Latest news with #FergalO'Brien
Metro
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Metro
Aaron Hill loving Fergal O'Brien link-up as he sets sights on snooker's elite
Things are going in the right direction for Aaron Hill (Picture: Getty Images) Aaron Hill is impressively climbing snooker's greasy pole and feels he has struck upon the formula that will take him to the top. The Irishman famously made a splash as a teenager when he beat Ronnie O'Sullivan in a ranking event and while that didn't catapult him to instant success, progress has been slow and steady since then. Still just 23 years old, Hill is at his highest ranking of 50 in the world and feels increasingly confident in his game. Five years as a professional already behind him, excellent practice partners and a link-up with Fergal O'Brien as his coach are all behind his encouraging improvement. 'I think I've developed as a player in the last couple of seasons, experience is massive,' Hill told Metro. 'I'm in a lot of situations that I can deal with better these days. 'My practice as well has been brilliant. I've been playing quite a bit with Mark Allen, Jordan Brown and Robbie McGuigan up in the Antrim Sports Club. Big shout out to the Antrim Sports Club because my game has come on a lot since I've practised with those boys. 'And starting work with Fergal O'Brien as well last year. We had a great season together, I loved it and I'm looking forward for next season with him.' Hill is Ireland's great hope on the snooker table (Picture: Getty Images) O'Brien was a pro for 33 years, a ranking event winner, Masters finalist and famously an intense competitor who was fiercely difficult to beat. Also a brilliant guy, who his student is delighted to get to spend time with. 'He's great,' said Hill. 'It's exactly who I wanted in my corner, whatever kind of question I have he's going to have the answer to because he's been through it all. 'And we get on great together as well, you know, we're great buddies so it's brilliant.' On O'Brien's never-say-die, scrape-him-off-the-table attitude, Hill says: 'That's an inspirational way to be, you need to be like that on the table. You need to be tough as nails out there because there's no one else can pot the balls for you. You need to be tough and hard. Then he just switches it off when he's off the table. 'Having Fergal is just unreal. He's one of the most experienced players in the game so when you're around a fella like him, it can only improve your game and your mental strength.' Fergal O'Brien is an incredible source of knowledge and support (Picture: Getty Images) An experienced veteran may be the ideal person to have in your corner, but having anyone at all is a plus because the tour can be a lonely, difficult place. Something Hill discovered in his first couple of seasons as a professional. 'It's tough on your own,' he said. 'The first couple of years of my own were not that much fun. You need someone in your corner. I was trying to find the right person and he retired at just the right time. It was written in the stars.' Those tricky first couple of years saw Hill very briefly drop off tour in 2022, but he immediately regained his place at Q School, returning with a stronger mentality that continues to improve as his passion for the game only grows. 'It is tough and hard at times, especially when you're young and you're travelling on your own, but I wouldn't rather be doing anything else. If I won the Lotto in the morning I'd still play snooker. Hill will hope to better his best ranking run of a quarter-final this season (Picture: Getty Images) 'I love the game, I love competing and love winning. I'm holding goals high up in the sky for myself now, to start winning trophies. I love what I do. Those hard times at the start, and still some now, they're all worth it in the end when when it comes good. 'Every season for me so far has been my best season, I've been progressing every year. It's going in the right direction and I feel like I've a lot more to offer. 'I want to keep pushing on. It would be nice to get in the top 32 next and then we'd push for the top 16.' Aaron Hill's biggest wins 10-5 Anthony McGill – 2025 World Championship qualifying 5-2 Mark Williams – 2025 German Masters 4-3 Ding Junhui – 2024 British Open 4-2 Mark Selby – 2024 Welsh Open 4-1 Judd Trump – 2022 Northern Ireland Open 5-4 Zhao Xintong – 2021 European Masters 5-4 Ronnie O'Sullivan – 2020 European Masters Hill displays a really impressive attitude, thinking positively and purposefully, with even one of the more stinging defeats of his career not getting him down too much. He was one win away from a Crucible debut in April and led Dave Gilbert 7-3 only to be pipped 10-9 and miss out on a first trip to snooker's most famous venue. 'I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt, but I got over it fairly quick and took a lot of positives from that week. 'It's been taking good performances all season to beat me and Dave did well to come back, I didn't put it on a plate for him, hats off to him. 'I can't be dwelling on it and just have to keep moving on and in the right direction and take all the positives. One frame away from the Crucible, one of my biggest dreams to get there, so I'm not too far away.' Hill will undoubtedly get there at some point, with snooker lucky to have attracted the talents of someone who describes himself as 'handy' at football, hurling, Gaelic football, boxing and basketball when he was growing up. 'Snooker came last and that's what I stuck with,' he explains. With the Crucible's current contract to hold the World Championship only running until 2027, Hill may not have long to fulfil his dream, but he is not just talking about appearing at the Sheffield theatre, but lifting the trophy in the iconic building. 'I'd be gutted if it moved and I didn't play there once,' he said. 'Give me a chance to play there before it moves at least, you know, and once I play there and hopefully win it, they can move it to wherever they want.' Aaron Hill sends his thanks to sponsors Singleton SuperValu, Holly the Crucible Snooker Club in Cork. Arrow MORE: Snooker star Jackson Page begins very different job after landing huge 147 bonus Arrow MORE: Zak Surety on wild Crucible debut: They can't ever move from there – it's mad
Extra.ie
09-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Warning as new automatic €160 fines to be issued without Garda interaction
Drivers are being warned of a new initiative being rolled out between An Garda Síochána and Iarnrod Éireann which could see an automatic fine of €160 handed out for rule breaks. Last week it was revealed that there were plans for six Garda Go Safe safety cameras to be put in place at railway level crossings across the country. The cameras will monitor motorists and automatically issue fines of €160 for speeding or running a red light (€80) as well as administer penalty points on your licence. Drivers are being warned of a new initiative being rolled out between An Garda Síochána and Iarnrod Éireann which could see an automatic fine of €160 handed out for rule breaks. Pic: Getty Images The new measure comes into effect after it was revealed there were at least 30 incidents of misuse of the crossings recorded to date in 2025. The level crossing on Serpentine Avenue in Dublin is the most frequent spot for accidents with five happening this year. This was followed by Sutton, where three incidents occurred. Eleven of the incidents resulted in damage to the crossing or injury to the person using the crossing, with the majority of accidents seeing vehicles collide with the crossing gates. Today is International Level Crossing Awareness day ⁰⁰We will be hosting user education days at various crossings around the country in conjunction with @gardatraffic, @RSAIreland and @DubCityCouncil ⁰⁰#AlwaysSafe #ILCAD — Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) June 5, 2025 CCTV from level crossings across Ireland was shared via Irish Rail highlighting the shocking level of accidents taking place at level crossings. There are currently 861 level crossings on the Irish Rail network nationwide with the train service currently working to eliminate as many as practicable. Since 2014, 134 have been closed. Irish Rail said: 'This new measure aims to reduce risky behaviour and protect not only motorists but also pedestrians and cyclists using the crossings. 'Initially, the cameras will operate in test mode before becoming full active. Their locations may change depending on driver behaviour.' Speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland on Monday, journalist Fergal O'Brien explained that the cameras were initially operating in a test phase and would record inappropriate use of level crossings. He explained: 'The cameras will automatically issue a fine of €160 for speeding and €80 for breaking a red light, with the motorist also liable for three penalty points.'
Dublin Live
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Dublin Live
Garda GoSafe cameras to come in at level crossings as drivers risk fines
Drivers could be fined an automatic €160 for breaking certain rules as new cameras are set to be installed. The Garda GoSafe cameras will be placed at level crossings to enhance safety and prevent injuries or damage. It was explained that the cameras were designed to be moveable, so they will be able to change locations. Speaking about the new cameras, journalist Fergal O'Brien said on RTE Radio 1's Morning Ireland: "The Garda GoSafe cameras, which will initially operate in a test phase, will be used to record motorists inappropriately using level crossings. Iarnród Éireann said that the cameras are designed to be easily relocatable and will be deployed depending on driver behaviour. "The cameras will automatically issue a fine of €160 for speeding and €80 for breaking a red light, with the motorist also liable for three penalty points. The railway operators said that the aim of the cameras is to enhance safety for rail and road users, including pedestrians and cyclists, by deterring risk taking behaviour. "Of the 30 incidents across the rail network so far this year, Iarnród Éireann said that 11 resulted in road users being injured or level crossings being damaged." Speed surveys were previously carried out in a number of areas, including one which saw 152 km/h recorded in a 50 km/h zone. Head of Corporate Communications at Iarnród Éireann Barry Kenny said: "When you have situations where vehicles hit level crossings, or indeed bridges... there's a very significant impact to our services. Safety is critical in terms of protecting road users themselves, protecting other vulnerable road users like pedestrians, or cyclists that might be going to the crossings and then avoiding delays and disruption to the rail service as well. "So by putting this in place, it is a very strong deterrent. Where these GoSafe cameras have been on the road network separately with the gardaí before, you see 98.5% compliance." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .
Business Mayor
21-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Infrastructure spending must come before tax cuts, says Ibec
Ireland's largest business lobby group, Ibec, has called on the Government to prioritise infrastructure investment over tax cuts or other expenditure. In the first in a series of policy position papers on Ireland's competitiveness and productivity, the group called on the Government to retain a consistent level of capital investment and drop barriers in the planning system for big 'common good' projects. Ireland will need to build a minimum of 500,000 homes and significantly upgrade the State's infrastructure between now and 2035 to address the country's rising population, Ibec said. 'It is critical that, in a world of growing uncertainty, we do not risk repeating the macroeconomic mistake we have made consistently over the past 50 years – deprioritising public investment when the economy slows,' said Fergal O'Brien, Ibec executive director of lobbying and influence. Ibec called for the introduction of an explicit fiscal investment target to 'provide a fiscal anchor for the capital budget through good times and bad' as a way of guaranteeing a consistent level of public capital investment. The lobbying group said the State has cut public investment as the 'path of least resistance' when needing to introduce fiscal cutbacks. 'Consistent failure to invest in necessary infrastructure does not result in savings,' it said. 'Infrastructure deficits accrue as a form of 'technical debt'.' 'Ireland today is a living mausoleum to these past policy errors,' the policy paper said, suggesting sustained investment of €200 billion by 2035 be funded by the Exchequer, proceeds from the €13 billion Apple tax judgment, the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund, and future share sales. Read More EY staff in Chins encouraged to wear Communist party badges Retaining a consistent level of capital spending would, Ibec said, reduce the need for catch-up spending when economic conditions change and lower the reliance on large-scale projects as forces of macroeconomic stabilisation. These factors would then provide more certainty to companies and young people in investing in capacity and the skills for sectors downstream from the infrastructure delivery sector. To enable the delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects, Ibec wants the Government to examine reforming the planning system, including the 'disproportionate influence of individual objectors', suggesting that constitutional change be considered. It called for a 'radical improvement' in the delivery and timelines of projects, aided by a centralised oversight structure and a prioritisation structure in the planning system. Ibec said that just 11 of the 44 big infrastructure initiatives in the pipeline in 2019 have been delivered on or before schedule. The body also called for the delivery of region-specific infrastructure to sustain local economic growth across the country. The Ibec executive director said getting infrastructure investment right could 'open the door to delivering large-scale projects that can transform our economy and society, service homes at the pace required and upgrading infrastructure to meet the standards of a modern economy and achieve our climate goals.'
Irish Examiner
20-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Ibec: Infrastructure investment needs to be prioritised ahead of all other expenditure
Business group Ibec is calling on the Government to prioritise spending on infrastructure, to the tune of €200bn over the next 10 years, ahead of all other forms of expenditure including tax cuts. In a new policy paper, Ibec said infrastructure investment needs to be prioritised in order to address persistent challenges in delivering critical national infrastructure. It said while infrastructure spending has increased 'significantly in recent years' it will need to 'continue to increase to maintain the volume of projects in real terms'. The paper noted that nominal infrastructure spending will need to rise from €19.6bn a year by 2030, under the current plan, to over €24bn by 2035. The policy papers suggest a sustained investment of €200bn over the next 10 years. Ibec said infrastructure investment targets need to be embedded in fiscal rules. It said these targets should be backed by Exchequer funds, proceeds from the Apple tax ruling from last year as well as the various investment funds the Government have been putting money into. In order to facilitate this spending, the business group is also calling for a reform of the planning and legal system to better deliver infrastructure investment. It added that the Government should establish an expert review group to examine systemic reform, 'up to and including constitutional change'. 'There must be a radical improvement in the delivery of nationally important projects. Delays persist in many key projects, with only 11 of 44 pipeline initiatives delivered on or ahead of schedule,' Ibec said. 'Improved delivery can be achieved by cutting decision-making timelines, enhancing planning capacity, prioritising key projects, and ensuring early and meaningful public input.' Within the Government, Ibec is calling for a centralised body with statutory powers to streamline approvals and prioritise strategically significant projects as well as the establishment of a permanent forum with private infrastructure investors to address regulatory challenges, ensure project viability, and attract future capital. It added that strategic infrastructure must be prioritised within the planning system, with immediate Ministerial Directions issued to expedite underpinning projects. Fergal O'Brien, executive director of lobbying and influence at Ibec, said the country must not make the mistake of 'deprioritising public investment' when the economy slows. 'Ireland's population is projected to grow by nearly a million people by 2035 and the global economic uncertainty only strengthens the case for strategic domestic investment—with infrastructure at the core,' he said. 'We can't continue with the status quo and just hope for improved outcomes. We need to fundamentally rebalance the system to put the common good first,' he said. Ibec added that regional delivery must be a national priority and that all Irish regions should aim to rank in the top 10% of EU regions in the Social Progress Index by delivering region-specific infrastructure. 'Ibec's priorities reflect detailed business input on the challenges delivering the projects needed to sustain local economic growth across the country,' the group said.
