Latest news with #DaveO'Brien
Irish Examiner
03-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Housing, security and rising costs among key issues raised by Cork business group ahead of Budget 2026
Cork Business Association (CBA) President Dave O'Brien has commended what he calls a "positive momentum" in recent months, but said key challenges must be addressed in Budget 2026 to protect Cork City. Publishing its pre-Budget submission on Thursday, the group lists business costs, Garda numbers and investment in public transport as the main issues facing Cork, with the most urgent concern being the need for increased housing. "The housing crisis features as the number one priority in the CBA's recommendations," the business group said. "Despite various Government interventions, significant gaps remain in housing delivery, especially in Cork City." Among its recommendations are calls to expand the Living City Initiative by relaxing eligibility criteria, introducing a new Apartment Living Initiative to incentivise the construction of modern apartment blocks, adjusting tax treatment to make refurbishment and redevelopment projects more financially viable, and enhancing the Help-to-Buy scheme to include renovations of vacant or derelict properties. 'If the Government fails to act decisively now, re-election will be a tough ask,' the proposal said. Business costs In light on ongoing closures across the city, the CBA is urging the Government to follow through on its commitment to reduce VAT for food-related services, as well as supporting small businesses amid ongoing wage reform. Insurance costs also remain a major concern, the CBA said, urging the Government to improve market competition and underwriting capacity. The group also highlighted that businesses are struggling to meet the increasing costs of energy, asking the Government to conduct a full review into market charges associated with energy bills. Other suggestions include reducing Capital Gains Tax from 33% to 20% to align with EU averages, and refinements to the Employment and Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) to better support early-stage companies and mitigate investor risk. Security While commending recent initiatives such as Community Safety Wardens pilot, the group said the city needs a significant increase in Gardaí numbers. The submission also calls for a review of the current court system to explore alternatives to having guards on duty being held up in court all day, such as the use of affidavits, that could help return more Gardaí to front-line duties in the city centre. 'We're proud of what has been achieved over the past year through collaboration,' Mr O'Brien said. "But Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to take practical steps that will support small businesses, increase housing supply, and enhance public safety. "These changes will help ensure Cork's momentum is maintained. The time for incremental adjustments has passed. What we need now is bold, transformative policy intervention.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
The eight most prolific divers in England's top divisions revealed
The eight most prolific divers in England's top divisions revealed (Image: Getty Images) Relegated League One side Bristol Rovers have topped one table this season – being crowned the most prolific divers in England's top divisions. The West Country team recorded eight yellow cards for simulation, the most of any team over the course of the past three seasons. Advertisement Premier League giant Chelsea followed with seven bookings for taking a tumble – the same number as Burton Albion. Manchester City, Newcastle United, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Barrow have been reprimanded six times each after being caught trying to con the ref. (Image: SWNS) Football statistician Statman Dave ran the numbers as part of Snickers' wider Off Your Game campaign, with the Deep Diving Audit offering a data-led look at diving across English football. Dave O'Brien, who pored over match footage, referee reports and extensive game insights to reveal all the most dramatic diving data, said: 'Diving has always been a part of the game, but when you look at the numbers, like I've done for Snickers' Deep Diving Audit, it's clear that some clubs and players really know how to keep things interesting. Advertisement 'Whether it's tactical, instinctive, or maybe even hunger-related, one thing is for sure, when players are off their game, it shows. 'And sometimes, it's not just the ball that goes rolling.' Nearly all cases of diving occurred in the second half, with a particular uptick during the 90th minute – and 70 per cent of dives took place in the penalty area. With Brighton & Hove Albion being named as the club players have dived against most in the Premier League. Strikers are responsible for 26 per cent of all dives over the last three seasons, whereas in defence, only one centre-back was carded for a diving offence. Advertisement Looking at the 2024/25 campaign specifically, 75 per cent of dives occurred when the players' team wasn't winning, with the average dive last season lasting nine seconds. Additionally, the average diving age is 22, they most typically wear white boots – and are also English, with these players making up 42 per cent of dives in the season just gone. Diving in the men's game is significantly more prominent compared to the women's – with just one diving booking found on record from the last three seasons in the Women's Super League. Snickers has enlisted football experts Statman Dave and Nada Allali to create a video which uncovers the most over-the-top tumbles across the England's top leagues. Advertisement Delia Lendais-Metral from the chocolate brand said: 'Let's face it, when you're hungry, you're not quite yourself. 'The Snickers Deep Diving Audit taps into those moments when things go slightly off, on or off the pitch.' 'Whether it's a mis-timed slide or a full-blown flop, this is a fun reminder that staying fuelled helps keep you on your game.' Most dive-prone clubs of the past three seasons (22/23, 23/24, 24/25)
Rhyl Journal
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
8 most prolific divers in England's top divisions revealed
The West Country team recorded eight yellow cards for simulation, the most of any team over the course of the past three seasons. Premier League giant Chelsea followed with seven bookings for taking a tumble – the same number as Burton Albion. Manchester City, Newcastle United, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Barrow have been reprimanded six times each after being caught trying to con the ref. (Image: SWNS) Football statistician Statman Dave ran the numbers as part of Snickers' wider Off Your Game campaign, with the Deep Diving Audit offering a data-led look at diving across English football. Dave O'Brien, who pored over match footage, referee reports and extensive game insights to reveal all the most dramatic diving data, said: 'Diving has always been a part of the game, but when you look at the numbers, like I've done for Snickers' Deep Diving Audit, it's clear that some clubs and players really know how to keep things interesting. 'Whether it's tactical, instinctive, or maybe even hunger-related, one thing is for sure, when players are off their game, it shows. 'And sometimes, it's not just the ball that goes rolling.' Nearly all cases of diving occurred in the second half, with a particular uptick during the 90th minute – and 70 per cent of dives took place in the penalty area. With Brighton & Hove Albion being named as the club players have dived against most in the Premier League. Strikers are responsible for 26 per cent of all dives over the last three seasons, whereas in defence, only one centre-back was carded for a diving offence. Looking at the 2024/25 campaign specifically, 75 per cent of dives occurred when the players' team wasn't winning, with the average dive last season lasting nine seconds. Additionally, the average diving age is 22, they most typically wear white boots – and are also English, with these players making up 42 per cent of dives in the season just gone. Diving in the men's game is significantly more prominent compared to the women's – with just one diving booking found on record from the last three seasons in the Women's Super League. Snickers has enlisted football experts Statman Dave and Nada Allali to create a video which uncovers the most over-the-top tumbles across the England's top leagues. Delia Lendais-Metral from the chocolate brand said: 'Let's face it, when you're hungry, you're not quite yourself. 'The Snickers Deep Diving Audit taps into those moments when things go slightly off, on or off the pitch.' 'Whether it's a mis-timed slide or a full-blown flop, this is a fun reminder that staying fuelled helps keep you on your game.'
South Wales Argus
12-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
8 most prolific divers in England's top divisions revealed
The West Country team recorded eight yellow cards for simulation, the most of any team over the course of the past three seasons. Premier League giant Chelsea followed with seven bookings for taking a tumble – the same number as Burton Albion. Manchester City, Newcastle United, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Barrow have been reprimanded six times each after being caught trying to con the ref. (Image: SWNS) Football statistician Statman Dave ran the numbers as part of Snickers' wider Off Your Game campaign, with the Deep Diving Audit offering a data-led look at diving across English football. Dave O'Brien, who pored over match footage, referee reports and extensive game insights to reveal all the most dramatic diving data, said: 'Diving has always been a part of the game, but when you look at the numbers, like I've done for Snickers' Deep Diving Audit, it's clear that some clubs and players really know how to keep things interesting. 'Whether it's tactical, instinctive, or maybe even hunger-related, one thing is for sure, when players are off their game, it shows. 'And sometimes, it's not just the ball that goes rolling.' Nearly all cases of diving occurred in the second half, with a particular uptick during the 90th minute – and 70 per cent of dives took place in the penalty area. With Brighton & Hove Albion being named as the club players have dived against most in the Premier League. Strikers are responsible for 26 per cent of all dives over the last three seasons, whereas in defence, only one centre-back was carded for a diving offence. Looking at the 2024/25 campaign specifically, 75 per cent of dives occurred when the players' team wasn't winning, with the average dive last season lasting nine seconds. Additionally, the average diving age is 22, they most typically wear white boots – and are also English, with these players making up 42 per cent of dives in the season just gone. Diving in the men's game is significantly more prominent compared to the women's – with just one diving booking found on record from the last three seasons in the Women's Super League. Snickers has enlisted football experts Statman Dave and Nada Allali to create a video which uncovers the most over-the-top tumbles across the England's top leagues. Delia Lendais-Metral from the chocolate brand said: 'Let's face it, when you're hungry, you're not quite yourself. 'The Snickers Deep Diving Audit taps into those moments when things go slightly off, on or off the pitch.' 'Whether it's a mis-timed slide or a full-blown flop, this is a fun reminder that staying fuelled helps keep you on your game.' Most dive-prone clubs of the past three seasons (22/23, 23/24, 24/25)
Leader Live
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
8 most prolific divers in England's top divisions revealed
The West Country team recorded eight yellow cards for simulation, the most of any team over the course of the past three seasons. Premier League giant Chelsea followed with seven bookings for taking a tumble – the same number as Burton Albion. Manchester City, Newcastle United, Crawley Town, Accrington Stanley and Barrow have been reprimanded six times each after being caught trying to con the ref. (Image: SWNS) Football statistician Statman Dave ran the numbers as part of Snickers' wider Off Your Game campaign, with the Deep Diving Audit offering a data-led look at diving across English football. Dave O'Brien, who pored over match footage, referee reports and extensive game insights to reveal all the most dramatic diving data, said: 'Diving has always been a part of the game, but when you look at the numbers, like I've done for Snickers' Deep Diving Audit, it's clear that some clubs and players really know how to keep things interesting. 'Whether it's tactical, instinctive, or maybe even hunger-related, one thing is for sure, when players are off their game, it shows. 'And sometimes, it's not just the ball that goes rolling.' Nearly all cases of diving occurred in the second half, with a particular uptick during the 90th minute – and 70 per cent of dives took place in the penalty area. With Brighton & Hove Albion being named as the club players have dived against most in the Premier League. Strikers are responsible for 26 per cent of all dives over the last three seasons, whereas in defence, only one centre-back was carded for a diving offence. Looking at the 2024/25 campaign specifically, 75 per cent of dives occurred when the players' team wasn't winning, with the average dive last season lasting nine seconds. Additionally, the average diving age is 22, they most typically wear white boots – and are also English, with these players making up 42 per cent of dives in the season just gone. Diving in the men's game is significantly more prominent compared to the women's – with just one diving booking found on record from the last three seasons in the Women's Super League. Snickers has enlisted football experts Statman Dave and Nada Allali to create a video which uncovers the most over-the-top tumbles across the England's top leagues. Delia Lendais-Metral from the chocolate brand said: 'Let's face it, when you're hungry, you're not quite yourself. 'The Snickers Deep Diving Audit taps into those moments when things go slightly off, on or off the pitch.' 'Whether it's a mis-timed slide or a full-blown flop, this is a fun reminder that staying fuelled helps keep you on your game.'
