'Remains a mystery' – Fresh bid to crack missing persons case of Cork couple who were 'just nice people to be around' | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
COPS have launched a special appeal for information in a bid to crack one of Ireland's highest-profile missing persons cases.
Cork couple Conor, 62, and Sheila Dwyer, 61, disappeared 33 years ago tomorrow.
'Remains a mystery' – Fresh bid to crack missing persons case of Cork couple who were 'just nice people to be around' Conor and Sheila Dwyer from Fermoy were last seen on 30 April 1991Garda Press office
The pair were last seen near their home in Chapel Hill, Fermoy, Co Cork, on April 30 1991.
To mark the 33rd anniversary of the last time the couple were seen in public, gardai have issued a fresh appeal for help to finally solve the mystery.
Frustrated cops are also re-examining the case file and interviewing the original members of the investigation team, all of whom are now retired.
The couple were well-known in the area at the time of their disappearance and drove a distinctive white 1978/79 Toyota Cressida.
The car's registration was 5797ZT and has not been seen since the Dwyer's vanished.
Mrs Dwyer's sister spoke to the couple by phone the day after they were last seen but they have not been heard from since.
The Dwyer's disappearance featured on Crimecall on RTE One tonight.
Gardai are appealing to anyone with information on the Dwyers or their Toyota Cressida car to contact them.
Retired Chief Superintendent Kieran McGann, who worked on the case, admitted the disappearance "remains a mystery to the community".
But Mr McGann says he hopes the fresh appeal 33 years later will help bring "some closure to the family".
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Retired Garda Sergeant Joe Watkins also told how officers involved in the case were still "baffled" by its unsolved status.
He said: "Even after all these years, it is a case that still bothers me because everyone involved wanted to get answers for the family involved.
"I always believed that the Toyota Cressida was the key… If we could have found the car, the car was the link."
Conor Dwyer's former colleague Peter Massey described Mr Dwyer as a "kind, gentle and honest man" and said the couple were "just nice people to be around".
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimecall on 1800 40 50 60 or Fermoy Garda Station on 025 8210.
'Rest easy darling girl' – Body 'sadly' recovered from river in search for missing Antrim woman as tributes pour in | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
A BODY has been recovered from a river in the search for a missing woman in Co Antrim.
Police and searchers looking for Leah Sloan/McCrea said they have located a body in the Inver River in Larne.
'Rest easy darling girl' – Body 'sadly' recovered from river in search for missing Antrim woman as tributes pour inPolice searching for Leah Sloan/McCrea said they have located a body in the Inver River in Larne and have informed the missing woman's family
A formal identification will take place in due course and her family has been informed.
A police spokeswoman said: "Police and searchers looking for missing person Leah Sloan/McCrea have sadly located a body in the Inver River in Larne.
"Formal identification will take place in due course and Leah's family has been informed.
"We would thank everyone who assisted with the search for Leah."
Tributes have poured in for the tragic young woman.
Larne High School said its entire community is "deeply saddened to learn of the death of former pupil Leah Sloan/McCrea".
The school added: "We send our deepest sympathies to her family and friends.
"Leah, you never were, nor never will be, forgotten by your teachers here at school. Rest easy darling girl."
One mourner said: "Absolutely heartbreaking news for the family. Praying for them."
Another person on social media commented: "Very sad news. Deepest sympathy to the family at this very sad time."
A third tribute said: "Heartbreaking! Condolences to family, may God carry you all through this sad time, thoughts and prayers are with you all."
Another tribute read: "Heartbreaking news. RIP Leah. Condolences to her family and family circle at this sad time."
A separate comment online said: "Absolutely heartbreaking. My deepest sympathy and prayers go to Leah's family and friends at this sad time."
Dozen of others paid heartfelt tributes and sent messages of support and condolence to Leah's family and friends.
Leah was last seen in the Pound Street area of Larne on Thursday at around 1.30am.
Police described her as approximately 5ft 3in, of medium build with blonde hair and blue eyes.
She was last known to be wearing jeans and a black and khaki half-zip fleece.
'She deserves to pay for what she did' – furious parents blast disgraced Hyde & Seek creche owner after court settlement | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
THE mum of one of the kids allegedly mistreated by disgraced creche owner Anne Davy insisted: "She deserves to pay for what she did."
Shamed Davy dodged jail in 2022 despite being secretly filmed "roughly" handling a toddler.
'She deserves to pay for what she did' – furious parents blast disgraced Hyde & Seek creche owner after court settlementAnne Davy, 69, dodged jail in 2022 and was fined €4,000 after pleading guilty at Dublin District Court to breaching three childcare regulationsGarrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
The 69-year-old, who was exposed on TV in July 2019 for shocking standards at her Hyde & Seek crèche chain, was fined then €4,000 after pleading guilty at Dublin District Court to breaching three childcare regulations.
But, despite avoiding jail in January 2022, The Irish Sun told how Davy then faced a raft of claims from outraged families over breaches of the childcare regulations.
Over 40 children, who sued through their parents, took High Court claims over their alleged treatment at Hyde & Seek creche childcare.
The families last week settled High Court actions for a total of €615,000, with each child awarded €15,000.
Approving the settlements, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said they were distressing cases. The settlements, reached after mediation, are without an admission of liability.
Speaking to The Irish Sun last night, one parent said of Davy: "Through the criminal case and the High Court cases, I believe she deserved tougher punishment.
"She deserves to pay for what she did. I'm still furious about the way she treated the children.
"It is traumatic for me just thinking about it, never mind what actually happened to the poor children."
Hyde & Seek Childcare has been owned and run for years by the Davy family.
Anne was fined for three breaches of childcare legislation, including roughly handling a child while putting him down for a nap, at her Tolka Road facility on May 8, 2019.
'We made history' cry Stardust families after Harris pays personal tribute and says State 'heaped misery upon tragedy' | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
THE families of 48 people who died in the Stardust tragedy today received a long awaited apology from the State, with Taoiseach Simon Harris telling them: "We failed you when you needed us the most."
It comes as the Dail heard calls for a criminal prosecution to follow the new ruling that the 48 young people were unlawfully killed in the horrific 1981 fire.
'We made history' cry Stardust families after Harris pays personal tribute and says State 'heaped misery upon tragedy'Simon Harris apologised to the victims' families in the DailUNPIXS
'We made history' cry Stardust families after Harris pays personal tribute and says State 'heaped misery upon tragedy'Lisa Lawlor lost both of her parents in the fireNiall Carson/PA Wire
Following last week's verdict at the Dublin Coroner's Court, the Taoiseach issued an "unequivocal apology" to the victims' families for the State's role in compounding their grief by blocking the truth and delaying justice.
Families wept in the Dail as the Taoiseach paid tribute to each victim before leaving the Chamber to go to the public gallery and personally meet each family and apologise.
The Dail heard how in the wake of the inferno, an initial probe wrongly ruled that the fire was started by arson – a claim that tarred the victims as possible arsonists despite zero evidence.
Survivors of the fire – who were just teenagers at the time – were questioned by teams of State barristers in an aggressive and intimidating manner.
The Government then helped to spread this arson lie before bullying and pressuring families to sign non-disclosure agreements if they wanted to be part of a redress scheme.
Afterwards, families were threatened that they could lose their homes if they took legal challenges against the State.
Taoiseach Simon Harris today apologised to the victims' families as he said: "The State processes heaped misery upon tragedy for the Stardust families."
He said: "Today we say formally and without any equivocation, we are sorry. We failed you when you needed us the most.
"From the very beginning, we should have stood with you, but instead we forced you to stand against us."
The Taoiseach paid a personal tribute to each person who died in the fire – reading out their name and borrowing descriptions of them from pen portraits that families have put together for the latest inquiry.
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In one emotional tribute, he spoke about Caroline Carey who was pregnant when she died in the fire whose baby the Taoiseach described as "the 49th victim of the Stardust tragedy."
The Fine Gael leader paid tribute to the staff who worked in the Stardust on the night of the fire along with the emergency services, gardai, soldiers and taxi drivers who responded to the blaze.
He apologised to the families for the "great and eternal shame" of the State's response to the fire as he claimed Government bodies turned a cold shoulder on them.
He said: "For all of this, as Taoiseach, on behalf of the State, I apologise unreservedly to all the families of the Stardust victims and all the survivors for the hurt that was done to them and for the profoundly painful years of struggle for the truth.
'We made history' cry Stardust families after Harris pays personal tribute and says State 'heaped misery upon tragedy'Margaret Ffrench and her daughter Caroline outside Leinster HouseNiall Carson/PA Wire
'We made history' cry Stardust families after Harris pays personal tribute and says State 'heaped misery upon tragedy'The Taoiseach left the Chamber to go to the Dail's public gallery where he shook hands of every family memberLeah Farrell/RollingNews.ie
"I apologise to the families that those present on the night of the fire were wrongly criminalised through the allegation of arson which was an attack on their reputations.
"I say today every person there was innocent. I say today the truth is now known."
He added: "I hope this is a moment when the State, which rubbed salt in your terrible wounds, starts to help you heal."
After the speech, the Taoiseach left the Chamber to go to the Dail's public gallery where he shook the hand of every family member who had come to see his apology.
Afterwards, Lisa Lawlor – who lost both of her parents in the fire – welcomed the Taoiseach's apology and said: "We made Irish history today."
She said: "We are very happy with what happened today.
"The news is brilliant, we had a great victory here today that people of the Stardust and the victims are not being blamed for their deaths anymore.
"I am very happy. I lost my identity through Stardust. Both my parents were killed that night. None of them made it that night. We have made Irish history today."
Politicians' tributes
After the Taoiseach's speech, TDs from across the House stood up to pay tribute to the families and their four decades long campaign for justice.
Labour TD Aodhan O'Riordain also called on the gardai and the Director of Public Prosecutions to launch a criminal investigation into the fire following the unlawful killing ruling in the latest inquiry.
He said: "If those you loved were unlawfully killed, then someone unlawfully killed them.
"It is time for the gardai, the DPP, and the Minister of Justice to do what is right. What would happen in any other case of corporate manslaughter in any other part of the city?
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"There must be another day in court."
People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy backed this call as he said: "Those who did the unlawful killing must be brought to justice."
Richard Boyd Barrett also took aim at Eamonn Butterly. The Butterly family was awarded half a million pounds in damages for the fire after taking a case against the corporation following the arson ruling.
Deputy Boyd Barrett said: "How is it that the owner of the Stardust received half a million euro in compensation whereas the families suffered 43 years of the struggle, the tarnishing of their reputations, of being implied that they were lying?
'Terrible impacts'
"And all the terrible impacts that they felt and the loss that they had suffered and they had to fight for this moment."
Eamon Butterly – who was manager of the club at the time – has previously denied at inquiries that fire exits were locked or blocked despite clear evidence that they were.
The Dail heard how the Butterly family had connections to Fianna Fail – the party of former Taoiseach Charlie Haughey who was in charge of the Government at the time of the fire.
Deputy Mick Barry said: "Tribunal chairman High Court Justice Keane appointed by the Government of Charles J Haughey found the cause of the fire to be probable arson.
'We made history' cry Stardust families after Harris pays personal tribute and says State 'heaped misery upon tragedy'Families wept in the Dail as the Taoiseach paid tribute to each victimStephen Collins/Collins Photos
"Keane's verdict allowed the owner – a Fianna Fail fundraiser – the man whose premise had bars on the bathroom windows and chains on the fire exits paint himself as a victim.
"This is before going down to the court making a claim against the corporation and pocketing £539,000 – €2m in today's money.
"Unlawful killing of 48 young people. That is what the State has now ruled so we will watch with interest to see if criminal prosecutions now follow."
Sinn Fein TD Mary Lou McDonald received a round of applause from all of the families in the Dail following her speech during which she fought back tears paying tribute to their campaign.
Families' nightmare
The Dublin TD spoke of the nightmare that families faced in the wake of the fire as the State put up barriers to block them from getting the truth about what happened to their children.
Paying tribute to the campaigning families, she said: "The hope of Government was that the families would eventually stop, eventually shut up, eventually give up and eventually go away".
She said the Stardust fire "broke the heart of this city and took away the breath of the country."
'We made history' cry Stardust families after Harris pays personal tribute and says State 'heaped misery upon tragedy'Gertrude Barrett, whose son Michael Barrett died in the Stardust fire, arrives with her daughter Carole at Leinster House, DublinNiall Carson/PA Wire
'Then everything went black' – listen to stirring new Stardust Tragedy podcast trailer | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
"HE said 'the place is on fire, we're not going to get everybody out – tell the officer to send absolutely everything that you have'" – is haunting testimony from the moment fire engulfed the Stardust nightclub in Dublin's Artane.
The Irish Sun's new Stardust Tragedy podcast will explore one of Ireland's worst disasters across an eight-part series, with the first trailer released today ahead of the opening episode on Thursday April 25.
'Then everything went black' – listen to stirring new Stardust Tragedy podcast trailerIrish SunThe Stardust Tragedy's first episode will be released on Thursday[/caption]
The new production is brought to you by the team that made the hugely-successful podcast series The Kinahans and Making of a Detective.
Giving voice to victims' families and friends, survivors, campaigners, Stardust staff, emergency services and the politicians centrally involved, the Stardust Tragedy will bring listeners to the heart of a story 43 years in the making.
The first episode of the podcast will be released on April 25.
Damien Lane narrates this production, as he did The Kinahans, which has been downloaded over 1.5million times around the world since it was launched in 2023.
And as he details on the new trailer for the moving production, "846 people came through the doors that night. 44 would never come out. Four more died in hospital. It was one of Ireland's most catastrophic tragedies."
Harrowing recollections from the night detail how "people were screaming inside, you could hear them screaming".
"And then everything went black, and everybody started squealing and roaring, and we could see the flames and everybody then, it was just like wild animals."
Damien continued: "Only fate decided who lived, and who died. And for some survivors, they never really got out. And for the families left behind, their souls were taken with their kids inside that building."
Grieving families detail their torment, admitting: "Those that got out of the building got out of hell, but we've lived in hell."
The podcast series will detail that fateful night, and the horrendous 43 years that followed for the 48 victims' devastated families.
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It tells the story from the very beginning up until the current day, with several individual stories of the young victims as they set off for the Valentine's night disco in the Stardust nightclub in Artane in 1981.
The podcast continues with a thorough investigation into the fatal fire, testimonies from survivors, firefighters and first responders on the scene, and the devastating aftermath that followed as families fought for over four decades for justice for their loved ones.
The series concludes with Episode 8: Unlawful Killing, which provides expert insight into the final verdict from the Stardust inquests.
Irish Sun editor Fiona Wynne said: "Few events in Irish history have soaked into the souls of the Irish people in the way the Stardust fire has.
'Then everything went black' – listen to stirring new Stardust Tragedy podcast trailerPA
Stardust victims families will detail their decades of torment[/caption]
'
'Then everything went black' – listen to stirring new Stardust Tragedy podcast trailerPA
The families received a full State apology in the wake of the unlawful killing verdict[/caption]
''
"The scale of the loss, the grief, the sadness is difficult to comprehend, 48 young lives robbed in minutes, with broken families left to pick up the pieces.
"But living alongside that pain has been the inspirational courage, tenacity and grit of those left behind, driven for over four decades by love, stopping at nothing to clear the name of their son or daughter, brother or sister, family or friend.
"In The Stardust Tragedy the families of the victims take us through the chaos and horror which unfolded on Valentine's Day 1981, right up to the long-awaited and triumphant ruling of unlawful killing on Thursday April 18, 2024, 43 years later.
"It's a privilege to be able to share their stories."
Listen to Episode One of the Stardust Tragedy, from the creators of the Kinahans and the Making of a Detective podcasts, out now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
'Then everything went black' – listen to stirring new Stardust Tragedy podcast trailerDamien Lane narrates the production which was put together with the help of podcast producer Vivienne WoodLorraine O'Sullivan - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
Boy, 11, 'in shock' after being knocked off bike and injured by car in Donegal hit-and-run as mum issues appeal | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
A BOY was left "in shock" after he was knocked off his bike by a car that fled the scene yesterday.
The 11-year-old was cycling home from his friends house in Ballybofey, Co Donegal when a car came up behind him and hit his bike.
Boy, 11, 'in shock' after being knocked off bike and injured by car in Donegal hit-and-run as mum issues appealGoogle MapsThe boy was cycling home from a friends house in Glen Patrick park when he was knocked off his bike[/caption]
He was travelling towards Glen Patrick park when the car knocked the back wheel off his bike, causing him to fall onto the road.
He was not seriously injured in the horror incident but sustained some painful cuts on his hands and knees after hitting the tarmac.
Speaking to the Nine til Noon Show on HighLand Radio, his mum told how her little boy was "in shock obviously".
She said: "By the time he actually got up, the car was gone.
"The car didn't stop it just drove off and left him lying there."
The worried mum issued an urgent appeal to her friends on social media yesterday, asking for anyone who may have camera footage or a ring doorbell in the area to come forward.
And she told how someone in the area had spotted the car stop just a short distance away after injuring the young lad.
She explained: "Late last night I got a phone call from someone that lives in the park and she said she was in her garden and she seen the car.
"And it actually stopped and it looked like the two of them were having an argument in the car. The car just took off then.
"She said she looked back at her ring doorbell and this happened at 3:46pm at the top of the Glenpatrick estate."
The Irish Sun have contacted An Garda Siochana for a comment.
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objections | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
FINGAL County Council has delivered 'a knock out blow' to plans by Conor McGregor for a boutique style seaside hotel for Howth in north county Dublin.
The council has refused planning permission to G Boppers Ltd for the 35 bedroom hotel after a wave of local opposition with one local woman raising concerns that the hotel may be an Ibiza-style party venue.
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsFormer UFC champion Conor McGregor's property empire has been dealt a blowSocial Media Collect
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsThe Waterside Pub, Bar and Upper Deck Restaurant on Harbour Road in HowthAlamy
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsThe hotel proposal was refused on two groundsGetty Images - Getty
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsThere were concerns that the hotel would become a Ibiza-style party venueGetty Images - Getty
G Boppers Ltd was seeking planning permission to demolish a part four storey and part-two storey building and in their place construct a part five-storey and part four-storey terraced building on the site of the The Waterside Bar, Harbour Road and Church Street, Howth.
The scheme was to include a pub and restaurant and boutique hotel bedrooms on the second, third and fourth floors including a 122 sq metre residents' terrace area.
Now, in a refusal on two grounds, the council has, taking into account the location of the hotel at Church Street, Howth and the preserved view along the street, concluded that the proposal "would interfere with the character of the landscape or with a view or prospect of special amenity value or natural interest or beauty".
The council also found that the development proposal would adversely affect an Architectural Conservation Area (ACA) and contravene the Fingal Co Development Plan.
The planning authority refused the scheme on these grounds after finding that there was an absence of a high quality architectural approach to justify demolishing an existing significant building within the ACA taken in conjunction with the design, scale, mass and height of the planned hotel.
The most recent accounts for G Boppers Ltd show that in 2022, McGregor Sports and Entertainment Ltd provided €2.24m in interest free funding to the firm.
During the same period, G Boppers Ltd acquired land and buildings with a book value of €2.08m.
A Design Report lodged with the application by Prof Cathal O'Neill + Company Architects contended that the scheme "seeks to make appropriate use of the site which has been under-utilised for many years and to provide guest accommodation which is sorely needed in the area".
Architect with the firm, Garrett O'Neill told the council that "local social media laments the loss of hotels including the St Lawrence Hotel, Royal Hotel, Sutton Castle, Howth Lodge and, in the more distant past, the Waverly Hotel.
"Currently, the Booking.com website lists only one B&B and one Guest House on Howth Head."
Mr O'Neill stated that the design of the proposed scheme "retains the existing public house use which is known to be well over one hundred years old, and to have a related restaurant which avails of the picturesque location and views".
Advancing the case for the hotel, Mr O'Neill said: "We believe the proposed hotel use is respectful of the scale and massing of the existing townscape and integrates well with the urban grain."
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He contended that "the proposed mix of long established public house use with the traditionally complementary accommodation function, could not be more appropriate to this sea-side location."
However, local resident Monica Lambert told the Council that she strongly objected "to the unprecedented large roof garden/beer garden".
She said: "While it is softly couched as a garden for residents it will without doubt be used as a beer and party garden reminiscent of Ibiza parties."
Ms Lambert said: "This is a quiet residential area and the current proposal is unprecedented and wholly out of character with a quiet residential area."
In total, the Council received 19 third party submissions. P&L Rickard of Dunbo Hill, Howth told the council that the proposal is "out of scale" "oversized" and "nondescript".
Noel Loftus told the council that he resides next door to the proposed hotel and while there are many aspects of the proposed development that he welcomes he was limiting his "strong objection" to just one aspect – "the large outdoor terraced balcony".
The St Lawrence Quay Management Ltd represents 18 apartment owners on Harbour Rd.
On their behalf, company secretary, Brona Carton told the Council that the proposed roof terrace for hotel residents' use will result in an increase in noise in the area creating a nuisance for local residential and which may continue late into the night.
The objection added: "The high level roof terrace will overlook domestic properties in the area, including their gardens and terraces.
"This will result in the loss of privacy for those properties including the St Lawrence Quay development."
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsConor McGregor wanted to open at 35 bedroom hotelSocial Media Collect
Conor McGregor property empire hit as plans for new boutique hotel REFUSED after locals' 'Ibiza parties' objectionsUFC fighter Conor McGregorPA:Press Association
Drew Harris says gardai revisiting Stardust files as 'investigations back to the fore' after new verdict | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
GARDA Commissioner Drew Harris has revealed cops are revisiting files on the Stardust tragedy in relation to a possible criminal probe.
At a Policing Authority meeting in Co Limerick, Harris was asked about the potential for a new criminal investigation following last week's inquests' verdict of unlawful killing.
Drew Harris says gardai revisiting Stardust files as 'investigations back to the fore' after new verdictStardust Disaster relatives pictured at the Garden of RemembrancePaul Sharp - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin
Drew Harris says gardai revisiting Stardust files as 'investigations back to the fore' after new verdictTaoiseach Simon Harris released a State apology to the families of the Stardust victimsGetty Images - Getty
And the Garda Commissioner told how he has asked officers to revisit two tranches of files regarding the Stardust disaster.
Harris said he expects to receive a report shortly from the Dublin City coroner.
He added that there was a memorandum of understanding in place, where, in the wake of the verdict, the coroner will bring issues to his attention if she thinks they are relevant to gardaí.
Harris said he has asked the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation to "revisit" two investigation files that were submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions, one from the early 80s and another from 2016.
He said he expects to receive a report from the coroner Dr Myra Cullinane in the next two or three weeks.
Harris acknowledged that the inquest verdict has "brought our investigations back to the fore".
The top cop said: "We're at the beginning of the road in examining what's being done."
And the Irish Sun's podcast on the Stardust fire tragedy is sailing up the charts just hours after it was released.
The eight-parter explores one of Ireland's worst disasters, telling the tragic story of the infamous night of February 14 1981 when 48 young people lost their lives in the Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin.
And following its premiere on Thursday, the pod was a hit on all popular podcast platforms.
A fresh episode will be released weekly as the Irish Sun investigates one of the most shocking disasters in Irish history.
Taoiseach Simon Harris this week issued a State apology to the families of the Stardust fire tragedy – more than 40 years after the blaze.
Mr Harris is to write a "personal" letter of apology to Stardust families in the aftermath of his State apology in the Dail.
The Taoiseach pledged to write to families in the coming days to express his remorse for what happened.
A new inquest into the fire at the Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin, on Valentine's Day in 1981 found the blaze was started by an electrical fault in a hot press.
The jury ruled the 48 victims – aged 16 to 27 – were unlawfully killed, with a number of issues contributing to their deaths, including the fact some exits were locked.
The new inquiry into the tragedy came after 43 years of campaigning by families who were distraught at the finding of a separate probe which ruled the horror inferno was arson.
The State repeatedly blocked the families' attempts to get the truth and justice for their lost loved ones.
After the ruling of the new inquest, Mr Harris announced the Government plans to provide counselling for the Stardust families.
The families' solicitor Darragh Mackin welcomed the move, saying this is the first time they have been provided with the necessary support to accompany them "on this deeply traumatic journey".
Mackin highlighted how grieving relatives had told the Taoiseach last weekend how they had been "left out in the cold having to fend for themselves without any support or counselling services".
The families' solicitor said the Mr Harris has now acted and should be commended for responding with decisiveness.
Listen to Episode One of the Stardust Tragedy, from the creators of the Kinahans and the Making of a Detective podcasts, out now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Convicted killer pleads guilty to conspiring to murder dad, 22, shot dead in broad daylight while pushing tot in pram | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
CONVICTED killer Robert Redmond has pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder a dad, who was shot dead while pushing his four-month-old son in a pram in broad daylight five years ago.
Robert Redmond, 35, who is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of father-of-eight Barry Wolverson, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court this afternoon.
Convicted killer pleads guilty to conspiring to murder dad, 22, shot dead in broad daylight while pushing tot in pramJordan Davis was fatally shot on May 22, 2019
Convicted killer pleads guilty to conspiring to murder dad, 22, shot dead in broad daylight while pushing tot in pramRobert Redmond has pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Jordan Davis
Redmon, with a previous address at Streamville Road, Kilbarrack, Dublin 13, pleaded guilty to conspiring together, with another or others, to murder 22-year-old Jordan Davis on or about May 22 2019, within the State.
Redmond was originally charged with the murder of Davis, who was fatally shot by a gunman on a bike while pushing his four-month-old son's buggy in a laneway beside Our Lady of Immaculate National School in Darndale on May 22, 2019.
Drug dealer Davis suffered three gunshot wounds including one to the head that killed him instantly.
Redmond is the second person to be dealt with in relation to the offence.
In 2022, drug dealer Wayne Cooney, 33, was jailed for life for Davis' murder.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott today remanded Redmond in custody until May 13, for a sentence hearing.
It is expected that a victim impact report will be heard on that date.
Cyclist, 20s, and biker, 40s, killed in separate horror crashes with trucks in Dublin and Cork as urgent appeals made | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
TWO people have tragically died on Irish roads today after separate fatal accidents in Cork and Dublin.
A motorcyclist in his 40s lost his life in Cork following a horror smash, while a woman in her 20s was killed while cycling in Dublin.
Cyclist, 20s, and biker, 40s, killed in separate horror crashes with trucks in Dublin and Cork as urgent appeals madeTwo people have died on Irish roads today in separate crashes
Both fatal accidents involved collisions with trucks.
The male motorcyclist, 40s, tragically died after a crash in Toureenfineen in Cork, shortly before 8am this morning.
No other injuries were reported form the incident.
The biker's body is due to be brought to Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem will take place.
The road remains closed at this time and local diversions are currently in place.
Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are currently carrying an examination of the scene.
Investigators are appealing to any person who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
A spokesperson said: "Road users with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area at the time are asked to make this available to Gardaí.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Mallow Garda station on 022 31450 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
The second road tragedy occured at roughly the same time this morning in in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
A female cyclist, aged in her 20s, was killed in a crash with a truck at around 8am.
Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene at the junction of the Glenageary Road Upper, Mountown Road Lower and Kill Avenue after the alarm was raised.
Fatal hit
The cyclist was taken to St Vincent's Hospital where she later passed away from her injuries.
The road remains closed at this time and a technical examination of the scene by Forensic Collision Investigators is taking place.
Local diversions have been put in place but motorists have been warned that delays are to be expected.
Gardai have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward with information, particularly if they are in possession of any footage.
Appeal
In a statement this afternoon, a Garda spokesman said: "Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.
"Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dun Laoghaire Garda Station on 01 666 5000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
Dublin homeless centre volunteer friar rushed to hospital after assault while handing out breakfast | KMW003E | 2024-05-01 00:08:01
A HOMELESS centre volunteer was rushed to hospital after being injured in an assault while handing out breakfast.
A man in his 30s was arrested after the incident at the Capuchin Day Centre on Dublin's Bow Street.
Dublin homeless centre volunteer friar rushed to hospital after assault while handing out breakfastGardaí have arrested a man in connection with the assaultPA:Press Association
Father Ademir Marques, who is in his 50s, was rushed to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital following the incident.
His injuries were "superficial" and he will be return to his duties on Friday, the Capuchins confirmed.
Gardai are continuing to investigate the incident, which took place in Dublin 7 at around 10.40am on Thursday morning.
And they confirmed a man in his 30s has since been arrested and charged in, and is due to appear before the CCJ District Court.
Gardaí said: "Gardaí are investigating an assault that occurred at a premises on Bow Street, Dublin 7 at approximately 10.40am this morning, Thursday April 25 2024.
"A male in his 50s was conveyed to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injury.
"A male in his 30s was arrested at the scene under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and detained at a Garda station in the DMR North Central region.
"He has since been charged in relation to this incident and is expected to appear before the CCJ District Court (Court No. 2) this afternoon, 25th April 2024.
"Investigations are ongoing."
Father Marques suffered an injury to his head, with the Capuchins telling RTE News in a statement: "We can confirm that an incident did occur this morning that was effectively managed by our team on site.
"Emergency services were contacted for follow-up support."
Chief Executive of the Capuchin Day Centre Brian Friel said: "Thankfully, the prompt intervention of our team meant that Fr Ademir sustained only a superficial injury and will be back to his ministry again tomorrow as usual."
How to differentiate a real person from an AI-generated image | Z90YK3L | 2024-04-30 23:08:01
Have you looked at an AI-generated image lately? Not sure? These days, fake images generated using artificial intelligence, and deepfake videos where celebrities' heads are superimposed on the bodies of other people, are increasingly more common. It's hard to tell what's real and what's fake, which is problematic. Recently, fake photos of Taylor Swift in sexually suggestive and explicit positions were circulating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The images, which are AI-generated, were viewed tens of millions of times before being removed from social platforms. Indeed, there's a rising concern this will lead to an epidemic of misinformation on social media.
How can you avoid being tricked? To help you spot and verify both AI-generated images and deepfake videos, check out this gallery for some helpful tips. Don't let yourself be fooled!
Note: Pictured here is an AI-generated model called Aitana. She was created by a Spanish advertising agency to compete with real people in the ever growing digital influencer market.
How to identify the symptoms of ADHD | Z90YK3L | 2024-04-30 23:08:01
Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsiveness are just some of the types of behavior people with ADHD experience. A correct and clear diagnosis for this condition is important so that the problem can be dealt with in the best way possible.
Learn how to identify ADHD symptoms, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
How to prevent and treat body breakouts | Z90YK3L | 2024-04-30 23:08:01
Let's face it: when it comes to skin breakouts, those pesky pimples can have a habit of cropping up in all manner of unexpected places. Stress, sweaty workouts, and sitting at a desk can all lead to a highly unwelcome bout of what sufferers like to call 'buttne'and 'bacne,' while the chest is also fair game for annoying eruptions. Body breakouts aren't uncommon, but they can be prevented and treated, leaving you with skin you'll want to show off.
Ready to kick those spots into touch? Click through this gallery to find out how to prevent and treat body breakouts.
How to treat and prevent dizziness | Z90YK3L | 2024-04-30 23:08:01
Dizziness is an umbrella term used to describe various sensations, including lightheadedness, loss of balance, and/or feelings of being unsteady or about to faint. The severity of these can vary, depending on the root cause and other factors. Common causes include dehydration, low blood sugar, medications, stress, and anxiety. But some diseases can also cause dizziness, as well as vertigo.
In this gallery, we delve into some of the causes of dizziness, and what you can do to treat and prevent it. Click on for more.
How worried should you be about the measles outbreak? | Z90YK3L | 2024-04-30 23:08:01
Back in 2000, measles was declared eradicated in the US. That all changed less than 20 years later, when a measles epidemic took hold in 2019. The number of cases reached a high not seen since 1992, the majority of which were attributed to unvaccinated children. A highly infectious disease, cases have been reported each year since 2019 and the world has been experiencing a major increase since 2023. More than a dozen US states have reported cases of the illness since the start of 2024, and experts attribute the outbreak to increased travel and lower vaccination rates in children since the COVID-19 pandemic.
It looks like measles cases are on the rise around the world. But how dangerous is it? And what should you do if you think you have symptoms?
Click through this gallery to discover how dangerous measles is.
The secret redacted game at the Xbox Games Showcase is Call Of Duty | 4PEGBYE | 2024-04-30 21:08:01
World's shortest mystery (Picture: Microsoft)
The not-E3 summer showcase from Xbox was supposed to feature a secret game but fans have already proven that it's this year's Call Of Duty.
Last year's Xbox Games Showcase in June was undoubtedly the most successful piece of marketing Xbox has enjoyed in years, perhaps ever. It easily eclipsed PlayStation's anaemic equivalent and showcased a number of new and previously announced titles – including a 30 minute showcase for Starfield.
The position Microsoft finds itself in now is almost certainly not the one it was expecting in the immediate aftermath of the showcase, but they've just announced that this year's event will take place on June 9, at 6pm BST.
It will also be accompanied by a separate 'Direct' dedicated to one specific game, just as happened last year with Starfield, but while this was meant to be kept a secret fans have already worked out what it is.
Given Fable is probably Xbox's next biggest game after Starfield, you might've expected that to be the focus this year. But that has already been announced, with a substantial trailer in 2023, so there's no reason to redact its identity.
There have been substantial rumours about Gears 6 being at the event, but it seems strange to treat such an old franchise in this way, especially when a sequel is a given.
Unfortunately for Microsoft, the mystery was solved within minutes, with fans quickly identifying the logo as relating to this year's new Call Of Duty game.
The same logo was already datamined from Modern Warfare 3 and seems to relate to a military group called Cerberus, hence the three-headed dog. Although Cerberus is also believed to be the codename of the game itself.
The secrecy is likely because rumours suggest the game will be unveiled sometime this month, before the summer showcase, so while it's 'secret' now it won't be by June.
As always happens with Call Of Duty, details of the game long ago leaked out and it's believed to be a Black Ops title taking place during the Gulf War, probably called Call Of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War.
This will be the first summer showcase since Microsoft bought Activision Blizzard, although whether Call Of Duty will always get the 30-minute showcase slot remains to be seen.
Update:The Verge claims its sources have confirmed that the redacted game is indeed this year's Call Of Duty. It also claims that the Shattered Space expansion for Starfield is 'currently targeting' a September release.
The same sources suggest that a new Gears Of War game will also be there, as well as November release dates for Avowed and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and a December launch for Indiana Jones And The Great Circle.
It's also claimed that this year's event will have even more games than the 2023 showcase, which already had a very full platter of new and already announced titles.
