The Front Pages
On the front of the Sunday Independent is ‘ESB cuts off 900 houses a month’. This is news that the government is planning to go ahead with its 5% electricity levy, despite an incredible amount of people having their lights turned off due to non-payment of bills. They also run with ‘Public says “only hope†to save Fianna Fail’. A new opinion poll shows that 24% of people would like Brian Lenihan to be Taoiseach, only 4% behind the poll leader Eamon Gilmore, leader of Labour.
The Sunday Times have ‘Freed rapist given refuge by the state,’ a story which reveals that Larry Murphy has decided to place himself under the supervision and care of the Probation Service. Murphy had been followed by journalists for 36 hours, and verbally abused on the street. He asked for refuge in the Garda Station in Kevin Street, Dublin on Friday night.
They also have ‘Children injured by blast in Armagh,’ which reveals that two 12-year-olds and a two-year-old were hurt when a bomb blew up in a bin in an estate in Lurgan. ‘Priest’s wedding rows’ is the story that Fr. Arthur O’Neill of St. Bridgid’s in Cabinteely, Dublin is insisting that brides and grooms have their wedding registered by the state before he gives them a Catholic wedding. This is an apparent protest against divorce.
The Irish Examiner has ‘Shamrock Rovers fan who became a Hollywood queen still feisty at 90.’ Hollywood actress Maureen O’Hara is set to celebrate her 90th birthday on Thursday. “I’m very grateful to God for letting me live this long,†she says.
Tales of the Tabs
The Sunday World has the cringe-worthy headline on page 23, ‘We’ll have kids… Scrum day!’ which reveals that Amy Huberman and Brian O’Driscoll are in no rush to have babies. ‘Daddy’s girls,’ is the story that the daughters of Bono and Sean Penn, Eve Hewson and Dylan Penn, have starring in a film together called This Must be the Place. It also signed Sean Penn and Frances McDormand.
The Irish News of the World has ‘€170million paid out for sex.’ Their five-page prostitution expose reveals that 2,200 ‘hookers’ are working everyday in Ireland, some of whom charged €1,200 for a night. Chinese mobsters control 160 out of Ireland’s 600 brothels, foreign prostitutes are targeting GAA events and race meetings like the Ballybrit races, and transsexual prostitutes are increasing in popularity.
The Irish Mail on Sunday wonders why Rosanna Davison is ethically opposed to eating animals, but has no problem wearing them. Their headline is ‘Shear Stupidity.’ They also reveal that Ryan Tubridy is to keep Gerry Ryan’s team as he prepares to take over the late DJ’s time-slot on 2fm.
The Sports Pages
Roberto Mancini wants to keep hold of Shay Given according to The Observer. “At this moment, Joe plays. Because we have four competitions, we need Shay. I’m sorry for one goalkeeper, but today I chose Joe and I’m very happy to have Shay Given. I spoke to him. He’s a big name, he’s a big goalkeeper, and he respects my decision.”
This contrasts with the Irish News of the World who run with ‘Hart-broken Given is told: “You can go†while The Irish Mail on Sunday believes that Given is to put in a transfer request, and believes that he could end up going on loan to Fulham as a replacement for Mark Schwarzer.
The Irish News of the World has ‘City eye Fabio,’ in which they claim that Manchester City will offer Fabio Capello the job of manager at Eastlands, if Roberto Mancini doesn’t get off to a flying start.
The Title speculates that Henry Shefflin could be given a place on the bench for the All-Ireland final, even if he is injured, so that he will be able to pick up his medal.
