Latest news with #Higgins
New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Meet the unhinged killer cowboys who made Texas legendary and the Old West ‘wild'
As much as the 'Gunfighter Era' of the Old West was characterized by shoot-outs in the streets, so too was it known for tall tales and quick quips. Consider the case of Pink Higgins. Higgins stumbled upon a cattle rustler who had just killed and butchered one of his herd, so he shot the man dead and stuffed him inside the steer. As Bryan Burroughs recounts in 'The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild' (Penguin Press, June 3), 'then [Higgins] rode into town to tell the sheriff he should come see a miracle, a cow giving birth to a man.' 5 Wild Bill Hickok was one of the first and most infamous Texan cowboys, given mass attention in an 1867 article in Harper's, and claimed he had killed hundreds. Wikipedia/ Public Domain The first nationally known gunfighter was 'Wild Bill' Hickok, whose fame was cemented by a Harper's Weekly profile in 1867 that claimed he'd killed 'hundreds' of men. While that number was laughably exaggerated, Wild Bill killed plenty. The first was at a Nebraska stagecoach station in 1861, when Hickok was told to butt out of a loud dispute because it was none of his business. 'Perhaps 'tis,' he was said to nonchalantly reply, 'Or 'tain't.' Then he drew his pistol, killing one man and wounding two others. But to live by the 'Gunfighter's Code' of the Old West was to die by it, too. As a Kansas marshal in 1871, Hickok shot dead a cowboy who'd unexpectedly fired on him, but then when his own deputy came racing around a corner with guns drawn 'Wild Bill' accidentally killed him, too. Then in 1875 in Deadwood, SD, a man Hickok had beaten at poker executed America's most famous gunfighter with a cowardly shot to the back of his head. When gunfighters weren't killing or being killed though, a lot of time they were cracking wise. 5 Legendary cowboy Wyatt Earp and his brothers cut a murderous path through 19th century Texas. Wikipedia/ Public Domain Clay Allison was a fearsome 'shootist' likely suffering from Civil War PTSD, who once rode his horse through a frontier town wearing only a gun-belt. Before shooting one of his victims, Allison first invited him to dinner — the two eventually exchanging bullets right at the table. Asked why he would invite his victim to share a meal before killing him, Burroughs writes that Allison just shrugged. 'Because I didn't want to send a man to hell on an empty stomach.' 5 A scene from the barely developed streets of Deadwood in 1876. U.S. National Archives and Records Administration There's Mysterious Dave, who announced, 'You have lived long enough,' to a cowboy he then shot dead. And professional gambler Ben Thompson, who was told by a threatening gunfighter to avoid a certain city because men were waiting for him there. But the card shark was hardly scared, Burroughs writes. 'I'm Ben Thompson,' he purred. 'If I should go up there, I would serve the boys just so.' Ditto Doc Holliday at the O.K. Corral, who replied to an opponent's threat that he would shoot him down with a laconic 'you're a daisy if you do.' And at the end of that gunfight, it was the infamous Wyatt Earp who had the last word. Looking down at the dead men Earp and his brothers had just defeated in a dispute over carrying their weapons in town, Wyatt joked they no longer 'have to disarm that party.' Even local newspapers could kid about gunplay in the streets, with an 1872 story in Kansas noting the lack of shootings that summer with a headline announcing 'No One Killed Yet.' Another notable characteristic of the Old West's 'Gunfighter Era' was its exaggerated exploits. William 'Wild Bill' Longley claimed to have killed more than 30 men, but the more likely number was four or five. 5 'The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild' is written by Bryan Burrough. 5 Author Bryan Burroughs. And though Johnny Ringo was once considered the most fearsome gunfighter in the country, it was only confirmed that he'd fired his pistol twice. Once he wounded a man in a bar room argument, Burrough writes, with the other incident even less impressive. 'The only other time we're certain Ringo fired… he shot himself in the foot.' There were plenty of real gunfights in those days, though, over slights big and small, whether rustling a man's cattle or cutting in on his dance. One siege at a homestead went on so long that the farm's hogs eventually began devouring the bodies of dead combatants. Maybe the most incredible gunfight of them all occurred in New Mexico in 1884, when a sole, 19-year-old wannabe lawman named Elfego Baca took on 80 angry Texas cowboys. Wearing an unofficial, mail-order badge, Baca arrested and jailed one Texan for misbehaving in the town's streets. When a handful of the captive's friends demanded his release, Baca squared off with them and told them he would begin to shoot. The Texans laughed, but Baca began to fire. He killed one as the others fled, at least until they returned 80 strong. All alone, Baca then engaged the Texans in a gun battle, ultimately being chased into an abandoned home. The Texans unloaded so many bullets that eventually the house collapsed onto itself. Four hundred bullet holes were later counted in its front door alone, but when law enforcement eventually intervened, Baca had killed four and walked away unscathed. Writes Burroughs: 'Covered with dust, Baca emerged in his underwear, a revolver in each hand.'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: President Higgins was right to call out Netanyahu and his slander of Ireland
Netanyahu's tactics against those who criticise his government's attempt to deflect attention from what the majority see as a calculated and continuing campaign of genocide. History has shown that aggressors often distort narratives to cast themselves as the aggrieved – a strategy that does not fool the people of Ireland or its political representatives. President Higgins has devoted his life to standing against injustice, consistently speaking out with moral courage when others remain silent. His intellect, integrity and advocacy for the oppressed are needed now more than ever. Please continue, Mr Higgins. Your voice matters. Enda Kilgallen, Dublin 18 Jewish people who want peace are the very ones who were massacred Bishop Kevin Doran claims that those Jewish people who seek a peaceful homeland for everyone in Israel and Palestine deserve our support and respect ('I understand why some are so hesitant to criticise Israel – but this needs to change', Irish Independent, May 28). However, he overlooks the fact it was precisely those Jews who were targeted by Hamas and its allies when they attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and carried out a pogrom involving rape, mutilation and murder. Jews like Vivian Silver (74), a life-long peace activist who drove sick Gazans to hospitals in Israel every week for treatment. She was shot dead in her home in Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7 and her house was burnt down. Or Jews like Shiri Bibas who, along with her sons Kfir (nine months) and four-year-old Ariel, was kidnapped and then beaten and strangled in Gaza. Karl Martin, Dublin 13 Time for France, UK and Canada to follow through on their 'concrete actions' I listened yesterday to Tom Fletcher, UN under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs, as he described the continuing failure of food and medical aid to be delivered to Gaza. Eleven days ago, the leaders of Canada, France and the UK spoke in the strongest terms yet about Israel's egregious acts and indicated they will take 'concrete actions' unless the Netanyahu government changes course. Since then, the world has seen a trickle of aid getting into Gaza – nowhere near the 600 trucks a day that aid agencies deem necessary. Surely it is clear to those three leaders, and to the 23 foreign ministers who issued a statement at the same time demanding the provision of aid, that Israel is providing optics with the paltry aid getting into Gaza. The rhetoric from various Israeli government ministers clearly shows there is no sense of a commitment to allowing the necessary levels of aid to enter Gaza. These world leaders must have had in mind what their 'concrete actions' were going to be when they threatened them. Now is the time to stop talking and take action; they need to unleash their proposed actions. The Netanyahu government has ridden roughshod over every red line put before it over the last 20 months with impunity. The world must now take firm, punitive action against Israel. Philip Brady, Donnycarney, Dublin Trump's political menu lacks sustenance and leaves bad taste behind I've just learned that Taco stands for Trump Always Chickens Out, and now I can't stop seeing fast food through a political lens ('Trump's woes may turn into Europe's golden opportunity', editorial, May 30). Take Pizza: Pitches Inflammatory Zealotry, Zero Accountability. Every slice is loaded with something divisive – extra cheese, hold the facts. Or the Donut: Denies Often, Never Understands Truth – round and repetitive, with a hollow centre. Then there's the Hot Dog: Habitually Over-Talks, Doesn't Offer Governance. All bun, no leadership. And who could forget the Burger: Blusters Unceasingly, Rarely Gets Effective Results. It may look substantial, but you'll regret biting into it. Perhaps it's time the political menu offered something a little more nourishing – or at least less processed. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Let's hope penny will drop for unwitting vandals damaging the Causeway Tourists are placing coins in the cracks between the basalt rocks at the Giant's Causeway. When they realise the damage this is causing, I'm sure the penny will drop. Noel Kelly, Doonbeg, Co Clare Leaving Cert diarist a joy to read – I look forward to following her journey The young people of today never fail to amaze me. They are so full of empathy and bursting with confidence. No more so than Michaela Gillooly, this year's Leaving Cert Diary reporter, who will be writing about her experiences over the course of the exams. After reading her first article ('I'm aiming for over 500 points – I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous', May 29), written even before this anxious time begins, let me assure your readers we have much to look forward to. Brian McDevitt, Glenties, Co Donegal US court will not hold the president back for long, so EU must strike a deal now While it is reassuring to see push-back by a US federal court on Donald Trump's unilateral decision to impose tariffs on imports, we should all know that Trump is not an enthusiastic fan of courts opposing his will. I sincerely hope the EU doesn't take too much solace and uses the decision as an incentive now to strike a deal while the iron is hot. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Clarification In an editorial published on May 21, the UN was quoted alleging that 14,000 babies would die in Gaza within 48 hours unless they were given food and medical aid. We wish to point out that the UN later issued a correction, clarifying that the figure of 14,000 babies actually represents potential deaths from malnutrition over the course of a full year. It highlighted a report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, which stated 14,100 severe cases of acute malnutrition were expected to occur between April 2025 and March 2026.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Ireland facing backlash in US over Gaza stance, says President Higgins
The Taoiseach and the President have warned of an international propaganda campaign against Ireland because of the Government's criticism of Israel's bombardment of Palestinians. Micheál Martin has called out Israeli 'propaganda' that implies the people of Ireland support Hamas and accused Israel of twisting the Irish position of recognising Palestine and our support of the International Court of Justice case against Israel. Earlier, President Michael D Higgins said there is an active campaign against Ireland in the US. Mr Higgins said it is 'a disgrace and a slander' to suggest that criticism of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies is somehow antisemitic. 'That is a disgrace and a slander and has been a slander against Ireland, against individuals, including myself,' he said. 'The idea that propaganda can pay against Ireland is now active in the United States so that when we are seeking to have meetings with people who are investing in Ireland, they are being contacted in advance with a suggestion of saying: 'You must open with, why is Ireland so against the US position in Israel?'.' Mr Martin agreed that there are attempts to 'smear Ireland' and that Mr Higgins had been a focus of some of this, which he described as 'regrettable'. The Taoiseach stressed that he and the Government had consistently condemned Hamas, but said the Irish people 'are sickened by the barbarity and the scale of what is happening' with Israeli attacks on Gaza. Mr Martin also warned there was 'some distance' to go before an EU majority supports a suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, but that a recent EU move to review the agreement was not something he would have anticipated six months ago. Taoiseach Micheal Martin (left) with Nessa Doran O'Reilly (right), the Furniture Program Manager at the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, on the opening day of the annual Bloom festival at Phoenix Park in Dublin. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire Shortly after the Taoiseach's comments, it was confirmed that several shots were fired in an area near where Irish peacekeeping troops are serving in southern Lebanon, near Israel's blue line. None of the Irish personnel, who were recently deployed as part of the UN operation, were injured in the incident. In a statement, the Defence Forces said a number of rounds were fired in the vicinity of the area where the patrol was operating. 'The patrol withdrew from the area, there were no injuries to the personnel on the patrol and no damage reported to the armoured vehicles they were operating from,' the statement said. 'All personnel of the Irish contingent in Lebanon are reported to be safe and well, they continue to monitor the situation in southern Lebanon and are committed to the stability of the region as impartial peacekeepers. 'We wish to remind all actors of their responsibility to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers.' Yesterday, Israel said it will establish 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank — including the legalisation of outposts already built without government authorisation — after a security cabinet vote held in secret last week. Israel occupied the West Bank, capturing it from Jordan, in the six-day war of 1967. Since then, successive Israeli governments have tried to permanently cement control over the land, in part by declaring swathes as 'state lands', which prevents private Palestinian ownership. Meanwhile, the White House said Israel 'backed and supported' a new peace proposal, which Hamas continues to evaluate. The proposal was intended to return surviving as well as dead hostages still being held in Gaza in exchange for an extended truce in fighting. Hamas has said it had agreed with US president Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, on a 'general framework' of an agreement that would lead to a lasting ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an influx of aid, and a transfer of power from the militant group to a politically independent committee of Palestinians. Read More Carbon footprint of Israel's war on Gaza exceeds that of many entire countries
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Irish peacekeepers fired on by Israeli troops in Lebanon as Taoiseach Micheál Martin decries ‘engineered campaign' against Ireland
Tánaiste Simon Harris described the incident as 'deeply worrying'. The Irish Defence Forces confirmed none of its members were injured. The military said small arms rounds were fired in the vicinity of Irish peacekeepers as they patrolled near the Blue Line, a demarcation line between Lebanon and Israel. It is understood the incident happened at around midday yesterday, close to the village of Yaroun in southern Lebanon. The Irish personnel were recently deployed to Lebanon as part of the 126th Infantry Battalion who serve with the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (Unifil). Mr Harris said the incident illustrates the dangers Defence Forces personnel face as they strive to maintain peace in the region. 'While I am very pleased to report that all personnel are safe and well, the fact they came under fire while on patrol is deeply worrying,' he said.'Today's incident illustrates the dangers our peacekeepers face every single day while on a patrol in a region that has been increasingly unstable and volatile.' The incident happened on International UN Peacekeepers' Day as the Tánaiste announced the renewal of Ireland's Unifil mandate for 12 more months. 'Ireland is proud to have been part of the Unifil mission since 1978 – 30,000 personnel have served there to date,' he said. 'We are deeply committed to this vital mission, one that supports peace, delivers stability and protects the communities in southern Lebanon.' The 126th Infantry Battalion deployed to Lebanon this month as part of the Unifil mission. It is made up of 298 Irish soldiers and 10 from Malta, with over a third of personnel on their first overseas mission. Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin doubled down on President Michael D Higgins's assertion that there is a concerted Israeli campaign to damage Ireland because of this country's leadership on Gaza. There was also an attempt to smear the President for speaking out, he said. There has been propaganda against Ireland, in claims that we support Hamas – which is utter nonsense 'I think there's no question but that Israel has engineered a campaign against Ireland because of the stance we have taken at the United Nations, at the European Union and at the International Court of Justice, where we've legally intervened in the South African case [against Israel],' Mr Martin said. 'It's not that individual companies are raising it with us, but we are hearing back from our embassies and elsewhere that people are raising it.' Earlier in the same venue, Mr Higgins said there was a 'slander' and 'propaganda' campaign against Ireland internationally by Israel, which involved labelling critics of the Benjamin Netanyahu government as 'antisemitic'. Mr Higgins said he and others who have spoken out against the Israeli army's actions had been subjected to a 'propaganda campaign in Ireland'. The Taoiseach said he had discussed the matter with the President and agreed with him. 'There has been propaganda against Ireland, in claims that we support Hamas – which is utter nonsense,' he said. 'People have been contacted ahead of Irish embassy events and are then turning up at various receptions asking 'What's happening in Ireland?' and so forth.' There was also a cyber campaign against Ireland, the Taoiseach suggested. 'We've condemned Hamas consistently, from day one, for the slaughter of October 7, and consistently called for the release of all hostages, yet you'll see online a lot of attempts to smear Ireland,' he said. 'I think the President has been subject to some of that as well. I find that regrettable, because he's been a very consistent supporter of Holocaust Day and remembrance. Some of his best friends in life were people who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.' Mr Higgins is 'a very fair-minded person, but because he took a stance on Gaza there was an unwelcome focus on him as well, which was partisan and not fair or balanced'. The Irish people are sickened by the barbarity and scale of what is happening to the Palestinian people, the Taoiseach said. There was 'absolute, total, barbaric destruction of Gaza'. 'When you see nine children of a doctor killed in one house, people are horrified at that and feel helpless. I can understand why,' he added. Mr Martin said Ireland now had 'to focus our attention on Europe to work on getting the [EU-Israel] trade agreement suspended until this war stops, at a minimum'.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Coles' career-best helps Sussex to winning start at Lord's
James Coles smashed a career-best unbeaten 77 from 44 balls to set up a winning start to the Vitality Blast for Sussex Sharks as they held off Middlesex at Lord's. The 21-year-old's destructive knock, which included five sixes and five fours, underpinned his unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 88 from 47 with Tom Clark and ensured that last year's Blast semi-finalists totalled 202 for four. That proved to be enough as the home side fell just short at 186 for seven in reply, despite a maiden T20 half-century by Ben Geddes (51 from 37) and Ryan Higgins' fearless late display of hitting to rack up 44 from 16. Middlesex made an early breakthrough after winning the toss and opting to bowl, with Noah Cornwell's opening delivery dragged on by Harrison Ward before John Simpson (22 from 12) and Daniel Hughes really got the scoreboard moving. Hughes began to open up after Simpson's departure, flaying Henry Brookes for successive leg-side sixes but the Australian's knock of 38 from 20 came to an abrupt end as Tom Helm's fingertips deflected Coles' drive onto the stumps at the non-striker's end. Luke Hollman's astute spell of one for 38 prevented Sussex from gaining greater traction – although the leg-spinner's figures were dented by a trio of sixes from Coles, who advanced to his third T20 half-century by drilling Cornwell over his head for four. With Clark (26 from 21) taking on a supporting role, Coles scooped Higgins for another maximum as the pair accelerated during the death overs, taking 29 from the final nine balls of the innings to clamber above 200. Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, making his Middlesex debut, provided brief fireworks at the start of their reply, hitting two sixes in 14 from 12 before he fell to Ward's smart diving catch on the point boundary. But, although Geddes pummelled both Tymal Mills and Brad Currie over the fence, Sussex's seamers achieved a degree of accuracy that had eluded the home bowlers and the required run-rate soon soared. Stephen Eskinazi (34 from 30) shared a partnership of 58 from 45 with Geddes before he fell to another boundary catch off Currie (two for 38), while Leus du Plooy and Jack Davies both departed cheaply as Sussex turned the screw. However, a flurry of boundaries from Hollman (20 from nine) lifted the tempo and Higgins took up the baton, hammering Mills for two enormous sixes and two fours in the penultimate over to keep Middlesex's faint hopes alive. But Ollie Robinson (three for 27) kept his cool to send down a near-flawless final over, having Geddes caught in the deep and then yorking Higgins to seal Sussex's victory.
