UPDATE: Pippa O’Connor has revealed that her husband, Irish TV presenter Brian Ormond, is recovering after a “tough weekend” in the hospital following urgent back surgery. The couple, who share three sons—Ollie (12), Louis (9), and Billie (3)—shared updates on social media, keeping fans informed of Brian’s condition.

Pippa took to her Instagram stories to address the health scare, stating, “It’s been a week. Poor Brian is in hospital. He will be fine but unfortunately he had to have back surgery, of all things.” She emphasized that Brian’s situation escalated quickly, making the surgery unavoidable. “Things just kind of went from bad to worse, and he needed to get it done. It was done on Friday, and he will be home later on today,” she added, expressing relief as a new week begins.

In a heartfelt post, Brian thanked the staff at Matter Private Hospital for their exceptional care. He shared a touching photo of a card from their son, Billy, which read, “To Dad, I love you. Love always, Billy xxx.” Alongside the image, Brian expressed his gratitude, writing, “Tough weekend but a massive thank you to all the staff for looking after me so well with my back surgery. Looking forward to heading home to the best nurse now @pipsy_pie.”

The past few days have been challenging for the family, filled with hospital visits and the normal chaos of family life, as Pippa noted her weekend included juggling football matches and hospital trips. The emotional toll of the situation was palpable as she reflected on the events.

Pippa, an influential figure on social media, regularly shares glimpses of her life with her children. Just last month, the couple celebrated their son Louis’s communion in a lavish event attended by family and friends, which showcased their tight-knit family dynamic. The communion featured stunning outfits and a beautiful celebration at their home, demonstrating the couple’s commitment to their family traditions even amidst personal challenges.

As Brian recovers, fans and well-wishers are eagerly awaiting further updates on his health. The family’s resilience shines through in these tough times, reminding many of the importance of support and love during difficult moments.

Stay tuned for more updates as Brian Ormond heads home to continue his recovery with Pippa and their children by his side.

URGENT UPDATE: Tennis tournaments across Ireland have raised an impressive €165,000 for cancer care and research, with efforts continuing to expand the initiative. Launched by tennis coach Grace Owens, the fundraising campaign, known as Tennis4Cancer, aims to unite the tennis community to support two vital cancer charities: ARC Cancer Support Centres and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute.

In a remarkable show of solidarity, over 40 clubs have participated in various fundraising activities, from coffee mornings to grand slam tournaments, since the campaign’s inception in 2019. These funds will be evenly distributed between the two charities, which provide essential support and research for those affected by cancer.

Owens expressed her enthusiasm for the response to the campaign, stating, “In April, we held our ‘Tennis4Cancer Weekender’, which got our fundraising year off to a great start. It’s great to see the tennis community coming together to support these two great cancer charities, ARC and NBCRI, and I would love to have lots more clubs involved between now and the end of the year.”

The campaign has gained official backing from Tennis Ireland and Tennis Coach Ireland. Notable former Irish No.1 and ex-ATP Tour professional Conor Niland serves as the campaign’s patron, further highlighting its significance.

ARC Cancer Support Centres provide free professional services, including counseling and complementary therapies, to both adults and children affected by cancer and their families. Meanwhile, the National Breast Cancer Research Institute focuses on groundbreaking research based at the Lambe Institute, University of Galway.

Owens is urging more tennis clubs across Ireland to join the fundraising efforts. As the year progresses, she hopes to see increased participation, stating, “More events are expected to join in before the end of the year,” emphasizing the urgent need for community involvement.

This initiative not only raises crucial funds but also fosters a sense of community and support within the tennis world, as individuals rally together for a common cause. The impact of these funds on cancer care in Ireland cannot be overstated, and the Tennis4Cancer campaign is poised to make an even greater difference as more clubs come on board.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the tennis community rallies for a cause that affects so many lives.

Tennis events held across Ireland have successfully raised over €165,000 for cancer care, support, and research this year. The initiative, known as Tennis4Cancer, was launched by tennis coach Grace Owens, aiming to unite the tennis community in support of two key cancer charities: ARC Cancer Support Centres and the National Breast Cancer Research Institute. The funds raised will be evenly distributed between the two organizations.

Since its inception in 2019, local tennis clubs throughout Ireland have organized diverse fundraising activities ranging from coffee mornings to grand slam tournaments. The initiative was established in response to the impact of cancer on members of the tennis community. Currently, over 40 clubs are participating in the campaign, and Owens is proactively seeking additional clubs to join the cause.

Community Engagement and Future Goals

The Tennis4Cancer campaign has garnered official support from Tennis Ireland and Tennis Coach Ireland. Notably, former Irish No. 1 and ex-ATP Tour professional Conor Niland serves as the patron of the campaign. Owens expressed her gratitude for the enthusiastic response thus far, highlighting the importance of community engagement.

“In April, we held our ‘Tennis4Cancer Weekender’, which got our fundraising year off to a great start,” Owens stated. “It’s great to see the tennis community coming together to support these two great cancer charities, ARC and NBCRI, and I would love to have lots more clubs involved between now and the end of the year.”

Various clubs across Ireland have hosted a range of events to promote this initiative. More activities are anticipated as the year progresses, further increasing the potential for fundraising.

Impact of the Charities

The ARC Cancer Support Centres provide essential free professional support services, including counseling and complementary therapies, for adults and children affected by cancer, along with their families. The National Breast Cancer Research Institute focuses on funding groundbreaking research in breast cancer, with efforts centered at the Lambe Institute at the University of Galway.

With the momentum already established this year, the Tennis4Cancer initiative aims to continue rallying support from tennis clubs across the country. By fostering deeper community involvement, the campaign aspires to make a significant impact in the fight against cancer.

UPDATE: A major drug operation has been disrupted in West Cork, where an international gang attempted to import €58 million worth of cocaine using sophisticated tactics, including anti-bugging devices and a stealth speedboat. The details emerged today from the Special Criminal Court, revealing how the gang’s plan quickly unraveled.

Authorities confirmed that the gang, comprised of Spanish, Dutch/Iranian, Serbian, and Irish nationals, was apprehended after failing to rendezvous with a “mothership” off the coast of Cornwall. They returned empty-handed to Tragumna Pier, where local residents alerted Gardaí about suspicious activities involving a high-powered Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB).

The operation began to collapse when two suspects were stopped at a Garda checkpoint in Bandon late at night. Their nervous demeanor raised suspicions, prompting a search that uncovered a list of locations and GPS coordinates tied to their drug trafficking operation. Inspector Joseph Young revealed this critical information during the court proceedings.

As the investigation progressed, authorities received a call from a concerned local resident who witnessed men attempting to load the RHIB onto a truck at Tragumna Pier. This led to the arrest of ten suspects, including Kiumaars Ghabiri, Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz, and Anuar Rahui Chairi, all of whom have pleaded guilty. They face charges under Section 15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act for attempting to possess drugs worth over €13,000.

The gang’s intricate plan involved using the stealth RHIB to intercept the Cool Explorer, a refrigerated vessel that had departed from Ecuador in early February 2024. Loaded with legitimate cargo, it was also carrying approximately 840 kilos of cocaine, which is now estimated to be worth €59 million. The ship was scheduled to arrive in St. Petersburg, Russia, on March 17, 2024, but the gang missed the critical drop-off point.

Following the arrests, Gardaí discovered that one vehicle used by the gang had false plates and was reported stolen in Glasgow. Additionally, extensive searches revealed a trove of nautical equipment linked to the operation, including dry suits, satellite phones, and over 30 mobile phones.

The investigation has garnered attention due to the scale and sophistication of the operation. Gardaí have confirmed that the gang’s RHIB was designed to evade detection at sea, equipped with powerful engines and modified radar systems. According to former Naval Service officer Gary Delaney, the boat was “for the purpose of detecting but not being detected.”

As the hearing continues, officials are working to piece together the full extent of the gang’s network. Three other suspects have pleaded not guilty, and their trials are expected to begin in the coming weeks. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as efforts to combat organized crime intensify.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Inspector Young resumes his testimony tomorrow morning.