Latest news with #SarahCollins
The Journal
04-07-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
During a reflective day in Hiroshima, the Taoiseach is reminded it's a small world
Christina Finn reports from Osaka 'THE WORLD IS indeed a small place', Taoiseach Micheál Martin said today after meeting with Teruko Yahata, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing in 1945. She was just eight years old when the bomb was dropped on her home city. The Taoiseach said he was moved by her testimony, stating that she told him how her family had moved to the hills, but when they came back down there was 'rows of people coming back up with burns and skin peeling off their arms'. She also spoke about the burns and shrapnel that had been stuck in her mother's back and of all her friends who were killed that day. Her daughter ended up getting married to an Irishman living in the UK and her grandson, called Conor, is now a doctor working in London, hence the small world reference made by the Taoiseach today. Yahata remains a very committed campaigner for the ending of nuclear weapons in war. In 2013, she was appointed by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as Ambassador for Denuclearization. She started activities as an atomic bomb witness for the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation in 2019. She began taking English lessons at the age of 83, in order to speak about the terrible reality and suffering in her own voice and words. Advertisement Never far from home The Taoiseach travelled to Hiroshima today to lay a wreath at the cenotaph and to ring the Peace Bell at the site, and while it was a sombre place, there were light moments that reminded him that you're never really far from home. When walking over towards the concrete, saddle-shaped monument covering the cenotaph, which holds the names of all of the people killed by the atomic bomb, the Taoiseach was stopped by Sarah Collins from Tipperary and Alan Rattigan from Galway who were on a visit to the city. 'Can we get a picture Mr Taoiseach?' said Collins and the Taoiseach happily obliged. 'Are you going to beat Kilkenny?' he asked. 'Let's hope so,' she replied, telling the Taoiseach she has her jersey in the bag ready for Sunday. 'Are you enjoying your trip,' she asked. 'Yes, we're back tomorrow though,' said the Taoiseach. Sarah Collins and Alan Rattigan taking a selfie with the Taoiseach. Christina Finn Christina Finn He later bumped into another couple from Meath who were also holidaying in Japan. A bustling city While many who hear the word 'Hiroshima' think of the devastated and ravaged landscape, such as those seen in photos from 1945, the city is far from desolate. Related Reads Chicken fillet rolls and Cork City: Taoiseach tries to pull the strings for more trade with Japan This Irish embassy in Japan is the state's most expensive building constructed outside Ireland It is now a bustling city and a must-see place for holidaymakers to visit in Japan. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was abuzz with groups of tourists and school children, all there to pay their respects to the thousands that were killed. The Taoiseach was just like them at times. While he is in Japan on business, his days a s history student were evident today, when he had his phone out and was taking photos of the Peace Bell and the other memorials for his own personal collection. While the atomic bomb was dropped 80 years ago this year, there were plenty of parallels being drawn with the present day geopolitical situation. Martin said the world is in a very dangerous place with the threat of nuclear weapons still a reality. The Taoiseach told Japanese reporters today that the reason he was here was to reaffirm Ireland's commitment to peace, telling the media that there are too many wars and conflicts in the world right now. However Mayor of Hiroshima Kazumi Matsui today spoke about the need to break the 'cycle of hatred', stating that while survivors of the atomic bomb have had to live through the most unthinkable of experiences they don't want anyone else to suffer as they have. 'That is the very strong message that our survivors have now,' he said. 'They overcame their hatred,' he said, stating that standing before the cenotaph 'we say we shall not repeat the evil or the mistakes'. 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
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
British Airways bans crew from taking selfies, making TikTok videos; effective immediately the new guidelines say: You may be fired if ...
Representative image British Airways has introduced a stringent new policy prohibiting its flight attendants and pilots from sharing photos or videos taken at layover hotels, sparking debate among crew members and industry observers. The policy, detailed in a report by View From the Wing, extends to images captured inside hotel rooms, lobbies, parking lots, or even nearby outdoor areas like pools or beaches. Crew members have been instructed to scrub their social media accounts—private or public—of any such content, with non-compliance potentially leading to termination. According to the new guidelines, crew members are also required to go over their feeds with a fine-toothed comb and delete every trace of prior layover hotel-related content — even the stuff set to 'private' — or risk getting fired. The airline's security team has cited safety risks as the driving force behind the policy. Advanced image analysis tools can reportedly extract subtle background details—such as parking lot signage, pool tiling patterns, or window shapes -- to pinpoint a hotel's location. British Airways argues that such information could be exploited, potentially compromising crew safety during layovers. The ban covers a wide range of content, including 'get ready with me' TikToks filmed in hotel bathrooms, uniform selfies in corridors, poolside photos, and group shots in hotel bars or restaurants. While British Airways has not confirmed whether a specific incident triggered the policy, the timing raises questions. Just weeks ago, a British Airways flight attendant was found dead at a layover hotel in San Francisco, an event that has drawn attention within the industry, though no official link to the policy has been established. This move follows British Airways' 2023 update to its social media guidelines, which already restricted employees from posting content showing them 'professionally engaged' in their roles. The new rules, however, go further, effectively limiting crew members' ability to share personal moments from their travels, even on private accounts. The policy has sparked mixed reactions. Some industry experts argue it's a prudent step in an era of sophisticated digital tracking, while others see it as an excessive restriction on personal freedom. 'Crew members rely on social media to connect with friends and followers, often sharing the glamour of their jet-setting lives,' said aviation analyst Sarah Collins. 'This blanket ban could impact morale and even recruitment, as social media presence is a draw for younger crew members.' British Airways has not publicly commented on the policy beyond internal communications to staff. The airline's focus on security aligns with broader industry trends, as carriers increasingly grapple with privacy and safety challenges in the digital age. For now, crew members are left to comply or face serious consequences, reshaping how they share their lives on the road. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Scotsman
20-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Dalmellington Inn for Sale – A unique lifestyle opportunity in the heart of Ayrshire
Bruce & Co is delighted to bring to market the Dalmellington Inn, a beautifully presented and well-established public house located in the picturesque village of Dalmellington, Ayrshire. With an asking price of £349,950, this sale presents a rare opportunity to acquire a thriving business alongside stunning residential accommodation, perfect for a family or couple seeking a rewarding lifestyle change. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Situated at 6 High Street, Dalmellington, the Dalmellington Inn occupies a prominent trading position on the village's main thoroughfare. This traditional stone-built property, estimated to be over 200 years old, has been sensitively modernised to combine period charm with modern-day comforts. Situated at 6 High Street, Dalmellington, the Dalmellington Inn occupies a prominent trading position on the village's main thoroughfare. This traditional stone-built property, estimated to be over 200 years old, has been sensitively modernised to combine period charm with modern-day comforts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Inn comprises a public bar with a snug/pool room, and a large car park with independent access. To the rear, a spacious outdoor decking area with seating and a covered TV section overlooks the river – a popular feature during the summer months. Dalmellington Inn A standout feature of the property is the luxurious four-bedroom owner's flat, which has been refurbished to a high standard. Spread over two upper floors with a private entrance, the accommodation includes a modern kitchen, expansive living room, office/fifth bedroom, master suite with walk-in wardrobe, and additional double bedrooms with dormer windows. The apartment was formerly letting accommodation and retains its commercial potential. Dalmellington lies on the A713, a scenic route connecting Ayrshire with Dumfries and Galloway, and is just 13 miles from Ayr. The area is renowned for its cultural heritage as part of 'Burns Country' and is close to several major towns, golf courses, and tourist hotspots. Sarah Collins, Corporate Deal Executive at Bruce & Co, is handling the sale and encourages interested parties to arrange early viewings, stating:'This is more than a business – it's an exceptional lifestyle opportunity. The Dalmellington Inn offers the perfect blend of tradition and potential. It's ideal for a family, couple, or entrepreneurial first-time buyer looking to step into a strong, established business with room to grow.' For further information or to arrange a viewing, contact Sarah Collins on quoting Reference: 51579.
Business Post
11-05-2025
- Business
- Business Post
Sarah Collins: Anxious EU stuck in queue as Trump favours deals with UK and China
EU-US Trade War Sarah Collins: Anxious EU stuck in queue as Trump favours deals with UK and China Sarah Collins 01:00 European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President Donald Trump. Picture: Getty
Business Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business Post
EU reveals new €95bn list of US tariff targets if negotiations fail
EU-US Trade War EU reveals new €95bn list of US tariff targets if negotiations fail Sarah Collins 13:00 European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said despite the threatened retaliation, the EU remains fully committed to finding negotiated outcomes with the US.
