Latest news with #Gael
Scoop
6 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
FMA Releases Good Cents: Kiwis On Savings And Debt Research
Press Release – Financial Markets Authority Good Cents: Kiwis on Savings and Debt looks into New Zealanders' attitudes and behaviours towards savings, debt reduction, and financial guidance. It identifies three main areas for improvement for financial providers such as banks, insurers and investment … While many New Zealanders feel confident in their financial decisions, there are significant gaps between their financial goals and actual holdings of investment products, new research by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) – Te Mana Tātai Hokohoko – reveals. Good Cents: Kiwis on Savings and Debt looks into New Zealanders' attitudes and behaviours towards savings, debt reduction, and financial guidance. It identifies three main areas for improvement for financial providers such as banks, insurers and investment advisers. 'Our findings show there is room for financial providers to help New Zealanders better align investment choices with financial goals, help them better understand debt management, and increase their comfort with seeking financial information,' says Gael Price, Head of Economics and Research at the FMA. 'Our findings paint an interesting picture. 'Stated financial goals don't always match investment behaviours, or understanding of key financial concepts. There is a disconnect between preferences and investment choices. While there is a strong interest in financial advice, many are hesitant to discuss their personal financial circumstances with others.' Findings also include: 1 in 6 New Zealanders feel they are sinking financially – those in the 45-54 age bracket are struggling the most, with one in four saying they feel they are 'sinking' financially. More than half of New Zealanders strategically pay off high interest debt first. 2 in 3 are open to receiving financial guidance, despite 42% saying they feel uncomfortable discussing their finances. People under 24 are least comfortable discussing their finances. This group is also the least financially literate. Active investment in higher risk and return products like shares is less common, despite high returns being a priority for nearly half our respondents. Those over 65 have unique features – they seek a stable return, and they are more likely than other age groups to have their money in term deposits. A quarter of respondents use buy now pay later (BNPL) services. This rises to 40% of Māori and Pasifika, which raises concerns. While BNPL services can help smooth out the impact of a purchase, having too much debt with these services can mean increasing repayment difficulties and late payment penalties. Māori and Pasifika are also just as likely to ask a family member or friend for financial guidance as asking their bank, meaning there's a risk they might miss out on the benefits of professional financial guidance. Gael says these findings reflect great opportunities for financial providers such as banks, insurance companies and financial advisers to make financial information more accessible. 'They are not necessarily indicators of failure, but rather signposts pointing to opportunities where improvements can be made. These improvements can be driven by providers, by consumers, and by the FMA alike. We welcome engagement with industry and consumer groups about ways to respond to the insights in this report.' Understanding consumer attitudes is now more important than ever and will help guide our regulatory focus and shape our outcomes-focused approach.
Irish Independent
7 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Heartbroken midlands GAA community to pay final respects to ‘great stalwart' Alan ‘Hardchaw' O'Hara
Edgeworthstown's Alan O'Hara, passed away unexpectedly following a short illness in St. James's Hospital, Dublin last Friday. Tributes to the talented sportsman have continued to flood social media platforms and be paid locally by a community and Mostrim GAA fraternity that are still attempting to comprehend the loss of one of its greatest ambassadors. In keeping with Alan's bright and affable demeanour, both on and off the field, his family has requested mourners intent on attending his funeral to wear bright colours or, alternatively the club's red and green colours he wore with innate pride throughout his playing career. Follow Independent Longford on Facebook Alan, who was more affectionately dubbed 'Hardchaw' by those who knew him best, played at every level for his local club side, a repute which was reflected by his representation with Longford at each grade up to U21 level. It was that fervid approach and passion for a game he loved that endeared him to so many, both within the corridors of the mid Longford outfit and to those he lined up against during his decorated playing career. 'I'll always remember him as a fierce competitor on the pitch — someone I had the honour of marking many times,' wrote one former senior county footballer. 'He played with spirit, strength, no shortage of skill, and with such pride for his Mostrim club.' Moving anecdotes of the Mostrim man's passion for a sport he dedicated much of his adult life to were paid in equal measure by clubs up and down the county. Killoe Emmett Óg said there was much to admire about a 'true gentleman both on and off the field,' remarks which were echoed by club officials from Colmcille GFC. 'Alan was a dedicated clubman and a well-respected footballer across the county,' said a spokesperson. 'Many within our own club had the honour of playing against him, and his loss will be deeply felt.' That loss was illustrated on Saturday morning as a large crowd of mourners attended a remembrance mass in the mid Longford town. 'Alan was a true gent of a Gael,' read a statement posted on the club's Facebook page. 'Alan started out at underage level, and it was plain to see his love for his Club Mostrim GAA. 'In recent years, Alan was an integral part of the Mostrim Senior Team, and never more as en route to the County Final in 2021, lining out at number 7, in the half back line.' Those poignant soundings were ones that were matched by officials from the club's hurling executive. It stated how a 'dark cloud' had descended on a parish left dumbfounded by the all too premature loss of one of its greatest icons. On any given day, you would see Alan going to the club gym or going for a run or cycle. (He was) always in tip-top physical condition and fitness was never a problem. 'Life is so cruel,' a statement simply read. 'Alan was a former player with Wolfe Tones and a loyal supporter always. 'Words are small consolation but Alan was a well-respected and much liked part of our community and his absence will be greatly missed. In a post on Alan's family spoke of how they had been left 'heartbroken' at his passing. 'Alan will be forever missed and always remembered with love by his family, his beloved parents John and Mary, his loving partner Ariel, sisters Aisling, Alison, Rachel and Rebecca, brothers-in-law Brendan, Paul, Matthew and Peter, his adored nieces Leah, Lucy, Madison, Zoey and Millie, uncles, aunt, gran-uncle, relatives, neighbours and his many dear friends, especially his GAA family,' the post read. The late Alan O'Hara will lie in repose at St. Mary's Church, Egdeworthstown from 5pm concluding with prayers at 8pm. His funeral mass, meanwhile, will take place tomorrow (Thursday) at 1pm ahead of burial to Aughafin Cemetery.
Sunday World
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Sunday World
Tributes paid to ‘super footballer' after death of dedicated GAA clubman
'Words are small consolation but Alan was a well-respected and much liked part of our community and his absence will be greatly missed.' A midlands GAA community has been plunged into mourning following the 'devastating' loss of one of its most revered and respected of personalities over the weekend. Alan O'Hara was to those who knew him best, the very essence of Mostrim GAA, a fearless and resolute performer on the pitch and a courteous, kind-hearted presence off it. Those virtues were ones, among umpteen more which have been paid to the much admired and well-respected half-back since news of his passing broke on Saturday morning. 'Alan was a great character who was always so positive and friendly,' a long-time friend and playing colleague poignantly wrote. 'He was a super footballer, a great team mate and a great servant for Mostrim GAA who always gave it his all.' Alan O'Hara. News in 90 Seconds - May 27th Alongside being a current fixture within the playing ranks of his local club, that experience was one which saw Alan immerse himself in the day to day activities of both its minor and senior outfits. A steely performer in the line of battle, his determination and resilience on the field brought with it the aptly dubbed moniker of 'Hardchaw' or 'Chaw' for short. That alias was, however, a far cry from the Alan O'Hara that commanded arguably even more esteem and admiration outside of footballing circles. One local woman said while she hadn't crossed paths with her former schoolmate in close to two decades, her memory of a man and all-round 'lovely guy' who always maintained a 'friendly smile and attitude' would live on. Moving anecdotes of the Mostrim man's passion for a sport he dedicated much of his adult life to were paid in equal measure by clubs up and down the county. Killoe Emmett Óg said there was much to admire about a 'true gentleman both on and off the field,' remarks which were echoed by club officials from Colmcille GFC. 'Alan was a dedicated clubman and a well-respected footballer across the county,' said a spokesperson. 'Many within our own club had the honour of playing against him, and his loss will be deeply felt.' A large crowd of mourners attended a remembrance mass in the mid Longford town on Saturday morning with club officials announcing the closure of its C&D Devine Park until further notice by way of a mark of respect to their former stalwart. 'Alan was a true gent of a Gael,' read a statement posted on the club's Facebook page. 'Alan started out at underage level, and it was plain to see his love for his Club Mostrim GAA. 'On any given day, you would see Alan going to the club gym or going for a run or cycle. (He was) always in tip-top physical condition and fitness was never a problem. 'Alan played at every level for the Mostrim Club growing up and represented Longford at each grade up to U21 level. 'In recent years, Alan was an integral part of the Mostrim Senior Team, and never more as en route to the County Final in 2021, lining out at number 7, in the half back line.' Those poignant soundings were ones that were matched by officials from the club's hurling executive. It stated how a 'dark cloud' had descended on a parish left dumbfounded by the all too premature loss of one of its greatest icons. 'Life is so cruel,' a statement simply read. 'Alan was a former player with Wolfe Tones and a loyal supporter always. 'Words are small consolation but Alan was a well-respected and much liked part of our community and his absence will be greatly missed. 'To his parents Mary and John, sisters Rebecca, Aisling, Rachel and Allison, his partner Ariel and his many relatives and friends, we offer our deepest condolences at this devastating time.'
Irish Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Life is so cruel' - GAA community in mourning following death of 'true Gael'
'A dark cloud hangs' over the GAA community in Co Longford following the unexpected death of an 'accomplished footballer and a great club stalwart'. Alan O'Hara, 39, from Edgeworthstown, passed away on Sunday "unexpectedly following a short illness in St. James's Hospital, Dublin surrounded by his heartbroken family," according to a death notice shared on Alan was a talented sportsman who represented Mostrim GAA with great distinction throughout the years, having played at every level for the club growing up, while he also represented Longford at each grade up to U21 level. Mostrim GAA paid tribute to the club stalwart in statement shared on social media, with the club hailing Alan as 'a true gent of a Gael'. "It is with great sadness within our Mostrim GAA Club and the Edgeworthstown Community that we have learned of the untimely passing of Alan O'Hara," they said. "Alan was a current playing member of the Mostrim GAA Club and was heavily involved in helping with the Minors and Seniors of the club up until a few weeks ago. Alan comes from a proud Mostrim GAA Family, with the O'Hara family steeped in Mostrim GAA. Of course, Alan was more commonly referred to his nickname 'Hardchaw' or Chaw for short, but in reality, Alan was a true gent of a Gael. "Alan started out at underage level, and it was plain to see his love for his Club Mostrim GAA. On any given day, you would see Alan going to the club gym or going for a run or cycle. Always in tip-top physical condition. Fitness was never a problem. "Alan played at every level for the Mostrim Club growing up and represented Longford at each grade up to U21 level. In recent years, Alan was an integral part of the Mostrim Senior Team, and never more as en route to the County Final in 2021, lining out at number 7, in the half back line. "To Alan's Mother Mary, Father John, sisters, Rebecca, Rachel, Alison, Aisling, Alan's partner Ariel, the extended O'Hara family and his wide circle of friends, we extend our deepest sympathies. "Alan will be missed in Mostrim GAA Club, Edgeworthstown Community and beyond. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. "As Alan soldiered with many of our current players on the Senior Team, Bereavement Counselling can be made available on request." Longford GAA also paid tribute to Alan in a message shared online as they offered their condolences to his grieving family. "Longford GAA is deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Mostrim Senior Player Alan O'Hara," a spokesperson for the county board said. "Alan was a true Gael who was an integral part of his Club and Community, wearing the Red & Green with pride and also representing Longford at all underage levels up to U21. "To Alan's parents, Mary and John, sisters, Rebecca, Rachel, Alison and Aisling, his partner Ariel, the extended O'Hara family, the Mostrim GAA family and his wide circle of friends, we offer our deepest sympathies. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam." Alan was also a talented hurler who lined out for Wolfe Tones Hurling Club, with the club saying 'a dark cloud hangs over the parish' following his untimely death. "Alan was a former player with Wolfe Tones and a Loyal supporter always. Life is so cruel," Wolfe Tones said in a statement shared on social media. "To his parents Mary & John, sisters Rebecca, Aisling, Rachel and Allison, his partner Ariel and his many relatives and friends we offer our deepest condolences at this devastating time. "Words are small consolation but Alan was a well respected and much liked part of our community and his absence will be greatly missed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm." Alan was a former student at Cnoc Mhuire Secondary School in Granard, with staff remembering him "as a very talented sportsman and hugely likeable young man". "We were shocked to wake up yesterday to the news of the passing of past pupil Alan O'Hara," the school said in a statement. "Alan was a pupil in the school in the early to mid 2000s and he is fondly remembered as a very talented sportsman and hugely likeable young man. We've enjoyed watching Alan play for his beloved Mostrim down through the years and it is clear the huge impact he had on his community in Edgeworthstown, both on and off the pitch. "All in Cnoc Mhuire extend our deepest sympathies to Alan's family and friends at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Alan." Alan's death has sent shockwaves through the local community and brought the 'town to its knees', with friends, neighbours and acquaintances paying heartbreaking tribute to the talented footballer. "Sincere condolences to Alan's parents, sisters, partner and extended family on his tragic loss. May the great memories you have with him, give you all the strength to continue on. Alan was a gentleman and was always a pleasure to meet at matches down through the years. RIP," one mourner said. "Our deepest condolences to the O'Hara family and Alan's partner Ariel. The sad loss of Alan has brought our little town to its knees. Such a gentle soul with a kind word for everyone, he will be greatly missed," another added. A close pal said: "Such a great loss, one so young and talented. He was such a great hearted person, helped so many over the years. He shall never been forgotten. Go ndeana Dia trócaire air agus geal na gealaí 'ins bFlaitheas Leis go deo deo." While a fourth person said: "Deepest sympathies to John, Mary, Ariel and all the O'Hara family and to all in the Mostrim GAA community on the heartbreaking loss of Alan at such a young age. He was an accomplished footballer and a great stalwart of the Mostrim club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal." Alan will repose in St. Mary's Church in Edgeworthstown from 5pm on Wednesday, concluding with prayers at 8pm. His funeral mass will take place at St. Mary's Church at 1pm on Thursday. Following Mass, Alan will be laid to rest in Aughafin Cemetery. Alan's family has requested that those attending the funeral wear bright colours or club colours.
RTÉ News
12-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Celebrations across Louth after historic Leinster title
Louth GAA fans across the county are celebrating their first Leinster Senior Football Championship title win in 68 years. Players and management will be bringing the long-coveted Delaney Cup to three parts of the county tonight. The homecoming parade will stop off at Drogheda and Ardee before the celebrations continue long into the night in Dundalk. Ger Brennan's side saw off rivals Meath by a scoreline of 3-14 to 1-18 at Croke Park this afternoon in a close-fought and highly entertaining game of Gaelic football. Louth County Council extended its congratulations to the team in a statement this evening. Cathaoirleach Councillor Kevin Callan said he wanted to "extend the warmest of congratulations to everyone involved at Louth GAA" on behalf of the council. "As we've seen from the results of our minor and U20 teams in recent weeks, football in the county is clearly on an upward trajectory, and this magnificent win against our neighbours and old rivals confirms that," he said. "For a long time, we've all dreamt of winning our first Leinster title since 1957, and Ger Brennan and this group of players have made that dream a reality. "They will rightly go down in history as the team who ended the long wait - and they did it in style. An Lú Abú!," Cllr Callan added. Meanwhile, Louth County Council CEO David Conway said: "This is a momentous day for Co Louth, and one that every GAA fan in the county will remember for the rest of their lives." He added: "This historic achievement is a testament to the dedication, talent, and spirit of the Louth players, the management and backroom team, the county board, and every Gael across the county. "Huge credit must go to both teams for producing such a thrilling spectacle and it was wonderful to see the sea of red and white celebrating when Sam Mulroy lifted the trophy in the Hogan Stand. "This marks a proud day in the history of Louth GAA and an unforgettable occasion that will inspire generations of youngsters to come. Congratulations to everyone involved." Louth County Council is likely to honour the achievements of the team in the near future.
