Latest news with #Connaught
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Top performances by Sligo Swim Club Masters in Ulster
This was the team's third year in a row to visit the splendid South Lake Sports Complex, that is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing swimming location in the country. Its 50 and 25 metre pools are complemented by other sporting amenities, walking tracks, and an excellent cafe. Unfortunately, the Sligo team was unexpectedly depleted at the last minute when 'medal magnets' Evan Kelly, David Bartley and Aoife Cannon had to withdraw due to injuries. However, the four remaining Sligo swimmers put in top performances to win multiplex medals and establishing Personal Best times (PBs) and Connaught records thereby maintaining Sligo's proud winning tradition in Ulster. The team brought home 6x Gold, 4x Silver and 1x Bronze medals. Tim Doran opened the gala for Sligo by competing in the 200M Individual Medley (IM). This is a new event for Doran but he delivered a powerful backstroke and breaststroke performance that was sandwiched between his usual elite level butterfly and freestyle - securing a Gold Medal, a PB, and a new Connaught Record in his age category (35-39). Aidan Mackey, in his second ever gala, kicked off with the 400m Freestyle. His double training sessions over the past months built up a strong fitness base that made the difference in the latter part of his race. This resulted in Mackey lowering his PB by 3 seconds and taking a second Gold Medal for Sligo in his age category (50-54). Next up, had Doran back in the pool for the 100M butterfly. Even though he is in the final year of his current age category, he won his second Gold medal in a very tight race - making it 3 races, 3 Gold medals for Sligo. Enda Eames, who has the distinction of competing for Sligo Masters in every national and provincial gala since 2022, continued the medal count by taking a Silver medal in the 50M backstroke. Even though he is in the final year of his age category (65-69), he still had enough speed to overtake his 'younger' competitors in a time that is just short of his PB. The busy Sligo schedule continued with Mackey back on the blocks for the 400M Freestyle. His fitness levels were again severely tested but he didn't disappoint - winning a Silver medal through a consistent high pace that reduced his PB by an amazing 12 seconds. The morning's session had Sligo winning 3x Golds and 2x Silvers from 5 races. The afternoon session started with the Medley Relays…but Sligo unfortunately couldn't participate due to the diminished team numbers. However, there were three competitors in the blue ribbon event - the 100m Freestyle. Eames was first up and he missed out on a bronze medal in a tight race and was just short of his PB and Connaught record gained at the recent National Championships. Next was Mackey…who showed he has real speed as well as endurance by taking a Silver medal in a time just outside his PB. Then came what was arguably the 'swim of the meet' with Doran producing an extraordinary performance in winning the Gold medal in his 100M freestyle race. Tim's time was the fastest across all age categories (some of his competitors were 10 years younger) and just a fraction of a second outside his PB. The final sprint races had Eames and Doran compete in the 50M freestyle. This was already a very successful gala for Sligo but there were more medals to come. Eames was up first and delivered a Bronze medal with a flying start to lead a group of evenly matched swimmers. The Masters event is unusual in that the swimmers, both male and female, are lined up (seeded) based on their PB's, with the slowest swimmers in 'Heat 1'. So in Enda's case in 'Heat 6', he was competing against seven swimmers aged between 26 to 53…with him being 69. When the race is finished, the swimmer's times are spread across the respective age categories to determine the medal ranking and also to determine provincial and national records. Having blitzed everyone in the 100M, Doran had a target on his back when he stepped up onto the starting blocks for his 50M. Again, he didn't disappoint and after his usual flying start…led from start to finish to win his 4th Gold medal. Tim achieved a clean sweep across all his events…but always the perfectionist, was disappointed that he missed his PB (and Connaught record) by 0:00.01 seconds! The final event of the day was the gruelling 1,500M freestyle and the Sligo Masters 'top gun' in these long distance events - both in the pool and open water, is Shane O'Doherty. As usual 'he came, he swam, and won another Gold medal'. His fitness, ability to keep a high-tempo consistent pace, and maintaining the 'technical' aspects of his stroke - means Shane's time in the 45-49 category was faster than every male swimmer at the event other than the winner in the 25-29 age category. Not to be completely overshadowed was Aidan Mackey taking on the 1,500M distance for the first time. This was his fourth race and such is his mental toughness and endurance that Aidan won a Silver medal in a sub-25 minute time. This completed a haul of 1x Gold and 3x Silver medals plus 3x PB's. The Sligo Masters team will now be taking to the open water over the summer and hoping to hit the same heights. The return to the pool will be for the Ulster 'short course' championships at the end of October in Newry, Co. Down, which will be followed by the National 'short course' championships at the National Aquatic Centre (Dublin) in November. The team would like to acknowledge their County Sligo Swim Club (CSSC) coaches, especially the lead Masters coach Elaine Stafford as well as Evan and Kevin, who deliver the highest levels of quality training and technical mentorship that are essential to successfully compete at these events.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mayfair landlord Grosvenor delivers rise in profits to £86.4 million
The Duke of Westminster's family business Grosvenor, owner of swathes of Mayfair and Belgravia, has reported a sharp rise in profits. But the boss of the 350 year old privately owned property company of a possible further fall in London commercial property values this year if interest rates continue to stay higher because of inflation. The business, one of central London's biggest landlords with a total of around 300 acres, also revealed that it paid a record £52.4 million dividend to its shareholders, UK trusts set up for the benefit of the Grosvenor family. Underlying profits in 2024 rose 16.5% from £74.1 million to £86.4 million, a performance CEO Mark Preston described as 'solid' in a challenging market. The occupancy rate was 97% up from 95%. The more volatile revenue profit measure, which includes one-offs such as development sales, almost doubled to £82.1 million. The value of the London portfolio, which includes landmarks such Grosvenor Square and Belgrave Square, rose 3.3% to around £4.5 billion, with offices and retail up 2.6%, retail rising by 4.4% and hotels by 10%. The London portfolio accounts for around 90% of Grosvenor's UK property holdings. Globally Grosvenor's properties were valued at £8.2 billion, down from £8.6 billion in 2023 and a peak of £9 billion in 2022. Grosvenor's main London development South Molton, is the West End's largest mixed-use scheme. Preston said there were 'good early signs' of strong demand from occupiers Over recent years Grosvenor's London team have been focussed on 're-animating' Mayfair and Belgravia, two exclusive districts that critics said exemplified a 'lights out London' rarely visited by locals. Earlier this year Grosvenor sold a 25% stake in a £1.2 billion portfolio of Mayfair properties estate to the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund Norges Bank Investment Management . The portfolio of 175 buildings around Mount Street and Grosvenor Street included the Connaught hotel. CEO and executive trustee Mark Preston, said: 'Against a challenging year for the global economy, marked by mediocre growth and rising geopolitical tensions, our business has delivered a strong set of financial results. 'New joint ventures with Norges in our Mayfair portfolio and with a Canadian pension fund and family office in Vancouver will help us to sow the seeds of future growth. 2The injection of fresh capital will enable us to further invest in the long-term success of London's West End and deliver a significant portion of over 6,100 homes we plan to create in North America. Grosvenor also announced a leadership shake up with James Raynor appointed to the role of Grosvenor Property CEO, with responsibility for the international property business. He will retain his current role of CEO of Grosvenor's UK property business until a successor is in place. Debbie Lee is also appointed Grosvenor's CFO, succeeding current CFO Rob Davis, from July 2026.
RTÉ News
20-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Best café, pub and more revealed at Irish Restaurant Awards
The All-Ireland Final of the 2025 Irish Restaurant Awards took place at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road, where over 1,000 of the country's top hospitality professionals gathered to celebrate the finest establishments in Irish food and drink. The top honours on the night went to Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore, who were named Best Restaurant, while John Kelly of the Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate was awarded Best Chef in Ireland. Renowned Chef Neven Maguire was also honoured with the Outstanding Achievement Award recognising his contribution to Irish food and hospitality. Now in its 16th year, the Irish Restaurant Awards received a record-breaking 165,000 public nominations for restaurants, cafés and venues across the country. Here is the list of this year's winners: Best Restaurant - Sponsored by San Miguel Leinster: Thyme Restaurant Connaught: Lignum Ulster: MacNean House & Restaurant Dublin: Chapter One Munster: Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore All Ireland: Dede at the Customs House, Baltimore Best Chef - Sponsored by BWG Food Service Ulster: Ciaran Sweeney, The Olde Glen Bar, Restaurant & Bia Box Munster: Brian Murray, The Glass Curtain Dublin: Visham Sumputh, Etto Connaught: Yvonne Kathrein, Poacher Restaurant Leinster: John Kelly, Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate All Ireland: John Kelly, Lady Helen Restaurant at Mount Juliet Estate Best Restaurant Manager - Sponsored by Elavon Connaught: Shirley Stirzaker, Dining Room Leinster: William Wong, Saba Munster: Sophie McCauley, Homestead Cottage Ulster: Laura Connolly, The Oak Room Restaurant Dublin: Cian Lynch, Uno Mas All Ireland: Cian Lynch, Uno Mas Best Hotel & Guesthouse Restaurant - Sponsored by Frylite Ulster: Snaffles Restaurant at Castle Leslie Estate Leinster: The Sea Rooms at Kelly's Resort Munster: Landline at Park Hotel Kenmare Dublin: The Saddle Room at The Shelbourne Connaught: George V at Ashford Castle All Ireland: George V at Ashford Castle Best Use of Social Media – Sponsored by GRID Finance Leinster: Little Acorn Cafe Dublin: Kicky's Connaught: Hooked Ulster: Sonder Munster: Hotel Woodstock All Ireland: Hotel Woodstock Employee Excellence Award - Sponsored by Peninsula Leinster: Jackie Cullen, Mary Barry's Bar Connaught: Emma Cavanagh, Nook Cafe and Restaurant Munster: Geraldine Ward, Everett's Restaurant Ulster: Liam McKenna, Armagh City Hotel Dublin: Charlie O'Reilly, Happy Out x Together Academy All Ireland: Charlie O'Reilly, Happy Out x Together Academy Best Casual Dining - Sponsored by Musgrave MarketPlace Munster: Momo Restaurant Ulster: Frae Leinster: The Valley Inn Connaught: Guys Seafood Bar Dublin: Crudo All Ireland: Crudo Gastro Pub - Sponsored by Paynt Ulster: Murph's Gastro Pub Dublin: HERA Leinster: The Glyde Inn Munster: J. M. Reidy's Connaught: McSwiggans All Ireland: McSwiggans Best Café - Sponsored by Lavazza Dublin: Two Boys Brew Munster: Seagull Bakery Connaught: POTA Ulster: Ursa Minor Leinster: Strandfield All Ireland: Strandfield Best Contemporary Irish Cuisine - Sponsored by FBD Insurance Connaught: The Lavender Restaurant Dublin: Volpe Nera Munster: Saint Francis Provisions Leinster: Arán Artisan Bakery & Bistro Ulster: The Olde Post Inn All Ireland: The Olde Post Inn Best Newcomer - Sponsored by Square Munster: Baba'de Connaught: Oifig An Fish Ulster: No. 9 Market Square Dublin: Forêt Leinster: Bearú All Ireland: Bearú Pub of the Year - Sponsored by istil.38 Dublin: Neary's Ulster: The Reel Inn Connaught: Matt Molloy's Munster: An Siopa Dubh Leinster: Sean's Bar All Ireland: Sean's Bar Best Wine Experience - Sponsored by Bibendum Ulster: OX Leinster: Ballyfin Demesne Munster: UNioN Wine Bar & Kitchen Connaught: Daróg Wine Bar Dublin: Bar Pez All Ireland: Bar Pez Best Customer Service - Sponsored by provided by Dolmen Leinster: Monart Connaught: Arno's Bistrot Ulster: Noble Dublin: Roly's Bistro Munster: Restaurant Chestnut All Ireland: Restaurant Chestnut Best World Cuisine – Sponsored by National Chef de Partie Apprenticeship & National Sous Chef Apprenticeship Programmes Connaught: Mama Rich Woodquay Ulster: Chilli Lounge Leinster: Tābú Munster: Tango Street Food Dublin: Rasam Restaurant All Ireland: Rasam Restaurant Best Sustainable Practices - Sponsored by Familia Torres & the Findlater Group Dublin: Glas Restaurant Munster: Ballygarry Estate Hotel Leinster: Ballykilcavan Farm and Brewery Connaught: Honestly Farm Kitchen Ulster: Lir All Ireland: Lir Innovator of the Year - Sponsored by Diageo Ulster: Foam Connaught: Ugly D's Pizza Leinster: Fiona Egan, Cloughan Farm & Cookery School Munster: Trawler Boyz Ballycotton Dublin: Bar 1661 All Ireland: Bar 1661 Local Food Hero - Sponsored by Sugar Snap Leinster: Tom and Laura Sinnott, Wexford Home Preserves Munster: Kasha Connolly, Hazel Mountain Chocolate Connaught: The Calvey Family, Calveys Achill Mountain Lamb Dublin: Jess Kelly, The Village Butcher Ulster: Jonny Cuddy, Ispini Charcuterie All Ireland: Jonny Cuddy, Ispini Charcuterie Best Cocktail Experience – Sponsored by Monin All Ireland: Darren Geraghty, Hawksmoor Food Truck of the Year – Sponsored by provided by Dolmen All Ireland: Julia's Lobster Truck Best Cookery School – Avonmore All Ireland: Dingle Cookery School Best Learning and Development - Restaurant & Hospitality Skillnet All Ireland: O'Dwyers
Business Mayor
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Paddy McKillen's billion-pound legal battle over Claridge's hotel reaches ‘high noon'
A three-person arbitration panel convened privately in London this week to try to resolve a dispute over Claridge's hotel that forms the centrepiece of one of the most acrimonious, and potentially lucrative, legal battles of the past decade. On one side is Paddy McKillen, the wealthy Irish property developer who owns a whiskey distillery with U2 star Bono. On the other, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, the billionaire former prime minister of Qatar known as HBJ. McKillen claims he is owed up to £1 billion (€1.2 billion) for his work at three of the world's most glamorous hotels – Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley – all located in rarefied central London postcodes. McKillen, 70, and HBJ, 66, were once close allies, spending time together on yachts and in swanky hotels. But this week's arbitration is unfolding amid a bitter legal battle, spanning at least a dozen claims and disputes in Europe and the US, between the former friends and their associates. Three arbitrators – one chosen by each side, and a third chosen by the other two, according to those familiar with the terms – will now decide who emerges claiming victory. [ Irish businessman Paddy McKillen claims he is victim of 'smear campaign' by Qatari royal family ] While sources said it may take as long as two months for a decision to be reached, a resolution to a dispute that began three years ago may now be in sight. 'It's high noon,' said one person close to the process. Claridge's – the 169-year-old luxury Mayfair hotel that was a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II – is the crown jewel in a multibillion-pound portfolio of high end London properties owned by Qatar and wealthy members of its ruling family. Belfast-born McKillen, who went into property in the 1980s after a stint working in his family's exhaust repair business, first invested in Claridge's in 2004. His investment came under threat in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, when the Barclay brothers tried to seize control of Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley, now known collectively as the Maybourne Hotel Group. McKillen secured Qatari backing to help resolve his legal battle with the Barclays, former owners of the Telegraph newspaper. The 2015 rescue saw HBJ and the former Qatari emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (HBK), take full control of Maybourne in a £1.3 billion deal that resolved McKillen's legal case, wiped out his debts and reduced his equity in the hotels to zero. The Qataris subsequently agreed to an unconventional deal that McKillen hoped would allow him to share in the future upside of the hotels. Under the terms of the seven-year contract, McKillen's business, Hume Street Management Consultants (HSMC), would refurbish, manage and extend the hotels. The deal granted McKillen 36 per cent of any subsequent increase in valuation across the three hotels, minus the costs of the work. But his involvement in the hotels – due to end in December 2022 – was cut short in April of that year, when McKillen was unexpectedly told by the Qataris he would no longer be working for them. The size of McKillen's unpaid earnings from this arrangement sit at the heart of the dispute playing out this week in London. McKillen argues that the extensive refurbishment work at Claridge's – which included adding an opulent underground spa and a £60,000-per-night penthouse suite, replete with 75 Damien Hirst artworks – has helped substantially boost Claridge's value. The developer argues that those improvements, allied to a buoyant luxury hotel market post-Covid, means his payout should be in the hundreds of millions. However, sources close to the Qataris claim the significant costs of work at the hotels means McKillen is owed substantially less than he claims. Even so, those close to the Qataris acknowledge McKillen is still owed something. One person with knowledge of the dispute said that given the baseline value of £1.3 billion, and about £600 million-£700 million in costs, any valuation above £2 billion would mean McKillen is entitled to 36 per cent of the upside thereafter. Estimates being talked about by advisers have varied between less than £3 billion to over £5 billion, according to one person with knowledge of the situation, which would equate to a payout of more than £1 billion at the top end. There have been attempts at mediation, according to one person with knowledge of the situation, with the most recent taking place in autumn 2023, after McKillen withdrew an attempt to extend the claim over a number of newer luxury hotels in the US and France, leaving the focus on the original three sites in London that had been the portfolio over the seven-year period. Read More McDonald's shares the love of a McDelivery In the meantime, the two sides appear to have been waging commercial lawfare. Claims and counterclaims have been filed across multiple countries, relating to developments owned by HBJ, or his associates and companies connected with them, on which McKillen claims refurbishment or development work. People familiar with the Qataris' position claim McKillen thought he could 'embarrass' them into striking a deal by filing lawsuits that generated headlines and scrutiny of the complex ownership structures that often lie behind property acquisitions. They point to some of the victories secured so far in courts over McKillen. McKillen's side argues the Qataris have been equally aggressive in their attempts to get him to back down from the Claridge's dispute. Representatives for McKillen and the Qatari owners of Claridge's declined to comment on the confidential arbitration process. In a statement, a spokesperson for McKillen said: 'It is right that he has taken, and will continue to take, all necessary steps to enforce his rights. As Mr McKillen has made clear over the four-year period since his departure from the Maybourne Hotel Group, he will not be deterred by any attempted campaign to cause damage to his business interests or smear his reputation.' The Financial Times has identified a dozen legal clashes between the two sides – mainly in the UK, France or the US – often seeking money for work that McKillen and his companies say has been carried out for the Qataris and associated groups. Work for which McKillen claims he has not been paid. Other cases have been started by the Qataris, which claim McKillen used Maybourne contractors, paid for by Maybourne, to undertake work at his hotel in France last July. McKillen denies the allegations. The cases involve luxury properties, including hotels on the French Riviera and in Paris and Bel-Air, California, and homes in Manhattan and London. McKillen is claiming tens of millions of pounds of unpaid fees. Read More Banker bonuses return to a bailed out bank In March, a high court judge in the UK prevented McKillen's HSMC from serving a £3.7 million claim outside England, in a dispute over fees for work at Forbes House, a grade II listed mansion in Belgravia, bought by HBJ in 2016. HSMC has appealed against the ruling and is seeking renewed permission to serve proceedings. McKillen has started new proceedings in his own name. Separately, McKillen was convicted this year of verbally assaulting a female bailiff in his apartment on the Place Vendôme, a grand public square in Paris. The bailiff had entered his property with a locksmith in a dispute over mortgage repayments to a Qatar-owned private wealth manager. McKillen is appealing against the decision. He denies any violence or wrongdoing, has filed an ethics complaint before the Paris disciplinary chamber of bailiffs, and his lawyers have in the past described the case as 'part of a more general smear campaign' against him. Most recently, in April, McKillen filed a lawsuit in a California district court alleging that HBK and HBJ, as well as several of their business associates and related companies, sought to defraud him. He alleges they did not pay for his firm's work at a number of properties which are already the focus of other cases, using the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Qatar has denied the claims. 'Paddy McKillen and associated parties have orchestrated claims across multiple jurisdictions, all of which are either ongoing or have been struck out by the courts. We will continue to contest these claims and prove the assertions and allegations to be unsubstantiated and entirely false,' said a spokesperson for Maybourne. The latest case under the RICO act adds to a long and costly list of lawsuits. However, the hundreds of millions of pounds at stake in the Claridge's arbitration is the real prize for both sides. The sight of expensive tabs being quietly settled is a familiar one in the hotel's luxurious bars and restaurants. With the panel of arbitration in London totting up how much the Qataris owe McKillen, the owners of Claridge's will soon find out just how large their own bill will be. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025
Irish Independent
09-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Tributes paid to journalist Aodhan O'Faolain who has died aged 50
Aodhan is remembered below by colleague and friend, Ray Managh. His tragic passing at the age of only 50 has left an unfillable void in the life of his wife, Janet and parents, Micheal and Maura, who were with him in St Vincent's Hospital this afternoon when he passed. His untimely death creates also a significant loss to the strength and camaraderie of the Press Corps at the Four Courts of Justice on Inns Quay, Dublin. Aodhan was especially trusted and admired for his professionalism and work ethic, his ever-present chirpy smile and his most casual of dress codes, a stand-out feature amid the austere garb of the judicial and legal eagles who deeply respected and admired him. Many judges, barristers, solicitors and court staff were among those who visited him in St Vincent's and at his home or passed on their deep feelings of friendship and active gratitude through his friends and colleagues. Integrity is defined as moral uprightness, honesty, wholeness and soundness, a single word that describes Aodhan O'Faolain as the outstanding person he was in his personal and professional life. No other news reporter acknowledged better the importance and humanity of integrity in his caring court coverage of some of the saddest civil and criminal cases he had been called upon to cover. Aodhan brought from darkness into light the numerous cases, particularly affecting minors, who have been and still are daily abused mentally and physically, manipulated, maltreated, drug afflicted, suffering, forgotten children whose cases too often were ignored by the media behind the gagging effects of in-camera hearings. Over years he fought for his right to be there in court for them and to report, and often by doing so expose, their plight and he did so never seeking to use any information that might in any way have identified any one of them while, at the same time, bringing to public notice some previously unknown shortcoming of a social or government agency. He often urged those elements of the media for whom he worked as a freelance agent to use and promote those non-sexy news articles about the care and protection of non-identifiable children and 'teens' as he often liked to refer to the older ones, teenagers in trouble or in need of care and protection of the courts. Aodhan was an avid supporter of the Irish rugby and soccer teams as well as Connaught rugby and Athlone soccer club for which he frequently acted in a public relations capacity.
