Latest news with #TonyRyan
ABC News
5 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Volunteers working to identify Queensland soldiers listed as missing during World War I
A volunteer-run group is working to identify Queensland soldiers listed as missing in action during World War I through DNA testing. The group is focusing on the remains of more than 200 Australian soldiers who were discovered in a mass grave in France almost two decades ago. The grave is a remnant from the Battle of Fromelles, widely considered to be the worst 24 hours in Australian military history. The first major action for Australian soldiers on the Western Front, in a single night on July 19, 1916 almost 2,000 Australian men were killed during an assault on German lines. For almost a century hundreds of those soldiers remained missing. In 2007 research by retired Melbourne teacher Lambis Englezos led to the discovery of a mass grave, containing the remains of 250 soldiers. The Fromelles Association was formally established in 2014 with the aim of identifying them. Volunteer Tony Ryan said when the mass grave was first opened many could be identified through unit badges, identification and letters from home that were still legible. "But it's those 70 whose remains haven't been identified, that's where DNA comes in and the DNA connection is what we're really striving for now," he said. The Fromelles Association has identified Queensland men who joined the 31st Battalion and remain unaccounted-for. The group has spent years researching to try to establish links between the soldiers and their descendants who might be able to provide a DNA sample that would confirm their identity. In some cases, volunteers have spent up to 4,000 hours establishing family links before getting in touch with someone they believe to be a family member. Betty Petrie from Ayr, south of Townsville, could be a descendant of one of the soldiers. Volunteers reached out last year to tell her they believed Private John Watson — a relative of her great-grandmother — was one of those missing soldiers. "I was quite surprised, probably more surprised about the research they'd done to find me," she said. "But I was only too happy to help get someone else identified." Ms Petrie said she had "no idea" that one of her descendants had possibly served and lost his life in World War I. "My grandmother never broached the subject at all on either side of my family. No one seemed to ever want to speak about war or who went," she said. She's now waiting for a DNA kit to be sent from the UK. Mr Ryan said DNA from both the maternal and paternal sides of the family are required for identification. The lost soldiers from the battle of Fromelles represent just a small portion of unidentified Australians from World War I, Mr Ryan said. Mr Ryan also has a family connection to the battle through Private Ray Jordan, a 31-year-old NSW man who was killed in action at Fromelles and was never found. "We did our family tree and one of those names matched one of the people who is possibly in this mass grave," he said. "That was a very emotional thing when you think well, that could be my grandfather's missing brother."
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Semifinalists Announced For Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award
Semifinalists Announced For Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award originally appeared on Paulick Report. Six semifinalists for the 19th annual Dr. Tony Ryan Book Award have been selected by a panel of judges, representing excellence in Thoroughbred sports literature published in 2024. These six titles illustrate the scope of the Book Award, including histories, biographies, a memoir, and two works of fiction. They were chosen from nearly 20 submissions, an indicator that literature on horse racing remains very much alive despite the Thoroughbred industry controversies and the global economic hardships of recent years. With a $10,000 winner's prize, this competition has for nearly two decades ranked among the most lucrative in all of publishing, offering more than the Hugo, Edgar, and Nebula Awards, and with money equal to that of the prestigious National Book Award and Bancroft Prize. The late businessman/philanthropist Dr. Tony Ryan launched it in 2006 as the Castleton Lyons/Thoroughbred Times award, to recognize a long-overlooked segment of race-writing: the book. After Dr. Ryan's passing a year later, his son Shane carried on, while changing the name of the award to honor his late father. Three finalists will be announced in the coming weeks, and a winner will be crowned this fall at a cocktail reception at the Ryan family's Castleton Lyons farm near Lexington. Advertisement For additional information, contact Kerri Cahill at kcahill@ Following is a synopsis of the six semifinalists published during the 2024 calendar year, listed alphabetically by title. 'A Beggar's Ride' by John Perrotta Author Perrotta's latest mystery is a sequel to his 2015 novel If Wishes Were Horses, in which he introduced runaway teenager and New York backstretch worker Hamilton Greer. In A Beggar's Ride, Greer is ten years older and still learning the hard lessons of life. The nomadic young man eventually lands in Europe, where he finds love and adventure both on and off the racetrack—not all of it good. Along the way, Greer becomes unwittingly involved with a shady group of characters, including smugglers, killers, and drug dealers, which makes for a rollicking, albeit dangerous, romp to the dark side. 'Dark Horses: A Memoir of Redemption' by Arthur B. Hancock III Dark Horses is the story of a pre-eminent racing family, a legendary Thoroughbred farm, a personal and profound fall from grace, and, ultimately, a triumphant redemption—one that propelled Arthur B. Hancock III to the heights of the Thoroughbred industry. It is told from the heart and with sometimes painful vulnerability by the man himself, who seems to hold nothing back as he chronicles his wild-child youth filled with boozing, fighting, and debt, to the point where he walked away from his family's historic Claiborne Farm and rebuilt his life on his own terms. Eventually, Hancock would establish his own very successful Thoroughbred operation and became the first of his family to be the breeder and owner of a Kentucky Derby winner. Throughout the memoir, Hancock bares his soul in the country music lyrics he penned, a passion that continues today. 'The History of the Kentucky Derby in 75 Objects' by Kentucky Derby Museum and Jessica K. Whitehead Released in time for the sesquicentennial celebration of the Kentucky Derby, this lovely coffee-table book tells the fascinating story of America's longest continuously held sporting event. Both visual and textual, it highlights important points in the Derby's 150-year history by focusing on 75 objects housed in the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs. It was written and pulled together by Museum historian and Senior Curator of Collections Jessica Whitehead, who brings readers along on a cultural journey through time, beginning with the Derby's birth during the Gilded Age, through the rise of black and female jockeys, and beyond. Advertisement 'Jockey Queen: Lillian Jenkinson Holder, Horse Racing's Fearless Lady' by Roger Peach Long before women were licensed to ride in American parimutuel races, a girl from Nebraska was tearing up the rough, tough bush tracks of the Midwest, often putting chauvinistic male riders to shame. Where Lillian Jenkinson Holder (1909–1992) rode for 47 years, there were no rules, no restrictions, no safety equipment, no holds barred. All that was required was skill in the saddle and courage, both of which Holder had in abundance during her 10,000+ races under cutthroat conditions. Jockey Queen traces the life of this extraordinary woman who made national news three times pursuing her denied right to ride in parimutuel races. For decades, her remarkable story somehow flew under the radar of racing history, but not anymore. 'Letters From Country Life: Adolphe Pons, Man o' War, and the Founding of Maryland's Oldest Thoroughbred Farm' by Josh Pons Josh Pons is a two-time Eclipse Award-winning writer, third-generation horseman, and co-owner of Maryland's famed Country Life Farm. In 2016, he uncovered a treasure trove of letters in the century-old farmhouse basement—trunks packed with correspondence to his grandfather Adolphe Pons. Those letters provided a rare glimpse into the life of a special man, told by voices from the deep past. The elder Pons, who founded Country Life during the Great Depression, had served as personal secretary to August Belmont II, and had a hand in the breeding and eventual sale of a yearling named Man o' War—among many other contributions to the sport. Who wouldn't want a peek inside the letters that came his way? Even better, the author shares his own erudite thoughts on the wisdom and joy gleaned in discovering this long-ago family history. 'What Horses Do After Racing: The Story of Good Carma' by Jay Privman For decades, Jay Privman has been one of the most respected and decorated journalists in racing, in print and on television. Now, he is a children's author. Long passionate about Thoroughbred aftercare, Privman has become increasingly involved in that arena. His latest literary effort, What Horses Do After Racing: The Story of Good Carma, features four ex-racehorses who dream of what their second careers might be—whether show jumping, trail riding, dressage, or therapy. In simple words accompanied by charming illustrations by Christine Siegel, Privman's book is an enchanting primer for young readers who love and care about horses. All proceeds benefit the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA), a nonprofit that provides funds for the rehabilitation, retraining, or retirement of horses that have raced in California. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
Dublin Live
10-07-2025
- Business
- Dublin Live
Woman notices something seriously Irish about Ryanair's airline name
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Dublin-based Ryanair has hilariously shared "breaking news" on social media after an X user came to an unexpected realisation about the airline's name. Samantha Louise shared her shock in a tweet alongside a snap of a Ryanair plane's tail, which prompted to the company to issue their response on Wednesday (July 9). "It was in this moment I realised that Ryanair backwards is Ryanair in an Irish accent... mind blown!" she announced. Ryanair swiftly retweeted her post, simply penning, "breaking news" in a caption. It lead to numerous other X users confessing that it had only just dawned on them too. "Also, next time someone says 'Ryanair', you'll definitely hear it in an Irish accent now," one person quipped in reply. "No going back!" Another was stunned: "I don't think I'll ever be the same again. How have I not noticed this? How has no one noticed this?" A third person added: "Bit of a Kerry accent off it if you say it slow enough." While a fourth declared: "Nahhhh there's no way that's intentional." And a fifth X user simply stated: "This is good!" Ryanair's name is actually derived from one of its founders, Tony Ryan. He was an Irish businessman who co-founded the airline in 1984 along with Christopher Ryan (no relation) and Liam Lonergan. The fact that Ryanair sounds similar when spelled backwards is purely a coincidence – but it's made many of us laugh either way! Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
RNZ News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Alice Morgan's Matariki homecoming
This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. Saxophonist Alice Morgan Photo: Supplied Alice Morgan is on the line from her Sydney workplace, ahead of her return to Aotearoa. This Sunday she'll be back in her home town to play Tony Ryan's saxophone concerto - part of an all-New Zealand Matariki Concert by the Resonance Ensemble in Christchurch's music venue The Piano . Morgan's latest gig is part of a multi-faceted career which ranges from playing saxophone with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, to chamber music, to music programming. Tony Ryan wrote his soprano sax concerto for Mark Hobson who was Morgan's teacher when she was growing up in Christchurch. Saxophonist Alice Morgan Photo: Supplied She's excited to be coming back to play the work with the composer conducting. Morgan spoke to RNZ Concert about her decision to leave Christchurch to study in Sydney, and then her decision to stay once she'd completed her studies. These days she also plays the clarinet, and when not making music you'll find her helping to organise music festivals in the Blue Mountains or programming concerts for the young-at-heart orchestra Ensemble Apex . Its latest gig involved seating the audience onstage with the orchestra for a performance of Tchaikovsky's 4th Symphony. Morgan also performs chamber music, and loves playing new works, like the piece in the video below. Swivel & Swerve was written especially for her by Holly Harrison.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Questex's IHIF Asia Unveils 2025 Conference Programme, Unites Hospitality Community in the Asia-Pacific Region to Connect Capital with Investment Opportunities
Registration Open for September 2025 Event HONG KONG, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Questex's International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) Asia today unveils the 2025 conference programme. IHIF Asia offers an unparalleled lineup of speakers and sessions designed to provide insights and strategies in the Asia-Pacific region on the theme "Beyond Borders: Markets, Capital, Growth." IHIF Asia takes place at Regent Hong Kong 17-19 September 2025. IHIF Asia unites top players in the hospitality investment community, including HNWIs, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, private equity groups, global hotel brands, forward-thinking operators and leading developers. The event brings together 500 attendees and 185 investors. "With investor appetite growing and cross-border capital flows accelerating, Asia is fast becoming the most exciting frontier for hospitality real estate. Our programme equips attendees with the tools to unlock value, navigate complexity and capitalise on cross-border opportunities in one of the world's most compelling hospitality markets," said IB Saravanan, Vice President, Questex Asia. IHIF Asia will feature the top investors and financial companies: Tony Ryan, Executive Chair, Trilogy Hotels Joseph Wong, Managing Director, China, The Ascott Limited Shunsuke Yamamoto, Managing Director, Fortress Investment Group Rakesh Patel, CEO and Founder, ALTA Capital Real Estate Nikhil Reddy, Managing Director Asset Management Division, Goldman Sachs David Ling, Global Head of Hospitality Investment & Asset Management, City Development Limited Jason Leong, Chief Investment Officer, Frasers Hospitality Gary Kwok, CEO & Managing Partner, Axe Management Partners Limited Kenneth Gaw, President and Managing Principal, Gaw Capital IHIF Asia will offer networking opportunities. Event sponsors include CBRE, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels Brand and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and more. Register to attend IHIF Asia here. For media registration, contact Meryl Franzman at mfranzman@ For sponsorship opportunities, contact Andrew Walmsley at awalmsley@ Stay connected on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About Questex Questex helps people live better and longer. Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy – connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here. Media Contact: Meryl FranzmanIHIF Asiamfranzman@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Questex Asia
