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DUNNES Stores fans are racing to the tills to snap up a bargain price new jumper – and it comes in three colours.

The new Gallery V-neck jumper is available online and in shops across the country now.

dunnes stores

dunnes stores

It comes at the perfect time as shoppers are ditching their winter wear and looking forward to spring essentials.

The new piece is perfect for the upcoming in-between weather as it can be layered or worn on its own.

The chic jumper costs just €25 and comes in sizes XS up to XL.

And the item is available in three gorgeous natural colours: grey, ivory and blue.

However, there’s a major drawback for fans of the look, which will leave some people gutted.

The popular jumper has flown off the shelves in all colours and almost every size.

Only the blue option in sizes M, L and XL is still up for grabs online.

But fans of the look might be lucky and find the item hidden on the racks in store.

The jumper features a V-neck shape, sloped shoulder seams for a flowing look, cuffed sleeves and a cuffed bottom.

Fashion experts called the item “flattering”.

An official description of the item reads: “Experience understated luxury with this soft-to-the-touch wool blend jumper from Gallery.

“Featuring a flattering v-neck and thick ribbed trims, it offers a sophisticated finish that transcends everyday wear.

“Gallery is available exclusively at Dunnes Stores.”

The Gallery V-neck jumper isn’t the only new jumper available for fashion-forward people.

Dunnes Stores recently dropped a wardrobe staple that has fans in a frenzy.

The knit jumper is available in stores and online now and it also comes in three flattering colours.

This item is a must-have for casual days but can easily be dressed up as well.

At just €20, the jumper is available in shades of blue, pink, and mocha.

The retailer said: “This soft, comfortable knit jumper is a wardrobe staple, perfect for year-round styling.”

“Designed in a relaxed fit with a classic crew neck, it’s an easy piece to dress up or down.

The jumper can be styled with jeans, trousers, or skirts, depending on the occasion.”

However, there’s bad news for those hoping to get their hands on the comfy item; mocha and pink are already sold out online.

Shoppers should be quick and look for their size and colour in store.

dunnes stores

THE HISTORY OF DUNNES STORES

DUNNES Stores opened its first store on Patrick Street in Cork in 1944 - and it was an instant hit.

Shoppers from all over the city rushed to the store to snap up quality clothing at pre-war prices in Ireland’s first ‘shopping frenzy’.

During the excitement, a window was forced in and the police had to be called to help control the crowds hoping to bag founder Ben Dunne’s ‘Better Value’ bargains.

Dunnes later opened more stores in the 1950s and began to sell groceries in 1960 – starting with apples and oranges.

The retailer said: “Fruit was expensive at the time and Ben Dunne yet again offered Better Value than anyone else in town.

“Over time, our food selection has grown and that spirit of good value has remained strong.

“Now we offer a wide range of carefully-sourced foods from both local Irish suppliers and overseas.”

The retailer’s first Dublin store opened its doors in 1957 on Henry Street and a super store on South Great Georges Street was unveiled in 1960.

They added: “In 1971, our first Northern Irish store opened, and many others soon followed.

“Expansion continued in the 1980s in Spain, and later into Scotland and England.”

Dunnes now has 142 stores and employs 15,000 people.

The destruction caused by the recent Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes Fires in Los Angeles County is hard to put into words. Together, they have burned nearly 50,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and killed at least 29 people, according to reports from NBC News. Even though these fires are mostly now contained, those affected have a long, difficult journey ahead.

In addition to rebuilding, dealing with insurance claims, and seeking emotional support, there is also the issue of air quality, which may be more pressing than anyone realized. According to a recent study published in the journal JAMA Neurology, fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke may be linked to dementia.

RELATED: If You're Over 45, These Are the Biggest Dementia Risk Factors, Study Finds.

How wildfire smoke could lead to a dementia diagnosis:

For the study, which was published in November before the recent spate of fires, researchers analyzed the electronic health records of 1.2 million Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) patients between 2009 and 2018. (KPSC serves 4.7 million people across 10 California counties, including Los Angeles, where wildfires are common.) The patients were age 60 or older and did not have a prior dementia diagnosis.

More than 80,000 people were diagnosed with dementia by the conclusion of the study, supporting the hypothesis that those exposed long-term to wildfire-generated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) had an increased incidence of cognitive decline.

It should be noted that PM2.5 refers to the size of the particulate matter—in this case, 2.5 microns or less in diameter, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These harmful particles typically make their way into outdoor air via car emissions and the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood in factories.

However, the JAMA study found that PM2.5 particles generated from wildfires are particularly dangerous, as those exposed to PM2.5 from other origins had a much lower increase in their dementia risk.

"We have this aging population, and we have strengthening climate change, and those may converge for really bad neurological health outcomes," said Joan Casey, the study's lead author and an associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington, in speaking with The Washington Post.

CARB explains that once inhaled, particulate matter can be "deposited on the lung surface," which can "induce tissue damage and lung inflammation." But this new research shows how air pollution can also affect the brain.

Jacques Reis, a neurologist and professor of environmental medicine at the University of Strasbourg who was not involved in the study, told The Washington Post that air particles can cause inflammation in the brain as well as neuron and DNA damage.

"[Particulates] will trigger a lot of modification at the cellular level and it’s why this is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease," he explained.

Other researchers have made similar claims. For example, a 2015 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 led to increased diagnoses of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s.

RELATED: Your Blood Pressure Reading Could Predict Your Risk of Cognitive Decline, New Study Finds.

How you can protect yourself from wildfire smoke:

The bad news is that, according to a 2024 report produced by the nonprofit Resources for the Future (RFF), "Wildfire smoke frequently causes particulate matter pollution to exceed federal standards, and these smoke impacts are expected to grow over the century as the climate warms."

But the good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the harmful and residual effects of wildfire smoke.

Following the L.A. fires earlier this month, Cedars-Sinai recommended that those in the area wear masks outdoors for several weeks, even if their phones don't classify the air as "unhealthy." Weather data doesn't measure tiny particles, and shifting wind patterns can quickly change the air quality.

"People may think, 'Well, I don’t see or smell smoke anymore, and it looks sunny like it normally does in Southern California,' and be lulled into thinking everything is fine," said pulmonologist Jeremy Falk, MD, an associate professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai. "But much of what can harm us in situations like this doesn’t have an odor. The Air Quality Index system was developed for everyday pollution, and not necessarily to warn us about particles that are not typically in the air because of wildfires."

Falk says an N95 mask if your best line of defense: "What makes the air pollution associated with fires so dangerous is that the particles that seem to do the most damage are much smaller than even the microscopic droplets we saw with COVID-19. Because the particles are so tiny, they can fit between the fibers of a simple paper mask or cloth mask and get far down into our airways, causing damage."

Other ways to stay safe include keeping your home's window closed and ensuring your air filtration systems (both in the home and car) are up to date.

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ONE Direction fans’ hopes for a reunion were bolstered last night as Zayn Malik was joined by a former bandmate at his solo gig in LA.

Louis Tomlinson blended in with the crowd to watch Zayn perform his smooth R&B, but word quickly reached the singer that his friend was in attendance.

Getty

He told the crowd: “Alright so tonight’s kind of special, I know a friend of mine is here to support me tonight, he’s somewhere here I don’t want to give his location away but Louis’ here…”

The audience went absolutely crazy, squealing in delight at the mention of Louis’ name.

Doncaster lad Louis smiled and clapped his chest while standing on a balcony towards the back of the theatre.

One fan on X wrote: “I’m going to explode.”

Another said: “I’m sobbing so hard.”

Another wrote: “This makes my heart happy.”

Former Direction stars Zayn, Louis, Niall Horan and Harry Styles have been brought closer together in recent months following the tragic death of Liam Payne.

The music world was rocked when Liam died after falling from his hotel’s third floor balcony in Argentina while intoxicated.

His bandmates each issued heartfelt statements after his death and reunited to pay their respects at his funeral in November.

Zayn has since paid tribute to Liam on his solo tour.

There are also murmurings that the 1D lads could get together at the Brit Awards to honour their late friend.

A music industry source said: “The tribute to Liam at this year’s awards show has caused a real buzz and speculation that the remaining One Direction bandmates could finally come back together again on stage.

“It would be an entirely fitting way to honour Liam and talks are already under way about how to make this segment of the Brits unforgettable.

“Liam loved the Brit Awards and attended and performed many times over the years, both with 1D and as a solo artist, and will forever be part of the show’s history.

“It’s still in the very early stages of preparation and the finer details are still being worked out, with official approaches to be made in coming weeks, but there are set to be a mixture of performances, tasteful photo and video montages and a live orchestra.

“As well as the possibility of the One Direction lads being involved, other stars from the industry will be on hand to remember Liam on the night.”

Getty

Getty Images - Getty

Liam Payne's sad death

On October 16, 2024, Liam Payne sadly died, leaving family, friends and fans devastated.

Here we take you through the biggest stories to unfold since his tragic passing:

• Liam’s death is announced.
• The star’s family release a heartbreaking statement.
• Liam’s cause of death revealed after he fell from a balcony.
• The singer’s One Direction bandmates pay tribute.
• Cheryl Cole describes ‘earth shattering’ agony following the death of son’s father.
• Mourners gather at vigils around the world to honour the late star.
• Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy makes an emotional tribute.
• Liam’s body is flown back to the UK with his family.
• Zayn Malik reschedules his tour dates due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’ following Liam’s death.
• Liam’s family announce his funeral.

PERSONAL trainer Karl Henry has revealed the truth behind feeling nauseous during exercise during the 40 Day Health Challenge.

And the coach also shared why the ‘Go Hard or Go Home’ attitude doesn’t work.

40dayhealthchallenge.ie

Paul Sharp

Trish Buckley, from Raheny in Dublin, admitted she felt sick at times while training.

Self-confessed wine lover Trish lost 1.3kg in the first week of the challenge – dropping from 72.6kg to 71.3kg.

Now half way through the challenge, Karl revealed Trish’s progress to date.

Karl said: “First and foremost, you were 72.6 kilos on day one. Today, 69.3 kilos – eight pounds down.”

Fellow recruits from the challenge cheered Trish on for her major weight loss.

Karl continued: “So starting day one, you were 57 from a metabolic perspective, today, 49.”

The 53-year-old joked that she would be a child by the time the challenge is over.

Karl added: “There’s nothing like a decade shift with a metabolic age profile.”

The experts discussed how feeling nauseous during exercise is “quite common”.

Karl said: “What I will say is it isn’t a sign of an effective workout.

“It isn’t a sign of progress. It isn’t necessarily a positive sign. Some people love it.

“There is a new trend exercise wise in the country, which is, it’s go hard or go home and you’re not working out unless you’re vomiting on the way out. That’s not what we aim for.”

The health pro explained that people don’t have to be “really sore” after a workout.

He said: “The point is, the reassurance piece, really from us, I wanted to bring it up, is that actually, what you’re doing is perfect.

“You’re pushing yourself hard, you’re red faced, you’re slightly out of breath, you’re tired after the workouts.

“You’re struggling a little in some of the exercises. Yeah, that is all normal. That is all progression.”

Recruit Trish told how she has already accomplished a major goal since starting the challenge.

HOW TO WATCH THE EPISODES

THE latest episodes of the 40 Day Health Challenge are now available at the 40dayhealthchallenge.ie.

Readers can also follow all the action and get the latest updates, meal plans, exercises and mental health tips from Thesun.ie and Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio ­during the 40 days.

She said: “My aim on this show was after 40 days that I could run a 5k and I did that two weeks ago already in 36 minutes.

“Because I said ‘I will definitely run a 5k at the end of it’ and I ran it in two weeks. And that’s because of all your help.”

Karl added: “Your body adapts as it gets stronger. It recovers faster with the right food on board.

“Afterwards, it recovers quicker. So you recover quicker overnight, the change makes it more difficult.

“So we change every 10 days throughout the phases of the plan. So it does get more challenging.”

Kidney Bean Chilli con Carne

Serves 2 (each serving contains approximately 502 kcal)

Suitable for vegetarians.

Ingredients:

80g wholegrain rice
1 onion (150g)
1 garlic clove (4g)
1 tbsp olive or rapeseed oil (15g)
1 tsp chili powder (5g)
1 tsp ground cumin (5g)
1 tsp ground coriander (5g)
1 small courgette (150g)
400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed (240g)
400g tin chopped tomatoes
2 heaped tbsp quark (40g)
1 tbsp chopped toasted cashew nuts (15g)

The method:

Rinse the rice in a sieve under cold running water and add to a saucepan with 250ml of water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to very low and cover with a lid.

Cook for 20-25 minutes or the rice is tender, and all the water has been absorbed.

Meanwhile, heat a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Peel and finely dice the onion and mince the garlic.

Add the oil to the pan and sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Trim and cut the courgette into small chunks. Stir the spices into the onion mixture and then stir in the courgette and cook for another 2-3 minutes until sizzling.

Pour in the kidney beans and tomatoes with a splash of water, then reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spoon the rice into bowls and add the kidney bean chilli.

Add a dollop of quark to each one and scatter over the cashew nuts to serve.

*Suitable for batch cooking.

40dayhealthchallenge.ie

Paul Sharp

Gary Ashe