Latest news with #PaulWhelan
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
See photos as Wicklow firefighters beat the heat with charity car wash
A single fire truck remained in position from 9am to 3pm, as the 10 strong crew washed over 200 cars under the blazing sun, with all the proceeds raised on the day going towards Our Lady's Hospice and Care Services, Wicklow Hospice. Wicklow Hospice volunteers were also on hand to accept donations via card and cash in an effort to raise much-needed funds for local hospice services. Paul Whelan from Wicklow Fire Service said: 'It was a great day that involved the whole. It was an incredibly hot day, almost too hot, but it proved hugely successful. We are still tallying up the exact figure raised, but we would love to offer our thanks to everyone who supported the fundraiser, which was for such a good cause.' Online donations will still be accepted via
Irish Independent
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Wicklow Fire Service to host car wash in aid of palliative care services
Taking place at Tesco in Wicklow town, and running from 9 am to 3.30 pm, the event will invite motorists to get their cars hosed down by Wicklow's bravest, with firemen and their fire trucks located to the rear of the store for the duration. Wicklow Hospice volunteers will also be on hand to accept donations via card and cash in an effort to raise much-needed funds for local hospice services. 'The members of Wicklow Town Fire Station are delighted to support Wicklow Hospice for their annual car wash in Tesco Wicklow town – hopefully we can raise some much-needed funds for this most deserving local charity,' said Paul Whelan from Wicklow Fire Service. Tesco Wicklow's George Mitchell added: 'We are really looking forward to supporting Wicklow Hospice through this fundraiser. So many local families have been able to avail of the services, whether in their own homes or at Wicklow Hospice. 'We are delighted to be working with Wicklow Fire Service to try to raise as much as possible for this great cause.' 'If you can't make the fundraiser but would like to support Wicklow Fire Service and Tesco in their efforts, online donations can be made via
Al Arabiya
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
US ambassador to Russia to leave post soon, says embassy
Lynne Tracy, the US ambassador to Russia, will soon leave her post, her embassy said on Thursday, after serving through one of the most tense and difficult periods in relations between Moscow and Washington. Tracy, a career diplomat, arrived in Moscow in January 2023 and was greeted by protesters chanting anti-US slogans when she went to the Foreign Ministry to present her credentials. Russia had questioned her suitability for the post, suggesting she might feel more at home in a hawkish think-tank. Her term was dominated by the Ukraine war, which plunged US-Russia ties to a level described by the Kremlin last year as 'below zero.' She was notably involved in efforts to win the release of US citizens jailed in Russia including journalist Evan Gershkovich and former marine Paul Whelan, who were eventually freed in August 2024 as part of a big East-West prisoner swap. Since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, Russia and the US have launched a series of contacts aimed at improving relations. Russia's new ambassador to Washington, Alexander Darchiev, formally presented his credentials to Trump on Wednesday. Both sides say there is huge potential for business and investment deals if relations improve, though Trump has voiced frustration about Russia's war actions in Ukraine and the lack of any visible progress towards a peace deal. Tracy's tenure is likely to be similar in duration to her predecessor, John Sullivan, who served as ambassador for two years and seven months from February 2020 to September 2022.
CBS News
06-06-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Russian state media says American Joseph Tater out of country after arrest, psychiatric hospitalization
Joseph Tater, a U.S. citizen arrested in Russia in August 2024 after an apparent tussle with hotel staff and then forcibly admitted to a psychiatric hospital in April this year, without ever standing trial, has left Russia, according to the country's state-run TASS news agency. TASS said Tater, 46, was discharged from a psychiatric facility in Moscow, where he spent over a month. In April, TASS reported that Tater had been examined by doctors and diagnosed with a mental disorder, and then admitted for compulsory psychiatric treatment. Tater was accused by Russian authorities of abusing hotel staff in Moscow upon his initial arrest. Officials later said he was also being investigated on suspicion of assaulting a police officer, a charge that could have seen him face up to five years in prison. Tater claimed during a court hearing that he was being persecuted by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and was seeking political asylum in Russia. In this photo released by Meshchansky District Court press service on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024, U.S. citizen Joseph Tater stands in a courtroom facing criminal assault charges after allegedly attacking a police officer in a Moscow hotel. Meshchansky District Court Press Service via AP Russia imprisoned several Americans as tensions with Washington soared in recent years. Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and teacher Marc Fogel were all designated wrongfully detained by the U.S. government, along with dual U.S.-Russian national Ksenia Karelina. All four of those Americans have been freed in prisoner swaps with Moscow. Among the U.S. nationals still jailed in Russia is U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, whose three-year, nine-month prison sentence for robbing and threatening his Russian girlfriend was reduced in April by seven months. Robert Gilman, 72, is currently serving a 3 1/2-year sentence in Russia for assaulting a police officer, and Travis Leake, a musician convicted on drug charges, was sentenced to 13 years in prison last summer. A Russian court sentenced another 72-year-old American, Stephen Hubbard, to nearly seven years in prison in October for fighting alongside Ukraine's military. TASS quoted Tater's lawyer, Polina Vlasyuk, as saying she had no information regarding his whereabouts or circumstances. contributed to this report.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford artist brings history to life with Modern Nostalgia exhibition
Wexford People Today at 12:12 Wexford is a town that has a particular penchant for nostalgia. Oftentimes all it takes is a throwaway reference to particular character or the appearance of an old photo to send memories flooding back and spark lengthy conversations, be they at a barstool or in the virtual world. Local artist Paul Whelan's latest exhibition Modern Nostalgia seeks to explore that fondness for times gone by, but through a modern lens. His paintings capture old, familiar scenes but in a modern way that's uniquely his and invites reflection on the personal histories of his subjects. Pauls art bridges the past and present, combining traditional themes with innovate techniques to create visually stunning works that resonate emotionally and spark conversation for a whole host of reasons. Well-known for distinctive work in pen, ink and acrylic, Paul brings history to life by creating his own unique interpretations of old images. His work certainly generated discussion at the opening of his exhibition in The Pigyard Gallery on Selskar Street. Doing the honours was fellow artist Declan Breen, who provided his own insight into Paul's work, while Jason O'Connor's music provided a lovely soundtrack to the evening. The exhibition will run at The Pigyard Gallery at 13 Selskar Street until June 21.
