Latest news with #Irish-trained
Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Northern Irish basketball star earns pre-draft workout with NBA team
The 22-year-old guard, who currently plays for college side the Charleston Cougars, will take part in the event in a bid to impress the Timberwolves' coaches ahead of the NBA Draft, which begins on June 25. Fulton, the son of former Ireland international Adrian, started his career with St Malachy's College and Belfast Star in Northern Ireland before securing a move Stateside in 2020, joining the Winchendon School in Boston. A switch to Lafayette University followed after securing a basketball scholarship and he would then move on to Charleston, whom he featured for in college basketball's annual 'March Madness' tournament last year. Now he will get a shot at standing out in front of an franchise that only just missed out on going to the NBA Finals this year, losing the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row, beaten by the Oklahoma City Thunder after missing out to the Dallas Mavericks a year ago. Were he to break into the NBA then Fulton would follow in the footsteps of Dublin's Pat Burke, who played for the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns in the early 2000s, while Susan Moran featured for the WNBA's New York Liberty in 2002. Fulton could make history, however, as he would the first Irish-trained player to reach the NBA should be dress for a game at any point as Burke, while Dublin born, moved to Cleveland, Ohio when he was just three-years-old. While he is not currently listed inside the top-100 expected draft picks, that does not mean the Belfast man could not forge a successful career for himself, with the likes of Artis Gilmore and Randy Smith (both 1971) having been drafted outside the top-100 and gone on to become All-Stars.
Irish Examiner
12-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
We cannot stand back and watch the deaths of humanitarian aid workers who only try to bring relief
Years ago, like many doctors and nurses before me, I joined a humanitarian mission with an international medical charity. I was curious as to why some colleagues felt pulled towards volunteering in difficult and sometimes dangerous places. Within hours of arriving on my first trip to Ethiopia, I understood why thousands of Irish-trained healthcare professionals embark on this work. It is a labour of compassion. The sole motivation is to be with your fellow humans who are suffering, to try and relieve pain, and show them that the world has not abandoned them. My family were reassured that I was travelling with an organised mission and would therefore be protected. In winter 2010, I went to Syria. The mission was cut short, and we were evacuated, as conflict originally contained in some rebel areas began to spread to the cities. While our safety was prioritised, many other agencies remained and continued working. Last month, the world observed a humanitarian aid convoy attacked in Gaza, its aid workers shot and buried under rubble. Since the brutal violence and killings escalated in Gaza, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), at least 408 aid workers have died. The strange dual morality that meant aid workers could enter a conflict zone and not be attacked – a law of bandits as it were – has been eviscerated. Recent video footage of aid trucks emblazoned with flashing red lights and international symbols of humanitarian aid, which are under attack by the Israeli military, shreds any belief that healthcare staff are protected in war. Since April 2023, hundreds of attacks have been carried out on healthcare staff and health facilities in Sudan, depriving children of vaccines and mothers of antenatal care. These violations of protection of hospitals and community health centres have continued now for two years, with disastrous effects on basic healthcare for millions of people. Since the war broke out in Sudan, according to the UN, at least 84 humanitarian workers have been killed. The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an appeal in January 2024 that 18.2 million Yemeni people would require urgent humanitarian assistance. Aid Worker Security, an NGO working in Yemen, recorded 12 'major attacks' on aid workers in Yemen in 2024, and six in 2023. Six aid workers were killed in Yemen across the two years. The displacement of people, food insecurity and disruption of healthcare has affected primarily women and children, spiralling an urgent need for more aid and healthcare intervention. In an April meeting with the United Nations Security Council, Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General with the UN aid co-ordination office, said that 2024 was "the deadliest ever" for aid workers. Humanitarian workers are being killed in unprecedented numbers with 377 fatalities across 20 countries. This was nearly one hundred more than in 2023, which already saw a 137% increase in 2022. Many more aid workers were injured, intimidated, kidnapped, attacked and arbitrarily detained. Increasingly, humanitarian workers appear to be considered as targets, perhaps because they represent an international presence on the ground, and perhaps because of the comfort and hope that they provide. This is completely counter to the philosophy of humanitarian assistance that emerged out of the ashes of the Second World War, where politics and diplomacy were used as tools to disarm, with a stream of aid continuing regardless of negotiations. Ireland has contributed much to international aid missions, responding to war and natural disasters; with healthcare and logistics staff volunteering as part of organisations such as Médecins sans Frontieres and the International Red Cross. Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine has been steadfast in their support for people suffering in Gaza. In recent years there have been small Irish-led missions into Haiti, Ethiopia, Vietnam and Ukraine, focusing on providing healthcare, humanitarian aid, and peacekeeping. In our six medical schools, generations of students have fundraised and worked in countries in need of basic medical aid. They leave a legacy of medical training and return home with a new understanding of the meaning of healthcare which they carry forward. As we sit in the safety and familiarity of our homes and workplaces, watching with horror as the news unfolds, the lives of millions of people hang suspended waiting for the world to make up its mind. There is a danger of compassion fatigue as we bear witness, seemingly powerless. No matter your stance, it is unconscionable to stand by while humanitarian workers are targeted. The day has arrived for people to show solidarity for aid workers in every region: we cannot stand back and watch the deaths of people who only try to bring relief. Dr Suzanne Crowe is President of the Medical Council Read More UN reports hundreds more dead after two-day RSF assault on Sudan refugee camps
Khaleej Times
05-04-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai World Cup: Believing wins $1 million Al Quoz Sprint
William Buick made the most of a late opportunity aboard the Irish-trained mare Believing to snatch victory in a heart-stopping renewal of the Group 1 $1 million Al Quoz Sprint over five furlongs at Meydan on Saturday. With regular jockey Ryan Moore committed to rides in Australia, Buick—Godolphin's retained rider—stepped in to partner the five-year-old mare trained by George Boughey. And he made the chance count, producing a masterclass in race-riding to secure a famous win in the colours of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Resolute Racing. Believing, a mare with plenty of potential, had to dig deep to overhaul long-time leader Win Carnelian from Japan, who looked to have the race at his mercy entering the final furlong. But Buick, riding with confidence and precision, drove his mount forward in the final strides to win by three-quarters of a length. Callum Rodriguez and Regional finished strongly to take third, just a short head behind the runner-up. The victory was a landmark one for Buick, who became the first jockey to win the Al Quoz Sprint twice since its inception in 2007. He previously captured the prestigious sprint aboard Blue Point for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby, highlighting his knack for delivering big performances on World Cup night. For Boughey, the win marks a significant breakthrough on the international stage, with Believing demonstrating not only her raw speed but her tenacity against a top-class field. 'By God she's tough She's a testament to all the hard work that everybody puts back home,' said Boughey. 'It's hugely special unbelievable. She's such an easy horse to deal with.'
The Guardian
24-03-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Is the Grand National losing its spirit as big-name stables dominate field?
There is still more than enough time for a slice of bad luck to rule out a runner or two, but for practical purposes, the probable field for the Grand National at Aintree on Saturday week was largely confirmed at last week's forfeit stage. It was not long before the complaints began to arrive – from some British trainers, at least. Kim Bailey and Dr Richard Newland, both past winners of the world's most famous steeplechase, voiced concerns that the race is now dominated by the biggest stables in Ireland, and two trainers – Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott – in particular. Sara Bradstock, meanwhile, expressed frustration that Mr Vango, the star of her small stable near Wantage, is unlikely to make the cut despite having plenty of form – and a handicap mark – that would make him a very live contender. Their comments echo widely shared concerns among many jump-racing fans that the Grand National is either turning into, or has already become, 'just another race like all the others', with the essential qualities that made it unique stripped away in the name of progress. The fences are easier, the distance has been (slightly) reduced, and last year's race was the first to be run with a maximum field of 34, making it ever more difficult for a smaller yards and owners to get a piece of the action with an honest, homespun staying chaser near the bottom of the weights. The essential complaint is that while the Grand National we all grew up with is still there in body – Becher's, the Chair, the spruce-topped fences – it is no longer there in spirit. By several measures, the critics have a point. Seven of the 32 starters in last year's National were trained in British yards and six of the first seven past the post were saddled by Mullins, Elliott or Henry de Bromhead. In terms of the increasing dominance of Irish-trained runners, though, the National is simply reflecting the overall state of play in jumps racing as a whole. Ireland had 20 of the 28 winners at Cheltenham this month, when Mullins's 10 winners included a 100-1 shot in the Triumph Hurdle, one of a remarkable 11 runners from the yard in the 17-strong field. Newland and Bradstock have expressed support for a three- or four-horse limit on the number of runners a trainer can saddle in the National (Newland went even further last year and seemed to suggest a blanket ban on Irish-trained runners in Britain or, failing that, a limit of one-per-stable in major races). 'Why can't they put a limit in place?,' Newland said in the Racing Post last week. 'There are three or four really big players and it's killing our sport. Spreading those horses around more yards benefits so many more and makes the sport healthier.' A limit on the number of runners representing a particular owner or trainer is penalising success, which would be a very odd way for any competitive sport to go about its business. It would also effectively mean telling the sport's biggest owners how and where to spend their money, which is hardly going to incentivise them to keep playing what will always be a numbers game. Mullins's 11 contenders in the Triumph were running for eight different owners. It is also fair to ask whether the situation is as desperate as some like to claim. Eighteen of the 34 runners currently guaranteed a run in this year's race are trained in Britain, including the second-favourite, Iroko, from Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero's (relatively) small stable in Cheshire. Another British trainer with a guaranteed run is the Newmarket-based Michael Keady, who bought Horantzau D'Airy for £52,250 in an online auction, and has yet to saddle a winner over jumps. The favourite is Intense Raffles, one of about 20 horses at Tom Gibney's yard in County Meath. Gibney is, in other words, a classic example of a small trainer tilting at the biggest prize in jumping, in the manner of so many others down the years. He just happens to be based in Ireland, not Britain. Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion It is also just less than two years since Corach Rambler, whose owners included a student who bought a share in Lucinda Russell's chaser to give him something to look forward to during lockdown, landed the spoils at Aintree. The Grand National can still produce heart-warming stories while in terms of its overall competitiveness it is arguably stronger than ever. Behind Intense Raffles, at 7-1, there are 13 horses 33-1 or shorter, every one of which has at least one run to their name that gives them a chance. The changes to the Grand National over the past 10 years in particular were made for a reason. The British Horseracing Authority and Aintree concluded that a situation in which the most-watched race of the year, by far, also carried measurably higher risks for horses and riders was not sustainable for either the National itself or the sport as a whole. While it is undoubtedly a pity that Mr Vango is unlikely to squeeze into the field at Aintree next month, he is good enough and young enough to be a serious contender in 2026 . His probable absence this time around is no cause for a rethink about the race or its conditions.
The Guardian
05-02-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Willie Mullins hails Kopek Des Bordes his ‘banker' bet at Cheltenham festival
Willie Mullins will attempt to become the first Irish trainer since the 1960s to saddle a three-time Gold Cup winner when Galopin Des Champs lines up for the feature race of the Cheltenham festival next month, but the most successful trainer in the history of the meeting nominated Kopek Des Bordes, the warm favourite for the Supreme Novice Hurdle, as his 'banker' bet of the week at a media morning at his County Carlow stable here on Wednesday. Kopek Des Bordes, unbeaten in three starts to date, is already top-priced at just 11-10 for the opening race of the four-day festival, which is often one of the key contests in the battle between punters and bookies as both sides look to start the week on the front foot. The five-year-old produced a slightly guessy round of jumping on the way to victory on his debut over hurdles at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting, but was much more polished over his hurdles as he ran away with a Grade One novice hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival at the same track last weekend. Mullins said here on Wednesday that he had been taken aback by the ease of Kopek Des Bordes's success, not least as the race did not unfold ideally for such an inexperienced hurdler. 'It was a huge performance,' Mullins said 'We would never ask a horse that sort of question at home but to me, it blew my mind, against a field of top-class horses. '[Fellow trainer] Ted Walsh rang me the following the day and he said that he hadn't seen a performance like that since Golden Cygnet [the 1978 Supreme Novice Hurdle winner], which is something huge for someone like Ted to say. 'Paul [Townend] got down off the horse after the race and said to me, he ran away with him three times in the race. Most normal horses, if they run away with their jockey once, that's enough, that's their winning chance gone.' Galopin Des Champs is on course to become the first Irish-trained horse since Arkle to complete a Gold Cup hat-trick on 15 March, but Mullins is still taking it day-by-day in the run-up to his chaser's attempt to make history. 'It's huge that one can be in that position,' Mullins said. 'It's unbelievable that we have a horse that's going for a third Gold Cup and could be in the Best Mate, Arkle category. 'To be associated with a horse like this, who is so well-known now, we just hope that the dream stays alive. We've got five weeks until then and if you think that it's going to happen, it probably won't, so I'm going the opposite direction. Huntingdon 12.40 Sangiovese 1.10 Cloudy Wednesday 1.45 Jax Junior 2.20 Brides Hill 2.55 Dancing In Brazil 3.30 Tuscan Rose 4.05 Fortune De Mer 4.40 Nathan's Run Doncaster 1.00 Star Vantage 1.35 Mad Maxios 2.10 Beau Quali 2.45 Wise Eagle 3.20 Kelce (nb) 3.55 Could Be Trouble 4.30 Getaway Drumlee Ffos Las 1.55 Libre De Choeur 2.30 Followango 3.05 Shady B 3.40 A Moments Madness 4.15 Knead A Win 4.50 Angels Breath Southwell 5.00 For Pleasure 5.30 Lady Wingalong 6.00 Transparent 6.30 I Can't Believe 7.00 Until Dawn 7.30 Stroxx (nap) 8.00 Stella Hogan 8.30 Portoro 'Every morning I get up and I think of my father [Paddy] when he was training Dawn Run, and Gaye Brief was the favourite for the [1984] Champion Hurdle and we heard two weeks before that Gaye Brief had got injured. 'My father said, there but for the grace of God go I, and now that I'm in his position, every morning when I wake up and I don't get a bad report about any of the horses, that's a blessing to me.'
