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RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Preview: Irish promotion hopes on the line in Istanbul
Istanbul. A vast city shaped by the influences of former empires; decorated with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, its skyline punctured by modern high-rise tower blocks. The old and the new. The Republic of Ireland have arrived into this cultural melting pot with tectonic plates shifting beneath the squad's foundations. Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell and Julie-Ann Russell are all gone; soon Louise Quinn will follow them, the defender set to officially retire after the two friendlies against the USA at the end of June. These great servants have left an indelible mark on the women's game, but the void they leave behind must be filled. It's an opportunity for the new figures to rise. Erin Healy is the most recent addition to the setup and her call-up is interesting. The San Diego-born attacker played college football with Gonzaga University in Washington but had no pressing ambition to pursue a professional career, lining up a job in accounting. A successful stint in Portugal with Club de Albergaria changed her perspective. Healy moved to Adelaide in September 2024 - the same month she received her Irish citizenship - and the rest is history. Boss Carla Ward had suggested the 24-year-old A-League star was closing in on a move to Europe, potentially the WSL, so it was a surprise to see Adelaide announce earlier this week that Healy is staying Down Under for the 2025/26 campaign. That's going to be one hell of a commute. First, she must make a good enough impression to ensure Ward wants her back. Charlton's Melisa Filis was called up in Ward's first camp, didn't play a minute, and hasn't been seen since. In February 2023, Vera Pauw gave Australia-born Deborah-Anne De La Harpe her shot in a friendly against China in Spain. De La Harpe was taken off at half-time. She also hasn't been seen since. These are the type of call-ups that Ward really needs to get right. Guided by the FAI's Head of Talent ID and Recruitment Aidan Price, Ireland are scouring the globe for eligible talents, with many players actively reaching out to the association to let them know they are willing and able to represent the Girls in Green. That's no bad thing, but Ward is simultaneously trying to nurture the young talent playing in the League of Ireland. She's been very positive about the league's quality, while acknowledging that the step up to international football is steep. Ruesha Littlejohn (Shamrock Rovers) and Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne) are the only to home-based players in the current squad. If Healy doesn't cut the mustard, there'll be understandable groans of frustration within the league that she's been given this chance while others are overlooked. Still, it makes sense to draft in someone of her age and profile. Of the 24 players in the panel, only six are under 25: Tyler Toland (23), Abbie Larkin (20), Healy (24), Jessie Stapleton (20), Emily Murphy (22) and Aoibheann Clancy (21). Omitting the soon-to-be-retired Quinn, 12 of the 23 will be aged 30 or over by the time the World Cup qualifiers begin next spring. Ward is trying to build for the future while getting results along the way. It's a tricky task. But Ireland could do with unearthing more good footballers in the 22 to 28 age bracket to strengthen their chances of making it to Brazil in 2027 and the 2029 Euros. For the moment, the focus is on getting back to League A of the Nations League, which would boost Ireland's seeding for World Cup qualification. The Group 2 winners go straight up, second place sends you into a two-legged promotion/relegation play-off against one of the League A third-placed teams. Truth be told, two more competitive games in the autumn would be no harm as the team wades through a period of transition. They'll be braced for a physical battle this evening against a decent Turkish outfit. Necla Gungor Kiragasi set her players up in a 4-4-2 block in Dublin instructing the likes of Ebru Topcu and Busem Seker to bite into tackles on a bad pitch. They duly obliged. Ireland laboured to a 1-0 victory but the visitors very nearly pinched a point at the death when Arzu Karabulut spurned a great opportunity. In their four Nations League games to date the Turks have conceded five goals - three of them coming in a 3-0 away loss to Slovenia, who really do look like a coming team. They're a tough nut to crack, so Ireland will need guile and patience here. Leanne Kiernan (quad) and Heather Payne (Achilles) are both out so Abbie Larkin could get a run from the start. Healy, the newbie, might feature off the bench at some point. She's impressed Ward and her staff in training this week, and is a bit of a wild card if the visitors are struggling to break Turkey down. Captain Katie McCabe trained yesterday having linked up with the squad on Wednesday. The Dubliner is coming back down to earth after helping Arsenal to a magnificent Champions League final win against Barcelona. Ward has said she's raring to go but McCabe has been managing a calf niggle for a while now and might be held in reserve; especially with the Slovenia game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in mind. Kyra Carusa will lead the line having missed the 2-1 defeat of Greece due to a quad injury, while Megan Connolly is also back in the frame after missing that March window. As for Louise Quinn? Don't be surprised to see her make a cameo up top if Ireland need a goal. Ward has said she won't be afraid to use Campbell's big throws and Quinn's aerial prowess if she needs to. A big winner would be another sweet moment in what's been a superb Ireland career. Prediction: Turkey 0-1 Republic of Ireland REPUBLIC OF IRELAND SQUAD Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Unattached), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic) Defenders: Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Anna Patten (Aston Villa), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Louise Quinn (Unattached), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Megan Campbell (Unattached), Katie McCabe (Arsenal) Midfielders: Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Ruesha Littlejohn (Shamrock Rovers), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Tyler Toland (Blackburn Rovers), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne)
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Your questions: What's the best way to travel around Sicily?
From here, an optional inclusion is Hangzhou, an 11-hour train ride. Hangzhou is one of China's most beautiful cities, sprawling across the banks of the Qiangtang River. A highlight is West Lake, where willow-lined banks, temples, pavilions and arched bridges backed by misty hills has fuelled the imaginations of painters and poets over generations. Hangzhou is also the gateway to the Longjing Tea Plantations, source of dragon well tea, celebrated across China for its fragrance, flavour and elegance. Hangzhou has been a centre for the silk trade for thousands of years and the city maintains its historic connection with it via its lively silk market and the China National Silk Museum. The fastest trains from Hangzhou to Beijing take four and a half hours. My husband and I finish a European river cruise in Budapest in the early European summer. We would like to see a little more of Hungary and then tour Romania. We are happy to join a small-group tour. Are there any companies you can recommend and must-see destinations? J. Mulders, Menai, NSW Apart from Budapest, the main sites to include in a tour of Hungary are Pecs for its early Christian Necropolis, its cathedral and its vibrant arts scene; the Tokaj Wine Region; Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe; Szentendre which is famous for its Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets, and Eger, which has a handsome medieval castle, thermal baths, Baroque buildings and the most northerly Ottoman minaret. Most tour operators tend to lump Hungary together with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland or all three. One of the few operators that offers tours of Hungary is JayWay Travel, which has a 12-day independent tour, with accommodation, transport and guides provided. In Romania the main drawcard is the Transylvania region, home to Saxon towns with fortified churches, Peles Palace, a neo-Renaissance castle built on the late 1800s by King Carol I and Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel. Here you can also see bears in the wild, and Romania has Europe's largest population of brown bears. A longer journey would take you north into the rolling hills of Maramures, a rich rural tapestry of villages dominated by timber church spires and high pastures where enormous dogs guard flocks of sheep from wolves. To the east are the painted monasteries of the Bukovina region. To organise a tour of Romania, contact Diana Condrea of Uncover Romania. I have been on an African safari and would love to take my adult children, their partners and one grandchild to Kenya and Tanzania for about two weeks. That's five adults plus one child. We are happy to stay in tented camps and a lodge or two. Is it possible to do it for about $40,000 excluding airfares? J. Stewart, Turner, ACT That sounds like a reasonable budget for your group. Sydney-based Bench Africa are the experts, they've been taking Australian travellers on African wildlife safaris for decades, and they can tailor a tour to fit your needs. Tent-based camping safaris are an excellent concept for family groups, offering immersion in the 'real' Africa, as well as a high level of comfort at a reasonable cost.
The Age
2 days ago
- The Age
Your questions: What's the best way to travel around Sicily?
From here, an optional inclusion is Hangzhou, an 11-hour train ride. Hangzhou is one of China's most beautiful cities, sprawling across the banks of the Qiangtang River. A highlight is West Lake, where willow-lined banks, temples, pavilions and arched bridges backed by misty hills has fuelled the imaginations of painters and poets over generations. Hangzhou is also the gateway to the Longjing Tea Plantations, source of dragon well tea, celebrated across China for its fragrance, flavour and elegance. Hangzhou has been a centre for the silk trade for thousands of years and the city maintains its historic connection with it via its lively silk market and the China National Silk Museum. The fastest trains from Hangzhou to Beijing take four and a half hours. My husband and I finish a European river cruise in Budapest in the early European summer. We would like to see a little more of Hungary and then tour Romania. We are happy to join a small-group tour. Are there any companies you can recommend and must-see destinations? J. Mulders, Menai, NSW Apart from Budapest, the main sites to include in a tour of Hungary are Pecs for its early Christian Necropolis, its cathedral and its vibrant arts scene; the Tokaj Wine Region; Lake Balaton, the largest lake in Central Europe; Szentendre which is famous for its Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets, and Eger, which has a handsome medieval castle, thermal baths, Baroque buildings and the most northerly Ottoman minaret. Most tour operators tend to lump Hungary together with Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland or all three. One of the few operators that offers tours of Hungary is JayWay Travel, which has a 12-day independent tour, with accommodation, transport and guides provided. In Romania the main drawcard is the Transylvania region, home to Saxon towns with fortified churches, Peles Palace, a neo-Renaissance castle built on the late 1800s by King Carol I and Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Count Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel. Here you can also see bears in the wild, and Romania has Europe's largest population of brown bears. A longer journey would take you north into the rolling hills of Maramures, a rich rural tapestry of villages dominated by timber church spires and high pastures where enormous dogs guard flocks of sheep from wolves. To the east are the painted monasteries of the Bukovina region. To organise a tour of Romania, contact Diana Condrea of Uncover Romania. I have been on an African safari and would love to take my adult children, their partners and one grandchild to Kenya and Tanzania for about two weeks. That's five adults plus one child. We are happy to stay in tented camps and a lodge or two. Is it possible to do it for about $40,000 excluding airfares? J. Stewart, Turner, ACT That sounds like a reasonable budget for your group. Sydney-based Bench Africa are the experts, they've been taking Australian travellers on African wildlife safaris for decades, and they can tailor a tour to fit your needs. Tent-based camping safaris are an excellent concept for family groups, offering immersion in the 'real' Africa, as well as a high level of comfort at a reasonable cost.
The South African
2 days ago
- The South African
5 budget-friendly countries South Africans should visit this year
For South Africans who still want to travel the world on a budget, there are still destinations that offer rich experiences at low cost. Whether you're looking for affordability, accessibility, or unique appeal, these five budget-friendly countries will let you travel more and spend less – without compromising on the magic… Albania is what Croatia was 20 years ago – beautiful, budget-friendly, and blissfully uncrowded. The Albanian Riviera has beaches that rival Greece, and the mountain villages feel like stepping back in time. Prices are low, food is fresh and filling, and getting around is easy via minibuses. Visa: E-visa available online. What to expect: Turquoise coves, Ottoman towns, Mediterranean meals for under R100, fewer crowds. If you're after beaches and biodiversity, the Philippines delivers – without the price tag you'd expect from island travel. Ferries and budget-friendly flights make it easy to hop from one paradise to the next. Think limestone cliffs, waterfalls, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. South African travellers can eat fresh seafood, snorkel over coral reefs, and party or chill, your choice. Visa: 30 days visa-free. What to expect: Island vibes, white-sand beaches, stunning lagoons, barbecued everything. Bolivia is raw, real, and an incredibly budget-friendly country. Explore La Paz, one of the world's highest cities, or journey into the Amazon for a fraction of what it costs elsewhere. The Uyuni salt flats are surreal, and multi-day tours with food and accommodation are shockingly cheap. You'll live large on a lean budget. Visa: E-visa available for a 90 day stay. What to expect: Salt flats, high-altitude hikes, market stalls, llamas, thick local stews for under R40. Egypt offers South Africans time travel without a luxury price tag. Gaze at the pyramids, cruise the Nile, and visit the Valley of the Kings – all while enjoying budget-friendly food and hotels. Stick to local restaurants and public transport to save even more. You'll be surprised how far your rand can take you here. Visa: E-visa available online for a 30 day stay. What to expect: Timeless ruins, desert sunrises, falafel for breakfast, sailing on a felucca. Sri Lanka is a compact wonderland of tropical beaches, misty mountains, and ancient cities. Ride the scenic train from Kandy to Ella, go on safari to see elephants and leopards, or relax on the southern coast. It's easy to get around, locals are warm and welcoming, and meals rarely cost more than R70. Visa: E-visa available online for a 30 day stay. What to expect: Palm-lined shores, Buddhist temples, flavourful curries, laid-back surf towns. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Straits Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Arts Picks: Basoeki Abdullah at National Gallery, Han Mengyun solo, SG60 strings concert
Indonesian painter Basoeki Abdullah Labour (circa 1950s) is a futuristic landscape based on monuments such as Egyptian pyramids and Ottoman mosques. PHOTO: NATIONAL GALLERY SINGAPORE Diplomacy And Desire: Basoeki Abdullah In Singapore One of South-east Asia's most-sought-after portraitists, Indonesian painter Basoeki Abdullah ( 1915 to 1993 ) has painted the likes of Singapore's first elected chief minister David Marshall, Singapore's founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew , as well as former Philippine president and first lady Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. In this small and historically intriguing exhibition, some of Basoeki's portraits are on show, including one of Dr Tan Tsze Chor, a businessman dubbed the Pepper King who made his fortune through pepper trading, and several portraits of local models. The centrepie ce i s, however, two huge paintings that face each other in the main hall of the Dalam Southeast Asia space. They are two significant artworks gifted to Singapore in 1959, coinciding with the country's transition towards self-governance, and in 1981. The almost 3m-long Labour (circa 1950s), which featured in the gallery's special exhibition Tropical: Stories From Southeast Asia And Latin America in 2024, is a futuristic landscape based on monuments such as Egyptian pyramids and Ottoman mosques. The painting, accepted by then-Minister of Culture S. Rajaratnam, was Basoeki's representation of the future of Singapore. Basoeki had briefly lived here between 1958 and 1960. The second piece is Struggle For The Re-establishment Of The Democracy And The Right For The People (1981). The mythical landscape, washed in garish blues, is of a mermaid along with five pearls, said to represent the five founding nations of the Association of South-east Asian Nations (Asean). The exhibition is a small window into an artist who was adjacent to power and keenly aware of art's political possibilities. Where: National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew's Road MRT: City Hall When: Till Feb 1, 2026, 10am to 7pm daily Admission: Free for Singaporeans and permanent residents, $20 (standard) and $15 (concession) for foreigners Info: Han Mengyun: Jewels Of Impermanence Reunion (2024) by Han Mengyun. PHOTO: SHANGHART GALLERY Wuhan-bo rn a rtist Han Mengyun's upcoming exhibition sets the stage for an encounter between Dutch vanitas paintings and Buddhist depictions of skeletons and skulls. The largely black-and-white paintings of these transient objects draw from the Western memento mori traditions – which lay bare worldly vanity – and Buddhist meditations on repulsiveness, which confront impermanence as a prerequisite of enlightenment. The series sees the London-based artist return to the medium of oil painting, which she had rejected for close to a decade, in search of alternative expressions beyond Western materials. Han says in a statement: 'In the prospect of grim uncertainty, I felt an urgent craving for the corporeal lusciousness of oil, the exhilarating violence of the brush, the humble endurance of canvas – capacities ink and rice paper cannot sustain.' Where: ShanghART Singapore, 02-22 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road MRT: Labrador Park When: May 31 to July 27, noon to 6pm (Wednesdays to Sundays); other hours by appointment only Admission: Free Info: Min Lee & Aleksey Igudesman, SG60 Celebrate! Singaporean violinist Min Lee (pictured) and Russian-German violinist Aleksey Igudesman will join 60 young musicians for a charity concert in celebration of the Republic's 60th birthday. PHOTO: THE ORGANISERS Singaporean violinist Min Lee and Russian-German violinist Aleksey Igudesman will join 60 young musicians for a charity concert in celebration of the Republic's 60th birthday. Expect a multicultural programme with traditional tunes such as the popular Spanish folk song La Cucaracha, as well as Singaporean composer Dick Lee's patriotic anthem Home. The programme is arranged by Igudesman. Young and prodigious violinists from Lee's Wolfgang Violin Studio , such as 12-year-old Mark Lee and 11-year-old Chua Suen Ern, will also take the stage. The concert is organised by The Association of Banks in Singapore and the Credit Bureau Singapore in support of the President's Challenge. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is the concert's guest of honour. Where: Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place MRT: City Hall When: June 3, 7.30pm Admission: $50 to $100 Info: Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
