Rick O'Shea: I wouldn't want to live in the world of Strumpet City but I keep going back there
James Plunkett's novel makes utterly real the small aspirations and awful inequalities of the years before the Easter Rising
I'm taking you to dark, less comfortable places this week, and with good reason. Every year I throw an eye over my reading list to see where the gaps have been, and to see if I'd like to nudge the balance a bit. Some years this meant adding in a few thrillers, or some older books that I'd always wanted to try; in recent years it has meant seeking out more writing in translation.
When I was growing up, everything I read was for escape – the Famous Five, Three Investigators, the Hardy Boys and a lot of science fiction. I graduated into graphic novels when I was a teenager. Watchmen, V For Vendetta and Alan Moore's Batman series The Dark Knight Returns scratched itches I didn't even know I had. When I was in college, the escape was to America – I tried Joseph Heller, Bret Easton Ellis, and Tom Wolfe. You could say the same about the films I went to, the music I listened to, the TV I watched.
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Irish Independent
21 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: Diddy in Plain Sight, In the Loop and A Widow's Game
Live UEFA Women's Nations League RTÉ2, 5.30pm Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosts the concluding B2 match for both the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia, with the hosts keen to avenge their 4-0 loss in Koper in February. Des Curran and Méabh De Búrca commentate. Aistear an Amhráin RTÉ One, 7pm Sinéad Ní Churnáin presents a new run of the series exploring the stories behind the nation's best-loved songs. She begins with Grace, which has been recorded more than 100 times and was inspired by the tragic love story of Grace Gifford and Joseph Mary Plunkett during the Easter Rising. Gary Barlow's Wine Tour: South Africa Virgin Media One, 8pm The Take That star embarks on a five-part tour of the country, taking in its sights and sounds as well as sampling the best wines it has to offer. He begins with a crash course in local grape varieties before trying out some traditional dishes. Diddy in Plain Sight: Untold Channel 4, 11.05pm An insight into why the alleged sex crimes of Sean 'Diddy' Combs remained hidden from the public for so long. Among those offering their views are people who know the music mogul well. In the Loop BBC Two, 11.45pm In this spin-off from satirical series The Thick of It, a hapless politician accidentally sparks an international incident after making a few ill-advised comments about a possible war in the Middle East. Can spin doctor Malcolm Tucker (Peter Capaldi) defuse the situation? Dept. Q Netflix, streaming now DCI Carl Morck may be an excellent investigator, but there's no hiding from the fact that he's a terrible co-worker. There's the small matter of his scathing sarcasm, which has left him without a single friend in the Edinburgh police force. Then there's the rather more serious issue of him having fatally shot a young officer and permanently injured his partner. Unsurprisingly enough, following this tragic turn of events, Morck is relegated to Department Q: a cold-case unit which was created as a publicity stunt. Although the force is thrilled to see Carl go, he soon sets about assembling a group of outcasts who are all keen to prove themselves. Yes, it does sound a bit like Slow Horses, which is quite the gauntlet for Netflix to throw. Only time will tell if it's worthy of comparison. With yer man from Leap Year (Matthew Goode) essentially playing a hybrid of Gary Oldman's Jackson Lamb and Jack Lowden's River Cartwright, I wouldn't hold my breath. A Widow's Game Netflix, streaming now Picture it: August 2017. In a Valencia parking lot, a man is found stabbed seven times. The city's Homicide Group, led by a veteran inspector, races to solve the case, which appears to be a crime of passion. Their investigation soon takes a shocking turn, pointing to an unlikely suspect: Maje, the victim's seemingly sweet and stoic widow, married to him for less than a year. Mission: Impossible Fest Disney+, streaming now We can never get enough of the Mission: Impossible movies, it seems. You can now watch all the prequels to the recently released The Final Reckoning if you're so inclined. Bono: Stories of Surrender Apple TV+, streaming now Behold Bono's one-man stage show, exploring the personal experiences that have shaped him as a son, father, husband and activist. Oh, and as one of the planet's biggest rock stars. If Owen Wilson's signature shtick is more to your liking, The Stick lands Wednesday. Good Boy Prime Video, streaming now In order to combat crime in a perilous underworld, a group of former medal-winning athletes exchange the podium for police badges. In an exciting, action-packed ride, Yun Dong-ju (Park Bo-gum) and his group battle a formidable criminal syndicate. Also on Prime Video, we have season 2 of The Second Best Hospital in the Galaxy, courtesy of producers Maya Rudolph and Natasha Lyonne. The Better Sister D'you know what society needs? More portrayals of women being pitted against each other. Based on Alafair Burke's novel, however, this eight-part thriller attempts to turn things. When media executive Chloe (Jessica Biel) and her estranged sister Nicky (Elizabeth Banks) are reunited after a murder, they must unravel long-buried family secrets to uncover the truth.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford's Fringe Fleadh initiative tuning up for opening sessions in New Ross
The Fringe Fleadh, which is an initiative by Wexford County Council, is promised to be a vibrant series across the county, with the New Ross town centre set to come alive to the sound of traditional Irish music from the much-loved Danecastle. On Saturday, June 7 at 2.30 pm, the live performance in Brennan's Lane, will create a spirited afternoon of music and community celebration. The special outdoor session is the ideal set up which was much anticipated by the District Manager, Alan Fitzhenry, and Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council and Director of Services, Eamonn Hore, as they seen the Brennan's Lane project recently come to fruition. The laneway now boasts a beautiful open space, with a smaller area enclosed with a roof, a mural, benches and greenery which is the newest area in town to host street sessions of live music, trad sessions, and community events, while arts and crafts markets are also in the works. 'Here the New Ross Municipal District, along with the councillors and the staff, we're really excited to see the crowds gather for the Fringe Fleadh in Brennan's Lane," said Mr Fitzhenry, adding that the carefully chosen location 'is a beautiful new public realm space and this event will really showcase the potential of the laneway and all its great uses.' Seeing the much needed clean-up project of Brennan's Lane fulfilled in time for local musicians to utilise the space throughout the summer goes in hand with the aim of the Fringe Fleadh, which is to showcase local talent and spaces on our doorstep and to embrace the arts in more than just a traditional setting. It was previously reported in the New Ross Standard on April 25, 1991, that 'Brennan's Lane needs a clean-up', however, other reports in the paper in relation to the area dated back to 1898, when a 'Total Abstinence Meeting in New Ross' was held by the Protestant Total Abstinence Society in the hall of the Hill School. The Hill School, which was originally built in 1799, to the rear of Brennan's Lane was known as St. Mary's Terrace, and said to be the birth place of Michael O'Hanrahan, who was a member of the Gaelic League and served in the 1916 Easter Rising. The pride of both Mr Hore, and Mr Fitzhenry, in the restoration appears timeless, despite the laneway being reopened in April, as they both continue to observe the delight of locals who access the historic area, but in its newly brightened and colourful capacity. At the opening, Mr Hore said the project showcases Wexford County Council's 'dedication to enhancing our communities, fostering pride, and supporting local vitality.' "The refurbishment of Brennan's Lane has transformed it into a safer, more accessible, and vibrant space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,' he added. With the schedule for the Fringe Fleadh quickly taking shape, Mr Fitzhenry said having seen the AIMS Choral Festival utilise the space last week, 'a very large crowd of over 300 people were in the laneway and there was still loads of space, but it was just fantastic to see everyone there enjoying the great weather and we hope that atmosphere continues for the Fringe Fleadh in June.' Performances will continue to take place each Saturday in June, with Saturday, June 28 expected to filled with an entire day of live entertainment. The Fringe Fleadh will also take place in other areas across the county, from Seisiún by the Sea in Morriscastle to performances by The Blackwater Céilí Band at St. Martin's Community Centre in Piercestown, and the Enniscorthy Irish Folk and Ballad Festival, the programme is packed with musical highlights. Supported by Comhaltas branches, community groups, and local performers, each event is a celebration of Irish identity, heritage, and community pride delivered in a warm, inclusive, and joyful atmosphere. Wexford County Council invites locals and visitors alike to be part of this unique summer celebration. Whether you're discovering traditional music for the first time or returning to a beloved tradition, Fringe Fleadh 2025 promises unforgettable moments and the true spirit of the Fleadh. For full event listings, times, and locations, visit
Irish Post
2 days ago
- Irish Post
RTÉ series returns to explore stories behind Ireland's most popular songs, beginning with Grace
RTÉ series Aistear an Amhráin returns for a second series next week, exploring the fascinating stories behind Ireland's most popular songs. The first episode of the new series uncovers the story of Grace Gifford, the subject of the much-loved ballad, Grace. Written in 1985 by brothers Frank and Seán O'Meara, the song was inspired by Gifford's marriage to Joseph Plunkett in Kilmainham Gaol just hours before he was executed in 1916. It was released by Jim McCann in 1986 and has since been recorded by a host of musical greats, from the Dubliners to Rod Stewart. Reporter Sinéad Ní Churnáin meets the O'Meara brothers to explore the song's origins and to uncover the story of the woman behind it. The song was released by Jim McCann in 1986 (Image: Mark Stedman / Photocall Ireland) The episode will include a performance from singer Aoife Scott, who sang the song with her cousins, Róisín O and Danny O'Reilly — the latter of The Coronas — at Kilmainham in 2016 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The series will also look at the inspiration for several other songs, including the love story behind Frank and Walters' iconic '90s anthem, After All, which was a hit in both Ireland and Britain. Spandau Ballet's '80s hit Through the Barricades, inspired by the tragic murder of a Belfast roadie, will likewise go under the microscope. Meanwhile, Trad fans can look forward to the mischief and mystery behind the Irish language fight song An Poc Ar Buile. Aistear an Amhráin begins on Tuesday, June 3 at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player. See More: Aistear An Amhráin, Grace Gifford, RTE
