Saoirse Hanley: Is refusing to engage in small talk the perfect example of boundary-setting – or just a symptom of Gen Z rudeness?
A few weeks ago I lost my virginity. Sorry, I should clarify, I lost my Gravediggers virginity, and had my first lovely pint in the Dublin institution that is John Kavanagh's pub. They say you never forget your first. The bar does not serve food on a Monday, which means only the smaller side is open. So while I went searching for a seat in what space remained, I came to a conclusion about myself: I'm really bad at small talk.
My boyfriend was joining me but wouldn't arrive for another half hour, so I was holding down the fort alone armed with a book and a Guinness (my dream). However, because I was one girl with a booth to herself, some other pub visitors asked to join my table. 'Asked' in the loosest possible sense, since I quickly realised that it was one of those questions that is more like a statement: their bums were in the seats before they finished the sentence.
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The Irish Sun
30 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
First Gallagher sighting in Ireland as Noel spotted in pub as Oasis fans descend on Dublin for historic Croke Park gigs
OASIS fans have been jetting in from HALF THE WORLD AWAY today ahead of the band's two monster concerts at Croke Park while Noel Gallagher was spotted hanging out at an Irish boozer. The iconic musician made his first public appearance ahead of the historic double gig at GAA HQ by stopping into a pub in Kildare. 8 Noel Gallagher was spotted in Brady's Clockhouse pub in Maynooth 8 It is the first sighting of Noel in Ireland ahead of the band's Croke Park gigs 8 Oasis fans made sure to get their hands on band merch 8 Brothers Sam and Joe Stevenson from Yorkshire are over for the shows The singer-songwriter, 58, was all smiles as he enjoyed some Irish hospitality at Brady's Clockhouse pub in Maynooth. And he ensured to stay hydrated in the Irish heat as he enjoyed a quiet Guinness with pals. But as word got around that Gallagher was in town, crowds gathered outside the venue and Noel left shortly after, waving to supporters as he made his exit. Anticipation for the comeback gigs is electric - and while Some Might Say the cost of tickets was sky-high, fans all agreed it was worth it for the chance to see their favourite band here. Lana Caperton, from Dallas, Texas revealed how she became hooked on the band after seeing the 2016 Oasis documentary Supersonic. Lana told The Irish Sun: 'I loved it but I was so bummed that I would never be able to experience Oasis live. The next thing I hear, Liam and Noel had buried the hatchet and were back together and doing a European tour. I decided I had to buy a ticket straight away.' The determined Texan ended up shelling out €600 for her ticket to Croke Park tomorrow due to dynamic pricing, but bagged a bargain on an Airbnb in the capital. Lana explained: 'When I booked it, the guy who rented it out had no idea about the Oasis concert so could have made a lot more money than I'm paying. 'I feel so lucky because I have never been to Dublin before and I'm really enjoying it. 'The architecture, the old bars, the city and the great weather because people are telling me I brought the good weather with me.' Celtic hero Neil Lennon spotted singing and dancing to Oasis song at Murrayfield gig Swedish fans Tea Graaberg, Klara Varga, Ida Wik and Helda Sedman all ended up in Dublin after they landed near the top of a Ticketmaster queue when the shows first went on sale. Klara said: 'Oasis aren't playing in Sweden so we came to see them in Dublin. 'We were worried they (Liam and Noel) would have another row and they wouldn't make it this far but delighted that they have.' All born in 2005, the four girls believe seeing Oasis live was a 'once in a lifetime thing'. Tea said: 'I don't think this is going to happen again so we wanted to be here to see it.' While they admit tickets to the concerts at Croker are expensive, the canny Swedes say they avoided sky-high prices in Dublin hotels by staying in a hostel and buying grub in supermarkets. Klara admitted: 'The restaurants are very expensive. We're students and we don't have much money but we are loving Dublin.' Zacharias Skold, Alex Wall and Johnny Norrena were also visiting from Sweden, and buying up Oasis merch at the pop-up shop in St Stephen's Green. 8 Noel waved to fans as he left the boozer 8 The stage being constructed ahead of the Croke Park gigs Johnny told us: 'I've been listening to sixties music since I was 13, first The Kinks and The Who, then The Jam, so getting into Oasis was a natural progression and a gateway to all other Britpop music.' While staying in an Airbnb, none of the four felt Dublin was overly expensive. 'FANTASTIC CITY' Alex said: 'We're from Stockholm which can be pretty expensive. The Guinness is cheaper over here and we are really enjoying the architecture of Dublin. It's a fantastic city.' American couple Angelo Santa Lucia and Christy Sickle from Miami, Florida revealed how Dublin had been their 'first choice' to catch Oasis live after they honeymooned here and in Iceland last year. Angelo told us: 'I think we paid $400 for standing tickets. We booked our hotel the same day. Dublin is not expensive compared to Miami!' The couple admitted that Oasis 'reminded them of being young' but the songwriting was timeless. 'PRICEY BUT WORTH IT' Good pals Olivia Gibb and Alex Dean from Philadelphia were also staying in a local Airbnb and looking forward to seeing Oasis for the first time. Alex said: 'I really love the boys. I have Irish ancestors and I've been to Ireland before. Sure Dublin is pricey but it's worth it.' Over at Croke Park, local resident Michael Taft who lives on Foster Terrace close to the Cusack Stand said he was looking forward to the gigs. 'GREAT EVENT' Michael told us: 'I think the Oasis shows are a great event. Just like a match day. Croke Park are very good at cleaning up afterwards. 'For me nothing beats a warm night sitting out in your back garden, listening to great music for free. 'You actually hear it better in my garden because I don't have to listen to people singing along like you do in the stadium.' IRISH TRIBUTE ACT CALLS FOR SETLIST SHUFFLE THE 'Noel Gallagher' of a leading Irish Oasis tribute act has called for the rock 'n' roll stars to do a 'shakermaker' on their setlist for Croke Park this weekend. Ballyfermot man Paul McKeever, who plays lead guitar in Oasis tribute band Live Forever, says his outfit regularly mix up their hits and Oasis should do the same after playing identical setlists at their comeback shows in the UK. Paul told The Irish Sun: 'No mistake, the concerts will be amazing. But if there was one thing I would say to Liam and Noel is switch the songs around. 'You can take your phone out and see what song Oasis are going to play next. We find that if we put Supersonic later in the set, it totally changes the dynamic of the set. 'That keeps it fresh for us. I'm also amazed they're not playing She's Electric in this set and Stop Crying Your Eyes Out as that's one of the biggest songs of the night for us.' With Irish tribute Live Forever playing Whelans tomorrow afternoon from 2pm to 4pm, Paul will be jumping in a cab straight after to see the real Oasis in Croke Park. Paul said: 'I paid €600 for a ticket on the pitch, a lot more money than I was hoping for, but I couldn't not go and see the real Oasis in action. 'It's half a homage, half an Oasis tax which I'm happy to pay. Because Oasis don't use any backing tracks. It's all live. They're the best band in the world.' Meanwhile the band prepared for their Irish homecoming today by playing a blistering soundcheck in the home of the GAA. Diehards near Croker were thrilled when anthem Cigarettes and Alcohol was belted out at 4pm. And band members have been enjoying the sights ahead of their two-night run at Croke Park. Oasis guitarists Paul Arthurs, also known as Bonehead, Gem Archer and drummer Joey Waronker, shared photos on social media of themselves swimming in the sea and hanging out on the beach. In a post on X, Bonehead posted a picture with Joey taking a dip in the Irish Sea, which was captioned 'Yes Dublin'. On Instagram, the musician shared some more photos, including one of the P 8 Oasis fans have come from far and wide for a chance to see the band live
Sunday World
8 hours ago
- Sunday World
See photos as Derry Girls star gets married at stunning Kerry venue
The couple were married at Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare in recent weeks. Derry Girls star Saoirse Monica Jackson pictured in her wedding dress at Kenmare's Dromquinna Manor recently. Derry Girls star Saoirse Monica Jackson enjoying a pint of Guinness at her recent wedding at Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare. Derry Girls star Saoirse Monica Jackson with her now husband, Scottish DJ Hector Barbour. Derry Girls star Saoirse Monica Jackson recently married her long-term boyfriend Scottish DJ Hector Barbour (known professionally as Denis Sulta) at the stunning Kerry hotel that is Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare. The couple enjoyed a fun-filled three days at the venue with guests – of which there were 160 – arriving on the Friday night for a drinks reception and pizza while Saoirse donned what was termed by British Vogue as a 'DJ's bride dress' that she found while shopping at Verona Bridal. Derry Girls star Saoirse Monica Jackson enjoying a pint of Guinness at her recent wedding at Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare. Derry Girls star Saoirse Monica Jackson pictured in her wedding dress at Kenmare's Dromquinna Manor recently. Fellow Derry Girls cast member Jamie-Lee O'Donnell – who played Michelle – was one of Saoirse's bridesmaids on the big day day. The couple were married at Dromquinna Manor in Kenmare in recent weeks. Saoirse, a Derry native who played Erin in the three smash-hit series, was walked down the aisle by her dad to the song 'Dreams' by The Cranberries. Derry Girls star Saoirse Monica Jackson with her now husband, Scottish DJ Hector Barbour. News in 90 Seconds - August 15th
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Best pubs near Croke Park for a pre-show pint before Oasis' Dublin reunion shows
Oasis fans are just days away from the Mancunian Supersonic hitmakers taking to the stage at Croke Park for two massive sold-out shows. As the countdown ticks down, thousands of fans up and down the country, and from abroad, are packing their bucket hats and practising belting out tunes from the top of their voices. Streets are expected to be flooded with Oasis fans of all walks heading to the venue for hours of hits, and public transport most likely at full capacity during the weekend to accommodate all these fans - many will be looking for a spot to grab a drink and a bite to eat close to the show. Thankfully, there is a tonne of amazing bars and gastropubs littered just a few minutes walk to Croke Park, meaning fans who may not know the capital too well will be able to grab a few drinks and walk to Croker with no issues. Here are the top bars and gastropubs near Croke Park: Phil Ryan's Hogan Stand, North Circular Road Dubbed a "Traditional Dublin pub", with a friendly atmosphere, that is "ideal for pints with friends" and most importantly, serves a great pint of Guinness. Phil Ryan's is the perfect spot for a sup before any gig. Located on the North Circular Road, the family-owned pub is just a short 11-minute walk to Croke Park. Gaffney and Son's Pub, Fairview Strand This "family-owned" pub comes "with a lot of history", and a lot of great drinks. A beloved pub, only a short stroll from Croke Park, is one of the top rated pubs close to the stadium, and with reviews praising it as a "great bar" with staff who "know how to make a customer welcome", this place is a must. The Auld Triangle, Dorset Street Lower While this is a small bit more of a stretch to get to, at around 17 minutes to stroll, The Auld Triangle is a fitting place to have a few pints. The traditional Irish pub is always jam packed prior to a gig or match at Croke Park, so aim to get in early if you can. The Auld Triangle pub at the junction of Gardiner and Dorset Street. (Image: Google Maps) Meaghers, Richmond Road Meaghers is near the Davin entrance to Croke Park, around a nine-minute stroll, and the huge pub is a handy spot to stop in for a few sociables. With a large outdoor area and seating inside, the pub caters for any concert-goers hoping for a pint before a show. Fagan's, Lower Drumcondra Road Another top spot less than 20 minutes away from Croker, and with a sheltered smoking area, Fagan's is usually full to the brim with concert-goers. Fagan's is a gastro-pub, so if you were hoping to grab some grub as well as drinks, this is the spot for you. Clonliffe House, Ballybough The Clonliffe House in Ballybough is often used by crowds ahead of a match or show in Croke Park. Called a "great pub with excellent staff" and an "excellent place for a few beers" before a show, Clonliffe House, which is only an eight-minute stroll, may be the perfect place to visit. Tickets for the Oasis reunion sold out across all venues due to huge demand when they went online earlier in the year. However, there are still several options available for fans trying to snag a last-minute spot. Limited last-minute tickets can be bought from the official Ticketmaster resale site, where fans who can no longer go sell their seats, although these tend to go into and out of stock quickly. Elsewhere, resale sites like Viagogo, Vivid Seats, StubHub and Twickets are selling tickets for various dates, although fans should always bear in mind that many official sites, such as Ticketmaster and Live Nation, discourage the purchase of resale Seat Unique has some VIP tickets available offering a host of additional perks alongside access to the gig. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
