Latest news with #NorthernIrish
Otago Daily Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Farewell to a friend and colleague
She'll take the high road for a bit, and we'll take the low road. But we'll be together again, and our love will get us through to that day. That's a paraphrasing of words written by former Allied Press journalist, Louise Scott-Gallagher, 44, who died at home surrounded by family in Queenstown on May 20. Speaking at Louise's funeral service at the Queenstown Polo Ground on Sunday, friend Sarah Taylor recounted how Louise had comforted her with those words after the death of Sarah's mother. Now they offer comfort to her former colleagues at the Mountain Scene and Otago Daily Times. They will also comfort the many Queenstowners who were touched by Louise's warmth, empathy and sense of fun — and her lilting Northern Irish accent — as she went about her work as a reporter here between 2014 and 2018. Although she took up the regions editor role with the ODT in Dunedin, she continued to spend much of her time in the resort. That was because by then she was sharing a home with her future husband, Craig Gallagher — they'd met in 2017 when she interviewed him in his capacity as co-organiser of charity boxing event Thriller in the Chiller. The girl from Gillygooley, County Tyrone, had found her forever home in Queenstown with her dream man. However, in 2023, their lives were turned upside down. After finding a lump on her breast while 11 weeks' pregnant with their daughter, Lily, Louise was diagnosed with cancer. Despite an immediate mastectomy and subsequent chemotherapy, she was told last April the tumours in her body had grown and multiplied. Her overriding wish became to live long enough for Lily to remember her. She did not want her tragic family history to repeat. Her mother, Anne, had died from breast cancer at 34 — leaving four young children behind — when Louise was 3 years old. Louise and Craig began planning a wedding for later this year, but after learning three weeks ago that her treatment wasn't working, they brought those plans forward. They were married at home, in front of family and close friends, last Monday. Louise passed away peacefully the next day. At Sunday's celebration of Louise's life, friend Josie Spillane described her as the "best mum on the planet" and a woman who lived for her family and friends. A lover of parties and banter, she was a "singer, always the first on the dance floor, and often the last one home". A collector of friends around the world, her exceptional empathy meant she was the first to provide comfort and care at times of need. A prolific cook, she was a "feeder — that's how she showed love". The doting aunt of eight also showered affection on the children of friends and colleagues. Spillane recounted what Louise had written about her predicament a year ago. "I promise I'm going to confront this head-on, but while I'm doing that, I'm going to make every second count with Craig and Lily. "I live in hope, and genuinely believe a positive attitude and outlook can help, but most of all, I live every day surrounded by love and surrounded by my friends and extended families at home and our Kiwi families here in New Zealand. "They give us so much support, and I thank you for everyone."
Daily Record
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Murdo MacKinnon relishing pressure of Johnstone Burgh's Junior Cup final appearance
The West of Scotland League Premier Division outfit are going for glory this weekend. Murdo MacKinnon insists he welcomes the pressure that comes with Johnstone Burgh's first Junior Cup final appearance in 25 years tomorrow. The Keanie Park boss knows the full town is behind the team as they prepare to face Lowland League Tranent at Broadwood Stadium in North Lanarkshire. Buses will be packed with up to 3,000 Burgh fans expected to make the journey from Renfrewshire and hoping for a first cup triumph in 57 years. And gaffer MacKinnon is ready to embrace the moment. He said: 'It's all about pressure. It's a privilege, to be totally honest with you, it doesn't come round every day. 'I'm expecting the best part of 3,000 supporters there for Johnstone Burgh. It is 25 years from the last appearance in the cup final and the Burgh were a right good team at that point. They just couldn't get over of the line in penalties and we're now up against a right good team on Sunday. 'They've been successful, they've won trophies, they've got great experience about them. But I've got a top side. I know I've got top players there. So, we're in for a treat in a final.' MacKinnon continued: 'My focus is purely on the game, I'm not worrying about the pressure, I'm not worrying about anything else. 'And if there is to be any pressure around it, I would rather take it on my shoulders and alleviate that for the players because what they've done and what they've achieved to get there so far has been incredible. 'But they've got a determination about them to go and finish this job – and I think they can.' Burgh showed great resilence to get to the final after a nervy semi-final against fellow West of Scotland League Premier Division rivals Largs Thistle. After a 1-0 defeat at home to the Seasiders, it was win-or-bust at Barrfields in the second leg earlier this month. Goals from Ciaran Diver and Aaron Mason were enough to overturn the deficit and ensure Burgh's date with destiny. One player MacKinnon is hoping will play a huge part is former Northern Irish international Kyle Lafferty who the Burgh boss says is 'hungrier than ever'. He said: 'As a lad, he's really down to earth. He's one of the boys, one of the players. That's how he's treated. That's how he wants to be treated. He has had an unbelievable career. A career that only people can dream of. He's won every major title this country has to offer. 'He's played for some of the biggest clubs in the country. Some of the biggest games. He's played for his country nearly 90 times, and in major tournaments. 'To have somebody with that experience, and that help, within your group and being able to use that in big games like this is brilliant. It's outstanding for me. 'And it's great for the group as well. Obviously, Kyle's got great experience playing in big games. He knows what they're about. But one thing I can tell you all, he's as hungry to win on Sunday as he's ever been.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Rory McIlroy coach adds fuel to Royal Portrush Open Championship rumours ahead of 2025 return
WITH the 2025 Open Championship heading back to Royal Portrush this July fans on both sides of the Atlantic are bracing for another links major. Irish eyes will be firmly on Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry after the Offaly star's maiden major win at the same venue in 2019. 2 The Open returns to the Northern Irish venue for the first time since 2019 2 Brad Faxon revealed there maybe some possibly changes to Royal Portrush GC's opening hole McIlroy famously shot a course-record 61 as a teenager, while Lowry rewrote the record books with a Saturday 63 on his way to lifting the Claret Jug. But there looks to be a major change to the Dundonald Links Golf Course ahead of this summer's tournament. Rory's putting coach Brad Faxon has revealed that a key change has reportedly been made to the opening hole at Portrush. The famous hole saw Down native McIlroy pull a long iron out of bounds to derail his 2019 Claret Jug bid, before his missed the midway cut at the venue. READ MORE ON GOLF "Now that was an in-course out-of-bounds they had set up for gallery control and some sponsor suites.' 'I don't think that is going to be out of bounds this year. I think there is a new tee, too. "I think it's back further. So that hole is not going to just be a lay-up necessarily, depending on the wind conditions.' Most read in Golf The R&A has yet to confirm the change, but the adjustment could play a crucial role in how players approach the front nine. Faxon added that Lowry, who won by six shots in 2019, is quietly confident heading back to Portrush this summer. Jack Nicklaus stunned as Rory McIlroy ghosts Memorial Tournament host and golf legend ahead of PGA Tour Signature event He added: 'Shane Lowry said the last time I saw him at the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, he said, 'Rory has taken the pressure off me going back there.'' Meanwhile, The This year will mark the 10th time the course has hosted the USGA premier tournament. And Lowry knows the course all too well, the 2019 Open champion finished T2 after a heartbreaking +6 final round in 2016 after blowing a four-stroke overnight lead. But leading up to that week, Lowry reflected on how difficult the course was before admitting that he actually walked off the course due to its difficulty. The Offaly native was asked about the upcoming championship after his opening round at the
Vogue
a day ago
- Business
- Vogue
In Madrid, the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize Has a Homecoming—and Opens a New Chapter
Nine years ago in Madrid, Jonathan Anderson launched a project that would serve as the beating heart of his wildly influential 11-year tenure as creative director of Loewe: the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. An annual exhibition and competition that spotlights makers and artisans from around the world, it quickly became a foundational tenet of Anderson's philosophy at Loewe. There is an emphasis both on the Spanish house's rich legacy of craftsmanship, and the Northern Irish designer's fascination with boldly warping those techniques into new and unexpected forms. This week, the prize ceremony returned to Madrid—without Anderson, following the announcement in March that Proenza Schouler founders Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez would be taking the reins as creative directors of Loewe, but with as much energy and enthusiasm as ever. After all, part of Anderson's brilliance was that he built Loewe to be a 'cultural brand,' in his own words, creating an identity distinct enough that it can be transferred to a pair of new hands and reshaped into something fresh, without losing its essential DNA. 'The first time [we did the craft prize in Madrid], the world didn't know about the Loewe Foundation and didn't know what we wanted to support,' Sheila Loewe, president of the Loewe Foundation, said in an interview. 'Coming back, after all the places that we have been, it is like really a dream. Even when we're traveling around the world, we always have Spain in our hearts.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Dunnes Stores fans rushing to buy ‘stunning' €25 mini dress with eye-catching detail – perfect for any occasion
DUNNES Stores fans are set to love a beautiful blue mini dress for summer events - and it is perfect for any occasion. The latest look from the Savida 2 The Savida Bella dress features a ruched design Credit: 2 The new midi dress in stores is just €25 Credit: Shoppers are loving the newest versatile item dropped by the Irish retailer The new Savida Bella mini dress features an all over gathering detail along the side. With a sleeveless silhouette, feel secure at any occasion with the zip closure at the back for ease of dressing Style this look for a special occasion with kitten heels and a white clutch for a classy feel READ MORE ON DUNNES STORES If you have no plans this summer, that doesn't mean you can't wear this fabulous dress. Pair the mini length with low-top trainers and an oversized linen shirt for an effortlessly chic, everyday look. Everyone can feel beautiful in blue this year, as sizes start from XXS and go to XXL Most read in Fabulous This latest find is available in stores and online. And Dunnes Stores has the perfect heel to match your new chic look this summer I tried two fabulous new dresses from Dunnes Stores, they're perfect for special occasions and great value- The shoes are priced at just €20 and come in black and white. Dunnes' bosses described them online as: "A perfect option for elevating everyday ensembles." The sizes range from 37 - 41. And you can buy the Toe-Post Heel Sandals in stores and online now. Meanwhile, other fashion fans were loving layering with For only €25, this new top is short sleeved and is defined by its scalloped-style cut. Pick your favourite between the pastel pink or ecru with black detailing. Layer away this as sizes range from XXS - XXL. THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit. Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland's first 'shopping frenzy'. During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne's 'Better Value' bargains. Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 - starting with apples and oranges. The retailer said: "Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town. "Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong. "Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas." The retailer's first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960. They added: "In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed. "Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England." Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.
