The 2018 Junior Cert results will be released later this morning with over 62,000 students collecting their results either online or in their school. At the top of the class this year are 47 pupils who achieved 11 A grades for all subjects including the highest grade of “Distinction” in English. John Lahart, President of the Teachers Union of Ireland says he is delighted with this year's results. "In spite of the challenges that teachers face in the classroom, both teachers and students continue to get great results in the Irish education system and they now have an excellent foundation in education to go on and do the Leaving Cert," said Mr Lahart.
President of the EU Commission Jean-Claude Juncker has delivered his annual state-of-the-union speach to the European Parliment, during which he undermined a key part of Britain's plan to quit the bloc, and warned that it cannot expect to remain in parts of the single market. Mr Juncker said the EU will not allow Britain to participate only in some parts of the single market after Brexit without honouring all of the rules. Mr Juncker said that a solution to prevent a hard border in Norther Ireland is needed , adding that the EU will stand in solidarity with Ireland.
Ryanair passengers face travel disruption today as German pilots and cabin crew stage a 24-hour strike in what would seem to be a Europe-wide battle with the organisation for better pay and conditions. Germany's Cockpit pilots' federation and the Verdi service workers' union called the 24-hour strike, which started at 3am local time, after they said talks with Ryanair management were deadlocked.The strike comes as Ryanair is already bracing for a mass coordinated walkout by cabin crew in Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.Union leaders are expected to announce details of the stoppage in Brussels tomorrow.
Housing activists have been removed from a Dublin city centre property that they had been occupying for the last three weeks. Shortly before 7pm yesterday evening a number of men in black balaclavas entered the property at 34 North Frederick Street.Gardaí from the public order unit attended the scene to separate the men who entered the property from a large number of activists from the Take Back The City group, who were behind the Summerhill occupation. The Take Back The City group has been behind a string of protest actions occupying vacant buildings in Dublin city centre, to protest about the housing crisis. The group includes activists from Dublin Central Housing Action, student group Take Back Trinity, and Dublin Renters’ Union.
And finally, our Zen this morning is an entertaining tweet which navigates the choppy waters of the Irish insult. Have a great Wednesday.
