Mayo singer inspired by the sands of Enniscrone releases new single
No one particular song, moment or life experience made Katie Cassidy the musician she is today.
The Ballina woman first discovered she could sing at her Holy Communion back in the '90s.
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Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
‘They had to take a stand': Documentary on impact of the law on Irish women included in TG4 autumn slate
The broadcaster held a launch event at Dublin's Lighthouse Cinema on Monday, showcasing a mix of original Irish language films, documentaries, live sports coverage and children's programmes. Included on the schedule for TG4 this autumn is Mná na Léinte Gorma, a documentary examining the role women play in extremism both in the past and present day. Well-known faces including Síle Seoige will be back on our screens with Síle Seoige – An Saol Mar Atá, where the Galway presenter will tackle issues such as bullying, parenting and anxiety 'with empathy and curiosity'. Hector Ó hEochagáin will be travelling once again for what's being described by TG4 as an 'epic adventure' through Australia and New Zealand in Hector OZ/NZ. Irish women's history will come to the fore on TG4 with the release of Ceartas Crua – Mná vs An Dlí, a two-part documentary series looking back at 100 years of Ireland's judicial system and its impact on the country's women. Series producer Medb Johnstone told the Irish Independent the story of the series is 'quite sad in a way', but equally important for telling the story of positive changes in Irish society since the foundation of the State. "It's an interesting way to look at our history. You might not think the law affects your life, but it absolutely does,' she said. 'Every decade or so, something changed, and women had to put themselves out there to make that change. We wanted to tell the stories of those cases and fit as many as we could into a two-part series.' Ms Johnstone said fitting in all of stories proved challenging, with slews of change coming in quick succession during certain periods. The 1970s came into particular focus against the backdrop of a global women's movement. Looking back at the referendum to repeal the Eighth Amendment, there were parallels drawn from 2018 to the 1983 referendum that introduced the Eighth. "When we spoke to people about the 1983 referendum, they said it was very contentious. Around the time of Repeal, there was a heightened anxiety around it and people could feel something, this big decision that was on the country. People said it was the same in 1983,' she said. "An amendment was put into the constitution and then taken out again. We spoke about Roe v Wade in the same context, that the law changes quite frequently. It takes a long time to happen, but just because something is in there now doesn't mean it can't come out or be added in again.' One such example was the 1924 Juries (Amendment) Act, which effectively excluded women in Ireland from serving on juries, until the case taken by activist Máirín de Burca led to the passage of a new Juries Act in 1976. "It's quite sad, that women were excluded,' Ms Johnstone said. 'When we were making this, we were thinking a lot about how we know the names of women who have been news stories because something happened to them, or they had to take a stand. "In a way, that's not right. Nobody asks for it. Everybody knows who Savita Halappanavar is, who Vicky Phelan is. Their names are associated with great failings in this country, but a lot of good has come from what happened to them.'
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Waterford Harvest Festival's culinary director gives a flavour of what to expect, from surprise guests to international cuisine
A firm favourite on the South East's festival calendar, Waterford Harvest Festival celebrates exceptional food and the passionate people behind it, kicking off across Waterford City from Friday, September 5 to Sunday, September 7, 2025. Renowned Irish chef and Waterford native Keith Boyle is serving as Culinary Director for this year's festival, he told the Irish Independent: '"I'm most looking forward to seeing the city come alive with the best of what it has to offer due to produce, producers, this year we've got lots of music, we've got lots of cool events, food demonstrations.' Keith and his wife Carmel are gearing up for their part in the festival, the duo have chartered a boat and will be taking people up the River Suir starting from the Millennium Plaza up towards the castle while they serve up a luxurious afternoon tea on board while guests take in the views of the city. As one of Ireland's most respected culinary talents, Keith brings a wealth of experience, passion, and creativity to the table. Known for his award-winning work at The Bay Tree Bistro and his commitment to showcasing the best of local and seasonal ingredients, Keith's involvement marks an exciting new chapter for the festival. This year, the Flogas kitchen with Kenny Maguire will run from Friday morning, September 5 until Sunday evening, September 7 where up to 16 chefs from across Waterford city will showcase what their restaurants have to offer and interact with attendees, giving them a taste of what to expect should they pay a visit to their restaurants. Over the course of the cooking demos, chefs will share their stories about their backgrounds and why they opened their businesses in Waterford city, attendees will also get the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about their potential new favourite eateries. Bad Boys BBQ, Tacos Traviesas, Socafro Kitchen and many more will be gracing the festival with the best in BBQ, multi-cultural cuisines and promoting nearby restaurants to give them a bit of a spotlight for the weekend that's in it. Attendees will not where to start as they have the chance to sample tastes from Mexico, the Caribbean, Italy, India and so much more. Some of the other programme highlights for 2025 include Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience, The Bridgerton Symphonic and the closing event, Beats, Bubbles and Bites also with chef Keith Boyle. Speaking on the closing event, Keith said: 'It's going to be Waterford city's largest communal outdoor barbecue, we've got five chefs confirmed and one mystery guest chef coming and we are all cooking live, in front of guests, we have all different tastes and flavours. ADVERTISEMENT "We've got Pat and Jim from Smokin' Soul, they are the barbecue pit masters from Wexford, we've got Allister, JD and JJ, Allister has a food truck called Socafro Kitchen, he deals in Afro-Caribbean food so people can expect flavours from Nigeria, Ghana and all where Allister has his heritage so big bold flavours, Luis Martin from Mara, one of Waterford's most celebrated chefs whose Spanish heritage will be brought out, he is cooking octopus on the night. "I'm joining the team and I'm bringing a little bit more of a fine dining side so I'm bring more precise flavours using some local produce and our surprise chef is going to bring some fire and some heat to the barbecue.' There is a mix of free and ticketed events across the weekend in an effort to make it accessible to all looking to enjoy and get in on the action during the weekend festivities. Tickets can still be purchased at and the full programme of events is available on the website. Adding to Waterford Harvest's inclusivity, the festival has partnered with Autism Friendly Waterford, working to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience for all. Nua Healthcare Services, a leading provider of supports for people with intellectual disabilities and complex needs, is proud to participate in the upcoming Waterford Harvest Festival. Nua's Mobile CLaD (Continuous Learning and Development) and Supported Living Services will be featured at the festival, reflecting a shared commitment to making Ireland's public events more inclusive and accessible for all. 'Nua Healthcare Services is delighted to support the Harvest Festival,' said JJ Carey, Director of Supported Living Services. 'Our mobile and community-based supports help break down barriers and enable equal participation for all.' The festival is supported by Waterford City and County Council, which specified that the festival deliver a green, environmentally sustainable event, while minimising food waste and carbon emissions.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
Connemara Pony Show marks 100 years with centenary event – ‘I was totally immersed in it from day one'
This year marks the centenary of the Connemara Pony Show as the six-day festival kicks off in Clifden on Tuesday. As the premier show for Connemara Ponies in Ireland, the event is a major date on the calendar for breeders and owners from home and overseas. This year is set to see the festival get even bigger as organisers ensure the itinerary is packed with a raft of events and activities. Festivalgoers can expect to see ponies compete in in-hand classes, ridden classes, working hunter classes, and a high-jump competition. For non-pony enthusiasts, there is a dog show, a domestic arts show and Irish dancing performances. Also included are a range of craft stalls along the edge of the showgrounds, where regional Irish Countrywomen's Association members run their own competitions for prize winning eggs, jams, baked goods, arts and crafts. It is a momentous occasion for the event's organisers, of which there are several including Mary Coyne, Chairperson of the Connemara Pony Show. Mary told the Irish Independent: 'It's amazing. The 100th year of anything, having it develop over 100 years is a testament to the love and affection and general appreciation we have for the pony, not just in Connemara but across the country and even the world. 'It has grown where people from all over the world come together to showcase the pony in a spectacular way and we're very proud of it. We're very proud that our ancestors have kept this going and developed it over time.' She says that the event has stood the test of time ever since its incarnation back in 1925: 'I believe there's a special place in Connemara for the pony – it was a working animal on the farm for transport for so many years and people in much poorer times than today kept the mare and foal. Then as times got better, it became more of a recreational animal and all of this developed into a bigger event and so in many ways, the development of the show reflects the development of society over time, I think they go hand in hand.' Mary's own background is steeped in the equine industry and she said her involvement in the show was inevitable: 'I was totally immersed in it from day one. My father Jack was a breeder of ponies, he bred stallions for the society for many years and before, his Uncle Willie was one of the founding members of the Connemara Pony Breeders' society. 'So it followed down the generations and there wasn't a way of avoiding it really! I grew up with ponies. This week was huge for us. We would have people coming from all over. It was total immersion since birth.' Preparations for the centenary celebrations have been under way for months, as the newly-established Connemara Pony Show Committee will be ensuring everything runs smoothly. 'A huge amount has gone into it,' said Mary. 'This year, a new organisation is running the show which has local business people, members of the Connemara Chamber, county councillors and local representatives. 'There's six of us and we have a very good and very busy secretary – apart from that its all volunteered. It has been a huge undertaking, but what has driven us on more than anything is the enthusiasm and the support of the volunteers across Connemara and outside of it. The phone Is always going but you're working with people who want to make this work.' Last year, part of the show was forced to be postponed due to adverse weather conditions on the showground, leading to fears over the future of the event taking place in Clifden. However, Mary shuts down any doubts over the location: 'We're confident and adamant that it will stay in Clifden. The group is made up of very enthusiastic people from the community and we want to spread it outside the showgrounds as well. 'That buy-in from the community is important. I think you don't appreciate something until you feel you might lose it so I would say there was that feeling of 'we need to get behind this'.' Mary is anticipating a successful run this year with many new additions to look forward to: 'We have a record entry, so we expect a very good competition. We have a marquee this year, so people can nip in and out for nibbles and maybe a drink. 'The show is being opened by Nina Carberry, which is appropriate, given her background in the equine world and politics and in between. 'We have a good group of people from abroad, we have an event laid out for them as well. Within the show grounds itself we have things that have been going on for years, we have the dog show, we have best dressed. We have a lot of stuff going on around the town so we should have something there for everyone.' As for the future of the show, Mary is keen to see how this week's event pans out: 'There are certain things we would like to do. 'Obviously we will look closely at what differences we can make but it's a bit too early to say what we will do for the next years, we'll have to see how things turn out.' The Connemara Pony Show takes place this year in Clifden from Tuesday August 19 to Sunday August 24.
