free webpage hit counter

admin

Heartbroken family of ‘sadly missed’ young man, 22, who died after fatal Laois collision confirm funeral details

THE HEARTBROKEN family of a 22-year-old man who was killed in a single-vehicle collision in Laois have confirmed his funeral details.

Colm Lynch O’Sullivan, 22, who lived in Cloncourse at Ballaghmore, Co Laois, tragically passed away on Thursday, June 26, after a fatal collision.

He was originally from Roscrea in Co Tipperary.

Colm’s death is the 81st fatality on Irish roads this year, which is the same number as the same period last year.

In a heartbreaking funeral notice, his family said: “Colm passed tragically on the 26th of June, 2025.

“Pre-deceased by his sister Grace. Dearly loved son of Olive and Con.

“Sadly missed by his brothers Brendan and Tomas, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, niece, extended family and all his friends.”

Colm will repose in Tierney’s Funeral Home in Roscrea on Sunday evening from 4pm to 7pm.

Requiem Mass will be held at 11am on Monday in St Molua’s Church in Ballaghmore.

Burial will follow afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

The funeral mass can be viewed on the funeral notice, where the link will be available for those unable to attend.

The tragic man has been remembered as “a larger than life character” and “a gentle soul” in heartbreaking tributes that have been pouring in.

A close friend wrote: “Heartfelt condolences to Olive, Con, Tomas, Brendan relatives and many many friends at the untimely passing of your dearest Colm.

“Colm will always be remembered as a larger than life character and would always lit up the corridors of CCR.

“So grateful to have cherished memories of the school years with Colm and honoured to be his friend. Rest in peace Colm.”

Another person said: “Sincere sympathy to Con, Olive, Tòmas and Brendan on the tragic loss of Colm.

“Colm was a real gentleman and always so good humoured. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. May Colms gentle soul rest in the arms of Jesus.”

A mourner added: “Deepest sympathy to the Lynch and O’Sullivan family on the sad loss of your dear son Colm.

“Taken too soon he will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his many friends and all who knew him. May his gentle soul rest in peace. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

WITNESS PLEA

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

A garda spokesperson said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the area between 3am and 3.30am are asked to make it available to Gardai.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on (057) 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

“Investigations are ongoing.”

Photo of Colm Lynch O'Sullivan.
Colm tragically passed away after a fatal crash in Laois
rip.ie

Read More »

Iconic carmaker recalls over 60,000 motors due to ‘leaking brake fluid’ that could spark fire

AN URGENT recall on thousands of motors has been issued by an iconic car manufacturer due to a fire hazard.

General Motors has recalled over 62,000 of its trucks due to potential brake fluid to leak and spark fire.

GM logo on a blue brick wall.
Getty
US carmaker GM recalled 62,468 of their vehicles over potential brake defects[/caption]
A red 2014 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
Getty
Models of the Chevrolet Silverados from select years were recalled[/caption]

It is in relation to three models of trucks between the years 2019 to 2024.

This includes the Chevrolet Silverado Medium Duty 4500HD, 5500HD and 6500HD models.

In a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, General Motors warned: “The brake pressure sensor assembly may leak brake fluid into the brake pressure switch and cause a short circuit.”

This means the circuit is at an increased “risk of a fire while driving or parked” if the electrical short overheats.

There is subsequently a possibility of an under-hood fire igniting if the vehicle is unattended to turned off.

The defect has been linked to a supplier using an unauthorised chemical in the assembly of the brakes, which causes them to degrade over time.

However, General Motors suggest only one per cent of the recalled vehicles are expected to have the defect.

Letters to owners of the vehicles notifying them of the issue can expect to be mailed today, with another to be sent once the fixtures are ready.

Owners with the recalled models are advised to park vehicles outside and away from homes or buildings until their they get them checked.

General Motors dealers are also providing the necessary repairs and fixtures to the recalled vehicles at no cost.

This includes free replacements of the brake pressure switch wire harness.

Any customers with further questions are urged to contact GM headquarters, which are located in Detroit, Michigan.

This recall comes just months after General Motors also issued a recall of nearly 600,000 of its Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC vehicles due to potential engine problems.

Manufacturing defects in these vehicles’ connecting rod and potentially crankshaft engine components was the cause of the recall in April.

Read More »

Teen, 19, arrested over ‘hate crime’ after slurry spread in Antrim town hours before first Pride parade

A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after slurry was sprayed on a road in an Irish town in Co Antrim – hours before the town’s first Pride parade.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has arrested a 19-year-old teenager after officers on patrol in Ballymena observed slurry on the Greenvale Street road at around 2:55am earlier this morning.

The suspect was arrested on “suspicion of criminal damage” and possession of a blade/point.

He remains in police custody at this time.

The cops reported that the matter is “being treated as a hate crime” and enquiries are ongoing.

The shocking incident occurred just hours before Ballymena hosted their first-ever Pride parade, which is set to take place this afternoon.

The parade will kick off at 2pm and finish an hour later at Greenvale Street, among the affected areas.

The route takes in Waveney Road, Galgorm Road, Lower Mill Street, Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, William Street and Ballymoney Street.

The PSNI confirmed there will be an increased police presence to ensure everyone’s safety during the event and urged everyone to follow the instructions of officers and respect others.

They added: “We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.”

SDLP Councillor Seamas de Faoite has condemned the teen’s “shameful” actions after the slurry was deliberately spread along the route of the parade.

He said: “Let’s be absolutely clear: this was a calculated attempt to intimidate the LGBTQ+ community and spoil what should be a day of joy, visibility and solidarity in Ballymena.

“But they failed. The hundreds of people who will turn out to support Mid & East Antrim Pride showed that love and inclusion will always outshine hate.”

‘FIGHTING FOR A SOCIETY THAT’S SAFE’

Cllr de Faoite praised parade organisers and volunteers for their leadership and determination to ensure the parade continues, despite efforts to disrupt it.

He added: “Today was a historic first for Ballymena, and the SDLP stands shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQ+ community here and across the North, and we’ll keep fighting for a society that’s safe, equal and proud.”

Posting on social media, Stormont justice minister Naomi Long said: “I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word.

“Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It’s a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.”

Eoin Tennyson MLA said: “Sending my support and solidarity to everyone attending Ballymena Pride today, after bigots spread slurry on the parade route.

“At a time when hard-won rights are under attack, vigilance and visibility matter more than ever. Love will always trump hate.”

INFO PLEA

The cops have urged people with information to come forward to assist their ongoing probe into the hate crime.

The spokesperson said: “Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 191 of 28/06/25.

Alternatively, they can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form on their official website.

They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

A stock picture of a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) logo badge in Derry City in Northern Ireland. ... Police Stock ... 20-01-2019 ... Londonderry ... UK ... Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire. Unique Reference No. 40731681 ... Picture date: Sunday January 20, 2019. See PA story POLICE Stock. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire
PSNI has arrested a 19-year-old man for his ‘shameful’ actions hours before the Pride parade
Niall Carson/PA Wire

Read More »

The English seaside bar that feels like a ‘slice of Italy’ and is loved by locals

ONE of the UK’s most traditional seaside towns has a little-known beach bar that people say transports you to the Med.

Posillipo Restaurant is found in Broadstairs in Kent, having opened more than 30 years ago.

Interior of Posillipo Restaurant in Broadstairs.
Google
Posillipo Restaurant in Broadstairs “feels like a little slice of Italy”[/caption]
Chocolate dessert with strawberries and raspberries at Posillipo restaurant.
Google
The restaurant’s Italian cuisine features homemade olive bread, antipasti and sharing platters[/caption]

Along with restaurants in Canterbury and Faversham as well, they said they created it to “feel like a little slice of Italy”.

Originally founded back in 1994, Posillipo was created by Vincenzo and Espedito who met at a cooking school on the Posillipo Hills near Naples in Italy.

The restaurant’s Italian cuisine features homemade olive bread, antipasti, sharing platters and speciality seafood linguine.

And of course, what Italian restaurant is complete without tiramisu?

Guests can enjoy stunning views of Viking Bay, the creek in Faversham and the charm of Canterbury from the restaurant.

One recent visitor said: “This Italian restaurant exceeded all our expectations!

“The food was excellent—authentic, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

“The ambience was perfect, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Another added: “If you are a fan of Italian cooking you’ll love this restaurant based on the Broadstairs seafront, not only is the food and service first class but the view is superb, if you are on holiday or local try it, you won’t be disappointed.”

The cosy Italian spot is just steps away from Viking Bay – which is known for its horseshoe-shape.

And between March and October, the beach is home to a surf school and lifeguards are at the beach seasonally.

There is also Charles Dickens’ House Museum nearby which celebrates the author’s connections to the town.

In fact, the museum is located in a cottage that Dickens used as inspiration for the home of Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield.

When exploring the museum, visitors get the chance to see letters Dickens wrote up close, whilst he stayed in Broadstairs.

Tours are also available and the attraction has a gift shop too.

The own boasts more Dickens spots including a plaque dedicated to the author and ‘The Charles Dickens’ pub.

After exploring the local area, you might want to enjoy a nice ice cream.

If so, one popular spot is Morelli’s Gelato, where you can get an ice cream from a business that originated in the early 1900s on a bicycle before making it to the famous Harrods food hall.

Posillipo Ristorante Italiano in Broadstairs at night.
Google
There is also Charles Dickens’ House Museum nearby which celebrates the author’s connections to the town[/caption]

The parlour in Broadstairs was the first to be opened and now the business has three destinations across the UK.

You can then take your ice cream to the beach, where there is a funfair and plenty of space to thrown down a picnic blanket.

The other Posillipo sites in Faversham and Canterbury are also great – with famous pianist Jools Holland visiting the Faversham spot.

He most recently visited in January, but also dined there back in 2023.

On a post on the restaurant’s Instagram account, the musician commented: “Lovely dinner thanks.”

Broadstairs was also nicknamed the ‘jewel of the region’ with seven beaches and award-winning pubs.

Plus, the English seaside district that used to be its own island is ranked amongst best places to visit in the WORLD this summer.

Outdoor patio of Posillipo Ristorante and pizzeria overlooking the ocean.
Google
The restaurant boasts great views across the bay[/caption]

Read More »

Inside Liverpool’s 10-YEAR chase to sign new goalkeeper Freddie Woodman whose dad was Gareth Southgate’s best man

LIVERPOOL’s signing of Freddie Woodman has been a DECADE in the making.

The Reds confirmed the arrival of the goalkeeper on a free transfer following his exit from Preston North End.

Freddie Woodman, goalkeeper for Preston North End, at a soccer match.
Getty
Freddie Woodman has joined Liverpool on a free transfer[/caption]
Alisson Becker, Liverpool goalkeeper.
PA
He will be behind Alisson Becker in the pecking order[/caption]
Giorgi Mamardashvili of Valencia CF celebrates on the field.
Getty
Giorgi Mamardashvili will also be arriving at Liverpool this summer[/caption]

Woodman, 28, will bolster Arne Slot‘s options between the sticks following the exit of Caoimhín Kelleher to Brentford.

He will now have to compete with the likes of Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili for gametime.

Liverpool are well aware of the talents of Woodman despite the stopper spending most of his career in the EFL.

He came through the ranks at Newcastle United and starred for the likes of Swansea City and Kilmarnock before moving to Deepdale.

The Reds were linked with a move for Woodman before he had even made a first-team appearance for the Magpies.

They were reportedly competing with Crystal Palace and Southampton for his signature at the time.

The Eagles had an advantage in the race as they had hired Woodman’s dad, Andy, as a coach.

Woodman had also spent over ten years at the South London club in his youth before moving up north in 2013.

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

Andy – who now manages Bromley – was close friends with Sir Gareth Southgate and was even the best man at his wedding.

Woodman has also racked up plenty of international experience during his career.

Gareth Southgate and Andy Woodman at a wedding.
PA
Woodman’s dad, Andy, was Gareth Southgate’s best man[/caption]

He was a regular in the England youth teams, having appeared for every age group from the U16s to the U21s.

However, he stayed put at St James’ Park until he left permanently in 2022 for Preston.

He spent three seasons as the club’s first-choice stopper and was named Player of the Year in his debut season.

Preston’s former manager Ryan Lowe, even claimed that the stopper was worth £20MILLION amid interest from Rangers at the time.

This summer, Liverpool were not the only club in the running for Woodman.

Manchester United were also reportedly interested but ultimately opted to offer veteran Tom Heaton a new deal.

Freddie Woodman's 2024-25 Preston North End goalkeeper statistics.

Woodman may be viewed as the third-choice goalkeeper at Anfield but he still has an important role.

The Englishman qualifies as a homegrown player which is important for the club’s participation in the Champions League.

Uefa allows clubs to register 17 non-homegrown players in their squads and Slot is at his limit.

This is due to the summer arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

Last season, Woodman impressed at Deepdale as he played a crucial role in the club’s survival in the Championship.

He kept 12 clean sheets in 37 appearances as the club finished just one point above the bottom three.

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW

Read More »

Damon Heta reveals he wanted to ‘run into the crowd and do something silly’ at US Darts Masters

DAMON HETA revealed he considered running into the crowd during a stellar debut at Madison Square Garden.

The World No.10 got his US Darts Masters campaign off to a flying start with a 6-1 demolition over Jim Long.

Damon Heta at a darts match.
Getty
Damon Heta considered jumping into the crowd after a storming display[/caption]

Heta, 37, thumped in three 180s and hit 50 per cent of his doubles on the way to victory.

Australian thrower Heta has featured in World Series shows in his homeland but is now soaking up every moment of the experience in the Iconic Venue at the Big Apple.

He said: “I had some fun up there. I don’t know if you noticed. It was insane. You just wanted to hit 180s because the crowd wanted it.

“I denied them a few times, got booed a few times, but once I hit one, let it rain, let it pour, it was insane.

“That was brilliant, that was electric. I just really enjoyed myself up there and that’s what I wanted to come and do. My darts were flowing, so I was definitely happy to get the win on my first time here.”

He added: “I got confused there because it wasn’t just your normal walk on. You had to start from the side and then walk in and there’s no barricades, there’s no nothing.

“I was like, oh, we’re not just sitting there signing, we’re just in the mix and there was a moment where I thought: You know what, I might just run into the crowd and do something silly!

“But then I think there might have been a fine and my wife said not to and I was like: Alright, I’ll keep it simple and who knows, maybe tomorrow I’ll keep the security on their guard!”

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Former World Cup winner Heta is proud to feature in the event after climbing the world rankings.

He revealed: “It’s probably with reason. You’ve got to earn your spot, earn your ways and earn your time and, obviously, whether one or two dropped out and that’s the way I got my spot, that’s fair do’s.

“Even if I didn’t get it, that’s just fair play for the people that are here, they earned their ways and that’s what it is.

“When you get in those top echelons, you’re not just there on or whatever, you’re there because you’ve put in the hard times and you’ve done what you needed to do to get there.

“So I’m taking it for all that it is as well. I’m not taking it for granted.”

Heta has been in good form this year as he picked up the Players Championship 13 title.

He nearly clinched his second Euro Tour title but fell short to Nathan Aspinall in the final of the European Darts Open earlier this month.

Read More »

Naga Munchetty interrupts BBC Breakfast to issue apology after guest is abruptly cut off in live blunder

BBC Breakfast anchor Naga Munchetty was forced to issue an apology after a blunder with a live on-air segment.

The experienced broadcaster chipped in and told the show guest, who was speaking from a live link to Ludlow, Shropshire, that BBC bosses would attempt to “fix” the issue.

Screenshot of two news anchors sitting on a red couch.
BBC
BBC Breakfast anchor Naga Munchetty was forced to intervene amid issues on the live show[/caption]
Screenshot of a man on BBC Breakfast.
BBC
Keep Britain Tidy’s Ed Lennox was speaking from a live link to Ludlow[/caption]
Screenshot of Naga Munchetty apologizing on BBC Breakfast.
Naga, 50, apologised as he was cut off – and the link was unable to be re-established
BBC

On Saturday’s BBC Breakfast episode, Naga’s regular presenting partner Charlie Stayt, 63, had been replaced on the red sofa by Ben Thompson, 43.

He joined forces with Naga, 50, for a chat about fly tipping and litter with Keep Britain Tidy representative Ed Lennox.

He described the dumping of rubbish as the “biggest problem in Western Europe” and said: “It’s like smashing criminal gangs, we have got to break their business model.

“We have made it more difficult in the UK for people to do the right thing, so they do the wrong thing.”

Yet after just a few lines of chat, in which he revealed dumping by gangs at a woodland in Kent had cost £15million to clean up, he struggled to hear a question posed by Ben and looked blankly at the screen.

He said: “I can only hear about every third word,” to which Naga replied: “Apologies, we will try again and we will try to fix it.”

She then directed a question to show producers and said: “Any good?”

Yet she was then forced to inform viewers: “No.

“Apologies, we’re not going to be able to carry on that interview with Ed Lennox from Clean Up Britain but that was shocking.”

Last Saturday, Naga also needed to put her broadcasting talent to swift use after another apparent show blunder saw a “dead dog” aired on-screen.

The mishap came amid reports of a “deeply divided workplace” and off-air tensions between Naga and co-host Charlie.

TROUBLE OFF AIR

Earlier this week, The Sun exclusively reported how things were not all rosy on the show’s iconic red sofa.

We told how anchor Naga had been hauled in by show bosses amid allegations she bullied a junior staffer.

Naga – now at the centre of a BBC Breakfast toxicity row — was also hauled in over a sex jibe made at Radio 5 Live.

Who are the current presenters of BBC Breakfast?

The flagship BBC show has had dozens of presenters during its impressive 40 years on air but the current stars are:

Jon Kay – Since 2022

Sally Nugent – Since 2021

Charlie Stayt – Since 2006

Naga Munchetty – Since 2014

Carol Kirkwood – Since 1997

Breakfast’s editor Richard Frediani has now taken leave amid separate bullying claims.

Naga is said to have used a crude slang term for a sex act during an off-air break — before asking a colleague if they had done it.

The alleged remark stunned the Radio 5 Live studio and led to Naga being hauled before bosses.

She was reprimanded by a senior producer but no formal action was taken.

The comment became widely known at 5 Live, with one source describing the 2022 incident as: “Crass, inappropriate and wildly unprofessional. The person felt embarrassed.”

We can also reveal that on BBC Breakfast last year, she was rapped for the alleged bullying of a woman, who was the most junior staffer.

As part of the bullying behaviour, the star is said to have falsely accused her of stealing, which led to a closed-door showdown.

The source said: “It was humiliating. There was no evidence, no apology. The woman left not long after, completely demoralised.”

The Sun then clarified the behind the scenes goings on – and why the gulf between the presenters is “getting bigger.”

A representative for Naga did not respond to our request for comment.

Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt on BBC Breakfast.
BBC
It came as Ben replaced her regular BBC Breakfast presenting partner Charlie Stayt[/caption]
BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt on set.
BBC
There have been reports of a ‘deeply divided workplace’ behind the scenes[/caption]
Naga Munchetty at the Ethnicity Awards.
Getty
Naga has previously been hauled in by show bosses over allegations of bullying[/caption]

Read More »