Goalkeeper Diarmuid Doody is the only survivor from last year’s Munster U17 football competition as Cork begin their campaign in the new minor grade tonight against Waterford in Páirc Uí Rinn (throw-in 7pm). From this year, minor has changed from U18 to U17, and last year provincial and All-Ireland championships were held to cater for those players who would missing out on the minor grade. With county development squads also playing at U16, the U17 panels were largely confined to players on the age, meaning that Doody, sub goalkeeper last year, was the only Cork panellist who was also playing at U16 level. The Rebels reached the Munster U17 final, losing to Kerry. Centre-forward Dylan O’Sullivan is the only representative from last year’s Rebel Óg U16 Premier 1 FC winners St Finbarr’s, and he is joined in coach Bobbie O’Dwyer’s side by two key attackers in wing-forward Hugh Murphy and Evan Cooke from Éire Óg and Ballincollig … [Read more...] about Diarmuid Doody lone survivor from 2017 as Rebels face Déise battle
Diarmaid
Pressure grows on AIB and Bank of Ireland to cut mortgage rates
Permanent TSB has become the latest to reduce its fixed rates, after Ulster and KBC also reduced their mortgage costs. Experts said AIB and Bank of Ireland would now have to respond. Permanent TSB has cut its three-year fixed rate for first-time buyers from 3.3pc to 3.15pc. The lender also cut its five-year fixed rate from 3.4pc to 3.25pc. One of the rates will be as low as 2.9pc. But this only applies to those borrowing more than €250,000. The bank has also cut fixed rates for borrowers with a loan-to-value ratio of between 60pc and 80pc by 0.15pc. But Fianna Fáil has criticised Permanent TSB for not passing on the fixed-mortgage rate cuts to its existing customers. "While I welcome all interest rate cuts, Permanent TSB has once again discriminated against its own customers by not extending interest rate cuts to them," said finance spokesman Michael McGrath. He said new mortgage customers of the bank can avail of fixed rates as low as 2.95pc, but the best fixed rate … [Read more...] about Pressure grows on AIB and Bank of Ireland to cut mortgage rates
Man wanted for murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly detained in Spain
By Diarmaid Mac DermottA Dublin man wanted for the murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly five years ago has been detained in Spain. A warrant for the arrest of Dean Evans was issued by the Special Criminal Court last year after he failed to turn up for his trial.He has been arrested by Spanish police and is due to face a European Arrest Warrant seeking his return to Ireland.Evans (27), of Grange Park Rise, Raheny, was due to stand trial for the murder of the 35-year-old father of two but failed to turn up in court in January 2017.Peter Butterly was shot dead in the car park of the Huntsman Inn, Gormanston, Co Meath around 2pm on March 6th, 2013Last April, two Dublin men were found guilty at the Special Criminal Court of murdering Mr Butterly.Four men were originally charged with the murder. One of the men, David Cullen, subsequently turned State witness and his murder charge was dropped. Edward McGrath (35), of Land Dale Lawns, Springfield, Tallaght and Sharif Kelly (47), of … [Read more...] about Man wanted for murder of dissident republican Peter Butterly detained in Spain
Junior and Leaving Cert ‘at risk’ unless examiners’ pay increased
Secondary teachers say the integrity of State exams are at risk unless there is a sharp increase in pay rates for marking students’ work. The conference heard the State Examinations Commission is facing an “impending catastrophe” due to shortages of examiners and superintendents who are willing to correct exams as a result of “draconian” pay cuts. Delegates at the annual conference of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) voted unanimously for a 30 per cent increase in rates of pay for marking exams. Payments to examiners for marking individual exam papers range from just over €4 to just over €32, depending on the subject and length of the exam. However, teachers said their take-home pay amounted to “blood money” because tax hikes meant it was less than half of these rates. Liam Hennelly, a teacher, told the conference that while he earned a gross wage of €5,000 for marking 340 papers during the summer months, … [Read more...] about Junior and Leaving Cert ‘at risk’ unless examiners’ pay increased
Penny Smith, 59, is ageless beauty in thigh-grazing mini
PENNY Smith looked sultry in sparkles at the National Film Awards. By Chloe Stewart / Published 29th March 2018 Penny Smith’s legs were on full display as she was at her glamorous best at the National Film Awards.The stunning presenter, best known for her 17-year turn on GMTV, looked sensational as she posed up a storm for photographers.Penny who now works on Channel’s 5 The Wright Stuff looked stunning in a blue dress that was adorned with sparkles. GETTY GLAMOURPUSS: Penny Smith puts on a stylish display GETTY BEAMING: Penny Smith looked sensational at National Film Awards The blonde bombshell paired the dress with semi-sheer tights and black boots – adding rocker vibes to her feminine look.Penny, who is dating actor Vince Leigh, styled her blonde/brown locks into a sleek, straight ‘do and added a soft smoky eye to her striking peepers.Penny had her first taste of reality TV earlier this year when she appeared on Channel 5’s Celebrity Go … [Read more...] about Penny Smith, 59, is ageless beauty in thigh-grazing mini