Latest news with #Ronan
Irish Independent
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Dylan Keating puts rollercoaster behind him to top South of Ireland qualifiers at Lahinch
While his famous uncle Ronan, the Boyzone star who had a No 1 hit with Life Is a Rollercoaster, is the best known member of the Keating clan, the 23-year-old Drogheda man wants to make waves of his own in the amateur game after a few tough years. 'I felt like I was kind of under-performing there for a long time, and to come back home playing well this year, not that I expected to shoot a score like that, it was nice,' he said after adding a four under 68 to his opening 69 to top the 64 qualifiers for the matchplay by a shot on seven under. His four years at the University of Louisiana Lafayette were not always a smooth ride and he admits he considered quitting golf as he struggled with all aspects of his game before turning things around. 'I wouldn't be shy to say it's been a tough last few years," he said. 'I was in Houston last year playing an event, and I said to Mum and Dad, I think that's it for me in golf. 'Just mentally, I was struggling. I wasn't keeping the ball on the planet. My iron play was bad, my driver was terrible, and even my putting left me for a while. 'When I'm home and comfortable, I think that's what brings out the best of me, and that's probably why I struggled in America, just being homesick constantly.' The former Boys international harboured dreams of turning professional for a while but he's put those plans on hold for now and while he admits it's 'a stretch' he's hoping to win some big amateur events and get himself on the selectors' radar for next year's Walker Cup at Lahinch. 'I don't know if it's possible, but if I win a couple of these, I might have a chance,' he ventured. Set to face former champion Sean Desmond from Douglas in Friday's first round, he added: 'I've made the matchplay every year for the past few years and been knocked out in the first round. 'But I think my game is in a much different place, and mentally, I'm a lot different now and ready to give tomorrow a good run for a few days and be here on Sunday.' Dooks' Conor Hickey shot a sparkling 65, Tralee's Mark Gazi a 67, Ballybofey and Stranoloar's Ryan Griffin a 68 and Royal Dublin's Sean Downes a 72 to finish tied for second as just seven of the 14 players on two-over made the top 64 who qualified for the matchplay. It was also an important day for Fota Island's David Howard, the East of Ireland champion, who needed to make the matchplay to keep alive his hopes of winning an automatic Order off Merit spot in the Irish team for next month's Home Internationals at Woodhall Spa. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more After opening with a 75, Howard was five over for the championship with six holes to play but covered them in four-under and shot 70 to make the matchplay with a shot to spare on one-over. While Roscommon's Irish international Thomas Higgins missed the cut, all the big guns made the matchplay. Former Boys international Gazi (19), who is at Northwestern University in Chicago, made eight birdies in his 67 in just his second South of Ireland appearance. 'I've done a lot of match play, especially playing Boys Home internationals,' said Gazi, who is travelling with Tralee's Darren O'Sullivan (35), who shot a sparkling 67 to qualify in sixth place on five-under. 'Whoever you are playing, you've just goto to beat the man and make sure you do that. It doesn't matter how you do it, once you do.' Former winners Caolan Rafferty and Colm Campbell made it with ease while veterans such as Douglas' Karl Bornemann, Adare Manor's Pat Murray and Galway's Joe Lyons also came through. Hickey, who was joint second on six-under, was delighted to make it after making life tough for himself after an opening 73. 'It was a pretty big improvement over yesterday, anyway,' the 24-year-old said after a round featuring seven birdies and an eagle three at the fourth. 'I hit a few nice shots coming in and birdied the 16th and 18th Hopefully I am not out at the crack of dawn.' Pierse Motor Group South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, Lahinch (Par 72) Matchplay draw Round one 7:00 Dylan Keating v Seán Desmond; 7:09 Eoin Magill v Benjamin Oberholzer; 7:18 Caolan Rafferty v Patrick Curran; 7:27 Jamie Butler v Joe O'Neill; 7:36 Adam Buchanan v Barry O'Connell; 7:45 Conor Clarke v Jordan Hood; 7:54 David Kitt v Robert Abernethy; 8:03 Charlie Cooley v David Reddan; 8:12 Ryan Griffin v Ross Latimer; 8:21 Eoin O'Carroll v Andrew McCormack; 8:30 Keith Egan v Dylan Holmes; 8:39 Niall Hearns v Jake Foley; 8:48 Sean Downes v Luke O'Neill; 8:57 Eoin Sullivan v Fionn Dobbin; 9:06 Jake Whelan v Jason Rackard; 9:15 Adam Smith v David Lally; 9:24 Conor Hickey v Joe Lyons; 9:33 Ben Cahill v Sean Barry; 9:42 Stephen Loftus v James Maginn; 9:51 Gavin O'Neill v Jonathan Keane; 10:00 Conor Stapleton v Tony Scroope ; 10:09 Richard Sykes v Graham Donohoe; 10:18 Paul O'Hanlon v James Walsh; 10:27 Colm Campbell v Karl Bornemann; 10:36 Mark Gazi v Thomas Abom; 10:45 Jamie Sutherland v Colin Woodroofe; 10:54 Jordan Boles v Darcy Hogg; 11:03 Ross McCormack v David Howard; 11:12 Darren O'Sullivan v Liam Abom; 11:21 TJ Ford v Joshua Hill; 11:30 Quentin Carew v Barry Howlin; 11:39 Mark Cadden v Pat Murray. Qualifiers 137 Dylan Keating (Seapoint) 69 68 (leading qualifier); 138 Conor Hickey (Dooks) 73 65, Mark Gazi (Tralee) 71 67, Ryan Griffin (Ballybofey & Stranorlar) 70 68, Sean Downes (Royal Dublin) 66 72; 139 Darren O'Sullivan (Tralee) 72 67, Conor Stapleton (Westport) 67 72, Adam Buchanan (Royal Portrush) 66 73; 140 David Kitt (Athenry) 71 69, Paul O'Hanlon (Carton House) 70 70, Quentin Carew (Castleknock)) 67 73; 141 Jake Whelan (Grange) 70 71, Keith Egan (Carton House) 70 71, Jordan Boles (Charleville) 69 72, Stephen Loftus (Lahinch) 69 72, Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) 69 72; 142 Jamie Butler (Naas) 74 68, Gavin O'Neill (Malahide) 73 69, Ross McCormack (Palmerstown House Estate )72 70, Niall Hearns (Mountrath) 71 71, Adam Smith (Mullingar) 70 72, Mark Cadden (Roganstown) 69 73; 143 Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint) 75 68, Charlie Cooley (Belvoir Park) 75 68, Conor Clark (Balmoral) 74 69, Richard Sykes (Dun Laoghaire) 73 70, TJ Ford (Co Sligo) 72 71, Eoin Sullivan (Portmarnock) 72 71, Eoin O'Carroll (St Anne's) 71 72, Jamie Sutherlan (Galgorm Castle) 71 72, Ben Cahill (Dundalk) 71 72, Eoin Magill (East Clare) 70 73, Benjamin Oberholzer (Clandeboye) 69 74; 144 Sean Barry (Fota Island) 75 69, Colin Woodroofe (Dun Laoghaire) 75 69, Andrew McCormack (Castletroy) 74 70, Fionn Dobbin (Malone) 74 70, Joshua Hill (Galgorm Castle) 73 71, Graham Donohoe (Enniscorthy) 73 71, Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle) 72 72, David Reddan (Castle(Knock)) 72 72, Karl Bornemann (Douglas) 72 72, Pat Murray (Adare Manor) 71 73, David Lally (Blainroe) 70 74; 145 Jake Foley (Elm Park) 76 69, David Howard (Fota Island) 75 70, Jonathan Keane (Lahinch) 75 70, Joe O'Neill Berehaven 74 71, Patrick Curran (Edmondstown) 73 72, James Maginn (Mourne) 73 72, Darcy Hogg (Belvoir Park) 73 72, Dylan Holmes (Greystones) 73 72, Jason Rackard (Bunclody) 72 73, Barry Howlin (The Heritage) 72 73, James Walsh (Douglas) 71 74, Robert Abernethy (Dun Laoghaire) 70 75, Barry O'Connell (Douglas) 70 75; 146 Tony Scroope (Nenagh) 75 71, Liam Abom (Edmondstown) 75 71, Luke O'Neill (Connemara) 74 72, Ross Latimer (Knock) 74 72, Thomas Abom (Edmondstown) 73 73, Joe Lyons (Galway) 73 73, Seán Desmond (Monkstown) 73 73. Non qualifiers 146 Darragh Flynn (Carton House) 72 74, Luke Cunningham (Galway Bay) 72 74, Ian O'Connell (Castleknock)) 72 74, Cathal MacCanna (Carton House) 72 74, Thomas Higgins (Roscommon) 72 74, John McCarthy (Grange) 71 75, Luke Kelly (Dunfanaghy) 69 77; 147 Andrew Gavin (Black Bush) 77 70, Morgan Cain (Cork) 76 71, Steven Gormley (Blainroe) 75 72, Thomas O'Connor (Athlone) 74 73, Ciaran Murphy (Grange) 73 74, Morgan Crowe (Elm Park) 73 74, Harry Gillivan (Portmarnock) 72 75, Charlie McDonnell (Concra Wood) 71 76; 148 Morgan O'Sullivan (Ballyneety) 75 73, Adam Challoner (Galway Bay) 75 73, Alan Fahy (Dun Laoghaire) 75 73, Rían Carvill (Warrenpoint) 73 75, James Marriott (West Surrey) 72 76; 149 Rory McConnell (Belvoir Park) 77 72, Aaron Naughton (Hermitage) 77 72, David Kelly (Millicent) 76 73, Padraig O Dochartaigh (Gweedore) 75 74, Paul Coughlan (Castleknock)) 75 74, Cian Poland (Elm Park) 75 74, Senan Carroll (Ballybunion) 74 75, David Shiel (Enniscrone) 74 75, Adam Allahbachani (Powerscourt) 73 76, Gary Collins (Rosslare) 73 76, Darren McCormack (Corrstown) 71 78, John Dillon (Lahinch) 71 78, Robbie Cannon (Balbriggan) 70 79; 150 Niall Conneely (Ballinasloe) 79 71, Sean Flanagan (Portmarnock) 78 72, Jonathan Kelly (Athy) 77 73, Jack McDonnell (Royal Dublin) 77 73, Shea Dorman (Bangor) 76 74, Jack Murphy (Douglas 76 74, Evan Monaghan (Tullamore) 75 75, Kevin Robinson (Castlewarden) 74 76, Colum Kenny (Portmarnock) 73 77; 151 Dan Byrne (The Els Club Dubai) 80 71, Cian O'Connor (Roscommon) 77 74, Danny Lyne (Lahinch) 74 77, Matthew Giles (Greenore) 73 78; 152 Jamie Larkin (Palmerstown) 79 73, William Josh Nicholl (Galgorm Castle) 78 74, Jamal Sabir (Moate) 77 75; 153 Adrian Hiney (Moate) 80 73, Samuel Gammell (Naas) 77 76, Andrew Barker (Corrstown) 76 77; 154 Eoin Murphy (Dundalk) 81 73, Conor McCarthy (Headfort) 80 74, Niels Knudsen (Lyngbygaard, Den) 80 74, Ryan Lyons (Blarney) 80 74, Mikie Grealy (Galway Bay) 78 76, Aodhagan Brady (Co Sligo) 75 79; 155 Cathal Penney (Athenry) 80 75, Seán McLoughlin (Co Sligo) 80 75, Peter Sheehan (Ballybunion) 78 77, Calum Ward (Carton House) 78 77, Julius Sommer (Zurich, SUI) 77 78, Sean Gallagher (Castleknock)) 77 78, Lucas Lyons (Limerick) 77 78; 156 Neil Patterson (Baltinglass) 81 75, Jack Doherty (Carton House) 80 76, Brian Thompson (Olympic Club, US) 80 76, Ciaran Gregan (Forrest Little) 79 77, Brian Doran (Millicent) 79 77, Lorcan O'Connor (Edmondstown) 78 78, Luke Furlong (Wexford) 78 78, Sean Murphy (Grange) 77 79; 157 David O'Malley (Black Bush) 85 72, Darren Kelleher (Blarney) 80 77, Robert Walsh (Douglas) 80 77, Greg O'Mahony (Fota Island) 77 80; 158 Luke O'Dwyer (Forrest Little) 83 75, Aaron McNulty (Lahinch) 80 78 159 Conor Dean (Dun Laoghaire) 80 79; 160 Sam Kelly (The Island) 79 81; 162 Cole Haygood (Heathrow) 83 79, Ryan Murray (Balmoral) 80 82 163 Dylan Harbourne (Grange) 81 82, Robert Galligan (Elm Park) 80 83, Eoin Rogers Killeen Castle 77 86.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Young Limerick parents overwhelmed as community raises thousands for newborn's surgery abroad
Baby Ronan, son of Leah Kelly and Daire Ó Conchúir from Creeves, was diagnosed with Bladder Exstrophy, a serious condition that will require multiple surgeries both now and in the years to come. As his family prepares for his main surgery in Manchester later this year, friends, family and neighbours are stepping up to help via a popular GoFundMe and local events. "We are reaching out as a club, a community and a family to support one of our own," said a spokesperson for the local soccer club. "As a newborn he has already shown incredible strength and resilience, but his journey is just beginning." Leah and Darragh, parents to two boys, are both beloved members of their local soccer club, Creeves Celtic FC, and now their teammates are aiming to return that dedication in kind. "Both Leah and Darragh are much loved members of our soccer club, dedicated players, teammates and friends. We want to show them that they are not alone," the club spokesperson added. Ronan's treatment will mean a prolonged stay in Manchester of six to eight weeks, placing a financial strain on his young family. "This GoFundMe has been set up to help ease the financial pressure they are under, covering travel to specialist hospitals, time off work and accommodation costs," the campaign statement reads. "Any donation, no matter the size, will be greatly appreciated. Every euro donated is a show of support for this young family and a step toward helping Baby Ronan get the care he needs and deserves.' Other efforts to help the family-of-four include a Shaveathon on Saturday, July 26 in Strand Bar Newcastle West. ADVERTISEMENT Brave volunteers will get their heads shaved or legs waxed in support of baby Ronan and supporters will enjoy a DJ set and raffle with 'amazing' spot prizes. On Sunday, August 3, Creeves Celtic FC are also hosting a special soccer fundraiser at the Thatch, Newbridge along with a raffle. 'We are inviting all our past and present men's and ladies players, as well as the wider soccer community to lace up your boots and join us for a great cause. Everyone is welcome, whether you are playing or cheering on from the sidelines,' said a spokesperson for the club.
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Lotto players in Galway urged to check tickets as almost €315,000 won in latest draw
One person matched five numbers and the bonus in the main draw last night, winning €314,850 and becoming Ireland's newest 'big winner'. The Quick Pick ticket was purchased from XL in Laurel Park, Newcastle in Co Galway on July 13. The winning numbers were 3, 5, 6, 23, 41, 42 and the bonus was 12. A jackpot prize worth almost €12 million in total has not yet been won. "What a fantastic night for one player in Galway who has claimed a life-changing €314,850 after matching 5 numbers and the bonus in last night's main Lotto draw,' said National Lottery spokesperson Darragh O'Dwyer. "If you bought your ticket in Galway, now's the time to double-check, you could be Ireland's newest big winner.' Players have been urged to check their tickets carefully and to contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange the collection of their winnings. It comes as the lucky family syndicate who won the life changing €250 million Euromillions jackpot claimed their prize this week. The gigantic win all began with a simple errand when one family member had an appointment in Cork city and stopped into Clifford's Centra on Shandon Street to pick up a few messages. 'I saw the sign at the till that the EuroMillions jackpot was €250 million," the family member said. 'Although I'm a regular player, I hadn't bought a ticket for the last two draws. I picked one up and, honestly, didn't think much of it. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more I was watching the Nine O'Clock News and saw that someone in Ireland had the winning EuroMillions ticket. So, naturally, I got my ticket and scanned it on the National Lottery app, and a message popped up: 'You've won big, contact the National Lottery'. "Obviously, this wasn't a message that I was used to seeing, so I must have checked it four more times, I just couldn't believe my eyes.' The man ran upstairs to his wife, who had just gone to bed, to wake her up and share the news. "We both checked the numbers multiple times on the website. We sat at the edge of the bed, saying 'Oh my God' over and over – I reckon we said it about 50 times. We were in total shock, complete disbelief,' the man said. 'As you can imagine, sleep was out of the question that night." The couple set an alarm for early the following morning to call the National Lottery. After getting through to the claims team and a few tense minutes on hold, it was confirmed they were officially the winners of €250 million. 'Those few minutes felt like the longest of my life," one of the winners said. 'When Ronan from the claims team confirmed we were the outright winner, needless to say, we were in total shock all over again," they added. The winners said they plan on first going on a family holiday and will also use their windfall to support their wider family members, including children, grandchildren, close friends, and several charities that are close to their hearts.
USA Today
18-07-2025
- Health
- USA Today
Transform the Post-Pregnancy Body with Blackhawk's Mommy Makeover in Danville
Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa has launched a fresh approach to cosmetic surgical treatments, emphasizing personalized care and the latest medical practices. A highlight of this initiative is the Mommy Makeover at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery in Danville. This makeover combines several cosmetic procedures to help individuals regain their pre-pregnancy body. The goal is to provide personalized experiences and results for individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements. The Mommy Makeover at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery in Danville includes several body and facial treatments. Options such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and liposuction are available. These procedures are designed to address various changes that occur after childbirth. This package offers a comprehensive way to reach one's aesthetic goals. Dr. Stephen J. Ronan, the founding surgeon, emphasizes the importance of these treatments in boosting self-confidence and overall well-being. The practice is committed to high standards of care and patient safety. This new offering demonstrates their dedication to meeting each patient's unique needs through the use of advanced techniques and equipment. With recent advancements in technology and surgical procedures, they provide services that meet modern expectations for cosmetic results. Dr. Ronan explained, 'Our aim is to provide personalized and effective treatments that meet the unique needs of every individual. The Mommy Makeover at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery in Danville combines multiple procedures to offer transformative results.' For more information about these procedures, please visit the company's website. This new service addresses common body changes that occur after pregnancy, with a focus on safety and efficiency. The experts at the facility ensure a thorough consultation process, matching each plan to the patient's desires and needs. Patients participate in discussions about what to expect and the options available, with professional guidance during their transformation. Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is recognized for its meticulous care approach, which includes pre-surgery consultations and follow-up visits to monitor progress and ensure optimal outcomes. This comprehensive method underscores their commitment to patient satisfaction and high medical standards. The staff at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa includes highly trained professionals with many certifications. They adhere to strict safety measures to ensure positive experiences for their patients. This standard of care is vital for building trust and maintaining a strong reputation in the field of cosmetic surgery. Additionally, the medspa section offers many non-surgical treatments alongside surgical procedures. These services include skin care, laser treatments, and other rejuvenating options, supporting a well-rounded approach to beauty and wellness. Dr. Ronan added, 'We aim to provide a wide range of services so each patient can select what fits their needs and lifestyle best. Our mix of surgical and non-surgical options embodies a holistic approach.' Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa remains committed to integrating patient-centered care with the latest advancements in cosmetic surgery. This ensures every patient receives focused treatment that meets today's standards and their personal expectations. For those interested in learning more about the full range of services, including the Mommy Makeover at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery in Danville, exploring options through their website or booking a consultation is encouraged. They combine new medical techniques with patient-focused care innovations, resulting in improved satisfaction and outcomes. As the desire for personalized cosmetic treatments grows, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa continues to be a leader by offering customized, effective solutions that address the evolving needs of its clients.
Irish Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Winners of Ireland's record €250m EuroMillions lottery jackpot revealed to be family syndicate
IT has been revealed that the winners of Ireland's largest-ever National Lottery win of €250m are a family syndicate. Last month, a ticket in Ireland was the sole winner of the eye-watering EuroMillions jackpot, which eclipsed the country's previous largest win of the €175m from February 2019. But despite the life-changing sum, one member of the syndicate quipped: "I'll still be having my favourite ham and cheese sambo for lunch every day!" 'You've won big' The family, who wish to remain anonymous, told the National Lottery that the winning ticket was bought in Clifford's Centra on Shandon Street in Cork by one member who popped in for a few messages. The ticket holder said that despite failing to buy a ticket for the previous two draws, he decided to buy one after seeing signs for the huge jackpot. "I picked one up and honestly, didn't think much of it," he said. "I was watching the Nine O'Clock News and saw that someone in Ireland had the winning EuroMillions ticket. "So naturally, I got my ticket and scanned it on the National Lottery app, and a message popped up — 'You've won big, contact the National Lottery'. "Obviously, this wasn't a message that I was used to seeing, so I must have checked it four more times, I just couldn't believe my eyes." The man told his wife and the couple had a sleepless night before calling the Claims Team the following morning, who took a few minutes to confirm they were the winners. "Those few minutes felt like the longest of my life," the winner recalled. "When Ronan from the Claims Team confirmed we were the outright winner, needless to say, we were in total shock all over again." 'You can buy it now' The winners have been moving forward slowly but steadily, taking each step at their own pace as they adjust to their new reality. In the short term, they are planning a family holiday but also want to purchase holiday homes in the sun, although they plan to remain living in Ireland. They also want to buy homes for their children as well as support family, friends and charities. There are no plans for any outrageous purchases just yet — aside maybe from an extra ham and cheese sandwich. However, one member of the family has revealed he can finally fulfil a dream of owning a Rolex watch. "I went window shopping last week just to have a look and couldn't believe the price tag of some of the watches," he said. "When I phoned my wife to tell her, she said, 'Sure you can buy them now if you want!'" See More: Centra, Euromillions, National Lottery
