
Inside the Tattle Life scandal: The gossipy website that became the ‘most hate-filled corner of the web'
Business owners Donna and Neil Sands won a landmark defamation case against the online platform that tore influencers, celebrities and TV presenters to shreds. But who was behind the vitriol and why did they do it? Kirsty Blake Knox tries to make sense of online trolling
It was a friend who first brought Tattle Life to the attention of Irish business owner Neil Sands.
Someone on the site had opened a thread about his wife Donna Sands' fashion brand Silkie. 'And what they were saying, you wouldn't repeat,' Mr Sands says.

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RTÉ News
34 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Christy Moore releases spoken word tribute track for President Michael D Higgins
Irish music legend Christy Moore has released a spoken word tribute to President Michael D Higgins. Music to Our Ears, written by poet Johnny Broderick and produced by Gavin Murphy, is a celebration of the life and legacy of Ireland's President in the last year of his tenure. Speaking of how the work came about, Moore said: "I was working in Gavin Murphy's Studio. Gavin shared music he was composing for a poem John Broderick had written in advance of President Michael D's departure from Áras and Úachtaráin. I read the poem and listened to the music. I offered to recite the words. Claddagh [Records] heard it and suggested we make it available to the public. "I think it is a beautiful tribute to our esteemed President and his Family. I think Johnny B's words express what many of us feel about Michael D. and our First Lady, Sabina." President Higgins was elected President of Ireland in 2011 and is currently serving his second term. Moore has released Music to Our Ears alongside a lyric video to accompany the powerful tribute. It opens with the lines: "There is an aura that surrounds you, with decency you are blessed. There is a warmth in your presence, for every welcome guest." It continues: "You are a voice for the voiceless, like thunder in the plain. An empathetic ear for the afflicted, selfless, humble, but never vain." Music to Our Ears concludes: "Statesmanlike and diplomatic, charismatic without fears. You are a national treasure treasured, you have been music to our ears." The track will feature on the extended edition of Moore's No.1 album A Terrible Beauty.

Irish Times
2 hours ago
- Irish Times
I am quite good with money. I know exactly how to spend it all
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Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Limerick's favourite coffee festival celebrates 10 years with tastings, competitions and more
The country's only destination coffee celebration, will steam into The Old Barracks Roastery from June 27–29, bringing tastings, competitions, workshops, and more all centred around specialty coffee and the growing Irish coffee culture. This year's event includes an expanded programme and a special Friday evening BBQ and Wine Portfolio Tasting. What's on at Birdhill Coffee Festival 2025: Friday, June 27: BBQ Dinner celebrating The Old Barracks' 10th birthday Wine Portfolio Tasting featuring a curated selection of wines Saturday & Sunday, June 28 to 29: The Roasting Village: Live roasting demos and hourly coffee tastings (cuppings) with guest roasters including Daniel Horbat (Sumo Coffee Roasters), Wojczeck Tylser (Blind Monkey Coffee Roasters), and Trish Ferguson (Roasted Brown) The Old Barracks Roasting & Brewing Demos: Learn about green beans, single origins, roast profiles, and try roasting yourself Sage Espresso Marquee: Coffee machine demos, tips, and the latest in home brewing equipment Boozy Brew Bar: Hands-on cocktail sessions including espresso martinis and Irish coffees Brewing Station: Taste a range of single-origin coffees brewed by expert baristas Milk Masters & Latte Art Workshops: Learn how to make latte art from the basics to advanced designs Oatrageous Latte Art Throwdown: Open latte art competition with prizes Guest Speakers: Talks from sommeliers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders on business and coffee culture SISU Wellness Area: Wellness drinks, organic kombucha, cold-pressed juices, and morning yoga sessions with Elizabeth Walsh GUJI Matcha Bar: Creative matcha drinks from the team at GUJI Coffee Grumble Pop-Up: Hot crumble and gelato from Limerick's new concept by Old Barracks founder Alan Andrews Weekend-Long BBQ: Grilled food and snacks available throughout the festival A spokesperson for the event said: 'Whether you're coffee curious, a seasoned barista, looking to start your own café or just here for the vibes (and maybe a cheeky espresso martini), the weekend will bring together the best in specialty coffee, culture, and community in one place!' Tickets available here.