Meet the Galway photographer with a passion for insect portraits – ‘Exotic, mad-looking yokes right in my garden'
Lisa Clancy has captured thousands of insect portraits since discovering her passion during her studies in Nottingham
Today at 13:00
A Galway-based insect photographer has explained the secret behind her unique passion ahead of the launch of her latest portrait book.
Clare-born photographer Lisa Clancy has been taking photos of insects since 2009, when she embarked on a master's degree in Biological Photography and Imaging at the University of Nottingham.
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Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Baby name experts list six 'outdated' names new parents should steer clear of
Choosing a name for your newborn can be a tricky and daunting task, but two baby name consultants have shared six old-fashioned names that new parents might want to avoid. British professional baby namer SJ Strum and Boston-based consultant Colleen Slagen have compiled a list of names they recommend to clients, but there are a select few they suggest bypassing. Colleen advises against sturdy, old-school monikers like Linda, Karen, and Janet, which she believes are falling out of fashion, while SJ warns parents off what she terms "1990s norm-core dad names" such as Gary, Stuart, and Ian. Speaking to the Daily Mail, SJ described pregnancy as "such a bamboozling time. She added that picking a name is just one of the overwhelming number of decisions expectant parents face, reports the Mirror. She believes that enlisting an expert to choose a baby's name can transform the process into "one of the most joyous and bonding parts of your pregnancy." "Couples want a name that tells their story," she says, delving into personal details such as hobbies, university studies, and where they first met to find the perfect fit. SJ also mentioned receiving last-minute messages from delivery rooms, with parents desperate for help naming their newborn. She offers sage advice for resolving deadlocks when one parent is fixated on a name the other detests. SJ offers a cheeky tip for those stuck with a partner's preferred boys' name they can't stand: "That normally gets them off it pretty quick," she reveals, suggesting you claim it's the name of an ex. For parents-to-be mulling over names for their little girl, SJ recommends timeless options like Olivia, Emma, Charlotte, or Sofia, while James, Henry, Lucas, or William are equally classic choices for boys. SJ also highlights some novel trends in baby naming, noting: "'Nature names are becoming popular: River is rising up the ranks. I'm also seeing a lot of whimsical names that hark back to virtues, such as Sage." She observes that following the passing of celebrities or notable figures, there's often a spike in the popularity of their names, adding: "We saw lots of variations on Elizabeth after the late Queen passed away, and Bowie after David died in 2016." Before finalising a name, SJ advises giving it a test run: "What does it feel like to say it out loud?". Sharing her own experience, SJ points out practical aspects to consider: "Will you be asked to spell it in a coffee shop? "I had a client who loved the name Persephone, but did the coffee shop test and decided it was far too much of a mouthful".
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside UNVRS: I went clubbing at the world's first hyperclub that opened in Ibiza this week
UNVRS, pronounced Universe - described as the world's first hyper club, has opened in Ibiza with a big bang. The new club promises to launch a new era of futuristic clubbing - so I headed down on the opening night to find out what that really meant. Advertisement 9 Ibiza-based journalist Katy Hastings went to the opening night of UNVRS Credit: Katy Hastings 9 UNVRS, pronounced Universe, is described as the world's first hyper club Credit: PROWLY 9 Everything is handmade in such detail that it's supposed to be as pitch perfect as an opera house Credit: Katy Hastings There has been a nightclub on the site - 20 minutes inland from It was then rebranded as Now, after viral marketing campaigns featuring a UFO sighting, and Hollywood star Will Smith, plus a multi-million pound makeover, it has been redesigned as the 'world's first hyperclub.' And what does that mean exactly? Apparently, it's the combination of high-end luxury and attention to detail, in an arena-sized event. Advertisement Read more on nightclubs Everything is handmade in such detail that it's supposed to be as perfect acoustically as an I joined thousands of revellers on opening night, which saw And it is MASSIVE. The club is so huge that you can easily lose your bearings in the underground network of corridors and dance rooms - helpfully, there is free wifi in case you lose your mates in the maze. But it is very, very slick. The main room is where all the magic happens, with a soundsystem that is crisper and clearer than any other on the island. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Aerial acrobats perform high above the VIP balconies and main dance floor, where the Privilege swimming pool has been consigned to history. The immersive lighting was next level too, as the lights come towards you, instead of just vertically, making you feel almost connected to the stage and helps to overcome the feeling of so many people in one room together. The best bit was at dawn, when the screens behind the DJ decks turned off to reveal 12-metre cathedral-like windows showing off the spectacular sunrise over the island - well worth hanging on for, given the club stays open to 6am each night. And the famous Privilege glass dome? That's been kept intact, and now houses a huge sculpture called the Tree of Life. Advertisement 9 The main room is where all the magic happens, with a soundsystem that is crisper and clearer than any other on the island. 9 The famous Privilege glass dome has been kept intact, and now houses a huge sculpture called the Tree of Life Credit: Prowly 9 An outlet of Spanish brand Vicio Burger serves burgers for €23 inside the club Credit: Katy Hastings 9 The club is so huge that you can easily lose your bearings in the underground network of corridors and dance rooms Credit: Katy Hastings Advertisement There's some outside space on the garden terrace known as the Gravity Garden and Sky Deck too, which has been decorated with lots of greenery. The new venue is the brain child of The Night League, who is also responsible for major island nightclubs And they've introduced many of the much-loved elements they've already tested at Hï, including the mini nightclub in the loos. Called The Wild Comet (it's The Wild Corner at Advertisement It's certainly the vibiest public toilet I've ever been to, although the unique queuing system takes some getting used it, and by that I mean there is no queue and you have to hover and look out for one of the loo doors opening. There is also a karaoke room that could easily fit around 150 people and a fast food joint. The outlet of Spanish brand Vicio Burger serves burgers for €23 (£19.40) and chips for €8 (£6.76), or a very fancy-sounding chicken strips topped with caviar for €80 (£67.50). UNVRS things to know before you go Location - San Rafael, Ibiza Doors open 2300 Over 18s - don't forget your photo ID The dress code - no flip-flops, sleeveless shirts, or swimsuits, sports team T-shirts, and clothing with ideological or religious references. No shorts for men The lineup: Mondays - ERIC PRYDZ WITH HOLOSPHERE 2.0 Tuesdays - ANYMA Wednesdays - JAMIE JONES WITH PARADISE Thursdays - FISHER Fridays - DAVID GUETTA WITH GALACTIC CIRCUS Saturdays - ELROW Sundays - CARL COX While it quite quiet when we visited around 2am, I can see it being very popular with punters before they head home. Advertisement Prices for drinks at the bar weren't cheap, at €15 (£12.67) for a bottle of water and €26 (£21.96) for a glass of wine, but they are pretty much in line with Ibiza super club prices. But the club also plays a part in keeping costs down too - laying on shuttle buses from Without a doubt, UNVRS has elevated the Other, more historic places might have more soul, but this is the most advance and forward-thinking club. Advertisement Plus, the music is what makes the night, and with an enviable DJ line up including Carl Cox, Eric Prydz, David Guetta, Jamie Jones and the unique Elrow party, it's become the must-visit of the island for clubbers both young and old. 9 The new venue is the brain child of The Night League, who is also responsible for major island nightclubs Ushuaïa and Hï Credit: Katy Hastings 9 Other, more historic places might have more soul, but this is the most advance and forward-thinking club Credit: Prowly Advertisement In the UK, Plus, the exact date huge new Wetherspoons pub set to open inside the old London Dungeon.
Irish Independent
13 hours ago
- Irish Independent
‘The highest village in Ireland now has a Cork Rose' – Nancy Lehane to represent Rebels at 2025 Rose of Tralee
Ms Lehane is a proud native of the Duhallow-based village, the highest in Ireland, and the talented musician is about to live out her childhood dream of being the Cork Rose. Some 25 hopefuls took to the stage with an array of musical talents, eloquent poems and mesmerising dance moves in the hopes to woo the judging panel which consisted of the 2012 International Rose of Tralee Nicola Dunne; 2001 Cork Rose Olivia Walsh Murphy and Sales and Marketing Manager at the Rochestown Park Hotel Steve Cox. Ollie Turner was the host on the night and the Galway Bay FM sports presenter – and Fine Gael councillor – has played a part in Rose of Tralee selection nights for almost two decades, as well as being a judge over the past two renditions of the festival. When Mr Turner opened the envelope which revealed Ms Lehane's name he said: 'The highest village in Ireland now has a Cork Rose,' which was met with a huge roar of approval by the crowd. Ms Lehane recently completed her degree in Primary Education in Limerick and currently works at Bob's Restaurant in Kanturk. The Rose of Tralee will not be her first appearance on television as she competed in Ireland's Fittest Family in 2021. The 21-year-old has a keen interest in volunteering at local events, as well as embarking on a life-changing trip to Uganda to work with children. CEO of The Rose of Tralee Anthony O'Gara complimented Cork for celebrations that is 'very difficult' to replicate anywhere else. 'We have Roses from many counties here tonight, but I think they would agree that out of all the events we had this year, this is the biggest and the grandest, and it says so much about the spirit of Cork city and Cork county,' he said. Mr O'Gara went on to say that the Rose of Tralee is about 'celebrating women'. 'The Rose of Tralee is about celebrating women with their families, their communities and their friends because women are being celebrated more – thankfully. 'The Rose of Tralee has led from the front for many years and making sure that women are recognised for being the leaders of our communities,' he said. He added that the 25 women competing for the sash were 'strong enough to come up here and be themselves'. '25 of them will leave the room tonight and none of them will be the lesser and they will all be the better for having got to know the friends they got to know here. 'They will all leave here as proud as they arrived,' he concluded. A total of €3,550 was raised for the chosen charity partner on the night, the Children's Health Foundation. The charity supports sick children and their families in Children's HeaIth Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres in a number of ways, from funding vital life-saving equipment to supporting ground-breaking research. Ms Lehane will represent Cork at the Rose of Tralee International Festival from August 15 to 19.
