Latest news with #BrianCleary
RTÉ News
08-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Ireland partakes in global cybersecurity wargame
Ireland has taken part in the world's largest 'live-fire' cyber defence exercise. 'Locked Shields' is a cybersecurity wargame that sees teams dealing with a simulated large-scale cyber attack on a fictional country. A joint Irish/US/Bulgarian/Greek team of nearly 220 personnel took part in the week-long event, which allowed them to test their abilities to protect cyber-physical systems in a real-time crisis environment. Ireland's involvement is led by the National Cyber Security Centre, with support from the Irish Defence Forces as well as private technology companies and academia. The operation is organised by the Collaborative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia. In addition to securing complex IT systems, the participating teams must also be effective in reporting incidents and solving forensic, legal, media and information warfare challenges. "Locked Shields gives us an opportunity to train, practice and compete with and against our peers and partners, and in doing so to test our own skills, capabilities and procedures," said NCSC Director Richard Browne. "To be able to defend the infrastructure, services and data that people in this country rely on, we need to be certain that we remain competitive in this environment, and to continually test ourselves against the best in the world," he added. Commander of the Joint Cyber Defence Command Brigadier General Brian Cleary, said this year's exercise marked an important step forward for the Defence Forces in strengthening Ireland's national cyber defence, through close collaboration with the National Cyber Security Centre. "Working side by side in one of the world's most advanced cyber defence exercises, we are enhancing our joint readiness, deepening inter-agency cooperation and underscoring our commitment to collective security and the protection of critical national infrastructure," he said.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How a forgotten UK guitar brand was given a triumphant second act by one of the country's most respected luthiers
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Aside from creating some of the world's finest electric guitars under his own name, Patrick James Eggle has also been responsible for the designs of the Faith acoustic range along with the rebirth of the Shergold electric models – originally made in Indonesia – while the new Standards, including the Telstar and Provocateur, are Chinese-made and hit a lower price point. He tells us how the brand has expanded since he first revived the Shergold name in 2017, and how he managed to ensure the Standards offer such good value for money… Tell us about the pickups in the Masquerader Standard – they're not Seymour Duncans as on other models. 'The Masquerader Standard models – the Chinese-made ones that we have just released – are all fitted with a P-90 in the neck and a humbucker at the bridge. We chose these Alnico variants as they most closely echoed the sounds we had previously heard with the Classic (Indonesian-made) models that were fitted with the USA Seymour Duncans. 'We're really pleased with the pickups in the Standard models as, although clearly intended to ensure the guitar remains affordable, they're plenty powerful, and the P-90 still oozes that warmth that we all love.' Is Shergold a good fit for [distributor] Barnes & Mullins' range? 'Yes. In fact, B&M were the original distributors of Shergold back in the day. Brian Cleary, the owner [and MD] of Barnes & Mullins, had a Shergold Masquerader as his very first 'proper' guitar. So I think it was understandable that he felt a passion to bring the brand back to life, and I was delighted to be given the opportunity to reimagine Shergold in 2016/'17.' It seems you've slightly modernised the design. 'Although the Masquerader body shape isn't a million miles away from the original, as many historic Shergold aficionados will tell you it's definitely not the same. 'When Brian and I discussed the project for the first time nearly eight years ago, we agreed that these new Shergold Masqueraders should echo the past but stop well short of being simply copies or reissues. Having the chance to allow the past to inspire yet not dictate seemed like a fun challenge.' How come the Standard is made in China while other models are built in Indonesia? 'The first relaunched Masquerader models in 2017 were made in Indonesia and were of a really incredible specification, with solid rosewood necks and equipped with top-end hardware and USA pickups. These 'Classic' models are still available in small numbers now and carved out their own niche among early adopters. But we always knew that when the time was right, we needed to make these instruments available to a wider audience. 'So the Standard models have been made in China and use a number of more standard parts, rather than the somewhat boutique approach of the Classics. Barnes & Mullins have built up a huge network of manufacturers over the years, so we have great partners for these Standard instruments, and by carefully choosing our materials and parts we can be confident of quality while remaining affordable.' The Shergold models are set up in the UK before being shipped to dealers, correct? 'Yes, all the Shergold guitars and basses go through the tech workshops here before being shipped to stores in the UK and Ireland. To be fair, that is the case with all instruments under the Barnes & Mullins umbrella, such as Faith acoustic guitars, too, another brand that I've been delighted to work closely on.' Do you think people welcome the return of an old British brand? We have always been conscious that these new instruments shouldn't be simply copies of well-known shapes with the Shergold brand on top 'I think it's just as you'd expect. Some people are pleased to see a British brand reborn and some see it less favourably. I can understand both aspects of this as I, too, have many fond memories of particular old brands and guitars from my own youth and would be sceptical if they reappeared. 'But we were deliberate in our attempt to reimagine the brand, rather than just plunder what had already been created in the '70s, and I think you can see that from the other models in the range such as the single-cut Provocateur or offset Telstar. 'We have always been conscious that these new instruments shouldn't be simply copies of well-known shapes with the Shergold brand on top. 'I have always embraced the opportunity to create something more interesting: not so radical as to leave people confused and running for the hills but instead reflections of what guitarists love and understand with some unique twists and character. And I think that's what we've achieved so far.' 'It's becoming harder and harder to see why one guitar made of two lumps of wood bolted together with some basic electrics and hardware can cost $5,000, while one like this is a 10th of that price': Shergold Masquerader SM11 Standard review
