Latest news with #Eoghan
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wexford workshop to explore stories through sound for children with additional needs
Led by theatre-makers Eoghan Rua Finn and Alison Ní Mháirtín, Club Éist (Storytelling through Sound with Gaeilge, English and Lámh) is for children with additional needs from five to 12 years of age and their caregivers/families. Inspired by natural and manmade sounds, the workshop at Wexford Town Library on Saturday from 11am to noon will explore how stories are created and will feature a range of fun activities for the group to enjoy. The workshop will be facilitated through Gaeilge, Lámh and English but no prior knowledge of the languages used is required. Alison's previous projects for Cruinniú na nÓg include the bilingual film 'Slaney ar Strae', which was set in Redmond Park and featured collaborators Heather Hadrill, Rebecca Hadrill and Dominic Palmer. Alison says: 'Cruinniú na nÓg is such a celebration of children's creativity that is fantastic to be working with the Cruinniú team, Eoghan and Wexford Town Library to bring an accessible event for all the family to this year's line-up.' To book the workshop, please visit and for any for any access requirements/queries, contact alisonnimhairtin@ Alison and Eoghan are Wexford-based theatre makers with an interest in accessibility in the arts and both have worked in disability services. The duo will also be leading a bilingual drama workshop called Réalta agus Scéalta, funded by Seachtain na Gaeilge, in Wexford Arts Centre on Sunday, June 22 from 12:30-13:30. The free but ticketed event still has some places available and is available for booking through Meanwhile, Eoghan has a new play called Invitations at the National Opera House on September 4, 5 and 6 and booking will be available through the National Opera House.
Extra.ie
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Is this how much Eoghan McDermott splashed on fiancée's engagement ring?
Newly-engaged Eoghan Dermott appears to have spared no expense in splurging on the perfect ring for his fiancée, with a diamond expert pricing the rock at a huge sum. In fact, has learned that the smitten former 2FM presenter splashed out over six times the average engagement ring spend for Alessandra Heredia, the mother of his newly-born son Kevin. McDermott, who previously narrated Australian Love Island has found his own happy-forever-after when he announced that he had popped the question to his now-fiancée. Taking to Instagram, the former RTE golden boy shared that he had more good news to celebrate after a very tumultuous few years, which saw him depart the national broadcaster. And it would seem that McDermott paid a very pretty penny for the very beautiful engagement ring for his fiancée. Diamond dealer-to-the-stars Seamus Fahy – who owns Voltaire Diamonds – told that Eoghan could have shelled out a five-figure sum on the solid gold solitaire. Newly-engaged Eoghan Dermott appears to have spared no expense in splurging on the perfect ring for his fiancée, with a diamond expert pricing the rock at around €25,000. Pic: Eoghan McDermott/Instagram 'I would estimate this particular ring to be worth anywhere between €20,000 – €25,000,' Mr Fahy said. 'This round brilliant solitaire diamond looks to be approximately 1.50ct in weight. The diamond is set within six claws on a plain, slim yellow gold band,' he further explained. Additionally, Mr Fahy, who has created bespoke engagement for the likes of Rosanna Davison and Pippa O'Connor, said that Eoghan spent significantly over the average engagement ring spend, saying: 'The average ring spend is in and about €3500.' Eoghan McDermott. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos He noted that this particular style of the classic solitaire gold band with a solitaire diamond is making a comeback. 'The classic designs are making a comeback,' he said, adding that celebrities like Emma Roberts are opting to eschew bling-bling flash rings for a simple classic cut. In an indication that brighter days are on the horizon, Eoghan announced this week that he had gone down on bended knee and popped the question to his long-time partner Alessandra. The newly engaged couple welcomed their first baby, Kevin Mateo, at the end of March, and it seems their relationship has been going from strength to strength. Taking to social media announcing the next milestone in their relationship, Eoghan shared an array of heart-warming pictures to social media, including one of Alessandra showing off her new bling. He penned: 'An earth-angel said Yes. I'm really glad I went for a coffee that day. Hopefully we can keep going for coffee together until we're grey and old.'
Extra.ie
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Who is Eoghan McDermott's fiancée Alessandra Heredia?
Eoghan McDermott has announced his engagement to his partner Alessandra Heredia, just weeks after the pair welcomed their baby boy into the world. The former 2FM presenter shared the happy news on social media on Monday. Eoghan shared adorable photos of Alessandra with her new engagement ring, as well as from their maternity photoshoot and after the birth of their son Kevin. As Eoghan and Alessandra celebrate another major milestone in their lives, many have been left wondering, who is the star's mystery fiancée and the mother of his child? Eoghan McDermott has announced his engagement to his partner Alessandra Heredia, just weeks after the pair welcomed their baby boy into the world. Pic: Brian McEvoy Photography Alessandra seems to be a woman of many talents. Working as a career and life coach full-time, she is also an actress. The Peruvian native garnered extensive degrees across Latin America before completing her studies at the Stanford University School of Business. Eoghan and Alessandra. Pic: Instagram/Alessandra Heredia Before founding her own company, Inside Out Coaching, in 2018, Alessandra had an extensive resume which featured the likes of Google, Salesforce, IMB and more. Alessandra is also a working actor, having trained at the illustrious Bow Street Academy of Screen Acting, she is now represented globally by Red Kite Talent. She is also a trained dancer who specialises in salsa and jazz. The seasoned actress has starred in a number of smaller productions, with her IMDB profile boasting a multitude of roles. Some titles include short film Where The Trees Grow, It Doesn't Stop, Spring Awakening & Thanatos. She has also worked extensively on stage. Pic: Instagram/Alessandra Heredia Alessandra has also worked as an assistant director and producer. The news of her pregnancy came as a surprise to followers of the former radio DJ as he has kept a low profile and has largely stayed out of the public eye since his sudden departure from 2FM in 2021. Last month, Eoghan and Alessandra welcomed their first child into the world, baby Kevin Mateo McDermott, as Eoghan pledged to 'do his best to be a wonderful father'. Alongside the series of sweet snaps, Eoghan introduced the baby, writing: 'Welcome to the world, precious boy.' The 41-year-old continued: 'You are so loved. Named after my Papa (and his new Grandpa) — the wises, kindest man of all. 'Mam said the other day 'oh it's Kev and Kev Óg' so perhaps 'Kev Óg' will stick.'
Extra.ie
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Former RTE star Eoghan McDermott announces engagement
Eoghan McDermott has announced his engagement to his partner Alessandra Heredia. Former 2FM presenter Eoghan and Alessandra, who welcomed their first child together last month, announced their engagement on Eoghan's Instagram, which saw him share adorable photos of Alessandra with her new engagement ring, as well as from their maternal photoshoot and after the birth of their son Kevin. 'An earth angel said yes,' Eoghan wrote. 'I'm really glad I went for a coffee that day. Hopefully we can keep going for coffee together until we're grey and old.' 'Thank you for all your gifts, quite simply too numerous to mention – and for being the infinite bright spark in my life, every day, dusk til dawn,' Eoghan wrote in an ode to his wife. 'Kev Óg is simply blessed to have you as his mama.' Eoghan also shared a poem that his father wrote about his mother in the sweet snaps, captioning the pics 'My Papa wrote a poem for Mam a few years back. One of the lines he wrote read: 'And I will travel any winter road with you, wherever you chose to go, if you will light the way.' 'I may borrow this one papa, if you don't mind.' Pic: Eoghan McDermott/Instagram Alessandra works as a life coach and actress, gaining extensive degrees in Latin America before completing her studies at Stanford University School of Business. She founded her own company, Inside Out Coaching, and has worked in several films and television shows — having minor roles on screen such as Where the Trees Go, It Doesn't Stop and Spring Awakening. Eoghan and Alessandra announced they were expecting their first child together in November of last year, with Eoghan announcing his birth in an adorable photo of their newborn son just last month. Eoghan, who has kept a low profile since his sudden departure from 2FM back in 2021, shared a photo of he and Alessandra following Kevin's birth, with Eoghan revealing that they named him after Eoghan's father. Eoghan and Alessandra announced they were expecting their first child back in November, welcoming Kevin Mateo McDermott to the world in March. Pic: Eoghan McDermott/Instagram 'Kevin Mateo McDermott. Welcome to the world, precious boy,' Eoghan wrote. 'You are so very loved. Named after my Papa (and his new Grandpa) – the wisest, kindest man of all. Mam said the other day 'oh it's Kev and Kev Óg'… so perhaps 'Kev Óg' will stick.' 'I'll take the best of what is good and strong and true and do my best to be a wonderful father,' Eoghan added, before paying special tribute to his now fiancée. 'And of course, thank you beyond what words will ever capture @alessandraheredia for a life-defining gift. You are magic in a bottle and Baby Kev will be all the richer in all the ways with you as his mother, that I know.'
The Age
26-04-2025
- Health
- The Age
After becoming a parent, I developed an intense fear of dying
According to research, most children become aware of death between the ages of five and seven, with their understanding growing over time. Like many kids, my first experiences with death was with my goldfish and a grandparent. I was seven when my maternal grandfather died of cancer. Loading I was raised in a Catholic faith, although I stopped going to church during my teens. Today, like many Millennials, I follow a mixture of spiritual ideologies. At the time, I believed in heaven, so I wasn't worried about the afterlife. I was worried about the rest of us left behind. Decades later, my mum and I would talk about her grief and how it consumed her. At the time, I don't remember it being explained to me. This was 30 years ago, when parents were taught to shield their kids from sensitive subjects. The result? I made up my own assumptions: sickness is bad, sickness is unsurvivable, sickness tears families apart. Do not get sick. From that moment on, I developed a deep fear of my body. As a child, this showed up as health anxiety; as a teenager, an eating disorder. It didn't help that life kept showing me evidence of our mortality. When I was 17, my dad was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. His cancer brought unexpected gifts, including healing the rift I had with my mother. However, it also broke my trust in time: aren't parents meant to be there to watch their kids grow older? After five years of gruelling treatment, my dad went into remission — the same year my fiancé, Eoghan, was diagnosed with skin cancer, which quickly spread to his liver, lungs, pancreas and brain. In the short term, his experience eased my fear of illness. At the age of 36, Eoghan had youth on his side. Initially, he faced chemo with enthusiasm, energy and positivity, but the results didn't reflect his optimism. A year after diagnosis, Eoghan died three weeks after our wedding day, and I became a widow at the age of 23. My dad had survived, but my fiancé had died? It felt like nothing could be counted on. To cope with my grief, I chose to 'seize the day'. For the next nine years, I partied hard, ran marathons, jumped between relationships, and threw myself into work and any kind of distraction. For a while, I could outrun my fears – until I settled down and became a mother. Loading Fragility? You don't know the meaning of the word until you hold a newborn. Responsibility? Try being the primary caregiver to a little human. And why did everyone keep telling me that 'time goes so fast'? It felt like a red flag to my anxiety. By the time my third child was born during lockdown, I was having panic attacks and spending hours a day Googling symptoms of potential illnesses. I blamed myself for not 'seeing the signs' that my first husband was sick, and I was determined not to let it happen again. It all came to a head when my youngest daughter was eight months old. I went for a routine skin check and, petrified, broke down in the doctor's surgery. It was clear – to me and my GP – that I couldn't continue like this. As my husband said, 'You're terrified of getting sick and missing their life, but your terror is making you miss it.' Over the next 18 months, I dove into therapy. I also reconnected with a lot of spiritual practices, like meditation and breathwork, which I'd let lapse in the early days of motherhood. I signed up to a 'sobriety app' where I could track how many days I'd gone without Googling health symptoms. (After a false start, I'm now at 713.) However, the biggest turning point came when I started talking to my kids about death – or, should I say, they started talking to me. And I really started to listen. If you're a parent, you might have noticed that kids love chatting about dead stuff. From dead bugs to roadkill and the deceased parents of Disney characters, they call it out – even in the most inappropriate moments. Currently, my kids' favourite topics to discuss are Pokémon, ice-cream flavours and 'what happens after your body dies?' Their attitudes to death are as diverse as their personalities. When their great-grandmother in England died suddenly last year, my son, then six, called my dad to discuss it. 'Do you know, one of our chickens also died this week?' he told him – the man who had just lost his mother. My dad burst out laughing. Later, he said it was just what he needed: light-hearted and wonderfully factual. My oldest daughter was in kindergarten when she came home from school and showed me a story she had written, unprompted. The title was 'The Star in the Sky' and the first line read, 'Everybody dies … and that's okay. You have a big life.' Kids naturally practise a 'neutral acceptance' of death – a concept that means you accept death as a natural part of life, neither rejecting it nor jumping up and down with excitement. Fragility? You don't know the meaning of the word until you hold a newborn. Dr Kate Renshaw is the founder and director of Play and Filial Therapy. She says many parents struggle to know what to say to children about death and grief. 'A great first step is to take a child-centred perspective,' she says. 'This can be tricky as adults have a fully developed brain and body. It can prove harder than it sounds to take a child's perspective.' As adults, we think every conversation about death has to be heavy, but with kids it can be quite the opposite. I've chatted to my kids about death while they swing at the park. 'Having supported many children through the process of understanding grief and loss, I'm continually reminded by children of the power of refocusing on the moment,' says Renshaw. 'Joining children in their play affords adults an opportunity to shift their focus back into the present, and the preciousness of shared moments.' For me, rituals have helped my family to embrace beginnings, endings and everything in between. My four-year-old will often ask to 'light a candle for Nanny' as we did the night their great-grandmother died. Casey Beros is the creator of Next of Kin, a publication and podcast that aims to change the conversation about care. When her dad was dying of cancer, she hired a death doula to ease his transition. It was important for her daughters, then three and six, to be part of the experience. 'When Dad died, my kids were in the lounge room watching a Disney movie and blissfully unaware of the profound shift taking place in the bedroom,' she recalls. 'After Dad had taken his last breath, my husband brought them in and my eldest went straight in for a cuddle with Dad's body.' Her youngest daughter hung back and whispered in her mum's ear, 'You said he was going to the angels, but he's still right there.' To explain the difference between soul and body, they opened the window so his soul could leave the bedroom. Eighteen months later, their grief is 'blisteringly real,' says Beros, but her children's approach to death is healing the whole family. 'There's something very pure and no-nonsense about how they've filed that experience away in themselves,' she adds. 'I once heard someone say that a grandparent's job is to teach their grandchildren about death, and I think that's probably true – they'll be better people for having had that experience.'
