Claire's first went into administration last year after its former US parent company went bankrupt, before being saved by investment firm Modella Capital. Claire's enters administration again months after rescue dealIt was revealed in January that Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop (TOFS) were being put into administration, with Modella Capital intending to appoint administrators for both. It revealed that "last-ditch attempts" were made to rescue Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop, but "neither has a realistic possibility of trading profitably again". Claire's first went into administration in the UK last August, but was purchased by Modella Capital, which had previously bought WHSmith, in September. What does it mean when a company goes into administration?

January 27, 2026 13:49 UTC

‌But Jones was taken aback by what he perceived as a "lack of a relationship between the two." You can sense that fear and desperation of wanting it so much, it is almost infectious. "He didn't really influence the game how he would have liked and struggled with the physical demands of the game." Meanwhile, Gunners icon Patrick Vieira, speaking on Sky Sports, said there are "questions about the mental strength of the team." Article continues belowWith mounting pressure, the Gunners complete their Champions League league games at home to Kairat Almaty on Wednesday before a challenging Premier League trip to Leeds on Saturday.

January 27, 2026 13:49 UTC

Support is available for people experiencing drug related intimidation, local gardaí have said. Last year the National DRIVE (drug related intimidation and violence engagement) Awareness Campaign was officially launched nationally. The key message of the campaign is that drug related intimidation and violence can happen to anyone and accessing support can really help. “DRIVE provides an overall response to the needs of people who are experiencing drug related intimidation. “Drugs have no boundary, and where drugs are present, drug related intimidation will happen as well.

January 27, 2026 13:38 UTC

Two Brits were caught up in a street brawl with Australian and American tourists in Thailand after a waitress was 'slapped across the face.' Francis Dunne and Lee Farmer, both from the UK, were drinking in a bar when the incident happened. They took the fight to the streets, sparking panic along the strip of neon-lit bars in 'Sin City' Pattaya, in the early hours of January 25. ‘During the incident, [a] man allegedly slapped a female bar worker, which led to a chaotic altercation involving bar staff and the group turning on one another. The man was sporting a swollen left eyeOngoing incidents involving tourists being attacked or caught up in crime have led Pattaya to be dubbed 'Sin City'Ongoing incidents involving tourists being attacked or caught up in crime have led Pattaya to be dubbed 'Sin City'.

January 27, 2026 13:33 UTC

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was linked with an Old Trafford return a little over four years since his sacking but the club ultimately opted for Carrick. ‌The Norwegian has taken on a new role this season, serving as a UEFA technical observer for the Champions League. The role will take him back to England this week, with Solskjaer in position for Liverpool's match at home to Qarabag. View 2 Images Roberto Martinez is another of UEFA's technical observers (Image: PA)Per UEFA's description: "During each game, the designated UEFA Technical Observer collaborates with UEFA's Performance Analysis team to gather video and data. The UEFA Technical Observers receive footage from various angles, including broadcast, tactical and high-behind views, which they can review either live at the stadium or remotely."

January 27, 2026 13:17 UTC





Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica Moretti, 40, are both currently under judicial supervision following the inferno during January 1st festivities at Le Constellation in the ski resort of Crans-Montana. Referring to the champagne sparklers stunt – which was filmed – Jacques Moretti told the enquiry that it was 'Cyane's show'. Regarding fire safety, Jacques Moretti told the enquiry: 'There was no training, but employees were told what steps to take in case of fire when they were shown around the premises. Jacques Moretti said he later sent a text message to this employee, saying: 'You shouldn't run away, you should stay here and take responsibility.' Video is said to exist showing Jessica Moretti escaping from the New Year fire with the cash register under her arm, while ignoring victims.

January 27, 2026 13:12 UTC

Dead calves, pneumonia and tough colostrum lessons – the arrival of calving season is always a real wake-up callEvery year I hope there won’t be as many sick animals – then the phone rings at 2am'I always wrongly assume I'll get a couple more weeks in bed before calving season starts.' Photo: Roger JonesEamon O'Connell Today at 06:30The flood of springtime work for our vet practice is still but a gentle trickle at the moment.

January 27, 2026 13:05 UTC

The TV producers told us. The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) told us. The clock/hooter was not worth the trouble. The opening weekend of the National Football League and it has raised its ugly head again. Just like it did in Mullingar last March when Westmeath cried foul as a late Meath goal “beat” the buzzer.

January 27, 2026 13:05 UTC

The scene outside Athlone Garda Station on Sunday evening. Man appears in court charged with Athlone Garda Station damageA man appeared in court in Mullingar on Monday charged with criminal damage at Athlone Garda Station. Adil Muhammad (38), of no fixed abode, is facing three charges of criminal damage at Athlone Garda Station on Sunday, January 25. He is charged with damaging a Garda patrol car, a Garda van, and doors and windows at the station. Judge Bernadette Owens remanded the accused in custody to Castlerea Prison, following Garda objections to bail.

January 27, 2026 13:04 UTC

The Sheraton Athlone Hotel will host the Southern Gaels Superbowl LX 'Tailgate Party' on Sunday, February 8Southern Gaels to host Superbowl 'Tailgate Party' in AthloneSouthern Gael's Hurling and Camogie Club will host a fundraising Superbowl LX 'Tailgate Party' in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel on Sunday, February 8. The New York Patriots will face off against the Seattle Seahawks for the the Vince Lombardi trophy at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California (kick-off 11.30pm Irish time). The event will include American-style food, pre-match party games, a DJ set from Fergal D’Arcy, concluding with the NFL showpiece fixture on three extra Large TV presentation screens. All profits from the 'Tailgate Party' will go towards the club's planned development of new pitch facilities at Fardrum, Athlone. Tickets, priced €50 each, are available online at https://southerngaels.clubforce.com/products/shop/event_ticket/superbowl

January 27, 2026 13:04 UTC

People take part in a demonstration a day after Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. So whatever safety concerns agents may have had were contained by the time Mr Pretti was shot. Trump relies on a projection of strength and power to assert control and dominance over those who he sees as threat. Asked on RTÉ about the Minneapolis shooting, former president and UN commissioner Mary Robinson accused the Trump administration of using “a barrage of lies” to muddy the facts. Panicked agents shooting and spraying gas into the faces of peaceful protesters dangerously undermines the perception of a “Home of the Free”.

January 27, 2026 13:03 UTC

The Traitors winner Rachel Duffy has announced the death of her mother Anne, who she revealed during the BBC show had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Duffy, from Newry in Northern Ireland, had promised she would spend some of the winnings from the reality game show on her family, and said she was “heartbroken” in a post on Instagram. She said: “We are heartbroken to share the passing of our beautiful wee mummy. Anything you want, let’s go do it’… so yeah, as long as I get to spoil my family, that’s all I care about. “She didn’t get all the twists and the turns but she’s enjoyed watching it.

January 27, 2026 12:52 UTC

Gary Neville singles out two Man Utd stars and reveals Jamie Redknapp text messageGary Neville discussed Manchester United's Premier League win over Arsenal and highlighted two players who particularly impressed him in that game. View 2 Images Gary Neville has singled out Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot for praise. Gary Neville named Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot for special praise after Sunday's 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates. View 2 Images Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot were praised for their performances against Arsenal. (Image: Getty Images)"But another player I want to mention actually, is [Diogo] Dalot," Neville said.

January 27, 2026 12:52 UTC

Most areas were hit by high winds and torrential rain while snow on higher ground added to the treacherous driving conditions. Vehicles drove through flood water on Grange Road in Halesowen (Jacob King/PA)A vehicle driving through rain water on the A20 in Ashford, Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA)High river levels were seen in many areas (Jacob King/PA)Properties were flooded in the centre of York after the Ouse burst its banks. Flooding in York (Danny Lawson/PA)The Red Lion pub in York was submerged (Danny Lawson/PA)Some people braved the conditions (Danny Lawson/PA)In Co Durham, fallen trees and snow posed a hazard to drivers. Snowdall in Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham (Owen Humphreys/PA)Snow fell on the A66 near Bowes (Owen Humphreys/PA)A fallen tree blocked Hall Lane in Houghton-le-Spring in Durham (Owen Humphreys/PA)Across the Irish Sea, hundreds of schools were closed and tens of thousands of people were without power. Roads were flooded in Clohamon near Bunclody, Co. Wexford (Niall Carson/PA)The River Slaney in Clohamon overflowed (Niall Carson/PA)Some vehicles got stuck in the flood water (Niall Carson/PA)Emergency services responded to hundreds of call-outs (Niall Carson/PA)

January 27, 2026 12:48 UTC

Moldova's president Maia Sandu said EU membership was the best guarantee for her country to maintain its independence. A diplomatic breakthrough by Enda Kenny almost a decade ago made it a more attractive option. Moldova, Romania and Enda KennyMoldova said last week that it was severing its remaining ties with the Commonwealth of Independent States, a group of former Soviet republics Boris Yeltsin set up after the collapse of the USSR. It declared independence after the Russian revolution but voted to unite with Romania in 1918. “The European Council acknowledges that the Good Friday Agreement expressly provides for an agreed mechanism whereby a united Ireland may be brought about through peaceful and democratic means.

January 27, 2026 12:30 UTC