The Health Service Executive has said that it will resume administering the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in modest amounts in acute hospital settings today.

Police in Northern Ireland have launched a double murder investigation following the discovery of three bodies at two homes in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim last night.

A volcano has erupted just 40 kilometres from Iceland's capital Reykjavik, with red lava spewing out of the ground and a crimson glow lighting up the night sky as a no-fly zone was established in the area.

The Covid-19 story changes almost every hour, not unlike the Irish weather. But brighter days are ahead, writes Fergal Bowers.

From an acknowledgement that the messaging from NPHET isn't always what people want to hear, to confirmation that Ireland will not go outside the European Medicines Agency process to approve Sputnik or any other vaccines, here are six things we learn...

Some in Fine Gael contend considerable damage has been done to the Tánaiste's standing, but say Leo Varadkar is still the most popular party leader, before adding "for now at least".

Former US president Donald Trump's Florida resort Mar-a-Lago has been partially closed after some members of staff tested positive for the coronavirus, US media has reported.

Make a wish. This is Shared Island Day. When everyone is on the same page.

If this feels like a dreadfully fractious period in EU-UK relations - vaccines, the Northern Ireland Protocol - don't forget the rollercoaster of autumn 2019.

The Department of Health has been notified of ten further deaths associated with Covid-19, with 507 additional confirmed cases.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said he will not speculate beyond what he has already said on whether restrictions will continue after 5 April, or will be relaxed at that point.

A major haul of the drug MDMA announced by the Paris police this week has turned out to be nothing more sinister than strawberry sweets, sources said.

A stunning week for Rachael Blackmore at the Cheltenham Festival was completed on Friday as she became the first woman to secure the coveted top jockeys' award.

Former president Mary McAleese has described as "unacceptable" and "ugly" the language used in a Vatican document that says the Catholic Church cannot bless single-sex unions.

A number of European nations, including France, Germany and Italy, have resumed administering the AstraZeneca vaccine.

All the details as they happened, following the approved resumption of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in Ireland.

A forklift truck driver who used a bank card belonging to Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez to go on a €200,000 spending spree has been jailed for fraud.

Perspex screens are to be used between the candidate and the interviewer for this year's Leaving Certificate oral exams.

Knock Shrine has been designated an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine.