Latest news with #ThomasMoore
Sky News
6 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Mounjaro: Why the wait for weight loss jabs on the NHS?
👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈 The "King Kong" of weight loss drugs, Mounjaro, should finally be available on the NHS. So, why are thousands of patients still waiting for a treatment that could transform their lives? Mounjaro was meant to be rolled out across the NHS in England from 23 June for those with the highest clinical need. However, a Sky News investigation has found it is only available in eight out of 42 NHS integrated care boards, prompting accusations of a "postcode lottery". Many providers will not make it available until autumn, while nearly half of NHS boards said they will cap the number of people they treat due to a lack of funding. Our science and medical correspondent, Thomas Moore, joins Niall Paterson on the Sky News Daily podcast as he investigates how the shortfall will cost the NHS and wider society. Gary, who weighs 25 stone (159kg) and has several obesity-related conditions, speaks to Thomas about the implications of being told Mounjaro is not available in his area.
Irish Independent
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Two waterside Wicklow land plots placed on market for combined €254,000
Named in honour of the ancient Irish bard Thomas Moore, who was inspired by the beauty of the Vale of Avoca to compose the classic ballads The Last Rose of Summer and The Meetings of The Waters, Moore's Meadow in Ballinacarrig Lower is a 4.54-acre property on an elevated position above the Avonbeg River. On the market for €199,000, the entirety of the field is screened by mostly mature native trees, with further indigenous trees also arching above the river. A spokesperson for O'Neill Flanagan said that the field has rich and fertile soil, making it 'ideal for the creation of an orchard or for those who wish to grow their own fruit trees, nut trees, vegetables and herbs or to grow willow trees for weaving'. Meanwhile, a one-acre plot of agricultural land in Kilbeg, Lacken, on the doorstep of Blessington Lakes has been placed on the market for €55,000. Boasting panoramic views of the lakes and the surrounding Wicklow countryside, the lands are being sold on an as-seen basis and not with the benefit of planning or subject to planning. 'This superb plot of land is ideally located between the picturesque villages of Ballyknockan and Lacken, nestled in the heart of County Wicklow,' a spokesperson for J.P. M. Doyle said. 'This rare offering boasts a truly idyllic location with a stunning backdrop.'
Extra.ie
05-07-2025
- Extra.ie
The Weekend Run with Liam Gaskin — A first class Wicklow run and a stark reminder on why biker safety is key
I take a road less travelled for this run. Everyone is familiar with the Wicklow Mountains, Blessington Lakes, and Powerscourt House in Enniskerry, and these routes are well-riden by Motorcyclists. However, in Wicklow, some places and roads are often neglected by bikers, drivers, and tourists. In contrast to the barren but beautiful Wicklow Mountains. I visit today the lush foothills of the Garden County. I start my run today in Kilbride, near Wicklow town and just off the N11. My first stop was Redcross, a name very familiar to N11 drivers, but I bet a town most have never visited. This is a sleepy little town, but it is renowned for its stud farms and riding schools in the area. Everyone is familiar with the Wicklow Mountains, Blessington Lakes, and Powerscourt House in Enniskerry, and these routes are well-riden by Motorcyclists. Pic: Supplied The road from Redcross to Avoca, my next stop, is not great. I'd give it 5 out of 10, but it does go through beautiful countryside. I headed to Avoca, which is famous for 'The Meeting of the Waters'. This is where the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers converge to form the Avoca River. The location was made famous by Thomas Moore's song and poem by the same name. I was foolishly misguided as I believed 'The Meeting of the Waters' was in the village of Avoca, which was wrong. I headed to Avoca, which is famous for 'The Meeting of the Waters'. Pic: Supplied You go over the bridge in Avoca heading to Woodenbridge, but instead of going left at the T-junction, go right for four clicks and voila, and you've arrived at 'The Meeting of the Waters'. In full flow, it is an incredible sight. The road from Avoca Village to the end of my run is first class, and for a biker, I would give it 8.5 out of 10. Now you have to track back on yourself to get to Woodenbridge. Set in the magnificent vale of Avoca, it is well known for one of the most beautiful golf courses in Ireland and Ireland's oldest hotel, the Woodenbridge Hotel and Lodge, established in 1608. They won a Gold Medal Hotel Award in 2024, so they continue to go strong. The road from Avoca Village to the end of my run is first class, and for a biker, I would give it 8.5 out of 10. Pic: Supplied Little known, a small, tranquil World War I Memorial Garden is in the centre of the town alongside the river. It commemorates the 1,215 Wicklow men and nine women who lost their lives in World War I. It is well worth a visit. Leaving Woodenbridge, I headed for Arklow, a large town with an interesting quay and harbour; otherwise, it's just another Irish town. My sights were set on the run to Brittas Bay, a four-kilometre stretch of golden beach, via the coast road. Leaving Woodenbridge, I headed to Arklow, a large town with an interesting quay and harbour. Pic: Supplied And what a road it was — narrow, with great twists and bends, ups and downs, an excellent biking route. Brittas Bay is famous among Dubliners who make the pilgrimage there religiously in the Summer when the Sun comes out, which isn't too often. I parked up and stretched my legs with a stroll on the beach before finishing the run at the infamous Jack White's food and drink emporium. Suppose you don't know why this pub is famous. Check it out online. Truth is stranger than fiction. Some fellow bikers stopped for refreshments in Jack Whites, which is very well known for its bar food and libations. Some fellow bikers stopped for refreshments in Jack Whites, which is very well known for its bar food and libations. Pic: Supplied As always, click this link to the Detecht map for the route of this run. Remember, when you open the map, enlarge it to see the details. Every discussion I hear on the radio, TV, and in the press regarding vulnerable road users correctly mentions pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters – but never motorcyclists. Yet the RSA statistics highlight the fact that motorcyclists are disproportionately represented in road deaths. RSA research analysed hospital data from 2019 to 2023, which found that 1,556 motorcyclists were hospitalised following road traffic collisions. Of these, almost a third sustained clinically serious injuries, which have a higher probability of long-term consequences for the casualty after the crash. RSA research analysed hospital data from 2019 to 2023, which found that 1,556 motorcyclists were hospitalised following road traffic collisions. Pic: Leah Farrell / In the first four months of 2025, ten motorcyclists have died on Irish roads. This is an increase from seven fatalities during the same period in 2024 and four in 2023. Between 2019 and 2023, 105 motorcyclists were killed, and 921 were seriously injured on Irish roads. Motorcyclists are over-represented in road collision statistics, accounting for less than 2% of licensed vehicles but 10% of road deaths. There is a common misconception that all motorcyclists are speedsters; that is patently untrue. In towns and cities all over Ireland, bikers use their bikes to commute to work, avoiding massive traffic jams and benefiting the environment by reducing emissions. Bikers who don't understand the dangers of riding motorbikes are few and far between. Pic: Damien Storan/Shutterstock The vast majority of big bikes are sold to responsible bikers who are aged over 40 and have a great sense of road safety. Many of us enjoy taking scenic rides on weekends. We also enjoy taking short and long tours around Ireland and Europe. Bikers who don't understand the dangers of riding motorbikes are few and far between. We all bid each other farewell with 'ride safe'. I genuinely don't know the answer to that question, but there are myriad reasons why these deaths happen. Yes, some of them are due to speeding, of course, but there is a lot more to it than that. Bikers don't dice with cars because they know they have the torque to draw away. Pic: ABD/Shutterstock Several years ago, I was stopped at a set of traffic lights as I came onto St. Stephen's Green. I was on a Honda Gold Wing, which is a very big bike, probably half the width of an average car. A driver came up behind me and ran into me. She shunted me forward, but fortunately, I had my front brake engaged, so I managed to keep the bike upright. When I asked the lady what she was doing, her response was: 'I didn't see you.' My response was: 'How could you not see me?' That is the most common excuse drivers give when they collide with a motorcycle. I read some research years ago that stated motorists have a mental black spot when it comes to motorcyclists. They genuinely don't see us. Consider the facts. Bikers refrain from using their phones while driving, unless they have a Bluetooth helmet. Bikers typically don't bother with their hair or makeup when riding. Bikers don't dice with cars because they know they have the torque to draw away. Every single biker I know will tell you that if you lose focus or concentration when riding, you're in trouble. Pic: Damien Storan/Shutterstock Whereas car drivers chat to friends and family who may be in their vehicles, bikers don't. We don't have heaters in winter to make us sleepy. Every single biker I know will tell you that if you lose focus or concentration when riding, you're in trouble. Unlike some motorists, we strive to be 100% aware of our surroundings at all times; yet, we sometimes still end up in accidents. Before I lead you to believe that all bikers are saints, let me reiterate that some bikers do speed. However, speeding cannot be responsible for all the deaths. Other road users need to accept some responsibility. I will always take the centre position in the lane I'm driving in, and yet occasionally a motorist or a trucker has tried to squeeze me into the kerb. This is incredibly dangerous, as we are driving a two-wheeled vehicle that requires delicate balance. Some of the best-trained motorcyclists, the Gardaí, have accidents. Pic: ABD/Shutterstock Some of the best-trained motorcyclists, the Gardaí, have accidents. I'm aware of a Motorbike Garda who was T-boned by a car and suffered some injuries and damage to his personal bike, and he has completed more advanced driving courses than I could dream of. Suppose we are not heard in the context of the road safety discussion if we are not seen by motorists. If we are not communicating the statistics around fatalities and injuries caused to motorcyclists, the stats will continue to grow. If we are not heard, we will never be seen. No matter how big or small your motorbike is, always maintain your position in the centre of the lane you're driving in. This will reduce the tendency for drivers to try to squeeze past you, possibly causing you to swerve out of the way. Approximately 127,000 bikers in 1,038 cities rode out to raise funds and awareness for men's mental health and prostate cancer. In May of this year, an event that began in Australia 14 years ago to support Movember raised an astounding €6.5 million for the cause. The Rome Riders. Ladies first, I see. Pic: Supplied In Ireland, 670 bikers from Cork, Clonmel, Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Tullamore and Westport raised over €100,000 for The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride. That is a lot of wonga in any man's language. Kildare were the most represented with 244 bikers registered to ride out. The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride has raised over €42 million since its inception in 2012. Movember has been the official charity partner of The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride since 2016. Both organisations share a simple goal: to bring people together and change the face of men's health. Funds raised by The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride help to power Movember's work across two of the most complex issues facing men around the globe: prostate cancer and mental health. A number of riders from the Netherlands and France took part. Pic: Supplied The concept is simple, I might add, distinguished gentlemen and ladies: Riding classic and vintage bikes, dressing in appropriate gentlemen's attire, and going for a fun run. Here's the wrap video from 2024. It features many triumphs that have supported the event for 12 years. It's a brilliant watch. I know one guy with a Harley Classic Soft Tail who would like this and has the wardrobe to suit. A number of riders from the Netherlands and France took part. Pic: Supplied To help motivate and focus participants' minds on the goal of fundraising as much as possible, the organisers and their sponsors put up some great prizes. A Triumph Bobber, CMSNL Moto GP VIP Experience, a Hedon & DGR 2025 Helmet and 10. Brett Eyewear Sunglasses. The recipients of the above are picked at random, I understand, but for the biggest fundraisers globally, there are three more Triumph Bobbers, 100 Hedon Helmets, and six exclusive MotoGP and World Superbikes VIP Experiences on behalf of CMSNL. And loads more. I know, I know, May is a little late for Movember, but would anyone in Ireland be chomping at the bit to ride out in November? No! If you're inclined to dress up and ride out to raise funds for Movember in May 2026, have a look here.
Sky News
26-06-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Why weight loss jabs might not be a wonder drug
👉 Listen to Sky News Daily on your podcast app 👈 Recent years have seen the advent of weight loss drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy. They work by suppressing users' appetites, leading to weight loss. They've been described as wonder drugs but now, new figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) show they may be associated with inflammation of the pancreas, which could lead to death. Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's science correspondent Thomas Moore about these new findings and how cautious they should make us. We also hear from Lorna, a mother who got acute pancreatitis while she was on a weight loss drug - she believes the drugs are not worth the risks.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
ABRDN EQUITY INCOME TRUST: UK has never looked so good
Few investment trusts are currently in expansion mode, but Abrdn Equity Income is quite an exception. On the back of some good returns over the past year, the £170 million trust recently issued 175,000 new shares, raising more than £600,000 in the process – money that was gleefully invested in the UK stock market by manager Thomas Moore. For Moore, who has been at the trust's helm for more than 13 years, the successful share issue reflects the fact that investors are 'looking at the UK stock market again'. 'As a manager, I'm licking my lips,' he says. 'The market is in a sweet spot after years of shrinkage in the cohort of investors prepared to buy UK shares.' He also believes the trust's mix of high dividend yield (6.4 per cent per annum) and strong share price gains is proving a compelling choice for many investors. 'We're delivering a winning formula, comprising a mix of income and capital growth,' he adds. The numbers are appealing. Over the past year, the London-listed trust has generated a total return of 24.2 per cent – in excess of both the FTSE 100 (up 8.5 per cent) and the broader FTSE All-Share Index (7.9 per cent). It has also outperformed the average for its UK equity income peer group of 13.6 per cent. Alongside this, the trust has a 24-year track record of annual dividend growth. In the last financial year (to the end of September), it paid quarterly dividends totalling 22.9p a share. So far this year it has declared two dividends, each worth 5.7p a share, with the second payment to be made at the end of this month. To put these payments into perspective, the shares are worth around £3.56. To complete the rather glossy picture, the shares trade at a small premium to the value of the trust's assets – the shares of most investment trusts stand at a discount to the value of their underlying assets. Moore is very much an investor who goes in search of cheap UK shares which provide an attractive dividend yield. 'I'm not worried about buying cheap shares,' he says. 'I stay close to the companies we invest in.' He says there are plenty of good value companies around, 'throwing off lots of cash' which can be used in part to fund dividends – or share buy-backs. It means the trust's 50-strong portfolio comprises the likes of investment house M&G, insurer L&G and tobacco giant British American Tobacco with compelling yields – 7.9, 8.5 and 6.6 per cent respectively. Moore says that at the moment he is able to find attractively priced shares with good yields from right across the UK stock market – among both the FTSE 100 as well as smaller companies. One of his favourite portfolio stocks is airline Easyjet. Although the dividend yield is modest at just over 2 per cent, he is convinced that the company has the potential to double its earnings. Once the company's investment in new and bigger planes is complete, in the process boosting earnings, he believes that more money will be diverted towards paying dividends and completing share buy-backs. 'Both historically and when compared to rivals, such as Ryanair, its shares look cheap,' adds Moore. Although Moore is pleased with the way the trust is performing, he is 'not counting his chickens'. He says: 'For now we're in a good spot, but we have to be mindful of the challenging macroeconomic backdrop and the potential for disruption in the bond markets.' The trust's stock market identification number is 0603959 and the ticker AEI. Annual charges total 0.86 per cent.
