URGENT UPDATE: Kilkenny’s own Seamus Hughes Kennedy and Darragh Kenny have just delivered remarkable performances at the 38th Longines FEI European Show Jumping Championships, cementing their places among the elite with finishes of fifth and seventh in the individual standings. The event, taking place in A Coruna, Spain, attracted a competitive field of 89 riders starting on July 12, 2023.

In a week filled with high stakes, Hughes Kennedy and his mount, ESI Rocky, showcased impeccable skill, completing five rounds without a single jumping error. Despite a time fault that frustrated the 22-year-old, he climbed from seventh to fifth place, finishing with a low total of 3.16 faults.

Kenny, riding Eddy Blue, also achieved a stunning double clear, climbing six spots to finish seventh. The 13-year-old horse, partnered with Kenny, had only one knock throughout the week, showcasing their impressive synergy under pressure.

The excitement peaked as the riders tackled increasingly challenging courses, with the final round featuring towering obstacles over 1.70m. While the competition was fierce, Hughes Kennedy and Kenny remained focused, demonstrating their readiness to compete at this elite level.

After the final rounds, Kenny expressed his satisfaction, stating,

“The horse jumped amazing… I just have to do what I have to do and see what happens.”

His calm demeanor under pressure was evident as he expertly navigated the demanding course.

Hughes Kennedy, reflecting on his debut at a major championship, shared his mixed feelings.

“I’m delighted with the result in the finish… it was a great championship, especially our first senior championship,”

he said, emphasizing his pride in his horse’s performance despite narrowly missing a medal.

The championship not only highlighted the individual achievements of the Irish riders but also underscored their contributions to the team event, where they played crucial roles in helping Ireland secure a strong overall position among eighteen nations.

As the event concludes, both riders and their horses return home with immense pride in their accomplishments. The competition proved to be a significant stepping stone for Hughes Kennedy and Kenny, paving the way for future successes in their equestrian careers.

With this exhilarating performance, the Kilkenny riders have firmly established themselves on the international stage. Fans and supporters are encouraged to celebrate their achievements and stay tuned for their next competitions as they continue to shine in the world of show jumping.

BREAKING: A man in his 60s has tragically died following a devastating house fire in Hollyhill, County Cork early this morning. Emergency services, including Gardaí and the Cork City Fire Brigade, rushed to the scene after the alarm was raised at approximately 12:45 AM on July 21.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene, marking a heartbreaking loss for the community. Another resident, a woman also in her 60s, was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment of injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

The fire has since been extinguished, and authorities have preserved the scene for a thorough investigation. A technical examination will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. The local coroner has been notified, and a post-mortem examination for the deceased is set to be arranged shortly.

Authorities are currently conducting inquiries to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by house fires, and community safety remains a top priority for local officials.

As investigations continue, residents are urged to ensure their homes are equipped with functioning smoke alarms and fire safety measures.

UPDATE: A man in his 60s has tragically died following a house fire in Hollyhill, Co Cork, late last night. The incident occurred around 12:45 AM at a residence in the Ardcullen residential development, prompting immediate response from emergency services.

According to officials, as firefighters from the Cork City Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze, they found the man unresponsive inside the home. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman in her 60s, who managed to escape with the help of neighbors, was rushed to Cork University Hospital for treatment of injuries that are reportedly “not life-threatening.”

Victor Shine, Second Officer of the Cork City Fire Brigade, confirmed that the call came in at 00:42 AM. “When crews arrived, one person was out of the house and being tended to by neighbours,” he stated. “Upon entering the property, resuscitation efforts were made for the second male, but sadly he did not survive.”

The scene is currently sealed off as investigations continue, with a technical examination set to be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. A post-mortem examination will also be carried out, and local authorities have been notified.

In a separate incident, authorities are investigating the death of a 77-year-old man, Gus Dempsey, who was found on a road in Bandon, Co Cork, earlier this morning. At approximately 6:30 AM, a passerby discovered Dempsey’s body next to his bicycle. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene, and a post-mortem examination is pending.

Dempsey’s passing comes just months after he lost his home in a fire, highlighting a tragic series of events for the retired farmer. After the previous fire, he had been living with a neighbor while awaiting emergency accommodation approval from Cork County Council.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Dempsey’s death or those who observed a male cycling in the Kildarra area during the early hours to come forward. Gardaí are particularly interested in any dash-cam footage from road users in the vicinity. Witnesses can contact Bandon Garda Station at 023 885 2200 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

As investigations into both incidents unfold, local communities are left in shock, grappling with the loss and the urgent need for answers. Stay tuned for further updates on these developing stories.

UPDATE: A catastrophic flash flood has hit Dromcollogher on the Cork-Limerick border, leaving the community in turmoil. The severe downpour, which struck around 7 PM on October 15, 2023, inundated the area with at least two feet of water, making roads impassable and resulting in significant damage to homes.

Emergency services sprang into action as the intense rainfall lasted for approximately two hours, causing widespread chaos. Local council leader, Cllr Michael Collins, reported that access to the village was cut off from 9 PM Sunday night, with estimates indicating up to 20 homes may have been affected. “It’s shocking,” Collins expressed, recalling the calm before the storm just hours earlier.

The Limerick City and County Council confirmed that emergency operations commenced shortly after receiving distress calls. Road teams, bolstered by three fire crews from nearby towns, worked tirelessly to distribute sandbags to protect vulnerable properties. Local farmers received support as water pumps were deployed to mitigate the flooding’s impact.

As the situation unfolded, a coordinated pumping operation was established to lower water levels surrounding the Dromcollogher Respite Centre. Thankfully, water levels began to recede naturally, allowing fire crews to stand down by 2 AM on October 16, 2023. Nevertheless, council staff remain in the area to continue assessing the situation and provide assistance.

All roads are now reported to be open, but motorists are urged to exercise caution while navigating the affected areas. Cllr Collins revealed that he has contacted Intreo services in hopes of designating impacted streets, such as Woodfield, for humanitarian aid. He emphasized the need for residents to apply for assistance as the community begins to recover.

While temporary accommodation has not been deemed necessary due to the swift receding of floodwaters, the emotional toll on residents is palpable. Many are left grappling with the aftermath of the unprecedented flooding. “We have seen unprecedented levels of rain in a short period of time. The area just couldn’t take it,” Collins added, reflecting the community’s shock.

Residents and those needing support are encouraged to reach out to Limerick City and County Council at 061 556000 for assistance.

This urgent situation is still developing. Stay tuned for further updates as the Dromcollogher community begins the daunting cleanup process in the wake of this devastating flash flooding.