Is American football about to touchdown in Dublin?
The NFL is looking at the possibility of staging a second regular season game overseas, following the success of matches held in London.
Since 2005, the NFL has played a regular season game - a competitive mid-season match rather than a friendly or pre-season game - at Wembley Stadium in London, in front of enthusiastic crowds of around 80,000 each time.
It's an experiment set to continue in October, when the New England Patriots will face the St Louis Rams.
The success and appeal of this 'exported' fixture means that other cities now clamour to host a game, and with the NFL now considering a second fixture overseas, Dublin is emerging as a prime candidate.
US Ambassador to Ireland and Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney is keen for Croke Park to stage an NFL game.
Dublin has the stadium, Croke Park, the home of Gaelic games, which has an 82,500 capacity.
It also has an ideal advocate in the form of the US ambassador to Dublin.
Dan Rooney is also the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and is steeped in the history of the sport.
“Start Quote
End Quote Dan Rooney Pittsburgh Steelers ownerIt would be good to play a game here, at Croke Park, as the interest in the sport is so strong”
He describes himself as "the last man standing", pointing out that among the 32 families of team owners within the NFL, he is the one who goes right back to the very beginning of the Steelers' existence.
He was aged just one when his father, Art, started the Pittsburgh franchise in 1933.
He grew up among the legends of the game, and freely mentions the likes of George Halas, legendary owner of the Chicago Bears, and Vince Lombardi, the iconic coach of the Green Bay Packers in conversation at the US embassy in Dublin.
The Rooney family also proudly trace their roots back to Newry, County Down.
It's hard to think of a stronger candidate to lobby for bringing a regular season NFL game to Ireland.
"I think it'd be terrific," he says.
"We came over before back in 1997 and played a pre-season game.
Irish heritage"But now, with the regular season games in London at Wembley proving so successful, and tickets selling out almost as soon as they're put on sale, I would think it would be good to play a game here, at Croke Park, as the interest in the sport is so strong."
A canny diplomat within the sport, Rooney says he has already lobbied Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, playing hard on the fact that Goodell's family heritage also happens to be Irish.
"We've talked about it," he grins.
"This year, with the Olympics in London, it just wouldn't be the year to do it.
"But I think sometime very soon it will happen and I think the commissioner is interested in working something out and, sure, I'd like to see the Steelers involved."
But Mr Rooney and his family represent just one voice among 32 owners of the league's teams.
“Start Quote
End Quote Mark Waller NFL chief marketing officerWe're looking seriously at playing two games internationally and, as we do that, Ireland and this venue in particular are very attractive to us”
Any move to bring a game to Dublin will need the consensus of all the owners.
This year, the NFL came to see Croke Park and discuss its suitability as a potential venue.
As Mark Waller, chief marketing officer for the NFL, explains, staging a game outside the United States is a formidable exercise for NFL teams.
He says there are a lot of boxes to tick before a venue is even deemed a feasible choice as host.
"When we bring a team over - we are bringing over at least 150 personnel - that's for each team.
"That's a massive infrastructural move and, I want to stress, with these overseas games it's also in the middle of our season. So, the logistics and planning side are key to the decision."
PassionSo, does Croke Park meet the league's criteria?
"We need stadiums that have availability in the middle of our season and the soccer season," says Mr Waller.
"We also need them to be large, able to take the levels of hospitality and corporate entertainment that we generate.
"We looked long and hard before we came to play regular season games at Wembley. Now we're looking seriously at playing two games internationally and, as we do that, Ireland and this venue in particular are very attractive to us."
If the NFL needed any proof of the passion for their sport in Ireland, a college football game between Notre Dame and Navy is being held in Dublin at the Aviva Stadium in September and is already a sell-out.
As ambassador Rooney tells us and will no doubt continue to tell his colleagues around the NFL, Ireland is more than ready to welcome America's Game.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Harbhajan Singh in Essex talks - BBC News
Essex are in discussions with Harbhajan Singh over a deal that could see the India spinner feature for the county in the latter part of the season.
The deal, which has not yet been completed, would see the 31-year-old play County Championship Division Two games only, BBC Essex has learned.
Harbhajan has 407 wickets for his country but is currently out of favour with selectors.
He has experience of playing in England with Surrey.
He collected 57 wickets across two spells in 2005 and 2007 at the Oval.
Essex have had little luck in their overseas player recruitment this season.
Australia seamer Peter Siddle was set to join the Chelmsford club until injury ruled him out, while a deal fell through for Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
South Africa batsman Alviro Petersen struggled to make an impact during his short stint at Essex, averaging just 21.36 from seven matches.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
Win tickets to see Sussex Sharks v Essex Eagles - Chichester Observer
Sussex Sharks’ Friends Life t20 campaign is finally under way following an impressive 11-run victory over Middlesex Panthers at Lord’s on Sunday.
Overseas star Scott Styris announced himself in Sharks colours with a knock of 48 from 30 balls while Murray Goodwin made 43 from 38.
In a thrilling Middlesex run chase, it could have gone either way at the home of cricket but left-armer Chris Liddle ensured the points came back to Hove with devastating figures of five for 17.
The Panthers will look to exact revenge when they travel to The PROBIZ County Ground on Friday evening before Sussex host the Essex Eagles on Sunday afternoon.
We have two pairs of tickets for the Essex clash to give away.
To enter, just name three of the other counties in Sussex’s t20 south group this year. Email your answer, plus your name, address and telephone number, to sport@chiobserver.co.uk by the deadline of 10am Friday (June 22). The winners will be notified on Friday. Entrants’ details will be destroyed.
If you’re not lucky enough to get your hands on a pair in our competition, tickets are on sale now for both the Friday and Sunday matches priced at £20 each for adults and £10 for juniors (in advance).
Call 0844 264 0206 or book at www.sussexcricket.co.uk or why not enjoy a ‘fantastic family Sunday’ which includes a two-course Sunday lunch, a match ticket v Essex and dedicated seating in the BrightonandHoveJobs.com Boundary Rooms.
This costs £40 for adults, juniors £20, or a family ticket of two adults and two juniors is £100.
Call or book online.
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Print this pageSource: www.chichester.co.uk
Top Summer Holiday Destinations in 2012 - msnbc.com
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — A number of people are preparing to go on holiday this summer. As low cost airlines make it easier to see the world more than ever before, there are a vast number of prime locations which are now easily accessible.
Asda Finance reveals the top summer destinations for 2012.
Turkey
Over the last decade, Turkey has captured the hearts of European and international tourists. It has now become a highly sought after holiday destination which offers sun, sea and culture at reasonable prices. The southern regions of the country are particularly popular with tourists offering a gold coastline with a range of high quality accommodation.
Spain
Spain is the most popular holiday destination for families, according to one travel operator. (i)Spain has something to offer all holidaymakers; from extreme party paradise islands such as Ibiza, to family fun in Barcelona and relaxing retirement properties in Alicante.
Majorca is also a popular hot spot for British tourists. The island is easily accessible and bustling with summer holiday activities.
Portugal
Portugal is another popular holiday destination for British tourists. There are a number of fantastic places to visit within the country, from the cultural capital of Lisbon to the sunny shores of Algarve.
Italy
Italy is bursting with culture and great cuisine. From the historic Vatican City to the romantic city of Venice, there is a lot to see and do.
Milan is typically considered the fashion capital of the country, attracting some of the world's most prestigious designers and clothing shops, making the city ideal for a summer shopping trip.
When travelling overseas it could be worth considering taking out travel insurance before you go.
Notes to editors
(i)Association of British Travel Associations (ABTA) 2011 report Fiesta for families - Spain tops UK families' getaway choices. http://www.abta.com/about/news/view/424.
About Asda Travel Insurance
Asda Travel Insurance is sold and underwritten by ACE European Group Ltd, a leading global insurer protecting over 7 million people in the UK.
-- Unlimited medical expenses -- 20% online discount -- Single Trip or Annual Holiday Insurance -- A choice of 3 cover levels -- Worldwide or European Travel Insurance
Asda Financial Services Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of ACE European Group Ltd. This means that Asda Travel Insurance policies are sold, administered and underwritten by ACE European Group Ltd who is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), reference number FRN 202803. Full details can be found on the FSA's Register by visiting www.fsa.gov.uk/register/home.do or by contacting the FSA on 0845 606 1234.
© Marketwire 2012
Source: www.msnbc.msn.com
Two staff from Asda in Boston meet Prince William - Lincolnshire Echo
TWO members of staff from Boston's Asda met Prince William during an event also attended by the Queen.
Store manager Dawn Belcher and community life champion Stephen Bromby received VIP passes for the Queen's visit to Vernon Park in Nottingham where she unveiled a plaque to rename the site Queen Elizabeth II Field.
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ROYAL INVITATION: Dawn Belcher and Stephen Bromby fro Boston's Asda mingled with the Queen and Prince William during a community event in Nottingham.
The event was part of the Fields in Trust campaign to protect 2,012 outdoor recreational spaces across the country and of which Asda is a principal partner.
The Queen was accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Boston Asda duo were introduced to Prince William who is patron of Fields in Trust.
Mr Bromby told the Target: "The event was a truly special day with the ceremony to mark the dedication of Vernon Park as a Queen Elizabeth II Field along with a series of activities to showcase all the wonderful opportunities outdoor recreational spaces can provide.
"As soon as we were introduced to Prince William he asked for an Asda pocket-tap. It's amazing to think that he knows the Asda thing."
Boston Asda has already built relationships with its local Fields in Trust space, Glen Park at Surfleet, by helping with funding and volunteers for the jubilee party on June 4.
Every Asda store has been challenged to raise £2,012 to help Fields in Trust and the Boston store in Lister Way is holding various events throughout the year led by staff member Sue Jackson.
Source: www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk
Asda workers net £14,000 from Sharesave scheme - Daily Telegraph
Employees who saved the maximum amount of £250 a month will receive £14,008, which is a gain of £5,008 on their original investment of £9,000. Those saving £50 a month will get £2,808, £1,008 more than their original investment of £1,800.
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
USS Essex Departs with Temporary Commander - msnbc.com
The USS Essex left from Naval Base San Diego for Hawaii this morning with a temporary commander at the helm.
Captain Chuck Litchfield was relieved of his command Monday. Navy officials "lost confidence" in his ability to command the USS Essex after the ship collided with USNS Yukon last month.
She ship was conducting a replenishment operation 120 miles off the coast when the two vessels collided.
No one was injured, and no oil was spilled, but there was some damage to the Yukon and Essex.
Captain Jonathan Harnden has been assigned to temporarily command the Essex.
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Source: www.msnbc.msn.com
Wham! reunion is rumoured as George Michael announces new single - Daily Telegraph
Michael announced he will be releasing new single 'White Light' and wrote a message to his supporters via his website: 'Most of my fans realise that I dreamed of a career as a singer-songwriter from an early age, but never in my wildest imaginings could I have known that I would still be here thirty years later, healthy, happy, and feeling that I still have so much more music to give.'
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
Council staff spend £5m in two years, buying make up, fast food and trips to India - Daily Telegraph
Figures published by the Brentwood Gazette as part of an investigation into council waste found officers spent £5,136,145 in 27 months.
Eric Pickles, local government secretary and Brentwood and Ongar MP told the newspaper the amount “strikes him as excessive”.
He said: “People at Essex County Council need to realise that it isn’t Essex’s money, it isn’t the Government’s money, it is the public’s money and the public have a right to know how it is being spent.”
He advised the council to publish all transactions online, adding: “If they do that you are not likely to get money spent on cosmetics and McDonald’s.”
Last month, a report by the Audit commission criticised council staff for failing to provide receipts in relation to purchases made on the card "in some cases".
It recommended: “The Council should issue further instructions to staff explaining they must submit receipts with claims and consider withdrawing procurement cards in response to expenditure being incurred with no receipt repeatedly.”
Since December 2009, the council have spent £3,827 on bars, discos and nightclubs, £644 on cosmetics, £1,915 on hair and beauty shops and £635,960 in supermarkets and grocery stores.
Other receipts show spending on flights with Virgin Atlantic, alcohol from Majestic Wines and trips to Thrope Park, Alton Towers and the London Eye.
A further £53,869 was spent on theatre productions, £51,350 on card, gift and souvenir shops and £67.89 at a fancy dress shop.
Another £3,116 was spent on six people staying at the Nan Lin Hotel in China, and £1,301 for six people to stay at the Taj Lands End hotel in India.
The figures do not include details of former leader Lord Hanningfield, who is being investigated by police for his expenses.
Robert Oxley, from the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be left gobsmacked that their money has been spent on the council living it up at night clubs plus stays at five star hotels, shoe shining and even hat cleaning.
“Residents will be left wondering why they are picking up bills totalling tens of thousands of pounds at country clubs, florists, bakeries and record shops.
“The receipts suggest officers at Essex County Council have been enjoying the high life at taxpayers’ expense.”
The P-cards, which are intended for low value transactions under £2,000, provided by Barclaycard and have an interest rate of 0 per cent, are currently used by 757 council officers and no council members.
The council’s policy states they must not be used for personal purchases or the withdrawal of cash, with staff instructed to provide receipts for every transaction.
A spokeswoman for Essex County Council said: “Essex County Council has a robust policy relating to spend on P-cards and all P-card holders must be given authorisation by a senior manager to carry out such transactions.
“Like all businesses Essex County Council incurs costs which must be met and P-cards are an efficient way to do this. The P-cards are used by officers working across all the Council's services including schools, children's homes and our country parks.
"Essex County Council is the corporate parent for children aged 15 and under who become looked after when their birth parents are unable to provide ongoing care in either a temporary or permanent capacity.
"Our Looked After Children teams take on the role of a parent for these children and are responsible for their daily care needs while they are under the care of the County Council’s Children’s Social Services.
"Approximately 750 of the 38,000 officers employed by Essex County Council have a card and expenditure on them only relates to a small proportion of our overall budget.”
The total amount spent on P-cards in the 2011/12 financial year was £2.7million, out of ECC’s overall budget of over £2bn.
No cardholders have been disciplined in relation to p-card use since December 2009, a spokeswoman added.
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
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