According to emerging reports, a man and a woman have been injured following a shooting in Ballymun this afternoon.
The Garda Press Office have released a statement confirming that authorities are currently at the scene of the incident which occurred at Balbutcher Drive.
It is understood that the Armed Response Unit attended alongside the Gardaí today.
The incident occurred at approximately 4pm this afternoon.
Chris Brown has spoken out about the night he assaulted his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, in a revealing new documentary.
The singer was found guilty of felony assault following an altercation that took place on the night of February 8, 2009.
He was sentenced to six months community service and placed on probation for five years, for the attack which left Rhianna with severe facial injuries.
Eight years later, the 28-year-old is speaking about the night in question for his new documentary, Chris Brown: Welcome to my Life.
According to Chris, the incident began when a woman he had previously been intimate with showed up at the same pre-Grammy party he and Rhianna were attending.
Upset by the situation, Rihanna burst into tears before the couple's argument escalated on the way home.
Chris said: "She starts going off, she throws the phone, “I hate you!”, whatever, whatever, she starts hitting me, we’re in a little Lamborghini, you know she’s fighting me."
"Like I remember she tried to kick me, just like her beating sh*t, but then I really hit her. With a closed fist, like I punched her, and it busted her lip, and when I saw it I was in shock, I was “f*ck, why did I hit her like that?"
Chris had originally claimed he had no idea the woman would be at the party, however, after looking through his phone, Rihanna found an unread message from her saying she would be there.
"So from there she’s…spitting blood in my face, it raised me even more. It’s a real fight in the car, and we driving in the street."
He added: "She grabbed my nuts. And when she did that, I bite her arm while I’m still trying to drive."
Speaking about the aftermath of the incident, Chris said: “She hated me. After that, I tried everything. She didn't care, she just didn't trust me after that."
“From there, it just went downhill because it would be fights, it would be verbal fights, physical fights as well. Mutual sides, it is the first time I get to say anything."
The pair briefly reunited in 2013, however the relationship did not last. Rihanna is currently rumoured to be dating billionaire businessman, Hassan Jameel.
As the viewing public geared up for the latest series of Celebrity Big Brother, there seemed to exist a general consensus that as contestants go, Girls Aloud member, Sarah Harding, was up there with some of the most high-profile.
Bearing that in mind, it's perhaps no surprise that the singer's time in the house has been under serious scrutiny from fans of the show, and it's fair to say that the former popstar has garnered her fair share of headlines in a relatively short period of time.
The latest controversy to surround Sarah is the suggestion that she 'slut-shamed' Fifth Harmony in a conversation with fellow housemate, Chad Johnson.
Claiming that the Work From Home singers 'wear next to nothing' on account of the fact 'sex sells', the 35-year-old came in for a barrage of criticism from fans of the US girl band.
And now Instagram is fairly sure that Sarah's former band mate, Nicola Roberts, has shaded the Celebrity Big Brother contestant in a recent social media post.
Sporting a cap emblazoned with the caption 'Women in Music Are Dangerously Underestimated', Nicola added her own message, writing: "And that's why we have to support each other."
Nicola's timing with her post provided her followers with ample opportunity to suggest that the 31-year-old was aiming her message at her former bandmate.
"Good for you Nicola for being against slut shaming unlike Sarah who slut shamed on TV," wrote one of Nicola's followers.
"Yes women empowerment," added another. "No slut shaming here."
However, not everyone is impressed by Nicola's post, with some fans of the singer berating her for not showing Sarah more support during her stint on the controversial reality show.
"This is insensitive, you should be supporting Sarah," wrote one while another added: "No support for Sarah.. Good call NOT… Team Sarah."
We wonder if Cheryl will throw her a like…
OK, we don't mean to alarm anyone, but Nestle's new range of Walnut Whips are missing one major ingredient.
The confectionery company sparked outrage today as it announced the beloved chocolate treat has lost its signature topping.
The new-look product, simply called 'Whip', is available in three flavours; Delicate Vanilla, Delicious Caramel and Delightful Mint.
Needless to say, people are not happy:
Nutless Walnut Whips are symbolic of #Brexit Britain – everything we value lost to cost and stupidity.
— Bakehouse Cottage (@Bakehouse2016) August 16, 2017
What? Walnut Whips without the nut? WTAF! That's it I'm done.
— Jo (@Giveajot) August 16, 2017
Toblerone with fewer triangles now walnut whips without the walnut. This country has gone to the dogs #chocaholic
— Steve (@YorksGooner) August 16, 2017
So Nestlé have now removed nuts from Walnut Whips…are they just selling Whips now?! #WalnutWhip #Nestle pic.twitter.com/LK8nEYbhk0
— theplow (@theplow84) August 16, 2017
However, all is not lost.
Fans will be glad to know that this is not the end of the Walnut Whip as we know it.
The beloved treat will still be available, alongside the three new flavours.
According to The Irish Times, Alison Clinton, the brand manager of chocolate classics at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “These new products will offer consumers more choice, enabling them to share their favourite products with their family and friends.”
A spokeswoman for Nestlé told the BBC: "Walnut Whip remains on sale alongside our new vanilla, caramel and mint versions.
"This means there is something for consumers wanting to try something new, as well as for long-standing fans of our century-old walnut product."
Crisis averted.
After a waitress in Illinois claimed she was denied a tip by a family after they noted she was sporting an LGBT rainbow tattoo, some members of the Facebook community sought to cast doubt over the story.
Samantha Heaton's story began circulating online after her colleague shared a snap of Samantha's tattoo alongside a receipt which explained why the 20-year-old waitress had been left without a tip despite providing good service.
"I would just like to say that being gay does NOT MEAN you don't believe in God or Jesus. And people who are "religious" should not disrespect or act in such ways to other people," wrote Joelie Nicole Marsh last week.
Samantha was stunned to receive a handwritten message on the credit card receipt which read: "Can’t tip someone who doesn’t love Jesus. Bad tatoo." [sic]
Speaking to local newspaper Rock River Times, Samantha expressed her upset, saying: "I went above and beyond for this couple, and for them to leave that kind of hurt. Like, I have bills to pay too."
Acknowledging the sentiment of the message, Samantha countered: "I do believe in Jesus and God. I myself am a Christian. And, as a Christian, thou shall not judge."
"No matter how someone looks, you should love them for what’s in their heart and how they treat you—not for what is on the outside," she reasoned.
Samantha, who has been in a relationship with her girlfriend for three years, despaired for the future of the family's children, saying:"What if one day their kids grow up and want to be with the same sex, are they going to disown them? Throw them on the street."
Like many members of the LGBT community, Samantha has fought public and private battles since coming out, and feels understandably dismayed by the family's treatment.
"As someone who came out when it was still a battle for the LGBTQ community, that’s just plain rude and uncalled for," Samantha said.
While the post has amassed considerable attention, some members of the public were quick to question the legitimacy of the claim.
"So they wrote the note in blue pen but signed in black let me guess you have a gofundme people can donate to," wrote one.
"Probably another fake story like the last 5 of these that were all proven to be a lie," added another while someone else wrote: "I bet anything, they left her a cash tip on the table and she wrote the note for attention."
"Why are the signature and the "note" from two different color pens? You know, when you do these fake "hate crime" hoaxes, you delegitimize the real ones," remarked someone else.
While the post has received scepticism, it has also amassed thousands of likes and shares since its upload.
Grab the glasses and start pouring, because new research has found that a glass (or two) of wine a night could actually lengthen your life – yes, really.
A recent US study has found that indulging in a little evening tipple could reduce your risk of certain illnesses by up to 25 per cent.
Researchers at the American College of Cardiology examined the alcohol consumption of 333,247 participants over a 12 year period.
The subjects were then broken down into three groups; 'light drinkers' (less than three drinks a week), 'moderate drinkers' (between three and 14) and 'heavy drinkers' (more than 14).
The results showed that those who consumed moderate amounts of alcohol had a decreased likelihood of early death and their risk of developing cardiovascular disease was greatly reduced.
However, researchers were quick to point out the detrimental effects that heavy drinking can have on a person's health over time.
So, while you don't need to feel bad about that glass of vino with your dinner tonight, moderation is key.
Cheers!
For some reason people still feel that it's okay to comment negatively on the appearances of others, despite the body positivity message reaching the ears of individuals worldwide.
This judgement can be escalated online, and Instagram model Noonie discovered this in an awful way, after a meme page stole her image and used it to slate her body.
Using the puke emoji and the whale emoji, the cruel page said that people should leave the crop tops to 'us skinny girls,'
The horrible slating has not held Noonie back, as she regrammed the post with a pretty powerful message.
'No I don't have the flat stomach to flex in a crop top/bralette but I have a muffin top to do so.'
'I don't know why people still body shame at this point.
'It's quit pointless if you ask me.'(sic)
'It's just like making a fake profile to be someone you're not. You don't have to be skinny to rock a crop top or bralette.'
'To my ladies with stomached wear whatever the hell you want and make every feel uncomfortable.' (sic)
'As women we have to learn to build each other up instead of trying to break each other down.'
Hear, hear, crop tops and bralettes for all!
This changeable weather makes it impossible to dress appropriately without a hat, umbrella and sunglasses in your handbag at all times.
One of the positive aspects about moving into the Autumn season is the fact that the summer sandals are being tossed off the shelves, and in their place are a myriad of embroidered, shiny and embellished trophy boots.
In a style season defined by streamlined silhouettes and pops of colour, trophy boots add an extra element of flair to an outfit when you feel as dreary as the weather.
The March Grey Faux Pony Fur Heeled Ankle Boots €67.57, Blue Suedette Block Heel Boots €39.99, ASOS Emilia Jacquard Ankle Boots €67.57
River Island leather Block Heel Boots €107.00, ASOS Asher Leather Studded Ankle Boots €81.08, River Island Bow Boots €80.00
PrettyLittleThing Velvet Lace-Up Boots €56.00
Penneys Floral Heeled Boots €19.00, ASOS Bow Boots €67.57, Penneys Floral Hiking Boots €19.00
It can be hard to keep up with The Happy Pear brothers.
Having began their business as a simple vegetable shop, the energetic pair have since watched their vegan food brand transform into one of the most recognisable in Ireland.
With books, cafés and their own range of delicious plant-based products, it's safe to say that twins, David and Stephen Flynn, have made their mark on the Irish food industry – but they're not stopping there.
The lads look set to showcase their culinary skills on a new Netflix show, due for release in June 2018.
Great fun filming part of a @netflix show this morning with the great @PhilRosenthal and crew Show will be out in June 2018 ! pic.twitter.com/HRsU76hJYV
— The Happy Pear (@thehappypear) August 16, 2017
According to The Happy Pear's official Twitter account, the duo will appear on the upcoming I'll Have What Phil's Having, a food and travel series presented by Everybody Loves Raymond creator, Phil Rosenthal.
The upcoming Netflix series will follow Phil as he explores some of Europe's hidden culinary gems, and it looks like he's a big fan of Irish cuisine.
@Gladwell I just found your childhood. @TheChunkyChip in #Clonakilty they deep fry in beef tallow. Yes, delicious. #WhatPhilsHaving pic.twitter.com/gLjLG5J4qm
— Phil Rosenthal (@PhilRosenthal) August 13, 2017
Earlier this week, the presenter gave a shout out to a a chip shop in Clonakilty, and just yesterday he declared he declared that Irish soda bread and butter was “one of the more delicious things you can eat in this world.”
This man clearly knows his stuff.
While the public may have assumed that Taylor Swift's recent triumph would signal the end of her high-profile legal battle with DJ David Mueller, reports today suggest that this may not be the case.
Following the jury's ruling in recent days, Taylor expressed her thoughts on the situation, saying: "I acknowledge the privilege that I benefit from in life, in society and in my ability to shoulder the enormous cost of defending myself in a trial like this."
"My hope is to help those whose voices should also be heard. Therefore, I will be making donations in the near future to multiple organisations that help sexual assault victims defend themselves."
While Taylor is now looking to the future, the DJ at the centre of the case is focusing his time on reiterating his defence.
Appearing on ABC News, the DJ, who was found liable of assault and battery, continues to protest his innocence, and alludes to the rumour he may appeal the verdict.
Attempting to explain his proximity to the star during the now infamous meet and greet in 2013, Mueller said: "I wasn’t invited to be in the photo, so I just moved into the shot the best I could."
Insisting that Taylor's narrative misrepresents what actually took place, he asserted: "What I’m saying is I didn’t do what they say I did. I didn’t do it."
"I never grabbed her. I never had my hand under her skirt — and I can pass a polygraph test," he added.
The jury in the case awarded the Shake It Off singer with $1 after she chose to counter-sue the DJ following his decision to sue her.
It may seem like Christmas is miles away, buy stores across the country have been starting to stock up on festive produce.
Actually, full Christmas shops have even started opening in popular department stores (and it's only August!)
We're of the opinion that it's never too early for a sprinkle of festive cheer – especially when it involves some Harry Potter related joy.
The wonderful humans at Penneys have jumped on the Christmas bandwagon, and are officially selling tree baubles inspired by the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
There are a host of different types of festive baubles, from sparkling Platform 9 3/4 decorations, to sets of ornaments inspired by the four Hogwarts houses.
The set of four Hogwarts baubles costs a very reasonable 4 quid (for the full set, we might add), but some of the glitzier baubles are more pricey.
Also, if you're not quite ready to face the Christmas music, but still fancy some Harry Potter goodies, fear not.
Penneys have recently launched a homeware range, which offers Muggles and Wizards the chance to deck out their bedrooms and kitchens with some seriously magical goodies.
From mugs and fairy lights, to cushions and bed linen – Penneys have you covered.
Honestly, we're getting excited for Christmas – we hate to admit it though.
Ladies, let's be honest; no matter how pulled together you may feel on any given day, there's a fairly high chance that your wrist will be either rocking a hairy bobble or, at the very least, a thin, red mark created by your trusty bobbin.
While the rest of you may be polished to within an inch of your life, your reliance on your hair tie means that your wrist is rarely devoid of a piece of fraying elastic – an adornment that doesn't exactly enhance your look.
Considering this, it's no surprise that an item, which seeks to remedy this problem, has been making waves online in recent months.
Available in silver or rose gold, this hair tie bracelet is an incredibly chic answer to an age-old issue, and has been the subject of rave reviews on Amazon.
"Genius! This is one of those products that makes perfect sense and I wonder why I couldn't have thought of it sooner. For years I've worn my hairband on my wrist, but never has it been comfortable or trendy… now it's an accessory I wear every single day," wrote one.
"I was shocked at the quality of this bracelet – it is really lovely. It is nice and chunky and, although I have worn it daily, it has remained shiny and hasn't tarnished! I have had loads of compliments on it as it looks funky and is so practical!" added another.
Unfortunately, the item is currently unavailable on Amazon, but given its popularity, we have no doubt that it will be making a return soon!
