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Is this how World War 3 will start? Nato chief gives chilling prediction with simultaneous attacks by Putin & China

A CHILLING forecast of how World War Three will start has been revealed by Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte.

The alliance chief has warned of Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin launching simultaneous invasions – putting the planet under threat of nuclear Armageddon. 

Mark Rutte at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague.
Splash
Mark Rutte in The Hague for the 2025 Nato Summit, discussing key global security issues and strengthening alliances[/caption]
Russian T-90 tanks in a military parade on Red Square.
EPA
Russian T-90 tanks take part in the Victory Day military parade, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War[/caption]
Xi Jinping inspecting Chinese troops.
AP
Chinese President Xi Jinping reviews the troops during his inspection of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army[/caption]
epa12086104 A handout photo made available by Photo host Agency RIA Novosti shows President of Russia Vladimir Putin (R) and President of China Xi Jinping (L) attending the Victory Day military parade, marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, on the Red Square in Moscow, Russia, 09 May 2025. Russia marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II over Nazi Germany and its allies. The Soviet Union lost 27 million people in the war. EPA/SERGEY BOBYLEV /HOST PHOTO AGENCY RIA NOVOSTI / HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES
President of Russia Vladimir Putin (R) and President of China Xi Jinping (L)
EPA

China would start by seeking to grab Taiwan – while ensuring the Kremlin dictator simultaneously attacks Nato territory.

Stressing the urgent need to re-arm and boost military budgets, Rutte chillingly told the New York Times: “Let’s not be naive about this: If Xi Jinping would attack Taiwan, he would first make sure that he makes a call to his very junior partner in all of this, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, residing in Moscow, and telling him, ‘Hey, I’m going to do this, and I need you to to keep them busy in Europe by attacking Nato territory’. 

“That is most likely the way this will progress.”

Rutte explained that in order to “deter” the two powerful nations, there are two things that must be done.

He said: “One is that Nato, collectively, being so strong that the Russians will never do this. 

“And second, working together with the Indo-Pacific – something President [Donald] Trump is very much promoting. 

“Because we have this close interconnectedness, working together on defence industry, innovation between Nato and the Indo-Pacific.”

Russia could rebuild its military to a worrying capacity as early as 2027, according to a report by a top security think tank.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies said Putin may deploy his army onto a “war footing” and try to test Nato by evoking Article 5.

This may see the Kremlin decide to leave Ukraine alone as it continues to recover from Russia’s three-and-a-half year onslaught.

Instead, Putin could commit to an attack on Nato states in the Baltics.

Fears are already looming that the Russian dictator is eyeing the Baltic republics Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, formerly part of the USSR.

Acknowledging how Putin is rearming at a speed “which is unparalleled in recent history,” Rutte has insisted that Western countries increase defence spending.

He said: “We have an enormous geopolitical challenge on our hands.

“They are now producing three times as much ammunition in three months as the whole of Nato is doing in a year. 

“This is unsustainable, but the Russians are working together with the North Koreans, with the Chinese and Iranians, the mullahs, in fighting this unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

“So here, the Indo-Pacific and your Atlantic are getting more and more interconnected. We know that China has its eye on Taiwan.”

Russia today hit back at ex-Netherlands premier Rutte, claiming he had “gorged on too many of the magic mushrooms beloved by the Dutch”, while warning he should look forward to a future in a hellish Siberian labour camp. 

Vladimir Putin speaking with military officers.
Reuters
Russian President Vladimir Putin talks to Deputy Commander of the Airborne Troops Anatoly Kontsevoy at a training centre[/caption]
Self-propelled howitzer firing in snowy forest.
Doug Seeburg
Operation Dynamic Front in Finland earlier this year saw British and Nato allies take part in live fire exercises[/caption]
Two tanks firing behind a barbed wire fence.
Romanian army tanks fire during the Exercise Steadfast Dart earlier this year

Senior Putin puppet and security official Dmitry Medvedev lashed out on X: “He sees collusion between China & Russia over Taiwan, and then a Russian attack on Europe. 

“But he’s right about one thing: he should learn Russian. It might come in handy in a Siberian camp.”

The warnings came as Russia continued its onslaught on Ukraine – days after Putin informed US President Donald Trump by telephone that he had no intention of halting his war of invasion. 

Mad Vlad pummelled Ukraine with four S-300 missiles and 157 drones, with 127 of the UAVs shot down or suppressed by electronic warfare. 

Explosions hit Kyiv and the surrounding region, with multiple people wounded and residential buildings damaged. 

In Ukraine’s second city Kharkiv, a two year old child and a woman, 46, were among those hurt as Putin continued to terrorise civilians, seeking to weaken the population’s resolve.  

The Russians also hit Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region. 

Apartment buildings were also hit in Kramatorsk in drone strikes.

Ukraine hit back with an attack sea drone seen being destroyed by Russian defences in Novorossiysk Bay in the Black Sea. 

Moscow was forced to close its major international airport Sheremetyevo due to the threat of drones. 

Rutte praised Trump for seeking to make progress with Putin just a few weeks after calling the US President “daddy” during a summit.

The Nato chief said: “He is the one who broke the deadlock with Putin. When he became president in January, he started these discussions with Putin, and he was the only one who was able to do this.

“This had to happen. A direct dialogue between the American president and the president of the Russian Federation.”

Yet this had not yet resulted in a long-awaited peace deal.

“We are not there yet, and that means that in the meantime you have to make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to stay in the fight.”

Trump rages Putin ‘just wants to keep killing people’

By Patrick Harrington, Foreign News Reporter

DONALD Trump issued a bleak warning that Putin wants to “keep killing people” after Russia launched its largest-yet barrage of drones and missiles at Ukraine.

In a middle finger to the US, the onslaught hit just hours after Putin and Trump had a fruitless 60-minute phone call – which touched on the possibility of fresh American sanctions.

Trump fumed on Friday that he was “very unhappy” about the phone call with Putin and ensuing strikes.

He said: “[Putin] wants to go all the way, just keep killing people, it’s no good.”

Trump revealed the two leaders had spoken “a lot” about sanctions, adding: “He understands that it may be coming.”

The Kremlin said on Friday it was “preferable” to reach its goals of its invasion through political and diplomatic means – despite having just blitzed Ukraine with masses of explosives.

Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov continued: “But as long as that is not possible, we are continuing the special operation.”

Hours after hanging up on Thursday night, Vlad green-lighted the largest volley of missiles and drones since the start of the war.

Fires broke out in multiple locations as almost every district in the capital city was struck, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration.

Dozens of Ukrainians were injured as toxic smoke engulfed the city.

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Urgent call for crackdown on major e-scooters rule break on Irish roads over ‘unnecessary danger’ fears

A ROW is revving up after it emerged not a single prosecution has been brought against the illegal modification of e-scooters.

New regulations introduced last year limit the maximum speed of e-scooters to 20kph.

But despite the regs being rolled out over a year ago, new figures show not a single punter has been nailed for souping up the machines.

TD Barry Ward, a regular e-scooter user, has called for an urgent crackdown on the illegal modification of e-scooters.

The Fine Gael rep raised concerns about the lack of prosecutions in relation to the illegal modification of e-scooters with the Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.

And a response to a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy Ward outlined how no cases involving the illegal modification of electric scooters had been brought before the courts to date.

Ward rapped: “This is despite legislation being passed to regulate the use of e-scooters in May 2024.

“Regulations clearly state it is not permitted to modify the device in any way including to increase its’ speed or acceleration capabilities.

“The speed limit for e-scooters is set at 20kph.

“Anybody who has spent time walking in their local area or Dublin city centre will have seen countless examples of the use of e-scooters and e-bikes in an anti-social and dangerous way, many of which have been modified to be used at greater speeds.”

GREATER ENFORCEMENT

The Fine Gael Dun Laoghaire TD has called for greater enforcement to clampdown on e-scooter speeding.

Ward said: “The answer I received from the Minister shows clearly that enforcement in this area has not caught up to the regulations and I have called on the Minister to urgently push for a greater focus on preventing the use of modified electric scooters in an antisocial way.

“The modification of electric scooters is not only dangerous for the operator, but it also increases the potential risk of losing control, putting pedestrians and other road users in unnecessary danger.

“The speed limit for these vehicles is limited to 20 km/hour for a reason and when there are clear and obvious situations whereby people are operating scooters at speeds far in excess of this, the Guards need to intervene.

“If it is proven that the device has been modified, this needs to be prosecuted.

“As someone who uses an e-scooter, I absolutely appreciate how useful they can be as a means to getting around, but it is so important that they are used in a courteous and safe way.”

NEW DEVICE

Gardai in Limerick recently deployed a new device to test e-scooter speeds at road stops.

Dynamometers, which look like mini treadmills, allow cops to assess whether electric scooters comply with legal speed limits.

In May, the Limerick Divisional Roads Policing Unit carried out a series of checkpoints armed with the new kit.

It was part of a pilot scheme by An Garda Siochana to test the speed of scooters to try and prevent the use of overpowered or modified scooters that risk the lives of those using them and other road users.

Gardai currently own four dynamometers – but top cops plan on purchasing “a lot more” e-scooter and e-bike testing kits.

a person riding a scooter in a bike lane
TD Barry Ward said a clampdown on e-scooter speeding is needed
Getty Images - Getty

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Ben Shelton’s sister BOOED by Wimbledon crowd after he reveals her job live on BBC

BEN SHELTON’S sister Emma was BOOED during the American star’s on-court interview yesterday.

The 22-year-old booked a place in round four of Wimbledon by beating Marton Fucsovics 6-3 7-6 6-2 on No1 Court.

Ben Shelton at Wimbledon.
X formerly Twitter / @Wimbledon
Ben Shelton gave shout outs to his family following his round three win[/caption]
Ben Shelton's sister at Wimbledon, holding a stuffed animal and laughing.
X formerly Twitter / @Wimbledon
Emma Shelton beamed in the crowd[/caption]
Woman covering her face at Wimbledon.
X formerly Twitter / @Wimbledon
Emma jokingly placed her head in her hands as she was booed[/caption]

During his on-court interview, Shelton thanked his family sat up in his player box.

Supporting the booming lefty this week have been his father Bryan, himself a former ATP star, mum Lisa, girlfriend Trinity Rodman and sister Emma.

Shouting out his family, Shelton said: “I’ve been playing well this week. It’s not just been me here, I have a great team.

“My parents are here, my girlfriend’s here. Also, my sister’s here. She’s been here for every match I’ve played at this tournament so far.

“She’s been the lucky charm but she has work back in the US starting on Monday. She works for Morgan Stanley…”

At this point, the No1 Court crowd incredibly started booing.

Stood in the crowd, Emma laughed as she placed her head in her hands.

Shelton continued: “Hey! Come on now! She works for Morgan Stanley so if any of you all have any connections, get her a couple of days off so she can (stay) we can keep this rolling that would be great.”

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Ben Shelton's family at Wimbledon.
X formerly Twitter / @Wimbledon
Shelton was also watched my dad Bryan, left, mum Lisa, middle, and girlfriend Trinity Rodman, right[/caption]

Emma played college tennis for the Florida Gators, where dad Bryan was head coach prior to Ben going professional, between 2019 and 2023.

Following Shelton’s on-court appeal, Emma was successful in securing some time off.

Posting on his his Instagram story, Ben asked his sister: “Did you get the week off?”

Beaming, Emma responded by jumping up and down in celebration while laughing.

Shelton will next be in action against Lorenzo Sonego tomorrow.

The Italian overcame Brandon Nakashima 6-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 7-6 in a gruelling five hours and three minute epic on Court 14 yesterday.

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Coleen Nolan belts out songs at son Jake’s wedding as she takes to the stage in a gorgeous green gown

COLEEN Nolan has belted out songs at her son Jake’s wedding as she took to the stage in a gorgeous green gown.

The TV star, 60, who looked absolutely stunning took to Instagram to share snippets of the wedding.

Woman in green dress and hat at a wedding.
Instagram
Coleen Nolan looked stunning as she posed at her son’s wedding[/caption]
Woman in green dress and hat at a vineyard.
Instagram
Coleen belted out songs at her son Jake’s wedding as she took to the stage in a gorgeous green gown[/caption]
Coleen Nolan singing at her son's wedding.
Coleen sang a few songs including Gloria Gaynor’s huge hit I will Survive
Instagram

Coleen, who shares Jake Roche with her ex-husband Shane Richie, looked beautiful in a green printed chiffon dress.

She also wore gorgeous matching accessories in a series of snaps that she posted on social media.

The Loose Woman presenter captioned the images: “Yesterday my baby boy Jake married his beautiful wife Georgia.

“Hand on heart one of the best days of my life, watching my boy marry the love of his life, surrounded by all their family and closest friends.”

Fans were quick to tell her that she looked incredible and one said: “WOW How lovely you look,

“I’m sure your son was as proud of you as much as you were of him!”

Another added: “Knocking it out of the park Col. Absolutely beautiful.”

And a third said: “Wow, you look absolutely gorgeous that colour green suits you. Congratulations, Jake & Georgia.”

Later, a happy Coleen shared a video of her on stage with her other son, Shane’s new band.

Much to the delight of guests, the Nolan sister belted out a few bangers including Gloria Gaynor’s I will survive.

As her family and wedding guests danced and sang along in the stunning outdoors setting.

As well as her two sons, Shane Jr and Jake, whom she shares with actor Shane Ritchie.

Coleen also has a daughter Ciara Fensome, 24, from her relationship with musician Ray Fensome.

A delighted Coleen recently announced Shane’s girlfriend is pregnant.

The happy news came just days after Coleen revealed her daughter was pregnant too.

Ciara announced that she is expecting a baby with her fiance Maxx Innes.

Quoting Sabrina Carpenter’s Juno lyrics, Ciara penned: “One of me is cute but two tho? Baby Innes pending…”

Which means the star, who shot to fame as one The Nolan Sisters, is set to be a grandma for the fourth time.

This is because Shane Jr. already has a daughter named Amelia, who was born in 2016.

Then, just last year in November 2024, her son Jake became a father to a baby boy. 

Woman in green hat and dress at a wedding.
Instagram
Coleen looked radiant at the wedding in her stunning outfit[/caption]
Coleen Nolan and her pregnant daughter at a wedding.
Instagram
Coleen posed alongside her gorgeous pregnant daughter[/caption]
Coleen Nolan singing at her son's wedding.
Instagram
Coleen enjoying herself on stage at her son’s wedding[/caption]

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Major supermarket reveals how drivers can earn 1 million loyalty points in ‘biggest ever’ app shake-up

ONE OF Britain’s biggest supermarkets is offer 1 million loyalty points to shoppers as part of a major shakeup. 

The mega-chain is planning its “biggest ever” summer campaigns which could see one Brit taking home points of thousands of pounds.

Electric vehicle charging at a supermarket.
Alamy
The deal could see one EV driver winning a million Nectar points[/caption]
Sainsbury's store sign in London.
Getty
Sainsbury’s have described the campaign as their ‘biggest ever’[/caption]

Sainsbury’s is iconic for its Nectar point system, which allows shoppers to get discounts on popular items. 

Sometimes, points can even be used to get items for free. 

Through that system, Sainsbury’s is offering EV drivers a chance to win one million Nectar points. 

That’s the equivalent of £5000 in loyalty points to spend in-store or at Argos. 

To be in for a chance of winning the points, EV drivers need to scan their Nectar card when using the Smart Charge electric vehicle charging system.

Drivers will be eligible to enter the competition from July 4 until July 20. 

The huge campaign is the store’s “biggest ever” summer promotion. 

It comes as the supermarket hopes to encourage drivers to use its Smart Charge business, which it has been rolling out since January 2024. 

There are now 650 “ultra-rapid” charging bays at 75 of the UK’s stores. 

Sainsbury’s also has plans for the charging bays to be expanded to more than 100 sites. 

Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s chief property and procurement officer, said that the brand wants to make driving electric vehicles “affordable”. 

He said: “Smart Change makes EV charging simple, reliable, accessible, and affordable for all EV drivers across the UK. 

“We’re proud to be the UK’s first EV charging service to offer loyalty rewards from Nectar, the UK’s largest muli-partner loyalty programme at our charging hubs.”

Sainsbury’s regularly goes viral for its Nectar points scheme. 

The supermarket launched a safety feature in February, which allows shoppers to “lock” their points. 

That prevents them from getting deleted or stolen. 

In 2025, the Daily Mail revealed that 12 million Nectar card points had been stolen – which were worth a total of £63,000. 

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Typhoon Bising heading out; Batanes under wind signal No. 1 — Pagasa

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Batanes as Typhoon Bising (international name: Danas) accelerates northeastward towards Taiwan on Sunday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). In its 5 p.m. bulletin, Pagasa said that the center of Bising was located 335 kilometers west northwest of

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BBC Breakfast star heartbroken as she reveals death of her dad and says ‘I can’t quite accept that it’s real’

A BBC Breakfast star has revealed her heartbreak, as she revealed the death of her dad and said “I can’t quite accept that it’s real.”

Nina Warhurst took to social media to share her heartbreaking news, alongside a black and white photo. 

Black and white photo of two hands clasped together.
Instagram
A BBC Breakfast star has revealed her heartbreak, as she revealed the death of her dad and said “I can’t quite accept that it’s real”[/caption]
Charlie Stayt and Nina Warhurst co-hosting BBC Breakfast.
BBC
Nina took to social media to share her heartbreaking news, alongside a black and white photo[/caption]
Black and white photo of Nina Warhurst and her father.
Instagram/@ninawarhurst_
Nina with her beloved dad[/caption]

The photo saw her holding her dad’s hand, as she described the final moments they’d shared together before his death. 

Nina, 44, wrote: “My Dad died on Wednesday night

“From Sunday me, my Mum and sisters spent precious time with him around the clock….singing, crying, laughing, sharing memories

“On his last day we had nursing home afternoon tea, chippy chips and wine together.

“He drifted away gently with me and Amy holding him and telling him to “go head. We’ll see you there soon.” And he did. I had my hand on his heart as the ripples softened and stopped.

“A gentle end to a gentle life. So much love and laughter and sunshine across days I’ll never forget.” 

Nina went on: “He is in my mind all the time now as we adjust to a world without him in it. I can’t quite accept that’s real yet. 

“But we think it’s really important for anyone going through this to know that the end can be peaceful and beautiful. 

“Kim, Daniel, Anna, Moody, Charlotte, Clara, Eddie, Obi, Sarah, Kat, Michael, Colin, Dorothy, Helen, Gracie and all the care home staff and residents who welcomed us in to their world and made it our home for those days and nights we can’t thank you enough ♥♥.” 

Nina was supported by her many followers and friends in the comments, as one person wrote: “Oh Nina, I’m so sorry, sending so much love. But what a beautiful ending, that really is such a blessing.” 

A second person echoed: “What beautiful words for a beautiful life. Sending love to you all, Nina x” 

And a third wrote: “I’m so sorry Nina. Sending you and your family loads of love.” 

Earlier this year, BBC Breakfast star Nina Warhurst quit her long-running role as the show’s business correspondent after landing a major new gig.

The TV presenter had been working on the Beeb’s morning offering since 2018 as their resident business reporter, but decided to step down from the role.

Nina confirmed the news in a post on X – formerly Twitter – in which she simultaneously revealed her brand new position.

The star joined the team on BBC News at One as the lead presenter, live from Salford.

Nina wrote online: “Hanging up the high-viz & hairnet as I join the BBC’s News at One.

“Our London team built a gem of a programme & it’s a privilege to be on the Salford team taking it forward

“The teenage me who lived half a mile from here & dreamed of journalism would NOT believe it.”

Nina Warhurst on the BBC Breakfast set holding a mug.
Instagram
Nina was supported by her many followers and friends in the comments[/caption]

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Jessica Soho tells UP grads: `So what if you’re from UP?’

During her speech as a guest speaker at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman commencement exercises on Sunday, veteran broadcast journalist Jessica Soho asked the graduating students, “So what if you’re from UP?” “‘So what if you’re from UP?’ asked one of my cameramen when I was still starting out as a reporter, 40

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Community fundraiser to help mum and girl, 6, who died in horror Donegal crash reaches target in just hours

A COMMUNITY fundraiser to help a tragic mother and child killed in a horrific road crash this week has reached its goal – in less than a day.

Natalie McLaughlin and her daughter Ella, 6, died following a collision between a car and a van at Glentogher, Carndonagh in Donegal on Wednesday evening last, July 2.

Natalie’s partner Tyrone and the couple’s two-year-old child Rhea Rose both also suffered serious injuries in the horrific incident.

A community fundraiser to support Natalie’s family and to support Tyrone and Rhea Rose was set up yesterday.

The fundraiser, entitled ‘Honouring Natalie & Ella – A Community’s Love’ set a target of €20,000 but has already surpassed that number through hundreds of kind donations.

‘DEVASTATING’

Organisers of the fundraiser paid tribute to the “beloved” mother and daughter.

The post said: “It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news of the sudden and tragic passing of our beloved Natalie McLaughlin and her darling young daughter Ella, following a road traffic collision.

“Natalie, a beautiful and vibrant young mother from Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, and her precious little girl touched the lives of so many with their warmth, love, and joy,” they wrote.

“In this time of unimaginable loss, we as a community — both near and far — wish to come together to wrap our arms around the McLaughlin family.

“This page has been set up to show our heartfelt love, support, and solidarity with them during the most difficult days of their lives.

“No words can ease the pain, but through our collective kindness and generosity, we hope to offer some comfort and practical support to help the family in the days ahead.

“Thank you for your support, prayers, and love.”

Natalie and Ella will be laid to rest tomorrow in their native Carndonagh.

Natalie, who was in her 20s, was a much-respected nurse in a local surgery in Carndonagh while little Ella was a senior infant pupil at St Patrick’s Girls National School, also in Carndonagh.

FUNERAL MASS

Their funeral mass will take place at 12pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Carndonagh followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery.

Natalie and Ella are being waked today at the home of Natalie’s parents Joanne and Danny McLaughlin, Church Road, Carndonagh.

The public has been invited to pay their respects from 1-9pm and the heartbroken family have asked that all other times remain private including the morning of the funeral.

In their obituary notice, Natalie and Ella are described as the “much loved mother and sister of Rhea-Rose and cherished daughter and granddaughter of Joanne and Danny and adored sister and niece of Lara, Tiarnan and Ryan.

“Deeply regretted and sadly missed by their grandparents and great grandparents, Lynn and Anthony Noone and Margaret and Hugh McLaughlin, Natalie’s partner Tyrone, nieces and nephews, wider family circle, friends and neighbours.

“May Ella and Natalie Rest In Eternal Peace.”

Ella McLaughlin with her mum Natalie
Ella McLaughlin and her mum Natalie died in the crash
Joe Boland

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‘Disappointed’ Des Cahill says Dublin ‘deserved much bigger support’ after Cork fans turn Croke Park red for semi-final

DES CAHILL expressed his disappointment after Cork fans appeared to outnumber their Dublin counterparts at Croke Park in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final.

Pat Ryan’s side booked their place in the Liam MacCarthy Cup decider for the second year in a row with a 20-point drubbing of the Dubs.

Patrick Horgan of Cork with his son after a hurling match.
Cork cruised to another All-Ireland hurling final with a 20-point drubbing of Dublin
Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Croke Park during a Cork v Dublin hurling match.
Cork fans appeared to outnumber their Dublin counterparts
Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
Screenshot of a crowded stadium during a hurling match.
Des Cahill admitted to being disappointed by the turn out

Croke Park was packed to the rafters for the mouth-watering battle, with Dublin fans galvanised by their stunning victory over Limerick.

However, supporters of the Rebels appeared to outnumber their rivals.

This apparent uneven ratio irked Des Cahill, who said Niall O Ceallachain’s men deserved better.

The Cuala man said: “Fair play to the #Cork hurling fans-incredible support today. I’ve never seen anything like it! A great team to follow.

But I was disappointed for the #Dublin hurlers – they deserved much bigger support.

I also felt they battled to the end with great honesty and determination.

Going into Saturday, Dublin’s route to the last four was aided by avoiding the concession of goals.

However, they could not hold back the Rebels, as Alan Connolly netted a hat-trick alongside goals from Brian Hayes and Tim O’Mahony (two each).

It will further enhance Cork’s status as favourites to go all the way, with one of Tipperary or Kilkenny facing them in the decider.

And boss Ryan revealed that goals are the Leesiders’ priority.

Ryan said: “We’re targeting goals all the time and we’re targeting fast starts all the time. That’s the goal and that’s the game. Our lads were really clinical today. 

“I thought we left an awful lot of scores behind us for points but that’s me being a bit critical, maybe over-critical. They’re some things we’ll go after. 

“But delighted with our fellas. For us to get back into a final shows the character and strength of commitment to the jersey that the lads have.”

The inside forward trio of Patrick Horgan, Alan Connolly, and Brian Hayes proved to be too much to handle.

When asked if he could have provided extra protection to his full-backs, Dubs boss Ó Ceallacháin said: “It’s a fair question when you concede seven goals.

“I’ll tell you straight out that we intentionally didn’t.

“I’ve been proven wrong now so I can be fairly criticised, but the way we see it is there’s just no point in going with a zonal back six against a team like Cork.

“You won’t concede seven goals so you won’t see a scenario like that, but you will lose the game.

“Is it a risky set-up? It absolutely is. Should I be criticised? Absolutely. It didn’t work. They were very sharp and they were excellent.

“But what I would say is with the alternative, you won’t lose by 20 points but you will lose the game.”

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