Latest news with #LeahFarrell
Extra.ie
7 hours ago
- Climate
- Extra.ie
Flying ants invade Ireland as heatwave brings the chaos
Tens of thousands of flying ants are swarming Ireland as the hot weather makes the perfect environment. Although the mating season, known as 'Flying Ant Day', isn't usually until the end of July and early August, thousands of critters have already descended on the nation. While they are unlikely to bite or cause much harm, they can quickly become a nuisance. Thousands of flying ants are swarming Ireland as the hot weather makes the perfect environment. Pic: Getty Images Environmental science expert Aidan O'Hanlon said that we should stay inside when we start to see the ants descending. 'They can seem annoying but ants are ecologically essential. 'They provide aeration in soil through their nesting behaviour and serve as a bonanza food source for birds, spiders, wasps and other insects in the summer when the ants swarm in huge numbers. 'Some ants can sting but most species in Ireland have no functional stinger and are only interested in mating with each other. The ants can become quite clumsy and will land on people but it is nothing to worry about.' As the heatwave kick continues, it provides the perfect humidity for the bugs' mating season. Flying ants are consistently the bane of summer as they always seem to descend on your home or favourite spots at the worst times. Pic: Getty Images Warmer weather also brings with it some danger if you plan on hitting the beach. The man o'war is closely related to jellyfish and can cause a painful sting if contact is made with one of its tentacles – and can even be fatal for some allergy sufferers. The creature used to be a rarity in Irish waters but is becoming more common due to warming waters and south-westerly currents. Beachgoers are asked to be cautious for any that are washed up – they can still sting up to three days later. People making the most of the sunshine at Burrow Beach in Dublin this week. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Dogs Trust has reminded owners to be extra careful with man's best friend – as dogs cannot cool themselves down in the same way as humans. Special care is advised for owners of young puppies, older dogs or those with a bit of extra weight, who are at extra risk of heatstroke. Common signs of heatstroke with our furry friends are uncoordinated movements or collapse, altered or loss of consciousness, loss of vision, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, coma or bleeding. Niamh Curran Kelly, Veterinary and Welfare Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, said: 'If you think your dog may be suffering from heatstroke, please do not delay in contacting a local vet. It is vital you do this as quickly as you can to give your dog the best chance of making a recovery.' Dogs Trust is warning owners to be extra vigilant with their pets in warmer weather as their risk of heat stroke increases. Pic: Fran Veale 'While driving to the vet, drive with the windows down or air conditioning on – this should help to reduce your dog's core temperature,' said Ms Kelly. Ciara Byrne, Head of Communications, at Dogs Trust, recommended that owners bring dogs on their walk in the morning, before the day's peak temperature. She also recommended taking water if you are bringing your dog out. She added: 'If you'll be walking on tarmac, try the 'five-second test'; if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your dog's paws.' The charity also stressed that you should never leave your dog in the car – even if the windows are open and it's parked in the shade. They warn that the temperature can increase by as much as 11°C in ten minutes – just a few minutes in this heat can be fatal for your dog.
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Climate
- Extra.ie
All-time highest temperature recorded in Ireland could be broken this summer
With temperatures expected to hit 27C by the end of the week, speculation is mounting that Ireland could see a record temperature hit before the end of the summer. The forecast for the week ahead shows a gradual rise from the low 20s at the start of the week to potentially surpassing 25 by the weekend. It comes amid scorching temperatures across mainland Europe which had yet to have any impact on Irish temperatures to date. With temperatures expected to hit 27C by the end of the week, speculation is mounting that Ireland could see a a record temperature hit before the end of the summer. Pic: Leah Farrell/ The weather has been unsettled and slightly temperamental, though Met Éireann say there is the 'potential for widespread hot sunny weather' for the weekend. Monday will see spells of sunshine, with temperatures of 14C in the northwest and 23C in the southwest. Tuesday will see a slight blip with clouds, rain and drizzle all forecast, though temperatures are still expected to be between 17 and 22C. Over the weekend, there is a potential for some areas to hit 27C. Pic: Getty Images Wednesday will start off cloudy before turning sunny while Thursday will be dry and sunny, with some scattered showers throughout the day. Over the weekend, there is a potential for some areas to hit 27C. With the possibility of a heatwave on the cards, bookmakers Boyle Sports have slashed odds on the long-standing temperature record to be broken. A breezy Monday but good sunny spells for many and a good week ahead that will get warmer and warmer with Friday and weekend looking warm as temperatures get above 25c. Get the paddling pools ready😎 — Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) July 7, 2025 Odds that the all-time record of 33.3C will be broken before the end of the year are currently at 4/1 having been 12/1 at the start of the year. Spokesperson Lawrence said: 'If the forecasts hold up, we could be in for a real scorcher of a summer and punters are getting all the more hot on the prospect of the all-time record being left in the shade.' Those looking for a summer pay-out are hoping the mercury will go past the record 33.3 clocked at Kilkenny Castle in 1887. Following news that June was the fourth hottest June on record, there are also 6/4 odds that 2025 could be the warmest year in Ireland on record.
Irish Post
06-07-2025
- General
- Irish Post
Funeral of Brother Kevin hears how he was 'fearless, relentless' in pursuit of justice for poor
THE FUNERAL of Brother Kevin Crowley has heard how he was 'fearless [and] relentless' in his pursuit of justice for the poor in Ireland. The Capuchin friar, who founded the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin in 1969, was remembered at his funeral Mass at St Mary of the Angels church in Dublin on Saturday. After more than five decades, the centre he founded has gone from supporting 50 regular visitors to serving more than 1,000 hot breakfasts and dinners each day and was visited by Pope Francis in 2018. Br Kevin passed away in his native Cork earlier this week at the age of 90, having retired from his role with the centre just three years ago. "He was a tireless advocate for those with no voice," Brother Patrick Flynn told those gathered at the church to bid farewell to Br Kevin. People applaud as Br Kevin's funeral cortege passed by (Image: Leah Farrell / The Capuchin friar's funeral took place following a procession that passed the centre he founded, while people lining the streets applauded as the cortege passed. Irish President Michael D. Higgins was in attendance at the funeral, as was recently-elected Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. Taoiseach Micheál Martin was represented by Commandant Joe Glennon. President Michael D. Higgins arriving for the funeral Mass (Image: Leah Farrell / Addressing those gathered, Brother Richard Hendrick welcomed both of Br Kevin's 'families' — his biological relatives as well as the staff and volunteers at the Capuchin Day Centre he founded. "While Br Kevin was the inspiration and the face, as it were, of the work of the centre, without all of you, there would be much less reason for our gathering," he said. "We thank you for all you were to Br Kevin, for all you are to us Capuchin Friars, and for all you do to keep that vision alive of a place of refuge and Franciscan welcome in the heart of the city open to all." He later quipped: "Yesterday, we heard that there would be two minutes of silence — one in Dublin and one in Cork — before the GAA matches take place. "I think it's probably Kevin's greatest, shall we say, achievement that as a Cork man he has finally silenced Dublin!" The hearse carrying the coffin of Br Kevin passes by the Capuchin Day Centre (Image: Leah Farrell / Delivering the homily, Br Patrick said Br Kevin had a simple mission in life — 'feed and house the poor'. "He couldn't understand why in our country, we couldn't solve this problem," he continued. "You see, he was the kind of man who didn't see problems, he only saw challenges." He added: "He was at one with his people, reaching out with his loving, generous, compassionate heart. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin watches as the coffin leaves the church after the funeral Mass (Image: Leah Farrell / "He was our conscience, reminding us of our obligation to support and help our sisters and brothers who are caught in the poverty trap with no way out unless we bend down to lift them up. "He was fearless, relentless in his pursuit of justice for the poor. "I've no doubt that his great spiritual father, St Francis — also known as the Poor Man of Assisi — is embracing him today for the love and compassion he extended to all throughout his religious life for God's poor. "Kevin always had a particular love and affection for the weak and vulnerable people in our country." A woman reaches her hand out to touch the coffin as it leaves the church (Image: Leah Farrell / Br Patrick concluded by sharing his own personal memories of Br Kevin. "I remember him as a brother, a friend for over 60 years," he said. "He wasn't perfect, he could be feisty and challenging when he disagreed with you but what he did have in abundance was a generous and companionate heart and that is what made the man. "Kevin, thank you for your good example you gave us Capuchins and also to the people of Ireland for inspiring us to be kinder, more thoughtful and more generous to our poor sisters and brothers who live among us." Following the service, Br Kevin was laid to rest at Dardistown Cemetery in Dublin. See More: Brother Kevin Crowley, Capuchin Day Centre, Cork, Dublin
Irish Post
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Post
Thousands attend pro-life march in Dublin as organisers warn of 'spiralling' abortion rates
THOUSANDS of people attended a pro-life march in Dublin on Saturday as organisers warned of 'spiralling' abortion rates in Ireland. Around 2,000 people joined the Rally for Life as it made its way from Parnell Square to Custom House Quay. Demonstrators waved flags reading 'Life Will Win' and 'Stop Aborting Our Future' as organisers claimed the failure to offer supports to women and families is leading to increased abortions. Spokeswoman Sandra Parda said that figures released earlier this year show that, to the end of February 2025, more than 50,000 abortions had taken place in Ireland. Demonstrators at the anti abortion Rally for Life at Parnell Square (Image: Leah Farrell / She described the number of abortions since laws were repealed in 2019 as a 'grim and heart-breaking new record'. "We're at a point where abortions rates are soaring and birth rates are collapsing, yet the government is keeping no real data on why this is happening," she said. "These policies — and this wilful indifference — is literally aborting Ireland's future. "The government needs to understand what's driving women towards abortion and how we are failing both mother and child by too-often making abortion the only option." Now in its 19th year, the pro-life rally is organised by Life Institute and Precious Life. See More: Abortion, Dublin, Rally For Life
Extra.ie
24-06-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
No help for households if petrol prices keep soaring
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has downplayed the prospect of new cost-of-living measures in the Budget as fears grow over a spike in petrol prices and inflation as a result of the conflict in Iran. Two supertankers U-turned in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday amid fears Iran could disrupt the global oil trade by closing the passage in response to US strikes. The crisis could send oil prices spiralling depending on which way the situation plays out, a leading economist warned. Crude prices on Monday had jumped more than $10 a barrel to almost $72 since early May – up more than 16% in little over a month. Taoiseach Micheál Martin has downplayed the prospect of new cost-of-living measures in the Budget. Pic: Leah Farrell/ The crisis has already added around 9c to a litre of petrol and 8c to diesel at the pumps, sending petrol prices to almost 180c a litre and diesel to around 174c. Kevin McPartlan, chief executive of Fuels for Ireland (FFI), said fuel prices 'are rising sharply across Ireland, not due to domestic policy decisions, but because of escalating global tensions and energy market volatility'. He said: 'Even before the US launched its latest actions in Iran, wholesale prices had already surged by 9c per litre for petrol, 8c for diesel and 7c for kerosene. Those are wholesale prices, before VAT, excise duty, or any retailer margin is applied.' The Government has already ruled out cost-of-living measures such as energy credits in the October Budget. The Taoiseach on Monday signalled the Government is not minded to change course, despite the situation in the Middle East. Fears are growing over a spike in petrol prices and inflation as a result of the conflict in Iran. Pic: Shutterstock He said: 'We have identified housing, disability and child poverty as key priorities of the Budget, and these are issues that I'm certainly wedded to, but also doing it in a core budgetary manner. 'The challenge with once-off [payments] is it wouldn't be core or long term or sustained. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would be very, very serious globally, although it would damage everybody, including Iran. 'It may not happen because of that very reason that it's mutually destructive to everybody. The crisis could send oil prices spiralling depending on which way the situation plays out, a leading economist warned. Pic: Shutterstock 'That is why we do need to return to the diplomatic table… Because that is the danger with a war of this kind, that it can continue and it can lead to other acts which will ultimately be damaging to humankind.' It was unclear what caused the two empty ships to head south, away from the mouth of the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz is a Gulf pinch point and means tankers must sail close to Iranian waters but the Iranian parliament was reported to have backed a move to close the Strait, threatening around a fifth of all global oil movements. The closure would threaten shipments from Persian Gulf countries, likely further spiking prices. Ireland imports 100% of its fuel and is vulnerable to any movements in oil prices. 'Approximately 20% of the world's oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic choke-point now at risk,' Mr McPartlan said. The crisis has already added around 9c to a litre of petrol and 8c to diesel at the pumps, sending petrol prices to almost 180c a litre and diesel to around 174c. Pic: Shutterstock 'Fuel retailers in Ireland are not setting prices arbitrarily. When fuel prices go up, so does the State's tax take automatically. This underlines the urgent need for a comprehensive review of how fuel for heating and transport is taxed. We are calling on the Minister for Finance to establish a group of experts to undertake this review as a matter of urgency.' Irish Petrol Retailers Association (IPRA) spokesman David Blevings said 'the real fear is an escalation of violence that could see refineries targeted or supply lines hit that would have an impact on global supply lines'. Economist Austin Hughes said: 'We do know which way it's going to go, but we don't know how far it's going to go. 'It's very difficult to see a scenario in which risk profiles don't push energy prices higher into the autumn and winter… Unless it becomes abundantly clear the strike at the weekend was the final act…' As Iran does not have a 'squadron of bombers ready to retaliate' there will probably be 'some sort of terrorist attack or other disruption', he warned. Oil prices jumped more than 4% early yesterday and Dutch and British wholesale gas prices also rose.
