Latest news with #ex-Irish
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Irish school celebrating after RTE star & former pupil helps land major European broadcasting award
A DONEGAL school is celebrating after an RTE star and former pupil helped them to win a major European broadcasting award. Scoil Cholmcille in Termon produced a news segment explaining Ireland's PR-STV voting system in an accessible way for young audiences. Advertisement 3 Past pupil Barry Gallagher presented the report on RTÉ's news2day Credit: Stephen Maguire 3 The story featured the 5th and 6th class pupils from Scoil Cholmcille as actors throughout the video Credit: Stephen Maguire The segment was presented by ex-Irish Sun man and former pupil of the Now the segment has just been named Best News Story at the annual The story featured the 5th and 6th class pupils from Scoil Cholmcille as actors throughout the video. Their on-screen performances were a key part of the piece, helping bring humour, clarity and warmth to a topic usually considered complex even for adults. Advertisement Read more in News Produced alongside The report was selected by other public service editorial teams across Europe and has already garnered over one million views on The school shared its excitement in a social media post saying: 'Some of you may remember when our fifth and sixth class students starred in a video explaining Ireland's PR-STV voting system,' they wrote. "Past pupil Barry Gallagher presented the report on RTÉ's news2day. Advertisement Most read in News TV "This week, we received the wonderful news that the report has won a European Award for Best Kids' News Story!' 3 Barry Gallagher at Slane Castle Credit: Lorraine O'Sullivan
RTÉ News
24-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Continuity 'most obvious' option to fill void left by Damien Duff at Shelbourne, say Alan Cawley and David McMillan
With Shelbourne facing into the difficult task of filling the void left by Damien Duff, the club would be best served pushing for Joey O'Brien to take the reins at least until the end of the season, according to Alan Cawley and David McMillan. Republic of Ireland legend Duff made the shock decision to resign as Shelbourne manager on Sunday just seven months on from guiding the club to a first SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division title in 18 years. While their title defence has not gone swimmingly this season and Duff's frustrations with his players had become more pronounced, a lucrative Champions League first qualifying round tie against Linfield was awaiting next month which made the timing of his decision all the more surprising. Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, former league winners Cawley and McMillan both opined that the timing was "strange" and offered their views on the factors behind Duff's decision. But they also cast an eye ahead to how the north Dublin club can reset quickly with the Linfield tie looming, and both feel Duff's assistant Joey O'Brien, who took charge of the team for the 2-2 draw against Waterford on Monday, is an obvious choice to be handed the reins at least until the end of the season, although the ex-Irish international has remained non-committal about the prospect thus far. "It leaves such a hole for them because you speak about not only the football end of things but also the promotional and marketing side of things," said Cawley of Duff's departure. "And not just Shelbourne, I think the league was basing a lot of their marketing and promotion on Damien Duff and him being a key figure in our league. "This was a fella who was getting front and centre all the time on the back pages of the papers, online or wherever and now that's gone. "So that's going to be a huge void to fill just in terms of the promotional side of things and marketing. "But in terms of who they bring in from the footballing end of things, I think even listening to Joey O'Brien's interview last night, it could be a thing that he takes it or that might be what they might want until the end of the season, because there's continuity. "He seems like a similar enough figure (to Duff) in terms of his drive and his motivation. He was obviously a brilliant player as we know and had big success. "So it could be something that he could be the ideal candidate if he wants to step into the breach. I don't know (if he wants it), it will have to come from him. But even just in terms of until the end of the season till they regroup." Cawley added that his former club Shels will not be short of suitors for the vacancy given the growing status the club and league has enjoyed during Duff's three-and-a-half-year spell. "They won't be short on people interested in the job, even from across the water as well. There would be huge interest because of, again, what Damien has brought in terms of the interest, not just domestically but all over the UK as well," he said. But McMillan agreed that O'Brien would be the best bet particularly in light of the Linfield tie, given the 39-year-old's extensive knowledge of the squad. "(The managerial change) adds a little bit of confusion for Linfield and that's where I think from Shels' perspective, continuity for the next couple of weeks (is important), as Alan says, until the end of the season - but at least for the next month or two," said the former Dundalk striker. "Probably if I was a decision-maker in Shelbourne I think the most obvious thing to do is to try and ensure that Joey stays there. "If he's not committed to doing it long-term, at least have him there for the next month in charge to see through these games because I think if you're bringing in a new manager with such a short space of time to what are such crucial games, that's really hard to try (with) new tactics and everything that a new manager brings. It's really hard to hit the ground running into those games. "Continuity for Shelbourne will be really important and football's all about timing and I think it's right that Joey will stay there."
Irish Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
No prizes for guessing how Roddy Collins wants Duff and Bradley to end feud
Roddy Collins has come up with a typically Roddy way to sort out the differences between rowing managers Damien Duff and Stephen Bradley - he wants to pair to lock horns in the boxing ring. Duff and Bradley have fallen out in recent weeks, with the Shels boss unhappy with comments made by his Shamrock Rovers counterpart about close-season signing Kerr McInroy. Duff declined to shake Bradley's hand after the 2-2 Dublin derby draw between the two sides and the Hoops manager, in his programme notes for the Sligo Rovers game, accused his old pal of showing 'a lack of respect.' More words have been exchanged between the pair, while Duff appeared eager last week to end the feud by saying: 'It has absolutely got out of control.' Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. However, former manager and ex-Irish Daily Star columnist Roddy Collins reckons the pair need to settle their differences in the ring. Speaking on Instagram, he said: 'I'm 53 years involved in Irish football as a supporter, player and manager, the lot, pundit, you name it, columnist with the Star, and this is the best era we've encountered. 'The competition in the league is unbelievable, every week throws up a better week than the last. 'I wake up this morning expecting a big headline about Bohemians, another late winner, and what do I get? Bradley and Duffer having handbags in the dugout. 'Look, I've been around football long enough to know there is no real malice and intent in it, but I think this could be sorted out very quickly, and I think it should be sorted out very quickly. 'I'm going to put a proposal to Damien and to Stephen to share the ring. Get in and share the ring, the two of you, pick a date when the season is over.' Collins reckons the pair would draw a huge crowd - and that they could raise money for their favourite charities. 'I'll ref it if you want, and all proceeds go to charity - two charities, one for you Stephen and one for you Damien,' he said. 'Let's put this date out there, let's get this promotion. No doubt we'll get thousands. You'd probably get more than you would at a title fight. The most important thing is, sort this out and get a few quid into the bank for charity.'
Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Twisted ex-soldier, 34, strangled girlfriend to death in Spanish hotel on what family said was ‘make or break' hols
He was found to have strangled his girlfriend to death with a hair straightener power cord HOLIDAY MURDER Twisted ex-soldier, 34, strangled girlfriend to death in Spanish hotel on what family said was 'make or break' hols Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN EX-SOLDIER faces up to three decades behind bars after being convicted of murdering his Irish girlfriend at a Spanish hotel. Keith Byrne, 34, was found guilty of the shocking 2023 murder after three days of jury deliberations. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Forensic evidence pointed to Kirsty being strangled from behind Credit: Gerard Couzens 3 Byrne was found to have strangled Kirsty Ward to death with a hair straightener power cord Credit: Screen grabs from video footage 3 The trial judge will now consider his sentence after the jury's decision late last night Credit: Gerard Couzens He was found to have strangled Kirsty Ward to death with a hair straightener power cord after she said she was leaving him. The ex-Irish Guards and Parachute Regiment soldier claimed during his trial in Tarragona that the 36-year-old mum-of-one had died by suicide in their hotel. But he described himself as a "respectful and intelligent" father who would never commit an act of domestic violence. He also demonised Kirsty, claiming she could be 'four people in one day' - especially after binging on alcohol and cocaine. read more in world news POWER SURGE Spain hit by ANOTHER major blackout in hols hotspot The trial judge announced he was retiring to consider his sentence after the jury's decision late last night. Jurors had begun their deliberations on Monday following the May 1 Bank Holiday. However, Byrne is not expected to find out for nearly a month how much jail time he will be handed. A private prosecutor for acting for Kirsty's family is pushing for a 30 year sentence, while public prosecutor Javier Goimil urged the judge to jail him for 20 years. Goimil's pre-trial demand was lowered by a year as he accepted Byrne's prior use of drink and drugs as a mitigating circumstance after jurors ruled he had 'diminished cognitive and volitional faculties" when he killed Kirsty. The prosecutor, a domestic violence specialist, rubbished Byrne's court claim that Kirsty died by suicide during his closing speech. He claimed the ex-soldier had decided "You're mine or you're nobody's" and strangled his girlfriend to death when she said she wanted out of the relationship. Forensic evidence pointed to Kirsty being strangled from behind after 'incapacitating herself' with alcohol and cocaine, he said. He told the court: "Byrne has adapted his version of events of what happened in that timeframe nearly two years on in accordance with the evidence he's learnt there is against him. "He's saying Kirsty tied a cable round her neck and attached it to the door knob but in the state she was in it would have been impossible for her to do that and there's nothing showing there was a knot in the cable. "What's occurred here is a violent and painful death, a strangulation from behind where someone is pulling from the front to the back. This was not a suicide." He added that she had not left a note for her relatives and had bought a plane ticket back to her hometown Dublin for July 4. "Kirsty's relationship with Byrne was very toxic, very intense and very emotional," he said. "She decided to end it during the week they stayed at the hotel in Salou and her partner couldn't accept that decision." He further said that the volume of alcohol Kirsty had drunk ahead of her death would have impacted significantly on her ability to defend herself. Following his arrest in Spain it emerged that Byrne was was wanted in England by Royal Military Police for going absent without leave after he left for Ireland in 2017. Byrne's defence lawyer Jordi Cabre had been seeking acquittal for his client before the jury verdict - and asked the judge afterwards to hand down the "minimum sentence". Kirsty's mum Jackie Ward called Byrne someone she 'didn't like' and 'didn't trust' on the first day of the trial. She was asked when giving evidence if she thought her daughter could have died by suicide. But she said: "She did everything for her son. She would never ever leave him. She would never do that to him."
The Irish Sun
08-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Twisted ex-soldier, 34, strangled girlfriend to death in Spanish hotel on what family said was ‘make or break' hols
AN EX-SOLDIER faces up to three decades behind bars after being convicted of murdering his Irish girlfriend at a Spanish hotel. Keith Byrne, 34, was found guilty of the shocking 2023 murder after three days of jury deliberations. 3 Forensic evidence pointed to Kirsty being strangled from behind Credit: Gerard Couzens 3 Byrne was found to have strangled Kirsty Ward to death with a hair straightener power cord Credit: Screen grabs from video footage 3 The trial judge will now consider his sentence after the jury's decision late last night Credit: Gerard Couzens He was found to have strangled Kirsty Ward to death with a hair straightener power cord after she said she was leaving him. The ex-Irish Guards and Parachute Regiment soldier claimed during his trial in Tarragona that the 36-year-old mum-of-one had died by suicide in their hotel. But he described himself as a "respectful and intelligent" father who would never commit an act of domestic violence. He also demonised Kirsty, claiming she could be 'four people in one day' - especially after binging on alcohol and cocaine. read more in world news The trial judge announced he was retiring to consider his sentence after the jury's decision late last night. Jurors had begun their deliberations on Monday following the May 1 Bank Holiday. However, Byrne is not expected to find out for nearly a month how much jail time he will be handed. A private prosecutor for acting for Kirsty's family is pushing for a 30 year sentence, while public prosecutor Javier Goimil urged the judge to jail him for 20 years. Most read in The Sun Goimil's pre-trial demand was lowered by a year as he accepted Byrne's prior use of drink and drugs as a mitigating circumstance after jurors ruled he had 'diminished cognitive and volitional faculties" when he killed Kirsty. The prosecutor, a domestic violence specialist, rubbished Byrne's court claim that Kirsty died by suicide during his closing speech. He claimed the ex-soldier had Forensic evidence pointed to Kirsty being strangled from behind after 'incapacitating herself' with alcohol and cocaine, he said. He told the court: "Byrne has adapted his version of events of what happened in that timeframe nearly two years on in accordance with the evidence he's learnt there is against him. "He's saying Kirsty tied a cable round her neck and attached it to the door knob but in the state she was in it would have been impossible for her to do that and there's nothing showing there was a knot in the cable. "What's occurred here is a violent and painful death, a strangulation from behind where someone is pulling from the front to the back. This was not a suicide." He added that she had not left a note for her relatives and had bought a plane ticket back to her hometown Dublin for July 4. "Kirsty's relationship with Byrne was very toxic, very intense and very emotional," he said. "She decided to end it during the week they stayed at the hotel in Salou and her partner couldn't accept that decision." He further said that the volume of alcohol Kirsty had drunk ahead of her death would have impacted significantly on her ability to defend herself. Following his arrest in Byrne's defence lawyer Jordi Cabre had been seeking acquittal for his client before the jury verdict - and asked the judge afterwards to hand down the "minimum sentence". Kirsty's mum Jackie Ward called Byrne someone she 'didn't like' and 'didn't trust' on the first day of the trial. She was asked when giving evidence if she thought her daughter could have died by suicide. But she said: "She did everything for her son. She would never ever leave him. She would never do that to him." Domestic abuse - how to get help DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night Men who are being abused can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 or on 0182 3334 244 Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring on 0800 999 5428 If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
