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Irish Examiner
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Book review: Oona Frawley brings readers on a raw exploration of the past
Writing a memoir is brave. In novels, writers find ingenious ways of talking about themselves, using proxies and high drama to replay difficult moments in their lives. But the memoirist must dispense with all these bells and whistles, and confront unvarnished realities head on. In This Interim Time, however, Oona Frawley is less interested in talking about herself than her parents: Irish actors who emigrated to America and led their only child on a peripatetic bohemian adventure. Frawley — whose debut novel Flight was published in 2014 — was born in the US and raised in New York, but moved to Ireland in 1999, had a family, and settled down. As a writer, she became obsessed with imagining her parents' lives before they had her, their childhoods and courtship, the complex reasons for their flight. As both are now dead, Frawley feels able to tackle the thorny subject of her father's alcoholism, his struggles as an actor, and her mother's reasons for enduring dysfunction for so long. As a child in Manhattan, Frawley has pleasant memories of a cosy apartment complex on the East River, filled with warm and colourful neighbours. As the child of wandering parents, she is obsessed with houses, safe places, the tenuous concept of home. 'Beautiful houses,' Frawley explains, 'always evoke in me an indefinable longing.' She speaks movingly about a childhood doll's house that became, in miniature, a refuge: 'I disappeared into it: There are details of those rooms I recall more vividly than my childhood apartment.' To complicate matters, Oona was the daughter of wistful immigrants. As a consequence, 'I would always be the child who heard of 'home' as something far off in place and time'. 'This Interim Time', by Oona Frawley, shares descriptions of a man haunted by the childhood loss of his mother and sister, a struggling actor who lived in his performances. She shares an amusing memory of her realisation that acting was a precarious business. Her father was 'not always successful — not even mostly successful. He and his friends discussed bombed auditions so often and with such relishing of detail that when I was seven I decided the theatre was not for me… There were guffaws and much hilarity when I told them that I would be a writer.' She turned out to be an elegant one: On a journey to Mayo with her young children, she describes 'breaking the journey at Strokestown so they could empty their legs of some of the eagerness to arrive'. Switching constantly between the present and the past, Frawley contemplates the mysteries of acting, and recalls the way her parents would communicate emotionally while reading lines. There is a slide from a film they made together, which becomes an icon of recollection. 'They were beautiful and marked by lost glamour in the way that parents can be when you see them as having distinct lives, because they are not you…' After her father's funeral, she has regrets about 'the bitter disappointment that kept me from delivering a eulogy'. At that point, she says, she 'was angry with him, resentful of his drinking, protective of my mother whose life had been so changed by his alcoholism'. There is a tragic quality to her descriptions of a man haunted by the childhood loss of his mother and sister, a struggling actor who lived in his performances, and 'in some ways felt homeless without a role'. Frawley is painfully honest throughout, and speaks with raw candour about the experience of motherhood, the horror of a miscarriage, the early deaths of family and friends. There was a cloud, too, over the circumstances in which her parents had left Ireland: A home gambled away, a job lost through drinking. Frawley's relationship with her mother appears to have been strong, and perhaps her primary reason for writing this memoir was to reconcile the contradictions in her father's character, his kindness and carelessness, and find a way to forgive him. She succeeds, I think, and in the process has created a beautiful, delicate, skilfully-meandering book.
Leader Live
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Sangster sets sights on taking top billing at the Curragh
Flight and Simmering took home silver and bronze medals respectively in the English equivalent at Newmarket, with the former a length behind Desert Flower and the latter a further length behind her stablemate. Each defied large odds to run a huge race behind the Godolphin hotpot and unless the ground at the Curragh is drastically changed by late rain, they will cross paths again. CLASS 💫 Desert Flower sees her race out strongly to justify short odds in the 1000 Guineas. The boys in blue are on fire! 🟦 @Betfred | @WilliamBuickX | @godolphin — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 4, 2025 'They're both travelling, Flight will run regardless and Simmering is due to run at the moment and will unless we get a lot of rain and the ground goes very soft,' said Sangster. 'They're both very well, they have taken the race at Newmarket well and we've been happy with them since. 'Simmering ran a great race in the Moyglare for second last year at the Curragh, and she ran a good race at Newmarket to pass some nice horses. 'For Flight, I think the galloping nature of the Curragh track will suit her and she has a nice draw, we'd be hopeful of a big race.' Aidan O'Brien's Lake Victoria failed to fire in the English Guineas when coming home sixth of 10, but connections had made it clear her preparation was not ideal and that she was expected to come on leaps and bounds for the run. The bay daughter of Frankel was unbeaten at two and already has three Group One titles to her name, including a defeat of Simmering in that Moyglare contest, so a return to form on the Curragh is justifiably expected, with the Ballydoyle maestro chasing an 11th success in the race. Lake Victoria beats Simmering in the Moyglare (Niall Carson/PA). O'Brien told Racing TV: 'She's a totally different filly than she was at Newmarket, she's doing everything really smooth and real easy. 'We thought she would and really she was only ready for a racecourse gallop going to Newmarket, we were wanting to take her to the Curragh here and then we said we'd leave her go, because we obviously didn't have anything in the Guineas at Newmarket. 'We let her run and she ran very well, considering everything, but she has made great improvement since then.' Dermot Weld, who claimed this prize in 2022 and 2023 to make it six wins overall, is represented by Swelter, a Juddmonte owned and bred daughter of Kingman who was last seen winning the Group Three Priory Belle Stakes at Leopardstown in March. That run maintained her unbeaten record and though she is only lightly campaigned so far, she is clearly highly regarded by connections. Swelter scoring at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA). 'The Priory Belle was a lovely run, she's a beautiful filly who has run twice and won twice,' said Juddmonte's Barry Mahon. 'She lacks a bit of experience but she's a filly we're very much looking forward to. 'She's a very exciting horse.' Archie Watson's Duty First finished ninth in the Guineas at Newmarket when struggling with the track, but prior to that she was the winner of Newbury's Fred Darling and her trainer is happy to disregard her Rowley Mile performance. He said: 'She didn't handle the track at Newmarket at all and stumbled badly on the undulations. 'Hopefully we can put a line through that run. I have been very happy with her at home since and the track at the Curragh should suit her much better.' Atsila winning the Athasi Stakes (Niall Carson/PA). Donnacha O'Brien has supplemented Atsila, who did not run at two but has done nothing wrong to win both her starts so far this term – including in the course-and-distance Athasi Stakes. The trainer said: 'Her form looks strong. To be fair to Barry (Fowler, owner), he is game for anything. 'It was my fault that I didn't have her in the race in the first place but he's more than happy to supplement and take a chance. 'I think she's entitled to be in the race.' Elsewhere in the contest, there is the Adrian Murray-trained duo of California Dreamer and Jaliyah, with Aidan O'Brien having a second runner in January and Paddy Twomey saddling City Of Memphis. Joseph Murphy's Cercene and Eoghan O'Neill's Tamam Desert complete the field.
Rhyl Journal
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Sangster sets sights on taking top billing at the Curragh
Flight and Simmering took home silver and bronze medals respectively in the English equivalent at Newmarket, with the former a length behind Desert Flower and the latter a further length behind her stablemate. Each defied large odds to run a huge race behind the Godolphin hotpot and unless the ground at the Curragh is drastically changed by late rain, they will cross paths again. CLASS 💫 Desert Flower sees her race out strongly to justify short odds in the 1000 Guineas. The boys in blue are on fire! 🟦 @Betfred | @WilliamBuickX | @godolphin — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 4, 2025 'They're both travelling, Flight will run regardless and Simmering is due to run at the moment and will unless we get a lot of rain and the ground goes very soft,' said Sangster. 'They're both very well, they have taken the race at Newmarket well and we've been happy with them since. 'Simmering ran a great race in the Moyglare for second last year at the Curragh, and she ran a good race at Newmarket to pass some nice horses. 'For Flight, I think the galloping nature of the Curragh track will suit her and she has a nice draw, we'd be hopeful of a big race.' Aidan O'Brien's Lake Victoria failed to fire in the English Guineas when coming home sixth of 10, but connections had made it clear her preparation was not ideal and that she was expected to come on leaps and bounds for the run. The bay daughter of Frankel was unbeaten at two and already has three Group One titles to her name, including a defeat of Simmering in that Moyglare contest, so a return to form on the Curragh is justifiably expected, with the Ballydoyle maestro chasing an 11th success in the race. O'Brien told Racing TV: 'She's a totally different filly than she was at Newmarket, she's doing everything really smooth and real easy. 'We thought she would and really she was only ready for a racecourse gallop going to Newmarket, we were wanting to take her to the Curragh here and then we said we'd leave her go, because we obviously didn't have anything in the Guineas at Newmarket. 'We let her run and she ran very well, considering everything, but she has made great improvement since then.' Dermot Weld, who claimed this prize in 2022 and 2023 to make it six wins overall, is represented by Swelter, a Juddmonte owned and bred daughter of Kingman who was last seen winning the Group Three Priory Belle Stakes at Leopardstown in March. That run maintained her unbeaten record and though she is only lightly campaigned so far, she is clearly highly regarded by connections. 'The Priory Belle was a lovely run, she's a beautiful filly who has run twice and won twice,' said Juddmonte's Barry Mahon. 'She lacks a bit of experience but she's a filly we're very much looking forward to. 'She's a very exciting horse.' Archie Watson's Duty First finished ninth in the Guineas at Newmarket when struggling with the track, but prior to that she was the winner of Newbury's Fred Darling and her trainer is happy to disregard her Rowley Mile performance. He said: 'She didn't handle the track at Newmarket at all and stumbled badly on the undulations. 'Hopefully we can put a line through that run. I have been very happy with her at home since and the track at the Curragh should suit her much better.' Donnacha O'Brien has supplemented Atsila, who did not run at two but has done nothing wrong to win both her starts so far this term – including in the course-and-distance Athasi Stakes. The trainer said: 'Her form looks strong. To be fair to Barry (Fowler, owner), he is game for anything. 'It was my fault that I didn't have her in the race in the first place but he's more than happy to supplement and take a chance. 'I think she's entitled to be in the race.' Elsewhere in the contest, there is the Adrian Murray-trained duo of California Dreamer and Jaliyah, with Aidan O'Brien having a second runner in January and Paddy Twomey saddling City Of Memphis. Joseph Murphy's Cercene and Eoghan O'Neill's Tamam Desert complete the field.
North Wales Chronicle
25-05-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Sangster sets sights on taking top billing at the Curragh
Flight and Simmering took home silver and bronze medals respectively in the English equivalent at Newmarket, with the former a length behind Desert Flower and the latter a further length behind her stablemate. Each defied large odds to run a huge race behind the Godolphin hotpot and unless the ground at the Curragh is drastically changed by late rain, they will cross paths again. CLASS 💫 Desert Flower sees her race out strongly to justify short odds in the 1000 Guineas. The boys in blue are on fire! 🟦 @Betfred | @WilliamBuickX | @godolphin — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 4, 2025 'They're both travelling, Flight will run regardless and Simmering is due to run at the moment and will unless we get a lot of rain and the ground goes very soft,' said Sangster. 'They're both very well, they have taken the race at Newmarket well and we've been happy with them since. 'Simmering ran a great race in the Moyglare for second last year at the Curragh, and she ran a good race at Newmarket to pass some nice horses. 'For Flight, I think the galloping nature of the Curragh track will suit her and she has a nice draw, we'd be hopeful of a big race.' Aidan O'Brien's Lake Victoria failed to fire in the English Guineas when coming home sixth of 10, but connections had made it clear her preparation was not ideal and that she was expected to come on leaps and bounds for the run. The bay daughter of Frankel was unbeaten at two and already has three Group One titles to her name, including a defeat of Simmering in that Moyglare contest, so a return to form on the Curragh is justifiably expected, with the Ballydoyle maestro chasing an 11th success in the race. O'Brien told Racing TV: 'She's a totally different filly than she was at Newmarket, she's doing everything really smooth and real easy. 'We thought she would and really she was only ready for a racecourse gallop going to Newmarket, we were wanting to take her to the Curragh here and then we said we'd leave her go, because we obviously didn't have anything in the Guineas at Newmarket. 'We let her run and she ran very well, considering everything, but she has made great improvement since then.' Dermot Weld, who claimed this prize in 2022 and 2023 to make it six wins overall, is represented by Swelter, a Juddmonte owned and bred daughter of Kingman who was last seen winning the Group Three Priory Belle Stakes at Leopardstown in March. That run maintained her unbeaten record and though she is only lightly campaigned so far, she is clearly highly regarded by connections. 'The Priory Belle was a lovely run, she's a beautiful filly who has run twice and won twice,' said Juddmonte's Barry Mahon. 'She lacks a bit of experience but she's a filly we're very much looking forward to. 'She's a very exciting horse.' Archie Watson's Duty First finished ninth in the Guineas at Newmarket when struggling with the track, but prior to that she was the winner of Newbury's Fred Darling and her trainer is happy to disregard her Rowley Mile performance. He said: 'She didn't handle the track at Newmarket at all and stumbled badly on the undulations. 'Hopefully we can put a line through that run. I have been very happy with her at home since and the track at the Curragh should suit her much better.' Donnacha O'Brien has supplemented Atsila, who did not run at two but has done nothing wrong to win both her starts so far this term – including in the course-and-distance Athasi Stakes. The trainer said: 'Her form looks strong. To be fair to Barry (Fowler, owner), he is game for anything. 'It was my fault that I didn't have her in the race in the first place but he's more than happy to supplement and take a chance. 'I think she's entitled to be in the race.' Elsewhere in the contest, there is the Adrian Murray-trained duo of California Dreamer and Jaliyah, with Aidan O'Brien having a second runner in January and Paddy Twomey saddling City Of Memphis. Joseph Murphy's Cercene and Eoghan O'Neill's Tamam Desert complete the field.
Glasgow Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Sangster sets sights on taking top billing at the Curragh
Flight and Simmering took home silver and bronze medals respectively in the English equivalent at Newmarket, with the former a length behind Desert Flower and the latter a further length behind her stablemate. Each defied large odds to run a huge race behind the Godolphin hotpot and unless the ground at the Curragh is drastically changed by late rain, they will cross paths again. CLASS 💫 Desert Flower sees her race out strongly to justify short odds in the 1000 Guineas. The boys in blue are on fire! 🟦 @Betfred | @WilliamBuickX | @godolphin — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 4, 2025 'They're both travelling, Flight will run regardless and Simmering is due to run at the moment and will unless we get a lot of rain and the ground goes very soft,' said Sangster. 'They're both very well, they have taken the race at Newmarket well and we've been happy with them since. 'Simmering ran a great race in the Moyglare for second last year at the Curragh, and she ran a good race at Newmarket to pass some nice horses. 'For Flight, I think the galloping nature of the Curragh track will suit her and she has a nice draw, we'd be hopeful of a big race.' Aidan O'Brien's Lake Victoria failed to fire in the English Guineas when coming home sixth of 10, but connections had made it clear her preparation was not ideal and that she was expected to come on leaps and bounds for the run. The bay daughter of Frankel was unbeaten at two and already has three Group One titles to her name, including a defeat of Simmering in that Moyglare contest, so a return to form on the Curragh is justifiably expected, with the Ballydoyle maestro chasing an 11th success in the race. Lake Victoria beats Simmering in the Moyglare (Niall Carson/PA). O'Brien told Racing TV: 'She's a totally different filly than she was at Newmarket, she's doing everything really smooth and real easy. 'We thought she would and really she was only ready for a racecourse gallop going to Newmarket, we were wanting to take her to the Curragh here and then we said we'd leave her go, because we obviously didn't have anything in the Guineas at Newmarket. 'We let her run and she ran very well, considering everything, but she has made great improvement since then.' Dermot Weld, who claimed this prize in 2022 and 2023 to make it six wins overall, is represented by Swelter, a Juddmonte owned and bred daughter of Kingman who was last seen winning the Group Three Priory Belle Stakes at Leopardstown in March. That run maintained her unbeaten record and though she is only lightly campaigned so far, she is clearly highly regarded by connections. Swelter scoring at Leopardstown (Niall Carson/PA). 'The Priory Belle was a lovely run, she's a beautiful filly who has run twice and won twice,' said Juddmonte's Barry Mahon. 'She lacks a bit of experience but she's a filly we're very much looking forward to. 'She's a very exciting horse.' Archie Watson's Duty First finished ninth in the Guineas at Newmarket when struggling with the track, but prior to that she was the winner of Newbury's Fred Darling and her trainer is happy to disregard her Rowley Mile performance. He said: 'She didn't handle the track at Newmarket at all and stumbled badly on the undulations. 'Hopefully we can put a line through that run. I have been very happy with her at home since and the track at the Curragh should suit her much better.' Atsila winning the Athasi Stakes (Niall Carson/PA). Donnacha O'Brien has supplemented Atsila, who did not run at two but has done nothing wrong to win both her starts so far this term – including in the course-and-distance Athasi Stakes. The trainer said: 'Her form looks strong. To be fair to Barry (Fowler, owner), he is game for anything. 'It was my fault that I didn't have her in the race in the first place but he's more than happy to supplement and take a chance. 'I think she's entitled to be in the race.' Elsewhere in the contest, there is the Adrian Murray-trained duo of California Dreamer and Jaliyah, with Aidan O'Brien having a second runner in January and Paddy Twomey saddling City Of Memphis. Joseph Murphy's Cercene and Eoghan O'Neill's Tamam Desert complete the field.
