Latest news with #Noreen
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Locals celebrate as Kerry community group wins bid to take over village pub
Punters from one of Ireland's most remote pubs are celebrating victory after a months-long battle to save their beloved local. Many had feared it would be last orders for the Inny Tavern (Tábhairne na hÚine) in Dromaid, after the pub's owners Humphrey Ó Conchuir and Noreen Uí Chonchuir made the difficult decision to retire. A lack of interest from buyers on the open market might have sounded the death knell for the village of Cillín Liath which is located in Co Kerry's Iveragh peninsula. However, a community buyout — made possible by an online fundraising campaign — means the pub will now stay open indefinitely. Described as one of Ireland's newest communities, the village was built around the local primary school, which opened in 1973 and was followed by the pub 16 years later. The pub is now set to change hands this week and will be run by and for the community. The Inny Tavern in Dromid, Co Kerry soon to be one of Irelands First community owned Alan Landers Forbairt na Dromoda Teo — the local community, social enterprise organisation in the Iveragh Gaeltacht — were behind the campaign to save the Inny Tavern and adjoining shop which was also run by Humphrey and Noreen. The group had raised enough funds for a deposit as well as securing a bank loan for the property. However, there was a shortfall, and the remaining funds have now been raised through the GoFundme campaign which was launched earlier this year and has generated almost €107,500 to date. It comes two years after Humphrey and Noreen set in motion plans to sell the bar. Originally opened by the O'Connor family in 1989, the pub has been operating in the Gaeltacht community for around 36 years. Emir Ní Mhurchú of Forbairt na Dromada said news of the pub's survival has come as a relief to many in their community. Areas along the western seaboard are massively struggling with issues like population decline. "This has been a huge issue for us. Holiday homes in place of actual people coming to reside here is just one of the changes we are seeing. This has had implications on numbers in local schools and football teams. There was no way we wanted to lose our pub too.' Emir was fulsome in her praise for donors adding: 'People came through from all over the world to support us. These were people who had emigrated to Australia but someday hope to come back. Working in tandem Noreen and Humphrey fill their last pints at the Inny Tavern. Picture: Alan Landers "Others living in America with families who will never come home also donated. One of the most touching letters came from former punters of a pub in Galway. They said they were absolutely devastated to lose their pub. They didn't want to see the same happen to us, which is why they were so supportive.' She said isolation had been a huge concern for the community's residents. 'We are talking about people who lived their lives in townlands where there might have only been five or six families. Farming wasn't exactly a money spinner when they were young. However, the country seemed to have more when it had less. "In those days there were more people supporting businesses. There was also more of a focus on the community. The main concern for us is to ensure that people don't become isolated. For a number of people, their visit to shop or pub might be the only social aspect to their day. There is also the intergenerational element. It's not unusual to see people in their 20s playing cards with people in their 80s. We really want to maintain that rural vibrancy.' Emir also extended her well wishes to the pub's previous owners Humphrey Ó Conchuir and Noreen Uí Chonchuir. 'Everybody is entitled to their retirement and Humphrey was even more entitled to his. At the same time, not knowing the fate of the pub was a huge weight on his shoulders. He's really delighted that it's here to stay.' Read More VFI calls for 40% excise rebate on pints to support struggling rural pubs
GMA Network
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Barbie Forteza, Kyline Alcantara face off in 'Beauty Empire' teaser
The heat is on in 'Beauty Empire'! The upcoming GMA Network, Viu Philippines, and CreaZion Studios series just dropped a new teaser and it is already intense. Barbie Forteza, who plays Noreen Alfonso, is shown at a photoshoot. Seconds later, Kyline Alcantara, who plays Shari De Jesus, comes up and tells her, 'Hello, CEO ng mga hindi gaganda.' Noreen claps back, 'Andito pala ang self-proclaimed CEO.' Shari then throws water at Noreen, and Noreen pulls her hair. They then throw flowers and eyeshadow at each other. The ladies are stopped by Velma Imperial, played by Ruffa Gutierrez. Before the teaser ends, Barbie says, 'Simula na ng pinaka magandang laban.' "Beauty Empire" is produced by GMA Public Affairs, based on the original concept by CreaZion Studios. It dives deep into the intense rivalries and high-stakes drama among powerful women as they navigate the beauty industry driven by ambition, revenge, and power. It is set to premiere soon on Viu before debuting on GMA Network. Aside from Barbie, Kyline, and Ruffa, 'Beauty Empire' also stars Choi Bo Min, Aaron Maniego, Gloria Diaz, Chai Fonacier, Sam Concepcion, and Sid Lucero. Some parts of the show were shot in South Korea. —Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News
The Irish Sun
12-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Lives turned upside down' – Irish mum and three kids rushed to hospital after horror two-vehicle Sligo crash
AN Irish mum and three of her children were rushed to hospital following a horror crash in Sligo last month, leaving several in need of surgery. Noreen Ruddy and two of her kids remain in hospital today after suffering serious injuries in the two-car collision on April 21. Advertisement Noreen was rushed to Beaumont Hospital for treatment, while her son Matthew was brought to Daughter Kaitlyn endured multiple surgeries after being rushed to the Noreen's other daughter Eva has since been released from Noreen and Matthew are facing life-changing injuries with rehab in the near future. Advertisement READ MORE IN NEWS The family were involved in the two-car Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene on the N59, where two women in their 40s and 20s, a boy, nine and girl, three, were all transported by Each were described as having serious injuries at the time of the incident. Another woman, in her 50s, who was the driver of the other car also received a medical assessment in hospital. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Exclusive A Gardai and Justice Minister Helen McEntee launch two new average speed cameras in Ireland "Shortly before 2:30pm, Gardaí and emergency services responded to a collision on the N59 at Ballysadare. "The occupants of one vehicle—two adult females, aged in their 40s and 20s, along with a 9-year-old boy and a 3-year-old girl— were transported by ambulance to Sligo University Hospital with serious injuries. "The sole occupant of the second vehicle, a woman in her 50s, was taken to the hospital for assessment." Advertisement A spokesperson added: "Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. "Road users or pedestrians who were in the area at the time and have camera footage (including dash-cam recordings) are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí. "Anyone with information is urged to contact Sligo Garda Station at 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station." 'KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY' The family have set up a Advertisement And the family has since issued a statement to thank all those who have rushed to their aid following the incident. They said: "We're overwhelmed with gratitude for your kindness and generoisity. "Your donation to our iDonate page has brought us comfort and support during this challenging times." With a target of €70,000, the family have so far raised a whopping €68,000. Advertisement The ' "Their lives—and those of their loved ones—have been turned upside down." "Since the accident, Martin, Jack, and the extended Ruddy and Mangan families have been by their sides, offering love and support through this incredibly difficult time." "This fundraiser has been set up to help support the family through the many challenges ahead—emotionally, physically, and financially." Advertisement "Any support you can offer, big or small, will make a real difference in their journey to recovery." "Thank you for keeping them in your thoughts and for any help you can provide." 1 Gardai attended the scene of the crash Credit: Alamy
Irish Examiner
02-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Examiner
Dinky Oak Tree Cottage in Adrigole is a €395,000 holiday home dream
THE Crowley Petes were living large in a small space well ahead of any move towards sustainable living as a lifestyle choice. But even if 10 people under one roof meant indoors was sometimes claustrophobic, the whole world opened up outside their front door. Oak Tree Cottage, set in the remarkable landscape of the Beara Peninsula, had the Caha Mountains as a backdrop, and glistening Bantry Bay at its feet. 'It was my father John Crowley's homeplace, and he grew up there with his five brothers and two sisters, his granddad and his parents,' says Noreen, the owner. ' My hope is that the next owners will be as happy as the Crowleys were.' The Crowley Petes sobriquet was to distinguish her father's family (his father was Peter) from the myriad other Crowley families on the peninsula. Noreen, whose own home is in Blarney, inherited Oak Tree Cottage and 14.5 acres of sea-hugging farmland from her uncle and godfather, Paul. Noreen's husband, Denis, a farmer, grazes cattle on the land. They've had the 47 sq m house 15 years and made some changes. During her father's time, there were two small downstairs rooms and three tiny rooms overhead. Now, the ground floor is open-plan and the upstairs is an ensuite double bedroom. Windows were upgraded and the front door was replaced. The classic country-style look is as cosy as it gets. 'We enjoyed working together, upgrading the house and the land over the years,' Noreen says, adding that it's 'been a delight' to have a West Cork base. A fan of sea-swimming, she can walk to the water in 10 minutes for a dip off Zetland Pier, 'or you can cycle or drive down, and it's lovely for a dip in the morning'. There are fishing spots too and sometimes porpoises pass by. Noreen says it's been 'a very hard decision to sell the house, but it's the right decision' as their plans for retirement include travelling further afield than Leahill, in the townland of Adrigole. 'We have three beautiful granddaughters, and another grandchild on the way in Toronto, due in September, and we plan to travel over,' Noreen says. She would love to see the house go to 'a young farmer starting out, or a young family or a young couple with vision' as she feels there's a great deal of potential. Two stone outbuilding, positioned to enjoy the views, could be converted into studios. A traditional slated shed with an attached cattle crush and holding pen, is 'ideal for machinery or tool storage', says selling agent Olivia Hanafin of Sherry FitzGerald O'Neill. Ms Hanafin says Oak Tree Cottage is attracting 'strong interest from both Irish buyers and expats'. 'The appeal of waterfrontage and generous land area are standout features that offer both lifestyle and long-term value,' the agent says. VERDICT: A dinky bolthole with glorious views and endless potential.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Remarkable Women: Abigail Payne's musical journey of legacy & love
ABILENE, Texas () – With every ivory key she presses, Abigail Payne shares the escape of music, ensuring that everyone — no matter their circumstances — can feel its power. Through her nonprofit work, she's spreading that love to as many ears as possible. 'Music has always been such a part of my life. Whether I'm in a bad place or a good place, it's just what I go to,' Payne said. Music has always been close to her heart, a love she shared with her dad before he passed away when she was young. Now, she's following in his footsteps as a musician, keeping his spirit alive through her work. 'When I think of music, I think of my dad; when I think of my dad, I think of music. That's really special for me to say this wonderful man who was gone too soon. I get to carry on a legacy of sorts,' Payne said. Abilene Idol Finale 2025 That legacy lives on in her role as executive director of Chorus Abilene — where she's now introducing her own daughter to the world of music. 'I've been more comfortable working with adults. But I have taken joy in seeing the little kids. My daughter is in one of the groups. She's eight. That's been fun to appreciate young singers,' Payne said. While piano is her forte, collaboration is her passion. 'I'm a collaborative pianist, so I'm always working with another musician, and I love working with singers,' Payne said. Remarkable Women: Liberty-Grace Bland, a heart for Abilene & the arts Longtime collaborator and singer Serayah Peters says Payne has a way of transforming the performance space. 'Abigail does such a great job setting the scene and I feel like I can just breathe easy and step into the world that she created. Any time I have to perform, she has to be the one to accompany me because I'm very particular and she's just fantastic,' Peters said. Payne's musical journey started when she was young, but it took time — and the generosity of a mentor — to develop her craft. 'If it weren't for the teachers that I had in my life, like my first piano teacher, Noreen, my mom said, I can pay for one lesson. We would have one 30-minute lesson a month. Then Noreen said, for every lesson you pay for, I'll give the girls a free one,' Payne recalled. Remarkable Women: LaQuiera Gantt empowering the next generation in Abilene That generosity shaped Payne's outlook, and now, she's paying it forward by removing financial barriers for others. 'We have tuition scholarships for anybody that needs it to sing with us. We don't want anybody to feel limited by their finances,' Payne explained. Now, she's gearing up for an upcoming recital with on April 5, continuing her mission to bring music to as many hearts as possible. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
