Joseph Loftus

This is my will and my final message. If these words reach you, know that Israel has succeeded in killing me and silencing my voice. First, peace be upon you and Allah’s mercy and blessings. Allah knows I gave every effort and all my strength to be a support and a voice for my people, ever since I opened my eyes to life in the alleys and streets of the Jabalia refugee camp. My hope was that Allah would extend my life so I could return with my family and loved ones to our original town of occupied Asqalan (Al-Majdal). But Allah’s will came first, and His decree is final. I have lived through pain in all its details, tasted suffering and loss many times, yet I never once hesitated to convey the truth as it is, without distortion or falsification—so that Allah may bear witness against those who stayed silent, those who accepted our killing, those who choked our breath, and whose hearts were unmoved by the scattered remains of our children and women, doing nothing to stop the massacre that our people have faced for more than a year and a half. I entrust you with Palestine—the jewel in the crown of the Muslim world, the heartbeat of every free person in this world. I entrust you with its people, with its wronged and innocent children who never had the time to dream or live in safety and peace. Their pure bodies were crushed under thousands of tons of Israeli bombs and missiles, torn apart and scattered across the walls. I urge you not to let chains silence you, nor borders restrain you. Be bridges toward the liberation of the land and its people, until the sun of dignity and freedom rises over our stolen homeland. I entrust you to take care of my family. I entrust you with my beloved daughter Sham, the light of my eyes, whom I never got the chance to watch grow up as I had dreamed. I entrust you with my dear son Salah, whom I had wished to support and accompany through life until he grew strong enough to carry my burden and continue the mission. I entrust you with my beloved mother, whose blessed prayers brought me to where I am, whose supplications were my fortress and whose light guided my path. I pray that Allah grants her strength and rewards her on my behalf with the best of rewards. I also entrust you with my lifelong companion, my beloved wife, Umm Salah (Bayan), from whom the war separated me for many long days and months. Yet she remained faithful to our bond, steadfast as the trunk of an olive tree that does not bend—patient, trusting in Allah, and carrying the responsibility in my absence with all her strength and faith. I urge you to stand by them, to be their support after Allah Almighty. If I die, I die steadfast upon my principles. I testify before Allah that I am content with His decree, certain of meeting Him, and assured that what is with Allah is better and everlasting. O Allah, accept me among the martyrs, forgive my past and future sins, and make my blood a light that illuminates the path of freedom for my people and my family. Forgive me if I have fallen short, and pray for me with mercy, for I kept my promise and never changed or betrayed it. Do not forget Gaza… And do not forget me in your sincere prayers for forgiveness and acceptance. Anas Jamal Al-Sharif 06.04.2025 This is what our beloved Anas requested to be published upon his martyrdom.

My heart is broken for Mayo!!!

Can you fix this please @paddypower

Lucio just came to Eurovision to showcase his life story for three minutes. For that alone, this entry is very special from the others. It feels authentic & real next to all the crazy and over-the-top stuff Well done 🇮🇹 Italy, this is gold! #Eurovision #Eurovision2025 #ESC2025

GAA Drinking Game: Take a shot every time someone says "Ah look it." @MayoGAA @Galway_GAA

On the 30th of March 1849, hundreds of starving men, women, and children set out on a harrowing overnight death march from Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, to Delphi Lodge, a hunting retreat nestled deep in the mountains. They had no choice. Two government officials had arrived in Louisburgh to determine whether famine relief, an essential lifeline of grain, would continue for the destitute. Yet, without conducting an inspection, the officials departed for Delphi, ordering the desperate crowds to follow. In the darkness, hundreds of emaciated people, described as “living skeletons”, struggled through the treacherous Doolough Valley. The brutal wind and rain showed no mercy. By morning, at least 16 lay dead along the roadside, their bodies abandoned to the elements. Among them was a woman named Dalton, found lifeless with her son and daughter. Two unnamed men, who perished just a mile from Louisburgh, were left exposed for days, prey for dogs and ravens. The Doolough Tragedy became a searing symbol of government neglect and cruelty during the Great Famine. A memorial stone near the lake now stands as a solemn reminder, etched with the haunting words: "How can men feel themselves honoured by the humiliation of their fellow beings?" From 1988 onwards, the harrowing inhumanity has been remembered with an annual Famine Walk, retracing the desperate route of those who perished. Figures such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Waylon Gary White Deer of the Choctaw Nation have walked in solidarity, connecting Ireland’s suffering to struggles against injustice worldwide. In 2013, Delphi Lodge, once the site of such inhuman indifference, finally acknowledged its past. For the first time, it welcomed the walk onto its 1,000-acre estate, stating: "By opening our gates to the Afri Famine Walk, Delphi Lodge is acknowledging our part in what happened in 1849, instead of ignoring it." The hills of Doolough still whisper the stories of those lost to hunger and cruelty, a tragic echo of a past that must never be forgotten.

False.

This is Rangers heritage

Connacht is cursed. #Allirelandfootballfinal

97-92 96-94 96-94 IN HIS FINAL APPEARANCE AT THE 02, Derek "War" Chisora gets it done!!! 🇬🇧🥊 #JoyceChisora | LIVE on TNT Sports and discovery+

Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh was a true legend, It is almost twenty years since myself and @mosweeney1 had the utter privilege of spending a Summer in his presence while making a documentary about his life. He truly was "The Sound Of Sunday". Codladh sámh, a chara.

This is when Scotland are at their most dangerous.

Thought this said Shane MacGowan for a minute!

Our senior footballers get the win in the All Ireland series in Hastings Insurance MacHale Park.

My story. See you tonight ❤️

@ell_pht Hello @ell_pht. Hope you're okay. Are we okay to use a still from your video on @JOEdotie? Thanks.

All over here at Dr Hyde Park and our senior Footballers get the win over Roscommon in the Connacht GAA semi final. We win now play Galway in the Connacht final in two weeks time 💪

Our Senior footballers finish out their Allianz League campaign for 2024 with a victory over Monaghan at Clones.🟢🔴