Latest news with #Irish
The Hindu
an hour ago
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Dunne makes sensational practice debut, emerges fourth quickest
Alex Dunne stepped into the cockpit of Lando Norris' McLaren as an up-and-coming driver without Formula 1 experience. He left it with proof he can keep up with the very best in F1. The 19-year-old driver from Ireland took over Norris' car for the first practice Friday (June 27, 2025) ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix and was soon close to matching the pace of championship leader Oscar Piastri in the other McLaren. 'I want to say a massive thank you. A little boy's dream came true,' Dunne told the McLaren team over the radio. 'This is definitely the best day of my life, so thank you everyone for letting me do this. And thanks to Lando as well for trusting me with his car.' Dunne set the fourth-fastest time of anyone in the session, 0.224 of a second off George Russell's quickest lap, and was especially quick in the Austrian track's fastest corners. Dunne was .159 off the pace of defending champion Max Verstappen, .069 off Piastri, and .333 quicker than seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton. The 19-year-old Dunne has risen fast through the junior series and is the standings leader in Formula 2. He's also done private testing in a 2023-specification McLaren and used the team's simulator. Dunne became the first Irish driver to take part in a Grand Prix weekend for 22 years, since Ralph Firman raced one season for Jordan in 2003. F1 teams are required to give young drivers an opportunity in four Friday (June 27, 2025) practice sessions per year, but they usually need more time to adapt than Dunne did. Another F2 driver was behind the wheel Friday (June 27, 2025) as Ferrari handed Charles Leclerc's car to Sweden's Dino Beganovic, who placed 18th.
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Letters to the Editor: Ireland does not need a president
As the country faces another costly presidential election, one wonders if we need a president and can we afford to sustain what is largely a ceremonial office. For me, the answer is an emphatic no. The Constitution expressly vests executive authority in the democratically-elected government. The non-executive presidency is weighed down by protocols and formalities which are irrelevant in a modern republic grappling with very serious housing, health, criminal, and international issues. The president holds office for an inordinately long seven years, and can be elected for a second term. Unlike a general or local election, it's almost impossible for an ordinary Irish citizen to contest this election, as a nomination requires the support of at least 20 members of the Oireachtas or at least four local authorities. In addition to expense-free living in the opulent, 92-room Áras an Uachtaráin, the president is entitled to an annual salary of €332,070, nearly seven times the average working salary of €47,967. Presidential staff and ceremonial functions, at home and abroad, cost the taxpayer at least €5m per annum. Some very fine people, including the present incumbent, have held the office but, in my opinion, the position is now unsustainable and the money spent in electing and maintaining a president of Ireland, a nominal and virtually powerless figurehead, is urgently needed elsewhere. Billy Ryle, Tralee, Co Kerry Ban will just move smoking problem elsewhere It was with surprise that l learned of the suggestion by Cork county councillors to prohibit smoking and vaping in local authority amenity areas. 'The response of the local authority has been to ignore the enforcement of its own litter bylaws or general waste-management legislation.' Stock picture: Nicholas T Ansell/PA The proposed rule will at best simply move the problem elsewhere or, as I believe to be the case from experience, lead to another bylaw going on the statute book of the local authority that will not be enforced. As one who for many years has regularly gone on litter patrol, I can confirm that over 60% of all items dropped on our streets are cigarette or vaping related, yet the response of the local authority has been to ignore the enforcement of its own litter bylaws or general waste-management legislation. My appeals over the years for the provision of cigarette receptacles outside all local authority and State agency buildings falling on deaf ears, this is apart from my advocacy of local authorities rolling out a pilot scheme where, on request, cigarette receptacles would be provided to ratepayers. Until the mindset of the local authority changes in relation to litter and waste management enforcement, no amount of new legislation will have the desired effect Tadhg O'Donovan, Fermoy, Cork What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here Mayo County GAA Board should apologise The choice of language used by the Mayo County GAA Board in sacking its management team was disgusting. Exactly what might be expected of the owners of a an English Premier League club when sacking a manager; and indeed, even then not always so. Gaelic Football is an amateur sport. An amateur sport that is now garnished with the worst aspects of corporate professionalism and elitism. Major fixtures behind pay walls. Highly paid officials. Corporate boxes. Exorbitant ticket prices. All totally based on the efforts of unpaid amateur players. Jarlath Burns needs to have a chat with his full-time permanent officials. Pundits speak of managers losing the dressing room. If GAA HQ is not careful, it may well lose a lot more than that. Mayo is a proud GAA county. An apology should come from HQ. And an assurance that county management teams will be treated with respect in future. After an opening phrase that a manager 'has been relieved of his duties with immediate effect' undermines whatever weasel words may follow. Larry Dunne, Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford Profit of doom I notice that crude oil prices fell 7% on the open market, as reported recently in the Irish Examiner, in the wake of war breaking out between Israel and Iran. I also noticed that petrol and diesel prices went up at the forecourt pumps by almost the same amount at the same time. Let it not be said there's no opportunistic money to be made during a war. Nick Folley, Carrigaline, Cork What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here Progress on speech and language therapy After reading the article 'Speech and language, occupational therapies to start in 45 special schools in September' (Irish Examiner, June 19), I screamed out loud, 'Hallelujah!'. It is about time! For the last several years I have been reading disturbing articles on the websites of various Irish newspapers telling of the long waiting lists for children to receive speech and language therapy. I applaud the Department of Education for finally addressing the issue and moving in the right direction. Stammering is one of the primary speech issues that affects children. Parents should know that there are great resources available on the websites of the Irish Stammering Association and Stamma (formerly the British Stammering Association). Also, the website of the Stuttering Foundation provides many free resources, such as e-books and streaming videos. Colm Ruane, Bronx, New York Putting words on the plight of Palestinians A lot of investment and effort is put into the production of TV shows and pop videos but I believe very little talent and imagination is being put into conveying the present extremely serious plight of the people of Gaza. A video should be produced which plays the voices of actors speaking repeatedly and with feeling some of the moving lines from Shakespeare to the background of the horrific scenes of destruction and death which are being broadcast daily from Gaza. Along with episodes of silence, the already recorded heartbreaking words and cries of the Gazan people themselves should also be included in this new video in an attempt to convey just a fraction of the pain and sorrow of their tragic situation. Some such appropriate lines from Shakespeare which could be included in this video might be 'drown the stage with tears' and 'there's matter in these sighs, in these profound heaves'. Also 'they are cruel tears' along with 'if you prick us, do we not bleed?' and on and on. Perhaps a few newly-written and appropriately matching lines could also be spoken to describe the plight of the people in Gaza. Sean O'Brien, Kilrush, Co Clare What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here Affordable homes are key to preventing crime I commend the Irish Examiner in doing a three-day series on crime in Cork. This investigation found that almost a quarter of the jail sentences handed down in Cork over the past five years were to homeless people. Theft, assault, public order, or drug offences were the most mentioned, with men accounting for 87% of all the jail terms. As a Cork man, it breaks my heart to learn of these statistics. As a clinician, I have found that people who live on the streets often face a cruel choice — living rough in the cold or spending time behind bars. Sadly, we see that the numbers trapped in sleeping rough have again risen. This is why more social homes are desperately needed. It's hard to quantify the extent to which homelessness has contributed to chronic and mental poor health. There is no question in my mind that homelessness and poor mental health are inextricably linked. Homelessness is harmful, as pretty much everyone instinctively knows. It's my contention that charities on their own cannot solve this imbroglio. This is why it's incumbent on the Government to put pressure on developers and landlords. Homeless people sometimes have other problems too, but what the vast preponderance of these poor souls need more than anything else is an affordable house to live in. I find the following words which were once uttered by the late Mother Teresa to be apposite to the above: 'We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our homes to remedy this poverty.' John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Read More Irish Examiner view: Ireland needs immigrants to help address our labour shortage
Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Ireland star CJ Fulton to play for Minnesota Timberwolves in NBA Summer League
The Belfast man may have missed out in the NBA draft on Wednesday, but he gets a chance to showcase his skills at the preseason tournament that brings together all 30 franchises for 11 days in Las Vegas. Teams typically use the annual competition as an opportunity to try out new players and youngsters who were not selected in the draft. Though the 22-year-old wasn't selected by the Timberwolves with their 17th or 45th picks, Fulton evidently made an impression on the side after being invited to their pre-draft camp earlier this month. Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly had referred to Fulton in an interview earlier this week, saying they had intended 'to get the Irish kid' for the Summer League. The point guard's place in the tournament was confirmed by a social media post from the College of Charleston, where Fulton has just completed his senior year of third-level basketball in South Carolina. The Timberwolves, who lost out in the western conference finals this past season, begin their Summer League against New Orleans Pelicans on July 10. Fulton hopes to follow in the footsteps of Pat Burke and Susan Moran who were the first Irish-born players to play at the highest level in the United States.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
‘My favourite' cry fans as popular business with Dublin store to close as owner says ‘thank you from bottom of my heart'
A POPULAR shop in Ireland's capital has announced it's shock closure - and shoppers have been left devastated. Happy Days Style, with an online store and Dublin shop, revealed the popular shop will Advertisement 3 Happy Days Style is set to close in days Credit: Google Maps 3 The owner shared the news on Instagram Credit: HAPPY DAYS STYLE/INSTAGRAM Located at 4 The Mart House in Leopardstown, Happy Days was a popular spot to rent dresses. Rachel Hennessy Sheanon, owner of the popular business, announced the shock news on Taking to In a statement, she wrote: "After almost four incredible years in Advertisement READ MORE IN CLOSURES "This decision wasn't made lightly, but, sadly, having things going on in your personal life and trying to run and grow a start up business just don't mix well, and at some point something's got to give." Speaking about her aim behind founding the business, Rachel explained: "I founded Happy Days with the mission to make "I am so proud to say we've made a real impact - shifting customer habits, breaking fashion norms and building a Paying tribute to her team, she added: "The wonderful Kate has been with me for the majority of this journey, and I would not have gotten this far without her. Advertisement Most read in Money "She treated this business as if it was her own, and went above and beyond for our customers which, if you read our reviews, is truly evident. Thank you Kate for all of your support." The company has seen a large amount of success since it's foundation, with many opting to rent out a dress instead of Rachel explained: "Over the last few years, we've served thousands of amazing customers, won multiple awards, hosted so many fun events and made incredible relationships. "We have been part of a movement created around renting, not buying and we're truly honoured to have been part of your most memorable moments. Advertisement "Thank you from the bottom of my heart." SUSTAINABILITY Speaking about the rise in sustainable "I would love to continue to see Happy Days continue to be a part of that journey so if anyone is considering getting involved in the rental market let's chat." Rachel revealed that the store will close on July 11, but the website will remain open until August 31. Advertisement She continued: "We hope you will support us and rent one last time before we say goodbye. "In the meantime, you will still find me promoting pre-loved, sustainable and Irish fashion... Here's to new beginnings and lots more happy days ahead. With love, Rachel." PODCAST The entrepreneur launched the Happy Days But fans were heartbroken with the reveal, as many shared their devastation in the comments. Advertisement One person said: "You've done an amazing job Rachel and should be very proud of the impact you have made! "And everything you have achieved over the last four years! Sending love." Another commenter wrote: "I'm so sorry to read this Rachel! What an incredible business and community you have built… "You are a core part of developing the fashion rental conversation in Ireland, and should be so proud of that! Advertisement "You were always willing to help and advise me on my own journey, I'll always be grateful to you for being so kind, especially in the early days! "Congratulations to all you have built, and best of luck in your next chapter." Someone else said: "So sorry to hear this, have rented for events over the last few years and loved the vibe in the shop when trying the dresses on and the whole idea of renting "Wishing you the best for the future." Advertisement Another commented: "You built something truly special in Happy Days, excited to see what is next for you Rachel! "You are power house and we're sure whatever you do it will be even more amazing." 3 Fans were devastated to hear of the stores closure Credit: Getty Images - Getty
Irish Examiner
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Dua Lipa review: Pop superstar delights Aviva, Dublin with moving tribute to Sinéad O'Connor
We are firmly in the era of strong women dominating pop as female alpha Dua Lipa further proved on Friday night in Dublin. Almost a year to the day since Taylor Swift brought her juggernaut billion-dollar Eras Tour to Ireland, Lipa brought her own flavour of girl pop back to the same venue, with breakout artist Alessi Rose and Disney Channel star-turned-singer Dove Cameron warming up the crowd before the main event began at 8.40pm. The latest stop on the Radical Optimism tour, and her last European date, saw the English and Albanian singer thrill a predominantly young audience, belting out hit after hit to devoted fans. Filling the stands and standing together were groups of girlfriends, mothers and daughters, sisters and sisterhoods — with a few sprinkling of boys and men throughout too for good measure. Gig was like a homecoming The streets around the Aviva felt like a homecoming, a continuation of last year's epic experience of girlhood on the same weekend for gig-goers. Pubs overflowed with pals toasting their drinks, friends shared takeaways pizzas, and sequins sparkled in the sun as fans found their way to their seats. If you think you don't know a Dua Lipa song, you're wrong. Opening with Training Season, upping the ante with One Kiss and Physical, and bring it back to the Barbie movie with Dance The Night before wrapping up on Houdini, the global superstar's catalogue of hits is as impressive as her showmanship. She arrived through a mist of smoke wearing a sparkly bodysuit with matching heeled boots and threw herself into each piece of slick choreography, never missing a beat. 'This is unreal. Dublin, you ready to go to the moon?' she asked to deafening cheers. She posed for selfies with fans at the barricade, asking their names, celebrating birthdays, and sharing hugs. One tearful fan told her he saw her Future Nostalgia tour in Dublin and it inspired him to become a dancer. Local flavour on each tour date The usual setlist features a surprise song section. Traditionally Lipa uses this slot to pay tribute to each city she plays in ( 360 by — and with — Charli XCX was her nod to London, for example, while fans in Liverpool enjoyed covers of Hey Jude by The Beatles and Valerie by The Zutons). The question on everybody's lips en route to the show was all about this section, if there would be a surprise guest, and who it could be. Having brought Charli XCX and Jamiroquai out on stage for her Wembley gigs, rumours were swirling ahead of her Dublin appearance. Dermot Kennedy? Niall Horan? Jedward? As it happened, it was better than we expected. She performed a tribute to iconic Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor, who she described as an Irish legend. A touching rendition of the late star's anthem Nothing Compares 2 U was a poignant moment in the night as torchlights illuminated the night, a perfect touch for her Dublin date. 'Every night on this tour I sing a different song by a local artist,' she told the crowd. Tonight I am honoured to perform a song by a late Irish legend, Sinéad O'Connor. If you know the words, please sing along. And sing they did, in memory of a local legend lost too soon. • Lana Del Ray plays the Aviva Stadium on Monday night, continuing a trend of strong female headliners that other venues could learn from. Pop is popping off and we want more opportunities to dance the night away.
