Pat Spillane: Dublin can't get carried away yet, but like Limerick hurlers, they have turned a corner
Harold Wilson, the former British Prime Minister, was quoted during the sterling crisis of 1964 when he declared that a week is a long time in politics. He could just as well have been commenting on this year's GAA championship.
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The Journal
8 hours ago
- The Journal
US moves staff from embassy in Iraq as tensions with Iran over nuclear deal increase
THE US IS reducing the number of its staff at its embassy in Iraq and other bases in its control in the Middle East over security concerns as tensions with Iran have escalated. Iran and the US have concluded their fifth round of nuclear talks, seeking to reach a replacement of the 2015 accord, seeking that Tehran dismantle its nuclear weapons capabilities, that President Donald Trump scrapped in 2018. Iran this evening threatened to target US military bases in the region if conflict breaks out. Trump has said he is 'less confident' that a nuclear deal can be reached. Since returning to the White House in January, the Trump administration has sought to impose pressure on Iran to reach a deal. It has warned of a military response, if it fails. Speaking this evening, Iran's defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said all of US-controlled bases in the region are 'within out reach' and that they will be targeted 'without hesitation' if conflict breaks out. 'God willing, things won't reach that point, and the talks will succeed,' the minister said, adding that the US side 'will suffer more losses' if it came to conflict. In January 2020, Iran fired missiles at bases in Iraq housing American troops in retaliation for the US strike that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani days before at Baghdad airport. Dozens of US soldiers suffered traumatic brain injuries. Cargo ships travelling through the Persian Gulf have also been advised to proceed with caution by the British-navy-run UK Maritime Trade Operations agency. Advertisement The US has multiple bases in the Middle East, with the largest located in Qatar. Sources have told the AFP News Agency that staff at an embassy in Iran have been reduced today. Trump, tonight, has confirmed reports that staff have been removed from 'dangerous' locations in the Middle East. It comes as talks between Iran and the US have reached an impasse in recent weeks over Tehran's uranium enrichment operations – which it has said is a 'non-negotiable'. The country currently enriches uranium – meaning, to increase its concentration – to 60%. It is far above the 3.67% limit set in the 2015 deal. Enriching uranium can assist in the production of nuclear warheads – though Iran's operations are still short of the 90% concentration needed to create the weapons. Trump had expressed optimism about the talks securing an end to Iran's programme during a trip to the region last month, but he told US media today that he feels 'less confident' that a deal can be reached. He has discussed the possibility of his country and Israel working together to get Iran to reach a deal, or cooperating militarily if not. The intenrational nuclear watchdog met this week and concluded yesterday that there has been 'less than satisfactory' cooperation from Tehran , particularly in explaining past cases of nuclear material found at undeclared sites. Iran has criticised the report as unbalanced, saying it relied on 'forged documents' provided by Israel. - © AFP 2025 , with reporting by Muiris Ó Cearbhaill
Irish Independent
11 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Ballymena riots: Fire started and windows smashed at Larne Leisure Centre
Social media posts have suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there earlier today. It is understood there is currently nobody inside the Leisure Centre. It comes as protestors have gathered in towns across Northern Ireland with some being peaceful, while others have turned violent. The initial rioting ignited in Ballymena with the PSNI saying it is 'not clear' if paramilitaries are coordinating violence in the Co Antrim town. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson, speaking during a press conference today, said: "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it." Meanwhile, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn is planning to visit Ballymena, it has been announced. The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also condemned 'mindless attacks' during the outbreak of violence in Ballymena and other parts of Northern Ireland. Seven people have been arrested and 33 PSNI officers were injured over two nights of what the PSNI Chief Constable has described as 'mindless violence'. Follow our live blog for the latest updates: 13 minutes ago Heavy police presence in Ballymena amid third night of protesting 16 minutes ago 'Larne does not need this', says East Antrim MLA Alliance MLA Danny Donnelly has condemned the attack of a leisure centre in his constituency. "Larne leisure centre has been attacked by masked thugs," the East Antrim MLA said. "Windows smashed and fires lit nearby. Larne does not need this." 20 minutes ago Communities Minister condemns attack on Larne Leisure Centre Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has condemned the attack of a leisure centre in Larne. The East Antrim MLA said: 'The violence and disorder witnessed on our streets over recent nights serves no purpose. Wanton destruction such as the attack on Larne Leisure Centre is an attack on all residents who use the facility. There is absolutely no excuse for what has taken place in Larne, and it must be condemned.' 24 minutes ago Police Land Rovers arrive at Larne Leisure Centre Five police Land Rovers have arrived at the scene of the ongoing incident in Larne. Fire crews have been tasked to tackle the blaze that is understood to be currently contained to foyer of the leisure centre. 52 minutes ago Damage caused to a leisure centre in Larne amid protests Social media posts have suggested that those moved out of Ballymena homes were being housed there earlier today. 59 minutes ago Police are at the scene as a small crowd has gathered in Ballymena Kevin Scott on Twitter / X A ring of police around the Harryville Bridge and Clonavon areas of crowds around but all spectators; all peaceful. @BelTel Kevin Scott (@Kscott_94) June 11, 2025 Today 02:03 PM A vandalised house in Ballymena is now displaying a 'British Household' sign in the window Today 01:39 PM MLA urges for political leadership amid reports of anti-immigration protest in Portadown Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd has called for all political representatives to show leadership and urge a boycott of an anti-immigration protest planned in Portadown this evening. A Sinn Fein spokesman said there are reports of a demonstration being organised with one flyer suggesting the protest will target several homes and a hostel in the area. 'Reports of a racist protest being organised in Portadown by faceless elements are deeply disturbing and disgraceful,' the Upper Bann MLA said. "I am calling on all politicians, particularly those with influence in the greater Portadown area, to distance themselves from this protest and to publicly encourage a boycott. 'Anything less would be a total abdication of leadership at a time when it is needed most. 'We have already seen the misery that racist thugs have inflicted on the people of Ballymena and elsewhere — those scenes must not be repeated in Portadown.' Today 01:08 PM Officers in north Belfast are investigating a number of reports of criminal damage and arson from yesterday evening Chief Inspector Mullan said: 'A number of homes and vehicles throughout the north of the city – in Buttermilk Loney, Silverstream Road, Woodvale Avenue and Oakley Street - were damaged with windows smashed. Also in Oakley Street, three properties sustained damage after a car was set alight. Shortly afterwards, in Silverstream Gardens, two vehicles were deliberately set alight, while a motorbike was destroyed in an arson attack in Florence Court. In Legann Street, another car was set alight and two houses had windows smashed. 'At this time, all incidents are being treated as racially-motivated hate crimes. We absolutely condemn these disgraceful attacks on our minority ethnic friends and neighbours. Those responsible are endangering not only the lives of those inside the properties, but putting themselves at risk of injury. 'Our investigations are ongoing and local officers are working to identify all those involved in this incident. Make no mistake, we are treating these incidents exceptionally seriously. We will pursue those responsible and ensure they face justice through our courts. We will continue to engage closely with partner agencies and local advocacy groups as enquiries continue." Today 12:51 PM Filipino man's plea to rioters after car burned out in Ballymena violence 'We are not here to destroy your community': Filipino man's plea to rioters after car burned out in Ballymena violence A Filipino man who had his car burned out and home attacked during violence in Ballymena has pleaded with rioters to stop, telling them 'we are not here to destroy your community'. Today 12:35 PM Comment from Allison Morris on Ballymena violence There's no dressing up Ballymena violence, there is no, 'it is wrong but'… it is just racism In Exodus, God instructed the Israelites to mark their doorways with the blood of a sacrificed lamb so he would "pass over" their houses, sparing their firstborn sons, while striking down the firstborn of the Egyptians. Today 12:07 PM PSNI warn 'is rioting worth your future being put under threat?' ACC Ryan Henderson: "Let me say in the clearest possible terms, the senseless violence is utterly unacceptable, and as I see it serves, only to endanger and destroy our local area, our local communities. "And I want to appeal directly to those involved or considering becoming involved in the disorder to stop and think. Ask yourselves, is the hatred something you want to be associated with? Is this worth being prosecuted for? Is it worth your future being put under threat? Or indeed the future of your children? "Most importantly, please ask yourself, how are [these criminal acts] helping the ongoing criminal investigation in support of a young victim who deserves justice? This violence only serves to undermine the criminal investigation and cause further distress and turmoil to a young victim and her family. " Today 12:03 PM 80 additional officers requested from Great Britain to help ACC Ryan Henderson said: "A significant policing operation, will be in place in Ballymena and beyond over the coming days. We're taking steps to increase available resources and are surging a significant number of extra officers, vehicles, and equipment to those areas with the rioting is taking place. This will have an impact on our communities." Today 11:59 AM PSNI preparing for possibility of more violence tonight ACC Ryan Henderson said: "My nearly 30 years in policing makes me absolutely alert to the fact we could see more tonight and that's why we're preparing and planning for that. "But I don't want the communities of Northern Ireland to feel unsafe, nor do I want them to feel that I am saying that we will definitely see this tonight." Today 11:57 AM Police 'not clear' on whether paramilitary coordination to rioting ACC Ryan Henderson said: "You will see the power of social media connecting different parts of Northern Ireland in terms of the desire to protest, but also the desire to be violent and how that has been done. And we have seen that in a number of sites over the past couple of days. "At this point it's not clear to us or through intelligence or what we're hearing if there's paramilitary coordination to it. But I want to be very clear that if it does come out from our investigations I'll not be slow or shy in attributing blame to those who are involved. " Today 11:53 AM PSNI press conference In a PSNI press conference today Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson praised officers who have dealt with two days of rioting in Ballymena. He said: "32 officers have now been injured over the last two nights of rioting. And I want to say publicly my admiration for the bravery and professionalism of those officers that they showed when dealing with the challenges and the violence they had to face." Today 11:40 AM NI Secretary hoping to visit Ballymena Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn hopes to visit Ballymena in the coming days, according to Lady Anderson. She also said the Cabinet minister was having "active conversations" with both the Stormont administration and the PSNI. Lady Anderson told peers that the region's Chief Constable Jon Boutcher was in the process of submitting a request through the mutual aid scheme to support current police policing operations. Today 11:33 AM Government minister says communities left 'very scared' following violence in NI A Government minister has said her thoughts are with communities in Northern Ireland who have been left "very scared" after two nights of violence in which a number of police officers have been injured. Responding to an urgent question in Parliament, Lords spokesperson for Northern Ireland Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent said: "The recent scenes of civil disorder which we have seen in Ballymena have no place in Northern Ireland. "The attacks on police officers as they work to keep people safe and on property are wholly unacceptable. "I would like to express my sincere thanks to the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland ambulance service, who have worked in difficult conditions over the past few days to keep people safe. "My thoughts and prayers are with those officers still receiving treatment, and with the communities across Northern Ireland who woke up this morning very scared." Today 10:41 AM Policing Board members thank PSNI and emergency services for efforts in 'face of vicious attack' Policing Board Members today attended a specially convened briefing to receive an update from the PSNI on the policing response to the violence and disorder in Ballymena and other areas of Northern Ireland. Members were briefed on policing operations and challenges following violence. Policing Board Chair Mukesh Sharma said: "Our thoughts are with the victim of this assault and their family. "Measures now being taken by the police to reassure the victims of the violence, and the wider community affected, were outlined and discussed." He added: "Board Members also heard about the ferocity of the violence directed at police officers and the police command decisions to deploy water cannon and baton rounds were explained. "We thank all the police officers, and emergency service colleagues, for their work in the face of vicious attack, and trust all 32 officers injured will make a full recovery." Ms Sharma said the board condemns acts of "wanton violence against people, police and property". He added: "Such violence and racism has no place in our community. The widespread calls for calm, in tandem with condemnation of the disorder and support for policing from political leaders and others, are welcomed. "Policing needs the continued support through political and community leadership to bring this violence to an end."
Irish Post
11 hours ago
- Irish Post
GAA welcomes British Government's £50m allocation towards Casement Park redevelopment
THE GAA has welcomed the news that the British Government will contribute £50m towards the redevelopment of Belfast's Casement Park. The funding was announced today in Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Spending Review as part of £2.2bn in targeted funding to devolved governments. It is believed around £90m more is needed to meet the estimated £260m cost of the project. However, Ulster GAA President Michael Geoghegan welcomed today's news, saying 'there is now growing momentum and belief that Antrim's home and Ulster's provincial stadium is a step closer'. 'Critical opportunity' It was hoped that Casement, which last hosted a game in 2013, would be redeveloped into a 34,500-capacity stadium in time to host matches at Euro 2028. However, after little movement on the project, Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn said in September that it would not be appropriate to provide funding to have Casement ready in time for the tournament. Today's announcement has renewed momentum for the project but the GAA added that 'there is much more work to do'. "We welcome this important and significant investment and we thank the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, the Chancellor of The Exchequer, Rachel Reeves and the UK Government for their positive and generous contribution to ensure that our provincial stadium at Casement Park is finally realised," said GAA President Jarlath Burns. "From taking office, the Secretary of State has been clear that Casement Park needs to be delivered. "He recognised the GAA's commitment and goodwill in sharing venues for the benefit of everyone in our society, dating back to the Maze Long Kesh project, and more recently offering Casement Park as a Euro 2028 Championship venue. "His support and that of the UK Government now represents a critical opportunity to finish this NI Executive flagship project, delivering the last remaining stadium of the 14-year Regional Stadia Programme, and helping to leave a lasting legacy not only for the Gaels of Antrim and Ulster, but for all of society. "We know, however, that this is not the final piece of jigsaw and there is much more work to do. "The GAA will engage directly with the NI Executive and the Department for Communities to ensure that all parties actively pursue, and secure, a full funding package that will deliver upon the GAA's strategic stadium need." 'Historic venue' As well as today's funding allocation, it is believed Stormont will contribute more than £60, the GAA will pay £15m and the Irish Government will provide around £43m. However, with around £90m more required, Tánaiste Simon Harris said today that he would raise the matter with the other parties involved. "I welcome the British government's announcement today of £50m for Casement Park, as part of the UK Spending Review," he said. "The Irish Government has long supported the redevelopment of Casement Park in Belfast as a landmark sports infrastructure project. "In February 2024, we made an early commitment from the Shared Island initiative of up to €50m for the redevelopment of Casement. "We underlined our commitment at that time to support the GAA in progressing this project in partnership with the UK and NI authorities. "I will now engage with all these partners to deliver a redeveloped stadium. "The last match hosted in Casement was well over a decade ago and it is past time for the redevelopment of this historic venue to get underway." Two months ago, a protest over the delay in the project was held before Antrim's Ulster SFC quarter-final against Armagh, which had to be held at Belfast's Corrigan Park, which has a capacity of less than 4,000.. See More: Casement Park, GAA, Hilary Benn, Jarlath Burns, Rachel Reeves
