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The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
My music icon dad feared for life after killers' chilling question before murdering pals in vile ambush that broke him
THE son of Dickie Rock told how his famous father feared for his life after loyalist killers taunted bandmates before shooting them down in a hail of bullets by asking: 'Which one of you is Dickie Rock?" Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of the 7 Dickie Rock was left terrified after his bandmates were killed 7 Dickie Rock's son Jason said the evil attack impacted his dad greatly Credit: Paul Sharp - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin 7 Dickie had quit the group a few years before the horror Lead singer Fran O'Toole from Bray, Co Bass guitarist Stephen Travers and saxophone and keyboard player Des Lee were injured but survived. In a new Contacted by the Irish Sun, Dickie's son Jason revealed the ominous question had left his dad terrified. Dickie, who had quit the group to front his own band two and a half years before the horror, feared he would be next to be targeted by the murderers as he toured "There was somebody (standing guard) outside our house for years after, and my dad had protection everywhere he went. 'I remember aged ten, coming out of arrivals at "We had protection everywhere we went.' But the murder of his bandmates — who had been on their way home after a show at The Castle Ballroom, Banbridge, Co 'A LEGEND' RTE star leads tearful funeral tributes to late Dickie Rock Jason said: 'My mother would get very upset every time Dad left us to do a gig up north. But my dad's attitude was, 'F*** them. They're not stopping me.' 'But the one thing dad insisted on whenever he played up north was he wouldn't have the national anthem played at his gigs. "Whether it was the Amhran na bhFiann or God Save The Queen. Dad said, 'No way. We are not going to do anything political here. I'm here to entertain you and to send you home sweating.'' Jason said his father remained haunted by the murders of his bandmates right up to his death, last December, aged 88. STAR BROKEN Jason told us: 'I saw it break dad down in the final years. 'What bothered my dad the most, was that he had recruited some of the guys in the Miami, and that's why they were there that night. 'It really impacted him massively. Dad was the sort of person who would take things in and internalise the sadness and it sat heavy on his mind right to the end. 'The brutal murder of his friends was a very hard thing to get his head around.' 'VERY LUCKY TO HAVE ESCAPED' Stephen Travers, who was shot in the attack but survived, told The Irish Sun: 'Dickie was very lucky to have escaped the attack and I know he was devastated because he was such a good friend to Brian and Des. "Bands come and go, but the important legacy of the Miami Showband is we brought "Some of them even got married to one another'. 'My mother would get very upset every time Dad left us to do a gig up north. But my dad's attitude was, 'F*** them. They're not stopping me.'" Jason Rock Saxophonist Des, who was hit with shrapnel and almost burned to death, revealed what inspired the name of his new memoir, which was penned with LMFM presenter Ken Murray. He said that when the group were stopped by the fake army patrol at Buskhill, they had been asked to stand out on the road while their bus was searched. But Des returned to the van to show the SAXOPHONE SAVIOUR Moments later a bomb the terrorists were trying to plant on their bus went off prematurely. Des said: 'I was blown up and thrown into the field below. But if I had been standing where I was originally, I would have been blown to smithereens so my saxophone saved my life.' 'It really impacted him massively. Dad was the sort of person who would take things in and internalise the sadness and it sat heavy on his mind right to the end." Jason Rock He later moved to UVF terrorists Harris Boyle and Wesley Somerville, who planted the bomb, were killed instantly. Two serving members of the UDR were eventually convicted for their part in the attack. 7 Three band members were killed in the Miami Showband massacre Credit: 3 7 The 50th anniversary of the massacre takes place this week Credit: Pacemaker Press 7 The Miami Showband were a popular group in the 60s and 70s 7 A new tell-all book reveals life behind the scenes of the Miami Showband massacre
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Predator pastor who sexually assaulted woman while pretending to ‘exorcise demons' jailed for 10 years
A PREDATOR preacher who sexually assaulted a woman while pretending to 'exorcise demons' has been caged for 10 years. Cult leader Walter Masocha, 61 - called 'The Prophet' by parishioners - was also jailed for a rape bid during a six year reign of sexual terror between 2006 and 2012. Advertisement 2 Walter Masocha, 61, was caged for ten years at Livingston High Court 2 The predator preacher sexually assaulted a woman while pretending to 'exorcise demons' The "archbishop" of Stirling-based Agape for All Nations Church told a woman, 58, that God had "given her to him as a gift" and ordered her to kiss his "holy lips". At the High Court in Livingston , judge Susan Craig told Masocha, who watched on via video link from jail, that he had used his front as a preacher to 'callously exploit' his victims. She said: "You are nothing more than an opportunist sexual predator and are guilty of the grossest breach of trust. "The common denominator was the victims worshipped you, a 'prophet' who could work miracles. Advertisement "You took sexual advantage whenever you felt like doing so." He was jailed for 10 years, given a further four-year extended sentence and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely. A 39-year-old witness said she was 20 when Masocha began sexually abusing her. She told the jury: "He would tell me, 'God said I need to look after you and has given me special love for you in particular'." Advertisement Most read in The Scottish Sun Latest Breaking She said the fiend sexually assaulted her in his home in Bridge of Allan , near Stirling. He also tried to rape her after taking her into his bedroom. Why I married a sexual predator and I want babies with him The Zimbabwean founded his church in 2007. He lived a jetset life visiting ministries across the UK, US, Canada and Africa. Advertisement He was convicted in 2015 of a sex assault on a woman and sexual activity with a girl of 15. The conviction was later quashed on appeal . Agape's church was also linked to the horrific killing of five-year-old Scott Chirashi in Alva, Clacks in 2014. His mother Farai Chirashi, who had been shunned by the church , stabbed the schoolboy to death and cut his heart out but was found not guilty of murder at the High Court in Glasgow by reason of insanity. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun When she killed her son, she thought she was on a "mission from God". One ex-church member claimed that Chiriseri was "demonised" by the preacher when she left his church.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
We went from no savings to buying first €375k new home 20 mins outside Dublin at 25 with little-known €100k scheme help
BUYING a home in Ireland in the current climate can feel like an impossible task. But Casey Harris and her fiancé Alex Nugent have lifted the lid on how they went from no savings to going sale agreed on a €375,000 house in just one year. 6 Thrilled Casey and Alex went from having no savings to getting a foot on the property ladder 6 The former Dublin Rose is looking forward to moving into her own home later this year 6 Casey and Alex are very excited to see what the future holds 6 Artist's and Alex's new-build will look similar to above The thrilled couple will move into their new two-bedroom home in Trim, Co Singer and music teacher Casey said the couple made use of every assistance scheme they could when it came to getting on the property ladder - and reckons they Casey, 25, told the Irish Sun: 'We've been together for five years, we got engaged at the beginning of 2024 and in the midst of wedding planning we decided to knuckle down and look at buying a house. 'We didn't think it would happen as quickly as it did. 'We kind of went and made an appointment with the bank, spoke to a mortgage advisor in the bank to get an idea of what sort of figure we needed to be saving. 'We had it in our head that we needed a ten per cent deposit saved.' Casey said the couple weren't fully sure what they were getting themselves in for, but once they heard of schemes to assist first-time buyers, they started to believe their dream might just come true. She continued: 'At this point, we didn't even know where they were building houses; we hadn't even looked into that at all. 'Along the journey, we started to hear about all these schemes available to first-time buyers buying new-builds. 'The more we started looking into them, the more we were like, hang on, this is not as impossible as you might think looking at it from the outside. I'm 25 and bought my own home - here's how I used every scheme to make my dream come true 'Suddenly you've got this figure in your head, like we need to save about €40,000 deposit, but then you've got Help to Buy, which brings that down to €10,000, which is so much more doable.' But their first hopes of a home in Casey explained: 'So along the way we found out about these schemes and then we were looking into the affordable purchase scheme which is overseen by the local county council. 'We had applied for a house out in Donabate but we didn't end up getting one. 'So we took a bit of a knock there.' But it wasn't long before they were back on track. Casey said: 'Pretty soon after that we found the house that we ended up buying and it was eligible for the First Home scheme and the Help to Buy scheme which we then ended up using as well. 'It was mad how it all came together really quickly.' Casey, who represented Dublin at the Rose of Tralee, and fiancé Alex, who works in sales, first looked to the Help to Buy Scheme - an incentive helping first-time buyers get their first house. It allows those who qualify to claim back income tax and deposit interest retention tax paid to the State over the four years before making a claim. Casey and Alex were lucky enough to qualify for the full tax refund amounting to €30,000 - enough for a ten per cent deposit. This meant that the couple had to come up with the remaining €7,500 themselves. And they used the First Home Scheme - which is available to first-time buyers, self-builders, and fresh start applicants to get a foot in the door. It involves the provider handing over 20 per cent of the cost of a new home and in return, the State owns an equity share in the property which can be bought back if and when the homeowner chooses. Casey said the remaining difference of €50,000 that the couple needed to pay off represented about 13 per cent of the house, which was bought by the State under the equity scheme. She reckons they've got almost €100,000 in relief from the various schemes to be left with a €287,000 mortgage which she said she realises is 'still a lot'. Casey said the couple lived with their families while saving money for the house. She explained: 'By the time we applied for the mortgage, we had about €15,000 in savings to put towards everything. 'Once we started the mortgage application process, we continued to save over the couple of months that the whole process took. 'Obviously, you've got your stamp duty, legal fees, and everything else to pay as well, and then you've got to furnish the house and put your floors in too. 'There's no set figure, but I just think it's important that people know when you're using the schemes, you're not having to pay €30,000 or €40,000 out of your own pocket.' Casey told how the couple got advice from a mortgage broker who made the whole process a lot smoother. And she said not everyone trying to buy their own home even realises that the rent they're paying will be taken into account when it comes to mortgage eligibility. She added: 'It's hard to save money when you're renting, but a lot of people renting don't realise that the bank will take into account what you're paying every month. 'So if you're paying €1,200 a month in rent, they take that into account and say you'll be able to afford a €1,200 mortgage. 'Initially we went to the bank because I know nothing about the process from the off, I've no financial background whatsoever, I knew very little about the process. 'So we went to the bank and it was suggested to us that we could look at getting a mortgage broker, and it was the best decision we could have made. 'Our broker was unbelievable, he made the whole process such smooth sailing for us. 'So the house price was €375,000 - that's paid with the mortgage which was €287,000 and the schemes, we got €30,000 from Help to Buy off the deposit, and we used the First Home scheme that gave us the remaining money. 'That scheme is then that they own an equity share in your house and you can buy them out if you want to.' SHOP AROUND But the journey wasn't without setbacks, as the couple were refused a mortgage on one of their earliest attempts. But Casey said the trick to finding the right mortgage is to shop around as different banks have different rules. She said: 'We were refused a mortgage from one bank, and then two banks were giving us about €40,000 less than what we were looking for after they assessed our situation. 'We ended up getting what we were looking for from two other banks, so different banks look at things different ways, they all have their own systems, obviously when we got refused from the first bank we panicked. 'We had everything in order so for them to say no it was kind of a panic button. 'So it's important to know that there are several banks you can look at, your options are out there. 'That's what I'd be saying to anyone applying: apply to as many banks as possible and then you've got your pick of the bunch. 'We went from having no mortgage on a Monday to having two mortgages on a Friday.' WHAT IS THE HELP TO BUY SCHEME? IRELAND'S Help to Buy (HTB) Scheme assists first-time buyers in either: Purchasing a newly-built house or apartment Constructing a new home themselves This scheme is only applicable to properties priced at €500,000 or less, and you are required to reside in the property as your primary home. Under the Help to Buy Scheme, you can claim a refund of the income tax and Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT) paid in Ireland during the four years preceding the year of your application. In July 2020, the HTB Scheme was expanded, introducing what is referred to as the Enhanced Help to Buy Scheme. To be eligible, you must be a first-time buyer purchasing or self-building a new residential property between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2029. (The scheme was previously available for homes bought or built between July 19, 2016 and December 31, 2016, but claims had to be made by December 31, 2019). If you are purchasing or building the property with another person, they must also be a first-time buyer. You will not be eligible if: You have previously bought or built a house or apartment, either alone or jointly with someone else. This applies even if you are now separated or divorced and have relinquished your interest in the property. You have owned a property abroad. You do not intend to use the property as your main residence for at least five years after purchasing or building it (the HTB Scheme is not available for investment properties). You have not taken out a mortgage for the property. If you have inherited or been gifted a property but wish to buy or build a new home, you may still qualify for the HTB Scheme, provided you meet all the other eligibility criteria. And Casey's advice to young people who fear never owning their own home in Ireland is to keep your eye on the prize and make use of the schemes available. And she said that while it's easy to get stuck in the narrative that buying a house is near impossible, she urged young people not to lose hope. The future homeowner said: 'Don't get bogged down in all the narratives that you hear, it's not an easy thing to do by any means but if you set your sights on it and make yourself aware of the schemes that are out there to help you, keep your options open. 'We were dead set on living in Dublin because we work in Dublin and we wanted to buy a three-bedroom house, but we ended up going for a two-bedroom house in Meath. 'So you need to manage your expectations a little bit and be a little bit flexible about what you're looking for, how realistic it is for you once you have a rough idea of your mortgage and what you can afford and how the scheme will help you. 'Keep an open mind and don't get bogged down in the negativity, it is possible, and it's not as treacherous as it might be made out to be.' And the couple, who are set to be married in 2027, are beyond excited about their big move. Casey added: 'It's really exciting, it's a really, really exciting time, we're looking at being in the house before Christmas so that will be really special. 'We're getting married in 2027 and knowing that once we're in we can get into planning the wedding properly and even just having your own space, it's really exciting.' 6 Casey believes it's not impossible to buy a house in Ireland and shared her tips 6 The kitchen and dining area will look similar to this
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Grand National trainer and ex-jockey comes out of retirement to ride against wife, son and daughter in the same race
A GRAND NATIONAL trainer and former champion jockey is coming out of retirement to ride against his wife, son and daughter in a famous Newmarket race. Welsh handler Tim Vaughan is gearing up for a true family affair in the Town Plate - the world's longest Flat contest. 2 Grand National trainer Tim will take on wife Abbi, daughter Grace and son Ed when the Vaughan family all ride in the same race Credit: Instagram 2 Vaughan, seen here on holiday with personality Tom Skinner, says his gym sessions have seen him lose two stone ahead of his return to the saddle In what is thought to be a British first in racing, four members of the same family will do battle in the charity bash. Run over a massive 3m6f, it's a distance Vaughan is more used to as a trainer of staying chasers. In fact, Vaughan had hopes of winning the world's most famous race in 2023 when Eva's Oskar was running a beauty. The 50-1 outsider was rolling along nicely at Aintree under Alan Johns when fate cruelly intervened and he unseated his rider at the 21st fence. Vaughan, a former chartered surveyor who is based just outside Cardiff, has combined training with a tough fitness regime as he gets ready to race again. He was Champion Welsh point-to-point jockey many moons ago and rode 117 winners between the flags. Now a Grade 1-winning trainer, his son Edward has shown plenty of skill in the saddle too. Daughter Grace knows what she is doing on horseback as well, while wife Abbi won a charity race at Chepstow a few years ago. Most read in Horse Racing Vaughan told the The mindgames have well and truly begun - and Vaughan, 45, has been hitting the gym in a bit to shift some weight. It's proved successful - he's lost two stone since he started working out. Vaughan said: "It's been real fun, we've been winding each other up and I'm trying to pick the fastest horse so that I win. "We've had such a good time getting there, there's been so much camaraderie already. "We've got four horses lined up and I'm definitely the most bullish as I'm choosing the horses. "Me and Ed have a lot of competition for it, the girls are a little less aggressive. "Ed thought Grace's was faster the other day and tried jocking her off, I'm trying to jock Abbi off and we're all scrambling! "It's been carnage, things have been getting heated in the house. "It's got me fitter and sharper, we're all pumped." FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. . Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read more on the Irish Sun Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Gemini weekly horoscope: What your star sign has in store for July 27
OUR much-loved astrologer Meg sadly died in 2023 but her column will be kept alive by her friend and protégé Maggie Innes. Read on to see what's written in the stars for you today. Advertisement Sign up for the Mystic Meg newsletter. Your info will be used in accordance with our GEMINI MAY 22 - JUNE 21 🔵 Read our Advertisement 1 Believing yourself to be 'good with money' is step one in becoming just that. So do lower any barriers in your own mind that may be holding you back. At work, asking for what you know you are worth is easier, and at home, just one small change in a daily spending pattern can start a cascade of positive potential profits. Advertisement Love repays any risks in terms of talking. Most read in Fabulous Exclusive MAKE THIS THE WEEK YOU… Open all your doors and windows and breathe deeply. Celebrate your natural skills with pride. Advertisement Horoscope traits What does your star sign mean for you? - The best and worst characteristics of the head of the zodiac - The traits you need to know for the air sign - What does this star sign mean for your personality? - The key traits for the sign include a keen love of food - The traits to be aware of for the sign with a symbol of twins - The best and worst characteristics of the fire sign - What does the seventh star sign mean for your personality? - The key traits for the sign include an interest in the arts - The traits you need to know for the fire sign - What does this star sign mean for your personality? - The best and worst characteristics of the earth sign - The key traits for the sign include loyalty and kindness RUNE REVELATIONS As the light of sun rune SIEGEL warms up your summer, you're ready to try a new approach to love. If you're attached, over the next few weeks take a small step back from physical heat of passion and examine whether a bond has everything else you need. Spending time on your own friends and interests can help you decide. Advertisement If you're single, lavishing too much energy on the search for passion could be distancing you from your soulmate. Someone already in your life, who lights up any room and does great impressions, can be your hot passion pick this summer. MYSTIC MOTTO 'Not one of my problems is without a solution.' Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Fabulous is the home of horoscopes, with weekly updates on what's in store for your star sign as well as daily predictions. You can also use our series of guides to find out everything from which star sign to
