Latest news with #Arlene
Belfast Telegraph
17 hours ago
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
‘A real lady' – DUP MLA pays tribute as mother of former First Minister Arlene Foster dies
Julia Georgina (Georgie) Kelly passed away peacefully in hospital yesterday. She was aged in her early 90s. Originally from Sandy Row in Belfast, Mrs Kelly spent most of her life in Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh. Her husband John Kelly, who survived an IRA murder bid, passed away suddenly in 2011. A death notice described Mrs Kelly as 'a dearly beloved wife', 'dear mother' and "a loving grandmother' to her 10 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. It said her passing was 'deeply regretted by her sorrowing family'. 'She was the constant within the family, her quiet disposition yet steely strength ensured her family had love and support and stability through very challenging times' DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said Mrs Kelly was a woman of strong faith. The Fermanagh-South Tyrone MLA said: 'Mrs Kelly was a well loved and respected member of the community. "In every sense of the word, she was a real lady. A woman who cared a lot about her family and the community. "She was so proud of Arlene and her achievements politically. "Importantly Mrs Kelly was a woman of strong faith, courage and conviction - something which was held dear throughout her life and relied upon in many of the dark times she faced, while facing the danger of terrorism on the border daily.' Fermanagh-based victims group SEFF also paid tribute to Mrs Kelly. The group said: 'Family meant so much to her and she was incredibly proud of all of their achievements, all her children - and of course Arlene's various political milestones, but also she took considerable interest in her grandchildren's lives and others throughout the family circle - she was very much understood as the matriarch.' The group referred to the attempted murder of Mr Kelly, who survived being shot in the head by the IRA in 1979. The tribute also recalled how, as a teenager, Mrs Foster's school bus was bombed by the IRA in an attempt to kill the driver, who was in the UDR. SEFF added: 'Mrs Kelly did not have a simple life, she had much to withstand including supporting her husband and family when Provisional IRA terrorists sought to murder him at their home outside Rosslea, and also when Arlene survived the school bus bomb along with other pupils and bus driver Ernie Wilson. 'She was the constant within the family, her quiet disposition yet steely strength ensured her family had love and support and stability through very challenging times. 'For her recent 90th birthday celebrations Mrs Kelly selflessly decided she didn't want any gifts but instead invited anyone wishing to mark it to instead make a donation which would then be given to SEFF. This was a measure of her thoughtfulness and generosity.' In a 2016 interview with the Belfast Telegraph, shortly after Mrs Foster became First Minister, Mrs Kelly spoke of her pride. She said her daughter exhibited leadership skills at a young age. In the same article, Mrs Foster paid tribute to her mother's steady guidance. She said: 'Mum's always been very level-headed and doesn't get overly excited about things - I know what you're going to say: so where do you get your temper from then? Well, I'm very quick like my father. Mum's very steady and she was always there. Looking back, you appreciate that. "When my father was shot, mum internalised her fears and concerns at the time, but her hair went white, almost overnight. And she was just around my age at the time. She was never one for crying and I don't remember tears, though, apart from when we lost dad in 2011." She added: "Mum and dad were married for 54 years, so obviously it was an awful wrench for her when he died suddenly, and very difficult to get over. She's lucky to have very good friends and three of us close to her, and she gets out and about to her clubs and so on. "She's very strong and she was a marvellous support to me - as was my late mother-in-law'. Mrs Kelly's funeral will leave her home on Monday for a service in Holy Trinity Parish Church, Lisnaskea, followed by interment in St Mark's churchyard, Aghadrumsee.
Sunday World
07-06-2025
- Sunday World
Irish American community pays tribute to mum-of-three killed in murder-suicide
Arlene Connolly-O'Neill died at the hands of her husband Sean O'Neill on the morning of Wednesday, October 16. The Irish American mother of three who was killed by her husband in a murder-suicide has been remembered in a 'living tribute" at the school where she taught. Arlene Connolly-O'Neill died at the hands of her husband Sean O'Neill on the morning of Wednesday, October 16. There has been an outpouring of grief among the devastated Irish American community in Yonkers, New York, in the aftermath. Now, a tree has planted in her memory as "a beautiful nod to her strong Irish heritage' at the Yonkers elementary school where she had taught for more than two decades. Irish Central is reporting that the Eastchester Police Department shared photos from the unveiling of the tribute at Anne Hutchinson Elementary School on June 3. Arlene Connolly-O'Neill News in 90 Seconds - 7th June According to the police department's social media, teachers and students from the school, as well as two officers, came together to honor Connolly-O'Neill's memory by planting a tree in front of the school as a 'lasting symbol of her spirit and the many lives she touched'. "Students lovingly decorated rocks with green hearts, a beautiful nod to her strong Irish heritage and the warmth she shared with our school community,' the post reads. "May this tree grow strong and proud as Arlene continues to do in our hearts." Arlene, whose parents were from Co Monaghan and Co Galway, was a popular figure throughout the tight-knit Irish American community in Yonkers, where she lived her entire life. On October 16, police said that 47-year-old Arlene was shot multiple times by her 54-year-old husband Sean O'Neill, a retired NYPD Police Officer, before he turned the weapon on himself in their home in Yonkers. On October 23, a joint funeral was held for Arlene and Sean in Yonkers. In a heart wrenching speech at the end of the Mass, Arlene's brother Mark Connolly told the congregation that "no one's really sure why things turned out the way they did." He said: "We want everyone here to know that our family will not be defined by the events of that day but by the love we continue to have for one another." The couple is survived by their three sons, aged 15, 13, and 11 who are now in the care of their extended family. Following the tragedy a 'Go Green for Arlene' campaign launched by the Ladies Guild at the Annunciation Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Yonkers saw homes and businesses throughout the neighbourhood hang green bows and ribbons in her memory. The initiative was backed by the City of Yonkers, as well as numerous local businesses and community groups. In a further show of support, people on social media also changed their profile pictures to an image of a green heart with 'Arlene' written under it, Irish Central reports. An obituary shared by Flynn Memorial Home in Yonkers, described Arlene as "a proud Irish-American" who "cherished her friends and family." While she loved music and New York sports, "above all, her most-adored past time was going on nonstop adventures with her three boys, who were the loves of her life. The boys were her entire universe and she would have moved mountains for them." The obituary reads: "Arlene was a larger than life human being whose beautiful eyes and bright smile could light up a room. Her energy was infectious. 'She is gone too soon and will be dearly missed by so many. The world now has a void that can never be filled. Our hearts are heavy with her loss." According to the local Daily Voice publication, "In the months since her passing, O'Neill's family, friends, and the Eastchester school community have gathered repeatedly to grieve, honor, and celebrate her life." It added: "The tree planting is the latest in a series of tributes that reflect how deeply she was loved."
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Arlene Phillips shares reaction to Strictly fans who mistake her for much younger judge
Arlene Phillips shares reaction to Strictly fans who mistake her for much younger judge Dame Arlene Phillips says fans are always mixing her up with her friend on Strictly Come Dancing, who is 18 years her junior, years on from her controversial axe from the BBC show Arlene Phillip said she's often having to clarify who she is to fans (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Dame Arlene Phillips is arguably the first choreographer to become a household name in Britain. Her dance ensemble, Hot Gossip, set the 1980s alight and sparked a lingerie-as-outerwear fashion trend, echoed by stars such as Sabrina Carpenter today. While those days may be behind her, Dame Arlene still remains as one of the dance industry's most well-known faces. In a recent chat, the former Strictly Come Dancing judge said fans often mistake her for the programme's current head judge, Shirley Ballas, 64. She shared: "People come running up shouting, 'Shirley! Shirley!' and I have to say, 'No, I'm the other one!'". Despite the mix-up, at 82, Arlene may find solace in being compared to someone nearly two decades her junior. Fans sometimes mistake Arlien for her pal Shirley Ballas [L] (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Arlene endured a highly publicised departure from the Strictly Come Dancing jury in her sixties, which ignited heated debates over sexism and ageism within the media. The contentious casting change led over 2,000 viewers to lodge complaints with the BBC, and even drew political ire as Deputy Labour Leader Harriet Harman lambasted the BBC's choice as "absolutely shocking." Article continues below Throughout the uproar, Arlene chose to concentrate on her own pursuits: "I wrapped myself in my world and got on with life," she told The i newspaper. Arlene made a name for herself with dance troupe Hot Gossip (Image: undefined via Getty Images ) Many still approach her to opine that she shouldn't have been dismissed from the series after its 2008 season. Reflecting on her reaction to being replaced by Alesha Dixon, Arlene expressed initial anger but pointed out her swift rebound. "I gave myself 48 hours to kick, scream, cry and sob, and eat scones with cream and jam, then I made myself wake up and get on with it," she added. "I loved being on Strictly. It's very dear to my heart that I was there right from the start." Arlene continued, highlighting her resilience: "I'm a grown up so when life comes along and it doesn't go the way you want, you just get on with it." Bruno Tonioli, Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman and Craig Revel Horwood on Strictly (Image: BBC ) Meanwhile, a previous female colleague at the BBC conveyed to The Mirror their concerns about ageism, stating: "There seems to be a system that gives women no chance on air unless they are below a certain age." Article continues below They further lamented: "Arlene may have a job on The One Show, but she is being pushed out of Strictly even though she was an excellent judge with great knowledge on dancing. There is no really good reason for it." At the time, the BBC denied that ageism played any role in Arlene being replaced. In defence of the decision to bring in former Strictly champion Alesha as Arlene's replacement, BBC One controller Jay Hunt asserted: "Yes, a lot of people were upset about Arlene but the flip side is, in Alesha, we have a young, black, woman presenter, at the heart of the Saturday night BBC One schedule."
Wales Online
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Dame Arlene Phillips gets mistaken for Shirley Ballas
Dame Arlene Phillips gets mistaken for Shirley Ballas The 82-year-old star was a member of the judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing between 2004 and 2008 Arlene Phillips (Image: Getty Images ) Dame Arlene Phillips says people regularly confuse her with Shirley Ballas. The 82-year-old star was a member of the judging panel on Strictly Come Dancing between 2004 and 2008 but revealed that she often gets mistaken for the current head judge on the BBC's Saturday night staple in public. Speaking to the i newspaper, Arlene said: "People come running up to me shouting, 'Shirley! Shirley!' and I have to say, 'No, I'm the other one!'" Phillips was controversially replaced on the Strictly judging panel by Alesha Dixon in 2009 – with the move sparking ageism allegations and drawing over 2,000 complaints from the public – but she largely ignored the furore. She explained: "I guess I... I didn't notice it that much at the time. I wrapped myself in my world and got on with life." Arlene added: "(People approach me) all the time to say, 'You should never have gone!'" Article continues below The star revealed that she continues to watch Strictly Come Dancing in "bits and pieces" as she remains good friends with her former judging colleague Craig Revel Horwood and choreographer Jason Gilkison. Arlene said: "(I watch Strictly) in bits and pieces on catch-up. It's rare I'd sit still on a Saturday night for a couple of hours but I'm also close to Jason Gilkison and I love watching the big dance number he's created." The choreographer, who was the oldest-ever contestant on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! when she took part in the 2021 series of the ITV reality show at the age of 78, is working on a gender-flipped take on William Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream and has no plans to retire any time soon. She said: "Why would I, when there are so many interesting opportunities out there? New ideas keep you young." Meanwhile, Arlene previously hit out at the trend for politicians appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! as she thinks it's wrong for them to "make fools of themselves" and play "silly little games" in front of the viewing public. She told the Daily Mirror newspaper's The Diary column last year: "I'm not big on politicians, even ex-politicians, going into the jungle or dancing on Strictly. Article continues below "I actually don't like them making fools of themselves. "We try to teach our children and grandchildren to respect people who are governing and running the country, not going on shows, doing silly little games."
The Courier
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Furious Raac homeowners in Dundee told to expect council bill as work begins without consultation
Raac homeowners in Dundee have been told to expect a repair bill after the council started work on their flats without consultation. Residents in a block of flats in Cart Place received a letter on Thursday from Dundee City Council informing them that work would begin on the communal stairwell in their building. On Tuesday morning, construction workers turned up at the Menzieshill building to begin one aspect of the £500k Raac pilot scheme approved by council last month. The local authority said in April that the remedial works would be carried out on Raac roofs in void council properties in the city. However, the Cart Place property is home to six private owners and two council tenants. Furious residents now fear they will be left footing thousands on a bill for work they didn't ask for. They also believe the council's fix to be a short-term solution as it does not remove the Raac but instead covers and supports it. The letter from the local authority, seen by The Courier, says owners will be invoiced at a later date. It states: 'Owners will soon receive an estimate of the costs. 'Once the project is complete and the final accounts are agreed, owners will receive a finalised invoice.' The letter then states that council tenants will not be charged. Arlene Jeffrey inherited one of the flats from her mum who died on Christmas Day last year. She is terrified her family will now be left with a hefty bill for work they were never consulted on. 'My mum's passed away so we're left with this,' said Arlene. 'It's quite stressful.' Arlene told The Courier that the first notification they had that their building was part of the pilot scheme was when the letter from Dundee City Council arrived on Thursday. 'It's not even an addressed letter, it's just a leaflet shoved through the door,' says Arlene. 'That's all we've had. We've had no consultation at all and that's them putting up the scaffolding. 'And to put a spanner in the works, they're not even removing the Raac. They're masking it over, hiding it. 'So when it comes to trying to sell the house, we still can't sell it because it still contains Raac. 'So it's defeating the purpose. 'They're not removing the Raac and we're going to get billed thousands for it? 'It's not right.' As part of our Trapped By Raac campaign, The Courier is asking people to sign this petition to help give homeowners a voice. A second homeowner from the block of flats, who wished to remain anonymous, shared Arlene's concerns. They told The Courier on Tuesday: 'They're up here and they're about to do things and we just got a letter on Thursday. 'There's no names on it [the letter] or nothing, just put through the door, no costs on it or anything, so we don't know how much we'll have to pay.' They added: 'To get that through the door, it's just a joke. 'It was crumpled up and put through the letter box. 'And we're going to get billed for that?' The homeowners fear that if the pilot scheme fails not only will they be left paying for that but also the long-term fix that the roof will need. The work in Cart Place is expected to last around 10 weeks. In the letter, Dundee City Council apologises for the lack of notice given to homeowners, saying an opening had arose in the contractor's schedule. 'Due to the urgent nature of the works, we thought it prudent to commence the works earlier than anticipated,' it said. The £500k pilot scheme was first mooted last year before being put out to tender months ago. When contacted by The Courier, Dundee City Council did not deny that homeowners will be asked to pay for the repairs. A spokesperson for the local authority said: 'As part of a tender approved by councillors in public last month, the Raac in communal areas of five properties in Menzieshill, which are currently in a poor condition, will have their redundant roof-mounted water tanks decommissioned and the Raac permanently remediated. 'The council has contacted occupants about this and will discuss any issues with them directly if they get in touch with officers. 'Where properties are fully privately owned responsibility for maintenance lies with owners.'
