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Irish Examiner
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
That's how it should be – Andy Farrell insists Lions places still up for grabs
Andy Farrell has told his British Irish and Lions stars ahead of Friday's clash with Argentina that selection for the Test series is wide open. Maro Itoje captains the Lions for the first time and is joined in the starting XV by Marcus Smith, who has been picked at full-back behind an all-England half-back partnership of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith. Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong is given the opportunity to prove his fitness after being named on the bench for the Aviva Stadium showdown having been sidelined since early May because of a calf strain. As many as 14 players could make their Lions debuts before the squad departs for Australia on Saturday and Farrell has demanded they make an immediate impact if they want a shot at facing the Wallabies. Our team to face Argentina in Dublin! 🦁#Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 18, 2025 'I did an exercise a couple of weeks ago, and I've done it about five times since, of choosing what the Test side could be,' the head coach said. 'You actually can't even go there because there's such good competition and that's how it should be. 'The exciting thing about Friday night is these guys get to show the team-mates who are sat in the stand what they're all about. 'We are looking for cohesion, connection and an ability to attack the game from the off. 'You can give yourself any excuse as far as time together is concerned, but we've had good prep and if you want to be a good Lions player you've got to hit your straps straight from the off.' Tadhg Furlong has been given the chance to prove his fitness against Argentina (Andrew Matthews/PA) Furlong has been troubled by calf and hamstring injuries all season, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 autumn series and all but one match of the Six Nations. If fit, the three-time Lions tourist will be favourite to start at tighthead prop in the Test series against the Wallabies, but first he must negotiate the curtain raiser against a Pumas side ranked fifth in the world. 'Tadhg is fit and ready to go and train well and as keen as everyone else to get the show on the road,' Farrell said. Duhan van der Merwe is another player looking to demonstrate his fitness ahead of Saturday's departure Down Under having been limited to just 11 minutes of action since the Six Nations because of ankle ligament damage. The Scotland wing is part of a heavy duty threequarter line that features England try machine Tommy Freeman and bulldozing centres Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu. Farrell delivered positive fitness updates on Jamison Gibson-Park (glute), Huw Jones (Achilles) and Hugo Keenan (calf), stating that all three should be available for the the first match in Australia against Western Force on Saturday week. Argentina were also the warm-up opponents in 2005 when they held Sir Clive Woodward's Lions to a 25-25 draw in Cardiff. 'It's a tremendous opportunity for myself and the whole team. This is our first opportunity to set the standard that we want to be set and be the kind of team that we want to be,' Itoje said.
Powys County Times
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
That's how it should be – Andy Farrell insists Lions places still up for grabs
Andy Farrell has told his British Irish and Lions stars ahead of Friday's clash with Argentina that selection for the Test series is wide open. Maro Itoje captains the Lions for the first time and is joined in the starting XV by Marcus Smith, who has been picked at full-back behind an all-England half-back partnership of Alex Mitchell and Fin Smith. Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong is given the opportunity to prove his fitness after being named on the bench for the Aviva Stadium showdown having been sidelined since early May because of a calf strain. As many as 14 players could make their Lions debuts before the squad departs for Australia on Saturday and Farrell has demanded they make an immediate impact if they want a shot at facing the Wallabies. Our team to face Argentina in Dublin! 🦁 #Lions2025 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 18, 2025 'I did an exercise a couple of weeks ago, and I've done it about five times since, of choosing what the Test side could be,' the head coach said. 'You actually can't even go there because there's such good competition and that's how it should be. 'The exciting thing about Friday night is these guys get to show the team-mates who are sat in the stand what they're all about. 'We are looking for cohesion, connection and an ability to attack the game from the off. 'You can give yourself any excuse as far as time together is concerned, but we've had good prep and if you want to be a good Lions player you've got to hit your straps straight from the off.' Furlong has been troubled by calf and hamstring injuries all season, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 autumn series and all but one match of the Six Nations. If fit, the three-time Lions tourist will be favourite to start at tighthead prop in the Test series against the Wallabies, but first he must negotiate the curtain raiser against a Pumas side ranked fifth in the world. 'Tadhg is fit and ready to go and train well and as keen as everyone else to get the show on the road,' Farrell said. Duhan van der Merwe is another player looking to demonstrate his fitness ahead of Saturday's departure Down Under having been limited to just 11 minutes of action since the Six Nations because of ankle ligament damage. ¡Vamos Los Pumas! Toda la información: — Unión Argentina de Rugby (@unionargentina) June 18, 2025 The Scotland wing is part of a heavy duty threequarter line that features England try machine Tommy Freeman and bulldozing centres Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu. Farrell delivered positive fitness updates on Jamison Gibson-Park (glute), Huw Jones (Achilles) and Hugo Keenan (calf), stating that all three should be available for the the first match in Australia against Western Force on Saturday week. Argentina were also the warm-up opponents in 2005 when they held Sir Clive Woodward's Lions to a 25-25 draw in Cardiff.
Dublin Live
05-06-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Tributes flow as 'true legend' dad of three dies in tragic accident at home
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Heartfelt tributes are flooding in for 'a true legend' and 'great friend' Eamonn Egan, 58, who tragically passed away after an accident at his home earlier this week. The father of three and boss of the Irish division of global insurance heavyweight Lloyd's, Mr. Egan, died in an incident involving a tractor loader at his home in Maynooth on Monday. Despite the swift response from emergency services, Mr. Egan was declared dead shortly after their arrival. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has said it is aware of the tragic event and has launched a full investigation. Well respected in the corporate circuit and a one-time amateur jockey, Mr. Egan's passing has left many in mourning. Mr. Egan's death notice on reads: "Egan, Eamonn, Ivy House, Clonfert, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, June 2 2025, following a tragic accident at home, deeply regretted by his loving children Eddie, Emma and Ashlie, wife Sarah, brothers Alan, Declan and Fergal, sister Lorraine, partner Katherine, grandson Ethan, extended family, colleagues and friends. Rest in peace.", reports the Irish Mirror. Over the past days, family and friends have been sharing memories of a man they hailed as "tremendous" and "a true legend". "My sincere condolences to the Egan family. Eamonn was a true legend. Rest in Peace," said one mourner. "We both attended Oatland's College. Although Eamonn was a few years behind me, our paths crossed many times over the years in the insurance industry. Eamonn was always a gentleman in my dealings with him," another person added. "Deepest sympathies to his family and friends on his untimely passing. May he rest in peace." A third said: "My condolences to the Eagan family on such a sad loss. I am genuinely sorry to lose such a good friend. Eamonn always had a kind word and was always great company whenever we were together. "Our time together on the board of the British Irish chamber of commerce, and together in the Royal Dublin society. Social events were always social events when Eamonn was there, and his charm and personality always made the occasion one worthwhile. RIP." Mr. Egan's remains will be laid out at his home on Sunday from 4pm to 8pm, with evening prayers at 7pm. His body will be moved from his home on Monday around 11am to arrive at the Church of St. Patrick and St. Brigid's, Clane for an 11.30am Funeral Mass, followed by interment in Mainham Cemetery, Clane. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
05-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tearful tributes flow for 'true legend' dad-of-three killed in tragic incident
Tributes are pouring in for 'a true legend' and 'great friend' Eamonn Egan, 58, who sadly lost his life after a tragic accident at his home earlier this week. Father of three, Mr. Egan, was the chief executive of the Irish division of international insurance firm Lloyd's. It is believed Mr. Egan was fatally injured when a tractor loader fell at his home in Maynooth, Co. Kildare on Monday. Emergency services rushed to the scene of the incident but Mr. Egan was pronounced dead a short while later. The Health and Saftey Authority (HSA) said it is aware of the incident and has launched a full investigation. Mr. Egan was well known in the business community and was a former amateur jockey. Mr. Egan's death notice and funeral details have subsequently been published on The notice reads: "Egan, Eamonn, Ivy House, Clonfert, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, June 2 2025, following a tragic accident at home, deeply regretted by his loving children Eddie, Emma and Ashlie, wife Sarah, brothers Alan, Declan and Fergal, sister Lorraine, partner Katherine, grandson Ethan, extended family, colleagues and friends. Rest in peace." Family and friends have spent the last few days remembering a man some described as "tremendous" and "a true legend". "My sincere condolences to the Egan family. Eamonn was a true legend. Rest in Peace," said one person. "We both attended Oatland's College. Although Eamonn was a few years behind me, our paths crossed many times over the years in the insurance industry. Eamonn was always a gentleman in my dealings with him. Deepest sympathies to his family and friends on his untimely passing. May he rest in peace," said another. A third person said: "My condolences to the Eagan family on such a sad loss. I am genuinely sorry to lose such a good friend. Eamonn always had a kind word and was always great company whenever we were together. "Our time together on the board of the British Irish chamber of commerce, and together in the Royal Dublin society. Social events were always social events when Eamonn was there, and his charm and personality always made the occasion one worthwhile. RIP." Mr. Egan's remains will repose at his home on Sunday from 4pm to 8pm, with evening prayers at 7pm. Removal from his home on Monday at approximately 11am to arrive at the Church of St. Patrick and St. Brigid's, Clane for 11.30am Funeral Mass, followed by burial in Mainham Cemetery, Clane.
The Herald Scotland
21-04-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Polls will determine if border vote happens says minister
The comments from Ms Anderson, who is Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, appeared in an AgendaNI article and appeared in the Belfast Telegraph this morning. It came on a weekend which saw Sinn Fein renew calls for a border poll by 2030. Under the Good Friday Agreement, the power to call a border poll rests with the Secretary of State. READ MORE: Lessons from Scottish referendum for border poll in Ireland Leaders look to better times at the British Irish summit Has John Swinney got a strategy to deliver independence? Scottish peer leads campaign to stop Donald Trump addressing Parliament The legislation states the NI Secretary should call a referendum on Irish unity "if it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the UK and form part of a united Ireland". However, there are no set criteria for when a referendum would be triggered. Previous secretaries of state have refused to outline what exactly would be required. Asked by Agenda NI, Ms Anderson said: "It would be based on opinion polls." Last night, the NIO appeared to distance itself from her comments, saying "responsibility for a referendum sits solely with the Secretary of State". A spokesperson said: "The responsibility for a referendum sits solely with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. "This is clearly set out in the Northern Ireland Act 1998, which gives effect to the Good Friday Agreement and the principle of consent. "This has been — and remains — the only condition. The Secretary of State has been clear that there is no evidence that this condition has been met." Asked if she would campaign in favour of maintaining the Union in any border poll, Ms Anderson says: "That is up to the people of Northern Ireland. We want to support all communities. If it ever came to a vote, we would support the democratic process." Asked if she is a unionist, the MP for Putney says she is "not sure" if she is and that she is "not one community or another. I am not one side or another." However, when asked if she favours Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK, Ms Anderson replied: "Yes, I think the Union is a strong way of supporting everyone across the United Kingdom." Earlier this year, a LucidTalk poll published by the Belfast Telegraph showed that 48% of Northern Ireland voters want to stay in the UK, whilst 41% are in favour of constitutional change. In last year's Westminster election, the total unionist vote was just over 43% while the nationalist vote was slightly over 40%. The margins on the constitutional status have narrowed slightly, according to opinion polls. In a survey last year there was a 10-point gap between the two sides; with 49% supporting staying in the UK, while 39% wanted Irish unity. In a recent survey by the Belfast Telegraph, 10% of people said they were unsure how they'd vote, while 1% would abstain or spoil their ballot. While almost nine in 10 nationalists (86%) want a border poll within the next decade, three-quarters (74%) of unionists say one should never be called. Support for Irish unity is strongest with the younger generation. Among voters under 35, 50% want a united Ireland, with 44% choosing the Union. It is not the first time an NIO Minister has commented on a border poll. In 2023, then NI Minister Steve Baker reportedly said a border poll should need the support of a "super-majority", rather than a simple 50% plus one majority. Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris later said there had been no shift in UK government policy on the terms of any future referendum Ms Anderson, who has been an MP since 2019, was appointed to her NIO role by Prime Minister Keir Starmer after last July's election. The First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland told The Herald o Sunday last year that lessons can be learnt from the Scottish independence referendum regarding any future Irish border poll. Michelle O'Neill and Emma Little-Pengelly were speaking to the paper following a summit of the British Irish Council (BIC) in Edinburgh on Friday, hosted by First Minister John Swinney on December 6. Ms O'Neill became the first nationalist First Minister at Stormont after her republican party Sinn Fein won the election to the Northern Ireland Assembly in May 2022. The victory renewed focus on the prospect of an Irish border poll with the Good Friday Agreement, signed in 1998, allowing provision for such a referendum if certain conditions are met. The First Minster said then she believed there could be a vote in Northern Ireland on Irish reunification by 2030 and that there were lessons to be learnt from what happened in Scotland. The pro independence side lost by 45% to 55% to the pro-Union side in the referendum in September 2014. "I believe we are in a decade of opportunity and I do believe it is time for the question to be put to the people," Ms O'Neill told the Herald on Sunday. "That is the outcome of the Good Friday Agreement itself. We the people will decide when there is constitutional change. For me the lessons we learned from the Scottish situation and the Scottish independence referendum [is] you need to have the facts on the table, you need an inclusive conversation." Ms Little-Pengelly, of the DUP, agreed that there were lessons that could be learnt from Scotland relating to the constitutional debate in Northern Ireland. However, she said she and her party do not want a border poll and do not believe conditions set out in the Good Friday Agreement have been met for one to take place. She pointed to the result of the general election in Ireland last year, won by Fianna Fail, whose leader Micheal Martin said during the campaign a border poll was unlikely within five years.
