Latest news with #Desmond
Irish Times
8 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Datalex to raise €6m in debt and quit Irish stock market
Datalex , the retail software provider for airlines, said on Wednesday that it plans to delist from the Irish stock market after 25 years and raise €6 million of needed funds by way of debt, following a sustained period of stock price malaise. The company did not say where it was securing the €6 million from. However, its main shareholder, Dermot Desmond , had agreed earlier this year to provide another backstop loan if it failed to raise €5 million in fresh equity to grow the business at the end of June. Shares in Datalex have slumped about 85 per cent since the group was hit by an accounting scandal in early 2019 and, subsequently, the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr Desmond, who now owns 49.3 per cent of the company, has been a consistent provider of finance to the company over the period. Two separate €25 billion equity raises – in 2021 and last year – were largely carried out to repay emergency loans from the billionaire. The most recent loans carried an interest rate of 18 per cent. READ MORE The top three shareholders, which also comprise investor Nick Furlong's Pageant Investments and former Glen Dimplex chief executive Sean O'Driscoll, own about 70 per cent of Datalex between them. [ Datalex 'continues to explore funding options' as fresh Desmond backstop looms Opens in new window ] Datalex said it has made arrangements for a UK regulated specialist venue for matching buyers and sellers of unlisted stocks, called JP Jenkins, to offer shareholders the possibility of trading stock after it delists from the Euronext Growth Market in Dublin. This is expected to take place on September 12th, subject to shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting on September 4th. 'The board and I are strongly of the view that this is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders,' chairman David Hargaden said. 'In reaching this conclusion, the board engaged with stakeholders and considered the long-term vision and requirements of the business. Datalex has been a public company for the last 25 years, and whilst it has been a tremendous journey, now is the right time to proceed with private ownership of the company to support the next phase of growth.' The delisting comes as another blow to the Irish stock exchange, known as Euronext Dublin, which has seen a wave of delistings over the past decade and a dearth of initial public offerings. Datalex, led by chief executive Jonathan Rockett, said that leaving the stock market would allow management to focus more on strategy and execution and potentially give it greater access to capital. The equity raise last year was carried out at a discount to the one three years earlier, and diluted the stakes of shareholders that did not participate in the most recent deal. The concentration of the shareholder base – with three investors owning 70 per cent – further affected the liquidity of the stock, it said.
The Journal
a day ago
- Business
- The Journal
Developers of third Dublin Airport terminal lodge plans for cargo hub
THE BROTHERS BEHIND plans to develop a third terminal at Dublin Airport have lodged plans for a new cargo development for their lands on the western campus of Dublin Airport. They suggest that the development will employ almost 450 people when operational. In the plans lodged with Fingal County Council, Desmond and Ulick McEvaddy's DA Terminal 3 Ltd is seeking planning permission for four aviation related cargo handling units to operate on a 24/7 basis and ancillary office space on a 30 acre site. In a cover letter lodged with plans, Joseph Corr and Francis Whelan of CWPA Planning and Architecture state that the proposed development is a first but independent phase within an overall longer term aviation-related development proposal for D.A. Terminal 3 Ltd's landholding. They state that 'these longer-term development proposals include the development of Terminal 3 and the overall development of the Western Campus'. They state that this overall land holding extends to 106.46 hectares and that DA Terminal 3 Ltd is also working with key stakeholders and landowners to advance the western access road, the delivery of which is a significant objective of the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan. The CWPA Planning & Architecture report confirms that DA Terminal 3 has engaged with Fingal County Council on their strategic vision for these lands and presented concept proposals which outlined the nature and scale of development proposed for the lands. Advertisement The report states that while concept plans have been developed for the lands, the details have yet to be determined, and finalisation of the Department's updated aviation policy should feed into this. 'The plans for the overall lands are a longer-term project, and it would not be appropriate to develop these further at this point, pending agreement at government level that a third terminal is required and that the subject lands are the most appropriate lands for such a development,' the report says. On the planned cargo scheme, the CWPA report states that 'the project will deliver long-term economic and operational benefits for Dublin Airport and the wider region'. The report states that the scheme represents 'a relatively small scale first phase' of the development of the 106 hectare holding. It says that during the two year long construction phase, an additional 160 jobs will be created. This would be followed by 313 warehousing jobs and 130 office jobs during the operational phase. The planning report says that there is currently a deficit in cargo handling and aviation related logistics, and this would be further exacerbated if permission is granted for an application by the Dublin Airport authority that includes the planned demolition of 29,101 sqm of cargo handling and logistics infrastructure. A decision is due in September.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Ex-St Pat's star basking in unplanned spell in America but jokes ‘I won't complain about bus back from Finn Harps again'
LEE DESMOND has already done double the time and been to Folsom Prison. But he is not singing the blues nor pining for life back home — much. 3 Lee Desmond plays for Sacramento Republic in California 3 He previously won the FAI Cup with St Patrick's Athletic Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile Dubliner Desmond swapped Premier Division St Pat's for USL outfit Sacramento Republic in But now in his fourth season and with the Republic having an option for a fifth, he has taken to life in the California state capital. So much so that the defender, who moved to the States with his girlfriend, acknowledged that he is not sure if or when he will be seen in the League of Desmond — who made 188 appearances for Saints between 2015 and 2021 — told SunSport: 'I knew you'd ask! But I don't know. Read More on St Pat's 'I change my mind quite often. Ideally, I'll finish up back home. All I can tell you is I'm very happy here. 'The plan was never to stay in America for four years, the plan was two and go back home. We are enjoying it. 'But it's tough with the eight-hour time difference and such a long flight and being home two months a year.' Sacramento Republic have taken to him too, as he has been co-captain since his first season at the club and has played a big part of their community work . Most read in Football And that includes regular visits to Folsom Prison — the jail made famous by the Johnny Cash song and the Man in Black's subsequent live show there in 1968. But Desmond admitted: 'I know the story but I wouldn't be his biggest fan. WAG Taylor Ward shares gender of second child with footballer Riyad Mahrez at stunning reveal in Dubai 'It started when the club went there to train last year — just to kick the ball around — and now we go once a month. 'The staff go in and play against the prisoners and we can go and watch and talk to the lads. 'So I've gone in four or five times and it's brilliant. 'It's full access, through the cells, where they shower, where they eat and then out into the courtyard where they have organised football . 'We don't go everywhere. I think there are four levels — level four being the most dangerous prisoners and we don't go to their area. 'It all becomes very real, I suppose, when you're there. 'You have to be careful what you say and we're told not to ask why they're in but sometimes the lads open up themselves. 'Some of the stories are really sad and humbling. It's an unbelievable experience and makes you grateful for your life, I suppose.' 'NO REGRETS' Desmond is also thankful for how things have worked out in Sacramento where he helped the club to the US Open Cup final — which they lost to He said: 'I have no regrets about coming here. I'm 30 and in the best physical condition I've ever been and the stats back it up. 'That first year when we reached the cup final, I was struggling with injuries and was being put together and rolled out on the pitch. 'I came over with an Achilles problem that I'd had for a few years, off and on, with St Pat's. When I came over, I didn't have a pre-season because my visa was delayed and my Achilles didn't like going straight into games. 'I needed an operation, which I got a week after that final, and then I had more niggles because of it. 'There were so many imbalances in how I walked and ran because of how I compensated for it. But the last while, it's all been good.' 3 Stephen Mallon of Bohemians in action against Lee Desmond of St Patrick's Athletic during the 2021 FAI Cup final Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile A new manager — former Wolves and He said: 'Neill worked with 'The club here went all-out to get him out of his contract with Raith and he has been brilliant for us. 'Everything about the club is so professional. The offices downtown have 45 staff, which shows how big the club is, we get anything between 6,000 and 11,000 at games. 'San Jose are nearby in the MLS but they have nothing like the fanbase we have here. 'You do get recognised a bit — a little more than home, so not much! It's nice , it's awkward too but most just want a picture. 'Our new owners want to go to the MLS but it's not easy. It's not like you can go in any year and it's expensive. The focus is on a new stadium before going to the MLS. 'I know I probably won't be here when that happens but they're not taking their foot off the pedal that we're in the USL. It's win, win, win. That's it.' "I'm 30 and in the best physical condition I've ever been and the stats back it up." Lee Desmond After an indifferent start as gaffer, Collins put his stamp on the squad, the Republic have hit form and are well placed in the play-off spots. But Desmond knows there is more work to be done and even more travel . He said: 'The one thing I'll never get used to is the travel as we fly everywhere. 'If we're going to the east coast, we go on a Thursday, but it's the day before games if it's a west coast game. 'But there are not many direct flights from Sacramento to most of the venues so it's often two flights. 'It doesn't take much out of you but they can be long trips. 'Fortunately, it's a good squad. It's not just good players but good people, and you need that when you spend so much time with people. 'But, if I go back to the
Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
My back pages — From ‘Pop Art' to ‘Borneo Post'
A screenshot of the columnist's 'Pop Art' article that appeared in The Vanguard, on Oct 15, 1968. Photo courtesy of James Yong, who found it at the Pustaka Negeri Sarawak archives. ON July 7, 2018, I had my first column published in The Borneo Post , and it was simply titled 'Just Another Point of View'. This week marks my 360th column in seven years – I had only missed the occasional press holidays when there were no publications, and a couple of Saturdays due to 'indisposition' (read medical reasons). The very first time that something I had written saw print was when I was in Primary 5, at age 11. I had my essay published in my school magazine 'The Square' (St Thomas' Primary School). Later that same year, in 1961, another composition came out in the annual magazine 'The Thomian'. When my other classmates were busy with extra-curricular activities like football, badminton, hockey and taking part in uniformed outfits like the Boy Scouts or the 3H Club; I was the nerdy bookworm being studiously at work writing, editing and taking part in debates and other 'indoor' interests. I had by then joined the editorial boards of both magazines and by the time I reached my early teens, I was the editor of the periodical school magazine. In my final two years of secondary school, I was the editor of The Thomian (1968-1969). Not so widely known was the fact that between 1967 and 1969, when still in school, I was writing under a pseudonym for a local Sarawak English daily called 'The Vanguard'! Desmond Leong, its managing editor then, had invited me to do a weekly column – an entire broadsheet page – on topics and subjects that would interest the young. I was given a free rein of whatever I had wanted to write about, from teen issues to reviews of music, movies and books, as well as on local events and even 'gossips' – any subject I could think of under the sun. 'Carte blanche' was the popular term used then. Later on in life my mentor/friend Desmond had confided in me that he was 'told off' or 'warned' about my writings on sexual matters, which he did allow and had vetted through. After all, none of the readers had known then that such advice was coming from a 17-year old student! There were two reasons why I didn't (or rather couldn't) use my own name; one being that at 17, I was still underage – in those days, I could only sign a contract or agreement at age 21. Secondly, I was still a student. So I had picked the name 'Pop Art' and it became 'Pop Art Column', which had lasted for three years, after which I left school, and started work at The Borneo Company Ltd in March 1970. Between November 1969 and March 1970, which I considered then as my 'gap period', I had worked full-time with Desmond at The Vanguard as a 'cadet reporter', and even had a dedicated photographer assigned to me whenever I was covering a news item, the gutsy and memorable Cyrus Chong! Alas, I have completely lost touch with him! At the same time, my dear sister Edrea (may God rest her beautiful soul) had her very own weekly column at the rival newspaper, 'The Sarawak Tribune'. She had called it 'Teena's Teen Page'. She wrote about teenage girls' issues, their fashion and beauty care advice, their general well-being, as well as on general entertainment and the local gossip. Her time there had paralleled mine at The Vanguard. At the time, she was only 16. I have always loved and enjoyed writing. I don't have to dig too deeply, neither do I search too far to discover the reason why. At a very young age, probably around four or five, I was already being surrounded by books, magazines, and newspapers as both my mother and father were avid readers. Mum, being an English school teacher was always encouraging and challenging; she was extremely patient with instilling in me, and later in my other siblings, the love for the written word that had lasted a lifetime. From around the time I had learned and understood English, I was hooked. I was very lucky too that at St Thomas' Primary School, between 1956 and 1962, I had a stream of very capable and caring teachers. The columnist (standing, centre), at age 18 in St Thomas' School, seen in this photo taken in 1968. I was fortunate too that my grandfather, Ong Kwan Hin, had daily copies of The Straits Times and on weekends, the Sunday Times, and later, The Star; as well as weekly issues of Borneo Bulletin, delivered to him. At the same time, Dad subscribed to both Sarawak Tribune and The Vanguard. The Borneo Post was only launched on April 24, 1978. I must have started reading my very first English newspaper at a very young age, probably at eight or nine when I could barely understand the world of politics and what made the world go round – the 'birds and bees' story only came around puberty! I was a voracious reader and would read every day after school every page of the newspaper, skipping only the sports, business and stock exchange. My entire family, from my grandfather down to my siblings, were all addicted to news, newspapers and the radio. Television did not appear till 1975, and the colour TV, only in 1978. We are all still news addicts today. During my early journalistic endeavours, I had to keep up to date on news from the world of entertainment; so with what I was being paid for my weekly column, I had subscribed to a number of international magazines like the UK's New Musical Express (NME), Melody Maker and the USA's Rolling Stone, Spin, Esquire and GQ. In the pre-Internet days, we could only glean our news from magazines, the radio and snail mail via letters, correspondence and the telephone. I was typing my weekly column on a light blue Imperial portable typewriter and was hand-delivering the pages a few days ahead of the publication date. In those days, the editorial office of The Vanguard was at Jalan Padungan in Kuching, and it later shifted to Temple Street just opposite the then-Rex Cinema. By the time I was 20 and had started my career in marketing at the Inchcape Berhad's trading companies, I had to give up my writing. Only very much later, sometime in the mid-2010s, I was approached by Rajah Murugaiah to write an opinion column for his online news website called The Ant Daily, which was part of the HCK (Tan Sri Clement Hii's) stable of multi-media companies. That had lasted briefly. I was an early bird in joining Facebook when it opened its doors to the public on Sept 26, 2006. I set up a personal account and was very active making posts on it. Around 10 years ago, I created a public forum and since then, it has become quite popular; today, it has 100,000 followers. Sometime in June 2018, I was approached by The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo general manager Phyllis Wong, to write a weekly column for the widest circulation English daily in Borneo. I had no hesitation in accepting the offer. So here I am, back to writing once a week, but instead of my old trusty Imperial portable typewriter, I now click on the black keyboard of my personal computer using the Word software and email it off to the editors. And as long as you, dear readers, keep reading my weekly column on any subject that catches my fancy, I will keep typing. Thank you for staying with us for the past seven years – and 360 pieces! I am most humbled, and I can only attribute it all to Almighty God for His perpetual love, grace and guidance. Praise be to God. Amen. * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper. journalism publication writing
Daily Record
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Brendan Rodgers holds crunch Celtic talks with Dermot Desmond as new contract high on agenda
The Hoops boss is in the final year of his deal and met with Irish tycoon Desmond over the summer Brendan Rodgers insists he won't let speculation surrounding his future become a distraction after holding crunch talks with Dermot Desmond. The Celtic boss revealed he held face-to-face discussions with the club's principal shareholder over the summer as rumours swirl over whether he'll extend his stay beyond the end of the campaign. Rodgers is entering the final 12 months of his three-year contract and has yet to indicate whether he's ready to stick around for longer. And the Northern Irishman kept his cards close to his chest when asked about his summit with Desmond. He said: "Yes, we spoke with all the guys. I had a meal and a chat around a number of things. So, yes, I had a nice meet. "We touched base on it. But it is primarily just a chat around things. Like I said, it's still a long, long way out. "But my focus is really just now getting the team ready and making us really competitive and exciting for this coming season. "But a year's a long, long way out." Supporters are desperate for answers but Rodgers insists the looming uncertainty won't weigh on his mind. He said: "No, not at all. I think that I have to earn my place here at Celtic. "And that's what I felt when I came back. And it's no different. "It wouldn't matter to me if it was one year, one week or ten years. "I'd be super motivated to progress the team and keep us moving forward." Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the-minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. We're also on WhatsApp, where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to your phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here.
