Latest news with #Ireland-based
Leader Live
3 days ago
- Business
- Leader Live
Connah's Quay studio florist up for national award
Wild Blodyn Florist, based in Connah's Quay, is a finalist in the Studio Florist of the Year awards. Run by 31-year-old Bethann Owen, the business was set up three years ago - starting out in the Windmill Garden Centre on Sealand Road. One of Bethann's designs. (Image: single-mum later moved the business to her Connah's Quay home. Bethann fought off competition from over 200 studio florists to make it in the final alongside nine other businesses. She said: "It's such an honour for Wild Blodyn to be named a finalist for Studio Florist of the Year. I'm truly touched by the support I've received, from those who took the time to nominate me and to everyone who has supported my journey. "This recognition means so much, and I'm beyond grateful to be part of such a wonderful and supportive community." (Image: Bethann Owen) Prior to opening Wild Blodyn, Bethann had worked for Bernardo's for seven years, taking the job just as her son, Oscar, started school. But with the first lockdown, she decided that the time was right for a change. Bethann enrolled at Coleg Cambria, with a major factor being the location of the Level 2 Floristry course, which had changed from the Northop site to Wrexham, which was closer to her home in Connah's Quay. However, as she couldn't drive at the time, travelling to Wrexham each day whilst looking after her son and still juggling hours at Bernardo's tested her determination. MORE NEWS: "It was really tiring, but it just goes to show that if you put your mind to something, you can get it," Bethann said. "I would have to walk Oscar down to breakfast club or to my mum's house and then get the bus, which took around 40 minutes. "We would get up around six in the morning and then get home at around six at night. But it's all worked out in the end, and I'm so glad it has." The winner of the awards, run by Ireland-based Kay's Flower School, will be announced on Friday evening.
Metro
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
'Deeply moving' TV show that will break your heart lands on Netflix
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video BBC drama Normal People has just arrived on Netflix, and people are warning new viewers to 'grab your tissues'. The widely acclaimed adaptation of Sally Rooney's bestselling novel of the same name made waves when it first came out in 2020 on BBC Three – leaving a trail of broken hearts in its wake. The Ireland-based story follows Connell and Marianne from their late teens through to their early 20s as they navigate love, loss and all the ways your first love can haunt you. Portrayed by Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones, the roles not only catapulted them into global fame but the show landed seven Bafta nominations, including a win for Paul as lead actor. The show has touched several lives for its portrait of the complex relationship our star-crossed lovers share – from their school days when Marianne felt socially rejected by Paul through their early adulthood as they both grow into themselves, and must navigate their own traumas. Set across 12 episodes, it has topped the list of people's favourite TV shows and amassed a loyal fanbase. 'Deeply moving. Lives long in the memory after watching,' Dermot M wrote on Rotten Tomatoes where it enjoys an outstanding 91% score. 'Powerful Perfection. Doesn't get any better than this. Literally my favorite series to ever been made. No flaws from me. Will re-watch again and again. Have the tissues ready every time,' Jackie H said. I have never experienced such a variety of feelings during a show. I was happy, sad, laughed, cried and at some point felt an immense anguish. That's how well these actors performed,' Jerry F declared. Over on Google Reviews, Noel Woodward described it as 'wondrous, magical, messy, complicated and oh so relatable'. 'A beautiful, patient, poetic series about messy love between two damaged, self-loathing people who find meaning and transcendence in a relationship despite their mistakes and inability to quiet the noise in their heads,' Michael Duran echoed. Adeline Jugler called it 'exquisite' while Andy David called it 'painfully beautiful in every possible way'. Last year, Twisters star Daisy told the BBC she 'loves those characters [and] would be wonderful to explore them again.' She added: 'Normal People was a series that was such a lockdown phenomenon. I think it introduced Paul and I to a lot of people and film-makers.' More Trending Since the show both have seen huge success in their careers with Paul landing an Oscar nomination for Aftersun and featuring in the blockbuster sequel Gladiator II. Meanwhile, Daisy has starred as the lead in another hit book adaptation, Where the Crawdads Sing, and is set to lead the remake of the classic novel Sense and Sensibility. So whether it is your 10,000th time rewatching or you have been putting it off for five years, this is your sign to grab a tub of ice cream and click play on Normal People episode one. View More » Normal People is available to stream on Netflix in the UK now. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Mrs Brown's Boys loses 8,500,000 viewers as fans complain 'it's got even worse' MORE: David Attenborough's new Parenthood documentary – Everything you need to know MORE: Strictly Come Dancing faces fresh crisis after 'BBC launches probe into cocaine use'
Extra.ie
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Irish singles take centre stage in Love Is Blind UK season 2
Netflix has finally lifted the veil on the cast of Love Is Blind: UK Season 2 – and the pods are about to get a distinctly Irish twang. Among a number of hopeful romantics getting ready to flirt through the walls and gamble on love without a single glance, several hail from across the Irish Sea. From Limerick natives to Wicklow wanderers and even a Northern Irish accent or two in the mix, this year's batch promises plenty of craic alongside the chaos. Christine in Love is Blind: UK: Season 2. Pic: Netflix/Tom Dymond The streaming giant unveiled the line-up on Thursday morning, sparking instant buzz online. Could 2025 finally be the year the UK franchise delivers its first mega Irish love story—or heartbreak broadcast in 4K? A synopsis for the reality show reads: 'UK and Ireland-based singles who want to be loved for who they are have signed up for a less-conventional approach to modern dating, and will choose someone to marry without ever meeting them. 'Over several weeks, the newly engaged couples will move in together, plan their wedding and find out if their physical connection matches their strong emotional bond developed in the Pods. Tara in Love is Blind: UK: Season 2. Pic: Netflix/Tom Dymond 'When their wedding day arrives, will real-world realities and external factors push them apart, or will they marry the person they fell blindly in love with? Hosted by Emma and Matt Willis, this series will uncover whether looks, race or age do matter, or if love really is blind.' First up representing the emerald isle, we have 35-year-old HR Operations Lead Christine, with the Limerick native hopeful to strike gold. 'Christine has had her fair share of heartbreak and admits that bad boys are her downfall. The Monica from Friends lookalike finds it hard to date in her small rural town where the guys are already snapped up,' show bosses divulged. Billy in Love is Blind: UK: Season 2. Pic: Netflix/Tom Dymond 'As an only child, Christine would love to be able to provide her parents with a grandchild and is hoping the experiment will lead to the white wedding she's always dreamed of.' Next up we have Tara, a 33-year-old cafe owner from County Wicklow. Speaking on her dating history, show bosses said: 'Tara finds it tough to meet men in Wicklow because the dating pool is relatively small. Her last relationship ended 18 months ago after more than two years together because she felt they were recycling the same jokes and small talk. Tara was told by a fortune teller that she'd be engaged by September, so watch this space!' Hailing from up north, we have 35-year-old Army Physical Trainer Barry. The Bangor native was once married, but is now ready to find love once more following his split. 'Billy has been single since his divorce five years ago and finds the modern-day dating world 'a complete minefield.' He often feels like the third wheel as most of his friends are settled down and as a result, doesn't socialise as much as he used to. 'Divorce hasn't put Billy off marriage and he's keen to be a husband again and start a family with his life partner.' The second season of Love is Blind UK will hit Netflix on August 13.
Cision Canada
31-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Dan Watson Promoted to Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Vortex International
HOUSTON, July 31, 2025 /CNW/ -- The Vortex Companies, one of the world's fastest-growing providers of trenchless infrastructure solutions, is pleased to announce the promotion of Dan Watson from Managing Director of McAllister (a Vortex Company) to Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Vortex International. In his new role, Dan will lead the strategic growth and operational oversight of Vortex's expanding footprint across Europe, the United Kingdom and future expansion. He will be responsible for aligning the company's regional service and product offerings, while driving innovation and efficiency throughout its international operations. "Dan has deep roots in this industry and a unique understanding of both the service and product sides of our business," said Mike Vellano, CEO of Vortex Companies. "Having helped grow the McAllister Group, Dan has what it takes and is an exceptional leader who knows how to scale a business, inspire teams, and attract top talent." "Over the past five years, we've taken a deliberate and strategic approach to our UK and European expansion," said Ryan Graham, Chief Operating Officer, Vortex Companies. "Through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions, we now have the platform in place to deliver a broad portfolio of solutions tailored to this region's infrastructure challenges. Dan's leadership and prior success will be central to our continued momentum." A Proven Leader with Global Reach "What drew me to the trenchless industry—and keeps me motivated—is the constant opportunity to apply innovation to real-world challenges. No two projects are ever the same, and that's what makes our work so dynamic and rewarding, added Dan. "I'm honored to take on this new role and help lead Vortex's continued international growth. With the right people, proven technologies, and a shared vision, we're redefining how critical infrastructure is renewed across the globe." Dan joined McAllister in 2003, bringing expertise in tunneling, horizontal directional drilling (HDD), and a keen understanding of the emerging potential of CIPP lining technologies. His technical depth and vision for trenchless solutions played a key role in McAllister's growth, particularly in the rehabilitation sector. Since 2019, Vortex has made significant investments in its international business by establishing Vortex Europe and acquiring several leading technology and service companies, including Fleer-Tech GmbH (now Vortex Services GmbH), ETECAS UV Technology in Germany, and UK and Ireland-based Lining Division Ltd. and McAllister Group. Now, as SVP and Managing Director of Vortex International, Dan is poised to drive the next chapter of international growth for the organization. About Vortex Companies Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Vortex Companies is a global leader in trenchless water and sewer infrastructure solutions. The company provides advanced technologies and turnkey services for municipal, industrial, and commercial systems. With 29 locations worldwide, Vortex specializes in the rehabilitation of manholes, pipelines, and structures; the manufacturing of specialty mortars, polymeric coatings, resins, and CIPP liners; and the development and distribution of sewer robotics, UV curing systems, and high-speed drain cleaning tools. For more information, visit
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Time of India
Hyderabad bizman loses Rs 2 lakh to fraudster posing as son-in-law
Hyderabad: A 62-year-old businessman from SR Nagar lost Rs 1.9 lakh after fraudsters posing as his Ireland-based son-in-law, convinced him to transfer the amount for personal use. Upon his complaint, a case was registered at Hyderabad Cyber Crime police station on Tuesday. In his complainant to Hyderabad Cyber Crime sleuths, the victim stated that he received a call on July 18 from an Indian mobile number – 93***87***. 'The caller, sounded like my son-in-law who works in the Ireland. When I inquired about the local phone number, he claimed to have enabled international roaming on the Indian number and asked money for urgent need,' the complainant said. Without suspecting foul play, the victim transferred Rs 1.2 lakh on July 18 evening and another Rs 70,000 the next day through four UPI transactions to two phone numbers provided by the fraudster posing as his son-in-law. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The fraud came to light on July 28 when the victim casually mentioned the money transfers to his daughter, who confirmed that neither she nor her husband had sought funds. Realising he had been duped, the 62-year-old approached the Cyber Crime police station on Tuesday, alleging that fraudsters used AI tools to mimic his son-in-law's voice over the phone. Following his complaint, a case was registered under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act and Sections 318(4) (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property) and 319(2) (cheating by personation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). 'We have received two such complaints recently where the fraudsters had supposedly used AI voice tools to mimic the voice of victim's family members. We are investigating the cases to arrest the offenders. Once arrested, we will get a clear idea of the modus operandi,' deputy commissioner of police (DCP), Cyber Crime, D Kavitha said. Officials urged the public to double-check unexpected financial requests, even when they appear to originate from friends or relatives. 'A quick video call or a callback to the known number can stop such scams,' the DCP added.
