Latest news with #O'Riordan
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'Cork is on the cusp of something': Local film professionals launch new collective
Cork is ready for its close-up. Amid an upturn in film and TV production in the region, a filmmaking collective is launching Screen Cork to boost opportunities for established and aspiring filmmakers. Officially launched at Fastnet Film Festival in Schull this weekend, Screen Cork brings together a dynamic mix of filmmakers, industry professionals, and organisers, with the goal of fostering connection, collaboration, and growth across all areas of Cork's screen industry. Screen Cork's many aims, its founder members say, could transform TV and film in Cork, bolstering and building on a notable uptick in production in recent times. A recent meeting held by organisers in Cork drew a huge turnout, with an electric energy in the room, according to film producer, actor and board member Sinéad O'Riordan. 'I just feel that Cork is on the cusp of something right now,' says O'Riordan. 'The dream is to see all of this come together and become that film hub in Cork. That people know about Screen Cork, and they know about the productions that are coming in and the excitement - because it is exciting and it would be brilliant to attract some major talent to the area. 'I think that last meeting we had really solidified it for us. The energy was absolutely fantastic, the amount of people that said this is so badly needed. We need the funding now, we need the bodies to get behind us, to help bolster us so that we can be that central film hub.' Sinead O'Riordan, film director and one of the main people behind Screen Cork. O'Riordan, an established stage and screen actor, recently filmed the hit boxing drama Swing Bout on location in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The drama thriller set in the world of female boxing was written and directed by Maurice O'Carroll. Other board members include co-chairs and filmmakers Benjamin Rupprecht and Jamie Hooper, filmmaker Cian Desmond and producer Steve Broekhuizen. Working with local and national authorities, Screen Cork's goals include supporting and connecting local filmmakers, promoting Cork as a dynamic region for screen production and providing training and upskilling opportunities. There are plans to introduce a new short film bursary scheme and the organisation will act as a central point of contact for industry professionals and creatives. Screen Cork will also work with the National Talent Academies and others to host and provide training opportunities to upskill the workforce in the region. 'We have this opportunity in Cork,' says Hooper. 'It is the second largest city. It's got amazing transport links. It's got loads of hospitality options. It is a very, very attractive place for productions.' Hooper is a shorts filmmaker who founded the People's Picturehouse in Cork, a monthly short filmmaking showcase that takes place in the Pavilion and has become a popular hub for filmmakers. 'It was through these kinds of events, a lot of this community started to meet and to talk. One of the things that came up is the fact that we don't have a film commissioner, we don't have a short film scheme. A lot of the people that come to Picturehouse would be at the level where their next step should be going to get a funded short. 'The other major thing that a film office can do is attract and attain more consistent and sustainable work in the region. It could be something as simple as having a full crew database list of people in the region that we know are working in the region and available. It does become a self-sustaining thing, and it would be beneficial for the region as a whole. I know that the people in Film in Limerick are hugely supportive of what we're doing, and they see what we're attempting to do as being something that would bolster the industry in the region.' The Young Offenders being filmed in Kinsale. Following the establishment of West Cork Studios and a number of recent high-profile movies and TV shows filming in the country, there is a can-do attitude which is fostering interest in expanding the industry in Cork. TV series Bodkin brought Cork as a location to the world last summer when the high-profile show aired on Netflix. The Young Offenders continues to build audiences after the hit movie was developed into a TV series, and a fifth season was recently confirmed. Directed by Brendan Canty, forthcoming movie release Christy tells the story of two estranged brothers with chequered childhoods. It will be released in cinemas later this year after winning the Grand Prix of the Generation 14plus International Jury at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival. Bantry-based filmmaker Damian McCarthy enjoyed international success with his horror Oddity, filmed on location in Bantry House and released worldwide last summer. The story of a blind psychic determined to uncover the truth about her twin sister's murder was a hit with audiences and critics alike. McCarthy recently wrapped his next movie, Hokum, which was partly-filmed at West Cork Studios. US star Adam Scott ( Severance)has a lead role in Hokum, a supernatural horror about a horror novelist who visits a remote Irish inn to spread his parents' ashes, unaware of rumours it is haunted by a witch. The film is being backed by Screen Ireland. Other films shooting in Cork this year include director Vicky Wight's The Body is Water, a drama filming in West Cork this summer, and Everybody Digs Bill Evans, a drama about the legendary jazz pianist starring Anders Danielsen Lie, Bill Pullman and Barry Ward, directed by Grant Gee from a screenplay by Mark O'Halloran. Recently completed shorts include Mamó & Mise, a story in the Irish language supported by TG4 and filmed in the Ballingeary-Macroom area. Screen Cork board: Steve Broekhuizen, Cian Desmond, Benjamin Rupprecht, Jamie Hooper, and Sinéad O'Riordan. 'There is a groundswell, and we've been feeling it,' says Hooper. 'That's why we decided to get together, send out invitations to lots of relevant people, people in industry, in the commercial world, all the relevant department heads in universities, and all the heads of the local festivals. "We came together for a couple of meetings to determine what we're doing and what it is that is needed, and what we could do conceivably. I think there's a sense of optimism. I think there's a definite want - if there's a momentum happening, we need to get on board with that. 'My hopes would be twofold. One is to create a sustainable industry here in Cork. The second is with our short film scheme, we want Cork filmmakers to be given the tools and the ability to tell their own stories. "For up and coming and emerging filmmakers to get those opportunities, and the massive cultural benefit that it could bring.'
Irish Examiner
22-05-2025
- Irish Examiner
Man jailed for cutting sheep's throat and stealing another from Kerry farm
A man who stole a sheep and also cut the throat of a pregnant sheep near Killarney has been handed down a 16-month sentence with six months suspended. At the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee, a victim impact statement by farmer Con O'Riordan spoke of his horror and shock at what he came upon. The barbaric act has not left him, the farmer who had to pay the costs of the disposal added. Hungarian native Richard Daroczi, aged 29, previously of Ely O'Carroll Place, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty to stealing 'a ewe sheep in lamb' worth €500, the property of Con O'Riordan on January 5, at Cummeenabrick, Clonkeen, Co Kerry. He also admitted causing unnecessary suffering to an animal under the Animal Health and Welfare Act, 2013. He was assisted by Hungarian translator and was represented by barrister Kate O'Connell, instructed by Eimear Griffin solicitor. Garda Sergeant Nigel Shevlin told Tom Rice, prosecuting, that Mr O'Riordan is a sheep farmer living in Kilgarvan who has land at Cummeenabrick, Clonkeen. "It's sheep country and there are no residential properties there," Sgt Shevlin said. At 12.45pm on January 5 last, Daroczi pulled up at O'Brien's filling station, got fuel, and drove off without paying, the garda outlined. That afternoon, Mr O'Riordan was on his land and he saw the accused with one of the sheep — which was a ewe in lamb. Daroczi said the sheep was his. He had cut the throat of the sheep. Gardaí were alerted and came from Cork. The accused had fled, but his car was there. The ewe was identified by the tag, the sergeant said. Sale offer Two days later, entrails of another animal was found in the locality by neighbours. "The accused man's car had been searched and meat was found," added Sgt Shevlin, "but that animal could not be identified as the tag had been removed." The next day, a man met the accused at a filling station in Tralee and the accused had offered to sell him a lamb. The accused was going to remote areas, taking sheep and killing them to butcher them and then sell them on to members of the public, Sgt Shelvin told Mr Rice. A victim impact statement read by Sgt Shelvin from Mr O'Riordan, who was in court, told how he came 'across this man carrying a knife, and he had an animal beside him and its throat was cut. I was and am still shocked by this, I had never seen anything like it before and never wish to see it again 'It was the sheer barbarity of it and his attitude when I met him. He didn't care at all, it was like he thought there was something wrong with me for caring. He showed no remorse. 'The two ewes would have hardly come to €500 and to add insult to injury, I had to pay another man €200 to remove the other sheep away to prevent them being butchered.' Apologetic Mr O'Riordan said that the fact that such a thing could happen had never struck him previously, but 'it was always in his head now that this could happen again'. Ms O'Connell said her client 'is very apologetic' , adding that he had been homeless at the time. 'He never came to attention of gardaí for anything like this before. He seems to have just gone off the rails entirely. He was homeless at the time and trying to sell the sheep," she said. Judge Ronan Munro said that he understood why Mr O'Riordan was shocked. He said the accused is entitled to credit for his plea of guilty. He sentenced him to a total of 16 months — 10 months for the theft of the sheep; six months for the cruelty, and the fuel theft was taken into consideration. The final six months has been suspended for three years. The sentence of 10 months was back dated to January 25. Daroczi is to stay away from Mr O'Riordan's land and stay out of Kenmare and Kilgarvan.
Irish Examiner
27-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Relocators vying for extended, energy efficient, €625k Victoria Road home
CORKONIANS chomping at the bit to return to the real Capital are among those lining up to take a look at No 48 Marina Park, where viewings got underway last weekend. Its Victoria Road location, next to Kennedy Park, is a big draw, as well as the fact that it's been extended and expertly insulated. An external wrap, pv panels, triple-glazed windows, a new roof and a wood burning stove all contribute to the favourable B2 energy rating, which gives buyers the advantage of green mortgage rates. Rear garden with PV panels on the roof Floors were also replaced. The 1940s house had already been extended when the current owners bought it and they inherited a spacious open-plan kitchen/dining area. They beefed it up even more with the addition of a sunroom, ergo lots of rear glazing. Even though they already had scope for a home office downstairs, they installed another in the rear garden, all wifi-ed up and ready to go for the next owners. Ready made home office Selling this 133 sq m four-bedroom home is Der O'Riordan of Barry Auctioneers and he says 'there's been quite a few enquiries from Dublin and from people looking to move home from Limerick, a lot of young couples, with babies.' 'The house has been completely remodeled and has gone from a 'D' energy rating to a B2. There's huge interest and I have 28 people booked in this weekend,' the agent says. Front reception room He adds that the driveway has been widened and cobble-locked and can accommodate a camper van and two cars. 'It's a property that offers comfort and character in a highly desirable location,' Mr O'Riordan says. New marina promenade is close to Marina Park No 48, on the market with a guide of €625,000, is one of many Marina Park homes to undergo upgrades in recent years. The wider area is enjoying significant improvements to the public realm as part of the docklands regeneration project. VERDICT: Insulated, extended and well-located, a bidding war is highly likely.
Sunday World
25-04-2025
- Sunday World
Motorist who led gardaí on a chase to the border convicted of dangerous driving
Defendant had 61 previous convictions A motorist who led Gardaí on a chase to the border during which he overtook at speed and ignored road signs has been convicted of five counts of dangerous driving. Daniel O'Riordan (37), Mullacrew, Louth Village, contested the charges, testifying that he was not behind the wheel, nor even in the area where the pursuit commenced. His girlfriend also gave evidence that he was with her the whole time. Dundalk District Court heard that Gardaí began a surveillance operation at Jenkinstown Post Office at 8.30am on December 2, 2024, to apprehend Mr O'Riordan who had eight outstanding bench warrants. Gda Ian McDonnell said that he was in an unmarked car and at 4.27pm he spotted a silver Volkswagen Passat arrive. Mr O'Riordan, whom he knew, was the sole occupant. This car went to the rear of the building, and he got out with his colleague Gda Darragh Prior. The Passat took off at high speed from a different exit and drove away from the post office. Gda McDonnell continued that they returned to the patrol car and pursued the other vehicle in the direction of the main Dundalk Road, activating the blue lights and siren. The Passat entered that road at speed without stopping at the junction and turned for Dundalk. The defendant overtook other traffic in a dangerous manner before taking a hard right onto a local road just beyond the entrance to Ballymascanlon Hotel. He took up the centre of the road and went straight through Thistle Cross onto another L road without consideration for other traffic. Gda McDonnell said the car continued at high speed, taking up the centre of the road. It overtook on a bend under a railway bridge and crossed into Northern Ireland. The witness said that he could see it driving dangerously along Edenappa Road. The PSNI was alerted. The pursuit was over 8.6km and lasted approximately eight minutes. On December 10 at 7.10am, the court heard, Mr O'Riordan was arrested with the assistance of the Garda Armed Support Unit at a residence in Mullacrew. Gda McDonnell said the offending vehicle was parked tight to the rear of the dwelling so it couldn't be seen from the road. Gda Prior told how the car drove at speed 'in and out through oncoming traffic' and was occupying the middle of the road. Daniel O'Riordan was the sole occupant. Kim Leggett, a social care worker, said that she arrived with Daniel at a friend's house in Dunleer at 1pm on December 2 and they were there until at least 4pm. They left for Culloville to pick up his wages and to get fuel for the house and then went to Mullacrew. Rebecca Floyd testified that Kim called over with her boyfriend Daniel around 1pm and stayed until around 4pm. Kim was driving her car. Daniel O'Riordan said they were a good while in Rebecca's house, three or four hours. He wasn't sure on the time they left. He was staying with Kim in Louth Village. He didn't go to Bellurgan that day. They went to a yard in Culloville to collect his wages. He got his wages on a Monday. He could get a wages' slip if required. The accused continued that he was in Bellurgan the next day. He gets the Dole in Jenkinstown Post Office. 'I wasn't driving. I wasn't even in Jenkinstown. It's not my car. I don't know who has access to it,' Mr O'Riordan replied to Inspector Martina Gallagher. Judge Nicola Andrews said that she was satisfied that the State had proved its case. The defendant was convicted of dangerous driving at Jenkinstown Post Office, Bellurgan, Ballymascanlon, Thistle Cross and Carrickaneena. There were 61 previous convictions, 27 under the Road Traffic Act, including for dangerous driving causing death for which a five-year sentence was imposed in February 2011. Barrister Eoghan Fagan said that Mr O'Riordan was making some progress in trying to gain employment. He was doing a 360 Excavator Cert having completed Safe Pass. He was off drugs and engaging with Turas Counselling Service. Adjourning the case to June 4 for a probation report and community service assessment, Judge Andrews told the defendant the choice was in or out of custody, it was entirely in his control. If not suitable for community service, the judge indicated consecutive six-month sentences on two of the charges. 'If you meet me before then (June 4), all bets are off,' Judge Andrews said. Legal aid was granted and the court certified for counsel.
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
ESA's Euclid spacecraft spots 'stunning' rare Einstein Ring in far off galaxy
Feb. 10 (UPI) -- The European Space Agency on Monday said its Euclid telescope discovered its first "extremely rare" Einstein ring in a galaxy "not too far away" nearly 600 million light years from Earth. Euclid, the ESA spacecraft launched in July 2023 designed to observe deep space in the hope of unlocking the mysteries of the universe, spotted its first strong gravitational lens as it set about to construct the most precise 3D map ever created of the known universe. "Even from that first observation, I could see it, but after Euclid made more observations of the area, we could see a perfect Einstein ring," Bruno Altieri, the ESA's Euclid archive scientist. "For me, with a lifelong interest in gravitational lensing, that was amazing." The Einstein Ring, according to the Paris-based European Space Agency, is an "extremely rare phenomenon." However, this new ring discovered by Euclid has "unique characteristics," Massimo Meneghetti, team member and National Institute for Astrophysics researcher, wrote in a statement. This new discovery, however, "turned out to be hiding in plain sight in a galaxy not far away" called NGC 6505 some 590 million light-years from Earth which, ESA officials continued, was "a stone's throw away in cosmic terms." "It is truly rare to find a galaxy relatively close to us, like this one found in the NGC catalog (New Galaxy Catalog), one of the catalogs of nearby galaxies that acts as a strong gravitational lens," Meneghetti says. Due to Euclid's high-resolution instruments, officials said this was the first time that the ring of light surrounding its center was detected. Its background galaxy was measured at 4.42 billion light-years away, but its light has "been distorted by gravity" on its way to Earth. Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity predicts that light will bend around objects in space. But this find was described as "particularly special" due to it's close proximity to Earth. "An Einstein ring is an example of strong gravitational lensing," explained Conor O'Riordan, of Germany's Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics. It was located in a "well-known" galaxy first discovered in 1884. "All strong lenses are special, because they're so rare, and they're incredibly useful scientifically," added O'Riordan, also lead author of the first scientific paper to analyzing the ring. The ESA released a first set of five images from its Euclid space telescope November 2023 some four months after its launch. Its expected map out more than a third of the sky and will observe billions of galaxies out to 10 billion light years away. "Euclid is going to revolutionize the field, with all this data we've never had before," according to O'Riordan.
