Latest news with #Irish-Algerian
The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
Man held victim in headlock as second attacker stabbed him during Dublin city attack, court hears
A 24-YEAR-OLD man allegedly held an Algerian national in a headlock in Dublin city centre on Monday while a second attacker stabbed and critically injured him, a court heard. Abdul Kouadria, 24, with an address at Gardiner Street, Dublin 1 and previously of Richmond Road, Dublin 3, was refused bail by Judge Michele Finan at Dublin District Court today. The Irish-Algerian accused was charged with assault causing harm to the man who remains in ICU at the Mater Hospital, after he suffered life-threatening injuries at at Rosie Hackett Bridge, Eden Quay, Dublin 1 on Monday afternoon. Objecting to bail, Detective Garda Sean Dineen cited the seriousness of the case and submitted that the accused was a flight risk. He mentioned that Kouadria had been born in Ireland, but mainly lived outside the country and returned about three years ago. He said that there was an altercation at 4.30pm on Monday, and according to onlookers, the accused and the injured man 'were engaged in a scuffle on the bridge.' It was alleged Kouadria 'placed him in a headlock and dragged him on the ground,' and another man approached. It was unclear who brought the knife to the scene, but witnesses purportedly saw the second alleged attacker stab the man using several stabbing and slashing motions. The detective said that the garda position was that the critical injuries were a result of a 'joint enterprise assault', inflicted by the accused and a second male. It was alleged that Kouadria took the man's jumper and walked off. His runners have been seized and subject to analysis, and garda divers recovered the knife from the Liffey and it will be examined. CCTV evidence has been harvested, the court heard. Advertisement Detective Garda Dineen said that while Kouadria was born in Ireland, he had only lived here since 2023. Defence solicitor Kelly Breen said the case was at a very early stage, and the evidence could be subject to cross-examination in the correct forum. In exchanges with Detective Garda Dineen, she said her client was not alleged to have been brandishing the knife in the CCTV footage. He replied, 'No, but he holds the injured party in a headlock while the second male stabs the injured party.' The solicitor accepted that Mr Kouadria had been abroad, adding that he had been in Saudi Arabia, where his father lived. She submitted that her client had a presumption of innocence and bail, and although the charge was very serious, strict conditions could be imposed. The court heard there were issues over his residence, and the detective said the accused used a Dublin 9 address but had been accessing homeless services at Gardiner Street. The solicitor asked the court to consider fixing bail, subject to him offering a permanent address, obeying a curfew, surrendering travel documents, and providing a contact phone number. Judge Finan highlighted that the accused enjoyed the presumption of innocence. However, she held that Detective Garda Dineen made a very cogent application, and she refused to grant bail. The accused, who did not address the court, was remanded in custody to appear again next week while gardai seek directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions. Yesterday, a 31-year-old man accused of inflicting severe knife slashing wounds during the same incident was also denied bail. Adel Attal, from Algeria but living in Ireland for two years, and with an address in State accommodation on Henry Street, Mallow, Co Cork, was charged with assault causing harm and brandishing a knife as a weapon during the incident. His application to be released revealed that the injured man suffered serious stab wounds to his stomach, back, and legs, requiring emergency surgery.
The Irish Sun
28-04-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Hundreds of ultras turned up to training' – Former Bohemians star opens up on ‘unique career path' since leaving LOI
ALI REGHBA and his Maribor team-mates recently found themselves face-to-face with their ultra fan group after a disappointing loss. But his experiences in the six years since the former Ireland youth star left Bohemians to move abroad mean that something so out of the ordinary is not that unusual. Advertisement 4 Ali Reghba left Bohemians for Leicester City in 2019 Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription 4 He has played in Algeria, North Macedonia and now Slovenia Credit: Getty Images - Getty 4 He revealed why fan culture in Algeria is especially unique Credit: Getty Images - Getty The attacker told SunSport: 'We lost a league game against a team that was bottom of the table. 'There were a lot of reasons why we lost . . . but we lost and the ultras had a word with us after the game. 'They weren't happy which is understandable because in Maribor, the standards are really high. 'We're the biggest club, the biggest budget, the expectation is to win.' The thought of Slovenian ultras waiting outside the dressing room for a chat might sound somewhat menacing to someone in Ireland. Advertisement Read More on Bohemians But this is nothing new or out of the ordinary for Reghba who had a similar experience when playing in Algeria with CR Belouizdad. The 25-year-old Irish-Algerian continued: 'When I was in Algeria, that was times a hundred! 'In Algeria, the fanbase of the team I was at was huge, they could have filled stadiums with 60,000 or 70,000 if they were allowed. 'And there are a lot more ultras in Algeria. Advertisement Most read in Football Exclusive 'I remember we were on a bad run of games and they showed up at training. Even with our security, they couldn't stop them because they showed up in their hundreds. 'They weren't happy. It didn't go further than that — it wasn't physical — but that was an experience.' Colm Whelan shakes fourth official's hand during Bohemians clash against Shamrock Rovers And the Dubliner has had a lot of those since departing Bohs for Leicester City in 2019, before moving to Algeria, North Macedonia and now Slovenia. Many experiences were good. Some were bad. Advertisement But Reghba would not change any of them. He said: 'It's unique. A lot of people see my career path and think it's strange, which you would see from an outside perspective. 'Because it is different. But I'm the sort of person who wants to try different things.' 'I know my level, and I knew Macedonia could be a springboard again if I took my chance. Thank God it worked out.' That 'different' career began with a pretty common move for an Irish youngster as he departed for England to the Foxes. Reghba said: 'That's the ideal move for every young lad from Ireland. Advertisement 'It went well for me for a while at Leicester but then injury and whatnot caught up with me. 'And then you get to an age when you need first-team football and Leicester wouldn't allow me go on loan for the first two seasons, though there were clubs interested. 'By then, I had a year and a half left on my contract and I said, 'I can't stay here any longer, I need to move on'. 'I had options in the lower leagues in England but I wanted to try something different and CRB reached out. Advertisement 'They are a big team in Algeria, in the African Champions League, so I thought, why not? It will be an experience.' CULTURE SHOCK Reghba was not taking a step completely into the unknown. His father hails from Algeria and the family used to spend summers there when he was growing up. But playing football there was still a culture shock. Advertisement He added: 'I knew Algerian football but not to the extent of what it actually is, there was a lot more to it than I expected . . . things apart from the football. 'It's very political at clubs, it was a learning curve. 'Even though it wasn't the greatest move for me career-wise — I didn't do amazing — I learnt a lot. 'Looking back, it was maybe not the best decision to make but I'm happy I made the decision when I did.' Advertisement Again looking for first-team football, he asked for his contract to be ripped up in 2023, though there was a delay that led to a six-month spell out of the game. Reghba explained: 'There was interest but because I hadn't played that many games, teams were hesitant and wanted a look at me. 'But the transfer window was closing too. 'I went to a club in Turkey and they wanted to sign me but we couldn't get it done. Advertisement 'So I was then without a club for six or seven months and that's when the decision comes, 'What do I do now, do I go back to Ireland?' 'But that's not what I wanted to do. Once I left Ireland in my football career, I didn't want to go back. 'Not because of any problem with Irish football, but I believe I can go further, even after all these experiences.' 4 Ali Reghba of Republic of Ireland and Tomas Tavares of Portugal during the 2019 UEFA U19 Championships semi-final Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription Advertisement Still, his next move was one he felt was about regaining confidence rather than testing himself as he joined North Macedonian outfit Rabotnicki. Whereas the League of Ireland is currently ranked 31st in Europe, North Macedonia is ranked 51st. But Reghba saw it as a springboard. He said: 'I had options at bigger clubs but I knew the owners in Macedonia, and I knew they wouldn't make it difficult for me when the time came to move on. 'I know my level, and I knew Macedonia could be a springboard again if I took my chance. Thank God it worked out.' Advertisement He scored seven goals and had five assists in 16 games for Rabotnicki to help the club into title contention and put himself on the radar of a host of European clubs. But he remained in the Balkans as Slovenian outfit Maribor made an offer, with Reghba keen to test himself in a league that is ranked higher — 28th in Uefa's rankings. He researched the club and figured it was a side going places having recently been bought by former Shelbourne owner Acun Ilicali. He said: 'Maribor was the right choice, I'm enjoying it here. It's a nice small city but not too far from bigger cities like Vienna and Zagreb. Advertisement 'Slovenian is quite easy to pick up after being in Macedonia, the language is quite similar plus everyone has a good level of English. The standard of football is very good too, though we're a bit disappointed with our league position. 'We're second and it's going to be hard to win the league.' But Reghba — who is under contract until 2027 — now hopes to push on, with international honours also his long-term goal, be it with the land of his father or his mother. The ex-Ireland Under-19 player said: 'Of course it's an ambition but right now it's about club and if I do well then that chance will come. Advertisement 'Who with is not something I've thought about too much. 'Ireland and Algeria, I feel deeply connected to both countries. 'My mother is Irish and it's where I grew up and my dad is Algerian and we travelled there every year as kids. 'When the time comes, I'll sit down and think about it.' Advertisement
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Conor McGregor uses White House visit to hit out at Irish government over immigration
Conor McGregor used a visit to the White House on Monday to air grievances over immigration in Ireland, pleading for help from the US. The former two-weight UFC champion, who was visiting the White House on St Patrick's Day, has been increasingly vocal about what he deems political issues in Ireland in recent years. 'I'm here to raise the issues the people of Ireland face,' said the 36-year-old on Monday (17 March). 'It'll be music to the people of Ireland's ears, because never on the main stage have [these issues] been spoken. 'Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland, and it's high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland. What is going on in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is the government of zero action with zero accountability. 'Our money is being spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people. The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country. There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop. 'So, issues need to be addressed, and the 40m Irish-Americans need to hear this, because if not, there will be no place to come home and visit.' Last week, US President Donald Trump called McGregor 'great', naming the fighter as his favourite Irish person. In January, McGregor attended Trump's inauguration. McGregor, who has not fought since suffering a broken leg in a 2021 defeat, also said on Monday: 'Ireland and America, we are siblings. We consider America our big sibling. So, it's important for Ireland to be a peaceful, happy, prosperous country – for the 40m Irish-Americans to have a place to visit, to come back to their home. 'So, we wish for our relationship with the United States to continue, and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro; the US should look after its little bro. That's how we feel.' In November 2023, McGregor was accused of stoking tension in Dublin as the city suffered from riots, in the wake of an attack on a group of children by a reportedly Irish-Algerian man. The stabbing left a five-year-old girl seriously injured and led to violent protests in the Irish capital. McGregor criticised the government's reaction to the attack, having already been vocal after the sentencing of a Slovak man, who was jailed for life over the murder of a 23-year-old Irish woman. At the time, McGregor said: 'I do not condone last night's riots [...] I do understand frustrations, however, and I do understand a move must be made to ensure the change we need is ushered in.' McGregor was again in the news in November 2024, when a civil-court jury found he had raped a woman in Dublin in 2018. McGregor, who denied a claim that he 'brutally raped and battered' the woman, said he would appeal the verdict, which required him to pay over £200,000 in damages.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Conor McGregor uses White House visit to hit out at Irish government over immigration
Conor McGregor used a visit to the White House on Monday to air grievances over immigration in Ireland, pleading for help from the US. The former two-weight UFC champion, who was visiting the White House on St Patrick's Day, has been increasingly vocal about what he deems political issues in Ireland in recent years. 'I'm here to raise the issues the people of Ireland face,' said the 36-year-old on Monday (17 March). 'It'll be music to the people of Ireland's ears, because never on the main stage have [these issues] been spoken. 'Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland, and it's high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland. What is going on in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is the government of zero action with zero accountability. 'Our money is being spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people. The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country. There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop. 'So, issues need to be addressed, and the 40m Irish-Americans need to hear this, because if not, there will be no place to come home and visit.' Conor McGregor tells the White House press room he's in Washington to 'raise the issues the people of Ireland face' — The Mac Life (@TheMacLife) March 17, 2025 Last week, US President Donald Trump called McGregor 'great', naming the fighter as his favourite Irish person. In January, McGregor attended Trump's inauguration. McGregor, who has not fought since suffering a broken leg in a 2021 defeat, also said on Monday: 'Ireland and America, we are siblings. We consider America our big sibling. So, it's important for Ireland to be a peaceful, happy, prosperous country – for the 40m Irish-Americans to have a place to visit, to come back to their home. 'So, we wish for our relationship with the United States to continue, and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro; the US should look after its little bro. That's how we feel.' In November 2023, McGregor was accused of stoking tension in Dublin as the city suffered from riots, in the wake of an attack on a group of children by a reportedly Irish-Algerian man. The stabbing left a five-year-old girl seriously injured and led to violent protests in the Irish capital. McGregor criticised the government's reaction to the attack, having already been vocal after the sentencing of a Slovak man, who was jailed for life over the murder of a 23-year-old Irish woman. At the time, McGregor said: 'I do not condone last night's riots [...] I do understand frustrations, however, and I do understand a move must be made to ensure the change we need is ushered in.' McGregor was again in the news in November 2024, when a civil-court jury found he had raped a woman in Dublin in 2018. McGregor, who denied a claim that he 'brutally raped and battered' the woman, said he would appeal the verdict, which required him to pay over £200,000 in damages.
The Independent
17-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Conor McGregor uses White House visit to hit out at Irish government over immigration
Conor McGregor used a visit to the White House on Monday to air grievances over immigration in Ireland, pleading for help from the US. The former two-weight UFC champion, who was visiting the White House on St Patrick's Day, has been increasingly vocal about what he deems political issues in Ireland in recent years. 'I'm here to raise the issues the people of Ireland face,' said the 36-year-old on Monday (17 March). 'It'll be music to the people of Ireland's ears, because never on the main stage have [these issues] been spoken. 'Our government has long since abandoned the voices of the people of Ireland, and it's high time that America is made aware of what is going on in Ireland. What is going on in Ireland is a travesty. Our government is the government of zero action with zero accountability. 'Our money is being spent on overseas issues that have nothing to do with the Irish people. The illegal immigration racket is running ravage on the country. There are rural towns in Ireland that have been overrun in one swoop, that have become a minority in one swoop. 'So, issues need to be addressed, and the 40m Irish-Americans need to hear this, because if not, there will be no place to come home and visit.' Last week, US President Donald Trump called McGregor 'great', naming the fighter as his favourite Irish person. In January, McGregor attended Trump's inauguration. McGregor, who has not fought since suffering a broken leg in a 2021 defeat, also said on Monday: 'Ireland and America, we are siblings. We consider America our big sibling. So, it's important for Ireland to be a peaceful, happy, prosperous country – for the 40m Irish-Americans to have a place to visit, to come back to their home. 'So, we wish for our relationship with the United States to continue, and we wish to be taken care of by the big bro; the US should look after its little bro. That's how we feel.' In November 2023, McGregor was accused of stoking tension in Dublin as the city suffered from riots, in the wake of an attack on a group of children by a reportedly Irish-Algerian man. The stabbing left a five-year-old girl seriously injured and led to violent protests in the Irish capital. McGregor criticised the government's reaction to the attack, having already been vocal after the sentencing of a Slovak man, who was jailed for life over the murder of a 23-year-old Irish woman. At the time, McGregor said: 'I do not condone last night's riots [...] I do understand frustrations, however, and I do understand a move must be made to ensure the change we need is ushered in.' McGregor was again in the news in November 2024, when a civil-court jury found he had raped a woman in Dublin in 2018. McGregor, who denied a claim that he 'brutally raped and battered' the woman, said he would appeal the verdict, which required him to pay over £200,000 in damages.
