Mathematics is a subject that often causes mixed feelings among students. Many of us remember long hours spent in classrooms, ...
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Mack Hansen discovers Six Nations fate as Ireland and Connacht star slapped with ban for referee comments
MACK HANSEN has been handed a three-game ban after his post-match outburst following Connacht’s defeat to Leinster.
The Ireland and Connacht star put the match officials on blast with controversial comments in a post-match press conference.
Speaking after the 20-12 defeat, he said: “To be honest, it felt like we were getting reffed out of the game for the first 40 minutes, pretty much.
“Then, we were able to do our thing. We were able to show the exciting rugby that we play.
“We’re not a team for excuses, but that’s what I feel. I feel like in the first bit.
“We were getting pressured from what seemed like 16 men against us instead of 15, to be honest with you.”
Hansen faced a URC committee hearing on Wednesday after being charged with misconduct following the comments.
And in a statement on Thursday morning, URC organisers revealed that the Australia-born star had been hit with a six-week ban, with three suspended.
The statement read: “Mack Hansen of Connacht Rugby has received a six-week ban (with three of those weeks suspended) after an Independent Disciplinary Panel upheld a charge of misconduct against the Player.
“Additionally, Connacht Rugby (the Club) have received a suspended €10,000 fine related to the Player’s sanction.
“Hansen was charged with Misconduct in breach of Clause 3.2 of the Disciplinary Rules of the BKT United Rugby Championship after comments that he made about the match officiating of the Round 8 Leinster Rugby versus Connacht Rugby game on December 21, 2024.
“Those comments included significant criticism of the referee officiating at that match.
“Further, Hansen was also charged with Misconduct in breach of eight other clauses of the Disciplinary Rules (3.3, 3.3.4, 3.3.5, 3.3.6, 3.3.8, 3.3.13, 3.3.14 and 3.3.18).
“Additionally, the obligations of clubs to exercise control over their personnel were also considered in relation to the Player and Connacht Rugby.
“Hansen in large part accepted that his actions amounted to Misconduct and apologised for his actions.
“The Disciplinary Panel met yesterday, Wednesday, January 8 and consisted of Roger Morris (Chair, Wales), Nigel Williams (Wales) and Stefan Terblanche (South Africa).
“In deciding the sanction, the panel considered the apology from the Player and that attaching a learning process would have a more positive outcome rather than merely applying a playing sanction.
“In their conclusion, a six-week ban was deemed appropriate with three weeks suspended.”
In addition to the suspension, Hansen has been told to make a full apology to referee Chris Busby.
He will also undertake an appropriate course as decided by URC Head of Match Officials Tappe Henning and IRFU Head of Referees Dudley Phillips.
Connacht Rugby will also have to run an education session with their players about how to conduct themselves in post-match media sessions and interactions with the media.
As a result of the suspension, Hansen will miss the Challenge Cup games against Lyon and Cardiff (January 11 and 17) and the URC clash against Glasgow Warriors (January 24).
However, he will not miss any of Ireland’s Six Nations games.
I tried new Skims dupe tops from Dunnes Stores in 4 colours – they’re such a good basic and cost €10
FASHION fans are scrambling to get their hands on new Skims dupe tops that have landed in Dunnes Stores – and they’re €56 cheaper.
The Long Sleeve Crew Neck Polyamide Top is available online and in stores across the country.
The dupe tops make the perfect Skims alternatives that rival the real deal.
They feature a similar crew neckline, long sleeves and a polyamide-elastane blend.
The sleek tops are a steal at €10, while the Skims tops will set you back €66.
An Irish fashion fan, who posts under @simonava91, took to TikTok to show off the Skims dupes
She said: “I immediately ran to the Dunnes websites and ordered the tops that are apparently very like Skims tops.
“So I just want to compare, see the quality. Because hopefully they’re just as nice. The price difference is massive.”
The Skims dupe tops come in a stone, white, grey or brown.
Simona said: “I bought three colours, €10 each. I bought the small because I thought, sometimes I thought the extra-small doesn’t sit right on the shoulders.”
First up is the long sleeve top in stone, costing a bargain €10.
The TikToker reckons the stone colour was “so nice” and looks “very expensive”.
She said: “It’s like this cool toned nude, it’s not like that pink.”
The style lover also snapped up the dupe top in white and brown.
Dunnes Stores chiefs said the stretch tops “effortlessly compliment” any look.
Its described as: “Made from a durable polyamide blend, this long-sleeved top is perfect for both active pursuits and everyday wear.
“With a minimalist design that effortlessly complements any outfit, it is available in a variety of colours.”
The tops range in seizes XS to XXL.
Simona added: “I have to say, I really love them. Obviously, time will tell how they wash, how they’ll wear, how they will stretch.”
The fashion fan also picked up the Scoop Neck Polyamide Vest in black.
These vests are made of the same polyamide-elastane mix and are a bargain €6.
Also available in white, the sleek tops range in sizes XS to XXL.
Why police were called to first Dunnes Stores opening
BETWEEN the weekly food shops and bargain fashion - Dunnes Stores is a staple retailer in Irish households.
But this wasn’t always the case, and when the initial branch of the shop opened its doors in 1944 it caused quite the stir
On March 31 of the year, Ben Dunne opened the first ever Dunnes Stores on St Patrick’s Street in Co Cork.
Locals quickly learned of the grand opening and flooded into the store in what the retailer’s archives recall as a “shopping frenzy.”
The bargain clothing on sale inside the new store at “pre-war prices” was one of the factors cited for the buzz.
During the chaos a window was forced in and Gardai were called to the scene.
Cops worked to deal with the eager crowds and keep shoppers calm and safe before they made it into the store for their first Dunnes experience.
Fast forward some 80 years, the business now employs over 18,000 people and although an opening of a Dunnes branch hasn’t caused quite as much stir since the very first one, it has cemented its place as one of the nation’s leading retailers.
Dunnes Stores now has 138 stores across Europe:
- 118 in the Republic of Ireland,
- 15 in Northern Ireland
- Five stores in Spain.
Megan McKenna left heartbroken as her beloved nan passes away just weeks after meeting newborn baby
MEGAN McKenna has been left heartbroken by the death of her beloved grandmother.
The reality star, 32, revealed the sad news today, telling fans she had lost her ‘best friend’, but expressed joy that she had the chance to meet her son Landon.
Alongside a video of special moments they had together, Megan wrote: “You’re now my guardian angel nan.
“I will forever love you and miss you so much. You wasn’t only just my nan, you was a best friend and I will miss our FaceTime and coffee dates and Sunday roast dinners with you every day. It doesn’t feel real that you’re not with us anymore.
“I’m glad you’re at peace now. You will always be remembered as a beautiful lady that always had the best wardrobe about.”
She added: “I’m so glad Landon got to meet his nanny Jean.”
Megan’s famous pals rushed to support her, with Ashley James writing: “Sending you love.”
Ella Morgan commented: “Sending you and the family all my love, hugs, thoughts and healing my .I’m so sorry for your loss.”
Megan gave birth to her first child in October of last year and headed back to the UK over Christmas to spend time with her family and nan.
She currently lives in Germany with her fiancé Oliver Burke, who plays for SV Werder Bremen.
‘TV hottie’ gush fans as RTE star Maura Derrane returns on screens after WEEKS off air in ‘beautiful’ two piece
RTE star Maura Derrane has returned to Today after almost three weeks off air.
The Galway beauty reunited with her usual co-host Daithi O Se to present their first show of 2025 together yesterday.
The pair had bid farewell to viewers for the Christmas break on Friday, December 20, 2024.
The afternoon chat show returned on air earlier this week on Monday, January 6, with Sinead Kennedy and Daithi co-hosting.
And Maura looked very happy to be back in action in the RTE studio.
The 54-year-old stunned in a cream blazer and matching skirt.
She paired the two piece suit with a brown cami top and cream heeled boots.
Daithi greeted Maura at the beginning of Wednesday’s programme saying: “Happy New Year Maura, did you have a nice Christmas?”
The mum-of-one replied: “And a happy New Year to you Daithi. I did, very quiet – I probably needed that.”
Maura posed for a stunning snap on set after the show and shared it on Instagram.
She captioned her post: “Back at it @rtetoday 2025!”
The popular presenter’s friends and fans were all happy to see her back on air and flooded the comment section with compliments.
Mary said: “Maura, welcome back and a happy New Year to you. You look amazing.”
Annie commented: “Great to see you back Maura! Beautiful suit.”
Noreen wrote: “Looking fantastic Maura. Happy New Year.”
Richie added: “Ireland’s TV hottie.”
FAMILY FUN
During her break, Maura travelled back to her family home in Inis Mor in the Aran Islands to spend a couple of days with her mum Bridgie for the festive season.
The 54-year-old lives in Dublin with her husband John Deasy, 57, and their son Cal, 10.
Maura made sure to soak up her last few days off with her son before he returned to school.
The Galway beauty took her little one to Funderland Amusement Park in the RDS, Dublin last week.
The pair had a great time roaming around the funfair, riding the rollercoaster and eating some delicious candyfloss.
Maura shared some clips of herself and Cal looking happier than ever on their day out on Instagram and said: “A good day all-round.”
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