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Irish Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Biggest win of the day' - Girlfriend says 'yes' to Galway Races proposal
A punter had the "biggest win of the day" when he got down on one knee and proposed to his long-term girlfriend at the Galway Races. Conor McDonald, 31, from Bournemouth, surprised race goers in the parade ring when he got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend, Emily Fennell, at Wednesday's race meeting. The 27-year-old, from Ennis in Co Clare, was absolutely shocked when Conor proposed in the parade ring at the Ballybrit racecourse. The couple, who have been together for seven years, are both teachers living and working in the UK and come to the Galway Races every year. Conor told the Irish Mirror: "I like the limelight and I thought, what better place. We come every year. We met in Australia about six years ago, seven years ago now, and Emily's from Ennis, we come home every summer. "I'm a teacher at home. Come here as a highlight of the trip. I thought she's due it, like," he said jokingly. Emily replied: "I've put in the graft." Conor said: "I spoke to a lovely girl on the phone, actually in hospitality. She kept it under wraps with me. And yeah, and that was it." Emily said Conor pretended that he had won a competition to gain access to the parade ring. "I had no idea. Not a notion." Conor said his nerves beforehand were "alright" leading up to the big event, while Emily added: "I didn't suspect a thing." The couple are parents to two young boys and will enjoy their night away at the G Hotel in Galway. Conor added it was "his biggest win of the week". Thousands of horse racing fans gathered for the third day of the Galway Races to watch Western Fold romp home to win the Galway Plate. It's the horse's fifth win in this race in the last ten years. Jockey Danny Gilligan with Western Fold and trainer Gordon Elliott after winning the Tote Galway Plate at Galway Racecourse in Galway, Ireland. Picture date: Wednesday July 30, 2025 (Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire) Winning trainer Gordon Elliot said it was like "poetry in motion". "He's the right horse. He was a bit backward when he was young but this race has been in the plan for a while so I'm delighted. Bobby (Ryan) put the syndicate together and everything worked out great." He said the horse "jumped like a buck". "Everything went right. It was like poetry in motion." Elliott said the ground was the key to the horse's win. He revealed his dad is currently in hospital and he hopes the Galway Plate win will "cheer him up". "He's watching us from hospital today so hopefully that'll give him a lift." Owner Bobby Ryan said he dreamed about the horse winning. Brian O'Keeffe, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: 'It was a second Galway Plate for local jockey Danny Gilligan and while Western Fold went off a double figure price, he was backed into 11/1 from 20s by some savvy punters. "It was far from a nightmare result though and we were happy to dodge some big payouts on the horses at the head of the betting.' Elsewhere, jockey Danny Mullins reacted to his hair going viral during racing week. Danny, the nephew of champion trainer Willie Mullins, is currently rocking bright red dreads this week. He opened up about the style inspiration behind his new look. Jockey Danny Mullins walks the course ahead of Day 2 of the Galway Festival (Image: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy) He said: "I'm a big fan of Jimmy Butler and Lewis Hamilton and they've always had fairly cool hairstyles. Jimmy Butler got a red hairdo for a Miami Heat basketball game and it was something. So I just went with that. "And I thought it looked good on him. Maybe not quite as exciting on me but I'd said I'd roll with it anyway." Asked about what his father Tony Mullins thinks of his new hair-do, he said: "Questionable, as with my mother as well, but you know once we can get a few winners here this week it'll be great." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
CairoScene
22-07-2025
- CairoScene
Your Guide to Summer Stays on Egypt's North Coast
The Egyptian summer season doesn't begin with a date—it begins with a migration. As city thermometers start their slow creep upward, Sahel —Egypt's North Coast—pulls people in like a gravitational force. Once sleepy and strictly seasonal, the coast has become the country's ultimate warm-weather playground, where Mediterranean blues meet high-design stays, beach clubs pulse through golden hour, and everyone seems to arrive with a better tan, a curated playlist, and maybe even a new persona. And each year, Sahel seems to level up. The resorts get sleeker, the service smoother, and the hotels? They're no longer just a place to crash after the sun—now, they're half the reason you came. From adult-only hideouts in Hacienda White to sprawling, all-inclusive escapes in Ghazala Bay, the North Coast has evolved into a mosaic of mood-driven destinations, each with its own aesthetic, attitude, and guest list. So, whether you're here for the scene or the seclusion, these are the sexiest stays turning up the heat in Sahel this summer. Address Marassi Beach Resort – Marassi This sleek beachfront escape in the heart of Marassi comes with six dining concepts, a private beach club with 69 cabanas, four pools, and a spa you'll struggle to leave. With 118 rooms and 169 serviced apartments, Address brings city-calibre luxury to the coast—designed for those who want their Sahel with a side of sophistication. Vida Marina Resort – Marassi Vida Marina brings Dubai's urban-cool energy to Egypt's North Coast, with its clean architecture, Marina-facing pool, and waterfront promenade. Just steps from the buzz of Marassi's restaurants and boutiques, the resort is sleek but unpretentious—where sunset strolls, minimalist suites, and curated beach lounging all come with a modern edge. Rixos Premium Alamein Resort – Ghazala Bay All-inclusive gets a glow-up at this Turkish-run five-star. From sprawling buffets to hammams and late-night entertainment, Rixos is built for high-energy families, big friend groups, and guests who like everything sorted before check-in. Beachfront access and a packed kids' club schedule mean no one's ever bored—no matter their age. G Hotel – Seashell Bold, moody, and full of edge, G Hotel is where Sahel's social set checks in before heading out. Set in the heart of Seashell, the hotel feels more like a members-only club—with lagoon-facing villas, private pools, jacuzzis, in-villa spas, butler service on call, and a soundtrack that doesn't clock out. The Alamein Hotel – Marassi A North Coast icon reimagined, The Alamein Hotel blends retro glamour with fresh Mediterranean ease. Set along the quiet curve of Sidi Abdelrahman Bay, the hotel's palm-framed pool, breezy white interiors, and history-steeped corridors make it a standout for those who want a slice of classic Sahel, elevated with a modern, minimalist edge. The Red – Hacienda Red Intimate, quiet, and stripped of anything unnecessary, The Red is a boutique retreat made for slow days and sensory detail. Offering intimate apartment-style stays—with a balcony and flat-screen TV—The Red is all about understated comfort, where the playlist's quiet, the palette's clean, and the WiFi works just enough. Casa Cook – Hacienda White Known for its muted palettes, slow-living ethos, and barefoot-luxury vibes, Casa Cook brings its signature adult-only style to Sahel, delivering warm minimalism and just the right amount of indulgence. Expect woven textures, natural stone, private terraces, poolside daybeds, and a breezy restaurant serving elevated Mediterranean fare. Sakhra Hotel & Spa – Almaza Bay Carved into the limestone hills above Almaza Bay, Sakhra is all about grounded luxury—local stone, mashrabiya screens, and villas that come with private pools and open-air showers facing the sea. With five pools, a hammam-equipped spa, and five dining concepts ranging from Japanese to beachside barefoot bites, Sakhra is a retreat for those who want their summer stay to feel curated, quiet, and deeply connected to place. Marmarica Boutique Cabanas – Almaza Bay A design-forward newcomer perched on the golden curve of Almaza Bay, Marmarica is all about refined simplicity. Each of its beachside cabanas blends natural textures, desert tones, and just enough luxury to feel like a secret. With a private pool, Mediterranean bites on deck, and a vibe that whispers not shouts, it's a retreat for the barefoot aesthetes. Le Sidi – Hacienda Bay A boutique bolthole for lovers of soft linens, warm light, and slow afternoons, Le Sidi offers direct lagoon access and uninterrupted ocean views. With curated interiors that nod to North African craftsmanship and a courtyard pool made for lounging, this hideaway is a love letter to understated elegance. Caesar Bay Resort – Caesar Bay Rugged and serene, Caesar Bay stretches along one of the North Coast's less-touched shorelines. Think breezy villas, direct sea access, and swaying palms set to a soundtrack of silence. It's the kind of place where morning swims replace alarms and the horizon is your only agenda. JAZ Oriental Resort – Almaza Bay A cornerstone of Almaza Bay's coastal rise, JAZ Oriental blends time-tested resort comfort with beachside charm. With airy rooms, lush gardens, multiple pools, and family-friendly perks, it's a crowd-pleasing favorite for those who want their comforts dialed up and logistics down to a science. Hotel 59 – Marsa Matruh A breezy, family‑run coastal hideaway on El Corniche in Marsa Matruh, Hotel 59 celebrates legacy (named after the Beau Site Hotel's 1959 founding) and modern comfort. With 61 rooms and suites, a private beach, spa, sauna, gym, and kids' zone, it stands out as a refined yet relaxed retreat for multigenerational escapes. Water‑sport options, beachside eats, and massage services complete the laid‑back luxury—think barefoot chic with beachfront charm.
Irish Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
`I regret spending money on cars. It always feels like a financial black hole'
Bastien Peyraud has more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality across Ireland, Britain and Europe. In 2023, as manager of Cork's Imperial Hotel, he won the Supreme Winner Award at the Virgin Media Gold Medal Awards. He is now general manager of the G Hotel and Spa in Galway. Are you a saver or a spender? I'm definitely a saver. I like the security of knowing I'm not spending more than I have, and I avoid debt wherever possible. Aside from my mortgage, that is, which I see as an investment rather than a liability. I budget carefully so I can enjoy life without financial stress. What was the first job you received money for, and how much were you paid? I started as a kitchen porter during the summer in the south of France when I was 15. I earned around 5,000 French francs per month, though the exact figure is a bit hazy now! It felt like a fortune at the time, and I was so proud of saving every cent to pay for my studies. That first job taught me discipline, work ethic and the value of hard-earned money, which are lessons I carry with me to this day. Do you shop around for better value? Always, but value doesn't necessarily mean the cheapest option. I believe in quality over cost-cutting, whether it's groceries, hotels or bigger purchases. I'll research my options to make sure I'm getting the best deal without compromising on what matters to me. READ MORE What has been your most extravagant purchase, and how much did it cost? I've bought property and cars but my most extravagant – and least necessary – purchase was a Burberry coat when I was working in London. I think I paid just under £2,000 for it, which was certainly a splurge at the time. Nearly 20 years later, however, I still have it, and it just about still fits. Was it a luxury or a long-term investment? I'll let myself believe the latter. [ Laura O'Mahoney: 'I once paid €70 for a massive quiche as I was too embarrassed to say I only wanted a slice' Opens in new window ] What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money? Buying my first flat was by far the best investment I've made. It was in terrible condition but we transformed it into a beautiful home, helped by my experience of working in luxury hotels. When we sold it, we made a great return, proving that a little vision and effort go a long way. Is there anything you regret spending money on? Cars. Every single one I've owned has depreciated the moment I drove it away from the dealer's. No matter how much I convince myself it's a necessity, it always feels like a financial black hole. Do you haggle over prices? Not really. If something is beyond my budget, I won't buy it. I respect the value of a product or service and trust that good quality comes at a fair price. Working in hospitality, I know how tight margins are, so I'd rather pay properly than try to undercut a business. Do you invest in shares and/or cryptocurrency? I don't. I've never fully understood the stock market or cryptocurrency, and I prefer tangible investments such as property. I'm sure I could have made good returns if I had taken the time to learn, but when you come from a modest background, you don't like to take risks with your life savings. Do you have a retirement or pension plan? Yes, though it's complicated! I've worked in multiple countries, so my pension is scattered across different systems. I started taking it seriously about six years ago and now make sure to save as much as I can to secure a comfortable future for my partner and family. What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? My wedding ring. I won't claim it was a bargain, but it was without a doubt the best investment I've ever made. Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? Yes, my partner and I are currently saving to buy a house. It's a slow process, but we're disciplined about it while still making sure we enjoy life along the way. With property prices skyrocketing, wherever we buy, it will be a big financial decision, so we're keeping a close eye on our savings target. [ Rick O'Shea: 'My wife and I come from very working-class backgrounds, so we think savings are important' Opens in new window ] Have you ever lost money? Plenty of times! Whether it's a €50 note disappearing from my pocket or a well-intentioned but ill-advised spend, I've learned that money can vanish faster than you expect. The key is to make sure the wins outweigh the losses in the long run. Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win? Not at all. I once went to Las Vegas with friends and quickly realised gambling wasn't for me. Even when I won, I knew I was ultimately losing more than I was gaining. I work too hard for my money to risk it disappearing in a couple of hours. What is your best habit when it comes to money? And your worst? My best habit is planning. I track nearly every expense, monthly and yearly, so I know exactly what I can spend and where my money is going. My worst habit? Spending too much on food and drink. When I go out, I don't check the prices; I just want to enjoy the experience. If I can't afford it, I simply don't go. How much money do you have on you now? Absolutely none. I haven't carried cash in years. My phone is my wallet now – it's more convenient and a lot safer. In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea
