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Ex-swim coach George Gibney arrested in US on foot of extradition request over historical child abuse allegations

FORMER Olympics coach George Gibney has been arrested in the US on foot of an Irish extradition request, it has emerged.

The one-time swimming trainer was lifted in the States, where he has been based for several decades, as part of an investigation into historical child sexual abuse allegations.

Gibney who is now in his 70s, is wanted here to face over 50 historical sexual abuse charges from his time working here.

He was arrested in Florida on Tuesday afternoon by US marshals on foot of an Irish extradition warrant, according to RTE News.

Gibney is being detained pending a court appearance there and can decide whether to accede or contest his extradition.

A Garda spokesperson told The Irish Sun: “An Garda Síochána is aware of the arrest of a male aged in his 70s in the United States on foot of an Irish international arrest warrant.

“As this is currently a matter for the US authorities, An Garda Síochána will not be commenting further at this time.”

Investigators re-opened their probe into the former high profile coach after a number of people made allegations against him on a BBC and Second Captains podcast over five years ago.

The award-winning production, entitled Where Is George Gibney?, re-examined the controversy and prompted more than a dozen new alleged victims of the swimming coach to come forward.

A number of the alleged abuse victims who came forward following the hit series made criminal complaints to An Garda Siochana, who at the time had already opened a fresh investigation into Gibney.

The new case reportedly relates to different instances of alleged abuse to those Gibney was previously charged with in the 1990s.

It is understood gardai submitted the extradition request to US authorities late last year, at which point it became a matter for US officials to review and process the paperwork.

Gibney previously faced charges in 1993.

He appeared before Dun Laoghaire District Court in April of that year, charged with 27 counts of indecency against young swimmers and of having carnal knowledge of girls under the age of 15.

However, his prosecution was stopped after he took a judicial review in the High Court and, in July 1994, secured an injunction preventing the DPP from prosecuting him on those charges.

Pic shows former Irish national swimming coach George Gibney, who was accused of paedophilia and child sex abuse against the swimmers he trained.  

Pic supplied by RTE. 

See story by Nicola Tallant for 07/10/2007.
Former Olympics coach George Gibney has been arrested in the US
RTE

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Arsenal ‘close to Viktor Gyokeres transfer with Gunners in advanced talks with Sporting after ruling out Benjamin Sesko’

ARSENAL are in advanced talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres after honing in on the Swede over their other target Benjamin Sesko, according to reports.

The Gunners have been weighing up their options for a new centre-forward and it would appear they are now focusing on Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting celebrating after scoring a goal.
Getty
Arsenal are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Viktor Gyokeres[/caption]
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looking dejected during a soccer match.
Getty
The Gunners other centre-forward target, Benjamin Sesko, could now fall to the wayside[/caption]

According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal feel like they are “touching the final line” when it comes to agreeing a deal for the Sporting Lisbon star.

While it’s also claimed they have already agreed a five-year contract with Gyokeres himself.

Gyokeres has found himself trying to force a move away from Sporting this summer after claims that a gentleman’s agreement to leave for a cut-price fee between him and the club has not been honoured.

Sporting president Federico Varandas has claimed the club are happy to let Gyokeres leave for less than his release clause, but will stand firm when it comes to getting a fair price for the Portuguese league’s top scorer.

Citing the prices paid for some other players this summer, Varandas told O Jogo: “Sporting does not need to sell him, but we remain sensitive to the dreams of Viktor and any of our athletes.

“After weeks of meetings, we are not asking for the release clause and will be reasonable regarding the price we ask for Viktor. Today, I believe there is a strong probability he will leave.

‘We have been watching the market and I saw [Martin] Zubimendi, who is six months younger than Viktor, leave for €65million.

“I saw Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, both forwards but who, in my opinion, do not have Viktor’s market value or quality, being negotiated for around €75million.

Illustration comparing Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres' 2024/25 league stats.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

“Given the demands we consider fair, I believe Viktor could leave – unless he has the worst agent in the world, which is hard for me to believe, because he is one of the best footballers in the world.”

Adding: “I’m not going to say what the price is, the player knows what it is.

“I can tell you that Viktor won’t leave for €60million plus €10million he won’t, he just won’t.”

Meanwhile Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the club’s stance has left Gyokeres feeling “betrayed and tired”.

It’s been claimed that Gyokeres has informed Sporting that he won’t be returning to the club and has no intention of playing for them again.

Gyokeres scored 39 goals in 33 league appearances last season, more than any other player in Europe’s top 10 leagues.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Sesko, but advancements in the Gyokeres deal would likely spell an end to those talks.

The Gunners today announced the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on a £5m deal, with the Spanish goalkeeper set to play backup to first choice shot-stopper David Raya next season.

While deals for Brentford‘s Christian Norgaard and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi are also thought to be on verge of completion.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas at a football match.
Alamy
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has been bullish with his demands for a Gyokeres transfer[/caption]

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Winning £25,000 was the worst thing that ever happened to me – it should’ve been life-changing but l’ve lost everything

A BRAVE mother has opened up on how she won £25,000 on her birthday, but before long had lost everything. 

Gabby Walker, a mum-of-two from the UK, explained that her hefty prize should have been life-changing, but instead, it made her realise that she had a very serious issue to deal with.

Woman in a car saying winning £25,000 was the worst thing that ever happened to her.
A mother has bravely opened up on how winning £25,000 on her birthday was the worst thing that ever happened to her
tiktok.com/@gabbywalker360
Woman in a car saying winning £25,000 was the worst thing that ever happened to her.
Gabby Walker claimed that not only has it put a wedge in her relationship, but it’s also affected her family life too
tiktok.com/@gabbywalker360

Now, the recovering gambling addict is on a mission to raise awareness, as she candidly shared her gambling story on social media.

Posting online, the brunette beauty acknowledged that her “big win” was the “worst thing” that has ever happened to her.

As she sat in her car, she said: “Two years ago, on my birthday, I won £25,000 – it might not seem a lot to everyone, but to me, that was life-changing. 

“I should have been able to do so much with that money but because of my gambling addiction, I couldn’t.”

Gabby claimed that “the urge to gamble is horrible” and described it as though something has “taken over you.”

She voiced that during the height of her addiction, she was “always” on her phone, “constantly trying to get that next win.”

And rather than treating her family to a trip abroad after receiving her prize, Gabby instead put the money straight back onto betting, and even spent £1,000 on gambling in a single day.

She confessed: “After winning that £25,000 I felt like I’d lost everything, I put it all straight back on [gambling sites], when I should have been spending it on a holiday or activities to do with the children, but I didn’t.”

Opening up on her “regrets”, Gabby described her actions as “selfish” and admitted that her “gambling issue” has even put a “wedge” in her relationship. 

Getting candid on her partner’s support, she recalled: “He has to always fund for me to survive for the month and for the children to survive for the month and it’s awful, it really is.”

But looking to days free from gambling, the mother explained: “I’m glad I’ve got to the stage now where I’m wanting to change and wanting to get better, and I know it’s gonna be difficult at times.”

Gabby stressed that she has a “long road ahead”, but “needs to stop gambling”, as she acknowledged if she doesn’t, she is “gonna lose everything” and will have “no family” to turn to for support.

Social media users react

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @gabbywalker360, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 72,900 views, 981 likes and 135 comments. 

Social media users were stunned by Gabby’s story and many eagerly raced to the comments to share their support. 

I’m glad I’ve got to the stage now where I’m wanting to change and wanting to get better

Gabby Walker

One person said: “I wish I could have that much money!! But good luck hun!!! Being honest with yourself is always the first step!!!”

Another added: “You got this, this is so brave sharing with everyone. I wish you all the luck getting through this.” 

A third commented: “Honestly massive well done for reaching out it’s not an easy thing to do! Massive love to you.” 

At the same time, others bravely opened up on their own gambling addictions, as one man shared: “I won £36,000 & in 6 days.. lost it all in 4.. years later I won £40,000 in 3 months, lost it all in 5 days.. when gambling you lose respect for money.”

How to get help for a gambling addiction

Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and their families. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for seeking timely help. Common indicators of a gambling problem include spending more money and time on gambling than intended, lying about gambling activities, and experiencing financial difficulties as a result. Emotional symptoms may include anxiety, stress, and depression, often exacerbated by the losses and the cycle of chasing them.

There are several avenues for support and treatment for those struggling with gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach that helps individuals change their gambling behaviors and thoughts. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, provide a community of individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual support and understanding. Additionally, various helplines and online resources are available to provide immediate assistance and guidance.

It is essential for friends and family members to be aware of these signs and encourage their loved ones to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of the problem and help individuals regain control over their lives. By addressing gambling addiction head-on and utilizing available resources, individuals can work towards recovery and a healthier, more balanced life.

A woman voiced: “I won over £60k in the space of 6 weeks and still managed to get into £23k worth of debt, it literally ruined my life.”

Whilst someone else wrote: “I had £34k in and out of my account last April.”

What to do if someone you know has a gambling addiction

As previously reported, some 2.5% of the population gamble in a “severe and harmful way”, Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, national clinical adviser on gambling harms at NHS England, said.

As well as this, a Public Health England (PHE) study in 2021 found the rough overall cost of health harms caused by gambling was around £960million.

That includes suicide, which costs £619.2million.

The study also found an estimated 409 suicides were linked to gambling in England every year.

There are a number of steps you can take if you believe someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction.

Is it possible to gamble safely?

IT is important to stay safe when you gamble and that you feel able to reach out if you are struggling.

Senior Consumer Reporter Olivia Marshall shares different ways you can keep yourself safe when gambling.

Certainly! Here is the information with bold text above the normal text:

Set a Budget
Determine how much money you can afford to lose before you start gambling and stick to that limit.

Never gamble with money that you need for essential expenses like rent, bills, or groceries.

Time Management
Set a time limit for your gambling activities.

It’s easy to lose track of time when gambling, so decide in advance how long you will play and stick to it.

Know the Odds
Understand the odds of the games you are playing.

Remember that gambling is based on chance, so be realistic about your chances of winning.

Avoid Chasing Losses
If you lose money, do not try to win it back by gambling more.

This often leads to deeper losses and can create a cycle of chasing losses that is hard to break.

Stay Sober
Avoid gambling when you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

These substances can impair your judgment and lead to risky behaviour.

Take Breaks
Regular breaks can help you stay in control and make more rational decisions.

Continuous play without breaks can lead to fatigue and poor decision-making.

Self-Exclusion and Limits
Many gambling platforms offer tools to help you control your gambling, such as self-exclusion programs or setting deposit limits.

Use these tools if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.

Seek Support
If you think you may have a gambling problem, seek help.

There are many organisations that offer support and counselling for gambling addiction, such as GamCare, Gamblers Anonymous, and the National Gambling Helpline in the UK.

Educate Yourself
Learn about responsible gambling practices and be aware of the signs of problem gambling.

Understanding these can help you maintain a healthy relationship with gambling.

Gamble for Fun, Not Profit
Treat gambling as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.

The primary goal should be to have fun, and any wins should be considered a bonus.

Be Gamble Aware’s website suggests ways you can help someone who might need help and some of the steps include: understanding what an addict is going through, knowing how to talk to someone with a gambling addiction, and avoiding rewarding gambling behaviour.

If you personally are struggling with an addiction, the NHS has a useful webpage which offers a range of helpful tips.

Some include trying cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), a talking therapy that can help change the way you think and behave.

There are also treatment and support groups available for people wanting to stop gambling.

Additionally, GamCare offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK.

It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling.

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EuroMillions results and numbers: National Lottery draw tonight, July 1

UK EuroMillions lottery ticket.
Alamy

THE draw for tonight’s National Lottery EuroMillions (July 1, 2025) has taken place, with life-changing cash prizes at stake.

Check the results to see if you have just won a fortune and bagged enough to start that jet-set lifestyle you always dreamed of.

a close up of a euromillions lottery ticket
Have you got the winning EuroMillions ticket?

Every EuroMillions ticket also bags you an automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, which guarantees at least one player will pocket £1million in every draw.

You can find out if you’re a winner by checking your ticket against tonight’s numbers below.

Tonight’s National Lottery EuroMillions winning numbers are: 01, 17, 28, 32, 34 and the Lucky Stars are: 07, 08.

The UK Millionaire Maker Selection winner is: ZTFH41326

Tonight’s National Lottery Thunderball winning numbers are: 04, 09, 10, 11, 31 and the Thunderball is 02.

TOP 5 BIGGEST LOTTERY WINS IN THE WORLD

  1. £1.308 billion (Powerball) on January 13 2016 in the US, for which three winning tickets were sold, remains history’s biggest lottery prize
  2. £1.267 billion (Mega Million) a winner from South Carolina took their time to come forward to claim their prize in March 2019 not long before the April deadline
  3. £633.76 million (Powerball draw) from a winner from Wisconsin
  4. £625.76 million (Powerball)  Mavis L. Wanczyk of Chicopee, Massachusetts claimed the jackpot in August 2017
  5. £575.53 million (Powerball)  A lucky pair of winners scooped the jackpot in Iowa and New York in October 2018

The first EuroMillions draw took place on February 7, 2004, by three organisations: France’s Française des Jeux, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado in Spain and the Camelot in the UK.

One of the UK’s biggest prizes was up for grabs on December, 4, 2020 with a whopping £175million EuroMillions jackpot, which would make a winner richer than Adele.

Another previous UK winner who’s whole life was altered with their jackpot was a player who wanted to remain anonymous on October 8, 2019. They walked off with a cool £170,221,000.

Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs in Scotland, netted a huge £161,653,000 in the July 12, 2011.

Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Haverhill, Suffolk, picked up £148,656,000 after they played the draw on August, 10, 2012, while Jane Park became Britain’s youngest lottery winner when she scooped up £1 million in 2013.

The odds of winning any EuroMillions prize are 1 in 13.

Could tonight’s jackpot of £43million see you handing in your notice and swapping the daily commute for slurping champagne on a super yacht or lying back on a private beach in the Bahamas?

EuroMillions tickets comes with an automatic entry into the UK Million Maker too
EuroMillions tickets come with an automatic entry into the UK Million Maker too

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Coleen Rooney eclipses husband Wayne as main breadwinner as Wag’s earnings soar while his income slumps

COLEEN Rooney’s earnings have eclipsed those of ex-England footballer hubby Wayne after her business ventures made a £1.3million profit.

New figures for her firm, CWR 2021, indicate the income from her endorsements and media career more than tripled in a year.

Coleen Rooney at the VIP screening of "Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story".
Getty Images - Getty
Coleen Rooney’s earnings have eclipsed those of hubby Wayne after her business ventures made a £1.3million profit[/caption]
Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford.
PA
Wayne was reportedly on around £500,000 as manager of Plymouth Argyle, before leaving the club in December[/caption]

I’m A Celeb runner-up Coleen, 39, yesterday published the accounts for the year to September 2024, which showed the booming business already had £580,000 in the bank.

Former Three Lions skipper Wayne, 39, was reportedly on around £500,000 as manager of Plymouth Argyle, before leaving the club in December.

The ex-Manchester United striker was said to be raking in £300,000 a week at the peak of his earning power in 2014.

Coleen’s shift to becoming the main breadwinner will now be chronicled in a Disney+ documentary, called The Rooneys.

Confirmed yesterday by the streaming giant, she will be seen running her business while he taking the couple’s four sons to school.

A financial expert said: “These earnings show that, even before Coleen signed up for I’m A Celeb, she was already bringing in more money than Wayne.

“On the back of her jungle stint, where she was incredibly popular with the viewing public, she’s now likely to see her earnings soar even further.

“And the increased interest in Coleen after she did so well on the show is also likely to have sealed the deal on the Disney contract.

“Getting big bucks from a global streamer, plus her pay cheque from ITV, will no doubt swell the Rooneys coffers even further.”

Coleen picked up a big fee for I’m A Celebrity in the autumn when she was pipped to first place by McFly singer Danny Jones, 39.

In recent months she has continued to bring in money through deals such as endorsing health supplement brand Applied Nutrition.

Coleen has remained firmly in the public eye following her 2023 Wagatha court case brought by Rebekah Vardy.

Coleen had accused Rebekah’s Instagram account of leaking posts from her own private account.

A judge dismissed Rebekah’s libel claim on the basis that Coleen’s statements were substantially true.

That led to an three-part documentary series The Real Wagatha Story featuring exclusive access to Coleen.

Wayne has recently turned to football punditry following a lean spell as a manager.

He went from Derby County to briefly playing for DC United in the US, then returning to management at Birmingham City, before his doomed stint at Plymouth.

But the shifting fortunes for the Rooneys have provided lots of interest for documentary makers, which has proved lucrative for the family.

After making Prime Video biopic Rooney with Lorton Productions in 2022, the same creative team are now behind the Disney+ show.

Coleen Rooney in a kitchen, holding a bag of Applied Nutrition Diet Protein.
Supplied
Coleen has brought in big money through deals such as endorsing health supplement brand Applied Nutrition[/caption]
Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story, Disney+ original series.
Disney+
Disney+’s three-part documentary series The Real Wagatha Story featured exclusive access to Coleen[/caption]
Danny Jones crowned King of the Jungle with Coleen Rooney and Richard Coles.
Coleen picked up a big fee for I’m A Celebrity last autumn
Rex

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Toddler dies after ‘after being forgotten’ inside car in Spain during 35C afternoon

A TODDLER has died after being “forgotten” inside a car in Spain -amid a horror heatwave which has reached highs of 35 degrees.

The boy, believed to be aged around two, was left inside his dad’s car on an industrial estate in the Costa Dorada town of Valls near the east coast city of Tarragona.

Yellow ambulance parked on a city street.
Solarpix
A toddler died in a car after being ‘forgotten’ amid a heatwave[/caption]

The alarm was raised around 3pm on Tuesday afternoon before firefighters rushedto the vehicle.

When they arrived, they found the youngster’s dad beside the child with the car door already open.

They tried to revive him with help from emergency medical responders who arrived soon after.

The responders practised CPR on the toddler before discovering he had gone into cardiac arrest.

Efforts to save his life were unsuccessful – and he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

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Graeme McDowell suffers Open Championship heartbreak as Portrush native misses out on hometown major

GRAEME MCDOWELL suffered major heartache this afternoon as he missed out on qualification for the Open Championship.

The Portrush native will miss the season’s final major at his hometown course after he failed to finish in one of the top 5 places at Royal Cinque Port.

DEAL, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland prepares to play a shot with his caddie at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club on July 01, 2025 in Deal, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
DEAL, ENGLAND – JULY 01: Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland prepares to play a shot with his caddie at Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club on July 01, 2025 in Deal, England. (Photo by Tom Dulat/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 01: Ronan Mullarney of Ireland looks on at The West Lancashire Golf Club on July 01, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
Ronan Mullarney is currently in a four-man playoff for the final place at The West Lancashire Golf Club

2010 US Open winner McDowell carded a first round of two under par before a +1 round in the afternoon on the southwest coast of England.

While The 2025 Open takes place on the Dunluce Links, McDowell’s has a hole named after him on the Valley course at Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The honour was given to him by the club in recognition of his achievements in golf, particularly his victory at the 2010 US Open.

20 places were up for grabs at four different venues on Tuesday, the event was the last for players who are not already exempt from the qualification process for the world’s oldest golf major.

Burnham and Berrow, Dundonald Links, Royal Cinque Ports, and West Lancashire will hosted a 36-hole stroke play event, with five spots available for Royal Portrush qualfication.

The LIV Golf star will be gutted after he targeted The Open as a prime target for the season.

Ireland had a number of players across the four venues with Ronan Mullarney currently competing in a four-man playoff at West Lancashire.

Big names to miss out include Ian Poulter, David Puig, Erik Van Rooyen to name but a few.

Click here for full results…

Royal Cinque Ports (5 places)

  • Dean Burmester (–8)
  • Curtis Knipes (–7)
  • Nathan Kimsey (–6)
  • Sebastian Cave (a) (–5)
  • John Axelsen (–4)

Burnham & Berrow (5 places)

  • Harry Hall (–8)
  • Jacob Skov Olesen (–8)
  • Justin Walters (–8)
  • OJ Farrell (–6)
  • Anirban Lahiri (–5)

Dundonald Links (5 places)

  • Lee Westwood (–7)
  • Daniel Young (–6)
  • Angel Hidalgo (–6)
  • Jesper Sandborg (–5)
  • Connor Graham (a) (–4)

West Lancashire (5 places)

  • Lucas Herbert (–8)
  • Sampson Zheng (–7)
  • George Bloor (–6)
  • Richard Teder (a) (–5)
  • Oliver Lindell (–5) Additional tie for last spot: Ronan Mullarney and Sam Bairstow (–5), holding playoff positions

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