Latest news with #IRISH


The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
‘Always keep a watchful eye' – Irish pet owners issued stark warning over mistake that can be fatal
IRISH vets have warned of the dangers of heatstroke as temperatures continue to sizzle. Across the country, with temperatures set to exceed 29C, The Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) is advising owners to be 'vigilant of their 2 Irish dog owners are being urged to keep a close eye on their furry friends Credit: Getty DSPCA bosses said it is essential for owners to 'keep pets cool and safe'. The rescue vets warned that heatstroke is a 'life-threatening condition' that can develop if an animal becomes too hot. This can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death. READ NORE IN FABULOUS It can also be caused by being in a warm room without proper ventilation, being kept somewhere hot such as a Any dog can develop heatstroke, but flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs are most at risk. Head of Operations at the DSPCA, Suzanne McGovern, said: 'With hot temperatures forecast for the rest of the week, we must be mindful of how important it is to keep our pets comfortable. 'The warm and dry temperatures can be dangerous for our pets, so it is vital that you follow the advice for keeping your pets cool during these periods. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN 'Ensure they have access to lots of water and there are shaded areas where they can rest. 'Always keep a watchful eye on your pets and be responsible when exposing them to the conditions.' Galway family in tears at reunion with dog stolen two years ago Dog owners should only go on walks when it is cool, early morning and evening. Do not walk any dog during the hottest hours of the days between 12pm-4pm. Ensure your pooch is only doing light exercise only. When playing with your furry friend allow lots of time for breaks in shade, provide water, and allow your dog to cool down. Owners need to provide lots of shade and plenty of water. Do not take your dog on unnecessary journeys. Never leave dogs in cars even if windows are open; a car will remain too hot for any pet. Owners of breeds with flat-faced, overweight, giant-breed, thick-coated, very old and very young dogs must be extra cautious. If you see an animal in trouble or distress, particularly in a car even if the window is open or in an outdoor area without shade or water, please contact the DSPCA on 01 4994700 or info@ How hot is too hot? Getty Image • 16-19 C Generally safe to exercise at all times of days. Dogs most at risk of heat stroke should only be lightly exercised in the cool parts of the days (early morning, late evening). • 20-23 C No dog should be exercised rigorously. All exercise should take place during cool parts of the day. Play time should be short and have lots of time to cool down. • 24-27 C Extreme caution should be taken. Exercise should only be extremely light and take place when the sun has set. Focus on giving your dog cooling treats, toys and plenty of opportunity to spend time in shade. • 28-31 C Dangerous for all, but life threatening for larger breeds and puppies as well as dogs who are flat-faced or obese. Stay cool and in the shade with lots of water. • 32 C Heat stroke is a major risk for all. While 20°C may not seem overly hot, pets – especially dogs – can still struggle in the heat, particularly during exercise or if left in enclosed spaces like cars or conservatories. 2 Owners should not walk their dogs between noon to 4pm during heatwaves Credit: Getty

The Journal
20 hours ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Ten weeks to save Irish peacekeeping in Lebanon as US weighs up whether to end its support
IRISH AND FRENCH diplomats are working intensely to convince the United States not to end support for the UN's peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, which could spell the end of the international peace effort. US officials have arrived in Lebanon and Israel to assess whether their country should veto the renewal of the UNIFIL mission. Sources have told The Journal that a major and secret effort is under way to stop the US from pulling the plug on the south Lebanon operation. Inside Government departments and at Cabinet level, Irish officials are understood to be anxious to find a way to keep the mission going. Officials have been directed by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Harris to work with the French and others to push for a solution. The Times of Israel reported earlier this month that the US was deciding whether it would vote against the renewal of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission. The deadline to save the mission is ten weeks from now, when the UN will vote on whether to renew the mandate for UNIFIL. The UNIFIL mission (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) began in 1978 to maintain peace and security on the border between Lebanon and Israel after a period of increased tension between the two countries. Irish troops are part of a massive international presence of 10,500 troops from 50 countries to monitor both sides of the border. A total of 48 Irish soldiers have been killed there on active service. Their deaths were caused in action, in accidents, and in kidnappings by Israeli forces, Hezbollah, AMAL, and local militias aligned to Israel or to Lebanese factions. The Journal has confirmed that US officials, led by envoy Tom Barrack, have been in Lebanon and Israel to assess the effectiveness or not of the UNIFIL mission. In a move that is consistent with previous missions by the US, Barrack has no background in diplomacy; he is a real estate investor. Sources have said there is extensive lobbying ongoing by Israel to have the United States, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, end its support for the mission. There are fears among diplomatic sources that the work of Barrack and his team is a fait accompli, and the decision has already essentially been made to pull the plug on US support for UNIFIL, given the support the Trump administration has for Israel. Behind the scenes, French diplomats are leading negotiations and Ireland is working with them. The withdrawal of US support would be a significant setback for UNIFIL. Advertisement Sources believe that the US turning its back on the mandate would mean a cut of around 25% of the budget for the mission, which would cause a major reduction in troop numbers. Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking to troops in Camp Shamrock in South Lebanon in March. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Worst case scenario The worst case scenario would be that the UNIFIL mission would end, which would necessitate a massive withdrawal of Irish troops from south Lebanon. Currently around 330 soldiers of the 126th Infantry Battalion are stationed at multiple locations in the south of the country, monitoring the uneasy truce along what is known as the Blue Line. This was established in the wake of the 2006 war following international agreement on the border designating where Israel had to withdraw beyond. If the mission was to end completely, the Irish would withdraw en masse from the area. This would involve the chartering of a ship as Ireland does not have naval capability to move the troops. Sources said the seaborne withdrawal of kit and equipment would likely either happen from Beirut or from Tyre. Troop-carrying aircraft would also have to be chartered or they would hitch a ride on a flight by a partner country. It is understood that no immediate plans are in place for this. The Defence Forces and the government are awaiting the outcome of the vote in August. The Irish Defence Forces logisticians have carried out this operation before in the 2000s when the Irish temporarily withdrew from Lebanon and they recently successfully moved massive amounts of equipment and vehicles home to Ireland from their Syria mission . Camp Shamrock where the Irish are based with troops from Ghana and Poland. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Israeli strategic goal Sources said that the strategic goal for Israel is to make northern Israel free from the threat of rocket fire as well as other major cities inside the Jewish State. This is the justification for the previous invasions. The main body of Israeli troops have withdrawn back across the Blue Line but, within the Irish area of operations, south of the towns of Bint Jbeil and At Tiri, the IDF maintains one of a number of forward operating bases. Overflights by Israeli drones and aircraft are being monitored by a massive French radar station in the area with an Irish and LAF patrol fired upon recently by Israeli forces as well as a number of other incident. Hezbollah militants have also been seeking to intimidate UN troops. The powder keg atmosphere in the Levant will continue but sources said the Irish government remains hopeful that a compromise can be found to soothe the tensions in the UN assembly and for the mission to continue. 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 Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Major boost for families as Riverdance launches special ‘family friendly' show in Dublin with inclusive environment
IRISH families can enjoy a special show this weekend with Irish dancing legends Riverdance. The magical dancers will be bringing a special matinee version of their show, which caters to all ages and offers an inclusive environment, to Dublin this weekend. 3 Riverdance Ireland is coming home this weekend with all new features for an inclusive show 3 The event is set to happen at 1pm in the Gaiety theatre on June 22 This Sunday, Riverdance 30 - The New Generation takes to the stage at the Gaiety Theatre and Barnardos has been selected as this year's charity partner. The New Generation celebrates the show's incredible 30 th year milestone, with a special anniversary tour, which comes home to the The huge production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography, costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. It showcases the new generation of exceptional performers - all of whom were not born when the show began 30 years ago. READ MORE ON FABULOUS And Sunday's show is the perfect event for Irish families. The Riverdance Family Friendly Show is a special matinee performance. Riverdance Ireland has described the show as a "safe space" for parents and kids. They said: "The Riverdance Family Friendly Show in aid of Barnardos is a relaxed performance which welcomes everyone to experience Riverdance in a safe, non-judgmental environment. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN "The show is suitable for families with young children of all ages and is accessible to a wide range of audiences such as those with autism, those with a learning disability, anyone with a sensory predisposition." And the dancing act will be fully equipped with trained professionals on hand to help - and dedicated quiet areas inside the theatre. RTE viewers get 'chills' as jaw-dropping Riverdance clip re-emerges All profits from this show will go towards supporting the work of Children's tickets to the show start from €36.55 for ages three - 15. Infants aged two and under are admitted free of charge and without a need to purchase a ticket, as no seat will be allocated. Experience the magic of Riverdance fun with all the crew in the Gaiety theatre at 1pm on June 22. Tickets are available online from Ticketmaster and the Or visit the Box Office in person at South King Street, Dublin, for a chance for you and your kids to see the event. 3 All profits made from the show will go towards Barnardos Credit: Photocall Ireland


The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Until I see you again & if I don't, it's been a pleasure' – Irish star disappears from screens leaving fans devastated
AN IRISH star has left his fans devastated as he announced his break from screens last night. Garron Noone, who has 2.1 million followers on 2 Garron is taking a break from posting on social media Credit: Instagram 2 Garron has donated a generous amount to charity Credit: Instagram The country musician said: "I'm gonna be saying a little goodbye to you today, just a tiny little goodbye, just maybe for a couple of months. "I just need to take a small little social media break. I've been posting videos pretty much every day for the last two and a half years, and it's been my great f***ing pleasure to do so." The Mayo native is focusing on his upcoming gig as well as "ideas" he wants to work on. Garron explained the "pressure" he's been putting on himself to "try and feel worthy" of the amount of people who watches him. read more on garron noone He said: "I think I just need to get me head out of the game for a little while, and I'll come back nice and fresh with me lovely new ideas, and we'll have a great craic together." The influencer shared how grateful he is to his fan base saying: "I want to thank you from the absolute bottom of my soul for everything you've given me over the last few years. "All of the opportunities, all of the people I've got to meet, everything good has come from you, and I really f***ing appreciate it, and you'll never understand how much I do. But thank you." And the singer has left his fans with a generous "parting gift". read more on the irish sun He explained: "A lot of the money that I make from social media and stuff, I like to put it in a little pot and give it to charity, and I don't believe that money is coming from me, it's coming from you, the people that watch. "So thank you so much for that. It's been able to help with animals and homelessness and all sorts of important things. And today I want to make a €10,000 donation on behalf of you good, delicious people to Doctors Without Borders. Garron Noone breaks his silence "There's a lot going on in the world at the moment. I know you're hearing about that everywhere. You probably don't want to hear about it from me, but they do excellent humanitarian work, and I just think it's a great charity to give to. So thank you very much for that. "I've been in contact with them to make the donation, and as soon as they receive the money, I'll put up confirmation of that on my Instagram story." He finished off his farewell statement saying: "Thank you so much for that, and thank you so much for everything. Until I see you again, and if I don't see you again, it's been a pleasure having you. Maybe you won't catch me when I come back. FAN SUPPORT "It's been a pleasure having you. You are delicious. Stay delicious. And until next time, follow me, I'm delicious." And while Garron's fans have been left devastated by the news, they flooded the comment section with support for the star. Annalie wrote: "Such a delicious thing to do for those charities. Wishing you a restful break." Jill commented: "I'll miss your content Garron, truly. You make me laugh everyday! Enjoy your break… well deserved. The donations to charity make me love you even more. Cheers!!" April said: "The charitable donations are so kind hearted. You'll be missed Garron. Have a wonderful summer!" Shannon added: "Gonna miss you and remember you are loved. Stay delicious."


The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I try to get on with it' – Legendary Irish singer shares health update after heart surgery and relentless infection
IRISH singer Philomena Begley has opened up about her recent health struggles. The Advertisement 2 Philomena has opened up about her health struggles Credit: Getty Images - Getty 2 The country singer underwent heart surgery in 2019 Credit: Getty Images - Getty Philomena was on the road with Mike Denver when she began to feel unwell and was forced to seek medical help. In a recent interview with The 82-year-old had the operation in May that year but it was followed by a relentless infection that lasted for months. The country singer was then diagnosed with a "kind of pneumonia" and she "couldn't get rid of it". Advertisement READ MORE ON PHILOMENA BEGLEY She revealed that a small care team visited her to give her injections over the course of a week. Philomena eventually returned to touring in 2020 just weeks before the She explained: "I got back on the road with Mike the following January and then two months later the pandemic hit. That was another wee break I had from music, but I made use of it." Despite the health scare, the 82-year-old has said: "I've never really had a problem I couldn't overcome. My children will tell you I complain a lot though [laughs]." Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN She also spoke candidly about her outlook on life and admitted she doesn't dwell on her own illness. Philomena said: "I complain every now and again, but when I look around and see people who are genuinely sick I realise what's wrong with me is nothing. Shane MacGowan and Philomena Begle perform Fairytale of New York on The Late Late special "It's just overthinking things you don't need to be concerned about. "Overthinking is the worst, it's worse than anything. I try to get on with it because there are other people who are worse off." Advertisement Philomena recently A past episode saw the biggest names in Irish country music join Philomena Begley, Cliona Hagan, Michael English and Gerry Guthrie all played a game called Wild West Roulette. 'SUPERSTAR' The Co Down presenter pressed the buzzer to spin the wheel and see which artist came up. Advertisement The country stars then had to nominate themselves to sing a song by that artist. When it landed on The 80-year-old shouted: "Yes, it's me! She explained: "I tell you what, I bought an album years and years ago of ABBA and I came across this song - The Way That Old Friends Do. Advertisement "I had it recorded and it did very well for me too. It bubbled in the British charts. That's my claim to fame." The Tyrone native gave a knockout performance and wowed the audience