free webpage hit counter

Blogs

Cork GAA charging four-figure sum for table at All-Ireland final dinner with match tickets NOT included

CORK GAA is reportedly charging €5,000 per table at its All-Ireland final gala dinner – with match tickets NOT included.

Per The Irish Examiner, this represents a 100 per cent increase on the lowest going rate for a table for 10 before last year’s decider versus Clare.

5 July 2025; Robert Downey of Cork celebrates after the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Cork and Dublin at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
Captain Robert Downey will be hoping he gets to lift Liam MacCarthy this time
7 July 2025; Cork manager Pat Ryan is interviewed during a Cork Hurling media conference at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork ahead of the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The Rebels have not won a senior hurling All-Ireland since 2005
6 July 2025; Jason Forde of Tipperary strikes a free during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Kilkenny and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Tipperary have been installed as four-point underdogs for the July 20 match-up

What’s more, whereas tickets to the 2024 fundraising dinner also ensured you’d receive match tickets to the Croke Park showpiece, that is no longer the case.

Instead, there is a separate charge in order to snag tickets to the match itself.

The Irish Examiner report that an email from Cork GAA’s commercial wing outlines: “A donation of €5,000 will allow you to enjoy a table of 10 with the option to purchase 10 All-Ireland final tickets.”

In spite of this hike in price for lesser reward, the dinner has already sold-out ahead of its July 16 date at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

All donations are said to go towards the Cork players training fund. Clearly, there is a huge buzz around this particular team owing to their swashbuckling style and their 20-year All-Ireland drought.

The fever around the side is part of the reasoning Pat Ryan shared last week about why he doesn’t name dummy teams.

Scoffing at the notion of keeping such a secret in the county at the moment, he remarked: “You can’t keep anything in Cork anyway! I don’t want to be telling the players, ‘Don’t say this now to anyone.’

“They have to go home and tell their mam and dad are they playing, are they not playing. Your friends, you’re getting texts. I find that’s only putting more pressure on them for the following week.”

In Cork, where the hurling team are under a constant microscope, Ryan reckons keeping secrets from the public would be a futile exercise.

He said: “I’m not going to question any manager who wants to put in dummy teams or doesn’t want to put in dummy teams.

“But realistically, bar probably Limerick, I think everything gets out of every other dressing room.

“If you look at Nickie Quaid this year, nobody knew that was coming. That shows how tight they are and that’s probably a challenge for all of us to be.

“Our training sessions aren’t closed-doors either really – to a degree. We don’t want to invite 25,000 people down.

“We often get a mother coming up with her kids looking for autographs and she’s sitting on the side of the field.

“Look, this isn’t my team. This is the Cork public’s team and it’s the players’ team more than anything. We try and be as straightforward as we can.”

Read More »

Chilling moment Ukraine special ops chief is gunned down in cold-blooded assassination using Bond-style silenced pistol

THIS is the chilling moment a top Ukrainian special operations chief was executed by an assassin with a pistol and silencer in a suspected Russian revenge hit today.

Colonel Ivan Voronich, head of an SBU intelligence Special Operations Centre died instantly, sparking a manhunt after his killer vanished in Ukrainian capital Kyiv.

SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych, 50, was shot dead by a masked assassin in Kyiv
SBU Colonel Ivan Voronych, 50, lies dead in a car park after being assassinated
Security camera footage of Colonel Ivan Voronych's shooting.
East2West
Voronych, circled, the moment before he is shot and collapses against a car[/caption]
Security camera footage of Colonel Ivan Voronych leaving his apartment building moments before his death.
East2West
Voronych had just left his block of flats with shopping bags[/caption]

Voronich is understood to have planned sensitive missions created to cripple Vladimir Putin’s war machine and embarrass the Russian tyrant.

His killer pumped five shots into his body before sprinting away.

Pro-Putin sources quickly boasted a Kremlin agent had assassinated the colonel for running secret operations behind Russian lines.

Putin is believes to have ordered revenge hits after being humiliated by the stunning success of Operation Spiderweb in June in which destroyed £5.2 billion worth of Russian warplanes.

Ukrainian SBU agents smuggled drones on trucks to within striking distance of air bases and launched incredible simultaneous remotely controlled attacks.

Voronych, 50, was gunned down and pronounced dead at the scene in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district.

Footage shows the moment he was killed as he carried bags from a residential building.

He was ambushed by the waiting gunman – who was masked – as a woman fled the scene. The assassin is then seen running away on video.

Colonel Voronich was a senior operative of the 1st Division of the 16th Directorate of the Special Operations Centre.

Ukrainian ex-MP Ihor Mosiychuk said: “As a result of the shooting, the victim sustained multiple penetrating gunshot wounds and died at the scene.”

Moscow news outlet Readovka said Voronych was part of an elite Ukrainian clandestine force which had carried out operations inside Russia.

Readovka said the unit “operates not only as a law enforcement entity but also takes part in highly sensitive operations on Russian territory”.

Another Russian outlet Voenkor Kotenok TG said the colonel had “founded a division that causes problems for Russia”.

Another pro-Putin propaganda channel boasted: “A fat target. Applause to the liquidators”.

Russian commentator Maksim Kalashnikov said: “In Kyiv, Colonel Voronich, one of the organisers of special operations against us, a chief saboteur, was shot dead.

“Our people have started working.”

Security camera footage of a person running away from a murder scene.
East2West
The masked assassin fled from the scene[/caption]
Security camera footage of a man running away from a murder scene.
East2West
Pro-Kremlin media is claiming the hit was organised by Moscow special services[/caption]

Former SBU colonel Roman Chervinsky, once head of the 5th Directorate of the SBU Counterintelligence Department, said Voronych’s killing amounted to a “huge loss”.

He was said to have “initiated a direction in the [SBU] service that is now creating many problems for the Russians.”.

“With five shots at close range, while leaving the apartment, today at 8 am, the enemy killer did his dirty work.”

A major manhunt was underway for the alleged assassin.

Ukrainian police said: “All circumstances of the incident are currently being established. Measures are being taken to identify and detain the shooter.”

Putin wants SBU blood after a string of successes exposed the weaknesses in the security of his military machine.

Notable military successes since Russia‘s full-scale invasion in 2022 including the sinking of the flagship of Russia‘s Black Sea fleet, the Moskva, and the bombing of the Kerch Bridge.

A missile attack on Sevastopol harbour the following year also wreaked havoc but the tyrant finally demanded action after Spiderweb decimated his nuclear bomber fleet.

Read More »

Battered 80s car Jeremy Clarkson bought on Top Gear could be yours for £15,000 – but there’s a catch

A BATTERED motor that Jeremy Clarkson once bought on Top Gear for just £450 can now be yours – but for a hugely inflated price.

A 1989 Alfa Romeo 75 V6 3.0 Veloce that was driven by the presenter for an episode of the show is selling for a staggering £15,000.

Jeremy Clarkson's Alfa Romeo 75 V6 3.0 Veloce from Top Gear.
Jam Press/Iconic Auctioneers
An 80s Alfa Romeo once owned by Jeremy Clarkson has gone up for sale[/caption]
Jeremy Clarkson's damaged Alfa Romeo 75 V6 3.0 Veloce from Top Gear.
Jam Press/Iconic Auctioneers
The motor is finished in so-called ‘Skoda Green’ – although it has a few battle scars[/caption]
Damaged teal Alfa Romeo 75 V6 3.0 Veloce.
Jam Press/Iconic Auctioneers
Jezza originally bought it for £450 but it’s now worth £15,000[/caption]
Jeremy Clarkson driving a light green Alfa Romeo.
Clarkson is known for his fondness of Alfas and once saying that you need to own an Alfa Romeo to be a true car enthusiast

The Alfa appeared in episode three of series 11 back in 2008, when the three presenters – Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond – were tasked with buying a car for under £1,000.

Clarkson is known for his fondness for Alfa Romeo cars, once saying that you need to own an Alfa Romeo to be a true car enthusiast.

He bought this 75 model for just £450 at the time and praised its 3.0-litre Busso V6 engine, calling it “one of the best engines ever to go into mass production.”

Throughout the famous episode, the car faced several challenges, including a track day at Rockingham Motor Speedway.

It also featured in a calendar photoshoot, as well as the Auto Italia Stanford Hall Concours – where Clarkson personally repainted it in a shade he called ‘Skoda Green’.

Today, the car has much of its original paintwork – as well as a few battle scars from its TV exploits.

Its listing, courtesy of Iconic Auctioneers, says: “Following its appearance on Top Gear, the Alfa Romeo 75 has been meticulously maintained during 11 years of current ownership, with approximately £4,500 invested mechanically.

“Important work has included a cam belt service, a new clutch, and a gearbox rebuild.

“With just over 51,000 miles on the clock, the car comes with a comprehensive history file, original handbooks, stamped service book, old MOT records, and a detailed DVLA ownership history.

“The sale includes replacement doors and bonnet for those interested in returning it to standard specification.”

The listing added: “A great opportunity to buy a TV ‘star car’ that starts, runs and stops.

“Last MOT expired in 2017. Category ‘C’ Insurance Loss.

“Vehicle extensively damaged but repairable.

“Insurer decided not to repair it.”

Rob Hubbard of Iconic Auctioneers said: “This Alfa Romeo 75 is an enjoyable and quirky piece of Top Gear history, ideal for those who appreciate characterful cars with an engaging backstory.

“We’re delighted to present cars like this, celebrating automotive passion at every level.”

Fans of the show can fork out on the Alfa Sunday, August 24, at the Silverstone Festival in Towcester, Northamptonshire.

Read More »

DOJ: Possible human bones near Taal Lake amid search for sabungeros

MANILA, Philippines–The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the discovery of what appeared to be burned human bones inside a white sack near the Taal Lake site, where bodies of missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting enthusiasts) were believed to have been thrown. “The Department of Justice, through Secretary Remulla, confirms that during an initial technical site assessment at

Read More »

Missing Sabungeros Case: Sack Containing “Bones” Found In Taal Lake

As the search for the missing sabungeros case started, authorities have recovered this. MISSING SABUNGEROS CASE – The authorities are yet to verify if the bones inside a sack found in Taal Lake are human bones. It has been years already, and the missing sabungeros are still not found. However, the case was revived and ... Read more

The post Missing Sabungeros Case: Sack Containing “Bones” Found In Taal Lake appeared first on PhilNews.

Read More »

Heatwave map pinpoints Dublin’s hottest areas amid 29C heat blast as Met Eireann in capital ‘high temperature warning’

DUBLIN will be one of the hottest counties in Ireland this weekend with temperatures set to soar to glorious highs of 29C.

Met Eireann have issued a Status Yellow heat warning for the capital ahead of scorching weekend temperatures.

Temperature map of Dublin, Ireland showing temperatures in Celsius.
Areas in Dublin could reach up to at least 26C in parts
Ireland temperature map showing Celsius degrees.
Meteologix
And temperatures could reach between 24C to 29C[/caption]

Friday and Saturday are forecast to be the warmest days in Dublin with temperatures could reach between 24C to 29C.

And issuing the alert for Friday Met Eireann placed Carlow, Dublin, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Cavan, Monaghan, Roscommon and Tipperary under the alert.

They warned: “Maximum temperatures in excess of 27C combined with night-time minima in excess of 15C expected.”

And then for Saturday the entire country has been placed under the alert.

And outlining potential impacts they warned:

  • Water safety issues due to increased use of lakes/beaches
  • Forest fires a possibility
  • Uncomfortable sleeping conditions
  • Heat stress

Weather boffins said that temperatures today could reach 25C in the capital today with temperatures not falling below 14C or 15C overnight.

Met Eireann said: “Any fog or mist will slowly clear tomorrow morning to leave another sunny day.

“However, fog may linger near coasts.

“A hot day with highest temperatures of 27C or 28C in a light southerly breeze.”

Friday night is also expected to be warm and clear but some patches of mist and fog are possible.

Temperatures not falling below 13C to 16C overnight in a light southerly breeze.

Met Eireann added: “Very warm or hot on Saturday with plenty of sunshine, turning hazy over the western half of the country.

“Highest temperatures of 24 to 29 degrees in a light to moderate southeast breeze.

“Saturday night remaining dry and warm with clear spells, though cloud will gradually build in the west and southwest.

“An uncomfortable night for sleeping with temperatures not falling below 14 to 17 or 18 degrees in a light southeast breeze.”

Sunday is going to set off dry and bright with spells of sunshine.

But cloud will thicken from the southwest through the day with outbreaks of rain gradually developing in Munster, Connacht and west Ulster.

But a “very warm day” is expected with highest temperatures of 23C to 28C.

Map of Ireland highlighting weather warning areas.
Met Eireann
Saturday will see the entire country under alert[/caption]

Read More »

Wimbledon superfans fork out £600 on giant tennis racquet – even though it would fall apart if they used it

WIMBLEDON’S gift stores have flogged two giant tennis racquets for £600 each — after shops got into a race to sell them first.

The four-and-a-half-foot bit of sports gear has drawn the attention of thousands of punters since the start of last week.

A man in a suit holds a large tennis racket at Wimbledon.
Paul Edwards
Thomas Godfrey poses with one of Wimbledon’s giant racquets[/caption]

Selling the prop, which is larger than three-and-a-half foot tall TV legend Warwick Davis, has become one of the toughest challenges for temporary workers in SW19’s merchandise stores.

It even sparked a race between three of the gift shops, in the club’s museum, Centre Court and Court No1, to be the first to get rid of one this year.

It is understood that a Canadian couple bought one of the mega-racquets last week and are in the process of trying to get it back across the pond.

Another was sold over the weekend at full price.

The racquets, a replica of Babolat’s official tournament model, are very fragile and can’t be used on court.

They have a light metal frame and use actual string instead of carbon fibre or nylon, making it impossible to hit with.

One worker told The Sun: “We have some very good salespeople, but this has proven difficult to shift so far.

“Every year, we have a race to see who can get rid of it first. It’s a decoration, and for the right person, it is probably worth the money.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

“A lot of people are interested and walk by and say, ‘That’s amazing’.

“But then they see it’s £600 and that kills it pretty quickly.

“If you tried to play with it, it would just fall apart.”

Even for staff who pull off the Wolf of Wall Street-style sales pitch, do not get a bounty or any commission for any items they personally flog.

Another employee said: “We’ve spent lots of time trying to find the best spot for it.

“Nobody could really believe we had actually sold one.

“I suppose, if you have the money, and you love tennis, maybe it’s a worthwhile investment for a big house, but I wouldn’t want it in a tiny flat.”

For fans who can’t quite stretch to the £600 price tag, a tiny desk version, which is just seven inches tall, is also on sale for £20.

WIMBLEDON 2025 LIVE – FOLLOW ALL THE LATEST SCORES AND UPDATES FROM A THRILLING FORTNIGHT AT SW19

Read More »

Drivers need to do three checks before using their car during hot weather, RAC says

DRIVERS are being urged to carry out three vital checks before hitting the road in scorching weather.

As UK temperatures soar, motoring experts say failing to prep your car properly could leave you stranded in the heat.

Traffic jam on a highway.
Getty
The UK heatwave means breakdown rescue wait times are soaring[/caption]
Frustrated man examining his broken-down car.
Getty
Three simple checks can prevent you from breaking down in the sweltering heat[/caption]

Breakdowns are already on the rise – leaving thousands of drivers are being left stranded every day.

And with the heatwave chaos, rescue wait times are soaring.

Experts are warning Brits to act now before hitting the road and say a few simple checks could save your motor – and your wallet – from a summer meltdown.

RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “We’re seeing a surge in breakdowns as this latest period of hot weather takes hold, with up to 20% more vehicles failing than expected at this point in July.

“With above-average temperatures in many parts expected for the foreseeable future, very high volumes of breakdowns will persist through this coming weekend and well into next week.

“Our teams are working incredibly hard to help thousands of stranded drivers every day, but waiting times are longer as a result.”

What to check?

Drivers are being urged to check oil and coolant levels, as well as tyre pressure and tread, before setting off.

And if you spot a problem, don’t risk it – get it looked at by a mechanic or trusted garage before heading out, or you could end up broken down on the hard shoulder in blistering heat.

Alice continued: “Drivers should do whatever they can to avoid their vehicles letting them down in these conditions – oil and coolant levels, as well as tyres, must be checked before journeys are made.

“If anything isn’t right, get the problem diagnosed by a mobile mechanic or reputable garage, rather than running the risk of driving.

“Taking plenty of breaks on long journeys, to give themselves and their cars a rest, is also important.”

Breakdown Survival Tips

Motorists are also being told to prepare for the worst – just in case the car does conk out.

Always carry plenty of drinking water, especially if you’re travelling with kids or pets, and don’t forget sun cream, a sun hat, and even an umbrella to provide shade while you wait for help.

Experts say if you do break down, it’s vital to get out safely and seek shade where possible – as sitting in a sweltering vehicle can be just as dangerous as being stuck outside.

Alice added: “Staying safe in the heat, especially if a breakdown is unavoidable, should be in the mind of every driver.

“Carrying plenty of water for all passengers is a must, as is keeping sunscreen and a sun hat or even umbrella to hand to reduce the ferocity of the sun.

“When waiting for assistance, look for a safe location in the shade and well away from moving traffic.”

Woman drinking water in a car.
Getty
Always carry plenty of drinking water and sun cream[/caption]

Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford

Sun Motors has created the UK’s First Finance-First Marketplace

*Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances

You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget.

Here’s how…

  • Soft credit check, with no impact on your score
  • 60-second decision, get a real finance decision in less than a minute
  • Instant match, only see cars that fit your real budget
  • AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo

Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here.

Read More »

British golfer Charley Hull collapses twice at tournament and carried off on stretcher

BRITISH golf star Charley Hull has withdrawn from the Amundi Evian Championship in France after collapsing twice on course.

Hull, 29, was carried off the course in a stretcher after multiple medial issues throughout her round, reportedly caused by a virus.

Charley Hull of England playing golf.
Getty
Charley Hull has withdrawn from the Amundi Evian Championship in France after collapsing twice on course[/caption]

The Kettering golfer had sat down inside a bunker on the third hole after appearing unwell, before collapsing on the fourth tee.

Hull tried to persist with her round after a 15-minute medical break but collapsed once more following her tee shot.

MORE TO FOLLOW…

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

Read More »

‘Such a great surprise’ says lucky punter as Cork and Dublin Lotto players collect life-changing prizes

LUCKY punters from Cork and Dublin have collected Lotto prizes worth a life-changing €270,000 this week.

The delighted players revealed how they found out about their winnings at Lotto HQ yesterday.

Euro banknotes. Money Background
Punters from Cork and Dublin have collected their shared winnings of over €270,000
Getty Images - Getty

Cork’s winning streak continues as another player has secured a €194,616 prize in the Lotto draw held on June 21.

The lucky ticket was a Quick Pick purchased at Circle K Blarney, Tower Filling Station in Tower, Blarney, Co Cork.

The winner explained that they had visited the shop on a sunny day only to buy an ice cream and decided at the last minute to play the Lotto.

And with an error resulting in fewer lines on the ticket, something told them it was worth keeping.

They said: “I remember the day so well, it was an absolute scorcher!

 “I popped in for an ice cream and on a whim, grabbed a Lotto ticket. I usually go for four lines, but the cashier accidentally printed just two.

“I had a feeling I couldn’t let that ticket go!” 

After the draw, the player celebrated quietly with close family members and plans to enjoy the money while keeping life as normal as possible.

Meanwhile, a Dublin-based syndicate of 32 colleagues who claimed a €78,500 prize from the Lotto draw in April revealed how they found out.

The group, who have been playing together for nine years, only discovered the win recently because the notification email landed in an inbox they rarely checked.

Once the news was shared, members were delighted and quickly began planning holidays and special treats with their share of the prize.

They said: “We only found out recently because the email notification went to an inbox we rarely check.

“We sent an email around to everyone in the syndicate, and the replies came flooding in.

“Everyone was just so thrilled, it was such a great surprise!” 

And players are now being reminded of tonight’s Lotto jackpot.

Estimated at a whopping €10.5 million, tickets are available in-store, online and via the National Lottery app until the 7.45pm sales deadline.

€1MILLION TICKET LOCATION REVEALED

This comes after lotto bosses have revealed the lucky shop where a life-changing ticket worth €1MILLION was sold.

The Tipperary village of Clerihan is “buzzing with excitement” after one player struck gold in last night’s draw.

The punter won an incredible €1,000,000 in last night’s special Lotto Plus Raffle.

They purchased their ticket at Ely’s Centra, Clerihan Village Centre, Co. Tipperary, on Thursday.

The Lotto Plus Raffle usually sees between 60 and 120 winners of €500 in each draw.

However, Saturday night’s draw included a special event: every ticket with the winning raffle number was entered into a once-off random draw, where one ticket was selected to win an additional €1,000,000.

While all 104 ticketholders with the winning number received the standard €500 prize, one fortunate Tipperary player walked away with a life-changing total of €1,000,500.

The winning raffle number was: 9416.

Read More »