Latest news with #GraceO'Malley
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Drama at Anaverna, new EP from Finnian and art exhibitions
This year's offering is a swashbuckling adaptation of Treasure Island which reimagines the classic tale with an Irish twist, featuring the legendary Pirate Queen, Grace O'Malley. Audiences will follow young Jim Hawkins on a quest to save their family-run B&B, discovering hidden treasure, dodging mutiny, and belting out catchy sea shanties along the way. But when gold is on the line, the biggest question remains—who can you really trust? The cast features Mark Anthony O'Reilly as Jim Hawkins, Sane McCabe as Doctor Livesey, Ceara Carney as Gráinne Mhaol/Grace O'Malley, Anthony Kinahan as Double Crossing Dan and Fiona Keenan O'Brien as Granny, Baby Face O'Brian and Polly the Parrot. Packed with music, laughter, and heart, this high-energy production is perfect for all ages. The show runs from Wednesday August 6 to Sunday August 10, with shows at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm plus an extra show on Saturday at 7pm. Tickets will not be available in Anaverna House and must be pre-booked online or at Box Office. Tickets are €15 / €10 / €40 Family pass (2 adult + 2 child tickets OR 1 adult + 3 child tickets) (plus €1.50 booking fee per ticket per person) and can be purchased from our box office on Crowe St., over the phone on 042 9332332 or online at New EP from Dundalk's Finnian Dundalk singer-songwriter Finnian has released a new EP entitled Travelling, which was recorded live to tape at Blackmountain Studio in the Cooley Mountains. This a six-track collection of songs blending folk, alt-country, and cinematic storytelling Travelling captures a raw, atmospheric sound rooted in authenticity and emotional honesty. The songs span upbeat foot-stompers to sparse, haunting ballads—balancing light and dark, joy and sorrow. Lyrically, the EP explores themes of longing, loss, accountability, and reflection, delivered through vivid, character-based storytelling and soulful vocal performances. Two tracks were co-written with Finnian's close friends and former Ceithre Cinn bandmates: award-winning songwriter Ciaran Lavery and acclaimed writer/producer Matt McGinn—adding a layer of creative chemistry and trust to the project. Anchored in analog warmth and lyrical depth, the EP is Finnian's most personal and mature work to date. Finnian is already known for his rich blend of folk, alt-country, and Americana influences. With a focus on honest storytelling and soulful delivery, his music captures both the intimacy of lived experience and the scale of universal emotion. To date, he has released one critically acclaimed studio album Under The Influence along with several singles as a solo artist and as a member of the group Ceithre Cinn The EP is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp. Landmarks: A Louth Journey Landmarks: A Louth Journey, is a a new solo exhibition by Dundalk artist Tracy Fry, which opens on Wednesday, August 7 at Creative Spark's Downtown Hub, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. Tracy studied Fine Art Printmaking at the National College of Art and Design and is known for her diverse work in printmaking, painting, and art made from salvaged slate. Her collagraph prints are often inspired by landscapes and science, exploring the invisible nano world and intricate patterns found in nature. In this exhibition, her work offers a compelling visual exploration of County Louth's rich landscape and cultural heritage, inviting audiences to rediscover the county through an artist's eyes. Combining her signature collagraph printmaking techniques with abstract map elements and expressive landscape imagery, Tracy examines themes of place, memory, and belonging. Drawing from historical maps, field sketches, photographs, and personal experience, she constructs a layered narrative that is at once mythological, historical, and deeply contemporary. "I've always been fascinated at maps and how they can show the impact which mankind has on nature,' she told The Argus previously. 'When you look at maps you can see evidence of where we are and how we have transformed the landscape.' "I grew up down by the Quay and my grandfather was the station master of the old railway station at Quay Street. I remember looking at the old maps that he had." Each artwork in the exhibition becomes a tactile meditation on Louth's quiet beauty and layered past. As borders blur and landscapes unfold, the exhibition reveals a county alive with story, spirit, and subtle transformation. Tracy also creates commission landscape and portrait paintings, as well as unique jewellery pieces and gifts from slate. Her portfolio includes statement resin maps, symbolic copper art, and Ogham jewellery, with themes of nature and Irish heritage frequently woven into her designs. Her work merges topography with texture, creating modern pieces with timeless appeal. Each artwork becomes a tactile meditation on Louth's quiet beauty and layered past. As borders blur and landscapes unfold, the exhibition reveals a county alive with story, spirit, and subtle transformation. Tracy's work can also be seen in the travelling Louth Craftmark Designers Network exhibition Reveal/Conceal currently on display at The Cowshed Gallery, Farmleigh, Dublin until August 15. Louth Plein Air Art Exhibition Earlier this summer, artists from around the country travelled to take part in the Louth Plein Air festival organised by Louth artist Leonors Reilly. The locations for this year's event were Anaverna House in Ravensdale, in north Louth and Baltray village and beach in the south of the county. Both locations offered the artists stunning picturesque scenes to paint and capture the essence of the day. Now, 40 paintings by 31 artists that took part in the festival have been selected by Paul Hayes, director An Tain Arts Centre, for exhibition in The Basement Gallery. The exhibition features works by Joanna Cartwright, Orla Barry, Shauna Swords, Marie Kelly, Karina Guseva, Shauneen McKenna, Natalia Yakymets, Olga Byrne, Lynsey McKernan, Marta Feeley, Daria Ivanishchenko, Seamus Collins, Dana Sorokino, Charlotte Reid, Noella Manley, Marian Witcher, Des Downes, Joan Moroney. Terry Fitzgerald, Caroline Yeates, Rita Boyle, Irina McAuley, Jamie Johston, Eoin Flanagan, Cora Buckley, Kevin O'Brien, Donna McGee, Paul Boyle, Stephen Andrews and Yvonne Pettitt. The exhibition is open to the public from Thursday August 7 to Saturday August 23 .
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- The Irish Sun
The Irish island named one of best in world with soaring cliffs, dolphins, basking sharks & watersports
TAKE a look at the Irish island voted one of the world's best – and it features soaring cliffs, dolphins, basking sharks and water sports. Achill Island in County Mayo is the perfect place to visit this summer. 4 Achill Island is a breathtaking spot located of Ireland's west coast Credit: Andrea Pistolesi 4 It's become a favourite among surfers and hikers globally Credit: Alamy 4 And it is home to some of the country's most fabulous beaches. Credit: Alamy Linked to the mainland by a short bridge, the island is known as one of the most rugged and scenic areas along the Wild Atlantic Way. Achill is nestled off the Mayo coastline and offers visitors endless views of mountains, sea cliffs and Atlantic waters. It has recently been voted in eighth place on the top ten islands globally by Big 7 Travel, along with being named one of the most beautiful by Condé Nast and Lonely Planet. Attracting thousands of tourists each year, it is known for its peaceful bays, open roads and towering sea cliffs that are some of the highest in Europe. The tourist hot-spot is home to several Blue Flag beaches, including Keem Bay and Keel Beach. Visitors to Achill are greeted by breathtaking views at every turn, from the dramatic cliffs at Croaghaun to the rolling hills of Slievemore. The island's winding roads make it perfect for a scenic drive or cycle – with cliff-top routes offering views that stretch across the ocean. What's more, Achill is just an hour away from Westport - one of Mayo's most popular towns known for its food, music and vibrant pub scene. Achill also offers a ton of opportunities for outdoor activities. This stunning spot is a favourite for surfers, swimmers, hikers and cyclists – and it has a long tradition of Irish language and culture with it being a Gaeltacht area. 'It's very important' - Ryanair's 'baggage sizers' warning to Irish passengers ahead of busy Easter break amid €75 fine And there is plenty of wildlife including seabirds, seals, basking sharks and dolphins often spotted off the island's wild coastline. Visitors can enjoy peaceful coastal walks, try watersports, or explore the haunting ruins of the Deserted Village at Slievemore. LOTS TO EXPLORE There is a lot more to explore with small villages dotted across the island. Croaghaun Mountain is situated to the west of the island, measuring 668m, while Slievemore is the highest mountain on Achill measuring 671m and Minaun measures 466m. Kildawnit Castle, a 15th century tower house and once home to Grace O'Malley, the Pirate Queen, is located on the southern tip of the island. Also on the south coast are the architectural Cathedral Rocks. The island has attracted many famous writers including German Nobel Prize winner Heinrick Boll, painters including Paul Henry, Derek Hill, Charles Lamb and Robert Henri. The Dánlann Yawl Art Gallery in Tóin Ré Gaoth offers a range of painting experiences and courses. RANGE OF EVENTS There are a range of events on the island including The Yawl Races which renews the ancient traditions of the wooden sailing craft. Achill Island has a great choice of accommodation including small hotels, hostels, self-catering holiday homes, guesthouses, B&B's and campsites. You can also explore the surrounding areas on horseback, or do some golfing in the golf club with nine-hole links.
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wonder drug changed the life of a 15 year old girl now sitting the Junior Certificate, exams her parents thought she would never get to do
Robeen native Grace O'Malley (15) and her family look back on the fight for Spinraza, a ground-breaking drug which has improved the lives of those suffering Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Today at 08:27 Every morning, Grace O'Malley (15) is hoisted out of her bed in Robeen in south Mayo. It's always been this way. She has never, and will never walk because of a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wonder drug changed the life of a 15 year old girl now sitting the Junior Certificate, exams her parents thought she never get to do
Robeen native Grace O'Malley (15) and her family look back on the fight for Spinraza, a ground-breaking drug which has improved the lives of those suffering Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Every morning, Grace O'Malley (15) is hoisted out of her bed in Robeen in south Mayo. It's always been this way. She has never, and will never walk because of a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
Irish Independent
24-04-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘It shouldn't be a big deal' – doctor pleads for public drinking water fountains after trial shows drastic cut in consumption of soft drinks
Now the groups behind the move are calling for the project to be replicated in every sports hall, community centre and public place in Ireland. They say the health and environmental benefits of swapping soft drinks and single use containers for plain water and reusable bottles are overwhelming. 'One hundred years ago we had water pumps in every town However, they also say the process needs to be simplified after it took the involvement of almost a dozen public bodies and groups to be implemented. 'This shouldn't be a big deal,' said Dr Grace O'Malley of the RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, one of the bodies involved. 'One hundred years ago we had water pumps in every town in Ireland and it was the norm. 'Every single town in Ireland and every sports club should have access to high-quality free drinking water.' The Uisce Cliste (Smart Water) Healthy Hydration for Dublin project was trialled at Cherry Orchard and Ballyfermot United Football Clubs, with data collected and analysed from the former. A water station was installed by the pitches with two water fountains where children could fill their club-branded water bottles. Education sessions were also run for children, parents and coaches on the importance of staying hydrated and, crucially, drinking water instead of soft drinks. Colour charts were installed in toilet blocks so that participants could check their urine to understand what a healthy shade is. ADVERTISEMENT 'We're being conditioned all the time with advertising and marketing to think we need different products whereas we really need to get back to basics, to understand how our body works and how important water is for us, particularly for children when their kidneys are developing,' Dr O'Malley said. Your bottle is as important as your boots The project is primarily a public health measure but has also proved a winner on the environmental front. The club was collecting 4.5kg of drinks bottles and cans daily, but six months later, it plummeted to 0.05kg. Republic of Ireland player, Jessie Stapleton, who began her football career with Cherry Orchard, is backing the campaign with messages on YouTube. 'She makes the point that 'your bottle is as important as your boots'. To get that message out there from someone like her is great,' Dr O'Malley said. The project combined work by Dr O'Malley's team, Dublin City Council, the HSE, Pobal, Sláintecare's Healthy Communities programme, the Liffey Area Partnership, the City of Dublin Adult Education Service and others. Dr O'Malley said while it was great to have the interest and input of so many, the process needed to be simplified. Last summer, the Departments of Housing and the Environment announced a €2m fund to support the installation of public drinking water fountains.
