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Extra.ie
6 days ago
- General
- Extra.ie
Pigeon named Woody sets up shop in Dublin store
A pigeon has set up shop in a Dublin warehouse, leaving staff members wondering where his rightful owners are. Woody was aptly given the name after he was discovered in the yard at the Woodies store in Glasnevin. Staff members think the bird might be either a homing pigeon or a racing pigeon, due to the tag on one of his legs. A pigeon has set up shop in a Dublin warehouse, leaving staff members wondering where his rightful owners are. Pic: Google Maps Speaking to Colm O'Mongáin on Liveline on Thursday, staff member Colette told of how Woody had left 'for a little while' but returned and appeared happy enough in the yard. 'He came in, he was in the warehouse and he came out then but he's not budged,' Colette said, 'He's still there, but he's tagged and we have his number. 'We reckon, like, if someone owns him, he's a homing pigeon [or] a racing pigeon.' This little fella has taken up residence in a Glasnevin warehouse today… Staff are calling him "Woody", but he's tagged, so they're looking for his rightful owner… — Liveline (@rteliveline) July 24, 2025 Colette confirmed that they hadn't tried to catch Woody, who is still based in the Woody's Glasnevin store. She told the presenter that the team were planning on ringing a local pigeon club but the club was yet to open. Woody's tag number is A17835, with Colette hypothesizing that the tag means he might be a homing or racing pigeon, and added he was a friendly bird. A picture of Woody was shared to the Liveline social media, with the caption: 'This little fella has taken up residence in a Glasnevin warehouse today… Staff are calling him 'Woody', but he's tagged, so they're looking for his rightful owner…' Woody appears happy enough to have his photo taken and has orange eyes with black pupils. The birds feathers are grey with a tinge of glittery purple. Anyone with information on Woody's owners are encouraged to phone RTÉ Radio 1's Liveline.
Extra.ie
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Another famous face declares Áras bid -- but he's not the first bird-brain to run
In a week where the race to be the next President of Ireland has been heating up, one famous face from the world of celebrity has declared his interest in moving into the Áras to However, the top personality may well get out his spirit level and do a bit of tinkering before he moves in. Declaring his interest as he launched the new Chadwicks superstore in his home district of Sallynoggin, Dustin the Turkey said he believes he has what it takes to replace Michael D in Áras An Uachtaráin. 'The President thing is very important,' he says. 'But I have to keep my wing in at the building also, you know? I was one of the frontrunners. I was the first sort of celebrity to run for President against Mary Robinson and all them other people. In a week where the race to be the next President of Ireland has been heating up, one famous face from the world of celebrity has declared his interest in moving into the Áras. Pic: RTÉ 'I have to say Mary was the best choice and she did do Ireland proud, but the bang of feet off that woman, I'm not joking, you. And she was putting a torch in the window welcoming everyone in. A place in the northside and you're leaving your door open? You're just going to be robbed. 'Around 15 paintings went missing, 14 statues from the garden and two of Michael D Higgins's dogs.' So are the rumours true that Dustin is going to run again? 'I am going to run,' says the Den favourite. 'I just have to get rid of Joe Duffy at the moment,' and there is the other great opening that Dustin has his eye on – the hot seat of Liveline. 'I just have to get rid of Joe Duffy at the moment,' Dustin remarked. Pic: Mary Browne via RTÉ 'Sure Joe Duffy's job is stupid,' he says. 'All you have to do is say: 'Mildred phoned in there and she had a coffee and it was too hot. And funnily enough, Sheila is on the line and she said her coffee was too cold.' 'And then people go mad and you get Baby Bear to ring in and say his coffee was just perfect. It's the easiest job in the world.' Dustin adds that 'Joe was the ringmaster and we were all the clowns that were phoning in.' With names such as Katie Hannon, Philip Boucher-Hayes and Dermot Whelan in the frame, the race to the Liveline chair will be a hotly contested one. With names such as Katie Hannon, Philip Boucher-Hayes and Dermot Whelan in the frame, the race to the Liveline chair will be a hotly contested one. Pic: RTE And given that Dustin is a former RTÉ employee, in this time of crisis and flux at the national broadcaster, he believes that the top brass at Montrose will be looking carefully at his CV. 'I genuinely think that I have a good chance of getting it,' he says. 'Because let's face it, Joe Duffy is a turkey and I am a turkey, so why not replace a turkey with a turkey?' But there's one person Dustin might give the Liveline up for. 'I think RTÉ should bring back Ryan Tubridy,' he says. 'I think the man is a genius. If they'd given him another 15 years on The Late Late Show, he could have been the next Anton Savage or Pat Kenny. That's how good that man was. 'I think RTÉ should bring back Ryan Tubridy,' Dustin says. 'I think the man is a genius. Pic:'But life in RTÉ is good, I mean they have the longest-running comedy show in the world – Fair City has been on screen for over 30 years. It's one of the best comedies I've ever seen anyway.' He adds: 'I offered to bring The Den back and make some decent television, but they said: 'No, that might keep the people happy, so we won't do that.'' But the real reason The Den didn't come back, Dustin insists, is that like the Gallagher brothers of Oasis, there is a serious rift in the camp. 'Zig and Zag weren't talking to each other for legal reasons to do with Vogue Williams,' he says. As for his plans for his Presidential role, Dustin has big ambitions. Pic: PA Wire He adds: 'I don't want to go into it. Vogue's a good friend of mine, she's 79th in line to the throne.' At Chadwicks in Sallynoggin, Dustin was joined by Olympic boxer and brand ambassador Jack Marley, and the bird-brained builder insists the area in south Dublin is where he was born. 'That's where the egg was found,' he says. 'And plus, the first bird I brought to a Debs was called Sally Noggin. She was lovely. Well, if you don't include the Seoige sisters. That was an expensive night, both of them wanted to go with me, so that's two orchids, two boxes of chocolates, and you know, you're up in Moore Street last minute.' As for his plans for his Presidential role, Dustin has big ambitions. 'I think people haven't been looked after equally in this country,' he says. 'I would just make sure everyone is more equal. In other words, I'd be siphoning money off meself.' In fact, he would turn to those building skills to transform Ireland's Presidential seat. 'I'd turn it into a bowling alley and make some money – I mean, no one needs to live in a house that size, let's be honest,' he says. 'I mean, I'd just like to be President, and I have represented Ireland at the highest level – Eurovision. And I am so big in Azerbaijan, I can't walk down the street in Baku.' Mickey D did do a good job, but nobody wants to listen to him doing poems. And we both have the same tailor as we're both the same size. When Louis Copeland is knocking up a suit for Mickey D, he knocks one up for me too and only charges me half.' It is only when I ask a probing question about bird flu that Dustin becomes enraged. 'Are you blaming me for bird flu?' he says. 'That was one night. I went to Coppers, and it wasn't my fault that those women from Tipperary were throwing themselves at me. 'They'd just won the camogie final. I do look after myself, I've trimmed down – I usually do that coming up to Christmas.' And if his campaign for the Presidency fails, Dustin still has his trade to fall back on. 'I started Mrs Murphy's gates in 1990, but I had to take three months off for the World Cup to get over the shock. I am due to finish it by 2029,' he says. 'I'm doing another gig, the Children's Hospital, that's run over slightly, so I won't go into that.
The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Presidency bid, new Eurovision plans with twist and why I won't leave RTE… Dustin the Turkey spills all
FROM becoming Ireland's next President to taking over Joe Duffy's Liveline job, Dustin the Turkey is no chicken as he has revealed his ambitious plans for total domination. The beloved Irish puppet has been a TV legend for over three decades - and believes he deserves the top jobs "after all I've given Ireland". 5 Dustin the Turkey has revealed his plans to become President of Ireland Credit: Free for editorial use 5 The TV legend recently joined Chadwicks celebrations with Irish boxer Jack Marley Credit: PR handout 5 And he shared that he could take over Liveline and join Eurovision again while in Áras an Uachtaráin Despite being a puppet, Dustin has achieved a status only few in Irish entertainment can claim - becoming an iconic media personality known by generations. His career began in 1989 on the popular show The Den, and he went on to become, in his own words, the longest-serving turkey on RTE. The plucky personality told the Irish Sun: 'It's one of them where it's a pleasure to have entertained two generations, three generations growing up in Ireland - teaching them all of the building tricks that I have. 'It's all about giving a bit of humour and a bit of confidence, along with those two British lads who sold us out in Ireland - Zig and Zag but we won't mention them. 'They went off to Channel 4 and took the queen's shilling, leaving me on my own. 'But I stick to the people, I have more Wolfe Tone CDs than the Wolfe Tones - when they mention people like James Connolly and Padraig Pierce they'll mention Dustin Gertrude Hoffman Beethoven the third.' Being one of Ireland's most controversial satirical voices, Dustin has never been shy about taking the mick out of public figures like Bertie Ahern, And he said he makes sure to treat everyone fair in his remarks, as someone has to do it. Dustin, who is voiced by John Morrison, quipped: 'Now I won't mention Cat Deeley and I won't mention Patrick Kielty - but you have to be fair, I love all people. 'When you come on to The Den or if you come on to the radio with Dustin it's all just friendly fun. 'There's a couple of things we say like Ryan Tubridy who we call Mr Bean, or Alan Partridge or Pat Kenny who is like a plank of wood - but they're all true things.' 'POULTRY PARTY' And Dustin revealed there is still life in the old bird yet. The TV legend admitted that he might throw his wing into the ring again for the Irish During the 2010 Irish general election, he famously campaigned under the banner of the Poultry Party, advocating for policies like Bringing the Olympics to Termonfeckin. But this time, he said his presidential campaign promises would include learning the Irish language, bringing comedy to Áras an Uachtaráin and representing not just Ireland but also turkeys on a national level. Dustin said: 'I think it's a given; I know 'He does his Irish poems and I'm going to learn Irish for when I'm in Áras an Uachtaráin. "So when people come over from Azerbaijan and Columbia I'll be able to greet them as Gaelige. 'Áras an Uachtaráin is something I would certainly have my eyes on; I think I deserve it at this stage, after all I've given Ireland.' He also revealed ambitions to return to Eurovision, confident that he still has what it takes to entertain 'BEAUTIFUL VOICE' Dustin famously represented Ireland in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Irelande Douze Pointe, an entry that remains both memorable and controversial. And he said it's only a matter of time before RTE ask him to compete for Ireland again. The top turkey said: 'Now Dana went for president and she did the Eurovision, but the difference is she can't sing and she's not the president. 'Now I've got a beautiful voice, I think I could be the president and a Eurovision star at the same time. 'But I wouldn't represent Ireland next time; I would represent Turkey. 'You don't have to win it, I don't think anyone in Ireland will be winning in for a long long time - unless we can dig up Johnny Logan and let him go again, I don't think we have a good chance at winning it.' 'VERY SIMPLE JOB' What's more, Dustin said he may even take over And although he said Joe did it well, Dustin thinks he could do it even better. He added: 'It would just be brilliant, it's only a matter of time again. It's a very simple job; I'd love it, 'Go ahead caller, go ahead caller'. 'I'd be president, represent Eurovision and Liveline - considering Joe ruled himself out for presidency it has left the door open for me. 'I've survived a lot of Christmases at this stage, there's a lot of turkeys at RTE that have survived them too - so I'll be sticking around and won't be going anywhere.' Dustin spoke his mind as he joined celebrations at the newly refurbished Chadwicks store in Sallynoggin, And he said with his past as a builder on RTE's The Den, there was no better man for this role too. Speaking to the Irish Sun, Dustin said: 'I'm a builder, I just want to get in and get out - but I'm telling you it's the dog's b***ocks. 'It's just absolutely amazing, I've had three cups of coffee so I'm buzzing - and for a turkey let me tell you that is very dangerous. 'I've also had two pasties that were absolutely delicious - I went in and bought a hammer, a saw and a gazebo and I don't even need to use any of them. 'Sallynoggin is a place that's in my heart; I love it more than even the Long Mile Road.' First opened in 1974, the Chadwick's branch now features a sleek doors & floors showroom, a revamped bathroom showroom, and a Paint Centre, along with a new smart home centre packed with the latest automation and security tech. Other new features include VELUX and Keylite rooflight displays, a full Brick and External Wall Insulation showcase and a Brick & Brew Co. coffee outlet. 5 Dustin revealed that he has his eyes on Áras an Uachtaráin next Credit: Alamy 5 And he wants Joe Duffy's job - there's no turkey bones about it Credit: Andres Poveda LTD
RTÉ News
19-07-2025
- RTÉ News
Breaking Galway Diocese confirms removal of Bishop Eamonn Casey's remains from cathedral crypt
The remains of the late Bishop Eamonn Casey have been removed from the crypt of Galway Cathedral. The Galway Diocese announced the development in a statement issued this morning. It is not clear when the disinterment took place, however, the statement has confirmed that the remains are with Eamon Casey's family. "Now, with the assent and co-operation of members of the late Bishop Eamonn's family and following prayers for the dead, his mortal remains have been moved from the Cathedral Crypt and entrusted to their care," it says. A year ago, an RTÉ documentary, presented by reporter Anne Sheridan, examined the Catholic Church's handling of allegations of sexual abuse against the former bishop. It included an interview with Dr Casey's niece Patricia Donovan, who claimed that her uncle first raped her at the age of five and that the sexual abuse continued for years. The investigation also confirmed that Bishop Casey was formally removed from public ministry in 2007 by the Vatican, following child sexual abuse allegations. That restriction continued for the last ten years of his but life but was never publicly disclosed. Bishop Casey died in 2017 and was buried in the crypt beneath Galway Cathedral following a funeral which was attended by 1600 people. The Pope's representative in Ireland at the time the Papal Nuncio, and many senior Catholic clergy were not in attendance. In the documentary, Patricia Donovan described her "disbelief" over her alleged abuser being buried in the space preserved for senior clergy beneath the cathedral. Members of the public echoed those concerns on RTÉ's Liveline programme and through opinion polls carried out last year. The Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora issued a statement noting "that the continued resting of the mortal remains of Bishop Eamonn Casey in the crypt of the Cathedral was a deeply felt matter that affected many people in different ways". It appealed for "time and space" to allow for appropriate reflection and consultation. In the latest statement, the Diocese has thanked "everyone for their understanding of the situation, for their patience and for their respect as the process was undertaken and brought to a conclusion". "Significant consensus emerged around the unique role of a Cathedral as a place of unity rather than division, healing rather than hurt and peace rather than disquiet." It also states that the express wish that "the arrangements made by the family for Bishop Eamonn's final resting place remain private". The family has also asked for their privacy to be respected. The statement concludes that "God will continue to draw all those who have been affected by this matter into his healing love". Eamonn Casey is the first senior cleric to be disinterred in Ireland following posthumous concerns about his conduct. He consistently denied all the allegations against him and was never convicted of any sexual crimes.
Irish Times
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Liveline contenders: ‘Crazy levels of speculation' about who will step in to replace Joe Duffy
The departure of Joe Duffy from RTÉ late last month could serve as a catalyst for a reimagining of the Liveline brand and even lead to an overhaul of the national broadcaster's afternoon schedule, according to sources within the station. The leading contenders to take over from Joe Duffy as the full-time presenter of Liveline were all tight-lipped yesterday as to whether they are still in the running for one of the most high-profile and highly paid roles in Irish broadcasting. An RTÉ spokeswoman declined to be drawn on exactly when Duffy's successor will be announced, only confirming that the recruitment process is ongoing, with no announcement likely until the autumn. [ 'Love you all, it's been a privilege': Joe Duffy presents last Liveline as he retires from RTÉ Opens in new window ] The Irish Times understands that senior management are actively considering a major reboot of the Liveline brand, rather than simply slotting in a replacement presenter. READ MORE A shake-up of the afternoon schedule is possible, although there has been no confirmation that it is a done deal. Talk of any big changes to the line-up is purely speculative. Katie Hannon , who has served as Duffy's most regular stand-in over recent years and has had high-profile full-time roles across television and radio, remains the front-runner to take over. Her Monday night television show Upfront was recently cancelled by RTÉ – a move which led to speculation that it would free her to take on Liveline in a permanent capacity. However, when making the announcement about the show's cancellation, the broadcaster played down the timing, saying it was connected to a change in strategy and well-publicised financial pressures, and nothing to do with the departure of Duffy. Philip Boucher Hayes , the host of Countrywide who is very highly regarded by senior executives in Montrose, has had a range of high-profile roles on radio and television over the last two decades. He has also been a regular substitute Liveline presenter over recent years. Philip Boucher-Hayes has had a range of high-profile roles on both radio and television over the last two decades. Photograph: Ruth Mejber Colm Ó Mongáin is also said to be in serious contention for the hot seat. Boucher Hayes has already presented the programme for two weeks this summer, while Ó Mongáin has been the stand-in this week. Another candidate being talked about in at least some quarters is the current host of the 9am-10am slot, Oliver Callan , although he is a fairly recent arrival at radio centre. He is performing very strongly in his current slot. None of these four responded to queries from The Irish Times yesterday. 'RTÉ will run a process over the coming months to appoint Joe's successor, with an announcement expected in the autumn,' was all a spokeswoman for the broadcaster would say. Other contenders in the frame amid what one RTÉ insider described as 'crazy levels of speculation' include the two Drivetime presenters, Sarah McInerney and Cormac Ó hEadhra , while the bookies have also suggested former Today FM presenter Dermot Whelan as a long-shot for the role. Whoever does take on the job will be paid significantly less than Duffy, who, until his departure at the end of last month, was the highest earner at the national broadcaster. Figures released last year showed he earned €351,000 for his work there, significantly ahead of the next-best-paid broadcaster Claire Byrne , who was said to have earned about €280,000. RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst , who earns €250,000, has made it clear that he will establish a salary ceiling at the organisation at the €250,000 level. Joe Duffy has left Liveline - but who will replace him? Listen | 26:20
