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Ireland boss Farrell signs new deal to run through 2027 Rugby World Cup

Harry Carr
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Ireland boss Farrell signs new deal to run through 2027 Rugby World Cup

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell has signed a long-term contract extension to remain in the role until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Farrell became Ireland boss in 2019, having previously served as part of Joe Schmidt’s backroom staff for three years.

Farrell led Ireland to a Grand Slam in this year’s Six Nations as they entered the World Cup in France ranked first in the world, though they were beaten by eventual runners-up New Zealand by a 28-24 scoreline in the quarter-finals.

Read our other sports news stories here:
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Manchester United would take a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, says Michael Owen

The former England international, who was recently crowned the World Rugby Coach of the Year, said he was looking forward to the next stage of the team’s development after penning his new deal.

“Coaching Ireland has been a hugely enjoyable experience and I am proud to extend my association with the IRFU,” he told the Irish Rugby Football Union’s website.

“It is a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players and as we enter a new cycle, it will be exciting to see more players come through the system.

“There is a talented group of established internationals who are determined to succeed at international level for Ireland and I am excited to see how the recent Ireland U20 squads will also emerge and challenge for international honours in the near future.

“It all makes for an exciting next chapter and it is one which my family and I are delighted to continue.”

Ireland are next in action against France as they begin their Six Nations title defence in February, which will be their first outing since captain Johnny Sexton announced his retirement.

Manchester United would take a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, says Michael Owen

Harry Carr
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Manchester United would take a 2-0 defeat against Liverpool, says Michael Owen

Former Manchester United and Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes Erik ten Hag’s struggling team will be relieved if they escape Sunday’s trip to Anfield with a 2-0 defeat.

The Red Devils have endured a miserable season to date, sitting six points adrift of the Premier League’s top four and finishing bottom of their UEFA Champions League group.

United were heavily criticised for their performance against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, only recording one shot on target throughout a meek display at Old Trafford as a 1-0 defeat confirmed their European exit.

Read our other sports news stories here:
PDC World Darts Championship, Day One Preview
Bardsley says injuries a factor in Manchester United’s woes
Manchester United’s 7-0 humiliation at Liverpool will not be repeated – Saha

On Sunday, Ten Hag’s under-fire team return to the scene of their most humiliating result of the 2022-23 season, having been thrashed 7-0 by rivals Liverpool at Anfield in March.

United have not won an away game against a team starting the day inside the Premier League’s top nine places under Ten Hag, and Owen believes they could be set for another difficult outing.

“I’d say United will be a little bit nervous about going to Anfield considering their recent form,” Owen told BoyleSports.

“Anfield can be a stadium where you can take a real beating, and United have felt that in the past.

“Instead of going there with fear and defending for the entire game, they should look at how Tottenham played against Manchester City. They had a real plan and arrived at the Etihad with no fear.

“They could have easily lost 6-1, but that’s the only way you improve. Once you have a blueprint, then you can amend it from there.

“My concern with Manchester United is that they’ll go to Anfield and lose 2-0, then a few players will be relieved that it wasn’t a 5-0 embarrassment.

“If I were them, I would pick a way of playing, stick to it, and then hope to get better. I’d say 2-0 to Liverpool. It’ll be a reasonably comfortable win.”

Councillors get sneak preview inside Rochdale’s restored Town Hall

Helen Greaney
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Councillors get sneak preview inside Rochdale’s restored Town Hall

Final touches are being put in place for the multi-million pound restoration of Rochdale Town Hall.

Work on the Grade I Listed building’s extensive historic spaces is on the brink of completion, with the town hall set to reopen to the public on March 3.

This week, to mark the occasion, councillors stepped inside to see the dramatic transformation first hand.

The incredible project, which is being supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with money raised by National Lottery players, has changed the face of one of the North West’s most well-known buildings, which first opened in 1871.

A team of experts and volunteers have come together to restore the building’s incredible rooms and reopen spaces that were previously hidden from public view, creating a completely new offer for residents and visitors.

Changes made

  • Restoration of the historic fabric of the building’s rooms, including the great hall, the reception rooms and the mayor’s parlour.
  • Revamp of a room previously used as office space to create a brand new community and events space, known as the ‘Bright hall’.
  • Repair and cleaning of much of the building’s stained glass, painted surfaces, Minton floor tiles and intricate stonework.
  • Creation of a brand new permanent exhibition space, known as the ‘Welcome Gallery’, which has been co-created with members of the Rochdale community and tells the story of Rochdale, its history and its people. The exhibition will feature interactives and films, as well as a mixture of historic artefacts and meaningful items donated by residents.

Almost 500 volunteers have been part of the restoration and will be granted an early look inside the space which they worked so hard to help transform.

Over the next couple of months, the final preparation for opening will get under way. This will include training an army of enthusiastic tour guides whose job it will be to tell the story of this incredible space, including its recent restoration, to the building’s future visitors. In addition, work to create the town hall’s brand new restaurant, The Martlet, will continue at pace.

Councillor Janet Emsley said: “The town hall holds a special place in the hearts of our residents and I know people are intrigued to know what’s been happening since its doors first closed in 2020. It’s been a real honour to see some of these spaces, alongside our many volunteers, whose contribution to this project has been immeasurable.

“This project is about much more than restoring these incredible rooms and details. It’s about creating a completely new offer for visitors and giving this building back to the people of the borough, to whom it ultimately belongs. I’m delighted to say that they will be able to see it in just a few short months. It will certainly be worth the wait. ”

Helen Featherstone, of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said they were “extremely proud to have supported the ambitious project, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.”

The redevelopment of Rochdale Town Hall is being delivered by Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) on behalf of Rochdale Borough Council. Restoration work will continue in 2024 to restore the west wing of the building, which includes the council chamber and public gallery.

 

How to start a business as a student

News Desk
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How to start a business as a student

In the contemporary landscape of intense competition, entrepreneurship has grown into a captivating and feasible trajectory for experienced experts and driven students alike.

Within this context, the concept of student entrepreneurship materialises, wherein students, frequently engaged in higher education pursuits, embark on the journey of establishing their ventures while concurrently navigating academia.

However, launching a business while still in school is a significant feat. This post will provide practical tips to help navigate the journey of starting a business as a student in 2023.

Finding the right business idea

The pivotal foundation of thriving entrepreneurship resides in the quest for the ideal business concept. This undertaking entails the art of brainstorming and astutely assessing many prospective ideas to unearth the one harboring the most significant promise for prosperity.

When brainstorming business ideas, consider what you are passionate about and where your skills and expertise lie.

Look for problems in the world that you are equipped to solve. Keep an open mind, write down your ideas, and don’t dismiss anything at this stage. Remember, some successful businesses have been built on unconventional ideas.

Also, as this step demands a substantial amount of time, feel free to run the prompt “do my economics homework,” saving yourself some time for this vital phase.

Police empower champions to combat Honour-Based Abuse

Helen Greaney
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Police empower champions to combat Honour-Based Abuse

Greater Manchester Police hosted a significant event at its headquarters, dedicated to the complex issue of Honour-Based Abuse (HBA).

Honour-based abuse entails criminal acts committed to preserve the perceived ‘honour’ of a family or community. Individuals deemed to have brought shame or embarrassment through their conduct may face punishment, as their family or community seeks to uphold their ‘honour’ code.

This form of abuse encompasses a wide range of criminal behaviors, including forced and child marriages, domestic abuse, controlling and coercive behavior, sexual harassment and violence, threats to life, physical and emotional violence leading to murder, abduction, forced confinement, denial of communication tools and internet access, control over essential documents like passports, and intentional isolation from friends and family, including children.

Honour-based abuse champions

In response to this pervasive issue, the police force has introduced Honour-Based Abuse Champions who have undergone additional training to deepen their understanding of HBA and its impact on victims and survivors.

These champions play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of victims, sharing their knowledge of the subject matter across the force, and tirelessly pursuing justice for victims of HBA by going after perpetrators.

They receive comprehensive training, have access to support resources, and can consult with subject matter experts within GMP, making them well-equipped to provide the right support and assistance to victims, aligning with the force’s commitment to eradicating Honour-Based Abuse.

The recent event brought together 54 dedicated Honour-Based Abuse Champions who exchanged valuable insights from across the force and learned from external speakers who shared their personal experiences and best practices in dealing with Honour-Based Abuse.

Shared experiences

Lucky Roy Singh, an award-winning LGBTQ+ activist, also attended the event and shared their experiences of forced marriage, honour-based abuse, and domestic abuse.

Lucky said: “Empowering our officers with knowledge and empathy is the key to building a safer society. Through comprehensive police training, we are not only combatting honour-based abuse and domestic violence but also championing the rights of all individuals.

“Today, we stand united in our commitment to promoting queer rights, trans rights, and non-binary inclusion, ensuring that our diverse communities feel safe, respected, and protected under the law. With each training session and events like this, we are breaking barriers and dismantling stereotypes, fostering a culture of understanding and acceptance within law enforcement.

“Together with this collaboration, we are reshaping the future, embracing the complexities of human identity, and working tirelessly to build a society free from discrimination and oppression and keeping the conversation and education on Honour Based Abuse”.

One survivor, Memory Nyahunzwi, and founder of the Olive Pathway charity, spoke about their experience of being an asylum seeker in a forced marriage in which they were subjected to various forms of HBA and domestic violence. Their aim is to educate, empower, and assist victims while preventing similar abuse within black communities.

Detective constable Sarah Leyland, the Honour Based Abuse Subject Matter Expert for GMP, who organised the event said: “I am immensely proud to witness the emergence of 54 Honour Based Abuse champions across the force that are ready to apply and share their knowledge with other colleagues and use it within our communities.

“Their commitment to furthering their education, championing empowerment, and responding to Honour Based Abuse incidents is truly commendable. We are extremely thankful to the speakers at our event at Force HQ and for sharing their powerful stories and contributing to the collective strength against this pervasive issue. As a force, we will continue to detect, identify, and confront Honour Based Abuse, ensuring that our efforts make a profound impact on the lives of those in need across Greater Manchester.”

PDC World Darts Championship, Day One – Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

Jon Fisher
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PDC World Darts Championship, Day One – Preview, how to watch, order of play and predictions

The Main Event

Defending champion Michael Smith is the star turn on the opening night of the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship.

Smith claimed the trophy in January following a memorable win over Michael van Gerwen that included the greatest leg in the history of the sport – Bully Boy hitting a nine-darter seconds after the Dutchman missed double 12 to achieve the feat himself.

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The 33-year-old returns to Alexandra Palace as world number one and among the favourites to land the crown for a second time.

Smith accepts the pressure is on but also knows he’ll present a formidable challenge to any opponent.

He told the PA news agency: “I always wanted to be a world champion, now I have done it the dream is to be a multiple.

“I don’t want to finish my career with just one star on my chest, I don’t know how many I can get, but the minimum is two now. When I get to two the minimum will be three.

“I don’t feel the pressure but it is going to be like that. Everyone wants to take it off me, everyone playing wants to be world champion so I am going to have a target on my back.

“But whoever I am playing they are going to see a picture of me holding the trophy on the wall. It could either put them off or spur them on. But I know I can look at it and be spurred on.

“This is the one, you have got to bring your A-game, it is about bringing it on stage now. Once it clicks like it does in practice who knows what can happen. I can’t wait to get my hands on it again.”

Smith will be last on stage on day one to face either Kevin Doets or Stowe Buntz.

Doets, the 25-year-old Dutchman, made the last 32 of the UK Open earlier this year while American Buntz made his name by beating three televised title winners – including two-time world champion Peter Wright – to progress to the quarter-finals of November’s Grand Slam of Darts.

The 44-year-old crane and rigging manager from Virginia has been one of the stories of the season but insists he has no immediate intention of turning professional.

He told pdc.tv: “Maybe in a couple of years I will, but it’s not something I’m considering at this moment.

“I’ve got a 16-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old son, a 12-year-old stepdaughter, and a seven-year-old stepdaughter, so getting them through school and education is priority number one.

“That is why I have no aspirations to go to Q-School, because I would regret missing more time than I already do away from my family.”

Order of Play (from 1900)

Kevin Doets v Stowe Buntz (round one)
Cameron Menzies v Rusty-Jake Rodriguez (round one)
Simon Whitlock v Paolo Nebrida (round one)
Michael Smith v Doets/Buntz (round two)

How to watch

The PDC World Championship is being screened on Sky Sports in the UK. Day one’s action can be seen on Sky Sports Arena from 1830 and Sky Sports Main Event from 2200.

Predictions

The early stages of the worlds can be a procession with the big names cruising through. However, both Doets and Buntz have the ability to trouble Smith, especially if the champ is suffering a few opening-night nerves.
Expect Bully Boy to progress but it might not be plain sailing.
Elsewhere, the experienced Simon Whitlock should prove too strong for Paolo Nebrida while I’d pick Cameron Menzies to edge out Rusty-Jake Rodriguez.

Christmas gift ideas for kids

Helen Greaney
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Christmas gift ideas for kids

If you need more inspiration for some Christmas gifts for the lovely kids in your life, we’re here to help.

We’ve got puzzle-solving, fun and fitness all wrapped up here for the Christmas gifts for kids guide.

Numberblocks Clip and Learn Number Fun

image006 5 Numberblocks helps children to see how numbers work and allows them to master a new key maths skill with every adventure.

Join the Numberblocks in 12 fun activities with the interactive sheets, including Meet the Numberblocks 1 to 20. Find, add, odds and evens and lots more, including 4 of your favourite songs. Buy from: Amazon, £25

Foldable scooter 

jdbug120classicreflex For the ultimate fun way to get around, it’s got to be the JD Bug Classic Street 120 Reflex Foldable Scooter. It’s super safe and lightweight, perfect for kids aged 6-16 and comes in a range of colours including purple and blue.

The tried and tested folding mechanism is cleverly concealed within the body of the scooter to ensure small fingers cannot get caught and is operated by a single lever to fold and unfold. The scooter folds down to 8.5″ x  by  24″. Buy from: skates.co.uk, £39.95

Badminton set 

2371efaf 9f35 4eb0 8466 a3f2c5afe22e Looking for a fun game for all the family? This Yonex GR303 badminton racket and net set will keep you entertained for hours in the garden.

It comes complete with four durable steel framed rackets, two nylon shuttles, net and net posts.

Buy from: badmintonhq.co.uk, £43.99

Science lab

If the kids are mad about experiments they’ll love the Early Skills Science Kit. This is a simple image002 3 laboratory set specially designed for younger children made by TrendsUK.

It includes blue and yellow food colourings, camomile seeds and ten useful pieces of lab apparatus. Perform 10 different experiments, all clearly described in the detailed instruction manual. A great way to learn basic laboratory skills while learning about colours, plants, crystals and much more. Buy from: argos.co.uk, £16.99

Plus-Plus Rainbow Tube

Rainbow 240pc Pack Contents With one double-cross shape and endless design possibilities, Plus-Plus is an award-winning STEM educational toy that stimulates fine motor skills, creativity, focus and patience.

Rooted in Danish quality, Plus-Plus is hygienic, fully recyclable and made from eco-friendly plastics. Plus-Plus Tubes offer open-ended play to create models in either simple or intricate 2D or 3D builds.  The rainbow tube contains 240 pieces in a mix of ten colours. Buy from: Amazon.co.uk, £16.95

 

Over Half of UK SMEs Lack IT Security Training on Major Cyber Risks Despite Human Error Being a Top Concern

News Desk
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Over Half of UK SMEs Lack IT Security Training on Major Cyber Risks Despite Human Error Being a Top Concern

In a surprising revelation, over half of the SMEs in the UK are failing to cover major cybersecurity weaknesses in their IT security training, despite human error being identified as the most significant concern. This is according to the latest findings released today.

Sharp Europe, a leading business technology provider for SMEs across Europe, conducted a pan-European survey showing a concerning gap between the level of IT security worries and the actual training imparted to mitigate prevalent cyber risks.

The survey, involving 5,770 professionals responsible for IT procurement in SMEs, found that the lack of cyber training among employees is perceived as the primary risk to their businesses’ IT security effectiveness, even more than large-scale industry attacks or inadequate protection. Notably, 24% express increased concern over technology security risks due to insufficient employee training.

Despite the critical role of training in mitigating human error, key areas that have affected UK SMEs, such as Virus attacks (25%), Phishing (31%), Data loss (30%), and Password attacks (24%), are not adequately addressed in the training provided. Less than half of the SMEs cover essential topics like password management (46%), safe downloading practices (46%), secure network connections (45%), or even fundamental login procedures (44%) in their security training programs.

Matt Riley, Director of Security at Sharp UK, says: “IT security is as much a people issue as it is a Technology challenge, our team members are ultimately our last line of defence against threats. Businesses need robust training that encompasses all employees, not just IT and senior management.”

He adds, “The recent increase in AI-enabled phishing attacks, with their heightened sophistication, makes businesses more vulnerable. To counter this, Sharp UK utilises innovative tools for practical training, moving beyond traditional methods. These oversights in training can be costly, underscoring the importance of continuous investment and evolution in IT Security training.”

Interestingly, despite the shift to hybrid working heightening security concerns, only 40% of UK firms have enhanced IT security training post-transition to hybrid models, and merely 41% cover hybrid working in their training programs.

Yet, 92% of those responsible for IT in UK SMEs confidently assert their proficiency in IT knowledge. For further insights and advice for SMEs, visit sharp.co.uk.

142 cannabis plants discovered in Bury ‘farm’

Helen Greaney
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142 cannabis plants discovered in Bury ‘farm’

Police discovered 142 cannabis plants after executing an intelligence-led warrant at an address in Bury today.

It was part of Moorside and Redvales neighbourhood teams’ commitment to tackling drug supply and associated problems within the community.

The morning action saw one man, aged 40, arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and immigration offences. He remains in custody for questioning.

The plants were recovered  from a house in Hampshire Close, in addition to several bags of vacuum-packed cannabis ready to be distributed.

Inspector Kevin Wright said: “This was a great find and demonstrates our continued work to disrupting the supply and trade of drugs in Bury and the wider area.

“By removing these drugs from circulation, we have succeeded in sending a clear message that we will tackle criminality in our community and are committed to shutting down activities in which criminals can benefit from. 

“If you have any information, I would encourage you to get in touch with us, as our work is greatly assisted by intelligence in the community.”

The public can provide information by calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Avoid a fatastrophy with this top kitchen tip at Christmas

Helen Greaney
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Avoid a fatastrophy with this top kitchen tip at Christmas

If it’s your turn to cook this Christmas Day, be sure not to pour excess fat down the sink.

Those on shift in the kitchen have been warned that they may have a New Year nightmare if they don’t dispose of grease correctly.

Brilliant banquets will be laid out on tables across the land later this month, with turkey and the trimmings still the most popular choice to mark the occasion in the UK.

But while catering for the masses can test any home cook, making a misstep afterwards has the potential to really spoil the Yuletide holidays.

Eleanor Potter, Head of Strategic Product Sourcing at Plumbworld, explained: “It can be very tempting to get rid of any liquid leftovers down the kitchen sink as you battle to conquer the washing-up before the King’s Speech and family games begin.

“But if this includes any fat, such as those from your roast meat or potatoes, I would urge people to stop and think about the knock-on effect before they do so.

“That’s because fat will quickly cool when it comes into contact with waste water and cold pipes – and form a disgusting ‘fatberg’ that will cause major blockages and give you a holiday headache.”

The cost of having a fat-formed blockage removed could run into the hundreds of pounds, and the limited availability of plumbers over the festive season only adds to the problem.

Greaseballs

In 2017 a record-breaking 130-tonne fatberg was discovered in sewers below the Whitechapel area of London.

The gigantic greaseball was 250 metres long and incorporated wet wipes and nappies, as well as cooking fat and oil.

Miss Potter said: “Millions of litres of fat and oil are poured down British sinks every year, and it is something that must stop to ensure systems stay in good working order.

“Instead of taking the risk once the crackers have been pulled on Christmas Day, the best approach is to allow any fat to cool down and solidify, then scrape it out of the pan and dispose of it with your regular grey rubbish.

“If you’re left with oil, put it in a sealed container and take it to your local recycling centre where they will dispose of it correctly free of charge.”

Plumbing issues

The Plumbworld expert also revealed some of the other unfortunate kitchen habits that can leave you with plumbing issues.

These include not using a strainer plug to catch food scraps, disposing of excess flour down the sink and even cramming egg shells down the gap – which can stick to many surfaces and accumulate to clog the pipework.

Plumbworld specialises in all things bathrooms, kitchens and heating, and has served more than 1.7 million UK customers since being established in 1999.

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