February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

From: Peter Mandelson To: Charles Manson Re: Media coverage Sickened by one-sided reporting of the story – but I have never left your side. Dinner soon? From: Peter Mandelson To: Peter Sutcliffe Re: Biased reporting I see the press are going to town on you again – however, I have an unrivalled feel for these… Read more »

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

Morgan McSweeney The Westminster high-flyer has had his wings clipped following a series of blunders caused by the Peter Mandelson fiasco. With Keir Starmer looking like he’s about to crash and burn at any moment, McSweeney is starting to look like excess baggage. Larry Murrin Farmers are claiming the Bord Bia boss has his head… Read more »

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has issued another furious warning to Elon Musk after X refused an Oireachtas committee request to answer questions on the Grok scandal. Wringing his hands strenuously, Mr Martin said: “The time for empty gestures about social media platforms acting responsibly is long gone. It’s obvious that the company’s latest decision is slightly… Read more »

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

Ursula von der Leyen Phil dedicated his life to public service around Europe’s hot spots but then found himself disgraced for something he did not do, ie follow basic pandemic rules. Ironically, his closest colleagues (especially me) flung him under the Brussels gravy train, leaving him with only his huge pensions for company. Leo Varadkar… Read more »

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

Dishes affected by the new price hike include… ◊ Coalition in the soup ◊ Government’s smoked election prospects ◊ Backbenchers’ beef á la Micheál ◊ FF and FG’s goose cooked ◊ Mixed berry crumbling infrastructure ◊ Cheesed off electorate

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

Ryan Tubridy to Kevin Bakhurst You’ve seen the news, my gleaming grin How it seems I have it all… But all of this, my love, I’d bin If only you would call Fianna Fáil to Micheál Martin We’ve beentogether now so long It’s like you are our father But from next week we’d like you… Read more »

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

Rugby fans have taken to social media to express their frustration following the news that RTÉ and Virgin Media are to controversially screen Six Nations coverage in between breaks in their advertising. Supporters had been hoping to avoid the gruelling experience of watching Ireland slump to a seemingly inevitable mid-table finish but the new announcement… Read more »

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that he has received an invitation to the White House on St Patrick’s Day. “I am proud to maintain this long-standing tradition of completely glossing over the US’s increasingly toxic role in geopolitics in exchange for a free holiday. Though I am slightly worried after he mentioned that Delta Force would… Read more »

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

Yes, it’s the biggest transformation ever seen in Ireland’s news media as the Irish Times unveils its latest style update to the waiting world. But why is the paper of record so desperate for attention? There is a long answer to this question (see Fintan Tool p3-9), but the truth is we’re taking into account… Read more »

February 12, 2026 Craic & Codology

By Alec Adoo Communities across Ireland were left outraged after a guileless group of compatriots were brutally battered by a gang of Frenchmen while on a recent visit to Paris. Eye witnesses described the victims as “defenceless” in the prolonged attack, which occurred in the Stade de France area. The group of 15 hapless individuals… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

Exclusive by all political hacks With his latest calming/incendiary speech, there can be no doubt Donald Trump has lowered the political temperature/plunged the globe into World War III. By striking a more conciliatory tone/threatening to invade half the globe, the US president has reassured traditional allies/sent international governments into meltdown. This latest dramatic twist has… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

Ryanair boss Mick O’Leary has made a shock threat to buy X from billionaire Elon Musk, saying the platform is “full of mouthy f*****s talking absolute s***e – which is why I’d be totally at home”. “Musk is a big idiot but I’m definitely a bigger one,” thundered O’Leary. “If he doesn’t shut his trap,… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

Has the media gone totally overboard in its coverage of the Beckham family feud? This is the vital question my features editor had ordered me to write 2,000 words about today. Certainly, there can be no doubting the achievements of football legend David Beckham and his ex-pop star wife Victoria, which I’ve extensively read about… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

London’s Centre for the Hopeless concerned as Irish man wanders off This is Ryan. Ryan came to London two years ago following an incident in Ireland in which he lost his job after some powerful people claimed he owed them money. A kindly friend helped Ryan secure work on a local radio station, where he… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

THE price of national stamps will rise to €1.85 next month due to fewer letters being sent, soaring overhead costs and bad weather, An Post has announced. According to a senior executive: “Our priority is providing a world-class service countrywide and we are extremely proud of our record of delivering change – if not mail…. Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

REALITY TV star Maura Higgins continues to turn heads on The Traitors US series as she showcases her jaw-dropping fashion sense. The fun-loving Ballymahon bombshell has also been busy adding glamour and glitter to the Golden Globes, where she even cosied up to Snoop Dogg for a photo in another of her figure-hugging outfits. Everyone… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

Best bystander: Micheál Martin in Trump’s Tariff Threats Best prolonged silence: Irish Government in Grok and a Hard Place Best whistling past the graveyard: GAA hierarchy in Allianz Awkwardness Best display of generosity: Paschal Donohoe in World Bank Opportunity Best histrionics: Entertainment hacks in Hamnet Hype Best burning resentment: Roy Keane in Old Trafford Wives… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

Defence: White House will continue retreating from tariffs Minerals: Most agree America’s name is mud Agriculture: Donald always chickens out Economy: Something fishy about Trump’s climb down Climate change: Invasion talk has sunk without trace Sovereignty: Relations with Denmark increasingly icy Transport: The US president’s U-turns looking more and more like car crashes

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

With belief in the Irish rugby team plummeting ahead of the Six Nations opener against France, boss Andy Farrell has insisted the lack of expectation suits his team, stating: “We’ll have no problem meeting those low standards. “We have a proven track record, especially in under-performing,” he added. “Pundits shouldn’t underestimate us as we’re always… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

RTÉ’S LATEST sure-fire hit comedy-drama has already got the nation gripped and is the most eagerly anticipated debut series of 2026 – if you follow Irish media outlets. The poolside horror begins after an Irish wedding in Tenerife when several scantily clad men and women (but mostly women) find a dead body in the pool… Read more »

January 29, 2026 Craic & Codology

Ryan Tubridy Claims to be snowed under with job offers but has had to deny allegations he is being cold-shouldered by most media outlets. Will be hoping to get back to the peak of his broadcasting powers but he has an absolute mountain to climb to get there. Enoch Burke Things have been going downhill… Read more »