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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘You have to make sacrifices', says Ireland AM host as he admits his young daughter complains he's ‘not home enough'
IRELAND AM host Tommy Bowe has lifted the lid on his dad guilt as he admits his young daughter claims he's "not home enough" The Virgin Media star, who is a mainstay presenter on the hit breakfast show, has a lot on his plate when it comes to work. 3 Tommy Bowe has opened up about his parent guilt 3 Tommy is a doting dad to Emma, eight, and four-year-old Jamie 3 Tommy is a mainstay host on Ireland AM Between hosting But, with two little ones at home, the The 41-year-old and his wife Lucy are doting parents to Emma, eight, and four-year-old, Jamie. READ MORE IN TOMMY BOWE "We keep having to tell the kids, when my daughter is complaining that I'm not home, that you have to work hard to do nice things and to be able to celebrate nice things." He added: "Being away is difficult at times. People see the players representing Ireland and doing well at World Cups or Olympics, but they've been away from their families for weeks at a time. "That's not easy for their partners or their kids. But you have to make sacrifices sometimes." The former Irish rugby star emphasised that his kids understand he works hard to "give them the best life possible". MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN He also highlighted the importance of setting an example in terms of work ethic. The popular presenter added: "It sets a good example for her to see that her mum works hard and I work hard. It's important for her to see that as she grows up." Tommy Bowe praised for standing up to TD on air This comes after Ireland AM fans praised Tommy for giving a TD a "hard grilling" on air. 14-year-old outside Leinster House from 10am last Tuesday to push for urgent action on the growing waiting lists for child disability assessments. Tommy and spoke to Cara and her dad Mark who were still sat outside Leinster House on air yesterday morning before getting the Minister of State for Responsibility for Disability Hildegarde Naughton's opinion on the matter. Turning to the TD, Muireann said: "Minister, looking at Cara and her dad there, outside your place of work, to try to get people to talk about this…" HEATED HOST Tommy added: "In her Winnie the Pooh pyjamas. It's sad." Naughton replied: "Good morning, Cara. Nobody should have to protest outside the gates of Leinster House." During their chat, Tommy asked: "So at the end of 2023, it was 8,893 people looking for this. It then is at 15,000, we're expecting to be at 25,000. You're saying we want to reduce this. "It's going the wrong direction. How many people are currently employed as AON or clinical disability?" Naughton replied: "Within the sector of therapists, we have about 1,800 across the sector. This is what we need to look at as part of the assessment of need process. "If legislative reform is needed, we will absolutely consider that. We also need to look at the health system, where there is no wrong door for people." The former rugby star cut across the "How long is it going to take to look at these things and put them into place? Because this needs action now." 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING?' Naughton responded: "As I said, we're looking at the assessment of need process itself and how that can be changed. The draw on assessment of needs, where people are being asked for them, where they shouldn't be asked for them. We're looking at the retention and recruitment of therapists." Tommy clarified his question saying: "You keep saying looking at. What are you doing?" A short segment of the interview was posted on Ireland AM's One viewer wrote: "Good man Tommy, you put her in her place!!" Kyle said: "It's funny that it's the morning TV show that gives politicians a harder grilling than the nighttime current affairs panel discussions. Fair play lads." Lynn commented: "Fair play Tommy!" Another fan added: "Tommy, well done for how you handled this."
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Look who's back' – Virgin Media star Brian Dowling returns on air after co-host's sly dig
VIRGIN Media star Katja Mia has made a sly dig at her co-host Brian Dowling after he made his return to TV. Advertisement 2 Brian Dowling and Katja Mia were reunited yesterday 2 Katja made a dig at Brian's return to The Six O'Clock Show Real Housewives of Cheshire: The Reunion over in the UK . During the week, Katja posted a hilarious video of herself and The Six O'Clock Show producers saying: "Brian who?", before she went live on air. The Katja Mia Show". So, as Brian made his big return, Katja was quick to put him back in his place. Advertisement READ MORE IN BRIAN DOWLING The 29-year-old took to Brian's face immediately dropped as he heard the words "guest co-host". He then cut across Katja and exclaimed: "Look who's back!" Katja continued with her mocking as she added: "Ah I'm just so buzzing, we've never really worked together and he has come on to the Katja Mia show for some work experience." Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Exclusive Brian immediately burst out laughing as he agreed: "Oh yes, for some work experience." The dynamic duo then dropped their sarcasm and embraced each other in a warm hug, delighted to be reunited. Brian Dowling shares proposal nightmare This comes after, Brian revealed the hilarious moment he The popular host and Arthur got engaged back 2014 whilst on a romantic trip in the Dominican Republic. Advertisement And although it sounds dreamy, Brian has now revealed that the moment was nearly wrecked by his own fussiness. The 46-year-old recalled the story on 98FM with his co-host Leanne Hanafin. I DO'S AND DON'TS The dad-of-two explained: "During the whole holiday Arthur kept suggesting stuff for us to do. "One was a helicopter ride over the island, but I was like, 'No Arthur, it's not happening, I just watched a show where a helicopter had a malfunction'." Advertisement Another one of Arthur's idea's was to rent out a boat and enjoy some champagne, but Brian vetoed the plans as he would "get too sea sick". Arthur then suggested they book out an entire restaurant for just the two of them to enjoy a romantic meal, however Brian told him it was "so attention seeking". Finally, after various failed attempts, Arthur landed on a much simpler proposal plan. Of course, even something as simple as an intimate evening in their own hotel room didn't please Brian. Advertisement Brian described: "We were coming back into the hotel room and and I noticed on the bed there was two towels made into swans "And I said, 'What are they doing, for God's sake and there's rose petals on the ground, this is so tacky'." But the presenter immediately ate his words as he turned around to find Arthur on one knee - awkward!
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Once-off €2k lump sum payment for thousands & €165 or €280 boost for Irish parents – 3 major June money changes revealed
THOUSANDS of people across Ireland will benefit from lump-sum payments as soon as next month. Some bank accounts will be hit with a once-off €2,000 payment, which has been upped by €150 this year, whilst others will receive social welfare payments days EARLY due to a The Department of Social Protection has also confirmed that applications for a huge scheme will open in just a few weeks time. The payment is aimed at helping parents with the cost of school uniforms and shoes. But not every parent needs to apply for the cash. We have outlined all the major money changes that will kick in over the next few weeks. READ MORE IN MONEY CARERS GRANT This grant is paid once a year by the Department of Social Protection to carers. The grant, which used to be called the Respite Care Grant, was increased in The lump sum will now be upped from €1,850 up to €2,000. It will be paid automatically to recipients of the Carer's Allowance, Carer's Benefit and Domiciliary Care Allowance on June 5. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN If you don't already get one of the above payments, but want to apply for the grant, you can do so PAYMENT DATE CHANGE As a result of the June bank holiday, there will be changes made to the usual payment days for . And the Irish public is being urged to remember the swap so they are not caught out. Many will see their payment hit their The bank holiday Monday falls on June 2, and will see banks and post offices shut for the day. So, those due to be paid on the June 2, along with anyone who is set to receive Those who would normally be paid on June 2 will probably see it in their accounts on either Friday May 30, or Saturday May 31. And anyone due to get the This is to make sure no one receives a late payment as a result of the banks being shut. BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance is paid to families to help with the cost of Many receive the payment automatically, so don't need to apply for the BSCFA. You will receive a notification on your MyWelfare account or by post before the end of June 2025. The payment is usually issued in July, though the exact date has yet to be confirmed. If you haven't been notified by the end of June, you will need to apply for the scheme. Applications for the scheme open in June, and will close on September 30. The current rate is €160 for Children aged between 18 to 22 must be returning to full-time second-level education in a recognised school in the autumn of 2025 to qualify. 1 The Department of Social Protection has announced some changes to social welfare payments in the weeks ahead Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I had my first drink at 12', admits Vogue Williams as she shares ‘no shame' moment she experienced as teen
VOGUE Williams has recalled having her first alcoholic drink at 12-years-old, claiming: "We had no shame" The Irish model recently launched her first-ever autobiography titled 2 Vogue Williams has opened up about her young experience with alcohol 2 Vogue Williams recently launched her first autobiography, Big Mouth In the tell-all book, places a microscope upon her childhood, relationships and even her failed marriage with singer When it came to dissecting her younger years, the star was quick to admit that she was both "feral and uncontrollable". The 39-year-old recalled: "I had my first drink at 12, which is quite the transition considering I had a doll when I was 11." 'It was in my first year of secondary school and a few of my pals and I had planned when we would try booze. We got ourselves a litre of bulmers cider and shared it between six of us. READ MORE IN VOGUE WILLIAMS 'We decided we were hammered.' The podcaster confessed that herself and her friends began to wait outside their local off license and "ask strangers to buy them drink". She added: "We had absolutely no shame, but a surprising amount of people were okay with buying alcohol for a group of 12 year olds. Lucky for us." One weekend when her pal had a free house, Vogue confessed that she lied to her parents about having a chaperoned sleepover. MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN Vogue and her friends then devised a plan, she said: "We decided to get a litre bottle of tequila between each pair of us, half a bottle each and that did the job. 'I don't remember much of that night, but I do recall waking up to bodies lying everywhere. One of my friends had half her body lying outside the back sliding door, pretty impressive." Vogue Williams admits it was 'difficult' writing tell-all book The TV star admitted: "After that particular slumber party, it was 26 years until I was able to drink tequila again." Of course, in true Vogue style, that's not the only incident she was involved in. In another excerpt of the book, the mum-of-three recalled having her Vogue and her siblings always had Au Pairs looking after them as children . HSE Alcohol Helpine & Services If you've been affected by issues raised in this article please reach out to the HSE helplines listed below. THE HSE provide a free confidential place where you can talk through your concerns about drugs or alcohol, get information about services and consider the options available to you to improve your situation. Call the HSE confidential freephone helpline on 1800 459 459 from Monday to Friday between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm. You can also email the HSE at any time on You can email to ask for a callback or opt to leave a voicemail to ask for a callback. VERY VOGUE The However, Vogue confessed: "In Majella's defence, I can confirm that we were very difficult to deal with. Poor thing always had her hands full with us two brats." The popular presenter even went on to recall a selection of stories which proved how "insane" her childhood was with Amber. She said: "We used to pick up used cigarette butts and smoke them. Eventually we graduated to stealing dad's cigs. "Nothing like smoking a Major cigarette when you're eight-years-old."
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Nothing like smoking a cigarette at 8-years-old', says Vogue Williams as she opens up on ‘feral' childhood
VOGUE Williams has opened up about her "feral" childhood and admitted she was smoking cigarettes at eight-years-old. The Irish model, 39, recently launched her Advertisement 2 Vogue Williams released her first autobiography last Friday 2 Vogue opened up on sisterly love and her 'feral' childhood in the book divorce , family troubles and manic childhood. The Growing up together, the podcaster confessed that herself and Amber "were always up to something, very feral and uncontrollable". She joked: "They are traits we still possess today.' Advertisement READ MORE IN VOGUE WILLIAMS Vogue and her siblings always had Au Pairs looking after them as children. The star pinpointed that one Au Pair, Majella, was "very strict" and "let them get away with nothing". However, Vogue confessed: "In Majella's defence, I can confirm that we were very difficult to deal with. Poor thing always had her hands full with us two brats." The popular presenter even went on to recall a selection of stories which proved how "insane" her childhood was with Amber. Advertisement MOST READ IN THE IRISH SUN She said: "We used to pick up used cigarette butts and smoke them. Eventually we graduated to stealing dad's cigs. "Nothing like smoking a Major cigarette when you're eight-years-old. Vogue Williams shares mum struggle 'If there was something we were told not to do, the chances are we were doing it. The most disgusting thing we did was pick chewing gum off the ground and eat it. 'The thought of it makes me feel so sick now. I was eating gum that someone had spat out onto the street." Advertisement Vogue recently took to The host told her followers: "I'm so excited because today is publication day. I feel less nervous now. "Everyone's being so nice and I'm seeing all your posts with the book. I feel like crying but I'm not going to cry online. "I hope you really enjoy it. I appreciate it more than you'll ever know and thank you. This is probably the most exciting day." Advertisement Vogue's husband 'VERY PROUD' The He wrote: "Watching Vogue write this book has been beautiful to behold. "She's loved the creative process and has spent countless months grafting hard to get the balance perfect. Advertisement "It's really honest and great fun but also a unique insight into her life and what makes her such a special person. "Big Mouth is finally here! Very proud of you."
