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Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tens of thousands take to streets on rainy bank holiday weekend
Tens of thousands of people ran, danced and smelled the roses yesterday on rainy Bank Holiday weekend. In Dublin, more than 28,000 women took to the streets yesterday in what is being hailed as the most successful ever Vhi Women's Mini Marathon. The sold-out event, now in its 43rd year, reached its maximum capacity in record time. The iconic race drew women from every corner of Ireland, with participants travelling from all over the country for what is now one of the largest all-female events in the world. It was won by Grace Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers in a time of 34 minutes and 17 seconds. Participants of all ages, abilities and fitness levels came together under this year's theme, 'Championing Womankind' – a celebration of the strength, resilience and support that women bring to every step of their journey. Among them were first-timers, seasoned athletes, and a dedicated group of women who have taken part every year since 1983. The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest was aged 89. The organisers claimed the shift in demographics this year was a new development, with a surge in younger women taking part. This is a trend that the organisers credit in part to the rise of social and community-focused running clubs across the country. Organisers are expecting to raise millions of euro for charities and they revealed that the event has raised more than €255million since it began in 1982. The 10km event began at Fitzwilliam Square, with runners, joggers and walkers making their way through the heart of Dublin. The runners were cheered on by thousands of spectators who lined the streets along the route. New for 2025 was the launch of Race Day Live, a one-hour TV-style programme broadcast live on screens at the start and finish areas. The show celebrated the elite field of athletes battling it out at the front, and offered live coverage as the race unfolded and was available on YouTube Live feed. After crossing the finish line at Lower Baggot Street, each participant was awarded a medal to commemorate their achievement. Across the finish line in second place was Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC followed by Jessica Craig of North Down AC. Sinead Kane from Le Cheile AC placed first in the Visually Impaired category. David O'Leary, race director of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon said this year's race was one of the best ever. He said: 'The 2025 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon has been one of our most exciting yet. 'From the sheer number of participants to the new innovations and incredible stories we heard in the lead up to and today, it truly captured what Championing Womankind is all about. 'Congratulations to every woman who took part, and thank you to our amazing volunteers, our dedicated sponsors, An Garda Siochana, Dublin City Council and all our other stakeholders, and of course, our title sponsor Vhi.' In Cork, the city's marathon was won by Chris Jeuken from Co Clare, while Evelyn Twomey was the first woman to finish the race. Jake O'Regan and Niamh Allen won the half-marathon and the 10km men's race was won by Fearghal Curtin, with Hannah Steeds winning the women's 10km. The marathon had 550 international participants from over 26 countries. More than 1,000 volunteers helped organise and supervise the event. Also in Dublin yesterday thousands turned out for the Bord Bia Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park to see the spectacular garden displays and sample the food onoffer. The festival, which kicked off last Thursday, continues today from 9am. Elsewhere in the capital the Forbidden Fruit Festival kicked off the country's summer music with Underworld headlining the main stage at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham. In the midlands the Kilkenny Bike Fest was in full swing yesterday with dozens of events around the country aimed at encouraging a new generation to embrace cycling for health, fun, and sustainable travel.
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
The best photos as close to 30,000 women turn Dublin purple for Mini Marathon
28,000 women turned the streets of Dublin purple on Sunday for the 2025 VHI Women's Mini Marathon. The event, now in its 43rd year, is more popular than ever, and spots on the starting lineup were sold out in record time. With a theme this year of "Championing Womankind", women came from all over the country to run in the race. The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest was aged 89. The race was won by Grace Richardson from Kilkenny City Harriers in a time of 34:17, with Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC finishing second in 34:35. Sinead Kane from Le Chéile AC placed first in the Visually Impaired category with her time of 44:26 in the 10km event. iDonate, the event's official fundraising partner, reported a massive total of over €2 million and counting, bringing the cumulative amount raised by the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon to well over €255 million since its inception in 1982. David O'Leary, Race Director of the Vhi Women's Mini Marathon said: 'The 2025 Vhi Women's Mini Marathon has been one of our most exciting yet. "From the sheer number of participants to the new innovations and incredible stories we heard in the lead up to and today, it truly captured what Championing Womankind is all about. "Congratulations to every woman who took part, and thank you to our amazing volunteers, our dedicated sponsors, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and all our other stakeholders, and of course, our title sponsor Vhi.' Laurna and Evilin celebrate with a hug after finishing the race (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) 1 of 12 Participants celebrate finishing with their medals (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) 2 of 12 A participant celebrates whilst running through the finish line (Image: ©INPHO/Ben Brady) 3 of 12
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Women's Mini Marathon in Dublin attracts 28,000 participants
Some 28,000 women (and some men) filled Dublin city streets from Fitzwilliam Place to Merrion Square on Sunday morning for the Women's Mini Marathon. The winner of the 10km event was Grace Richardson (26), from Kilkenny City Harriers, who crossed the line after 34 minutes and 17 seconds. She followed in the footsteps of her sister Aoibhe, who won the race in 2019, and her other sister Niamh, who came third in last year's event. Grace Richardson, from Kilkenny City Harriers, winner of the 2025 Women's Mini Marathon. Photograph: Alan Betson Among those who signed up for the race were first-time runners, seasoned athletes and a dedicated group of women who have taken part every year since 1983. The youngest participant was just 14, while the oldest was aged 89. Orla O'Rourke from Stepaside was hoping to jog half of the route but said she may well be 'reduced' to walking the remaining five kilometres. READ MORE Ms O'Rourke said she had just returned from England on Saturday night, getting off the aircraft at midnight. Orla O'Rourke (left) and Leanne Culligan ran the Women's Mini Marathon in Dublin on Sunday. Photograph: Tim O'Brien She said she would not miss the mini marathon as she was running in memory of her mother, Marie Hendley, who passed away from cancer some years ago. She was running with her friend Leanne Culligan from Belgriffin. Ms Culligan she had cancer some years ago and was running to raise awareness of the disease. At the corner of Merrion Square and Fitzwilliam Street, giant screens showed crowds of runners waiting at barriers from Lower Mount Street to Leeson Street Upper. Friends and families supported from behind barriers. Over the loudspeakers, drag artist Dame Stuffy from 98FM could be heard commenting on the countdown to the start of the race. 'I feel like [it's] New Year's Eve,' she said. 'Where is the prosecco? Can we have a round of applause for the sunshine?' she asked, as some ominous-looking clouds parted. On the corner of Upper Mount Street was a runner called David Nolan, who had a questionable auburn hair arrangement. He said he was running to support his sister Yvonne Nolan, who was standing beside him. 'We are running for Saplings Rathfarnham, a school for autism,' said Ms Nolan. 'I am just here to help,' her brother added. Yvonne Nolan and her brother David Nolan ran the Women's Mini Marathon in aid of Saplings School in Rathfarnham. Photograph: Tim O'Brien Further numbers of men in brightly coloured wigs wore running tops with the words 'in memory of Cathy' on their backs. Earlier, VHI mini-marathon 'ambassador' Nathalie Lennon, from Baltinglass, in Co Wicklow, confessed to having nerves. As ambassador and a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist, she had devised three fitness programmes for runners, joggers and walkers. 'I am nervous yes, but it is a good sign that you care and have a passion after the long days of training,' she said. Fellow ambassador Clóda Scanlon, originally from Co Tipperary but living in Dublin, said she was hoping to complete the 10km in about an hour and 20 minutes. 'I have been playing sport all my life and was playing camogie in Tipperary for the under-16s,' she said. Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC came second in the mini marathon with a time of 34.35. Jessica Craig of North Down AC took third place with 34.55. Sinéad Kane from Le Chéile AC won the visually impaired category with a time of 44.26. Separately, Cork County Council said it was 'deeply saddened' to confirm a participant in the Cork City Marathon died on Sunday. 'The person was attended to immediately by the emergency services on the scene. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.' It is understood the woman, who was in her 20s, became unwell after crossing the finish line on Patrick Street.
The Guardian
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Five Great Reads: why people cheat, ‘liberation day' and the young men v women political divide
Top of the weekend to you all. This week has been a lot – the trailer for the Naked Gun reboot nobody needed was about the only thing that helped me crack a smile (stick to the end). After that palate cleanser, step right this way. Global research suggests there is a growing gender gap among gen Z voters, with election results showing young men are shifting to the right while young women are becoming more progressive. But is that also true in Australia? Grace Richardson, a Sydney musician and podcast producer, got a glimpse of how it might play out on a date with a man who did not 'believe' in the gender pay gap and argued feminism had gone too far. With a substantial number of gen Zs about to cast a vote for the first time in Australia's federal election, we're about to discover if Richardson's experience was a bellwether or an outlier. How long will it take to read: Three minutes. Further reading: Week one of the federal election campaign covered in depth. Donald Trump's so-called 'liberation day' has come and gone, with the US president imposing a minimum 10% tariff on imports from every corner of the globe. Perhaps unsurprisingly, chaos ensued. In his first take of what it all means for the global economy, Martin Kettle argued the 'broken' international economic model is in dire need of a reboot – but that Trump's strategy risks hurting the very Americans he claims to champion. How long will it take to read: Three minutes. Further reading: Even uninhabited islands weren't spared from the tariff hit, which was based on an 'idiotic' calculation. Professor M, 60, had been living a contented, interesting existence with her life companion for 25 years. Then she randomly encountered an acquaintance from her 20s, had sex with him in a hotel room, and promptly bought herself a vibrator to manage her newfound 'roaring libido' between meetings with the man who became her secret lover. So why do some of us explore this most risky of relationships? The psychotherapist Juliet Rosenfeld, who over four years spoke to Professor M and myriad other people who had affairs, argues 'the reasons are locked in our infancy and childhood' – a theory underlined by Professor M's behaviour when her lover froze her out. 'Consciously, it was simple: she had an adult lover. Unconsciously, she had Daddy back or, maybe, he had just never gone.' How long will it take to read: Nine minutes. Further reading: Three (or more) is no longer a crowd for the sex lives of a rising number of Australians. Sign up to Five Great Reads Each week our editors select five of the most interesting, entertaining and thoughtful reads published by Guardian Australia and our international colleagues. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Saturday morning after newsletter promotion Supporting losing teams is tough enough (Canberra Raiders fans, I see you), so what's it like playing for one? In the NBA, where the regular season stretches to 82 games, bad teams usually know they're making up the numbers 30 games in. But players can't turn off the TV in disgust – they still have to turn up to work. As a grizzled veteran told a promising rookie when he felt his debut season going down the gurgler: 'Rook, there ain't no Ls or Ws on them cheques.' The secret of success: Scott Williams, who spent three years winning titles with the 90s Chicago Bulls, says all NBA players are talented but success is about attitude. 'There was nobody that had more intensity and stronger will and a passion to work than Michael Jordan,' Williams says. 'Everyone has to come along if the superstar is doing it.' How long will it take to read: Three minutes. Further reading: Why some terrible NBA teams are intentionally terrible. Looking good on Instagram has its drawbacks – just ask the 600-odd residents of Bibury, home to some of England's most photographed terraced cottages. Hordes of tourists turn up daily, wave their smartphones around until they've nailed the perfect selfie, then get back on the bus for the next destination. Some business owners are delighted; many residents are less than enthused. Playing the part: Staff members at a Bibury pub say they are often treated like actors in a living theme park. How long will it take to read: Three minutes. Enjoying the Five Great Reads email? Then you'll love our weekly culture and lifestyle newsletter, Saved for Later. Sign up here to catch up on the fun stuff with our rundown of must-reads, pop culture, trends and tips for the weekend. And check out the full list of our local and international newsletters.
The Guardian
03-04-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘There's an us v them mentality': are young Australian men and women drifting apart politically?
After Grace Richardson broke up with her long-term boyfriend, she entered a period she affectionately refers to as her 'rat girl summer'. 'I was using Hinge, I was going out, I was meeting people. I was 23, flirty and thriving,' the Sydney musician and podcast producer says. It was during this season of self-discovery that Richardson met a man whose views, she says, 'immediately set off alarm bells'. When Richardson mentioned her job, he revealed his favourite podcast was one that 'gets feminists on and makes fun of them'. When she said she enjoyed going to the gym, he told her 'men weren't attracted to women with an athletic physique'. 'From there the conversation descended,' Richardson says. Sign up for the Afternoon Update: Election 2025 email newsletter She says her date told her women were 'past their peak' after 24, that he didn't 'believe' in the gender pay gap and argued feminism had gone too far because women, in his view, now had 'more rights than men'. 'You hear about this stuff online but I had never expected to sit down with someone and have a conversation about it,' she says. Her experience may not be an isolated one. Research suggests there is a growing gender gap among gen Z voters, with election results around the world showing young men are shifting to the right while young women are becoming more progressive. At the 2024 US election men aged between 18 and 29 turned out in force for Donald Trump, favouring him by 56% to 42%, while women of the same age voted for Kamala Harris by an even wider margin, 58% to 40%. Young men at the 2024 UK election were twice as likely to vote for Nigel Farage's rightwing populist party Reform UK (12% to 6%) while young women were more likely to vote Green than their male counterparts (23% to 12%). This trend isn't just a Western phenomenon, according to Intifar Chowdhury, a lecturer in government at Flinders University. 'In China, Taiwan and South Korea – particularly South Korea – the gulf between genders is quite wide and the young men are much more conservative than women,' Chowdhury says. So what about Australia? Are we likely to see a similar pattern emerging at the federal election? Dr Sarah Cameron is circumspect. A political scientist at Griffith University's school of government and international relations and a chief investigator of the Australian Election Study, which has surveyed voters on their political attitudes and behaviours after each election since 1987, she says the gender gap in politics is 'much smaller' than the generational gap. Polls tracked by Guardian Australia over the past year show Labor ahead 61.2% to 38.8% on a two-party-preferred basis among 18- to 34-year-olds, and marginally ahead among those aged 35 to 49, but significantly behind among older age groups. 'Younger generations are much further to the left than previous generations were when they were at the same stage of life. That's the biggest difference we are seeing among young people in Australia,' Cameron says. 'Young women are a bit further left, in comparison to young men.' Chowdhury agrees. She says long-term trends show men and women shifting leftwards – though young women are doing so more quickly. 'There is a gender gap, in the sense that women are moving to the left at a quicker pace. But they aren't moving in different directions,' she says. Cameron attributes women's shift left to their increasing participation in higher education and the workforce, as well as greater representation on the Labor benches in parliament. Chowdhury points to the #MeToo movement and the former Coalition government's response to sexual assault allegations that followed. Sign up to Afternoon Update: Election 2025 Our Australian afternoon update breaks down the key election campaign stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Both Cameron and Chowdhury, however, note a substantial number of gen Zs will be voting for the first time in 2025, which could change existing assumptions. Chowdhury points to a recent poll in the Australian Financial Review which found 37% of men aged 18 to 34 preferred Peter Dutton as prime minister, compared with 27% of women in the same age group. It also found 32% of women in the same age group would give their primary vote to the Greens (equal with Labor), compared with only 20% among men. Anthony Albanese has been actively courting young female voters, including by appearing on Abbie Chatfield's It's a Lot podcast and the Happy Hour podcast with Lucy Jackson and Nikki Westcott. Darien, 19, a music student at the University of Sydney, says he hangs out with 'mostly progressive people', but there is a gap between his male and female friends, particularly when discussing social issues. 'There is a divide between the genders – I'd like to think in my group there isn't, but it's there,' he says, citing the debate during the voice to parliament referendum as an example. 'A lot of my female friends were voting yes and sharing posts about it – I know that they had issues with some of their male friends who weren't. 'There's probably also a divide during conversations around things like reproductive rights.' Darien says most of his friends are more across US politics than Australian but he tends to avoid the topic because it's 'only going to create conflict'. 'When it comes to Australian politics, people know less. My friends tend to either really not like Peter Dutton or just don't know who he is. I know that some of my friends don't like Albo a whole lot. I personally think he's doing an all right job,' he says. 'But there's this sort of us v them kind of mentality that's developed, which makes it difficult for conversation around these topics to go anywhere.' Chowdhury says it is important not to paint a picture of young men as a 'looming reactionary force', describing the discourse as 'harmful' and 'divisive'. 'Many gen Z voters are going to vote for the first time and they're voting during a cost-of-living crisis,' Chowdhury says. She says young voters' frustrations may stem more from economic challenges – such as stagnant wages, rising costs and dwindling opportunities – rather than 'a feminism backlash'. 'Economic concerns can really shape an election,' Chowdhury says. 'People might be voting for the Coalition because of that, but we're very quick to rush into making this conclusion that they're moving to the right, so they must be conservative on all things.' Hannah Ferguson, the founder of Cheek Media, a feminist platform aimed at educating young people about politics, says she sees a growing 'anti-establishment streak' in young Australian men, who are frustrated with the 'political system as a whole'. 'The difference between us and the US is that a lot of young men are fed up with both parties, as opposed to the divide in America, which is based on that tribal red or blue, Democrats or Republicans,' Ferguson says. 'I do think there will be a divide between how young men and women vote – on the whole, young men lean further right, but I think we're not anywhere near the toxicity of the US.' She also anticipates young people will turn to more independents and the Greens as a result. As for Richardson, her date marked the end of rat girl summer. 'I had a good run, and I met some nice guys, but this one just left a bad taste in my mouth,' she says. Richardson emphasises their conversation, which stretched four hours, was not heated or aggressive. She says she stayed because she wanted to understand his perspective and challenge it. But by the end, she realised his views were 'entrenched'. 'It made me take the blinkers off a bit,' Richardson says. 'I felt disappointed, scared and misunderstood. It made me realise the hill is so much steeper than I thought it was.'
