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Ireland 31-7 Wales: Hosts make it three wins from three with Welsh victory

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IRELAND’S grand ambition for a successive Six Nations Grand Slam glimmered brighter after a commanding 31-7 triumph over Wales in the thrilling Round 3 encounter at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. The Irish side, undeterred and dynamic, orchestrated a performance that encapsulated their dominance in the tournament thus far, securing a bonus-point victory that keeps their Grand Slam dreams vividly alive.

In a game that showcased Ireland’s tactical acumen and resilience, hooker Dan Sheehan, wing James Lowe, full-back Ciaran Frawley, and lock Tadhg Beirne emerged as the heroes, each crossing the whitewash to contribute to the emphatic scoreline. Jack Crowley, the out-half, was impeccable, converting all attempts at goal, including a penalty and four conversions, ensuring a flawless day with the boot.

Wales, despite trailing 17-0 by the halftime whistle, showed moments of resurgence with a penalty try that saw Beirne sin-binned. However, their efforts to claw back into the game were thwarted by a relentless Irish defence, leaving them winless after three rounds.

The victory marks a historic 18th consecutive win for Ireland at the Aviva Stadium and ties the record for an 11th successive Six Nations Test win, a testament to their continued excellence and a milestone shared with England’s streak from 2015 to 2017.

The match unfurled with Ireland asserting their dominance early on, rewarded with a penalty kick by Crowley following a high tackle on Lowe. Despite Wales’ formidable maul defence, Ireland’s persistence paid dividends with Sheehan’s try, courtesy of a powerful forward push and Crowley’s subsequent conversion enhancing their lead.

Wales’ captain, Dafydd Jenkins, found himself penalised, and Ireland opted for ambition over assurance, a decision that paid off when Lowe spectacularly finished in the corner, further extended by Crowley’s masterful conversion.

The Welsh side’s resolve was evident in their defensive efforts, yet Ireland’s strategic prowess shone through. Despite a penalty try awarded to Wales, Ireland’s control and execution remained unshaken, with their defence repelling Welsh advances effectively.

The narrative of the second half encapsulated Ireland’s capacity to absorb pressure and retaliate, highlighted by Frawley’s try in his first Test start and Beirne’s clinching score, underlining their depth and tactical intelligence.

Post-match reflections from both camps acknowledged the intensity of the encounter. Ireland’s head coach, Andy Farrell, praised the team’s adaptability and highlighted the need for review, particularly concerning penalties. Warren Gatland, Wales’ head coach, commended his team’s effort and identified physicality as a key area for growth.

Ciaran Frawley, reveling in the joy of his maiden Test start and try, underscored the team’s resilience and the collective drive that propelled them to overcome adversity and secure a significant victory.

This clash was more than a game; it was a testament to Ireland’s relentless pursuit of excellence and a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in their quest for back-to-back Grand Slams. As the tournament progresses, Ireland’s blend of tactical brilliance, physical dominance, and unwavering spirit makes them formidable contenders, setting the stage for an enthralling conclusion to the Six Nations saga.#

Jack Crowley registered the first points of the day via a penalty
Ireland's Dan Sheehan celebrates after scoring their first try via a driving maul
James Lowe scored Ireland's second first-half try, after taking a superb Calvin Nash offload
Wales hit back through a penalty try decision early in the second half
Ireland's defence proved superb when under pressure in the second half
Full-back Ciaran Frawley crossed for Ireland's third try on his first Test start

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell told ITV Sport said: “There is a famous saying that each game takes it’s own course and that game had a bit of everything really from the sublime to the ridiculous.

“I thought we were a bit passive in the first half but I thought Wales were tenacious in defence. I thought we should have capitalised more.

“We had a good chat at half-time. The penalty count was evened up, we will have a good luck at that.

“Delighted to get that bonus point.”

Wales head coach Warren Gatland said after the game: “I can’t question how hard and the effort from the players. They probably out muscled us a bit in terms of collisions. That is a lesson for us.

“I feel like the score-line blew out a bit and probably wasn’t reflective of the effort we put in.

“You are playing against one of the best teams in the world and they thoroughly deserved to win with the quality they have got. We are on a journey.”

Try-scorer Ciaran Frawley after his first Test start said added: “Look, it was a bit of clunky in the first half.

“We were aware of that at half time. It was probably not the start we wanted, they came out and scored and we got the yellow card but to bounce back through all the adversity thrown at us and get the bonus point win was pretty special.

“I was delighted to get over. The players here are unbelievable, they know how to win.”

 

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The gentle giant behind the tattoos

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Pembrokeshire security worker Josh Davies praised for professionalism, kindness and proving first impressions can be wrong

JOSH Davies is hard to miss.

With tattoos across his head, face, neck and hands, he is the kind of man people notice before they know anything about him.

But those who know him, work with him, or have simply crossed paths with him after a long night on duty, tell a very different story.

They describe him as a gentleman. A grafter. A man with a big heart. Someone who would do anything to help another person.

Now Josh, who completed his Door Supervisor course with RM Training and Security Solutions last year, is being praised for the way he has built a career in the security industry and become a valued member of the team.

The Pembrokeshire-based company said Josh had gone “from strength to strength” since gaining his licence, working across licensed venues, events, customer-facing roles, response duties and other security work.

A spokesperson for RM Training and Security Solutions said: “From day one, Josh showed a natural ability for the security industry.

“Since gaining his licence, he has thrown himself into every opportunity presented to him, working across a variety of roles including licensed venues, events, customer-facing positions, response duties, and much more.

“There genuinely seems to be nothing Josh cannot turn his hand to. His willingness to learn, adaptability, reliability, and positive attitude have made him a valued member of the RM team.”

But it is not only his employers who have noticed.

After RM Training shared Josh’s success story online, dozens of people came forward to praise him, with many saying his appearance should never be mistaken for the man underneath.

One woman said she had met Josh on a Sunday morning after he had finished a night shift.

She said: “He was an absolute gentleman. Someone you would say from first impression of meeting, nice guy, good guy.”

Another person, who said she had known Josh since he was young and treated him like a son, said: “I can’t thank him enough for what he has done for me in my life. He is one in a million.

“People look at him like a big boy, but he has got a heart and he will do anything to help anyone.”

Others described him as a “great bloke”, “absolute gentleman”, “sound bloke”, and someone who was “built to be a doorman”.

In an industry where first impressions, calm judgement and public confidence matter, RM Training said Josh’s professionalism had become one of his strongest qualities.

The company added: “What stands out most is his professionalism. Whether dealing with members of the public, clients, colleagues, or challenging situations, Josh consistently demonstrates the highest standards expected within our industry.

“He represents both himself and RM Training & Security Solutions exceptionally well at all times.

“We are incredibly proud to have Josh as part of the team and look forward to watching his continued growth and success within the security industry.”

Security staff are often seen only when something goes wrong, but much of the work involves preventing problems before they happen, reassuring the public, supporting event organisers, and knowing how to deal with difficult situations calmly.

Josh’s story has struck a chord because it challenges the quick assumptions people can make.

To some, the tattoos may be the first thing they see.

To those who know him, they are simply part of a man who has worked hard, taken his chance, and earned respect through his attitude and actions.

One supporter summed it up simply: “Life loves a grafter.”

Photo caption:

Josh Davies has been praised by RM Training and Security Solutions and members of the public for his professionalism and kindness (Pics: DarthMartyMedia).

 

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150 years of Mothers’ Union marked at St Davids Cathedral

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A SPECIAL service has been held at St Davids Cathedral to celebrate 150 years of the Mothers’ Union.

Members and officials gathered for the anniversary celebration on Sunday (Jun 21), where Bishop Dorrien welcomed those attending and spent time speaking with the Provincial Chaplain.

The occasion had particular significance for Bishop Dorrien, who is the third generation of his family to be a member of the Mothers’ Union.

The organisation, founded in 1876, continues to support families, communities and church life across Wales and around the world.

Those attending said the celebration was a fitting tribute to the work of generations of members, with hopes expressed for the next 150 years.

Caption:

Celebration: Members and officials gathered at St Davids Cathedral to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union (Pic: Diocese of St Davids).

 

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Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

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Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.

Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).

 

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