2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on ‘We were on a little boat with oars’ – Ger Brennan admits Donegal storm sank Louth’s summer
GER BRENNAN knew Louth would need a bigger boat when Donegal smelt blood in Ballybofey.
The Wee County managed to stay afloat after a gruelling first half of football, as Ryan Burns started reeling in the hosts with 0-4 from play.
Donegal sailed past Leinster champions Louth on Sunday afternoonLouth manager Ger Brennan admitted his side were no match for the Ulster men
But Donegal’s power proved too much after the restart, and they devoured their opponents 1-16 to 0-5 in the second 35 to surge into the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
A devastating spell of 1-7 on the bounce blew Louth out of the water as Ciarán Thompson marked his 50th championship appearance with his first championship goal and hometown hero Oisín Gallen fired 0-5.
Two-pointers from Michael Langan and Michael Murphy along with Peter Lynch’s black card left the Wee County clinging for life before they gradually sunk out of the championship.
And Brennan admits the high of winning their first Leinster title in 68 years caught up with them as they lost three out of their next four games to bow out.
He said: “It was a perfect storm. Unfortunately, we were the ones on the little boat with the oars. We couldn’t survive it. Donegal just steamed through on a cruise liner and punished us for every error.
“Credit to them, very efficient, and they’re a superb team. Second half, just the tempo, intensity, just upped it everywhere.
“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, a great bunch of fellas, we just weren’t able to live with it.
“In terms of a quick reflection as a management and a group of players, I think the winning of a Leinster final after 68 years, going into the All-Ireland Series took more of us than we realised.”
Louth were right in the game at the break thanks to 0-4 from the brilliant Burns and some poor shooting from the hosts.
Donegal fired five wides and saw three shots drop short in the opening 35 alone, as their efficiency in front of goal let them down badly in a game of chess in the Ballybofey heat.
Defensive tactics prevailed early on as Brendan McCole put the shackles on Sam Mulroy, and Donal McKenny did the same to Murphy at the other end.
But despite Donegal’s poor shooting, Conor O’Donnell’s goal was the difference right after Dara McDonnell’s super score made it 0-6 apiece.
Murphy rose highest to flick on Shaun Patton’s bullet restart to Gallen, and Ciaran Moore’s fist pass played the Carndonagh man clean through to smash home.
It was harsh on a Louth team asking serious questions despite falling 0-5 to 0-1 behind on 17 minutes.
Peadar Mogan, O’Donnell, Murphy, Oisín Gallen and the brilliant Finbarr Roarty all scored before Gallen fired a sitter wide when Michael Langan played him clean through.
The next three scores read Burns, Burns, Burns as Donegal fell into Louth’s burning ring of fire and Ryan McHugh and Thompson added to the misses at the river end.
Gallen ended a 14-minute wait for a score to banish his missed goal chance, but Louth kept coming at them as McDonnell’s boomer levelled it.
With 32 minutes on the clock, Murphy made his mark when he got a hand to Patton’s kick-out and Moore read O’Donnell’s run to perfection for him to lash home.
Burns had the final say of the half with his fourth from play, before a different Donegal emerged.
Hugh McFadden began to lord the skies when he replaced Jason McGee, and his team-mates all moved up a gear to power home.
Roarty, Mogan, Eoghan Bán Gallagher and Moore ran at their opponents constantly as Thompson and Murphy began to pull the strings inside.
Gallen and Langan fired over before McFadden won the next kick-out for Murphy’s epic two-pointer.
It opened up a six-point gap before their second goal when Gallen fed Thompson and he lashed home from distance to make it 2-11 to 0-9.
Louth were all at sea as Lynch was black carded for a late hit on Murphy and the relentless hosts kept turning the screw.
Langan boomed over another two-pointer as Conor O’Donnell, Gallen, Daire Ó Baoill and Shane O’Donnell followed suit to finish the devastating 1-7 flurry as McGuinness rolled in the cavalry from the bench.
Mulroy thought he had scored on the double at the other end, but Patton got a hand to it to reduce it to one as they failed to stay in the game.
Donegal skipper Paddy McBrearty failed to score, but created the next 0-3 for Niall O’Donnell, Ó Baoill and the brilliant Caolan McColgan before McFadden completed the rout on the hooter.
And McGuinness beamed as 12 of his players hit the mark to fire them back to Croker against Monaghan or Meath this weekend.
He said: “In terms of the team, it’s very important now that we dial-in very quickly to the next challenge which is going to be Monaghan or Meath and we wait for that draw to come and then we can start the ball rolling again for another week.
“Very happy, very happy obviously, one game more than we wanted but at the same time we’re happy to take the game.
“Obviously loads and bits of pieces to work on as well, particularly in the first half in terms of decision making and stuff.
“We were clinical and done a good job to get over the line and get over the line with 20 minutes to spare basically and give us a chance to get some players on the pitch as well that have been doing well in training.
“Odhran McFadden-Ferry has been doing well in training, Niall O’Donnell coming back into it again. Daire Ó Baoill I thought was very very good when he went on and Patrick when he went on as well, and I think Patrick might have had three assists.
“Whenever we got beat against Tyrone we knew we’d be in this situation potentially and we were targeting these three weekends. So we’re delighted we have an opportunity at the third game now.”
DONEGAL 2-22
LOUTH 0-12
DONEGAL: S Patton, F Roarty 0-2, B McCole, P Mogan 0-1; R McHugh, EB Gallagher, C Moore; J McGee, M Langan 0-3, 1tp; C McColgan 0-1, C Thompson 1-0, S O’Donnell 0-1; C O’Donnell 1-2, M Murphy 0-3, 1f, 1 tp, O Gallen 0-5.
Subs: H McFadden 0-1 for McGee HT; D Ó Baoill 0-2 for McHugh 49; P McBrearty for Murphy 51, N O’Donnell 0-1 for C O’Donnell 54, O McFadden-Ferry for Gallagher 54
LOUTH: N McDonnell; D Nally, D Campbell, D McKenny; E Carolan, P Lynch 0-1, C Lennon 0-1; T Durnin, D McDonnell 0-1; C McKeever, C Downey 0-1, D Corcoran; P Matthews 0-1, S Mulroy 0-3, 1f, R Burns 0-4.
Subs: C Grimes for Carolan HT; S Callaghan for Durnin 48, R Walsh for Matthews 51, C McArdle for Lennon 53, C Byrne for Burns 57
InstagramArthur and Brian have jetted off to Spain with their kids[/caption]
InstagramBrian has shared some ‘beautiful’ snaps from their trip[/caption]
The family are staying at the fabulous five-star Ikos Andalusia resort in Spain.
The celebrity couple often shares snippets of their day-to-day lives with their two little ones onsocial media.
Brian took to his Instagram yesterday to post a series of family snaps from the first day of their luxurious sun-soaked trip.
The family-of-four looked happier than ever as they posed for some adorable pictures at the pool.
They also captured a few sweet moments during their first evening at the resort.
Arthur was sporting a white shirt with colourful patterns, while Brian opted for a red and cream patterned shirt.
Meanwhile, Blake and Blu looked picture perfect in matching white and red chequered outfits.
Lastly, the TV star shared some fabulous snaps of his sister Aoife soaking up the sun by the pool.
Brian captioned his post: “Holiday mode has been ACTIVATED. Day 1 was a ROARING SUCCESS.”
Fans and friends of the pair all flocked to the comments to share their love.
Jackie said: “Gorgeous photos have a wonderful time and enjoy every second, you all deserve it.”
Caoimhe wrote: “Love this! Such fabulous memories for those beautiful girls. Such a gorgeous family.”
Rosalyn gushed: “Beautiful family photos – looks like a lovely holiday.”
Jennifer commented: “You all deserve the best holiday!”
Another added: “Have the best time!!!”
‘NEW CHAPTER’
Arthur recently shut down rumours he is leaving social media after an emotional statement.
TheRTEstarlaunched a website on June 17, 2010 and used it to share career highlights and connect with fans.
But 15 years on, Arthur revealed that the site had run its course as he decided it was time to let go.
In a statement shared to his Instagram, the celebrity choreographer said: “And just like that, an era come to an end.”
A message underneath the post wrote: “Goodbye, it’s been amazing.”
This sparked controversy amongst fans as they wondered if Arthur was deleting his social media account.
However, the 44-year-old was quick to clear up the confusion in a short clip on his Instagram story.
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Full list of banned food and drinks passengers cannot bring onboard on TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 flights
PASSENGERS flying with TUI, easyJet, Ryanair or Jet2 this summer are being urged to check the full list of banned food and drinks before heading to the airport – or risk having their items taken away.
From cold snacks to hot drinks and alcoholic beverages, the rules on what you can and can’t take onboard vary between airlines – and breaking them could lead to your items being confiscated before take-off.
GettyPassengers travelling from the UK are being urged to double-check airline guidelines before heading to the airport[/caption]
GettyThat’s because under current post-Brexit regulations, any food products containing meat or dairy are banned[/caption]
GettyAlcohol must be purchased on the flight if you want to enjoy a drink in the air[/caption]
Passengers travelling from the UK are being urged to double-check airline guidelines before heading to the airport, especially as rules continue to tighten, particularly on flights to EU destinations.
That’s because under current post-Brexit regulations, any food products containing meat or dairy – including sandwiches, yoghurts or even packed lunches bought in the airport – are banned from being taken into the EU, regardless of where they were purchased.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s banned or restricted on flights operated by the UK’s biggest budget carriers:
TUI offers complimentary meals and drinks on flights lasting over seven hours.
For shorter journeys, snacks and beverages can be bought onboard via a trolley service – but passengers are also allowed to bring their own food.
However, TUI is clear that any food brought onboard must be “low-risk,” such as cold snacks or pre-made sandwiches.
The airline also warns it cannot heat food for passengers, aside from baby bottles.
Crucially, passengers are not allowed to drink any alcohol they’ve brought from home or bought in duty-free – even if it’s sealed.
Alcohol must be purchased on the flight if you want to enjoy a drink in the air.
EasyJet is fairly relaxed about food onboard, and passengers are welcome to bring their own meals.
However, they should be aware of liquid restrictions and destination-specific rules.
According to the airline: “You can bring food into the cabin, although we do sell a range of delicious food and drink on board.
“There’s a 100ml limit for liquid food, like soup or custard.”
Hot drinks are allowed if purchased at the airport, but they must have a secure lid to reduce the risk of burns during turbulence.
The airline also reminds passengers to check rules at their destination – some countries have stricter customs policies around food items.
Ryanair takes a mixed approach, allowing passengers to bring their own cold food and soft drinks under its “feel free” policy – but strictly banning hot drinks and alcohol.
The airline advises: “In the interest of safety we cannot allow passengers to board the plane with hot drinks or consume their own alcohol during the flight.”
That means even if you’ve bought alcohol in duty-free or at the airport, you won’t be allowed to drink it onboard.
Cabin crew are authorised to confiscate items if rules are broken.
Jet2 operates one of the strictest policies when it comes to food and drink.
According to the airline: “You may not bring hot food or hot drinks onboard the aircraft.”
Passengers are also warned not to carry any items that are “unsuitable for carriage” – this includes food that is strong-smelling, fragile or perishable, and anything that may impact the comfort or safety of others.
Despite these rules, Jet2 does offer a wide selection of food and drinks for purchase during the flight, with options for most dietary requirements.
GettyCabin crew are authorised to confiscate items if rules are broken[/caption]
2 weeks agoMalaysia TvComments Off on Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Internships 2025
Vaal University of Technology invites South African graduates to apply for the Internship Programme 2025. Internship Application Closing Date: 24 June 2025 at 14:00 Internship...
Louise Duffy appeared on the red carpet at the Barnardos Riverdance ShowGarrett White - Commissioned by The Sun DublinKaren Koster and daughter Eve were all smiles in their laid-back looksGarrett White - Commissioned by The Sun DublinThe Riverdance show teamed up with Barnardos to raise funds and awarenessPhotocall Ireland
Louise – a well-known ambassador of the charity – was recently joined by a group of toddlers to launch their annual Big Toddle in Dublin earlier this year.
She looked glamorous attending the Riverdance fundraiser show as she stunned in a printed blazer by designer Dries Van Noten.
The radio host completed her look with a beautiful red handbag and earrings.
During her jaunt on the red carpet, she was interviewed by young Robert Brady, who was keen to get her thoughts about the fundraiser.
Also making an appearance was telly star Karen, who was snapped alongside her daughter Eve.
She opted for a glamorous but laid-back look, wearing a stylish denim jacket, white skirt and a top, along with a pair of gold sandals and gold jewellery.
Many parents were also snapped with their beaming children as they entered the theatre to help raise funds for a great cause.
All the profits from the Riverdance 30 – The New Generation performance today will be donated to help the work of Barnardos.
The show is currently playing this summer until September 7.
The New Generation celebrates the show’s incredible 30th year milestone, with a special anniversary tour in the Gaiety Theatre for the summer season.
The huge production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography, costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics.
It showcases the new generation of exceptional performers – all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago.
Today’s charity show comes on the back of a 12-hour Riverdanceathon that took place in front of the Gaiety Theatre on June 19 to help raise cash for the charity.
The amazing event saw some 500 dancers from dance schools across Ireland take part, along with members of the Riverdancecast.
‘THRILLED’
Commenting on the partnership with Riverdance, the charity’s Director of Fundraising, Mary Gamble, said: “Barnardos is thrilled to be the charity partner for Riverdance 2025 – and on such a special year as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.”
She added: “The funds raised from these events will support Barnardos’ work with children and families in our centres, in families’ own homes, and in schools across Ireland.”
Riverdance CEO Padraic Moyles said: “We are very privileged to be given the opportunity to work with Barnardos.
“Throughout this partnership we will endeavour to share our passion for music and dance and in some small way create enjoyable and inclusive occasions for some of the families in Barnardos’ community.”
Louise Duffy was interviewed on the red carpet by young Robert BradyGarrett White - Commissioned by The Sun DublinSaoirse and Aoife Burrett attended the Riverdance ShowGarrett White - Commissioned by The Sun DublinAnna Kurchenko, Henry Morgan and Peter Morgan also went to the fundraiserGarrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on I was branded UK’s ‘most hated woman’ for buying two babies – it’s plagued my life for 2 decades.. but I have NO regrets
A WOMAN who was branded the “most hated” in Britain for buying two babies has said she has “no regrets” over her decision.
Judith Kilshaw admitted, however, that the move to purchase twin girls – who were just six months old – for £8,200 had “plagued” her life for the past 24 years.
PA:Press AssociationAlan and Judith Kilshaw purchased baby girls Kiara and Keyara Wecker in 2001 but were forced to hand them back after just three weeks of care[/caption]
ReutersJudith says the scandal ‘plagued’ her life but added that she does not regret buying them[/caption]
Mercury PressThe 71-year-old has spoken out about how she still hopes to be reunited with her two children[/caption]
She and husband Alan bought Kiara and Keyara Wecker in 2001 but were forced to hand the girls back after just three weeks of raising the twins in their Wales home.
The parents had found themselves caught in the centre of a bitter “cash for babies” scandal, where another family – a childless couple in America – had also “bought” the two infants.
Now, more than 20 years on, Judith has admitted her life had been “plagued” by the controversy, which not only ended in her losing her children, but also her marriage and her home.
Judith, now 71, told MailOnline she had “no regrets”, despite her life being upended by the scandal, adding she had not yet given up hope of being reunited with the twins.
Speaking from her Wrexham home, she pondered over whether the decision to purchase the children was regrettable.
Judith explained: “To a certain extent it has plagued my life – it never goes away.
“It was a nightmare to start with but time heals things. There’s bigger things to think about.
“But I have no regrets. I thought I could give the girls a better life and give them opportunities in life.”
Judith still hopes to talk to the girls and answer questions they may have for her.
She had lost her two infants after it was revealed in 2001 that the twins’ birth mum Tranda Wecker had previously sold them to another set of parents in the US for £4,000.
Following a bitter transatlantic legal battle, the girls were eventually returned to America where they were raised by a third family in Missouri.
Judith was dubbed the “UK’s most hated woman” during the scandal, and said it still affects her two decades later.
Speaking in 2022, she said: “People would see us in the street, say things and leg it.
“Once there was a crowd round us, and someone was walking past shouting and bawling, then she hit my daughter on the head with a five-pound bag of potatoes.
“I still get it today from time to time. People give you hassle, and you always think, ‘is it because of that?'”
Her quest to have a reunion with the two girls gained further traction following Alan’s death in 2019.
The story that shocked the world
THE Sun exclusively revealed the girls were put up for adoption by their natural mother Tranda Wecker, 28, a twice-divorced hotel receptionist from St Louis, Missouri.
They were advertised on the internet by a broker called Tina Johnson.
The Allens paid her £4,000 for the tots, originally named Kiara and Keyara.
The couple took them to their San Bernardino home and were in the process of finalising legal adoption paperwork.
But then Tranda turned up – and told plumber Richard and Vickie she needed two days with the kids to say a final farewell.
In fact, the mum and Johnson handed them to the Kilshaws at a California hotel.
The British couple, who hired Johnson as they believed they would not be allowed to adopt here, were told the babies had been cared for by the Allens.
But they pushed this to the back of their minds. And they set off with the twins on a gruelling 1,500-mile car journey to Arkansas – where adoption is relatively easy – tracked by the Allens.
Mr Kilshaw said: “We’re sympathetic to them. But we wanted the twins and the mother insisted she wanted them to go with us.”
But Vickie Allen said: “How can those Brits sleep? They took our babies away from us.”
The story was brought to The Sun by the Kilshaws, who said they wanted to warn other would-be parents about the pitfalls of online adoptions.
At the time, Judith explained Alan’s last wish was for her to visit America to try to make contact with them.
The mum-of-four, who had two sons with Alan and two older daughters, had looked into adoption when they found they were unable to have any more children.
But after a shake-up in “baby trading” rules under Tony Blair, the girls – named Belinda and Kimberley by the Kilshaws – were returned to the US and placed in foster care.
Judith and Alan split in 2006 but remained friends, with Alan even walking her down the aisle when she married her third husband three years later.
She added: “He had fond memories of them and said they had grown into nice girls.
“He never regretted that we bought the twins and neither do I.”
2 weeks agoBlogsComments Off on Galway survive Down’s late surge to seal All-Ireland quarter-final spot in five-goal classic
After nerve-shredding finishes against Mayo, Dublin, Derry and Armagh, Galway had already been involved in their share of high octane, high drama ties before surviving another against Down in the Marshes.
Forward trio Shane Walsh, Rob Finnerty and Matthew Thompson scored 1-18 between them as the Tribesmen left with a two-point victory.
The Tribesmen ousted Down in a cracking clash to seal a last-eight placeThere were five goals in the thrilling clash at Pairc Esler
But only after weathering a stirring fightback from the Mourne men inspired by Odhran Murdock.
Winning manager Padraic Joyce said afterwards: “Very happy that we got through.
“Great game of football, up and down the pitch the whole time. It was error-ridden, a lot of turnovers, a lot of good play.
“We probably started the game poorly enough but then second half of the first half, we pulled away and got a 10-point cushion at half-time after Shane got the goal.
“Came out after half-time and we let them get back into the game with two two-pointers.
“The game then was topsy-turvy in the second half, tit for tat, back and over. We looked in a bit of bother in the second half when they got back to two or three points.
“In fairness to our experienced lads, Peter Cooke made a massive difference when he came on the pitch. Tomo Culhane got a great goal, Daniel O’Flaherty two points.
“Our bench has made a massive impact in the last couple of games, as it did today.
“Johnny Heaney came on after a head injury for Cillian McDaid, and he handled the ball three or four times and minded the ball really, really well.
“A lot of aspects we’d be really happy with, obviously a lot of aspects we wouldn’t be happy with and the amount of scores we conceded. But it was that kind of game, it was going to be open.
“People are saying we don’t play for 70 minutes. I think we got a good performance there for the full 70 minutes overall.
“We know where we are, we’re happy enough to be there. We’ve work to do. We just can’t perform like that next week whoever we are playing in the quarter-finals. If we concede that kind of score, we’re going to be in trouble.”
A crucial eight-minute spell at the end of the first half pushed a wind-assisted Galway lead of 1-7 to 1-6 out to 1-16 to 1-6 at the hooter.
Walsh buried past Down’s excellent ‘keeper Ronan Burns on 22 minutes and kicked a couple from outside the 40-metre arc, as did Thompson and Finnerty.
Odhran Murdock and Danny Magill were on target with two points apiece for the home side, while Murdock also set John McGeough away for their opening goal on 14 minutes.
Down were a side transformed after the break with Daniel Guinness and Miceal Rooney two-pointers inside 90 seconds getting their support more involved.
Galway steadied themselves with Thompson, Finnerty and Matthew Tierney points for a 1-20 to 1-13 advantage on 49 minutes before another Down surge followed as Galway’s kickout came under intense pressure.
A second Guinness two-pointer and sub Caolan Mooney’s impact cut it back to two before Galway’s bench began to influence matters.
Peter Cooke and Daniel O’Flaherty found the target, while Walsh converted a terrific two-point free prior to his injury-enforced withdrawal.
Galway’s 1-24 to 1-19 lead appeared too much for Down to reel in, but Murdock had other ideas and ignited a rally with Down’s second goal to cut the deficit to just two on 65 minutes.
Sub Tomo Culhane’s green flag two minutes later was the key moment for the Tribesmen and finally saw off Down’s resurgence.
And though Ryan Magill netted the game’s fifth at the other end soon after, a relieving Céin D’Arcy point confirmed Galway’s victory and a quarter-final date with Meath, Monaghan or Tyrone.
Down boss Conor Laverty was upset after the game.
He said: “Bad feeling in the stomach now.
“We knew that taking any team in the country to Newry, we felt we had an opportunity to win it. We definitely didn’t think that today was going to be our last day in the championship.
“I came here today with a massive belief that these players could perform at this level and that this is the standard that we want to be play at.
“What we did talk to the players about, do you want to be coming here today to Páirc Esler playing in front of 14,000 people?
What would you rather be playing?
“I came to a league match here against Clare one year and there wasn’t 150 people at it. Playing against teams in the Tailteann Cup, there were only a couple of hundred people at them, and that’s nothing against the Tailteann Cup because it was a stepping stone.
“That’s where this group of young Down players with a serious mindset and a serious desire to be competing at the top table.“
Galway: C Flaherty; J McGrath, S Fitzgerald, L Silke; D McHugh, S Kelly, C Hernon; P Conroy, J Maher; C D’Arcy 0-1, M Thompson 0-5 1tp, C McDaid 0-2; R Finnerty 0-6 1tp 1f, S Walsh 1-7 1tp 2tpf, M Tierney 0-2. Subs: P Cooke 0-1 for Conroy 47, D O’Flaherty 0-2 for Hernon 56, J Heaney for McDaid temp 61-69, T Culhane 1-0 for Walsh 62, J Daly for Maher 67.
Down: R Burns; P McCarthy, P Fegen, C Doherty 0-1; R Magill 1-0, P Laverty, M Rooney 0-2 tp; D Guinness 0-4 2tp, R McEvoy 0-2 tp; D Magill 0-2, O Murdock 1-2, A Crimmins 0-1 f; J Guinness 0-1, P Havern 0-2 2f, J McGeough 1-1. Subs: E Brannigan 0-1 for McCarthy temp 21-26 & HT, C Mooney 0-2 for McGeough 53, O Savage for Doherty 58, C McCrickard for Crimmins 62, F Murdock for Rooney 66.
