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Irish Independent
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Wexford FC earn point on tough Monday trip to Limerick
On one hand the Ferrycarrig Park side have one win in nine league games, with just six points in that time, and they are now starting to drift further away from the play-off spots after UCD's win against Bray Wanderers. On the flip side, it was a first clean sheet in nine, Limerick is a tough journey to make on a Monday evening, and the hosts have been in a strong run of form of late, leapfrogging their visitors into the play-off spots in recent weeks. The reality is somewhere in between. The point was clearly a good one in the circumstances but Wexford were very lucky to get it, with the home team creating the vast majority of the chances. Treaty had the first sighter when Lee Devitt broke over the halfway line and powered towards the box but was yanked off balance as he was shooting, and the effort was blocked behind for a corner that came to nothing. The Limerick side really should have taken the lead in the fourth minute. Joe Hanson got away on the right wing and sent a succulent ball across the face of goal where Karl O'Sullivan fired low, only for Paul Martin to get down and push it away one-handed. Wexford had very little sight of Corey Chambers' goal in the opening nine minutes, but Calum Flynn did send an inviting ball across the six-yard box that had no takers. O'Sullivan played Devitt into the clear in the 13th minute but the ball bounced awkwardly. The Treaty attacker headed it but Martin pushed the effort over the bar. Corey Chambers was out quickly to force the ball away from Aaron Dobbs when he got away on the left in the 16th minute. Robbie Lynch headed a Lee Devitt corner over the crossbar in the 25th minute as the game navigated a lull. Treaty looked dangerous again a minute later when Lee Lynch got to the byline on the left and crossed for Devitt, but the United attacker saw his swivelled volley fly over the top. O'Sullivan sent in another daisy-cutter that Martin swept up in the 35th minute as Wexford struggled to make an impact. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Treaty had another great chance when Lee Lynch crossed from the right in the 39th minute but Ben Lynch's unchallenged volley was too weak to trouble Martin. After seeing his initial effort blocked, Devitt crashed off the inside of the post in the 42nd minute. Treaty were screaming for a penalty when Devitt's shot collided with an arm right on the stroke of half-time but it appeared to hit high up on the jersey, not too far from the shoulder, and referee Ryan Maher probably got that call correct. Having survived playing second fiddle in the opening half, Wexford were on the back foot after the resumption, with James Crawford forcing his own 'keeper into a diving save, preventing what would have been one of the most bizarre own goals for many a year. Treaty were screaming for a penalty again in the 53rd minute when Joe Hanson went down under pressure when running into the box. There was some contact with the torso but probably not enough to see the Canadian hit the deck, and referee Maher again waved away appeals. Devitt fired across the goal and wide in the 56th minute when squaring the ball was the better option. The game went through another mid-half lull, which suited the visitors just fine in the circumstances. Lee Devitt went down in the Wexford box in the 74th minute but again Maher wasn't interested. Mikie Rowe kept Crawford's deep cross alive at the back post three minutes later, but he was only able to direct it onto the top of the crossbar and behind from an acute angle. The game was a more even contest at this stage, with both teams looking for a winner. Ryan Kelly forced Chambers into a save from the edge of the box in the 81st minute, while Mikie Rowe was unable to beat the Gorey man from close range with two minutes left as the sides finished deadlocked. Wexford are back in action on Friday when they host Kerry FC in Ferrycarrig Park. The Munster club have the opportunity to move ahead of their hosts into sixth with a win so it's a massive game for both sides in the hunt for play-off berths. Wexford FC: Paul Martin, James Crawford, Robbie McCourt, Dean Larkin, Mikie Rowe, Darragh Levingston, Aaron Dobbs, Calum Flynn, Conor Levingston, Ryan Butler, Ryan Scanlon. Subs. – Zayd Abada for Larkin (65), Ryan Kelly for Flynn (71), Josh Lyons for Scanlon (85), also Alex Moody, Mark Imiren, Harry Sherlock, Darragh Kinch. Treaty United: Corey Chambers, Ben Lynch, Lee Devitt, Steven Healy, Lee Lynch, Joe Hanson, Connor Wilson, Evan O'Connor, Robbie Lynch, Eoin Martin, Karl O'Sullivan. Subs. - Yousef Mahdy for Healy (76), Trpimir Vrljicak for Hanson (76), Nikodem Kozlowski for L. Lynch (85), Colin Conroy for Wilson (90+1), also Carl Williams, Richkov Boevi, Mark Walsh, Roy Lawlor, Christopher Horgan. Referee: Ryan Maher (Offaly). SSE AIRTRICITY FIRST DIVISION P W D L F A Pt Dundalk 20 12 7 1 31 14 43 Cobh Ramblers 20 13 3 4 36 18 42 Bray Wanderers 20 11 1 8 32 29 34 Treaty United 20 8 5 7 33 20 29 UCD 20 7 5 8 18 21 26 Wexford FC 20 6 5 9 22 26 23 Kerry FC 20 6 3 10 20 27 21 Longford Town 20 5 6 9 19 36 21 Finn Harps 20 4 7 8 22 26 19 Athlone Town 20 3 6 11 15 31 15
Irish Examiner
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Treaty and Wexford fail to break the deadlock
SSE Airtricity First Division: Treaty United 0 Wexford 0 Stalemate. A second of 2025 for Treaty United and a maiden for Wexford. In truth, there could and should have been at least one goal here, perhaps several more. The result leaves the Limerick outfit steady in fourth and it means one loss in just six. The Slaneysiders haven't won in their last four having failed to hit form either side of the mid-season break. Despite their four game winning run at Markets Field, just 637 paid into the Garryowen venue, with the damp Shannonside evening taking from the attractiveness of the fixture. Tommy Barrett's side dominated this contest for three-quarters and lacking a real potency in attack, failed to capitalise. Wexford, to their credit, finished the stronger and could have grabbed all three points late on. Having salvaged a draw late on Friday evening away to Dundalk, United shuffled their squad. Hanson cut back to Karl O'Sullivan who saw Paul Martin pull off a smart save after just three minutes. O'Sullivan turned the away defence with a speculative ball, and the free-scoring Lee Devitt improvised, seeing his header from the edge of the area palmed away by Martin. Wexford forced a corner on 38 minutes but it was wasted. Ryan Scanlon tried a trying ground routine, however he passed straight to O'Sullivan who carried to halfway, released Lee-J Lynch whose corner was tamely met by Ben Lynch at the back post – Martin gathering easily. Closer again, came Treaty minutes later. Devitt seeing his initial shot blocked before slipping when hitting a second from inside the area, but the Clare native saw his effort come back off the woodwork. The last act of the first half saw Devitt's volley come off the arm of Dean Larkin, but appeals for a penalty were only met with the half-time whistle. Lee-J Lynch continued the dominance when seeing a shot blocked for an early second half corner. Evan O'Connor failed to direct the delivery on target with his head. Larkin tangled with Joe Hanson for another penalty appeal which was waved away by match official, Ryan Maher. Devitt again went close on 56, with a low curling effort staying outside the post. James Crawford set up a real opening of the evening for Steven Elliott's side in the final quarter hour, his cross returned by Mikie Rowe, who, from an acute angle saw the ball bounce over off the crossbar. Sub Ryan Kelly then drew a fine save from ex-Wexford stopper, Corey Chambers, with the follow up cleared. Rowe went close in the dying embers, with a shinned effort not generating the accuracy required. Treaty United: Chambers; O'Connor, R Lynch, Martin, B Lynch; Healy (Mahdy 76), L Lynch Kozlowski 86), Wilson (Conroy 90); Devitt, Hanson (Vrljicak 76), O'Sullivan. Wexford FC: Martin; Scanlon (Lyons 85), Larkin (Abada 65), McCourt, Crawford; Butler, D Levingston, C Levingston; Rowe, Dobbs, Flynn (Kelly 71) Referee: R Maher
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Climate
- Newsweek
'Incredible' Lightning Rainbow Strikes Florida
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Striking images and video shared on social media captured the dramatic sight of lightning and rainbows lighting up the Florida sky. The Context The southwest Florida coast was forecast to see multiple rounds of slow-moving showers and thunderstorms by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Thursday. The agency warned that several inches of rainfall was possible, potentially leading to flash flooding in urban areas. A photo posted to social media captures the striking moment when lightning bolts flashed beneath a rainbow-streaked sky. A photo posted to social media captures the striking moment when lightning bolts flashed beneath a rainbow-streaked sky. Matt Devitt/X What To Know The images were posted Thursday by WINK News chief meteorologist Matt Devitt on X, formerly Twitter. "WOW! Incredible lightning and double rainbow combo this evening in Southwest Florida," Devitt said of the first image. "Amazing rainbow and lightning combo illuminating the sky this evening in Port Charlotte, Florida," read his post accompanying the second. Amazing rainbow and lightning combo illuminating the sky this evening in Port Charlotte, Florida! Credit: @WINKNews viewer Katie Johnson @spann @stormhour — Matt Devitt (@MattDevittWX) June 20, 2025 The NWS said it issued a flood advisory for the Naples metropolitan area after heavy rainfall developed. The service said this followed between 2 and 4 inches of rain. On Friday, the NWS forecast office in Miami said that more showers and thunderstorms were expected in the afternoon, primarily across interior and western South Florida. Much of the region would be hot and humid, with highs in the low 90s, it said. What People Are Saying NWS Miami, Thursday on X: "A pinned gulf breeze combined with ample atmospheric moisture will result in the potential of heavy rainfall & localized flooding along the Gulf coast of South Florida as slow moving showers and storms develop. Lightning & gusty winds are also possible with storms! "Over the last several weeks, the focus of afternoon showers and storms has been across southwestern Florida while mainly dry conditions have continued along the east coast metro. Why? Slightly stronger easterly flow thanks to the persistent influence of the Bermuda High." Meteorologist Matt Devitt, Thursday on X: "Classic, rainy season day in Southwest Florida with big rainfall amounts. 2 - 5" for many communities, leading to street flooding. More storms Friday too!" What Happens Next Elsewhere in the U.S., a heat wave is expected to bake swaths of the country from the Midwest to the East Coast starting Friday, with about one-third of the country set to contend with challenging temperatures, according to forecasters at AccuWeather. Meteorologist Adam Douty told Newsweek that this stretch of heat will intensify over the Plains and Midwest through the weekend, shifting to the East by early next week. While temperatures are expected to ease in the middle or late next week, highs will still stay above normal in many regions, he said.
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'Jurassic' moment as massive alligator interrupts play at Florida golf course
'Jurassic' moment as massive alligator interrupts play at Florida golf course Only in Florida, it seems, can a golfer be trying to sink a putt with a giant alligator strolling alongside the green. The accompanying footage was shared Sunday by Matt Devitt of WINK Weather, under the title: 'Welcome to Jurassic Park.' The encounter occurred at Buffalo Creek Golf Course in Palmetto and Devitt described the gator as being 'massive.' ALSO: How fast is a grizzly bear? Montana video shows one pushing top speed We've shared the Instagram version, put to 'Jurassic Park' theme music. In the Facebook version, viewers can hear the golfer's companion issuing a profane statement as if to imply, 'It's time to get outta here.' According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, alligators can measure up to 14 feet and weigh more than 1,000 pounds. Adult alligators commonly prey on fish, snakes, turtles, small mammals, and birds. The aquatic reptiles typically remain in or near swamps or ponds during the day, so to encounter one in the open like this is unusual. As for the golfer in the footage, he did not appear unnerved but it was unclear if he made the putt.
Herald Sun
31-05-2025
- Business
- Herald Sun
Locked out: Generation faces housing crisis catastrophe
Australia's housing affordability crisis has reached code red status as runaway construction costs threaten to permanently lock out a generation of potential homeowners. A new analysis reveals a construction sector in turmoil, with renovation expenses surging a staggering 43 per cent since late 2019 and building material prices remaining stubbornly elevated, sitting 35.4 per cent above pre-pandemic levels. The crisis, driven by a perfect storm of crippling labour shortages, supply chain disruptions, and soaring prices for essential materials is prompting urgent calls for government intervention to prevent a full-blown housing catastrophe. Exclusive data by the Housing Industry Association shows essential materials are bleeding budgets dry, with the cost of copper pipes and fittings skyrocketing by 14.4 per cent annually and 63.4 per cent since the end of 2019. The cost of electrical cable and conduit are equally alarming, jumping 9.5 per cent annually and a shocking 69.7 per cent since the end of 2019. Even the humble clay brick, a cornerstone of Australian construction, has surged by 8.3 per cent annually and 48.4 per cent since the end of 2019, while timber doors rose by 7.4 per cent annually. RELATED 17,000 ads: Aussie tradie jobs no one wants Demolition dilemmas: Aus homes under threat Build new for less: Top spots under $850K revealed Only materials like plywood, steel beams, plastic sanitary ware, reinforcing steel, sheet metal and other electrical equipment saw a reduction in cost between 4 per cent and 9 per cent. However, it's a drop in the ocean, considering the cost of skilled labour, which saw a 5.5 per cent increase over the 12 months to March, with those looking to build now paying 35.5 per cent more for a home than they did pre Covid. To put it in numbers, the average national build cost now is $484,315, according to March figures by the Bureau of Statistics, $18,832 more than the previous year and $152,969 more since pre-Covid in 2020, when the average build cost just $331,346. HIA senior economist Tom Devitt said while the numbers looked bleak, the cost of construction material was starting to stabilise. 'Some of the numbers shared do show a few materials are still going up really rapidly…but the average building materials have actually really slowed. They are still very much elevated from five years ago but they do look like they've stabilised. 'Labor costs are also still increasing quite rapidly but also not as much as they did three years ago. Our trade report two or three years ago had a single year where trade prices went up 10 per cent.' Mr Devitt said while the cost of materials would come down with time, the real concern going forward was ongoing labour shortages. 'The demand is still going to be outstripping the supply of trades unless the government follows through on what they've been paying lip service to in terms of fast tracking in-demand construction trades,' he said. '(So far) nothing has really progressed from that because the number of skilled trades that have been arriving, relative to overall overseas arrivals, has been minute.' The hidden cost behind Australia's homebuilding struggles An analysis by NextMinute, a leading project management software for tradies, recently shed light on the occupations with the highest vacancy rates and the most job ad listings across Australia, revealing a stark disparity between supply and demand in the trade sector. Official figures indicate that motor mechanics, electricians, and welders are among the most sought-after trades, with thousands of vacancies across all Australian states. However, SEEK job ad volumes suggest the demand is far greater, with listings for electricians alone exceeding six times the official vacancy count. Similarly, there are 9749 listings for mechanics and 2706 for welders, reflecting widespread recruitment challenges in the industry. Despite attractive salaries, several trades remain under-represented in global job searches, such as airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics, who earn over $2000 per week. The United Kingdom leads overseas demand, with UK-based workers conducting thousands of monthly searches for Australian trade jobs. NextMinute CEO Alex Jenks said the discrepancy highlighted the ongoing recruitment challenges faced by trade businesses. These shortages are slowing down projects, driving up costs, and putting pressure on business owners,' he said. 'Interestingly, the countries showing the most interest don't always align with the trades in greatest need. 'For example, airconditioning and refrigeration mechanics have over 500 official vacancies, but little international search activity, pointing to blind spots in global awareness of Australia's workforce needs.' Australia needs to think modular With Australia forecast to fall 262,000 homes short of its national 1.2 million housing target by 2029, Ray White Group senior economist Nerida Conisbee said a modular approach was needed to address ongoing construction concerns. 'It's taking things like trusses off site and making it more of a manufacturing process, as opposed to building them on site where you need far more skilled labour,' she said. 'Another example would be kitchens and bathrooms which are really time consuming and expensive to build on site. So if you just have to assemble them within a house, that makes it a lot cheaper…everything else can be done offshore. 'Another thing to look at would be the way we design houses. One of the reasons why it's so expensive to build is because Australians really love their houses to be different from their neighbours. 'And so, if we're looking at new areas, if we're starting to build houses that are very similar, then it becomes a lot quicker and cheaper to build houses.'
