Oliver Callan: Apart from the poverty, Mafia and dodgy drivers, Italy is very close to perfection
Irish holidaymakers are easily swayed by the beauty and prices of the continent
Irish holidaymakers know that the greatest country in the world is always the last one you've been to. You'd swear we only ever travel just so we can talk about it when we get home.
Put a lad on the continent for a fortnight and cue the exaggerated reports of how much cheaper, better and more efficient everything is out yonder. Italy, however, is veering close to perfection. Well, aside from all the auld poverty and corruption, the searing July-August heat, the Mafia, the far right and those hoors of drivers. Still, you'd nearly accept a bit of fascism for those juicy tomatoes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
20 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Rugby-Form favours Chiefs, history Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific final
* Chiefs have lost last two finals, seeking redemption * Crusaders boast 31-0 home playoff record * Crusaders recall prop Williams for crucial forward battle June 19 - Damian McKenzie and the Waikato Chiefs are hoping it will be third time lucky when they face off against the mighty Canterbury Crusaders in another all-New Zealand Super Rugby Pacific final in Christchurch on Saturday. The All Blacks flyhalf has been on fire leading an explosive backline behind a rugged pack this year as the Chiefs set the pace in the competition and made the title decider for the third straight season. The last two finals, however, ended in the bitterness of defeat in 2023 to the Crusaders and last year to the Auckland Blues to leave this generation of Chiefs without a title to add to the two won by Dave Rennie's team in 2012 and 2013. Clayton "Donk" McMillan has been the architect of the Hamilton-based franchise's success since the end of the COVID pandemic but he will take charge for the last time on Saturday before heading off to Irish province Munster. "We've got a lot to play for and a lot of motivation," McKenzie said this week. "Do it for Donk. Do it for the region. Do it for our fans and our families. We've been disappointed in the last few years where we haven't quite been able to to win a final." The Chiefs should have plenty of support in the sell-out crowd at Christchurch Stadium even if the cowbells their fans have traditionally rung are banned on health and safety grounds. That might not play too much on their minds but they will have to contend with the Crusaders' imposing home form in Super Rugby playoff matches over the last three decades, 31 wins and zero losses. The Chiefs have won five of their last seven Super Rugby matches against the Crusaders, including both home and away this season, and McMillan is banking on form trumping history. "We don't have any fear about going down to Christchurch and playing the Crusaders," he said. "We're one team that has had our fair share of success down there, but we know it's not going to be easy." MAGIC OCCASION While the Chiefs are unchanged from the semi-finals, the Crusaders have been able to recall prop Tamaiti Williams to their all-test front row for what will be a hugely important battle of the forward packs. Both teams boast high quality backlines as well as strong defences, so McKenzie's almost unerring place-kicking from anywhere in the opposition half could end up deciding which of New Zealand's two major islands the trophy ends up on. The Crusaders have won 12 titles, 14 if the regional Super Rugby competitions during the COVID era are counted, but missed the playoffs last year in coach Rob Penney's first season in charge. The return of world-class fullback Will Jordan and a smattering of other top players sparked their run to the final this year and over the playoffs they have looked like the tough, unrelenting red machine of years past. Saturday's match looks likely to be their last at the stadium they have called a temporary home for the 14 years since the 2011 earthquake wrecked Lancaster Park with the new indoor Te Kaha arena close to completion. "We've got a group capable of winning," Penney said. "This is a one-off occasion. We're at home in front of our people. Last time we're at the stadium and it's just going to be such a magic occasion."
RTÉ News
26 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
Shiv returns as The Dry films final season in Dublin
Filming has begun in Dublin on the third and final series of The Dry, the award-winning Irish comedy drama created by BAFTA-nominated playwright Nancy Harris and directed by Paddy Breathnach. Produced by Element Pictures for RTÉ and ITVX, the final 8-part series will once again follow Róisín Gallagher's character Shiv Sheridan, a recovering alcoholic navigating life and sobriety within her dysfunctional family. Shiv was last seen choosing herself over a faltering romance, as her ex-boyfriend departed for Melbourne alone. In the new series, she meets Daryl, a charismatic but unsettling Australian (played by Rick Donald), who unexpectedly reappears in her life at a recovery meeting. Returning cast members include Siobhán Cullen as Caroline, Adam Richardson as Ant, Oscar nominee Ciarán Hinds as Tom, Pom Boyd as Bernie, Moe Dunford as Jack, and Eoin Duffy as Rory. The final chapter promises a deeper dive into the lives of the Sheridans, as a long-buried family secret surfaces and triggers a fresh wave of emotional reckoning. As the family struggles to move forward, Shiv is forced to confront the possibility that the real problem may not be alcohol, past lovers, or her family, but herself. Speaking about the final season, writer Nancy Harris said: "It has been a true joy to see audiences embrace the Sheridan family in all their dysfunctional glory. The third and final season aims to go deeper than ever before… both surprising, funny and (painfully) honest." RTÉ's Director of Acquisitions & Co-Productions, Dermot Horan, said the broadcaster was "delighted" to return to the Sheridans' world. "Nancy Harris' scripts are at times funny and at times tragic - and that is why we all feel we can relate to these memorable characters." ITV's Head of Scripted Comedy, Nana Hughes, praised the show's blend of humour and emotion, saying: "Nancy's award-winning writing delivers more of the chaotic mess that is the Sheridan family. I can't wait to see what Paddy and the cast bring to the finale." Executive Producer Emma Norton of Element Pictures added that the team was "thrilled" to be filming the final series, promising "an extraordinary cast" and some "very fun new faces".
The Irish Sun
37 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Watch brutal moment Love Island star turns on girl he's coupled up with after she snogs another Islander
THE Love Island stars played a brutal game of beer pong in last night's episode - with one Islander turning on the girl he's coupled up with. During the game, Love Island bombshell Advertisement 3 The Islanders played beer pong in last night's episode Credit: ITV 3 Shea was asked to pick the person he thinks is playing the biggest game Credit: ITV 3 His co-stars were stunned when he picked Yasmin, who he is coupled up with Credit: ITV But it got even more awkward when Shea was tasked with shaking the hand of the Islander he believes is playing the biggest game. His co-stars were stunned when he reached across to shake Yasmin's hand and added: 'Maybe she's put it on me to try and stay in the villa. 'I'm not sure, we'll have to see how that goes.' Yasmin didn't deny Shea's shock claim and simply replied: 'Fair enough.' Advertisement More on Love Island Earlier this week Yasmin made a shock proposal when Meg Moore - who is coupled up with Dejon - She said: "Wait, how can you still be happy in your couple if you're snogging everyone but the man you're coupled up with?' Yasmin fired back: 'It's just a game,' to which Meg responded: 'But you're saying you're happy in your couple." Advertisement Most read in Love Island Also during the game, Meg branded Yasmin and Shea the most "mismatched couple". She said: "For the pure fact Yasmin's trying to do threesomes with the person I'm coupled up with." Love Island bombshell Yasmin slammed as 'game-player' as she throws villa into chaos by snogging Harry AND Dejon before row with the girls But Yasmin later brushed it off as she reflected on the game in the beach hut. She said: "I think Meg definitely wanted to get me back with that. Advertisement "But at the end of the day, people in glass houses shouldn't throw f****** stones." Love Island 2025 full lineup : A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare. : A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. : A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. : International business graduate with brains and ambition. : A gym enthusiast with a big heart. : A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. : An Irish actress already drawing comparisons to Maura Higgins. : A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. : A towering 6'5' personal trainer. : A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro. : Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress. : Beauty salon owner from Devon who runs 12 aesthetics clinics, boasting a famous clientele including former Love Islanders. : The 24-year-old bombshell hails from London and works as a commercial banking executive. : A teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, who entered Love Island 2025 as a bombshell . : Works as a scaffolder day-to-day and plays semi-pro football on the side. : Pro footballer and model entering Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Departures : : Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. : A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. : A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa.
