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Stephen Looney: Why Cliftonville members are eager to open a bold new chapter with Toronto Investment Group

Stephen Looney: Why Cliftonville members are eager to open a bold new chapter with Toronto Investment Group

To the outsider, the oldest club on the island of Ireland's decision to sell to a Canadian business consortium may look like a baffling decision.
But the members of Cliftonville Football Club decided recently to endorse proposals from Toronto Investment Group (TIG) to take over the proud north Belfast club.

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Montreal aims to bounce back as Formula 1 host after 2024 misstep
Montreal aims to bounce back as Formula 1 host after 2024 misstep

Time Out

time19 minutes ago

  • Time Out

Montreal aims to bounce back as Formula 1 host after 2024 misstep

When it comes to Montreal's biggest party weekend of the year, the pressure is on. As the 2025 edition approaches (and despite a contract in place), rumours are swirling that Montreal's race might be at risk. The talk started with the 2024 failures of last year's edition. Now with the metro and bus strike, Montreal's air quality index at an all-time low thanks to the Canadian wildfires, plus the extreme summer 2025 forecast bringing post-tropical cyclones and torrential downpours, Montreal's ability and commitment to host is being seriously called into question. The Canadian Grand Prix attracts thousands of visitors to Montreal and captivates millions of viewers worldwide. Following major organizational issues and concerns from local businesses in 2024, this year's event could play a key role in determining the race's long-term future. What happened at F1 Montreal in 2024? Torrential rains flooded the paddocks and work areas used by Formula One teams. Drivers were reportedly late for key meetings due to delays caused by mismanaged construction zones. Poor communication between race organizers, the city, police, and Montreal's transit authority created major access problems for ticket holders. Some fans bypassed barriers and made their way onto the track. Meanwhile, restaurant patios were abruptly shut down during dinner service by the fire department for bylaw infractions. Is there a new app for the Formula 1 2025 edition? This year, the experience at the track should be much improved thanks to a new app which will help guide and inform fans of entertainment options on site. There will also be new colour-coded site maps and enhanced food options. You can find the app by clicking the link here.

Our handpicked Father's Day gifts on Amazon any dad will love for under £50
Our handpicked Father's Day gifts on Amazon any dad will love for under £50

Daily Record

time4 hours ago

  • Daily Record

Our handpicked Father's Day gifts on Amazon any dad will love for under £50

Still need a gift for dad ahead of Sunday, June 15? Then we have it sorted with a selection of gifts still available to buy on Amazon. Not to make anyone sweat, but Father's Day is just around the corner. Landing on Sunday, June 15 this year, there's now less than a week left to get in a gift. With the celebration coming round fast, we know how difficult it can be for those who are still trying to think of something special. Let's face it, dads aren't often the easiest to buy for. Add on the fact that many gifts on the market can be quite cliché or stereotypical, leaving quite a lot to be desired, especially if you want to get him something that will really represent his personality and likes. This is where Amazon can come in handy, especially for those who don't have time to head out to the shops, as they can browse an entire assortment of items straight from the comforts of their home. Whether he is a foodie, a beer-lover, or he likes to take care of his appearance, there is something for every dad at an affordable price. In even better news, many of them are still available for next day delivery, allowing shoppers to get in a gift ahead of time. Now, since we know Amazon can offer a lot of choice, we have made it easier by taking the time to curate a selection of handpicked gift ideas for Father's Day that can be bought for under £50. Father's Day Cheese & Lager Gift Hamper - £29.99 If he likes a touch of cheese and beer, then this hamper will get him two bottles of crisp Canadian lager and a selection of cheeses for under £30. Packed in a themed gift box, meaning you don't need to worry about wrapping, there are two waxed cheese truckles in two flavours - fiery dragon and vintage cheddar. There's also an assortment of savoury snacks from him to munch on such as cheese nibbles, sourdough crackers and sausage flavoured crisps. 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Hugo Boss is often a popular fragrance brand for everyone, and this particular "modern" and "energizing" scent is boasts notes of iced violet leaves, pineapple and sandalwood for an aroma that will suit any man, no matter his age. An electric shaver he can use in and outside of the shower is a must-have grooming essential, and this particular model uses 4D floating heads for a close shave across all contours of the face. Designed to effortlessly glide across stubble, leaving no irritation, it also offers a decent 1.5 hour battery life on a single, full charge. Not to mention that it comes complete with a travel pouch, ideal for when he is away on business trips or vacation. It may not be one of the fancier Nespresso machines, which can be fairly pricey, but this popular coffee machine offers a more affordable option for those looking to save pennies. 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Businessman behind rescue deal for historic SPFL club reveals how hosting a MUSIC FESTIVAL can help save them
Businessman behind rescue deal for historic SPFL club reveals how hosting a MUSIC FESTIVAL can help save them

Scottish Sun

time5 hours ago

  • Scottish Sun

Businessman behind rescue deal for historic SPFL club reveals how hosting a MUSIC FESTIVAL can help save them

ROCK ON Businessman behind rescue deal for historic SPFL club reveals how hosting a MUSIC FESTIVAL can help save them Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE man behind a rescue deal for an SPFL club in financial struggle has thrown up some unique ideas for the future. After buying them out of administration, the businessman has sat down to discuss his plans further. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The new owner of Dumbarton has detailed some of his plans for the future Credit: PA 3 Manager Stevie Farrell is being kept on Credit: SNS 3 Some more unorthodox ideas could come to fruition at the Rock Credit: SNS Dumbarton faced a 15-point sanction and eventual relegation in the last season and saw their first attempt at being saved fall through. But Mario Lapointe, a Canadian entrepreneur, came in at the eleventh hour to help take the club forward. Now, in an internal Q&A, he's opened up on the possibility of hosting a music festival at The Rock to raise money in the off season. He said: "I haven't bought all the surrounding land, just the stadium footprint. I can expand stands within that space, and I'm in talks about allowing a small part of the land to make walkway bridge across. But no, I'm not building housing. "My vision is for the stadium to be active year-round, used daily by the men's team, women's team, youth teams, and for music, comedy, festivals. "It should be a true community hub, not just a weekend venue. "As a fan, I prefer natural grass — it's how football should be played. But as a businessman aiming to get the team back on track, we need artificial turf. "It'll likely be installed by May 2026 to help fill the stadium and maximise use. "It'd be good to have a festival right at the end of the season that will give money to the team. And that money will go covering wages between the end of the season and the start of the next. "Because there's a gap. There's a gap of players that are still under contract. But there's no Rock, there's no football, there's no revenue, there's nothing. Kris Boyd's end-of-season awards including best player, worst signing, blunder & pundit of year "We have that gap, and I think the way to fill it up is with a music festival." The new owner said he'd looked in Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal before deciding to invest in the Sons, and now that he's in one of his main focuses is increasing youth involvement. He said: "Most fans have supported the club for decades, but we're missing those aged 15 to 25. "That's why I've pushed initiatives like prepaid season tickets for under-16s, with support from both Scots and Canadians, we have around 47 in total now. "The goal is to fill the stadium, balance the books, and, more importantly, build a younger fanbase to secure the club's future. "I see myself as just borrowing this team for a decade or two, then it's someone else's turn, someone more local. But for that to work, we need to start planting the seeds now. "No disrespect to the big clubs like Rangers or Celtic, but if you miss a game there, no one really notices. "Here, you become part of the heart of the club, we know your name, you might even volunteer. "It's a real community. Bring your kids and you're not just making memories with them; you're helping keep the club alive. It's a deeper connection than just being a fan of a giant club." But he has a very clear warning for youths. He continued: "My message is simple: chant, drum, support however you like, but if you light a flare, you're out. "The reason is financial. Flares can lead to hefty fines, thousands of pounds that could go toward player wages instead. "Big clubs might absorb those costs, but we can't. It hurts the community and the club. "Please have the respect for the Crest. Please have the respect for the community. And come and cheer on your team." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page

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