1. Brexit: UK votes to leave EU
Markets around the world have gone into crisis mode as early results show the UK has voted to leave the European Union after 43 years. With almost all the votes counted, the BBC predicted a 52 per cent to 48 per cent victory for Leave, a remarkable upset which surprised Leave campaigners themselves as well as most pollsters and political analysts. London and Scotland voted strongly to remain in the EU and a majority in Northern Ireland also rejected Brexit. But there were big majorities for Leave in other parts of the country, particularly in the north of England, and Wales and the English shires also backed Brexit. More than 30 million people voted in the referendum and the turnout of 71.8 per cent was the highest for any UK-wide vote since 1992. Ukip leader Nigel Farage told supporters that July 23rd would go down in history as Britain's Independence Day. "Dare to dream that the dawn is breaking on an independent United Kingdom," he said. David Cameron is expected to make a statement outside 10 Downing Street this morning amid speculation about his political future
Brexit: For more in depth coverage and analysis click here
2. Euro 2016: Republic’s fans recover voices in calm after storm
"Let the party recommence" announced the headline on the front page of L'Equipe the morning after Lille, as the hosts looked forward to meeting their favourite fans in Lyon for a weekend of "Le craic". But please, France, one game at a time. Legendary as our reputation for Legendary as our reputation for revelry may be, we need a breather now and then. The day after a once-in-a-generation win over Italy is such an occasion. We were barely awake yesterday morning when a Paris-based TV station got in touch about doing a feature on the Republic's fans, some of whom it was hoping to interview. A few hours later, the reporter was back to say they were postponing the piece because, despite searching the usual places (the pubs of Boulevard de Clichy, etc), they couldn't find any fans.
Euro 2016: For more in depth coverage and analysis click here
3. Console chief Paul Kelly resigns after funds controversy
The founder and chief executive of Console, Paul Kelly, has resigned following controversy over funds governance at the suicide charity. The board of Console said on Thursday night it has accepted Mr Kelly's decision to step down and announced the appointment of forensic accountant Tom Murray and David Hall to review the issues raised in a recent Health Service Executive (HSE) audit and an RTÉ investigation of the charity, being broadcast on Thursday night. "The external reviewers who have no previous connection with Console will engage with the HSE and will be provided with full and unrestricted access to Console's premises, staff, files and records and may use external advisors and/or accountants for the purposes of their review," the board said in a statement. The reviewers will report within 60 days and their recommendations will be acted upon, it said.
4. Call for reform of ‘outdated’ Leaving Cert
Teachers should be given a central role in the assessment of their students as part of a reformed Junior and Leaving Cert, according to leading international experts. A forum on education to be held at Maynooth University today will hear that empowering teachers in this way could shift the culture of assessment towards a model that promotes skills which are highly sought-after. Prof Val Klenowski, Queensland University of Technology, will tell the forum that skills which are vital to thrive in the modern world – such as critical thinking, problem solving, ability to work well in groups – are neglected by a "system of mass assessment and testing". This outdated approach focuses on indicators of achievement such as grades and test results ahead of practical skills, according to Prof Klenowski.
Examwatch: For more in depth coverage and analysis click here
5. Bressie on The Voice: 'It’s a fight you can’t win'
The Blizzards have reformed for one reason: to have fun. Not for them the "unfinished business" of stepping back into the ring for several more rounds with opponents that are younger, leaner and hungrier for success. The reality, says Bressie, is that "no matter how well this goes this time around, it's never going to be a career that we can all fall back on, unless something crazy happens. That's a naive way to look at things. So let's enjoy it, go back to the time when we started playing as a band in a gaff, with a drum kit on the bed. I've wasted too many years being concerned about what people think about me, or what I do." Bressie, aka Niall Breslin, is, of course, much better known these days than when he was at the helm of The Blizzards 10 years ago. Now, via his sensible presence on The Voice, he is a notable figure in what passes for Ireland's "celebrity" culture.
Misc:
Fintan O'Toole: Why we should be hopeful about tackling child poverty
Generation Emigration: Why are 6,000 Irish buried under a Montreal traffic island?
GAA: Jim Gavin insists Dublin-Meath rivalry is still strong
Noel Whelan: Abortion Bill free vote would test Cabinet collective responsibility
