In Pictures: Dec Pierce belts out the Block Rockin Beats at Marquee in Cork
A hot night at the Marina venue saw temperatures rise even further as the Dublin DJ belted out dance classics such as Robert Miles' Children, Freed from Desire by Gala, and Out of Space by The Prodigy.
Co Waterford fiddle player Nicole Lonergan also added a live element to the proceedings.
Dec Pierce doing his Block Rockin Beats at Live at the Marquee, Cork. Pictures: David Creedon
Nicole Lonergan playing the fiddle on stage with Dec Pierce at Live at the Marquee, Cork.
Dec Pierce behind the decks at Block Rockin Beats.
Ema and Caroline Spillane from Midleton.
Éadaoin and Rachel Lonergan from Cahir at the Marquee, Cork.
John and Breda Mangan from Fermoy at the Dec Pierce event.
The scene at Dec Pierce, Block Rockin Beats at Live at the Marquee, Cork.
Emily Hutchinson, Suzanne Caulfield and Leigh Cheevers from Waterford at Dec Pierce.
Rachel Corcoran and Michael Irwin from Youghal.
Noah and Fiona Dwyer from Clonmel at Dec Pierce.
Leah and Angie Punch, with Colin O'Brien from Mayfield.
Grace Leonard and Darragh Kenny from Passage West.
Freda Jones, Lisa Fitzgearld, Eimer Stakelum, Kelly Lyons and Aisling Henebry.
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The Irish Sun
05-08-2025
- The Irish Sun
Dark side of Boardmasters as it's dubbed an ‘underage carnival of horrors' amid drugs, sexual assaults & tragic death
Festivalgoer George Zographou sent a heartbreaking text in his final moments, warning that he might not survive FESTIVAL CHAOS Dark side of Boardmasters as it's dubbed an 'underage carnival of horrors' amid drugs, sexual assaults & tragic death STUDENT George Zographou set off for the Boardmasters festival for a weekend of fun after completing his A-Levels. The 18-year-old from Bristol drove to Newquay, Cornwall, with two female friends back in 2017 - but never made it home after falling ill and dying six days later when his parents had to make the heartbreaking call to turn off his life support machine. 13 The Boardmasters beach festival is held every year in Cornwall and attracts thousands of partygoers Credit: Alamy 13 George Zographou, 18, died after attending Boardmasters festival and falling ill Credit: Supplied by George Zographo and family 13 Multiple people were reportedly injured during a crowd crush last year George collapsed in a medical tent at the festival, suffering from Meningitis B (MenB), a deadly bacterial infection. In a statement issued later, the organiser said a test had not indicated the condition. Instead, George, who could barely walk when he went to find help at the site's medical facility, was diagnosed with a fractured ankle and dehydration. Despite deteriorating throughout the day and becoming agitated and confused, an ambulance was only called after he had a cardiac arrest. He was revived, but by then, doctors confirmed he was brain-dead. The last text he sent read: 'I think I'm dying.' George's mum, Elaine, believes that organisers should have done more to save her son and says that they have a higher responsibility to their audience than other festival hosts because of the age of ticket holders. George was a sensible boy. He didn't do drugs or anything like that. He was leaving for the festival early, so the night before he left, I helped him pack his bags and gave him a kiss good night and told him I loved him. Elaine Zographou Boardmasters attracts a young post-GCSE and A-level crowd, teenagers looking to celebrate the end of their exams during the summer months before heading to university. Elaine says: "I know things happen at all festivals, but at Boardmasters they are young teenagers, they're probably first timers, they're naïve. They need a little bit more security, help and backing." This August, Boardmasters will welcome up to 65,000 fun-seekers for five days of music and partying, drawn in by headliners Raye, Central Cee and The Prodigy. The crowd capacity has increased since 2023, when it was 53,000 visitors. 2024 saw 58,000 festival-goers attend. Last year, safety measures at the festival were called into question after seven attendees were taken to hospital following a crowd crush ahead of a DJ set by teenage favourite Sammy Virji. 'It was carnage!' slams mum over Boardmasters crowd surge that hospitalised 7 & saw 100s of kids in tears Eyewitnesses described horrific scenes. One woman who attended with her daughters described the 'carnage' in a social media post. She wrote: 'There were kids holding their legs, there were kids being carried.' Another described seeing someone with what appeared to be bone 'coming out of his leg'. A teenager who gave his name as Tristan told the BBC: "There was definitely not enough security to handle the surge. 'I saw the first broken leg ten minutes before the music was due to start. Friends of the injured boy were trying to get him to safety, but none of us could move. I could see his leg, bent horribly and covered in blood,' he said. Jade Brooks, 23, sustained a broken knee. She recalls: "I had about 10 people fall onto my legs. I was screaming 'My legs' when I heard the crunch as someone landed on it." Following the incident, organisers posted on X: 'No serious injuries have been reported and our pit and medical teams responded immediately to assist those involved.' 'Totally out of control' But across social media, the festival has come under fire from concerned parents. One parent on Reddit branded the event 'an underage carnival of horrors' and blasted: 'This festival was TOTALLY out of control.' In previous years, there have been reports of sexual assaults, rapes, and dangerous drugs. Several parents say their children saw drugs being consumed on the site, and dealers targeting youngsters. Last year, Levi Bethune-Jones, 37, and Luke Belcher, 36, were pulled over on the A30 near Bodmin on their way to the festival. In their van, they were carrying 411 2CB tablets, 225 MDMA tablets, 174 grams of ketamine, 70 grams of cannabis resin, 31 grams of herbal cannabis, 137 grams of magic mushrooms, and two boxes of nitrous oxide canisters. Police believe they intended to sell the drugs at the festival. Bethune-Jones, from Birmingham, was found guilty of five counts of possession with intent to supply drugs at a trial at Truro Crown Court in April 2025 and was jailed for three years and eight months. Belcher, also from Birmingham, pleaded guilty to five counts of possession with intent to supply drugs and was jailed for three years. Rob Spring, Festival Director of Boardmasters, said afterwards: 'Boardmasters operates a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs and substances in line with UK law.' In 2022, warning posters were put up around the festival site after two strains of potentially dangerous drugs were found on festival grounds. 13 Jade Brooks fractured her knee when 'ten people fell on her' during a performance Credit: PA 13 The festival attracts a young crowd - mostly teens looking to celebrate the end of the exam season Credit: Alamy 13 Levi Bethune-Jones and Luke Belcher were pulled over on route to the event and found to be carrying huge amounts of drugs Credit: Devon/Cornwall Police 13 Several festival goers have reported serious sexual assaults at the event (stock image of revellers) Credit: Alamy Attendees have also reported serious sexual assaults at the event, with police issuing an e-fit of a man wanted in relation to a suspected sex crime only last year. In 2022, a 17-year-old girl was raped by two men in a tent at the festival, and in previous years, a 16-year-old girl from Somerset was attacked, and a 17-year-old boy was later arrested on suspicion of rape. A teenage girl, 17, was also subjected to a "deeply upsetting and shocking" sexual attack on a train on her way home from the festival. She was assaulted twice, by two different men. The risks are not confined to on-site activity. In one Reddit post, a mother asks for advice on whether the festival is safe for her teenage daughter. One reply from someone claiming to be a festival worker tells her: 'What's actually dangerous about Boardmasters is the off-site part of the festival. You have all the water-related dangers to consider, like jumping into shallow water, swimming drunk, weak swimmers etc.' The 'worker' explains that Boardmasters is 'as safe as any other festival' and says 'there is plenty of security around 24/7' but admits 'there will be drinking, there will be sex and there will be tears' but that there will also 'be fun'. 'It was too late' The words ring hollow for the family of George Zographou. He had a promising life ahead of him. He was due to get his A-level results the day after the festival ended and had a place lined up at Aston University, where he planned to study international development and international business. Elaine, 71, continues: 'George was a sensible boy. He didn't do drugs or anything like that. He was leaving for the festival early, so the night before he left, I helped him pack his bags and gave him a kiss good night and told him I loved him.' When George first fell ill at the event, he was in contact with his parents via his mobile phone. Elaine learned that his heartbeat was three times higher than normal. The ambulance was called. The paramedics revived him and took him to the hospital, but it was too late. Elaine Zographou She says: 'We decided to go and pick him up, and I spoke to the senior doctor who said, 'Don't worry, he'll be under my care. He will be with me the whole time until you come and pick him up.' But George was moved to a recovery tent, and Elaine struggled to get more information about his condition. George's dad, Andrew, left for Cornwall around 4pm in the afternoon. Elaine continued to call her son to find out what was happening, but he stopped answering his phone. At one point, a security guard answered it and said George had become agitated and confused. Elaine recalls: 'They asked us to hurry up and pick him up because he was violent. I was absolutely shocked. That was not like George at all.' 13 George with his mum, dad and sister Credit: Supplied by George Zographo and family 13 Elaine with George Credit: Supplied by George Zographo and family 13 65,000 people are said to be heading to the festival this year Credit: Alamy 13 Girls pulled out from the crowd by security at Boardmasters in previous years Credit: Alamy Later, someone answered George's phone and told Elaine he was asleep. At some point, George had complained about discomfort and was placed on the floor. Soon after, he suffered a heart attack. 'That's when the ambulance was called. The paramedics revived him and took him to the hospital, but it was too late,' says a tearful Elaine. Andrew was halfway to Cornwall when someone from the Royal Truro Hospital rang him on George's phone. He says: "He asked if I was driving and suggested I pull over. He said: 'Your son has been brought in and he is very poorly indeed'. It was a complete shock." When he arrived at the hospital, he was told that his son was on life support. He called his wife. Elaine says, fighting back tears: "When Andy called and told me, I was sorting George's bedroom out and putting new sheets on the bed for when he came back." Over the following days, tests showed George was brain dead and that there was no hope. As he lay wired to machines that kept him breathing, hundreds of his friends from all over the country came to say their final goodbyes. The paramedics revived him and took him to hospital, but it was too late. George's mum, Elaine Six days after George left to go to the festival, his life support system was switched off. Elaine, Andrew and his sister Nicole, 37, who rushed back from a holiday in Ibiza when she got the news, were at his side. By then, MenB had been diagnosed. Two people from George's college had contracted the infection 18 months previously. One had died. And earlier in 2024, another student, one of George's friends, had also contracted it. Private vaccinations are available at around £300 and after George died, the whole of his year group was vaccinated, along with his family, who now campaign to raise awareness of meningitis and particularly MenB and have raised thousands of pounds for Meningitis charities in George's memory. Nicole now works as a health protection practitioner at the UK Health Security Agency. She believes Boardmasters should have a low threshold for sending young people to hospital, especially if no drugs and alcohol are involved, as in George's case. She says: "It's also important for festivals to promote vaccine awareness ahead of mass gatherings. In July 2018, the Cornwall Coroner, Dr Emma Carlyon, ruled George had died of natural causes and refused to order an inquest. Festival promoters Vision Nine said they pride themselves on hiring a 'first-class medical team'. They said George was never left unmonitored and claimed he had not wanted to go to hospital. They added that the mottled rash on his left foot was a 'single small red mark' and that blood tests for meningitis came back negative. In a statement, the organisers said he had received a 'thorough examination' and he did not show any signs of sepsis or meningitis. 'Boardmasters has been staged in Cornwall for over 10 years, with over 250,000 music fans enjoying five days of entertainment in a safe and secure environment,' a spokesman for Boardmasters said. After last year's event, police reported that 11 people had been arrested on suspicion of drug offences, sexual offences and assault. As thousands gather for a weekend of partying this weekend, George's family will be gathering to remember their son and to mark another year since his death. The Sun has reached out to the organisers of Boardmasters Festival. 13 Six days after George left to go to the festival, his life support system was switched off Credit: Supplied by George Zographo and family 13 A coroner ruled he died of natural causes Credit: Facebook
Extra.ie
30-07-2025
- Extra.ie
Iron Maiden legend Paul Mario Day dies aged 69
The original Iron Maiden frontman Paul Mario Day has passed away at the age of 69 and tributes are pouring in. A statement confirming the sad news was shared by the band More, the group Paul was with after his time with Iron Maiden. The heavy metal icon played a key role for the genre in the 1970s, being with Iron Maiden for their launch and the beginning of the movement dubbed the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM). Paul Mario Day and bass guitarist Brian Day (left) of heavy metal group More in1981. Pic:More stated: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the great MORE vocalist Paul Mario Day. 'Paul was a huge part of the NWOBHM from his time in an early version of Iron Maiden and of course his fantastic performance on the Warhead album. He was a well loved figure in British rock music and played many memorable shows not least the legendary 1981 Monsters of Rock show at Castle Donninton with AC/DC Whitesnake/David Coverdale as well as tours with Iron Maiden Def Leppard and many other legendary artists. 'Mike Freeland remembers him fondly as a 'bloody great vocalist!' 'It's an honour for us to continue to play his music and we will always think of him every time we hit the opening notes to 'Warhead'. 'We send our deepest condolences to Paul's family and friends and also the many fans around the world who love his music. 'Play his music loud and sing along! 'Thank you. Rock in peace Paul.' Paul was born in London in 1956 and became the first singer for Iron Maiden at the age of 19 in December 1975. He was with the group for 10 months before they replaced him with Dennis Wilcock, who also had a short-lived stint. Paul formed More in 1980, and the band released its debut album, 'Warhead', the following year. Paul (centre) with his fellow More band members. Pic:The iconic frontman also went on to lead the band Wildfire from 1983 to 1984 and in 1985 he joined a reformed version of the band Sweet alongside guitarist Andy Scott and drummer Mick Tucker. Andy also paid tribute to Paul on Sweet's social media accounts. He shared: 'In 1985 Mick Tucker and myself put together the first new line-up of Sweet after the hiatus of the original band. 'We needed a singer and when Paul arrived for the audition we looked no further. Our first dates were in Australia, total sell-outs which boded well for the future. 'Europe followed suit and 3 sold out nights at the Marquee in London produced a live album, video and DVD. ''Live at the Marquee' did well in various charts around the world and Paul's vocal performance has stood the test of time.' Heavy metal fans have flooded social media with tributes to one of the main faces of NWOBHM. One fan wrote: 'I saw Paul with More at Ayr Pavillion in April 1981 then a Donington a few months later. I also saw him with Sweet in Nov 1985. Great vocalist. Sadly missed.' Another commented: 'Just finished a play along session with the first album to honor Andy, Kenny and Paul. R.I.P. all of them. Some classic tunes these guys made. Now to bed trying to forget.' A third added: 'RIP Paul. I love the two Wildfire albums too, it was Paul's band.'
The Irish Sun
30-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
I always get mistaken for my daughter's sister & people are stunned to hear my age – I get chatted up when out with her
A MUM has revealed blokes constantly mistake her and her teenage daughter for sisters when they're out at gigs, leaving her girl fuming. Lynsey Schofield, 40, says men often think she's 20 years younger than her real age when she's out with 19-year-old daughter Melody Heslop. Advertisement 7 A 40-year-old mum says men mistake her and her teenage daughter as sister 7 Lynsey said people think she's 20 years younger than she is when she goes to gigs Credit: Kennedy news and media Lynsey was just 21 when she had Melody, and the pair are now inseparable, often hitting concerts and festivals together. The lookalike duo have rocked out to The mum-of-two said fellow concert-goers have been shocked to learn she is a mum when they see her in the crowd and doubtful bouncers have even asked her for ID on the door. Meanwhile, daughter Melody admits it does get 'a bit annoying' when lads her own age want to chat up her mum. Advertisement Read more on young mums Lynsey, from Blackpool, Lancashire, said: "We were at The Prodigy concert last year and were just speaking to someone and they thought I was her friend. "I was like, 'oh no I'm her mum!' "It's quite flattering, I'm quite happy for people to think I'm younger than I am. None of us want to get any older do we? "When I went to The Prodigy, it was at Warehouse Project and they asked me for my ID, which I was more than happy to provide. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous "It has given me a bit of an ego-boost." Youthful Lynsey does not follow an extensive beauty or workout routine but, outside of her job as a support worker, she works as a sound healing practitioner and says this helps her stress levels. 'Harry's a different person with her' insists Shakira's mum as she breaks silence on Love Island villa visit After they saw Oasis on their reunion tour, Lynsey posted photos of them together at the gig on Facebook. Users were in disbelief that the duo were mother and daughter, saying the pair looked like sisters and describing Lynsey as 'supersonic'. Advertisement She said a few of the thirsty blokes have even tried to slide into her DMs. Lynsey said: "The amount of friend requests I've had from random men is unbelievable. "The Oasis reunion was a big thing for us because we'd spoken about it since she was little and I promised her when she was 11 if they ever got back together we would go. "I put it up because I was buzzing about being at the concert. Advertisement "I wasn't expecting so many comments. "I was surprised at how many people made the comparison to be honest. "It's nice for people to think I'm younger than I am." Teenager Melody was not surprised by the comments on the post and said she gets flack about her young mum from lads her age. Advertisement Melody, who works as a waitress, said: "We get it a lot so it's something I'm used to. "I find it quite funny sometimes. "We've had it since I was younger anyway. Through all of my teenage years we've been compared as sisters. "I'm used to it at this point. It's quite cool up until lads start saying how attractive she is. Advertisement "It's a bit annoying to have lads my age talking about my mum." Pros of being a young mum Tracy Kiss, who fell pregnant at 19, has revealed what she beleives are the pros of being a young mother. The personal trainer and blogger, from Buckinghamshire, believes women who give birth in their teens make BETTER mothers than those in their 30s. She claims young mums snap back into shape quicker, have more energy and relate more easily to their children, meaning they're better behaved and happier. Tracy told Fabulous: "Women who become first-time mums in their teens make better parents than those in their 30s or 40s. "I believe if I'd been 10 or so years older before becoming a mother then I wouldn't have the relationship I have with my children now. "For a start, being older I would have had less energy and therefore less patience. "I wouldn't be as enthusiastic to speak to people after months of sleepless nights as I was in my teens. "My body snapped back to its pre-pregnancy size through fitness post-birth, which in turn gave me the confidence to date and find love again. I've never been happier than I am now at the age of 30 with two children. "If I'd have been alone at 40 with a newborn baby I'd be more tired, less happy with my body, less energetic and far more stressed from the shock of living my life for myself instead of putting others first. Sometimes age and the innocence of ignorance is a good thing. "As a teen mum I just got on with it, found my feet and became responsible and capable because at the time I didn't know any different." 7 The mum and daughter are best friends Credit: Kennedy news and media 7 Lyndsey was surprised at how many people are confused about her age Credit: Kennedy news and media 7 Melody says she finds the confusion funny sometimes Credit: Kennedy news and media Advertisement 7 The mum claims she still gets ID'd and hit on when going on nights out Credit: Kennedy news and media 7 Lynsey had her daughter at 19-years-old
