Latest news with #Linda
Extra.ie
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Linda Martins dog shelter sees huge spike in French Bulldog surrenders
Designer French Bulldogs are being dumped en masse at rescue centres around the country, with animal lover Linda Martin noticing a marked increase in the numbers of French bulldogs being dumped at her North County Dublin rehoming sanctuary. Former Eurovision winner Linda, who now operates the pound for North County Dublin County Council, says she has seen a huge number of French bulldogs come into her care at her state-of-the-art facility, The Dog Hub located in Meakstown in North Dublin. In fact, at least a fifth of Linda's current residents at The Dog Hub are of the French bulldog breed and range in age from one to five years of age. Photo taken in Chiang Mai, Thailand Speaking to Linda says she is not entirely sure why the pricey pooches- who breeders sell at anything from around 1,000 to 10,000 euros are suddenly being dumped by their owners into rescue centres around the nation. 'We have seen a huge increase in the numbers of French bulldogs coming into us,' Linda told But she says the fleeting celebrity popularity with certain breeds can lead to an uptake in people opting to buy different types of dog at certain times. 'If you have a Disney movie out that has a particular type of dog then you will usually see that breed become the 'dog-of-the-week',' explains Linda. 'For instance when 101 Dalmations came out, everyone wanted spotted doggies. Then when Game of Thrones was on Huskies were the popular dogs,' Linda told the MoS. While Linda said French bulldogs are a beautiful breed they can be quite rambunctious of character. 'They're gorgeous dogs; they really are, but I think people have this idea that they are just going to sit there looking all pretty, and that's simply not the case. 'They can be quite tough, and they are sturdy and they can be rambunctious.,' said Linda 'They do make great pets but they are not just a pretty little plaything like some people imagine.' Pic: Getty Images Linda's state-of-the-art Dog Hub is currently home to a vast array of scruffs, mutts and designer doggies all looking for their forever homes. And the famously well-respected singer Linda has not only seen mutts coming to her spanking new rehoming centre as she has also seen more than a few famous faces drop by. Bassist and avid gardener Adam Clayton of U2 fame popped into The Dog Hub last month where he adopted three cute hedgehogs from Linda, and the three little rascals are right at home burrowing around Clayton's 17 acres of gardens and woodlands at his Southside home. Linda Martin and Adam Clayton. Pic: Supplied A lover of all creatures great and small, Adam paid a visit to Eurovision winner Linda's animal sanctuary where he quickly made the acquaintance of three little friends. Adam loves animals,' said Linda 'and his daughter especially loves hedgehogs so now three little mites are living their best life and they have the run of Adam's massive gardens.' Eurovision legend and animal welfare campaigner Linda Martin has been awarded a contract to run a dog shelter on behalf of Dublin City Council, the Irish Mail on Sunday can reveal. And last week a contingent of soft-hearted rough-riders from Ireland Devils Disciples motorcycle crew made a pit stop at the Dog Hub to pay Linda and her kennels full of four-legged friends a visit. 'It's smashing out here,' said one of the bikers.'It's like Beverly Hills for dogs. She's some woman is Linda,' said another animal loving biker.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Irish prison chiefs spent €15k on products for beauty courses in female jails
Hair-raising figure for training supplies at Dochas and Limerick Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that a total of €5,399 was spent on hairdressing supplies including shampoo, conditioner, hair-colouring products, brushes and capes at the Dochas Centre in Dublin in 2024. This cost came out of the Work Training budget at the prison, which houses some of the country's most dangerous female criminals. The Dochas Centre's salon — named Head and Shoulders after former inmates and hair and beauty students Linda and Charlotte Mulhall — also teaches manicures, facials and how to apply makeup. The salon was named after Scissor Sisters Charlotte and Linda Mulhall It runs a 10-week course in hairdressing for up to seven women at a time and covers everything from blow-drying to hair colouring. The amount spent on supplies last year was less than that in 2023 which accounted for €6,287 out of the Work Training budget for Mountjoy's women's prison. Budget Meanwhile, according to the FOI figures, there was also a payment made out of the Education budget at the Dochas Centre for €1,266 in 2023 and €1,822 for the female wing of Limerick Prison for salon supplies and tunics. According to the Irish Prison Service FOI: 'A record exists that there was payment out of the Education budget for Limerick Prison in 2024 — the payment was for hair salon supplies, there was no record in the financial reports of any payment of beauty/ hair supplies from education in 2024 for the Dochas.' It added that there was no money used out of the Work Training budget for Limerick Women's Prison for hairdressing supplies in 2023-2024. Charlotte Mulhall, who is serving a life sentence for the gruesome murder of Farah Swaleh Noor in 2005, whose dismembered remains were found in the Royal Canal, was once a star beauty student at the Dochas Centre before being moved to the female wing of Limerick Prison in 2022. The female wing of Limerick Prison, which houses dissident republican killer Rose Lynch and child killer Karen Harrington, also runs a very popular hair and beauty course. Career A source said: 'The course is very popular among prisoners and there is often a waiting list to get on to it. 'The prisoners learn to colour hair, give proper salon blow dries and often use other inmates to try out their new techniques on. 'Many prisoners who have court hearings often receive a salon makeover from fellow inmates who have taken part in the course. 'Inmates often use the course as a stepping stone to pursue a career in hairdressing and beauty once released.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Husband's hospice pledge after docs told wife she had only six weeks to live
Norman Rennie and his beloved wife Linda were together for 40 years - before Linda's devastating cancer diagnosis. A husband has spoken of his admiration for the work of the Ayrshire Hospice - after they helped his wife following a devastating cancer diagnosis. Norman Rennie and his beloved wife Linda were together for 40 years - before doctors told her she only had six weeks to live. But in the weeks leading up to Linda's passing, Norman was supported to the hilt by the staff at the Ayrshire Hospice. Now Norman is paying a little back and pledged to support the organisation's Spring Appeal by sharing Linda's story. Linda, who died in 2016, was cared for in her home by the Ayrshire Hospice. Norman, who worked in hospitality across Ayrshire for 60 years, including Seamill Hydro for 25 years, takes up the story. He recalled: 'During my time in Seamill, we hosted the Autumn Ball, and that's when I started to become more aware of what the Hospice is about.' In April 2016, Norman and Linda received the devastating news that she had a life-shortening illness – with doctors giving the couple six weeks left together. Norman said: 'How do you go home and make the best of six weeks when somebody's dying? We were together for 40 years– you live to make sure the other person has the best.' Following her diagnosis, Norman and Linda returned home, where Norman was prepared to look after Linda himself. Then the Ayrshire Hospice began helping Norman to care for Linda – and, crucially, to support Norman too. He said: 'When the Hospice came to the house, they said they were coming to see Linda – but they just as concerned about the person that would be left behind. 'Simple things, like the Complementary Therapists coming in to massage her feet. The cancer had spread everywhere, but your feet are the most sensitive area – and that really helped her. 'When they were finished with Linda, they would give me a massage too – so that I could give my best to Linda. And even after she died, they continued that for three weeks. They came and gave me massages at home. 'I remember one day – it was lovely outside and I'd just cut the grass – the therapist said 'I think we'll take the bed outside today.' I'll always remember that.' Since Linda's death, Norman has continued to tirelessly support the Ayrshire Hospice as an ambassador, volunteer and most recently taking part in the 'Full Monty' fundraising event, which raised more than £38,000. 'Why do we support the Ayrshire Hospice? Because the Hospice will support us,' Norman said. 'They were there for me and Linda – and now it's my turn to do what I can.' Lucy Glendinning, Senior Fundraiser (Individual Giving), added: 'Norman's story is another example of the care and support the Ayrshire Hospice provides to those who need us across Ayrshire and Arran - whether it be in our In-patient Unit or in the community, our person-centred care for patients and their loved ones in the environment of their choosing.' To read more about Norman's journey with the Hospice, and to support this year's Spring Appeal, go to or call the Ayrshire Hospice's Fundraising Team on 01292 288 488 to donate. Each and every penny is gratefully received by the team.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Stompers debate about table hogging couple during peak hours
If you were dining out, would you give up one of two tables when asked to? One such situation is sparking comments on Stomp. The post, made on 26 May, details the disappointment and frustration of a diner experiencing table hogging. Here's what happened: when Stomper, Linda, was trying to find seats at Chocolate Origin, they tried asking if a couple would give up a table to them and were turned down. Even when the store's staff asked, the couple refused, stating that they required both tables for their items. In the picture uploaded with the Facebook post, you can see the couple's items spread over the two tables. To their credit, the tables are round and rather small, which justified their need for two tables instead of one. However, according to the post, the couple had already completed their meal. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further. This post was made on a Monday at 5.38pm. The Stomper also mentioned that they had headed to the store in the evening. According to Google, this outlet was usually as busy as it gets from 5pm to 7pm on Mondays. Furthermore, a Google reviewer shared that this Chocolate Origin has now been merged with a Cacao Cat outlet. This resulted in a loss of seating space. As someone who regularly has study or work sessions at cafés, having unfinished food or drinks is the main – if not only – reason for staying at the establishment beyond a certain amount of time. Especially when there are other paying customers waiting for a seat. So if the couple had already completed their meal, were they truly entitled to their seats? Even without leaving, clearing off their unused plates might have freed up a table for Linda. I have seen other cafés imposing a dining time limit during peak hours, and table hogging situations we see on Stomp are probably related to their decision. While it's 100% okay to take as much time as you wish when stores are empty, practising proper etiquette during crowded times is important. Ultimately, the store is a public space for all. Perhaps the couple could look into co-working spaces for a more conducive environment, unlike a busy café with less than 10 seats. So, considering this scenario, I ask you again: would you have given up your table? Clementi hawker stall shamed on Stomp for $0.50 bowl charge changes attitude The post Stompers debate about table hogging couple during peak hours appeared first on
Scoop
5 days ago
- Science
- Scoop
Hopes For UN Ocean Conference
Press Release – Science Media Centre Next weeks One Ocean Science Congress (3-6 June) will provide a scientific foundation for the UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June). The SMC asked experts about what they want to see from the UN Ocean Conference, and their plans at the Science Congress. The third UN Ocean Conference in France next month will focus on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Member states are expected to adopt a political declaration, ' Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action ', highlighting a need for 'significant and accessible' funding. Next week's One Ocean Science Congress (3-6 June) will provide a scientific foundation for the UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June). The SMC asked experts about what they want to see from the UN Ocean Conference, and their plans at the Science Congress. Linda Faulkner (Ngāti Rangi, Whanganui), Natural Sciences Commissioner for the NZ National Commission for UNESCO and member of the advisory board for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, comments: 'Aotearoa New Zealand is an island nation that sits within the world's largest and deepest ocean basin spanning subtropical to subpolar latitudes; is home to some of the world's most unique biodiversity; is the seabird capital of the world; and is a marine mammal hotspot. It is also the backdrop to a unique ancestral past steeped in a relationship with the ocean that is as vast and varied as Te Moananui-a-Kiwa – the Pacific Ocean. 'The NZ National Commission for UNESCO has been engaging with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development since its inception, looking to bring a uniquely New Zealand perspective, contribution and value to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14. 'As Natural Sciences Commissioner I'm delighted to be supporting and co-facilitating a global indigenous dialogue session of representatives who will be meeting at the UN Oceans Conference in June to explore the contribution indigenous knowledge, woven alongside modern science, can make to the future of the health and wellbeing of our oceans, and therefore our communities from the local to global scales. We'll be focussing on opportunities and actions in the final five years of the UN Ocean Decade, with a view to identifying what success looks like, and what legacy we'd like to see beyond the Decade.' Conflict of interest statement: No conflicts of interest. Linda is also Pou Whakarae Te Hiringa Taiao – Chief Scientist Māori Environmental Research at NIWA but is not commenting in that role. Simon Thrush, Professor of Marine Ecology, Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland/Waipapa Taumata Rau, comments: 'Preliminary documentation for the conference recognises the urgent need to address the biodiversity and climate crisis, while gaining benefits from the Ocean. There is one ocean, and we all rely on it. The ocean is not too big to fail, and it is not too big to fix. 'These are not new issues, and evidence of worrying signs in the state of our ocean have been reported in all marine ecosystems. Critical to the success of action is recognition of the feedbacks between governance and ecosystem where the slow speed of management action can itself drive environmental tipping points. 'The conference can build on a rising swell of acknowledgement of the need to change. The G7 2030 Nature Compact (signed by G7 leaders) recognizes the importance of focus on nature positive actions and calls for urgent, system-wide change. With over half the world's GDP ($US 44,000,000,000) moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services, this conference needs to take the next step.'What I hope to see emerge from the conference is more than a commitment to change – it's rapid and transformative action to restore nature alongside nature-people relationships. Good things can happen. For example, the BBNJ treaty (2023) for the High Seas has progressed Marine Protected Areas beyond national boundaries. 'Transformative change needs to be just and inclusive and to show a vision of life-supporting futures for all. An expanded investment in marine science, especially in biodiversity hot spots and oceanic regions, is needed to close critical knowledge gaps. 'In Aotearoa-New Zealand we have dragged the chain for too long. I hope our nation transitions into an exemplar of positive actions for our Exclusive Economic Zone and the high seas – and becomes an agent of change to assist the large ocean states of the Pacific and Antarctica.' Conflicts of interest: None declared. Professor Conrad Pilditch, Director of the Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of Auckland, comments: 'The upcoming UN Ocean Congress in Nice will focus on supporting and implementing Sustainable Development Goal 14 – the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans. 'This focus is long overdue with many of the World's marine ecosystems including in New Zealand suffering from the impacts of global heating, ocean acidification, overfishing and pollutants. The ocean biodiversity and the climate crisis are linked and to improve ocean health we need to transition to an ecosystem-based management approach that recognises the inter-connections and dependencies among the ecological and social ecosystems. We also need to transition to a true-blue economy, one where our activities in the ocean enhance nature and not degrade it. 'My hope for the meeting outcomes is that we not only have a high level of ambition with measurable targets and timelines for reducing key stressors and greatly expanding marine protection, but this is followed by immediate action. 'It is a challenging time for ocean governance in the high seas with international rules-based order shifting and international cooperation facing challenges. However, there are reasons for hope with the BBNJ (2023) bucking the trend with States agreeing on the process for High Seas marine protected areas. I would also want to see expanded investment in ocean science to close critical knowledge gaps and provide a basis for new blue economies.' No conflicts of interest. Professor Trisia Farrelly, Senior Research Scientist, Cawthron Institute and Coordinator of Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty, comments: 'I'm attending the 2025 UN Ocean Conference with the Scientists' Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty to champion a science-based, legally binding global agreement that addresses plastic pollution across its full life cycle. 'Our objective is to ensure the treaty is grounded in independent evidence, protects human and environmental health, and prioritises justice for frontline, fence line, and Indigenous communities, including those in the Pacific who are disproportionately impacted by plastic pollution.' No conflicts of interest. Dr Cath McLeod, Chief Science Officer, Cawthron Institute, comments: 'Cawthron Institute is attending the 2025 One Ocean Science Congress to share our insights and strengthen global collaboration on ocean health and sustainable food systems. 'We're proud to represent Aotearoa New Zealand's leadership in marine research and innovation at this critical international forum, with a particular focus on supporting Pacific-led science and elevating Indigenous knowledge. This is an important opportunity to build partnerships that support resilient ecosystems, climate adaptation, and blue economy growth across our region.' No conflicts of interest. Associate Professor Xavier Pochon, Molecular Surveillance Team Leader, Cawthron Institute and Science Leader for Citizens of the Sea, comments: 'It's a privilege to represent Cawthron and Citizens of the Sea at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and the One Ocean Science Congress in France this June to amplify community voices in global ocean governance. 'Cawthron Institute co-founded Citizens of the Sea because we believe people must be at the heart of ocean protection — from scientists and fishers to youth and Indigenous leaders — and this is a vital opportunity to highlight citizen-led action, foster knowledge exchange, and promote ocean stewardship across all levels of society.'
