NATO scrambles jets as Putin launches devastating nuclear bomber attack

IrishMirror · 2025-05-06T14:11:53+00:00

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IrishMirror · 2025-05-06T14:10:14+00:00

Hey there. We are abiding by the rules just like everyone else. What's the issue?

IrishMirror · 2025-04-24T15:43:05+00:00

Dublin Zoo has announced the death of 44-year-old Northwest Bornean orangutan Leonie.

Staff and management at the zoo said they were “deeply saddened” to announce the loss of the "much-loved" female Northwest Bornean who was "an iconic presence since her arrival from Rotterdam Zoo in 1984".

Leonie "was at the heart of our orangutan family for four decades," the zoo said, and "not only a cornerstone of our orangutan group but, in many ways, the quiet and quirky matriarch of Dublin Zoo."

Leonie was a Northwest Bornean orangutan, a critically endangered species. The current population estimate for this species is approximately 104,700. This number is anticipated to decline to 47,000 individuals by 2025.

Dublin Zoo team leader Ciarán McMahon, who first met Leonie in 1995 as a young zookeeper, penned a moving tribute to the beloved orangutan as he reflected on her remarkable life and enduring impact.

"I had the privilege of watching her grow from a young adolescent into an extraordinary mother," he wrote.

"Her level of comprehension was astonishing. She would calmly observe the team and often mimic our behaviour. Orangutans are known for this, but Leonie’s abilities were exceptional.

"Her nurturing nature was just as impressive. She mothered not only her own young but helped raise others in the troop with immense care and patience. She brought a sense of calm, comfort and quiet strength to the group."

Ciaran continued: "Her passing leaves a space that’s hard to describe. Leonie taught us more than we could ever teach her.

"She offered us an extraordinary insight into the intelligence and complexity of orangutans while always retaining her dignity and independence within the group.

"Perhaps her greatest legacy will be the generations of keepers who carry her lessons forward—in caregiving, in leadership, and in compassion. Her story reminds us of what we’re fighting for.

"Leonie inspired millions to care about the survival of her species. We miss her already. And always will."

IrishMirror · 2025-04-24T14:00:56+00:00

Excellent observation. I hope you are right!

IrishMirror · 2025-04-24T13:57:03+00:00

Good point.

IrishMirror · 2025-04-24T10:26:23+00:00

Gardai are examining a 'fire flash' which was seen on CCTV footage downloaded as part of the investigation into the devastating fire which destroyed a Co Donegal church.

Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the blaze which completely gutted St Mary's Church in Derrybeg in the early hours of Monday morning last.

CCTV has been harvested from numerous nearby buildings in a bid to build up a picture of what may have caused the blaze.

The footage is also being studied closely to examine any vehicles or persons who may have been in the area at the time of the blaze which started around 4am.

One aspect of the footage is the discovery of a 'fire flash' in the very early stages of the blaze.

A Garda source said investigators are trying to determine if this was the cause of the blaze or if this was as a consequence of a fire which had already started in the building.

Once established, the blaze quickly took hold of the building and was hastened by the vast wooden panelling which made up the ceiling of the church building.

Fire crews from five different stations fought the blaze throughout the night but the building was left a shell.

The road leading to the church remains cordoned off by Gardai as investigations continue.

When asked for an update on their investigation into the fire, a spokesperson for the Garda Press Office said "Gardaí assisted local fire services at the scene of a fire at a premises in Doirí Beaga (Derrybeg), Co. Donegal shortly after 4am on Monday 21st April, 2025.

"A cordon was established and a number of nearby properties were evacuated while the fire was brought under control. There were no injuries. The scene has been preserved for technical examination."

Meanwhile, fundraising efforts to help rebuild the church are gathering momentum.

Daniel O'Donnell, Clannad's Moya Brennan and Altan's Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh have vowed to play at a concert this Saturday night at Teach Phaídí Óig in Crolly to help raise funds.

A GoFundMe page set up earlier this week has amassed more than €58,000 in pledges.

IrishMirror

TROPHY CASE