The Welsh government has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to renewable energy by investing £2 million in Inyanga Marine Energy Group, a key player in the development of tidal energy at the Morlais site off Ynys Mon (Anglesey). This investment, announced by First Minister Eluned Morgan at the Marine Energy Wales Conference, aims to enhance tidal turbine technology, potentially increasing energy output by up to 60%. The Morlais site, one of Europe's largest consented tidal energy projects, could power over 180,000 homes, marking a pivotal moment in Wales' clean energy future.

At the same conference, the Cydnerth project, part of the North Wales Growth Deal, was highlighted for its role in expanding the Morlais tidal energy scheme. With an £8.9 million investment from the Welsh and UK Governments, the project is set to increase the scheme's grid capacity from 18 megawatts to 240 megawatts over time. This expansion is expected to drive economic growth and create high-quality jobs in coastal communities, further establishing North Wales as a leader in tidal energy.

The collaboration between the Welsh government, Inyanga Marine Energy Group, and other stakeholders underscores the potential of tidal energy as a reliable and clean power source. The investment in Inyanga's HydroWing technology, which has secured contracts for difference in the UK government's allocation rounds, exemplifies the innovative approaches being explored to harness the full potential of ocean tides. These efforts are not only advancing marine energy technology but also contributing to the global transition away from fossil fuels.

The Morlais tidal energy project, with its 'plug and play' model, is pioneering a new approach to tidal energy generation. By providing the necessary infrastructure and renting berths to turbine development companies, Morlais is facilitating the testing and deployment of various electricity generation technologies. This model, combined with the Welsh government's investment in Inyanga and the broader support for the Cydnerth project, positions Wales at the forefront of the tidal energy sector, showcasing the region's commitment to sustainable development and innovation in renewable energy.

Kilcoo secured their place in Down football history on Sunday, capturing an unprecedented seventh consecutive Senior Football Championship title with a 1-17 to 1-11 victory over Carryduff at Pairc Esler. The Magpies delivered their strongest performance of the championship when it mattered most, with Paul Devlin's first-half penalty goal providing crucial separation in a hard-fought contest that saw the throw-in time pushed back to 5pm following a pitch inspection.

The match, originally scheduled for 3:30pm, saw Kilcoo demonstrate the championship experience that has defined their remarkable 12-title run over 13 seasons. Devlin's 22nd-minute penalty strike down the middle proved decisive, with the player explaining his calculated approach: "It was a big moment in the game and it needed to go in, so I didn't want to put it in the corner and the keeper has a chance if diving. I just thought I wanted to hit it hard."

Carryduff, making their first final appearance since losing to Kilcoo in the 2020 decider, mounted a second-half rally but ultimately fell short of claiming what would have been their inaugural Frank O'Hare Cup. The South Belfast club had powered past Burren in the semi-final with their full contingent available, but couldn't overcome Kilcoo's championship pedigree despite showing improved form from their previous final appearance five years earlier.

Devlin expressed satisfaction with the victory amid external skepticism, noting "it's nice to see that people want Kilcoo to fall" while emphasizing the team's resilience. "This one is sweet with how the game played out and the build-up where we were doubted in this year's championship," he told BBC Sport NI. "It just shows the character of this team. Big teams play well in big games and we have that experience to put in those big performances." The win solidifies Kilcoo's status as the dominant force in Down football, achieving a landmark that had eluded them when Burren denied their seventh consecutive title bid in 2018.