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A COMPETITIVE couple taking part in the 40 Day Health Challenge have told how they are “getting younger together”.

Husband Jim O’Sullivan and wife Deirdre have won the hearts of the nation as they take on the challenge side by side.

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Paul Sharp

The mum-of-four, who is currently battling stage 4 breast cancer, told how she expected the challenge would need to be adapted for her.

Deirdre said: “I thought there was going to be a plan adapted for somebody like me who was living with chronic illness.

“For me the 40 Day Health Challenge has meant that I feel back in society. I don’t feel invisible anymore.

“I feel like I can be part of everything that’s going on, to suit my level of ability.”

The former hairdresser wants to inspire other people with chronic illnesses, to not be afraid to live and to not shy away from challenges.

Retired school principal Jim got more than he bargained for when he offered to drive Deirdre up to the 40 Day Health Challenge HQ.

Deirdre said: “To have your best friend by your side doing that is incredible.

“It makes the 40 Day Health Challenge a way of life as opposed to any kind of an extra stress on us.

She joked: “I do actually love when I see him in pain.”

In the latest episode on day 26, the Cork based couple celebrated a new win.

Deirdre, aged 54, reduced her metabolic age from 45 to 39 after following the plan.

The experts told husband Jim, aged 56, his metabolic age was down from 55 to 42.

Personal trainer Karl Henry praised the challengers on their progress.

Karl said: “Couples around the country are going to be motivated now.

“A 39-year-old and a 42-year-old in the house. From the couple to a crowd and back to a couple again. We’re getting younger.”

Jim told how stress “can eat” away at him, but the challenge has allowed him to “let that stress out”.

The experts revealed that Jim, who was 90.2 kilos on day one, is now 85.4 kilos.

Jim joked: “My problem is when I put on weight, it goes to my belly and my backside.

“So I’m like a pregnant duck at that stage. It’s a case of here’s my head and my bottom is coming.”

But the Cork man had a turning point this week in the challenge.

Jim continued: “I actually thought for a while I had trapped wind because I felt my stomach one day and it felt quite hard.

“But it was actually muscle developing there. Now that hasn’t happened in a long, long time.

“All of these planks and bits and pieces that we’re doing, I can actually feel [it].”

Fitness pro Karl said: “Everyone in the room has a six pack.

“What varies from one person from another is what covers the six pack, which is that layer of fat.

“And we’re reducing that through general daily movement, cardiovascular exercise, resistance exercise and eating properly. We’ve seen a weight difference.”

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Gary Ashe

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SKY SPORTS have signed the biggest TV deal in darts – and it is all down to the “Luke Littler effect”.

The subscription channel has agreed a new five-year contract with the Professional Darts Corporation to showcase six majors annually between 2025-2030.

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Littler’s world championships defeat to Luke Humphries in January 2004 was Sky Sports’ most watched non-football event ever[/caption]

Starting in December, the agreement will cover the PDC World Darts Championship at Ally Pally, the 17-week Premier League road show, the World Cup of Darts, the World Matchplay in Blackpool, the World Grand Prix in Leicester and the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Last month, the Telegraph reported that Sky had beaten Netflix to a £125million deal – worth £25million per year, more than double its existing rights fee in recognition of the growth in darts viewing figures.

SunSport has put those figures to Sky and the PDC but both declined to comment.

Sky have broadcast the sport since December 1993 when the PDC (formerly the World Darts Council) set up a rival world championship following a bitter legal battle and split from the now-defunct British Darts Organisation (BDO).

What strengthened the hand of the PDC in the negotiations this time was the incredible emergence and nationwide interest in Littler over the past 14 months.

When he reached the World Darts Championship final on his debut in January 2024, aged just 16, it captured the imagination of the sporting public.

A record non-football Sky Sports/Now TV audience of 4.8million tuned in as Littler was beaten 7-4 by Luke Humphries in the finale to the flagship event in North London.

Twelve months later, a peak audience of 3.1million tuned in as Littler went one better, smashing Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final to win the £500,000 jackpot.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Figures throughout 2024 on Sky rose considerably as Littler played on tour for the first time.

Notably, he won the Premier League Darts – he hit a nine-darter in the final win over Humphries – and banked £315,000 in prize money.

In November, he became Grand Slam champion when he crushed Martin Lukeman 16-3 in the final.

In 2024, Littler came top in Google’s most-searched athletes in the UK, ahead of football superstars Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham as well as Olympic champions Simone Biles and Adam Peaty.

Littler has earned more than £1.5million in prize money since turning professional and brought a much younger audience to the sport.

IRISH holidaymakers are set for a major blow as a number of Ryanair destinations have been axed for 2025.

The budget airline has made the decision to cancel flights in some European spots due to “excessive fees” and aviation taxes.

The low-cost airline is now scrapping flights to and from Aalborg.

The news comes after Denmark announced new aviation taxes.

The tax has introduced a 50DKK (€6.70) fee for all passengers departing Denmark, which is paid for by airlines.

The cancellation will see Ryanair‘s base at Billund Airport closing, as they scrap the flights by the end of March 2025.

A spokesperson said: “We are very disappointed to announce the closure of our 2 aircraft Billund base and our operations at Aalborg from the end of March, but we have been left with no other choice following the Danish Govt’s short-sighted decision to introduce a harmful aviation tax from Jan 2025.”

This will result in 1.7million fewer seats to and from the city, 32 route cancellations and the loss of two aircrafts as Ryanair reallocate capacity to other EU countries that don’t have aviation taxes.

Denmark will now face a decline in connectivity, tourism and jobs.

Sweden, Hungary and Italy are eliminating aviation taxes in an effort to boost growth, which will see more tourists fly there.

According to Aviation24, Ryanair pilots and crew in Billund have been offered transfers within the airline’s network.

As Ryanair close down its route, it’s expected that KLM, the other airline to provide flights from Dublin to Aalborg will hike up their prices.

And unfortunately for passengers, this isn’t the only route that has been given the chop.

Last month, Ryanair confirmed they will cut flights at seven regional Spanish airports this summer over “excessive fees”.

The Irish budget airline will quit operating in Jerez, and Vallodolid, and reduce flights in and out of Vigo, Santiago de Compostela, Zaragoza, Santander, and Asturias.

Ryanair said the move was down to fees put in place by State-controlled airport operator Aena.

The flight cuts will see 12 routes affected with capacity being dropped by 18 per cent, with 800,000 passenger seats cancelled.

Ryanair said they’ll move the aircraft and capacity to countries “where governments encourage growth” like Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Hungary and Morocco.

The airline has long had issue with fees charged by Aena, previously taking action over attempts to increase fees amid a five-year charge freeze.

Meanwhile, Aer Lingus has launched a huge spring city break sale – with cheap seats to top spots in Europe.

The Irish airline is offering cheap flights to over 35 destinations but bargain punters need to act fast as the sale is around for a limited time.

Thousands of flight seats are on offer with fares starting from just €35.99 one way.

The sale includes a range of popular cities, providing an affordable opportunity for those who wish to adventure in the hidden gems of Europe.

However, jet setters must act fast to bag these sales as the seats are quickly selling out and thousands of holidaymakers are busy planning their city breaks with the upcoming bank holiday weekends.

NICO O’REILLY did not expect to play a minute when he was selected in Manchester City’s squad for their four match pre-season tour of the USA in July.

But three weeks later he had scored against Barcelona in Orlando – and also had a Community Shield winner’s medal in his pocket after holding his own against five-time Champions League winner Casemiro against rivals Manchester United at Wembley.

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Nico O’Reilly (left) celebrates Man City’s Community Shield triumph with fellow youngsters Rico Lewis, James McAtee, and Oscar Bobb[/caption]

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O’Reilly (right) scored his first City goal in the 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford[/caption]

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The midfielder celebrates his strike with Jeremy Doku[/caption]

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The midfielder started the Carabao Cup victory over Watford[/caption]

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He was also in the starting XI for the Carabao Cup defeat by Spurs[/caption]

He was denied a deadline day move to Chelsea, as City feared another ‘Cole Palmer’ situation and one of their academy lads starring in West London.

HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?

Well, anyone who follows City’s youngsters should forget what they thought they knew about O’Reilly – because Guardiola has other ideas.

The boss announced in the States – to the surprise of everyone – that O’Reilly, 19, could be a deputy for Rodri as a holding midfielder.

Praise doesn’t come much higher than that at City.

However it raised some eyebrows as he has generally played further forward – even as a No10 or a false nine – while coming through the academy system at City.

But maybe his versatility is what appeals to the Etihad boss, who does like a midfielder who can fill a variety of positions  

After a spell on the sidelines with injury last season, the England Under-20 star returned to training and Guardiola was shocked by how much he had grown.

The hope at City is he can use that physicality and grow into the role that Rodri plays so effectively as he reads the game particularly well.

He also showed that he is much more than just a stopper with his superbly taken goal against Barcelona in Orlando.

That was more like the O’Reilly they knew at the City Football Academy – where he had a reputation for scoring eye-catching goals.

He netted his first for the senior side in the 8-0 FA Cup demolition of Salford.

His Under-21 coaches say he would be capable of doing a variety of different jobs for Pep and that he has all the attributes to be a top player.

TELL US ABOUT THEIR RISE

He’s been playing for his boyhood club City since the Under nines and has come through in the same cohort as Rico Lewis.

He made the bench for Pep Guardiola’s first team at Brighton in spring 2023 but then a serious ankle injury stopped his progress.

However he has picked up where he left off. At City they still talk about a scorpion kick he scored against Middlesbrough for the youth team and a 40-yard lob against United in the junior derby.  

WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING? 

Ben Wilkinson is now boss of City’s EDS but has seen O’Reilly come through the ranks. He said: “Historically, he’s played as a No8 – or a No10 in the academy.

“But his ceiling is very high – and he’s got more attributes than people give him credit for. His technical level is very high. Hopefully he can put his physicality into his game because he’s got a lot of things you need to be a top midfielder.

“His performances were one of the highlights of the tour so hopefully Pep has learned if he needs to use him then he can.

He’s a guy who will be a player

Guardiola on O'Reilly

Guardiola himself said: “He’s a guy who will be a player. He was injured for a long time last season.

“He came back in the middle of the season, trained with us and I said ‘Wow. This guy is big.”

He’s about 6ft 2in and has a presence about him.

WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?

Guardiola insisted he would be part of the first team squad this season and he has played a couple of times despite the return of Ilkay Gundogan making an already congested scrap for midfield places even more crowded. 

O’Reilly has started in the Carabao Cup against Watford and Tottenham – and made his Champions League bow against Sparta Prague before netting in the FA Cup against Salford.

He will hope there is more to come, especially after the move to London was rejected.

ANOTHER little-known car brand from China is hoping to become a hit in the UK with the release of three new models.

GWM, which stands for Great Wall Motor, already sells the Ora 03 – or, as it used to be known, ‘Funky Cat’ – alongside the upcoming Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid, a mid-size crossover.

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Chinese brand GWM have a number of motors ready to come to the UK – including the Poer Sahar pick-up that’s already a big hit in Australia[/caption]

GMW

The Tank 300 has been likened to the Land Rover Defender – but comes it at a much lower price[/caption]

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GWM are already in the UK with the Ora 03 city car and the soon-to-be-launched Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid[/caption]

But the ambitious car maker, which releases motors under various model lines, such as Ora, a range of small EVs, and Haval, which specialises in crossovers and SUVs, is now looking to launch a pick-up truck and several SUVs.

Ora and Haval are joined by the likes of Poer, Wey and Tank – and they could all come to a GWM dealership near you soon enough.

Poer, known as Great Wall Pao in China, was introduced to the Australian market in 2024 with a hybrid pick-up truck called the Sahar, where it has enjoyed huge success.

The Tank line, which is also rumoured to be on its way to the UK, is perhaps the most intriguing; featuring a rugged off-roader called the 300 that could be considered a cheaper alternative to the Land Rover Defender.

Like the Sahar, the 300 is currently on sale in Australia for a price that roughly matches £22,500 and features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a hybrid system and four-wheel drive.

Furthermore, the Wey 05 plug-in hybrid is a premium SUV that’s aimed at the European market.

In the meantime, the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid will go on sale by February, priced from £23,995.

It will rival the likes of the Dacia Duster Hybrid 140 and MG ZS Hybrid.

GWM joins a host of other Chinese car brands that have debuted in the UK in recent years.

Late last year, we reported on Omoda, who were looking to take on the likes of Nissan and Kia with two incredibly low-priced new models.

They’ll be joined by Avatr, which is coming to the UK by the end of 2025 as part of a joint venture between battery specialist CATL, carmaker Changan and tech giants Huawei.

Already a hit in Thailand, their first release will likely be the ‘11’ SUV, which is similar in size to the BMW X5.

Leapmotor are perhaps best-placed to take the UK by storm with the release of two budget motors – including a small EV that is priced at just £15,995.

Their offerings are the C10 family SUV and the T03 city car – with the latter standing out for its £15,995 price tag, making it the UK’s second-cheapest electric car at just £1,000 more than the Dacia Spring.

Similar in looks to the Kia Picanto, Sun Motors supremo Rob Gill has already taken the T03 for a spin, describing it in his road test as a “no-frills, budget EV” and highlighting that it’s £6,000 cheaper than a Fiat 500.

Indeed, Leapmotor has teamed up with Fiat-making Stellantis – who owns the likes of Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen and others – to build and sell their cars in Europe.

IRELAND AM star Muireann O’Connell’s fans have branded her as having the “best legs on TV”.

The Virgin Media star returned on air this morning alongside Tommy Bowe and Karen Koster, who filled in for Alan Hughes.

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Muireann, Tommy and Karen co-hosted Ireland AM together this morning[/caption]

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Muireann looked very glam wearing a matching top and skirt on air[/caption]

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Muireann’s fans all complimented her figure[/caption]

Muireann often shares her work outfit details before heading out on air.

She recorded herself getting ready in the dressing room this morning and shared it on Instagram.

The Limerick native popped on a matching khaki green top and mini skirt from & Other Stories.

She buttoned up the long sleeve cardigan over a white cami top from Sinead Keary the Label.

Muireann fiddled around with her outfit and explained: “In my head, this was gonna work and it’s ended up not fitting… anywhere.

“Bar the colour, this is almost the same outfit I wore for my junior cert results night.”

The popular presenter finished off her look wearing snake skin knee-high heeled boots from Penneys.

Muireann went “full 90s” with her new bob as she put in some foam rollers to give her hair some volume.

She accessorised with gold knot earrings, a gold chain, a gold pendant necklace and a gold wrist watch.

Muireann’s friends and fans all loved her outfit, despite her worries, and raced to the comment section with compliments.

Jennifer wrote: “Love this outfit on you and as for the hair.”

Linda commented: “Best legs on TV.”

NEW DO

Steve said: “Great legs you have.”

Maureen added: “I absolutely love this on you plus your figure is just incredible, this outfit of the day section brings so much joy… thank you.”

Muireann revealed her new hair transformation last week on the show.

She got the ends of her hair chopped off and cut into a chic bob.

Muireann’s hair had also been dyed a brighter shade of blonde and beautifully curled.

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