Ex-Ireland star and criminal Anthony Stokes signs for Conor McGregor's pub team
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Irish Examiner
27 minutes ago
- Irish Examiner
At least 20 migrants die in shipwreck off Italy's Lampedusa island, UN says
At least 20 people have died after a migrant boat capsized off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa, a United Nations agency and local media reported on Wednesday. Rescuers have recovered 20 bodies so far and operations were continuing, according to initial reports by Ansa news agency. Between 70 and 80 people were believed to have survived. Filippo Ungaro, from the UN's refugee agency UNHCR, expressed "deep anguish" over the disaster and said more migrants could still be missing at sea. "Twenty bodies have been recovered and the same number are missing," he wrote on his account on social media platform X. The Italian interior ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. — Reuters Read More Man, 20s, who died in Killarney swimming accident named locally
The Irish Sun
27 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
The 5p hack to keep your fake grass looking new & green & why you should never hoover it
Read on for the most common mistakes PLASTIC PERFECTION The 5p hack to keep your fake grass looking new & green & why you should never hoover it KEEP your fake grass looking lush and green with this 5p hack - and find out why you should never hoover it. The clever trick is simple, cheap, and keeps artificial lawns looking like new without hours of maintenance. Advertisement 2 Keep your fake lawn looking fresh with this cheap and simple cleaning hack Credit: Getty 2 Washing-up liquid mixed with warm water is a quick and easy way to tackle everyday spills and mess Credit: Oliver Dixon Experts warn that vacuuming fake grass can actually damage the fibres and make it look worn out, but with this easy 5p hack, you can refresh your lawn in minutes. Fallen leaves, pet hair, spilled drinks, twigs, dust and dirt can all build up on your fake grass. If left unchecked, this debris can damage the fibres and even encourage moss to grow. While rainwater will wash away most surface grime, it's a good idea to check your artificial grass weekly for loose dirt and debris. Advertisement more on gardens PLAY DAY I filled my garden with outdoor toys from Asda sale, including £3.60 Disney pool A proper deep clean every four weeks will keep your lawn looking fresh, smelling great, and in top shape for years to come. So, how can you clean the grass and get your lawn looking its best again? Washing up liquid Spills on artificial grass are inevitable - whether it's coffee, wine, or even stray paint splatters from giving the fence a fresh coat. The key is to tackle them straight away, before they harden and risk leaving a mark. Advertisement While artificial turf is tough and designed to resist stains, acting fast is the smartest way to keep it looking pristine. 5 ways to get your paddling pool hot in seconds Washing up liquid mixed with warm water is a quick and easy way to tackle everyday spills and mess. Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and a dash of washing-up liquid, then work the suds into the fibres to lift the stain. Soak the stain directly with a damp cloth or kitchen towel for liquid stains - but do not rub the grass. Advertisement Rinse thoroughly with a hose to wash away both the dirt and the solution. If the spill has dried on, gently loosen it with a toothbrush to avoid damaging the grass. Washing-up liquid can cost as little as 5p per use, making it an extremely budget-friendly way to keep your fake lawn looking fresh. But for stubborn stains or lingering smells, you'll want to bring out a specialist artificial grass cleaner for a deeper refresh. Advertisement Why not hoover? Don't use your everyday vacuum cleaner on artificial grass, as it can damage the fibres and suck up the infill sand that keeps the turf in place. Instead, opt for smooth, sweeping motions with a stiff brush or plastic broom for a safer, more effective clean. If you prefer a powered option, choose a specialist garden vacuum designed specifically for artificial grass. Standard hoovers aren't built for damp surfaces, and exposure to condensation or rainfall could quickly ruin them. Advertisement Common mistakes Never use sharp objects, as they can cut or tear the turf - tackle stuck or dried-on debris with a putty knife or another blunt tool instead. Skip the heat after hosing down your lawn, as artificial grass will dry naturally. Avoid harsh chemicals when removing sticky residue, as they can damage the plastic fibres - opt for a specialist synthetic grass cleaner. Always clean gently without rubbing the grass too hard, as excessive force can cause unnecessary wear and damage. Advertisement A jet washer can clean artificial grass quickly - but it needs to be on a power setting that doesn't damage the lawn. So, test a small patch first, and keep the power nozzle at least a foot away from the artificial turf.
Agriland
an hour ago
- Agriland
Government response underway after sighting of Asian hornet
The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has confirmed a recent sighting and subsequent capture of an Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) in the Co. Cork area. This marks a biosecurity alert for Ireland, according to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Asian hornet poses a significant threat to biodiversity in Ireland, as even a single nest can devastate honeybee populations. The discovery of an Asian hornet does not pose a significant public health risk. The sighting has triggered a government led response with the establishment of a new taskforce. The Asian Hornet Management Group (AHMG), chaired by the NPWS, includes the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the National Biodiversity Data Centre and the National Museum of Ireland. This group will coordinate efforts, gather further information and monitor the situation over the coming weeks. The sighting was reported to the National Biodiversity Data Centre's website by a member of the public. A photograph was included, which was confirmed as an Asian hornet by entomologists at both the National Museum of Ireland and NPWS, triggering a rapid response protocol. A survey team was quickly deployed and extensive monitoring and surveying conducted. No evidence of a hornet nest or any other hornet activity was initially observed. However, subsequent surveillance led to the trapping of an Asian hornet on August 12. Extensive monitoring will continue over the coming weeks to determine if this is one individual or if there is evidence of a larger population, the Department of Housing said. The survey team has engaged with businesses, local communities and stakeholders in the area to raise awareness on how to identify the Asian hornet. Beekeeping associations have been briefed and are "playing their part". This sighting is the second verified identification of this invasive species in Ireland. The first identification was of a single individual in the Dublin area during 2021, and was not associated with a wild viable population. Commenting on this incident, Minister of State for nature, heritage and biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan said: "Asian hornets are a threat to our native pollinators and our biodiversity. We must take even a single sighting very seriously. "The NPWS responded quickly to this report, with a team of experts rapidly tasked to monitor and survey the area. One individual was captured and a coordinated response is now underway through a new cross government taskforce who will continue to monitor the situation. "This incident shows us that members of the public are our eyes on the ground. Early detection is key if we are to prevent the establishment of this invasive species," Minister O'Sullivan added. "I urge everyone to be vigilant and inform themselves so that they can recognise and report any sightings of the Asian hornet to help us contain this invasive species and protect our biodiversity," he said. Members of the public are being asked to remain vigilant and report any suspected sightings through the National Biodiversity Data Centre's Alien Watch reporting portal. If someone suspects they have spotted an Asian hornet, they should not attempt to disturb or capture it. While not generally aggressive, it may sting if provoked. Any photographs, location coordinates, or samples (if safe to collect post-mortem) are extremely valuable to the response team, the Department of Housing said. It is important to note that the Asian hornet can be easily confused with native species such as the giant woodwasp, the dark giant horsefly, and the common wasp. The Asian hornet has spread to and established populations in several EU countries. There are ongoing control efforts in the UK to prevent this species from establishing there. A population of Asian hornets has also been recorded in the US.
