Minnesota Timberwolves’ offensive struggles were a focal point of discussion on Friday’s broadcast of NBA Today, as analysts Brian Windhorst and Kendrick Perkins assessed the team’s performance in the wake of Karl-Anthony Towns’ departure. Windhorst addressed Anthony Edwards’ adjustment to a new offensive dynamic. “He talked about how difficult it has been for him this […]
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From one Phoenix Suns generation to the next, Ex-Suns owner Jerry Colangelo sees what current owner Mat Ishbia is building. Although the 26-30 record looks bleak, the new owner has made his fair share of big moves. For instance, he helped the Suns to make a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant within his first month […]
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DOIREANN Garrihy opened up about how being bullied gave her a thicker skin for online trolls on RTE Late Late Show.
Patrick Kielty returned to Montrose tonight for another epsiode of the hit-chat show with Doieann Garrihy, Mario Rosentsock, Fiona Shaw and Kathryn Thomas.
The Down comic was joined at the top of the show by Doireann where she started off by discussing her return to RTE 2FM.
She said: “I had done four years of breakfast, ten years of kind of mad busyness, and I just needed a bit of a break, and so I took a leap of faith and took a break.
“I never could have anticipated how much I would miss it. I knew I would miss it. I just didn’t think I would miss it as much with the year as it was kind of planned out. I knew what I had coming up. I was obviously getting married.”
At the same time many of the station’s other famous faces departed Doireann left, but her departure sparked controversy as she had posted a paid AD while still working for the broadcaster.
Doireann explained: “That wasn’t a pleasant time. I made a mistake at the time, and obviously I have a responsibility working for the national broadcaster.
“I shouldn’t have done it. I was reprimanded at the time. I apologised… I apologise, and we live and learn.”
Doireann noted that being held responsible is the nature of her profession, but some people also go over-the-top in calling her out.
And a specific experience in her youth has afforded her a thick skin meaning much of the negativity sent her way doesn’t affect her.
She said: “I was in secondary school around the time Bebo was a big thing. And listen, it comes with being a teenager as well.
“You’re sometimes in the firing line. Sometimes you’re not. I happened to be for about two years, and my parents actually were amazing at that time.
“They’ve always been very good at actually saying to us what’s going on, and sitting down every day and saying, ‘Is there anything you want to say to us’, or, ‘Anything you want to tell us?’, and just be really open with us?
“I had a tough time in fourth and fifth year, and I’m really glad actually, that my it wasn’t in my pocket. Mobile phones weren’t a big thing then, because I think that’s a massive challenge for parents and for teenagers these days and trying to navigate that.
“I’m sure it’s really difficult, but I think being open with young people and just saying, ‘You can tell me if there’s something going on’, ‘We can figure it out’.
“My parents, they didn’t intervene. They just kind of went, ‘Okay, at least we know you need to try and figure this out, because if we intervene, it’ll undermine you, and you were able to sort it out’.”
RTE viewers flocked to social media to express their views.
Eimear said: “I like Doireann. She seems like a very down-to-earth girl.”
Patrick added: “Brilliant show tonight. Great conversations..”
Anoter viewer added: “Doireann looks gorgeous”
A BRITISH hiker who plunged to his death while trekking along a “banned route” in the Himalayas has been identified as 27-year-old Tom Howard.
The Durham University graduate tragically died on Monday after falling from a “considerable height” while on India’s Triund Trek with his friend Robert Emerton, 27.
It’s thought the pair were unaware of a local ban on high-altitude trekking in the winter seasons, cops said.
Software engineer Tom, originally from Weybridge, Surrey, fell and suffered severe injuries during the 5.5-mile mountain trek.
His friend Robert, an auditor, walked two-and-a-half hours to get help from the nearby village of Thathri, on the outskirts of Dharamshala.
A 10-man rescue team were dispatched at around 6:30pm on Sunday where they sadly found Tom in a “critical condition” before evacuating him on a stretcher.
It took rescuers more than a day to bring the tourist down the hill due to the tricky terrain, with officials saying it took close to two hours to cover just 100 metres.
A second team was dispatched to assist in the emergency, reaching the original group at 8am on Monday.
By the early afternoon, a third team were required and were sent out to support, reaching the rescue site at 4pm.
Tom was brought down to an ambulance after 5pm on Monday – having been injured for more than a day – and was tragically pronounced dead in hospital.
A post-mortem exam conducted at a hospital in Dharamshala revealed the 27-year-old Brit had suffered from “severe chest and abdomen injuries” and a lacerated liver.
The hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr Anuradha Sharma, said his fall “must have been from a considerable height”.
Tom and Robert are thought to have met in 2015 as undergraduate students at the prestigious Durham University.
Tom had attended Cranleigh School prior to university, where he was a prefect.
He also earned a master’s degree in natural sciences at Durham before joining the London-based Quantexa – the financial security firm – after graduating.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Tom Howard, who was a talented and valued colleague at Quantexa.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
An FCDO spokesperson told The Sun: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in India and are in contact with the local authorities.”
Due to the dangers of winter conditions, trekking above 3,000 meters is currently prohibited in the area, which includes Triund and its surroundings.
According to the authorities, hikers are exposed to serious risks from extreme weather and heavy snowfall.
LUKE HEENEY’S first goal in 4½ years iced the cake on Drogheda United’s homecoming party as Sligo Rovers were put to the sword.
Goals in each half from Josh Thomas and Darragh Markey had Kevin Doherty’s team in command.
That was before stalwart Heeney bagged a rare goal in injury time, his first since the First Division-clinching win over Cabinteely in 2020.
At least this time there was a crowd here to see it — and a big one at that.
Sullivan & Lambe Park welcomed 2,312 fans for the Drogs’ first home game of the season and their first since the FAI Cup win last November.
The faithful were keen to see their heroes once again — and craved a winning start.
United were at it from the off and Sligo obliged by failing to put it up to them in any real sense.
On-loan Swansea City striker Thomas scored his first career league goal to hand them the lead.
He had already looked a real threat to the Bit O’Red defence before he applied a finish to Shane Farrell’s square pass.
The ex-Shelbourne man had himself gone close earlier on.
He brilliantly wove his way to the edge of the area but Sam Sargeant just managed to turn his shot around the post.
Markey’s last league goal came against Sligo ten months ago.
He had Warren Davis and Owen Lambe to thank for working the ball his way for Drogs’ second as his strike beat Sargeant.
Cian Kavanagh was flagged for offside late on, with the ball in the net.
And Heeney found the net in the 94th minute for a very, very rare goal.
SUN STAR MAN
Darragh Markey (Drogs)
DROGHEDA UNITED: Dennison 7; Quinn 7, Keeley 6, Bolger 6; Lambe 7, Farrell 7, Brennan 6 (Heeney 89, 6), Kane 7; Markey 8; Bawa 6 (Oluwa 62, 5), Thomas 7 (Davis 72, 7).
SLIGO ROVERS: Sargeant 5; Lintott 5 (Van Hattum 69, 5), Denham 6, Mahon 6, Hutchinson 6; Hakiki 7 (Manning 84, 6), Doyle-Hayes 6 (Lomboto 69, 5), Malley 6; Elding 5, Fitzgerald 5; Kavanagh 6.
REFEREE: D Dunne (Dublin) 6.
RUSSIA is on track to lose a million soldiers to death and injury by its so-called Victory Day.
The toll from Putin’s bloodbath already stands at 860,000 Kremlin casualties, according to UK defence intelligence.
Moscow has been losing an average of 1,500 troops a day since November.
If it stays on the current trajectory, Russia will lose another 115,000 dead and injured by May 9, when Putin and his stooges gather in the Red Square for their annual World War Two military parade.
The losses would bring the toll of dead and injured to 975,000.
And the eye-watering figures undermine Donald Trump’s claims that Russia “holds the cards” in any peace talks.
Former Tory Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Russia is facing catastrophic losses and a broken economy.
“Putin is playing poker with an empty hand, but it seems he may have bluffed the United States.”
The MoD said Russia was forcing its mobilised soldiers to sign contracts to keep them in service — or they will be thrown into meat-grinder fights, where the chance of survival is just ten per cent.
It comes after Trump appalled allies by claiming that Ukraine started the war and that President Zelensky was a dictator.
He then said on Thursday: “I think the Russians want to see the war end, I really do. I think they have the cards a little bit, because they’ve taken a lot of territory. They have the cards.”
Britain has continued to reject Trump’s claims.
On Thursday, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said at the G20 in South Africa: “If Putin is serious about a lasting peace it means finding a way forward which respects Ukraine’s sovereignty.”
THE Man from Del Monte has been replaced by retired Pauline Crosby — who could star in new telly adverts.
The 74-year-old ex-servicewoman was offered the brand ambassador role after winning a public vote.
US canned fruit giant Del Monte’s 1980s adverts featured actor Brian Jackson in a linen suit and Panama hat as he tested the ripeness of fruit.
Farmers waited for him to give the nod before yelling: “The Man from Del Monte, he say yes!”
Pauline, of Crosby, Norfolk, has six grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
She said: “This is such a privilege. We all remember the Man from Del Monte adverts and they still make me smile.
“But today it’s all about celebrating family traditions and creativity in the kitchen.
“I’ve spent my life preserving these traditions and sharing them with my family and I’m thrilled Del Monte saw that passion.”
Pauline was nominated for the role by her granddaughter Poppie Capper, 30.
She said: “She’s warm, kind and offers valuable, advice when needed.”
Del Monte marketing chief Thierry Montange said: “We wanted to ensure family recipes are preserved for future generations.
“Pauline truly embodies the spirit of this initiative.”
VOGUE Williams heats things up on the ski slopes in a pink bikini.
There was no wind-chill factor for the TV personality, 39, as she posed in the outfit with her hair in a towel.
She wrote on Instagram: “I may have brought four ski suits on holidays but it was too hot so I just wore my bikini like everyone else.”
Vogue was at an undisclosed location with Made in Chelsea husband Spencer Matthews, 36, and their three children.
He showed off his ski skills in an Instagram post with a spectacular jump.
Vogue usually keeps busy by hosting podcasts and presenting on Virgin Radio.
She also fronts a fitness app, models for numerous fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands, has her own successful tanning range – all while looking after her young family.
Vogue was also seen in a bikini taking an icy dip – part of an exercise regime to improve her mind and body.
Vogue and Spencer tied the knot in 2018. The pair had their first child, a son called Theodore in September 2018.
In 2020 their daughter Gigi was born, with their second son Otto arriving in April 2022.
NICOLAS KUHN has been watched by Newcastle this season – but another club is preparing to put their interest in black and white.
That’s according to a report in Germany.
The Celtic winger has been on inspired form this season – lighting up the Champions League against his fellow countrymen RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich.
He scored the opener in the Allianz Arena on Tuesday – six days after he thought he’d done likewise within 26 SECONDS at Parkhead.
And that sort of blistering form – and pace – has not gone unnoticed back home.
For a man who was pilloried by an Austrian football expert on his arrival in Glasgow he has revitalised his reputation and then some.
Kuhn has hit 18 goals this term – including three in the Champions League – and laid on 11 in 37 appearances so far.
There are plenty more opportunities to hit the half century before the summer too.
However then is when Celtic’s resolve may be tested.
The ex-Ajax and Rapid Vienna wide man is said to be on a three-man wanted list for Eintracht Frankfurt next season.
The Europa League winners of 2022 – at Rangers‘ expense – crashed out of the same competition to Roma this week.
But they are said to be keen on Kuhn as well as two others in a bid to bolster their attack for the new season.
Celtic would stand to make a significant profit on the 25-year-old they signed for £3million last January – IF they decided to cash in.
According to BILD and the Frankfurter Neue Presse he is a target alongside Ritsu Doan of Freiburg and Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa.
But Newcastle stole a march on the Germans and scouted him during the first leg of the Hoops Champions League knock-out play-off against Bayern Munich.
Earlier in the season he was also linked with a move to Brentford.
It’s a far cry from his arrival which was PANNED on Clyde 1’s SuperScoreboard by an Austrian football expert.
Dorian Schuster said Kuhn was “honestly terrible” when asked for an insider’s view on the incoming Celtic signing.
He did concede he was “a special player, in the sense that he has fantastic dribbling skills,” before a scathing assessment of his spell in Austria’s top flight.
Schuster added: “On the other hand his shooting is – honestly – sometimes terrible and he wastes many chances in the Austrian Bundesliga and that could be a major issue in the Champions League for Celtic.
“He played in the second league in Germany and his first season in Vienna was quite a mess – he was quite often injured and he never reached the heights of his skills or fitness.
“Sometimes he was used as an attacking midfielder but is now only used on a right winger, his left foot is good as well. Cutting in on the left foot and his right is also good – there’s no worries about that.
“He never reached the first team at Ajax or Bayern Munich so he was loaned to a second-tier side in Germany and afterwards he moved to Rapid Vienna.
“I honestly don’t know if it will work out in the Scottish League.
“He is a fast player but as I mentioned injury prone and I don’t know if he will have fun with Scottish defenders.”
Kuhn though has proven his doubters wrong.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
MATT SHERRATT’s family and friends are “fuming” his Wales job is getting in the way of their party plans for their clash with Ireland.
Before being named interim Dragons chief, he agreed to host his brother-in-law’s 50th birthday party at Cardiff Arms Park.
As Cardiff boss, Sherratt pays just £2 a pint.
But while his group watch on TV, he will be next door trying to end Wales’ run of 14 defeats in a row.
Sherratt said: “It’s my brother-in-law’s 50th and I got tickets for everyone to watch the game in Cardiff’s clubhouse.
“But since I took the Wales job they are fuming.
“They only wanted to go with me as I get £2 pints!”
But his bigger concern is trying to breathe new fire into the Dragons against a team who are 50-1 ON to win in Cardiff and wrap up the Triple Crown.
Wales, who have won just one of their last seven matches against Ireland, are 16-1 to stop their losing run reaching 15.
Timid Six Nations defeats to France and Italy ended Warren Gatland’s second stint in charge.
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Sherratt is the first Englishman to coach Wales, only played low-level rugby and turned to coaching after primary school teaching.
Making ten changes to the team beaten by Italy for his first game in charge, he added: “I’m not going to go out on a limb and say I’ve picked a team that will beat Ireland.
“And I know that’s a cop-out, yet I will say that every game I go into is with the intention of winning it.
“I want us to be cohesive and brave.”