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Extra.ie
7 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
Garda stabbed in unprovoked attack on Capel Street
A man has been arrested after a garda was stabbed in an unprovoked attack in Dublin city centre this evening. The incident happened shortly after 6pm on Capel Street. The garda was reportedly on a high-visibility patrol at the time of the attack. He was taken to hospital for treatment, with his injuries described as non-life-threatening. A Garda was stabbed in an unprovoked attack on Capel Street on Tuesday evening. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images A suspect was arrested at the scene and is currently being detained. Gardaí say he can be questioned for up to 24 hours under the Criminal Justice Act. An investigation is now underway.
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Extra.ie
Pleas not to share video after vicious racist attack on Indian man
Gardaí have pleaded with the public not to share a video of a racist attack in which an Indian man was stripped and beaten. And Tánaiste Simon Harris has vowed to deal with the 'escalating situation' amid calls for a tougher stance against racist assaults. The incident is understood to have occurred on the Ring Road in Kilnamanagh close to the roundabout at Parkhill Lawns in Tallaght, Dublin, at around 6pm on Saturday. Gardaí have pleaded with the public not to share a video of a racist attack in which an Indian man was stripped and beaten. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images Videos of the attack show the bloodied man cowering while his attackers launch a vicious assault on him. The man had earlier been filmed being told to leave the area. However, a short time later, a group of teenagers arrived at the scene and began to viciously assault him, filming the attack on their phones. Gardaí were called and the man was brought to hospital for his injuries. An investigation has now been launched. The attack is believed to have been started by false claims that the man had acted inappropriately with children. The Indian community in Tallaght and beyond has rallied to the man's side, with politicians now calling for the introduction of hate crime legislation to be fast-tracked. Tánaiste Simon Harris has vowed to deal with the 'escalating situation' amid calls for a tougher stance against racist assaults. Pic: Sam Boal/Collins Photos Supriya Singh, a Fine Gael councillor for the Donaghmede area of Dublin, said the attack wasn't random. She told the Irish Daily Mail that people of colour are now 'looking over their shoulders' and living in fear. She said: 'As an Irish national of Indian origin, my heart aches thinking about the brutality inflicted on an innocent man and the lasting trauma it will leave behind. 'A man was stripped, slashed and humiliated in public in Tallaght. It wasn't random – it was hate. He was targeted because of who he is, not what he did. Gardaí have linked at least five similar attacks this year. These are not coincidences. An investigation has been launched. Pic: KarlM Photography/Shutterstock 'There is absolutely no place for hate in our society. People who have made Ireland their home and who contribute every day to its growth and success deserve respect, not violence.' Cllr Singh added that these attacks are becoming more commonplace and that more must be done politically to bring them to an end. She added: 'There has been a noticeable increase in racially motivated attacks – not just on the Indian community, but on migrants more broadly. 'As an Irish citizen of Indian origin, and as a Dublin City councillor, and as a mother, I've heard from many people who now walk in fear, looking over their shoulder in the very streets we all call home. They are concerned about the safety of their families. What's most concerning is the pattern we're seeing – unprovoked assaults, rising misinformation and targeted intimidation. 'These are not isolated incidents anymore. The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) reported a 30% rise in hate crimes in Ireland over the last two years, and many of those targeted are minorities. In Dublin alone, multiple communities have reported threats, verbal abuse and physical violence. This is becoming a serious social issue – not just for migrants, but for Irish society as a whole.' In a letter to the Tánaiste, Cllr Singh called for a statement of solidarity from the Government, specifically condemning the Tallaght incident and affirming support for affected communities and a commitment to strengthen and fast-track the hate-crime legislation. This includes addressing how misinformation and far-right ideologies are influencing some young people and communities. In response, Fine Gael leader Mr Harris said: 'I absolutely condemn it and stand in solidarity with the victim and the Indian community. It is absolutely unacceptable that the migrant community should live in fear of violent thugs hiding behind a shield of disinformation I will certainly act on your requests and I have contacted the Minister for Justice on this matter.' Seán Crowe, Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South-West, said those involved in the attack are 'sowing hate, fear and division in communities that have suffered more than enough from a lack of resources from the Government'. He added: 'Anyone who thinks this sort of mindless, racist violence makes their community safer is lying and fooling no one.'
Forbes
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best Irish Blended Whiskey, According To The Beverage Testing Inst
Jameson Bow Street 18 YO Blended Whiskey at the Midleton Distillery Photo, J Micallef Looking for the best Irish blended whiskeys of 2025? The Beverage Testing Institute (BevTest) has just announced its top winners, highlighting the most exceptional Irish blends of the year. One whiskey received a prestigious Platinum medal. Eight additional blends earned Gold medals. Whether you're a whiskey enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these are the top-rated Irish blended whiskeys you should explore now. A premium blend of pot still and grain whiskeys aged 18 years and matured in first-fill bourbon and Sherry casks at the historic Bow Street distillery in Dublin. Bottled at cask strength, it delivers bold intensity. The whiskey received a Platinum medal and scored 96/100 points. The whiskey offers aromas of rich toffee, dried fig, toasted oak, and cinnamon. It's full-bodied and creamy on the palate, with notes of honeycomb, dark chocolate, baking spices, caramel, and vanilla. The finish is long and warm, with lingering notes of toasted oak, wood spices, and Sherry-infused fruit. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'toasted coconut custard pie, raisin bread pudding, and spiced cherries. The palate offers flavors of crème brûlée, a wide range of baking spices, and honey. An incredibly rich and decadent, world-class barrel-proof Irish Blended Whiskey that is a titan in its category.' This whiskey is a blend of three distinct distillates, aged in a combination of American ex-bourbon and European sherry casks for nearly two decades. This refined blend highlights the depth and complexity of mature Irish whiskey. The whiskey scored 94/100 points and received a gold medal. The whisky offers aromas of seasoned wood, stewed fruit, caramelized banana, and nutmeg. It's smooth and silky on the palate with flavors of dark toffee, roasted nuts, stone fruit, and hints of sherry sweetness. The finish is long and refined, with lingering notes of oak spice and dried apricot. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as revealing aromas of 'toffee, caramel apple, and marmalade on raisin toast. The palate includes flavors of spiced nuts, sarsaparilla, and butter pecan ice cream. It is a superb Irish whiskey full of enticing aromas and flavors that finish with a lingering warming sensation; a must-try with cigars.' A view of wooden barrels of Jameson Whiskey at the entrance to Old Distillery in Midleton, County Cork. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto via Getty Images Midleton Very Rare 2025 Irish Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $200 Midleton's annual Very Rare release features carefully selected single pot still and grain whiskeys aged 12–25 years. The 2025 edition continues the tradition of sophisticated, ultra-premium elegance. The whisky received a gold medal with a score of 94/100. The whiskey features aromas of honeysuckle, vanilla, candied citrus, and sandalwood. On the palate, it's smooth and creamy, with a layered complexity that highlights orchard fruit, marzipan, seasoned oak, and notes of cooked cereal. The finish is long and rich, with lingering hints of vanilla cream and spiced fruit compote. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'cinnamon, yellow apple, and nutmeg. The palate offers toasted oak, dried apple, and peanut shell. Spicy, nutty, and toasty, it's a warm and enjoyable Irish whiskey to share with friends.' Jameson Triple Triple Sherry Bourbon & Malaga Edition Irish Blended Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $33 This exclusive, globally available travel retail expression is exceptionally priced, triple-distilled, and matured in bourbon, sherry, and sweet Malaga wine casks. The whiskey received a score of 93 points and a gold medal. The whiskey is rich and aromatic, with notes of dried fruits, raisins, orange zest, and toasted almonds. It's full-bodied and smooth on the palate, highlighting flavors of fig jam, toffee, milk chocolate, and subtle baking spices. The finish is long and sweet, with lingering hints of honeyed fruit and a hint of Malaga dessert wine. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as having aromas of 'marzipan, golden raisins, and cinnamon. The palate offers flavors of baked pear, black pepper, and red delicious apple. Elegant and exceptionally balanced, you'll want to sip this delightful whiskey.' Accord Stone Irish Whiskey, 50% ABV, 750 ml. $70 Accord Stone, a lesser-known blended Irish whiskey, is a boutique brand that focuses on smoothness. It received a score of 93/100 and a gold medal. The whiskey offers notes of honey, vanilla, green apple, and cooked cereal. It's smooth and easy to sip, with hints of butterscotch, cooked cereal, and citrus. The finish is medium-length but smooth, with a lingering sweetness of cooked cereal. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as showcasing aromas of 'buttery toffee, honey-roasted grains, and maple syrup. The palate offers flavors of roasted nuts, dried apple, and pear. It is a bold, rich, and unusually textured Irish whiskey, infused with aromas and flavors from Sherry and bourbon barrels.' Bottles of Jameson Irish Whiskey. Jameson Irish Whiskey is produced by Pernod Ricard and is the largest selling Irish Whiskey in the world. getty Jameson Black Barrel Irish Blended Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $38 A mix of small-batch grain and traditional pot still whiskeys, aged in double-charred bourbon barrels for enhanced depth and smoothness. The whiskey earned a gold medal with 92/100 points. The whiskey offers aromas of butterscotch, charred wood, nutmeg, and vanilla. It's full-bodied and rich on the palate, with flavors of caramel, spice cake, molasses, and toasted oak. The finish is smooth, smoky, and sweet, with lingering hints of cinnamon and cocoa. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting aromas of 'grilled peach, caramelized pineapple, and clove. The palate offers flavors of baked apple, sweet corn, and pear. A fine Irish whiskey to enjoy on its own or in a cocktail—smooth and enjoyable in every aspect.' Jameson Crested Irish Blended Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml. $45 One of Jameson's older labels, Crested combines pot still and grain whiskey, with a strong sherry cask influence, delivering a richer, sweeter profile than the classic Jameson. The whisky scored 91/100 points and a gold medal. The whiskey exhibits aromas of red berries, sherried wood, milk chocolate, and citrus peel. It's smooth and sweet on the palate, revealing flavors of cooked cereal/malt, ripe plum, chocolate, toasted nuts, and subtle oak spices. The finish is long and sweet, with warming oak and dried fruit. The BevTest Judging Panel described the whiskey as exhibiting aromas of baked apple, custard, and bread dough. The palate reveals flavors of baked quince, cheese Danish, and fig. An elegant, blended Irish whiskey to enjoy on the rocks and in well-crafted cocktails. Also winning gold medals, with 90/100 points, were Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition Irish Blended Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $35, and Jameson Triple Triple Sherry Bourbon & Sicilian Marsala Edition Irish Blended Whiskey, 40% ABV, 750 ml, $33. Both scored 90/100 points. From the rare intensity of Jameson Bow Street 18-Year-Old to the exceptional value of Triple Triple and Caskmates, the 2025 BevTest results demonstrate that Irish blended whiskey continues to set the global standard for smoothness, complexity, and approachability. With multiple Gold and Platinum medal winners, especially from Jameson and Midleton, these blends provide both premium quality and remarkable variety. Whether enjoyed neat or mixed into a sophisticated cocktail, these top Irish blended whiskeys are essential additions to every whiskey lover's collection in 2025. More From Forbes Forbes Top Irish Single Malt Whiskey, According To The San Francisco World Spirits Competition By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The Top Irish Whiskeys, According To The Irish Whiskey Awards By Joseph V Micallef Forbes The San Francisco World Spirits Competition Crowns The Top Irish Blended Whiskey By Joseph V Micallef
Forbes
13-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What's Fueling Oil Prices? Geopolitics, Not Growth
EDMONTON, CANADA, MAY 24: Close-up of a replica oil with words 'oil Country' well painted in ... More Edmonton Oilers colors, displayed outdoors in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, on May 24, 2025. (Photo by Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Oil prices are climbing once more. Although fundamentals such as supply and demand continue to be significant, the latest spike is largely unrelated to seasonal trends or economic expansion. Rather, it is geopolitical factors—specifically, escalating tensions in the Middle East—that are unsettling markets and pushing prices higher. Israel's recent military strikes against Iran, aimed at critical nuclear sites, have shaken the global energy landscape. This escalation has created shockwaves in the oil markets, with Brent crude experiencing a surge of up to 13%, hitting $78.50 per barrel before plateauing around $75. In a similar fashion, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped over 9%, reaching a peak of $77.62 and concluding near $74. This represents the largest single-day price increase in oil since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The offensive was initiated shortly before expected U.S.–Iran nuclear negotiations and was justified by Israel as a crucial measure to prevent Iran from nearing nuclear weapon capabilities. Central to the current instability is the Strait of Hormuz, a slender waterway linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. While it measures only 21 miles at its narrowest point, its strategic significance is immense: approximately one-third of the world's seaborne oil transits through this crucial channel each day. Presently, this essential route is under increased observation. Although Israeli attacks have upheld Iran's oil infrastructure for the moment, the threat of retaliation looms large. Iran has persistently warned it might close the Strait—a move that would instantly disrupt global energy supplies. The mere potential for such disruption is sufficient to elevate prices as traders prepare for volatility. OPEC+ Output Rises: On May 31, 2025, OPEC+ revealed its third consecutive monthly production increase, adding 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) in July. This action, motivated by Saudi Arabia's ambition for market share, occurs amid internal tensions, particularly with Russia, and follows the reinstatement of 1.37 million bpd of a planned 2.2 million bpd increase by the end of 2026. While indicating a strategic change, the group emphasized that future increases are contingent upon market conditions, with the next policy decision scheduled for July 6. A Market in Surplus: As of May, the global oil market already exhibits a surplus of approximately 0.5 million bpd. In the meantime, non-OPEC producers like the U.S. and Brazil are continuing to elevate their output, contributing to a more substantial global supply situation than was previously expected. This increasing surplus coincides with the OECD's recent downgrade of its global GDP growth forecast for 2025, from 3.1% to 2.9%—indicating softer demand on the horizon. Although summer travel and a slight resurgence in emerging markets are currently sustaining demand, any additional economic downturn could tip the scales. Demand Uncertainty: Optimism regarding a rebound in China's oil demand is tempered by escalating trade tensions and tariffs, which may hinder global growth. Slower economic activity could suppress demand, while disrupted supply chains may also limit output, creating a complex, conflicting impact on oil prices that defies straightforward forecasting. The confluence of increasing supply, uncertain demand, and macroeconomic challenges places the oil market in a delicate state. On one side, prices could soar towards $80 per barrel if tensions in the Middle East intensify and supply risks materialize, particularly if the Strait of Hormuz comes under threat. Conversely, OPEC+ production increases and economic softness could restrain price gains and revive oversupply worries as autumn approaches. The recent increase in oil prices is not merely an economic occurrence—it reflects escalating global anxiety. As long as the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of geopolitical tension, markets will remain on edge. Investors, consumers, and policymakers should brace for ongoing price fluctuations, driven more by geopolitical factors than by supply. If history serves as a lesson, geopolitical risk premiums can dissipate rapidly—but they can also increase sharply. As oil prices escalate, upstream oil companies such as Halliburton (NYSE: HAL) and SLB (NYSE: SLB) typically tend to benefit in such conditions. For investors seeking growth with reduced volatility, the Trefis High Quality Portfolio has outperformed the S&P 500 with 91% returns since its inception, offering a steadier experience amid turbulence.
Extra.ie
11-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Man arrested after €100k in jewellery stolen from Dublin business
A man was arrested in Dublin after jewellery worth approximately €100,000 was robbed from a business. Gardaí were alerted to a burglary at a retail premises on Clarendon Street in Dublin 2 at approximately 2.45am on Wednesday morning (June 11). When they arrived at the scene, they say it was clear that the premises was damaged and jewellery was taken. A description of the suspect was taken via CCTV, and after circulating on radio to other members of the force, the suspect was identified within the hour by Gardaí on dedicated high-visibility patrol near St Stephen's Green. A man was arrested in Dublin after jewellery worth approximately €100,000 was robbed from a business. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images The man, aged in his 40s, was apprehended by Gardaí and arrested. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Dublin in connection with the incident. Gardaí have said that they preserved a site next to where he was arrested for the purpose of conducting a search, while the jewellery stolen during the incident, which has since been recovered by Gardaí, is estimated to be worth over €100,000. 'This arrest and the recovery of jewellery taken demonstrates the professionalism and commitment of Gardaí working in Dublin City Centre on high-visibility patrol,' Assistant Commissioner for the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR), Paul Cleary, said. 'Public safety is paramount, and so too is helping to protect city centre businesses and their staff from theft and anti-social crime.' 'The swift and co-ordinated response from Gardaí overnight demonstrates that we are serious about tackling crime in Dublin, and we are yielding some positive outcomes. Our hard work to keep people safe only continues, and we hope that people feel reassured by this.' The site of the burglary remains preserved awaiting forensic examination. Investigations are ongoing.
