Latest news with #Irish-American
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Daily Mirror
Get set for the presidential election, the dirtiest in Irish politics
Politics is a dirty game, but it doesn't get grubbier than the presidential election. The race for the Áras has suddenly got more interesting with the news that Michael Flatley is to seek a nomination to run. The Irish-American dancer will make a bid as President, his High Court case over his Castlehyde mansion heard last week. But if the Riverdancer goes for it, he needs to be prepared for the toughest and roughest contest in Irish politics. Campaigns are known controversies, scandals and shock revelations. Fake tweets, mud-slinging, smears and anonymous letters are all part of the game. Front runners - such as Brian Lenihan in 1990 and Sean Gallagher in 2011 - were taken out at the last minute. Celebrity candidates such as Eurovision singer Dana and charity boss Adi Roche were put through the wringer. Dana recalled it as a "a truly terrible time", while Roche described it as "mental torture". Even two-term Michael D Higgins was deemed "too old" and his predecessor Mary McAleese was called a "tribal time bomb". David Norris' bid was one of the biggest surprises, with the senator being pummelled throughout the campaign until he was eventually forced to stand down. Political pundit Ivan Yates described entering the race as "a punishment beating - it's open f***ing season on your life". David Norris pulled out of the presidential race Since the role was created by Eamon De Valera in 1937, it's been controversial. De Valera, who served two terms as president himself, once joked: "I wanted to create a nice quiet job without too much work in my old age." In 1973, there was a poignant battle between Fine Gael's Tom O'Higgins and winner Erskine Childers, whose families were on either side of the Civil War. Erskine's father had been executed by the Free State authorities, while his rival's uncle Kevin O'Higgins was the justice minister who signed the orders. But it wasn't until the 1990s that the contest got really intense. Labour candidate Mary Robinson was believed to have derailed her campaign when she gave, what was then, a controversial interview with Hot Press magazine. She told the publication that she would officiate at a stall selling contraceptives, which led to a newspaper calling the interview "the longest suicide note in history". Mary Robinson Her team initially said she was misquoted, but then the journalist Liam Fay produced an audio recording of it. Then Mary Robinson was subjected to a cutting personal attack from Fianna Fáil politician Padraig Flynn. He accused her of having a "new-found interest in her family" as part of her public persona in pursuit of the presidency. But it was all nothing compared to the scandal that engulfed her rival, Fianna Fáil's Brian Lenihan Snr. He gave an interview with an academic researcher of how he had been involved in controversial attempts to pressurise President Patrick Hillery not to dissolve the Dáil in 1982. But in an RTÉ interview, he said: "I want to say I'm absolutely certain on mature recollection I did not ring President Hillery. And I want to put my reputation on the line in that respect." It led to Fianna Fáil leader Charlie Haughey firing him a week out from the election. It triggered a sympathy vote for Lenihan, who nearly caught up with eventual winner Robinson. She made a veiled reference to Flynn's jibe when she later thanked the women of Ireland who voted for her and, "instead of rocking the cradle, rocked the system". Chernobyl children's charity boss Roche had a particularly bruising time in 1997. Anonymous letters were sent to national media outlets which falsely alleged her brother Donal de Roiste had IRA connections. Some were followed up by phone calls, saying: "Do we want somebody so close to the Provos in the Aras?" The smear campaign against Roche's campaign was vicious and entirely baseless. Dana was taken out with an attack on her family during her second attempt at the presidency in 2011. Accusations were made against her brother, John Brown, in the middle of the campaign. Dana (Image: BBC) She called the claims "vile, malicious and untruthful". He was acquitted of historic child sexual abuse charges in 2014. At one stage, it was suggested her car tyres had been knifed and there was a plot to kill her. She said afterwards: "No, I don't regret anything I've done but that was a truly terrible time." Former senator David Norris withdrew from the presidential campaign following the controversy over letters he wrote to the Israeli authorities seeking clemency for his former partner in relation to a serious crime. It finally led the academic and gay activist to pull out of the race, dramatically quoting Samuel Beckett: "Ever tried. Ever failed. Try again. Fail again. Fail better." Perhaps one of the biggest surprises in a presidential election was the takedown of 2011's front runner Sean Gallagher. Cavan entrepreneur and Dragons Den star Gallagher was set to walk into the Áras when it all went drastically wrong. Standing as an Independent, he was the favourite until he was unable to answer questions about his Fianna Fáil past. At the time, the party's brand was toxic, after the financial crash bailout, recession and persistent accusations of cronyism and corruption. The tweet that downed Gallagher's 2011 presidential campaign was fake news before the term had entered the public's consciousness. Gallagher was set to win. But in the final TV debate, before a live studio audience on RTÉ, a malicious tweet was read out by Pat Kenny, which falsely claimed a man had given him money for a Fianna Fáil fundraiser. Former presidential candidate Sean Gallagher (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin) A momentarily panicked Gallagher said he had "no recollection" of "an envelope". To many people, that response was an unfortunate reminder of previous Fianna Fail scandals. His campaign could not recover and he ultimately lost to Michael D Higgins. However, Gallagher later received substantial damages and an apology from RTÉ over the false allegations. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Irish Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Post
Sarah Bolger to star in Irish-American crime series from the creator of Narcos
IRISH actress Sarah Bolger is to star in a new Irish-American crime series from Narcos creator Chris Brancato. The Westies is described as a gritty and kinetic crime drama that centres on New York City's infamously violent Irish gang of the same name. According to Variety, 34-year-old Bolger will star as IRA operative Bridget Walsh. She will link up with Oscar winner JK Simmons, who will lead the cast as crime boss Eamonn Sweeney. The new series from MGM+ is set in the early 1980s when the construction of the Jacob Javitz Convention Center on the Westies' home turf in Hell's Kitchen promises a financial windfall. "Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies' legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente," reads the synopsis. "But internal conflict between the brash younger generation and the old-school leadership threatens to set a match to this powder keg, which will sweep the Westies into the FBI's ever-deepening investigation into the Italian mafia." 'Passion project' Bolger rose to fame after starring in Jim Sheridan's 2002 film, In America, and later played Mary Tudor in the BBC series, The Tudors. She also had a main role in the recent Sons of Anarchy spin-off, Mayans MC. Brancato, who will serve as executive producer and showrunner, said the series had been a 'passion project' of his for some time. "This is a story about ambition, loyalty, and power, set against the backdrop of 1980s New York," he added. "I'm grateful to be working again alongside my collaborators Michael Panes (co-creator) and most especially with Michael Wright (Head of MGM+) and the entire MGM+ team." The eight-episode series marks his third collaboration with MGM+ following the success of the critically-acclaimed Godfather of Harlem and the crime thriller Hotel Cocaine. He previously created the Netflix series Narcos and its spin-off Narcos: Mexico. The Westies went into production this month in Toronto, Canada and will premiere on MGM+. See More: Sarah Bolger, The Westies
Irish Examiner
4 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Tapped out: What went wrong for Killarney Brewing and Distilling?
ONCE considered one of Ireland's most ambitious independent drinks ventures, the Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company confirmed it would cease operations this week following the unsuccessful conclusion of its examinership process. The business, which was appointed a liquidator this week, had diversified over time to offer craft brewing and whiskey production, as well as hospitality and tourism offerings. The brewery had been trading since 2015, after garnering strong interest from Irish-American investors to create something new and sellable to the US market. But a challenging few years, underpinned by the pandemic and significant overspends, led to a pile-up of debts that could not be paid, ultimately resulting in the collapse of the multimillion-euro enterprise. Among the list of creditors mentioned in court filings are individual investors and local small businesses, with amounts owed ranging from €147 to over €823,000, the effects of which will be felt from Killarney to across the Atlantic in Illinois. The Killarney Brewery began its story in August 2013, when it was founded by Paul Sheehan, Tim O'Donoghue, and Liam Healy, who set out to develop a craft brewery and restaurant in Killarney. The three founders all had deep ties to the US, with Mr Sheehan and Mr O'Donoghue having both lived and worked in Chicago for more than a decade, while Mr Healy resided there full time. The trio set out to raise funds in the US for the ambitious project. They ultimately raised €1.2m, which was used to renovate the property they had leased on Muckross Rd in Killarney. The company commenced trading in 2015 and, just three years later, had already begun formulating an expansion plan to create a larger brewery, distillery, and visitor experience. To achieve this, the company purchased a site spanning over four acres at Killalee in Fossa. It then set about raising additional funds using its network of US investors. The successful funding round saw the group raise more than €12m, commencing construction in 2019. A further €6m was raised throughout 2020 and 2021 through EII schemes, an Irish tax relief scheme for investors who fund qualifying Irish SMEs. In addition, the company also anticipated preselling 1,000 casks of whiskey that it said would have yielded up to €7m. While it secured ample funding from a diversified pool of investors, the construction phase was heavily disrupted by the pandemic. Related costs soared by 36%. This was compounded by the company's limited trading ability due to lockdown restrictions. The total overspend on construction rose to €8m, impacting the company's profitability and cashflow, High Court documents show. This led to the business having a limited ability to promote and sell the intended presale of 1,000 casks, which added to its cashflow challenges. To offset pandemic overspends, the group borrowed some €4.4m from a number of sources in late 2022. Killarney Brewing & Distillery Company, Fossa, Killarney. Picture: Don MacMonagle The new Fossa facility eventually opened around the same time, with the distillery commencing operations around 12 months later in late 2023. Around this time, the group went back to the market to raise a 'Series C' €7m in additional capital to repay debts, launch and market its whiskey product in the US, and provide working capital to secure future profitability. The group also anticipated raising a further €4m through the EII scheme. THE 'Series C' funding round proved to be more challenging than anticipated, with just €3.5m being raised. Complications also arose with investments through the EII scheme, which the company said were a result of changes to the government scheme in 2024. At the end of last year, the company's cumulative trading losses had grown to almost €2m, according to High Court documents. The company also had liabilities in excess of assets of €3.27m at the end of last year, which made it balance sheet insolvent. Between 2020 and 2024, it incurred cumulative trading losses of €3.35m. It was also cashflow insolvent and not in a position to discharge related outstanding loans. The group entered discussions with potential investors in 2024, which were unsuccessful. In January of this year, the group attempted to strike a deal with a US-based private equity investor group. This would have potentially seen an injection of up to €15m in the company. However, rapid changes in the global trade climate and a rising threat of tariffs led to one of the parties involved dropping out of the process in early April, causing the group to ultimately withdraw its investment intent in the immediate short term. On April 17, an interim examiner was appointed to the company. At that time, the business had dozens of creditors and owed more than €8m. Included in the list of creditors of the brewing company were Kerry County Council, which was owed an outstanding amount of just over €108,000, and the Revenue Commissioners, who were owed €143,400. But the repercussions extend far beyond just government bodies, with High Court filings of creditors showing the sizeable human cost felt by the brewery's financial challenges. It also had an outstanding loan with Bailmo Limited, which held an all-assets debenture of the company, totalling almost €2.9m at the end of March this year. On Tuesday, the Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company the unsuccessful conclusion of its examinership process. The High Court appointing James Anderson, of Deloitte, as a liquidator over the company. More than 50 jobs will be lost as a result. In its last public statement, the company said: 'Like many in the drinks manufacturing industry, KBD has faced significant and sustained challenges in recent years, stemming from the lasting effects of the pandemic, delays in opening our state-of-the-art distillery in Fossa, global supply chain disruptions, rising input costs, and ongoing geopolitical and trading pressures. 'More recently, high tariffs on Irish whiskey exports to the US and wider economic uncertainty have further impacted the business. The company would like to express its sincere and heartfelt thanks to our exceptional employees, whose dedication, resilience, and passion never wavered throughout this incredibly difficult time. 'We are also deeply grateful to our shareholders and wider investment community for their support and belief in our vision, and to our loyal customers, partners, and the local community in Killarney who have stood by us at every turn. 'We remain proud of what we've built together and the craft, care, and creativity that defined our journey.' Read More Killarney brewing company collapse: covid cost overruns and whiskey tariffs blamed
STV News
5 days ago
- Politics
- STV News
Riverdance star Michael Flatley to run for Irish presidency
Riverdance star Michael Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, a court has heard. The dancer and choreographer will move back to Ireland in the next two weeks and 'intends to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland,' his lawyer has announced. Barrister Ronnie Hudson made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Lord Of The Dance star Flatley, who is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, had strongly hinted at a presidential bid last week, but said he had not made a final decision. Michael Flatley performing at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2005 / Credit: AP He said during a radio interview that he did not believe the Irish people 'have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. Flatley said he hears concerns from the 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now'. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people,' he said. He was in Ireland earlier this month where he performed on a flute at a July 4 celebration hosted at the residence of the US Ambassador to Ireland, Edward Walsh, who was recently appointed to the role by Donald Trump. An election for the largely ceremonial president role is expected towards the end of October, as it must take place in the 60 days before outgoing President Michael D Higgins's term ends on November 11. To be eligible to run, a candidate must be an Irish citizen who is 35 or older, and must be nominated either by at least 20 members of the Irish parliament or at least four local authorities. So far, two candidates have secured sufficient backing to enter the race former farming journalist and EU commissioner Mairead McGuinness, former Galway mayor Catherine Connolly. Several other figures have hinted at their intention to run, including MMA fighter Conor McGregor, who has criticised the Irish Government's policies on immigration and public safety. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Inside Michael Flatley's family life with wife and son
Lord of the Dance phenomenon Michael Flatley has surprised the nation by seeking a nomination to become Ireland's next president. The Riverdance star is to move back to Ireland within the next two weeks after a 'material change in circumstances' that has led him to look to run in the presidential election later this year, according to his barrister. The 67-year-old is eligible to run as an Irish citizen, and an affidavit, signed by his solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the High Court on Friday stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Michael Flatley with his wife Niamh. Pic: David M. Benett/for Audi UK Michael had strongly hinted at the idea before, stating during a radio interview that he did not believe the Irish people 'have a voice – not a true proper deep voice that speaks their language'. While he is known around the world for his choreography, there is not much to tell about how he would get on in the political scene. In the meantime, has taken a look into Michael's family life and his history away from dancing. Michael was born in the US in 1958 to Irish parents. His father was a plumber from Sligo and his mother was a talented dancer from Carlow. Irish dancing runs in Michael's blood, with his grandmother also being a champion dancer. Michael was the second-born of five children and when he was two months old, the family moved from Detroit to Chicago. Chicago was where he began his dance lessons and at age 17, Michael became the first American to win a World Irish Dance title at Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne. Michael's breakthrough came with Riverdance. Pic: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock It was the same year he won the All-Ireland Fleadh Cheoil concert flute competition, which he claimed again the following year. Michael also has a history of boxing, winning the middleweight division of the Chicago Golden Gloves Boxing Championship and recording five knock-out victories in the 1970s. He reportedly flirted with the idea of becoming a professional boxer before committing himself to a career in dance. Michael was originally married to Polish hairdresser artist Beata Dziaba for 11 years after they met while he was dancing in London with The Chieftains in 1985. The couple separated in 1997 after Michael revealed he had an affair with another dancer Kelley Byrne, who was 19 at the time. Michael also got engaged to Lisa Murphy in the early 2000s, with the couple having an on-and-off relationship until 2006. Michael Flatley with Lisa Murphy in the early 2000s. Pic: Unicorn Entertainment/WireImage He is now married to Niamh O'Brien and has been for the last 19 years. Niamh is a fellow dancer, and the pair met while she was performing in many of his shows. Sources close to the couple said that there was an 'immediate attraction' between them. Michael and Niamh got engaged in 2006 – not long after he split with Lisa – and tied the knot a month later with a ceremony held at St Patrick's Church in Fermoy, Co Cork. Michael was 47 at the time and Niamh was 32. Michael Flatley with his wife Niamh and son Michael St James at the launch of Flatley Whiskey at The Round Room at Mansion House. Pic: Brian McEvoy The couple welcomed their son Michael Saint James just a year after getting married. He is their only child. Michael Jr hasn't quite followed his dad into the dancing world but still possesses a lot of creative qualities. Michael previously remarked: 'He's a very academic young man. He's also a flautist. He plays the electric guitar. He's an actor and a director. He's very creative.' In 2003, Michael was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer after an MTV viewer pointed out a brown spot on the side of his face that he himself had not noticed. Two years ago, Michael revealed that he was once again undergoing treatment for an 'aggressive' form of cancer. Michael Flatley went through cancer treatment two years ago. Pic: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock A statement read: 'Dear Friends, we have something personal to share, Michael Flatley has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. He has undergone surgery and is in the care of an excellent team of doctors. 'No former comments will be made at this time. We ask only for your prayers and well wishes. Thank you.' The following week, Michael shared a positive update about his condition. He wrote: 'Thank you to everyone around the world for your love and prayers. I am overwhelmed by your kindness. I have been released from hospital and am on the mend.' Michael's breakthrough came in 1994 during the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, where he co-created and starred in Riverdance, a brief but electrifying performance that captivated millions. His innovative choreography, which combined traditional Irish dancing with a dynamic stage presence and theatrical flair, set a new standard for the genre. However, creative disagreements led him to part ways with the production later that year. In 1996, he launched Lord of the Dance, a full-length stage show that further showcased his talents not only as a performer but also as a choreographer. The show was a massive success, touring globally and drawing record-breaking crowds. Its scale and spectacle were expanded further with Feet of Flames in 1998. Michael changed the game in Irish dancing. Pic: Greg Williams/REX/Shutterstock In 2005, he debuted Celtic Tiger Live, an ambitious production exploring different themes surrounding Irish identity and history. Michael is widely credited with modernising and globalising Irish dancing, introducing it to new audiences and inspiring a new generation of dancers. Throughout his career, Michael battled various health challenges, including a serious viral infection and injuries from decades of high-impact dancing, which eventually led to multiple retirements from the stage. Despite stepping back from performing, he remained actively involved in the creative direction of his shows and pursued interests in music, painting, and philanthropy.
