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CRICKET Ireland Chief Executive Officer Warren Deutrom has announced he will step down from the role at the end of August.

Deutrom has been at the helm of Irish Cricket for almost 19 years since December 2006.

During his tenure, Ireland has grown in stature in world cricket and in 2017 was awarded Full Member/Test status of the International Cricket Council. Only 12 out of 108 cricket-playing nations hold this elite status.

Warren has been in cricket administration for almost 30 years, including stints as head of events for both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and for the England and Wales Cricket Board.

He sits on the ICC Chief Executives Committee and ICC Women’s Cricket Committee, is the Chair of the European T20 Premier League.

He was also a member of both the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Disciplinary Panel and the Olympic Council of Ireland Disciplinary Panel, and is a former Board Director of both the Federation of Irish Sport and the European Cricket Council.

After the board meeting where his resignation was formally advised, Warren Deutrom: “It’s hard to explain my feelings since making this decision.

“The role of Cricket Ireland CEO has covered more than a third of my life and two-thirds of my professional career. It has felt more like a vocation and a true labour of love than a mere job.

“The attainment of ICC Full Membership and Test status is the most significant achievement I’ll look back on with pride – indeed, if the first decade of my role was about trying to achieve ICC Full Membership/Test status, the next decade has been about trying to live up to that privilege.

“Today, with new ICC funding, with permanent infrastructure planned, a World Cup to co-host, a central contracts system for both men and women, and the European T20 Premier League on the horizon, I’m more confident than ever that the foundations are there to realise that new vision, so it’s the right time for me to hand over the baton.

“While the absolute highlights of the role are too numerous to mention, the most powerful memories I’ll take with me are of our Irish cricket family – the good people, the kind people, the mentors, the taskmasters, the wonderful colleagues, and the countless friends I am privileged to have made along the way.

“I look forward to saying a personal thanks to as many people as possible over the coming weeks.”

The Chair of Cricket Ireland Brian MacNeice thanked Warren Deutrom for all his works over his nearly 19 years.

He said “The measure of success for any CEO is have they left the organisation in a better place than they found it. There is no doubt Warren has achieved that.

“It’s obvious that cricket – and more specifically, Irish cricket – hasn’t just been a job for Warren, but rather a passion.

“He has driven some of the most significant achievements our sport has ever seen – especially the attainment of Full Membership of the ICC.

“He took over an embryonic organisation, led it through an unparalleled period of growth, managed the organisation through challenges such as the economic crash and Covid, and always maintained an eye on the big picture.

“A role like this invariably demands an extraordinary level of skill, dedication, enthusiasm and selflessness, three attributes Warren has in abundance.

“He ends his tenure with not only a list of achievements, but several substantial projects in development – such as the stadium and co-hosting of the T20 World Cup – that suggest a bright future for Irish cricket.

“On behalf of the Board and staff of Cricket Ireland, I thank Warren for his outstanding leadership and commitment to the role of CEO – and I wish Warren and his family all the best in the future.”

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BRIAN O’Driscoll surprised the MU Barnhall Buffaloes in Leixlip by leading their training session on Wednesday.

The MU Barnhall Buffaloes are a tag rugby team for adults with special needs which was started in 2015 to put a big emphasis on fun and community participation.

Howden

Howden

Howden

Howden

The team is based on the Maynooth University Barnhall grounds in Parsonstown, Leixlip, Co. Kildare.

The event, which celebrated the values of connection, inclusion, and purpose, saw O’Driscoll lead a special training session with the Buffaloes.

Known for his legendary rugby career, the three-time Lion brought his trademark charisma, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm to every interaction, from coaching drills and signing rugby balls to posing for photos and chatting with guests.

The former Leinster and Ireland centre enjoyed the event saying: “It was great to spend the morning at Barnhall RFC with the Buffaloes team.

“Diversity in sport is so important – meeting and interacting with the team and having fun is what it’s all about.

“I think the joy rugby has brought to so many of us and the values that it teaches, it certainly helps in all walks of life.”

A highlight of the day was a special Q&A session led by Noel Dillon, Chairman of MU Barnhall RFC, where Brian reflected on his career.

The importance of resilience and teamwork, and what it means to adopt a “no limits” mindset — a message that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance.

With the 2025 Lions team in action last week O’Driscoll shared his personal experience of being on tour with the Lions.

He said: “Training in Lions is spectacular you have to bring your A game every single day because everyone’s at such a high skill level.

“It was peoples capacity, players capacity to be told something once and show it at training.”

The British and Irish Lions principal partner Howden hosted the heartwarming event.

The Howden CEO Robert Kennedy said: “This event was a true celebration of what sport and community can achieve together.

“We are incredibly proud to support initiatives that bring people together and create lasting memories.”

The day left a lasting impression on all who attended, including Brian himself, and served as a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from showing up with heart and engaging with purpose.

KNEECAP have teased a major announcement for tonight ahead of their Glastonbury Festival gig.

The Irish rap group, Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí, are set to perform at the world’s largest greenfield music festival this Saturday, June 28, on the West Holts stage.

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Peadar Ó Goill

But it’s looking unlikely that the band’s highly anticipated performance will be broadcast live on BBC.

The British public service broadcaster’s TV coverage of Glastonbury is due to begin at 5pm on BBC Two but the lads are scheduled to be on stage just beforehand at 4pm until 5pm.

Kneecap took to Instagram today and shared a cryptic post that stated: “Important message coming 6pm today.”

Moglai Bap also shared a photo of himself and Liam sitting on a plane – confirming they are already on route to Worthy Farm.

And while the rappers have not yet revealed what this announcement is in relation to but their fans are hoping for good news.

Shaun commented: “Bigger stage would be class/new release/live streaming of the gig for those of us who can’t make it.”

One follower wrote: “If it’s another cancellation or glasto pulling you I think everyone is going to lose their s***. Praying for good news.”

Amber said: “Can’t wait. Hope it good news. Free Palestine.”

Another fan added: “The music of Lankum is making me feel this is going to be good news!”

The band’s Glastonbury slot has been under scrutiny due to the ongoing controversy surrounding them.

Liam appeared in court earlier this month accused of displaying a flag in support of banned terror group Hezbollah at a gig.

The 27-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 18 and was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on August 20 when legal argument will be dealt with.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told him he must attend court on that day.

He was charged following the alleged incident during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North London.

‘NOT APPROPRIATE’

After the hearing O hAnnaidh and his fellow members Naoise O Caireallain, and J J O Dochartaigh, were greeted by loud cheers and chants of “Free Palestine” from the hundreds of people waiting outside.

Prior to the hearing, they had arrived to a scrum of their supporters who cheered as their vehicle pulled up.

However, pro-Israel demonstrators also held a counter protest, with police keeping both groups separate.

The band were wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts as they arrived at the central London court.

Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has since said it is “not appropriate” for the Irish hip hop group to cash in at Glastonbury festival.

Asked by The Sun on Sunday if he thinks Kneecap should play, the PM, left, said: “No I don’t.

“I think we need to come down really clearly on this. I won’t say too much, because there’s a court case on, but I don’t think that’s appropriate.”

JOHN Giles has been a legendary figure in Irish football for over a half-century between his starring days on the pitch to his lengthy career as a pundit.

Born in 1940, he made the trip across the Irish Sea from Dublin when he was only 16 to join Manchester United after getting spotted by a scout while playing for Stella Maris.

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It was at Leeds United where he really blossomed into a star[/caption]

Times Newspapers Ltd

He was a staple of RTE’s coverage of club and international football for 30 years[/caption]

While he did break into the first team and racked up 99 appearances for the Red Devils, he was deemed surplus to requirements by legendary manager Matt Busby in 1963.

Busby would go on to rue selling him to one of the club’s fiercest rivals in Leeds United.

At Elland Road Giles became a fulcrum player alongside Billy Bremner during the Whites’ most successful period in its history.

Over the course 12 seasons ion Yorkshire, the midfield playmaker helped the side win two First Division league titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup while they also lifted the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup twice.

Giles was also central to their run to the European Cup final of 1975 where victors Bayern Munich were aided in their 2-0 win by several highly suspect refereeing decisions.

The latter years of his playing career were spent at West Brom (1975-1977), a stateside stint at Philadelphia Fury (1978) and Shamrock Rovers (1977-1983) where he acted as player-manager.

Media career

In 1986 he embarked upon what was to become an iconic second act as a broadcaster with RTE.

He was the national broadcaster’s “senior analyst” throughout its heyday both from its free-wheeling analysis days as well as a golden period for the Republic of Ireland men’s national team.

The panel of host Bill O’Herlihy, Giles and Eamon Dunphy was further bolstered by the addition of Liam Brady in 1998.

Together, Giles, Dunphy and Brady became affectionately known as “The Three Amigos” in an era where their pre and post-match chat was often more entertaining than the games themselves.

He was eventually given the boot by RTE at the conclusion of Euro 2016 when his contract was allowed to expire.

But his voice is still heard on a weekly basis during his Thursday slot on Off the Ball.

Giles has been embedded at Newstalk’s sports show since day one of the radio station’s inception in 2002.

Wife and children:

Giles has been married to spouse Anne since 1966. The pair have six chilldren, four sons and two daughters.

Two of their sons wound up following in their dad’s footsteps by playing for Shamrock Rovers.

Anne boasts fine sporting heritage herself as she is the sister of Irish sprinting legend Paul Dolan.

He represented Ireland at the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games in London and Helsinki respectively.

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio announced that he has been appointed as the spokesperson of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) on matters related to the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. The PDP is the political party chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte, whose senatorial slate of 10 candidates vowed during the campaign for

MANILA, Philippines — A man was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) for allegedly not declaring P1.2 million and US$580,000 in cash. “The discovery was made during a routine X-ray screening of the passenger’s checked-in baggage bound for Hong Kong,” the Bureau of Customs said in a statement on Thursday. “Upon examination, bundles

TAKE a look at this lesser-known European sunshine spot with white sand beaches, buzzing nightlife and €34.99 Ryanair flights.

While Madrid and Barcelona have certainly earned their places as some of Spain’s most exciting cities, the huge country offers plenty more.

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Getty Images - Getty

The spot enjoys year round warm weather[/caption]

South-eastern Granada is one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.

And as a hidden gem, it’s the perfect way to take in the Spanish culture without being bothered by crowds of holidaymakers.

Although the city enjoys year-round warm weather, summer is especially dreamy as temperatures climb as high as 35C.

And there are flights for below €40, meaning you can enjoy a weekend away without breaking the bank.

Ryanair is offering flights to the region for only €34.99 on selected dates.

The airline giant flies from Dublin Airport into Malaga, one of the closest airports to Granada.

From there, visitors can take a pleasant bus journey for roughly two hours to reach Granada.

The short trip is an ideal way to catch up on any lost sleep or simply take in the countryside views.

Granada itself is a stunning medieval city based at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

It is best known for the Alhambra, the ancient hilltop fortress which presides over the city.

The spot is a haven for art, poetry, culture, and music, so there is truly something for everyone.

Although not located directly on the coast, the wider Granada region is home to some of Spain’s most beautiful beaches.

Just a short trip outside the main city will delight tourists with a white-sand beach, crystal clear water, and all the necessary beach facilities.

One of the most popular beaches in the Granada region is the Playa de Cantarrijan.

It boasts miles of unspoiled sand and is totally surrounded by nature including rocky cliffs and native trees.

The spot is popular among families as it has all that you’ll need for a day at the beach.

CLASSIC SPANISH BEACH

It is ideal for swimming as there is crystal-clear water and the water is not too deep.

And for those who have snorkels, it’s home to truly stunning marine life.

For those who prefer dry land, there are sun beds to rent for the entire day and plenty of space to throw down a towel.

Plus, the beach is lined with bars and restaurants which are ideal for a post swim pick me up.

Another popular beach in the Granada region is the Playa San Cristobal.

A classic Spanish beach, the sandy spot is set against a backdrop of shops, bars, restaurants, and high-rise apartments.

MUSE SEE SPOT

It is also surrounded by rocky cliffs that protect from the wind.

The beach boasts soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and lines of palm trees.

And with plenty of places nearby to fuel up, it’s the perfect spot for a few hours in the sand.

But Granada itself offers far more than just beaches.

A must-see while in the ancient city is the Alhambra, which is the second most visited place in Europe.

The palace dates back thousands of years and is nowadays used as a museum and for walking tours.

DAY TRIP DELIGHT

Each room is designed differently and offers the perfect photo opportunity.

But the real treat is taking in the views over the city from the top of the building.

To take in some of the other must-see sights including stunning architecture and gorgeous art, consider taking a walking tour.

It’s a great way to get insider knowledge on the city from a local guide.

Another great way to spend some time in Granada is to take a day trip, of which there are plenty on offer.

Visitors can enjoy a multi hour trip into the Sierra Nevada mountains to take in the area’s natural beauty.

A jeep tour is perfect for a group of friends, and many of the trips also include hiking through the natural landscape.

Plus, you can enjoy some unique food and drink spots on the tour.

At night, Granada continues the theme of having something for everyone.

The buzzing city has an almost uncountable numbers of bars offering everything from cocktails to karaoke.

And one of the best ways to experience the nightlife is to head on a pub crawl.

They are a great way to meet new people while travelling and allow you to take in as much as possible in one night.

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The wider Granada region has some stunning beaches[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

Getty Images - Getty

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A HERO Garda is lucky to be alive after he was attacked by a burglar armed with a knife.

The officer, who was with a colleague, was attacked after responding to a call at a business premises in the Blanchardstown area of the capital at 3.45am on Thursday morning.

After arriving at the building, the suspect lunged at one of the officers and slashed him on the arm.

The thug – who has previous convictions for violence – was later arrested.

The injured officer was brought to the James Connolly Memorial Hospital for treatment but his injuries aren’t life threatening.

He has since been released from hospital

Investigators recovered the weapon and €1,500 in cash from the scene.

Det Garda Mark Ferris, from the Garda Representative Association, expressed his concern at the incident.

Det Ferris said: “It is with real concern that we acknowledge yet another incident in which a young Garda was assaulted while carrying out their duties, this time during the arrest of an individual in possession of a knife in Blanchardstown.

“The male Garda received medical attention at Connolly Hospital and has since been discharged following treatment.

“I wish to commend my colleagues for their courage and professionalism in the face of such adversity. 

“Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are entirely unacceptable, and sadly, becoming far too common.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks our members face daily while carrying out their work.”

ONGOING PROBE

Gardai confirmed an investigation was underway.

A spokesperson said: “At approximately 3:45am this morning, Thursday 26th June 2025, Gardai attached to Blanchardstown Garda Station responded to a report of a burglary occurring at a business premises in Dublin 15.

“It was apparent to both Gardai that a burglary had occurred and they called colleagues by radio for assistance.

“As they searched the premises, they encountered a male in possession of a bladed weapon who became aggressive and threatening.

“One male Garda sustained injuries.

“Garda welfare services have been made available to the Garda.

“The investigation is ongoing.”

Press Association