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Irish Examiner
6 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Locals celebrate as Kerry community group wins bid to take over village pub
Punters from one of Ireland's most remote pubs are celebrating victory after a months-long battle to save their beloved local. Many had feared it would be last orders for the Inny Tavern (Tábhairne na hÚine) in Dromaid, after the pub's owners Humphrey Ó Conchuir and Noreen Uí Chonchuir made the difficult decision to retire. A lack of interest from buyers on the open market might have sounded the death knell for the village of Cillín Liath which is located in Co Kerry's Iveragh peninsula. However, a community buyout — made possible by an online fundraising campaign — means the pub will now stay open indefinitely. Described as one of Ireland's newest communities, the village was built around the local primary school, which opened in 1973 and was followed by the pub 16 years later. The pub is now set to change hands this week and will be run by and for the community. The Inny Tavern in Dromid, Co Kerry soon to be one of Irelands First community owned Alan Landers Forbairt na Dromoda Teo — the local community, social enterprise organisation in the Iveragh Gaeltacht — were behind the campaign to save the Inny Tavern and adjoining shop which was also run by Humphrey and Noreen. The group had raised enough funds for a deposit as well as securing a bank loan for the property. However, there was a shortfall, and the remaining funds have now been raised through the GoFundme campaign which was launched earlier this year and has generated almost €107,500 to date. It comes two years after Humphrey and Noreen set in motion plans to sell the bar. Originally opened by the O'Connor family in 1989, the pub has been operating in the Gaeltacht community for around 36 years. Emir Ní Mhurchú of Forbairt na Dromada said news of the pub's survival has come as a relief to many in their community. Areas along the western seaboard are massively struggling with issues like population decline. "This has been a huge issue for us. Holiday homes in place of actual people coming to reside here is just one of the changes we are seeing. This has had implications on numbers in local schools and football teams. There was no way we wanted to lose our pub too.' Emir was fulsome in her praise for donors adding: 'People came through from all over the world to support us. These were people who had emigrated to Australia but someday hope to come back. Working in tandem Noreen and Humphrey fill their last pints at the Inny Tavern. Picture: Alan Landers "Others living in America with families who will never come home also donated. One of the most touching letters came from former punters of a pub in Galway. They said they were absolutely devastated to lose their pub. They didn't want to see the same happen to us, which is why they were so supportive.' She said isolation had been a huge concern for the community's residents. 'We are talking about people who lived their lives in townlands where there might have only been five or six families. Farming wasn't exactly a money spinner when they were young. However, the country seemed to have more when it had less. "In those days there were more people supporting businesses. There was also more of a focus on the community. The main concern for us is to ensure that people don't become isolated. For a number of people, their visit to shop or pub might be the only social aspect to their day. There is also the intergenerational element. It's not unusual to see people in their 20s playing cards with people in their 80s. We really want to maintain that rural vibrancy.' Emir also extended her well wishes to the pub's previous owners Humphrey Ó Conchuir and Noreen Uí Chonchuir. 'Everybody is entitled to their retirement and Humphrey was even more entitled to his. At the same time, not knowing the fate of the pub was a huge weight on his shoulders. He's really delighted that it's here to stay.' Read More VFI calls for 40% excise rebate on pints to support struggling rural pubs
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Beautiful' schoolboy, 15, drowns in river after passers-by tried to save him as his devastated family pays tributes
A FAMILY have paid tribute to their "beautiful" boy who drowned in a river despite passers-by trying to rescue him. Lotus Bowker, 15, from Kirkham, Lancashire, died after getting into difficulty in water on May 17. Emergency services were called to the riverbank at around 2:30pm and the teenager was airlifted to hospital. But despite medics' best efforts, he passed away the following morning. Cops have urged anyone with information related to the boy's death to come forward and urged people to "think twice" before going into open water. The lad's parents have paid tribute to their "beautiful boy" who they say is "sadly" missed by his family. Read more on News They said: "Our beautiful boy, sadly missed by his Mummy, Daddy, his brothers and sister deeply. Words cannot describe the pain we are going through.' A GoFundme page has been set up in memory of the boy and to help support his family during this difficult time. In a heartbreaking post, Maria Mercer, a friend of the family's, wrote how their hearts have been "shattered" following the tragic incident. She described how what started off as an ordinary day quickly turned into an "unimaginable nightmare". Most read in The Sun She said: "On Sunday 18th May, our hearts were shattered when 15 year old Lotus Bowker tragically lost his life following an incident in a river. "What started off as an ordinary day quickly turned into an unimaginable nightmare and now family and friends are grieving the loss of a beautiful, bright and kind hearted soul taken way to soon. Lotus was more than just a teenager- he was a son, a brother, a friend and a shining light in the lives of everyone who knew him. "His smile could lift a room, and his energy was infectious. He had dreams, laughter to share and a whole life ahead of him. That future was stolen in a moment that will never be forgotten. "As his family and friends come to terms with this heartbreaking reality, they are now faced with the painful task of saying goodbye. "We want to give Lotus the farewell he truly deserves- one filled with love, dignity and the honour that his life deserves. "This fundraiser has been created to help give Lotus the best send off and support his family in this difficult time. "Every donation, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference and ease the burden on those left behind." Regarding the tragic incident, DI Adie Knowles, said: "First and foremost my thoughts remain with Lotus's loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. "They have lost a son and a brother in the most tragic circumstances and I just want to echo David's words around water safety. "I'd just ask that people think twice before going into rivers, reservoirs or any form of open water. You are unnecessarily putting your lives at risk, and I really don't want to have to knock on your parents door to tell them that you won't be coming home." "Any individuals with information related to Lotus's death should contact Lancashire Police on 101, quoting log 834 of May 17, 2025." 1 Lotus Bowker died after getting into difficulty in water Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Missing Brit backpacker found sleeping rough on streets of Peru but REFUSES rescue after horror attack
TRAUMATISED TOURIST Missing Brit backpacker found sleeping rough on streets of Peru but REFUSES rescue after horror attack A BRITISH backpacker feared trafficked after vanishing in Peru has been found – but remains on the streets too terrified to trust anyone offering help. Hannah Almond, 32, disappeared after a violent robbery left her without a passport, phone, or money – and sparked a terrifying mental health spiral. 3 Hannah Almond has been found after she was feared missing in Peru Credit: Instagram 3 The Brit, 32, is living rough after being robbed of all her money and passport Credit: GoFundme 3 She had travelled to the South American country for a yoga retreat Credit: Instagram The yoga-loving fashion graduate from Grimsby had travelled to Cusco in March for a spiritual retreat to 'find herself', but ended up living under a bridge with an elderly homeless man. Locals torched her few remaining belongings in a sickening attack. After three days without contact, friends feared the worst – but now say a man she met briefly in Lima caught a flight to Cusco and 'just started wandering the streets asking after her' until he found her slumped on the pavement. Despite being located, Hannah is still sleeping rough and refusing support – including food, shelter, and help from the British embassy – due to trauma-triggered psychosis that's left her terrified of strangers. A friend told The Daily Mail: "She is one of the most pure loving soul ever - she is very generous and always wants to help people. "But she does not trust anyone after getting robbed and assaulted." One pal has now flown from the UK in a desperate bid to persuade Hannah to return home before she disappears again. Hannah had been staying a makeshift camp under the Belén Bridge before she had all her belongings stolen or destroyed. Eyewitnesses say Hannah and the elderly man she was staying with were violently evicted from the area by furious street vendors on Avenida Ejército. Despite offers from officials, Hannah continues to return to the bridge camp. Mark Atkinson, the British Consul in Peru, said: "Sometimes we've paid for hotel stays, given her money for food, that sort of thing. But she always ends up coming back here." He confirmed her tourist visa has now expired, leaving her in legal limbo. "She is in an illegal situation," Atkinson told local media. A GoFundMe page launched by friends has raised nearly £8,000 to cover travel, temporary housing, and urgent medical care - and to help bring her safely back to the UK. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Missing Brit backpacker found sleeping rough on streets of Peru but REFUSES rescue after horror attack
A BRITISH backpacker feared trafficked after vanishing in Peru has been found – but remains on the streets too terrified to trust anyone offering help. Hannah Almond, 32, Advertisement 3 Hannah Almond has been found after she was feared missing in Peru Credit: Instagram 3 The Brit, 32, is living rough after being robbed of all her money and passport Credit: GoFundme 3 She had travelled to the South American country for a yoga retreat Credit: Instagram The yoga-loving fashion graduate from Locals torched her few remaining belongings in a sickening attack. After three days without contact, friends feared the worst – but now say a man she met briefly in Lima caught a flight to Cusco and 'just started wandering the streets asking after her' until he found her slumped on the pavement. Despite being located, Hannah is still sleeping rough and refusing support – including food, shelter, and help from the British embassy – due to trauma-triggered psychosis that's left her terrified of strangers. Advertisement Read more world news A friend told "But she does not trust anyone after getting robbed and assaulted." One pal has now flown from the UK in a desperate bid to persuade Hannah to return home before she disappears again. Hannah had been staying a makeshift camp under the Belén Bridge before she had all her belongings stolen or destroyed. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Eyewitnesses say Hannah and the elderly man she was staying with were violently evicted from the area by furious street vendors on Avenida Ejército. Despite offers from officials, Hannah continues to return to the bridge camp. Mark Atkinson, the British Consul in Peru, said: "Sometimes we've paid for hotel stays, given her money for food, that sort of thing. But she always ends up coming back here." He confirmed her tourist visa has now expired, leaving her in legal limbo. Advertisement "She is in an illegal situation," Atkinson told local media. A More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Advertisement Like us on Facebook at
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Desperate hunt for yoga-loving Brit backpacker missing in Peru after going off-grid following horror attack
A BRITISH backpacker has gone missing after spending a month living on the streets of Peru following a violent robbery. Hannah Almond, 32, Advertisement 5 Hannah Almond has gone missing in Peru Credit: Instagram 5 The Brit, 32, was living on the streets after being robbed of all her money and passport Credit: GoFundme 5 Video appeared to show her belongings being burned on the street With no way to get home, the fashion graduate was sleeping rough under the Belén Bridge, where her remaining belongings were torched by local thugs. Footage from local media appeared to show her clothes and personal items in a flaming pile on the street. Hannah was last seen three days ago after befriending an elderly homeless man at a makeshift camp, and has not been heard from since. A desperate search is now underway to locate the missing Brit from Advertisement Read more world news A family friend told "But she does not trust anyone after getting robbed and assaulted. "Some locals burned all her belongings from under the bridge." They added: "She was contacting her mum every now and then through other people's phones. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Latest "Police went to check on her two days ago and she has not been seen since. Cusco is a trafficking hotspot, so it's very worrying." The British Consulate in 'She is in an illegal situation. Her tourist visa has already expired,' British Consul Mark Atkinson told local media. Brit woman, 21, rotting in Dubai hellhole jail without a shower for a month after being arrested on drugs charges 'Sometimes we've paid for hotel stays, given her money for food, that sort of thing. But she always ends up coming back here,' he explained, referring to the bridge camp. Advertisement Hannah's friends have since As of Tuesday, it already pulled in £7,930 from 306 donations — just shy of its £9,000 goal. The funds raised will be used to cover urgent travel and support costs, including a flight and accommodation for a close family member or friend to fly to Her loved ones hope that a familiar face on the ground will help break through the fear and confusion that has kept her from accepting official help. Advertisement The money will also go towards providing Hannah with safe accommodation, food, and access to emergency medical or psychological care — which may be vital before she is well enough to travel. 5 Hannah was last seen three days ago after coming to Peru in March Credit: Instagram 5 She had travelled to the South American country for a yoga retreat Credit: Instagram Additional funds will cover logistical costs needed to get her home, such as securing a replacement passport, renewing her visa, and arranging her journey back to the UK. Advertisement A message on the fundraiser reads: "Hannah travelled to Peru in March hoping for an adventure, but instead, she has found herself in a terrifying and heartbreaking situation. "She was robbed and assaulted, losing her passport, phone, and all of her money. "Since then, Hannah's mental health has severely declined.' "Despite attempts to help her through official channels, Hannah is deeply fearful and unable to accept support from the embassy or local authorities. Advertisement "She is extremely vulnerable, isolated, and not safe living on the streets of Peru. "Hannah is a deeply kind and gentle soul, and we are desperate to get her the care and safety she deserves. We need to bring her home." More than 100,000 Brits travel to Peru every year, with Cusco - the gateway to Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail - one of the most popular spots. FCDO travel advice warns tourists to remain alert, saying: "Personal attacks, including sexual assaults, are infrequent but do happen, mostly in the Cusco and Arequipa areas." Advertisement FCDO travel advice to Peru THE UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to certain parts of Peru due to ongoing safety and security concerns. Affected areas: Within 20km south of the Peru-Colombia border (Loreto region), excluding the Amazon River and triple border area near Santa Rosa de Yavari. Valley of the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers (VRAEM) — a known hotspot for criminal activity. State of emergency: A State of Emergency is in place until June 17 across the Lima and Callao regions, including key districts such as San Juan de Lurigancho, Villa El Salvador, and Comas. This allows joint police-army operations and the suspension of certain constitutional rights - including detention without a judicial order. Travel insurance warning: Travelling against FCDO advice may invalidate your travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers your entire itinerary, including adventure activities or volunteering. Stay informed and read the full FCDO travel guidance before travelling. Source:
