Latest news with #Rog
Irish Times
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Gerry Thornley: Mighty Melbourne, where the coffee is strong and the wifi is weak
Sunday Another Sunday, another check-out, another plane journey (finish Conor Niland's absorbing read The Racket) and another check-in. For the Meriton Suites, Brisbane, read the Meriton Suites, Melbourne where, once again, the Sky crew are also staying. It's not an hotel per se, but the mini apartments are spacious and thus more homely. And if it's good enough for Rog, Miles Harrison et al, it's good enough for us. Melbourne is one of those vast cities that the more you know of it, and where to go, the better the experience, and it's probably the culinary capital of Australia. Okay, not gonna lie, it's going to be another good week on tour. Monday The Lions are based in Xavier College, another magnificent, sprawling school that the squad have used for training. Located in the eastern suburbs of the city, they have converted their main AFL pitch for the Lions. It can be viewed from the main elevated buildings with the Melbourne skyline as a spectacular backdrop. READ MORE The media are led to the Eldon Hogan Performing Arts Centre, built thanks to a $4 million donation by the eponymous Old Xaverian and opened on the campus in 2008. it contains 11 science laboratories, a music rehearsal room and a 500-seat auditorium, which is where the briefings will be conducted. Some journalists, including Harrison, take in the First Nations and Pasifika XV training session where, astonishingly in this day and age, they are not restricted to just 10 minutes of 'vision access' but are invited to stay for the entire session before interviewing players. Garry Ringrose in action during the Lions' tour game against First Nations and Pasifika XV at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Tuesday Match night, as the British & Irish Lions beat the First Nations & Pasifika XV 24-19. The laptop, complete with spare keyboard, starts assuming a troubling life of its own, requiring constant rebooting, but eventually works, to a degree. Garry Ringrose is palpably buzzing in the mixed zone after his return for an unscheduled hour off the bench due to Darcy Graham's cruel misfortune. It's hard not to be happy for him and he's also hopeful that he'll make the team for the second Test, perhaps reunited with Bundee Aki . Wednesday Melbourne is also the sporting capital of Australia, and arguably the world. Vivien Lee of Visit Victoria and Melbourne Cricket Club treat the 30-odd Irish and UK media to a boat trip to the MCG for a magnificent lunch in the Long Room, with its panoramic view of the pitch from leather upholstered couches, and a tour of the iconic stadium. This includes a panoramic view of the nearby Rod Laver Arena, the main stadium used for the Australian Open, the AAMI Stadium, where Ireland played the Wallabies seven years ago, and the indoor Sports and Entertainment Centre and the Olympic Park Oval, while the Melbourne Grand Prix circuit in Albert Park is not far away either. As its striped members jacket and the Long Room implies, the MCG is akin to Lord's, but only bigger and brasher. It is the biggest stadium in the southern hemisphere and the 11th biggest in the world. The Collingwood Magpies take on the Fremantle Dockers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Photograph: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images Aussie Rules is the dominant sport in Melbourne and as well as being the home to cricket matches such as the Boxing Day Test, the MCG is also home to six of the eight AFL teams in the city – namely Melbourne Football Club, Richmond, Essendon, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Collingwood. Like the Premier League in England, everybody in Melbourne has an AFL team, even the dogs in the street. The away dressingroom is embroidered with all the overseas players who have hit centuries or taken five-wicket hauls at the ground. Of all the pictures and statues, our guide tells us that the most photographed one is that of the great Don Bradman and the great Sunil Gavaskar, the two most iconic figures in the history of Australian and Indian cricket. This is in part due to the amount of Indian people who take in a tour of the stadium, but it always amuses that so many pose directly in front of the framed and famous meeting between the pair, thereby obscuring the two legends! The biggest stand is named in honour of Shane Warne and former Australian cricketer Damien Fleming regales us with tales of Warne's hat-trick against England in 1994, the first hat-trick in an Ashes Test for 91 years. On completion, Phil Tufnell, the spin bowler who was a true number 11 batsman, passed Fleming and said to him: 'This will be fun.' Tufnell is soon bowled after a wild heave misses the ball, so sealing Australia's victory, and as they celebrate, Tuffers walks past Fleming again, and said: 'I told you it would be fun.' The Lions bring forward their Thursday team announcement to lunchtime, meaning it clashes with the Wallabies and so, despite a vast amount of journalists travelling at great cost from the other side of the world, it's not possible to do both. At which point a journalist, who obviously watches too much rugby and little else, piped up: 'What's a six?' Thursday Rumours circulate among the travelling media that the Lions' starting XV is to be named at lunchtime in their training base at Xavier College. Alas, Andy Farrell reveals that they had been forced into a late change after Ringrose, for a second time on this tour, selflessly self-diagnoses his concussion symptoms following the Lions' training session in Xavier College. Founded by the Jesuits in 1872, it seems entirely apt that the Order's famous maxim is for the Jesuits to be 'a man for others'. Pretty much the only way in which modern day Lions players get out and about is going for coffees, and when it comes to good coffee shops, there's probably nowhere better on the planet than Australia. Four of the world's top eight cafes are in Australia. Melbourne is full of nooks and crannies and laneways with hidden gems, be they cafes or bars. The invasion from home is heightening again as another Test weekend nears and my jetlagged mate Nick Hogan arrives from Dublin and takes us to a nearby cafe called Patricia Coffee Brewers on Little Burke Street. It's a small dark grey building with no obvious signs outside save for the name Patricia on the open glass door. Outdoor seating comes in the form of crates. Nick's mate is the 3fe founder Colin Harmon, who rates Patricia Coffee Brewers as his favourite in the world. Yep, the coffee is delicious and it must be good, as Tommy Bowe turns up, too, on the recommendation of a friend in one of the AFL backroom teams. Tommy also joins us at our restaurant, along with Rog, Harrison, the voice of Lions tours and a lovely man. Tommy has also brought Simon Shaw and Alun Wyn Jones from the AFL game. 'We are honoured to be in the presence of greatness,' says Rog, and he's not kidding. Alun Wyn Jones is a four-time Lion who played in a phenomenal 12 Tests. Friday The baffling negativity of many at home is certainly not matched by the Irish, English, Scottish and Welsh fans who are travelling around Australia in support of the Lions as the sense of anticipation steadily builds towards Saturday's second Test. Maybe you have to be here. Passing through the hallway of the Meriton Suites, I meet three different Irish supporters who have arrived in Melbourne for the second Test, including one family who have travelled over to tour the country and take in the Lions matches with their Australian-based daughter. There are loads of stories like this. The concierge recommends two more nearby cafes that serve good coffee, breakfast and might have wifi. Alas, though the look and smell the part, there is no wifi. This is a constantly difficult search on this tour and nearing the end of it, a hotel base, even a spacious one like the Meriton Suites, working in one's room becomes less appealing. Aussies are friendlier than ever, by and large, on this tour but cafes evidently don't want customers lingering over laptops, even if they are having breakfast and/or lunch. Finally, Square One Rialto ticks all the boxes, even with a power point, as the public wifi works here, for the most part. The music is good too; upbeat and funky. Finbarr Concaig, whose dad moved from Belfast to Australia when he was young, describes The Jungle Giants as a typically Aussie band for barbecues. He's happy today. 'His' Hawthorn beat Carlton the night before in the MCG. As someone who has often visited Ireland and worked in England, he asks the age-old question, the kernel of the Lions really. 'How did you get Irish and English players to play on the same team? How did you pull that off?' he asks, genuinely mystified. It transpires that this has been a daily haunt for some Lions players in the less conspicuous upper floor of Square One.
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
1xBet and European Cricket Network Partner to Support Cricket in Europe
1xBet and European Cricket Network Kick Off New Era of European Cricket Since 2012, international bookmaker 1xBet has worked to raise the profile of cricket in India and other Asian countries. Now, as the sport prepares for its Olympic return at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, 1xBet is extending its support into Europe through a new partnership with the European Cricket Network (ECN). Cricket, while created in England, has become a major sport in South Asia, especially in India. Tournaments such as the Indian Premier League (IPL) attract large audiences and media coverage. In contrast, many European countries have not embraced cricket to the same extent. However, with its Olympic inclusion ahead, the sport is starting to gain ground across the continent. 1xBet has been a long-time supporter of cricket in regions like India, the UAE, and several African countries. By teaming up with ECN, the company will now help expand cricket's reach in Europe. Partnership to Cover Leading European Cricket Events in 2025 Under the agreement running from April 1 to October 31, 2025, 1xBet becomes the Official Betting Partner of ECN. The organisation is responsible for several top-level competitions for both male and female teams. These include: ● European Cricket League (ECL); ● European Cricket Championship (men's and women's); ● European Cricket Series (men's and women's); ● European Cricket Internationals (men's and women's); ● Weston Shield (Men's All-Star tournament); ● Meltl Shield (Women's All-Star tournament). These tournaments have already earned strong followings in India, placing among the top ten most-viewed cricket events in the country. They are known for featuring skilled players and for running professionally managed competitions. ECN hosts matches in more than 20 European countries. The European Cricket League is shown by broadcasters worldwide, including FanCode (India), Sky Sport (New Zealand), Fox Sports (Australia), SportsMax (Caribbean), ATN (Canada), SportDeutschland (Germany), Streamster (Austria), Swiss Sport TV (Switzerland), and StarTimes (Africa). This international reach brings in a broad viewership for each tournament. 1xBet's sponsorship is expected to support the growth of ECN events and bring them closer to a wider global audience. The funding will also assist teams by improving training facilities and providing better equipment. These changes can encourage more young players to try cricket and develop their skills. 'This partnership is an important development for fans of the sport,' said Irina Kapoor, Head of Marketing at 1xBet. 'The European Cricket Network is helping to grow cricket in countries where it hasn't yet become widely followed — like Germany, Spain, Italy, and France. We're glad to work with ECN and believe our shared goals will help bring new supporters to the sport, especially as it prepares for the Olympics.' 'We're pleased to announce our partnership with 1xBet, a well-established brand in the industry,' said Roger Feiner, CEO of the European Cricket Network. 'Through this partnership, ECN joins the same sponsorship group that includes football clubs like FC Barcelona, basketball's FIBA, Volleyball World, and other major sports organisations.' Brand Visibility and Audience Engagement The ECN runs hundreds of matches every year, giving 1xBet repeated visibility during match broadcasts. As part of the agreement, the 1xBet logo will appear throughout all live match streams and on promotional materials connected to the tournaments. Match commentators will mention the brand when discussing results and statistics, keeping the sponsor in regular view. In addition, ECN and 1xBet will develop content together for social media platforms. They also plan to include activities for fans to take part in during events. One such detail includes the use of a branded coin for the coin toss at the beginning of each match, used to decide which team will bat or field first. Cricket followers and sports media will be watching closely to see how this partnership develops and how it supports the sport's growth in Europe. About the European Cricket Network The European Cricket Network (ECN) was created in 2018 to help cricket develop across the continent. The organisation holds regular tournaments, builds media partnerships, and works on growing public interest in the sport. Each year, ECN delivers live, broadcast-quality coverage of its major competitions, including: ● European Cricket Championship (ECC); ● European Cricket League (ECL); ● European Cricket International (ECI); ● European Cricket Series (ECS); ● European Cricket Championship – Women (ECC-W); ● Weston Shield (men's All-Star tournament); ● Meltl Shield (women's All-Star tournament). These events help bring attention to cricket in new markets and give players the chance to perform on international platforms. About 1xBet 1xBet is an international betting company with 18 years of industry experience. It offers betting services on thousands of sports events each year. The brand's website and app support over 70 languages, serving customers across many countries. 1xBet is known for its partnerships with some of the most recognised names in global sports. These include football clubs like FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and LOSC Lille, as well as top leagues such as La Liga and Serie A. The brand also works with cricket teams like South Africa's Durban Super Giants and now, the European Cricket Network. In India, the company is represented by brand ambassadors Heinrich Klaasen, a well-known cricketer, and actress Urvashi Rautela. 1xBet has also received several awards in the gambling and sports betting sector, including honours from the International Gaming Awards (IGA), SBC Awards, G2E Asia, and the EGR Nordics Awards.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zak Starkey Clarifies That He Was Not Fired From The Who (Twice) But Rather ‘Retired'
The see-saw story of The Who's drummer chair continued to tilt over the weekend when former, then current and then former again time keeper Zak Starkey clarified that he had not been fired from the band but rather 'retired.' The 59-year-old son of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and in-demand session player wrote in an Instagram post on Monday (May 26) that he'd had a nice chat with singer Roger Daltrey clarifying what appeared to be his recent second sacking in as many months. 'NOISE&CONFUSION!!!! I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!! Rog said I hadn't been 'fired'…I had been 'retired' to work n my own projects,' Starkey wrote. More from Billboard The Who Once Again Part Ways With Drummer Zak Starkey Morgan Wallen's 'I'm the Problem' & 'What I Want' With Tate McRae Launch Atop Billboard's Country Charts Post Malone Brings Out NBA Legend Allen Iverson for 'White Iverson' Performance in Philadelphia 'I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects, that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course ( usually 5/6 weeks ) I was completely available for the foreseeable future,' Starkey continued. 'Rog said 'Oh!' and we kind of left it there- On good terms and great friends as we have always been . Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say 'The mind boggles!!!'' It's been a wild ride lately for Starkey, who has worked with everyone from Oasis to Johnny Marr, the Icicle Works and his dad's All-Starr Band over years in addition to recording sessions with dozens of other rock and reggae acts. Ahead of their upcoming farewell tour, guitarist Pete Townshend announced last month that 'After many years of great work on drums from Zak the time has come for a change. A poignant time. Zak has lots of new projects in hand and I wish him the best. Scott Devours who has worked with Roger's solo band will join The Who for our Final shows. Please welcome him.' The firing after a nearly 30-year run appeared to surprise Starkey, after reports that Daltrey was not happy with the drummer's performance at a March Royal Albert Hall gig, complaining from stage that Starkey's loud playing was throwing him off. Starkey was then seemingly re-hired just days after Townshend's original announcement, after what the guitarist and songwriter described as 'communication issues,' only to be re-fired on May 18. 'I was fired two weeks after reinstatement and asked to make a statement saying I had quit the who to pursue my other musical endevours this would be a lie. I love the who and would never had quit. So I didn't make the statement,' Starkey wrote after the second firing. 'Quitting the who would also have let down the countless amazing people who stood up for me (thank you all a million times over and more) thru the weeks of mayhem of me going 'in an out an in an out an in an out like a bleedin squeezebox x.' The Who will kick off the U.S. leg of their farewell tour on August 16 at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Classic Rock Drummer Claims He Wasn't Fired Twice But ‘Retired'
The saga of The Who firing, rehiring, and then re-firing Zak Starkey has taken another turn. Starkey, the 59-year-old son of Ringo Starr, had played drums with the classic rock icons for three decades, up until his dismissal in April. Starkey said he was "surprised and saddened" after getting fired, but Pete Townshend later posted on social media that Zak was back in the band and his departure was due to "communication issues." Except, fans got fooled again. Townshend posted on May 18 that the "time had come for a change," and that Zak was out. Scott Devours, drummer for vocalist Roger Daltrey's solo band, would handle drumming on The Who's forthcoming final North American tour. Now, Starkey says he wasn't fired. The band "retired" him. On May 26, the drummer posted a message to Instagram. "I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week, which truly confused both of us!!! Rog said I hadn't been 'fired'…I had been 'retired' to work on my own projects." "I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects," wrote Starkey, "that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course (usually 5/6 weeks)." "I was completely available for the foreseeable future," the drummer added. "Rog said 'Oh!' and we kind of left it there- On good terms and great friends as we have always been. Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say, 'The mind boggles!!!'" After the second firing on May 18, Starkey said he was "asked to make a statement saying I had quit The Who to pursue my other musical endeavors. This would be a lie. I love The Who and would never have quit. So I didn't make the statement." Quitting the who would also have let down the countless amazing people who stood up for me (thank you all a million times over and more) thru the weeks of mayhem of me going 'in an out an in an out an in an out like a bleedin squeezebox," he added. Related: Legendary Rock Band's New Drummer Speaks Out After Replacing Son Of Music Icon Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zak Starkey Now Says That He Was 'Retired' by The Who
The post Zak Starkey Now Says That He Was 'Retired' by The Who appeared first on Consequence. Usually, it's the employee that does the retiring, but in the case of Zak Starkey and The Who, it appears that the band 'retired' the drummer. Starkey has offered new insight into his recent firing, re-hiring, and re-firing from the legendary rock act, saying that singer Roger Daltrey insisted that Starkey wasn't 'fired,' but 'retired.' Get The Who Tickets Here In a new Instagram post on Monday (May 26th), Starkey noted that he had a confusing conversation with Daltrey at the end of last week. The drummer explained that it was not his decision to part ways with The Who ahead of the band's upcoming North American farewell tour, despite the singer's insistence on using the word 'retired.' His full post reads as follows: 'NOISE&CONFUSION!!!! I had a great phone chat with Roger at the end of last week which truly confused both of us!!! Rog said I hadn't been 'fired'…I had been 'retired' to work n my own projects. I explained to Rog that I have just spent nearly 8 weeks at my studio in Jamaica completing these projects, that my group Mantra Of The Cosmos was releasing one single at the beginning of June and after that had run its course ( usually 5/6 weeks ) I was completely available for the foreseeable future….Rog said 'Oh!' and we kind of left it there- On good terms and great friends as we have always been. Gotta love these guys. As my mum used to say 'The mind boggles!!!' XXX' As previously reported, Starkey was initially fired from The Who in April after the band experienced a few hiccups during its performance at the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit show at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He was then quickly reinstated, with guitarist Pete Townshend blaming 'communication issues' behind the firing. However, Starkey was then re-fired earlier this month, and replaced by Daltrey's solo drummer Scott Devours. The Who are set to embark on their absolute final North American tour from mid August through late September, with tickets available here. Among the support acts are Billy Idol, Feist, The Joe Perry Project, Billy Bob Thornton, and more. Popular Posts Billy Joel Diagnosed with Brain Disorder, Cancels All Upcoming Tour Dates The 30 Best Action Movie Stars of All Time, Ranked Freddie Mercury's Alleged Child Revealed in New Biography Is The Who's Farewell Tour in Turmoil? Zach Braff to Return for Scrubs Reboot Bruce Springsteen Cover Band's Jersey Shore Gig Canceled Because "Bruce Can't Keep His Mouth Shut" Subscribe to Consequence's email digest and get the latest breaking news in music, film, and television, tour updates, access to exclusive giveaways, and more straight to your inbox.
