Blogs

THE JOKE during his three-and-a-half-year reign was that the club had been renamed Damien Duff’s Shelbourne.

But the effort to move on at Tolka Park is well underway ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Linfield.

In a 20-minute Press conference during which they were asked about Duff several times, his replacement Joey O’Brien and captain Mark Coyle did not refer to him by name once.

And Coyle spoke of a ‘recharge’ since Duff’s former assistant O’Brien stepped up to take charge following Duff’s shock resignation 16 days ago.

Coyle said: “Look, it’s obviously a new era. Our new gaffer is sitting beside me. And I just think that’s what we’re focused on, making new memories.

“And that’s basically what we’re excited for. And there’s definitely been a recharge, you could say, or a change. And we’re just looking forward to it now.”

Asked about the morale in the camp since O’Brien took the reins, the Donegal man added: “It’s been very good. Obviously, it’s been addressed that we obviously have huge respect and love for the ex-manager.

“But as I said now, we’re excited for the new era, the gaffer here. It’s been great. He’s put his own stamp on things. And you can see that around the ground.”

O’Brien has a fully fit squad to choose from in what is the first All-Ireland Champions League clash since Shels easily defeated Glentoran in 2004.

And the ex-Ireland international insisted not that much was different despite his promotion.

He said: “To be honest, a lot has changed but a lot hasn’t changed, really. It’s still the same sort of thing; I’m coaching everyday, I’m out on the pitch everyday.

“I had a great relationship with the manager before, I would have had a lot of say in a lot of meetings, I would have taken a lot of meetings.

“So in a way a lot has changed, but in a strange way nothing really has changed, if you know what I mean.

“I pick the team now, I suppose, but again I’m picking the team with the staff and previously I was helping the manager pick the team.

“I’ve obviously got a personal relationship with the manager, he’s a friend of mine, so as I said before, I think we’ll be friends forever.”

THE history of an Irish- American organisation that defied British exile orders and were accused of aiding the IRA has been revealed in a new tell-all RTE documentary.

NORAID: Irish America & The IRA uses never-before-seen footage to explore the lives of Manhattan Irish expats who fundraised overseas for the Irish republican cause.

MMXIV Up and Away Media Ltd & RTE

NORAID: Irish America and the IRA will air on RTE[/caption]

MMXIV Up and Away Media Ltd & RTE

John McDonagh said Irish America was always part of the conflict in Northern Ireland[/caption]

NORAID has denied helping the IRA, with the group’s publicity director in 2025 claiming the accusations are false.

The focus of the volunteer group, officially named the Irish Northern Aid Committee, was liberating the six Ulster counties given to the British Empire in the Anglo-Irish treaty of 1921.

It was formed in 1969 by Michael Flannery following growing unrest in Belfast after The Troubles broke out a year before.

NORAID organised fundraising events, protests, made anti-British merchandise and produced its own newspaper, The Irish People, in a New York bodega.

The group raised almost half a million dollars for the cause and saw a surge in membership after the death of Bobby Sands from hunger strike in 1981 in a Northern Irish prison.

Taxi driver and NORAID member John McDonagh tells how the Big Apple was “always a hub for Irish republicanism”.

He said: “Irish America’s always been part of conflict, from the 1800s on. It would have been very unusual that we weren’t part of the conflict, us being part of it was natural, it had been going on for hundreds of years — so why would it stop?”

McDonagh recounts how he and other members of NORAID rented a Times Square billboard to send Christmas wishes to Irish prisoners of war in 1983 — the day after an IRA petrol bomb attack outside Harrods department store killed six people.

In the same year, American lawyer and then-director of NORAID, Martin Galvin, was banned from speaking at large scale internment rallies in Northern Ireland after he was slapped with an exclusion order from the British government.

But the following year, Galvin felt compelled to speak at a ­Belfast rally in open defiance of the order.

He was revealed to adoring crowds by then-Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, but chaos quickly ensued.

Royal Ulster Constabularies fired rubber bullets as the screaming crowd dispersed, leading to the death of one man, Sean Downes.

Galvin reveals in newly shown footage that he escaped by hiding in the attic of a nearby female NORAID supporter.

‘MAKING SITUATION WORSE’

Although the heads of NORAID firmly denied any involvement with the IRA over the years, the group drew strong criticism from politicians and the public alike.

While members who travelled home to their roots were welcomed in Northern Ireland, the Republic was more hostile.

Archive footage of critics shows some claiming that the presence of the group was “making the whole situation worse”.

And then-Taoiseach Charles Haughey condemned the group for allegedly assisting the IRA in a “campaign of violence”.

• Episode one of NORAID: Irish America & The IRA, will stream on RTE One and RTE Player tomorrow at 9.35pm with episode two following on July 16.

RTE Press Office Issue

PA:Press Association

The group drew huge support after the death of Bobby Sands on hunger strike in 1983[/caption]

Photocall Ireland

Then-Taoiseach Charles Haughey condemned the group for allegedly assisting the IRA[/caption]

IF YOU’RE heading to Barcelona this summer and looking to mix luxury with location, look no further than this Spanish jewel.

The Hotel 1898 – a four-star gem perched right on La Rambla, the city’s most iconic boulevard – is where I found myself at the start of June. And it’s safe to say it was a trip to remember.

Nestled amid the lively pulse of shops, cafes, and street performers, this hotel offers a peaceful sanctuary with a rooftop view that will steal your breath.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Hotel 1898 prides itself on the little touches that turn a holiday into an unforgettable experience.

We were welcomed with a bottle of prosecco, handmade chocolates, and a beautifully presented fruit basket – a gesture that instantly set the tone for the luxurious stay that lay ahead.

Our street-facing room was a showstopper in itself – incredibly spacious, elegantly finished with rich wooden interiors, and home to a king-sized bed.

We were delighted to find thoughtful care boxes, including toothbrushes and toothpaste, that were a lifesaver after we realised we’d left ours behind.

It’s this attention to detail that puts Hotel 1898 in a class of its own.

A classic double room in Hotel 1898 will set you back around €195 per night, while a superior suite lands at €210 per night – but after staying in this room, I can safely say it’s worth every penny.

After what might have been the best night’s sleep we’ve had in years thanks to cloud-like bed sheets, we awoke to golden Spanish sunlight pouring through the curtains.

Breakfast was next, and this was not your average hotel buffet.

Whether you’re a light eater craving fresh fruit and yoghurt, or seeking the comfort of a full Irish fry-up, you’ll find it here.

With fresh pastries, Nespresso coffee, and everything in between, it’s easy to linger over breakfast a little longer than planned.

But it’s upstairs where the real magic happens – the hotel’s La Isabella panoramic rooftop terrace is nothing short of jaw-dropping.

FINE VIEWS

From the iconic Sagrada Familia to the beach, Barcelona stretches before you in all its sun-drenched glory.

The rooftop pool offers a swim with a view, while the generous sun lounge area wraps around the entire terrace.

Whether you’re basking on a sun lounger beside the pool or curled up on a shaded sofa nook, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.

COCKTAIL HEAVEN

Forgot your beach towel? No problem. The hotel has plush ones ready and waiting.

Of course, no day in paradise is complete without a cocktail in hand, and the friendly bar staff were more than happy to oblige.

We sipped on beers and Aperol Spritzes as we soaked in the views. Pure bliss.

To top it all off, we were treated to dinner at the rooftop restaurant – and if you’re wondering whether it lived up to the rest of the hotel, the answer is a resounding yes.

I opted for the spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta with parmesan bechamel. It was rich, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.

My travel buddy went for the Galician beef burger, which came out juicy and cooked to perfection.

FAB FOOD

But the real star of the meal was the homemade chicken croquettes. They were the stuff of dreams. If there’s one thing you must try while staying at Hotel 1898, make sure to get your fill of them.

In short, the hotel is more than just a place to sleep, it’s a full-on experience.

With its unbeatable location, luxurious rooms, stunning rooftop terrace, and impeccable hospitality, it’s the kind of hotel that makes you forget there’s a whole city outside to explore.

But if you do venture out, you’ll find Barcelona’s best right at your doorstep.

LOTTO RESULT July 9, 2025 – Here is the official result of the 6/55 Grand Lotto and the 6/45 Mega Lotto draw for today, Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office or more commonly known as PCSO got five major lotto games – the 6/58 Lotto Result, the 6/55 Lotto Result, the 6/49 ... Read more

The post LOTTO RESULT Today, Wednesday, July 9, 2025 appeared first on PhilNews.

A TRAVEL whizz has warned holidaymakers to steer clear of airport charging stations and it’s not just to avoid a dodgy socket.

Pollyann Giffin, 40, says “juice jacking”, a sneaky form of hacking, could ruin more than just your holiday.

Jam Press

Jam Press

The scam sees hackers use public USB ports to access your phone, swipe your data or infect it with malware and you’d never know until it’s too late.

Pollyann, who’s racked up over two decades of travel experience, shared her top travel tips with her 14,000 Instagram followers and the clip has already notched up more than 37,000 views.

She said: “I used to be a very anxious traveller and love to be prepared.

“I research a lot and I’ve also learned a lot through personal experiences- good and bad.

“As a teacher I love to help people learn and be prepared for their own travels.

“If they can learn from my mistakes and not have to make them themselves, great!”

Here are Pollyann’s top tips.

DO NOT USE PUBLIC CHARGING PORTS

She said: “It’s called juice jacking – a sneaky way hackers can access your data through public USB charging stations.

“Once connected, they can install malware or steal personal info without you even knowing.”

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU EAT AND DRINK

Pollyann said: “Avoid carbonated drinks mid-flight – lower cabin pressure makes gas expand, leading to bloating and discomfort.

“Also avoid gassy veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts before your flight.

“These fibre-rich foods ferment in your gut and produce gas, which expands even more at high altitudes thanks to cabin pressure.

“The result? Bloating, discomfort, and a not-so-fun flight.

“Opt for easy-to-digest snacks like bananas, white rice, or yogurt before boarding to keep your tummy happy and your flight comfortable.”

APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR

The expert said: “Don’t wear sandals on the plane.

“And closed shoes protect your feet from germs, dropped items, and spills – plus, they’re safer in emergencies.”

BE COURTEOUS OF OTHER PEOPLE

Pollyann warned: “Be aware of your surroundings.

“Whether it be in the airport or in a new city, be aware of your volume, body and others who are trying to navigate in the same space.”

DO NOT OVERPACK

She said: “Don’t overpack your carry-on.

“If you can’t lift it into the overhead bin yourself, it’s too heavy – a bag that’s too heavy puts you and others at risk and flight attendants are not required to help.”

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT

Finally the expert dropped her most crucial tip: “Put the phone away sometimes.

“You don’t need to document every moment – being present is what makes a trip special.

“Do at least one thing off the beaten path.

“Skip some Instagram suggested spots and find something that feels like your discovery.”

With summer travel in full swing, Pollyann’s tips are a handy reminder to stay smart and prepared and to fly safe this season.

Jam Press

Jam Press

APPEALS to save one of Ireland’s last Island primary schools have been launched after only three children enrolled for the next school year.

Scoil Naisiunta Inis Chleire is a historic Irish-speaking primary school situated on the island of Cape Clear off the coast of West Cork.

The 129-year-old school is currently seeking a new principal teacher and students in an attempt to avoid closure.

It echoes appeals made in 2018, when the school’s only two teachers retired.

Now fears that Ireland’s southernmost Gaeltacht island primary school could close have resurfaced.

As a result, the local community development organisation, Comharchumann Chleire Teo, has launched a campaign aimed at bringing families with school-age children to the island.

Amenities such cheap long-term rental accommodation and fibre broadband are being advertised in an attempt to draw visitors to the island.

A €35,000-a-year tourist manager job is also being offered, in order to manage the Cape Clear Fastnet Experience and Heritage Centre, a site which received €1million from Failte Ireland and Udaras na Gaeltachta last year.

While families with a competent level of Irish are considered favourable, the island is also keen to attract families from various backgrounds and nationalities.

The island, notably already boasts a varied community, with residents from France, Germany, Ukraine, America, and Scotland.

Cape Clear’s island development agency manager, Kevin McCann, and his board are currently offering two low-cost rental properties for September as an incentive for young families to move to the island.

Mr McCann said to the Irish Examiner: “We don’t expect people to stay forever, although that would be nice. But we do want to encourage anybody with young children and preferably at least one person who wants to be a school principal to come and join our community.”

NEWCOMERS NEEDED

He added: “Island life is not for everyone. But what they will get here is a wonderful sense of community and people do rely on each other here more than in the bigger, more urban areas.”

Residents like McCann worry that a closure of the school would threaten the island’s viability.

The island currently boasts a local bus service, a public library, a public health nurse, two pubs, and its own postal service.

However, with the number of children enrolled for the next school year down to just three from 15 in 2015, newcomers are urgently needed to keep the island’s vibrant community afloat.

LONDON’S Hyde Park is the destination for darts and pop fans alike as a special pro-am takes place TONIGHT!

Luke Littler, Fallon Sherrock, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen will be taking the oche for a special tournament – facing off against Olly Murs, Roman Kemp, Joe Swash and Dion Dublin.

The Hyde Park Darts Championship will see the darts pros face off against each other in a mini-tournament before a pro-am.

With no televised coverage or live stream available, SunSport will bring you live updates throughout the night as they happen.

• Start time: 6.30pm BST
• All the info

JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS

Follow our live blog below…

A HOMEOWNER who returned from his honeymoon was shocked to discover he had been slapped with a £150 fine for putting his bins out too early.

Leon Wright, 40, came home with wife Amy, 34, to discover an enforcement notice had been posted through his letterbox.

SWNS

Leon and his wife Amy were away for their honeymoon when they were fined[/caption]

SWNS

The council claims Leon broke the rules when he left his bins outside four hours early[/caption]

SWNS

Leon refuses to pay a penny of the £150 fine[/caption]

The couple live in a flat above a row of shops in East Twickenham, southwest London.

Following council guidance the pair leave their bins out on the pavement in colour coded bags.

Their local authority, Richmond Council, says residents should not put their bags out before 8pm the night before collection.

Wright admits that he put his bins out four hours early at 3:25pm but claims the fine is undeserved.

He put his bins out at the latest possible time before leaving to Heathrow Airport.

The couple then jetted off on a flight at 7:10pm for a honeymoon cruise in Greece.

Mr Wright said: “I only put it out a few hours before. It was the last thing I did before we left for holiday and the latest time that I could leave it out.

“I came back from my honeymoon with a fixed penalty notice from Richmond council. It said that we had to pay it within ten days, but we couldn’t because we weren’t even there.

“It was very surprising. We had never had any problems with the council before.

“I do my best to follow the rules but it was literally just a few hours before the collection window so I never thought they would send fines straight away.”

Ten days later, Mr Wright claims he and his wife Amy returned home to discover the fine on their doorstep.

He claims the penalty is against government guidelines but the local council has “refused” to cancel it.

He said: “It says in black and white on the GOV.uk website that you can’t issue penalties for leaving bins out a few hours early, which is exactly what they have done.

“They weren’t in the middle of the walkway or obstructing anyone. This is just a blatant cash grab to me.

SWNS

Leon and his wife honeymooned in Greece[/caption]

SWNS

The fine was waiting for the couple when they returned[/caption]

“I am not paying it. This kind of thing just can’t happen. It is absolutely wrong. I will take them to court if it comes to that.

“It is not the money but the principle. There is no way I am going to let them get away with it.”

The council fined Mr Wright under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 Section 87.

They have since agreed to offer Mr Wright an extended timeframe to pay the fine at a discounted rate of £100.

Mr Wright, however, is refusing to pay a single penny to the local authority.

He said: “It is definitely not what you want to see when you come back from holiday. Especially when you are trying to do your best.

“My neighbours couldn’t believe it. They were all shocked.”

A Spokesperson for Richmond Council said: “Richmond Council is committed to keeping the borough’s streets clean, safe, and accessible for everyone.

“To help achieve this, we encourage residents to follow the guidance on when to put waste out for collection.

“Waste should only be placed out between 8pm the night before and 6am on the day of collection. When these rules are not followed, enforcement action may be taken where appropriate.

“We understand that residents can sometimes make genuine mistakes, which is why there is a clear appeals process in place.

“While we don’t comment on individual cases, any new information submitted through this process will be carefully considered.”

IF you’re obsessed with Olivia Attwod’s trendy and chic style, you’ve come to the right place.

Many of us can’t get enough of the Love Island legend’s fiery personality we often see on This Morning and Lorraine, but it’s her gorgeous outfits lots of us are equally as obsessed with. 

Getty

Olivia Attwood has sent fans wild after sharing details of her latest look[/caption]

Instagram/@olivia_attwood

While many believed Olivia’s boucle dress was from Chanel, the Love Island icon revealed that it is actually from a very popular high street shop[/caption]

River Island

The Blue Halter Neck Boucle Belted Mini Dress is from River Island[/caption]

And while the star is often seen dripping in standout pieces from Gucci and Celine, it doesn’t take a genius to notice that this influencer is a huge fan of designer clobber.

But unlike her normal jaw-droppingly expensive outfits, the 34-year-old recently stepped out in a stunning dress from the high street – and it sent her fans wild. 

Fashionistas loved the gorgeous frock and many begged Olivia, who recently showed off a sweat-proof deodorant hack, to reveal where it was from.

And while many believed it was from Chanel, Olivia confirmed that not only is it from the high street, but it’s almost £2,000 cheaper.

Sharing all on her social media stories, Olivia posted a comment from a fan admiring the dress which read: “This dress, pls don’t say it’s Chanel xxxx”

To this, Olivia wrote back and penned: “The amount of DM’s I have had.. you won’t believe this….”

Olivia then answered her fans’ prayers and shared a link to the classy dress, which she wore to a recent BVLGARI event.

While the frock has all the hallmarks of iconic Chanel – boucle fabric in a pretty powder blue and beautiful tailoring with a tie halter neck – it is actually from River Island.

Olivia confirmed that she removed the white belt that comes with the frock and instead paired the Blue Halter Neck Boucle Belted Mini Dress with a pair of Chanel slingbacks and her trusty brown Hermes Birkin bag.

Unlike a very similar Cotton White dress from Chanel, which retails at £2,040, this purse-friendly fashion find is just £46.

It’ll save shoppers an impressive £1,994 compared to the real thing, making this high street dupe a perfect option for those on a budget.

This bodycon dress has a halter neck, a back tie fastening and a stunning boucle design.

It’s perfect for a stylish look that’s sure to turn heads this season and even better, is super versatile – while it’s bound to impress for a day in the office, it’ll be great for a brunch with the girls too. 

It’s currently trending on the River Island website, with XS and S sizes currently at low stock, so you’ll need to move fast if you want to nab it. 

You look stunning

Instagram user

The affordable dress is available in sizes XS-XL, making it suitable for a variety of different body shapes.

Olivia had lots of praise on the dress on her Instagram account, as one fan gushed: “Love love love this! You’re absolutely gorgeous Liv.” 

Another added: “I thought you were beautiful before, but these photos…just WOW.”

Meanwhile, someone else penned: “You look stunning.” 

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club

Getty

Olivia’s dress is £46 and even comes with a belt[/caption]

Chanel

It’s much more affordable compared to similar frocks from Chanel[/caption]

A CASA Amor star has been slammed for a ‘dangerous’ post where he tells Love Island fans NOT to use suncream.

A former Love Island star has been slammed for telling fans not to wear suncream because it’s “not good for your body” in a very controversial post.

TikTok / @frankie_davey

Casa Amor star Frankie Davey has been slammed for his ‘dangerous’ advice[/caption]

TikTok / @frankie_davey

He explained how he doesn’t believe in suncream[/caption]

ITV

Frankie appeared in the ninth season of Love Island as a Casa Amor hunk[/caption]

Frankie Davey, who appeared on season nine of the hit reality show, left viewers raging after sharing his hot take on TikTok.

The 24-year-old said: “I haven’t worn suncream now for a good three or four years – I’m quite against it.

“It’s full of chemicals and toxins that your body… well, isn’t good for your body, basically.

“I never recommend going straight into heat like this, being pale as anything.

“You need to build it up.

“There is science on this.

“It’s a fact that when your sunglasses are down, you feel like you’re inside and your body doesn’t produce the chemical to protect your skin, which then leads to burning.

“Listen to your body.

“When you feel like you’re burning, when your skin is hot, seek some shade.

“A lot of people put suncream on when they already feel like they’re burning, and then stay in the sun.

“That is just counterintuitive.”

The Ipswich-born boxer, who recently went on holiday to Greece, captioned the video “how to tan and NOT burn”.

He also explained in the clip how he applied coconut oil, which he deems to be a “natural SPF”.

The clip received more than 16,500 likes and 200 comments.

Most viewers have slammed Frankie’s controversial advice, with several sharing their thoughts in the comments section of his TikTok video.

“Sunburn is literally DNA damage,” said one person in the comments.

“This is dangerous information,” fumed another.

A third person wrote: “My Irish skin could never, I tried this and burned.”

“Please update me in 20 to 30 years,” said a fourth.

“Social media boxer vs medical professionals, I think I know whose advice I’ll follow,” penned a fifth.

“When I feel like I’m burning go inside, why did I never think of that before,” said a sixth.

Some fans, however, agreed with his claims.