AGP Executive Report

Irish Open & Trump spectacle: President Donald Trump’s Doonbeg visit kept stealing the spotlight from the Amgen Irish Open, with “circus” vibes, on-course disruption talk, and crowds chanting in the hotel bar as locals weigh the politics vs the golf. Local Arts & Culture Night: Cavan theatre company brings Pat McCabe’s Poguemahone to pub stages across the county, while Culture Night writing workshops and free community events keep the creative calendar moving. Music on the ground: Ghostlight Sessions returns to the Balor with Lazember, DK and Stitch, and Charli xcx admits touring is “emotionally and physically hard” as her 2027 plans spark backlash. Screen & streaming: Jenna Coleman’s Victoria is set to leave Netflix on 30 September, and Black Palace (Martin Clunes) shares first-look images. Sport with Irish links: Cootehill para-cyclist Sinead Greenan wins two silvers at the UCI Para-cycling Road Worlds, and Irish rugby/broadcast chatter continues after South Africa’s Baltimore win over New Zealand. Health & welfare: HSE waiting lists for primary care therapies hit 60,000 people waiting over 39 weeks, with calls for clearer benchmarks.

Irish Open & Trump fallout: Shane Lowry surged into the final-round lead at Doonbeg, but his “They deserve to get hit” remark sparked fresh outrage as protests and security chaos swirled around Donald Trump’s visit. Ryder Cup buzz: Trump said he’ll “absolutely” attend the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland after the Irish Open trip. Film & awards: Venice’s Golden Lion went to Woman Unknown, while John Malkovich won best actor for Wild Horse Nine. Music headlines: Pink broke her silence over backlash tied to Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian message at an Ed Sheeran show. Sport beyond golf: South Africa beat New Zealand 43-28 in Baltimore to win the Springboks’ rivalry series 3-1. Local arts & culture: Dublin Bay hosted ILCA 6 Women’s Worlds action, and Culture in the Park in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon brought music, dance and food to families.

Venice Film Festival: Israeli whistleblower documentary “NAZA” earned a record 25-minute standing ovation and is tipped for the Golden Lion as the festival closes after two weeks of heavy, political programming. Irish Arts & Culture: Abbeyleix Library hosts textile-art friends Gillian Adams and Sally-Anne Gaffikin in “Undercurrent” this September, exploring time-worn garments and beach-found traces. Music & Irish Pride: U2 has been named MusiCares Persons of the Year 2027, with the Grammy-weekend gala set for Feb 5 in Los Angeles. Entertainment & TV: Elnaaz Norouzi discusses her role in Liam Neeson action thriller “The Fix,” while “PULP: What Do You Do For An Encore?” lands in select UK and Irish cinemas with a Jarvis Cocker Q&A. Online Safety (EU/Ireland): EU states, including Ireland in its presidency role, push for faster action to protect children online as debates continue over age checks and privacy. Sports (Irish angle): Dublin and Donegal meet in the Mickey Loftus Cup final at 3pm in Cavan.

Irish Arts & Theatre: Beauty and the Beast is set for this December at Cardiff’s New Theatre, with Jade Davis as Belle and Harri Lloyd-Morgan as the Beast, plus comedy, audience participation and Burnt Toast FX magic. Community & Culture: A new programme called Sorcán and Circus is bringing aerial workshops to Traveller halting sites in Galway and Tipperary, culminating in the H.O.M.E production. Music & Film: Soulm8te, the ’90s erotic-thriller-style M3GAN universe entry, lands with an AI android premise and a pointed look at femininity on screen. Tech & Consumer Life: Apple’s foldable iPhone Duo hits Ireland with a near-€2,400 starting price, raising questions about who it’s really for beyond early adopters. Sports (Irish angle): Irish golf is “having a moment” as the Irish Open at Doonbeg draws global attention, with Trump’s visit adding extra security and a different atmosphere. Health & Society: A report links bouncy castles to a major MRSA outbreak, hospitalising four children and raising fresh questions about infection control at crowded events. Public Life: Dublin has been named the top solo-travel destination for 2026 by Tripadvisor, praised for walkability and friendly vibes.

Pop Culture & Live Music: Charli xcx has confirmed her 2027 “Music, Fashion, Film” tour with a Dublin stop at 3Arena on February 13, plus UK and Europe dates and Audrey Hobert as support. Arts & Community: Dublin Gallery Weekend 2026 lands with a three-year title partnership from Addleshaw Goddard, bringing four days of contemporary visual art across the capital from November 5–8. Nightlife & Cost of Living: Irish nightlife is under pressure as pint prices climb and people aren’t dancing like they used to, with rising costs squeezing students and regulars alike. Digital Safety: New research from Coimisiún na Meán finds most Irish children and many parents prefer online safety education over a social media ban. Live Venues: The Live Venue Collective warns Budget 2027 must back independent grassroots music spaces, saying the current supports aren’t enough to keep venues alive. Sport (Local): Limerick hurling manager John Kiely is set to continue for the 2027 season. Sport (International): RTÉ has renewed its Amgen Irish Open deal and secured Ryder Cup highlights rights for 2027. GAA & Integration: Irish clubs keep pushing grassroots integration despite political noise around the GAA/LGFA/Camogie.

Irish Open Golf: Shane Lowry sits in the mix after a weather-hit opening day at Doonbeg, with blustery conditions slowing play and Rory McIlroy battling to stay close. GAA Integration: Simon Harris says the GAA’s plan to integrate LGFA and Camogie can “get over the line” next year after Mary McAleese’s resignation sparked fresh delays and debate. Dublin City Politics: Councillors backed a Finglas boxing club move after a row at City Hall over whether it should be discussed at full council. Comedy & TV: Ryan Carrick announces his first headline show at Dublin’s Sugar Club, with a Fringe run-up and an RTÉ comedy project about life in a GAA club. Music Tours: Harry Styles expands his Together, Together tour with 2027 dates including Dublin, while Stevie Wonder adds an Ireland stop for his Songs in the Key of Life 50th anniversary tour. Online Safety: Ireland’s media regulator and EU-linked work focus on protecting children online, including concerns about manipulative design tactics. Fashion & Culture: Dublin Independent Fashion Week goes behind the scenes, with designers and creative spaces in the spotlight.

Tour News: Harry Styles has added 25 new stadium dates to his Together, Together Tour for 2027, including Croke Park stops in Dublin on August 18 and 20, plus Wembley wrap-ups on August 25, 27 and 28, with special guests like Kylie Minogue, Tears for Fears, LCD Soundsystem and Lainey Wilson on select nights. Tech & Consumer: Apple’s first foldable iPhone, the iPhone Duo, is set to land in Ireland on October 23, with early hands-on praising a crease-free inner display and smooth transitions. Local Music & Culture: Cork Opera House has welcomed a Steinway in residence, with a concert curated by John O’Brien and pianist Ciara Moroney marking the instrument’s permanent role in future programming. Irish Arts & Heritage: Tributes are pouring in after uilleann piper Paddy Keenan, a founding force behind The Bothy Band, has died aged 76. Public Debate: Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has sparked outrage after comments comparing rival airlines to “rapists,” with Dublin Rape Crisis Centre condemning the language. Safety & Society: The HSE is warning festival-goers about high-strength ecstasy and “copycat pills” ahead of District X, with drug-checking planned at the event.

Galway Arts & Culture: The city’s cultural calendar is heating up with a new Music for Galway season opener featuring the Laragh Trio at St Joseph’s Church (Sun Sept 20), plus the Misleór Festival of Nomadic Cultures returning to Galway (Sept 24–27) with its “Weaving the Threads Between Us” theme. Sea & Community Festivities: Galway also gears up for the 72nd Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival (Sept 25–27), now with a citywide street format and the World Oyster Opening Championship. Architecture & Belonging: Architecture at the Edge marks its 10th edition across Galway and the west (Sept 17–27), focusing on “Le Chéile – Architectures of Belonging” with free talks, tours and workshops. Local Arts Infrastructure: Galway City Museum redevelopment has officially begun on the €19m project, backed by Fáilte Ireland, with new exhibition and education spaces and improved accessibility. Irish-language Media: The Galway Advertiser launches Sobal, a new Irish-language four-page supplement aiming to give writers a home for reviews, stories and public debate. Fundraising & Grassroots: Headford GAA and LGFA host a table quiz (Sept 18) to support club facilities, while Galway-based HR consultancy GHR Consulting celebrates its seventh birthday with a €3,500 youth sports sponsorship fund.

Irish Open Spotlight: Anna Jones tees off at the Amgen Irish Open Pro-Am at Doonbeg, joining a star-studded line-up including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka. GAA & Integration Row: Mary Lou McDonald says it’s “not good enough” for the GAA to delay integration after Mary McAleese resigned from the Integration Committee, sparking fresh criticism over timelines and women’s decision-making. Local Football Buzz: Shane Long’s son Jax has signed for Reading FC’s academy, following his dad’s path from the same club. Mental Health Science: Compass Pathways reports 52-week topline results from its Phase 3 COMP005 trial, showing added benefit and durability for its psilocybin formulation. Online Safety: Ireland’s media regulator has begun a formal investigation into X under the Online Safety Code over age assurance and parental controls. Music & Theatre: The Mariettas return this autumn with a no-costume-change, all-on-stage comedy celebrating rural Ireland and the showband era. Fashion Week Picks: Dublin Independent Fashion Week launches with immersive events and showrooms, including Common Thread at The Chocolate Factory. Tech/Business (Ireland-linked): Promera expands data centre services into Europe via acquisitions in the UK and Ireland.

Music & Tours: Stevie Wonder announces a 50th-anniversary “Songs In The Key of Life” world tour, with Dublin on the European run. Irish Live Music: The Mary Wallopers confirm a European tour for January 2027, plus a 3Arena headline date in December and new album “Paddywhackery” landing Sept 18. TV & Awards: Clarkson’s Farm wins big at the National Television Awards, while BBC sitcom Amandaland is left stunned after losing Best Comedy. Film & Festivals: BFI London Film Festival unveils its 2026 programme, led by animation world premieres “Wildwood” and “Ray Gunn.” Sports (Irish interest): Shay Given expects Caoimhín Kelleher to be tempted away eventually, and Notre Dame prepares for its home opener after a strong start. Community & Culture: A Howth councillor questions how the village library can meet local needs as housing development reshapes the area. Media Regulation: Ireland’s media regulator opens a formal investigation into X over child safety and age assurance controls. Travel Disruption: UK air-traffic control technical issues cancel over 1,000 flights, with knock-on effects for routes including Ireland.

Irish Film & TV: Sherwood star Monica Dolan’s “The Lost Children of Tuam” has locked in a UK cinema release for 9 October, with the true-story drama premiering at TIFF on 13 September. Streaming & Adaptations: Prime Video has shared first-look images for “Boys Of Tommen,” the BookTok sensation turned series set in fictional Ballylaggin, starring Nancy Sturridge and Connor Sanchez. Music (Big Dublin Dates): Stevie Wonder will bring his “Songs in the Key of Life” 50th anniversary tour to 3Arena on 1 November, performing the album in full. Reality TV: “The Traitors Ireland” returns to RTÉ One, with host Siobhán McSweeney and producer Darren Smith teasing a fresh batch of faithfuls and traitors at Slane Castle. Arts & Community: ATU postgraduate students open “From one breadth to the next” in Galway, running until 12 September. Local Culture: Hilary Duff played 3Arena Dublin on 8 September, but fans couldn’t stop talking about one thing—her looks. Irish Sports Talk: Everton’s Seamus Coleman says Iliman Ndiaye’s City move should have brought in more money.

Irish Pop Spotlight: Dublin alt-pop artist SJ Talbot returns with new single “Memento” (Sept 24), a lust-and-longing pop track shaped by two years of writing and collaborations. Fashion & Craft: Jewellery designer Shaun Leane is launching a commission-only atelier in rural Ireland, creating just 12 special pieces a year after leaving Mayfair. Boxing & National Pride: Katie Taylor’s Croke Park farewell continues to dominate Irish sport and TV conversation, with tributes and legacy pieces following her retirement after a final win. TV Reality Buzz: Traitors Ireland keeps viewers hooked with episode five’s cliffhanger and fresh suspicion around Aoife as the game twists again. Local Arts & Culture: Dublin Theatre Festival returns in 2026 with a bold programme, while Dublin Fringe’s musical satire gears up to hit the city’s cultural calendar. Infrastructure with a Community Angle: A €43m Dublin swimming pool is approved to replace the Markievicz leisure centre as MetroLink demolition plans move ahead.

Irish-medium Education: Coláiste Feirste’s principal says specialist-subject training is urgently needed for Irish-medium teachers, with the school even funding degrees to plug gaps. Literature & Culture: Dublin Book Festival marks its 20th anniversary with a packed programme of big-name talks, launches, workshops and family events. Boxing & Stadium Drama: Conor McGregor urges Katie Taylor to reconsider retirement after her Croke Park farewell, while Paddy Donovan hails her as the greatest female boxer of all time. Music & Live Dates: Jack Savoretti and James Morrison announce a co-headline UK tour for summer 2027, and The Coronas add 3Olympia Christmas shows in Dublin. Film & Community: LauraLynn Oscars returns with two Laois children celebrated for original films, and Grant Gee’s Everybody Digs Bill Evans explores loss through a jazz-adjacent family lens. Sports Policy & Sport: Ecuador passes a law barring LGBTQ+ couples from adopting, adding custody risks for parents supporting trans children. Local Arts & Places: Work begins on redevelopment of Galway City Museum, and Culture Night 2026 in Cork promises 150+ free events. Sporting Spotlight: Walker Cup heroes GB&I sign off with “Wonderwall” after a historic comeback at Lahinch.

Irish Music Releases: Mixmag spotlights fresh tracks from Irish acts Saoirse (“Boombox”) and Holly Lester (new EP “Open Your Mind”), plus a reminder that club culture is still driving the week’s sound. Boxing & Irish Sport: Katie Taylor’s Croke Park farewell is all over the news cycle, with “no regrets” quotes after she outclassed Flora Pili to end as a three-time undisputed champion. Music Live: The Darkness announce “Crock Of Hits” for Nov 27 and a tiny London Moth Club date on Sept 17, with ticketing details and refunds after an early Dice mishap. Irish Arts & Culture: Indu Mitha’s Bharatanatyam story is told as a Partition-spanning love and legacy, with her Dublin passing noted. Parenting & Tech: Letters to the Editor push for a tougher line on social media access for children, arguing for a minimum age of 16. Sport in Ireland: The 2026 ILCA 6 Women’s Worlds officially opens in Dun Laoghaire, with racing set to run through Sept 12. Local Business: Dublin’s Brenfer Bullseye on Capel Street closes after nearly 60 years.

Boxing Farewell: Katie Taylor closed her legendary career with a unanimous decision win over Flora Pili at a sold-out Croke Park, becoming a three-time undisputed world champion in front of 80,000-plus fans and millions watching. Irish Sports Spotlight: The night also sparked big-name reactions, from Conor McGregor urging a “retirement U-turn” to Eddie Hearn framing Taylor’s Croke Park moment as proof of how massive UK-hosted boxing nights can be. After the Bell: Taylor says she’s keen to stay involved in boxing, but coaching Irish boxing from Connecticut may be tricky—she’s even tried to persuade her husband to move back to Ireland. TV & Streaming Buzz: Richard Osman has confirmed Celebrity Traitors season two starts on September 23. Local Culture & Community: Enable Ireland’s Life With No Limits campaign is spotlighting inclusion through real stories, with fundraising activity in Mullingar. Arts & Heritage: New cave art in south-west Ireland suggests humans arrived at least 15,000 years ago via an Ice Age land bridge from Wales.

Boxing Farewell: Katie Taylor closed her career in style at a sold-out Croke Park, beating unbeaten Flora Pili by unanimous decision to become a three-time undisputed world champion and send Ireland into tears and cheers as fireworks lit the Dublin sky. Emotional Tributes: Taylor thanked her Irish “mammy” Bridget, her trainer father Pete, and husband Sean McCavanagh in the ring, while Eddie Hearn struggled to hold back tears during her final walk. Undercard Drama: The co-main between Dave Allen and Thomas Carty ended in a bizarre no-contest after Carty fell through the ropes in round one, and RTÉ viewers complained they missed key moments of the chaos. Music & Culture: James Blunt announced a 2027 UK/Irish tour stop in Dublin, while GreekFest wraps its second weekend with free food-and-culture programming. Heritage Projects: Jessenland Irish Festival returns after an eight-year gap, and the Jessenland Historical and Cultural Center plans to restore a decommissioned church into a living community hub.