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The Journal
3 hours ago
- Climate
- The Journal
Lowry four shots off the lead at Memorial Tournament after second-round 72
NICK TAYLOR CONJURED four birdies without a bogey in a four-under-par 68 on Friday to pull into a tie for the lead with Ben Griffin in the US PGA Tour's Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio. Taylor, who claimed his fifth PGA title at the Sony Open this year, navigated rain-soaked Muirfield Village with little real trouble on the way to a 36-hole total of seven-under par 137. Shane Lowry is four shots off the lead after a second round of 72. Lowry picked up birdies on the fifth and 11th but dropped shots on the ninth and 12th to leave him on three-under heading into the weekend. Follow the leaderboard here 'The iron game was very, very sharp,' Taylor said. 'Putting, made bunch of nice five-, six-footers on that back nine for par.' Overnight leader Griffin, coming off his second win of the season at Colonial last week, had one bogey and one birdie in an even-par 71 to maintain a share of the lead. The leading duo were two strokes in front of American Akshay Bhatia, who carded a 69, with world number one Scottie Scheffler three adrift after his second straight 70 for 140. 'I think everyone would probably say it was kind of a grind,' Griffin said. 'Fortunately, having a later tee time, I didn't have to battle the elements quite as much as some of the early groups. 'But a day like today when it's really wet, I think hitting it in the rough is just even more penal. The ball just kind of goes straight to the bottom with the moisture, and then when there's moisture, it's harder to get to the ball down in the rough. So I had some very tricky lies. 'I got some good breaks on a couple holes where I was in the rough and was able to get it up to the green. So all in all, coming off of yesterday where I made just about everything I looked at, you can't do that every day when you're playing golf.' Taylor coped admirably, getting things moving with a 24-foot birdie put at the fourth hole. He added a two-foot birdie at the eighth and rolled in a 20-foot at the ninth. He grabbed his final birdie at the 13th. Advertisement 'The nice thing was for most of the day my speed was very good, so it was a lot of tap-in pars if I wasn't making birdie,' he said. 'It was nice to keep it as simple as possible.' Bhatia put himself in contention in the signature event hosted by Jack Nicklaus with five birdies. 'I felt like this was the best my iron play has been, ever,' Bhatia said. 'I mean, I hit two flagsticks today and then felt like pretty much anytime where my caddie told me to hit it, I was literally hitting it there. 'So that was really nice.' Scheffler called his two-under effort a 'solid day' despite a double bogey at the 10th. 'I had some good looks on the front nine that I didn't hole, but on the back I rolled it really nice,' Scheffler said. After his double bogey at the 10th — where he was in the rough off the tee and finally three-putted from 43 feet — Scheffler responded with birdies at the 11th and 12th. He finished the day alone in fourth, one stroke in front of Sam Burns, Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth. Burns climbed the leaderboard with an impressive seven-under par 65, while Ireland's Lowry posted an even par 72 and Spieth carded a 69. Meanwhile in the LPGA, Leona Maguire looks set to miss the cut at the US Women's Open. A second round of 72 leaves her on four-over, three shots off the one-over projected cut line. Maguire's second round started with three birdies on the front nine to give her a chance at progressing to the weekend. But a triple bogey on the 11th hampered her round. – © AFP 2025 Written by AFP and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won't find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women's sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here . Try The 42 for Just €1 Limited-time offer for new subscribers Unlock every article and every podcast The only place to read Murray Kinsella, Gavin Cooney, Declan Bogue & more Specialist analysis that makes sense of the action Weekly fan-favourite rugby, football and GAA podcasts Unmissable sportswriting and features that you won't find anywhere else Get Your €1 Trial Now
The Journal
3 hours ago
- The Journal
'We knew he was lying': the inside story on how gardaí finally caught Richard Satchwell
ON A BRIGHT sunny October morning in 2023, Richard Satchwell walked – almost stumbling at times – through a square in Cashel, Co Tipperary. Flanked by gardaí and wearing handcuffs, he emerged from a garda vehicle with his head bowed. Locals looked on from the top of the street as the last moments of Satchwell's freedom played out, with the flashes of photographers' cameras lighting up the shadows below his face. Satchwell was charged that day and remanded in custody to wait his trial in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin that concluded on Friday with a guilty verdict. It is a tradition in An Garda Síochána that when there is a big capture the garda who put the most effort into the case gets the charge sheet. On that day Detective Garda David Kelleher gave evidence in the witness box of Satchwell's arrest, charge and caution. Behind the scenes, multiple sources have said that the case would have never been solved if it wasn't for Kelleher's tenacity and sheer bloody mindedness which got the investigation to the point where gardaí could dig inside the terraced house on Grattan Street in Youghal where Tina Satchwell's remains were found. He was ordered, or as Gardaí say 'directed' to work on the file by his then Detective Inspector Annmarie Twomey. Gardaí flank Richard Satchwell as he arrives at Cashel District Court. From left: Det Sgt David Noonan, Richard Satchwell, Det Gda David Kelleher, Det Gda David Barry and Superintendent Adrian Gamble. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Fixing the missteps Sources have said there had been profound missteps in the original investigation that started in 2017, including missed opportunities, leads not followed, glaring holes in stories and phone records not pursued. There was also a hugely expensive search of a woodland when the gardaí leading the probe had very little to go on. A local man had allegedly come forward with information that Richard Satchwell had been spotted in the area – but it proved to not be accurate. Multiple sources have said that the search caused significant disquiet among senior officers, particularly as their budgets for day-to-day policing were left suffering in its wake. The Satchwell case was going cold at that stage – sources said assessments for some garda commanders were that there was a need to focus on cases that could be solved. That was until David Kelleher decided to keep digging in the files. From time to time a garda will be directed to re-examine and review investigations to find new leads. That is what he did. Kelleher found a quiet garda station in east Cork and set up an office as his incident room where he began to examine the case, statement by statement, as well as looking at scraps of evidence and exactly what Richard Satchwell and other witnesses had told gardaí. The quiet station was in Carrigtoohill, a small commuter village just off the N25 dual carriageway which has been dubbed the Cork to Madrid road: it links the south coast cities and towns with the port at Rosslare. The road will also lead you directly to the Satchwell house in Youghal, 30 minutes away. Youghal still shows the signs of the faded seaside glamour of an old Victorian resort. It is a small picturesque seaside town close to the Cork and Waterford border. Tina Satchwell was reported missing on 24 March, 2017. Review Kelleher began to pick the file apart. He found investigative errors and missed leads and bit by bit, he began compiling a new strategy. In evidence given in court, Kelleher's boss Detective Inspector Annmarie Twomey, said it took months to re-examine the file. The evidence included witness statements, CCTV, details of the search of Tina's home in 2017 when she first went missing, inquiries at ports and airports, inquiries with social welfare and the passport offices, media appeals by Gardaí and Richard Satchwell, and inquiries into reported sightings. Well-placed sources said that Kelleher found some key clues in the file, including critical information around phone traffic and their locations. The issue wasn't that the information wasn't collected by the original investigators – it was that it was not identified as a critical part of the puzzle. This examination, sources said, gave them an important jumping off point to test Satchwell's story. The study of phone records produced geolocation data which was then cross-referenced with CCTV footage of Satchwell at Youghal Post Office and Aldi in Dungarvan on 20 March 2017 – the apparent date of the murder. There was an examination of a laptop which found that internet searches had been carried out just days after Tina's disappearance for details on quick lime and how it interacted with water. These searches were never acted on. Around that time gardaí engaged other investigative experts including forensic accountant Tadhg Twomey and forensic archaeologist Dr Niamh McCullagh. There were new lines of enquiry established and 'job sheets' – task assignments – were issued to detectives to follow up particular leads. The accountant had discovered in an examination of the couple's finances that there was no evidence to support Satchwell's claim that Tina had left with €26,000. New statements were taken. The Journal understands that in one discussion with gardaí Satchwell lied about work being done on his house to cover up the pouring of the concrete. The gardaí were able to disprove that by finding the builder Satchwell erroneously claimed carried out the work. Advertisement The town of Youghal. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 'Unlawful killing' By February 2022, Annmarie Twomey told the trial, gardaí knew they had enough to say that Tina Satchwell was murdered. They reached this point by chasing multiple leads that proved to an objective standard that the woman was dead and the most likely cause was 'unlawful killing'. In 2021 another new part of the strategy was adopted. Detective Sergeant David Noonan conducted a cognitive technique interview with Richard Satchwell. This technique, used by police across the world, employs memory cues and other tactics to enhance recall of people who could have critical information. It took four hours to work through Richard Satchwell's story and Noonan told the court that Satchwell was co-operative throughout. Using what they were finding in the file Kelleher and Twomey continued to find holes in Satchwell's story. By August 2022, they knew they had enough to begin, as gardaí would say, to form a reasonable belief that Richard Satchwell had murdered his wife. They did not immediately arrest Satchwell though. More work was needed. The reports by Dr Niamh McCullagh, the forensic archaeologist, were critical to devising a new forensic strategy. During the trial there was criticism of the original investigators for not carrying out an invasive search of the house in Youghal. A forensic examination was carried out by Cork-based gardaí after a local sergeant in Youghal formed an opinion that it was likely Tina Satchwell was dead in 2017. A senior source we spoke to said that it was unfair to criticise gardaí for not doing an invasive search then rather than just a careful forensic examination and added that they could not 'knock walls' in a house with nothing more than a suspicion. That may be but there were some significant issues with the investigation, including a failure to follow up evidence of the laptop search by Satchwell regarding the quick lime or the geolocation evidence – not to mention the lack of a forensic examination of the finances. But that all changed with Kelleher's doggedness. The investigation neared its completion and there was a final meeting of gardaí shortly before they made their move. The Detective Superintendent in Cork Sean Healy was involved. Gardaí conducting the search at Grattan Street. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Executing the warrant Kelleher and Twomey's work convinced him that it was time to take a significant turn and free up a budget to go to Grattan Street in Youghal and begin the painstaking work of forensically excavating the house. Twomey obtained a search warrant from the District Court in early October 2023. On 10 October the guards began their move. Twomey went to Grattan Street and told Satchwell what was happening. Kelleher arrested Satchwell. It was a dramatic move. Some sources at the time told The Journal that they doubted whether it would work, but others, closer to Cork North Division, knew this was the moment that the lies Richard Satchwell told were all going to fall apart. One source said on the day: 'There's a DO [garda slang for detective] involved, a fella Kelleher – he's convinced [that this will work]'. Garda forensic experts from Dublin were brought in and construction workers with specialist digging equipment were hired. Under the stairs the searchers found poorly poured concrete and badly built brickwork that did not match the rest of the surroundings. It was here where they found the makeshift tomb where, wrapped in plastic, Tina Satchwell's body was located. Satchwell had been released by gardaí but he was rearrested. The gardaí then had what they needed: the evidence to burst the final lies. All the police work invariably leads to a garda interview room. And in Cobh Garda Station, under camera, Satchwell was confronted with the weight of evidence in what gardaí call 'the challenge interview'. Sources said there were four detectives involved in this part of the process: David Noonan, David Kelleher, David Barry and John Donovan. The gardaí received directions to charge from the Director of Public Prosecutions and performed what was described in court by Defence Counsel Brendan Grehan as 'a perp walk'. The culture in the gardaí is that they do the probe and then leave it to the prosecuting barristers to convince the jury. Right up until the verdict, sources said that there were concerns among the gardaí that there was not enough to prove the murder because there were some doubts around establishing the critical ingredient of intent for Satchwell to be found guilty of murder. The gardaí will gather tonight in a local pub with those involved and toast the success – but as one source said there is a macabre little bit of detail that has not been confirmed. Satchwell had stored Tina's body in a large freezer before burying her in the makeshift grave under the stairs. It was later sold online through the Done Deal website. As one source said: 'No-one knows where it is, it has never been found. It is likely a family is using it to store food somewhere in Ireland and they don't know its history.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
6 hours ago
- The Journal
Woman (70s) dies following collision between car and van in Co Donegal
A WOMAN IN her 70s has died following a collision between a car and a van in Co Donegal. The collision happened on the R245 at Bunlin Bridge in Milford at around 7.30pm this evening. The woman, who has the driver of the car, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body has been taken to Letterkenny University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course. The driver of the van, a man aged in his 50s, was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment of non life-threatening injuries. Advertisement There were no other injuries reported. The road remains closed pending an examination by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators, with local diversions in place. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the collision to come forward. They are particularly appealing to any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage, and who were travelling in the area between 7.15pm and 7.45pm to make this footage available to them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Milford Garda Station on (074) 9153060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. A garda spokesperson said that investigations into the matter are ongoing. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
UK government seeks Supreme Court appeal over ruling on public inquiry in Sean Brown case
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT has sought permission from the UK Supreme Court to appeal a court ruling that ordered it to hold a public inquiry into the killing of GAA official Sean Brown. The Court of Appeal in Belfast ruled in April that the ongoing failure to hold a public inquiry in the Brown case was unlawful and 'cannot stand'. The court affirmed an earlier High Court ruling compelling the British government to hold a public inquiry. The Appeal Court judges said their final order compelling Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn to establish an inquiry would come into effect on 2 June. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Benn would seek leave to take the case to the Supreme Court following the Court of Appeal decision. According to the court's website , the permission to appeal from the government has now been lodged. Brown, 61, the chairman of Bellaghy Wolfe Tones GAA Club in Co Derry, was ambushed, kidnapped and murdered by loyalist paramilitaries as he locked the gates of the club in May 1997. Advertisement No one has ever been convicted of Sean Brown's murder. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo No-one has ever been convicted of his killing. Last year, a coroner halted an inquest into the Brown killing, expressing concern that his ability to examine the case had been 'compromised' by the extent of confidential state material being excluded from the proceedings on national security grounds. Preliminary inquest proceedings had already heard that in excess of 25 people had been linked by intelligence to the murder, including several state agents. It had also been alleged in court that surveillance of a suspect in the murder was temporarily stopped on the evening of the killing, only to resume again the following morning. Coroner Mr Justice Patrick Kinney called on the British government to establish a public inquiry into the loyalist murder. Benn decided against holding an inquiry, arguing that the case could instead be dealt with by a new Troubles investigatory body, the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). Sean Brown's widow Bridie challenged Benn's decision not to order a public inquiry and High Court judge Mr Justice Humphreys found in her favour in December and ordered the UK government to establish one. They then appealed against that decision. The Northern Ireland Secretary contends the case involves a key constitutional principle of who should order public inquiries, the Government or the judiciary. With reporting from Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
7 hours ago
- The Journal
'Make it stop': Parent attacked outside school near anti-immigration encampment in Dublin
THE FATHER OF a primary school pupil was assaulted while dropping his child off at a school in Dublin's south inner city, beside an increasingly contentious anti-immigration encampment. The attacker is understood to have charged at the parent with a knife in his hand as the parent was standing at the entrance gate of the school at 8.30am on Wednesday morning. The male attacker, chased the father for a short time, before he caught him and assaulted him at the school gates. It is understood that the victim of the attack is not originally from Ireland. The attacker is believed to be a teenager. The incident is the latest in the Basin Lane area of Dublin 8, where anti-immigration protestors have camped for two and a half weeks - despite confirmation earlier this month that plans for a second International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) centre at the Basin Lane site have been shelved. The encampment, located very close to three schools, has been strongly criticised by parents, who say children and teachers have been subjected to intimidation and racist abuse. Tensions are running high in the area. The location of the protest serves as a busy drop-off and collection point for the three schools, situated on a cul-de-sac between the Guinness Storehouse and the site of the new National Children's Hospital. One spokesperson in the area told The Journal that schools and local organisations are 'shaken to the core' by recent events. 'Any school that has a knife drawn while children are being admitted into the school yard in the morning is going to be deeply concerned. The whole situation is very worrying,' he said. A garda spokesperson confirmed that a boy was arrested in relation to the attack on Wednesday, but has since been released. An investigation into the incident continues. While some point to long-standing issues like neglect of the area and antisocial behaviour to explain the protests, many have criticised the demonstrators' actions as aggressive and inappropriate. While some locals had hoped that the protests would fizzle out, a small encampment has remained at Basin View. Advertisement Stickers the protest site. Mairead Maguire / The Journal Mairead Maguire / The Journal / The Journal Local schools, youth services, and sports clubs released a joint statement to say that the ongoing protests have fostered a hostile environment for children, families, and community workers. 'Make it stop' In the statement, the groups say that 'misinformation, hate and violence have no place here'. 'We believe everyone here deserves to be safe, no matter the colour of their skin. As people who work every day to educate, care for, listen to and support the community of Basin Lane – we are here to talk,' the statement reads. The statement was signed by 11 groups, including Canal Way Educate Together, St James's Primary School and Fatima Crèche. The groups say that the environment created by the protest 'is hurting' children in the area. 'We understand that some local people with the right intention, who are frustrated by the neglect of their community over decades, have taken action which has unfortunately been used by others with a different agenda. We believe that we should direct this anger at those in power, not those who deserve our welcome and support.' The groups also voice concern about 'the small minority' of protestors 'who intimidate children, parents, teachers and workers'. 'We want this intimidation to stop. We want to work with you to make it stop.' 'Our community deserves better – our children and grandchildren deserve to grow up in a community where there is more love, courage and compassion than fear, division and mistrust.' The statement continues, saying that a plan should be created for Basin Lane 'that includes everyone'. 'We believe everyone deserves to be safe and welcome – whether you've lived here for generations or come here to make a home on Basin Lane.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
