Latest news with #Irish
The Irish Sun
25 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
‘He lived life to fullest' – Tributes pour for award-winning photojournalist who died in tragic Dublin motorbike crash
TRIBUTES have poured in for a popular Press photographer after he was killed in a crash. Michael O'Neill — known as Mick — died after his motorbike collided with a tractor in north Dublin on Saturday morning. The 62-year-old had worked with The Irish Daily Star for the past 25 years, and of late with The Irish Mirror too. Star journo Michael O'Toole said: 'Mick was the snapper's snapper. There was nobody who came close to him. "He travelled all over Ireland and the world doing a job he loved and excelled at, one which came naturally to him. "I have never seen any media professional as gifted as Mick at talking to people, at making them feel at ease in the most stressful of situations, at connecting with them, essentially. READ MORE IN NEWS "He made the job of the reporter working with him easy. He had it all. And he was great, superb, company. God, he was amazing." Our Showbiz Editor Ken Sweeney worked with Mick for years in The Star. He said: 'Mick was prepared to stay at a job for as long as it took to get the picture we needed. Hours and days if needed, Mick never gave up.' Irish Star and Mirror Editor Neil Leslie said colleagues were 'devastated'. Most read in Irish News He added: "Mick was a truly outstanding journalist and photographer. "Moreover, he was a great friend and a wise mentor to the other journalists who worked alongside him over many years." 'Mick's unique contribution to our own papers and titles and wider Irish journalism was immense.' Irish Star and Mirror journo Paul Healy said he has 'lost not just a colleague and a mentor, but a friend'. He said: 'I can't begin to describe to you the amount of scrapes we were in together over the years, and the hours we spent sitting in cars staking out criminals (and yes, at times, driving each other mad!). But that's the job. 'WE'LL BE LOST WITHOUT HIM' 'We worked closely with one another almost every day for the past 10 years, and in that time confided in one another and often sought each other's advice. But it was usually Mick's advice that I needed. 'He also had an incredible way with people and even though it would be me doing the interview, he was often the one that had gotten the best lines out of someone. "He had a keen news sense, incredible contacts and after over 30 years in the business still had an incredible appetite to work that would put even the most eager of employees to shame." Healy described Mick's love for his family, especially his two young grandchildren, and the adoration he had for his bike. He said: "If he wasn't working, he was usually out on it, down the country enjoying himself. He never sat still. "He lived his life to the fullest. We will be lost without him. RIP.' Anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the moments leading up to the crash has been asked to assist gardai in their investigation. A garda spokesperson said: "Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them. "Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 10:30am and 11:15am this morning are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí. "Anyone with information is asked to contact Santry Garda Station on 01 666 4000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station." 1 Award-winner Mick with one of his pictures Credit: PR Handout
RTÉ News
30 minutes ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Next fortnight crucial for Ireland amid US tariff threats
There's no doubt US President Donald Trump's threat of 30% tariffs is a significant blow to both the European Union and Ireland. Earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed hopes that Brussels and Washington could agree a framework deal which would pause any escalation in trade tensions. But Mr Trump's letter to the EU, dated last Friday, suggests a positive short-term arrangement is less likely. The next two weeks will be crucial for Ireland and the EU. In the immediate term nothing changes - tariffs of 10% are still being imposed by the US on EU goods. The exceptions remain the pharmaceutical and computer chip manufacturing sectors, both enormously important to the Irish economy. Mr Trump's announcement now raises the damaging prospect of 30% tariffs being imposed if a deal is not reached by 1 August. His intervention to make the threat in the middle of EU-US negotiations has sent shockwaves through European capitals. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned of "proportionate countermeasures" if the US hikes its tariffs on imports from the EU. There is no guarantee Mr Trump will follow through on his ultimatum on 1 August - the deadline has already been shifted from 9 July. Nor is there any certainty the rate will be 30%. Previously, he has suggested tariffs of 20% and 50% on EU goods. The EU's position is to remain calm and continue negotiations - while turning up the rhetoric on the likelihood of reciprocal countermeasures. But for Irish exporters, the lack of certainty is now even more pronounced. Businesses don't know when to expect increased tariffs or what the rate might be. This unpredictability undermines the business rationale for making further investments - and further investments equal jobs. In parallel with the threat of 30% tariffs, the US is investigating trading arrangements for the pharmaceutical and computer chip manufacturing sectors. Nobody can presume their escape from tariffs to date will remain the position in future. Tomorrow morning, stock markets and bond markets will reopen - their response to Mr Trump's burst of letter-writing will be crucial. In April, when the markets took fright at the US president's tough talk on tariffs, leading to a jump in the US cost of borrowing, he quickly backed down. Now, however, the political and financial environments may have shifted. His success in having his tax cuts bill approved by Congress may have emboldened him to return to tariff threats on various countries, including EU member states.
Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Nicole Kidman and Anna Wintour shine in star-studded Wimbledon final lineup
Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman and Vogue's Anna Wintour lead the stars in center stage in the royal box during Sunday's Wimbledon men's final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Nicole Kidman and Vogue editor-in-chief Dame Anna Wintour lead the glamour in the royal box at Wimbledon's men's singles final on Sunday, capturing attention as they enjoyed the hotly anticipated match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Oscar-winning actress Nicole, 58, looked as chic as ever as she modelled a crisp white blazer and shirt, with her new blonde locks styled to perfection. The actress was pictured smiling and laughing as she appeared to be in an engaged conversation with fashionista Wintour, 75, who stayed true to her iconic style with dark oversized sunglasses, a floral-embellished dress, and a bold green statement necklace. The exciting day of tennis attracted a whole host of other notable guests too, including Keira Knightley, who sat nearby Nicole and Anna alongside her husband, James Righton, who is best known as part of the Klaxons. Keira, 40, opted for a clean, belted white ensemble complemented by black sunglasses and a classic pearl necklace. Meanwhile, her husband looked suave as he matched her summer vibe in a cream double-breasted suit and tie. Seated next to the loved-up couple were Irish actors Andrew Scott, 48, and P aul Mescal, 29, who recently starred together in All of Us Strangers. Scott, famed for his roles in Fleabag and Ripley, wore a beige light suit paired with gold-rimmed sunglasses. Meanwhile, Normal People star Paul, who is also widely known for Gladiator II, added a splash of colour with a patterned tie over a white shirt and dark navy jacket. The famous friends appeared to be having a great time as they were pictured laughing together and chatting with Kiera as they watched the match between Alcaraz and Sinner. Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey also made an appearance at the Grand Finale at Wimbledon today as he was seen laughing while chatting to legend Andre Agassi as he walked into the Royal Box. The How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days star, 55, was all smiles as he lapped up the sunshine centre court while dressed in a suave white three-piece suit complete with a green patterned tie. Matthew was joined by acting royalty John Lithgow as he took his seat at the event. Among the royal attendees were Peep Show's Sophie Winkleman and her husband, Lord Frederick Windsor, the latter being a son of Prince Michael of Kent. Sophie, who is officially styled as Lady Frederick, looked elegant as she modelled a vibrant green sleeveless printed dress as they arrived for the day's matches. Elsewhere, Kensington Palace confirmed the Prince and Princess of Wales would also attend the final. Kate Middleton, 43, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, received a standing ovation on Saturday when she presented the women's singles trophy to Iga Swiatek, highlighting her continuing support for the tournament. On Sunday, Kate looked gorgeous in a royal blue dress as she attended the Wimbledon final with her husband, Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Last year, Kate presented the Wimbledon men's final trophy to Alcaraz in her second public engagement since she announced her cancer diagnosis. And it was another scorcher today for attendees as temperatures climbed to 27°C in southwest London as excitement built for the match that would close out two weeks of thrilling tennis action. The royal box was full of excitement as it set the scene for a memorable finale between Spain's defending champion Alcaraz and Italy's world number one Sinner.
Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Minister hopeful Trump's new tariff threat will not start trade war as EU delays retaliation
On Saturday, Mr Trump shared statements on his Truth Social platform outlining 30pc tariffs on imports to the US from the EU and Mexico from August 1, separate to sector-specific tariffs, despite months of intensive talks. However, the EU has pushed back its deadline for planned retaliation measures. Mr O'Brien said negotiations between the EU and the US have been positive so far. A trade deal is yet to be reached, and the EU had hoped to negotiate a deal including zero-for-zero tariffs on industrial goods. Asked on RTÉ's This Week if Mr Trump's announcement would spark a trade war, Mr O'Brien said: 'We sincerely hope not. 'I think the Taoiseach has been very clear as well in really setting out that we want respectful dialogue to continue. 'There is still time in this space. The EU and the US enjoy the biggest economic relationship. It's good for both blocs. It's good for the EU, it's good for the US.' Mr O'Brien said tariffs are 'good for no one', and the EU will now be focused on pressing ahead with negotiations with a view to wrapping up a deal ahead of the 30pc tariff coming into effect on August 1. 'Obviously the statement issued by the US administration and President Trump in particular, is one that leads us to be greatly concerned, no question,' he said. 'But I think my understanding, as the Taoiseach has outlined, is the negotiations heretofore have been carried out in a very respectful way, in a business-like way, and I still believe we need to use the time between now and the first of August to conclude a deal that is good for both the European Union and the United States.' Uncertainty brought by the threat of US tariffs has not been good for the economy, Mr O'Brien said, particularly relating to new investment in the private sector. ADVERTISEMENT 'We don't want to catastrophise the situation either, and this may be a negotiation… We've outlined from the very start, actually during the general election campaign, my party leader and the Taoiseach was very clear to say that obviously any budgets we bring forward are fully mindful of the economic situation at the time,' he said. 'But really our focus as a government, between the Taoiseach and Tánaiste and all of my colleagues, is working with our European Union partners to conclude an arrangement that can allow us to continue to trade. 'Look, tariffs are good for no one, and obviously the trading situation that we have right now, prior to the new administration has been advantageous for both. 'It allows US companies access to their biggest market in the European Union, FDI from the United States is very important for us.' Mr O'Brien added that the Irish people and economy 'were very resilient post-Brexit' despite concerns over the impact of the UK leaving the EU at the time. 'There were many concerns, and rightly outlined at the time, about the impact that would have on businesses, and we managed our way through it, and working together I believe we will manage our way through this also,' he said. On Sunday, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU will will extend its suspension of countermeasures to US tariffs until early August as it aims for a negotiated solution on trade with the United States. Announcing the extension of the halt on retaliatory measures which was due to expire on Monday, Ms von der Leyen said the bloc would "continue to prepare further countermeasures so we are fully prepared". A first package of countermeasures to US tariffs on steel and aluminium that would hit €21 billion in US goods was suspended in April for 90 days to allow time for negotiations. A second package has been in the works since May and would target €72 billion of US goods, but these measures have not yet been made public and the final list requires approval by member states. Ms von der Leyen added that use of the EU's Anti-Coercion Instrument was not yet on the table. "The [anti-coercion] instrument is created for extraordinary situations, we are not there yet," she said. The instrument allows the bloc to retaliate against third countries that put economic pressure on EU members to change their policies.
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Croke Park demonstration in support of Palestine kids denied entry for GAA tour
Children from GAA clubs across the country joined forces with Bas O'Curraoin in Croke Park on Sunday to appeal to the Government to let 33 Palestinian children into Ireland for their GAA Palestine Irish tour. Earlier, the Department of Justice refused visas to the group of Gaelic football players from Palestine. A lack of compliance with visa application criteria is the reason given for the visa denials. GAA Palestine, which had planned to bring the 33 Palestinian children and young teenagers to Ireland, has vowed to appeal against the decision and said the setback would not 'deter' them. The team of children and 14 of their mentors were to travel to Ireland later this week for a tour, but were denied entry. The tour was scheduled to begin on July 18, with more than 100 Irish families volunteering to host the Palestinian group, and numerous GAA clubs fundraising to support the visit. In a statement, the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration said the visas were rejected due to a lack of compliance to visa application criteria.
