Stena Line and Irish Ferries are introducing stricter identification requirements for passengers travelling by ferry between the Republic of Ireland and Britain.
From Monday, September 28th, 2026 next, passengers, including children, will need to present a valid passport when checking in for affected sailings. Stena Line says the requirement will apply in both directions on its Dublin–Holyhead route and Rosslare–Fishguard route. No alternative forms of identification will be accepted by Stena Line. The company is contacting customers who already have bookings.
Irish Ferries has similarly announced that all passengers, including Irish and British citizens, travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Britain in either direction must carry a valid passport. Its announcement also advises Irish passengers to check that their passport or Irish passport card is in date. The operators say the change is required to comply with UK Border Force rules concerning the accuracy and integrity of passenger information collected before boarding.
This new passport rule appears to be part of the UK’s move towards a more digital, automated border system, requiring ferry operators to provide accurate, verifiable passenger information before departure. Passports make it easier to confirm travellers’ identities, nationalities and immigration permissions, so the measure is connected to immigration and border security in that operational sense; however, authorities have not linked it to any particular immigration incident or increase in illegal migration. It does not alter the Common Travel Area rights of Irish and British citizens, who remain exempt from visas and the UK’s Electronic Travel
What were the previous rules? Under the Common Travel Area, Irish and British citizens are not generally legally required to present a passport when travelling between the two countries. UK government guidance still says that Irish and British citizens travelling from Ireland to Great Britain may establish their identity and nationality using documentation other than a current passport.
Previously, ferry companies could accept alternative identification from Irish and British passengers. Depending on the operator and passenger’s age, this could include a driving licence or other official photographic ID. Irish Ferries’ earlier guidance also said that British and Irish passengers under 18 without photographic identification could usually travel with a birth certificate.
This new requirement is therefore principally a stricter carrier check-in policy. It does not remove the travel and residency rights enjoyed by Irish and British citizens under the Common Travel Area. Government guidance also makes clear that ferry operators may impose their own documentary requirements.
The change does not affect Stena Line’s services from Belfast to Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham. Passengers using other routes or operators should check the identification rules applying to their particular booking before travelling.
The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) is preparing to ballot its members for industrial action, amid a dispute over an unpaid salary increase linked to Senior Cycle reform.
The union says a 1% pay rise—part of the Senior Cycle Redevelopment Implementation Support Measures accepted by members in May 2025, remains outstanding. TUI members subsequently began fulfilling their commitments under the agreement.
If members endorse industrial action, the initial response will be to suspend participation and co-operation in Additional Assessment Components (AACs), including the practical and project-based assessments introduced under the redeveloped Senior Cycle.
TUI President Mr Anthony Quinn said members had honoured the agreement in good faith and expected the Department of Education and Youth to do the same. He described the delayed payment as a serious breach of trust that calls the Government’s commitment to Senior Cycle redevelopment into question.
The Department said it remains committed to implementing the Public Service Agreement, including its local-bargaining provisions. It added that discussions with the relevant parties remain ongoing and confidential and declined to comment further, while that process continues.
Lyrics and Vocals: Ms Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean(née Parton) [1946–2026].
“In remembrance of the late Dolly Parton, we turn to one of her most moving gospel songs, ‘When Jesus Comes Calling for Me’. Written by Dolly and released on her 1998 album Hungry Again, the song tells of approaching death not with fear, but with faith, peace, and the assurance of going home. In light of her passing at age 80, its message feels especially poignant; a tender reflection from an artist whose music, generosity, and spirit touched generations”.
When Jesus Comes Calling For Me.
When Jesus Comes Calling For Me.
When I was a child I recall an old man, everybody loved old Zeke He was all alone, his family was gone; one day he said to me.
I’m just sittin’ here thinkin’ about Jesus, rockin’ as my old chair creaks. Some glad day I’ll fly away when Jesus comes calling for me. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, maybe one day next week. I’ll soon be done with trouble and sorrow when he comes calling for me. When Jesus comes calling for me, When I die don’t grieve and cry, Lordy, don’t feel sorry for me. Oh what a day, what a mighty fine day, When Jesus comes calling for me. When he comes calling for me. I might be in the graveyard walking talking to my family, Or I might be plowing in the field down yonder, just old Muley and me. Wherever I am, whatever I’m a doing, some sweet day I’ll see, A band of angels in a cloud of glory when Jesus comes calling for me. When he comes calling for me. When I die just close my eyes, And lay me ‘neath the willow tree. Oh what a day, what a mighty fine day, When Jesus comes calling for me. When Jesus comes calling for me. I’m just sittin’ here watchin’ for Jesus, rockin’ as my old chair creaks. Some sweet day I’ll fly away when Jesus comes calling for me. When he comes calling for me.
A midge-borne livestock virus previously reported mainly in Africa and Japan has now reached Europe.
During summer 2026, the Shamonda virus; or a closely related European variant, was identified in cattle in France, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands and Austria. Scientists expect further spread to be possible while blood-feeding Culicoides midges* remain active.
* A Culicoides midge is a tiny biting fly, usually only 1–3 millimetres long. Female midges feed on the blood of cattle and other animals and can carry viruses from one animal to another, much like mosquitoes. They are especially active during warm, damp conditions and around dusk; some species transmit livestock diseases such as Shamonda and the already identified bluetongue virus.
Plausible routes for entry into Europe include infected midges being transported long distances by wind or inadvertently through trade and transport, or the movement of an infected animal.
In adult cattle, infection generally causes short-lived illness, including: High fever. Diarrhoea and appetite loss. Lethargy. A sudden, sometimes severe, reduction in milk yield.
Although most adult cattle appear to recover, affected dairy farms could face lost production, veterinary expenses and additional monitoring costs. The greatest concern involves pregnant animals. The virus can cross the placenta and has been detected in aborted bovine foetuses in Switzerland. Shamonda and related viruses may cause abortion, stillbirth or calves with serious limb, spinal and brain abnormalities when infection occurs during a vulnerable stage of pregnancy. Researchers are still determining how frequently this happens with the European variant.
The virus is thought to spread mainly through biting midges; not through ordinary direct contact between cattle. There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine, although sick animals can receive supportive veterinary care. Reducing exposure to midges may lower the risk but cannot provide complete protection.
Farmers should watch closely for clusters of fever, diarrhoea or abrupt milk loss and contact their veterinarian immediately. Early blood sampling is important because the virus may remain detectable in adult cattle for only a short time. Abortions, stillbirths and malformed calves should also be investigated.
There is currently no evidence that Shamonda virus causes disease in humans. It has not been identified as a food-safety threat from milk or meat.
The situation is evolving, and the virus’s origin, complete geographic distribution and long-term reproductive impact remain uncertain. Farmers should follow updates from their veterinarian and national animal-health authority rather than relying on social-media rumours.
It is with profound sadness that we mark the death of Dolly Parton, the beloved singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and cultural icon, who passed away peacefully in Nashville today August 25th, 2026. She was aged 80 years.
Born on January 19th, 1946, in a one-room cabin in rural Tennessee, Dolly Rebecca Parton was the fourth of 12 children. From those humble beginnings, she built an extraordinary career spanning nearly six decades; bringing warmth, wit and an unmistakable voice to audiences around the world.
As a songwriter, Dolly had a rare gift for turning deeply personal experiences into universal stories. She wrote thousands of songs, including “Jolene,” – “Coat of Many Colors,” – “9 to 5” and “I Will Always Love You.” Her music crossed the boundaries of country, pop, rock and gospel, while her honesty and humanity enabled her to connect with people from every generation and background.
“Coat of Many Colors” Autobiographical song, based on one of her most vivid childhood memories.
The above song tells the story of when her family could not afford a new winter coat, her mother stitched one together from donated scraps of fabric. While sewing, she told Dolly the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Dolly proudly wore her coat to school, where other children mocked her for wearing rags. The experience inspired her song about poverty, a mother’s love and recognising wealth in forms other than money.
Her talents extended far beyond music. Dolly brought her characteristic humour and heart to films including “9 to 5“ and “Steel Magnolias”. She also became a successful businesswoman, establishing ‘Dollywood’ in her native Tennessee and creating opportunities for the community that had shaped her.
Perhaps her most meaningful legacy can be found in the lives she changed through her generosity. The Imagination Library, founded in 1995, has placed hundreds of millions of books into the hands of young children. She also supported disaster relief, medical research and numerous community causes; often helping quietly and without seeking recognition.
Among her many honours were 11 Grammy Awards and induction into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Yet awards alone cannot measure the joy, comfort and hope she gave to millions.
Her husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died in 2025. Our deepest sympathies are with Dolly’s family, friends, colleagues and the countless admirers mourning her loss.
Dolly Parton leaves behind far more than a remarkable body of work. She leaves a legacy of kindness, courage, humor and songs that will continue to speak for generations.
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