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KATHRYN THOMAS has shared the sweet message she received from RTE legend Joe Duffy following her brand-new radio gig.

The former Operation Transformation host landed her own radio show on Q102 back in December 2024.

Q102

At the time, the popular presenter gushed over the opportunity to “put her own stamp” on the show.

The TV star admitted she only felt nervous when she realised she had to operate the entire desk by herself.

Kathryn told RSVP: “I didn’t know how to drive the desk, it was a new building and a new culture and a new team and commercial radio is a very different entity to what I’ve been doing before on Radio 1.

“I was sort of learning on the job for the first month or two.”

But, the radio star was given a major boost in confidence just a few weeks into her show when an RTE legend wrote her a letter.

She revealed: “One of the first cards I got was from Joe Duffy and he said, ‘You are sounding bright’ and our tagline is, ‘The morning show with Kathryn Thomas, brightens your day’.

“So, I got this card on my desk saying, ‘Your sound is brilliant, you sound bright, keep it going, good luck’. Which was lovely from one of the masters in radio.”

The 45-year-old had been manning the ship on the Q102 morning show for nearly six months now and it’s safe to say she’s found her feet.

The Carlow native previously hosted fitness programme Operation Transformation for over 13 years, before the broadcaster “wrapped” the series due to a “refresh and renew” of their TV listings.

Kathryn has now admitted that she “knew” her time was up on the show before the station had decided to axe it.

The host confessed: “Even though RTE wrapped the show, I knew my time had come to an end and I had made that decision.

“I had been there for thirteen years and I work best when I am engaged and challenged. I like challenges.“

‘SOMETHING NEW’

The mum-of-two revealed that having young kids left her in “mum mode” for quite some time.

But, with her daughters now that bit older, the Irish host confessed that she was “ready for a new challenge”.

She continued: “Since I decided to step away from Operation Transformation, then doing my documentary, The Skinny Jab revolution, getting into that documentary space, it’s like me digging my teeth into something new.

“I just needed something new.”

THE National Poisons Information Centre of Ireland has issued a warning over the dangers of weever fish around the coast.

There have already been dozens of reports of bathers being stung by the dangerous tiny fish from beaches up and down the country.

Getty Images - Getty

Getty Images - Getty

With the weather expected to get better in the coming days, more and more people will flock to the coastline.

The tiny fish have sharp spines containing venom on their dorsal fin.

They are found all parts of the Irish coast but only in sandy areas, usually in warm shallow waters in the hour before and after low tide.

Unlike most fish, they have no swim bladder, meaning that they sink to the bottom as soon as they stop swimming.

They are, therefore, difficult to see because they spend most of their time buried under the sand. 

Standing on a weever fish results in immediate intense, burning pain with the most intense pain coming in the first two hours.

The painful sting can also result in swelling, numbness and warmth.

The sting is likely to feel numb until the following day, with irritation and pain that may last for up to two weeks.

Sometimes, the spine breaks off in the foot and it will cause discomfort until it is removed.

The NPIC this week issued a warning to people to beware of the tiny predator and were inundated with comments from people across the country telling of their frightening experiences.

One person revealed: “Stood on one of these in Kilmuckridge in Wexford a few year back oh good Jesus the pain is awful, I’d never heard of weaver fish at the time but thankfully my neighbour did and knew exactly what to do when she seen my foot…

“Put swim shoes or crocs on the kids going in the water and don’t let kids sit at the shoreline/ shallow water this is where they are found most.”

Another said: “Stepped on one of these on Achill Island and it’s not fun! Thankfully the lifeguards knew what it was straight away and stuck the kettle on.”

A third described the sting as “agonising”, adding that he “will never forget the pain” of the ordeal.

The weever fish can cause anaphylactic shock or an allergic reaction to those who are vulnerable and people have died from the sting in rare cases.

Water Safety Ireland advise the public to “stop swimming” around one or two hours either side of low water to reduce the risk of stepping on the fish.

The public has been urged to wear flip flops or sandals when walking on the beach close to low water.

One member of the public who was previously stung by one of the little nippers vowed she will will “never not wear swim shoes” when she goes for a dip in the sea.

She said: “Stood on one last summer, and omg the pain!!! I think I have a good pain threshold, but I would have been a blubbering mess only my children were with me.

‘I went straight to the life guards, was so painful. Thought I was dying to be honest. I normally have a good pain threshold but this was immense. I will never not wear swim shoes“.

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A WOMAN has been charged with murder after a much-loved 93-year-old great-grandmother was found dead at home.

Judy Zussman was discovered by officers at an address in Gatley, Stockport, on the morning of April 16, Greater Manchester Police said.

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Judy Zussman was discovered by officers at an address in Gatley, Stockport[/caption]

A woman was arrested at the scene and subsequently detained under the Mental Health Act.

Amelia Ali, 39, of no fixed abode, has now been charged with murder in connection with the incident, the force said on Wednesday.

She will appear at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday.

In an earlier tribute, Mrs Zussman’s family described her as “a much loved and devoted wife to her late husband Jack, and an adored sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.”

Greater Manchester Police previously confirmed it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over previous contact with the deceased.

A JOCKEY who allegedly ‘jumped straight off a horse’ has fled the country after an investigation was launched into the incident.

Footage has spread like wildfire of Brazilian rider Lemos De Souza’s eyecatching spill from well-backed favourite Pacific Power.

The commentator of the race at Selangor track in Malaysia, Devon Pretorius, didn’t mince his words, stating: “He practically jumped off the horse.”

Punters agreed in the most part – with some comparing his theatrics to that of football superstar Neymar – however others argued the fall looked genuine.

Either way, stewards confirmed they had opened an investigation into what happened.

But that has been delayed after it emerged De Souza had left the country.

According to The Straight, De Souza, who goes by the nickname ‘Lai Lai’, has fled Malaysia for neighbouring Singapore.

Other reports claimed this was due to him needing medical treatment.

It means De Souza’s planned appearance in front of Selangor Turf Club’s integrity division has been put on hold.

A side-on view of the fall has also been posted online.

The sentiment among many was that they echoed Pretorious’ description of what happened.

He said: “A look at the replay here… Pacific Power jumps and Lai Lai – I’m not too sure if the saddle slipped.

“Then he pretty much knew his fate about ten metres out of the starting stalls and then practically jumped off the horse as he knew he wasn’t going to get his foot back in his irons on his right side.”

While unclear exactly what punishment De Souza would face – or how stewards intend to come to a decision – if found guilty of any wrongdoing he can expect a lengthy ban.

This is the second such incident to rock racing in recent months.

An investigation is still ongoing into Irish jockey Philip Byrnes’ dramatic fall from Redwood Queen at Wexford in May.

While fellow jockey Alvinio Roy was banned for five years after this incident in Mauritius last year.

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ERLING HAALAND quite literally let his hair down while cosying up to his glam girlfriend on a yacht in Ibiza.

Haaland, 24, and new mum Isabel, 21, finally got the chance to unwind after Manchester City were dumped out of the Club World Cup last week.

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Erling Haaland was spotted relaxing on holiday with his girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen[/caption]

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The couple were spotted on a yacht in Ibiza[/caption]

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Haaland was pictured mid-dive as his girlfriend watched on[/caption]

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Their trip comes just over six months after Johansen and Haaland welcome their first child[/caption]

Haaland was part of the City side that suffered an embarrassing exit at the hands of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, losing 4-3 in the last 16 last Tuesday.

The Norway striker scored in the clash, but was unable to help Pep Guardiola’s side progress in the USA, with the club missing out on a £92million jackpot.

But one positive of City’s shock early exit was the extra time for their squad to get some well-earned rest ahead of next season.

A week after crashing out of Fifa’s expanded tournament, Haaland was spotted enjoying some down time with his family on a lavish yacht in Ibiza on Tuesday.

Haaland and the mother of his child Isabel Haugseng Johansen were pictured dipping in and out of the Balearic Sea on the anchored boat.

The Prem star was seen diving into the sea, before riding a jet ski and relaxing on a chair while scrolling his phone in another shot.

Meanwhile, Johansen also looked in good shape, just over six months since she gave birth to the couple’s first child.

Like Haaland, various shots showed her relaxing while in others she also dived into the ocean.

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Haaland is due back at pre-season training this month[/caption]

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The group enjoyed water sports[/caption]

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Erling was pictured going on a ride on a jet ski while on his holiday[/caption]

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Isabel stunned in a red bikini in the Spanish sun[/caption]

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The couple have been very private with their child and they are yet to publicly announce its name.

Meanwhile, Johansen is three years younger than Haaland and is believed to have met him at the youth academy at Bryne, who they both played for.

They started dating when he was at Borussia Dortmund, with Isabel making frequent trips to visit him.

Last season he scored 34 goals in all competitions for City — including 22 in the Premier League.

City are due to report for pre-season later this month, with Manchester United stars arriving at their first session on Monday.

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Haaland was pictured scrolling on his phone too[/caption]

CHRISTIAN HORNER became the youngest ever team principal when he was appointed head of Red Bull Racing.

But the Englishman has his the headlines after he was sensationally sacked by Red Bull on July 9, 2025 — here we take a look at the racing man’s parents Garry and Sara.

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Christian Horner with his mother Sara and wife Geri[/caption]

Who is Christian Horner’s father Garry?

Christian, 51, from Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, was born into a family of motor enthusiasts.

His grandfather was the purchasing manager at the Standard Motor Company, Coventry, before setting up a business supplying parts to motor manufacturers with his son Garry — Christian’s father.

You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the wedding

A family member

Garry also helped Christian set up his racing team Arden in 1997 by supplying his son with a loan.

Speaking of his early life, Christian said: “I left school at 18, I didn’t go to university, my focus was very much on racing and forging a career as a driver.”

Who is Christian Horner’s mother Sara?

Sara, Christian‘s mother, prefers to keep her personal information out of the public eye.

Aside from a couple of photos on her son’s social media, there is practically no trace of her online.

Why did Christian Horner’s parents snub his wedding?

Before marrying Ginger Spice, Christian lived in a Northamptonshire mansion with his former pub landlady partner Beverley Allen, who is six years his senior.

He was stepdad to Beverley’s two children, Kieron, 35, and Liam, 31, and the couple were keen to have a child of their own.

That dream came true when Beverley gave birth to Olivia in October 2013, but Christian couldn’t be at the birth of his daughter because he was with Red Bull in Japan.

He said at the time: “I think being a father will be more of a challenge than running a team of over 500 people, but I am looking forward to it.”

But six months later, Christian split from Beverley after 14 years together.

Shortly afterwards, in March 2014, he was dating Geri, and by November the couple announced in The Times newspaper that they were engaged.

Geri had long been an F1 fan, meeting Christian through a shared love for motorsport — and before long they were betrothed.

Many people were surprised by the whirlwind engagement because neither Geri, who has a daughter Bluebell, now 17, from a former relationship, nor Christian had previously walked down the aisle.

The news was not welcomed by Christian’s parents Garry and Sara, who did not attend the couple’s star studded wedding at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire in May 2015.

Prior to the nuptials a family member said: “You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the wedding.

“There is a lot more to this story than people know about — to do with his ex-partner.”

Eventually, Christian managed to patch things up with both his parents and Beverley.

In a 2023 interview he revealed: “I have a great relationship with Beverley, and Beverley gets on with Geri, and Geri is great with Olivia and Olivia has a lovely relationship with Monty [Christian and Geri’s son].

“It’s totally harmonious.”

Ai-Ai Delas Alas Brings Laughter W/ Her Unexpected Divisoria Encounter AI-AI DELAS ALAS – Comedienne Ai-Ai Delas Alas had fans laughing after sharing her amusing experience during a recent trip to Divisoria with her son. Ai-Ai Delas Alas once again brought joy to her fans after sharing a lighthearted and entertaining story about her recent ... Read more

The post Ai-Ai Delas Alas Turns Simple Divisoria Visit into a Viral Comedy Story appeared first on PhilNews.

PASSENGERS on the plane which killed a man when he was sucked into the engine have recalled the horrifying moment it happened.

Andrea Russo, 35, a builder from Calcinate, Italy, died after he reportedly ran onto the runway at Milan’s Orio al Serio Airport and towards the plane preparing for take-off.

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Passengers look out into the tarmac as first responders surround the aircraft[/caption]

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The Volotea plane was preparing for takeoff when the man was sucked in[/caption]

People onboard the Volotea plane revealed that there was a dreadful noise as his body passed through the jets.

One Spanish passenger, Carmen Garcia, told La Nueva España that the plane was “about to take off with the engines on” when “a person came running towards us”.

She said: “Suddenly, we heard a noise and a bang.

“Some people saw something through the window and put their hands to their heads.

“They told us it was best not to look out, because what was happening was very unpleasant.”

“Then the fire brigade, ambulances and police started to arrive.”

Russo was not a passenger on the plane and had no association with the airline, according to Volotea.

He is believed to have arrived at the airport without a ticket and broken in by driving the wrong way down a road.

He is said to have ditched his abandoning his red Fiat 500 and then run into the terminal, slipped through a security door onto the tarmac and then made a beeline for the plane.

Witnesses reported that two Border Police gave chase but were unable to catch up with him.

The Spanish passenger said that, moments later, the pilot spoke over the tannoy in a “shaken” voice, confirming there had been a “very serious problem involving a person”.

Daniel Isla, a Chilean national living in Italy who spoke after travelling to Asturias on holiday with his family, told the paper: “I didn’t see anything but heard a tremendous noise in the engine turbine.

“We didn’t know what had happened at first but then the pilot came out and told us a tragedy had occurred and there’d been a terrible accident and someone had been sucked into the engine.

“It was a feeling of incredulity initially because we couldn’t believe what had happened.

“We wanted to think it was something else until we realised it was true.”

Another, Ana Sanchis, recalled that flight attendants urged them to pull down their shutters and not look out of the window.

She added that the passengers had to disembark from the side of the plane where the incident happened, with “firemen forming a corridor all the way down and everything covered up”.

“It was horrible,” she said.

A male passenger who was boarding another plane near the Volotea aircraft had a full view of the horror.

He told Italian news outlet La Repubblica: “I wasn’t on that plane, I was boarding another plane next to it and we saw everything.

“He ran towards the right side. The he ran and [was] sucked by the left side motor.

“I can’t describe it as pleasant’, he added.

As the investigation got underway, public prosecutor Maurizio Romanelli said: “We are investigating on any possible relationships with the airport or the world of aeroplanes.

“In the car with which he arrived at the airport, full of all kinds of material, we have not found anything that could provide any kind of explanation.”

Following the incident, airliner Voltea took to X, stating: ‘We regret to confirm flight V73511 from BGY-OVD was involved in an incident at Milan-Bergamo Airport at 10:35h. 

‘One person not onboard and not affiliated with the company was seriously injured. 

‘All 154 passengers and 6 crew are safe. A new flight is scheduled for 15:55’. 

A MAJOR road used by thousands of Irish drivers is now closed for over 10 DAYS – and diversions are in place.

Dublin City Council has alerted motorists about the temporary closure on their website.

Clonturk Park in Dublin 9 is now temporarily closed for almost two weeks to facilitate resurfacing works.

The road closure is taking place from 8am to 9pm daily between Monday, July 7 and Sunday, July 20.

And motorists are being warned it will affect the entire cul de sac stretch of Clonturk Park, covering around 130 metres.

Dublin City Council stated: “Clonturk Park (Cul de Sac – 130m), Dublin 9.

“Date – from Monday 7th July 2025 to Sunday 20th July 2025.”

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the closure and local access will be facilitated where possible from all closure points.

Traffic marshals will be on-site at the closure points to assist with traffic management and ensure access where needed.

Motorists are advised to follow signage in place and to plan alternative routes to avoid delays in the area during the works.

Clear signage will be installed to direct road users through any diversions and road users are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

Dublin City Council added: “Pedestrian access will be facilitated at all times.”

Meanwhile, a busy Dublin street is also closing due to a big rule change.

Dublin City Council has announced that the transformation of Parliament Street has begun.

It’s believed that up to 23,000 people pass through the street on a daily basis.

ROAD TRANSFORMATION

This new measure will permanently close the space to traffic, reallocating it to walking and cycling.

It will also provide green and public seating.

The council said: “This space will provide an attractive north-south pedestrian and cycle route between City Hall and Bolton Street.”

It will link with Capel Street as well as between the east and west areas of Temple Bar. 

In May 2025, 90 per cent of respondents to a survey said they were in favour of enhancing public space and enabling two-way cycling.

The presentation to the South East Area committee showed a positive reaction, as the majority said they had a desire for fewer cars and more space for people.

People referenced the success of Capel Street as an example, citing the increased vibrancy, improved atmosphere and greater footfall as positives for local businesses.

SAFER AREA

They mentioned that the proposed measures would make the area safer and more pleasant to walk and cycle through.

It would also encourage families and children to visit, with outdoor seating perfect for socialising and community events.

Works on seating, planting and surfacing have begun on July 7 and will continue through the summer.

It is the third measure in the Dublin City Transport Plan 2023.

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Dublin’s Clonturk Park has been closed due to road works[/caption]

A TEENAGER in Georgia has been arrested and charged with the murder of her parents from back in February.

Sarah Grace Patrick is accused of killing her mother Kristin Brock, 41, and her stepfather James Brock, 45.

The 17-year-old turned herself in Carroll County jail this week, months after her parents’ deaths.

The couple were found shot dead in their bed on February 20.

Sarah Grace Patrick is being charged with two counts of murder and two counts of aggravated assault.

She is expected to be tried as an adult.

Ashley Hulsey, a spokesperson for the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, said: “We don’t know what goes through the mind of a child who wants to harm their parents.

“She’s 17. She’s kind of been out on her own.

“She’s lived with different family members and moved all over the place.”

Hulsey added that Sarah Grace had turned herself in when she was notified of her arrest warrants.

The case is still an open investigation, and more arrests and charges are still possible, Hulsey added.

Hulsey said: “Our team has sifted through mountains of physical and digital evidence and collaborated with the FBI and GBI crime lab.

“A big takeaway from this story — a mother and stepfather will never be able to raise their children.

“I believe he was waiting on a heart transplant at some point. And to have life cut short…”

Previously, the Brocks’ loved ones offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

“This is so horrendous,” Kristin’s father Dennis Nolan told Atlanta News First back at the time.

“You just can’t imagine that someone would come in and just take the life of two good people.”

The deceased couple were popular in their local church community.

Catalyst Church member Tasha Meza told Fox 5 Atlanta: “Kristin was bubbly and fun and she loved hugs.

“She never met a stranger. And James, he was a comical kind of guy. He would always crack jokes and make you laugh.”