Latest news with #Flannery
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Appalachian Trail challenge: Franklin man's 100-mile run for a cause
Franklin resident James Flannery is preparing for a 100-mile run across part of the Appalachian Trail to raise awareness and support for mental health, according to a community announcement. The run, scheduled for June 20, will cover some of the northernmost leg of the trail, known as the 'Hundred-Mile Wilderness.' It stretches from Monson in Western Massachusetts to Abol Bridge in Maine, and is considered the most remote and rugged part of the trail, with a total elevation gain of 18,000 feet. It typically takes hikers eight to 12 days to complete, but Flannery aims to finish in less than 30 hours, according to the announcement. 'The goal for me is to make it end to end, raise money for SAFE, and have a good day,' he said in a statement. 'We have to respond': How Gov. Healey acknowledged May as Mental Health Awareness Month Flannery, an experienced trail hiker, runner and ultramarathoner, is no stranger to challenging terrains. He has previously 'yo-yo hiked' the 272-mile Long Trail in Vermont, summited 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado and hiked the Hundred-Mile Wilderness route, according to the announcement. 'It's about stepping into the unknown,' Flannery said. 'I like not knowing how my mind and body are going to respond. You get to the second 50 miles, that part you've never done before, and you think, 'This is new, this is fun.'' In addition to completing the run, Flannery hopes to achieve a "fastest known time" for completing the course. It's currently 29.5 hours. 'If I have a remarkable day, an FKT might be a cherry on top,' he said. Flannery said he's planning a rare southbound route, which will take him across the trail's highest elevation gains in the second half of his race. Streets of Lexington: Runner completes self-designed 50-mile ultramarathon 'The first 50 (miles) will be kind of casual,' he said, laughing. 'Then, I'll have enough in the tank to do the mountainous sections. That's more exciting for me.' Beyond the personal challenge, Flannery is committed to raising mental health awareness and increasing access to resources. He chose to fundraise for SAFE Coalition, a Franklin area nonprofit that offers support services like teen programing, support groups and one-on-one counseling at no cost. 'As someone who has struggled with mental health at times myself, I can definitely see why SAFE's work is helpful to folks,' he said. 'I am inspired to help the cause, and I don't have a ton of money to donate. But I can do this adventure run and raise money, and I hope it will be as helpful.' For more information about Flannery's run and to support his cause, visit or text "100run" to 50155. SAFE can be contacted at info@ or 508-488-8105. This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on The Milford Daily News: Franklin ultrarunner will take on 100-mile chunk of Appalachian Trail
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Science
- Sunday World
Rare green sea turtle found freezing to death on Irish beach back home in the Canaries
Named Solstice by her rescuers, she was found with severe hypothermia, among other illnesses, washed up on a beach on Christmas Eve A rare green sea turtle was found freezing to death on an Irish beach is settling into her new, warmer home in the Canaries. Named Solstice by her rescuers, she's now back swimming in her natural habitat, according to Spanish media, who have welcomed her home. On Christmas Eve of last year, Solstice was found with severe hypothermia, among other illnesses, washed up on a beach by a woman who runs a hedgehog sanctuary in Quilty, Co Clare. She brought her to the team at Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium in Daingean Uí Chúis, who established that the turtle was suffering from pneumonia and meningitis, likely brought on by the shock of the cold Atlantic waters. Solstice is back home News in 90 Seconds - May 28th Further inspection revealed bite marks on the turtle's shell, likely inflicted by a seal or shark. The turtle was fed with prawns and squids and treated with antibiotics and after six months being cared for in the aquarium, she gained strength and around 2kg. Speaking ahead of her release, Director of Dingle Oceanworld Kevin Flannery said Solstice was embarking on a journey with Aer Lingus to Gran Canaria, where a dedicated wildlife rescue team was ready to assist in returning her to the wild. "We are not exactly sure where Solstice came from, but we assume it was the Gulf of Mexico," Mr Flannery said. He said that the turtle would be tagged before its release. "The American Marine Research Centre - Woods Hole, it's called - they have found an island off of the African coast, where these green turtles come ashore and lay their eggs. So it may be from there. We don't know but I'm hopeful it is, and that with the tag, we'll be able to see where it's going," said Mr Flannery. The young turtle, which would normally swim in tropical or subtropical waters, was probably taken by northbound currents before being washed up almost dead in Co Clare, Pascual Calabuig, a vet and biologist from the fauna conservation centre in Gran Canaria, told Reuters. Having been flown by Aer Lingus to Melenara Beach in Gran Canaria, where she was released, Solstice is now in an ideal ecosystem for this species, 'which lives in tropical and subtropical climates and requires vegetation very similar to that found at the bottom of warmer waters', according to experts. Although classified as endangered, green sea turtles, who take their name from the colour of their fat, not the colour of their shell, are fairly common around the Canary archipelago. They can live up to 90 years in the wild and grow up to five feet.
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Top trampoline coach facing charges over indecent images of kids found dead
The 41-year-old, originally from Co. Mayo but who had been living in Belfast, was found dead in Budapest An award winning trampoline coach due to appear in court to face charges relating to indecent images of children has been found dead in the Hungarian capital. Co Mayo man Simon Flannery (41) was due to appear in the dock of Belfast Magistrates Court but defence solicitor Adrian Harvey told the court 'it's a very tragic situation.' 'As far as we are aware Mr Flannery took his own life last Friday in Budapest,' he told District Judge Steven Keown, adding that 'we are seeking confirmation of that.' On an indictment dated between 25 March 2020 and 29 November 2023, Flannery, who was awarded the coach of the year accolade in 2019, was charged with having, possessing and distributing indecent images of children. Having been on police bail since his arrest in November 2023, the former barber turned top trampoline coach was formally charged four weeks ago and was due to have his first appearance last week. It emerged last weekend however the 41-year-old, originally from Co. Mayo but who had been living on the Upper Lisburn Road in Belfast, had been found dead in Budapest. Simon Flannery News in 90 Seconds - May 26th 2025 Until his arrest Flannery had been the head of the trampoline program at Ulster's largest trampoline club and had been involved in training some of Ireland's best trampoline gymnasts who have competed all over the world. Giving evidence to the court last week, Detective Constable Shannon said the PSNI had been contacted by authorities in Budapest 'to make us aware and to contact the next of kin' but that since then, the police have 'requested official confirmation of the death.' Simon Flannery Judge Keown said that 'to keep ourselves right,' he believed the officer should give evidence that she believes she can connect Flannery to the charges and accordingly, that was done. Suggesting that the case be adjourned for a month, Mr Harvey said he would liaise with Flannery's family and the Garda. Judge Keown agreed and scheduled the case for an update on 20 June.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Top trampoline coach charged over twisted child abuse images 'found dead'
Simon Flannery, 41, was due to appear in the dock of Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday but his defence solicitor told the court his client "took his own life last Friday in Budapest" An award winning trampoline coach due to appear in court last Friday to face charges relating to indecent images of children has been found dead in Budapest. Simon Flannery, 41, was due to appear in the dock of Belfast Magistrates Court but defence solicitor Adrian Harvey told the court 'it's a very tragic situation.' 'As far as we are aware Mr Flannery took his own life last Friday in Budapest,' he told District Judge Steven Keown, adding that 'we are seeking confirmation of that.' On an indictment dated between 25 March 2020 and 29 November 2023, Flannery, who was awarded the coach of the year accolade in 2019, was charged with having, possessing and distributing indecent images of children, the Belfast Telegraph reports. Having been on police bail since his arrest in November 2023, the former barber turned top trampoline coach was formally charged four weeks ago and was due to have his first appearance on Friday, May 23. It emerged last weekend however the Co. Mayo native, who had been living on the Upper Lisburn Road in Belfast, had been found dead in the Hungarian capital. Until his arrest Flannery had been the head of the trampoline program at NI's largest trampoline club and had been involved in training some of NI's best trampoline gymnasts who have competed all over the world. Giving evidence to the court today, Detective Constable Shannon said the PSNI had been contacted by authorities in Budapest 'to make us aware and to contact the next of kin." But that since then, the police have 'requested official confirmation of the death.' Judge Keown said that 'to keep ourselves right,' he believed the officer should give evidence that she believes she can connect Flannery to the charges and accordingly, that was done. Suggesting that the case be adjourned for a month, Mr Harvey said he would liaise with Flannery's family and An Garda Síochána. Judge Keown agreed and scheduled the case for an update on 20 June.
RTÉ News
22-05-2025
- RTÉ News
On a wing and a prayer: Turtle on flight home after rehab
An endangered sea turtle, that washed up on Ireland's shores last Christmas in ill health, is being flown to Gran Canaria where she will be released back into the wild - and warmer - waters of her natural habitat. Solstice the turtle was discovered washed up on a beach on Christmas Eve 2024 by a woman who runs a hedgehog sanctuary in Quilty, Co Clare. The woman reached out to the team at Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium in Daingean Uí Chúis, who determined that the turtle was suffering from pneumonia and meningitis, likely brought on by the shock of the cold Atlantic waters. Further inspection revealed bite marks on the turtle's shell, likely inflicted by a seal or shark. While in the aquarium, the turtle gained strength and around 2kg, after being treated with antibiotics and being fed. Speaking earlier this week, Director of Dingle Oceanworld Kevin Flannery said Solstice is ready for her release after nearly five months of treatment in Ireland. Solstice is now embarking on a journey with Aer Lingus to Gran Canaria, where a dedicated wildlife rescue team will assist in returning her to the wild. "We are not exactly sure where Solstice came from, but we assume it was the Gulf of Mexico," Mr Flannery said. He said earlier in the week that the turtle would be tagged before its release. "The American Marine Research Centre - Woods Hole, it's called - they have found an island off of the African coast, where these green turtles come ashore and lay their eggs. So it may be from there. We don't know but I'm hopeful it is, and that with the tag, we'll be able to see where it's going," said Mr Flannery. Donal Moriarty, Aer Lingus Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said: "Aer Lingus is proud to support the team at Dingle Oceanworld in their remarkable efforts to give Solstice a second chance. Every measure has been taken to ensure Solstice's safety and comfort as she travels with Aer Lingus to Gran Canaria. "Solstice has her own assigned seat, right next to her carer, and a specially designed container that has been fitted safely by our engineering team to ensure a smooth journey. "Green sea turtles are an endangered species and this vital conservation effort provides Solstice with the opportunity to recover and flourish, helping to safeguard the future of her species," added Mr Moriarty. Once Solstice touches down in Gran Canaria, an official from Tarifa Wildlife Recovery Centre will be on hand to begin her re-adaptation to her environment, with the goal of releasing her back into the wild.
