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‘Magical few days’ – Inside Peter O’Mahony’s fun-filled Disneyland holiday despite ‘bananas crowds’

PETER O’Mahony and his family enjoyed a “magical few days” visiting Disneyland despite the crowds being “bananas”.

Wife Jessica had previously shared how they’d touched down in Paris “just in time for the European heatwave”.

Family riding Thunder Mountain rollercoaster.
@jeskaomahony
Apparently ‘Thunder Mountain’ is the best rollercoaster on offer[/caption]
Man and child enjoying a ride.
@jeskaomahony
Peter and their sons loved this Spiderman simulation[/caption]
A child on a teacup ride at a theme park.
@jeskaomahony
Jessica labelled it a ‘magical few days’[/caption]
Pedestrians walking down a street lined with buildings and a large tree.
@jeskaomahony
They arrived in the middle of a heatwave that’s gripping swathes of mainland Europe[/caption]

And despite this meaning it turned out to be a more physically draining few days than was anticipated, they still had a blast overall.

While reflecting on the holiday as a whole Jessica reckoned that if they were to visit again, they’d aim to do so in either April/May or September/October to avoid such roasting temps.

She also recommended a Marvel and Spiderman section which Peter loved due to his “very competitive” nature.

Perhaps her most important tip, however, was to purchase as many fast pass tickets for rides as possible given that crowds are “bananas” in the height of peak season.

All in all, a few days frolicking around Disneyland seems to have been an ideal way for Peter to ease into retirement after playing his last-ever match in South Africa on June 28 for the Barbarians.

For Irish rugby en masse, the bulk of supporters’ focus is on how the Irish contingent fare as the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia trundles along.

And speaking of France and Irish rugby titans, Ronan O’Gara happened to accidentally provide the highlight of Tuesday’s demolition of Queensland Reds from the Sky Sports commentary box.

The La Rochelle head coach livened up a forgettable second half by slipping into French while making one point.

The 48-year-old has spoken before about the funny moments that often arise while conversing with his children who possess better French than he does.

And his latest language faux pas unfortunately came in front of a far bigger audience while on co-comms.

Virgin Media rugby host Joe Molloy was among the many viewers who cracked up at it.

He tweeted: “ROG accidentally speaking French on comms the highlight of the second-half!”

Similarly, Gavan Casey of the 42 added: “Ronan O’Gara is going to add so much to this Lions tour as a co-commentator.

“A lovely blend of coaching insight, self-deprecation, Tony Romo-esque premonitions, and accidental French. Dan Biggar top-class also, as always.”

Collage of Disneyland photos with text overlay detailing trip tips and recommendations.
@jeskaomahony
Jessica laid out a thorough list of helpful takeaways she had from it[/caption]
Large crowd in front of a castle at night.
@jeskaomahony
She warned anyone planning on visiting to ‘expect bananas crowds’[/caption]
Fireworks over Sleeping Beauty Castle.
@jeskaomahony
It’s easy to see why the castle is such an attraction[/caption]
Disneyland Park entrance.
@jeskaomahony
The hot temperatures do at least make for extra aesthetic pics[/caption]

Overall the Munster legend did très bien as there was a lot of praise for his insightful analysis as the match unfolded.

Carl hailed: “Dan Biggar and Ronan O’Gara on co-comms is the perfect blend of experience and knowledge. A pleasure to listen to them.”

Lastly, Jim praised: “Really liking Ronan O’Gara on commentary so far.”

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Shoppers in frenzy over floaty summer dress from Sainsbury’s that is perfect for the heatwave and plus-size approved

SHOPPERS are in a frenzy over a flattering black supermarket dress that’s perfect for summer and plus-size approved.

Tu Clothing is the in-house fashion label at Sainsbury’s and consistently delights fashion fans with its on-trend buys at affordable prices.

Woman wearing a black maxi dress and sandals.
Tu Clothing
Shoppers are loving this £22.50 dress in Sainsbury’s[/caption]
Woman in black maxi dress and zebra-striped bag.
Instagram/Laura Adlington
Plus-sized influencer Laura Adlington said she’ll ‘wear it on repeat all summer’[/caption]
Close-up of a black dress with palm tree pattern.
Tu Clothing
The dress features a subtle palm print pattern for summer[/caption]
Woman in black tie-shoulder dress.
Tu Clothing
The floaty style is perfect for the summer heat[/caption]

So if you want to look stylish on a budget in the warmer weather, then this bargain frock is a must-have.

Shoppers have hailed the £22.50 Black Jacquard Palm Midi Dress as

And they’ve even pleaded with Tu bosses to bring it out in more colours.

The frock is available in sizes six to 24 and features a subtle jacquard palm tree print and tie sleeve detail.

Describing it on the website, the Sainsbury’s team say: “Achieve effortless style this summer with our classic black smock dress.

“In a lightweight jacquard palm fabric, it comes in a flattering midi length with tie details at the shoulder. Finish your outfit with a pair of chunky black sandals.”

The effortlessly stylish dress can be chucked on with a pair of flip flops by the pool or in the garden, or dressed up with chunky bangles and sandals.

And it’s already proving a huge hit with fashion fans who have managed to bag it.

Plus-sized influencer and former Great British Bake Off star Laura Adlington, who wears a size 24, gave the black frock her seal of approval.

She gushed: “This dress is being worn on repeat all summer.

“It’s very floaty, not restrictive, it’s got pockets. I absolutely love this, I feel amazing in it.”

“Great dress especially for the money”, someone else cried.

A third wrote: “I’ve just ordered the black dress, just what I wanted for summer.”

A fourth chimed in: “This dress caught my eye when I visited the store. It’s stylish, expensive looking, great material and quality and a very comfortable to wear dress. I wish there were other colours too.”

“I love it, good quality, comfortable and great price”, added a fifth.

Meanwhile, a sixth said: “Fits perfectly and looks great and has pockets! Adjustable shoulder straps. Decent material, not too thin, subtle pattern and perfect length.”

Elsewhere in store, shoppers are going wild for a £30 dress that will snatch you in at the waist and is £260 cheaper than a designer version.

The elegant white gown is perfect for dressing up for girly brunches or city sight-seeing on holiday.

The structured bodice and flared hem give the dress a flattering shape, and the dress is made of lightweight cotton, perfect for keeping cool in the heat.

Raving about the frock on the Tu website, one shopper said: “I bought this dress as a curvy size 20 and told myself that it would not fit …..but it was stunning!

“I felt special in it and confident.”

Is supermarket fashion the new high street?

DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in:

The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family. 

Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a ‘strong growth in clothing’ and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street.

Asda’s clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury’s clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year.

So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful?

Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it’s good quality too – with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative.

A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year. 

Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.

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Inside ‘spacious and well-presented’ family home on Irish market for just €210k – and it comes with some major perks

A STUNNING home has hit the Irish market for €210,000 – and it’s perfect for a family.

Riverside House is located in Gortahork, Co. Donegal.

Riverside House, Gortahork, Co. Donegal for sale.
Riverside House in Gortahork, Co. Donegal is on the market for €210K
MyHome.ie
Interior view of a home's hallway with wooden staircase.
The home is very bright and spacious
MyHome.ie
Riverside House kitchen with white cabinets and laminate flooring.
The kitchen is fully fitted
MyHome.ie

The home spans 130 square metres, with three or four bedrooms and a bathroom.

According to the listing, the home is “spacious and well-presented”.

The detached home spans two storeys and has recently undergone refurbishment.

New laminate wood flooring was installed, along with PVC double-glazed windows and doors.

The property offers versatile accommodation, and is the perfect starter home.

On the approach to the home, guests are met with a decorative stone drive.

There is room for multiple vehicles to park, with newly installed fencing surrounding the property.

The home is fitted with oil fired central heating, and includes a fireplace in both reception rooms.

Upon entering the property, guests are met with a bright and spacious entrance hall measuring 3.26m x 2.71m.

It has timber flooring and a large reception area, with wooden stairs leading to the second floor.

Just off the entrance hall is a sitting room that spans 3.54m x 3.44m.

The dual aspect room is complete with an open fireplace and large windows, allowing a lot of natural light in.

The living and dining space measures 3.58m x 3.28m, and also features an open fireplace along with new laminate timber flooring.

The kitchen is fully fitted with all required fixtures, including wall and base white cabinets providing ample storage.

It measures 4.50m x 2.40m and also has an airing cupboard with newly installed laminate wood flooring, a stainless steel sink unit and draining board.

It is fitted with a built-in Logik electric oven, a Logik four burner ceramic hob and extractor fan, along with a Logik washing machine.

BUILT-IN WARDROBES

Upstairs, there is an open plan room spanning 6.42m x 3.79m, which could be converted into two bedrooms.

The next bedroom measures 6.46m x 3.58m and has laminate flooring.

The final bedroom is 2.85m x 2.54m and also has laminate wood flooring.

All bedrooms have built-in wardrobes.

The bathroom measures 2.53m x 1.59m and has a Triton T90sr shower, WC and WHB and bath.

It also has fully tiled walls and laminate wood flooring.

At the back of the property, there is a small garden laid out in decorative stone.

RANGE OF AMENITIES

Outside the house, steps lead up to the deck area that overlooks the river.

While they lie outside the official property boundary, the steps have been in the sole and uninterrupted use of the current owner since 2009.

The home is within walking distance of Gortahork Village, with a range of local amenities and services on hand.

The property has a BER rating of D1, and according to the listing: “Availability of the Vacant Homes Refurbishment Grant is likely to coincide with the completion of the sale.”

Living room with fireplace and large window.
The home has recently been upgraded
MyHome.ie
Interior view of a living room with gray laminate flooring, a stone fireplace, and large windows.
New timber flooring has been installed
MyHome.ie
Bathroom with bathtub, toilet, and sink.
The bathroom is fully fitted
MyHome.ie
Gravel pathway leading to a set of stairs in a lush garden.
There is a well-maintained garden to the rear
MyHome.ie

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Is Crete safe to travel to? Latest holiday advice as Greek island wildfires see tourists evacuated

YESTERDAY wildfires broke out and spread across the southern coast of Crete in Greece, leading to the evacuation of over 1,500 people.

With the fires ongoing, here is everything you need to know about travelling to Crete.

Firefighters battling a wildfire.
Reuters
Yesterday, wildfires broke out and spread across the southern coast of Crete in Greece, leading to the evacuation of over 1,500 people[/caption]

What is happening in Crete?

Wildfires have broken out on the southern coast of Crete in Greece, with winds spreading the fire and creating a six kilometre front.

Over 230 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze, with more than 1,500 people evacuated from homes and hotels on Wednesday.

Smoke from the fires has reached as far as Makry Gialos Beach, according to the BBC, which is six miles from Achlia, in Lasithi, where the fire is currently being battled.

Emergency alerts were also issued throughout the day yesterday, urging people to evacuate from Achlia, Ferma, Agia, Fotia, Galini and Koutsounari.

The Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection has issued “a very high fire risk category four” alert for tomorrow, in the Attica region (including the island of Kythira), region of Evia in central Greece, the Peloponnese region and the North Aegean region (Chios, Samos, Ikaria).

Is it safe to visit Crete?

The Foreign Office has currently not issued any warning against non-essential travel to the region.

The Foreign Office’s advice for wildfires in Greece states: “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.

“Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location.

“Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly.

“To avoid starting wildfires: leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires; make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished; do not light barbecues.

“Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.”

The Foreign Office’s advice adds that individuals should follow ‘@112Greece’ for official updates, follow guidance from local emergency services, call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger and to contact your airline or travel operator about return travel to the UK.

Have flights been cancelled to Crete airport?

Flights are currently uninterrupted, with some delays of up to an hour according to FlightRadar24, at Heraklion International Airport and Chania International Airport.

However delays are more likely to have been caused by ATC strikes today, disrupting usage of the French airspace.

There are also staff shortages at some airports in Europe and summer storm activity is currently occurring over the Alps.

Firefighters battling a wildfire.
Reuters
Over 230 firefighters are currently tackling the blaze[/caption]

Can I cancel my trip?

As the Foreign Office has not warned against non-essential travel to Greece, there are no special circumstances in place for travellers to cancel their trip and receive a full refund.

Depending on what travel insurance you have, your policy might include natural disaster cover.

This means that your insurance covers you for when you are unable to reach your holiday destination due to a natural event, like wildfires.

So it is worth checking your travel insurance policy.

If you do choose to cancel your trip, it is best to contact your airline or holiday provider and there is no obligation for companies to refund bookings unless government advice changes.

Turkey wildfire map also shows the horror blazes near Brit holiday hotspots as 50,000 people were evacuated.

Plus, back in May, an earthquake hit Crete.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you are flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So, if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight.

This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

Firefighters battling a wildfire.
Reuters
Flights are currently uninterrupted, with some delays of up to an hour according to FlightRadar24[/caption]

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More airlines introduce strict ban on travel item in overhead lockers due to safety fears

POWER banks have been banned from even more airlines following concerns for passenger safety.

China’s aviation regulator and Japan’s transport ministry have both announced new rules for carrying power banks on planes.

Woman's hands plugging a phone into a portable charger.
Alamy
More airlines have implemented strict rules on power banks[/caption]
ANA Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in flight.
Alamy
All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines will implement new rules from early July[/caption]

On July 3, 2025, Japan’s transport ministry announced new air safety regulations requiring passengers to keep power banks in sight at all times while travelling.

Japan will ban passengers from storing power banks in overhead compartments on all flights operated by All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines and other domestic carriers.

Under Japan’s new regulation, the following rules will apply on all domestic flights and on international flights operated by Japanese airlines.

The Japan Airlines website states that in accordance with the new rules “portable chargers (power banks) for smartphones and other devices cannot be checked in”.

It adds that they should be “carried onboard as carry-on luggage”.

It continues with two points that travellers should “avoid storing power banks in overhead compartments”.

In-flight charging is allowed, but passengers are required to keep devices under constant supervision and in sight in case there’s a sign of overheating or malfunction.

The new rules will come into effect on July 8, 2025, and are to lessen the risk of fire on planes.

This will affect Brits travelling with the airlines, many of which operate from London Heathrow.

Chinese authorities recently announced that passengers will be banned from carrying certain power banks on flights.

Airplane passengers storing luggage in overhead bins.
Alamy
The two Japanese airlines have banned keeping power banks in overhead lockers[/caption]

China’s aviation regulator has banned passengers from carrying power banks without Chinese safety certification markings on June 29.

The rules apply to anyone boarding a flight in China, following a series of incidents globally involving lithium battery products, including power banks, overheating on planes.

Earlier this year, Korean airline Air Busan banned passengers from having power banks in their hand luggage after a huge fire broke out onboard.

While no-one was killed in the accident, the plane was badly damaged and taken out of commission.

Back in March, Eva Air passengers announced it would no longer be able to use power banks onboard.

Instead passengers need to use the onboard power outlets, with AC and USB-A ports available.

China Airlines introduced the same rule from March 1.

Starlux Airlines and Tigerair have already banned passengers from using power banks while in the cabin. They are still allowed in hand luggage.

Thai Airways and AirAsia also don’t allow passengers to use or charge their power banks onboard.

And here’s more information on the banning of power banks when flying from the UK.

Economy class seats on a Boeing 767-300 aircraft.
Alamy
The rules follow several incidents involving power banks onboard[/caption]

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‘Scene in hospital was just so sad’ – Donegal reels after young girl dies in horror crash & 3 family members injured

A PARISH priest has spoken of the utter sadness he witnessed as medics battled to help those caught up in a horror Donegal crash that took the life of a young girl.

Carndonagh parish priest, Fr Con McLaughlin, said he will never forget the scenes which met him in the Accident and Emergency unit of Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry.

Fr. Con Mclaughlin.
Carndonagh parish priest Con Mclaughlin attended the hospital where the crash victims were brought
Johnston Press

A young girl has been confirmed dead following a collision between a car and a van at Glentogher, Carndonagh just after 6.30pm.

Three other people, all believed to be members of the little girl’s family, were rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital for emergency treatment.

Fr McLaughlin said he was not at the scene of the tragedy but rushed to the hospital in an effort to provide comfort for those involved.

He revealed: “On hearing about the accident I went straight over to Altnagelvin Hospital and the scene (in accident and emergency) is something I will never forget.

“In the community there is a shock and a disbelief. One can only imagine what the family are going through and I witnessed that pain in the hospital last night.

“The scene in the hospital was just so, so sad. You had doctors and nurses running around trying to do their best to help these poor helpless people. It is something I will never, ever forget.

“I just wanted to be a presence there for the family and I did not speak too much but I just wanted them to know that we are all there for them.”

Fr McLaughlin said the people of Inishowen are once again suffering tragedy on their roads, an experience they are sadly too used to.

He added “Pain is no stranger to the people of Inishowen as there has been so, so many tragic deaths.

‘PAINFUL MEMORIES’

“I remember being present in Buncrana when there was a series of multiple deaths there between 2005 and 2008 and once again tragedy has struck our people and I’m quite sure it revives many painful memories for many people in Inishowen as indeed it does for me.”

“We can visualise how they must feel at this time and how the wider community feels and how people have suffered tragedies in the past as there have been so many in Inishowen.

“I just can’t find words to express how people will feel today and how I personally feel too having been involved in some of them in the past.

“People will rally but nonetheless we have one little child dead.”

SCENE REMAINS CLOSED

There is no official update on the condition of the three other people seriously injured in the crash.

However, it is understood that two of those have been transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for further treatment.

The scene of the tragedy remains closed as gardai carry out a full forensic examination into the possible cause of the tragedy.

Head of the Garda Traffic Corps in Donegal, Inspector Sean McDaid of Buncrana Garda Station, has appealed for witnesses to the collision.

He has appealed for any witnesses, particularly any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) to contact Buncrana Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

Scene of a fatal accident with a firetruck and Garda.
The scene of the tragic crash between a car and a van at Glentogher, Carndonagh in Donegal
Newspix

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Farmers’ group also calls for Anti-Terror Law repealing

MANILA, Philippines — A farmers’ group on Thursday called on newly elected officials to push for bills repealing the Anti-Terrorism Act, as the law marks its 5th year since passage. The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) joined various human rights groups, including Karapatan, in a protest outside the Department of Justice to denounce the weaponization

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Legendary British DJ Steve Lawler returns with new music, a rare London appearance and an exclusive playlist

AFTER a four-year hiatus, legendary British DJ and producer, Steve Lawler, widely hailed as the ‘King of Space’ for his iconic residency at the fabled Ibiza club, marks his return with fresh new music and a rare London show at E1 on Friday 12th July, his only show this year in the capital.

Lawler’s new material is already making waves.

Portrait of Steve Lawler.
Supplied
Steve Lawler is back with new music[/caption]

His thunderous single “Pegasus” on Franky Wah’s SHÈN imprint signals a bold creative resurgence, while his remix of Tom Crane’s “Open Your Eyes” (out 4th July on Steve’s label VIVa MUSiC with rising duo WAHM) taps into indie dance flavours with trademark depth and energy.

His long-awaited return, including the launch of his PENDULUM event series spanning Miami, New York, London and Mexico, is a powerful reminder of his continued influence on global dance culture. Tickets for the E1 London show are available at RA Tickets.

We caught up with Steve this week and he’s put together a playlist of 10 tunes that illustrate the soundtrack of PENDULUM.

Franky Wah – Sundown ft. Kuuda (Terrace Mix) (SHÈN Recordings)

Franky’s label SHÈN Recordings is always a go to for good tracks . Everything is always top level and this particular track always goes down perfectly at a PENDULUM event.

Adriatique, Samm, Jaimes – Back To Life (X Recordings) 

Such a hypnotizing track with a beautiful groove. It’s perfect to really grab a crowd in the middle of the night. 

unfazed – A Gira (SPINNIN’ DEEP)

There’s a great percussion to this track that really brings the vibe to build the momentum and kick off a night.

Everything Is Art & Who Made Who – All The Love (The Moment)

This track comes from two artists I’ve been really enjoying their productions over the last few years, and this collaboration just nails any hand-raising and beautiful moment which is key to any PENDULUM event. 

Yamil, Da Mike – Funny Man (Magnifik Music)

Another great collaborative track from two great artists – drop this in the middle of a night and just watch any dancefloor go wild 🙂

Jazzy, KILIMANJIRO – No Bad Vibes (Chaos)

A beautiful track that is almost a guarantee in most PENDULUM events, just beautiful lyrics and vocals across such a catchy beat. 

Jamek Ortega – Dunes (WE’RE HERE)

Tribal, hypnotising, and full of energy, this track is another favourite of mine to really get dancefloors switched on and moving. Love it!

Kalyma – Sacrosanct (SOLIDE)

An older track but another vocal that really gets all crowds switched on, and perfect for the dead of night when you want arms in the air and people zoned in. 

Alan Dixon x mOat x Tom Diesel – The Underground (Extended Mix) [DFTD]

With a vocal snippet from the classic “The Underground” track from DJ Vibe, this track is a recent belter from DFTD that is a real dancefloor heavyweight and a real new favourite of mine. 

RE/MIND – 1995 (Calamar Records)

A PENDULUM classic and one that you are sure to also hear at future events. Such a great afro-house record and brilliantly addictive to the groove and percussion. Amazing production. 

Read More »

Warning for Irish tourists as holiday island engulfed by raging wildfires & hotels evacuated by boats as blaze burns

THOUSANDS of tourists and locals have been evacuated from their homes and hotels as raging wildfires engulf a Greek holiday hotspot.

Hundreds of fire crew rushed to the scene on Greece’s southern island of Crete last night. 

Fire burns in the Ahlia area near the port town of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete island, Greece, late Wednesday, July 2, 2025, prompting the evacuation of villages and hotels in the region, authorities said. (InTime News via AP)
Some 1,500 people have been evacuated as wildfires spread across Crete
AP:Associated Press
epa12211592 A wildfire at Ierapetra, on Crete island, Greece, 02 July 2025. A large wildfire erupted in the afternoon in an agro-forested area in eastern Crete, at the Ahlia site in Lasithi prefecture, with authorities later issuing an alert to local residents to evacuate towards Ierapetra. A total of 155 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, operating 38 vehicles, while two water-dropping aircraft assisted. EPA/NIKOS CHALKIADAKIS
The wildfire burns in the Ahlia area near the port town of Ierapetra
EPA/NIKOS CHALKIADAKIS
Firefighters stand next to rising flames as a wildfire burns near Ierapetra, on the island of Crete, Greece, July 3, 2025. REUTERS/Stefanos Rapanis
Firefighters tackled rising flames as the wildfire burns near Ierapetra
REUTERS/Stefanos Rapanis

Some 160 firefighters with seven forest commando teams, 49 vehicles, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team and Volunteers are currently tackling the flames.

And water tankers and construction machinery from the Region of Central Macedonia are providing assistance.

The local Fire Department Operations Center confirmed the blaze broke out at noon yesterday in Vourvourou, Halkidiki.

The fire department’s spokesperson, Chief Vasilios Vathrakoyannis, said: “By order of Fire Chief Lieutenant General Theodoros Vagias, Arson Crime Response Teams have gone to Halkidiki and Ierapetra to investigate the causes of the fires.

“We are entering the third and most difficult month of the fire season.

“July is historically characterized as the hottest month accompanied by strong winds.

“These conditions favor the spread of fires and increase their danger.

“We remind you that the obligation of all of us to keep our land and uncovered areas of property clean significantly reduces the risk of fires.”

Over 1,500 people fled the wild blaze and six people were hospitalised for breathing problems.

Some 270 firefighters battled the blaze and were backed up by 10 water-dropping aircrafts. 

Evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the island’s south coast, officials confirmed.

Despite the size of the wildfires there have been no immediate reports of serious injuries. 

The authorities have put in place a series of safety measures on Santorini until November, including at the Old Port of Fira, the eastern part of the settlement of Armeni Oia and the Ammoudi Settlement.

IRISH TOURIST ADVICE

The Department of Foreign Affairs warned Irish tourists that the wildfire risk is “expected to intensify” over the next few weeks.

They said: “Greece is currently facing several wildfires following high summer temperatures and subsequent heatwaves.

“The risk of wildfires is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

“In the case of a wildfire, the authorities will issue notifications regarding evacuations via the 112 message service to all mobile phones in the area.

“These will be provided in both English and Greek, and we would ask citizens to follow any advice received from local authorities.”

PROPERTIES DESTROYED

In the midst of a heatwave, properties and homes were destroyed as the inferno swept through hillside forests.

The fire was fueled by strong winds with gusts of up to 72mph hampering efforts to contain the flames.

And the blaze is now raging on three separate fronts – Ferma, Achlia and Schinokapsala.

Five fire engines and crews arrived by boat after a C-130 military plane airlifted additional teams from Athens shortly after midnight.

Authorities issued emergency warnings for villages including Agia Fotia, Galini, Ferma and Koutsounari.

Map of Crete showing wildfire locations and evacuated areas.

Dense black smoke spread across the sea near Makrys Gialos as the night sky turned orange.

Holidaymakers were rescued from beaches by boat and others were removed from hotels. 

They were relocated to temporary shelters, including an indoor basketball arena in Ierapetra.

Civil protection official Nektarios Papadakis said: “The tourists who were moved out are all okay.

“They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island.”

SPRAWLING FLAMES

Emergency services warned that the wildfire has sprawled to a length of at least 6km, making it more challenging for crews to tackle the blaze. 

In Agia Fotia, the area is in blackout from an ongoing power outage. 

Vice-prefect Yannis Androulakis told RTE that holidaymakers “were safely transferred” to temporary accommodation. 

He said: “At the moment, there are three active fronts. Due to the strong winds, the fire has progressed quite rapidly.”

A spokesman for the fire service, Vassilios Vathrakoyannis, said 270 firefighters, 10 helicopters and drones were deployed to tackle the blaze near the city of Ierapetra.

He added: “There are still a number of different fronts… The winds are very strong – up nine on the Beaufort scale.”

An assessment of possible damage to infrastructure and homes will be carried out when the firefighting work is completed.

The fire in Vourvourou, Halkidiki, is currently without an active front and firefighters are carrying out waterlogging along its entire perimeter.

epa12211606 Tourists evacuate a hotel, during a wildfire in Ierapetra, on Crete island, Greece, 02 July 2025. A large wildfire erupted in the afternoon in an agro-forested area in eastern Crete, at the Ahlia site in Lasithi prefecture, with authorities later issuing an alert to local residents to evacuate towards Ierapetra. A total of 155 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, operating 38 vehicles, while two water-dropping aircraft assisted. EPA/NIKOS CHALKIADAKIS
Tourists were evacuated from hotels in Ierapetra
EPA/NIKOS CHALKIADAKIS
CRETE, GREECE - JULY 2: 145 firefighters, 8 on-foot units and 25 vehicles work on the scene where a large wildfire broke out in Ierapetra on the Greek island of Crete on July 2, 2025. The wildfire on Crete has scorched forest land, threatened homes, and forced the evacuation of residents and tourists from at least four settlements in the municipality of Ierapetra. (Photo by Kostas Metaksakis/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Fire crew battled strong winds while fighting the blaze
Kostas Metaksakis/Anadolu via Getty Images
A house lies among scorched trees near the town of Ierapetra on the south coast of Crete island, Greece, Thursday, July 3, 2025, after a fast-moving wildfire prompted the evacuation of villages and coastal areas, officials said. (InTime News via AP)
The wildfire in Crete has scorched forest land
AP:Associated Press

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The two-word phrase you should always use when your luggage goes missing as over 62,000 items get lost a year in UK

HOLIDAYMAKERS who lose their luggage have been encouraged to utter a two-word phrase if they belongings ever go AWOL.

Shocking data recently revealed that 62,000 items were lost between August 2023 and August 2024 across UK airports.

Woman sitting in airport terminal, head in hands.
Getty
Travellers who use their luggage have been urged to demand one vital piece of information[/caption]

But hope is not lost for travellers whose belongings suddenly vanish, as there are ways to mitigate disaster.

“Losing luggage is always stressful, but not knowing what to do makes the situation even worse,” says Chris Harrington, Hoppa’s managing director.

“Ultimately, the faster and more informed your response, the better chances of recovering your bag or receiving updates on its status.

“The process isn’t as complicated as one might think, but there are important steps you need to follow.”

Travellers who lose their luggage are advised to report their belongings missing first before locating your airline’s service desk.

Then, give as much detail as possible, providing brand, colour, size, type of shell, plus any unique identifiers, such as tags or stickers.

Crucially, affected travellers should demand a ‘property irregularity report’ (PIR) reference number.

Chris continued: “Remember, the quicker you act, the better your chances of finding out what’s happened to your luggage.”

“A PIR number is a unique code that is used by airlines to trace your missing luggage and will be needed when you follow up on your luggage’s status or if you need to make an insurance claim.”

“Even if the airline does not hand out allowances, make sure to keep all your receipts. With proper evidence, you may be able to claim these costs back at a later date.”

Many travel insurers offer coverage for luggage that has been delayed for more than 12 to 24 hours, so get in touch with your provider as soon as possible.

If you’re unfortunate enough to still have luggage missing after 3 weeks, be sure to follow up.

Airlines have specific deadlines for submitting lost luggage claims, varying anywhere between 7 to 21 days.

It comes after another survey found that holidaymakers are more worried about losing luggage and missing flights than being pickpocketed and misplacing their passport.

A poll of 2,000 travellers found health emergencies are the top worry when in a different country, with theft also being a big concern.

HOLIDAYMAKERS are more worried about losing luggage and missing flights than being pickpocketed and misplacing their passport.

A poll of 2,000 travellers found health emergencies are the top worry when in a different country, with theft also being a big concern.

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