what I did', UK murder accused told judge in May

The man accused of the murder of an Irish pensioner in London told a judge last May that he did not want bail because he was "guilty".

UK • 07 Nov

John Mackey, an 87-year-old man, died two days after the attack from blunt force impacts to his head and ches

Witness saw person 'kicking' John Mackey, UK court hears

A witness in the trial of a man accused of murdering an Irish pensioner in London and robbing his groceries has told the Old Bailey that he saw a person "stomping" and "kicking" the elderly man as he lay on the ground.

UK • 06 Nov