18 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Enzo Maresca arranges team meeting with Chelsea fruit-cutters following Mauricio Pochettino’s bizarre ‘lemon strategy’
ENZO MARESCA hopes that Chelsea’s KITCHEN STAFF can inspire his stars to Champions League football.
And he called a meeting of 100 employees at the training ground to let everyone know they have a part to play — even the fruit-cutters.
GettyEnzo Maresca opened up on his plan to kickstart Chelsea’s season[/caption]
GettyThe Blues have struggled for wins of late[/caption]
He reminded his under-performing stars just how many people are working hard behind the scenes to help them achieve their goals.
Boss Maresca revealed: “I prepared a meeting with all the people: The kitchen staff, groundsmen, kit men, everyone inside the building.
“I asked them to push until the end because our target was to bring this club back into the Champions League. I did this a month ago.
“I said to the players in that meeting, ‘When I arrive here in the morning at seven o’clock, there are people from the kitchen cutting the fruit in the same way’. Cut, cut, cut, cut.
“So there are people behind who you cannot see, who are working every day to help you to reach your target.
“The kitchen people are preparing breakfasts and they are doing it all perfectly.
“I tried to convince them there are people behind who work hard and we need to push all together to reach our target.”
Maresca, whose side face a crunch clash at fellow top-four contenders Aston Villa this evening, revealed his kitchen-staff plan was the result of a sleepless night.
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He said: “I went to bed at 12 o’clock and I woke up at four o’clock. It was when we were third or fourth. I couldn’t sleep.
“I started to think, ‘It could be a good idea in the morning to arrive and pull all the people together in the building and share this message’. And they were there, everyone, at ten o’clock.”
Maresca is not the first Chelsea boss to seek inspiration from fruit.
Mauricio Pochettino, axed last summer to make way for Maresca, kept lemons in his office as he believes they suck up negative vibes.
Chelsea certainly need inspiration from somewhere after a barren spell of two Prem wins since December 16.
The Blues have slipped to sixth.
Maresca made it clear his players had to step up in spite of an injury crisis.
He said: “My ambition since I joined this club has been always the same, to bring this club where this club deserves to be.
“It’s the reason why I joined this club, because I saw the same desire from the owners and the sports directors.
“Otherwise there was no sense to join, because this club cannot just survive, it’s a club that you need to win games, you need to fight for something important.”
GettyMauricio Pochettino used some unusual methods while Chelsea boss[/caption]
18 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Eight motions to watch out for at GAA Annual Congress as huge change to All-Ireland format on the table
A NEW format for the All-Ireland SFC could get the green light today at the GAA’s Annual Congress.
Ex-Tipperary defender Conor O’Donovan and his club Nenagh Éire Óg are hoping to effect a major change to the rule governing hurling’s handpass.
Many hurling fans feel how the handpass is officiated needs to be tightened up
Two years after the motion received less than 35 per cent support, former Wexford boss Liam Griffin is back with his idea to promote hurling in every club in the country.
And after the last two Ulster football champions were crowned via shootouts, replays may be set for a return in drawn provincial finals.
With a total of 39 motions on the agenda, after Motion 39 was deferred, SunSport has picked out some of the key matters that will be decided on by delegates in Donegal.
Motion 1: that a handpass in hurling must be made with the opposite hand to the one holding the sliotar.
Motion 3: that provincial finals go to a replay if the teams are still level after extra-time, and that All-Ireland finals will go to a replay in the event of a draw after 70 minutes.
Motion 10: that clubs be permitted to make their ancillary facilities, such as Astro-Turf pitches and gyms, available to other sports in the community.
Motion 12: that in order to play a Championship game for his county, a player must have played in four club league games in the same calendar year.
Motion 13: that it be mandatory for every club to field at least one hurling team between the Under-7 and Under-10 grades, except where a football club can show that their players are catered for by another hurling club or where sufficient numbers are not available.
Motions 14 & 20: that hurling teams representing Europe and New York be permitted to compete in the Lory Meagher Cup.
Motion 19: that from 2026, the All-Ireland SFC and Tailteann Cup group stages be replaced by a new structure similar to the old qualifiers but with a back-door route for beaten teams.
18 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on The death of beauty pageants that put Molly-Mae on the map – from shrinking prize funds to sex controversy & ‘misogyny’
IT’S 2016 and Miss Great Britain, Zara Holland, has been stripped of her title for having sex on Love Island.
Bosses at the competition announced “with deep regret” that she had been “de-crowned” as they felt they could no longer promote her as a positive role model.
Beauty pageants have long been plagued with accusations of objectifying and “degrading” womenRexMiss Great Britain 2016 Zara Holland was controversially stripped of her title while appearing on Love IslandRexMiss Great Britain has been branded as a “misogynistic” organisation in the past[/caption]
The decision prompted widespread outrage, with women across the UK branding it “misogynistic” and criticising the organisation for “publicly condemning a woman for having sex”.
Miss Great Britain then issued another statement, saying “they have no problem with sex” but couldn’t “condone what happened on national TV”.
At that point, beauty pageants in the UK had long been plagued with accusations of objectifying and “degrading” women, putting immense pressure on contestants to maintain a certain image and contributing to unrealistic beauty standards.
For many women – both involved in the pageant industry and not – watching Zara cruelly lose her crown in front of millions of people was the moment these criticisms were validated.
That includes Miss Great Britain South East winner Amelia Perrin, who didn’t compete again after witnessing her fellow pageant queen “being thrown under the bus”.
The 28-year-old’s local win saw her land a place to compete in Miss Great Britain, where she was actually paired with Zara to learn a dance for the contest.
When Zara was “de-crowned” on national television by an organisation that she was “so dedicated to”, Amelia remembers thinking: “F**k this.”
“I just remember looking at the announcement and thinking, ‘God, this is so old fashioned and outdated’,” she recalls.
“I realised that feminism and pageantry don’t go hand-in-hand.”
Amelia, from Essex, went on to publicly condemn Miss Great Britain for stripping Zara of her title, saying that “the pressure to remain ‘perfect’ is unattainably high” for pageant winners.
In the nine years that have followed, the British public has taken less and less of an interest in pageantry.
“It’s because of social media,” Amelia predicts. “Pageantry is just about beautiful girls, but there’s social media platforms full of beautiful girls now.
“And even on social media, the girls who ‘win’ all the followers are the ones who come across as very authentic.
“I think there’s more of a shift towards seeing women as authentic, vulnerable human beings – and that doesn’t come across in pageantry.”
Amelia PerrinAmelia Perrin won Miss South East in 2015, which qualified her to compete in Miss Great Britain 2016[/caption]
Amelia PerrinAt Miss Great Britain 2016, she was paired with Zara Holland to learn a dance for the contest[/caption]
Now aged 28, Amelia doesn’t think that pageantry and feminism go hand-in-handAmelia Perrin
Among the other indicators of pageantries decline are shrinking prize funds.
Miss Great Britain used to win £10,000 back in the Seventies, but now she wins a photoshoot and paid-for dinner somewhere fancy, like at The Shard.
Some winners have even handed back their titles.
That includes 2017 Miss United Continents UK winner Zoiey Smale after being told by organisers that she was “too big” and needed to go on a diet.
PAGEANT PROTOCOL
Beauty pageant contestants compete in on-stage events like interviews, catwalks, fashion shows and talent showcases.
The qualifying rounds before the big event involve social media tasks, fundraising and activism.
During fashion rounds, contestants are judged on appearance, confidence and communication as they strut down the stage.
Some fashion rounds held by leading pageant organisations include ‘Beach Body’, evening gown, swimwear and sports.
I think there’s more of a shift towards seeing women as authentic, vulnerable human beings – and that doesn’t come across in pageantry
Amelia Perrinformer Miss GB contestant
A number of pageant rounds have come under scrutiny, including Miss England’s ‘Make-up Free’ round, where contestants post bare faced photos of themselves on social media.
Miss England organisers declared earlier this month that the divisive segment is staying in the contest, despite talks about scrapping it altogether at the start of the year.
Some beauty queens had challenged the round, which is held in the qualifiers, for not giving women agency to make decisions about their appearance.
Beauty pageant contestants also advocate for social causes, aiming to represent and raise money for a community or organisation as an ambassador.
DEEP HISTORY
Dislike of beauty pageants is not a new phenomenon.
During the 1970 Miss World contest, feminist activists dramatically flour-bombed the stage at a packed-out Royal Albert Hall in London.
Britain’s Women’s Liberation Movement (WLM) staged the protest over the objectification of women and wanted to make a dramatic statement against misogyny.
They had been inspired by a similar protest the preceding year by the American WLM who had thrown bras in a dustbin and crowned a sheep Miss Universe.
GettyFeminist activists dramatically flour-bombed the stage during the 1970 Miss World contest in London[/caption]
Times Newspapers LtdThey staged the protest over the objectification of women and wanted to make a dramatic statement against misogyny[/caption]
The most recognisable beauty pageants in the UK are Miss Great Britain and Miss England.
On the international stage, the four major contests are Miss World, Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Earth.
Beauty pageants have put celebrities like Molly-Mae Hague on the map, with the Love Islander-turned-entrepreneur competing in Miss Teen Great Britain in 2015 and winning the World Teen Supermodel UK crown aged 17 in 2016.
“I am forever grateful to the system for making me the girl I am today, I truly believe that things in my life wouldn’t be as good as they are now if I hadn’t stepped on that stage back in 2015,” she told of her experience.
InstagramBeauty pageants have put celebrities like Molly-Mae Hague, right, on the map[/caption]
PA:Press AssociationModel and former-WAG Danielle Lloyd was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2006[/caption]
Fellow Love Island alumni Ekin-Su Culculoglu, who came onto the scene as a bombshell in 2022, also took her first big step into the world of showbiz in beauty pageants when she was in her teens.
She was in several competitions, including Miss Asia Pacific World in 2011.
Model and former-WAG Danielle Lloyd also cut her teeth on the British pageant circuit, and was crowned Miss Great Britain in 2006.
However, she was stripped of her title half way through her reign after letting slip that she was in a long-term relationship with judge and England ace Teddy Sheringham, who had been the only judge to vote for her on the night.
MODERN DAY CRITICISM
Social media platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) are awash with negative opinions about beauty pageants.
“Frankly, there is no difference between a pageant and a show like Squid Games,” one anonymous poster claimed. “I agree that is shallow b*******t, but some people enjoy this, and thus they watch it, thus the show makes money.”
“I hate that they exist because they’re misogynistic and try to impose beauty standards on girls from a young age,” another believes.
And while the industry has been dying a slow death for many years in the UK, other countries have been quicker to denounce pageantry.
I hate that they exist because they’re misogynistic and try to impose beauty standards on girls from a young age
Reddit user
After 35 years, the annual Miss Netherlands competition was declared finished in December last year. The contest’s owner herself even dubbed the concept outdated.
Miss Italy is also struggling.
The pageant has its own Netflix show, named Miss Italia Mustn’t Die, airing on Wednesday (February 26).
It focuses on bosses are desperately trying to salvage the competition amid scandals and changing beauty standards.
The History of Britain's Beauty Pageants
Following World War Two, a number of seaside resorts around the United Kingdom introduced beauty contests.
The first pageant of its kind, held in Morecambe in 1945, went on to become Miss Great Britain.
Alongside it was Miss England, which had its first competition in 1928 but got properly underway as a beauty pageant in 1953.
The winner of the first ever Miss Great Britain in 1945 was 18-year-old Lydia Reid, a civil service typist, who received a cup and a paltry prize (according to the local paper) of seven guineas, as well as a swimsuit.
Prize money increased to £100 the following year, £500 the next and reached £1,000 in the fifties due to the competition’s popularity, with it becoming a form of seaside entertainment for holidaying Brits.
“The contests were aimed at a family audience,” a blurb on the Miss GB website reads.
“Men could enjoy watching pretty girls, women could have fun backing their favourites and young girls could aspire to be a bathing beauty when they grew up.”
Morecambe Town Council put the contest up for sale following the 1989 final and it was purchased by new owners who rebranded it as the ‘Miss Great Britain Organisation’.
REVIVING THE INDUSTRY
Former pageant queen Katrina Hodge doesn’t think that beauty pageants are completely dead – she just thinks they need a new lease of life.
Namely, they need to not focus on women’s bodies or appearance, but rather their confidence and charity work.
The mum-of-two, who was known as Combat Barbie in the Noughties for being a serving soldier while competing in Miss Great Britain, actually campaigned to have the swimwear round taken out of the contest on the grounds that it was “degrading” in 2009.
However, she doesn’t believe that the entire concept of pageantry is degrading.
GettyKatrina Hodge was Miss England in 2009 and now runs two of her own beauty pageants[/caption]
Katrina HodgeShe was known as Combat Barbie in the Noughties for being a serving soldier while competing in pageants[/caption]
So much so, she is now the director of two contests in the UK, named Miss Supranational United Kingdom and Mrs UK World (which is for married women).
“When I was Miss England, your measurements were read out when you walked on stage,” Katrina explains.
“I didn’t really understand why, to be a role model and somebody that became a charity ambassador, you needed to be the person with the most amazing bum.
“So yes, I campaigned to have the section taken out back then.”
I didn’t really understand why, to be a role model and somebody that became a charity ambassador, you needed to be the person with the most amazing bum
Katrina Hodge
Fast forward to today, Katrina actually has a swimwear round in both of her pageants – but it’s not compulsory, and the contestants can wear sportswear instead.
“The girls don’t get marked any differently if they wear sportswear, because we’re not actually marking a single point on their figure,” she says. “It’s all about their confidence.
“So you get some girls that will come dressed as a boxer because they do boxing – it’s all about showing personality on stage.”
Katrina also doesn’t agree with the notion that pageants are inherently anti–feminist.
Katrina HodgeKatrina is now the director of two pageants, named Miss Supranational United Kingdom and Mrs UK World (which is for married women)[/caption]
“Feminism is about women having a choice,” she tells. “Nobody’s holding a gun to my head, or the women that take part in the competition.
“We are having a choice to take part in this, and if you choose not to take part in it, that’s your choice too. Pageantry is feminism.”
Katrina adds that “beauty is what’s on the inside too”, and she strives for her pageants to represent this.
In the age of OnlyFans models and controversial ‘influencers’ like Bonnie Blue, Katrina believes the charity work done by beauty queens is worth just as much attention.
If it’s fine for women to express themselves and do OnlyFans, then what’s wrong with women raising awareness and funds for charity, and walking on stage having the time of their life
Katrina Hodge
“If it’s fine for women to express themselves and do OnlyFans, then what’s wrong with women raising awareness and funds for charity?” she says.
“They’re walking on stage having the time of their life.
“As a mum, I know who I would want my daughters to be influenced by.
“Pageant girls all the way.”
AI PAGEANTS
Techies have tried to give beauty pageants an AI lease of life – but this has proved as controversial as the contests themselves.
The world’s first artificial intelligence-generated beauty pageant didn’t receive the alluring praise in April 2024 that the event’s creators hoped for.
The digital competition invited computer whizzes to design the ultimate AI beauty queen – and the sculptor to generate the most desirable woman was awarded the digital title of Miss AI.
A $5,000 cash prize was also up for grabs.
But the faux contest was condemned by some techies who branded it as a “disintegrating society”.
“Beauty pageant for AI women? What is the world turning into,” one person criticised on Facebook at the launch of the digital event.
A second wrote: “Wow, I have a theory that we are getting dumber by the day, and this fits in perfectly.”
They could get done on their own patch. Will they be able to shake off that Madrid humbling and respond?
You would have to argue: probably not.
They have been well beaten by the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham already this season, but this one is going to hurt them the most if it goes the way it should.
It seems silly to say given how good City’s squad still is and how much money they have invested, but which area of the pitch are they better than this Liverpool in?
We all get excited about Ederson kicking the ball a long way, but Alisson is a better keeper.
City’s back four is not better than Liverpool’s, nor is their midfield or front three.
You would perhaps go with Erling Haaland, especially given the form of Darwin Nunez and his missed sitter in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa.
But let’s not forget, Diogo Jota also missed a very simple chance.
It would have felt like a loss at Villa Park for Liverpool, and there is a chance City may turn up and give them another bloody nose, but I wouldn’t put my own money on that.
This Liverpool, they don’t lose in the big moments.
Arsenal fans will be hoping this is the start of the ‘wobble’. Some wobble this is, eight points clear with 12 games left.
I wouldn’t have minded that sort of ‘wobble’ in my career.
They’re in a perfect position knowing that even if it gets close towards the end, Arsenal still have to go to Anfield and win.
I just don’t see how Liverpool lose the title from here, and if they do, it will make for a great f***ing column!
GettyKylian Mbappe helped dump City out of the Champions League[/caption]
GettyDarwin Nunez is the only Liverpool man to miss out in a combined XI[/caption]
RexTroy Deeney is backing Liverpool to get the job done at the Etihad[/caption]
19 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on I’m a three-time All-Ireland winner who’s torn her ACL as many times – every road to recovery is different
KELLYANN DOYLE believes her drive has helped her through her cruciate hell.
Doyle has suffered the injury on three separate occasions in 2017, 2020 and 2022.
InphoSpeaking at the launch of the 2025 Very Camogie Leagues[/caption]
And after fighting back each time, the three-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny has been named vice-captain by boss Tommy Shefflin.
The Piltown ace told SunSport: “You have to be resilient if you want to get back and each time was a different road to recovery.
“They say everyone’s road is different but when you do it a few times you realise not all recovery goes the same.
“It’s always been a driving force for me to get back on the pitch with the club and Kilkenny.
“You want to be part of it for as long as you can. It has always driven me on.”
The winds of change have swept through the Kilkenny dressing room as Grace and Miriam Walsh retired from inter-county camogie.
Shefflin — brother of Cats icon Henry — has taken over the reins after leading Doyle’s beloved Piltown to county championship glory last year.
And Doyle is hoping for more of the same with her county this year.
Their league campaign begins this afternoon against Galway — though their eyes are set on toppling All-Ireland queens Cork.
Doyle said: “Galway are a big challenge for us this weekend to know where we are for the year.
“They set the bar last year with Cork and we want to get back to that standard.
“Grace and Miriam were massive characters on and off the pitch.
“They were both there when I started playing with the county.
“Their drive and love for it sums up Kilkenny camogie in one way.
“Experienced players leave teams but you always have younger ones that are there, enthusiastic and they are looking forward to stepping up to the challenge.
“We have big names that have stepped away but there’s plenty of youth around in Kilkenny that are chomping at the bit to try and get their hands on a jersey.
“I think the drive is there and there’s a few girls that are on the panel this year who have never tasted that.
“It would be nice for them to experience it as well along with a few of the older ones who have one or two already.
“Once you’ve tasted that success and lived it, you’re always chasing another and hoping another will come. The drive is always there.”
19 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on The hidden kitchen feature you touch all the time but miss when cleaning – and it’s full of germs
CLEANING experts have revealed the hidden spot in our kitchens that could be harbouring harmful bacteria.
It’s no secret that washing your hands and sanitising surfaces protects against the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses.
GettyKitchen taps are hives for bacteria and germs[/caption]
It is one of the most often touched surfaces in our kitchensGETTY
But you may still be shocked to discover just how filthy some of our surfaces really are.
And one spot could actually be a hive for germs – and you’re probably not cleaning it as often as you should.
Kitchen taps are one of the most frequently touched surfaces in the home and with all the cooking, washing, and cleaning that happens in the kitchen, it’s easy to forget that germs can linger on them.
And the aerator, which is the nozzle on the tap, is a hidden feature that harbours the most germs – as well as the more obvious spots like the handle and spout.
Since February marks the peak of cold and flu season, one cleaning expert has shared their top tips for disinfecting your kitchen.
In a bid to help prevent the spread of germs, Nancy Emery, cleaning expert atTap Warehouse, has revealed how we can get into those hidden areas without damaging your kitchen’s finish.
She said: “The best way to prevent spreading sickness through your home during cold and flu season is to target high-traffic areas and high-use items the most frequently.
“Be mindful of surfaces and materials that harbour germs, in particular the aerator on your kitchen tap.
“Many of us will skip this step when cleaning down our kitchens, however, it’s one of the places that could harbour the most bacteria and limescale buildup, especially in areas of hard water.
“Additionally, wash your kitchen cloths in hot water in the laundry after use and put your sponge in the dishwasher to kill any lingering germs.”
The aerator is a hidden hive for germs because it is susceptible to limescale deposits since it’s found on the outlet of the tap faucet.
This can disrupt the water flow and trap bacteria and minerals over time.
To prevent germs from spreading through the water, homeowners should remove and clean the aerator every couple of months.
Nancy says: “Simply use a toothbrush to clean this nozzle, along with a solution of lemon juice and water.
“Keep repeating with a fresh application of lemon juice if the limescale persists.”
There are two other spots on a kitchen tap that are suspectable to germs are the handle and spout.
This is because these are the most commonly touched parts of the tap and can easily spread illness throughout the household.
Nancy explains: “While cleaning the visible areas of your tap, don’t forget the often-overlooked spots like the handle and the spout.
Use the right cleaning products
NANCY has also stressed the importance of using the right cleaning products when wiping down your kitchen tap.
She said: “When it comes to cleaning your kitchen tap, it’s important to avoid harsh chemicals that could scratch or dull its surface.
“Clean regularly with a damp, soft cloth to keep on top of stains and hard water marks.
“You can easily remove limescale with a 75/25 solution of lemon juice and water.
“Gently scrub the solution on the tap with a soft sponge and leave this to dissolve the limescale deposits for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water.
“If you’ve opted for a special finish tap such as matt black, chrome or brushed brass, it’s especially important to avoid using harsh chemicals such as vinegar when cleaning.
“Similar to above, warm soapy water is enough to preserve the coating of your tap but you can also clean with a 75/25 lemon juice and water solution for a tougher clean.
“It’s important to ensure this isn’t left on to soak for more than a couple of minutes before rinsing.”
“These areas tend to harbour the most germs since they’re touched frequently.
“Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the handle, spout, and base, ensuring that all surfaces are disinfected.”
Nancy also said that after cleaning your kitchen, it is important to wipe it dry to stop any leftover germs from spreading further.
She adds: “After cleaning, it’s important to dry your tap thoroughly.
“Leaving water droplets on the surface can encourage the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew, particularly around the base and handle.
“Use a soft cloth to wipe down your tap after each use to prevent any buildup of moisture and germs.”
Disinfect with care
ONCE you have finished cleaning your kitchen tap, it is key to carefully use a disinfectant spray that is safe for metal surfaces.
Nancy explained: “After cleaning, use a disinfectant spray that’s safe for metal surfaces.
“Look for products that are labelled as non-abrasive and gentle on finishes like chrome, stainless steel, or matte black.
“If you’re using a homemade disinfectant, lemon juice is the best option.
“The citric acid in lemons is antibacterial and antiseptic, which means that lemons can kill bacteria.
“Additionally the oils in the rinds of the lemon can also help to cut through grease and staining, leaving household items clean and shining.”
19 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on Couple wanted for ‘remote’ Scots job with £60k salary and free accommodation
A REMOTE estate in the Scottish Highlands with gorgeous beachesand beautiful blue water is offering a job to a couple that comes with a huge salary and free accommodation.
Sutherland is located along the NC500, bordering Caithness to the east, Ross-shire to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west.
AlamyThe area is home to the stunning Sango Bay[/caption]
AlamyAnd it is a popular location along the North Coast 500[/caption]
AlamyThe job will be in a remote estate in Sutherland, in the Scottish Highlands[/caption]
And it is home to a “very remote” estate that is developing its hospitality business as part of huge expansion plans.
As a result, it is now looking for two people to join the team and work closely with the kitchen and housekeeping staff.
The two full-time jobs include Front and Back-of-house roles which come with a salary of £60,000.
And as an added bonus, it also comes with a furnished two-bedroom apartment which is located within the grounds at the back of the main property.
The accommodations council tax is included in the package as well as all of its utilities.
It even comes with a car that can be used for work purposes.
There are many benefits to this role, living and working in a stunning location with excellent furnished accommodation
Job ad
The couple will be expected to operate the hospitality side of the estate and build the firm’s reputation with guests.
Responsibilities include running the day-to-day aspect of the property and guest services as well as property maintenance.
They will also be required to solve day-to-day problems, host a wide range of guests, and cater for everything “from easy-going nature lovers to wealthy and demanding individuals”.
Those interested in the job have to have strong communication skills as well as a passion for hospitality and incredible attention to detail.
Applicants must also be ambitious, keen to achieve the highest levels of service, and have an aptitude for nature.
It is also important that those interested have a basic understanding of service levels and styles.
The roles are being advertised through Greycoat Lumleys which states that the start date is “ASAP”, or March/April time at the latest.
The job ad reads: “Greycoat Lumley’s client are seeking a Couple for their Estate in Sutherland, Scotland.
“The Estate is rapidly developing its hospitality business and are looking for a Couple who can help them to grow further and to build their reputation with guests.
This reserve is setting very high standards in hospitality and somewhere a professional will feel proud to be part of
Job ad
“There are other members of the team including, Chef and Kitchen staff, an Operations Manager, rangers and two local Housekeepers.
“If you join the team, you will be joining a team which is as passionate about conservation and the Scottish landscapes, as it is about hospitality.”
It adds: “Between them, the couple should be able to operate the hospitality side of the estate on their own when the Operations Manager is away and work closely with the estate, kitchen and housekeeping teams.
“Peak time for the estate is May to October each year. There are quiet times of the year where the Couple can take a holiday and complete tasks that aren’t possible when there are guests.
“Our client is looking for business acumen and awareness, good communication skills, attention to detail, passion for food and all things hospitality, understanding of service levels and styles, flair for nature and ambition to achieve the highest levels of service possible.
“There are many benefits to this role, living and working in a stunning location with excellent furnished accommodation.
“This reserve is setting very high standards in hospitality and somewhere a professional will feel proud to be part of.”
Sutherland is a popular destination along the busy North Coast 500 route that is home to some incredible beaches and gorgeous scenery.
Stunning Sango Sands is an ideal stop-off for those driving along the iconic route, with many visitors coming from the campsite that sits directly above the beach.
It is a small perfectly formed bay of soft golden sand, glistening with pink tinges, which comes from ancient Torridonian Sandstone.
Beaches, caves and zip-lines
SANGO Sands is just one of many highlights rhat the couple could experience whilst living in Sutherland.
The setting around the beach is incredible and offers panoramic views of the North Minch in Sutherland and it features well-known caves.
The most famous of which is The Smoo Cave, which is the largest cave in Scotland.
The cave, the next cove up from Sango, which you can walk to from the bay, has three main sections: a large sea cave entrance chamber, a hidden waterfall chamber and a freshwater passage which leads to the final chamber.
Its entrance is the largest sea cave entrance in Britain – 40m wide (131 feet) by and 15m high (49 feet) – and in the summer months you can have a tour of the cave and get a boat to the inner chamber.
There are plenty of places around Sango Sands worth visiting including the mountain Foinaven and a small peninsula Faraid Head.
Britain’s most northerly zipline, The Golden Eagle Zipline, is found east of Sango Sands Beach in Durness along the A838.
It shoots thrill-seekers across the stunning Ceannabeinne Beach, offering views of all of the outstanding Durness Beaches.
The golden sands are divided into three smaller coves by a series of rocky outcrops, stacks and skerries and backed by the dramatic cliffs of Creag Thairbhe, making it one of the most spectacular beaches in the UK.
The rocks have been sculpted over millions of years by the waves of gorgeous turquoise waters which hit the sandy shores.
There’s a good chance you could even have the beach to yourself and if you’re lucky you can spot not just bottle-nosed dolphins but whales, seals and porpoise too.
One Tripadviser user said: “The white sands are equal if not nicer to the Caribbean. If you get the weather there is nowhere better to be.”
Another raved: “You’d be forgiven for mistaking Sango Bay for somewhere totally tropical! The beaches are pristine. The crystal clear blue waters, the amazing rock outcrops and cliffs, and of course the Highland fresh air – no better place to escape.”
One reviewer said: “The rocks poking through the sand remind me of the beaches in the Seychelles or the Caribbean. Paradise.”
While this one said: “Sango beach could have been the backdrop for the moviePirates of the Caribbean.”
AlamySango Bay is a small perfectly formed bay of soft golden sand[/caption]
GettyThe golden sands are divided into three smaller coves by a series of rocky outcrops[/caption]
19 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on ‘I can only imagine’ – RTE DWTS’ Aishah Akorede reveals her theory behind public vote losses & star’s dance off fears
FORMER Miss Universe Ireland Aishah Akorede thinks she could be losing out on public votes in Dancing With The Stars — because some people have trouble spelling her name.
Despite high scores from the judges, the 25-year-old has ended up in two consecutive dance-offs on the RTE show due to a low public vote.
Aishah Akorede has failed to get the public backing for her dances Robert Rowinski Kyran OBrienAishah has revealed how doing Dancing With The Stars could be helping her health battle aishah.akorede/InstagramKevin Dundon is the oldest contestant on the show Shutterstock
But Aishah told The Irish Sun: “My uncle has been spelling my name wrong every week when he was voting for me so I can only imagine what the rest of the public are doing to me!”
However Aishah — which means ‘alive and well’ in Arabic — believes experiencing tie-break dances with Joanna Donnelly and then Yasmin Seky might be to her and dance partner Robert Rowinski’s benefit now the competition is hotting up.
She said: “We’re hoping we’re not in a dance-off again but if we are it won’t phase us as we’re the only couple in the competition now who have done a dance-off.”
‘I’VE WORKED HARD’
Aishah revealed herself and pro Robert were so convinced they were heading for the bottom two on a previous show, they rehearsed their dance steps towards the end.
She told us: “As the judges were doing their interviews, Robert and I were backstage practicing, because we wanted to make sure we did our best. You don’t want to go out of this competition in bad form.
“I’ve worked hard to do it even better the second time.”
The Kildare woman admits her biggest wish on each show is to hear her name being read out as going through to the next week — but she doesn’t dread the dance-offs anymore.
Aishah said: “You’re always hoping your name will be called out as you stand there with the other dancers. But if it isn’t, that’s fine. I’ve done the dance-off twice and they’ve gotten easier.
“Doing the first dance-off really threw me but on the second dance you could see me smiling.”
Aishah has been battling sickle cell disease since birth — and needed the permission of her doctors to enter the dance show.
She said: “I’ve had a lot of people with health conditions contacting me to say they feel comfortable now to follow their dreams after seeing how much I push myself on DWTS.
“The fact that I’m impacting people makes me feel I am supposed to be here on this show.”
However, some viewers aren’t so sure TV chef Kevin Dundon still deserves to be on DWTS.
DWTS COMPLAINTS
RTE’s Liveline erupted last Monday with callers livid that the 58-year-old hadn’t yet ended up in a dance-off.
But Aishah stuck up for him, telling us: “Kevin is the oldest dancer in the competition. I see how hard he works.
“For me as someone who has sickle cell, I have to work really hard to make sure I’m on the same level as the young people in the competition. And if you saw how hard Kevin was working, I don’t think anyone would have anything to say about him being in the competition.”
ROLE MODEL
Aishah, who has Nigerian roots, said she is hoping her high-profile routines might encourage people from minorities across Ireland.
She said: “Growing up I never saw people like me in the places where I really wanted to be so I’m glad I get to be someone that people can look up to.
“I have had lots of young black people contacting me saying thank-you for opening the doors but there were people who were opening doors before me like Jordan Conroy, Erica Cody and Katja Mia.”
GLITTERBALL STARS - ALL THE DWTS WINNERS
SERIES ONE – 2017: Former Kerry footballer Aidan O’Mahony beat the odds to be crowned Ireland’s first-ever Dancing With The Stars champion alongside pro partner Valeria Milova, beating out former Fair City star Aoibhin Garrihy and Red Rock actress Denise McCormack.
SERIES TWO – 2018: Singer Jake Carter – the younger brother of country crooner Nathan – was just 19 when he nabbed the Glitterball in 2018 with pro dancer Karen Byrne. And the dance partnership later blossomed into love for the popular pair, who confirmed they were dating months after their big win.
SERIES THREE – 2019: Popular presenter Mairead Ronan became the first female winner, landing the Glitterball with Kilkenny dancer John Nolan in 2019. The mum-of-three said her victory was proof “you can do anything you put your mind to”.
SERIES FOUR – 2020: The 2020 series finale was brought forward due to the outbreak of Covid-19, with 2FM star Lottie Ryan left in tears at clinching the trophy with pro partner Pasquale La Rocca.
SERIES FIVE – 2022: Returning to screens in 2022 after a year off in 2021 due to the continuing coronavirus crisis, ex-jockey Nina Carberry became the third woman on the trot to win the Glitterball, marking a second title for pro Pasquale.
SERIES SIX – 2023: RTE 2FM star Carl Mullan was left stunned back in 2023 when he lifted the Glitterball with pro Emily Barker. The underdog came out on top against fellow finalists Brooke Scullion, Suzanne Jackson and Damien McGinty.
SERIES SEVEN – 2024: Paralympian Jason Smyth came out on top as the 2024 series winner, with pro Karen Byrne becoming the second dancer to win the DWTS title twice. The legally blind athlete moved viewers to tears with an emotional showdance to secure the title.
Tomorrow night is Orchestra Night on Dancing With The Stars, with the RTE Concert Orchestra playing live in the studio as the remaining seven couples dance their routines.
Aishah will dance an American Smooth to Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles with Robert.
19 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on CCTV trawl by cops probing Kyran Durnin’s murder confirm another kid used for official meetings as mystery continues
COPS used CCTV footage to confirm another kid pretended to be missing Kyran Durnin.
The boy, who would be eight if he was still alive, was last seen in June 2022.
Gardai believe Kyran Durnin was killed two years agoGarda/PA WireOne of the last known pictures of KyranAn Garda Siochana/PA Wire
Gardai believe schoolboy Kyran, from Drogheda, Co Louth, was killed more than two years ago and his body hidden.
We can reveal detectives twigged he was probably dead after trawling CCTV going back to June 2022 and finding footage of a child who claimed to be Kyran at meetings with officials.
They also discovered footage of Kyran in June 2022, when he was six, and were able to confirm they were different children.
Officers have now spoken to dozens of people including the boy’s grandmother, who reported Kyran missing at Drogheda Garda Station on August 28, 2024.
But a senior Garda source said the investigation has been made severely complicated because of the 30-month time gap involved.
They said: “It is very difficult trying to jog people’s memories going back two-and-a-half years and asking them if they recall seeing this little fella on the streets or around the place.
“Many people don’t remember where they were or what they did two weeks ago, nevermind a year or two ago.
“If the child vanished in the last six months, the case would be far easier to crack.”
So far two suspects have been arrested and released without charge, including father-of-two Anthony Maguire who took his own life days after being freed.
Maguire, who was a suspect in the case and had been questioned by gardai, took his own life at his home in Drogheda last year.
Maguire’s phone and notes found at the house after his death last December have been examined by gardai.
Cops suspected Maguire was part of a plan to try and con social workers by bringing a decoy child in Kyran’s place to a meeting.
‘INVESTIGATION CARRIES ON’
Previously, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris told the Irish Sun: “The investigation carries on and I am being kept abreast of developments. The investigation carries on.
“Obviously then we will get to a point of conclusion and it will go then to the DPP but that is still some way off.”
Last year, An Garda Siochana published new pictures of Kyran as they called on anyone who may have information relating to his disappearance to get in touch with them.
TIMELINE CHANGE
Detectives believe that the boy was killed in June 2022, a month later than they previously thought.
He has not been seen in public since then.
It is understood that two women who were told the child was missing before the gardai knew about it have contacted officers and made detailed statements.
They are among a long list of crucial witnesses who are now coming forward to help cops with their inquiries.
Gardai are also trying to narrow down a list of sites where they think Kyran could be buried.
Kyran would be eight if he was still aliveA missing person’s investigation was launched in August 2024 before being upgraded to a murder probe
19 hours agoworld NewsComments Off on New plan for 17% compo payout increase branded ‘threat’ to businesses in fresh fears over climbing insurance premiums
A PLAN to increase compensation payouts will close businesses, a Senator has warned.
The Judicial Council’s larger payouts for injury awards is being looked at by the Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.
Fianna Fail’s Jim O’CallaghanAlamyTONY MAXWELLSenators Linda Nelson Murray[/caption]
This is despite the impact it could have on firms already wrestling high running costs.
Fine Gael Senator Linda Nelson Murray, who runs Huckleberry Den play centre in Navan, Co Meath, says larger payouts will force some companies to close and is urging the Minister not to bite.
The Senator predicts that raising the level of payouts by the recommended 16.7 per cent will result in premiums rising for employers — and could force some to close their firms down altogether.
Cllr Nelson Murray said: “There is a proposal on a Minister’s desk to raise the injury awards which I have no doubt will further increase premiums — which could result in the loss of jobs and businesses closing.
“This isn’t an idle threat. It’s a real example as we saw so many businesses close — particularly in the leisure sector — only a few years ago.
“These increases could also reduce the volume of cases settled at the Injuries Resolution Board, which will lead to substantial increases in litigation expenses.
“The previous government did so much on the programme for insurance reform.
“It would be wrong to see all that work unfold, which will happen if these awards go ahead.”
While the Programme for Government commits to driving down insurance costs for households, drivers and firms, Cllr Nelson Murray believes that taking up this recommendation from the Judicial Council will do the exact opposite.
She added: “I am asking the Minister to meet with and listen to policy holders, as these are the people who will ultimately pay the price.
“Right now, businesses are faced with a myriad of increased costs and we can’t add more fuel to the fire by doing something that will drive premiums up.
“I fully support anyone who has suffered a severe injury being fully compensated and taken care of.
“But we need to examine the lower end of the market — the smaller claims.”
