Latest news with #ArklowBayHotel
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Nadine Lott's mum humbled by fashion show held in murdered Wicklow woman's memory
'overwhelmed' | The event raised an incredible €15,000 for victim support group AdVIC Following Nadine's murder at her home in December 2019, Claire Lott and her daughter Phoebe were intent on celebrating her life, arriving at the idea of a fashion show to mark the fifth anniversary of her death in a nod to her love of fashion, effortless style and her many appearances on local catwalks. Dervla Bergin at the Remembering Nadine Fashion Show in aid of AdVIC in the Arklow Bay Hotel. Photo: Michael Kelly Spearheaded by the Lotts and a core team of close-knit ladies, the event received a massive outpouring of support from her hometown Arklow community, surrounding areas and further afield, with businesses and boutiques on both sides of the Wicklow-Wexford border helping support The Nadine Lott Trust and AdVIC, which brings together families bereaved by homicide, offering free professional counselling, peer support, practical information, legal assistance, and advocating for greater rights for victims of homicide. Held over two nights at the Arklow Bay Hotel, where a runway was erected in the middle of the ballroom, the event was an unbridled success, with over 1,000 people attending the fashion show over two magical nights. Praising the organising team and all those who donated and volunteered their time, Claire thanked the Arklow community for their unwavering support since Nadine's passing, before explaining that, on the back of last year's success, the fashion show would return this November. Kyle, Claire, Tanith, Pheobe and David Lott at the Remembering Nadine Fashion Show in aid of AdVIC in the Arklow Bay Hotel. Photo: Michael Kelly 'I wanted to do something to mark Nadine's fifth anniversary away from her cherished daughter Kya and us, her loving family,' she said. 'For us, the most fitting tribute for Nadine is anything that involves beauty, fashion, and her love of bringing people together, so the fashion show was just the obvious fit. 'I couldn't believe how successful it was, and the response and the support were phenomenal. I had a core committee that was made up of a very small group of unbelievable ladies to support me: Phoebe, Tanith, Tracey, Charlotte, Martina, and Kelly. I cannot extend enough thanks to them – they really were run ragged, but their commitment was unwavering to the very end! 'We couldn't have done the fashion show without the support of all the sponsors and volunteers who also stepped up, before, during and after the event, and the Arklow community especially – I was just so humbled by it,' she continued. 'The community of Arklow is something that I'm very passionate about, because people within our community were so supportive of us in so many ways, following Nadine's brutal attack, during those harrowing couple of days that Nadine was in hospital, up to her passing. Afterwards, they gave us the space we needed and let us grieve. 'Arklow has been amazing, and I really think the fashion show is a recognition and reflection of how amazing the community is, and the great things we can achieve when we come together. The support we have got from them has ensured that the legacy Nadine leaves will reach far, far beyond her death. 'We went into the fashion show fully thinking it would be a one-off fundraiser, but on the back of last year's success, we're going to host the fashion show again, and we're pencilled in for November 14 and 15. 'I just wanted the night to be a success and honestly thought we were going to have a much harder slog hosting the show, but with so much support and the tremendous success, we felt we had to do it again this year. 'We are working hard behind the scenes. These things don't happen in a couple of weeks, and there are so many aspects to it, not just the runway. The girls are already trying to pull everything together, and if we can replicate the success from last year, we'll all be delighted.' Members of the Studio 55 Dance Academy at the Remembering Nadine Fashion Show in aid of AdVIC in the Arklow Bay Hotel. Photo: Michael Kelly Having become a member of AdVIC and benefited from its counselling services and peer support in the aftermath of Nadine's passing, Claire was filled with an immense sense of pride when she presented the €15,000 donation to the charity, which she said goes above and beyond for families going through the trauma of losing a loved one to homicide. 'Due to the phenomenal success of the fashion show, we could support AdVIC with the €15,000 donation,' she said. 'I only became involved in AdVIC because of my beautiful Nadine, and they were so supportive of our family, providing a lot of support in the days and months after Nadine's passing. 'They provide a lot of support and counselling to families affected by homicide who find themselves in similar situations, and remain to be in. As well as that, they do a lot of work behind the scenes around advocating for changes in legislation. 'I announced the total sum raised through the fashion show at one of our meetings in Dublin, and they were blown away. Totally overwhelmed. 'It was a pleasure to raise funds on their behalf and help support the vital services they provide for families.' Charlotte Dowling, Claire and Pheobe Lott present a cheque to Joan Deane of AdVIC (Advocates for victims of homicide) raised from the 'Remembering Nadine' Fashion Show in the Arklow Bay Hotel last November. Photo: Michael Kelly ui
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Late Arklow woman Breda Smyth was a generous soul who ‘never feared a challenge'
A native of Rathdowney, County Laois, Breda studied at the College of Hotel Cookery Dublin from 1961 to 1963, before moving to Arklow to join the team at the Arklow Bay Hotel. As many may recall, Arklow had a vibrant social scene back then, during the showband era, with Brendan Bowyer, the Ormonde Hall, and the Entertainment Centre, and it was at the latter that Breda was first introduced to a young chap from County Meath named Peter, and it was love at first sight. Married in 1970, the couple set down roots on Emoclew Road, where Breda made it their home. Together, they knitted themselves into the fabric of the community, with Breda channelling her time and energy into a myriad of local causes. From her work with the Arklow CBS board of management and the school's parents council fundraising committee, to the Fr. Murphy Athletic Club, Arklow Meals on Wheels, Minster of the Eucharist, Arklow Music Festival or the Parish Bingo, Breda never feared a challenge, and her support was always delivered with a warm smile. Aside from her community work, family was so important and meant everything to Breda. She never forgot her Laois roots, returning regularly to visit brothers, nieces and nephews and always there to help where she could. Breda was a devoted mother to her three sons, Damien, Paul and Killian and grandmother to her five grandchildren (a role she embraced), Jodie, Lexi, Billy, Lauren and Eve, whom she adored. Birthday cakes became works of art, almost too good to eat, with Breda revelling in their sporting, artistic, or musical successes. 'When sickness took its grip and our family began to collapse with heartache, it was Breda who gently reminded us of our inner strength and faith,' a family member said. 'She never complained, she never blamed, she was at peace, and a big thank you to Breda's dear friend Fr. Martin Cosgrove, who was instrumental at that most difficult time.' Breda Smyth of Clon-Kiel, Emoclew Road, Arklow, died on February 14. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Peter, her sons Damien, Paul and Killian, her daughters-in-law Linda, Tanya and Lisa, her grandchildren Jodie, Lexi, Billy, Lauren and Eve, the extended Doherty and Smyth families, neighbours and friends.
Irish Independent
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Member of Wicklow writers' group gains national recognition in RTÉ competition
Selected from hundreds of submissions to feature on the show, which aims to bring bold, new voices to a wide radio audience, Jillian's self-narrated piece explores the theme of digital identity and twin technology. An author and journalist, Jillian joined the Arklow Writers Group in 2024 shortly after moving to the town. The group, which meets regularly at Arklow Library under the guidance of local literary legend Noline Foley, has become a vital space for creativity, encouragement, and shared craft. 'I will be thrilled to hear my story on the radio,' Jillian said. 'But honestly, it wouldn't have existed without the support and inspiration of the Arklow Writers Group. There is something really powerful about writing alongside others who are also pouring their hearts into their work.' The Arklow Writers Group has grown into a vibrant community of emerging and established writers, currently preparing to publish their second anthology of fiction, stories, and poetry this summer. The collection is sponsored by the Arklow Bay Hotel, Hudson Concrete and the Arklow Library and reflects the range and talent of writers living in and around the town. 'Our aim has always been to support local writers in finding their voice and reaching wider audiences,' said Noline, who has been leader of the group since its formation. 'Jillian's recognition by RTÉ is a proud moment for all of us. It shows that talent nurtured at a local level can truly shine nationally.' For a group rooted in a small coastal town, the Arklow Writers Group continues to punch well above its weight, nurturing talent and giving voice to a growing literary scene in Wicklow and beyond. With new national recognition and another publication on the way, their momentum shows no sign of slowing. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more In addition to publishing anthologies together, many of the Arklow Writers Group have enjoyed individual successes. Mary Dillon has published two books, with David Kenny recently winning a prize at the Carlow College Student Literary Awards. He has had work published in various journals and is also working on a novella, a short story collection, and a poetry pamphlet. Peter Pienaar has written four books and is busy with two novellas, while Pete Malone has no less than three books in progress, and Elaine Byrne has written one children's book and plans a further trilogy. Miriam Murphy enjoys short stories and splendid titles, including 'Broken Crayons still colour', while Jillian has self-published several books, and her most recent novella is being published by Noline is the recipient of Irish Writers Centre mentorship and was shortlisted for the Irish Times short story competition, as well as being the six-word story queen in the Independent.
