Latest news with #Fergal
Metro
4 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
Jordan Brown hit 'extreme low' and considered quitting snooker
Jordan Brown hit the lowest point of his career last year and considered quitting snooker entirely, before making a phone call which he feels has turned everything around. The 37-year-old struggled for results all last season, falling early in almost every event and the disappointments began to affect him off the table, more so than ever before in his career. The Northern Irishman was struggling for form and confidence so much around Christmas time last year that he felt his future may lie away from snooker. 'Last season was by far the worst I've ever experienced,' Brown told Metro. 'I went through a very difficult time on and off the table, because it does affect your mental health, your mental well-being. 'You're questioning your future in the game, because I had so many bad performances last year, so many bad results, I don't think I got past the second round, and it's hard to take. 'It drains your confidence big time, you feel like you can't buy a result, it's very hard to describe, you just feel like you can't play the game anymore. It even got to the stage last season where I was even playing bad in practise and I just had a bit of a mental breakdown around Christmas time. 'Honestly I considered not carrying on, getting a job, because things got that bad. I get a bit emotional talking about it now, but that's what the game can do to you. Bad result after bad result, it takes a toll on you.' It is not just the disappointment of losing games of snooker that gets to players, but clearly professionals are relying on wins to earn money and a bad run can cause great financial stress as well. 'It was an extreme low, the lowest point of my career, it takes a toll on your mental health, and there's only so much you can take,' Brown said. 'When you're not winning, you're not earning enough money to cover bills, and to cover expenses, and you're having to rely on family it's not a nice position to be in. 'Thankfully I've got a good family around me, I've got good friends around me, who have helped me through the difficult times. Hopefully I can turn things around.' After struggling through to the end of last season the former Welsh Open champion decided he needed a fresh approach and outlook, so called in some help. Fergal O'Brien only retired from playing last year but is quickly earning a reputation in the coaching world and as a great man to have in your corner, as evidenced by fellow Irishman Aaron Hill who has signed him up and is reaping the benefits. Brown has now done the same as one of his practice partners in Antrim and says he is quickly enjoying a more positive mindset as a result. 'I made the phone call to Fergal, I just had to do something to change things up, I was prepared to do anything,' he said. 'I felt like I was just doing the same things all the time. I needed a change in my structure and a change in mentality,because I didn't really have a good attitude. I soon found out when I first started working with Fergal. 'I took a little bit of inspiration from how well Aaron was doing in the later part of last season. He nearly reached the Crucible, got to the quarters of Germany. 'I'm just thinking, if it can work for Aaron, it could work for me and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made.' A former top 16 player, ranking event winner and Masters finalist, O'Brien can help with the technical side, but Brown says his input has most keenly been felt in his head. More Trending 'It's mainly the mental side, because obviously Fergal's got bags of experience, 30-odd years of being there on tour, he's bought the T-shirt,' said Brown. 'It's just a different way of thinking out there. Rather than have a negative attitude. I just needed to change a few things up, and already I can see the benefits. 'We're on the right track now and there are bigger and better things to come. It's early doors, but I can see the progress.' MORE: Chris Wakelin: A massive part of me thought I'd win the World Championship MORE: Liam Davies on perfect start to season, beating a hero and snooker's rising stars MORE: Mark Allen replaced in Shanghai Masters draw after withdrawal for personal reasons
Evening Standard
12-07-2025
- Evening Standard
Billesley Manor Hotel and Spa: the country retreat where history meets hospitality
Did I mention that they love dogs? There's a sign saying they're welcome, in the porch, while in the reception area there's even a dog-shaped door holder - and a lovely big dog 'bronze' keeping watch over proceedings. Fergal, our miniature Schnauzer, loved not just the grounds, but the attention he received, even if being part of club canine did mean we were relegated to eating in the (glamorous) bar room, rather than the quieter restaurants, when he accompanied us. That's the price paid by those with four-legged friends in many hotels, which have to have a one-rule-fits-all approach, bearing in mind that not all guests will arrive with a mini Schnauzer small enough to sit on your lap...
Irish Independent
25-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Sky's the limit for Louth's non-alcoholic beer Fierce Mild founded by childhood friends and brothers-in-law
The innovative beer has been announced as the first-ever winner of the Taste of TV package, a nationwide initiative by Love Irish Food and Sky Media to spotlight rising Irish food and drink brands. It's a landmark moment for the young company, which only launched its flagship product FIERCEMILD Non-Alc™ in May 2024. The Taste of TV win includes a fully funded campaign, from ad creation to national rollout, powered by Sky Media's advanced targeting technology. Fierce Mild was founded by friends and brothers-in-law Fergal Carroll from Blackrock and Cathal Byrne from the Avenue Road, who sat beside each other at school. Having both lived abroad for a decade, with Fergal in Australia and Cathal in Canada, they realised that Ireland was missing out on quality non-alcoholic beer. Fierce Mild has quickly grown from an ambitious start up into a multiple award-winning name in Ireland's fast-growing non-alcoholic market. Brewed from start-to-finish at Pearse Lyons brewery, located at the old McArdle Moore Brewery site, in Dundalk, they use premium, locally-sourced, ingredients and an innovative brewing method, to create their award-winning, naturally brewed non-alcoholic extra pale ale. They are delighted with the re-action to Fierce Mild, both from the drinking public and the industry itself, and particularly the Taste of TV award which gives them the opportunity to reach a wider audience. 'As a young Irish brand competing with global giants, this opportunity gives us a powerful platform to reach more people and re-shape perceptions of non-alcoholic beer. We're proud to be part of this change during a pivotal shift in Ireland's drinking culture,' Fergal and Cathal said. 'Fierce Mild represents the innovation, ambition, and quality that we champion at Love Irish Food. We look forward to seeing how this campaign supports their continued growth,' Conor Kilduff of Love Irish Food said. AJ Crinion of Sky Media said that Fierce Mild is 'a fantastic example of a modern Irish brand with a powerful story and product. We're excited to support their journey by bringing their message to life on screen.' In just the past year, Fierce Mild has won numerous awards, including 'Best Startup' at the Louth LEO awards, 2025 and was named as 'Ireland's Non-Alcoholic Beer of the Year' at the 2024 International Non-Alcoholic Competition and 'Best Non-Alcoholic Pale Ale' at the 2024 Untapped Community Awards. They were also winners of of the 2024 Irish Design Institute Packaging Design Award, and were selected for Bord Bia's Food Works 2025 accelerator programme for high-potential Irish food start-ups. With national distribution through Classic Drinks and in excess of 250 Irish stockists already, Fierce Mild's growth reflects a broader cultural shift with alcohol consumption in Ireland at a 20-year low and demand for premium alcohol-free options skyrocketing.
Irish Independent
04-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
New Wicklow sauna opens in riverside location
Eager to help the public relax and rejuvenate, whether they're 'looking to unwind after a long day, recover from an intense workout, or invest in their well-being', Boxfit Gym owner Fergal Redmond recently launched the new luxury sauna service next to the Arklow RNLI Lifeboat Station, on a site previously occupied by 'Murt's Diner'. On top of a sauna therapy service, which includes heated sauna rooms, fresh towels, a hydration station and access to the 'relaxation lounge', Fire Bath also boasts a premium cold immersion experience for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those looking to boost energy levels, improve circulation, and strengthen their immune system, along with three ice baths with chilling machines. Fire Bath is one of two saunas Arklow native Fergal has established in the seaside town, with the 'Hot Box' at his gym in the Knockenrahan Industrial Estate proving hugely popular. Detailing how his sauna services were inspired by his experiences during the pandemic, when his access to saunas was restricted, Fergal said he hopes to open more locations to promote well-being among Arklow's soon-to-grow population. 'I suppose it all started during Covid, when there was nowhere I could get a sauna – I was desperate for one,' he began. 'I just love it, and I'd do it twice a day, so I ended up buying one for my house. Then I got one for the gym, and that has done really well since it opened. 'The sauna in the gym comes from China, while this new one is built by a Lithuanian company called Steam & Dream Saunas and is a wood-burning one, so there is a different kind of heat off it. I think it's an excellent location for it, and I think it will do well. 'I like to look ahead to what is coming next, and I'd like to put a few saunas around Arklow, but they are pricey, so I have to make sure the location will work,' he added. 'Saunas are really popular at the moment, though, and I know the one up in Wicklow town is doing really well. 'Obviously, there are places like South Beach and The Cove that would be great and that I have looked into, but they are a bit more complicated. 'I'd love to put a few more around the town, though, and I think, with the population of the town about to shoot up, there will be an enormous demand for saunas. The benefits of them are something people are really coming around to.'
Irish Independent
01-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Kerry soccer club set to improve long-term playing facilities for members
Contracts between the club and Tralee-based company PST Sports were recently signed paving the way for a new all-weather pitch at its club grounds. It's taken over three years of hard work and organisation just getting to this point. Such a facility will enable players train and host multiple games throughout the winter months. The overall cost of a state-of-the art Astro pitch is expected to top €500,000. The club applied for Sports Capital Funding and received €100,000 – 50 per cent of what it applied for. Club members have been phenomenal in supporting various fundraising activities and training fees that have helped raise money for the project. The financial balance of the pitch will be paid for through a combination of future loans and fundraising. Given that Tralee Dynamos cater for adults and children including a new academy that accommodates over 100 girls, the club is disappointed not to have received more in the way of grant assistance for its facilities. By the time interest loans are repaid the new all-weather pitch will be 70 per cent member funded. 'It's great news for the club. We're targeting a finish date of the middle of September. There has been a big push over the last few months to try and have it done before the start of next winter,' said club treasurer, Fergal O'Shea. The club plays through the winter and usually by mid-season its two grass pitches are unplayable. This is due to a combination of weather and four or five teams playing on the same surface within days. With the club active mostly at evenings and weekends, an opportunity exists for community organisations to use the facility by day. Tralee Dynamos has a longstanding relationship with Kerry Parents & Friends Association. 'We contacted them and said they can have free access to it during the day. It is a great organisation and this would be an acknowledgment of the work they do. Hopefully, this is a relationship that can be built on with better club house upgrades in the future. This is something we will be actively pursuing,' said Fergal. 'But having an all-weather facility gives us flexibility. We can train every night of the week if we want and have four or five matches on a Saturday without having to consider its impact on the pitch. This is huge for us. "A big call out must go to our members who over the last three years paid their contributions through training fees. This put a lot of trust in us to deliver. A huge thanks to them. It's great for them to be able to see this is finally happening,' he said.
