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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Five free events for whole family in Dublin this weekend – including sport tours, food markets & flower festival
LOOKING for something to do with the family this weekend? The 3 Dublin has a range of free events on this weekend Credit: Visit Dublin 3 This includes the Rose Festival in St Anne's Park on Saturday Credit: Alamy Up first, the Rose Festival will take place in St Anne's Park on Saturday and Sunday, celebrating 50 years of the Rose Rose Festival The event runs from 10am to 6pm each day and includes plant stalls, Visitors can try a range of fantastic activities, including axe throwing, climbing walls or exploring their breathtaking Biodiversity Village. Children's entertainment will feature Reuben the Entertainer, the Silly Billies soft play area and the DCC Library Bus. READ MORE IN TRAVEL And admission to the event is completely free. Up next, the Temple Bar Temple Bar Food Market Located in Meeting House Square, the event will be on from 9:30am to 3:30pm on Saturday with stalls offering fresh produce and artisan products. Visitors can try delicious cheeses, breads, cured meats, street food, coffee and sweet treats. Most read in News Travel The market makes the perfect day out for the entire Pirates of Parliament Street will also run this Saturday and Sunday, transforming the street into a themed pirate attraction. Inside Irish Olympic medallist's hiking trip to iconic US landmark - complete with 'perfect views' Pirates of Parliament Street The day is packed with activities and includes pirate actors, a DJ, face painting, balloon modelling and a craft station. Interactive games and photo opportunities will also be available for visitors throughout the day. Admission is free, with no booking required. What's more, the National Museum of Ireland will host guided tours exploring the history of History of Sport in Ireland Tour Tours begin at 2pm at Collins Barracks Reception and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Exhibits include early hurling balls, vintage camogie dresses and Irish artefacts related to football, rugby and cricket. The tour highlights the role of sport in Irish society over several centuries and admission is completely free. And lastly, Style in the City Events run from 1pm to 5pm and alternate between locations on Henry Street and Grafton Street. Part of Dublin City Council's initiative to support local Attendance is free, and further dates continue into August. 3 Style in the city will also return this Saturday Credit: Style in the city
The 42
6 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
'He's got a great affinity to these players': Keegan double-jobbing with Lions rugby and Cork hurlers
THE CORK HURLERS will continue to tap into the expertise of Gary Keegan this week, despite the performance coach being based in Australia with the Lions ahead of next weekend's first Test. Keegan is part of Andy Farrell's coaching staff for the tour with the LIons set to face Australia next Saturday in Brisbane. On Sunday, Cork face Tipperary in the All-Ireland senior hurling final and despite Keegan being on the other side of the world, he remains a vital part of their setup as they ramp up their preparations. The highly-rated performance coach has previously been involved in GAA with the Dublin footballers and Tipperary hurlers, while he also built up a strong reputation for this work with the Irish Olympic boxing setup. And Cork boss Pat Ryan has heaped praise on Keegan for his contribution. 'Look Gary's been really involved, he does a lot of one to ones with our players. He's been unbelievable for us over the last couple of years. 'It was Kieran (Kingston) first got him involved, and then he kind of was away for a year and he came back again with Kieran. I met Gary in 2023, I'd worked with him in 2017 and he's got a great affinity for these group of players. 'He was adamant he wanted to stay involved. Obviously his work schedule had got busier, but he was adamant that he could do it. He's probably down to us maybe five or six times a year, he does an awful lot of one to ones with the lads, does one to ones with myself. We do an awful lot of Zoom calls actually, more of a collective zoom together. Advertisement 'He's done one or two of them since he's been away in Australia with the lads, and he'll do one or two more before the All-Ireland, and in fairness to him, he, he makes the effort. Gary Keegan and Ryan Bailey at the Lions game against the Waratahs. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO 'Like he was up at half three the last day after one of the matches, he's got really keen, he's got a great affinity to these players, and as good as a fella that you could meet.' Ryan explained what Keegan has done in shaping his role as Cork manager. 'Sometimes it's realising that you are the top man and that you are the front man. Sometimes you realise that you need to be more front and centre and you need to be more engaged. I was probably managing instead of leading. 'Gary would speak an awful lot of that with me, that you need to lead maybe a bit more, instead of maybe managing the situations a bit more. It's not taking over or anything like that. It's just that you're giving the direction clearer to people, what we want to do and the standards and the expectations of everybody is clearer and then fellas just go and do their jobs, whatever their role is within our group. Cork manager Pat Ryan. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO 'I think the fact that we did perform really really well in 2024, the players believed in us as a management team more. And when the players are believing in you as a management team and understand that you're doing the right things and that you can get them to where they want to get to, what their dreams and what their expectations are, that gave us a bigger footing again in 2025 to go on and expand our game plan and expand the way we wanted to do things. 'Then we set up a leadership group and that has worked really well this year. The lads that have come into it have been brilliant. From 2023 to 2024 it was better, to 2025 it's even better. We're much more player-led in what we're doing, how we play, how we analyse matches, how we come back at it. 'We've a fantastic analysis and video group led by Tomás Manning. We've dialled it down a bit as well. The 20-minute video sessions are gone. It's five, six, seven minutes regularly, just to get fellas tuned in. It's working at the moment, it's going well, but the proof is in the pudding on Sunday week.' Separately Ryan has expressed his frustration with the inability of managers to communicate messages to players on the pitch during games. The Cork hurlers at the All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO 'It's impossible. To be honest it's the biggest bugbear I have. You're putting in the best time you can, you want to make changes, and you just can't. I was shouting at Mark Coleman from 10 yards away from me (in the Dublin game). It was only a simple thing just to push up on a puckout and he just couldn't hear me. 'It's crazy that we're the only sport that you don't do it in. Maybe it was too far before, the cult of the maor foirne running onto the field all over the place, but I think there should be a situation where you have something in place, some sort of mechanism where you can give instructions maybe two or three times a half, maybe in a game where you have a runner or something. 'There's better fellas outside there than me come up with those ideas, but it's absolutely crazy that coaches can't adjust on that situation on that day. I'd say we're definitely the only sport that that have it, so I think it's amazing.' *****
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Shamed coach George Gibney in wheelchair for court extradition case to agree Ireland return over 79 sex abuse charges
FORMER Irish Olympic swimming coach George Gibney appeared before an American court in a wheelchair today where he agreed to be extradited back to Ireland to face historical sexual abuse charges. Advertisement But Judge Irick said 'things have changed' and confirmed he had accepted Mr Gibney's signed affidavit which had been lodged overnight. The judge went through each line of the document with Mr Gibney, who was wheeled into After confirming under oath his name, Mr Gibney responded: "Yes", when asked by the judge: 'Do you admit you are the individual whom charges are pending against?' Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS He also told Judge Irick that he did not have any His When asked by the judge if he understood that he could challenge the request to have him extradited and face the charges, Gibney replied: 'Oh, I will.' His attorney clarified to her client that while he could challenge the case against him in Ireland, he could not do so in the US, to which Gibney confirmed that he understood. Advertisement Most read in Irish News On Thursday night, Mr In the affidavit he asked the court 'to expedite my return, in custody, to Ireland'. WAIVER OF RIGHTS The document reads: 'I admit that I am the individual against whom charges are pending in Ireland and for whom process is outstanding there. 'I fully understand that in the absence of a waiver of my rights, I cannot be compelled to return to Ireland unless and until a court in the United States issues a ruling certifying my extradition and the Secretary of State of the United States issues a warrant of surrender.' Advertisement Mr Gibney went on to state that he has reviewed the complaint against him and that he fully understands his right to a hearing 'at which my counsel and I could challenge the extradition request presented by the Government of Ireland'. 'WAIVE MY RIGHTS' But added: 'I hereby waive my rights under the extradition treaty and the applicable sections of Title 18 of the United States Code, and agree to be transported in custody, as soon as possible, to Ireland, and to remain in custody of the United States Marshal pending the arrival of duly authorised representatives from Ireland.' Once details of his flights and his court appearance in Ireland have been arranged, he will be brought back to Ireland by the Two officers from the unit will travel to the US to bring him back to the Advertisement Before moving to America in 1995, Gibney was charged with 27 He took a 1 George Gibney faces 78 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against four girls Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The 42
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Irish performance coach Gary Keegan joins Farrell's Lions
IRELAND PERFORMANCE COACH Gary Keegan has joined Andy Farrell's coaching staff for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia. Keegan has been an influential figure in the Ireland set-up in recent years, working with the Irish players on their mental skills and combining with Farrell to set the tone among the squad for each campaign. Keegan – who made his name in Irish Olympic boxing and with the Dublin football team – began working with Ireland part-time in 2020 and joined Farrell's staff permanently in 2022. Ireland's players have raved about his influence on the group, while Keegan has become a trusted right-hand man for Farrell. As such, it is no surprise that Farrell has brought Keegan into the Lions set-up for the upcoming tour to Australia. Keegan will be the Lions' performance coach, carrying out the same role as he does with Ireland. Advertisement Keegan is one of many Irish staff joining Farrell for the trip Down Under. Four of Farrell's Ireland assistant coaches – Simon Easterby, John Fogarty, Johnny Sexton, and Andrew Goodman – are going on the Lions tour, while a group of Irish backroom staff are also travelling. Vinny Hammond, Ireland's head of innovation and analytics, is the Lions' head of analysis for this tour, while head of athletic performance Aled Walters is also travelling with the Lions. Former IRFU performance director David Nucifora is the general manager of performance for the tourists. Farrell's Lions have also brought in Irish medical, communications, and logistics staff for the tour to Australia, while Andy Farrell's playing squad includes 16 Irish players. Paul O'Connell is the only Ireland assistant coach remaining with the national team squad for their tour to Georgia and Portugal.
The Irish Sun
13-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
The best six days out for the whole family for UNDER a tenner – plus our guide for where kids eat for FREE
AS the summer holidays get underway, many people will be on the lookout for out-of-the-ordinary activities to do with the kids. With the 7 There are plenty of unique outdoor activities you can do in Ireland this summer Credit: Social Media Collect 7 And they will set you back only a tenner or less Credit: Social Media Collect 7 One of them is completely free Credit: Getty Images But in Ireland, there are a range of activities that are either free or cost less than €10 - opening up the possibilities for the And to top it off, there are a number of Milano and Saba offer free kids In Eddie Rockets, On Wednesdays, IKEA Family members can get a free kid's meal with every adult meal purchased. And here are a few unique days out in Ireland that leave you bankrupt over the next few weeks. First up is a guided cave tour in the Cuilcagh Mountains. Guided cave tour Located in The guided tour takes visitors through winding passages, underground rivers and vast cave networks that showcases stunning stalactites and crystal-clear pools. Each tour lasts an hour and 15 minutes and covers over one kilometre of the cave system - and it's accessible to most ages and Visitors are provided with helmets and headlamps and experienced guides lead the group while sharing insights into the geology and history of the caves. The Marble Arch Caves are open daily from spring throughout the summer with tours running every hour though you should always book ahead. And although an adult ticket cost £16, a family ticket, which includes two adults and two Alongside the caves, the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark offers walking trails and outdoor activities for those wanting to explore more of the area. But it should be noted that there are 154 steps to enter and exit the caves, so it's important to wear proper shoes. Velorail experience Up next is railbiking in This outdoor activity is suitable for individuals, families and groups seeking a unique way to explore the area - and it's less than 30 minutes from Castlebar. Inside Irish Olympic medallist's hiking trip to iconic US landmark - complete with 'perfect views' Spanning 9 kilometres, there are three types of railbikes available - two seater railbikes, four seater Before setting off, participants are securely fastened with seatbelts and receive a safety briefing from trained staff. Each session is one hour and 15 minutes and riders are asked to arrive 30 minutes before departure to ensure they are fully prepared. The cost is €40 per railbike, regardless of the number of passengers - making it only €10 per person for a group of four. Along the way, participants can enjoy uninterrupted views, spot native wildlife and experience a peaceful car-free environment. For more information or to book your railbike adventure, visit the official website: And it doesn't matter if your ticket is booked for a rainy day, as according to one review it can be enjoyed in any conditions. One visitor wrote: "Weather was not great but that doesn't matter as the Velo rail has a top which protects you and the shop has rain ponchos to purchase." Hiking the stairway to heaven Or, you can hike the stairway to heaven at the Mourne Mountains, Co Down. The trail begins at the Kilkeel car park and follows well-marked paths ascending steeply towards the summits of Slieve Commedagh and Slieve Donard. At approximately 7.5 kilometres in length with 450 steps, the hike typically takes three to four hours to complete - depending on your fitness level. Hikers encounter a variety of terrain including rocky steps, narrow ridges and open moorlands. The route finishes at the summit of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland's highest peak where views stretch across the Mourne Mountains and even as far as And there is no entry fee to access the trails. The Stairway to Heaven hike is open year-round, and is hugely popular with outdoor enthusiasts seeking a unique adventure. But visitors should always pack some water and food - and could even enjoy a picnic with the stunning views. One visitor wrote: "MAKE SURE YOU BRING WATER AND SOME CARBS!! "On our way down so many people were walking up and I heard on multiple occasions of people not have water with them. Don't be that group who goes unprepared. "The carbs are to keep you going on the route." Wells House & Gardens, Wexford This 17th Century Victorian Manor House has a history dating back to the Cromwell days. The Tickets to enter the A And even better, kids under two can enter for free. You can take two Woodland Walks, where you can see dragons, fairies and trolls, or spend time in the Adventure playground. Visitors can head to the animal farm, enjoy the stunning view from the terraced gardens or see the arboretum. Included in the ticket is: No time limits Tranquil Gardens & Arboretum Lady Frances Fairy & Gruffalo Walk Mogue's Enchanted Woodland Walk (new) Playground Animal Farm (new additions) Free Parking Toilets & Baby changing facilities Free Wifi Access to Ireland's no.1 Tourist attraction 2019 Explore acres of enchanting woodlands & gardens Picnic areas And to drive from Visitors have left many reviews speaking about the beauty of the site - and one in particular spoke about the attention to details on the trails. They wrote: "I visited Wells House yesterday with my daughter and granddaughter. We had the most amazing time, the grounds and walks were amazing. "I cannot believe the level of detail along the walks - my granddaughter was absolutely delighted every step of the way. And we racked up a lot of steps!!! "The formal gardens are beautiful and the walled garden a delight." Kildare Maze This is a great idea for families who want a bit of adventure - and admission is very reasonable. It is Leinster's largest hedge maze, and is located just outside Prosperous in the North It offers a challenging and exciting day out for the family at an affordable price. Here, you can enjoy the Hedge Maze, the Wooden Maze, Crazy Golf, an Obstacle Course, a Picnic Area and a Zip Wire. Tickets for adults cost €9, while children and students can enter for €7. Admission includes all activities and there are two time slots to choose from. There is 1.5 acres of hedge-lined paths, which after 2km leads to the viewing tower at the centre of the maze. The viewing tower offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the stunning maze. The patron saint of Kildare is St Brigid, which is the inspiration for the design of the maze. The cross is located within the four quadrants, and the centre of the cross is the centre of the maze. Many visitors praised the price of the entry to the maze, and one noted that the time to solve it can vary. The review reads: "Started with the main maze. Managed to solve it in 10 minutes with my son. "My daughters did it in 20 minutes (with some help from us in the viewing tower!). Took other groups up to an hour though! Onto the next (wooden) maze. "Proved tougher to find all 8 clues than the main maze for us! And there is a zipwire (we loved) and sandpit (mine are a bit old for this). "And then there was still Crazy/ Mini the value was fantastic! "The whole afternoon cost less than the takeaway food (in the local town) afterwards." Nore Valley Park This park is the ultimate day out for families, with loads to offer. It is located in a serene valley overlooking the River Nore in It has been in operation since 1989, when the owners transferred their beef and tillage farm into a campsite and open farm. This 60-acre open farm has 120 camping pitches, offering adventure play areas, hands-on farm experiences and seasonal events. You can bottle-feed baby goats, enjoy scenic tractor rides along the river and camp under the stars. Or, head go-karting or hop on a trailer ride, before playing crazy golf or giant chess. There is also a 3km river walk and nature trail to spend time in nature. Tickets for the pet farm start from €11 and there are plenty of different seasonal events on offer. Reviews on Tripadvisor are full of parents recommending a visit, both due to the price of tickets and the care taken with the animals. One person wrote: "This is a wonderful site for families with young children. "They have an extensive pet farm with the most well cared for and tame animals I've ever come across. "They also have a large sand pit with excavators that kept our two kids amused for an extended period! "The site itself has the most beautiful views onto a valley with beautiful mature trees. Tents and caravans are all pitched together which is lovely and rare to find these days. "The playground is impressive and a security man arrives at 10pm to send the kiddies home to bed." 7 The Kildare Maze is a great day out for families Credit: The Kildare Maze 7 Wells House & Gardens is great to step back into history Credit: Wells House & Gardens 7 Nore Valley Park overlooks the River Nore in Kilkenny Credit: Nore Valley Park 7 Several restaurants offer free meals to kids Credit: Getty Images - Getty
