Dundalk mural of St Oliver Plunkett became subject of far-right misinformation
The Argus
A new mural of St Oliver Plunkett which is being painted by a Spanish artist as part of Dundalk's EPSO festival became the centre of misinformation being spread by far right anti-immigration campaigners over the weekend.
As images of the partly completed mural entitled Letters of Light by Catalonian artist Slim Safont emerged online, anti-immigration accounts began sharing posts claiming that it wasn't St Oliver but a portrait of a Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad or even more outlandishly, Mohammed Morei, the 18-year-old convicted of murdering a Japanese worker in Dundalk in 2018.
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The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Bloodied clothes, sex attack claims and unanswered riddles of Benidorm 5 – what DID happen to Kirsty Maxwell?
SITTING on the plane, Kirsty Maxwell was in high spirits. Surrounded by friends, the 27-year-old bank worker was on her way to Benidorm for a hen weekend. Laughing and joking as they looked forward to spending time together in the Spanish party resort, the women were unaware that within hours, an unimaginable tragedy would strike. Advertisement 16 Kirsty Maxwell plummeted from the balcony of a room on the 10th floor Credit: Solarpix 16 Apartamentos Payma, where Kirsty was staying 16 CCTV footage shows Kirsty was clearly in control of her faculties on the night she died pool of the Apartamentos Payma, where she was staying, after she At first, it was suspected Kirsty had been murdered, but following a Spanish police investigation, the case was shelved and her death was recorded as an accident. Advertisement Her grieving family, however, refuse to accept this. 'I know she didn't jump,' says Kirsty's aunt Angela Lees, 64. 'She wouldn't take her own life. "There's no way. That girl had everything to live for. She didn't sleepwalk. She had a drink in her, but she wasn't falling-about drunk.' Now, the family's eight-year fight to discover the truth is being told by a new podcast. What Happened To Advertisement 'They looked like they were broken,' Naomi remembers. 'What struck me first about the case was how nothing made sense. "I read through it all and thought, 'How has this been allowed to fall through the cracks?'' Kirsty, who was from Livingston, Scotland, was in the prime of her life when she boarded her flight to Benidorm. The previous September, she had married her long-term boyfriend Adam Maxwell. BBC documentary 'Killed Abroad' shows previously unseen footage of tragic Kirsty Maxwell asleep hours before Benidorm balcony plunge 16 Kirsty and long-term boyfriend Adam had recently got married Credit: Solarpix Blissfully happy, they were in the process of buying a new home, as well as planning to start a family. Advertisement After touching down in She returned, along with two friends, at 5.35am the next morning. Although she'd been drinking, CCTV footage shows she was clearly in control. She went to bed and at 6.50am, a friend who was sharing a room with her on the ninth floor took a video of her snoring. What happened next , however, remains shrouded in confusion. Having been asleep in bed, Kirsty left her room and went up to the 10th floor, where some of the hens were staying. Advertisement Her family believes she went looking for their apartment, possibly in search of painkillers or contact lens solution, which she had forgotten. For whatever reason, she ended up in room 10E, barefoot and without her phone – where there were five bodybuilders from Nottingham, part of a group of more than 50 people in Spain celebrating a birthday. 16 The apartment in Benidorm where Kirsty plunged to her death 16 Kirsty was found dead by the pool of the Apartamentos Payma 16 In police interviews, the men said Kirsty walked into their apartment without speaking Advertisement The men in the flat were Joseph Graham, then 32, a logistics manager with Amazon, who opened the door to Kirsty, Ricky Gammon, a 31-year-old cage fighter, Anthony Holehouse, 34, Callum Northridge, 29, and Daniel Bailey, 32. Minutes after entering, Kirsty was dead, her body splayed on the concrete by the pool. Soon after, the police phoned her husband Adam. Unable to understand what they were saying, he rang one of the hens, who told him the tragic news. 'It was devastating. It doesn't sink in. She adored Adam, they had their future mapped out,' says Kirsty's mum Denise Curry, 61. As the family reeled in shock, in Spain the police suspected foul play, and the five men from Room 10E were questioned. One of them, Joseph Graham, was arrested. Advertisement In police interviews , the men said Kirsty walked into their apartment without speaking. She then apparently rushed into the bathroom and was 'acting mad, drunk or both'. 16 Ricky Gammon, a 31-year-old cage fighter, was one of the five men in the flat Credit: INTERNET 16 Joseph Graham, pictured, said Kirsty tried to climb through the bathroom window Credit: LINKEDIN Joseph told police that she attempted to climb through a small bathroom window, which led to another area of the flat, before giving up and jumping over the Juliet balcony, plunging to her death below. He allegedly screamed: 'She's jumped!' after she disappeared, and told police that he only spoke to her to ask her to leave. Advertisement Meanwhile, Kirsty's mum, dad Brian, aunt Angela, Adam and his parents all booked flights to Spain. At that point they still had no idea what had happened, only that Kirsty was dead. 'Our priority was to get to Benidorm,' recalls Angela. 'We got on the plane, and we were just numb. Nobody could speak. We were left to become our own detectives Kirsty's dad Brian "It was a bank holiday weekend, and the plane was full of holiday-makers. When we arrived in Benidorm, people were singing and dancing, but we were in shock. "Then we were told what had happened. We just couldn't believe it. We were immediately suspicious that something untoward had gone on in that room.' It was reported at the time by the family's lawyer, Luis Miguel Zumaquero, that police had said Kirsty fell to her death in a 'state of terror' and that she was allegedly fleeing a 'sexual attack that had begun to materialise'. Advertisement It was Judge Ana Isabel Garcia-Galbis' job to decide if charges should be bought. Joseph Graham was arrested at the time and taken to court before being released without charge. Within 48 hours, the other four men were also probed over her death before being allowed to return to the UK pending further investigations. The men's lawyer, Roberto Sanchez, said: 'My clients have nothing to hide', and Joseph released a statement saying: 'I have been advised by my Spanish lawyer that, despite me not being charged with any wrongdoing, the investigation into this tragic accident is still ongoing. "I am unable to say anything at this time, other than I am innocent of any wrongdoing.' On May 1, Advertisement 16 Kirsty and Adam were in the process of buying a new home, as well as planning to start a family 16 Kirsty with her aunt Angela Lees To add to their heartache, Spanish newspapers published a photo of Kirsty's body where she had fallen, which a bystander had taken. Angela says they were on autopilot, hardly sleeping or eating. The family stayed in the town and used social media to try to find new witnesses, especially people who were staying in a holiday complex opposite the apartments and might have seen something. On May 5, they brought Kirsty's body home. Frustrated by the apparent lack of action, the family engaged another lawyer, Lorena Soler Bernabeu, who arranged for further forensic analysis and later attempted to recall the five men for questioning. Advertisement Then, on July 28, four of the men The four men who attended the hearing said: 'This was a tragic accident and we categorically deny any involvement in this unfortunate incident,' 'The opinion of the judge is that this was an accident. 'It goes without saying that our deepest sympathy goes out to Kirsty's family and our thoughts are with them all at this terrible time.' Advertisement Deepened suspicions The Spanish court declared the investigation complete and refused. Naomi says: 'The confusion and the men's subsequent silence has only deepened suspicions. "The men's clothing was not collected and Spanish police later confirmed that Kirsty's clothes had been destroyed, saying they had been 'inspected visually' and then incinerated because they were bloodstained.' She adds: 'The family even contacted the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, asking that any biological samples or forensic evidence be preserved. "The Scottish First Minister backed the request. Sánchez never replied.' Advertisement Back in the UK, the family explored every legal avenue and set up online information appeals. 'We were left to become our own detectives,' says Brian, 66. 'We spent months going through emails, pushing for meetings, hiring our own forensic experts. We had no choice.' 16 What Happened To Kirsty Maxwell? is written, narrated and produced by true crime podcaster Naomi Channell 16 Kirsty's husband Adam with Kirsty's mum and dad, Brian and Denise Curry Credit: Andy Barr Spanish police maintained the death was accidental. The lead investigator, César García, later stated that 'no sufficient evidence' pointed to criminal involvement. Advertisement In 2018, a biomechanics expert reviewed the case on behalf of the family, and stated that the way Kirsty's garments were positioned was inconsistent with a fall. Her tight denim skirt and top had ridden up. The following year, after repeated requests, Kirsty's family was told some potential witnesses could be questioned via video link at Mansfield Magistrates' Court. But when the day arrived, technical problems meant a link could not be established and instead a court official took statements from the witnesses using a list of questions. 'It was a total farce,' says Brian. Advertisement In September 2019, the Spanish courts decided to shelve a criminal probe. The family appealed, and in July 2020, three Spanish judges in Alicante ruled that there was no 'strong evidence' of criminality surrounding the death. In a statement, they said: 'Kirsty, affected by alcohol and after consuming the equivalent of 10 spirits the night before, appears to have left her apartment 9A and voluntarily entered 10E where the five men were. "Nothing points to the contrary. There's been such a limited amount of detail that's come from those five men Naomi 'Although it is true cocaine was found in the bathroom of apartment 10E and the dead woman's fingerprints were discovered on an interior bathroom window, it has not been possible to obtain strong evidence of specific and individualised criminality in terms of the victim's death in any of the five men investigated.' Advertisement However, the What Happened To Kirsty Maxwell? podcast questions some discrepancies in the statements the men gave at the time. 16 No toxicology reports for the men exist Credit: Solarpix 16 The podcast reveals some discrepancies in the statements the men gave at the time Credit: Solarpix Naomi explains: 'One said he was asleep. Another said he didn't notice Kirsty entering. There was confusion over whether she walked in uninvited or whether she was brought in by one of the men.' There is also a suggestion that there may have been another woman with one of the men at some point during the evening. Police also found erection-enhancing pills. Advertisement Furthermore, police statements seen by The Sun state that Joseph's nose was bleeding and that he admitted he had been snorting narcotics. No toxicology reports for the men exist. It isn't disputed that the men had been drinking, and this could explain some of the discrepancies in their stories. Naomi says: 'They always exercised their right to say 'no comment' outside of pre-agreed questions from their lawyer. "It's frustrating, because they have the right to say no comment, but for Kirsty's family, there's so little information. 'There's been such a limited amount of detail that's come from those five men. Advertisement "It's almost like Kirsty drifts into a room, nobody says anything to her, approaches her or does anything. . . and then she jumps off the balcony.' The podcast host adds: 'Denise and Brian have been so dignified. They have always gone through official channels. "They have never messaged the men on social media, they just want answers.' Meanwhile, the family remains in legal limbo. 'It's frustrating,' says Brian. 'The authorities have ended their investigation. "They've asked us to present more evidence before they'll look at it again, but every time we suggest something, they don't agree.' Advertisement 16 Will Kirsty's cause of death ever be revealed? The family hopes raising awareness might encourage new witnesses to come forward and help others in similar situations. 'The campaign for answers has consumed our life,' says Brian. 'In the process, a lot of people have approached us with similar stories and we've been able to give them help and advice.' On each anniversary of their daughter's death, Brian says he and his wife 'quietly do our own thing', visiting their daughter's favourite places, like the riverbank where she walked her dog, and remembering the happy, vibrant woman she was. 'Kirsty would light up a room with her smile and her laugh,' says Angela. 'She was such a loving, caring person. Advertisement 'We just want someone to tell the truth. Kirsty walked into that room by mistake, but she didn't walk out. We owe it to her. We won't stop. Kirsty is not here, so we must be here for her.'
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Heartbreaking tributes to Brit dad, 41, killed after plunging 15ft off wall at Majorca beach after ‘losing his balance'
A BRIT dad who plunged 16ft off a wall to his death in Majorca has been named as a "true legend" as his family and friends pay tribute. Advertisement 4 Brit dad Ben Clark died after falling off a wall on holiday Credit: Solarpix 4 Clark has been named as a 'true legend' as his family and friends pay tribute Credit: Solarpix 4 Emergency crews rushed to the rocky area after the reports of the fatal fall Credit: Solarpix His daughter, Kaci Fraya, is believed to have been on the Spanish holiday to Cala Agulla on the island's northeast coast with her dad at the time of his death. In a touching post on Facebook, she wrote: "Love you forever dad." The heartbroken woman in her mid 20s also shared a picture of the pair smiling along with a red love heart. Clark is also believed to have been a father to a younger daughter. Advertisement read more in Brit's abroad Friends of Ben, from Hampshire, called him 'one of the good ones' and a 'great guy'. Becky Paris said: 'Honestly I just spent the majority of the evening blabbering on about how 'it's the kind of thing you read about in the newspapers, but think well it wouldn't ever happen' as it wasn't real life . 'Today I am just absolutely heartbroken for you and your little family. 'No words that could make sense of it. You really were one of the good ones mate.' Advertisement Most read in The Sun Peter Fordham added: 'RIP Ben Clark. Devastating news and a sad loss. 'You will be massively missed. Condolences to all your friends and family.' Glenn Quackenbush wrote on social media: 'Farewell to great guy Mr Ben Clark. It was an honour RIP.' And good friend Chris Jon Osman simply said: "He was a great guy and a true legend." Advertisement Firefighters and mountain rescue teams recovered the Brit's body after an emergency call was put in, reports Police sources are treating the incident as an accident. A spokeswoman for the Civil Guard confirmed: 'We received an emergency alert just before 2am, saying a man had fallen from a height of around 16 feet in a rocky area in Cala Agulla near to Capdepera. 'The Civil Guard's specialist Greim mountain and cave rescue unit was mobilised. Advertisement 'The man's body was recovered just after 5am." It comes as last month a British woman died after plunging from a scenic beauty spot in Majorca. The 39-year-old was rushed to hospital critically injured following the fall but failed to survive her injuries. She fell around 60ft from a lookout point in the Palma neighbourhood of es Jonquet overlooking the sea. Advertisement 4 He was reportedly on a popular beach in Majorca at the time of the fatal plunge Credit: Solarpix
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Israel slams BBC for airing ‘death to IDF' chant during Bob Vylan's Glastonbury set – as calls grow to arrest singer
ISRAEL has blasted the BBC and Glastonbury for failing to cut off double-act Bob Vylan's "death to the IDF" chants during a live broadcast the festival. The singer from Advertisement 8 Video posted on X heard the crowds chant along with Bob Vylan Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 8 Bob Vylan singer Bobby Vylan crowdsurfed off the West Holts Stage Credit: PA 8 The BBC has been criticised for not cutting the live broadcast Credit: PA IDF stands for Israel Defence Forces, the national military of the State of Israel, which is currently involved with the war in the Palestinian territory the Gaza Strip. Bob Vylan - which consists of singer Bobby Vylan and guitarist Bobbie Vylan - then shared a post on X of the former eating an ice-cream with the caption: "While Zionists are crying on socials, I've just had a late night (vegan) ice cream." The BBC later took down the broadcast on the iPlayer but has been criticised for not cutting it off immediately after the anti-Semitic chanting, with the live feed continuing for another 40 minutes. Avon and Somerset Police last night said they were Advertisement READ MORE NEWS Sharren Haskel, Israel's deputy foreign minister, was among those to slam the performance. She told "What do you think the BBC would have done had a performer been shouting anti-Muslim or far-Right hate speech? They would have pulled the feed. "But because the target is Israel – let's be honest, because it's Jews – it's tolerated, even broadcast. This is clearly incitement." Advertisement Most read in The Sun May Golan, Israel's minister for social equality, said: "Perhaps someone should tell that anti-Semitic band what happened to the hundreds of innocent people at Israel's Nova music festival who were murdered, raped, butchered, and kidnapped by savage monsters." Lord Ian Austin, the Government's trade envoy to Israel, said: "The police should investigate as a matter of urgency and, if necessary, arrest the band members." Lead singer from the group Kneecap arriving at Westminster magistrates court in London The Bob Vylan set came immediately before controversial group Kneecap, which the Beeb had refused to show live. Singer Liam Og O hAnnaidh was last month after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist group Hezbollah while saying "up Hamas, up Hezbollah" during a gig in Kentish Town, north London, in November. Advertisement The band's X account posted a photo of member JJ O Dochartaigh in a t-shirt with the words "We Are All Palestine Action" an hour before they took to the stage. The British government is considering making membership of the anti-Israel activist group illegal. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has the power to proscribe any such group under the Terrorism Act of 2000 if she believes it is "concerned in terrorism". Kneecap - whose set is still available to stream - also chanted about Palestine, as well as making derogatory statements about PM Sir Keir Starmer, who last week said they should not be allowed to perform at the festival. Advertisement Commenting on the chants about the IDF, a BBC spokesperson says: 'Some of the comments made during Bob Vylan's set were deeply offensive. "During this live stream on iPlayer, which reflected what was happening on stage, a warning was issued on screen about the very strong and discriminatory language," the response continues. "We have no plans to make the performance available on demand.' Bob Vylan, who formed eight years ago in London, refuse to reveal their real names because of what they call the "surveillance state". Advertisement Addressing the crowd of around 30,000, Bobby said he had to be "careful" because their performance was "live on the BBC". He then, however, led the "free, free Palestine" chant, then changing it to "death, death to the IDF". "Hell, yeah, from the river to the sea Palestine must, will be, Inshallah, it will be free," he added. The singer also backed Kneecap by describing music executives who called for the group to be banned as "Zionists". Advertisement He went on to use the highly offensive c-word. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch branded the comments "grotesque", adding: "Glorifying violence against Jews isn't edgy. "The cultural establishment needs to wake up to the fact this isn't protest, it's incitement." Danny Cohen, former director of BBC Television, said: "That something like this might happen could easily have been foreseen by the BBC and measures could have been taken to prevent its broadcast. Advertisement "This is a very serious failure, and further evidence that BBC management are blind to their responsibility to Britain's Jewish community." Kneecap member Naoise Ó Caireallain called on the crowd to "riot" outside Westminster magistrates in August when bandmate O hAnnaidh's case returns to court. Kneecap started their performance by chanting "f*** Keir Starmer". They also spoke out in support of Palestine Action. Advertisement Glastonbury had said while all are welcome at the festival but added it "does not condone hate speech or incitement to violence of any kind from its performers". Avon and Somerset Police posted on X: "We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon. "Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation." 8 Liam Og O hAnnaidh and Naoise O Caireallain of Kneecap during the Glastonbury set Credit: Getty Advertisement 8 Kneecap member JJ O Dochartaigh in a 'We Are All Palestine Action' t-shirt ahead of the band's Glastonbury performance Credit: Instagram 8 Kneecap fans holding up the same T-shirts prior to the performance Credit: Getty 8 DJ Provaí during the performance Credit: Getty 8 Og O hAnnaidh sits in a taxi after he left Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 18 Credit: EPA Advertisement
