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Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fancy owning a regal Cork property that is reputed to have once slept King James II?
Carrigacunna Castle is a breathtakingly-restored Georgian abode set alongside a beautifully-preserved Norman-style tower house, both commanding a spectacular position overlooking the meandering River Blackwater in North Cork, and once reportedly hosted King James II. The Castle is situated just off the L1224 road, between Killavullen and Ballyhooly, right in the heart of the Blackwater valley and only a few minutes down the road from nearby Mallow. It had previously been put up for sale in 2024 under online auctioneer 'Auctioneera' at €2.7 million, but has now been placed back on the market at a slightly cheaper asking price. This property, part of which was originally built by Henry Foott in 1826, boasts an unrivalled elevated position, offering panoramic views of the Blackwater Valley, extending toward the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains. The house comes with 7,500 square feet of space, the historic Norman tower house next door, as well as an indoor swimming pool. However, with a €2.5 million price tag, only a royal bank account will be able to afford this magnificent old building. One of the estate's most remarkable features is its tower house castle, a superbly preserved 16th-century structure built by the Nagle family. This Anglo-Irish stronghold stands as a testament to the area's medieval history. Sir Richard Nagle of Clogher, a key figure in the Irish Parliament of 1689, was among the prominent members of the family. The castle which has been fully restored, offers a rare glimpse into Ireland's feudal past and provides a stunning contrast to the modern elements of the estate. The Nagle family have a Norman lineage that established a stronghold in the area. Among the most notable figures in the family was Sir Richard Nagle, who served as private secretary to King James II. Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of the Boyne in 1692, Sir Richard Nagle forfeited the estate. According to legend, King James II spent a night at Carrigacunna during his retreat. In the 19th century, the Footts undertook extensive enhancements to the estate. The Georgian residence was expanded to include a three-bay extension, and the grounds were landscaped to incorporate a grand 1 km-long beech-lined avenue, rising parallel to the river and leading to the main house. Over the past two decades, Carrigacunna has undergone an exceptional transformation, blending historical elements with striking contemporary design. The property also features two double-height glazed atriums, seamlessly linking the traditional architecture with modern elements. The residence includes four main reception rooms and three luxurious bedroom suites. Additionally, the first-floor offices could easily be converted into extra bedroom accommodation if required. There is also a one-bedroom annex located in the Fisherman's cottage adjoining the main house which would be ideal for guests. A notable feature is the indoor swimming pool, which Estate Agents Lisney Sotheby's says, 'adds an element of leisure and sophistication'. Meanwhile, the estate itself spans approximately 18.2 hectares (45 acres), with 5 acres dedicated to pasture, 37 acres of woodland, and the remaining 3 acres comprising gardens and amenity spaces. On the estate is a walled garden spanning approximately one acre. Within this enclosed space lies a refurbished Victorian glasshouse, alongside carefully cultivated vegetable, flower, and rose gardens. An orchard and soft fruit areas provide seasonal produce, while a chicken run and potting shed enhance the estate's self-sufficiency. Lisney Sotheby's says that Carrigacunna is not only a 'remarkable private residence' but also a 'historic landmark that has been thoughtfully restored to honour its past while embracing modern luxury. 'With its commanding views, extraordinary architecture, and extensive lands, this property represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Ireland's rich heritage in one of the country's most picturesque and desirable locations' says Lisney Sotheby's. In 2019, the site sold for €1.485 million, but since the restoration the property is now on the market at a whopping €2.5 million, making it the fifth most expensive property for public sale in Cork at the moment.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Fancy owning a regal North Cork property that is reputed to have once slept King James II?
Carrigacunna Castle is a breathtakingly-restored Georgian abode set alongside a beautifully-preserved Norman-style tower house, both commanding a spectacular position overlooking the meandering River Blackwater in North Cork, and once reportedly hosted King James II. The Castle is situated just off the L1224 road, between Killavullen and Ballyhooly, right in the heart of the Blackwater valley and only a few minutes down the road from nearby Mallow. It had previously been put up for sale in 2024 under online auctioneer 'Auctioneera' at €2.7 million, but has now been placed back on the market at a slightly cheaper asking price. This property, part of which was originally built by Henry Foott in 1826, boasts an unrivalled elevated position, offering panoramic views of the Blackwater Valley, extending toward the Ballyhoura and Galtee mountains. The house comes with 7,500 square feet of space, the historic Norman tower house next door, as well as an indoor swimming pool. However, with a €2.5 million price tag, only a royal bank account will be able to afford this magnificent old building. One of the estate's most remarkable features is its tower house castle, a superbly preserved 16th-century structure built by the Nagle family. This Anglo-Irish stronghold stands as a testament to the area's medieval history. Sir Richard Nagle of Clogher, a key figure in the Irish Parliament of 1689, was among the prominent members of the family. The castle which has been fully restored, offers a rare glimpse into Ireland's feudal past and provides a stunning contrast to the modern elements of the estate. The Nagle family have a Norman lineage that established a stronghold in the area. Among the most notable figures in the family was Sir Richard Nagle, who served as private secretary to King James II. Following the Jacobite defeat at the Battle of the Boyne in 1692, Sir Richard Nagle forfeited the estate. According to legend, King James II spent a night at Carrigacunna during his retreat. In the 19th century, the Footts undertook extensive enhancements to the estate. The Georgian residence was expanded to include a three-bay extension, and the grounds were landscaped to incorporate a grand 1 km-long beech-lined avenue, rising parallel to the river and leading to the main house. Over the past two decades, Carrigacunna has undergone an exceptional transformation, blending historical elements with striking contemporary design. The property also features two double-height glazed atriums, seamlessly linking the traditional architecture with modern elements. ADVERTISEMENT The residence includes four main reception rooms and three luxurious bedroom suites. Additionally, the first-floor offices could easily be converted into extra bedroom accommodation if required. There is also a one-bedroom annex located in the Fisherman's cottage adjoining the main house which would be ideal for guests. A notable feature is the indoor swimming pool, which Estate Agents Lisney Sotheby's says, 'adds an element of leisure and sophistication'. Meanwhile, the estate itself spans approximately 18.2 hectares (45 acres), with 5 acres dedicated to pasture, 37 acres of woodland, and the remaining 3 acres comprising gardens and amenity spaces. On the estate is a walled garden spanning approximately one acre. Within this enclosed space lies a refurbished Victorian glasshouse, alongside carefully cultivated vegetable, flower, and rose gardens. An orchard and soft fruit areas provide seasonal produce, while a chicken run and potting shed enhance the estate's self-sufficiency. Lisney Sotheby's says that Carrigacunna is not only a 'remarkable private residence' but also a 'historic landmark that has been thoughtfully restored to honour its past while embracing modern luxury. 'With its commanding views, extraordinary architecture, and extensive lands, this property represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of Ireland's rich heritage in one of the country's most picturesque and desirable locations' says Lisney Sotheby's. In 2019, the site sold for €1.485 million, but since the restoration the property is now on the market at a whopping €2.5 million, making it the fifth most expensive property for public sale in Cork at the moment.
Extra.ie
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Joe Duffy confirms retirement on-air with words of wisdom from his late mother
Joe Duffy has said his 27 years with Liveline have been a 'privilege' that he never took for granted as he announced his upcoming retirement. The beloved presenter and broadcaster confirmed the news on Thursday's edition of the show, as he revealed words of wisdom that his late mother often told him. Joe has been with RTÉ for 37 'wonderful' years and took over Liveline in 1998, succeeding Marian Finucane. Joe Duffy has said his 27 years with Liveline has been a 'privilege' that he never took for granted as he announced his upcoming retirement. Pic: RTÉ Speaking on Thursday's show, Joe said: 'First of all, it has been — and I mean this from the bottom of my heart — an incredible honour and a privilege to be part of a programme that relied almost entirely on trust; the trust of our listeners. 'Listeners felt they could pick up the phone, ring Liveline, share their lives, their stories; sad, bad, sometimes mad and funny, their struggles and their victories. 'I never took that for granted. Not for a single minute.' Joe has been with RTÉ for 37 'wonderful' years and took over Liveline in 1998 succeeding Marian Finucane. Pic: RTÉ The 69-year-old went on to pay tribute to his RTÉ colleagues who he said 'are all working [towards] the same goal; serving the public.' The father-of-three went on to express his eternal gratitude to his wife June and their three children Sean, Ellen and Ronan who he said were 'such a part of keeping me going day after day, often through difficult times on an intense daily programme.' 'For that alone, I am deeply privileged and eternally grateful,' he added. Joe Duffy in 2001. Pic: RTÉ Joe continued: 'As the American poet Maya Angelous wrote, 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel,' and I hope in some small way, through Liveline and through RTÉ we made people feel heard.' Confirming his retirement, Joe told listeners that his contract had been extended for two years and was concluding on June 27. He said he wrote to the head of Radio in November confirming that the expiration of the contract would be his final day. 'As my late mother Mabel used to say: 'You are not to lose the run of yourself. You're just answering the phones.' Well, I was trying to listen, trying to connect, trying to give people a voice, especially those without [one].' Joe Duffy and his mother Mabel. Pic: NK Management Joe went on to share that his mum's two year anniversary was this Sunday. 'The day she was born, the Irish Parliament was debating the abolition of work houses,' he revealed, 'We have come a long way, like many of her generation who have been great Liveline listeners, remember you dug the well and subsequent generations drank the water. 'As a country and community, we have come an awful long way.' Joe concluded, expressing his excitement for the 'next chapter,' and promised to 'explain a bit more' on Friday's Late Late Show.
Watani
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Watani
Irish MP on double standards vis-à-vis Palestine and Israel
Ever since the war started in Gaza in October 2023, and even a year earlier when it erupted in Ukraine in February 2022, I have taken it upon myself to closely follow the viewpoints of western, Israeli and Jewish public figures on the wars and their fallout. I do that not out of unquestioned consent with these views, but out of a realisation that any opinion I write as an Egyptian and Arab might be understood to be no more than an expression of anger or of siding with Palestinian rights or the Russian outlook against American hegemony. Therefore, I have diligently followed and recorded western opinions I came across, be they American, European, Israeli or Jewish, for the credibility and non- bias they held when it came to assessing events. The outcome has been a rich list of testimonies that I highly value and which I like to describe as bold testimonies of birds singing out of the flock, or ships swimming against the tide. Those who boldly expressed these opinions stood by the truth, and exposed the western arrogance and belligerence sweeping our world. Today, I bring my readers the statement made by Irish politician and member of the Irish Parliament Matt Carthy, made during a session of the Irish Parliament in October 2023, days after the war started in Gaza. Mr Carthy shared his vision of the double standards that engulf the Palestinian Israeli conflict, and that are hushed up in political circles in his own country, let alone in Europe and the US. Following is a transcript of Mr Carthy's statement: 'Let us be very clear. Hamas breached international law on 7 October. It targeted innocent civilians in the most callous and inhumane manner and its actions have been rightly condemned by right-thinking people around the world. We should also be very clear, however, that Israel has breached international law, not just every day since 7 October, but virtually every single day for decades. Israel occupies Palestinian land, blockades Palestinian territory, builds and expands illegal settlements, enforces an apartheid system that restricts the movements of Palestinians and denies their fundamental rights, and regularly and systematically attacks and kills Palestinian civilians, all against international law. The question that must be answered by all of us in political life is this: How does the world respond to flagrant abuses of international law? 'When it comes to the horrendous war crimes of Hamas, the response was very clear and consistent. World leaders queued up to say 'Israel has the right to defend itself'. One after another the great and the good, including our government, repeated the words, 'Israel has the right to defend itself'. That was repeated in statement after statement and tweet after tweet, despite the full knowledge that those words have become contaminated. The words 'Israel has the right to defend itself' mean in practice that Israel takes that right as license to bombard civilians and to bomb schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. It has now been taken as license to enforce the displacement of 1 million people from one end of an open-air prison to another, to deny food, energy and medical supplies to a besieged civilian population and to deny them water to ensure that children, and the sick, disabled and elderly, will literally die of thirst. 'Israel has the right to defend itself' has now become cover for Israel having the right to commit genocide right in front of our eyes. 'How come we never hear the words 'Palestine has the right to defend itself'? We did not hear that when a humanitarian flotilla bringing essential supplies to Gaza was met with a military assault and the murder by Israel of nine unarmed activists, or when Palestinians marched in peaceful protest against an illegal blockade and were again met with a military assault and the murder of 300 of them, or after the countless bombings of Gaza by Israeli forces. We did not hear that even when Israel targeted and murdered four little Palestinian boys playing football on a beach, or when Palestinians were dragged from their homes and forced to watch as those homes were destroyed to allow for new illegal Israeli settlements on lands that are clearly defined in international law as part of Palestine. Not after the countless offensive attacks by Israel against the people of Gaza or the West Bank have we heard anybody in this House or any western leader utter the words, 'Palestine has the right to defend itself'. Why not? 'I am not asking the Tánaiste to say those words. In fact, it is just as well he does not because we all know that the people of Palestine cannot defend themselves against one of the most powerful military forces in the world that is backed up by even more powerful military forces. The truth is the people of Palestine, just like the innocent people of Israel, do not need the international community to tell them that their leaders have the right to inflict more bombings, pain and suffering. They need the international community to say stop, to say release the hostages, and to say stop the bombings, siege and slaughter. They need the international community to tell Israel to stop the blockade, the apartheid, the annexation and the genocide. They need countries to lead the way. 'Ireland should be one of those countries that leads the way. We know colonialism, oppression and conflict but we also know conflict resolution, peacebuilding and nation-building. Due to what we know, and what our history has taught us, our call must be clear: immediate, full and unequivocal ceasefires and a decisive international intervention that leads to negotiations, a lasting and just peace settlement and, at long last, to a free, sovereign and independent Palestine.' Watani International 7 March 2025 Comments comments
BBC News
03-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Belfast News Letter editions from 1700s to be digitised
Editions of the Belfast News Letter from the 18th to the 20th centuries are to be digitised as part of a new reports of events, such as the Irish Parliament winning legislative independence from Britain in 1782 and the formation of the Orange Order in 1795, will be part of a UK government project and will mean copies from three centuries will be available of State Hilary Benn said the newspaper is "an important part of Northern Ireland's unique cultural heritage". 'Precious historical records' The News Letter, first published in September 1737, will mark its 288th anniversary this year as the oldest English language daily paper still in a visit to the Linen Hall Library to look at historic copies of the paper, Benn said: "The UK Government is committed to digitising these historical archives to promote the richness of Northern Ireland's traditions around the world, including in nations with historic ties, such as the United States."This will also ensure that these precious historical records are preserved and accessible for generations to come." 'A fascinating window' David Montgomery, executive chairman of the News Letter's owners, National World plc, said the paper has been in "the frontline of local and global news and opinion" for four centuries."It was already in its 40th year when it covered the US Declaration of Independence," he added."In the 1990s it and other Northern Ireland papers helped pave the pathway to peace." The Northern Ireland Office is working in partnership with the British Library and FindMyPast for the Bush, from Findmypast, said the project offers "a fascinating window into centuries of Northern Ireland's history as it happened".The process will be completed in spring 2025 and will then be available free from some libraries with a subscription to Findmypast.
