Latest news with #RadioNova
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Independent
Don't miss your chance to see supercars up close at Cannonball charity event coming to Killarney
Helping to launch the upcoming event this week were Radio Nova's PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe with the pair getting to grips with a rare Aston Martin DB11 as they announced that Cannonball 2025 will be back in Killarney Friday September 12 for the first stage finish line at 6pm at The Brehon Hotel. Cannonball founder Alan Bannon confirmed that Cannonball, the action-packed supercar spectacle is set to roll on September 12 to 14 from Johnstown Estate in Enfield taking in Ballymaloe, Killarney, Clare, Sligo, Cavan before finishing in Naas in Kildare. Cannonball is the largest organised road trip in Europe featuring the finest cars on the planet from Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren to Porsche, Aston Martin, and Maserati. Over 200,000 spectators are expected with free festivals organised from coast to coast. Cannonball has already raised €2,024,809 for Irish Children's Charities and brings an electric atmosphere to host towns all over the country, making it a widely anticipated free family event for spectators. The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation is an Irish children's charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care, respite support and end-of-life care for children from birth to six years of age with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs and is often described as a 'lifeline', giving exhausted parent carers a break from their 24/7 care regime. Jack and Jill's service operates seven days a week, no means test, no red tape and no waiting list. 95 children in Cork have been cared for by the charity in Co. Kerry since its inception in 1997 and this year 12 children in Kerry are being cared for by Jack and Jill. The event offers spectators a unique opportunity to witness the world's most prestigious and sought-after supercars up close and enjoy the unique festival atmosphere that Cannonball is renowned for. The Brazilian Dancers, giant screens, music and fanfare brings all the glamour of carnival and live DJs, bands and festivals in host towns around the country get the party started.
Sunday World
08-08-2025
- Automotive
- Sunday World
Boy (4) born with development delay who battled cancer now leading Irish charity campaign
FUNDRAISER | Parents Sandra and Ruairí are so grateful for the support they get from children's charity and are hoping to raise much needed funds with the annual supercar show. Brave Jude Mangan (4) was born with a rare condition called Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum (ACC). This is a congenital brain abnormality where the structure connecting the two sides of the brain is either partially or completely missing. Jude also completed treatment earlier this year for cancer that is unrelated to his condition. Proud parents Sandra and Ruairí and big brother Cillian joined Jude to help Jack and Jill launch their new partnership with Cannonball — the supercar event travelling around Ireland from September 12-15. The family joined Radio Nova presenters PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe at the launch. Jude Mangan (4) with his mum and dad, Sandra and Ruairi, and his big brother, Cillian (7) with Nova's PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe at the launch of Cannonball 'We wanted to give something back, now that Jude is healthy and we were in a position to,' says mum Sandra. 'Jude loves cars — he was delighted to get to be sitting in the car and we were delighted to be part of the campaign.' Sandra and Ruairí, who live in Dublin and are both originally from Belmullet in Co Mayo, first discovered something was amiss with their youngest boy during a 20-week scan. 'The person doing the scan said to me at the end: 'I want to ask you to come back in again on Wednesday. There's something I can't locate and I need one of our consultants to take a better look at it'.' When Sandra returned, it was confirmed that Jude was missing the corpus callosum, the membrane that links the left and right side of the brain. There was, she says, 20 weeks of not knowing what the impact would be on Jude until after he was born. Before he was born, medics were concerned about seizures, but to the family's relief these never materialised. Jude has global developmental delay which means he takes longer to meet his milestones. He is non-verbal, needs round-the-clock care and cannot walk unaided. It means the milestones he does meet are all the more treasured. Jude Mangan (4) with his mum and dad, Sandra and Ruairi, and his big brother, Cillian (7) 'He crawled on the landing last night,' says Ruairí. 'Just before giving him a bath I encouraged him to crawl to the bath. He crawled from the landing into the bathroom for the first time and we were absolutely thrilled.' 'We are confident he will walk because he has a little walker at the moment, and he's flying around in it,' adds Sandra. 'The more therapy he gets, the better he progresses. 'He's a great personality,' says Sandra. 'He's very funny. He loves a bit of devilment. He loves messing with his dad. He loves getting a rise out of us. He knows his own mind. While he's non verbal, we very much understand what he wants and what he doesn't want. 'He attends pre-school in Enable Ireland in Sandymount. It's not easy by any matter of means, but when he's in good form, you get a great kick out of him and he's the light of everyone's life. He loves being out and about. He loves meeting people. He gives them this little side smile — he looks away, and then he looks at them. Anybody that meets him, he just warms their heart. He has his interests — he loves Thomas the Tank Engine. He loves kicking a football around with his brother and going out and about with our neighbours' kids.' Jude Mangan (4) with his mum and dad, Sandra and Ruairi, and his big brother, Cillian (7) News in 90 Seconds - Aug 8th The family found in the early days they were struggling with Jude's care needs and were advised by a friend to contact Jack and Jill. They're glad of the opportunity to 'give something back' to Jack and Jill, who introduced them to Jude's former nurse Sarah and current carer Belinda. — 'They have been a lifeline for us.' In October 2023, a lump appeared on Jude's left jaw. The family sought medical help and when it wasn't cleared by antibiotics, Jude was sent for further investigation. A form of soft-tissue cancer tumour called RMS sarcoma was diagnosed and Jude underwent a comprehensive series of treatments including chemotherapy to treat the disease. Read more Again, Jack and Jill proved an invaluable support. 'They provided respite and care for us as a family — not just for Jude. It also enabled us to spend time with Cillian. 'Jude finished treatment on New Year's Day in January 2025 and got his last chemo at home. He's had two scans since, and they've both been very positive.' Jude Mangan (4) with his mum and dad, Sandra and Ruairi, and his big brother, Cillian (7) with Nova's PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe at the launch of Cannonball Cannonball has already raised more than €2 million for Irish children's charities and brings a unique atmosphere to host towns all over the country, making it a widely anticipated free family event for spectators. The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation is an Irish children's charity that funds and delivers in-home nursing care and respite support for children from birth to six years of age with severe learning disabilities often associated with complex medical needs. There will be fundraising along the route for Jack and Jill throughout the weekend. For more information on the charity and its work log on to
Extra.ie
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
PJ Gallagher would run for President on one condition
We're at the time of year where everyone who is anyone is being asked on whether they'll run for Áras, and PJ Gallagher is the latest to 'rule himself out.' The comic and presenter made the admission on his radio show on Wednesday morning, revealing what one thing could potentially change his mind. To date, Fine Gael candidate Mairead McGuinness and independent TD Catherine Connolly have confirmed they will launch campaigns to become the next president. We're at the time of year where everyone who is anyone is being asked on whether they'll run for Áras, and PJ Gallagher is the latest to 'rule himself out.' Pic: Instagram With plenty of speculation as to who else could throw their hat in the ring, PJ Gallagher and his Radio Nova co-host Jim McCabe had their say on some celebrity candidates. Jim said: 'Michael Flatley was being rumoured to be considering a run and we just thought, look, an auld celebrity candidate is never a bad thing just to keep the general interest up' PJ added that it 'puts a bit of spice' into the campaign. With plenty of speculation as to who else could throw their hat in the ring, PJ Gallagher and his Radio Nova co-host Jim McCabe had their say on some celebrity candidates. Pic: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock Jim went on to share that listeners to the show had text in putting Johnny Logan's name out there, before then asking PJ was he in or out. 'I am ruling myself out,' PJ confirmed, 'Both Jim and me are ruling out a dual-presidency and until there is a dual presidency.' 'And we are adamant in that,' Jim added with a laugh, 'We will not accept the presidency until it's a dual presidency and we've established what way the Áras will be split up and who gets which bits.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Radio Nova 100 (@radionova100) 'As long as Jim gets to do the awkward parties and I get to just hang around the house,' PJ said. The conversation led Jim to put fellow broadcaster Pat Kenny's name forward, noting he would be a 'great President.' 'Yeah,' PJ said before launching into an impression of the former Late Late Show host. Jim said Pat was a 'very articulate' man who 'holds himself well.' Pic: G. McDonnell / Jim said Pat was a 'very articulate' man who 'holds himself well.' PJ continued with his impression of the broadcaster, with Jim admitting Kenny for President would be 'worth it just to see the presidential addresses.' 'People of Ireland,' the pair said, exaggerating the pronunciation so to sound like Pat. A new President will be elected later in the year as Michael D Higgins steps down from the role after 14 years at the helm. The current favourite to take over is former MEP Mairead McGuinness, who is currently running unopposed for Fine Gael after Seán Kelly confirmed he would not be seeking a nomination from the party.
Irish Examiner
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
The best thing about fatherhood? 'Loving, and being loved, in a way you've never loved before'
What's the best thing about fatherhood? Tom Dunne, presenter of The Tom Dunne Show on Newstalk and singer/songwriter with Something Happens. Dad to Eva (18) and Skye (16): Not being smart, but it's having children. They are an endless fascination, a gift from the skies. They make your own existence into a peripheral, unimportant thing. Brian Redmond, Dancing With the Stars judge, presenter of The KCLR Daily radio show. Dad to Alex (15) and Anna (10) : The love they give you. When they're young, they look up to you so much. They love us unconditionally, look up to us, and find us inspiring, regardless of what it is we do, or how good or how bad we were in work that day. Kids just love you for being their parent. Dr Richard Hogan, psychotherapist, author, podcaster. Dad to Hannah (14), Lizzy (11), and Sophie (eight): It's the greatest gift in my life. It healed a lot of stuff that happened in my own childhood. Being with your children allows you to make sure that certain cycles don't repeat. That's the great gift of it. PJ Gallagher, co-host of Radio Nova's Morning Glory with PJ & Jim. Dad to twins Milo and Stevie (21 months): Proving to yourself that you really don't know what you're doing, and having to be comfortable with that. You spend so much of your life trying to convince yourself that you know what you're doing and you're a responsible adult, and at the end of the day, two kids come into your life and you [realise] I'm just a big child in control of two children, and I get it all wrong, and that's OK. Arthur Gourounlian, creative director, professional dancer, and Dancing With the Stars judge. Dad to Blake (two years and nine months) and Blu (11 months) Arthur Gourounlian, creative director, professional dancer, and Dancing With the Stars judge. Dad to Blake (two years and nine months) and Blu (11 months): It's how much I'm obsessed with them. I never realised how much I could love someone more than me, more than anybody, more than my husband. Fatherhood opened my eyes in a different way to life. I'm mesmerised to see them smile every morning, and when I say 'goodnight' and they say 'bonsoir papa', my eyes fill with tears. It's the best feeling in the world being a parent. Kevin Dundon, chef, director of Dunbrody Country House Hotel, cookbook author. Dad to Emily (24), Sophie (21), and Tom (17): Seeing them grow and progress through life, whether it's academically or [in] sport; their personal growth stories are amazing to see. Our eldest is working in an area she loves, living abroad and doing really well. The second is about to graduate and has been living and studying abroad for the last three years and is just about to start a new chapter in London. Our youngest is heading into Leaving Cert and sixth year rugby and is looking to architecture, which I have a huge interest in, so I can't wait to see how his career path pans out. Brendan O'Connor, journalist and presenter of the Brendan O'Connor Show on RTÉ Radio 1. Dad to Anna (17) and Mary (14): Loving in a way you've never loved before and being loved in a way you've never been loved before. And also, the longer it goes on, watching them becoming themselves is a joy. Also it's a good laugh in general. And then they get old enough to actually have a laugh with you, not quite peer-to-peer, but they get to a point when they can credibly take the piss out of you/with you. And that's funny. Carl Mullan, TV and radio presenter and co-host of The RTÉ 2fm Breakfast Show. Dad to Daibhí (three), Éala (21 months), and Béibhínn (four months): Getting to see your kids' personalities and sense of humour develop before your eyes. It's magic. That and seeing the joy your kids bring to your wider family. Neven Maguire, chef and owner of McNean House, Blacklion, Co Cavan. Dad to twins Connor and Lucia (13): Our twins have just finished their first year of secondary school and it has been so much pleasure watching them grow and flourish, each with their own personalities. David and Stephen Flynn, The Happy Pear, chefs, cookbook authors, podcasters, and entrepreneurs. David is dad to Elsie (14), Issy (12), and Fia (21 months); Stephen is dad to May (14), Theo (12), and Ned (eight). David and Stephen Flynn, The Happy Pear, chefs, cookbook authors, podcasters, and entrepreneurs. David is dad to Elsie (14), Issy (12), and Fia (21 months); Stephen is dad to May (14), Theo (12), and Ned (eight): David: Without doubt, the cuddles, the giggles, and that deep connection. Being a dad is the greatest privilege; getting to guide, support, and help shape little humans. It's a chance to serve and share the values that matter most. Stephen: It's the magic in the ordinary moments — the belly laughs, bedtime chats, early morning cuddles. Being a dad has brought a depth of love and meaning I never imagined. It's a daily reminder of what truly matters. One piece of parenting wisdom you got from your own father? Tom Dunne: 'You only get a lend of them.' Brian Redmond: My own father was, and is, very big on the connection between siblings. He was always very big on fostering that relationship between myself and my brother, and it's something I'd like to try and make sure happens between my own kids. Dr Richard Hogan, psychotherapist, author, podcaster. Dad to Hannah (14), Lizzy (11), and Sophie (eight) Dr Richard Hogan: I don't think I received any, to be honest. When I think about it, the legacy of his parenting was how to be spontaneous, not to take the rules so seriously. And I've passed that on to my own children. PJ Gallagher: I don't know if I ever got any wisdom from my old man, at least nothing I can say in the newspaper, but if I learned anything from him, I think it's that it is probably all right not to grow up yourself. In fact, it probably helps not to be a grown-up around your own kids. Being in the same frame of mind as your kids is probably a very good thing. Arthur Gourounlian: I was 16 when my dad passed away [so] any parenting advice is from my mom. My mom is my icon. She always said to me, stay happy, and stay healthy. Don't think about what others say. Don't try to copy any other person. Be you. And don't envy anyone. Kevin Dundon: Be single-minded in your efforts for where you want to get to. Brendan O'Connor: My father's great motto about babies and children was 'Let sleeping dogs lie'. He meant this pretty literally. If they're asleep or otherwise engaged, leave them alone, don't draw them on you. Which you can apply to anything in life, really. Carl Mullan, TV and radio presenter and co-host of The RTÉ 2fm Breakfast Show. Dad to Daibhí (three), Éala (21 months), and Béibhínn (four months) Carl Mullan: Dad was amazing at vocalising his feelings with us as young kids. I always remember him telling us how proud he was of us, how much he loved us (he still does). Definitely something I'm taking straight out of his playbook. That and the importance of embracing joy and laughter in the house. Neven Maguire: Both of my parents always said to be good and kind to people and to treat everyone like family. David Flynn: Kids don't learn from what you say, they learn from how you are. Your actions are the real lesson. Stephen Flynn: Our dad had this calm presence, and I've realised that being steady and grounded has more impact than any advice I give. Kids feel who you are more than they hear what you say. Has becoming a father changed you, and if so, how? Tom Dunne: You become more worried about external threats, climate change, wars. Brian Redmond, Dancing With the Stars judge, presenter of The KCLR Daily radio show. Dad to Alex (15) and Anna (10) Brian Redmond: It's made me more empathetic, given me a stronger sense of other people's needs. When you become a parent, you become acutely tuned into the needs of somebody else. Dr Richard Hogan: I don't think there's anything that impacts on your identity like becoming a parent. It absolutely changes you. The responsibility, but also the love that you experience. I think the love you have for your child is something incredible. It changes you, changes what you think about the world, how you analyse who you are, what you're about — it should, anyway! PJ Gallagher: Yes, it's changed me. I'm permanently exhausted all the time! It's the first time in my life I have been around people I'm blood related to because I was adopted, so that's an unusual one for me. It's a very profound change. It's changed literally everything. My hairline, my waistline, my times I sleep, my times I don't sleep. Relationships. I cannot even remember the existence I had two years ago. People say, blink and you'll miss it. Honestly, it's been the longest two years of my life! But I don't regret it. I love it. Arthur Gourounlian: It's all about my kids now, spending time with them, building the family and enjoying every minute of it. It's not about me anymore. I'm obsessed with fashion, but I sometimes forget to buy for me now, it's all about the girls. So I'm changing in a beautiful way; I'm very content. Kevin Dundon, chef, director of Dunbrody Country House Hotel, cookbook author. Dad to Emily (24), Sophie (21), and Tom (17) Kevin Dundon: For sure, probably in a thousand different ways. All good, but you always worry whether they're sick, flying off somewhere new, sitting exams, heading out onto the rugby pitch … Brendan O'Connor: I suppose it has. Maybe I had to start growing up a bit. But who knows how much of your evolution is to do with any one thing? You'd like to think we are all growing and changing all the time anyway. Also, I lost interest in other people's children for a while when I had my own. But you come back around again. I'm kind of partial to babies and cute little kids again these days. Maybe it's evolutionary. Maybe I have grandad hormones kicking in now. In the olden days, I'd have been a grandad now. I am a granduncle, which is sobering. Granduncles used to be old men in my day. I should add I'm in no hurry to become a grandad. Carl Mullan: It has and it hasn't, to give a very unsatisfactory answer. I still think there's plenty of pre-Dad Carl in me, but now that I have kids, I try to look at the bigger picture. I look at everything through the lens of our family and whether it benefits us as a whole. I'm not as much of a 'yes man' anymore. Having kids is a great excuse to say no! Neven Maguire, chef and owner of McNean House, Blacklion, Co Cavan. Dad to twins Connor and Lucia (13) Neven Maguire: The first love you know is from your parents. And then the love of your wife is a new experience. We were married for five years before Connor and Lucia were born. And that is a whole new kind of love. We feel very lucky. David Flynn: Fatherhood has changed me in every way. It's hands-down the most fulfilling part of my life, probably because it requires all of me, every day. Stephen Flynn: Fatherhood has absolutely softened me. It's cracked me open and taught me to listen better, love deeper, and let go more. It's helped me grow up, in the best way. Any advice for those about to become dads? Tom Dunne: Enjoy every moment. It is full of challenges, problems, worries, and catastrophes. The worst part? It's over too soon. It will be 20 years of your life that someday you will know was the absolute golden time. Brian Redmond: Buckle in, because it is a long ride. It's definitely going to change you. Being a dad is a lot more than just making sure that they're fed and watered and happy, you've got to try and mould them and facilitate them growing into a good person. Dr Richard Hogan: Parenting isn't about being your child's best friend, it's about being supportive; being by their side, not on their side; allowing them to make mistakes. Understand that adolescence is all about making mistakes. That whole journey of watching someone develop, it's the most remarkable journey. It's what it's all about. And it's a gift; an absolute miracle. So it's about celebrating that, but not losing yourself in all of that busyness. PJ Gallagher, co-host of Radio Nova's Morning Glory with PJ & Jim. Dad to twins Milo and Stevie (21 months) PJ Gallagher: You don't have to do it! You definitely will love it if you do it. We had twins and people say, oh, you got it all done at once, but you can be done at one and you can be done at none. So there's no pressure. There is no right way and there is no wrong way, there's just your own way. Arthur Gourounlian: Don't listen to anybody, unless it's good advice. Every kid is different. Every parent is different. Don't get brainwashed by other people. Make sure you listen to your kids. It's all about communication. The number-one important thing for me is to listen to Blake and Blu and just go with the flow. That's my advice. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Kevin Dundon: As small children, you do have to do everything for them but as they get older, let them grow, become independent, turn into their own persons and learn to respect them as they become adults. Brendan O'Connor, journalist and presenter of the Brendan O'Connor Show on RTÉ Radio 1. Dad to Anna (17) and Mary (14) Brendan O'Connor: The main bit of unasked-for advice I offer young or prospective parents-to-be it's that it's all phases, and just when you think you can't take one phase anymore, babies magically sense they've pushed their luck and they switch to a new phase. So always remember, none of it is permanent. As I get older, and my kids get older, I think I have come to realise that all these people who are around trying to mould their children are onto a loser. I've started to think they just turn out the way they turn out. Our main job is to be there for them while they do it, and I suppose try and create a reasonably stable and reliable environment. Carl Mullan: It's truly wonderful. You genuinely can't prepare yourself for the joy your kids will bring. It's also OK to acknowledge that it's hard, especially at the start. It's tough, it'll put strain on your work life, your personal life, you'll mourn the loss of your identity before becoming a parent ... But, it's still the greatest thing you'll ever do and you'll love every second. Neven Maguire: You are about to begin one of the most fabulous chapters of life. Don't let it fly by. Enjoy it. David Flynn: They won't want bedtime cuddles forever, so soak it all in. Remember it's a marathon, not a sprint. Focus on rhythms and routines that are sustainable, and show up with love. That's what they'll remember most. Stephen Flynn: Savour the little moments. They pass so fast. Build routines that support you and your family, because consistency beats perfection. And don't forget to laugh, a lot. It makes everything easier. Read More How Cork got a science centre and space observatory in a 16th-century castle
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
PJ Gallagher: ‘Having kids is pretty amazing and all, but the first time I won a motorbike race was the best day of my life'
The comedian and Radio Nova host talks boxing mishaps, memorable motorcycle races and epic goals… I found out I was never going to be a professional sportsperson after I entered a boxing ring for the first time. I was 20 years old and my friend Ger took me to a boxing club. I had two fights in the same day and I was fighting two German guys. With the first guy, I remember thinking I was Rocky Balboa. The first guy was walking backwards, I was throwing punches at him and it felt easy. I was like, 'I'm a natural born fighter'. Then the next guy got in and he hit me so hard it turned my head gear around. That was the moment I knew I could never be a proper athlete. I just remember seeing light coming through the ear hole in the head guard and hearing the referee laugh. I thought, 'This is me done, I'll probably just remain a spectator for the rest of my life,' which I have done.
