This afternoon.
RDS. Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
With her party heading for 30-36 seats, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald (left) with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill arrives at the Generel Election 2020 greater Dublin count centre.
More as we get it.
Earlier: Sinn When You’re Winning
Pic: Vanessa Foran
The passing occurred this morning of Grogans Tommy Smith. A man who devoted his life to the pub, Tommy passed peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/6Oo0W16iMA
— Grogans Castle Lounge (@GrogansPub) February 9, 2020
This morning.
The death of Tommy Smith of Grogan’s, South William Street, Dublin 2 has been announced.
In 1972, Tommy purchased Grogan’s and with co-proprietor Paddy Kennedy transformed it into a literary hub, maintaining the tradition of the true Irish pub – no music, no TV, with conversation as the central focus.
RIP
Tonight.
For the first time ever, three parties are all fighting it out to be Ireland’s most popular party according to the official Exit Poll for General Election 2020.
The Ipsos MRBI Exit Poll for TG4, RTÉ, The Irish Times and UCD shows Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin all on 22% of first preference votes.
Any excuse.
More as we get it.
Live Election Tracker (RTÉ)
Thanks Deirdre Ní Choistín
Meanwhile….
Exit polling preferences among Generation Z.
Dublin Central polling station at St Francis Xavier Community Centre, Lower Dorset Road, Dublin 1 this morning
Not me.
YOU!
Anyone?
Pic via Adam Hurley
Today.
Scenes from General Election 2020 pollib stations at St. Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys, Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7 and at the Muslim National School, Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.
I’m not crying. You are.
Keelin Shanley
This afternoon.
The death from cancer of journalist and broadcaster Keelin Shanley has been announced. She was 51.
Via RTE:
Keelin grew up in Monkstown, County. Dublin. Having graduated from Trinity College with a degree in biochemistry, Keelin worked as a researcher in the Department of Pharmacology in the University of Bologna. Keelin then returned to Ireland and started working with RTÉ, presenting a number of science and technology in the late 1990s.
Via Sinéad Crowley at RTÉ:
Over the years at RTÉ, Keelin earned the reputation of being an agile broadcaster, presenting TV programmes Crimecall and Morning Edition. She also worked on the station’s flagship radio shows Morning Ireland and Late Debate.
In January 2018 she took over the reins of Six One News on RTÉ television alongside Caitriona Perry. The pair became the first female duo to anchor the show.
However, her time on the programme was brought to a premature end when she faced cancer.
A warm, tenacious and fiercely intelligent journalist, Keelin Shanley was an exceptional broadcaster and a wonderful colleague.
She will be sorely missed by many, but most of all by her husband Conor, their children Lucy and Ben, her wider family and a large circle of friends.
RIP.
RTÉ broadcaster Keelin Shanley dies following illness
Meanwhile…
Keelin Shanley was hugely talented and had an extraordinary work ethic. She was also the best kind of friend – kind and generous and supportive and courageous. And just so smart and self-deprecating and funny. It was a privilege to know her. https://t.co/MJiHkdlZSp
— Katie Hannon (@KatieGHannon) February 8, 2020
This morning.
Navan Road, Cabra, Dublin 7.
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald leaving the polling station at St. Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys after voting in General Election 2020.
Meanwhile…
This morning.
Laurel Lodge, Castleknock, Dublin 15.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar voting at Scoil Thomáis.
Meanwhile…
This morning.
St Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park, Dublin.
President Michael D Higgins and Sabina Higgins voting in General Election 2020.
Meanwhile…
This morning.
Roebuck Road, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.
Leader of the Green Party Eamon Ryan casting his vote in General Election 2020 at a polling station in the Muslim National School.
Meanwhile…
This morning.
The first voting nuns of Generel Election 2020.
Also at the Muslim National School, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14.
More as we get it.
MORE to follow.
Dancer Don King and Bonnie Ryan (above) at the official launch of Thrive Festival 2020; Glenda Gilsen (above lettering) at the Convention Centre, Dublin
Attention fitness enthusiasts and nutrition boffins.
No wait, come back.
We have a pair of tickets to give away to both the Saturday and Sunday of this year’s Thrive Festival in Dublin’s Convention Centre on February 29 and March 1.
Thrive is ‘an explorium of cutting-edge fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, yoga, meditation and interactive panel discussions‘ over three days.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell me below what is your favourite song about food or which mentions a particular food.
The winner will be chosen by my personal trainer.
Polls close at MIDNIGHT 6am.
Nick says: Good luck!
Golden Discs voucher competition will return next week.
Pics: Photocall Ireland
