Latest news with #O'Flynn
The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘We're lucky to have her' – RTE star pays heartfelt tribute to Katie Taylor as pair share embrace in New York
RTE Sport presenter Paul O'Flynn said "We're lucky to have her" while hailing Katie Taylor as a wonderful ambassador for Ireland. The pair shared an embrace after The Bray Bomber Advertisement 3 O'Flynn is a familiar face from RTE News broadcasts over the years Credit: @OFlynnPaul 3 One judge had it 95-95 while the other two scored it 97-93 Credit: Sportsfile 3 Her mother Bridget and siblings were ringside to cheer her on Credit: Sportsfile O'Flynn had been dispatched to And upon the completion of the one-sided trilogy, he snagged a photo with the jubilant 39-year-old as he hailed her as a fighter and person. He praised: "A fresh Katie Taylor in NY this am! Whatever comes next, I've been honoured to follow her career for RTE Sport. "From Bray to Barbados, China, the Olympics and an epic Serrano trilogy. A champion, amazing ambassador for our country & a lovely person. We're lucky to have her." Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport Taylor and Serrano topped an all-female billing at a sold-out Madison Square Garden. If their first two fights were white-knuckle brawls that had fans on their feet, the third was a more strategic affair. Both And promoter The Matchroom Boxing head honcho added: "It is a non negotiable, mate. On so many different levels. Advertisement Most read in Boxing "The way she carries herself, the role model she is to young people, the way she fights, the way she trains, the barriers she has broken down. "Just a complete legend. I'm proud of her, you should be proud of her, the whole of Ireland." Jake Paul brutally shuts down reporter over proposals for groundbreaking change to boxing Speaking after her hand was raised, Taylor offered the Hearn, however, suggested that Ireland's favourite daughter is fresh as a daisy and has plenty left in the tank. Advertisement He said: "if it was really tough tonight, does the conversation come where you say: is it time? "She is fresh as a daisy. She can do another 30 rounds. Normally, she is out on her feet. "When she boxes like that, I know it might not be as enjoyable but if you know anything about boxing, that is an absolute masterclass." IN HER OWN WORDS Katie herself added: "I thought I was boxing very very smart, very well. She wasn't catching me with much tonight. Advertisement "It is always a very, very close contest between myself and Amanda. Sometimes it is hard to tell from each round but I just thank God that my hand was raised and I am 3-0. "I was coming in here planning to fight disciplined and smart. I was planning on doing it the other two times but it didn't work out like that! "Thankfully I was able to execute the game plan really well. I have a huge amount of respect for Amanda Serrano. What a warrior! Thank you so much."
Extra.ie
07-07-2025
- Business
- Extra.ie
Irish distilleries are running dry as Trump's trade war hits exports
Irish distilleries are running dry as Donald Trump's trade war hits exports, stakeholders have warned. Dennis O'Flynn, director of Clonakilty Distillery and vicechair of the Irish Whiskey Association, yesterday warned that 90% of distilling capacity is now on hold. The EU and US are yet to reach a trade agreement ahead of Wednesday's deadline, and as a result, most whiskey distilleries in Ireland have had to halt production. Irish whiskey is a billion-dollar industry, but the US represents more than 50% of its export market. Denis O'Flynn of Clonakilty Distillery. Pic: Supplied The White House introduced tariffs of 10% in April, and President Trump has threatened rates of between 20 and 50% should a trade agreement not be reached this week. Cabinet members have warned the 10% baseline may remain even if a deal is made. Mr O'Flynn said that even this scenario would pose an unacceptable risk to the sector in Ireland. He added: 'We can't have a concept of 10% as a new norm; it's not a new norm, it is hurting and already affecting the industry'. Pic: Shutterstock Mr O'Flynn explained that when selling a bottle of whiskey to the US, a 10% tariff brings the price of a $30 bottle to $35, but a 20% tariff could raise it to $40. He has called on the Government to ensure the Irish whiskey industry is exempt from US tariffs. He said that if the purpose of tariffs is to bring jobs back to America, 'the only effect of tariffs on Irish whiskey is punitive'. Mr O'Flynn pointed out that by law, Irish whiskey must be produced in Ireland, the same way American bourbon must be produced in America. He told RTÉ's This Week yesterday: 'It's not like we can move over to the US, we can't by law.' Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said the Government hopes 'to get carve-outs for certain sectors that are strategically important for Europe and indeed the Irish economy, that we could have zero for zero in certain areas or at least most favoured nation status'. Mr Burke did admit, however, that as it stands, the Government was 'still very much in the dark on what way the framework will land'. The Fine Gael TD said the best-case scenario in the EU-US trade talks is that by tomorrow evening, the Government will have 'at minimum' a framework that would 'deliver a pathway for further negotiations'. Mr O'Flynn also stated that there were concerns around employment, saying: 'You will absolutely have direct effects.' The broader drinks industry employs over 10,000 people in Ireland. Mr O'Flynn went on to say that for the future, 'clearly we've got to look outside of the US'.
Irish Independent
18-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Cork residents concerned about proposals to establish tolls along the Blarney to Mallow stretch of the M20
The issue was highlighted in the Dáil by Cork politician Ken O'Flynn on Tuesday, June 17. Deputy O'Flynn said M20 tolls must be removed from Blarney to Mallow as they are likely to generate a significant impact on members of local communities who will have no other choice but to use the road for work on a daily or regular basis. The Independent Ireland TD for Cork North Central reiterated that many locals living in the north Cork and surrounding areas are fearful of being penalised once the new toll system becomes operational. Mr O'Flynn said: 'This project was supposed to be about the promise of finally delivering on critical infrastructure for the region, but it is rapidly turning from promise to punishment for many local people who will have no other option but to submit to daily toll fees because the lack of any other meaningful transport options.' Deputy O'Flynn wants assurances that this welcome project will not become a financial milestone around the neck of north Cork locals, particularly those living between Blarney and Mallow. 'The Taoiseach has now accepted after I pressed him on the issue, that locals will effectively face a significant impact if nothing changes and if the proposal to proceed with the tolls goes ahead as planned. 'It is vital that a revised model of tolling for certain stretches of the motorway is introduced. We still have time to ensure that this happens so that the residents of north Cork can actually benefit from the motorway as opposed to being financially punished for accessing it in instances where they have no other options but to do so,' he added. The emerging route for the M/N20 road between the two cities was announced on Monday, June 16. The route, which is set to bypass Mallow and Charleville, has been described as a 'key infrastructural priority' in the National Development plan. 100km of shared use 'active travel' infrastructure will also be included in the plans, as well as eight transport hubs, which provide parking for cars and bikes as a way to connect with other forms of transportation. These will be located in Rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow, Buttevant, Charleville, Bruree, and Croom. Mallow is also set to receive a new 'Freight Hub', which will provide 30 HGV parking spaces as well as rest and welfare facilities for drivers. The route largely follows its original N20 footprint, apart from significant bypasses in both Mallow and Charleville. At Mallow, the route will deviate at Mourneabbey, sweeping eastwards of the town, and splitting the towns of New Twopothouse and Doneraile, and continuing to bypass Buttevant on its eastern outskirts. The Mallow Junction transport and freight hub will be situated due east of the town, between Parkadallane and Lackanamona. The road will then sweep across the current site of the road, near Ballyhoura and onwards to bypass Charleville to its west. A major junction is due to be constructed at the site of the Ardnageehy Cross Roads, before the road continues through the townlands of Ballypierce and Kiltwohig on its way around the town. From there it will continue on its own path, running almost parallel to the current road on its way to Bruree, where a new transport hub will be built even further west of the town than the current road, at Ballyteige. Continuing into south County Limerick, the new road will skirt Banoge to the west, before joining up with the current N20 just south of Croom, at Anhid East. It will then continue on the current N20 before diverting to a brand new three leg directional junction at Gorteen, just a few hundred metres west of the current junction. The project, which could cost up to €3 billion and get underway by 2028, will see over 80km of motorway built, while almost 200 farms and some 20 homes along the route set to be subject to a Compulsory Purchase Order by the Department of Transport.
The Journal
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Mayo Pride apologises for 'Child of Drag' post and has reviewed social media policy
AN ONLINE POST by the organisers behind the Mayo Pride parade, depicting a parody of the 'Child of Prague', was removed after a number of abusive comments were made in response to the joke. The Child of Prague statue is a religious icon associated with luck and good weather, particularly during Irish weddings. Traditionally, it's left out on the night before a wedding to ensure fine weather on the big day. Mayo Pride reposted images of the statue, created by a local artist, to seek good weather for its March in Westport last weekend. It renamed the statue the 'Child of Drag' in the post, which was removed a short time later. Mayo Pride said abusive comments had been made underneath the post, aimed at the event and its organisers. Organisers have reviewed their social media content policy framework after the post, it is understood. Image of the artwork, created by a local artist, which was posted by the event. Independent Ireland TD Ken O'Flynn said yesterday that he had been contacted about the posts, writing in a press release: 'As a gay man, a public representative, and a Catholic who holds the Church and my faith in great regard, I feel compelled to respond to recent developments surrounding Mayo Pride and its promotional material.' He said the use of the Child of Prague imagery was 'deliberately provocative' adding that the image was 'insensitive and counterproductive'. Advertisement 'This isn't about being conservative or reactionary,' O'Flynn said. 'It's about recognising that symbols of faith matter. They are not just artistic props.' O'Flynn noted he supports the right of every person to 'live freely, openly, and without fear'. He said: 'I know, personally and professionally, the importance of Pride. It is more than a celebration; it is a statement of visibility, dignity, and equality. 'But Pride must also be underpinned by responsibility and respect — especially in a country where faith and identity are deeply intertwined.' Mayo Pride told The Journal that it did not create or commission the artwork in the online post, but recognised that the Child of Prague is a 'deeply meaningful religious figure'. 'While the image was shared in a spirit of fun, not mockery, we apologise for any genuine hurt it may have caused,' organisers said. 'We've been in contact directly with members of the local religious community and appreciate the respectful and thoughtful conversations we've had. They have, in true Christian spirit, fully accepted our apology,' they added. Organisers of the event said they had previously been subjected to a barrage of anti-LGBTQ+ messages from people online over the decision to host an event at Croagh Patrick, a national heritage and Christian pilgrimage site. They added: 'Let us be clear: Croagh Patrick is a national heritage site, open to all. It is important to all of us in the West of Ireland, including the many Christian LGBTQ+ people and their families who call this beautiful county home. 'Our walk has always taken place with reverence and care. We belong here. Mayo is our county. Croagh Patrick is our heritage.' The Mayo Pride Parade event was held in Westport on Saturday. While heavy winds created 'testing conditions' for some of the performers on stage and people who set up gazeboes, the remained largely dry for the day. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
See photos from Rathsallagh Golf Club's 30th anniversary dinner dance
With guests of all ages in attendance, the conversation flowed as members and management from the historic club discussed its golfing legacy and that of founders Joe and Kay O'Flynn, sharing memories of an illustrious past, while creating new ones to last a lifetime. After enjoying a sumptuous three-course meal, 'The Boss' trophy, sponsored by the O'Flynn family, who established and operate Rathsallagh House, was presented to the winner of the club's recent Pro-Am competition, Norm Tanju. Capping off the enchanting evening, guests, including Rathsallagh Golf Club owner Robert Neill and his wife Mary, danced the night away to the lively music of supremely talented former captain Aidan Pierce and his group, Off the Cuff. Thanking the O'Flynn's for their hospitality, Rathsallagh Golf Club general manager Vera Brennan said that the dinner dance was the perfect way to celebrate the club's rich history. 'It was incredibly special to share the golf club's 30th anniversary with the O'Flynn family, and we are delighted that there was so much love and affection for the late Joe Snr – what a great legacy to be remembered,' she said. 'As part of our celebrations throughout the year, we did a Pro-Am the week before, and because the O'Flynn family from Rathsallagh House started the golf club, we decided to go there for the celebrations and make the O'Flynn family part of it. 'Joe Jnr sponsored a golf competition so we could have a presentation on the night. His father was known as 'The Boss', so The Boss trophy was the prize, and it was presented by Joe Jnr to the winner, Norm Tanju. 'The members are thrilled that the O'Flynn's sponsored the trophy and want to make it part of the golfing calendar going forward. A big thanks to Joe Jnr and his wife Sara for being there on the night, and to Joe's mother Kay. 'We are thankful to the O'Flynn's for their very generous hospitality – from the moment we arrived, we were greeted with a warm welcome and refreshments,' she continued. 'We are grateful that they made the night such a success, and for the generous drinks reception and the extra gestures. We all were spoiled and looked after so well. ADVERTISEMENT 'All week I have been receiving compliments about the wonderful night, the house, gardens, delicious food, and the absolute best service from all your fantastic staff, not to mention the after party in the bar! 'A big thanks to our member Aidan Pierce and his group, Off the Cuff, who were absolutely brilliant, and did a bit of everything, from 80s to jazz – you name it, the played it.'
