Latest news with #Derryman
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Joe Brolly on the hilarious welcome he received at a Mayo pub
Joe Brolly has given a glimpse into the hilarious welcome he received at a Mayo pub over the weekend. The Derryman has moved to the West of Ireland, where he lives in the Knockmore area with his wife and radio host Laurita Blewitt. Brolly is on the coaching team for Knockmore GAA and has seemingly left a big impression on the local community. The former RTE pundit went to O'Tooles pub in Tourmakeady to watch his beloved Derry take on Galway on Sunday. And Brolly was greeted by a hilarious series of signs that stated his claim to many objects in the pub. Brolly was recently bemoaning the Mayo footballers for ruining a multiple bet he had put on with a friend across a number of GAA matches over the course of a weekend. The All-Ireland winner explained on his Free State Podcast: "I'm the GAA guy. He's the horses guy, I don't know anything about horses. But I'm the GAA guy. "We're really careful with it. Built up a lovely kitty. It's a lovely kitty. So we're sitting with it. "I said, look, I am telling you every fibre of my being is screaming to me that Limerick hurlers are going to beat Cork. "I said 'I know this in the way that a man knows when he's in love that Limerick are going to beat the Cork hurlers'. "They're stinging from last year. This is one of the greatest dynasties that's ever been, never mind in hurling or f***ing Gaelic football or anything else. A truly exceptional, frightening, demolition job of a team that can play it whatever way you want to. And I said, they're going to beat Cork. Great odds. "And I said, why don't we pad it out? We'll fire in a few more certs. He said, 'we'll build it up'. "We brought the whole package up to 11/1 with Down footballers to beat Clare and that was a good one "Down footballers to beat Clare, which we had surprisingly good odds on, I think because it was in Clare. "Tipp to beat Waterford in the hurling. Tipp always beat Waterford in the hurling. "And then the fourth vote. I said, like, come on 'there's absolutely no way that Cavan can beat Mayo in MacHale Park in Mayo'. I said it to him and he said, 'even I know that and I don't know anything about football, but you're right'. "Tick the box. Off he went, he's the wee online thing with the bookies. 11/1 for the package. "And there they came rolling in. There they came rolling in. Down slaughtered Clare, Tipp beat Waterford. He said, 'fair play to you Brolly'. He said, 'Limerick are already sort of 1-3 to no score up against Cork'. "And then the word runs through from McHale Park. Cavan are stuffing Mayo. "Martin Carney, the great Martin Carney, the inimitable Martin Carney, one of the great people of the GAA apparently, he was raging after the match because the Mayo super fans are all out in the pitch getting the autographs of the players after being beat by Cavan. Like, f*** me. "He says, 'those people out there, I wouldn't be surprised to see them climbing the Himalayas naked waving a Mayo flag'. "Oh, bloody Mayo. We put two-thirds of the kitty on. Substantial kitty. This was a good kitty. A very, very good kitty. "The only risky one was Limerick and Cork. People would say I mean, come on, Limerick. I was so certain. That was the foundation of the bet. "That was the foundation. I didn't even tune in to Midwest Radio for the Mayo game, so certain was I. "To be fair, I love the Cavan boys. And I've always had a great grá for the Cavan clubs and the Cavan people. I was truly delighted for them."
Extra.ie
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Andrea Kissane on leaving Dublin for good and her booming new business
Once a fixture on the Dublin social scene, Andrea Kissane — former editor of and a familiar face from her TV3 Xpose appearances — has swapped catwalks for countryside. And what better way to toast to her stylish new chapter than with a chic photoshoot set against the romantic, ivy-draped backdrop of Cahernane Castle Killarney — a Victorian manor straight out of a period drama. But don't let the pastoral vibes of her country glamour outfits fool you — Andrea's still got that editor's edge. Muckross Gin, her artisanal passion project-turned-successful brand, is making waves across Ireland. Infused with botanicals foraged from Killarney National Park (yes, really), the gin's branding is as elegant and polished as Andrea herself. She admits she sometimes misses the buzz of city life, but running a booming business while raising her two sons in her childhood hometown? 'It's the kind of chaos I wouldn't trade', she laughs. And after a day of fashion, flowers, and a few cheeky G&Ts on the castle lawn, one thing's clear: Andrea Kissane isn't just back — she's reinvented. With a blonde blow-dry as sharp as her business acumen and a gin that's fast becoming a bar cart essential, she's proving that life after Dublin can be just as fabulous — if not a little more distilled. 'When you live somewhere like Killarney that isn't a huge urban hub but that is a tourist destination, I think that can lead people towards entrepreneurial, creative roles,' she told Styled. Following in her parents' footsteps, Andrea was determined to pursue a career that was rewarding and enjoyable. 'I saw that in my own parents and their work ethic. It's about finding something that you enjoy, something that you're good at, finding a gap in the market and then researching to see if there is a market in that gap. That and truly believing that your product is something special.' 'And for me to get there, I had to leave and come back,' she said. Fresh from secondary school Andrea departed her hometown of Muckross, Killarney, for the brighter lights of Dublin and beyond. 'I left Killarney when I was 18 to go to university. I pursued a career in marketing and journalism, living in Sydney, London and Dublin.' But home was always where she wanted to hang her high heels. 'There was always that call from within my own heart to go home. Sometimes travel shows you how incredible the place that you started was. 'I grew up a stone's throw from Muckross, spending every weekend with my parents out in the nature of some sort. 'I learned about the botanicals, the flora and the fauna. Growing up here you almost learn that by osmosis,' she fondly recalled. Along with her partner – and now business partner – Andrea launched Muckross Gin. 'My partner, best friend and cofounder is Martin Wray, a Derryman who has made the Kingdom his home. He had a background in mixology. 'We enjoyed experimenting with simple gins, mixing them with different essences and garnishes to see how that altered the taste profile. And then it really was a eureka moment – we were in Muckross one day and thought why shouldn't there be a premium, exquisite gin inspired by this melody of nature's finest botanicals, native to our home.' From inception to launch Muckross Gin very quickly garnered a stellar reputation at home and on the international stage with accolades pouring in. 'We were double winners at the recent, prestigious Berlin International Spirits Competition, with our gin being a gold winner and also taking home Ireland's Gin of the Year.' So with a burgeoning business and small family Andrea's roots are firmly planted back in Killarney. 'I will always feel at home in Dublin. I miss the old friends, the pulse of the city, the variety of things to do in the evening but I am also at a different stage of life now. Martin and I have a three-year-old son, so nights out are few and far between,' she laughed. 'But actually, Killarney has an incredibly vibrant social scene. There is a thriving bar and restaurant culture, and you'll hear live music spilling out of venues most nights of the week. 'It's a town where there is always something happening with different festivals and celebrations throughout the year. There is honestly something special about Killarney on a warm summer's evening when the town is full of locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the different attractions that the town has to offer whether you're five or 95'. Of her own personal country style Andrea says it's mixology of business attire and running around after a rambunctious toddler. 'My personal style is quite casual but for business meetings, I'll opt for blazers, suits or statement jackets to pull an outfit together. I love simple gold jewellery to accessorise and I'm never without my Chupi Hawthorn Twig necklace. And the sales of heels have surely halved since Covid, women are as likely to wear runners as heels with workwear.' While she has proved adept at her gin business Andrea has some sage words of beauty advice from her decade spent whirling her way wonderfully around the beauty orbit. 'I worked in the beauty media industry for almost a decade and I've seen trends, eyebrows and heavily contoured cheekbones come and go. I'm all for experimenting with trends if it makes you happy. 'But the truth is that your grandmother was right, the real beauty actually comes from inside you, it's that piece of the jigsaw that makes you different and that makes you individual.' 'Embrace fashion and cosmetics trends as much as they bring you joy, but the key is to choose clothes and cosmetics that amplifies your own natural beauty. Don't dim your beauty under the glare of what's popular, light it up.' Darling Bud of May Florals don't necessarily mean an all-or-nothing approach. Nor does wearing a carnation-embellished dress have to be limited to a wedding. In fact, wearing a pretty pattern can enhance both mood and look. In short, florals don't have to be loud to make an impact. Neither does flower fashion have to mean rosey reds or sugar-coated pansy pinks. If you prefer something with more depth, lean into richer hues. Think shades of burnt orange, espresso brown, ochre, deep merlot red and mossy olive. These shades give florals a more luxe feel. With the return to the high-street of bohemian style, floral dresses provide a more romantic and free-flowing style. Like Andrea's stunning beautiful Tudor style draped dress from MacBees boutique. This is a standout dress that will give you flower power. Certainly suits you Finding 'that' perfect business suit can be a daunting experience, especially as the weather heats up. Black and navy can be out of step with the seasons and can dampen your mood when the sun is shining. Linen suits while all-the-cooler to wear can be a nightmare in the crease department. So Andrea's pinstripe white suit from Mango is an absolute stylish steal. The wide leg trousers with the double breasted blazer with a yellow tank top underneath can take you from business meeting to brunch in a fashion flair. But even worn on their own with an array of interchange tops and shirts, the trousers are just the business. Step outside your couture comfort zone If I have one piece of style advice it's to step out of your comfort zone when shopping. Don't say 'oh that would never suit me'. Whether it's price or style, be daring when shopping. Following my own advice I have discovered some total gems in recent months in everything from thrift shops to department stores. Last week I was in Shaws in Portlaoise and to my great surprise and delight, the brightly lit shop floor was a wonderland of wonderful brands. Everything from Mango to Little Mistress to Steve Madden, Shaws is a one-stop fashion shop that runs the gauntlet of styles, prices and a vast range for all tastes and ages. Similarly if stepping into a fancy boutique seems daunting, remember – it's just a shop. Go in, browse about, try on some styles. MacBees Boutique in Main Street Killarney has to my eye a knockout collection with price ranges as affordable as the clothes are adorable. Si señorita Cortefiel, the hugely popular Spanish label, has just dropped on our shores with a strong emphasis on timeless elegance incorporating key trends, including marine inspired elements with crisp blue and white tones for a fresh balanced look. Bold colour blocking also makes a statement, featuring vibrant yellow, navy blue, and army green. Additionally, the collection embraces classic preppy and varsity styles, offering a fresh edge to traditional designs. Cortefiel summer 2025 collection is now available in 10 Shaws locations across Ireland, as well as online. Shot on location at Cahernane House, KillarneyPhotography by Evan DohertyHair by Jessica Dowdall Make up by Ciara O'Neill
Extra.ie
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Styled By Niamh: Andrea Kissane on leaving Dublin for good and her booming new business
Once a fixture on the Dublin social scene, Andrea Kissane — former editor of and a familiar face from her TV3 Xpose appearances — has swapped catwalks for countryside. And what better way to toast to her stylish new chapter than with a chic photoshoot set against the romantic, ivy-draped backdrop of Cahernane Castle Killarney — a Victorian manor straight out of a period drama. But don't let the pastoral vibes of her country glamour outfits fool you — Andrea's still got that editor's edge. Muckross Gin, her artisanal passion project-turned-successful brand, is making waves across Ireland. Infused with botanicals foraged from Killarney National Park (yes, really), the gin's branding is as elegant and polished as Andrea herself. She admits she sometimes misses the buzz of city life, but running a booming business while raising her two sons in her childhood hometown? 'It's the kind of chaos I wouldn't trade', she laughs. And after a day of fashion, flowers, and a few cheeky G&Ts on the castle lawn, one thing's clear: Andrea Kissane isn't just back — she's reinvented. With a blonde blow-dry as sharp as her business acumen and a gin that's fast becoming a bar cart essential, she's proving that life after Dublin can be just as fabulous — if not a little more distilled. 'When you live somewhere like Killarney that isn't a huge urban hub but that is a tourist destination, I think that can lead people towards entrepreneurial, creative roles,' she told Styled. Following in her parents' footsteps, Andrea was determined to pursue a career that was rewarding and enjoyable. 'I saw that in my own parents and their work ethic. It's about finding something that you enjoy, something that you're good at, finding a gap in the market and then researching to see if there is a market in that gap. That and truly believing that your product is something special.' 'And for me to get there, I had to leave and come back,' she said. Fresh from secondary school Andrea departed her hometown of Muckross, Killarney, for the brighter lights of Dublin and beyond. 'I left Killarney when I was 18 to go to university. I pursued a career in marketing and journalism, living in Sydney, London and Dublin.' But home was always where she wanted to hang her high heels. 'There was always that call from within my own heart to go home. Sometimes travel shows you how incredible the place that you started was. 'I grew up a stone's throw from Muckross, spending every weekend with my parents out in the nature of some sort. 'I learned about the botanicals, the flora and the fauna. Growing up here you almost learn that by osmosis,' she fondly recalled. Along with her partner – and now business partner – Andrea launched Muckross Gin. 'My partner, best friend and cofounder is Martin Wray, a Derryman who has made the Kingdom his home. He had a background in mixology. 'We enjoyed experimenting with simple gins, mixing them with different essences and garnishes to see how that altered the taste profile. And then it really was a eureka moment – we were in Muckross one day and thought why shouldn't there be a premium, exquisite gin inspired by this melody of nature's finest botanicals, native to our home.' From inception to launch Muckross Gin very quickly garnered a stellar reputation at home and on the international stage with accolades pouring in. 'We were double winners at the recent, prestigious Berlin International Spirits Competition, with our gin being a gold winner and also taking home Ireland's Gin of the Year.' So with a burgeoning business and small family Andrea's roots are firmly planted back in Killarney. 'I will always feel at home in Dublin. I miss the old friends, the pulse of the city, the variety of things to do in the evening but I am also at a different stage of life now. Martin and I have a three-year-old son, so nights out are few and far between,' she laughed. 'But actually, Killarney has an incredibly vibrant social scene. There is a thriving bar and restaurant culture, and you'll hear live music spilling out of venues most nights of the week. 'It's a town where there is always something happening with different festivals and celebrations throughout the year. There is honestly something special about Killarney on a warm summer's evening when the town is full of locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the different attractions that the town has to offer whether you're five or 95'. Of her own personal country style Andrea says it's mixology of business attire and running around after a rambunctious toddler. 'My personal style is quite casual but for business meetings, I'll opt for blazers, suits or statement jackets to pull an outfit together. I love simple gold jewellery to accessorise and I'm never without my Chupi Hawthorn Twig necklace. And the sales of heels have surely halved since Covid, women are as likely to wear runners as heels with workwear.' While she has proved adept at her gin business Andrea has some sage words of beauty advice from her decade spent whirling her way wonderfully around the beauty orbit. 'I worked in the beauty media industry for almost a decade and I've seen trends, eyebrows and heavily contoured cheekbones come and go. I'm all for experimenting with trends if it makes you happy. 'But the truth is that your grandmother was right, the real beauty actually comes from inside you, it's that piece of the jigsaw that makes you different and that makes you individual.' 'Embrace fashion and cosmetics trends as much as they bring you joy, but the key is to choose clothes and cosmetics that amplifies your own natural beauty. Don't dim your beauty under the glare of what's popular, light it up.' Darling Bud of May Florals don't necessarily mean an all-or-nothing approach. Nor does wearing a carnation-embellished dress have to be limited to a wedding. In fact, wearing a pretty pattern can enhance both mood and look. In short, florals don't have to be loud to make an impact. Neither does flower fashion have to mean rosey reds or sugar-coated pansy pinks. If you prefer something with more depth, lean into richer hues. Think shades of burnt orange, espresso brown, ochre, deep merlot red and mossy olive. These shades give florals a more luxe feel. With the return to the high-street of bohemian style, floral dresses provide a more romantic and free-flowing style. Like Andrea's stunning beautiful Tudor style draped dress from MacBees boutique. This is a standout dress that will give you flower power. Certainly suits you Finding 'that' perfect business suit can be a daunting experience, especially as the weather heats up. Black and navy can be out of step with the seasons and can dampen your mood when the sun is shining. Linen suits while all-the-cooler to wear can be a nightmare in the crease department. So Andrea's pinstripe white suit from Mango is an absolute stylish steal. The wide leg trousers with the double breasted blazer with a yellow tank top underneath can take you from business meeting to brunch in a fashion flair. But even worn on their own with an array of interchange tops and shirts, the trousers are just the business. Step outside your couture comfort zone If I have one piece of style advice it's to step out of your comfort zone when shopping. Don't say 'oh that would never suit me'. Whether it's price or style, be daring when shopping. Following my own advice I have discovered some total gems in recent months in everything from thrift shops to department stores. Last week I was in Shaws in Portlaoise and to my great surprise and delight, the brightly lit shop floor was a wonderland of wonderful brands. Everything from Mango to Little Mistress to Steve Madden, Shaws is a one-stop fashion shop that runs the gauntlet of styles, prices and a vast range for all tastes and ages. Similarly if stepping into a fancy boutique seems daunting, remember – it's just a shop. Go in, browse about, try on some styles. MacBees Boutique in Main Street Killarney has to my eye a knockout collection with price ranges as affordable as the clothes are adorable. Si señorita Cortefiel, the hugely popular Spanish label, has just dropped on our shores with a strong emphasis on timeless elegance incorporating key trends, including marine inspired elements with crisp blue and white tones for a fresh balanced look. Bold colour blocking also makes a statement, featuring vibrant yellow, navy blue, and army green. Additionally, the collection embraces classic preppy and varsity styles, offering a fresh edge to traditional designs. Cortefiel summer 2025 collection is now available in 10 Shaws locations across Ireland, as well as online.
The Guardian
16-02-2025
- General
- The Guardian
When it comes to our son's blaspheming, only divine intervention will help
Our son is defending himself against the crime of blasphemy. A magnet had fallen off the fridge and met the floor with a startling crack, causing him to shout, 'Jesus Christ!' 'Language!' we say, with disapproving voices. If I'm honest, mine is actually my dad's voice. I can't help it. I've never really developed a disciplinary mode of my own, so any time I need to admonish my children it's him that comes out, unbidden and full-throated, with a tinge of his Fermanagh brogue to make its source even more mortifyingly obvious. My wife, too, has a similar affliction, inflecting her most authoritatively maternal barbs with hints of her mum's native Carlow. There we stand, a Derryman and a Dubliner in London, so unused to confrontation we can only raise our voices using accents we've never had. My son seems shocked at our vehemence, because he doesn't quite get how blasphemy works. He learns about various faiths in school and seems quite keen on the idea of God as creator of everything, albeit with an assist from the Big Bang, a phenomenon he still thinks of as a person – specifically, God's friend who does a few odd jobs around the universe. I don't know if he's aware who Jesus is, or if he's got to the New Testament yet. This is markedly different from my own education, every second of which took place within 6ft of a crucifix. By the time I was his age, I was picking out bibles and rosary beads, memorising my Our Fathers and Hail Marys so I'd be present and correct for my first holy communion. I'd spent seemingly 40% of my life in mass and had learned the grisly details of Christ's death, each stumble, trip and stabbing that led him to Golgotha, before I'd been introduced to times-tables or joined-up writing. Despite all this, since my wife and I are no longer believers, our son's childlike confusion over God now renders him more, not less, religious than his parents. Unable to plead piety, we simply tell him that you can't shout 'Jesus Christ!' because it's… rude. His first retort is that we say it all the time, which is a hard one for us to argue, although we try one in the 'we're adults, so we're allowed to' vein, which demeans us all. Thankfully, his second defence is that a friend of his 'says it all the time'. 'So what?' snaps my wife, quicker than I can get to the mark. I freeze as I realise she has channelled her mum before I've had time to summon my dad. 'If he jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?' The boy is bamboozled, but it is a death blow to us both. For him, the first time he's encountered such a devastating medley of words. He tries to think of a comeback. He even looks at me for guidance, but I'm too busy boiling in defeat to notice. The chance spurned to utter a phrase I've wanted to say in earnest since it was first used against me in childhood. My wife has beaten me to it, and I might never forgive her. 'Jesus Christ' I mutter to myself. 'Language' says my son.
