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CORK lifeboats have issued a stark warning after two men were rescued from a sinking ship amid stormy conditions overnight.

A lifeboat was launched from Castletownbere in Force 7 winds to rescue the men from the water.

The 20-metre fishing boat in distress was located south of Blackball Head off the Beara peninsula.

It was taking in water and had lost power with two people on board.

The south Cork volunteer crew were alerted to the situation in the early hours of yesterday morning by the Valentia Coastguard Marine Coordination Centre.

They receive word of the sinking ship at 4.20am and had their lifeboat launched by 4.30am under the command of Coxswain Marney O’Donoghue, mechanic David O’Donovan and crew Dean Hegarty, Joe Cronin and Andrew O’Neill.

And conditions were poor in the early hours of the morning with crews braving strong winds to aid the two men.

Describing the conditions of the rescue on their social media Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat said: “Conditions were described as Force 7 south- easterly winds and a 4 to 5 metre swell.”

Another local fishing boat was standing by at the scene when crews arrived and amid the challenging conditions the lifeboat managed to attach a tow line.

The ship was then towed back to Castletownbere harbour and a local tug assisted in berthing the boat at the pier.

In a quick turnaround the lifeboat was refueled and ready for dispatch if needed by 8.20am.

Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat Launching Authority, Brendan O’Neill said the men made the “right decision” calling for help.

He said: “Given the poor weather conditions, the crew aboard the fishing boat made the correct decision to call for help immediately and we are glad that everyone is now ashore safe and well.”

Praise poured in for the team on social media after they managed to get the two men to safety.

One person said: “Well done CTB RNL yet again.”

Another wrote: “Great service.”

And another said: “Where would we be without Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat.”

One person added: “Thanks for keeping them safe.”

Union Hall RNL also shared their praise for their colleagues on social media.

They wrote: “Well done to our colleagues at Castletownbere RNLI Lifeboat.”

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The boat was launched after 4am[/caption]

SUMMER is getting closer by the day, and fashion-conscious shoppers are starting to give their wardrobes a much-needed refresh.

Now, eagle-eyed M&S fans have set their sights on the retailer’s stunning Collection Straw Tote Bag, and they’re rushing to stores to get their hands on one.

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M&S

The in-demand summer staple has scored a generous 4.7 stars online, with positive reviews flooding the page, and shoppers can’t get over the “perfect beach bag”.

M&S call the effortlessly chic accessory a “stylish choice” for the beach or poolside.

The straw tote bag has two top handles, complete with “rose gold hardware” to give an added touch of luxury.

You won’t need to worry about your towel or book falling out as you race to secure your sun lounger either, as everything is kept secure by a subtle magnetic fastening.

And there’s plenty of room to fit all your items inside, so you can carry everything around with ease.

In fact, shoppers have commented on how impressed they have been by the generous amount of space inside.

The bag costs £49.50 and comes in a choice of two colours, natural or black.

M&S

M&S

Its outer material is made of 100% paper, while its lining is made of 100% cotton.

The tote is really easy to clean too, needing only a quick wipe to get it looking new again.

It’s another simple but stunning addition to the M&S Collection range, which includes “easy-to-wear wardrobe staples” that merge “classic” and “contemporary” styles.

Reviews online call the summer accessory a “real holiday handbag” with one person writing: “Loved the look of this bag so I bought it for my holiday later in the year.

“It’s gorgeous and very stylish with the gold magnetic handles at the top.”

Another happy shopper said: “Bought for holiday and travel – pleased with it, different to expectations- bigger than I thought it would be and good quality material.”

While someone else wrote: “Gorgeous. I love it. Spacious enough to carry some shopping and still look elegant.”

Other shoppers dubbed it the “perfect summer beach bag” and praised it for it’s “really lovely quality and style,” saying it “looks far more expensive than the price.”

Shoppers rated the bag highly for its excellent value for money, style and quality.

The hot accessory is available in-store and online, now.

You can find your closest M&S store, here.

RESIDENTS who live next to the UK’s biggest ‘ghost’ airport have said they can’t wait for it to finally reopen.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport once operated flights to destinations such as Spain and Cyprus.

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Doncaster Sheffield could open by spring 2026 – four years after it closed[/caption]

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Mark Feneley hoped for the best but was wary about setbacks[/caption]

But the airport, which closed in 2022, could reopen in the near future as plans continue to progress.

Locals who live in the shadow of the airport in Auckley have voiced support for its regeneration and say it can bring many benefits to the town.

Ian Duncan, who lives in the area, said the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) had a big impact on people in the area.

He told YorkshireLive: “There’s a lot of people who used to use that. I mean, I live two minutes away, we always flew from Doncaster.

“Now, I have to go an hour, an hour-and-a-half, two hours sometimes, to Manchester or Heathrow. It’s affected a lot of people and it has touched businesses as well like the hotels.

He added: “You talk to anybody and all the people say it’s a lovely airport. There’s no hassle, it’s just in and out.”

Doncaster Council, along with the city’s mayor Ros Jones and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, have been pushing hard for the airport to reopen.

Just a few months ago, the city’s mayor said that they had reached a “major milestone” in reopening.

Now, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also thrown her weight behind plans for the re-opening of the airport.

The local council has signed an 125-year lease for the site, in co-operation with the current owners Peel.

Martin Forrestall said on the future reopening: “It’ll regenerate the area. There’s a lot more houses being built in the area.

“Just getting away, we’ve been travelling to the Midlands, Leeds Bradford, and really we’ve got an airport on our doorstep.”

And Ray Relf is another local who is looking forward to the reopening, with the hope it will bring much-needed improvements to the area.

However, some residents do have concerns, especially surrounding the airport’s longer term future.

Mark Feneley said the airport has never really caused problems for people in the area in regards to noise or traffic.

But he does have some concerns about whether the airport could remain competitive.

The airport first opened in 2005 and was even named one of the best in the UK.

In addition, a further £20 million has been put towards reopening the airport this month and a German company, Munich Airport International, have also signed on to provide services at the airport along with UK-based FP Airports.

As a result, Doncaster Sheffield Airport certainly looks to locals as though it will reopen soon.

Previously named Robin Hood Airport, it welcomed up to 2.8million passengers a year, being one of just two commercial airports in Yorkshire.

And Doncaster Sheffield isn’t the only UK airport hoping to reopen.

Kent’s Manston Airport has expressed desires to relaunch commercial flights.

And Plymouth Airport – which closed 13 years ago – could also reopen to the public, serving a million passengers a year.

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Plans to return have been met by a happy reaction from residents[/caption]

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The airport opened in 2005, then called Robin Hood Airport[/caption]

ENZO MARESCA has the backing of the Chelsea board – despite an alarming post-Christmas slump.

The Blues put in a miserable display on Friday night as they were beaten 3-0 by Brighton.

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Enzo Maresca endured a tough night as Chelsea were soundly beaten by Brighton[/caption]

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Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is reportedly pleased with the Italian’s leadership[/caption]

Chelsea failed to muster a single shot on target as they slumped to a third loss in four games.

Maresca’s side looked to be embroiled in an unlikely title race just two months ago.

But a severe slide since the turn of the year has seen them take just 12 points from a possible 30.

And they continue to show a persistent form of travel sickness, with no away win since December 8.

A frustrated Maresca called the Brighton debacle the “worst performance” since he arrived in the summer.

He added: “This is the worst moment since I arrived but we are still there and we need to finish in the best way.”

According to The Athletic, Chelsea’s board are still “happy” with how Maresca has performed this season.

It comes despite some discontent among the fanbase, with the away end at Brighton noticeably emptying before the final whistle on Friday.

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The report adds that Maresca was not expected to achieve Champions League football in his first season.

Chelsea slipped back to sixth after results over the weekend and face an uphill task to finish in the top four.

Maresca’s job is not said to be under threat, despite chants of “We want our Chelsea back” from the Amex terraces.

The Italian also called on his team to summon the team spirit they showed in abundance earlier this season.

He continued: “We need all of them, in this moment, to be more positive.

“Because this is a moment where we need to stick together and try to finish in the best way.”

Maresca has had to operate with a depleted squad, as Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu recently joined a crowded injury room.

The Blues face a tough trip to Aston Villa this weekend.

Maresca added: “We are in a moment when we feel we can concede easily and struggle to score.

“There are many things we can do better. Now is the moment we need to stick together.”

MANCHESTER CITY superstar Erling Haaland celebrated his new mega deal by buying a new Porsche.

Haaland, 24, put pen to paper on an eye-watering ten-year contract with City two months ago worth a staggering £865,000 per week, including bonuses.

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TIKTOK

That means the star striker’s total earnings across the deal will be around £260million, or £26m a year.

Any release clause from the Norway international’s previous deal has been removed, so it would take an astronomical bid to lure him away from the Etihad.

Haaland has already started enjoying the new cash flow by buying a multi-million pound Cheshire mansion in January.

But the ex-Borussia Dortmund star was also spotted leaving City’s training ground with an orange Porsche 911 GT3, which is worth over £200,000.

Fans were left in awe with the sports car as they took to social media, with some poking some fun with a friendly tongue-in-cheek statement.

One fan wondered: “Why orange?”

Another commented: “GOAT Haaland.”

A third wrote: “That new salary is hitting.”

This fan said: “Haaland knows cars.”

And that one stated: “How did he fit in that GT3?”

Haaland has stood out for Man City this season, despite the team’s struggles, with a total of 27 goals and three assists in 35 appearances.

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ALL Stars Marcell Somerville, Nas Majeed and Montel McKenzie have broken their silence after Liv Hawkins’ bombshell villa claims.

Last night axed Love Island All Stars Islanders returned to dump one couple ahead of the final.

Liv, 29 – who was dumped on day 10 – attempted to cause drama between Grace Jackson and Luca Bish.

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She claimed to have seen messages from Grace, 26, insisting she’d “do anything to win” the show this time.

Liv refused to name the person Grace allegedly made the bold statement to, but she and Samie Elishi said the other axed Islanders had all seen the screenshots. 

However Marcel, 39, Nas, 28, and Montel, 27, have now confessed they were completely unaware of Liv’s “receipts” until she mentioned them during the row. 

Speaking on a live stream after the show, Nas said: “Genuinely, she hadn’t mentioned any of that to us prior to going in so we were all looking around like, ‘oh…’.”

Marcel added: “There can’t be smoke without fire. But sometimes is the fire actually real?

“We don’t have those receipts. There are only two people who might have them and those are the people who brought them up.” 

When a fan insisted the boys must know if Liv’s claims are true, Montel replied: “We wouldn’t know unless we’ve seen [the screenshots].”

Montel was dumped on day 15 with Kaz Crossley and the couple are still going strong.

So it’s even more surprising he had no idea of Liv’s allegations about Grace.

Harriett Blackmore – who left the villa last night alongside boyfriend Ronnie Vint – immediately jumped to Grace’s defence when Liv made the comments. 

Referring to Liv’s previous claims Ronnie, 28, messaged her while they were still together last year, Harriett, 25, said: “She’s probably made it up babe, like she did with Ronnie.”

Ronnie’s best pal and Love Island icon Olivia Attwood last night took to Instagram to brand Liv an “expired Islander” and praised Harriett for handling the situation.

After they made their All Stars debut last month, Liv attempted to crack on Ronnie but admitted her “red flag” with him was the fact they’d messaged during his relationship with Harriett. 

And Olivia, 33, later claimed Liv was “very engaged” in the conversation, adding: “He wasn’t talking to himself and I think the picture of him holding Harriet’s hand, she photoshopped her face onto it and sent it back to him.”

Harriett doubled down on Olivia’s revelation last night, firing back at Liv’s accusations: “The girl literally photoshopped her head onto mine and sent it to Ronnie and he still didn’t want you on the outside or in the villa…”

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EVERY week, another man is hauled to the digital gallows, dragged through the town square of social media and burned at the stake of public opinion.

Last week, it was Wynne Evans, before that, Gregg Wallace. Now it is Gino D’Acampo.

Viewers love Gino because he hits out with absolute clangers like, “If my grandma had wheels, she would have been a bike.”

He was always a risky choice for daytime telly because he doesn’t play by the rules, a loveable rogue and mischief-maker who was great for ratings.

Double, double, toil and trouble — offence archaeology is brewing, and past transgressions are bubbling to the surface.

The witches of Edinburgh were burned for less than what Gino’s been accused of but this time it’s words, not spells, that are to blame.

Gino allegedly made vile sexual remarks about Holly Willoughby and Fearne Cotton, suggested a threesome with a dancer, and engaged in on-set behaviour so uncomfortable that crew members reportedly needed counselling.

And yet, the shows that profited from him for years turned a blind eye, allowing him to continue.

This isn’t about a one-off bad joke. It’s a pattern of behaviour that was excused and laughed off until public opinion turned.

When production staff found his behaviour intolerable, filming was halted but only temporarily.

The real problem isn’t just the blokes who do this, it’s the magic circles that let them get away with it.

Meanwhile, Wynne Evans claims he was “knifed” by the BBC over a joke about a “spit-roast” at a Strictly press event.

Now, he’s reportedly taking them to a tribunal, arguing his reputation has been left in tatters. His long-standing relationship with the BBC was severed overnight, and even his Go Compare bosses have reportedly held crisis talks over his future.

Gino was given chance after chance despite repeated warnings, while Wynne was dropped straight from the tour, although had supposedly been spoken to by bosses over other incidents.

Is Wynne just facing the consequences of his words or is he now the victim of an over-zealous PR machine attempting to limit damage control?

Either way, he’s fighting back.

Some call it a modern-day witch hunt, but let’s be clear: witch hunts punished the powerless. The women accused of witchcraft in Scotland were often widows, healers, or “spinsters”.

In contrast, Gino was a prime-time TV fixture, given slot after slot despite the warnings.

Now Gino is facing the dunking stool of public apologies, a test where no matter what he does, he loses.

If he denies everything, he’s a martyr of the anti-woke brigade.
If he apologises, it will be dismissed as performative.

The dunking stool was a cruel trick — if a witch drowned, she was innocent, if she floated she was guilty.

Today, there’s no way for a man like Gino to float without sinking his career. And so, the cauldron of controversy bubbles on.

This isn’t about digging up dirt to ruin someone’s future. It’s about calling it out when it happens, not years later when the damage is done.

It’s about asking why the same “loveable rogue” routine that made Gino famous also allowed him to cross the line unchecked.

At the heart of every witch trial was fear: fear of women who wouldn’t conform, fear of those who challenged the status quo, fear of accountability.

Today, it’s not witches who are feared; it’s reckonings. People won’t speak up about abuses of power until they feel safe.

But we still need to get the balance right between calling out bad behaviour and the vilification of blokes if we want to exorcise the real demons.

DAMIEN DUFF has hailed James Norris as the final piece in Shelbourne’s jigsaw.

The Liverpool left-back has completed a loan move to the Drumcondra club until the end of the season.

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Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

Norris, 21, made two first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp and spent last season on loan with Tranmere Rovers.

The ex-England youth international has been on the bench three times during the current campaign but has not been called upon by Arne Slot.

Duff said: “We will never look to stand still hence we have continuously looked to add to the squad. With James coming in I think we can safely say we have strengthened all units of the squad now.

“James has made his debut for Liverpool but it is time for him to go out and grow more. He is a very attacking, technical player who can help us build the game in many different ways.

“I’ve loved watching him from afar and I can’t wait to see him up close and personal. There is a deep rooted connection between Dublin and Liverpool so I have no doubt that Chuck will feel right at home.”

Norris will compete with Kameron Ledwidge – who started at left-back against Derry City on Friday – and the currently-injured Tyreke Wilson for a place in the team.

Norris said: “I am absolutely delighted to sign for Shelbourne. I can’t wait to get going, work under the manager and his staff. I am really excited to play in Tolka Park and bring more success to the club and fans.”

SOME 16,000 properties have been identified as “tenancies of concern” – after some landlords hiked rent prices higher than the legal max.

A major crackdown on illegal rent surges could see landlords heavily fined.

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Thousands of renters in Rent Pressure Zones have seen their rents surge over the 2 per cent annual cap.

A media campaign was launched in October last year to inform landlords of rent caps.

RTB officials said: “We wrote to this group of landlords to advise that we have identified a rent increase of concern for their tenancies.

“Landlords were asked to check and correct their rent, and to return any overpaid rent to tenants if necessary.

“We also created new educational resources to support landlords.

“These included a new webinar on calculating rent correctly in an RPZ.

“This was shared by email with all landlords associated with the 16,000 tenancies of concern.

“We also ran national and local radio ads to remind landlords of their obligations.”

The second phase of the campaign will focus on investigating breaches by landlords.

Those in breach may get a written caution and/or a sanction of up to €15,000 and up to €15,000 in costs.

Other breaches include failing to register a property, failure to update the register when required to do so, failing to offer a tenancy back to a tenant when required to do so, knowingly giving a false or misleading reason for ending a tenancy in a Notice of Termination or seeking a greater amount in deposit or an advance payment than is allowed. 

Illegal retention of tenants’ deposits is another common dispute reported by renters to the RTB, according to Threshold.

The board received almost 4,000 Dispute Resolution Applications in relation to deposit retention, from 2021 to 2023.

People Before Profit’s Paul Murphy suggested a new bill in the Dail that, if enacted, would protect tenants from illegal retention of their deposits by landlords.

Mr Murphy said: “My Bill simply enacts legislation passed by the Government in 2015 but never enacted to establish a Deposit Protection Scheme under the auspices of the RTB.

“This would prevent landlords getting and subsequently illegally retaining deposits.

“In many other countries, including in the North, England, Wales, Scotland, New Zealand and Australia, third party deposit protection schemes are already in place

“This is a bare minimum measure to give some basic protection to tenants.

“A deposit is often the only form of savings tenants have and the only thing standing between them and homelessness.”

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LOVE Island’s Elma Pazar has sparked fix rumours after reaching the All Stars final with TOWIE co-star Sammy Root.

The suspicion comes ahead of the final instalment of the ITV2 spin off – with loyal viewers already claiming the wrong couple were dumped prior to the last instalment.

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It came as she tells Sammy ‘it’s almost like it was meant to be’[/caption]

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Series 11 islanders Harriett Blackmore and Ronnie Vent were dumped from the villa after an explosive vote on Sunday, which saw Elma and Sammy also in the danger zone.

Now, upcoming scenes for tonight’s finale have sparked suggestion of a fix due to a telling comment by the Essex babe.

After a pool party, the pair stay in the water and she tells him: “You walked in and it changed everything, it’s almost like it was meant to be.”

The comment has sparked suggestions their romance was planned.

Sammy then adds: “As soon as we sat down and started chatting I was like…yeah.”

Elma then replies: “I was very excited.

“I must’ve said I’m happy about 100 times!”

It came hot on the heels of rumours the pair have a “game plan” to scoop the £50,000 prize.

Sammy joined Towie for its most recent series and one storyline involved him pursuing Elma.

And someone posted a clip of the ITVBe show’s finale, during which Elma said of their romance: “We’re getting there.”

And Sammy added: “Step by step.”

“I will put any money on that these two have been together since December…

“Completely makes sense now.”

PAST HISTORY

It isn’t the first time fans have noted a connection between the duo.

Previously, viewers suspected they were already dating before the Love Island spin off show after spotting a key clue.

Eight weeks ago Elma commented on a post of Sammy’s and dropped multiple heart hands emojis.

Replying, TOWIE star Sammy commented with the couple holding hands emoji.

Just two weeks ago Elma was voted ‘favourite girl’ by the public – but it seems the general opinion of the reality TV beauty has changed dramatically.

Furious fans have slammed Elma for her behaviour towards Ekin-Su as the two girls locked horns. 

And recently, Kaz Crossley told pal Elma how her man Sammy “wasn’t the right guy” for her.

RIG RUMOUR

It comes after fans suspected yet more foul play ahead of the final.

They called out a key clue which suggested the former show stars didn’t choose to vote out Harriett and Ronnie, despite the decision being left to the individuals.

The ITV2 spin off was slammed as “rigged” as fans called out how the 2025 evicted All Stars alum – who returned to vote out their least favourite couple – all had the same handwriting on their boards.

Eagle-eyed viewers specifically called out how they believed the names Harriett and Ronnie were all chalked up in the same font.

One viewer took to X to suggest foul play and put: “Why was every board that said Harriett & Ronnie wrote EXACTLY the same.. definitely fixed.”

The vote outcome means that the All Stars final five couples have now been determined.

Luca Bish and Grace Jackson, Ekin-Su and Curtis Pritchard, Catherine Agbaje and Omar Nyame, Elma Pazar and Sammy Root as well as Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman are now vying for the public’s votes to be crowned champion.

Bookies William Hill have placed Grace Jackson and Luca Bish as the front-runners for this year’s series, with Gabby Allen and Casey O’Gorman not far behind them. 

The Love Island finale airs tonight from 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX.

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