Latest news with #TonyKelly
BreakingNews.ie
26-05-2025
- Sport
- BreakingNews.ie
Council gives green light for €5m Clare GAA Centre of Excellence
Clare County Council has granted planning permission to €5 million plans by senior All-Ireland winning hurlers, Clare to expand and redevelop the county's GAA Centre of Excellence. The planners have given the ambitious plans to unearth the next Tony Kelly or Shane O'Donnell the green light on condition that a range of measures are put in place to safeguard the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. Advertisement The project last November benefited from €3.2 million in state funding from the Government's Large Scale Sports Infrastructure Fund to develop the Centre of Excellence at Caherloghan near the east Clare village of Tulla. The scheme for the county's elite hurlers and footballers - includes the construction of a 1-2 storey extension to the existing Clare GAA Centre of Excellence building accommodating additional player welfare facilities including new dressing rooms, a gymnasium, dining and administrative areas. It also includes two new full length playing pitches, the construction of a new all-weather synthetic playing pitch, the construction of a new hurling 'ball-wall' and the construction of a new covered spectator stand serving Pitch 3. The Council has attached the bat protection conditions as the Centre of Excellence expansion proposal lies close to Newgrove House which is a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to the presence of the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. Advertisement According to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Newgrove House SAC 'is considered to be of international importance' due to the presence of the tiny bat. The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is one of the world's smallest bats, weighing only 5 to 9 grams with a wingspan of 194-254mm and a body length of 35 to 45 mm and is afforded legal protection through the EU Habitats Directive. The measures include specialist outdoor lighting at the expanded centre of excellence and a 10pm curfew on lighting each day. Bat boxes are to be erected at the edge of the site while additional tree planting to the east of Pitch 2 is expected to provide some additional foraging for bats. Advertisement A bat activity survey carried out on behalf of Clare GAA found that four species of bat including the Lesser Horseshoe Bat were detected on the eastern edge of the site. An ecological assessment commissioned by Clare GAA and lodged with the planning application stated that the mitigation measures will ensure that no adverse impacts will occur which could affect the integrity of the Newgrove House SAC and no adverse impacts are predicted against the conservation objectives of the Lesser Horseshoe Bat. However, it remains to be seen if the mitigation measures go far enough for the Department of Heritage which does have the option of appealing the grant of permission to An Bord Pleanála. In a submission to the Council at the end of last month the Department told the council that there can be no doubts or lacunae regarding what is required for mitigation measures proposed. No third-party objections are made against the proposed scheme.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Gambling addicts need someone to talk to says ex-footballer
A former professional footballer who turned to gambling after trying to fit in with teammates is urging others with addiction to "confide in someone".Tony Kelly was signed by Bristol City at 16 before being released, ending up playing non-league football in London two years later where his addiction told John Darvall on BBC Radio Bristol he moved to London as a "quiet" teenager who wanted to "feel a sense of belonging"."When I saw the older players go to the bookmakers to put their football bets on, that was my way to join in," he said. In December 2024 NHS England said nearly 2,000 people were referred to gambling clinics between April and September - up from 800 in the same period in Problem Gambling Severity Index is available on the NHS website. Mr Kelly, who is from Coventry, started gambling with horses and football, then he spent years in professional football, he got involved in casinos before finishing his career at 30 years old with more than £500,000 in debt."I often wonder to myself, how did I not get to the point of no return? I lost absolutely everything," Mr Kelly added gambling also cost him his two houses and relationship issues, and he filed for bankruptcy in wrote and published Red Card, which was about his addiction and his career in 2013, which he said was the start of his recovery."When I went on BBC Breakfast [to promote the book] that was it, because the feedback from that was unbelievable. "It opened my eyes in terms of how many people it resonated with.""I knew then I had been in denial for years. It was a massive weight off my shoulder." Mr Kelly founded the Red Card Gambling Project in a bid to help others with a gambling addiction, and has written a second book about his journey."I strongly urge that before you hit rock bottom, you will have your wins, but over a long period of time it will destroy you. "You've got to confide in someone, you've got to talk because you will end up hitting rock bottom, and even worst."
The National
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Wayne Wonder talks peace, the Middle Eastern music scene and Sean Kingston's legal troubles
One of Jamaica's best-known reggae and dancehall artists sang at my desk recently, sharing his call for peace in the region. He sang over a Zoom video call, but Wayne Wonder put so much energy and passion into the impromptu performance of the song White Flag, he might as well have been there in person. The No Letting Go singer was in Dubai this month to perform at the Reggae Beachfest, which has been held since 2013. More than 4,000 people attended this year's event at Barasti Beach. 'I just want to spread love and unity. Peace and love to humanity. There is so much going on right now. Love is lovely, war is ugly,' he said. He has two new singles out and performed one of them, Sweet, at the festival. He is also working on new EP with famous producer Tony Kelly, known for his collaborations with Shaggy, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks and others. Wonder has been singing for more than three decades. Last year, No Letting Go was certified platinum in the UK, as the slow burner still has a following 23 years after its release. Other artists at the festival included South African Khalil Harrison, who is riding high on the viral success of his song, Jealousy. London DJ Skyla Tylaa featured Harrison, alongside Tyler ICU, Diamond Platnumz and others, on her new song Bombshell that marks her debut as a producer. Wonder said the music scene in the Middle East is booming. 'Music is growing. A new generation and the classics are rotating. It's just like a melting pot of music,' he said. "I went to the club a few nights ago, and there were all different types of music." Reggae Beachfest has evolved over the years to incorporate other genres, one of the organisers, Saif Al Naji, said. 'We've always embraced the full spectrum of Caribbean sounds – reggae, dancehall, and soca. But in recent years, we've started incorporating Afrobeats and amapiano into the mix. With its global rise and energy, it blends perfectly with our vibe and adds another layer of excitement to the festival line-up,' Al Naji added. The organisers are already working on their next event and have big dreams to turn the event into a regional fixture. 'We've been cooking up something very special for the upcoming season,' said Al Naji. 'While we can't reveal too much just yet, let's just say there are some bold moves and big names in the works. Our long-term goal is to build the biggest reggae festival in the Middle East — one that stands proudly alongside global icons like Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica, Summerjam in Germany, and City Splash in the UK. 'We're aiming for a two-day Reggae Beachfest experience with over 20,000 fans in attendance. We truly believe we're on the right track, and we're already planning toward making that vision a reality.' Jethro Nyandoro, one of the DJs who has taken part in the festival over the years, said it has hosted some of the most in-demand artists and built a loyal fan base. As Wonder performed in Dubai, another Caribbean artist, Sean Kingston, was enduring legal trouble in the US. The singer is awaiting sentencing after his conviction, along with his mother, in a $1 million federal fraud case. Wonder said there were lessons in the case for everyone. 'It's just an unfortunate situation. You just have to walk a straight line. Each and every one of us, not just artists. Just try to do your best,' he said. 'It only takes one mistake to mess you up. I tell my son all the time. One mistake can mess up your whole life.' 'In this age of social media, you've just got to be careful. You have to be skeptical of your circle, because trust is very hard to find.'
Irish Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Nicky English: Clare on the edge as Munster reaches sudden death
Saturday evening in Ennis is championship hurling : a one-off game, the first of the season, where the team that loses is basically gone. Both Clare and Tipperary are going to have to throw everything at it and both are coming off fairly poor performances. Tipp never got started in Cork and you would have to question their mindset going there, which ultimately led to Darragh McCarthy's red card at the start. This meant they were never going to win. Before they played Cork, I thought Clare were struggling to come to terms with their All-Ireland success but they have had so many injuries that finding any sort of form has been extremely difficult. They have had one good half out of four to date and that after a poor league campaign but you must remember they played Waterford without two of their best players, two of the people who won the All-Ireland for them, Tony Kelly and Shane O'Donnell . Diarmuid Ryan, apart from 15 minutes, and Conor Cleary have also been missing. READ MORE Speculation is that John Conlon is battling a back problem. That's half of the defence and two of the best attacking players. Noel McGrath consoles Darragh McCarthy after he was red carded at the start of the Tipperary v Cork game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh a fortnight ago. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho No team, no matter who they are – Limerick or Cork – can be stripped of resources like that and still be at their best. The level I expect from Clare this weekend will be dictated by who's available. If Shane O'Donnell plays, he's a great player who showed his propensity to come back in last year's league final when he contributed strongly, but at the same time he hasn't played a single game in 2025. So, there's a question mark over the availability of key players and even if available, their likely form, given the struggles to get fit and healthy. In a way, it's no different from the last number of years; as I've always said, Clare reflect the personality and values of their manager, Brian Lohan, and when all seemed lost against Cork, they were able to turn it around. So, I'd expect they won't be wanting for either desire or application but I just wonder if they can get anywhere near last year's level. [ Clare buoyed by return of Shane O'Donnell and Tony Kelly for Tipperary clash Opens in new window ] From the word go this year, I have felt that getting into Munster's top three and qualifying would constitute a very good result for Tipperary. It could result in getting some of the younger players Croke Park experience in a semi-final, possibly, but first of all they have to wipe the slate from Páirc Uí Chaoimh. In fairness to Tipp, they fought away in Cork both days and showed plenty of application. Cork maybe had taken the foot off the gas but Tipp had goal chances for Sam O'Farrell and Andrew Ormond, and didn't lie down in a hopeless situation. I think that this is a great chance for them. Have they the wherewithal? They scored five goals the last time they went to Ennis but Clare had a lot of chances themselves and created difficulty for Tipperary's defence by running at them. Cork did the same this season. Pace really is an issue for them. Peter Duggan has probably been Clare's best player in the championship but Tipp have plenty of stand-up defenders to try to deal with him. It's the running game that's likely to cause more anxiety, emphasising how vital the wheels of a fit O'Donnell and Kelly would be. [ Joe Canning: Summer will be over before it starts for losers of Munster showdown – and US clubs are ready to pounce Opens in new window ] If Tipperary can actually hold out defence and midfield, which has really been quite questionable for them as well, I think they can manage McCarthy's absence. Jason Forde is not in bad form. Jake Morris has been in really good form and it could well be the kind of game would suit John McGrath. I think it gives Tipperary very much a fighting chance in this game which, on balance, I think they'll win. In Leinster, the fight to get out of the province with Kilkenny will be a lot clearer by Saturday evening. Wexford go to Pearse Stadium. After a poor league, which wasn't improved on against Kilkenny, Galway were a good bit better beating Offaly. They were really up for it. Micheál Donoghue got yellow cards on the line, and although that's not a great look for manager, it was a real call to arms for this current Galway team in that match. Despite showing fallibility in a few chances against Dublin, Wexford's Lee Chin has consistently been an absolutely outstanding player. Photograph: James Lawlor/Inpho It can have a galvanising effect and they needed something. Wexford have impressed me despite a slightly unlucky defeat in Parnell Park when a goal was wrongly awarded against them at a critical juncture of the match. Dublin went on to score another quickly and well deserved the win but Keith Rossiter is getting nearly all he can out of Wexford. They remain heavily largely dependent on Lee Chin, who is again in outstanding form, if a bit fallible finishing a few chances against Dublin. At the same time, he carries huge workload and responsibility and has consistently been an absolutely outstanding player. I saw teams being picked from the last 25 years and he was one player who would certainly have to be included. He really merits very high praise, because at his best he is virtually unmarkable. Galway at home look more likely but Wexford will rise to that challenge. I thought Dublin moved the ball well and intelligently. They also took all the handy scores, which hasn't always been the case with them but previously questionable decision making has been transformed. They should seal qualification in Corrigan Park against Antrim.
Irish Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Hurling previews: A bridge too far for Clare as Tipp arrive for D-Day
Saturday Munster SHC: Clare v Tipperary, Cusack Park, Ennis, 6pm (Live on GAA+) Clare built their recent profile and ultimately the All-Ireland on an ability to hit back after tough setbacks. This weekend's challenge takes that to a new level. With just one point from the first two matches, both teams have to win to nurture hopes of staying in the fight. Both are also short of their best lineout but Tipperary 's loss of Darragh McCarthy to suspension is a relatively light impediment compared with Clare's list of the missing. By the sound of things, Tony Kelly, whose absence as the one who sets the tempo for his side's attack cost dearly in Walsh Park, is recovering from illness and will be a late call even though he is included in the published team. Tony Kelly will likely be a late call for Clare even though he is included in the published team. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho Shane O'Donnell's return had been speculated on and it's a huge morale boost, especially as he's known for the ability to hit the ground running after lengthy absences with his touch intact. But there is also the sense of 'if not now, when?' about the selection. READ MORE Original talk of his being available towards the end of the championship has crystallised this weekend because it will be the end of the campaign if things go wrong and for a player who has intimated that he may be calling it a day this year, what's the point in holding back as long as he's not risking serious injury? David Fitzgerald is listed among the replacements, whether intentionally or as public reproof for very subdued form and energy. Clare's Conor Cleary, definitely gone. Photograph: Lorraine O'Sullivan/Inpho Definitely gone are the defensive duo Conor Cleary and Diarmuid Ryan, the latter with a troublesome hamstring injury. The constant affliction of injury hasn't helped the team and form has also suffered. Clare are a team that have previously produced redemptive performances for Brian Lohan under pressure but never in as impaired a state as currently. Tipperary have question marks of their own but they also have forwards in decent form – Jake Morris especially, Jason Forde and John McGrath – to compensate for McCarthy's absence. They are also a coming team in the sense that Liam Cahill is into a rebuilding programme and with that comes a certain vitality, which was evident against Limerick and impossible to judge in the reduced circumstances of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. It's possible they have some momentum and that's bad news for Clare. Verdict: Tipperary TJ Reid's return up front is good news for Kilkenny. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho Leinster SHC: Kilkenny v Offaly, Nowlan Park, 6pm Good news for Kilkenny in the return of TJ Reid and Adrian Mullen up front and David Blanchfield at the back. Derek Lyng must be happy with the uncomplicated progress to date, which has them right on course for an eighth successive final. Offaly were unfortunate to get caught by Dublin but Galway administered some hard reality and now the trip that no emerging team looks forward to comes next. Verdict: Kilkenny Antrim v Dublin, Corrigan Park, 4pm (Live, GAA+) Dublin look to have timed their championship run well and the win over Wexford, although fortunate in respect of the goal that wasn't, was deserved. This has traditionally been a tough appointment for teams from the capital but Antrim are struggling and, with Dónal Burke back for Dublin, there's little to suggest those struggles will abate here. Verdict: Dublin Galway v Wexford, Pearse Stadium, 3.15pm (Live, RTÉ2) One of the matches of consequence in Leinster with Galway looking to put Wexford effectively out of contention – allowing for the latter's track record in matches against Kilkenny. Cathal Mannion has helped hold things together for Galway, fighting a lonely battle in Nowlan Park and sparkling against Offaly. Wexford have been competitive in this fixture and won well last year but, having already lost to Dublin, can't afford further slippage. Cathal Mannion celebrates scoring a goal against Offaly in Tullamore on April 26th. Photograph: Andrew Paton/Inpho Lee Chin has been, as usual, immense in the matches to date and invites the direct approach, which has come back into fashion – if it was ever fully out down in Wexford – particularly with Conor McDonald back. The lessons from watching Galway would suggest competing on as much as possible rather than allowing easy egress from the back. The win in Tullamore and the fire lit probably gives the home team the edge in this but Wexford are improving despite the recent setback. Verdict: Galway
