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Irish Examiner
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Examiner
Irish weather: Azores High to bring hot conditions and highs of 28C
The Azores High is to bring "very warm or even hot" weather to Ireland this week, with temperatures set to hit highs of 28C on Friday. The weather phenomenon will build this week, according to Met Éireann, with warm and settled weather to come. The Azores High is a large and persistent atmospheric high-pressure centre that develops over the eastern North Atlantic Ocean during the winter and spring seasons. Traditionally, it moves westwards in summer and is known as the Bermuda high and contributes to warm and humid weather in the US. While mostly warm and dry weather is expected through the week, with just some patchy drizzle due, Met Éireann says it will get much warmer from Thursday. Monday will see spells of sunshine and just some light showers in Connacht and Ulster as temperatures hit highs of 23C. There will be some light patchy rain or drizzle to the west and northwest tonight, but it should remain dry and clear in the south and east with temperatures dropping to around 9C. Tuesday will be humid with some "patchy outbreaks" of drizzle, but Munster and the south midlands are set to see "warm spells of sunshine". Temperatures are expected to peak at around 17C to 24C. Mostly warm and dry weather is expected through the week Picture: Andy Gibson. Dry and mild weather should dominate Tuesday night, says Met Éireann, with some drizzle in the west and northwest. Temperatures should stay between 11C and 15C. Wednesday will again be dry, apart from isolated light showers across western and northern areas. It will be generally cloudy, however, "warm sunshine will break through across east and southeast areas". Temperatures will again hit highs of 17C to 24C. Thursday is when the weather is set to take a turn for the warmer, thanks to the Azores High. Temperatures are set to hit 26C, with the country seeing "a dry day for most with warm spells of sunshine". Dan Galvin making the most of the fine weather as he wakeboards at Cork Powerboat and Waterski Centre in Dripsey, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins There is a chance of it staying cloudy "across north and northwest areas with the chance of a few showers," says the forecaster. Generally, it should stay dry with warm spells of sunshine. On Friday, as the Azores High hits, Met Éireann says the "very warm or hot continental airmass looks likely to feed up across Ireland with sunny conditions occurring widely". Looking into the weekend then, the national forecaster has said there is some uncertainty but "the potential for widespread hot sunny weather to remain." Read More Why we need more trees in urban areas — and 10 native species to plant
Irish Examiner
05-07-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
My Life: UCC's Stephen Bean on living on a leper colony when he was a child
My mother co-managed a leper colony. It redefined the way I think about human interaction. Picture the scene. It's 1961 and I'm a young white boy living in a small village named Zomba in Malawi. My parents and I moved here from London after they secured work on an agricultural outreach station in East Africa. It was only later on that I learned about my mother's subsequent role co-managing a leper colony. Malawi was a dangerous place for anyone blighted with this affliction. Up to that point, carriers were only permitted to venture into the village under the condition they wore fertiliser bags over their heads. I was too young to have witnessed this disturbing occurrence, but my mother talked about it often. My first time seeing a person with leprosy, an illness we now know as Hansens disease, was while en route to mass with my family. The man attended the same church as us. He went there every week. Whether he was praying for hope or salvation I will never know. Oftentimes, we spotted him on our way to mass. After being robbed of his legs by the harrowing disease, a board with wheels became his only gateway to the world. Each Sunday was a pilgrimage that saw him drag his body across perilous and seemingly endless terrain. What he lacked in self-pity he made up for in determination. I can't remember the man's name. What I do remember is my mother pulling over in our car to offer him a lift. Each time he hauled himself into the back while my mother carefully placed his board in the boot. Most people at the time were fearful of anyone with leprosy, but not my family. I sat there in comfortable silence as we made our journey to the church. Aged just seven, I knew little about leprosy. My mother instilled that leftism in us. She taught me to always side with the oppressed which is something that has resonated with me throughout my life and career as a photographer and filmmaker. It wasn't until 2001 that I had the opportunity to visit the leper colony my mother co-managed. It was here that I experienced one of the most unique encounters of my life. Cork had become my home at that stage and I was enjoying a career in the computer science department of UCC. I had the opportunity to visit the leper colony my mum co-managed while filming a documentary. Mutemwa, which is located in Mutoko, Zimbabwe, translates directly as 'outcast' which was how people with leprosy in these parts were viewed. Despite the centre being extremely well run, the residents' four-walled existence left little room for outside influence. Every corner of the centre we visited was immaculately clinical and alabaster white. My mother and I brought with us a plethora of sweets and cigarettes to gift to residents. However, all they really wanted was hugs. Stephen Bean at his home in Drimoleague, West Cork. Picture: Andy Gibson. I'll never forget when we arrived. There was this one old man with leprosy who hugged me and didn't let go. It was all he needed. My Shona is not very good so I couldn't converse with ease but that didn't matter to him. We were in a large group together and we all sat close. He had no fingers due to complications from the disease so I lit his cigarette for him. The old man smoked for a while and seemed very happy to have experienced this rare encounter. We eventually said our goodbyes in preparation for the long drive back. On our way home, we found ourselves obstructed by a road block. A man waved us down and I pulled over. He wanted to know where we had been to determine if we had cash he might be able to extract from us. When I told him we were coming from the leper colony he immediately dashed. While this was lucky in one sense, his panic also reinforced a darker truth. Both the friend my mother drove to mass and the old man in the leper colony continued to be shunned by society. This was the case long after their disease was cured. I can't say etymologically where the word leper comes from but the Christian bible has featured the term since easily the fourth century. Leprosy is the only disease ever mentioned in the bible that is associated with outcasts and unclean things. Somewhere, along the line this prejudice found its way into our everyday language. On a more positive note, I'm proud to be living in a place like Cork which has contributed so much to this cause. Dr Vincent Barry, a native of Sunday's Well, is credited with the development of the compound used in drugs that have helped to cure about 15 million people of the illness. I will always be grateful for my experience in the leper colony, because it reinforced for me the power of human touch. These days I try to hug my grandchildren as often as I can. If that old man from the Mutemwa taught me anything that day it's that hugs mean more than words ever will. Stephen Bean is a retired filmmaker, UCC If you have a story to tell, email
Scottish Sun
03-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Scots crime gang' masterminded shipment of £26million worth of cocaine into Ireland
Cops believe the drugs haul was destined for the UK and European market and was transported to the suspects in a mother ship COASTAL CRACKDOWN 'Scots crime gang' masterminded shipment of £26million worth of cocaine into Ireland Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCOTTISH crime gang masterminded the shipment of £26million worth of cocaine into Ireland, according to forces who smashed the plot. And investigators are probing whether the mob had "logistical support" from transnational crime gangs based in Ireland. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 They were arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle £26m worth of cocaine into Ireland Credit: Getty 4 A probe has been launched to find out if the mob had 'logistical support' from transnational crime gangs based in Ireland Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin 4 The Irish Navy were involved in the operation Credit: Andy Gibson - The Sun Dublin New details have emerged about the men accused of being involved in a cocaine plot to ship in a vast haul from South America to the UK. We told how they were snared off the coast of County Cork after gun cops swooped on Tuesday. Among four suspects taken into custody is a man, 40, from the Pollok area of Glasgow and a trawlerman, 39, from Keith, Moray. Another suspect is a businessman, 44, from Cornwall, England and a German national, 31, from Bavaria. A source told The Irish Sun: "These suspects are considered to be important cogs of this organised crime group. "The Scottish gang are heavily involved in transnational drug trafficking, but this smuggling route is now dismantled. The Scottish gang are heavily involved in transnational drug trafficking, but this smuggling route is now dismantled A source told The Irish Sun "Crime gangs are targeting fishermen and others who are corrupted by money and greed. "There is no doubt that these individuals were critical enablers for this criminal organisation." The four were lifted after a major op, which began with a surveillance investigation over the weekend. Two of the suspects were lifted as they left in a van with the huge haul of drugs. Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger on Scots gang convictions The other two tried to escape on a boat, but were caught by the Navy. Cops believe the drugs haul was destined for the UK and European market and was transported to the suspects in a mother ship. The suspects can be held for a week. We told how the seizure is the largest since the £135million nabbed on board the MV Matthew in September 2023, with eight of its crew set to be sentenced at the Special Criminal Court later this week. A joint task force led by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau - which included Revenue, the Irish Naval Service and local cops - had monitored a number of men and vehicles for over 24 hours in the run-up to the seizure. These suspects are considered to be important cogs of this organised crime group A source told The Irish Sun In recent weeks, senior Gardai in Cork have held briefings to discuss the threat posed by transnational drugs gangs over the summer months. Although Europe's traditional drug networks have previously used the summer to transport shipments of cocaine across the Atlantic, they have also arranged shipments in late autumn and spring. A source said: "The international gangs seem to be more brazen and their shipments are happening all year round now. "They have vessels that can be used in adverse weather conditions. "They also have access to RIBs that are faster than some of those used by the Irish Naval Service." West Cork Fine Gael Senator Noel O'Donovan said: "This is a significant detection - the biggest drug bust in Ireland this year.' A Gardai source added: "It was a hugely successful operation and should serve as a warning for international drug gangs targeting the Irish coastline."
Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Scots drug smugglers snared in £26million cocaine sting as police & navy swoop on gang off Irish Coast
COASTAL CRACKDOWN Scots drug smugglers snared in £26million cocaine sting as police & navy swoop on gang off Irish Coast TWO Scots have been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle £26million worth of cocaine into the UK via Ireland. A massive haul was snatched off the southwest coast after armed gardai intervened in Courtmacsherry, Cork. Advertisement 5 They were arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle £26m worth of cocaine into Ireland Credit: Getty 5 A joint task force led by the Garda Síochána monitored a number of men and vehicles for over 24 hours in the run-up to the seizure Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin 5 The Irish Navy were involved in the operation Credit: Andy Gibson - The Sun Dublin 5 The dramatic operation in the early hours of this morning came off the back of intelligence received by Gardai (ARCHIVE IMAGE) Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin 5 The seizure is the largest since the €157million nabbed on board the MV Matthew in September 2023 (ARCHIVE IMAGE) Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin Detectives are probing if the drugs had come from South America and suspect that Ireland was being used as "a gateway" to send the shipment on to England. Four men have been taken into custody - including the two Scots, and suspects from England and Germany. Two were initially nicked as cops swooped in and The Irish Navy caught two other members of the gang. A source told The Irish Sun: "It was a hugely successful operation by Gardai and their partners and should serve as a major warning for international drug gangs targeting the Irish coastline." Advertisement The seizure is the largest since the €157million nabbed on board the MV Matthew in September 2023, with eight of its crew set to be sentenced at the Special Criminal Court later this week. The dramatic operation in the early hours of this morning came off the back of intelligence received by Gardai. A joint task force led by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau - which included Revenue, the Irish Naval Service and local cops - had monitored a number of men and vehicles for over 24 hours in the run-up to the seizure. The coke was brought ashore just after 4am yesterday and packed into a van off Broadstrand. Advertisement When Gardai looking on saw enough, the Emergency Response Unit intervened and stopped the van with their guns drawn. Two men - thought to be from Scotland and Germany - were taken from the vehicle as cops recovered the cocaine. York's Hidden Crisis: County Lines, Gangs, and the Fight for the City's Youth The Irish Naval ship L.E. William Butler Yeats - on patrol in the area as part of the op - responded, supported by a Maritime patrol aircraft from the Irish Air Corps, who also provided overhead surveillance during the operation. Two Naval Service rigid-hulled inflatable boats, carrying armed members from the Maritime Interdiction Team, were launched from the L.E. William Butler Yeats and intercepted the suspect boat off the coast of Cork. Advertisement These two suspects - one from Scotland and the other from England - were later caught and handed over to Gardai. A source said: "Gardai suspect these individuals were part of a UK organised crime gang. "At this stage, it appears the drugs were destined for the UK market and Ireland was being used as a gateway. "Clearly a lot of planning had gone into this and work is underway to establish who else was involved." Advertisement The four suspects - all aged in their 30s and 40s - have been arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking and could be hit with a variety of charges under gangland legislation. They can be held for a week before being either charged or released, with detectives now liaising with the Director of Public Prosecutions. Gardai are working closely with Interpol and colleagues in the UK as part of their efforts to establish the suspects' backgrounds. Investigators are also probing if Irish criminal gangs who provide certain logistical and transport support to other known criminal networks were involved. Advertisement Gardai also believe the drugs were initially collected by a mother ship, but it has yet to be located. In recent weeks, senior Gardai in Cork have held briefings to discuss the threat posed by transnational drugs gangs over the summer months. Although Europe's traditional drug networks have previously used the summer to transport shipments of cocaine across the Atlantic, they have also arranged shipments in late autumn and spring. A source said: "The international gangs seem to be more brazen and their shipments are happening all year round now. Advertisement "They have vessels that can be used in adverse weather conditions. "They also have access to RIBs that are faster than some of those used by the Irish Naval Service." West Cork Fine Gael Senator Noel O'Donovan and ex-member of An Garda Siochana commended the work of local and national units of the force, as well as the Naval Service and Air Corps. He said: "Early indications say this operation was under surveillance for the last number of days, so that is a testament to all involved for their professionalism and success in combating the importation of drugs and its further transportation. Advertisement "This is a significant detection ? the biggest drug bust in Ireland this year. "In West Cork, we are well aware how narcotics can be smuggled into this country and the continent. "All involved in this operation - An Garda Siochana, Naval Service, Air Corps - have worked extremely well together and shown their capabilities in taking on criminal gangs and international smugglers." O'Donovan added: "This capture highlights again the increased need for further Garda resources in West Cork - more Gardai patrolling our rural areas prevents and deters criminal activity. And, indeed, further investment in our Naval Service and Air Corps to continue this good work and combat criminality. Advertisement "I will be working with all, including Tanaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris, to progress this." Meanwhile, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan also hailed yesterday's op. He said: "Another major cocaine seizure worth up to €31million by Gardai this morning. Excellent co-operation involving Gardai, Defence Forces and Revenue, Praise ... O'Callaghan and another example of our work to disrupt the criminal gangs involved." Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris posted on X: "I have been briefed by the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces on today's significant joint-agency operation." Advertisement He added: "I want to commend members of An Garda Siochana, Defence Forces, Naval Service and Revenue for their close collaboration in securing such a successful outcome."
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Two women die in water at national park beauty spot
Two women have died after being found in a pool at Wales' largest national park. North Wales Police said they were called to Nant Gwynant, Gwynedd, at 21:31 BST on Wednesday in Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia. One woman was reported to be in the pool on the Watkin Path, one of the main routes to the summit of Yr Wyddfa, Wales' tallest mountain. The second woman was pulled from the water but pronounced dead at the scene, the force said. "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with the families and friends of both women," said Det Ch Insp Andy Gibson. An investigation is under way, and potential witnesses are urged to come forward. A mountain rescue team, as well as police, air ambulance and a coastguard helicopter were sent to the scene. Jurgen Dissmann, chairman of Llanberis mountain rescue team, said it was a "complex and difficult callout" carried out alongside Aberglaslyn mountain rescue colleagues. County councillor June Jones called the incident a "tragedy". "It is obviously very sad news for the families and the sympathy of the whole valley is with the families," she said. She told BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast that social media "encourages people" to go to these natural beauty spots. "We don't know what has happened... social media encourages people to go to these wonderful places and of course the water can be extremely cold," she said. More than 600,000 people climb up Yr Wyddfa every year, and the summit can get very busy during the summer season. At 1,085m (3,559ft) it is the highest mountain in Wales and the busiest mountain in the UK. The Watkin Path is regarded as one of hardest routes to to the summit of Yr Wyddfa. But it is a relatively easy hike to the pools and waterfalls where the two women died. They can be found close to the start of the path in the Nant Gwynant valley where they have become a social media sensation in recent times. Hundreds of TikTok and Instagram videos can be found showing people taking a dip in the crystal clear water running off the mountain. But after days of heavy rain across the national park, the gentle streams cascading into the pools have turned into torrents of foaming white water. The water from the Afon Cwm Llan river has created a dangerous and powerful undercurrent that has flowed into the plunge pools below.
