Latest news with #TonyGallagher
Sky News
a day ago
- General
- Sky News
Madeleine McCann: New search under way brings fresh hope - but there are big unanswered questions
Dense shrubs, empty barns, disused wells and dirt tracks - the police here have got their work cut out if they're to find evidence relating to Madeleine McCann's disappearance. At 6am, before police cordons were put up, we spoke with an officer - a balaclava covering his face - manning one of the forensic tents. "It's a large area," he told me. "A different place will be searched each day." Gusty winds blow up dust on the dirt tracks. The land is used by dog walkers and hikers, and is sparsely populated. But as the crow flies, it's only a mile or so from where the three-year-old was last seen while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz in 2007. As we stood by the police van, out for his morning run was Tony Gallagher, a Brit who has lived within this new search area for 20 years. He remembers when it all happened. "I know for a fact that they searched up here 20 years ago," he said. "I'm not sure what they're hoping to find, because even locals were searching." It's one of the big unanswered questions: Just what intelligence is this latest search based on? Has someone come forward? "It feels strange, you know," Tony adds. "I think it will be for the people in Praia da Luz... because it had a whole negative impact there 20 years ago in terms of business and tourists coming and everything. "And I hope for the locals that doesn't happen again." 1:25 At 9am, two vans and three cars arrived - all with German number plates. Inside, police - some in camouflage uniforms - were ready to begin the search. Police in Germany had asked officials in Portugal for access back in April, so this has been in the planning for weeks. Madeleine's disappearance is one of the most high-profile missing-person investigations in the world. It's why every new search brings the world's media. At one point, more than 20 journalists were broadcasting live alongside us, lining the road opposite the police. While this new search brings fresh hope, journalists and, more importantly, Kate and Gerry McCann have been here before, many times. Around two years ago, a dam about 45 minutes from here was searched, but nothing was found. In May, on the anniversary of these tragic events, her parents said they will leave "no stone unturned" in the search for their daughter. Eighteen years on, it is a poignant moment - Madeleine would have turned 22 last month.
Sky News
a day ago
- General
- Sky News
Madeleine McCann: New search brings fresh hope - but there are big unanswered questions
Dense shrubs, empty barns, disused wells and dirt tracks - the police here have got their work cut out if they're to find evidence relating to Madeleine McCann's disappearance. At 6am, before police cordons were put up, we spoke with an officer - a balaclava covering his face - manning one of the forensic tents. "It's a large area," he told me. "A different place will be searched each day." Gusty winds blow up dust on the dirt tracks. The land is used by dog walkers and hikers, and is sparsely populated. But as the crow flies, it's only a mile or so from where the three-year-old was last seen while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz in 2007. As we stood by the police van, out for his morning run was Tony Gallagher, a Brit who has lived within this new search area for 20 years. He remembers when it all happened. "I know for a fact that they searched up here 20 years ago," he said. "I'm not sure what they're hoping to find, because even locals were searching." It's one of the big unanswered questions: Just what intelligence is this latest search based on? Has someone come forward? "It feels strange, you know," Tony adds. "I think it will be for the people in Praia da Luz... because it had a whole negative impact there 20 years ago in terms of business and tourists coming and everything. "And I hope for the locals that doesn't happen again." 1:25 At 9am, two vans and three cars arrived - all with German number plates. Inside, police - some in camouflage uniforms - were ready to begin the search. Police in Germany had asked officials in Portugal for access back in April, so this has been in the planning for weeks. Madeleine's disappearance is one of the most high-profile missing-person investigations in the world. It's why every new search brings the world's media. At one point, more than 20 journalists were broadcasting live alongside us, lining the road opposite the police. While this new search brings fresh hope, journalists and, more importantly, Kate and Gerry McCann have been here before, many times. Around two years ago, a dam about 45 minutes from here was searched, but nothing was found. In May, on the anniversary of these tragic events, her parents said they will leave "no stone unturned" in the search for their daughter. Eighteen years on, it is a poignant moment - Madeleine would have turned 22 last month.
Sky News
a day ago
- General
- Sky News
New search for Madeleine McCann brings fresh hope - but there are big unanswered questions
Dense shrubs, empty barns, disused wells and dirt tracks - the police here have got their work cut out if they're to find evidence relating to Madeleine McCann's disappearance. At 6am, before police cordons were put up, we spoke with an officer - a balaclava covering his face - manning one of the forensic tents. "It's a large area," he told me. "A different place will be searched each day." Gusty winds blow up dust on the dirt tracks. The land is used by dog walkers and hikers, and is sparsely populated. But as the crow flies, it's only a mile or so from where the three-year-old was last seen while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz in 2007. As we stood by the police van, out for his morning run was Tony Gallagher, a Brit who has lived within this new search area for 20 years. He remembers when it all happened. "I know for a fact that they searched up here 20 years ago," he said. "I'm not sure what they're hoping to find, because even locals were searching." It's one of the big unanswered questions: Just what intelligence is this latest search based on? Has someone come forward? "It feels strange, you know," Tony adds. "I think it will be for the people in Praia da Luz... because it had a whole negative impact there 20 years ago in terms of business and tourists coming and everything. "And I hope for the locals that doesn't happen again." 1:25 At 9am, two vans and three cars arrived - all with German number plates. Inside, police - some in camouflage uniforms - were ready to begin the search. Police in Germany had asked officials in Portugal for access back in April, so this has been in the planning for weeks. Madeleine's disappearance is one of the most high-profile missing-person investigations in the world. It's why every new search brings the world's media. At one point, more than 20 journalists were broadcasting live alongside us, lining the road opposite the police. While this new search brings fresh hope, journalists and, more importantly, Kate and Gerry McCann have been here before, many times. Around two years ago, a dam about 45 minutes from here was searched, but nothing was found. In May, on the anniversary of these tragic events, her parents said they will leave "no stone unturned" in the search for their daughter. Eighteen years on, it is a poignant moment - Madeleine would have turned 22 last month.
Irish Examiner
06-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
East Cork: All aboard for a voyage on a tide that lifts all spirits
There are few more stimulating experiences for the human spirit than the softness of a cool breeze, combined with the salty aroma of the sea, the glinting of sunshine on friendly waters and the comfort of good company. Youghal's Blackwater River Cruises delivers all that and much more. This summer marks the 26th year of Ardmore native Tony Gallagher ferrying passengers aboard his 28ft half-decker craft — the Maeve Óg. Formerly a ferry to Kerry's dolphin, Fungi and licensed for twelve passengers, the boat departs Nealon's Quay (adjacent to Youghal tourist office), seven days weekly. Departures are timed according to bookings. As the craft inches towards the open river, the emerald hills of Monatrea across the divide contrasts magnificently with the blue of the water. With Tony's loyal daschund-chihuahua cross Scuba (Inspired by 'Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus') on lookout, ahead lies a 90-minute round trip through a landscape tangled in coils of Anglo-Irish history. It's a journey rich in serenity and sublime scenery, in a place deeply steeped in local, national and international history and a place that echoes Medieval royalty, swashbuckling romance and self-serving treachery. Tony, a former thespian, lends his voice to onboard commentary. 'Our first pause is at the site of the former Youghal bridge', he begins. (A bridge where bus passengers once had to walk across and transfer to another bus, due to its instability!) Soon afterwards, Templemichael and its ruined castle, built by the Fitzgeralds in the 16th century, rises poignantly above a church ruin and an overgrown graveyard. It is also commonly held, however, that the castle actually dates to the 12th century and was a Knights Templar fortress during the Norman invasion. Midway between the river banks, the mood can be one of disconnect from everyday life, as the early 6th century Molana Abbey slides into view. The Christian monks came from Ardmore after St. Declan and settled there', Tony informs. Founded by a disciple of St. Carthage, in 1510 the abbey fell into the hands of James Fitzgerald, 14th Earl of Desmond, before being seized by the Crown and desecrated during the Desmond Rebellions 30 years later. The remains of the Strongbow knight Raymond Le Gros are reportedly buried there. Nearby sits sumptuous Ballinatray House. Built in the late 18th century and the ancestral home of the Holroyd-Smiths, it overlooks 850 acres of stunning terrain. Christy Moore, who enjoyed his trip on the Maeve Óg. The stately home is presently owned by multi-millionaire business magnate James Dyson and, while undergoing prolonged renovation, is wrapped in builders' cladding. Those whose interest is more wildlife than past life, may recognise herons, egrets, cormorants and, on lucky occasions, a white tailed eagle. Spying on their prey from the branches of oak, larch and beech, these winged wonders feed on such fulsome fare as salmon, trout and bass. Sometimes a busy otter may be espied doing likewise. Tony's on-board spiel invokes these surrounds and amongst past passengers to look and listen have been actor Dominic West, who, somewhat ironically, played Prince Charles in The Crown TV series. Writer and broadcaster Fergal Keane (sometimes with a TV crew), journalist Patrick Coburn, members of the Jameson family and singers John Spillane and Christy Moore have also frequently boarded. For some, the cruise transcends history or conservation. 'I think people find a boat trip therapeutic', Tony reflects. 'Sometimes someone is nervous or stressed going on the water. Then, 90 minutes later, you see them relaxed and smiling when they are leaving. It's like their mood changed by merging with the flow of the water. It's wonderful to see.' Inquiries: Youghal Tourist Office (024) 20270. Bookings: From April to late October on 087-988 9076. e-mail: Tonygallagherardmore@ Web: The Maeve Óg is also available for private hire, including longer journeys upriver, on a chartered basis.
BBC News
13-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Sheffield shop says Clean Air Zone has forced them to relocate
The owners of a shop said they have been forced to relocate their business after the introduction of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) "killed" their Yorkshire Decorators Centre has been based on West Bar in Sheffield for 22 years, but has lost £50,000 in takings and regular customers since the low-emissions scheme was CAZ restrictions in the city centre and inner ring road, the most polluting vehicles, including HGVs, buses, coaches, motorhomes and vans are charged to enter the shop's director, Tony Gallagher, said a number of traffic schemes had impacted on footfall and led to the decision to move to new premises in Darnall. He also cited the loss of convenient parking since the construction of the nearby Dutch-style said the business "would not survive" if it remained in its present location as many of its customers were traders with older vans, who were liable to pay the CAZ charge of £10 per Gallagher's co-director, Laura Whiting, said the fee was often more than the price of the goods the decorators visited the shop to buy."Why would you want to pay £10 to just come and pick up a tin of paint, a roller sleeve, or a paintbrush? Obviously, they're going to take their business elsewhere," she Gallagher said customers were often self-employed and could not afford to upgrade their vans to cleaner City Council has run a scheme offering grants for vehicle upgrades, but funding comes to an end in Gallagher said that though he supported the aims of the CAZ, he was not convinced it had reduced pollution around the city as a whole."These tradesmen with vans are now going around the city, so all that air they're expelling from the centre is going to the residential areas around Sheffield - I think it's counter-productive."He claimed there had been "no communication" between his business and the council about the Ben Miskell, chair of the transport, regeneration and climate policy committee, said: "Consumer behaviour continues to change post-pandemic, and businesses, like Yorkshire Decorating Centre, will make their own commercial decisions about where to base themselves."We've been monitoring vehicle movements following the launch of the CAZ and there hasn't been a decline in the number of vans travelling within the zone."He added that 88% of vans travelling through the city centre had been replaced with cleaner vehicles and overall the number of high-emissions vehicles had dropped by 70%. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
