Latest news with #Neill
Otago Daily Times
02-06-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Heading for the fundraising trail again
Portobello School teacher Cheryl Neill gets some steps in along Otago Harbour before she sets out to Portugal to once again complete an ancient pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela later this month. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON A Portobello primary school teacher will take on the challenge of walking a 280km ancient pilgrim path in Portugal to raise money for a Dunedin Charity. Almost two years ago, Portobello School teacher Cheryl Neill headed off to Portugal to walk a whopping 1000km on one of the tracks for the Camino de Santiago, known in English as the Way of St James. Her purpose was to raise money for the Dunedin Night Shelter. This month, Ms Neill will be again strapping up her trail shoes and embarking on another pilgrimage through Portugal. She will start in Camino in Porto. In total, she planned to walk about 280km over two weeks in the midst of the southern European summer. "Like last time, I'm raising money for the night shelter. It's definitely a worthy cause." When she tackled the challenge in 2023, Ms Neill raised more than $5000 for the charity. "It's important, I mean, we have this situation in the Oval, and if you can do something to support those who need some help, why not get started?" The Camino de Santiago is a series of walks that converge at the medieval city of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, where St James — one of Jesus' 12 apostles — is said to be buried. Unlike last time when she had her sister for company, this year she was heading out alone. "I'll be fine, you meet lots of people ... It's all about the camaraderie and the people you meet, even though some can't always speak English, You make friends anyway." One of the challenges she would face was the weather. June in Portugal, she had learnt in 2023, was definitely summertime, and the temperatures could climb into the mid-30s. She would try to get the bulk of walking done in the morning before the hottest part of the day at 3.30pm, but it would still be a warm walk. Ms Neill did have plans to return one year to complete another Camino. "I'm not getting any younger, I'm 62. But, yeah, I think so," she said. Ms Neill, who would be posting a Givealittle link in the coming days, said people would be able to find the link posted on social media by the Dunedin Night Shelter or on her own social media pages.
RTÉ News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Ireland draw series as West Indies dominate third ODI
The West Indies beat Ireland by 197 runs (DLS) in the third ODI in Clontarf as the three-match series ended at one game apiece. Ireland had won game one, with the second game abandoned, and as the Windies dominated game three, the series was shared. Ireland won the toss and hoping for early wickets, put the West Indies into bat, giving bowler Jordan Neill his debut in place of Tom Mayes as the West Indies made a massive 385 for against an injury-hit Ireland. In reply, and chasing a revised 363 from 46 overs due to rain breaks, Ireland only made 165 for 8 in their innings which ended in the 30th over because of injuries to bowlers Neill and Josh Little which precluded the pair from batting as the Windies cruised to victory. Earlier in the day, having put the Windies in to bat, Ireland had a good start as Barry McCarthy got rid of both openers, Brandon King for one - LBW to the Irish opening bowler followed not long after by Evin Lewis (14) as he nibbled at a delivery on his off stump and Andy Balbirnie snaffled the catch at the second attempt in the slips. The visitors were 21 for two after five overs but Keacy Carty and the West Indian captain Shai Hope rebuilt the innings, taking the score to 168 with Hope scoring 75 for 75 deliveries before he eventually succumbed to the spin of Andy McBrine. Carty though continued his recent good form in scoring his second consecutive tonne against Ireland from 112 balls as he and Amir Jangoo added 78 runs for the fourth wicket before George Dockrell had Jangoo (22) brilliantly caught by sub Tom Mayes in the 41st over. Play had been halted earlier in the day due to a shower, but just as the 43rd over was about to start, much heavier rain sent the players scurrying for cover. On resumption, the Windies carried on as Carty went past 150, eventually making a magnificent 170 before Liam McCarthy took his wicket in the 48th over and with Justin Greaves registering a maiden international half century off only 22 balls, the Windies ended their innings strongly. Ireland, hampered by the pre-series loss of frontline bowler Mark Adair and all-rounder Curtis Campher, also lost Neill after just five overs with an injured shoulder, which meant part-time bowler Harry Tector was pressed into service for four overs, all of which played straight into the West Indies' hands. Little also left the field injured during the West Indians' innings and, like Neill, wasn't fit enough to bat in Ireland's reply. Because of the rain interruptions, Ireland's target was set at 363 from 46 overs (DLS) with four overs lost and they started badly, losing Balbirnie for just three in the second over bowled by Jayden Seales. Paul Stirling made a bright and breezy 26 off just 19 deliveries, taking the Irish skipper past 6,000 ODI runs. Tector was nut for a duck, before Cade Carmichael (48) and Lorcan Tucker (29) showed some fight with a fourth wicket stand of 72 before both were out with the score on 112. Dockrell (23), Barry McCarthy who was run out attempting an ill-judged single, and McBrine (28) were the last wickets to fall as Neill and Little were not risked, as the game was well beyond Ireland at that point.
Leader Live
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
No double joy to end a great campaign for Brickfield Rangers
Rangers, who lifted the Ardal North East League title a week ago, couldn't add more silverware as Porthmadog, who finished third in the North West League, deservedly took the honours. Dan Brookwell gave Porthmadog the perfect start with a second minute goal and it was 2-0 on 20 minutes as Tom Hilditch scored from the spot. Both players also netted again although Hilditch was shown a red card with 12 minutes to go. Rangers' consolation goal came from top scorer Andy Vale. While Brickfield head into Cymru North, Llay Welfare will take their place in the Ardal North set-up. And it's all change at the club where former first team boss Mike Gadie, who led Llay to Cymru North 12 months before they were relegated after one season, has taken over as chairman. And he has announced the club's new manager as Neill Hughes. 'Following our relegation back to Tier 3, it was crucial to bring in someone with a deep understanding of the league and local football scene - and Neill ticks all the boxes,' said Gadie. 'Having come up against him during our time in the Ardal North West, I was always impressed by the work rate, discipline and attitude of his sides. 'After an initial conversation and a positive meeting with myself and the vice-chairmen, it quickly became clear that Neill shares our vision for the future of the club. We're confident he's the right person to lead us into this exciting new chapter.' Hughes said: 'I am delighted to be taking on the opportunity of managing such a great club. 'Everybody I've met is passionate and proud of the Welly and what is developing. Myself and my coaching team can't wait to get started and help play a part in shaping the club's future'. In the final game of the North East Wales League season, Penyffordd Lions beat FC Queen's Park 4-1 in Group B of the Reserves Division. Matt Holmes blasted in a hat-trick in the victory.
Miami Herald
18-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
$34 billion cable merger still needs regulatory approval
It has been a pretty quiet year for mergers and acquisitions. Whether it's because of economic uncertainty due to a bubbling trade war, concerns about interest rates, or an unstable stock market, the merger and acquisition market has been dry in 2025. The largest acquisition so far this year was Alphabet's acquisition of cloud security startup Wiz for $32 billion, according to Intellizence data. Related: Spectrum struggles to reverse alarming customer behavior The next biggest was Sycamore Partners taking Walgreens Boots Alliance private for $24 billion. On Friday, cable and broadband providers Charter Communications and Cox Communications announced a potential $34.5 billion tie-up that could liven up an otherwise dull 2025. Charter would acquire Cox under the agreement, and within a year of the deal closing, the company will change its name to Cox Communications, with Spectrum becoming the consumer-facing brand in Cox communities. The combined company will be headquartered in Charter's hometown of Stamford, Connecticut, but will also maintain a presence in Cox's neighborhood of Atlanta. Charter is publicly traded under the (CHTR) ticker; shares closed Friday's session up 1.8% before falling slightly in after-hours trading. Cox is privately held. "We're honored that the Cox family has entrusted us with its impressive legacy and are excited by the opportunity to benefit from the terrific operating history and community leadership of Cox," said Chris Winfrey, president and CEO of Charter. Image source: Neill/Bloomberg via Getty Images The next step for the companies is to enter the regulatory process. The FCC's Office of General Counsel reviews all merger applications. While there is no official timeline for the review, the FCC ensures that most applications are processed within 180 days. On Friday, the FCC approved Verizon's $2 billion acquisition of fiber internet provider Frontier. But the deal only went through after Verizon made changes to an issue the White House has made a priority to end. The deal was approved after Verizon "committed to ending DEI-related practices," according to a statement by FCC Chair Brendan Carr to TheVerge. Related: Disney, Charter blackout to end after agreeing to new deal Charter has already started putting itself on the White House's good side, as the deal will need approval from the Federal Communications Commission. Verizon agreed to stop having any HR roles or teams focused on DEI and to remove any references to the term from employee training materials, among other changes. President Trump's administration has also prioritized bringing U.S. jobs back from overseas, and the companies emphasized this aspect of the merger. "We will continue to deliver high-value products that save American families money, and we'll onshore jobs from overseas to create new, good-paying careers for U.S. employees that come with great benefits, career training and advancement, and retirement and ownership opportunities," said Winfrey. Spectrum reported losing 60,000 internet customers during the first quarter and an increase in internet service disconnects due to nonpayment. Last July, Spectrum raised its monthly internet prices by up to $4 per month, a move that prompted a backlash on social media that contributed to the steep drop in customers in the first part of the year. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Press and Journal
08-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Peterhead double rapist branded a danger to the public and jailed for 10 years
A 'toxic and manipulative' Peterhead thug who physically and sexually assaulted two women has been caged for nearly 10 years. Craig Neill was told he would remain subject to strict licence conditions for three years following his release from prison because of the risk of serious harm he poses to the public. He has also been banned from contacting his victims for the rest of his life and his name will remain on the sex offenders' register indefinitely. Neill, 33, was convicted of engaging in separate courses of coercive and abusive behaviour over a period of years towards two different partners, which followed a very similar pattern of threatening and controlling their activities, degrading and demeaning them, taking out his own unfounded jealousy on them and isolating them from friends and family. He was also convicted of three separate charges of serious sexual abuse, including two rapes. Rapist suffers PTSD after 10kg basket dropped on his head Frances Connor, defence counsel, told the High Court at Livingston that the accused continued to deny committing the six serious offences despite being found guilty by a jury in March. She said Neill, who was originally from Belfast but was living in Peterhead, had abused alcohol and drugs and had been diagnosed with mental health issues over a period of years. He suffered a serious injury when a 10-kilogram basket dropped on his head some years ago and had since been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. She claimed that Neill had expressed a willingness to liaise with social workers to help him deal with his complex issues. 'Toxic and manipulative' Passing sentence, Judge Susan Craig told Neill: 'Your victims spoke of how toxic and manipulative you were towards them, and of your extreme sexual assaults. 'It was very clear from that powerful evidence and from the victim statement I have read that your abuse has had a profound effect on them. 'The Criminal Justice Social Work report (CJSWR) prepared for this morning's sentencing records that you take no responsibility for your actions and completely deny all the allegations. 'In terms of risk, you were assessed as requiring a very high level of intervention, with a 'High' risk of imminent partner violence or physical harm, and were at medium risk of sexual re-conviction. 'That is of concern to this court and will be reflected in the sentence I will impose.' She highlighted his 'significant and lengthy record of previous convictions' with gaps only when he was serving custodial sentences. Rapist is a danger to the public She went on: 'I have had regard to what has been said on your behalf in mitigation as well as the physical and mental health issues identified in the report and in the neuropsychology report I was provided this morning. 'That makes it clear that you have a long history of violence, which both pre- and post-date the injury that resulted in the diagnosis of PTSD. 'The sentencing guidelines relevant to this case require that I must balance the need to protect the public, punish offenders and mark the court's disapproval of behaviour such as yours, along with issues of rehabilitation and the opportunity to make amends. 'In your case your behaviour is so serious only a lengthy custodial sentence is appropriate. 'I am also satisfied that, given the level of risk identified in the CJSW report, the normal period of licence to which you would be subject following your release from custody would not be adequate to protect the public from the risk of serious harm that you present.' 13-year sentence If the offences stood alone she said she would have jailed him for five years on each of the rape charges, three years for each of the two charges involving a course of abusive behaviour, and the single count of sexual assault to injury, and one year for threatening and abusive behaviour. She explained: 'It is therefore necessary to adjust these to reflect that consecutive sentences would result in too severe a sentence to achieve those purposes. 'I will accordingly impose a headline cumulo sentence with a sentence totalling 13 years comprising a custodial sentence of 10 years and an extension period of 3 years.' She reduced the custodial element to 9 years and 325 days to take account of time spent on remand and backdated it to commence on 23 April 2023. She said Neill's name would also be added to the lists of persons deemed unsuitable to work with vulnerable groups.
