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ATHLONE TOWN backer Nick Giannotti has expanded his interests by buying a stake in Larne.

Giannotti and Eric Perez will join the board of directors at Inver Park after Redball Global acquired Kenny Bruce’s 50 percent holding in his hometown club.

The American confirmed his involvement in Athlone just last week, stressing his wife’s Cork roots, without providing the sort of clarity on ownership which came with the Larne announcement.

Giannotti is already a director at Plymouth Argyle whilst Canadian Perez is the owner of Truro City who have won promotion to the National League.

Giannotti said: “It’s very exciting to join a club with a great community, a great ground, great partners, and more. Together I expect glorious days ahead.”

It is unclear what sort of interaction there might be between the various clubs. Other multi-club models such as the Trivela Group’s owning both Walsall and Drogheda United and Waterford’s link-up with Fleetwood Town have seen significant traffic between sister clubs.

Trivela’s acquisition of Silkerborg ultimately cost Drogheda a place in European competition, earned on the back of their FAI Cup win.

The American company failed to take the necessary steps to comply with Uefa’s rules around ownership to allow both clubs compete in the Europa Conference League.

As Silkeborg finished higher in the Danish League than Drogheda did in the League of Ireland, they got the nod to take part.

Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile

THE girlfriend of Vladimir Putin’s transport official who was found dead ahead of a fraud inquiry could be banned from his funeral.

Roman Starovoit, 53, was sacked by Vlad on Monday after he couldn’t stop Ukraine causing mayhem to Russia’s aviation industry – and was found dead hours later.

Newsflash

Newsflash

25-year-old Polina might be barred from attending her boyfriend’s funeral[/caption]

Newsflash

Roman Starovoit and Polina Korneeva had been together for several years[/caption]

East2West

Roman Starovoit’s girlfriend Polina Korneeva, 25, who identified his body at the crime scene, according to reports[/caption]

He was found beside his Tesla with a bullet wound to his head as the mystery behind his “suicide” deepens.

Now it has emerged that his long-term girlfriend, 25-year-old Polina Korneeva, might be barred from attending his funeral.

Polina was brought to the scene by law enforcement to identify the corpse on Monday.

Political sources believed the couple were about to wed after photos of Polina in a wedding dress emerged, taken for a fashion magazine.

Dad-of-two Starovoit divorced his wife in 2021, and Polina had become renowned as the First Lady of Kursk while he was regional governor.

But the 25-year-old’s dad, named only as Eduard in Russian media, revealed there are doubts over whether she will be allowed to attend his funeral.

He said: “We spoke with Polina after Roman’s death. But she didn’t really tell us anything.

“My daughter is very upset, she is in a depressed mood, she even refuses to talk to people around her.

“We don’t know yet whether Polina will be able to attend the funeral.”

He added: “Of course, I knew about my daughter’s relationship with Roman.

“They dated for several years. But I don’t want to discuss how I felt about my daughter’s choice.

“We tried not to interfere in her personal life; she has the right to make such decisions herself.”

Eduard went on to say that he didn’t want to discuss “the details of how they first met” – alluding to their big age difference.

Following 53-year-old Starovoit’s death, Kremlin officials were quick to circulate the theory that he had committed suicide.

Svetlana Petrenko, spokeswoman of the Investigative Committee of Russia, said: “Today in the Odintsovo urban district, the body of the former Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation, Roman Starovoit, was found in a personal car with a gunshot wound.

“Investigative bodies of the Main Investigative Directorate of the Investigative Committee of Russia for the Moscow Region are working on the scene, establishing the circumstances of the incident.

“The main version is suicide.”

Yet, Sergei Markov, director of Russia’s Institute of Political Studies, sensationally went on the record to suggest Starovoit had been murdered. 

He said: “The Russian elite was shocked by the suicide of Roman Starovoit, the former Minister of Transport, just a few hours after Putin removed him.

Newsflash

Political sources believed the couple were about to wed[/caption]

AP

Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit attends a meeting in Mineralnye Vody in May[/caption]

Newsflash

Dad-of-two Starovoit divorced his wife in 2021, and Polina had become renowned as the First Lady of Kursk[/caption]

“But it seems to me that those who eliminated him – that is, those against whom he could have testified after his arrest – are trying to hide his real murder by using the suicide version.”

Starovoit was sacked amid unconfirmed rumours he was implicated in a major corruption scandal.

Putin gave no reason for his dismissal, later denying he had lost trust in him. 

His successor, Alexey Smirnov, was recently detained for embezzlement during the construction of border fortifications – and one version suggests he may have testified against Starovoit.

Officials caught in corruption scandals often go to prison, raising questions about if Starovoit was set to be sent to the gulag by Vlad.

If his death is in fact a suicide, Starovoit’s death would be a blow to Putin as his sacked ministers usually take being sent to prison on the chin.

Staravoit was the Governor of Kursk from 2018 to 2024, when it was invaded and partially occupied by Ukraine forces.

Russian police and security officials are said to be investigating his death as a suicide.

Reports said the last time Starovoit communicated with his family was two days ago.

Starovoit had divorced his wife in 2021, the mother of his two children, and started a relationship with Polina.

The dead ex-minister had a daughter 15, and son, 18.

According to sources, on July 5, he arrived at the competition to see his daughter, stayed there for less than an hour, hugged her and left. 

He did not contact his family again.

Starovoit’s passing is the latest in a string of suspicious deaths of Russian officials, oligarchs and insiders since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine began.

Many have died in reported suicides, falls from windows or under mysterious circumstances, fuelling speculation about growing instability behind the Kremlin’s walls.

Newsflash

Starovoit had divorced his wife in 2021, the mother of his two children, and started a relationship with Polina[/caption]

East2West

Roman Starovoit’s girlfriend Polina Korneeva is 25 years old[/caption]

Reuters

Russian Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit attends a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in January[/caption]

SUN Racing’s value picks for a big day at Newmarket are below – and we think one jockey can run riot at HQ.

Back a horse simply by clicking their odds.

LONGSHOT

MARCHOGION (3.00 Newmarket)

Has some excellent form over this trip and didn’t get the run of the race at Newmarket last time. He is capable of hitting the frame.

EACH-WAY THIEF

MAKE it an Oisin Murphy each-way double at Newmarket…

ROYAL PLAYWRIGHT (4.45)

Looked a bit more like it when fourth in the Diomed Stakes at Epsom last time.

SEAGOLAZO (5.20 Newmarket)

Who was rusty in the Britannia Stakes and will be much fitter for the run.

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Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

BRITISH Airways is adding more short-haul flight destinations to its roster for the winter season – and one has highs of 20C in November.

The airline has revealed it will be flying from London to Rabat in Morocco, Graz in Austria and adding more flights to a popular Spanish city for the winter season.

Alamy

Rabat is the capital of Morocco but hasn’t been plagued by over tourism[/caption]

Alamy

Rabat is a coastal city with two main beaches for swimming and sunbathing[/caption]

Rabat in Morocco is one of the newest routes added to the roster by British Airways – and Rabat is just over three hours away from the UK.

The airline will fly from London Gatwick starting from November 9, and will operate year-round so Brits can escape to get some Moroccan sunshine.

Rabat is the third destination to Morocco that British Airways, and country’s capital city.

Morocco is a popular spot for Brits seeking winter sun as temperatures remain between 18C and 20C throughout the colder season.

It’s often described as being Morocco’s ‘understated coastal capital’ because it isn’t quite as popular as other places in the country like Marrakesh and Fez.

Rabat has two main beaches, Rabat Beach and Oudayas Beach.

Rabat Beach is the more popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, while Oudayas Beach is much quieter.

Flights to Graz in Austria begin on November 21, 2025, running three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from London Gatwick.

Currently there are no other flights that fly directly between London and Graz.

The southern city has historical sites and is surrounded by farms and vineyards.

Alamy

Graz is full of historical sites and vineyards too[/caption]

Alamy

The famous clock tower in the centre of the city is 49 feet tall[/caption]

Graz is home to the largest underground slide in the world at Schlossberg Hill.

What was once a historical attraction has been turned into a winding slide.

The slide is set across a 175-metre track which can reach speeds of up to 25km/h, and visitors go through Schlossbergstollen caves in 40 seconds.

The city has a huge clock tower called Grazer Uhrturm, it’s 94 foot tall tower holds three bells.

The temperature in November has highs of eight and lows of one.

There are ski resorts near Graz, espsecially in the Graz-Umgebung district. 

The resorts are small, but can be more affordable than the larger more well-known resorts.

British Airways is adding more services to Madrid, this time from London City Airport.

These will leave 11 times a week and bring the weekly total up to 44 alongside the existing London Heathrow flights. 

Plus, here’s Sun Travel’s verdict after trying out British Airways’ new First Class sea with a mini hotel room.

And the lesser-visited European country gets first British Airways flights.

Alamy

British Airways is adding more short-haul routes from London[/caption]

A CASA Amor girl has been accused of “using one of the boys” to get into the main villa – with fans insisting she has “big scammer energy”. 

Tommy Bradley is one of the stand-out stars of this year’s Love Island, with viewers being left gutted for him when Megan Forte Clarke ditched him for Conor Phillips. 

Shutterstock

ITV

But viewers think she’s stuck with Tommy due to his popularity[/caption]

Shutterstock

He ended up in a couple with Emily Moran – wihile Megan was dumped from the villa – but they weren’t closed off when the Islanders were split for Casa Amor. 

As the Casa bombshells graft to earn a place in the main villa, Tommy has been getting to know Lucy Quinn – but fans aren’t convinced she’s being genuine. 

One wrote on social media: “Lucy gives big scammer energy, very keen to get to the main villa at all costs.”

Someone else said: “Lucy is just using Tommy as a ticket to the villa.”

Another fan commented: “Lucy doesn’t care who she gets with as long as she gets in! So embarrassing.”

And a fourth added: “Lucy is only going for Tommy to either get to the main Villa or be in with a chance of winning.”

Tommy isn’t only very popular with fans, but he’s also had the backing of two iconic former Islanders. 

During an appearance on Aftersun at the weekend, series two winners Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey shared their love for Tommy. 

They called him “a lovely boy”, with Nathan adding: “I would love my daughter to bring a man home like Tommy. And he’s a Tottenham fan as well.”

Cara jokingly revealed: “I stalked him the other day,” to which the audience erupted in laughter.

Nathan went one step further, saying: “Give him the 50 grand – just him, on his own.”

A ‘MONSTER’ plunge on an Aidan O’Brien horse who’s ‘so fast’ could go up in flames – thanks to big rival Charlie Appleby.

Whistlejacket looked a future superstar when sent off odds-on for Norfolk at last year’s Royal Ascot.

PA

PA

Whistlejacket, right, looked a world-beater but it hasn’t quite worked out what way – and a massive gamble on him could yet be foiled on Saturday[/caption]

But he could only finish fourth that day before banging in Group 2 and Group 1 wins at Newmarket and Deauville respectively.

The Coolmore-owned colt returned this season with a Listed success at Navan but was again turned over at odds on at Naas in May.

He finished sixth in last month’s Commonwealth Cup – yet that tells only half the story.

Whistlejacket travelled ominously well but was repeatedly denied a clear run in the closing stages, beaten just under five lengths but nearest at the finish.

Amazingly, on the back of that, odds of 33-1 for Saturday’s July Cup were available ante-post for the confirmed 6f specialist.

A number of shrewd punters moved to gobble up the price and he has been hammered all the way into a best 7-1 for the £657,000 Group 1 as a result.

The gamble on Whistlejacket had all the hallmarks of a good, old-fashioned punt – until Appleby got involved.

The Moulton Paddocks handler threw a massive spanner in the works when he supplemented former 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech on Monday.

He’s been walloped as a result and is now into as short as 2-1 having been put in the market at 4s.

That’s not to say Whistlejacket can’t still do the business for O’Brien and likely jockey Ryan Moore.

But if Notable Speech had not been added then Whistlejacket would be vying for favouritism – if not favourite – against the likes of Flora Of Bermuda and Inisherin.

O’Brien – who has another horse running this week that punters are certain is ‘banker material’ – hasn’t lost hope.

Speaking of Whistlejacket’s chances, the Ballydoyle boss said: “We were happy with him going into Ascot, but we all saw what happened with him there so we didn’t get a clear reading.

“He just didn’t have any luck in running in the Commonwealth Cup, but we have been happy with him since.

“The plan was to always go sprinting with him this season and after Ascot the intention was to bring him to Newmarket for the July Cup.

“He was a good winner over course and distance last year in the July Stakes so we know that he handles the track well.

“It was quick at Ascot, and he looked okay there, so the ground shouldn’t be a problem for him.

“We have won this race with some great horses in the past and hopefully he will give a good account of himself.”

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

---

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chases their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

THE luxurious but tragedy-stricken villa where the first Roman emperor, Augustus, is believed to have died has been unearthed after 2,000 years.

Researchers from the University of Tokyo say there are a number of clues that suggest the posh villa belonged to Augustus, who lived between 63 BC and 14 AD.

University of Japan

The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time – namely, a private bath[/caption]

University of Japan

Amphora ceramic containers lined along a wall of a structure at the Somma Vesuviana site[/caption]

University of Tokyo

That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community[/caption]

The 3,650-square-meter villa located at Somma Vesuviana, at the northern foot of Mount Vesuvius, was destroyed on the day of the eruption in 79 AD.

The famous buried city of Pompeii was located on the mountain’s southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption.

The ruins of the villa, which were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash, reveal luxuries only afforded to the ultra-wealthy at the time – namely, a private bath.

It boasts five large furnaces, which are presumed to have heated an enormous bath.

That number of furnaces has been called an exceptionally rare find by the archaeological community.

Carbon found inside the furnace dates back to around the first century, and suggests they went cold not long after.

“There has never been a case where five large furnaces have been excavated from an Italian site,” Mariko Muramatsu, professor of Italian studies at the University of Tokyo, said.

University of Tokyo

The famous buried city of Pomepii was located on the mountain’s southern slope, and was also completely destroyed by the same eruption[/caption]

Muramatsu, who began an archaeological survey of the site in 2002, added: “It makes sense as an explanation that no one else but the emperor could make such a magnificent feat possible.”

The researchers noted that Augustus, who held immense power as the founder of the Roman Empire, may have used the building as a guesthouse.

That many furnaces would have heated a significant amount of water, which may have even been used to entertain influential guests.

“It is almost certain that they were used to heat a large amount of water for a huge bath facility,” said Masanori Aoyagi, former commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs and professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo.

The researchers also said the bath was out of use around the same time Augustus died in 14 AD, and what appeared to be a large temple was later constructed on the site.

Getty

Augustus’ grave has never been found, but ancient records say he passed away at his villa northeast of Mount Vesuvius.

Accounts from that period also say a memorial was built there in memory of his accomplishments – but the precise location of that villa has remained a mystery.

Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, researchers say another clue supporting their theories is the fact that the site is located more than 200 kilometres from Rome.

“Augustus built a guesthouse with a huge bath beyond Roman citizens’ scrutiny in a bid to show his greatness to aristocrats and military officers and have them feel the Pax Romana (Roman peace) in the bath,” said Aoyagi, who served as the first project head of the research team.

The research team has already begun excavations on the south side of the furnace in hopes of finding the remnants of ancient bath water.

AN INSTAGRAM influencer and mum tragically died during a “three-in-one” plastic surgery op as she received a fat injection into her bum.

Famous businesswoman Natália Cavanellas Thomazella, 40, went into cardiac arrest on the operating table – with her death being treated as “suspicious”.

Jam Press

An Instagram influencer and mum tragically died during a ‘three-in-one’ plastic surgery op[/caption]

Jam Press

Natália leaves behind a daughter and a husband[/caption]

Jam Press

Natália experienced complications as she underwent liposuction, buttock enhancement, and breast implant revision[/caption]

Natália experienced complications as she underwent liposuction, buttock enhancement, and breast implant revision.

Her family said she was in good health and had no pre-existing conditions before her tragic death.

And she didn’t experience any complications when she underwent a breast augmentation two years ago.

Natália went into cardiac arrest as she was receiving a fat injection into her bum.

The tragedy unfolded during the final stages of her three-in-one surgery in São Paulo, Brazil.

The police report said: “The medical team reportedly began resuscitation efforts.

“And although the patient initially responded, they were ultimately unsuccessful.”

Natália’s surgeon’s lawyers said: “Unfortunately, the patient developed a serious complication consistent with a pulmonary embolism.

“[This is] a rare, but recognised occurrence in medical literature, even when all preventive measures are taken.”

Doctors suspect the cardiac arrest may have been caused by the injected fat causing a blockage in a blood vessel.

A post-mortem examination will determine her exact cause of death.

Natália was a corporate networking specialist and the founding director of a public relations agency.

In March, she was incredibly recognised by the São Paulo City Council as one of 100 outstanding female entrepreneurs.

She boasted more than 100,000 followers on Instagram.

Natália leaves behind a daughter and a husband, who made a heartfelt tribute to her on Tuesday.

Her grieving husband said: “We all know what an incredible woman Natália was – beautiful, independent, highly professional, full of joy, and with so many other wonderful qualities.

“Sadly, Natália left us yesterday, but she will live on forever in our hearts and memories.

“We were married for several years, and from that marriage came the greatest gift of my life – our daughter, Manoella.

“Manoella is so much like Nat, even in her personality.

“She’s very outgoing, just like her mum – I think she takes after her in every way, and today I see what a blessing that is.”

He added: “I’ll always tell Manoella what an amazing woman her mother was – the kind of person everyone loved and admired – and I’ll make sure we always keep her memory alive.”

Jam Press

Natália was a corporate networking specialist and the founding director of a public relations agency[/caption]

Jam Press

In March, she was incredibly recognised by the São Paulo City Council as one of 100 outstanding female entrepreneurs[/caption]

Jam Press

She boasted over 100,000 followers on Instagram[/caption]

A HUNKY Hollywood star is returning to TV after six years with a gripping new thriller.

It comes as Netflix just dropped a trailer for its upcoming limited series Untamed.

RICARDO HUBBS/NETFLIX

A Hollywood hunk stars in a new Netflix thriller[/caption]

PA

Eric Bana stars in upcoming murder mystery Untamed[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

He previously played the title character on Dirty John[/caption]

Eric Bana portrays Kyle Turner – a National Parks Service agent investigating a grisly death in the Yosemite National Park wilderness.

It marks the 56-year-old’s first series since appearing in 2019 true crime anthology Dirty John.

Joining Eric is Hollywood legend Sam Neill, 77, known worldwide for his role in Jurassic Park.

Rounding out the cast are Rosemarie DeWitt, Wilson Bethel and Lily Santiago.

As for Eric, the Australian actor’s recent film roles include A Sacrifice, Memoir of a Snail and Apex.

Some of his most well-known films include Black Hawk Down, Troy and The Time Traveller’s Wife.

In Dirty John, Eric played the title character John Meehan – a charismatic, manipulative con man.

The series is based on the true story of con artist John Meehan who was a serial manipulator of women and the subject of a podcast and a TV series both named Dirty John.

Meehan was known for swindling money from people and sleeping with many women, lying about almost every aspect of his life.

In 2017 Christopher Goddard, an investigative journalist, spent a year creating a podcast about the conman John Meehan.

The renowned podcast was made into a TV series on American channel Bravo in late 2018 and continued into a second series with a new cast.

It tells the same story as the podcast, but as a scripted drama.

The first series also starred Connie Britton as Debra Newell as well as Julia Garner and Juno Temple as Debra’s two daughters.

Untamed will be released on Netflix on July 17.

© 2025 Netflix, Inc.

Fans don’t have long to wait for Untamed[/caption]

LIDL Ireland fans are rushing to buy a “jumbo” pool perfect for heatwaves as temperatures are set to soar to 28C.

The jumbo Leisure Pool is now in stores nationwide for only €19.99.

Lidl Ireland

Lidl Ireland has released a jumbo pool as temperatures are set to soar this week[/caption]

Lidl Ireland

And it comes in two different styles[/caption]

Met Éireann has said Ireland could be basking in scorching temperatures up to 28C within days as Europe’s heatwave drifts closer.

Parts of the continent have already seen the mercury rocket past 46C, shutting schools and causing a string of heat-related deaths.

And Lidl Ireland is bringing back an affordable way to cool off this summer with the Jumbo Leisure Pool.

Available from June 16 until August 31, this inflatable pool is set to be a popular pick for families looking to enjoy the warm weather.

The pool comes in two styles, so you can choose between a hexagonal or rectangular shape to suit your space.

It features a two air chamber system and quick-release valves are included to make inflating and deflating faster.

When fully set up, the pool measures 202 by 151 centimetres with a height of either 46 or 60 centimetres depending on the style.

This size is big enough for kids to paddle comfortably and compact enough for most gardens or patios.

And at €19.99, this bargain buy is one of the most budget-friendly options around.

Savvy shoppers must act fast as the pool is only in stores until the end of August.

What’s more, the bargain supermarket has a range of other items to keep yourself cool this summer.

LIDL SUMMER BARGAINS

To start, Lidl is releasing a desk fan for only €19.99.

This compact unit includes three speed settings and an optional 85° oscillation function.

Its adjustable tilt angle lets you direct airflow exactly where it’s needed, while its measurements are 46 x 34 x 24cm, making it suitable for desks, counters or bedside tables.

What’s more, It even comes with a three-year guarantee.

This fan is geared toward those looking for a quieter, more versatile cooling option this summer.

Lidl is also offering small portable fans at €5.99 each, or two for €10.

Despite their size, they include three fan speed settings and a tiltable head.

A portable air cooler is also available at Lidl, now reduced from €17.99 to €12.99.

It’s designed for personal use, with a 700ml water tank that can run for up to seven hours.

The cooler has three air speed settings and includes a dimmable LED mood light.

It cools and humidifies, offering a different effect from a regular fan and it comes with a built-in carry handle so you can move it between rooms.