Latest news with #FutureCast
RTÉ News
06-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Future Cast launches new €1m training centre for mechanical and electrical trades in Ballaghaderreen
A new €1m training centre for mechanical and electrical trades is to open in a previously derelict property in the centre of Ballaghaderreen in Co. Roscommon. The project which is being led by Future Cast has transformed a derelict building in the centre of the town into a purpose built training and assessment. The new Mechanical and Electrical Training and Assessment Centre (METAC) at the Mill Business Park comes with state of the art equipment, 16-person classrooms, and dedicated workshop spaces accommodating eight to ten learners. The centre is being co-funded by the Government of Ireland and EU through the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF), in a scheme administered by Pobal. It is hoped that METAC will breathe new life into a region, which has experienced job losses from the closure of Bord na Mona peat-burning power stations, by re-skilling locals for the future of work. Future Cast CEO JJ O'Hara noted that the opening of hte new centre is a "tangible example of what can be achieved when local innovation meets national support." "Today marks a major milestone for Ballaghaderreen and the Just Transition wider Just Transition region. This centre is about more than just skills development – it's about creating real opportunities for local people," said Mr O'Hara. Future Cast is a not-for-profit centre for innovation, education and R&D for the construction, manufacturing and quarrying industries. Based in Co. Leitrim, it is the trading name of Manorhamilton Innovation and Development CLG. Clare Bannon, Acting Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, Managing Authority of the EU Just Transition Fund programme, describes the project as exemplifying the aims of the EU Just Transition Fund programme. "Educating, retraining and upskilling individuals will help to bring job opportunities and economic diversification to communities of a region that has historically depended on the peat industry," said Ms Bannon. "Training programmes like this, which enable diverse and local communities to adapt and thrive in in-demand sectors, are crucial for ensuring an inclusive green and digital transition."
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Wisconsin football offers talented in-state class of 2026 linebacker
Wisconsin football offers talented in-state class of 2026 linebacker Wisconsin football extended an offer to three-star class of 2026 linebacker Ben Wenzel on Tuesday. The 6-foot-3 linebacker is 247Sports' No. 100-ranked linebacker and No. 7 recruit from his home state of Wisconsin for the class of 2026. A product of Appleton North High School in Appleton, Wisconsin, Wenzel has now received nearly 20 offers, including from Wyoming, Kansas, Oklahoma and Michigan State, per 247Sports. Wenzel is slated to take an official visit to Madison on May 30, per Rivals. He will also head to Norman, Oklahoma, for an official visit with the Sooners in late June. The Sooners boasted several Rivals FutureCasts to land the linebacker before Wisconsin joined his offer sheet, all of which came on May 14. After that offer, Wisconsin insider Jon McNamara released a FutureCast pegging the Badgers as a new favorite. The same applies to 247Sports' coverage. Wisconsin insider Evan Flood and the 247Sports staff released crystal balls with a 'medium confidence level' for Wenzel to choose the Badgers. So, following UW's recruiting push, the rising senior's collegiate decision has now emerged into a two-program race between the Sooners and Badgers. The linebacker's in-state ties to Appleton could certainly play a significant factor in his decision, and UW's recruiting insiders appear to believe the same. In 10 games with Appleton North during the 2024 slate, Wenzel tallied 83 total tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. The room for growth is present, but the defensive talent is undeniable. Wisconsin's class of 2026 currently has one linebacker committed -- three-star Aden Reeder. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Three Predictions: LSU, Texas, Ohio State
Rivals national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman has three predictions on LSU landing a five-star defender, Arch Manning's top receiving target and some good news for Ohio State. CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker LSU WILL LAND FIVE-STAR CORNERBACK HAVON FINNEY, JR. Elite cornerback Havon Finney reclassified into the 2026 cycle at the start of the spring. The five-star standout has long had LSU entrenched in his lead group and that has continued after a string of spring visits, including a return to Baton Rouge for the Tigers' spring game. Advertisement The top cornerback on LSU's board is trending toward the Bayou Bengals – and I feel confident submitting this FutureCast in at this stage in the process. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH LSU FANS AT PARKER LIVINGSTON EMERGES AS ARCH MANNING'S TOP TARGET © Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Arch Manning has commanded a lot of the attention around Texas this spring. He's undoubtedly going to spark the Longhorns' offense and we're betting that Parker Livingston will emerge as Manning's top target. Buzz around Austin has centered around Livingston, who impressed in scout team duties and in practice throughout the season and is having a breakout spring, according to sources. Livingston is our pick as a breakout receiver for Texas. Advertisement SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH TEXAS FANS AT OHIO STATE WILL WIN OUT FOR PJ DEAN Nick Lucero/ Georgia, South Carolina and Ohio State have emerged as finalists for four-star lineman PJ Dean. He was in Columbus for the program's spring game over the weekend and the Buckeyes took a major step forward with the top 2026 target. After his visit to the Horseshoe, I logged a prediction for Ohio State to win out in this one. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Three Predictions: Tyler Warren, Ohio State, Illinois
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Rivals national recruiting analyst Greg Smith has three predictions on Tyler Warren's draft stock, Ohio State landing a standout running back and Illinois' efforts with in-state four-star prospects. MORE PREDICTIONS: Portal priorities, pass rushers, Big Ten QBs WHICH METRO AREA PRODUCES THE BEST HS FOOTBALL TALENT? YOU DECIDE CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State CLASS OF 2027 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State TRANSFER PORTAL: Full coverage | Player ranking | Team ranking | Transfer search | Transfer Tracker PENN STATE TE TYLER WARREN IS A TOP-10 PICK Former Penn State superstar Tyler Warren is one of the best overall football players in this year's NFL Draft. As a tight end he caught 104 passes for 1,233 and eight touchdowns last season. He essentially was the entire passing attack for the Nittany Lions. He is also a devastating run blocker and is so athletic that the team lined him up at Wildcat to rush the ball. Advertisement Warren could be a mismatch nightmare in the NFL for a creative offensive coaching staff. That type of potential should help him shoot up draft boards and be one of the first 10 names called on April 24. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH PENN STATE FANS AT FAVOUR AKIH WILL COMMIT TO OHIO STATE Favour Akih/X Favour Akih has been the hottest running back recruit in the Midwest this offseason. His recruitment is really coming down to Miami and Ohio State. The Hurricanes held a solid lead but the Buckeyes have chipped away quickly after getting him on campus a couple times. "Ohio State and Miami are doing a great job of recruiting me," Akih said. "It's very hard to turn down what Miami is offering. But it would be even better to stay home and be a Buckeye. So it's a very hard decision. Ohio State might just be a little ahead just because it's home and I grew up here so all I know is Ohio State." Advertisement Akih told me that he wants to commit in May. I've fired in a FutureCast for the Buckeyes to land his verbal commitment. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH OHIO STATE FANS AT ILLINOIS MISSES OUT ON 2026 IN-STATE FOUR-STARS Illinois has been one of the talks of the offseason with how well the program has recruited. The Illini have had a nice bump on the trail after a double-digit win season last year that included a bowl win over an SEC opponent. But that momentum doesn't look like it'll translate to keeping the top prospects in the state home this cycle. There are seven four-star prospects in Illinois this cycle. QB Jonas Williams and defensive end Braeden Jones are committed to USC. Tight end Mack Sutter is trending to Alabama. Michigan and Notre Dame are out front for defensive end McHale Blade. Versatile tight end JC Anderson is being recruited hard by Ole Miss and North Carolina but Illinois is in the mix. Slot receiver Nasir Rankin was heading toward committing to Illinois early but so many other programs have gotten involved. Michigan, Nebraska, Tennessee, Oregon and others are making a strong push. I see the Illini getting shut out with the top talent in-state but still landing a solid 2026 recruiting class. SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ILLINOIS FANS AT
USA Today
27-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Oklahoma Sooners predicted to land 2026 four-star defensive end
The Oklahoma Sooners hosted a number of prospects from the 2026 recruiting class over the weekend for Junior Day and are already reaping the rewards of their efforts. One of the prospects Oklahoma welcomed to Norman was four-star defensive end Kevin Ford Jr. On Monday, Sam Spiegelman of Rivals issued a FutureCast favoring the Sooners in his recruitment. Ford is considered the No. 11 defensive end in the cycle, according to 247Sports, and is a top 125 player in the class. Out of Duncanville High School, Ford is a disruptive defensive end prospect. He's got a quick get-off at the snap that he uses to knife through the line of scrimmage or get around offensive tackles. Ford shows good play strength, displaying the ability to knock back offensive linemen with his initial strike. He sets the edge well in the run game and shows good discipline in his responsibilities. His speed and athleticism make him a natural pass rusher, but he has the strength to be a force against the run. Ford has a strong motor and is willing to chase down plays from the backside or after the quarterback steps up to avoid his initial rush. He would be a great addition to the Oklahoma Sooners defensive front. In addition to his Oklahoma offer, he's being pursued by a number of Power Four programs, including Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M, Miami, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, and Ole Miss. Kevin Ford Jr's Recruiting Profile Projections Sam Spiegelman of Rivals issued a FutureCast favoring the Oklahoma Sooners on January 27, 2025. On3's Recruiting Prediction Machine believes Texas A&M to be the leader as of January 27, 2025. Film Hudl Rating Stars Overall Position State ESPN 4 130 16 12 Rivals 4 — 19 41 247Sports 4 111 11 14 247 Composite 4 189 14 26 On3 Recruiting 3 — 36 43 On3 Industry 4 206 20 21 Vitals Hometown Duncanville, Texas Projected Position Defensive End Height 6-foot-3 Weight 245 pounds Recruitment Offered on March 7, 2024 Visited during Oklahoma's Junior Day weekend of January 25, 2025 Notable Offers Per 247Sports Alabama Arizona State Arkansas Baylor Colorado Florida Florida State Houston Kansas LSU Miami Missouri Nebraska North Carolina Oklahoma Oklahoma State Ole Miss Penn State SMU Stanford TCU Tennessee Texas Texas State UCF USC Marshall North Texas Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
