Latest news with #Loftus
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Irish Examiner view: Sobering truths over miscarriages
The Irish Examiner National Women's Health Survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A, has provided plenty of food for thought in recent days — articulating as it does many of the most pressing challenges facing women in today's Ireland. A prime example of those challenges is miscarriage. The survey results indicate that one quarter of women have experienced a miscarriage, though that rate doubles among those experiencing fertility issues. It is sobering to realise that miscarriage rates are so high — that one of the most grievous losses that anyone can endure occurs that often. The only sliver of consolation to be taken from this situation is the presumption that our health services deal with miscarriage so often that they have a well-established procedure for helping the women involved. It is surely safe to believe that a tried and trusted system of aftercare and counselling immediately clicks into action when a miscarriage occurs. Unfortunately, the survey suggests the exact opposite — with a significant proportion of women expressing specific dissatisfaction with aftercare services. Six in 10 of the women surveyed said the availability of supports such as counselling is lacking, a similar number reported that follow up from healthcare providers was insufficient. Almost half of respondents were critical of the quality of information provided by healthcare professionals, rating it as poor or very poor. Those sentiments were endorsed by those active in this area, with Jennifer Duggan of the Miscarriage Association of Ireland saying: 'They unfortunately tally with what we hear ourselves from women we speak with.' It seems difficult to believe that, in the 21st century, we are in need of better information, better follow-up services, and better counselling for women who have experienced a miscarriage. Readers should also consider other findings in the survey, such as the proportion of women who often feel lonely or isolated — over one third of those surveyed. If services and supports in the case of the terrible experience of miscarriage are this inadequate, that figure is hardly surprising. An Garda Síochána: Trust in the force declining Readers will be aware of a court case this week in which Margaret Loftus gave details, in a victim impact statement, of her abuse at the hands of her then-husband Trevor Bolger in 2012. She concluded with a call to those enduring similar abuse to come forward and to testify, but that is far from the end of this case's significance. As outlined by Mick Clifford here on Thursday, serious questions arise from this case because both Ms Loftus and Bolger were members of An Garda Síochána when this abuse occurred, some of which took place in a Garda station. The case has revealed some disturbing facts about how our police force functions. Bolger was promoted to detective after investigations into his conduct regarding Ms Loftus had already begun — after he had been interviewed by gardaí assigned to investigate that matter, in fact. No action was taken against him until Ms Loftus contacted a senior garda, while her application for a transfer was approved and then rescinded without explanation. To learn that this is occurring in the State body charged with public safety is deeply worrying. What's your view on this issue? You can tell us here It has been a difficult few weeks for An Garda Síochána at all levels. The handling of high-profile cases such as the killing of Tina Satchwell has been the subject of widespread criticism. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris's comments on the costs of training a cadaver dog seemed misplaced, at best, at the unveiling of a million-euro water cannon. The ongoing saga of finding a replacement for Mr Harris is also disheartening, particularly as senior officers' pension arrangements appear to be a serious obstacle to any appointment. The details of this latest case will hardly encourage women to report abuse and to escape dangerous domestic circumstances, given Ms Loftus's treatment. They may also contribute to a general decline in trust in the gardaí as a whole. Henry Mount Charles: Deliverer of joy The death of Henry Mount Charles after a long illness was confirmed by his family this week. He was aged 74. For many, he will always be associated with some of the biggest names in rock music, having masterminded decades of concerts at Slane Castle, beginning with Thin Lizzy in 1981. In the 70s, he took over the running of Slane when it was in financial difficulties, and identified the natural amphitheatre in the grounds as an ideal location for large-scale gigs. Henry Mountcharles will always be associated with some of the biggest names in rock music, having masterminded decades of concerts at Slane Castle. After Thin Lizzy, the likes of the Rolling Stones, Oasis, REM, David Bowie, and others played to vast crowds at the Meath venue. Those events helped to introduce Irish concertgoers to the concept of large-scale festivals, which are now popular all over the country. In accent, pedigree, and bearing, Henry Mount Charles was unmistakably a member of the aristocracy, yet he was affectionately regarded in Ireland though he came to prominence when the Troubles were at their height. His standing was no doubt boosted by the quality of the musical acts he was able to present to an Irish public starved, in the early 80s at least, of genuine international stars. He was also remarkably frank in a recent RTÉ documentary about his struggles with alcohol, crediting U2's Adam Clayton with helping him to get sober — it was good to hear him say then he had achieved a level of peace. He brought a great deal of joy to hundreds of thousands of Irish people. Read More Irish Examiner view: Insights can reveal the way forward
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Maema, McCarthy return to club set up post TotalEnergies CAF CHAN performances
For most of the 2024/25 season, the Neo Maema watched from the sidelines as new signings and tactical tweaks pushed him further down the pecking order at Mamelodi Sundowns. The same fans who once chanted his name at Loftus were now asking whether his time at the club had run its course. Whispers of a potential exit were growing louder, and by January, they didn't feel like rumours anymore. Then came the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN 2024 Qualifiers. South Africa's return to the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship after 12 years brought little fanfare at first, but for players like Maema, it represented something much more than another tournament. It was a second chance. Under Helman Mkhalele, Maema thrived. He looked free again, sharp again, important again. He played with rhythm, creating and combining like the player who had first lit up the PSL in Bloemfontein Celtic colours years earlier. It was during that tournament that everything began to change. Maema's performances reignited belief. He came back to Sundowns different. Hungrier. Quicker. More decisive. Within weeks, he was back in the matchday squad. A few solid cameos followed. Then a start. Then, against all odds, a call-up to Sundowns' final squad for the FIFA Club World Cup. He went from being an afterthought to representing the club on the world stage. Over at Naturena, a similar story was unfolding. Aden McCarthy had been promoted to Kaizer Chiefs' senior side a while ago but hadn't kicked a ball in the first team. On paper, he was part of the squad. In reality, he was nowhere near the XI. It wasn't lack of talent. The timing was never right. Coaches came and went, and McCarthy stayed stuck on the fringes. But when the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN qualification rolled around, McCarthy got his shot. He impressed in camp, then impressed even more in the matches. What he showed for Bafana was enough for Chiefs to take another look. When they faced Marumo Gallants in a league clash not long after, McCarthy was thrown into the deep end. He didn't just survive. He shone. Confident on the ball, calm under pressure, and alert defensively, McCarthy put on a display that got fans and coaches alike to sit up. Since that night, he's featured more regularly, finally carving out a space for himself in the first team. These stories are not just feel-good sidebars. They are proof that the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN matters. In a local game where opportunity is often limited for some players, CHAN provides a rare window to reset the narrative. It strips away the star power of European-based players and lets homegrown talent speak for itself. And in the cases of Maema and McCarthy, it gave them just the stage they needed. For Southern African football, the tournament has done more than offer game time. It's restored confidence, opened doors, and reminded clubs of the gems they already have.
Scotsman
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Teen prospect Jordy Loftus jets in to sign for the Edinburgh Monarchs
Jordy Loftus has signed for the Monarchs. Picture: Edinburgh Monarchs New Edinburgh Monarch Jordy Loftus revealed he has been studying videos online of his new Armadale home as he prepares to make his British speedway debut next week. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Capital side has announced the signing of the 16-year-old Australian, who replaces Max James in the reserve berth. Academy rider Mark Parker had been filling the void left by James, who quit the Monarchs in April citing a lack of confidence on the track. Loftus, who hails from the Gold Coast, will make the move to the northern hemisphere and ride in both the Championship and National Development League for the Scottish outfit, replacing the injured Kyran Lyden in the Academy setup. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Loftus is no stranger to some of his new team-mates, none other than compatriots Kye Thomson and Justin Sedgmen as he explained. "I know of Justin Sedgmen and Kye Thomson and I've got to know Kye more personally over the past year or so - we practise at the same track in Ipswich [Australia]," he said. "I've been watching his technique going around the track and getting some tips off him. I've watched every single video put up from Armadale, it looks amazing. I'm excited to join the club and meet all the people and race." Loftus will adorn the Monarchs race suit for the first time next Wednesday at Oxford Cheetahs' Sandy Lane followed by a trip to the Redcar Bears on Friday, June 20. He will make his home debut when the Bears visit West Lothian on Friday, June 27. The teenager has only recently moved onto the 500cc bikes after turning 16 in March following a successful career on the less powerful 250cc engines. "I'm number two in Australia on the 250s," Loftus said. "I rode those until I turned 16 in March when I jumped onto a 500 and since then I've been getting better and better on it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I rode in SGP3 in 2024, and that went well in the semis when I got fifth. In the final I had a little bit of bad luck the way things went but my final placing was 13th." Revised 2025 Monarchs: Victor Palovaara, Kye Thomson, Michael Palm Toft, Paco Castagna, Justin Sedgmen, Jonatan Grahn, Jordy Loftus.
The Herald
08-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
Bulls into third URC final with win over Sharks
The Bulls have qualified for their third United Rugby Championship final after a hard-fought 25-13 win over a stubborn Sharks side at Loftus on Saturday night in an exciting match between two teams laden with Springbok stars. This crucial victory that was secured through tries from Sebastien de Klerk, Canan Moodie and David Kriel will see the Bulls take on Leinster in the anticipated decider away from home on Saturday in Ireland. Leinster eased into a home final with a commanding 37-19 semifinal victory over defending champions Glasgow Warriors in Dublin in the other semifinal played earlier. Bulls coach Jake White had experienced campaigners in his starting line-up with Boks Willie Le Roux, Canan Moodie, Embrose Papier, Cameron Hanekom, Ruan Nortje, Marcell Coetzee, Wilco Louw, Johan Grobbelaar and Jan Hendrik Wessels. Also, Sharks coach John Plumtree had Springboks aplenty with the likes of Aphelele Fassi, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Jordan Hendrikse, Jaden Hendrikse, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche in his starting XV.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Owego Hose Team sells 1,000th memorial brick at Baker Fireman's Fountain
OWEGO, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – Organizers of an effort to preserve a popular Owego landmark say they're blown away by the support they've received. The Owego Hose Team, which recently oversaw the restoration of the Baker Fireman's Fountain, announced that it has sold its 1,000th fundraising brick. After bringing the 111-year-old fountain back to life in 2019, the non-profit has been selling $100 memorial bricks for the pathways around the monument. The revenue helps cover year-round maintenance, including pump work, landscaping, paint touchups, cleaning, and winterizing the fountain. Treasurer John Loftus says the group originally set a goal of selling 100 bricks, but the community support far exceeded that. 'We're ecstatic as you could imagine. When you set a goal like 100 and think, 'Oh boy, that would be great to support us,' and then obviously when it happened to hit 1,000, it's a testament,' said Loftus. The Hose Team installed brick number 1,000 today, which is in memory of longtime Owego Little League volunteer Kenny Winters. Orders for the bricks have come from people with ties to Owego in 29 different states. To buy a brick, go to Lockheed Martin secures $9.5 million deal with U.S. Navy 'Familiar Places and Spaces' showcases Broome County's beauty Port Dickinson Elementary opens Outdoor Learning Center Tom's Coffee Cards and Gifts sells one million pounds of coffee Owego Hose Team sells 1,000th memorial brick at Baker Fireman's Fountain Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
