THOUSANDS more Irish people will qualify for a weekly social welfare payment worth up to €447 following a change to the eligibility rules.

And the major expansion of the weekly income disregard for the cash also means that 5,280 people across the country will receive an increase in their payment.

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The weekly income disregard for the Carer’s Allowance payment will increase from €450 to €625 for a single person, and from €900 to €1,250 for carers with a spouse or partner.

This means the first €625 of a single person’s weekly income and €900 of a couple’s weekly income will not be taken into account when applying for the means-tested payment.

The reform to the income disregard is expected to take effect from Thursday.

Cash income, capital and maintenance payments are all assessed by the Department of Social Protection as part of the means test.

However, the changes to the means test, which will take effect this week, means a person will still be able to qualify for the payment even if they are earning over €450 from other income each week.

And the move means that a whopping 99 per cent of people receiving Carer’s Allowance will now receive the maximum rate of payment.

Carer’s Allowance maximum weekly payment is €260 for a carer aged under 66 that is caring for one person, and €390 for a person aged under 66 that is caring for two or more people.

Carer’s aged 66 or over who are caring for one person can receive a maximum payment of €298 each week while those who are caring for two people or more and are aged under 66 can claim €447.

Fine Gael’s John Paul O’Shea, Chairperson of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Social Protection, confirmed this morning that 5,280 carers will receive an increase in their payment following the changes.

In addition to this, it is expected that many more carers will now qualify for the payment for the first time under the higher income limits.

Deputy O’Shea described the move announced in Budget 2025, as a “positive change”, but said the government “needs to go further”.

He said: “There have been significant changes to the Carers Allowance means test in recent years with the income disregard increased by €292.50 for a single person and €585 for a couple since 2022.

“It has been confirmed to me that the further increase in the income limits this week will mean that 99 per cent of people receiving Carer’s Allowance will now receive the maximum rate of payment.

“In addition, these changes will mean that many more carers who were previously outside the income limits will now qualify for a payment.

“Our carers play a vital role in our society and we need to support them. This is a welcome step, but we need to go further.

“The Programme for Government commits to phasing out the means test entirely during the lifetime of this Government.”

O’Shea called on Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary to build on the “strong work” in this area in recent years and outline a road map for phasing out the means test altogether.

Fianna Fail TD Erin McGreehan told how it is only right to recognise the “invaluable work” of carer’s across Ireland.

She said: “This is not the final step, but real progress towards Fianna Fáil’s commitment to abolish the means test for Carer’s Allowance.

“I look forward to working closely with the Minister to continue strengthening support for our careers in the future.”

Minister Calleary said: “The Programme for Government is ambitious for carers. Importantly, we will continue to significantly increase the income disregards for Carer’s Allowance in each Budget with a view to phasing out the means test during the lifetime of the government.”

IRISH star Diane Cannon has opened up about getting a horrific diagnosis that most people “don’t survive”.

The country singer was preoccupied juggling her work schedule last year and ignored the stomach pain she was experiencing due to this.

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Diane is a country singer from Donegal[/caption]

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The Donegal native told RSVP Country. “I was traveling so much and I had to put too much pressure on myself.

“I was exhausted and I was getting gallbladder pain but I ignored it because I was busy at work.”

When Diane did manage to get her scheduled surgery done, she thought that she would “bounce back” immediately and attempted to get “back on the road” right away.

Sadly, this wasn’t the case for Diane as she explained: “I got rushed back in, and I’d already left it too late.

“The sepsis had already spread to my liver and kidneys and through my whole body. I was very lucky. Many people who get sepsis don’t survive.”

Diane’s career and busy life was then put on hold for the first time in years as a result.

She said: “It’s taken me months to recover. It’s frustrating because my brain still works the way it always did. I want to go at full tilt. But physically, I’m still recovering. I can’t do things at the same pace anymore.”

Diane is still waiting on her gallbladder to be removed and she hopes to be back on her feet by the end of the year.

She added: “You don’t really realise the severity of it at the time but when you look back – yes it is frustrating, but look I’m still here and I’m very lucky.”

Sepsis is a life-threatening complication of an infection that can hide behind any infection at any age, making it difficult to detect the illness and can lead to multiple organ failure and death.

Earlier this year Carl Mullan shared his story-time on his “run-in” with sepsis to spread awareness for the signs and symptoms.

A few years ago Carl got a “very simple” sore throat that progressively got “worse and worse” as the days went on.

He explained: “After a few days of it not going away, I went to the doctor and found out it was actually glandular fever. Glandular fever itself, it’s fairly common and there’s no actual cure for it, so you kind of just have to ride it out and take whatever the doctor prescribes for it.

‘AWFUL’

“After about three more days, and just to warn you, this is where this story gets a little bit disgusting. I was so run down, I was in so much pain, I was taking anti-inflammatory stuff, it was doing nothing for me.

“I was in a bad way. At this point, I took a look at the back of my throat. It was covered in white and yellow patches and it was just so raw and so painful and it was just… it was awful.”

Carl admitted that he “shouldn’t have let it” get to that point and when he did return to his doctor, he was immediately rushed off to A&E and was seen straight away.

The dad-of-three said: “I always remember the doctor audibly gasped when he saw the back of my throat. Because… it was in a bad way.

“They took some bloods, they put me on some pain medication and they gave me a load of antibiotics and I just waited for the bloods to come back.

“A couple of hours later, the doctor came back and sat me down and was like, ‘You’re really lucky you came into hospital when you did, you’re in the early stages of sepsis’.

“He basically told me that had I not come into hospital when I did, 12 hours, 18 hours later, I would have been arriving into hospital in the back of an ambulance.”

LIVERPOOL have placed a £50million price tag on young attacker Harvey Elliot amid interest from Champions League rivals across Europe.

The 22-year old is attracting suitors after his heroic performances for England helped them defend their U21 Euros title last week.

Marc Aspland - The Times

Harvey Elliott’s future hangs in the balance after a season on the periphery in Liverpool[/caption]

A deal worth £40m would be enough to seal the deal – provided Arne Slot’s Liverpool retained a buy-back clause, reports The Athletic.

The fee without such a buy-back option would have to exceed £50m to convince the Reds to sell.

Liverpool’s recent £30m sale of Jarrell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen is viewed as a point of reference when determining the youngster’s value.

Jobe Bellingham’s £32m move from Sunderland to Borussia Dortmund earlier in the window provides a similar benchmark, with Elliott having considerably more top-level experience than the teenage star.

Elliott joined Liverpool as a prodigious teenager from Fulham in 2019, and has made 94 appearances for the Reds since, bagging himself 18 goal contributions.

With two years left on his contract, Elliott has hinted that he is open to a challenge elsewhere – with Champions League clubs understood to be circling.

The Athletic name RB Leipzig as among those interested – although the Germans will not be able to offer European football having failed to qualify for any competitions.

SunSport revealed that Brighton are keen on the midfield ace. However, they too can not meet any European football desires.

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When asked about his Liverpool future ahead of his Euros campaign, Elliott told Hayters TV: “I am coming to an age where I do not want to be wasting years of my career.

“I want to be the best player I can be, and if [the way to do] that is to go somewhere else, then it is a decision that I am going to have to make.”

Elliott’s list of suitors has been bolstered by his outstanding contribution in England’s recent U21 Euros title defence.

Elliott’s brace saw England through a tight semi-final against the Netherlands, before he opened the scoring in the final against Germany three days later.

His performances earned him the player of the tournament award, an accolade most recently won by Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon.

Slot is believed to be undecided on Elliott, although sources told SunSport the Dutchman would be unlikely to stand in his way if he wanted to leave and if a deal could be agreed that suited club and player.

Kaizer Chiefs will have a new-look attack next season. This skillful and speedy winger and two strikers are set to join Amakhosi.

A nine-day-old baby who was reported missing from a Bellville shopping centre has been found safe and unharmed.

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THE TWO Wimbledon singles finals will start at 4pm – which means the trophy presentation might take place under a closed Centre Court roof.

Traditionally the climax to the men’s and women’s Championships have begun at 2pm on the finals weekend.

Getty

Wimbledon is making a big change to the singles finals[/caption]

Yet the matches are being moved back by two hours to maximise the TV audience in the United States.

Publicly, All England Club officials say that this later start encourages better crowds for the respective doubles finals.

In the past, the men’s and women’s doubles finals would happen after the singles showpiece occasions but a lot of fans do not hang around.

This is a chance for most people to leave the 15,000-capacity arena for a quick comfort break or food.

There is no denying that a later finish helps them crack the US and Wimbledon already have a tie-in with The Hill in New York.

And it will enable them to play the tournament to the “largest possible global audience”.

ESPN signed a 12-year extension with The All-England Club in 2021 worth a reported $400m (£290m) to continue broadcasting The Championships until 2035.

The later start times mean the finals will begin at a more favourable 11am on America’s east coast rather than 9am.

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But it means that if a final, for example, goes beyond four hours – and the five-set French Open epic between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner went five-and-a-half hours – then the light will become an issue.

It takes about 15-20 minutes to close the roof to ensure the air conditioning unit works properly.

And if the light is too bad, then the roof may have to be closed anyway for when Clare Balding conducts the post-final ceremonies.

It brings back memories of the famous 2008 final when Rafa Nadal beat Roger Federer after four hours and 48 minutes at 9.15pm in near darkness.

The final of the Club World Cup takes place on Sunday July 13 at 8pm in New Jersey and this might clash with the end of the tennis.

In 2026, the World Cup Finals – which will be staged in North and Central America – will clash with late-night tennis.

So, too, the European Championships in 2028 which will be staged in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

AELTC chief executive Sally Bolton said: “So we’ve had doubles players having to wait longer to go on court.

“So this is much more predictable for them, for the crowds on the grounds, as well as at home. The finals days now builds to a crescendo of those singles finals.

“Those singles finals will now be in front of the largest possible global audience at that time.”

A YOUNG mum-of-two was 34-weeks pregnant with a baby boy when she was killed in her own home in Co Down over the weekend, it has been reported.

Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found dead with serious injuries in the Elmfield Area of the Donaghadee at around 2:15pm on Saturday afternoon.

PSNI

Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Two suspects known to the victim, a 42-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man, have been arrested in connection with the murder investigation.

The man remains in custody and continues to be questioned by the PSNI after they were granted an extension.

It was confirmed this morning that the woman arrested by detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team has been released unconditionally.

An investigating officer described the murder as an “incredibly tragic case”.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector, Tom Phillips said: “It has devastated Sarah’s family and friends, and leaves two small children without their beloved Mum.

“Specially trained officers will continue to support Sarah’s family and we are working to do everything in our power to bring anyone involved in this senseless murder to justice.”

Floral tributes, teddy bears and notes have been placed near the scene in a heartbreaking tribute to Sarah, with one message describing the young woman as a “beautiful, kind and wonderful mother”.

Speaking to The Irish Independent, a friend of Sarah’s told how the young mum was a “wonderful, kind-hearted and supportive” person.

She continued: “The loss of Sarah and her unborn baby boy is devastating for everyone who knew her.

“My heart especially breaks for her wee girls, her grandparents and her brothers; their loss is unimaginable. Rest in peace Sarah, you will be so missed.”

SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said Sarah’s death was an “unspeakable act of violence which has robbed her children of their mother and shattered a family forever”.

She added: “There is no grief more profound than that of a child torn from the love, safety and care of their mother. Their lives undoubtedly changed forever.”

Sarah was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.

Ms Hunter said: “This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a worsening epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland.

“We are failing women, we are failing children and we are failing to meet this crisis with sufficient urgency, co-ordination and political will that it so greatly requires.

‘SHOCK AND SADNESS’

“Too many women in our communities live in fear, fear in their homes, fear on the streets and fear in their relationships.

“This fear is not imagined. It is real and it is justified.”

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill told the Stormont Assembly that Ms Montgomery’s death underlines the “epidemic in our society” of violence against women and girls.

DUP North Down MLA Stephen Dunne said the community in Donaghadee is rallying around Sarah’s heartbroken family.

He said: “Donaghadee is a very close-knit and caring community and I know the community there is already rallying around the family of Sarah Montgomery.

“There is a real sense of shock and sadness and alarm around the devastating events at the weekend.”

DEVASTATING FIGURE

Dunne added: “Sarah is the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.

“The majority of these woman have been killed in their own homes, which is a truly shocking and devastating figure.

“A home should be a place of refuge and safety, but sadly that is not always the case.

“Again, it highlights the need for tougher sentencing as well, when we see so many lives ended and totally devastated and shattered with this ongoing scourge of our society of violence against women and girls.”

Police are urging anyone who saw or heard anything unusual or suspicious in the Elmfield Walk area between 1.20pm and 2.20pm on Friday 27 July to contact them.

They are also appealing for anyone who saw a yellow Jeep Avenger in the Airport Road area of the Belfast Harbour Estate between 3.30pm and 4.15pm that afternoon to get in touch.

Anyone who has CCTV or camera footage that could be useful to the investigation is also urged to contact police.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Philips said: “Even if you think it may not be important, please come forward and speak with us as even very small pieces of information could prove invaluable to us.”

Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Pacemaker Press

A BBC pundit urged a Wimbledon star to retire immediately – after an emotional chat with his wife.

John McEnroe is working for the Beeb once again this year.

X formerly Twitter / @BBCSport

Getty - Contributor

Fabio Fognini is married to former tennis star Flavia Pennetta[/caption]

And following Fabio Fognini’s defeat to Carlos Alcaraz on Centre Court, he reckons the Italian should call it a day.

Fiery Fognini, 38, has already revealed this will be his final year on the ATP Tour.

He received a wonderful send-off at his home tournament, the Italian Open in Rome.

But after his thrilling five-set battle with defending champion Alcaraz as he caused an almighty scare, McEnroe reckons this would be the perfect way to bow out.

The American legend, 66, even revealed he recently had a heartfelt chat with Fognini’s wife – former world No6 and 2015 US Open champion Flavia Pennetta.

Pennetta, 43, who retired weeks after her Flushing Meadows glory, agrees it is time for her husband to call it a day and stick to family life and help with their three kids.

McEnroe said on the BBC: “This was the perfect ending for Fognini.

“Luckily for Alcaraz, towards the end of the fourth set, the crowd realised that Fognini was playing unbelievable.

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“Carlos looked more tired than Fognini even though there’s a 16-year age gap! What in the hell is going on here?

“So the crowd started rallying behind Alcaraz and that picked him up a little bit.

“I almost hope that [Fognini] doesn’t play anymore because I’m not sure he can play any better than that.

“I played Flavio Panetta in seniors mixed doubles at the French Open and she thinks it’s time for Fabio to be at home more with the kids.

“I think she is ready for her husband to be home more.”

Fognini took in the adulation of the 15,000-strong Centre Court crowd as he waved goodbye to the All England Club one final time.

And although he may opt to play the US Open, the world No138 admitted that could be the last tennis fans see of him on any court.

Fognini – whose match was suspended for 15 minutes due to a fan medical emergency in the crowd – said: “It’s tough for me to speak, believe me.

“But, yeah, I think this is probably the best way to say [goodbye] to Wimbledon, and maybe to tennis.

Wimbledon 2025 LIVE – follow all the latest scores and updates from a thrilling fortnight at SW19

“That’s what I’m thinking now. I am happy, for sure. I have a lot of emotions coming to my mind.”

Alcaraz was glowing in his praise for Fognini after the tough 7-5 6-7 7-5 2-6 6-1 victory.

The Spaniard said: “I don’t know why it is Fabio’s last Wimbledon because of the level – he can still play for three or four years.

“I had to give him the credit for such a great match. Fabio is a great player.

“I’m just a little bit sad it is his last Wimbledon but I’m happy to have shared the court and locker room with him.”

No2 seed Alcaraz faces British student Oliver Tarvet, the world No733, in the second round – but the St Albans-born star can only claim a fraction of his £99,000 prize money.

Alamy

Carlos Alcaraz needed five sets to get past Fognini[/caption]

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In the heart of Samut Prakan’s Bang Phli district, a dire environmental drama is unfolding as the once peaceful Rattanachok 11 Alley morphs into a sprawling, unsanctioned landfill. Stretching over 300 meters, this strip of land now serves as a daily reminder of the unchecked menace of illegal waste dumping, wrapping the area in a miasma of foul odors and polluted waters. Despite a forest of warning signs lining the alley, the pleas and anguish of the local residents echo unanswered. Residents, desperate for relief, are urging for immediate action to counter this mounting crisis. Recent investigations lay bare the grim reality – a sordid tapestry of discarded plastic bags, wood scraps, foam sheets, construction debris, and even insidious industrial waste litter the alley. Over time, this detritus has woven a tapestry of environmental havoc, the repercussions of which are felt keenly by the residents. When night falls, the issue…