Latest news with #Daragh
Sunday World
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
One new theme park, five new worlds and possibly the best rollercoaster of all
thrill-ogy | Stardust Racers in EPIC competes the Universal coaster thrill-ogy Set over five distinct worlds, the expansive theme park promises a lot but never in my wildest dreams did I think that one of the new rollercoasters would have such an impact on me and be able to compete with Hagrid and Velocicoaster in the other established nearby parks. Step forward Stardust Racers, which is just one of the four new coasters to accompany 16 new attractions designed and created since 2019 when EPIC was announced and costing an estimated €6bn in total. Last week I was invited to get a sneak peek at the park and enjoy its offerings for two days before they opened the over-the-top gates to the public. I even got to stay in one of their three new hotels, The Stella Nova, which is just a two-minute bus journey from the park. So, armed with enough SPF50 to bathe in, a selection of hats almost as over the top as the park itself and the all-important 'media' lanyard to get me in through the spectacular 'Chronos' clock gates, I did the Lord's work to be able to tell you if the reality of EPIC matches the hype. Daragh at Super Nintendo World It is 6.30am and I've been in America for less than 11 hours and the jetlag is real. But there is no time for self pity as we are herded off to the makeshift media centre where travel bloggers, influencers, content creators and one pasty white Irish travel editor are prepared for what lies ahead at the opening of the first theme park to open in the Floridian city for a quarter of a century. Since Universal broke ground in 2019, it has spent an estimated €6.2bn on turning the 'wasteland' adjoining their other three theme parks into what we now known as Universal's Epic Universe. There has been a lot of hype building up to this week, the kind of hype that can damage a brand in advance of opening due to the heavy burden of expectation. But Universal is unlike any other brand in the travel industry. Whether it is the duelling rollercoaster Stardust Racers (way more on this later), the Frankenstein-shaped pretzels at Dark Universe or the French-speaking staff at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (1920s Paris setting), every little detail has been cleverly crafted and thought out to ensure the user experience is second to none. How to Train Your Dragon Since 1990, this sun-soaked city in Florida has been home to the iconic Universal Studios and the accompanying Islands of Adventure (which opened in 1999) and Volcano Bay (2017), and has become synonymous with theme parks. Which is saying something, considering Walt Disney World is just 14km south on Highway 4. But this week, Universal has gone one step further towards the title of being the ultimate Orlando theme park by opening the stunning gates to Epic. Divided into five Worlds, the gathered media all got exclusive access to each one throughout the two days. Told at the outset to try to do anything and everything we wanted, we headed off to delve into the various lands. First up was How to Train your Dragon: Isle of Berk — an instant hit with everyone gathered. It brings the enchanting world of Berk to life, and I got to take on the first new rollercoaster of the week: Hiccup's Wing Gliders. In fact, I got to do it twice and loved every second of it. It is ridiculously smooth and fun. The Grand Helios Hotel stands tall at the front of the new theme park There is also the Dragon Racer's Rally, which is a pretty good attraction for younger thrill seekers but won't give you the rush of the Wing Gliders. A brilliant 18-minute show in a giant theatre wouldn't look out of place in the West End, by the way, offering guests welcome respite from the heat outside too. If you are into the How To Train Your Dragon franchise, you will adore this. Personally, I don't know the difference between Hiccup and Fishlegs (I had to look them up), but it is still amazing. Luckily for me though, my favourite video game from my childhood was next up on the to-do list. Quite simply, I challenge anyone to mount the green escalator to Super Nintendo World and walk out on level 3 and not say 'wow' to yourself... or even out loud for that matter. Power-up wrist bands allow you to collect gold coins and points around the park, adding to the clever, user-friendly gaming element that has already proven to be a huge success in similar worlds in Los Angeles and Japan. You and your family can play interactive activities all over this world as you encounter Goombas, Piranha Plants and more. Daragh at the gates to Epic You also get to steer through iconic Mario Kart courses (pangs of nostalgia coursed through my veins, to be honest), search for the glowing eggs on Yoshi's Adventure and speed through Donkey Kong Country on a mine cart. I know full well that this world won't excite some as much as me but for anyone who grew up on the NES game from the late '80s, the whole place is a joy. Third up on my whistle-stop tour was The Ominous World of Dark Universe, which is dedicated to Universal's Classic Monsters (if anyone is familiar with Halloween Horror Nights, you'll know) that brings beloved characters like Dracula, Frankenstein and the Wolfman to life through an array of attractions and genuinely spine-tingling experiences. You can escape science gone wrong in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment or speed through the woods on Curse of the Werewolf (so good I did it a handful of times) before heading to Darkmoor Village to become a Shopping Monster, or enjoy scarily good drinks in the Burning Blade pub. The final (almost) world was The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, which is a magical space where adults can be kids and kids… can just be themselves. Inspired by the Fantastic Beasts, it is Parisian 1920s in style compared to Hogwarts or Diagon Alley (like in Universal Studios down the road). We took the Métro-Floo to the British Ministry of Magic and were plunged into a brilliantly fun interactive ride that uses technology and animatronics really well. You could spend hours here watching the world go by, but if it is adrenaline fuelled fun you want then be prepared to queue as the Ministry of Magic ride is surely going to be one of the biggest draws in Epic for years to come. The Ominous World of Dark Universe Those four worlds are all separate areas of Epic Universe and are entered through unique portals to add some more wow to the theme park, but in the middle of the whole area is a world called Celestial Park, which somehow seems calm and tranquil with luscious green space and hypnotic fountains. The bosses claim it puts the 'park' back in themepark, but I would love to see what it looks like in the height of summer. There are giant restaurants, merchandise shops, old-world carousels and it became a go-to for 'quiet' this week. But there is a giant asterisk on that calm, because just off to the left is what I think may actually be the company's best ever rollercoaster. Currently, I rate Velocicoaster and Hagrid as their top two, but now you can add Stardust Racers to the thrill-ogy. I did it a half dozen or so times over the two days and each time it got better. The creators here decided to run two coasters side by side in a race against each other. With each meander and undulation you edge ahead of the other and there are times when you are travelling upside down looking at the others. It is pure genius. This park may not be a household name yet, but it won't take long for Universal's Epic Universe to gain momentum and popularity. There are already plans to expand on some of the Worlds, so you can expect even more from Epic. But for now, you will just have to make do with a very-family friendly theme park with exhilarating rides, brilliantly genius attractions, stylish merch, delicious food and possibly the greatest roller coaster I have ever been on. ■ Daragh was a guest of Universal Studios. ■ Single day tickets start from around $139 (€123) to $199 (€175), depending on the day, but you can also buy multi-day and multi-park tickets. The Universal Express Pass, from $140 (€123) per person, lets you jump into shorter queues. ■ There are direct flights from Dublin to Orlando with Aer Lingus. Alternatively, British Airways Holidays is running a series of deals to mark the launch of the new theme park, flying out of Gatwick.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Riverdance celebrates its 30th anniversary
Riverdance is celebrating its 30th anniversary tonight in unique style with the audience made up of past performers. Since debuting in 1994, the show has been seen by over 30 million people in more than 50 countries. "I think we will be full of emotion, and the hairs will be standing on the back of our neck," says the current lead dancer, Amy Mae Dolan. She wasn't born when the show was. "I don't think any of us could have ever imagined that we would have the opportunity to dance for the people we've watched on videos for years, to look out tonight and see their faces looking back at us. So it's pressure, but it's also excitement, and it's a chance for us to show them what we can do and thank them for paving the way for us," she says. Since debuting in 1994, the show has been seen by over 30 million people in over 50 countries For the Roddys, tonight is a family affair. Dad, Pat is a former dancer and his son, Daragh is a current one. "It was such a great time. We were the generation that hit the jackpot," says Pat. "We were the first batch of dancers to dance professionally, certainly at this level with the show. So just have been there and being part of it was a privilege." His son, Daragh, will be following in his footsteps and is among those who will dance tonight. "It's very exciting, an honour to be included tonight. It's a big show." It's now 30 years since Riverdance burst onto the stage and became a cultural phenomenon. "I feel I'm very privileged to have taken the show on this journey. I still love it as much as ever," says John McColgan, co-creator. "The future is strong. We're already booking tours for 2028 so I have no reason to believe … that we can't go for another 30 years," he said.
Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Health
- Extra.ie
Inside Louise Quinn's family life ahead of retirement
Louise Quinn announced back in April that she would be retiring from football, with the announcement coming just weeks after welcoming her son Daragh into the world with partner Eilish O'Gara. The 34-year-old is retiring following 121 appearances for the Ireland Women's National Team and a noteworthy club career. Reflecting on her career, the Blessington native said: 'When the time arrives that you need to write your retirement statement, they are the hardest words to find. But it is time for me to hang up the boots. Louise Quinn announced back in April that she would be retiring from football. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 'There are so many reasons as to why or why not, but it's just one of those things, when you know, you know.' She added: 'I have had the honour of playing with some incredible clubs, Blessington FC, Lakeside, Peamount United, Eskilstuna United, Notts County, Arsenal, Fiorentina and Birmingham City. 'I've been through it all with these clubs; I've won, lost, been promoted, relegated, experienced liquidation, reached the Champions League with many headers scored and many tackles missed. But they all have all given me a chance to prove how much I love the game. And that's it, I love the game and I'm going to miss it. 'The Ireland team…that is the reason why I always wanted to play this game. Some of the best moments of my life have been in the green jersey. I've been part of something so special. The foundations were laid by legends of the women's team before me and for a short period I was lucky enough to play with a few of them too. Then it was up to us to continue that fight to put the Ireland team on map on the international stage. We built, we fought, we were ALWAYS a team, a group that would give everything to everyone in our Irish bubble. And the World Cup proved that dreams do come true.' The football star also paid tribute to her family, including the 'loves of her life', partner Eilish and baby boy Daragh. She said: 'I am so excited to see our little family grow and what is next for us! Eilish, your support through the last few years has made me love football even more. Your 'no fear' attitude has rubbed off on me. Pic: Instagram/Louise Quinn 'To my friends, team-mates, coaches, fans and everyone who helped me along the way, the influence you have had over me has made me the person that I am. It has been the best experience of my life. I wouldn't change a thing. For now, I just can't wait to spend time with my family.' Louise was born in Blessington, Co Wicklow, to parents Jacinta and Pat. She has two older sisters, Sinead and Vivienne. The footballer graduated from UCD with a degree in Sports and Exercise Management after being awarded the Football Association of Ireland scholarship through Newbridge College. Pic: Instagram/Louise Quinn She also has a form of dyslexia, previously opening up about being exempt from studying languages in school. Speaking to Viola Nation in 2020, she said: 'I am terrible at languages, as in I was exempt in school from having to study them because of a form of dyslexia, even English, I'm terrible at.' Louise is in a relationship with model Eilish O'Gara, and the pair share an adorable son, Daragh, who they welcomed just last month. Taking to social media a couple of weeks ago, Louise wrote: 'Welcome to our family beautiful little boy. Daragh Keane Quinn, 7/3/25, 8lbs 4oz.' The family currently live in Birmingham, UK.
Irish Examiner
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Mother of Peppa Pig superfan thanks makers Hasbro for 'thoughtful' gesture towards her late son
A mother who appealed for the new baby in Peppa Pig to be named after her late son has thanked the cartoon makers for contacting her ahead of the arrival of Peppa's new sister Evie. Hasbro announced on ITV that little Evie — sister to Peppa and George — was born at 5.34am. According to the writers, the baby was even born at the same hospital as William and Catherine's royal children. Since the "pregnancy" was announced in March, Colleen McNally has been appealing to the cartoon makers to name the new baby Daragh after her son, who was the show's biggest fan before he died of cancer at the age of 11. Daragh McNally from Dundalk, Co Louth, had very little conversational speech due to his autism diagnosis but could repeat every line of every episode of the popular children's cartoon series, which he watched on repeat daily. He adored Peppa Pig so much, he had every toy and memorabilia, which are now stored in the attic. A special Peppa Pig was even made for his resting place. Peppa and George visit their new sister Evie in hospital. Colleen, her husband Paul and his two sisters and brother were forced to say goodbye to Daragh when he contracted an aggressive form of lymphoma and died on November 24, 2019. Colleen's appeal garnered support from hundreds of well-wishers and she was thrilled her campaign had reached Hasbro, which contacted her ahead of the baby birth. "Daragh just watched Peppa on repeat every single day. Even though he had very little conversational speech, he could say every line from Peppa Pig," she said. "Every Christmas, he would get the Smyths catalogue and go to the Peppa Pig pages. He would point to every Peppa toy that he hadn't got and say 'I want that one, that one, that one'. George Pig was his favourite." "I didn't think I'd be able to reach Hasbro but they got in contact a few weeks ago to say they were deeply moved by Daragh's story and they were sending on a very special delivery, which we are expecting any day. "I knew in my heart that it was a long shot for them to use Daragh's name and that it might never happen but it was so thoughtful of them to contact me." Read More Cara Darmody begins 50-hour protest to highlight disability assessment delays
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Virgin Media star enjoys ‘best birthday ever' as she jets off to Denmark with fiancé
VIRGIN Media star Katja Mia has enjoyed a romantic getaway with her hubby-to-be for her birthday. host got to her long-term love Daragh Curran back in August 2024, after he got down on one knee during their romantic Italian holiday. 3 Katja Mia poses at the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen 3 Katja posted a series of cute snaps with her fiance Daragh 3 Katja's fans all labelled the couple 'adorable' The happy couple, who have been together for over seven years, jetted off to The popular presenter kept fans up to date on their holiday adventures as she posted a series of exclusive snaps to her The star penned in her caption: "29! Best birthday everrrrrr." The READ MORE IN KATJA MIA The birthday girl was glowing as she donned a yellow suede bomber jacket and blue denim jeans. She also had her hair styled in two pigtails and sported a pair of stylish specs. Later on, Katja snapped a picture of Daragh holding up a handful of designer bags as they shopped in the city centre. Daragh smirked while as a sign above him wrote: "If you can't stop thinking about it, buy it." MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN The lovebirds stopped at a photo booth whilst on their travels and took some super adorable pictures. Katja sweetly cupped Daragh's face as he beamed in one snap, while another one showed the couple pulling hilarious faces. Katja Mia hits back at trolls The last photo revealed the pair sharing a sweet smooch, as Katja showed off her dazzling engagement ring. Of course, fans and famous pals all flooded the comment section with birthday wishes and love for the couple. Katja's Six O'Clock Show co-host, Arthur Gourounlian wrote: "Joyeux, joyeux anniversaire. Bisous." Hazel said: "Aww these pictures are cuuute." Aisling added: "Happy birthday angel face, also pigtails are the vibe." Maria swooned: "Happy birthday, looks like such a special time!" Fia exclaimed: "So adorable!!! Happy birthday queen ."
