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ANNA KALINSKAYA is a talented Russian tennis player and the girlfriend of world No 1 Jannik Sinner.

The couple made their relationship public in May, although they like to keep their life together private.

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Tennis star Anna Kalinskaya (centre) watching Jannik Sinner during action at the US Open[/caption]

Rex

Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya have shared training sessions[/caption]

Who is Jannik Sinner’s girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya?

Anna Kalinskaya is a Russian tennis player.

She was born on December 2, 1998 in Moscow, Russia.

Anna started to play tennis when she was little and at 14 she moved to the United States to pursue tennis as a career.

When she was 17 she won her first grand slam girls double title at the 2016 Australian Open, together with Tereza Mihalikova.

As of September 1, 2024, Anna is ranked 15 on the WTA website.

She has won three double titles on the WTA Tour and one single title on the WTA Challenger Tour.

Her best career performance was reaching the quarterfinals at the 2024 Australian Open – she also reached the fourth round at Wimbledon this year.

She finished as a runner-up at the 2024 Berlin Ladies Open.

Her parents, Nikolay and Elena, are both former professional badminton players.

And her brother Nikolaz Kalinsky is a football player who plays as a central midfielder or defensive midfielder for FC Pari Nizhny Novgorod in Russia.

How did Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya meet?

Rex

Jannik Sinner made his relationship with Anna Kalinskaya public at the French Open 2024[/caption]

Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya crossed paths for the first time on the tennis circuit.

During a shared practice session the couple got to know each other better and connected.

They had been seen on various dates before they confirmed their relationship.

The pair were also seen supporting each other during their matches at the 2024 French Open. 

The couple was seen training together during a practice session ahead of their first Wimbledon 2024 matches.

Anna is set to play against Panna Udvardy on Tuesday July 2, 2024.

And Jannik is playing his first match on Monday July 1, 2024 at 4.15 pm against Yannik Hanfmann.

How long have Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya been dating?

Jannik Sinner and Anna Kalinskaya have been dating for a couple of months.

During a press conference, Jannik confirmed their relationship in May 2024.

He said: “I don’t like to talk about my private life much, but yes, Anna and I are dating.”

Anna had remained silent until Saturday, June 22, 2024 in Berlin when she played two matches, defeating Aryna Sabalenka and Victoria Azarenka.

Anna said in a post-interview about Jannik: “I’m just trying to be a little bit as good as him.

“Let’s see if we can watch each other tomorrow.

“I’m going to text him now!”

The couple is keeping their relationship private and do not share much with the public.

Jannik said about his private life: “Whether or not I am with a girl will never be known on social media, because I want to keep my private life private.

“I don’t need to post a photo to show whether I’m engaged.

“I never posted pictures with my parents, maybe one with my brother.”

CHINA is pumping out hoards of futuristic AI-powered “love dolls” at $3,000 a pop for lonely men.

The sex dolls have become creepily realistic – and China’s robot factories are at the centre of the revolution.

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Silicone sex dolls, also known as love dolls, are seen on display in the showroom area at a factory for WM Dolls[/caption]

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A staff member finishes the skin of a silicone sex doll[/caption]

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A staff member attaches hair to the head of a silicone sex dolls, also known as a love doll, in the development area at a factory for WM Dolls[/caption]

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The heads for silicone sex dolls, also known as love dolls, are seen on racks in the production area[/caption]

WMDoll, one of China’s leading sex doll makers, is expecting a 30 percent leap in sales this year, as men unable to find partners refuse to stay celibate.

Part of the uptick in interest comes from the enhanced “user experience” – which now makes use of the latest AI tech.

Founder and CEO Liu Jiangxia told South China Morning Post: “It makes the dolls more responsive and interactive, which offers users a better experience.”

WMDoll, based in based in Zhongshan, a city in southern Guangdong province, implants its dolls with its cutting edge “MetaBox” brains.

These boast an AI element which is connected to the cloud.

The dolls fire off signals to Large Language Models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, which process the incoming data.

Instructions bounce back to the dolls, telling them how to move and interact.

The next-gen dolls are built from synthetic flesh stretched over a metal skeleton, weighing roughly half the weight of real humans.

The skin is formed from silicone or a similar material to create a feel as realistic as possible.

Traditional sex dolls are limited to simple, mechanical responses.

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A staff member walks by silicone sex dolls[/caption]

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A staff member takes a break next to silicone sex dolls, also known as love dolls, as they dry in the painting area at a factory for WM Dolls[/caption]

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A worker applies make-up to heads that will accompany sex dolls[/caption]

WMDoll thinks their dolls’ ability to be more expressive gives them the edge.

The company says it can make dolls with roughly a whopping eight different “personalities” to choose from, which are able to continue a conversation that could have started a few days earlier.

WMDoll also gives its dolls an AI tool which works in pandering to its partner’s ego, with the ability to ask questions about their so-called “relationship” as well as how they’re feeling.

Founder Jiangxia said: “In the past, these dolls’ primary function was to satisfy users’ sexual needs.

“But as their physical features such as head and joint movements and skin became more realistic, our customers started to seek emotional companionship in the dolls.”

The company began to use AI in its dolls back in 2016, with the tech constantly improving due to open source AI.

The dolls are usually made with thermoplastic, which is heated to 37C – a human’s body temperature – to be as realistic as possible, with developers saying the creations have body sensors that also make them realistic.

A fellow doll manufacturer, Shenzhen Atall Intelligent Robot Technology, said previously that most of its doll buyers are 40 to 50-year-old men from Europe and the US.

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A staff member tries a wig on a silicone sex doll, also known as a love doll, in the final inspection area[/caption]

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A staff member adjusts the hair of a silicone sex doll, also known as a love doll, as it is displayed with others in the showroom area[/caption]

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The parts of a sex doll, also known as a love doll, are seen in a box before shipping at a factory for WM Dolls[/caption]

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The legs of sex dolls, also known as love dolls, are seen as they wait to be packaged for shipping at a factory[/caption]

Users can order custom-made AI dolls, priced at roughly £2,000 each, with soft and elastic skin made from rubbery plastic.

According to the company, US customers prefer dolls with darker skin and large breasts, buttocks and genitals.

While customers in China opt for Asian features.

China has been previously estimated to make roughly over 80 per cent of the world’s sex toys, with more than a million employed in the country’s booming $6.6 billion industry.

Chinese feminist Xiao Meili has said she believes that some men will always have outdated expectations of women – and “sex housewife robots” could help with this.

She said: “A lot of men want the same for women: sex, housework, childbirth and filial piety. They don’t think of women as individuals.

“If every nerd buys a sex doll for himself, […] that would free a lot of women from these kind of men.”

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A staff member places the skeletal frame inside a mould for a sex doll[/caption]

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A staff member adjusts the skin of the robotic head of a silicone sex doll, also known as a love doll, in the research and development area at a factory for WM Dolls[/caption]

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A staff member finishes the skin of a silicone sex doll, also known as a love doll, in the production area at a factory for WM Dolls[/caption]

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A staff member spray paints silicone sex dolls, also known as love dolls, in the paining area[/caption]

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The heads for silicone sex dolls, also known as love dolls, are seen on racks in the production area at a factory for WM Dolls[/caption]

A COUPLE have revealed that they ditched life in Bournemouth and moved to Bulgaria.

Rather than breaking the bank each month on a costly mortgage in the UK, Lewis and his wife Jordan purchased a huge property for £7,000.

tiktok.com/@frombournemouth2bulgaria

A couple have opened up on leaving life in the UK for Bulgaria[/caption]

tiktok.com/@frombournemouth2bulgaria

Lewis and Jordan now have a huge property and 1.5 acres of land[/caption]

Not only is the house massive, but it even came with 1.5 acres of land too. 

Lewis explained that deciding whether to leave their life in Bournemouth was the “hardest decision” they ever had to make at the time.

But they put themselves out of their comfort zones and left their UK life behind for an off-grid village lifestyle in Bulgaria, which has recently been hailed as ‘the perfect’ family holiday destination.

Posting on social media, Lewis and Jordan – who have two children, Leo and Fae – gave their followers a close-up look at their Bulgarian property.

The couple bought the house online, without having viewed it in person.

And whilst the large plot is in need of some work, not only did they get a six room property for £7,000, but they also got a free extra house and a massive barn thrown in too.

As well as this, there’s also space for two workshops and a shower room too. 

Whilst the average house price in the UK varies massively by the region and the month, in August 2024, it was reported that the average house price in the UK was £292,924, up from £285,073 a year earlier, according to the latest HM Land Registry UK House Price Index.

Not only did the family luck out with their cheap property, which was £285,924 less than the average home in the UK, but Lewis explained that the family got “pretty lucky with the views” and the massive garden too.

The content creator, who claimed the family have five years residency which they can renew when the time comes, lives on the derelict land, which is in the middle of nowhere. 

Showing off the rural property Lewis confirmed: “Since we got here, we have been constantly working on it – although you might think that it still looks bad, it actually looked a lot worse.”

As well as a space for Lewis to store his tools, Jordan has her own craft room and there’s even an outside play area for the kids.

The family also has a vegetable patch, as the father explained: “The goal with the garden is to be able to grow lots of produce – grow tomatoes, cucumbers in bulk rather than in small quantities.”

Thrilled with their purchase, Lewis later shared: “I personally think this house is worth way more than £7,000 – even if the market value was £7,000, because in the UK, good luck getting a house like this for £7,000.”

Social media users react

The TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @frombournemouth2bulgaria, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 752,000 views.

Not only this, but it’s also amassed 19,800 likes, 601 comments and 1,799 saves. 

But social media users were left totally divided by the couple’s home – while many thought it was “beautiful,” others questioned their desire to live in Bulgaria.

One user gushed: “Looking fabulous, good luck with your amazing new life.”

You could have easily done this in Italy or Spain. Bulgaria is a stretch

TikTok user

A second chimed in: “Good for you. What an experience!”

Whilst someone else beamed: “Very scenic and beautiful house.” 

However, at the same time, one person said: “I could buy a shed from B&Q for less and nicer.” 

Another added: “You could have easily done this in Italy or Spain. Bulgaria is a stretch.” 

Whilst a third asked: “Who wants to live in Bulgaria?” 

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RICHIE WELLENS is hoping to get the best out of Aaron Connolly after landing him at the second time of asking.

Connolly has agreed a two-year deal with League One side Leyton Orient after stints with Sunderland and Millwall last season.

And Orient boss Wellens is relishing the chance to work with the former Brighton striker.

Wellens said: “I tried to sign Aaron when I was at Swindon a few years ago, but he then scored a hat-trick against MK Dons in the EFL Trophy. Everyone was in for him after that.

“He’s talented, quick, good on the ball and skilful. He’s got an eye for goal, and he scored twice on his Premier League debut for Brighton.

“The ability is all there, and when I met him recently I got a really good vibe off him. I sense that there is a burning desire for him to do well.

“If we can get Aaron firing, I have absolutely no doubt in his abilities.”

Aged 19, Connolly made his first Premier League start in October 2019, scoring twice against Tottenham, with his Ireland bow coming a week later.

But he has been capped just once since September 2021 as he struggled in his club career with Brighton sending him on loan to Middlesbrough, Venezia and Hull City before he then joined the Tigers permanently.

Last October – a couple of weeks after joining Sunderland – he spoke openly about how an alcohol addiction had hindered his progress.

He struggled for game-time at the Black Cats and injuries hampered his time at Millwall with the Galway man keen to make a fresh start.

Connolly said: “I’m buzzing to be here. I met with the gaffer last Monday, and straight away we both wanted to get it done.

“I’m delighted to be here, and the gaffer was a main factor in me coming here.

“I know the club just missed out on promotion last year, but we’re hoping to go one better this year.”

A BRITISH tennis ace has been fined more than £9,000 for “verbally abusing staff” in an explosive training row at Wimbledon.

Doubles sensation Henry Patten, 29, was handed the highest penalty of the Championships so far for allegedly kicking off when his practice session was cut short BEFORE the tournament began.

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Henry Patten, right, won the Wimbledon doubles title in 2024 but he was handed a big fine before this year’s Championships[/caption]

The left-hander – who won last year’s doubles title at SW19 – is appealing the sanction.

He said he is “disappointed” in the All England Club for disclosing the fines but not his denial.

He said: “I do not believe that there has been a full or proper investigation, nor has Wimbledon acted reasonably or fairly with due process.

“I am disappointed that as the defending male’s doubles champion that I am having to address this matter at this point rather than concentrating on playing tennis.”

The Australian Open winner, 29, who sailed through to the quarter final alongside Finland’s Harri Heliovaara after a walkover on Monday, refused to comment on the nature of the incident.

He is one of 12 players slapped with a total of £37,000 worth of fines in SW19 so far this year.

French star Theo Arribage, 24, has been ordered to pay over £5,500 for “unsportsmanlike conduct” in his second-round doubles clash.

World No123 Adrian Mannarino, 37, landed himself a £4,400 penalty and Russian-born Elena Pridankina, 19, has been charged £3,600 for the same offence.

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Belgium player Zizou Bergs, 26, and American Hailey Baptiste, 23, will both have to cough up £2,900 after being punished for “audible obscenities”, while French ace Varvara Gracheva, 24, was handed the same fine for “abuse of racquets or equipment”.

The biggest Wimbledon penalty on record was in 2019 when Bernard Tomic had his full prize money of £45,000 taken away for failing to meet the “required professional standard” during his 58-minute first-round defeat by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

The dismal match – the shortest at SW19 in 15 years – was slammed as “embarrassing”.

And ex-doubles star Jeff Tarango was famously given an £11,000 fine after a fiery spat in 1995 which saw him accuse the umpire of being corrupt and tell the crowd to “shut up” when they jeered him.

His wife then stormed a press conference to reveal she’d slapped the match official in the face.

Following an investigation, the Grand Slam Committee fined the ace an additional £21,000 and banned him from two tournaments.

The AELTC has been approached for comment.

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WEST HAM are demanding a minimum £60million for Tottenham target Mohammed Kudus.

The Hammers have already knocked back one bid of £50m, including £5m in add-ons.

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Kudus is attracting transfer attention from across the Premier League[/caption]

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Kudus is wanted by new Spurs boss Thomas Frank as part of his pre-season rebuild[/caption]

West Ham were also not happy with the proposed terms offered by Spurs, who were looking to spread the cost over a number of years.

Kudus, 24, is expected to be sold this summer with Graham Potter needing to raise funds for investment due to Premier League spending rules.

The Hammers are looking to raise funds to replace a host of depth options who left the club following the expiry of their contracts, including full-back Aaron Cresswell and forward Michail Antonio.

West Ham have limited options when it comes to sales, with Lucas Paqueta’s spot fixing case yet to be decided.

Spurs remain in talks with their London rivals over the deal – though Kudus has also been offered to Chelsea.

West Ham will be hoping to instigate a bidding war between interested parties to drive the fee closer to the Ghanaian’s release clause of £85m.

Kudus arrived in East London from Ajax for a fee of £37m in the summer of 2023.

His first season saw him notch 17 Premier League goal contributions in 33 games.

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A lacklustre follow up campaign has left him in pole position to be sold for funds as West Ham look to change their fortunes under Potter.

West Ham are moving closer to a deal for Slavia Prague left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf after having two bids rejected.

Slavia are holding out for their valuation of £17m in order to sanction a deal for the Senegalese.

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Kudus received a five game ban earlier in the season over a brawl with Tottenham’s Micky Van de Ven and Richarlison – his potential future teammates[/caption]

DOIREANN Garrihy and Carl Mullan were full of praise for their former co-host Donncha O’Callaghan as they opened up about their close friendship.

The trio hosted the 2FM Breakfast Show together for a number of years and also fronted a hidden-camera comedy series together called The Full Irish Hidden Camera Show.

Andres Poveda

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Carl joined Doireann on her latest podcast episode[/caption]

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The pair swooned over their former co-host[/caption]

Doireann left the breakfast show last May after five years on air and Donncha stepped away shortly after for unrelated reasons.

Carl has remained on the show, now hosting alongside new co-stars Roz Purcell and Aisling Bonnar.

On a recent episode of her hit podcast, Doireann & Friends, the host sat down with Carl Mullan to talk about the close bond the trio formed while working together.

Carl admitted that he had a “right cry” to his wife after they made the decision to leave the show.

He said he was “so afraid” they wouldn’t keep in contact but was relieved to share that all three are still close as ever.

The pair then went on to gush about their beloved pal Donncha as they admitted they didn’t give him the “credit he deserved”.

Carl said: “He was so good for us because sometimes we could get into our heads a little bit – you know someone might send in a s***y message.

“But to have him around the place, just to bring you right back down to earth it, was just great.”

Doireann added: “But also, looking back on it in hindsight, I have never met someone like Donncha for team spirit.”

She explained that he always made sure “everyone has a role” and that they were all working “on the same team”.

Carl continued: “We did not give that man the credit he deserved for everything he achieved in his life and his career, like it is actually amazing.”

The pair then joked about how much praise they were giving him.

Carl laughed: “I’m going to say this because I know it will make him uncomfortable.”

He added: “There’s something special about Donncha. There’s some sort of magic dust that he gives off. He walks into a room and he just makes you feel like you could take on the world and that is in every sense.”

The two burst into laughter as Carl joked: “We’re talking about him like he’s dead.”

OFF AIR

And as they went on to praise him, Doireann quipped: “Okay that’s enough about him, he doesn’t deserve any more, let’s go back to slagging him.”

After the podcast episode aired, Doireann shared a short clip of the conversation to her Instagram and Carl was quick to jump in the comments.

He wrote: “Just to be abundantly clear, this doesn’t mean I don’t think @donnchaocallaghan isn’t a pain in the hole. Thank you for having me @doireanngarrihy.”

Fans and friends all flocked to the comment section to share their love.

Susan said: “Miss you three on radio.”

Carol wrote: “Ohh stunning! So good to see you both together again… just missing the beautiful boy. Looking forward for this one.”

Another added: “Looking forward to this one.”

RTE star Jennifer Zamparelli was flooded with praise after stepping back behind the mic this morning.

The Dancing With The Stars host is taking over from Dave Moore on Today FM this week – marking her first time back on air since she left 2FM.

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Jennifer was back on air this morning[/caption]

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The former 2FM host is stepping in for Dave Moore[/caption]

Instagram / @bprdowling

Jennifer officially made her radio comeback this morning as she took over the show for the first time.

The mum-of-two took to her Instagram afterwards to share her thoughts on the experience.

The Irish star was glowing as she posed for a smiling snap in her car wearing a white and blue striped shirt and a pair of sunglasses.

She wrote: “Show one down covering for @davetodayfm. First hour was a total blur. I think I was so nervous!

“So grateful for the opportunity to get back on air for a week! And thanks for all your messages throughout the morning.”

Fans and friends flocked to the comment section with love and support for Jen.

Virgin Media star Brian Dowling wrote: “You were FABULOUS.”

Jade commented: “It was great to hear you back on the radio Jen.”

Bernie gushed: “Like you never left radio Jennifer great show.”

Darren said: “You smashed it no doubt!”

Another added: “Amazing to hear you back on the radio! Wish you were back full time.”

The Dublin beauty hung up her mic in May 2024 after ten years hosting her 2FM show.

She made the tough decision to leave 2FM to spend more time with her husband Lauterio and their two kids – daughter Florence and son Enzo.

Jennifer has described her new gig as “going over to the dark side”.

ON AIR

She told the Irish Independent: “But it’s going to be fine. There’s enough listeners for all of us. Everybody. We all have lovely bottoms and all that. I’m excited to go in and do that for a bit.

“And because I’ve never worked in that organisation. I’m doing seven shows in total. I can’t do any more.”

When asked if she’d ever consider taking on a full-time radio role again, Jen admitted: “Ah, listen, right now? No. I don’t think so. I don’t think I’m in that head space.”

Meanwhile, the popular presenter recently begun rehearsals on an iconic West End musical.

The Dancing With The Stars host was cast as The Narrator in The Rocky Horror Picture Show which will tour around Ireland this August.

The 45-year-old jetted over to London last week for her first rehearsal in the famous New Wimbledon Theatre.

THE Government has been blasted for failing to tackle Ireland’s deepening housing crisis.

A new study reveals soaraway gaff prices nationwide are rising by seven per cent annually.

The latest MyHome property report laid bare how asking prices outside Dublin have shot up by 7.9 per cent, with rates in the capital  up 5.1 per cent.

The typical residential transaction is now being settled for 7.5 per cent above the asking price.

The Labour Party today called on Government to double the delivery of affordable and cost rental housing in response to the crisis.

Labour’s housing spokesperson Conor Sheehan stormed: “House prices are still going in one direction – up.

“The latest figures show that the average asking price has surged seven per cent in the last year. What’s worse, homes are now typically selling for 7.5 per cent above the original asking price. This is completely unsustainable.

“How many expert reports does it take for this Government to admit what people already know? Affordability is completely out of reach for huge numbers of people.

“In my own county of Limerick, prices have gone up by a staggering 9.62 per cent. It’s no wonder so many people are giving up on the hope of ever owning a home.”

Labour insisted the housing policies of coalition partners Fianna Fail and Fine Gael were failing to deliver enough  pads.

Limerick TD Sheehan said: “This is Economics 101. We have a supply crisis – pure and simple – which continues to hand all the power to those with deep pockets, while locking out working people.

“Housing for All was meant to solve this. But five years since its launch, the increased supply it promised still hasn’t materialised.

‘FAILING ON ALL FRONTS’

“Meanwhile, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael remain at the beck and call of developers.

“The reality is that the Government is failing on all fronts.”

Conall MacCoille, Chief Economist at Bank of Ireland and author of the MyHome report said uncertainty following President Trump’s announcement of tariffs hasn’t been sufficient to dent Ireland’s housing market.

He added: “The average mortgage approval in May was up 6.7 per cent on the year, while the typical residential transaction is being settled 7.5 per cent above the original asking price.

“Meanwhile, one in six properties is sold by 20 per cent or more over asking price, indicating that competition for homes remains fierce.

“Another factor at play is loosening of the Central Bank mortgage lending rules. The average first-time-buyer borrowed 3.4 times’ their income in 2024, up from a 3.2x multiple in 2022. This change has pushed up house prices by €15,000 to €20,000.”

OUTCOME WILL FALL SHORT

The economist said that some improvement in home completions was likely in 2025 but warned that it still would not be adequate enough.

He said: “Whatever the outcome for housing completions in 2025, it will fall well short of the 50-60,000 units required.

“Attention should focus on difficult problems surrounding build costs and the viability of apartment development in Ireland over the medium-term.”

Alamy Stock Photo

DISNEYLAND is known as the most magical place on Earth and thanks to an Irish travel agent’s financial wizardry, hundreds of euro can be saved on the cost of a visit.

Laura Shamel has visited Disney’s popular theme parks on 11 different occasions and turned her passion into a full-time gig.

And the mum-of-two, who advises holidaymakers on how best to reduce unnecessary expenses and avoid common mistakes, said there is something for everyone to enjoy on a once-in-a-lifetime Disney trip.

Laura said: “There is something about the magic and it’s just a wonderful place to be so immersive.”

Laura, 40, from Co Down, has visited the parks 11 times and now helps families plan their own trips to Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Through her travel agency, DreamEars Adventures, Laura offers planning services at no extra cost to the customer so they can get the most out of their money.

And thanks to her cost-cutting expertise and savvy tips, a trip to the happiest place on Earth could work out just as cheap as a staycation.

She said: “Obviously a lot of people think Disney is for kids, and that’s true, they do love it.

“But there’s something about the magic and it’s just a wonderful place to be – so immersive and I think it brings you back to your childhood – it’s memories, it’s happiness, it’s just everything about it.

“I have always loved Disney and the parks are just fantastic. I love the rides, I love the shows, I love the character meets, the food – everything about it.

“There is something for everybody – from the tiny kids to fully grown adults like me – a Disney adult.

“You’ve got Galaxy Edge which is the Star Wars part and my husband is a massive fan.

“While he’s not really bothered about Disney, he’s in the Star Wars area and absolutely enjoying it all.”

Laura is confident that with the right preparation, a trip to one of the parks can be made quite cost effective.

For those seeking a quieter atmosphere or looking for the most affordable time to go, Laura recommends taking a trip at the beginning of the year – so looking at January, February or March for jetting off.

These months tend to have the smallest crowds and most competitive prices, which can help reduce the overall cost of an excursion.

CHEAPEST MONTHS

Revealing how a trip could cost less than a spin to another county in Ireland, Laura said: “Depending on the time of year you can get really cheap flights.

“Out of school holidays usually end up being a lot cheaper, if you don’t mind it being cold.

“January and February are a really good time to go because they’re a lot quieter and a lot cheaper.”

More of Laura’s top tips to save cash on what might seem like an overwhelming trip include travelling during off-peak seasons, booking in advance and choosing basic hotels or nearby accommodation with shuttle access.

DISCOUNT BUNDLES

Laura said Disneyland Paris’ Santa Fe Hotel offers a more affordable option and is located within walking distance of the parks.

Midweek visits are generally less expensive than weekends and school term times are quieter than the busy holiday periods.

Laura added: “For example, Magic Kingdom is busiest on a Saturday and Monday, and the best days to visit are considered to be Sunday or Thursday.

“Disney’s new Lightning Lane system lets you pay to join a separate, shorter queue for some of the most popular rides and attractions, so you spend less time waiting.

“And resort guests can also enjoy early entry every day, giving you a head start before the crowds roll in – with a little planning, you can experience more of your must-dos before the parks really get busy.”

And she says families can also look out for promotional events, such as discounted ticket bundles, which are often released outside of peak travel windows.

Plus booking far in advance is one of the most effective ways to reduce costs – with Laura recommending that families begin planning roughly 11 months or more before their adventure.

What’s more, getting ahead allows holidaymakers to grab the best resort offers along with meal plans and the best flight prices.

She said: “I think if you book in advance as well, that’s when the prices tend to be better.

“Ideally you can book the holiday up to a year in advance – and I think for Walt Disney in Florida it is best to book around 11 months before.

“About 11 months to a year before, you can generally start looking and booking things.”

For those looking to get the most out of their trip to Disney World while on a budget, Laura recommends the 14-day Magic Ticket.

MAGIC TICKET

Working out at only €45 per person per day, this option covers all four theme parks and two water parks, includes the Memory Maker photo pass, and even allows park hopping.

The ticket also includes entry to selected mini-golf courses and gives families much better per-day value compared to shorter options.

She said: “A 14-day Magic Ticket works out at approximately €45 per person, per day, but on-the-gate prices for a single day ticket can set you back roughly €217.”

And when it comes to food, there are several ways families can reduce their daily spending without compromising on meals.

Laura advises packing snacks from home or stopping at supermarkets like Walmart or Target after arriving.

‘LOTS OF WAYS TO SAVE’

Families should also bring reusable bottles to make use of free water stations that are available at most restaurants on site.

What’s more, Laura recommends mixing quick-service dining with occasional sit-down meals to keep the overall costs down.

She said: “So if we are talking about Walt Disney World, there are lots of ways to save money.

“You can take your own food into the parks, so you don’t particularly have to pay for stuff at the restaurants.

“January and February are a really good time to go because they’re a lot quieter and a lot cheaper.”

Laura Shamel

“What I tend to do is take a Lyft or an Uber to a Walmart or Target and stock up on water, snacks, cereal bars, crisps, pretzels – you name it.

“I’ll always tell clients to take a reusable water bottle, and you can get a free cup of ice water and just pour it in there.

“Otherwise a bottle of water could cost you about $4 – and obviously it’s so important to stay hydrated in that Florida heat.”

There are also reusable mugs for the resorts that give you access to unlimited drinks for only $24.99, saving you hundreds on a two-week trip.

What’s more, the Disney Dining plan is another major way to save money.

Part of the plan, meals work out around $20 per person and gives you access to a number of different eateries across the park.

And Laura said this is one of the best ways to stick to your budget while indulging in all of the delicious food Disney has to offer.

She said: “Disney can be overwhelming with little ones, so take regular breaks to recharge and take advantage of air-conditioned areas and quick service food options.

“Parents can also take advantage of Rider Switch, where adults can take turns on rides without waiting in line twice.

“Staying in a Disney hotel comes with perks like early park entry and complimentary transport around the property, as well as free and fun activities like movies under the stars.

“And if meeting Mickey, Winnie the Pooh or your favourite princess is high on your list, a character dining experience is the way to go.

“You’ll get hugs, autographs and plenty of photo opportunities, all while enjoying a meal in the comfort of an air-conditioned restaurant.

“While they can be on the pricier side, the time saved (and the memories made) often make it worth every penny.”

SPECIAL FUND

Laura also revealed an easy hack for families in order to save for their dream trip.

She said: “Have a Disney fund. Disney is such a magical holiday, and I think it’s on most people’s bucket list.

“Maybe don’t have a takeaway on that Saturday night, cook at home and then put that money on a card or in a pot and save it for your Disney fund.

“Any kind of extra cash, put it in a Disney fund.”

Travel agent Laura knows how important the planning process can be, especially when it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Laura said: “Disney parks are magical but complex, with everything from booking rides to food choices having optimal strategies, which is why partnering with external experts to help lessen the financial burden for families is so important.

“And that comes at no additional charge – I’m just here as the planner.

“I can send them itineraries, restaurant guides, and ride information, and let clients know the best days to visit certain parks.”