Latest news with #Purcell
Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Top 10 finish for Armstrong and Byrne in Scandinavia
Taking the final top 10 spot in the BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia, round three of the European Rally Championship, the Irish pairing of Jon Armstrong/Shane Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally2) had the satisfaction of knowing that they have the pace, if not the luck, to mount a strong challenge for victory in one of remaining five round of the series. They were third fastest through the Power Stage (final stage) where they annexed three extra championship points. At the finish, the Kesh driver spoke about his final stage performance, where rain made it difficult. "I had a messy run through, a bit of understeer in the first corners. I clipped something in the fast section so I was a bit careful there." "It was a frustrating weekend, we had some good pace." He also took time to reflect on last week's Jim Clark Rally (Scotland) and the Cavan Rally. "We had some tough events last weekend at home, especially James (Williams) and Dai (Roberts, who was fatally injured), also my old co-driver Brian Hoy, who had a bad accident." (Hoy and his driver Garry Jennings were both injured in an accident during the Cavan Rally). Norway's Eyvind Brynildsen was a first-time winner in a round of the series as his Pirelli-shod Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 finished 4.9s in front of the MRF Tyres Toyota GR Yaris of Finland's Roope Korhonen, who snatched the runner-up spot from local hero Isak Reiersen (Skoda Fabia RC Rally2), who was Brynildsen's closest challenger until the final stage. Indeed, the 21-year-old was only 2.8s behind with three stages remaining. Both Reiersen and Brynildsen putting their cars on two wheels on a left-hand corner on SS15. Korhonen tops the overall championship standings. Meanwhile, Tyrone's Jason Mitchell (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) made it three wins from three outings in the Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship, his latest, in Saturday's Mayo Forest Rally, to move into the lead of the eight-round series. He secured a commanding 20.6s victory over the Ford Fiesta Rally2 of Waterford's Andrew Purcell, who fended off the final stage challenge of Tyrone's Niall McGonigle (VW Polo GTi R5) by a mere 0.6s. Despite a few moments, Purcell set the pace on the opening stage where top seed Mitchell was only 0.4s behind with McGonigle a further 1.7s shy of second spot. The majority of the entry received a notional time for SS2 as Mitchell posted the fastest time through SS3 to impose his authority on the event with a 10.6s advantage. Purcell lost time when he clipped a chicane and although McGonigle reckoned he too lost time, he was only 1.7s further behind in third. Tyrone's Stephen Dickson (Ford Fiesta Rally2) was fourth but struggled to get into rhythm. Reigning champion Monaghan's Derek Mackarel lost time when his Ford Fiesta R5 cut out as he approached a chicane on the third stage, he was unhappy with his choice of a hard compound tyre. On the repeat loop, Mitchell was able to manage his lead and with a trio of stage wins, took a fine victory. Purcell just about withstood McGonigle's late surge to claim valuable points to keep his title hopes on track. Dickson, Mackarel and Pete McCullagh (Mitsubishi Lancer E9) completed the top six. Elsewhere, Donegal's Damien Tourish (Ford Escort) in ninth place, was the top two-wheel drive finisher. In the J1000 category, Donegal's James McShea (VW UP) capitalised on the final stage retirement of long-time leader Cavan's Danny Brady, also in a VW UP. The entry list for the Donegal International Rally (June 20/22) was announced on Friday evening last. With the withdrawal of Kris Meeke on Thursday, the revised top ten is: 1. Callum Devine (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2); 3. Jon Armstrong (Ford Fiesta Rally2); 4. William Creighton (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2); 5. Matt Edwards (Hyundai i20 Rally2); 6. Josh Moffett (Citroen C3 Rally2); 7. Eddie Doherty (Skoda Fabia R5); 8. Meirion Evans (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2), 9. Sam Moffett (Hyundai i20 Rally2); 10. Declan Boyle (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2). BAUHAUS Royal Rally of Scandinavia (Round 3: European Rally Championship): 1. E. Brynildsen/J. Listerud (Toyota GR Yaris Raally2)1h. 33m. 40.8s; 2. R. Korhonen/A. Viinikka (Toyota GR Yaris Rally2)+4.9s; 3. I. Reiersen/S. Gustavsson (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+9.6s; 4. A. Mabellini/V. Lenzi (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+22.0s; 5. F. Tore Larsen/L. Lundgreen (VW Polo GTi R5)+25.2s; 6. M. Johansson/J. Gronvall (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+50.3s; 7. M. Marczyk/S. Gospodarczyk (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+1m. 07.6s; 8. M. Ostberg/L. Karlsson (Citroen C3 Rally2)+1m. 37.8s; 9. S. Tempestini/S. Itu (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2)+1m. 55.0s; 10. J. Armstrong/S. Byrne (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+2m. 26.2s. ERC Championship Positions (after Round 3): 1. R Korhonen 60pts; 2. M. Marczyk 57pts; 3. M. Ostberg 48pts; 4. A Mabellini 47pts; 5. I Reiersen 40pts; 6. N. Gryazin 34pts; 11. J. Armstrong 21pts. Mayo Forest Rally (Round 4, Sligo Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship) Ballina: 1. J. Mitchell/P. McCrudden (Skoda Fabia RS Rally2) 25m. 53.8s; 2. A. Purcell/L. Brennan (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+20.6s; 3. N. McGonigle/C. McKenna (VW Polo GTi R5)+21.2s; 4. S. Dickson/B. Teggart (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+52.6s; 5. D. Mackarel/E. Creedon (Ford Fiesta R5)+58.8s; 6. P. McCullagh/L. Callaghan (Mitsubishi Lancer E9)+1m. 45.6s; 7. J. Boland/J. McCay (Ford Fiesta Rally3)+1m. 53.9s; 8. A. Dickson/D. Turkington (Ford Fiesta Rally2)+2m. 02.4s; 9. D. Tourish/D. McAlaney (Ford Escort)+2m. 08.6s; 10. S. Moore/T. McHugh (Ford Fiesta)+2m. 19.2s. Slig o Pallets Irish Forest Rally Championship (Provisional positions after Round 4): 1. J. Mitchell 63pts; 2. A. Purcell 53pts; 3. S. Dickson 52pts; +4. P. O'Connell & D. Mackarel 47pts; 6. J. Boland 37pts
The Age
5 days ago
- The Age
Luxury lodge in one of the harshest environments on Earth reopens
Northern Chile's Tierra Atacama has just reopened after a year-long, $US20 million ($32 million) transformation. All the work at the legendary luxurious hotel was designed to preserve its close connection to the local community, descendants of the Incas and Aymaras with living heritage that dates back 10,000 years. Built in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, amid the driest non-polar desert on Earth, the lodge was conceived by Miguel Purcell, an Olympic skier and mountaineer. Tierra Atacama opened in 2008 with a mission to keep its environmental impact low while offering guests extraordinary experiences in one of the planet's most amazing landscapes. The 32-room retreat was built around a centuries-old cattle corral using traditional methods. It was filled with a curation of culturally relevant art, objects and materials, and each room was set with views of the Licancabur Volcano. The Purcell family went on to create Tierra Hotels, and now has two sister properties in the region under its umbrella. In 2022, it sold a majority shareholding in the company to Baillie Lodges. Founded by James and Hayley Baillie, Baillie Lodges owns and runs some of the world's most esteemed luxury adventure properties, including Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia and Silky Oaks Lodge in Queensland. Internationally it owns Huka Lodge in New Zealand and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Canada's Vancouver Island. The fit is so strong that Purcell remains involved in the property and actually led the redesign project in person. He was joined by Tierra Atacama's original Chilean architects – Rodrigo Searle and Matias Gonzalez – who again used the surrounding environment as the starting point for design. Interior designer Carolina Delpiano, who has been responsible for the original interiors at all the Tierra properties since their inception, also took part. Chilean landscape architect Teresa Moller preserved the original walls and native vegetation while integrating changes to the built environment into the existing gardens and setting. Where possible, local tradespeople and artisans were employed to realise the vision.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Luxury lodge in one of the harshest environments on Earth reopens
Northern Chile's Tierra Atacama has just reopened after a year-long, $US20 million ($32 million) transformation. All the work at the legendary luxurious hotel was designed to preserve its close connection to the local community, descendants of the Incas and Aymaras with living heritage that dates back 10,000 years. Built in the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama, amid the driest non-polar desert on Earth, the lodge was conceived by Miguel Purcell, an Olympic skier and mountaineer. Tierra Atacama opened in 2008 with a mission to keep its environmental impact low while offering guests extraordinary experiences in one of the planet's most amazing landscapes. The 32-room retreat was built around a centuries-old cattle corral using traditional methods. It was filled with a curation of culturally relevant art, objects and materials, and each room was set with views of the Licancabur Volcano. The Purcell family went on to create Tierra Hotels, and now has two sister properties in the region under its umbrella. In 2022, it sold a majority shareholding in the company to Baillie Lodges. Founded by James and Hayley Baillie, Baillie Lodges owns and runs some of the world's most esteemed luxury adventure properties, including Longitude 131° at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia and Silky Oaks Lodge in Queensland. Internationally it owns Huka Lodge in New Zealand and Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge on Canada's Vancouver Island. The fit is so strong that Purcell remains involved in the property and actually led the redesign project in person. He was joined by Tierra Atacama's original Chilean architects – Rodrigo Searle and Matias Gonzalez – who again used the surrounding environment as the starting point for design. Interior designer Carolina Delpiano, who has been responsible for the original interiors at all the Tierra properties since their inception, also took part. Chilean landscape architect Teresa Moller preserved the original walls and native vegetation while integrating changes to the built environment into the existing gardens and setting. Where possible, local tradespeople and artisans were employed to realise the vision.
Sydney Morning Herald
27-05-2025
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
More than a chronicle of pain and failure, this fly-on-the-wall medical series gives hope
Our Medicine (series premiere) ★★★½ Actor and Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka-Murri woman Leah Purcell is the ideal narrator for this documentary series about First Nations health. Her voice is steady yet infused with dismay and quiet anger as she details a history of disease and neglect. And Our Medicine doesn't pull its punches about the severity of the situation. But it also aims to be more than a chronicle of pain and failure, focusing on positive initiatives driven by a range of Indigenous practitioners endeavouring to address a chronic societal failure. 'From the early days of colonisation, First Nations people in Australia have been locked in a catastrophic cycle of poor health outcomes,' Purcell's voiceover declares as the six-part series begins. 'Today, with a medical system in desperate need of reform, these are stories of change, of connection and of inspiration.' The production's format is familiar, even if the focus is not. It's shaped like many medical ob-doc series (think RPA, Emergency, Ambulance Australia, Paramedics). Patients arrive at a hospital or clinic, or are brought in by ambulance and the practitioners treating them – paramedics, nurses, doctors, health workers – are interviewed about what they're doing and why. This series also devotes attention to the value of traditional healing methods. In Western Australia, Sasha Greenhoff learns from her 'jajas' (grandmothers) about their methods, language, songs and stories at a cultural-healing event. 'We talk about intergenerational trauma as a huge thing that's in our lives,' she says. 'But there's not enough about intergenerational wealth. And what I've experienced here with my jajas, that's intergenerational wealth.' Cases treated by conventional medicine are given an illuminating context. In Cairns (Gimuy), when a man is brought in with machete wounds, Dr Tatum Bond explains that such injuries are not uncommon in the area as warring families have been forced on to the same land and tensions date back generations. In Darwin (Garamilla), Shaun Tatipata, founder of the country's only Indigenous eye care provider, conducts eye checks in remote communities. Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker, the country's only Indigenous eye surgeon, flies in to join the cataract clinics, performing multiple operations in a day. Aboriginal people over the age of 40 have six times the rate of blindness of other Australians and, in 94 per cent of cases, loss of sight is preventable or treatable. Such alarming statistics are woven through the series, persuasively attesting to the urgent need for reform.
The Age
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Age
More than a chronicle of pain and failure, this fly-on-the-wall medical series gives hope
Our Medicine (series premiere) ★★★½ Actor and Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka-Murri woman Leah Purcell is the ideal narrator for this documentary series about First Nations health. Her voice is steady yet infused with dismay and quiet anger as she details a history of disease and neglect. And Our Medicine doesn't pull its punches about the severity of the situation. But it also aims to be more than a chronicle of pain and failure, focusing on positive initiatives driven by a range of Indigenous practitioners endeavouring to address a chronic societal failure. 'From the early days of colonisation, First Nations people in Australia have been locked in a catastrophic cycle of poor health outcomes,' Purcell's voiceover declares as the six-part series begins. 'Today, with a medical system in desperate need of reform, these are stories of change, of connection and of inspiration.' The production's format is familiar, even if the focus is not. It's shaped like many medical ob-doc series (think RPA, Emergency, Ambulance Australia, Paramedics). Patients arrive at a hospital or clinic, or are brought in by ambulance and the practitioners treating them – paramedics, nurses, doctors, health workers – are interviewed about what they're doing and why. This series also devotes attention to the value of traditional healing methods. In Western Australia, Sasha Greenhoff learns from her 'jajas' (grandmothers) about their methods, language, songs and stories at a cultural-healing event. 'We talk about intergenerational trauma as a huge thing that's in our lives,' she says. 'But there's not enough about intergenerational wealth. And what I've experienced here with my jajas, that's intergenerational wealth.' Cases treated by conventional medicine are given an illuminating context. In Cairns (Gimuy), when a man is brought in with machete wounds, Dr Tatum Bond explains that such injuries are not uncommon in the area as warring families have been forced on to the same land and tensions date back generations. In Darwin (Garamilla), Shaun Tatipata, founder of the country's only Indigenous eye care provider, conducts eye checks in remote communities. Associate Professor Kris Rallah-Baker, the country's only Indigenous eye surgeon, flies in to join the cataract clinics, performing multiple operations in a day. Aboriginal people over the age of 40 have six times the rate of blindness of other Australians and, in 94 per cent of cases, loss of sight is preventable or treatable. Such alarming statistics are woven through the series, persuasively attesting to the urgent need for reform.
