Here's IrishCentral's top read stories in Irish news today:

Periscope: Why are the English cheering for the Irish at the Olympics? - All changed utterly as old foe embraces Irish competitors

Top read story in news blogs

Des Cahill, an Irish sports commentator, put the cat among the pigeons yesterday when he tweeted “The English public are giving massive support to all the Irish athletes at the Olympics. It’s embarrassing, knowing it is not done in reverse.”...READ MORE

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Bestselling author Maeve Binchy passes away after short illness, beloved by her fans

Top read story in news from Ireland

The Irish novelist Maeve Binchy, most widely known for her books “A Circle of Friends” and “Tara Road”, has passed away in Dublin following a short illness...READ MORE

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Man raped fiancee after they bought engagement ring court hears

A recovering alcoholic who had been off drinking for several months until the night he attacked his fiancee, tried to force his partner to drink vodka from a bottle then raped and assaulted her at their home in County Donegal, an Irish court heard this week...READ MORE

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It’s official Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart go splitsville - moving truck spotted outside LA home

Top read story in entertainment news

If Breaking Dawn is the name of the final episode of the Twilight saga, could Broken Dreams describe the breakup that seems to suggest that Robsten (the on-screen and off romance between Robert Pattinson and Kirsten Stewart) is finally over?..READ MORE

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Laser sailor Annalise Murphy makes waves for Ireland at the Olympics

Top read story in Irish sport

A young Dubliner flew the flag for Ireland at the Olympics on Monday as Annalise Murphy made the perfect start to her bid for a sailing medal...READ MORE