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Gabriel Bannigan steps down as Monaghan senior football manager after two years in charge

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Belfast Live

The Aughamullen native was part of Vinny Corey’s backroom team for two campaigns before replacing him in September of 2024 and managing Monaghan for two seasons

Monaghan are on the lookout for a new senior football manager following the shock resignation of Gabriel Bannigan after two years in charge.

The Aughamullen native was part of Vinny Corey’s backroom team for two seasons before replacing him in September of 2024.

His own backroom team last season included Andy Moran, who would lead Mayo to All-Ireland glory this year.

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With Scotstown’s extended club campaign running into 2026 and a crippling injury list to contend with, Monaghan were relegated from Division One earlier this season.

However, they enjoyed a fruitful Championship campaign with Jack McCarron’s stunning sideline helping them claim a memorable Ulster semi-final win over Derry while they were denied in the provincial decider after extra-time by Armagh .

Their injury woes would return later in the summer with rising star Bobby McCaul suffering an ACL injury against Mayo in Clones – a game the Farney lost by one point having trailed by 12 at one stage.

They went on to topple Connacht champions Roscommon and Leinster winners Westmeath in St Tiernach’s Park but the absence of Rory Beggan and Karl Gallagher was keenly felt when they bowed out to Louth in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park.

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In a statement confirming his departure from the role, Bannigan claimed the “goalposts have moved” and expressed his disappointment at leaving his position.

“I am very disappointed to announce that I am stepping down as manager of the Monaghan senior football team,” said Bannigan.

“When I was appointed two years ago, I accepted the challenge of leading the Monaghan team through an inevitable period of transition and it has been an absolute privilege to do so.

“On taking the role I promised to mould a Monaghan team that would reflect the values I grew up with in Monaghan GAA, honesty, humility, hard work and never say die spirit, I think it is fair to say this Monaghan team has delivered on that promise and the culture created provides a very strong platform to build on in the months and years ahead.

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“I am very proud of the progress that Monaghan GAA has made, in 2025 we won the NFL Division two title and were very competitive in championship, losing narrowly to Donegal in Ulster and again in the All-Ireland quarter final (QF).

“In 2026 we were ravaged with injuries during a disappointing league campaign, but had a thrilling championship run, beating Cavan and Derry before losing out to Armagh after extra-time in the Ulster Final.

“In the All-Ireland series we lost by one point to eventual All-Ireland champions Mayo, before defeating both Roscommon (Connaught champions) and Westmeath (Leinster champions) to earn our place in the All-Ireland QF.

“Unfortunately, we were missing both Rory Beggan and Karl Gallagher for our QF and we lost out narrowly to Louth. We had already lost Louis Kelly, Gary Mohan and Bobby McCaul through injury. I have never made excuses for results during my tenure, but I think it is fair to say that with even the slightest better fortune, this Monaghan team would have been in an All-Ireland semi-final at the very least, but enough said.

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“I have always been 100 per cent honest with the Monaghan people since I was given the honour of managing our senior footballers, I did not want to walk away from this project that I have put so much into.

“When you consider the split season, I’ve only had 16 months in total to oversee this transition and evolve a new team. In this period, we have brought so many young players through, handing out 16 NFL debuts and 10 championship debuts in 2026 alone. I have been very clear about the ambitions I had with this team, I believe the ceiling is high with all the young players we have brought through and more talent coming on stream.”

He continued: “Over the last number of weeks, I worked hard on my plans for 2027 to build on the excellent foundations now in place, including strengthening my backroom team, as I was mandated to do.

“During this period, I have come to realise that the goalposts have moved, and the conditions are not right for me to continue and therefore I believe a new management team and fresh voices are now required to take Monaghan football forward. I wish my successor and everyone involved with Monaghan GAA the very best of luck in 2027 and beyond.

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“I want to thank so many people who have given me so much support over the last two years. To each and every one of you I say a heartfelt thank you, it has been an absolute privilege to manage the Monaghan senior footballers.”

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Scam email asked breast screening patient for ‘images of themself’

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Daily Record

NHS Western Isles said it took patient confidentiality and information security “extremely seriously” after a patient received a scam email.

A Scottish health board has confirmed that a patient was targeted with a scam email asking for photos and videos of themself following a breast screening appointment.

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NHS Western Isles said that the fraudulent email claimed to be from a health professional and that it was requesting the images “for assessment”.

The health board said that it was reviewing the incident and that it took patient confidentiality and information security “extremely seriously”, reports BBC Scotland.

According to NHS Western Isles, the scam email originated from a non-NHS email address. The health board has now urged other patients to be alert to similar emails.

A spokesperson for the health board said: “NHS Western Isles would like to reassure the public that breast screening services do not contact patients using personal or non-NHS email addresses.

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“Patients may be contacted by letter or telephone regarding breast screening appointments, results, or follow-up arrangements, but NHS staff would never ask patients to send photographs or videos by email.

“If you believe you have shared personal information or images in response to a scam, you should contact Police Scotland on 101 and seek appropriate support and advice.”

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Man City handed nightmare Champions League draw with Arsenal also given tricky fixtures as Man United face old foes on return to competition – and Jose’s back at the Bridge!

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Last season's runners-up Arsenal (pictured) will face Real Madrid in one their Champions League eight fixtures to reach the knockouts

Jude Bellingham, Jose Mourinho and Harry Kane all stand in Arsenal‘s way as they seek to go one better than last season’s Champions League final defeat.

The Premier League winners have been handed a tricky looking path to the knockout stages – along with rivals Manchester City – following a draw overseen by Gunners legend Thierry Henry in Monaco which could also prompt a return to England for Mason Greenwood.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be keen to dispel the heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain however, there will no be no easy route to the final at the home of Atletico Madrid.

While 24 out of the 36 sides will qualify from the league format, Arsenal will need to acquire the required points from a tricky looking list. 

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Bellingham and Mourinho’s Real Madrid will head to north London, along with the transfer target they missed out on in Vinicius Junior. Declan Rice and Co will jet to Bavaria to face prolific former Tottenham striker Kane’s Bayern Munich. Clashes against Borussia Dortmund, Real Betis, Lille and Napoli will also provide a stiff test while relatively more straightforward challenges await in the shape of Azerbaijan minnows Sabah and Slavia Prague.

Manchester City, entering the tournament without Pep Guardiola at the helm for the first time in a decade, may also be cursing UEFA’s computer.

Jose Mourinho (right) will be the pantomime villain when Real travel to north London

Last season’s runners-up Arsenal (left) will face Real Madrid in one their Champions League eight fixtures to reach the knockouts

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Enzo Maresca's (right) Man City have been dealt tough games including vs PSG and Barcelona

Enzo Maresca’s (right) Man City have been dealt tough games including vs PSG and Barcelona

Enzo Maresca‘s side will take on champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad and make a trip to the Nou Camp to face Barcelona. 

Portuguese duo Sporting Lisbon and Porto also feature, along with Napoli and Leipzig. AEK Athens and Lens complete a what is a seriously daunting-looking list.

It will be a trip down memory lane for neighbours United, who return to the competition following a two-year absence. Michael Carrick‘s side will entertain Bayern Munich, in a repeat of the epic 1999 final, while Roma – memorably crushed 7-1 in 2007 – will also visit Old Trafford.

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There may well be some away days to relish for the club’s supporters, with their list featuring trips to Sporting Lisbon, Atletico Madrid and Cesc Fabregas’ Como. United, currently on 293, will become the first English team to play more than 300 games in the competition, with Villarreal, Leipzig and Sabah completing their schedule.

Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool may well be pleased with how things played out in Monte Carlo. They will host Atletico Madrid, Porto, Villareal and Lens and travel to Inter Milan, Club Brugge, Fenerbahce and LASK.

Europa League champions Aston Villa, who started their season with a 4-0 pasting at Brighton and Hove Albion, will also host PSG and travel to Barcelona, like City. Borussia Dortmund, and Greenwood’s Fenerbahce and Viking will travel to Birmingham while Emery’s side will go to Club Brugge, Galatasaray and Slavia Prague.

Bradford-born Greenwood’s last appearance in England was in January 2022 for Manchester United. He was subsequently suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and did not play for the club again. After charges were dropped a year later, he was loaned to Getafe before joining Marseille on a permanent deal. The 24-year-old moved to the Turkish club this summer. Greenwood may also head to London to face Shakhtar Donetsk, who are playing their home matches at Stamford Bridge thanks to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

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Mourinho, Bellingham and Co will also be due at Chelsea’s home, along with Sporting Lisbon and AEK Athens. UEFA rules dictate a minimum of five per cent of tickets should go to away supporters but there is no maximum, meaning the Ukrainians could secure much-needed funds from their stint at their temporary residence.

Liverpool will be happier than Arsenal and City with their Champions League fixtures

Liverpool will be happier than Arsenal and City with their Champions League fixtures

Fenerbahce's Mason Greenwood will play on English soil for the first time since January 2022

Fenerbahce’s Mason Greenwood will play on English soil for the first time since January 2022 

Elsewhere, Fabregas will return to Barcelona with Como, while Mourinho will head back to Roma, where he was sacked after two years in 2024.

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Fans of Celtic may well have been left wondering what might have been following their spectacular second-leg collapse to LASK. The Austrians, who overcame a four-goal deficit against the Glaswegians in a disastrous play-off for Martin O’Neill’s side, will host Liverpool and travel to the Bernebeu to face Real Madrid.

Following the completion of the League Stage, those in 25th to 36th place will be eliminated, while those from ninth to 24th will play two-legged knockout play-offs in February. The top eight automatically progress to the Round of 16, which will take place in March.

Bournemouth, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion will learn their opponents in Friday’s Europa League and Europa Conference draws.

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Who Crystal Palace can face in Europa League as special European nights loom

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Who Crystal Palace can face in Europa League as special European nights loom

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Kevin Reddington says Lindsay Clancy was a ‘damn good mother’ who ‘did nothing wrong’ before kids’ deaths in emotional closing arguments

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Kevin Reddington, Lindsay Clancy's defense attorney, called her a 'damn good mother' who did 'nothing wrong' before she strangled her children to death during closing arguments on Thursday

Lindsay Clancy‘s defense attorney described her as a ‘damn good mother’ who did ‘nothing wrong’ before she strangled her children to death during emotional closing arguments. 

Kevin Reddington spoke to the jury for about 50 minutes on Thursday morning before the prosecution did the same. The 12 jurors were then sent out to deliberate. 

Clancy, 36, has admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis, and is seeking to be committed to a state mental health facility rather than face a prison sentence.

Reddington vehemently defended his client throughout the trial, and further emphasized his belief during his closing statement. 

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‘You know from looking at the objective evidence in this case, this young lady did nothing wrong in her life,’ Reddington said. 

‘She was a nurse, a daughter, a wife, and a damn good mother.’ 

Reddington also made a point of mentioning Cora, Dawson, and Callan multiple times. 

‘When you consider what is at stake here, Cora, Dawson and Callan,’ Reddington said as he picked up a poster displaying a family picture. 

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Kevin Reddington, Lindsay Clancy’s defense attorney, called her a ‘damn good mother’ who did ‘nothing wrong’ before she strangled her children to death during closing arguments on Thursday

She has admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis

She has admitted to killing her children but pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis

‘They are the victims in this case,’ Reddington added. ‘This prosecution has ripped the soul of this defendant.’

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He said that what ruined the family was medication and the ‘lousy medical care that she got.’

Lindsay Clancy: In court as the jury decides her fate 

I’m Rachel Sharp, US Editor of The Crime Desk. I have been covering the Lindsay Clancy trial since Day One.

The Daily Mail will bring readers unrivalled coverage, reaction and analysis in a special edition of The Crime Desk newsletter

The 36-year-old faces life in prison for strangling her three children with an exercise band. 

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Sign up for free HERE to get the latest in a breaking news edition of the newsletter as the jury decides Clancy¿s future in a case that could have far-reaching implications for how postpartum mental illness is treated in the criminal justice system.

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Her attorney went on to blame Clancy’s mental health decline on when she started to see her psychiatrist, Dr Jennifer Tufts. 

Tufts testified as a witness during the trial. She prescribed Clancy a cocktail of psychiatric medications and admitted to never meeting her in person, only on telemedicine calls. 

Reddington told the jurors: ‘This woman lived for her kids until she had the pleasure of going into see Dr Tufts. After she went to Dr Tufts it was not a wonderful life anymore.’ 

Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Sprague delivered her closing argument after Reddington.

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She started off by saying: ‘There’s no dispute that she suffered mental illness and she tried to kill herself,’ Sprague said.

She called the focus on postpartum mental health a ‘distraction.’

The prosecution again emphasized that they believe Clancy was in her right mind when she killed her children, and pointed to the discussion she had with her husband and mom that she had thought of harming her kids in December – a month before. 

‘But she did not tell a single medical provider because she feared her children would be taken away, Sprague said. ‘That is a rational thought.’

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Sprague went on to graphically detail what the children went through while they were being strangled to death. 

She also insisted that the bands were not tied. ‘You know they weren’t knotted. Patrick never testified they were knotted.’ 

‘You know to a moral certainty she is guilty,’ Sprauge said as she walked back to her seat.

Clancy has been on trial since July 20 in the Plymouth Superior Court as prosecutors have tried to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she intended to kill Cora, five, Dawson, three, and eight-month-old Callan, on January 24, 2023. 

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Afterward, she went upstairs, slit her neck and wrist, and jumped out of a second-story window in an attempt to take her own life. She has been left paralyzed from that.   

After closing arguments wrapped up, Judge William Sullivan gave the jury instructions. 

Now, a panel of 12 jurors will deliberate in a private room on whether they find Clancy guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter.

The jury is made up of nine women and three men. The foreperson is a woman. They have not been sequestered for deliberations.

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Clancy's mother and father, Michael and Paula Musgrove (pictured Wednesday), have been seated in the courtroom ever since the trial started.

Clancy’s mother and father, Michael and Paula Musgrove (pictured Wednesday), have been seated in the courtroom ever since the trial started.

The trial has garnered national interest, with people showing up to watch the trial in person and others watching it via live stream

The trial has garnered national interest, with people showing up to watch the trial in person and others watching it via live stream

Sullivan put manslaughter on the table during a charging conference on Wednesday. It is a lesser conviction than murder, which carries a life sentence. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 20 years. 

If they cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the case will end in a mistrial. 

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Clancy’s mother and father, Michael and Paula Musgrove, have been seated in the courtroom ever since the trial started. 

Her now ex-husband and father to the children, Patrick Clancy, testified early on in the trial and has not been back. 

Several medical professionals, friends, teachers, and other family members – including Patrick’s mother, Susan Clancy – took the stand. 

The trial has garnered national interest, with people showing up to watch the trial in person and others watching it via live stream. 

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If Clancy is found guilty of murder, she will be sentenced to life in prison. If she is found not guilty due to a lack of criminal responsibility, she will be committed to a state mental health facility.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US at 988. There is also an online chat available at 988lifeline.org.

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Lawless youths torch field of cars in warped tribute to victim of A66 crash: As hundreds of extra police are drafted into Middlesbrough amid fears of gang carnage, masked thugs show what they think of crackdown

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Lawless youths torch field of cars in warped tribute to victim of A66 crash: As hundreds of extra police are drafted into Middlesbrough amid fears of gang carnage, masked thugs show what they think of crackdown

A gang of youths torched several cars at a balloon release on Thursday night for one of the men killed in the A66 crash.

A group gathered in a field to remember Michael Cahill, 23 – one of the five men killed when their VW Passat, going the wrong way down a dual carriageway, smashed into a police car, killing two officers.

Footage shows at least three cars ablaze in the farmer’s field near Haswell, County Durham, around ten miles from the outskirts of Middlesbrough – which has been rocked by a wave of violence believed to be linked to the crash.

A gang of bikers parked in the middle of the field revved their engines, and car horns were blared continuously.

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The vehicles were first driven erratically around the field, throwing up mud and crashing through hedges.

They were then parked and set ablaze as dozens of teenagers, many with their hoods up, set off blue smoke flares and fireworks.

Blue balloons spelling out ‘Michael’ were released into the sky to cheers and screams.

Clips of the antics posted to social media were captioned ‘Rest in peace Micky’.

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Several cars were set ablaze by hooded youths in a field near Haswell, ten miles from the outskirts of Middlesborough

The cars burned in several spots around the field

The cars burned in several spots around the field

Clips of the cars skidding around the field were captioned 'Rest in peace Micky', apparently in reference to Michael Cahill, one of the A66 fatalities

Clips of the cars skidding around the field were captioned ‘Rest in peace Micky’, apparently in reference to Michael Cahill, one of the A66 fatalities

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The chaotic scenes broke out at a memorial organised for Michael Cahill, 23, who died in the A66 crash

The chaotic scenes broke out at a memorial organised for Michael Cahill, 23, who died in the A66 crash

Many of the youngsters reached for their phones to film the blaze

Many of the youngsters reached for their phones to film the blaze

Scores of blue balloons spelling out Michael were released into the sky

Scores of blue balloons spelling out Michael were released into the sky

Burnt-out shells were all the remained of the vehicles, surrounded by scorched grass

Burnt-out shells were all the remained of the vehicles, surrounded by scorched grass

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Footage from after the mob cleared showed smoldering, burnt-out shells lying on scorched grass.

Michael’s mother had called for ‘bikes, jeeps, cars and quad [bikes]’ to gather for her son’s send-off.

She wrote on social media on Thursday morning: ‘Change of plans Michael’s balloon release Thursday Peterlee White House opposite on field, come on lads bikes, jeeps, cars, quads give him send off her deserves’.

The Daily Mail understands that the County Durham and Darlington Fire Service responded to the incident.

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Locals reported that nearby horses were ‘absolutely terrified’ by the scenes. 

It comes as hundreds of extra police were drafted into Middlesbrough on Thursday to restore order, amid fears the town is on the brink of descending into a gang war.

Violence, believed to be linked to five young men who were killed in a wrong-way crash on the A66 on Saturday, has spiralled across Teesside.

On Thursday afternoon, armed police swarmed a house on the Bankfield estate in Eston after a 39-year-old man was injured in a stabbing.

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A house was also rammed by a vehicle this morning in South Bank – near where the crash happened.

The suspected knife attack took place just down the road from a suspicious house fire in Grangetown that claimed the lives of Valentina Foster, seven, and 34-year-old Natalie McDonald yesterday morning.

Two men, aged 31 and 23, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

Cleveland Police said it was ‘keeping an open mind’ regarding the cause of the house fire but could not ‘rule out any links to wider organised crime at this time’.

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The force, which is one of the smallest in the country, has seen its resources stretched to breaking point this week.

The Government has now responded with 200 reinforcements after MPs in the area appealed for help.

The decision was announced by Councillor Alec Brown of Redcar and Cleveland Council in a post on social media.

‘Over 200 extra police officers from forces around the country are here and are en route, from detectives to armed response,’ he wrote.

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‘I will be sending a letter today to our Prime Minister asking for even more resources.’

‘People need to feel safe in their homes,’ Mr Brown added.

Middlesbrough has the highest crime rate in England excluding central London, and rival criminal groups have been spreading fear among residents.

Former mayor Andy Preston said the town was ‘on its knees’ – as he warned attacks between criminal gangs could escalate further in response to the house fire.

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Men arrested after high-speed chase towards Irish border

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Belfast Live

The arrests were aided by gardai who performed border checkpoints which prevented the suspects from fleeing the jurisdiction.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and driving offences in Co Down after attempting to flee across the border.

Police performing an anti-burglary operation became involved in a pursuit of a black VW Golf on the Gosford Road, Markethill, this afternoon, Thursday, August 27. The vehicle made off towards the border at Newry, travelling at high speed.

Officers from the PSNI ’s Air Support Unit and Interceptors Team apprehended the suspects with assistance of local police.

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The arrests were aided by colleagues from An Garda Siochana, who were also involved in the operation, and performed border checkpoints which prevented the suspects from fleeing the jurisdiction.

One man aged in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of burglary and various driving offences including dangerous driving. Another man aged in his 30s was also arrested on suspicion of burglary.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “They both remain in custody at this time, assisting with police enquiries. Enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone with any information which might assist, to contact police via 101 and quote reference number 931 of 29/08/26.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

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New restaurant serving afternoon tea and cocktails to open in former Rhondda car parts shop

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Wales Online

The Fern & Ivy is offering more than cocktails and coffees. It’s also part of a successful Rhondda charity helping communities

Another brand new venue to eat and drink is opening in the heart of bustling valleys town, Treorchy – but this time the profits from your lunchtime coffee or Sunday roast will be reinvested back into the community.

New Rhondda restaurant and cocktail bar, Fern & Ivy will be opening this bank holiday weekend and is being run by The Fern Partnership – a social enterprise where profits will be reinvested directly into supporting children, families and communities across the Rhondda.

The restaurant has already had fundraising, private and charity events over the summer, but the public will now be able to book a table for evening meals, come in for coffees, cakes and lunches, or enjoy a brunch. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here

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Menu items range from charcuterie boards to braised brisket and burgers, plus a range of toasties, jacket potatoes and sweet treats.

Michelle Coburn-Hughes is founder and CEO of The Fern Partnership, formed in 2008 as The Friends of Ferndale. The organisation, which gained charity status in 2016, was formed to enhance provision for pupils and offer services and support for the local community.

Michelle says that the new Treorchy venue, found in the former home of a car parts shop, is likely the first of its kind in the area, with every profit reinvested into transforming communities, tackling poverty, supporting education and creating brighter futures for children, young people and families.

Profits will help The Fern Partnership support children living in poverty, families facing hardship, holiday hunger programmes, education and training initiatives, employability opportunities and wider community projects.

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She said; “This project has taken two and a half years of blood, sweat and tears. There were times when expected funding fell through, unexpected costs mounted and I questioned whether we would ever get there. But I never gave up because I believed our community deserved something truly special.

“I wanted to create a beautiful restaurant and cocktail bar that people would be proud to call their own – somewhere that wouldn’t look out of place in Cardiff or London, yet sits proudly in the heart of Treorchy.”

The interior of the unit on the high street has been completely transformed into an “elegant destination where people can enjoy exceptional food, handcrafted cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere,” she added.

“This isn’t just about serving great food and drinks,” Michelle said. “Every meal, every coffee and every cocktail purchased helps us make a difference to someone’s life. That’s what makes The Fern & Ivy so different.”

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With an experienced background in creating opportunities through education, training, employability and community development, Michelle hopes The Fern & Ivy will be a sustainable and long-term venture that will continue to reinvest in the community.

“We haven’t built this just to open another restaurant and cocktail bar. We’ve built it to create opportunities, tackle poverty, support families and give something back to the community that has given so much to us,” she said. “If people choose to support The Fern & Ivy, they’re not simply buying a meal or enjoying a cocktail. They’re investing in local children, local families and the future of our communities.

“We’ve poured our hearts into creating something truly special for Treorchy. Now we hope our community will help it flourish.”

The Fern & Ivy opens on High Street, Treorchy, on Friday, August 28.

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Davina McCall reveals she received support from Peter Kay following her brain tumour diagnosis and breast cancer battle

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Davina McCall has revealed how she was privately supported by comedian Peter Kay after being diagnosed with a brain tumour and breast cancer

Davina McCall has revealed how she was privately supported by comedian Peter Kay after being diagnosed with a brain tumour and breast cancer.

The TV presenter, 58, had surgery to remove the benign (non-cancerous) tumour in 2024, before being diagnosed with breast cancer the following year.

As Davina battled the double bout of bad news, she revealed she found an unlikely champion in Peter, who she was not friends with prior to her illnesses.

While in hospital undergoing treatment on the brain tumour, she told how she received an unexpected phone call from Peter, 53, to offer his help.

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Davina said: ‘Do you know who really helped me, actually, and it was really strange. Peter Kay. He called me when I was in hospital with my brain tumour.

‘I really don’t know him that well but he was unbelievably supportive.’

Davina McCall has revealed how she was privately supported by comedian Peter Kay after being diagnosed with a brain tumour and breast cancer

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Davina pictured with Peter Kay (right) in 2005 (centre Paul McCartney)

Davina pictured with Peter Kay (right) in 2005 (centre Paul McCartney)

Davina continued by revealing that he stayed by her side after receiving the news about her breast cancer, and said: ‘When I had my breast cancer diagnosis he just talked me through what to do. 

‘He said: “What do you want to do? How do you feel about it?” And he said: “I think you know what you want to do”. And I was like: “Yeah I want to talk about it.”

Davina, who spoke about her friendship with Peter while receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Edinburgh TV Festival, also reflected on how her husband Michael Douglas was also a pillar of strength at that time.

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Davina explained how the breast cancer ‘brought them back together’, because the brain tumour had pushed them apart due to the loss of her short term memory.

She said: ‘At the end of brain-tumour-gate, cancer brought us together. The tumour pushed us apart because I had no short term memory – I was over here trying to get better and he was over worrying if I was ever going to come back.

‘But cancer smushed us back together in such a weird way, it was just a beautiful way for us to just reconnect and rebond.

‘I was almost grateful for that experience, and I caught it early so I did make a full recovery but there was something about it that we needed.’

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As Davina battled the double bout of bad news, she revealed she found an unlikely champion in Peter, who she was not friends with prior to her illnesses

As Davina battled the double bout of bad news, she revealed she found an unlikely champion in Peter, who she was not friends with prior to her illnesses

Davina and Michael wed back in December at Marylebone Town Hall with just close friends and family present.

The pair’s first wedding came just weeks after Davina revealed she’d been diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent surgery to remove a lump.

The TV star revealed her breast cancer diagnosis to her fans last year, though she noted she had detected it early after noticing a lump and getting it checked, leading to a successful lumpectomy.

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She recently confirmed she completed her course of preventative radiotherapy and became emotional about the treatment coming to an end.

Whilst she is not retiring anytime soon, Davina has revealed she is stepping back from full-time work after her breast cancer diagnosis served as a stark wake-up call.

She described the overhaul as essential after facing two major health scares in quick succession – a rare brain tumour in 2024, followed by cancer.

Speaking candidly on the Miss Me? podcast, the Masked Singer judge admitted the double health blow had forced her to confront a lifetime of running from change and overworking.

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Davina and Michael wed back in December at Marylebone Town Hall with just close friends and family present

Davina and Michael wed back in December at Marylebone Town Hall with just close friends and family present

Davina explained that while her brain tumour had initially prompted reflection about reducing stress, it was the subsequent breast cancer diagnosis that truly forced her hand.

‘I had an amazing breakthrough when I got clean in the early nineties,’ she said, referring to her heroin and alcohol addiction in her twenties.

‘I had another huge breakthrough after I had my brain tumour removed. I realised that I needed to de-stress my life.

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‘Interestingly, I realised that – but then the breast cancer, which I thought was a very, very frightening thing, made me realise that I really, really had to put that into place. And I have now.’

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Met Office issues Northern Ireland thunderstorm warning for three counties

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Belfast Live

Heavy rain and thunderstorms may lead to some disruption

The Met Office has issued an overnight weather warning for parts of Northern Ireland.

A yellow warning for thunderstorms is now in effect tonight, Thursday, August 27 until 6am on Friday morning, August 28 affecting three counties.

The forecaster said: ” Heavy rain and thunderstorms may lead to some disruption”.

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The Met Office added: “Heavy rain and thunderstorms will move over eastern Northern Ireland during the evening and overnight with a chance of some hail. Heavy rain may lead to some surface water flooding in prone areas. 20-30 mm of rain in 3-6 hours is possible.”

The warning appilies to counties Antrim, Armagh and Down.

As for what to expect during the yellow weather warning, the Met Office has issued some details.

They said:

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  • Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures
  • There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
  • Some short-term loss of power and other services is possible
  • Possible some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes
  • Delays to train services are possible

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Aspex Portsmouth championS the next generation of contemporary artists in new exhibition

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Aspex Portsmouth championS the next generation of contemporary artists in new exhibition

The Shape of a Spell brings together the work of ten emerging graduate artists, who transform landscapes, materials, memories and lived experiences into alternative ways of seeing. Through painting, sculpture, photography, film, textiles and illustration, the exhibition moves between the familiar and uncanny to create imagined worlds rooted in folklore, memory, local histories and deep time.

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