Latest news with #Clare
Irish Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
The €4 hack to paint garden fence faster and better than any brush or sprayer
Ireland is basking in a rare burst of sunshine this week as a mini-heatwave sweeps across the country. Temperatures are expected to climb to a sweltering 30C in some parts today, and Met Eireann has said the warm spell is set to continue into the weekend - offering the perfect excuse to spend more time outdoors. For many homeowners, that means tackling the long-delayed garden jobs, whether it's dusting off the BBQ, trimming hedges or finally getting around to giving the garden fence a fresh lick of paint. But if you've ever tried painting a fence under blazing sun, you'll know that it can quickly turn from a satisfying job into a sweaty, painstaking chore - especially when using a small brush or clunky sprayer. Luckily, one clever DIYer has shared a game-changing trick that promises to make the task much faster and easier - and it costs less than the price of a chicken fillet roll. TikTok user @mrsclarehoops, who has over 130,000 followers, regularly shares practical home and garden tips, and her recent video has gone viral for good reason. Clare revealed her go-to method for painting fences doesn't involve brushes or sprayers at all - just an ordinary yellow sponge, which you can pick up for around €4 (or even less in some stores). She said: "Just a reminder, if you're painting fences this weekend, you should try the sponge method. Take a big yellow sponge, I like to chop it in half, but you could use it full. So then you have two sponges." Clare recommends wearing rubber gloves to deal with the messiness, but says the payoff is well worth it. She explained: "It's a bit messy, so you are going to want some rubber gloves. I've tried so many different methods of painting fences over the years, and this is by far the fastest. It's not the neatest, but it's definitely the quickest, and sometimes speed is what you need." She demonstrates how the sponge "just glides on" the paint and gets into all the "really bumpy bits" of a wooden fence far more efficiently than traditional tools. You can pick up a suitable sponge for the hack without breaking the bank. On Amazon's newly launched Irish store, the Vitrex 10 2904 Yellow Tiling Sponge is €3.67. Alternatively, they offer a six-pack of QEP grouting and cleaning sponges for €15.67, which works out at just €2.61 each. If you'd rather shop in-store, most DIY retailers across Ireland stock similar options - for example, Lenehans sells an All-Purpose Jumbo Sponge for €3.99. The viral video has since racked up thousands of views, with users praising the hack as a true time-saver. One user commended: "Thank you for this. I have to do mine this year, and I use a big brush, but it's always so uncomfortable." Another added: "This is absolutely genius, paints fences in minutes, but I would recommend cleaning the fences of algae first."
Metro
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Hollyoaks confirms unexpected new love interest for Clare Devine in dark story
Clare Devine (Gemma Bissix) ups the ante in Hollyoaks next week as part of her plan to get Tori (Harriet O'Shea) back in her life – and she uses Dodger Savage (Danny Mac) in order to do so. The legendary schemer, who has done some pretty bad things in her time, stated earlier this week that she had been diagnosed with cancer, claiming the treatment isn't working. In typical Clare fashion, there is no truth to such claims and the development came rather out of the blue, with the villain devising the plan after a trip to the hospital to visit sister Grace Black (Tamara Wall). Upon seeing patients receiving treatment, she formulated a plan, hoping she could use her cancer claims as a way to manipulate herself back into daughter Tori's life. Dodger, who had been hostile towards Clare previously over her role in the exploitation operation, softened once she stated that she had cancer. Sienna Blake (Anna Passey), however, knew full well that Clare was up to no good, urging her brother to proceed with caution where the returnee is concerned. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Clare subsequently asked Dodger for help in shaving her head – and he complied, with a spark seemingly forming between the two. Determined to get Tori back, Clare capitalises on this growing connection next week, with new pictures shared with Metro revealing a first look at the scenes to come. Dodger stumbles upon Clare in a seemingly weakened state and, horrified, he offers to lend a hand. With the undercover cop falling for her lies almost instantly, Clare is delighted and thus she proceeds with the next step of her plan, which entails making him feel very guilty over taking Tori from her given her condition. Mission accomplished. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Afterwards, a heart-to-heart ensues, with Clare stating that she simply believed Alistair (Drew Cain) was having an affair – not that he was a hardened criminal involved in exploitation. The pair grow incredibly close but a phone call interrupts them, scuppering Clare's plot. For now. More Trending Ever the opportunist, the schemer concocts a plan to get Dodger over to the flat later in the week. Dodger apologises for thinking she had a role to play in her late husband's crimes. The chemistry sizzles and Dodger starts to worry that the lines are getting blurred as he comes to realise that he's starting to fall for Clare. Will Clare succeed in getting what she wants? Or will Dodger see through her lies before it's too late? View More » Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4. If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: Huge Hollyoaks twist as major character feared dead in shocking showdown MORE: All Hollyoaks spoilers for next week as a major death is 'sealed' MORE: Hollyoaks confirms who really killed Dennis Savage – and it wasn't Clare or Banks
Irish Times
17 hours ago
- Irish Times
Man punched retired judge after saying ‘you put me in jail for nothing', court hears
A Co Clare man told a retired District Court judge 'you put me in jail for nothing' before punching him outside a cafe, a court has heard. At Ennis District Court, Jamie O'Connor (44), of Laurel Lodge, Clare Road, Ennis, has appeared in connection with the alleged assault of retired District Court judge Joseph Mangan last Saturday afternoon. Mr Mangan, who is in his early 80s, served on the bench for 27 years and was the assigned District Court judge for Clare from 2001 to October 2011, when he retired aged 67. Mr O'Connor is charged with assault causing harm to Mr Mangan at Barrack Court, Ennis, on June 14th, contrary to section three of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. READ MORE Judge Alec Gabbett said this is 'an extremely serious alleged offence' where a man in his 80s was allegedly assaulted for 'carrying out a public duty when he was a judge'. Judge Gabbett said there is a possibility of other charges to follow. In a contested application for Mr O'Connor's bail, Sgt John Burke told the court it will be alleged Mr Mangan was having a coffee on the afternoon of June 14th when he was approached by Mr O'Connor, who allegedly said: 'You put me in jail for nothing.' Sgt Burke said it is alleged Mr O'Connor punched Mr Mangan after the brief interaction. He said the accused fled the scene. He said Mr Mangan was treated at the local injuries unit for possible concussion and dizziness. Sgt Burke said Mr O'Connor was later arrested, making no admissions and blaming alcohol 'for his memory loss'. Sgt Burke said gardaí were opposing bail. Judge Gabbett refused bail due to the seriousness of the charge. Judge Gabbett granted legal aid for solicitor Stiofan Fitzpatrick to represent Mr O'Connor. Mr Fitzpatrick asked for bail to be granted as he said it will take months for directions to be made in the case. Judge Gabbett remanded Mr O'Connor in custody to appear before court next Wednesday.
BreakingNews.ie
20 hours ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Clare man punched retired judge outside café saying 'you put me in jail for nothing'
A 44-year-old Co Clare man told a retired district court judge, 'You put me in jail for nothing' before allegedly punching him outside an Ennis café, a court has heard. At Ennis District Court, Jamie O'Connor of Laurel Lodge, Clare Road, Ennis has appeared in connection with the alleged assault of retired district court judge, Joseph Mangan last Saturday afternoon. Advertisement The retired judge, now in his early 80s, served as a judge for 27 years and was the assigned district court judge for Clare from 2001 to October 2011 when he retired at the age of 67. In the case, Mr O'Connor is charged with the assault causing harm to Joseph Mangan at Barrack Court, Ennis contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act on June 14th. Judge Alec Gabbett said: 'This is an extremely serious alleged offence where a retired district court judge, now into his 80s, was allegedly assaulted for carrying out a public duty when he was a judge.' Judge Gabbett said: 'There is a possibility of other charges to follow here.' Advertisement In a contested bail application for Mr O'Connor, Sgt John Burke told the court that at 2.25pm on June 14th, Mr Mangan was sitting outside the Gourmet Store on Barrack Court in Ennis, having a coffee. Sgt Burke said that it will be alleged that Mr O'Connor approached Mr Mangan 'and told him aggressively 'you put me in jail for nothing'. Sgt Burke said: 'Following a brief interaction, it is alleged that Mr O'Connor stood up and punched Mr Mangan.' Sgt Burke said that Mr O'Connor then fled the scene in the direction of O'Connell Street. Advertisement He said that Mr Mangan went to the local injuries unit in Ennis, where he was treated fora possible concussion and dizziness. Sgt Burke said that Mr Mangan made a statement to local Gardai. Sgt Burke said that there was no medical evidence yet to hand and said that Mr O'Connor was later arrested, where he made no admissions, 'and blamed alcohol for his memory loss'. Sgt Burke confirmed to the court that there is an independent witness to what occurred. Advertisement Sgt Burke confirmed that Gardai were opposing bail and said that the original Garda position of consenting to bail for Mr O'Connor on stringent conditions was based on the length of time the case will take before the court. Judge Gabbett said that he was refusing bail based on the seriousness of the charge before the court. He said: "The allegation here is that a retired member of the judiciary was punched on the street". He said that 'the facts of the case are very straightforward'. Judge Gabbett granted legal aid to solicitor Stiofan Fitzpatrick to represent Mr O'Connor. Mr Fitzpatrick asked that bail be granted as it will take a number of months for directions to be made in the case. Judge Gabbett remanded Mr O'Connor in custody to appear via video-link from Limerick prison in court next Wednesday, June 25th.
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Woman shares 'genius' 46p hack for painting garden fences - and it's 'so quick'
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 Sprucing up your garden fence with a fresh lick of paint not only enhances its look but also preserves the timber, although it can be quite the chore, particularly when faced with a vast fence and a tiny brush. Luckily, @mrsclarehoops, a TikTok sensation boasting over 130,000 followers who regularly shares her home improvement wisdom, has divulged an ingenious shortcut that sidesteps the need for brushes or sprayers. Clare recently let slip a nifty trick that requires neither brushes nor sprayers, stating: "Just a reminder, if you're painting fences this weekend, you should try the sponge method. Take a big yellow sponge, I like to chop it in half, but you could use it full. READ MORE - Kate Middleton's Royal Ascot absence explained as she 'prioritises health' READ MORE - Prince William to take 'step' to 'close royal door' on Harry and Meghan's children "So then you have two sponges. It's a bit messy, so you are going to want some rubber gloves. "I've tried so many different methods of painting fences over the years, and this is by far the fastest. It might not be the neatest, but it's the fastest.", reports the Mirror. She then showed her audience how it's done. Clare submerged the yellow sponge into her selected paint and applied it smoothly across the fence. Clare continued: "It just glides on and gets into all the really bumpy bits. So it's not the neatest, but it's definitely the quickest, and sometimes speed is what you need." You can pick up large yellow sponges from a variety of DIY shops and supermarkets starting at just 46p each. Clare has christened this method the "quickest fence painting hack" and commenters on her post seem to concur, as reported by the Express. User @dryad. girl expressed her thanks online, saying: "Thank you for this. I have to do mine this year, and I use a big brush, but it's always so uncomfortable." User @dan. smith also shared a tip, stating: "This is absolutely genius, paints fences in minutes, but I would recommend cleaning the fences of algae first."
