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Irish Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
The best outfits and looks from Galway Races Ladies Day throughout the years
Widely known as 'Ladies Day', Thursday of the Galway Races has become just as famous for its fashion as it has for its racing. 'Ladies Day' has typically been the most eagerly anticipated of the Festival's events, with the opportunity for race-goers to socialise and show off their style. The annual event always delivers some incredible looks and outfits as attendees dress to the nines in an effort to land the coveted title and cash prize. As one of the biggest events in the Irish racing calendar, it's a must-attend for both racing enthusiasts and fashion aficionados. Throughout the years, Ballybrit has hosted some exquisite and daring fashion choices as punters show off their style at the world-famous racecourse. With the 2025 Ladies Day set to take place this Thursday, we take a look back at some of the best outfits to grace Ballybrit over the years, from gravity-defying headpieces to stunning sartorial choices. Check out our picture gallery below to sample of some of the best outfits which have been on show at the Galway Races in recent years. Davinia Knight from Co Laois 1 of 25 Eva Hayes Morrissey from County Limerick (Image: Andrew Downes, xposure) 2 of 25 Caitriona King from Corofin, Galway 3 of 25 Laura O'Hanlon from Roscommon 4 of 25 Rudrani Pramanik from Dooradoyle, Limerick 5 of 25
Irish Times
4 days ago
- General
- Irish Times
Why do we hoard? My mother's death made me think again about possessions
When my mother died last year, it fell to me to clear out her home in Co Laois . Sorting through her cherished hats and costume jewellery, I came to question why we hold on to so much stuff. At some point in most of our lives, we will be faced with the job of arranging what to do with the belongings of a deceased family member. It's an unenviable task, both emotionally and physically exhausting. When you speak to those who have already been through the process, they will offer sympathetic words and advise you to be ruthless. Yet, as you sort through the loved one's things, it's hard not to be drawn into what's left behind as part of an archival search for meaning. In the early months following my mother's death, I had dealt with drawers and wardrobes full of clothes, dutifully doling out special items to those who wanted them and giving rails full of clothing to a local charity sale. But soon I came across match boxes full of carefully collected sets of buttons and biscuit tins filled with old keys, tiny locks, nails, screws and, yes, more buttons, belt buckles and clasps of all sorts. It felt like I was back in the 1950s. READ MORE The generation of people born in the 1920s and 1930s grew up at a time of scarcity, in the aftermath of Ireland's revolutionary period. They went on to live with severe rationing during the second World War and after it. I remember reading once how in the early 1940s, many of the iron railings in England were removed and melted down for scrap metal to produce munitions. These more ornate outdoor railings were often replaced with old metal bed frames. Such reuse was the modus operandi of people living through wars – who learned never to throw anything out that might have another use. In more recent times of plenty, this strong sense of frugality has been replaced by an overzealous consumer culture, which has little concern for where things end up once they are discarded. As a result, when you are sorting out things from the past, you quickly realise that there are very few channels through which to pass on items meticulously stored away for some possible future use. And yet, I find myself carefully going through all this stuff in my mother's home out of respect for those who kept it. And I am unwilling to pile it all into black domestic waste bags – or, worse again, throw everything into a skip. It's a bit like panning for gold – most of what I find doesn't seem to have much value at all. So where should it all go? For example, keeping so many pens – even those once cherished Parker pens with replaceable ink cartridges – seems anachronistic in an era where branded pens are chucked out once their ink runs out. Costume jewellery belonging to Sylvia Thompson's late mother. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw A carved wooden plate belonging to Sylvia Thompson's late mother. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw On a brighter note, I have found a home for those hundreds of buttons of all shapes and sizes. They have gone to a dressmaker/designer who, hopefully, will create some new costumes where lots of buttons will become a feature rather than a functional part of a garment. I also found a local amateur dramatic society willing to take a selection of hats that my mother wore with pride. Anyone born in the early part of the last century will also remember the fashion for costume jewellery – beautiful delicate broaches with sprays of flowers, or abstract patterns with semi-precious stones embedded into their design. Or long necklaces with coloured beads of every hue you could consider. These flamboyant and inexpensive jewellery items added a touch of elegance to a dress worn to a dance. But, nowadays, few bother with such accessories. So, some of these boxes will again be stored away as they await an event to share them with the next generation, some of whom may be interested in vintage jewellery. I will also store away selected chinaware, Waterford crystal glasses and collections of brass ornaments in the hope that someone will be charmed by them in the future. In addition, I will personally cherish a carved wooden plate with an embedded musical box that played a tune as it turned on its pedestal. This was used for home-made birthday cakes when we were children. But, back to the question at the heart of this redistribution. Why do people hoard such an amount of things in the first place? Is it to remember a time when they were more energised by life? Is it for fear of losing some of their identity as they age? Or, more prosaically, is a reluctance to clear the clutter from the past and live more fully in the present just a form of laziness? Some mental health experts say that stressful experiences are often the reason for holding on to things that are no longer of use. That stress might be following a death, a divorce or another loss. Those who are socially isolated sometimes hoard more things too. The Buddhist philosophy – and, indeed, the Christian message – of not putting excess value on material possessions encourages us to live with what we need and no more. If our society functioned in a way that everything had a reuse value – that one person's trash was another person's treasure – would this help those to let go of the things they have kept but no longer need? When war or climate catastrophe forces people to leave home abruptly, they have no choice but to separate themselves from their belongings. Would your life be any different without them? Would you feel lighter and more able to focus on the present moment instead? Or would you just start collecting all over again?
Irish Times
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Forest Fest 2025: Daily line-ups, stage times, ticket information, weather and more
Forest Fest , a boutique independent music and arts festival, returns to the village of Emo in Co Laois this weekend for its third year. The event was established in 2022 by solicitor and indie-rock fan, Philip Meagher, when he envisaged a festival primarily targeted towards a more mature audience. The three-day festival has several music stages, a funfair with rides for all ages, circus shows, workshops, various art installations and a host of street entertainers. With about 20,000 people expected to attend the festival, a bit of planning can do no harm. Here is everything you need to know. READ MORE When and where is it on? The festival runs from Friday to Sunday in the village of Emo, Co Laois. Early entry for campers is available on Thursday. Are there any tickets left? At the time of writing, whole weekend, individual day admissions and camping tickets were still available. These can be purchased through the Forest Fest website . Buy tickets from accredited sources only and add yours to your phone's wallet before you leave home to keep it handy. Who is performing and when? Festivalgoers are spoiled for choice with a variety of acts scheduled to perform over the weekend. Headliners for this year include Franz Ferdinand , Manic Street Preachers , Orbital and The Stranglers . A host of Irish music acts are lined up across the other stages, including Pillow Queens , Ryan Sheridan, Dylan Flynn & The Dead Poets and Motionsickness. A number of tribute bands will feature too if you fancy a sing-a-long, with Live Forever Oasis, Qween, Daft Punk Tribute and The Complete Stone Roses all set to play. Check out the full line-up below. Friday, July 25th Franz Ferdinand's angular guitar music still wows crowds Main Stage Something Happens – 5pm-6pm Tom Meighan – 6.40pm-7.40pm Franz Ferdinand – 8.20pm-9.50pm The Dandy Warhols – 10.30pm-11.30pm Live Forever Oasis – midnight-1am The Village Stage Harvest – 5.30pm-6.30pm Cry Before Dawn – 7pm-8pm The 4 of Us – 8.30pm-9.30pm The Farm – 10pm-11pm Alabama 3 – 11.30pm-12.45am Daft Punk Tribute – 1am-2am The Perfect Day Stage The Jury – 4.40pm-5.25pm Shark School – 5.45pm-6.30pm The Jobseekerz – 6.50pm-7.35pm Intercom Heights – 7.55pm-8.40pm Seattle Grunge Experience – 9pm-9.45pm The Luna Boys – 10.05pm-10.50pm Risky Business – 11.10pm-11.55pm The Deadlians – 12.15am-1am Thin As Lizzy – 01.15am-2am Fleadh Stage Madra Salach – 4.20pm-5pm Meadhbh Hayes – 5.20pm-6pm Alltacht – 6.20pm-7.10pm CUA – 7.30pm-8.20pm Laura Jo – 8.40pm-9.30pm Moxie – 9.50pm-10.40pm Stocktons Wing – 11pm-midnight Ibiza Stage Lauren (Saxophone) – 4pm-2am Danny Kay Ibiza – 4pm-5pm Alan Professor – 5pm-6pm Gee Moore – 6pm-8pm Terry Farley – 8pm-10pm X-EXPRESS-2 – 10pm-midnight Gee Moore – midnight-2am Saturday, July 26th Sean Moore, Nicky Wire and James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers. Photograph: Alex Lake Main Stage Thumper – 12.40pm-1.40pm Aoife Destruction & The Nilz – 2.20pm-2.50pm Therapy? – 3.20pm-4.20pm Peter Hook & The Light – 5pm-6pm The Stranglers – 6.40pm-7.40pm Kula Shaker – 8.20pm-9.20pm Manic Street Preachers – 10pm-11.30pm Orbital – 12.15am-1.45am The Village Stage Dylan Flynn and The Dead Poets – 12.15pm-1pm The Coathanger Solution – 1.20pm-2.05pm These Charming Men – 2.30pm-3.30pm Dirty Blonde – 4pm-5pm Coach Party – 5.30pm-6.30pm Pillow Queens – 7pm-8pm Kerbdog – 8.30pm-9.30pm Reef – 10pm-11pm Teenage Fanclub – 11.30pm-12.40am The Riptide Movement – 1am-2am The Perfect Day Stage Houston Death Ray – 12.20pm-1.05pm Southern Freud – 1.25pm-2.10pm The Magic Mod – 2.30pm-3pm Kiera Dignam – 3.20pm-4.05pm Dopamine – 4.25pm-5.05pm Fake Friends – 5.25pm-6.05pm The Classic Beatles – 6.25pm-7.25pm Apollo Junction – 7.45pm-8.25pm The Manatees – 8.45pm-9.30pm Dutch Criminal Record – 9.50pm-10.35pm Post-Party – 10.55pm-11.40pm Walk The Line – midnight-1.30am Fleadh Stage Music Generation Laois Trad Orchestra – noon-12.45pm Chris Comhaill – 1.15pm-2pm Cormac Looby – 2.15pm-3pm The Oars – 3.15pm-4pm Kevin Coniff and The Dublin Trio – 4.15pm-5pm Buille – 5.15pm-6pm Eric De Buitléir – 6.15pm-7pm Mary Coughlan – 7.30pm-8.30pm The Sharon Shannon Trio – 9pm-10pm Beoga – 10.30pm-11.30pm KAN – midnight-1am VIP Stage The Magic Mud – 7pm-7.30pm The Legendary Drama Kings – 7.45pm-8.30pm Ibiza Stage Lauren (Saxophone) – noon-2am David H (Percussion) – noon-2am Danny Kay Ibiza – noon-1pm Nick Coles (Live Keys Hybrid Set) – 1pm-2pm Alan Prosser (12 Inch Thumpers) – 2pm-3pm Gee Moore – 3pm-5pm Mr C – 5pm-7pm Gee Moore – 7pm-9pm Jam El Mar (Jar and Spoon Classics) – 9pm-11pm DJ Pippi – 11pm-1am Gee Moore – 1am-2am Sunday, July 27th Main Stage Travis. Photograph: Steve Gullick Rattle and Hum – noon-1pm Nick Lowe – 1.30pm-2.30pm Bad Manners – 3.10pm-4.10pm Jack L – 4.50pm-5.50pm Tony Hadley – 6.30pm-7.50pm Travis – 8.30pm-10pm Qween – 11pm-midnight The Village Stage Ryan Sheridan – 12.15pm-1.05pm Paddy Casey – 1.35pm-2.25pm B–ngo Loco – 2.55pm-4.25pm Andrew Strong – 4.55pm-5.45pm Robert Finley – 6.15pm-7.15pm Hermitage Green – 7.45pm-8.45pm Billy Bragg – 9.15pm-10.30pm The Magic Numbers – 11pm-midnight The Perfect Day Stage MOA – 12.15pm-12.45pm Fizzy Orange – 1.05pm-1.45pm Thanks Mom – 2.05pm-2.45pm Strength in Numbers – 3.05pm-3.45pm Basht – 4.05pm-4.45pm Glasshouse Performs: The Velvet Underground – 5.05pm-5.50pm The Youth Play – 6.10pm-6.55pm Motionsickness – 7.15pm-8pm Pogueology – 8.20pm-9.05pm Grooveline – 9.25pm-10.10pm Sack – 10.30pm-11.20pm The Drive – 11.40pm-12.20am Fleadh Stage Set Dancing W Maureen Culleton & Irish Dancing from Scoil Rince Ni Anglais – noon-12.40pm Eva Coyle and Band – 1pm-2pm Sean Lyons and Eva Carroll – 2.30pm-3.15pm Frankie Gavin and De Dannan – 3.45pm-4.45pm Buioch – 5pm-5.45pm Niall McCabe – 6pm-7pm Freddie White – 7.30pm-8.30pm Hunger of the Skin: Brian Finnegan – 9pm-10pm The Complete Stone Roses – 10.20pm-11.30pm Ibiza Stage David H (Percussion) – noon-midnight Danny Kay Ibiza – noon-1pm Alan Prosser (12 Inch Thumpers) – 1pm-3pm DJ Sean – 3pm-3.40pm Nick Coles (Live Keys Hybrid Set) – 3.40pm-4.40pm Lange and The Morrighan – 4.40pm-6pm Gee Moore – 6pm-7pm Mr C (The Shamen) DJ Set and Live PA with David H – 7pm-10pm Gee Moore – 10pm-midnight What else is there to see and do? Apart from live music, Forest Fest has a variety of experiences on offer. Festivalgoers will have access to a drop-in circus workshop for children, a replica archeological dig site, food vendors offering cuisines from around the world, stands selling crafted goods and other items and shows by street performers. There will also be art installations from global artists. What time should I arrive? Early access for those camping and glamping will open on Thursday at 2pm. General camping opens at noon on Friday. For Friday day ticket holders the gates will open at 4pm. For Saturday and Sunday ticket holders the gates will open at noon. The festival arena will remain open until 1am each night. How do I get there? As with many festivals held in remote rural locations, it takes some planning to get there. By bus: Day return buses to Forest Fest will run from Dublin, Tullamore (via Geashill), Mountmellick/Portarlington, Kilkenny (via Carlow, Athy and Stradbally), Portlaoise and Cashel (via Horse and Jockey, Thurles, Urlingford, Cullahill, Durrow, Abbeyleix). You can buy a ticket on any of these day return buses from Forest Fest's website . By car: Forest Fest is easily accessible by car as it is only 5km away from the M7. Take Exit 15 and then follow signs for Emo and Mountmellick. There will be a free car park for all patrons of the festival. The walk from the car park to the venue is approximately 15-20 minutes. The organisers have said that there will be a shuttle bus from the car park to the venue available for patrons with mobility or accessibility needs. By train: There are regular hourly train services to Portlaoise and Portarlington railway stations and the festival will be served by local taxi and shuttle bus services. What if I'm camping? Unlike other festivals there does not seem to be an option to rent or buy your camping gear for the weekend, so it is best to come prepared. If you fancy paying more for accommodation you can book to glamp instead of camp and sleep in one of their pre-pitched tents. You can book them here . Toilets are dotted around the festival grounds and the campsite has a number of hot shower blocks. There will also be a designated concrete cooking area at the top of the campsite. This is the only area where stoves are permitted and the festival has a total ban on disposable barbecues. There will be a regular shuttle bus service for all campers to and from the campsite to the festival gate and all general amenities. What's security like? Forest Fest is open to people of all ages and all bags, cars and items are subject to search upon entry. There will be 24/7 security at the festival arena and campsite. Strictly no liquids are allowed into the festival arena, alcohol and other liquids will be confiscated or disposed of at the gate. The organisers have a list online of all items that will be confiscated if found and have said that gardaí will be notified about any illegal items and you may be removed from the festival as a result. Anything else? There will be spaces available to store medications which require refrigeration and there will also be free drinking water available on site, so make sure to bring a reusable bottle There will be phone charging points around the festival site and in the Glamping and VIP areas. How is the weather looking? It is forecast to be a cloudy start to Friday with scattered showers. As the day goes on these showers are expected to become more isolated with sunny spells developing. Highest temperatures of 16-20 degrees with moderate, occasionally fresh, westerly winds. There will be a good deal of dry weather on Saturday with sunny spells and showers. There is a chance of more persistent rain on Sunday, Met Éireann has said.
BreakingNews.ie
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- BreakingNews.ie
All aboard for family fun: National Steam Rally rolls into Stradbally this August bank holiday weekend
There are few sights more stirring than a majestic steam engine rolling through the countryside – and few places capture that nostalgic magic quite like the National Steam Rally, now in its incredible 61st year. Set against the charming backdrop of Stradbally, Co Laois, this much-loved event returns over the August Bank Holiday Weekend, promising a vibrant mix of vintage heritage, music, family fun and community spirit. Advertisement Taking place on Sunday, August 3rd and Monday, August 4th, the rally draws thousands of visitors annually. It is proudly organised by the Irish Steam Preservation Society, a dedicated group of volunteers who keep the spirit of steam alive year after year. This year's rally is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, packed with displays, demonstrations and attractions to suit all ages. Whether you're a vintage vehicle enthusiast, a music lover, or simply in search of a great day out with the kids, the 61st National Steam Rally has something for everyone. Advertisement This year's country music stage line-up includes Michael English, Brendan Shine and more, with a full dance floor all weekend A heritage showcase like no other One of the biggest draws of the rally has always been the awe-inspiring display of full-size and miniature steam engines, all lovingly maintained and brought to life by collectors from across Ireland and beyond. From chuffing giants of the industrial age to beautifully crafted scale models, these engines offer a glimpse into the golden era of steam. This year, a special focus will shine on a gathering of International tractors – an unmissable feature for fans of vintage agricultural machinery. From International Harvester classics to rare McCormick and Farmall models, this display celebrates the legacy of one of farming's most iconic names. Advertisement The rally will also feature a Heritage Village, blacksmith display, vintage cars, motorcycles, trucks, commercial vehicles, stationary engines and oil engines, alongside traditional farm equipment in action – a true living history experience. For those seeking a new perspective, helicopter rides will be available on both Saturday and Sunday, offering stunning aerial views of the rally and the picturesque Stradbally countryside. The Steam and Vintage Parade will take place on Saturday, August 2nd, from 7pm Music to your ears It wouldn't be the National Steam Rally without a lively soundtrack – and 2025's country music line-up is nothing short of spectacular. This year's performers include: Advertisement • Michael English • Robert Mizzell • Brendan Shine • Declan Nerney • Louise Morrissey • Olivia Douglas • Shawn Cuddy • Jack Keogh • Gavin Gribben • The Ennis Brothers • Stacey Breen • Alistair Fingleton • The Allstar Big Band • The Auld Brigade This exceptional line-up is sure to keep the stage area and dance floor buzzing all weekend long. Calling all vintage tractor owners to join a special gathering at this year's event A full weekend of attractions Beyond the engines and entertainment, the rally offers a wealth of hands-on experiences, demonstrations, and family-friendly fun. Young visitors will love the funfair, engaging activities, and the chance to experience the sights and sounds of a bygone era in a safe and welcoming environment. Meanwhile, the ever-popular Craft Village will be packed with artisan vendors offering handmade goods, unique gifts and traditional products – perfect for a browse between the day's events. Advertisement The bustling Trade Stand Area brings together everything from vintage parts and tools to toys, books, clothing and local artisan products. And don't miss your chance to hop aboard the Stradbally Woodland Railway, which will be running throughout the weekend. This charming narrow-gauge railway winds through the forest beside the rally field and is a must-do for children and adults alike. The weekend kicks off with the much-loved Steam & Vintage Parade, taking place on Saturday, August 2nd, as steam engines and vintage vehicles roll through the streets of Stradbally in a spectacular showcase of heritage in motion. A family favourite and brilliant photo opportunity, it's the perfect way to start the festivities. The National Steam Rally has everything from steam engines, to vintage cars, motorbikes and tractors With so much happening across the site, the rally makes for the perfect day out – or even a full weekend getaway – for families, collectors and curious newcomers alike. There are plenty of food and drink options, indoor and outdoor seating, accessible facilities, and a genuinely welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back year after year. And for those who love a bit of nostalgia? You'll find it around every corner – in the hiss of a steam whistle, the scent of coal and oil, and the friendly faces who make this event so special. Camping facilities are available from Friday, August 1st to Tuesday, August 5th for tents, caravans and campervans. Rally & Camping Tickets are available at . Come for the heritage, stay for the music, laughter, memories and magic. Whether you're eight or 80, the 61st National Steam Rally promises an unforgettable experience at the heart of Ireland's summer calendar. Don't miss the steam-powered celebration of the year
Irish Times
09-07-2025
- Irish Times
Motorcyclist (20s) dies in crash near Abbeyleix, Co Laois
Gardaí are investigating a fatal road crash in which a motorcyclist was killed in Abbeyleix, Co Laois. The man, aged in his 20s, died when he crashed on the N77 at the junction of the Portlaoise Road and Ballyroan Road at about 7.50pm on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other vehicles involved. The man's body was taken to the mortuary at Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise. READ MORE Gardaí are appealing to any witnesses to come forward. The scene remains preserved for a Garda examination. The road from Main Street in Abbeyleix to Tonduff Cross on the Portlaoise Road was closed, and diversions were put in place. Gardaí have appealed to any road users or pedestrians who may have camera footage of the area at the time of the crash to make this footage available to them Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda station at 057 873 0580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
