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Sunday World
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Louis Walsh reveals inside story of Osbournes' relationship after Ozzy's passing
'Ozzy never played the showbiz card – he lived for Sharon and his children.' Louis was close to Sharon, Ozzy and the Osbourne family for 15 years and reveals that Ozzy was 'a one-off, genuine, honest guy'. Whenever they were out to dinner, Walsh says Ozzy never wanted to be the centre of attention. 'Ozzy wasn't showbizzy at all away from the stage,' Louis says. Ozzy and Sharon stayed together through thick and thin Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 27th 'He never played the showbiz card, he was always himself. It's only when he went on stage that he was the larger-than-life rocker. 'The Osbournes weren't what they appeared to be on their reality TV show. 'Ozzy, Sharon and the children, Kelly, Jack and Amy, were very much a family, a great family.' Walsh loved Ozzy's sense of humour. 'He used to come down to The X Factor and he'd be the brightest and the funniest man in the dressing room,' Louis says. Louis and Sharon 'Ozzy was always the life and soul of the party.' Despite the fact that they had a turbulent life at times, with Ozzy admitting to cheating on Sharon with 'groupies', Walsh says that seeing them together there was no mistaking their genuine love for each other. 'Sharon would literally light up as soon as Ozzy walked into the room,' Louis says. 'They were best friends, they were soul mates. They understood each other. They would fight and laugh and joke and play music. They were a very solid unit. 'She idolised the man, she made him what he was and he idolised her. Sharon was his best friend and they lived their lives for each other. I've never seen two people more together and having fun all the time and creating something amazing.' Although Louis and Sharon struck up a close bond while judges on The X Factor, the Mayo man admits their relationship got off to a frosty start before the show was launched. Sharon and Ozzy with Kelly and Jack 'I had been on BBC Radio One reviewing records and I slated Kelly's cover of the Madonna song, Papa Don't Preach,' Louis recalls. 'Sharon was furious and even wrote a letter to Heat magazine in the UK complaining about me and asking, 'Who is he?' 'Then Simon [Cowell] said to me one day, 'Guess who I have, I've got Sharon Osbourne for X Factor.' And he laughed. So I had to just face the music with Sharon. Read more 'It took time for Sharon to come around, but she knew that I was just myself. We bonded on fun really, and the fact that I wasn't Simon's lap dog. She wasn't and I wasn't. And we used to laugh about him all the time. 'I was lucky to spend time with the Osbournes and I'm really fond of them. They are just normal people at the end of the day – I even remember giving out to Kelly one time for being rude to her mother. 'Although we all knew that he was unwell, I was shocked when the news came through on Tuesday that he had died at the age of 76. 'It is devastating for Sharon and the family. They had a great life. 'It's going to be so tough for her, but she has a great family who love her and she adores them.'
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Business
- Sunday World
Private car parking firms are hitting drivers with illegal fines
June Bowers endured a near five-month battle over a fine imposed after an alleged infraction. Private car parking firms are intimidating unwitting car owners to part with illegal fines, it has been claimed. GB-based firms are operating contracts in Northern Ireland to redeem fines for traffic offences at places such as the George Best Belfast City Airport and other public amenities. Aggressive tactics include threats of legal action, court appearances and rising fines if the original demand is not met. It has now emerged in most cases they are not entitled to demand penalty payments which can escalate to hundreds of pounds. The firms, appointed by the likes of the City Airport, are applying laws that are enforceable only in England and Wales and do not apply to Northern Ireland. The disparity emerged after car owner June Bowers from Monkstown emerged victorious in a near five-month battle over a £100 fine imposed after an alleged infraction at the City Airport. ticket She was hit with a £100 fine and, having had two appeals rejected by Sheffield-based Vehicle Control Services, was then threatened with an additional £70 levy and possible legal action. Mrs Bowers, who is 81 and in poor health, was not behind the wheel on the evening of February 8 this year. The driver was at the airport to collect people travelling to Belfast to attend a funeral. Mrs Bowers' husband, veteran trade unionist Joe Bowers, said it was an 'outrage'' that his wife has been subjected to such intimidating behaviour. He said they were determined to resist increasingly aggressive demands. 'I think it's outrageous how these companies intimidate people into paying these fines, we have discovered that, certainly in our case there was no legal requirement to pay.' He said the Sheffield-based company sent them repeated demands for £170, threatening court action. It became clear in repeated correspondence that Vehicle Control Services were basing their demands on laws that don't apply here. The Bowers made repeated appeals, all of which were rejected with increasingly aggressive and threatening behaviour from the company. It a further twist the 'debt'' was sold to a debt recovering agency called Debt Recovery Plus. June Bowers pictured in her home. Photo: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press News in 90 Seconds - July 26th 'They have created an industry of their own,' said Joe, 'they are generating huge amounts of money – the debt recovery agency is on record as making millions. 'My issue is that people are being intimidated into paying fines that they should not be getting. We could have let this go for a quiet life, but it got under my skin that people are being put under this type of pressure.' Earlier this month the private company relented but 'warned' Mrs Bowers that any future transgression would result in firm action. The ticket was as a result of the driver of Mrs Bowers' car finding themselves in the wrong car park at the City. 'The driver found themselves in the wrong car park when they should have been in the short stay, so had to pay to get out, then repeated the mistake and had to pay again, that was their mistake we have no issue with that,' said Joe. 'But the new layout at Belfast City is confusing and there are lots of signs, which you can't read unless you slow down. 'I just think it's outrageous that this company can behave like this. 'These private companies seem to be completely unaccountable they are very aggressive in their approach, it's a form of intimidation.' The law in England and Wales requires those issued with a ticket to reveal the identity of the driver, that is not a requirement in Northern Ireland and unless the ticket company know the identity of the driver, a fixed penalty is not viable. But VCS were not interested in any mitigating circumstances and insisted they would try and enforce the fine. Joe Bowers said he suspects people finding themselves in a similar situation have been bullied into paying. He said: 'How can you understand what you're supposed to do if you don't pause to read the rules?' This week Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan called for greater regulation around the issue of private firms issuing fines. The SDLP MLA claimed that, after dealing with 'countless cases' of people contacted by private parking firms, the 'supposed violations' are 'often based on faulty camera evidence or registration systems'. He was speaking after writing to the Infrastructure Minister to ask if new legislation could be introduced to regulate private parking firms in Northern Ireland. The minister, Liz Kimmins, said in a written response that there was currently 'no legislation which specifically applies to privately owned car parks' and 'no plans' from her department to introduce any. Ms Kimmins said: 'Whilst my department is responsible for on-street parking enforcement across the North, it has no responsibility for the operation and management of private car parks nor the enforcement companies that operate within them. 'There is no legislation which specifically applies to privately-owned car parks and my department currently has no plans to introduce legislation in this area.' She added: 'However, any organisation that operates parking on private land and requests keeper details from the DVLA must be approved by an Accredited Trade Association such as the Approved Operator Scheme managed by the British Parking Association. 'Members of this scheme must adhere to the BPA AOS Code of Practice for the control and enforcement of parking on private land and unregulated public car parks.' Belfast City Airport has been contacted.
Sunday World
12-07-2025
- Sunday World
First photo of tragic pensioner beaten to death with vodka bottle in a bag
A man in his 40s who was known to Mr Hayes, but who is not related to him, was arrested by gardaí on Friday morning. THIS is the pensioner killed after its suspected he was punched and beaten over the head with a bag containing a vodka bottle when he went to investigate noises outside his home. Michael Hayes, aged in his 70s, was found critically injured outside his home at St Michael's Court apartments, in Watergate, Limerick City, at around 11.30pm on Thursday. Mr Hayes was resuscitated by paramedics and taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning. Paying tribute to Michael on Friday evening, the Garryowen Residents Association posted:' Heartfelt condolences to Garryowen native Michael ( Mikey) Hayes , formerly of Kilmurry court Garryowen , an extremely pleasant, gentle person , sincere condolences to all your family from all your old neighbours and friends.' Michael Hayes News in 90 Seconds - Saturday July 12 Dozens of neighbours also paid tribute to the pensioner describing him a 'gentle soul.' A man in his 40s who was known to Mr Hayes, but who is not related to him, was arrested by gardaí on Friday morning. The man was being questioned by gardaí under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Gardaí believe Mr Hayes was assaulted and beaten with a vodka bottle that was wrapped in a bag. Gardaí were following a number of lines of enquiry, including that Mr Hayes may have gone to investigate loud noises outside his home when he was attacked. The results of a post mortem, that was to be conducted by the office of the State Pathologist, will determine the next course of the Garda investigation, sources said. The assault took place in Watergate, Limerick city One of Mr Hayes's neighbours, Geraldine Costello, paid tribute to him. 'Michael was a lovely boy, he'd always go out of his way to do a good turn for you,' she said. 'His dog, Daisy, is crying all the time because Michael is not there. 'I was only talking to him yesterday, I'm after getting an awful shock. 'I was very fond of him, I'm a good friend of his, I've known him since I was young and I'm very sorry that he is gone.' Ms Costello's niece, Tracy Coleman, said: 'It is shocking, because he was a really lovely man, and he would always go out of his way and do whatever do you.' 'He was a young man for his age, everyday he was always going for walks.' It's understood Mr Hayes lived alone and has a number of grown-up children. Mr Hayes, who lived near the Milk Market, was known as a gentle and respectful man who kept to himself but was always willing to lend a hand. 'He was a quiet man,' one friend said of the elderly man. 'He minded my dog when I had to be away, took very good care of her.' A close neighbour stated: 'People here are devastated. My family are shocked. He was good to everyone around here.' Gardaí have launched a full-scale investigation led by a senior investigating officer. A Garda tape cordon was placed around a large section around apartments at the scene, which is located between St Michael's Street, Ellen Street and Mungret Street in the city. Detectives were harvesting any CCTV footage in the area and carrying out house-to-house enquiries. Gardaí appealed for anyone who was in the area on Thursday evening who may have information or who may have footage to come forward. Anyone with information was asked to contact Gardaí at Henry Street Garda Station (061) 212400, or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. ENDS
Sunday World
10-07-2025
- Sunday World
Fundraiser in honour of tragic dad Joey McEvoy raises thousands in hours
'Our community is left devastated by the news of Joe's passing as he leaves behind his life partner Emma and three kids Tori, Parker and Alfie' A fundraiser for tragic dad-of-two Joey McEvoy has raised thousands of euro in a matter of hours. The GoFundMe page set up for the family of Mr McEvoy who was fatally stabbed in an alleged attack at a house in Dublin 'smashed' the initial goal of €5,000, according to organisers. A total of €7,250 has now been raised towards a new €8,000 target through 136 donations. In an update to the page, simply entitled 'Joey McEvoy' a message states: '5000 goal smashed, thank you all, let's keep going for Joe's family'. 'Joey was a hardworking family man and the life of every party/event,' the page reads. 'He was the captain of Old Tower/Quarryvale for the last eight plus years and a real leader who everybody would want on their team. 'Our community is left devastated by the news of Joe's passing as he leaves behind his life partner Emma and three kids Tori, Parker and Alfie. RIP Joe Mc.' Joey McEvoy News in 90 Seconds - July 10th Mr McEvoy, a father of two young boys and step-father to a girl, died following an incident at around 5.50am on Monday morning. Gardai said they were alerted to an alleged assault at a residence in Clondalkin. Mr McEvoy was found unresponsive and was conveyed to John Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, where he was later pronounced deceased. Details of Mr McEvoy's funeral are to be released later, according to his death notice on It states that the death has occurred of Joey McEvoy of Greenfort Clondalkin, Dublin 'very suddenly'. 'Surrounded by his loving family (and) sadly missed by his heartbroken parents Yvonne and Joseph, loving partner Emma, adored children Parker, Alfie and Tori'. It also refers to his sisters Leanne and Lacey, brothers Robert and Tyler, nanny Lizzy, as well as nephews and nieces, his family-in-law and 'very wide large circle of friends' and 'all his pals from his football team at Quarryvale football club and work pals from Ted's scaffolding business.' In the condolences section people have left messages including one that reads: 'Such a lovely, genuine and gent of a man, I couldn't say enough nice things about Joey. 'God takes the best to join him, he took the best with Joey, thoughts and prayers are with his family, may you find strength during such a difficult time.' 'Sorry for your loss thinking of all of use at this sad time,' another adds. 'Absolutely heartbreaking news,' one mourner has written. 'My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with Joey's family, Emma and the kids. Such shocking and sad news.' Another offers: 'Deepest sympathy to all the family on the tragic loss of Joey. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad and difficult time.' On Tuesday, Christopher Kelly (41) appeared in Dublin District Court accused of killing Mr McEvoy (34) in the west of the city. He was remanded in custody for the directions of the DPP. Mr Kelly, with an address at Shancastle Park, Clondalkin is charged with murdering Mr McEvoy at nearby Shancastle Close in the early hours of July 7. Detective Sergeant Sean Cosgrove told Judge David McHugh he arrested the accused for the purpose of charging him at Ronanstown station at 3.07pm. At 3.58pm, Mr Kelly was 'charged with the murder of Joseph McEvoy' and made no reply after caution, Det Sgt Cosgrove said. The accused's barrister Sam Friel BL made no bail application on his behalf as this can only be granted at High Court level on a murder charge. He applied for free legal aid, "given the seriousness of the charge", and said the accused was 'not receiving any social welfare at the moment.' Judge McHugh asked Det Sgt Cosgrove what his view of this was and he replied that he had no objection. The judge granted legal aid and, after hearing there were no further applications, remanded the accused in custody, to appear in Cloverhill District Court on Friday. Mr Kelly was not required to address the court during the brief hearing and has not yet entered a plea to the charge. Investigating gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. They are also appealing to anyone with camera footage, including motorists with dashcam footage from the area between 5am and 6am on Monday, July 7, to contact them.
Sunday World
28-06-2025
- Sunday World
Family of stab victim James Berney say he was ‘taken too soon' ahead of private funeral
People have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: 'May your kind, beautiful soul rest in peace Jake' A private funeral will be held for stabbing victim James 'Jake' Berney, it has been announced. According to his notice on the 53-year-old who died in Tallaght Hospital last week after being attacked in his home over a personal dispute, was 'taken too soon'. It states that Jake will be forever 'sadly missed' by his loving father Andrew, his daughter Lorita, his son Aaron 'and all of his immediate family'. 'Taken too soon but forever loved by all of his brothers and their wives, aunts and nieces, extended family and friends,' the notice reads. In the condolences section, people have left numerous messages of sympathy including one that reads: 'May your kind, beautiful soul rest in peace Jake.' Stab victim James 'Jake' Berney News in 90 Seconds - June 28th Another adds that 'it was with deep shock and profound sorrow that I heard the terrible news of Jamesy's passing'. 'Fifty-three is far too young, and to be taken in such a cruel manner is truly difficult to comprehend. Love and sympathies to Andy, Willie and all of his family and friends,' Another writes that 'Jamesy' was more than an acquaintance, 'he was a fixture of our childhood on Foxdene Drive'. 'I'll never forget him babysitting, letting us stay up late for MacGyver, then attempting to lull us asleep before the folks got back with his dramatic rendition of 'Lady in Red'. 'It's a very sad day for Clondalkin,' another adds, 'he was a gentleman. I will always remember your kindness, smile, laugh and chats. May you RIP. Thinking of all your family, gone too soon.' Another mourner said: 'I only knew you from passing by, you were such a friendly person and never bothered anyone.' Another added: 'Couldn't believe what I was hearing, you didn't deserve that Jake. (I) knew you 20 years and not a bad bone in your body.' Berney, who lived at the home on Foxdene Drive in Balgaddy with his elderly father, was stabbed multiple times during a fatal attack following a personal dispute on Wednesday night. A male teen has emerged as the chief suspect in the attack and while he has not yet been arrested by gardai, it's understood that he was known to Mr Berney, although they were not related. One source told the Irish Independent: "He is well known around the area and his name spread around in the hours after this happened. He hasn't been seen since the stabbing on Wednesday night but he is the chief suspect." Meanwhile, Jake's daughter, Lorita, and pal Rebecca, have set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of the victim and his family 'The financial burden of Jake's funeral now rests on his elderly father, who is in his late 80s,' the page reads. 'At a time when he should be surrounded by peace and support, he is instead facing the unimaginable pain and cost of laying his son to rest. 'Jake was known for his kind heart and willingness to help others, even during his own struggles. He left a mark on many lives, and now his family needs support,' the page continues. 'If you're able to contribute, any amount would be deeply appreciated and would ease the weight on his father's shoulders during this devastating time. Thank you for your kindness.' James, who is known as Jake, was killed after the suspect forced his way into his home on Wednesday night. He was stabbed several times in the back and chest. The Sunday World understands that a number of other people were in the property at the time and witnessed the attack. The suspect fled and emergency services were alerted. Gardaí and paramedics rushed to the scene and the victim was transferred to Tallaght University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Sources described Mr Berney as a 'harmless man' who was well known in the area. 'He was a decent, harmless man who helped out around the area,' a source said. Gardaí were awaiting the results of a post-mortem examination yesterday, but they are expected to upgrade the inquiry to a murder investigation. No arrests have been made, but investigators are following a definite line of inquiry. Gardaí sealed off the house and a forensic examination by members of the Garda Technical Bureau began early yesterday morning. Neighbours said Mr Berney worked as a painter and decorator, and would often carry out decorating jobs for people in the area, some of whom described him as a 'perfectionist' when it came to his work. 'It's very sad. He was a local handyman, really. Everyone knew him, young and old,' one neighbour said. Another said: 'He was a loveable rogue, I'm going to miss him.' Neighbours said the front door of Mr Berney's house could be opened from the outside unless it was locked with a key, and there were frequent visitors to the property. There was no sign of forced entry at the house, and gardaí dusted the front door for fingerprints as part of their investigation. One neighbour reported hearing a disturbance at the house late on Wednesday night. 'There was banging and shouting and then the ambulance and gardaí started to arrive very quickly,' the man said. 'I've never seen so many squad cars. I knew there was something up when the gardaí put the tape up around the house. It's terribly sad,' another neighbour added. The investigation is being led by a senior investigating officer at Lucan garda station. Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity of Foxdene Drive between 11pm and 12am and observed any activity that drew their attention to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Lucan garda station on 01 666 7300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
