Latest news with #Burns'


The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish history is rich with kings but what about ordinary folk?
My debut novel, The Foreshore, is set on a fictionalised version of the islands in the first half of the 18th century, a critical era of Scottish history and one of both enlightenment and violent conflict. I had always been fascinated by this era, and writing historical fiction was always going to be the natural path I took as a novelist, but it was the marginalised people of St Kilda who lit the spark. Scottish history has always been rich with sagas of kings, queens and warriors, but what about those forgotten people who existed on the fringes of these narratives? There are no grand statues to these people, nor do they feature on any shortbread tins, but their presence still haunts the loneliest corners of this country. Author Samantha York's debut The Foreshore (Image: free) Beginning my journey as a published author, I devoured any records I could find of the populations of our farthest flung islands. Their way of life became the backdrop, and their folk tales and ballads became the soundtrack to every page I typed. Listening to the waulking songs of the women (Gaelic folk songs sung to the rhythmic beat of fulling cloth) and reading the early 18th-century records of the first Church missionaries on the island, made it possible to capture a fleeting murmur of lost voices. I learned of the hardships of remote island life and used them as a backdrop to the human tragedies within my story. For instance, in 1727, the year The Foreshore is set, an outbreak of smallpox reduced St Kilda's population by more than half. It is moments like this that are often lost to history: the tolls taken by poor, working people reduced to dry statistics. Even in those larger moments in Scottish history, true tragedies are often forgotten or romanticised. When we think of the Jacobite uprisings, which were somewhat dormant, but certainly simmering during the year in which The Foreshore is set, we often forget the shameful legacy of a corrupt class system, extreme religious divisions and the cultural displacement embroiled in them. The British Isles in their entirety and a large portion of continental Europe took part, but it was poor Highlanders who paid the price. Undervalued and bound by fealty to those who would eventually evict them in favour of more profitable livestock, they were dragged into a dynastic conflict which brought no benefit to them, purely to appease the lairds and landowners who owned their homes, and who tactically shifted from one side to another in an attempt to garner the most political favour. It is a tale of class exploitation as old as stories themselves, but one that is often overshadowed in favour of a more glorified interpretation of history. Fifty years after the final rebellion, Scotland's most famous bard would pen the protest poem, Ye Jacobites By Name, which includes the words, 'your doctrines I maun blame', and 'what makes heroic strife … to hunt a parent's life wi bluidy war?'; yet today, Burns' clear cry of outrage is often sung in a sentimentalised, pro-Jacobite context. To ground the lives of my characters, it was important for me to weave these ominous early signs of national upheaval into my narrative, to show how the lives of Scotland's oldest communities became blighted by events which often held no advantage to their own existence. Read more These two worlds are embodied in The Foreshore by the two main characters: aging islander and matriarch Flora McKinnon, and dogmatic outsider Reverend Thomas Murray. Flora's concerns reflect those of her fellow islanders. Grief and famine are natural occurrences in her community's daily struggles to survive and uphold their traditional way of life. In the novel, Reverend Murray's dedication to spreading new religious doctrines and ideas of a more 'enlightened' society, hold little sway over the lives of those he is sent to convert, reflecting the conflict between the culture of the Highlands and islands when confronted with the new ideologies which would pave the way for a modern, industrialised Scotland. The mystery at the heart of The Foreshore, the sudden appearance of a young girl on the island, without giving anything away, is itself grounded in historical narratives of a fear of outside influences and exploitation of the vulnerable. As a novelist, one can never claim to be a chronicler of history, merely someone who uses its influence as a canvas. To capture this inspiration for yourself, I would recommend seeking it out: next time you take a hike in our mountains, glens and coastlines, look out for those ruins of former black houses, those crooked drystone walls turned green with age, nature reclaiming what was lost by humans. See if you can catch a long-lost scent of peat smoke, the warmth of livestock breathing in the byre. Manifesting such stories keeps the voices of marginalised and working people alive. We may bring our own interpretations to their lives, but in conjuring their existence, I hope we can bring some honour to them. The Foreshore by Samantha York is out now on Salt Publishing at £10.99


Irish Examiner
7 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Jarlath Burns has to nail All-Ireland final dates – once and for all
September. July. August. July… where GAA president Jarlath Burns sees the All-Ireland finals eventually falling, it's difficult to ascertain. While he said he would 'absolutely love' for the games to be returned to September, his comments last year appeared more aspirational than realistic. And yet the compromise of August he ruled out for 2026 because of concerts in Croke Park. Just as Oasis prevented any movement this year, it appears another act, rumoured to be U2, have kicked that can down the road again. A chronicling of Burns' public comments on the finals highlights how torn he seems on the matter: April 2024: 'There is a way of achieving that (more space in inter-county calendar) going right back to the two finals in September. The difficulty with it is the people who are going to have to compromise are the people with their own county championships.' June 2024: 'If you look at the genuine dual counties, like Cork and like Galway and Tipperary and Dublin… they need at least 14 weeks to run off their club championships. So if you can find 14 weeks in a year to allow a county to run off its club championship, well then, it's (September finals) a possibility. But I don't honestly know how we can do that.' April 2025: 'It's (August All-Ireland finals) not a non-runner for the future. This year it's out, next year it's out as well. But it's going to be the next president who will make that decision, whether or not we go into August.' June 2025: 'You might have heard me saying that this isn't going to happen during my presidency. The decision might be made during my presidency, but it might not actually occur during my presidency. But I am certainly open to the first and third weeks in August from 2027 on.' July 2025: 'Our schedule and our season do not suit some vested interests who would prefer the inter-county calendar to dominate with no regard at all for the clubs who supply 100% of our players. We have made some hard choices on the structure of our season. It is significantly shorter but the games have not suffered; the players at inter-county enjoy the system, and our club players have a certainty and a structure that they crave.' Burns' attitude to replays also appears to be in flux too. Days after June's Munster SHC final won by Cork after extra-time and penalties, he spoke of the proposal to apply replays to provincial finals after extra-time, something which he indicated support for by mentioning his own Armagh's experiences at Congress in Donegal in February, before it was deferred. 'We did bring a motion of replays to Congress,' he said. 'Unfortunately, it didn't suit Munster at the time because of the preliminary quarter-finals that are played a week later. 'In the light of what has happened at the weekend, it's definitely something I think we should review.' However, by All-Ireland SHC semi-final weekend, he was seeing Munster GAA chief executive Kieran Leddy's point of view. 'I can accept that using penalties to decide this year's epic Munster final was a jolt and not to everyone's satisfaction. But here is the thing, a replay would have seen the loser have to play three weeks in a row or if a window was created for replays, then the winners could have been idle for five weeks.' Burns's varying remarks and determination to take every opinion into account demonstrates just how polarised the GAA is on the issue of adding weeks to the inter-county and additional games. There is no solution that is going to appease everyone. August finals will be seen as an erosion of the club window, yet the GAA can hardly claim it is maximising its national exposure. In such a suffocating position, the inter-county game has cannibalised itself. The new football format next year will provide a little more breathing space but not enough. Going as far as the third weekend in August seems highly unlikely. If, as expected, the motion to add replays to All-Ireland finals level after regulation time resurfaces at October's Special Congress as is passed, then the chances of second days improve significantly. A football final replay in the first week of September and the relevant county fixture officials will require smelling salts. For what died the sons of the Club Players Association (CPA). But an August Bank Holiday final is a possibility. The GAA could block-book Dublin hotels for the teams. By this time next year, the GAA will have a second hotel on the doorstep of Croke Park. Burns has heard and articulated both sides, but the time to give his final verdict is now.


USA Today
15-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Sam Burns: The Open Championship betting odds and preview
Sam Burns enters the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club with +8000 odds to win after he made the cut and finished 47th in his most recent tournament, the Genesis Scottish Open. In the past 12 months, Burns has competed in 25 events. His best finish was second, his average finish was 21st, and he made the cut 22 times (88.0%). The 7,381-yard, par 71 course in Portrush, GBR will play host to this event from July 17-20. A purse of $17,000,000.00 is up for grabs, as well as the title last claimed by Xander Schauffele. Sam Burns odds to win The Open Championship PGA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 10:21 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Burns' stats and trends Burns' recent results How to watch The Open Championship ESPN+ is the new home of PGA TOUR LIVE. Sign up now to access 4,300+ hours of live coverage from 35 PGA TOUR tournaments this year.


The Hindu
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Italy and Joe Burns find a new identity together after 2026 T20 World Cup qualification
Joe Burns' career was heading nowhere when Queensland omitted him from the contracted players' list in April 2024. It was a body blow for the Australian as he was mourning the tragic death of his brother in February that year. In an emotional Instagram post, Burns admitted that it was a 'daily battle that I often lose'. But then sports often gives tiny escape routes to the truly committed ones, and for Burns it came in the shape of his link to Italy through his mother's heritage. It was a godsend for both Burns and Italy, which has qualified for its maiden ICC World Cup by making the cut for next year's T20 showpiece in India and Sri Lanka on Friday. 'I don't think words will ever describe emotions to this team and to this country. Sacrifice, dedication and commitment to a dream—we have walked this path into the unknown together to tour the first World Cup,' Burns wrote on his Instagram wall shortly after the team's qualification. Burns' emotions were not in the least bit exaggerated. The opportunity had allowed him to continue his association with top-flight cricket, and given Italy the services of a world-class professional who had considerable experience in international and the highly competitive Australian domestic cricket. Italy did not hesitate to appoint Burns as its skipper in its push to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 via the European sub-regional Qualifiers. In the group stage, the team was clubbed with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg and Turkey. It was a massive dream for a team that played its maiden T20 International in 2019 against Germany. Clearly, there was a lack of pedigree and resources but it dared to dream. It made an early charge with a 77-run win over Luxembourg in Rome and followed that up with a five-wicket victory over France and a seven-wicket drubbing of Isle of Man. The nine-wicket win over Turkey propelled it to the final against Romania which it won by a massive 160-run margin in June 2024. Burns left an indelible mark in that victory with a 108 off 55 balls. It powered Italy to the ICC European Qualifiers where it was grouped with Netherlands, Scotland, Jersey and Guernsey. It began with a facile seven-wicket win over Guernsey and outclassed Scotland by 12 runs. An abandoned match against Jersey gave it a point which, coupled with a superior Net Run Rate, allowed Italy to tide over the nine-wicket defeat against Netherlands in the last league match on Friday and qualify for the ICC showpiece. The Italian cricket team. | Photo Credit: ICC It was a moment of catharsis for Italy and Burns. The Azzuris have some delicate cricket connections as AC Milan Cricket and Football clubs were founded by an Englishman — Herbert Kilpin — in 1899. Former Italian and Inter Milan forward Cristian Vieri was a cricket lover during his school days in Australia, and often spoke enthusiastically about the sport. But now, Italian cricket has an identity of its own. Burns' mention of walking together in his Instagram post was not a mere fancy tribute. This Italian team is indeed a melange of cultures. Burns is an Australian and so are Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti and Grant Stewart. Emilio Gay, who was part of the England Lions squad against India A, and Marcus Campopiano came from Old Blighty. There cannot be an Associate cricket team without a touch of the Subcontinent, and thus Italy has Jaspreet Singh, who is from Punjab, and Crishan Priyantha Kalugamage, who has Sri Lankan roots. Forza Italia: World Cup Bound 🏆 Italy have qualified for their first-ever T20 World Cup! Despite a defeat to the Netherlands, their superior net run rate seals the deal. The Dutch also power through, topping the European Qualifiers 💪# — FanCode (@FanCode) July 11, 2025 Justin and Anthony Mosca gave the side some Italian flavour. 'I hope this team can be a beacon for everyone to connect through family, through sport and through a shared story,' an emotional Burns penned. But Italy needs to ward off far more accomplished rivals in the World Cup next year to add more chapters to an already incredible story. 'I think it's coming together, the confidence is high in the group and we've got some very experienced players in the team, experience from all over the world as well,' the team's assistant coach Kevin O'Brien, a former Ireland player, told ICC. Irrespective of what happens in the event, this team's legacy is already set as the first-time entrants to the global event. They are no longer the unknowns. They are sure-footed competitors in a big boys dominated field. Burns can lead the side with pride, after setting aside a crushing personal trauma to find a new purpose in life and career. He knows it. 'Many of those who walk with us forever be proud. Without them, we never have dared to dream. This is our legacy,' he wrote. Forza Azzurri!


Mint
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Italy and Burns find new identity together in 2026 T20WC Qualification
Bengaluru, Jul 12 (PTI) Joe Burns' career was heading nowhere when Queensland omitted him from the contracted players' list in April 2024. It was a body blow for the Australian as he was mourning the tragic death of his brother in February that year. In an emotional Instagram post, Burns admitted that it was a "daily battle that I often lose." But then sports often gives tiny escape routes to the truly committed ones, and for Burns it came in the shape of his link to Italy through his mother's heritage. It was a godsend for both Burns and Italy, who qualified for their maiden ICC World Cup by making the cut for next year's T20 showpiece India and Sri Lanka on Friday. "I don't think words will ever describe emotions to this team and to this country. Sacrifice, dedication and commitment to a dream -- we have walked this path into the unknown together to tour the first World Cup," Burns wrote on his Instagram wall shortly after the team's qualification. Burns' emotions were not in the least bit exaggerated. The opportunity had allowed him to continue his association with top-flight cricket, and given Italy the services of a world-class professional who had considerable experience in international and the highly-competitive Australian domestic cricket. Italy did not hesitate to appoint Burns as their skipper in their push to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 via the European sub-regional Qualifiers. In the group stage, the team was clubbed with France, Isle of Man, Luxembourg and Turkey. It was a massive dream for a team that played its maiden T20 International in 2019 against Germany. Clearly, there was a lack of pedigree and resources but they dared to dream. They made an early charge with a 77-run win over Luxembourg in Rome and followed that up with a five-wicket victory over France and a seven-wicket drubbing of Isle of Man. The nine-wicket win over Turkey propelled them to the final against Romania which they won by a massive 160-run margin in June 2024. Burns left an indelible mark in that victory with a 108 off 55 balls. It powered Italy to the ICC European Qualifiers where they were grouped with Netherlands, Scotland, Jersey and Guernsey. The began with a facile seven-wicket win over Guernsey and outclassed Scotland by 12 runs. An abandoned match against Jersey gave them a point which, coupled with a superior net run rate, allowed Italy to tide over the nine-wicket defeat against Netherlands in the last league match on Friday and qualify for the ICC showpiece to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. It was a moment of catharsis for Italy and Burns. The Azzuris have some delicate cricket connections as AC Milan Cricket and Football clubs were founded by an Englishman — Herbert Kilpin — in 1899. Former Italian and Inter Milan forward Cristian Vieri was a cricket lover during his school days in Australia, and often spoke enthusiastically about the sport. But now, Italian cricket has an identity of its own. Burns' mention of walking together in his instagram post was not a mere fancy tribute. This Italian team is indeed a melange of cultures. Burns is an Australian and so are Harry Manenti, Ben Manenti and Grant Stewart. Emilio Gay, who was part of the England Lions against India A, and Marcus Campopiano came from Old Blighty. There cannot be an Associate cricket team without a touch of the subcontinent, and thus Italy have Jaspreet Singh, who is from Punjab, and Crishan Priyantha Kalugamage, who has Sri Lankan roots. Justin and Anthony Mosca gave the side some Italian flavour. "I hope this team can be a beacon for everyone to connect through family, through sport and through a shared story," an emotional Burns penned. But Italy needs to ward off far more accomplished rivals in the World Cup next year to add more chapters to an already incredible story. "I think it's coming together, the confidence is high in the group and we've got some very experienced players in the team, experience from all over the world as well," the team's assistant coach Kevin O'Brien, a former Ireland player, told ICC. Irrespective of what happens in the event, this team's legacy is already set as the first-time entrants to the global event. They are no longer the unknowns. They are surefooted competitors in a big boys dominated field. Burns can lead the side with pride, after setting aside a crushing personal trauma to find a new purpose in life and career. "Many of those who walk with us forever be proud. Without them, we never have dared to dream. This is our legacy," he wrote.