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Irish Examiner
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
TV Review: An Ghig Mhór sees John Spillane offer The Donnys some tough love
There is a bit of a niggle in the first episode of An Ghig Mhór (RTÉ One and RTÉ Player). The idea is an experienced success story on the Irish music scene mentors a young artist or band, as they prepare for their first big gig. The opening episode has Cork's John Spillane keeping an eye on Kilkenny band The Donnys. The Donnys: "To show the band their '70s rock vibe would appeal to people who grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Spillane (or more likely the show producers) decided they should visit, wait for it, a group of Irish soldiers who served overseas with the U.N." It works because they don't exactly get on. This isn't a Cork and Kilkenny clash. It's a generation thing. Spillane has been in the music business for 43 years. The keyboard in The Donnys is too young to drive himself to rehearsals. There is a bit of a class tension as well. The Donnys seem a bit posh, they don't really have an accent. No one would accuse John Spillane of lacking an accent. So when they tell him they have put up five posters for their debut gig in a Kilkenny night-club, he calls them lazy and says it should be 50. Next thing you know Spillane is handing out flyers to middle-aged men in Kilkenny with the band watching on muttering that most of their fanbase is young and online. It's all starting to sour between mentor and Donnys. John Spillane, onstage at the Lord Mayor's Civic, Culture Community & Voluntary, and Culture Awards Ceremony 2025: a different world from Ireland's indie and rock venues. Picture: Larry Cummins ROCK 'N' ROLL ADVISORY To show the band their '70s rock vibe would appeal to people who grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, Spillane (or more likely the show producers) decided they should visit, wait for it, a group of Irish soldiers who served overseas with the U.N. The Donnys: "They are probably going to make it with or without advice from John Spillane." This was the only misstep in the show – it felt like the veterans were hanging around from another documentary, possibly about Irish people who served overseas with the U.N., and RTÉ decided to get a bit more value out of them. In fairness, time spent with some peacekeepers seemed to break some of the ice between Spillane and the band, and it was all systems go in the run up to the big gig. The Donnys were unreal when it came to showtime, lashing into the rock god cliches, with topless lead-singers and guitar solos in front of some admiring girls. Spillane (who gives great telly) is well impressed, saying he didn't expect them to be this good. In fairness, it wasn't really their first big gig, a quick Google shows they have played support slots with The Undertones and The Stunning. They are probably going to make it with or without advice from John Spillane. But this show is well worth it for Spillane's no-filter take on life, along with a reminder you don't really want rock and roll stars taking advice from their elders.
Sunday World
23-05-2025
- Business
- Sunday World
More than 300 RTÉ staff apply for voluntary exit programme
Payments for those who leave will be capped at €300,000 A total of 325 RTÉ workers have applied for a voluntary exit programme as the broadcaster aims to cut staff numbers by up to 400. The scheme that opened last month closed today. Payments for those who leave will be capped at €300,000. Workers who are approved will leave the organisation by the end of this year. In an email to staff this evening, RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst said the voluntary exit programme (VEP) was now closed. 'I can confirm that we received a total of 325 applications,' he said. 'As you know, this VEP comprises a Voluntary Severance (VS) and Voluntary Early Retirement (VER) scheme and was open to employees who will have completed at least two years' continuous service on the date their employment ceases.' News in 90 Seconds - May 23rd He said applications would be approved only where a robust business case was made, and it could be confirmed that the role can be suppressed or that equivalent savings can be made by suppressing an alternative post and, or redeploying an employee into that role. Mr Bakhurst said applicants could choose to accept or decline an offer of VS or VER. 'Where decisions are straightforward and approved by RTÉ's leadership team and the RTÉ board's Remuneration and Management Committee, we will make every effort to allow these people leave the organisation as early as is practical, without unduly impacting our operations,' he said. 'All applications will go through a five-stage review process throughout the coming months, as previously outlined, with final decisions on all applications being made by the leadership team and final oversight by the RTÉ board's Remuneration and Management Committee.' He said a review of applications had already begun. Mr Bakhurst said while there may be exceptions, communication of final decisions would start from September 1, 'with exits of successful applicants taking place on October 31, November 30 and December 31'. Staff with over two years' continuous service on their departure date are eligible to apply. Those with between two and five years of service will receive four weeks' pay per year of service. Those with five to 10 years' service will receive five weeks' pay per year of service. Those working at RTÉ for more than 10 years will get six weeks' pay for every year of service. In a previous email to staff, Mr Bakhurst said any future exit scheme could be less financially beneficial than this one. He confirmed that the Department of Public Expenditure had given RTÉ approval to open the scheme this year. Senior management are not eligible to apply. The exit scheme was part of RTÉ's five-year strategy announced in 2023.
Barnama
18-05-2025
- General
- Barnama
Youths Urged To Join SRS To Boost KRT Security And Foster Unity
ARAU, May 18 (Bernama) -- Youths have been urged to join the Voluntary Patrol Scheme (SRS) initiative, which plays a key role in enhancing security within Neighbourhood Watch Areas (KRTs) and fostering a spirit of unity in the community from a young age. Director-general of the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN), Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud, said that youths' involvement in the SRS could help develop a sense of responsibility and concern for security in their respective residential areas. 'We strongly encourage youth involvement in SRS so they not only care about the security of their residential areas but also foster a spirit of unity and volunteerism from a young age. SRS is open to individuals aged 18 and above, and the government provides annual protection contributions for members,' he said.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Council confirms £200 cost of living payments to be paid to thousands this year
In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs A UK council has confirmed that it will be paying certain residents £200 to help with energy costs this year. The help comes through Salford Council's Household Support Fund scheme. This is a government-funded cost of living initiative which gives local councils pots of cash to help struggling households living in that area. Each council decides what help it will offer to residents, an you can only claim support from your local authority. The government gave Salford Council £4.8 million for its Household Support Fund this year following its extension. In its announcement yesterday, Salford Council confirmed that it would provide households who lost their Winter Fuel Payments last year with £200 this winter to help with energy costs. Salford's Winter Support Payment scheme will give cash to those over 65 who may be eligible for Pension Credit but have not yet claimed it or are still to apply for it. Last year, 92% of the 3,000 Salford residents who were eligible received a payment through the scheme. Energy and supermarket vouchers will be provided to those struggling to cover those costs. Alongside this, it will also be issuing holiday food vouchers to eligible children during school holidays and support additional council services, including housing and adult social care. The scheme will also fund Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) partners to deliver food banks, food clubs, and food schemes. According to the council, since the Househodl Support Fund started in 2021, Salford Council has received more than 50,000 applications. Those who want to apply for support can do so through Salford Council's website. The money will be managed and distributed by Salford City Council's Assist team. The Council has confirmed that residents do not need to be claiming benefits to apply for the Household Support Fund. However, those who do apply need to provide evidence that they are unable to cover the costs themselves. From universal credit to furlough, employment rights, travel updates and emergency financial aid - we've got all of the big financial stories you need to know about right now. Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett added: 'This funding has made a real difference to people's lives in Salford. It has helped families put food on the table, kept homes warm during winter, and ensured that children don't go hungry during the school holidays. He continued: 'We're committed to using this funding to keep that support going. I urge any resident facing financial difficulties to explore the support available through the Household Support Fund.'
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Migration Agency Helping Migrants In The US Return Home Voluntarily
12 May 2025 In a statement on Monday, the UN agency said it is supporting Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) – not deportation – for those who decide to leave the US. At the request of the US Government, IOM is helping people who register to go back to their countries of origin voluntarily. ' AVR is a well-established, rights-based approach that helps migrants navigate complex global migration systems, regain control over their lives, and make informed choices,' the agency said. Safe, dignified returns 'Our role is to ensure that those who lack the means to return on their own can do so in a safe, dignified, and informed way,' IOM added. The agency made it clear that the US determines its own policies on migration. ' IOM does not facilitate or implement deportations. Our involvement begins only after an individual gives informed consent to receive assistance.' In these instances, 'IOM ensures that people have access to accurate information and essential services, in line with international standards.' The announcement comes as the US seeks to expand deportation of undocumented migrants in continuation of a policy President Donald Trump began nearly 10 years ago under his first administration. He returned to office in January for a second term and has been cracking down on illegal immigration through raids, detentions and deportations. In a video posted to social media on Friday, President Trump said that he had signed an Executive Order 'to launch the first-ever self-deportation programme for illegal aliens,' offering free flights from the US and payment of an 'exit bonus.' Support for a life-changing decision IOM was established in 1951 and promotes humane and orderly migration. For decades the agency has supported AVR programmes in more than 100 countries, 'helping people without resources, legal options, or support return to their countries of origin safely and with dignity,' it said. IOM noted that in the US, ' many migrants face a challenging reality – navigating complex systems with limited options and resources,' and 'this initiative provides support to those who choose to return, helping them make a life-changing decision with care and clarity.'
