This Saffa has been called up to the Barbarians and he will run out against the Springboks on Saturday.
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Springboks vs Barbarians: SA-borns star to face the Boks
GAA All-Star marks ‘first night in our new home’ by getting engaged as couple have two reasons to celebrate
MAYO captain Paddy Durcan and partner Alannah McBrien toasted their first night in their new house by getting engaged.
On Tuesday Alannah shared several sweet photos on Instagram recapping their double celebration.
She reflected: “What a way to top off our first night in our new home. Here’s to forever with my best friend.”
Several of Durcan’s past and present inter-county teammates were among the many well-wishers in the comments section.
Fellow veteran Aidan O’Shea hailed: “Massive Congrats guys! Enjoy the celebrations!”
On a similarly joyous note, 2016 Footballer of the Year Lee Keegan added: “Class news!”
Rob Hennelly and Diarmuid O’Connor were among the other Mayo legends to react to the post with rival Galway stars Shane Walsh and Damien Comer also expressing their delight.
The 2025 inter-county campaign saw Durcan, 30, make his long-awaited return after suffering a torn cruciate ligament last year.
While his return to the pitch was a welcome boost to their on-pitch fortunes, it wound up being another frustrating Championship for the Green and Red.
After putting themselves in a hole by losing at home to Cavan, they looked on the brink of scrapping qualification from their All-Ireland group when they equalised on 70 minutes versus Donegal.
However, in a cruel twist of fate even by the standards of Mayo football over the past decade or so, they conceded a winning point with the last kick of the game.
And the off-season in Mayo never passes without some sort of circus.
The debrief after their fruitless 2023 and 2024 campaigns saw in-depth reviews go on for months, much to the frustration of their demanding supporters.
The most worrying aspect of their season was of course that Kevin McStay suffered a health scare in May which forced him to stand aside as boss.
It means the county are heading into months of uncertainty.
It remains to be seen if McStay will remain on for a fourth campaign after coach and former boss Stephen Rochford temporarily took the reins last month.
Rochford led them to the 2016 and 2017 All-Ireland finals where they agonisingly fell short against Dublin.
Still, the Crossmolina clubman got a tune from them this term as they stunned Tyrone in the second round before their one-point loss to Donegal saw them finish bottom of Group 1.
He may be sick of the torment that comes with the job and there are questions over some stars’ futures.
January seems like a million miles away, but amid another sunny spell across the country, the dark clouds are again on the horizon in Mayo.
Fears ‘world’s scariest Zombie drug’ Devil’s Breath is in UK after woman suffered horrifying ordeal on tube
THE world’s scariest drug Devil’s Breath – used by organised crime groups to kidnap Brits abroad – may have made its way into the UK.
The mind-warping chemical was once tested by the CIA as a truth serum and turns tourists into “zombies” who give up valuables without a struggle.
Also known as scopolamine or burundanga, the powerful drug is derived from the seeds of the Borrachero tree and wipes away memory and free will.
The US’s Overseas Security Advisory Council has warned travellers to South America about the dangers of Devil’s Breath.
It is administered via drinks, chewing gum, cigarettes or paper and card.
The drug has also been linked to deaths in the UK – including Irish dancer Adrian Murphy, who died in 2019 after his killers administered scopolamine.
Last month it was reported that Colombian police fear London-based scientist Alessandro Coatti, 38, who was found dead while on holiday in Santa Marta in April, may have been targeted with Devil’s Breath too.
While the powdered form is tasteless and odourless, it is a potent drug that can disorient and incapacitate people and lead to hallucinations.
How tourists are being targeted with ‘Devil’s Breath’ drug that turns victims into ‘zombies’ for robberies & kidnaps
By Juliana Cruz Lima
In doses as small as 10mg, it can paralyse victims and leave them highly susceptible to commands, making them easy prey for criminals.
Victims lose their will, forget what happened, and often hand over PINs, valuables and passwords without a fight.
Now Colombian gangs are plying unsuspecting tourists with the drug via drinks, chewing gum, cigarettes — or even business cards soaked in the substance — often after luring them through apps like Tinder or Grindr. And the body count is rising.
In a UK first, the drug was used in 2019 to murder Irish dancer Adrian Murphy.
Teen killer Diana Cristea and her boyfriend Joel Osei met him on Grindr, poisoned him with scopolamine, and ransacked his flat.
They were later convicted of murder and attempted murder of a second victim.
British-based scientist Alessandro Coatti, 42, was on holiday in Santa Marta last month when he was lured to an abandoned house via Grindr.
There, investigators believe he was drugged, bludgeoned to death, dismembered, and stuffed into suitcases.
His remains were found scattered across the city, discovered by horrified children.
Only his head, hands and feet have been recovered.
One of the masterminds behind this chilling criminal trend is alleged gang boss Carolina Mejía Montoya, 27, nicknamed “The Queen of Scopolamine.”
She was arrested in Medellín after years of drugging and robbing foreign tourists in luxury apartments and hotels across the tourist hotspots of El Poblado and Parque Lleras.
She racked up millions in thefts, using her beauty to gain the trust of high-profile visitors.
In one night alone, she stole more than 120 million pesos from an Italian and an American man, police said.
CCTV captured her leading victims into short-term rentals before drugging them and fleeing with their cash, cards and jewellery.
Mejía, part of the La Marina gang, had previously been granted house arrest in a gun case — only to vanish and continue her spree.
According to the UK Addiction Treatment group, it can also effect memories, make users highly impressionable and even paralyse them.
Victims have been raped, convinced to commit violent crimes, emptied their bank accounts and even had their organs stolen while under the influence of this drug.
Zaheen Ahmed, Director of Addiction Therapy at The UKAT Group, told The Sun: “It wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest that Devil’s Breath could have made its way into the UK.
“Unfortunately, when there’s high demand for drugs, especially ‘new’ drugs, supply will find a way.
“Although primarily found in Columbia, we know that it’s already made its way into Europe, and so unfortunately, there is every chance that it is already here.”
It comes after a woman claimed she was spiked with the terrifying drug on a London tube.
Deborah Oscar, 30, was on the Elizabeth Line leaving from Abbey Wood when a woman wafted a newspaper in her face – leaving her feeling “high” and “sleepy – before sitting next to her in an empty carriage.
Barely able to keep her eyes open, Deborah remembered a TikTok video she had seen about ‘Devil’s Breath’ – a drug called scopolamine blown on victims to turn them into compliant “zombies” before they are robbed or killed.
She stumbled out of the train to safety.
Deborah, a content creator, from Abbey Wood, southeast London, is adamant she was hit with the drug which at one point was used in an estimated 50,000 attacks a year in South America, with reports of street robberies in Paris.
Deborah said: “This train was fairly empty, and this woman was walking slowly wafting this newspaper staring at me.
“I assumed she was a confused tourist about to ask for directions.
What is Devil's Breath?
Some people may take the drug on purpose for a “dream-like state” it can induce, mistakenly thinking it will be like mainstream hallucinogens like LSD.
But Devil’s Breath hallucinations tend to be far more disturbing and disjointed, often manifesting as nightmarish visions or confusing scenarios that blur the lines of reality.
It may also be taken by mistake due to its close resemblance to cocaine.
The correct dosage of the drug is notoriously hard to pin down, and even a slight miscalculation can lead to an overdose.
This can lead to respiratory failure, acute psychosis and even death.
Symptoms may include dry mouth, difficulty speaking, lethargy, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat and disorientation.
Source: The UKAT Group
“But she just maintained eye contact. It felt eerie and very odd but she was quite well dressed, so I didn’t feel scared really, she just looked like a tourist.
“Then she came and sat down next to me and I felt like I needed a deep sleep, I suddenly felt very peaceful.
“Like the first few seconds when you have anaesthesia before a surgery.
“I thought I had low blood sugar, maybe I was about to faint – that’s when I remembered videos I had seen about the ‘Devil’s Breath’ drug.
“She walked away eventually but kept staring at me the whole time.”
Deborah said she was left feeling drunk – and that her “mind was working faster than her body”, during the incident around 11am on Tuesday, June 17.
“The doors closed behind me and I got away – once I stepped into the fresh air outside, the feeling began to subside too.
“I had my Yves Saint Laurent bag on me, maybe they thought I was wealthy. But I was wearing a dress from Primark too.”
After sharing her experience online she said she has had other people contacting her sharing similar experiences in London.
When contacted, the Met Police were unable to comment on whether this is a wider issue across London.
A TfL spokesperson said: “Everyone should feel safe and be safe when travelling in London and we’re very sorry that Ms Oscar experienced what must have been an extremely frightening incident for her.
“We take all reports of crime seriously and are investigating this incident
“We ask anyone who witnesses or experiences a crime to report it to British Transport Police on 6101.”
Drunken Turkish teenager gets slapped by Thai woman in Bangkok
A drunken Turkish teenager kicked off on Bangkok’s backpacker strip after losing his passport and ended up slapped, tackled, and cuffed after lashing out at a Thai woman near Khao San Road. The 18 year old was arrested in the early hours of yesterday, morning, June 24, after a booze-fuelled meltdown that turned violent, leaving …
The story Drunken Turkish teenager gets slapped by Thai woman in Bangkok as seen on Thaiger News.
Michelle Keegan shows off her incredible abs in crop top three months after birth of baby – and shares new pics of Palma
MICHELLE Keegan has revealed her toned post-partum figure in a series of gym bras and leggings as she gave a new glimpse at life with daughter Palma.
The actress took to her Instagram grid for a sweet life update, featuring a series of milestones for the tot as well as showing her making the most of maternity leave.
Michelle, 38, who gave birth to baby girl Palma in March, kicked off the image collection with an image of a medallion showing three months since her little girl’s birth, along with her baby’s cute hand and babygrow peeking into the side of the shot.
She then showed off her gym-honed figure in a white crop top as she took a selfie on a padel court, before again capturing her gym-ready appearance and defined abs as she perched on a Pilates reformer.
The former Coronation Street actress then documented pizza and fruit foodie treats before giving a cute insight into Palma’s Father’s Day celebrations.
The crown of her head was captured in shot as she perched on the sofa next to dad Mark Wright, 38, and a celebratory balloon.
In her caption, she wrote: “To other people these are just pictures, to me these are moments of happiness.”
Her image montage came just days after the new mum posed in a cut-out swimsuit from her own brand.
The actress revealed she was expecting her first baby with Towie favourite Mark back in December.
The Sun then confirmed the TV favourite was “weeks” from giving birth.
Michelle and Mark – who have been married for nine years – shared their happy pregnancy news on Instagram.
WORKING MUM
The Sun recently revealed that Michelle has signed a six-figure advertising deal to become the new face of Sky.
She is set to film a series of promo clips — which will be shown around the globe — with fellow British actor, Luther star Idris Elba.
The deal is Michelle’s first major job since she gave birth in March.
She landed the deal after becoming a major player for Sky, with her comedy-drama Brassic one of the most popular series to air on the platform.
A source said: “Michelle has really been enjoying maternity leave with Palma, but she’ll be back to work soon to film these new adverts for Sky.
Mark Wright's career timeline
Since rising to fame over a decade ago as a reality TV star, popular personality Mark Wright has gone on to enjoy a successful career.
- The Only Way is Essex (2010-2011, regular): Mark was an original Towie cast member from its October 2010 launch and spanning series 1-3. He left the programme in 2011 but has returned for a handful of cameos.
- I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here (2011): After leaving Towie, Mark signed up for the famed ITV jungle. He finished in second place behind McFly star Dougie Poynter.
- Heart (2012-2017; 2019 – present): Mark first joined radio station Heart in 2012, leaving five years later to pursue work in the United States. He made a return to the station in July 2019.
- Strictly Come Dancing (2014): The star took to the Strictly ballroom in 2014, finishing fourth behind Caroline Flack, Simon Webbe and Frankie Bridge.
- The Dengineers (2015-2017): Mark was a co-presenter of the children’s programme for its first two series. After his departure, later hosts have included Joe Swash and Meryl Fernandes.
- Extra (2017-2020): Mark was an entertainment reporter for this US outlet for three years.
- The Bachelor UK (2019): A revived UK iteration of the popular American dating show. Mark’s version of the programme aired on Channel 5.
- The Challenge UK (2023): Another UK rendition of an American format, this aired on Channel 5 in February 2023.
- Clean It, Fix It (2024 – present): Mark has joined the popular BBC daytime show from its fourth series onwards.
“She has signed a six-figure deal for the job and is thrilled to have been chosen to appear alongside Idris, who has been their ‘face’.
“Brassic is ending after the seventh series and Michelle is keen to still be a part of the Sky brand.
“Landing this ad is huge for Michelle, as she’s fast becoming a brand in her own right.
“Everything she touches seems to turn to gold.”
The actress found fame as Tina McIntyre on Coronation Street after joining the ITV soap in 2007.
Cambodia hits back at Thailand’s ‘irrational claims’ over energy cuts
Cambodia has hit back at Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s recent claims regarding the cutting of energy supplies between the two nations. On Monday, June 23, Paetongtarn accused Cambodia of cutting off electricity, Internet, and oil and gas supplies to Thailand to combat cross-border crimes. However, Cambodia’s government spokesperson has labelled these claims as “irrational,” …
The story Cambodia hits back at Thailand’s ‘irrational claims’ over energy cuts as seen on Thaiger News.
Legarda hails social workers, calls for better working conditions
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Loren Legarda honors the extraordinary men and women who serve as the very lifeline of the nation’s humanitarian and welfare response, calling for stronger institutional support—including regularization—for the country’s thousands of social workers. “Social workers are not just indispensable; they are irreplaceable. In times of need, they are the first to
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Orlando Pirates new coach: First signing confirmed
Orlando Pirates new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has just made his first signing and it is a big one. He becomes their NINTH new addition.
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Kaizer Chiefs signing praised for ‘phenomenal technical ability’
Sounds like they've got quite a player on their hands here.
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I was in £100k debt but now have £183k saved thanks to my cheapskate hacks – but trolls say my frugal life is depressing
A SELF-PROCLAIMED ‘frugal freak’ was once in over £100,000 of debt, but now has more than £183,000 saved in the bank, thanks to his cheapskate hacks.
Bradley, 32, now earns cash through a number of different side hustles and while he has enough money to live lavishly, instead, he opts for an incredibly basic lifestyle.
The content creator lives in a “cute” and “cosy” studio home in Connecticut, USA and not only does he only own one plate and never turns the heating on, but he also claimed that he is “too busy to spend money.”
For Bradley, who has chosen not to share his last name, keeping tight control over his finances is incredibly important.
Over a decade ago, at the age of just 21, he found himself in more than £100,000 worth of debt, and thought his “life was over.”
After studying at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York and receiving his £104,150 debt bill, “everything changed”.
Upon hearing about his £1,120-a-month debt, Bradley, who has “never once bought trash bags” and instead asks friends for their old bin bags, told Metro: “That was the birth of the frugal lifestyle.”
Now, Bradley has candidly opened up on how he turned his life around thanks to money-saving hacks, leaving social media users stunned.
Posting online, Bradley shared behind-the-scenes clips of a typical day in his life, as he said: “Spend a no spend day with me as someone who’s frugal and has $250,000 [£183,846] saved in the bank, but would rather save my money than give into consumerism and over consumption.
“And let me just say, before you say my life “seems depressing” and “may this life never find me” – shut up. You probably have credit card debt that you’re paying the minimum balance on and I would never wanna be you.”
Bradley started his day by making a “frugal breakfast burrito” which costs him less than $1 [74p] – and instead of oiling his saucepan with a silicone brush, he instead just used his hand.
Not only this, but rather than using three or even four eggs, he then added water to “water them down.”
Later in the clip, Bradley, who earns at least £8,000 per month through multiple jobs – including TikTok content creation, dog sitting, answering calls on a crisis hotline, cleaning houses and mowing lawns – confirmed: “I do have a new side hustle, which is cleaning up someone’s driveway when it snows.”
I’m all for saving as much money as possible but you also need to enjoy your life
TikTok user
But rather than forking out cash on the equipment, he borrowed some from his parents, as he added: “I hate the cold and I hate the snow but I’ll do anything for money so whatever, I just suck it up and deal with it.”
Following this, after getting home and cooking dinner, Bradley sat down to watch some YouTube, but confirmed: “I don’t have any subscriptions, I’ve never paid for subscriptions, I think it’s stupid.”
Money saving challenges
Here’s some of our favourite money saving challenges.
- Weather saving challenge – Save the amount equal to whatever the highest temperature was that week. £1 = 1C.
- 1p challenge – save 1p a day for everyday of the year, but it increase the amount by 1p each day. So day one you save 1p, 2p on day two and 3p on day three. When you reach 100 days you start adding a £1 coin each day too, while this increases to a £2 coin each day plus pennies at 200 days, and £3 each day on top of pennies at day 300.
- 20p a day challenge – Start by putting 20p in savings, then increase the amount by 20p every day. For example, the first week will look like this: 20p, 40p, 60p, 80p, £1, £1.20, £1.40.
- £5 a week challenge – Like the 20p challenge, put aside £5 a week and increase it by a fiver each week. Eg £5, £10, £15, £20
- Round-up challenge – Every time you buy something, round up the purchase to the nearest £1 and put the difference in a savings account. Eg. You pay £2.60, so you put 40p in savings. You can use an app such as Monzo or Starling to do this.
- Bingo challenge – Here you have a bingo card with different numbers on it and you tick them off when you’ve put that amount in your savings account. It can be ad hoc but you have to tick them all off by the end of the month.
- Monday to Sunday challenge – With this challenge, you simply save £1 on Monday, £2 on Tuesday and so on until the weekend where you don’t save on Saturday or Sunday.
- 365 day challenge – Every Sunday you put aside £1, followed by £2 on Monday, £3 on Wednesday and so on. On Saturday you’ll put away £7, and then the process repeats and you’ll put aside £1 on Sunday as the new week begins
Social media users react
The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @baddie.brad, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly gone viral and amassed 5.8 million views, 652,200 likes and 5,595 comments.
But social media users were stunned by his “crazy” way of living and eagerly raced to the comments to express this.
Let me just say, before you say my life “seems depressing” and “may this life never find me” – shut up
Bradley
One person said: “Water in the eggs is crazy.”
Another added: “May this life NEVER find me.”
A third commented: “My dude I’m great at saving money but this ain’t it… I’m all for saving as much money as possible but you also need to enjoy your life.”
Meanwhile, someone else begged: “Please just buy a silicone brush, you can use everyday for the rest of your life. It is not expensive.”
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