The Front Pages
Not again. Just when we thought our luck was beginning to change we get a relapse. The volcanic ash is back in the sky and there’s not a thing we can do about it. Flight chaos in Ireland travellers are put on hold once again.
The Irish Independent says that there are ‘Fears planes will be grounded for days’ in Ireland. Flights in the UK seem unaffected at the moment despite a sprinkling of disruptions in Scotland. According to the Indo airports across the country are closed today and ‘No flights will land or take off from Irish airports between 7am and 1pm because of the risk posed by the ash to aircraft engines.’ Well, that’s enough to put you off going up in the air again! In fact, on the inside pages have a read of ‘Why we can never take to the skies with certainty any more.’
So, the big question is, why and how has the ash returned? The Irish Examiner has the story in great detail on the front page and explains ‘Even though emissions from the volcano have been comparatively low over the last number of days, the cloud which has drifted south has now impacted on Ireland and the western part of the Scottish Isles. The plume of ash was reported to be sitting 20,000 feet over the country and weather forecasters do not expect the wind to changedirection for some days.’
Of course the Irish Times headline the national flight chaos too however a story runs concerning the banning and sale of mid-altering drugs which may lead to the closure of head shops. ‘Bill aims to tackle difficulty over head shop drug sales’ reads the headline and the new “far-reaching†legislation is thought to be brought before the cabinet next week by Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern. Effectively, if passed, this would mean that Gardai would have power to shut down the controversial shops.
Tales from the Tabs
‘Eidur Makes Nazi Salute’ splashed across the Daily Star this morning, referring to a gesture made by Tottenham Hotspur footballer Eidur Gudjohnsen. They say it happened while on a night out on the town with his friends and subsequently has sparked outrage amongst Jewish groups and football fans. Gudjohnsen, who is on loan at the London club from AS Monaco, is reported to have been partying with Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and friends when he made the hand signal. The striker’s legal spokesman has refuted the accusations.
The Mirror have published CCTV stills showing the New York Times Square car bomb suspect shedding clothes in alley and putting them in bag on the day of the attack. The bomb did not detonate however police are still investigating the breach of national security which has struck fear into the US public again. Video footage is currently being collected from tourists and other means.
In The Sun it’s Cheryl Cole who’s causing a stir as she has been romantically linked to Black Eyed Peas singer WILL.I.AM. Reports coming from backstage at one of the bands concerts claim the pair have been seen kissing. Ashley won’t be pleased when he hears!
The Sports Pages
Neil Robertson’s success at the Crucible didn’t finish up until almost 1am so naturally too late for the morning papers.
In football news, it is claimed in The Sun that Italian side Juventus are set to “pull the plug†on their offer of an escape for under-fire Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez out of Anfield.
Meanhile, in transfer news the Daily Mail reveal that Chelsea ace Joe Cole could be on his way to Liverpool in the summer. The English international is a possible Bosman-free signing when the transfer window opens and his agent has been talking up the switch to Anfield. And there’s also rumours that Fernando Torres will leave for Manchester City after the season finishes. The Daily Express reckons a £70m deal is on the cards for the Spanish striker. It really is very confusing times for Liverpool supporters.
To read a full report on Neil Robertson’s victory in the World Snooker Championship click here.
