Latest news with #Fionn
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow teen who performed at Ed Sheeran show to star at Cruinniú na nÓg
The national day of creativity for children and young people features a diverse and extensive line-up of events, activities and workshops – and better still, all events and activities are free. Talking place across the county on Saturday, June 7, the many events aim to enable, celebrate and encourage the creative potential of young people through creative activities. The theme for this year is 'Unleash Your Creative Spark!' and children and young people can look forward to engaging in a day of music, dance and song performances, as well as creative workshops throughout the county. One of the stars this year is 14-year-old singer-songwriter Fionn Whelan, who is Wicklow's ambassador for Cruinniú na nÓg 2025. He began playing the bodhrán and tin whistle at age five, picked up the guitar two years later, and busks on Grafton Street whenever he can. Fionn's creative hero is Ed Sheeran, and he had the opportunity to perform at Ed Sheeran's concert in the Czech Republic in 2024. Fionn believes creativity is about 'expressing yourself in your own way and using your imagination to turn your ideas into something real.' When asked about the best aspect of Cruinniú na nÓg, Fionn said: 'It is giving kids an opportunity to show off their talents and creativity. A lot of the young people participating might not be experienced in performing or standing in front of a crowd, and I think it's a great way to build their confidence.' There are more than 30 events, performances, and workshops taking place in 12 locations across the county, with some of the highlights including: Mr Sands Youth Theatre will host an open day drama session at Wolfe Tone Community Centre, in Bray, where children can play games, interact with theatre members and experience the excitement of youth theatre first hand. Music Generation will visit Rathdrum Hall to showcase two special performances by local children, featuring original poetry and music created during workshops with poet Colm Keegan. The premiere of Rathdrum Rhapsody by composer Fionn Foley will also take place. Arklow Library will be facilitating workshops promoting various aspects of the arts for young people for young people, including song, music, dance and drama. Dunlavin Library will host as a 'Gothic Fiction Creative Writing Workshop' with author Caroline Busher, which will allow children to explore how classic gothic novels influence children's books and learn to create a gothic atmosphere by focusing on setting and character development. Enniskerry Library will be home to a musical theatre session with Róisín Bullock, which will encourage children learning a dance routine and singing together as a group. The Courthouse Arts Centre is the venue for 'Atmosphere', a musical workshop led by Irish/Dutch singing duo Juliana and Remco, where children will collaborate to create a song before performing at the end of the workshop. Meanwhile, to celebrate 'Creative Places Baltinglass', a community-led three-year project that celebrates Baltinglass people and place, Wicklow County Council's Arts Office has curated a unique Cruinniú na nÓg programme for the area. This includes Giant Dreams, an enchanted performance featuring magical music and dancing fairies, along with local students and a special guest. Other local artists will lead workshops and activities, such as 'Bubbleéire's Bubble Show', the 'Battle of the Baltinglass Fairies', an open painting workshop, and an 'Archaeology Egg Excavation'. Alongside performances by Fionn Whelan, concerts will also include the Gohery School of Irish Dancing and the Slaney Court Drummers. All activities will be held in the beautiful surroundings of the Tearmann Community Garden. Later that evening, 'Cinema Night', a local youth-led initiative, will screen Sing Street and showcase the winner of the West Wicklow Short Movie Competition at The Lalor Centre. Some events require advance booking while others are drop-in activities. To see the full programme go to:
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Top baby names hated by grandparents includes Scottish title with link to nature
Parents have recounted their experiences of arguing with their parents or in-laws over their children's names Deciding on a name for your baby is one of life's toughest decisions. Expectant parents may be ready to throw the A-Z baby name book out the window, agonising over what has the easiest spelling or the most beautiful meaning. Impressing family may also be on the minds of parents -to-be. Although choosing a moniker is down to personal preference, many would be lying if they said they didn't care what their own parents thought of their child's name. This week, an eyebrow-raising survey of 2,000 grandparents and parents conducted by Gransnet, alongside sister site Mumsnet, found that one in five grandparents have struggled to come to terms with a grandchild's name. A whopping sixty nine per cent of grandparents think that it's fine for them to give their opinion on their grandchild's name, while fifteen per cent of parents admit that a parent or in-law dislikes their baby's name. Sadly, four per cent of grandparents say that they still have not accepted the name, even over time. Two per cent say that they have fallen out with the parents over their baby name choice. Shockingly, six per cent even say that they temporarily fell out of contact because of the disagreement. Grandparents' objections to their grandchild's name included the name being ugly (28 per cent), the name was 'too weird' (17 per cent) and it reminded them of someone they dislike (11 per cent). The study listed the top names hated by grandparents, and one Scottish name with a link to nature is among them. The top names hated by grandparents Aurora Charlotte Elijah Finn Jack Lindsay Noah Sally Tabitha The name Lindsay is of Scottish origins ad carries a significant meaning attached to it. Lindsay is derived from the old Scottish Gaelic word lind-saigh or lind-seaig, which translates to from the lake settlement island. "This etymology suggests a connection to the geography of the Scottish landscape, implying a strong association with its natural beauty and mystique," explains. "Lindsay came to be associated with various noble families and clans in Scotland... participating in battles, politics, and holding prominent positions in society. "Their affiliation with the name Lindsay solidified its place in historical records and elevated its status within Scottish culture." Another name thrown under the bus is 'Finn,' which is an Irish boy's name, meaning 'fair,' or "blessed". The title is connected to a long line of Irish mythology Coming from the Irish Fionn, Finn was the anglicised name of a mythical Irish warrior and folklore hero. ITV This Morning viewers were let in on the findings on Thursday (May 1) and shared their own experiences of run-ins with parents and in-laws over their name selection, which some have to come to regret. One woman wrote: "We wanted to call our son Loki, but my mother-in-law kicked off and said she wouldn't use it. Ever. She said she would call him 'baby' instead and knowing her, she would have. "I had a horrendous pregnancy with him and couldn't be bothered with the argument so we picked a different name. He's nearly 16 now and we love his name anyway, but grandparents really should mind their own business." Another chimed in: "When my mum was pregnant with me, she wanted to call me Sky (from Neighbours). My nan said absolutely not... when I found out I was gutted, I loved the name. "Fifteen years ago I had my first daughter and named her Sky... my nan loved her name." A third recounted: "My mum hated my fourth son's name, my husband's grandmother hated my third son's name. I don't care, they are their names and they are pretty normal names." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
CBC
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Surrey gets a taste of the Juno Awards with free music festival
Social Sharing The Juno Awards may still be weeks away, but Surrey is getting an early taste of the excitement with a free, massive music festival this weekend. The Let's Hear It B.C. Junos Plaza Party will take place at Surrey Civic Plaza on Saturday, with more than 30 artists across six stages from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. This festival is part of a provincewide tour leading up to the 2025 Juno Awards, set to be held at Vancouver's Rogers Arena on March 30. Organizers say the goal is to spread the Juno vibes beyond the city's downtown core. WATCH: Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga made history with their Juno Award nomination: Chani Nattan started his career by making religious music, now he and Inderpal Moga are collaborating with the artist that they looked up to growing up 3 days ago Duration 0:55 First-time Juno nominee Chani Nattan started his career by making religious music, and now he and Inderpal Moga are collaborating with Jazzy B, the Punjabi Canadian artist they looked up to growing up. "We want to make sure that the spirit of the award goes to far more places," said Neesha Hothi, director of marketing and communications for the Vancouver Juno Host Committee. "And Surrey is one of those stops." The festival's lineup includes 2025 Juno nominees Tyler Joe Miller, Chani Nattan, and Inderpal Moga, as well as Punjabi music icon Sarbjit Cheema. Hothi says Surrey's musicians are making their mark in Canadian music. "[The city] is booming with artistry right now, especially from the South Asian music scene," she said. "It is the epicentre of that diaspora's music scene right now, and we really want to celebrate that." Local Bhangra superstar Jazzy B was nominated for COOLIN with Nattan and Moga for the inaugural South Asian Music Recording of the Year Award. Country singer Miller, a Surrey native, will also perform at the festival. His album Going Home is nominated for Country Album of the Year at the Junos, marking this his second consecutive nomination. Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke called the festival a fitting celebration of the city's diverse music scene. "[It] is the perfect way to celebrate the incredible talent being recognized at the 2025 Juno Awards—right here in the heart of Surrey," Locke said in a statement. "With over 30 artists representing our diverse cultural community, this festival will be a day to remember and showcase the incredible talent that Surrey has to offer." Other performers at the event will include Shawnee Kish, Brass Camel, Luca Fogale, Fionn, Empanadas Ilegales, and Ginalina, spanning genres from country and pop to folk and Punjabi music. It will also feature an open jam session, a 5X Art Party with South Asian DJs, family-friendly activities, food trucks, and a beer garden. Organizers say all performance areas are covered or indoors, ensuring the event will go on rain or shine. Hothi says the festival is all about making the Junos accessible to fans across the province. "We know that the Junos can only happen in one spot," she said. "But that doesn't mean that B.C. isn't entirely full of incredible music, musicians, and fans." Other Let's Hear It B.C.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NI boy's hurling ball washes up on Scottish beach
A man who found a Northern Ireland boy's sliotar (hurling ball) on the Scottish coastline - eight months after it went missing off the Donegal coast - has said he is amazed it travelled so far. Donald Mac Isaac was walking on a beach near his home in Loch Eynort in Scotland on Monday evening when he found the hurling ball. The sliotar was emblazoned with a name and the crest of Carryduff Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) - a club on the outskirts of Belfast. Donald said he felt compelled to track down the owner. "When I picked it up at the beach it had information on it and I thought it looked like something personal to someone because it had a name on it," he said. "I thought it might be worth finding out where the ball came from." Donald got in touch with the Carryduff club which was able to contact the sliotar's original owner, eight-year-old Fionn O'Neill. Fionn is a member of the club and was awarded the ball because he was able to do three roll lifts in a row - a skill in which the hurling stick is rolled over the sliotar before it is flicked up into the hand. "The ball was special to me because I won it," the boy said. Fionn lost the ball on a beach while he was on holiday with his family in Donegal last July. "I was playing with it and hitting it against a rock. It went over the rock and we couldn't find it. It got lost in a bush." He added: "I was shocked it turned up in Scotland - I didn't think it could end up there. I was happy it turned up because it's like a souvenir." Donald is a fluent Scottish Gaelic speaker and said he was able to recognise that the ball was related to Irish Gaelic. "I've heard of hurling, which is similar to shinty that they play in Scotland. "I felt it was important to contact the club as the owner's name was on the ball which made it a bit more personal. "And to find out who the owner was is quite special," he said. Donald said he is open to the idea of Fionn and his family travelling to Scotland in person to reunite them with the ball. Fionn's mother, Donna Fisher, said they would be willing to make the trip and cannot believe the sliotar has travelled so far: "In our family we lose so many balls with hurling – but they don't always have a name on it – it gives it a special meaning." "I think we might have to take Donald up on his offer of going to Scotland to get the ball, and teach him a bit about hurling." Fionn said despite already losing the sliotar once he is going to continue playing with it when he finally gets it back from Scotland. "I'm hoping to get it back again. I probably will play with it again – I'm not worried about losing it again as I already know how it feels to lose it."
BBC News
08-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Carryduff boy's hurling ball washes up on a Scottish beach
A man who found a Northern Ireland boy's sliotar (hurling ball) on the Scottish coastline - eight months after it went missing off the Donegal coast - has said he is amazed it travelled so Mac Isaac was walking on a beach near his home in Loch Eynort in Scotland on Monday evening when he found the hurling sliotar was emblazoned with a name and the crest of Carryduff Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) - a club on the outskirts of Belfast. Donald said he felt compelled to track down the owner."When I picked it up at the beach it had information on it and I thought it looked like something personal to someone because it had a name on it," he said. "I thought it might be worth finding out where the ball came from." Donald got in touch with the Carryduff club which was able to contact the sliotar's original owner, eight-year-old Fionn O'Neill. Fionn is a member of the club and was awarded the ball because he was able to do three roll lifts in a row - a skill in which the hurling stick is rolled over the sliotar before it is flicked up into the hand. "The ball was special to me because I won it," the boy said. Fionn lost the ball on a beach while he was on holiday with his family in Donegal last July. "I was playing with it and hitting it against a rock. It went over the rock and we couldn't find it. It got lost in a bush."He added: "I was shocked it turned up in Scotland - I didn't think it could end up there. I was happy it turned up because it's like a souvenir."Donald is a fluent Scottish Gaelic speaker and said he was able to recognise that the ball was related to Irish Gaelic. "I've heard of hurling, which is similar to shinty that they play in Scotland."I felt it was important to contact the club as the owner's name was on the ball which made it a bit more personal."And to find out who the owner was is quite special," he said. Donald said he is open to the idea of Fionn and his family travelling to Scotland in person to reunite them with the mother, Donna Fisher, said they would be willing to make the trip and cannot believe the sliotar has travelled so far: "In our family we lose so many balls with hurling – but they don't always have a name on it – it gives it a special meaning.""I think we might have to take Donald up on his offer of going to Scotland to get the ball, and teach him a bit about hurling." Fionn said despite already losing the sliotar once he is going to continue playing with it when he finally gets it back from Scotland."I'm hoping to get it back again. I probably will play with it again – I'm not worried about losing it again as I already know how it feels to lose it."
