Writer Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin: ‘A Finnegans Wake book club ended up being one of the great reading experiences of my life'
Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin is an Irish writer living in Edinburgh. Her stories, essays and articles have appeared in Gutter, The New Statesman, The Millions, Sexualities and other publications. Her debut novel, Ordinary Saints, has just been published by Manilla Press.
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Love Island star who replaced axed Kyle Ashman admits breaking show rules AFTER signing up
Keep scrolling to find out what transpired off screen Love Island star who replaced axed Kyle Ashman admits breaking show rules AFTER signing up Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOVE Island star Conor Phillips has admitted to breaking show rules AFTER signing up to the programme. The Irish rugby player, 25, is entering the villa in the ITV dating show's latest series. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Conor Phillips is hoping to find romance in the Love Island villa Credit: Instagram 4 The rugby pro admitted to breaking a show rule after signing up Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 4 The Irish hunk hails from Limerick Credit: Instagram He replaced the originally announced Kyle Ashman, who was sent packing from Majorca just days ahead of the series launch after it emerged he'd been quizzed by cops over a violent attack that took place in February. Speaking to press, Conor revealed he'd sought advice from past winner Greg O'Shea. Islanders are forbidden from revealing their involvement in the series before entering the villa. Fellow Irish rugby player Greg, 30, won series five alongside Amber Gill. Conor shared: "I know Greg through rugby circles so I spoke to him about going on Love Island. "He just said 'be yourself, it's a really really really cool experience that not many people get. "So enjoy it and yeah take it day by day and if you can be yourself you can't really go too far wrong'. "So that's my plan. He was like 'my advice might be a bit different from others because I won'." He added: "I'm 25 and I've only had one relationship and it wasn't very long. "So I feel like I'm maybe doing something wrong or maybe I'm not in the right places. Love Island Stars Harriett Blackmore and Ronnie Vint Split After Ibiza Getaway "So, hopefully that this is the right place and it should be you know because you're in a lovely villa surrounded by beautiful people, so I'm hoping that this is the one." Kyle has since spoken out about being axed saying: 'I fully co-operated with this police investigation and made it very clear that I had no involvement in this incident. 'I am not a violent person and any suggestion otherwise is a mischaracterisation.' Masked thugs stormed a wake in Stafford and hacked at a dad with a blade in February. Ashman, 23, was one of two quizzed but released with no further action. Sources said the channel was unaware of the incident and he was not flagged as part of contestant checks. The victim, 38, nearly lost his arm. He was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment and kept in for around two weeks. Another mourner was glassed, one struck with a metal pole, and two people run over by a car during the 15 minutes of terror at a social club in Stafford. Ashman, who lives in the town, was one of two men to be nicked on suspicion of affray then bailed. Police confirmed that after the matter had been investigated the pair were released with no further action only last month. A source said: 'This was a horrific attack which could have been even worse. 'Ashman may have signed up to one of the biggest shows on TV with this hanging over his head.' It is not suggested that Ashman, whose job involves laying and repairing water pipes, was involved in the attack.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Inside Iain Stirling's home that's worlds away from Love Island villa
Love Island's Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling lead a relatively private life when it comes to their family, but they have shared some glimpses of their quirky London home Laura Whitmore and Iain Stirling have become one of the UK's most prominent and successful power couples in showbiz since their romance blossomed back in 2017. The Irish presenter Laura, 40, and her Scottish partner Iain, 37, have become household names across Ireland and the UK due to their joint hosting and narrating roles on the popular ITV2 dating show, Love Island. The couple tied the knot in 2020 after three years of dating, and a few short months later, they welcomed their first child together - a daughter named Stevie Rae. Despite both Laura and Iain, who is putting his knowledge to the test of The 1% Club for Soccer Aid, being well-known figures in the public eye, they maintain a relatively private life when it comes to their small family. However, former MTV presenter Laura has given fans and followers a sneak peek into their quirky North London home via social media, much to their delight. Always fashionable, Laura seems to have added several touches of her personal style to the décor of her North London home which she shares with husband Iain. Their stunning property exudes a bright and airy feel, with the stylish couple adding lots of unique designs, funky patterns, and vibrant colours to inject personality into their space. Laura and Iain previously gave a glimpse of their incredible back garden which features their very own pub. Named The Snug, the pub is equipped with a bar, shelves filled with alcohol and glasses, a couple of bar stools and Guinness on tap. The couple have also set up a delightful outdoor seating area on their decking, perfect for those idyllic summer days or when playing host to friends. Back in 2020, Laura gave her followers a sneak peek into their personal pub on Instagram, sharing: "Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came... The Snug EST 2020." During the lockdown, fans got a glimpse of the interior of their main house as Laura and Iain snuggled on their comfy sofa while featuring on Celebrity Gogglebox, giving viewers a peek at their life off-screen. Their opulent L-shaped sofa is ideal for relaxing evenings, complemented by eclectic wall art and a rug that adds a chic bohemian touch to the room. The dining area in Laura and Iain's home exudes a casual yet inviting atmosphere, with trendy low-hanging lights providing a contemporary edge. At the heart of their dining space stands an elegant wooden table, while a charming portrait of Laura's dog Mick adorns the wall, adding a personal touch. Leading from this area is a spacious open-plan kitchen, boasting pristine white cupboards, vintage-inspired tiles, and cheerful sunflowers by the sink, creating a homely vibe. The beloved pair first offered a glimpse inside their new home in 2019, with Iain capturing a moment of Laura across the table as they enjoyed their first meal of fish and chips in their new digs, fondly referred to as "The First Supper."
Edinburgh Live
5 hours ago
- Edinburgh Live
Calls for added Edinburgh ScotRail services to support TRNSMT festival goers
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info ScotRail have been urged to provide extra services for TRSMT after trains were axed following the festival finale last year. The Scottish Greens have called on the public service provider to ensure revellers are able to get home safely from the event. Those in attendance at the Glasgow Green event next month will flock in their thousands from across Scotland, including the capital. This year's three-day music festival will see acts such as 50 Cent, Fontaines D.C., Biffy Clyro and Glasgow DJs Big Miz and Hayley Zalazzi in the lineup, the Daily Record reports. Scottish Greens co-leader and MSP for Patrick Harvie said: "At previous events with such large crowds, the east end of the city becomes totally blocked off for transport and pedestrians, with many waiting hours for taxis or risking walking home in the dark. "People going out to enjoy festivals, gigs and other events around our city deserve to get home safely and having a reliable late night train service can offer that. I strongly urge them to do so. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "If ScotRail were to run additional train services over that weekend, and later into the night, it would provide a safe, cheaper and climate friendly option to get home from TRNSMT for thousands of people." Last year, thousands of revellers were told by transport chiefs there would be no services on the final day of the event. Punters were told by ScotRail it was only running as an emergency service. Ticketholders were told to find an alternative route home. At the time, dozens of concerned parents contacted the Record after it became clear many of their loved ones wouldn't be able to get home from the festival unless they left early. One said: "My son's first festival age 16 and going to miss acts after 8.30 due to trains. So gutted for him." Another added: "Shocking especially when travelling from Edinburgh." Meanwhile, Irish rap group Kneecap were recently axed from the line up of the music festival amid safety fears. The trio made up of Liam Og O Hannaigh (Mo Chara), JJ O Dochartaigh (aDJ Provai) and Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap), are no longer set to play Glasgow Green on Friday, July 11 due to concerns over the safety of the event. Police Scotland had previously said the performance at Glasgow Green in July would require "a significant policing operation". The decision came after a member of the Irish language group being charged with a terror offence after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Kneecap were also criticised over 2023 gig footage that appeared to show a band member saying: "The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP." The band posted a statement on X and said: "Due to concerns expressed by the Police about safety at the event, Kneecap can no longer perform at TRNSMT." The Record approached ScotRail for comment.
