The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

By John Crowley's

Irish rock newcomers The Thrills are torn between supporting REM and U2 on their upcoming tours — or taking some time off to have a well-earned break. 

The five-piece are opening for REM in the New Year, but have recently been approached by Bono to warm up for his supergroup. 

Thrills singer Conor Deasy explained: “There are a few offers coming in that will be hard to turn down, but we’re going to try to take a break then because I think we need to.

“It definitely tests your friendships and it’s good after the last few years of touring the world together that we still get on well. 

“But having said that, you don’t need to test friendships to those kind of levels so it’s good to get away from each other for a while I think.”