Tyrone coach Ciaran Gourley says it is “unfortunate” that West Ham footballer Joel Kerr was not available to play in Sunday’s All-Ireland Minor final against Kerry.
Kerr played a key role in the Red Hands’ progression to the final on Sunday, but was not able to feature for Gerard Donnelly’s side as his contract with the Premier League side started on 1 July.
The 16-year-old had balanced playing gaelic football for Tyrone and was also an underage player with Irish Premiership side Glentoran.
There were reports in the build-up to the final that Kerr would not be allowed to play after his move to the Premier League side was finalised, but he was surprisingly named in the Red Hands’ starting team before throw-in.
However, Gourley confirmed that Kerr was not available to feature and said it was “unfortunate” for the teenager.
“We had hoped during the week there might have been an opportunity for us,” Gourley told TG4 before Tyrone’s decider.
“Look, he signed with them on 1 July so he’s their [West Ham’s] player.
“You have to respect that it’s a big opportunity over there and you can’t maybe jeopardise that for this one game.
The Hezbollah chief says the Lebanese group remains open to peace, but it will not disarm or back down from confronting Israel until it ends its air raids and withdraws from southern Lebanon.
“We cannot be asked to soften our stance or lay down arms while [Israeli] aggression continues,” Naim Qassem told thousands of supporters gathered in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday for Ashura, an important day in the Shia Muslim calendar.
Ashura commemorates the 680 AD Battle of Karbala, in which Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein, was killed after he refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliphate. For Shia Muslims, the day symbolises resistance against tyranny and injustice.
The Beirut area, a Hezbollah stronghold, was draped in yellow banners and echoed with chants of resistance as Qassem delivered his speech, flanked by portraits of his predecessor, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed by Israel in September last year.
Israel launched a wide-scale assault on Lebanon on October 8, 2023 – a day after Palestinian group Hamas, which counts Hezbollah as an ally, stormed the Israeli territory, killing some 1,100 people and taking about 250 others captive.
The Hamas attack was immediately followed by Israel’s bombing of the Gaza Strip, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children. The Israeli genocidal campaign was accompanied by a brutal blockade on entry of food and medical aid, bringing the enclave’s 2. 3 million residents to the brink of starvation.
Israel’s simultaneous attack on Lebanon escalated into a full-scale war by September 2024, killing more than 4,000 people, including much of Hezbollah’s top leadership, and displacing nearly 1. 4 million, according to official data. A United States-brokered ceasefire nominally ended the war in November.
However, since the ceasefire, Israel has continued to occupy five strategic border points in southern Lebanon and has carried out near-daily air strikes that it says aim to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding its capabilities. Those strikes have killed some 250 people and wounded 600 others since November, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health.
“How can you expect us not to stand firm while the Israeli enemy continues its aggression, continues to occupy the five points, and continues to enter our territories and kill? ” Qassem said in his video address.
“We will not be a part of legitimising the occupation in Lebanon and the region. We will not accept normalisation,” he added, in an apparent response to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar saying his government was “interested” in such a move.
Qassem said Hezbollah’s weapons would not be on the negotiating table unless Israel “withdraws from the occupied territories, stops its aggression, releases the prisoners, and reconstruction begins”.
“Only then,” he said, “will we be ready for the second stage, which is to discuss national security and defence strategy. ”
On Saturday, Israeli drones carried out four strikes on southern Lebanese towns, killing one person and wounding several others. Most of the Israeli attacks have targeted areas near the border, but Israeli warplanes have also hit residential neighbourhoods in Beirut’s southern districts, causing panic and mass evacuations.
Qassem’s speech came as the US envoy to Turkiye and Syria, Tom Barrack, was expected in Beirut on Monday. Lebanese officials say the US has demanded that Hezbollah disarm by the end of the year. Israel has warned it will continue striking Lebanon until the group is disarmed.
The Chase star Darragh Ennis, also known as The Menace, has shared a ‘genius’ trick to help you fall asleep quickly and get a better night’s rest – and it’s super easy to do
Darragh is known for appearing on ITV’s The Chase but is also a neuroscientist(Image: (Image: ITV))
Tweaking just a single element of your nightly routine could revolutionise your sleep, according to The Chase star Darragh Ennis. Known to viewers as The Menace on the popular ITV quiz show, Darragh is also a neuroscientist and has penned a book delving into the wonders of the human body titled ‘The Body: 10 Things You Should Know’.
In his most recent TikTok video, Darragh explains why so many of us find it tough to nod off at night and shares a foolproof tip for ensuring a peaceful sleep. It turns out there’s only one small change we need to make to our bedtime ritual.
Darragh points out that pre-sleep scrolling on smartphones can be detrimental to our ability to fall asleep due to the way our brains respond to the light emitted by these devices.
He explained: “Did you ever wonder why it is that looking at your phone at night can make it hard to go to sleep? It’s all to do with light. Backlit screens emit a lot of light, and we’ve evolved to be active during the day. “
He continued: “Our bodies tend to get tired when it’s dark outside. Our brain does this by using signals from our eyes about how much light there is, but also what colour light we see. If we take in blue light, a lot of which comes from backlit screens, the production of the hormone melatonin decreases. Melatonin is one of the key things that helps make us sleepy. “
Many modern phones and gadgets now come with blue light filter options that can be set to kick in at certain times, aimed at blocking blue light to ease eye strain in the evenings. However, Darragh points out that these settings might not be as helpful for sleep as one might hope.
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He shared: “The blue light filters and things don’t seem to have much impact either. Lots of studies have shown this because [with] other parts of the light spectrum, particularly yellow light, our brain thinks that it is coming from midday sunlight. This also stops us from getting sleepy. “
For those struggling with nocturnal restlessness and looking for a simple fix, Darragh recommends ditching your phone before bed.
His advice: “If you really want to get better sleep, it has been shown that the best thing you can do is not look at a backlit screen at all. If you want to read or anything, it’s better to put your phone down and read a book. “
How to sleep better
The NHS’ Every Mind Matters campaign offers several tips to help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful sleep. Their guidance includes:.
1. Establish a consistent sleep routine
Creating a regular sleep pattern can greatly enhance sleep quality. Often referred to as sleep hygiene, a solid sleep routine should involve setting specific times for winding down and going to bed, as well as waking up consistently each day.
2. Relax and try meditation for better sleep
Steer clear of electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, as mobiles, tablets and computers emit blue light that hinders sleep. If you struggle to drift off, reading, listening to calming music or a podcast, or practising sleep meditation can all be beneficial.
3. Give mindfulness a go for improved sleep
Anxiety, worry and stress can all impact the quality of our sleep. Fortunately, there are daily practices you can adopt to manage your worries, such as confiding in someone you trust or jotting down your concerns in a notebook.
If you frequently find yourself lying awake with worries, allocate some time before bed to compile a to-do list for the following day – this can be an effective way to ease your mind.
4. Cultivate the ideal sleep environment
Generally, it’s easier to fall asleep in a quiet, dark, and cool setting, but the perfect sleep environment is subjective. So, experiment with different conditions to see what suits you best.
You might discover that wearing earplugs and silencing your phone helps you eliminate distractions and fall asleep quicker.
Good-quality curtains or blinds can keep a room dark and prevent unwanted light from clocks or phones by keeping them out of sight or face-down. Some people also find it helpful to play sleep-inducing music, such as ambient sounds like rainfall, soothing tunes or white noise.
5. Avoid forcing sleep
If you find yourself wide awake, struggling to drift off, don’t force it. If you’re weary and relishing the rest, sleep might naturally ensue.
However, if sleep eludes you, rise and settle in a cosy spot to engage in a calming activity such as reading or listening to soothing music.
6. Enhance sleep with proper diet and exercise
Maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can aid relaxation and improve sleep quality. Refrain from consuming large meals before hitting the sack, and aim to eliminate caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine prior to bedtime.
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The general guideline is to steer clear of stimulants 1 to 2 hours before retiring for the night.
It was labelled Back to the Beginning, but it was most certainly the end of an era for Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath. As the curtain came down on an industry defining career, a full day of metal with the biggest names in the genre a stone’s throw from Ozzy’s childhood home was a fitting way to call it quits.
I can’t confess to being one of the staunchest of followers of the Prince of Darkness – fans arrived from all over the world, including Brazil, Estonia and USA to name a few. But, it was clear I was a part of history at Villa Park as Ozzy and co took to it for one last time. Sitting trying to take it all in after the show had finished, I joined fans in questioning what we had just witnessed.
Ozzy Osbourne took to the stage one final time last night
Will this ever be repeated? Will there ever be another? I highly doubt it. It really felt like the perfect celebration – and one both the fans and Ozzy himself clearly needed.
He might not have been the rocker of old, his frail body confined to his bat-adorned chair, but he was still able to keep the adoring crowd in the palm of his hand at ease. He brought many fans to tears as they tried their best to soak it up in their dream-like state for the final time.
While it was an emotional day for those watching on, some conflicted on the appearance due to his physical wellbeing, it was obvious that Ozzy was feeling it too.
He regularly thanked fans, with the sincerity touching. But he still threw it back with his expletive urges for the crowd to get louder, of course. While his struggles were obvious, he left it all out on stage. Ozzy’s glares and demonic stares were also on hand to roll back the years with his iconic appearance.
His health issues have been well documented, with the 76-year-old’s Parkinson’s disease taking its toll. But while some fans were left torn when it came to his wheeled out performance, I personally hold nothing but respect for the icon and the efforts made to entertain his crowd one last time despite his ailments.
The Mirror’s Jamie Roberts went to Black Sabbath’s final gig last night in Birmingham
Let’s face it, who else in this genre could have such a pull? Over 40,000 packed into the football stadium of his beloved Aston Villa for a once-in-a-lifetime concert. Where else would you see so many legendary bands take to the same stage?
I happily avoided the many mosh pits throughout the day but enjoyed watching on as the jubilant fans on the pitch went hell for leather. Rather them than me! Although, I hope you weren’t one of those hit by a flying trainer from the Lamb of God lead singer as he launched his footwear after his set.
For me, it was the drum-off and Super Band B’s entrance that really got the party started. Three of the world’s best – Travis Barker of Blink 182, Tool’s Danny Carey, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers’ Chad Smith – mesmerized with their skills.
And calling what followed a Super Band was an understatement. I started to lose track of all the iconic names that were being welcomed to the stage. Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, Nuno Bettencourt, KK Downing, Rudy Sarzo and Sammy Hagar to name just a few.
Throw in Ronnie Wood and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler for good measure and I was in awe, if not not fully believing what was going on.
Ozzy performed from a bat-themed throne (BBC)
And how could we forget Hollywood royalty Jason Momoa? The metal fan was the announcer for the day. Surreal, right?
He told the crowd this music is in our DNA as he explained how it has helped in every movie role he has been in before surprisingly joining the moshers near the stage for Pantera’s set.
It was a day for the ages, that’s for sure. It’ll long live in my memory and just goes to show the true impact Ozzy has had on the world throughout his 57-year career. As bow outs go, you’ll be pushed to see any better.
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“I don’t think he’s the guy,” Rio Ferdinand says of Viktor Gyokeres.
“I’ve watched him probably three times really, really closely. And three times I’ve gone: ‘He ain’t getting that opportunity in the Prem. ‘”
Gyokeres has scored a phenomenal 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting, also contributing 26 assists.
The Sweden forward averaged more than a goal per game last season, with 54 in 52 appearances.
But when he was being linked with Manchester United, Ferdinand said he was not convinced Gyokeres was a good fit for a team in England’s top flight.
The six-time Premier League winner, speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, asked: “Is there enough – after he’s physically matched – to get him a goal? “
Though the deal is not yet done, it looks as though we may find out this season, with Arsenal in talks to sign Gyokeres.
They have been one of numerous top clubs linked with the former Brighton player after an outstanding couple of seasons with Sporting, where he played under United boss Ruben Amorim.
In addition to his 39 goals in Portugal’s Primeira Liga in 2024-25, Gyokeres helped himself to another six in the Champions League – including a hat-trick against Manchester City.
He has gone from leaving Brighton without playing a single minute of Premier League football to becoming one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen – via loan spells in the Championship at Swansea and Coventry, and in Germany with St Pauli.
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The one that got away?
Brighton have developed a reputation as masters of the transfer market – renowned for developing young talent and selling them on for hefty fees.
In January 2019, they signed Alexis Mac Allister from Argentinos Juniors for an undisclosed, but reportedly small fee. The midfielder went on to win the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 before joining Liverpool in a £55m deal in 2023.
Midfielder Moises Caicedo signed from Ecuadorian side Independiente del Valle for £4m in 2021. Two years later he joined Chelsea in a deal worth a British record £115m.
Gyokeres, however, is different.
Having failed to make the grade, Brighton allowed him to join Coventry for a small fee in July 2021 after an unspectacular return of three goals in 19 Championship appearances during a loan spell with the Sky Blues.
Two years later he went to Sporting for £20. 5m after scoring 38 times in 91 league games for Coventry across the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
While playing in Lisbon, Gyokeres has scaled new heights and is now expected to cost about £70m.
He has also played on the international stage as part of an exciting attacking line-up for Sweden, alongside Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski.
Gyokeres scored nine goals in six games for his country – including four in one match against Azerbaijan – in the 2024-25 Nations League.
But it is not just his goals that have earned him attention.
Gyokeres is known for his intelligent movement and intense work-rate, and his blend of physical strength, technical skill and tactical awareness have earned him admiring glances from clubs.
He is a creator as well as a goalscorer, with a lot of his chance creation coming from his love of running with the ball.
Is Gyokeres the one that got away as far as Brighton are concerned?
“Players develop at different rates,” their long-serving chief executive Paul Barber told The Athletic last November.
“In 2021, when Viktor was transferred to Coventry, his pathway here wasn’t clear and, with his contract running down, he wanted a permanent home.
“We have to accept the decision to sell for what it was at that time – right for the player, and right for the club.
‘Viktor, pass the ball. Pass’
Gyokeres’ former team-mates and coaches remember a young boy who cried when he lost. They talk about a “stubborn kid” who was “wild, really aggressive” and would occasionally come to blows with team-mates.
“I remember the older players were sometimes telling him to calm down a little bit, because he was always going all-in,” Magni Fannberg, who handed Gyokeres his first-team debut for Swedish club Brommapojkarna in 2015, told the Times.
There are stories about Gyokeres’ single-mindedness, focus and drive.
Gustav Sandberg Magnusson, who played with Gyokeres at Brommapojkarna, adds: “There was one training session I was screaming at him: ‘Viktor, pass the ball. Pass. ‘ And he didn’t [look at] me. I was so frustrated. “
David Eklund, academy scout at the club, tells BBC Sport: “He was never a superstar like Dejan Kulusevski. But he scored goals. That’s it.
“He had a strong mentality but he’s a really nice guy. He always worked hard and had the idea of being a top player, training every day. He wanted to prove people wrong. “
Dennis Lawrence, who was part of Mark Robins’ backroom staff at Coventry when Gyokeres was there, says: “I had to laugh when I saw he scored a free-kick for Sporting. At Coventry, he would try free-kicks [in training] and I would say: ‘No, you’re not on free-kicks, Viktor. ‘
“But his mentality is, ‘no, I know I can do this’.
“And he’s scoring these incredible free-kicks now. He’s got that ability to focus on and achieve anything he wants. “
It all started on the gravel pitches of his local grassroots club in Stockholm, IFK Aspudden-Tellus. Gyokeres was five at the time and he credits his father, Stefan, in his development.
“Making that journey together helped me a lot. We’d share good and bad moments,” says Gyokeres, who has since gone on to make a big impression – on and off the pitch.
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Will Gyokeres flourish in a tougher league?
Take a glance at the list of leading goalscorers in Europe’s top leagues in 2024-25 and the usual suspects are there.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe managed 31 in his debut season in La Liga, Mohamed Salah contributed 29 goals as Liverpool claimed the Premier League crown, while Robert Lewandowski finished on 27 during Barcelona’s title-winning season – one more than England captain Harry Kane’s tally for Bayern Munich.
Gyokeres, who is 6ft 2in (1. 89m), managed 39, though the Primeira Liga is not considered one of the top five leagues in Europe.
The question is whether he can be quite so prolific in a stronger league. He has just turned 27 and is still to play a single game in Europe’s top five divisions – hence Ferdinand’s comments.
It is perhaps worth noting 35% of his goals in 2024-25 came from penalties, as he successfully converted all 19 of his spot-kicks.
There’s little denying that Gyokeres is a goalscorer, but will he be such a success against elite-level defences?
Football clubs should pay towards the £70 million cost of policing their matches in the UK, the head of the Metropolitan Police has told the BBC.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, the country’s most senior police officer, asked why organisers of events that require policing to support their security do not pay for it, and said there should be “more of a polluter pays approach”.
Sir Mark’s comments came as he called for the creation of 12 to 15 bigger police forces as part of his plans for radical police reforms.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 2. 3% annual funding increase for policing in England and Wales in last month’s Spending Review. Many forces have criticised the funds as falling “far short”.
Sir Mark said reforms would help police forces, including the Met, “make the best use of the money we’ve got”.
As part of funding concerns, the commissioner also cited the £70 million cost of policing football in the UK, most of which is spent on Premier League matches in England.
“Why isn’t the organiser paying for that, rather than local communities who lose their resources to go to football matches? ” he said.
A move to make football clubs pay was previously suggested to the Times by the head of the UK’s football policing unit and later criticised by sports bodies who said it could threaten events and lead to increased ticket prices.
Writing in the Sunday Times, Sir Mark suggested the number of police forces needed to be reduced by two-thirds and said bigger forces would be better able to utilise modern technology.
He added the 43-force model designed in the 1960s had not been “fit for purpose” for at least two decades and hindered “the effective confrontation of today’s threats”.
Speaking to the BBC, the commissioner referred to an “invisible spaghetti” behind police forces that was responsible for “sucking resources and costs”.
The commissioner was questioned by Kuenssberg on the likelihood of the reform going ahead, referencing similar Labour plans in 2006 which were dropped following significant opposition.
Sir Mark said reform was “essential”, adding that spending on policing and public safety has dropped substantially over the last decade or more.
“I don’t see that changing dramatically. We’ve got to make the best use of every pound the government can give to us,” he added.
Put to him that he had warned he would have to de-prioritise some crimes, and asked what the force will not investigate, Sir Mark said: “So I don’t want policing activity to fall off the list, and I know that the mayor and the home secretary have pushed hard for the most police funding that we can get.
