Latest news with #Shannen
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Celeb pals ditch partying for praying after pilgrimage to French holy town
Big Brother and Love Island pals relax in spa hotel after spending their holidays attending vigils during pilgrimage to French town Celebrity best friends Shannen Reilly McGrath and Hughie Maughan gave up the chance of a sun holiday to party island Ibiza in order to go on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Love Island star Shannen had initially planned to go to the famous French holy town with her boyfriend Luke, having had fond memories going there as a child with her granny. But when Luke could not get time off work she knew that her Big Brother pal Hughie would be up for going with her. He too visited Lourdes as a child, and the pair decided to book into a spa hotel in the town where they could relax after spending the day praying and attending vigils. Hughie and Shannen 'I think people would think me and Hughie would be in Ibiza but I said 'I know it's your birthday coming up, Luke can't come with me, would you love you to go?' and he said he was there as a child as well and religion is very close to his heart,' explains Shannen (31). 'It's just a sense of healing and spiritual. If you lose someone and you kind of go and you see a lot of people who are sick. Like my nana died from cancer, I have friends with sick family members, my granddad has dementia. 'I felt like going would be a sense of healing and praying for others. Like I would have a belief in that anyway. So it was kind of to go and get a sense of belief and a bit of luck, that's my kind of thing. I think the way the world is going we want some calmness and something to believe in. Important 'I know in this day and age people want to be in Ibiza and they want to be on social media. But family should be important to people as well.' Shannen, who grew up in Tallaght and now lives in Lusk, visited Lourdes as an 11-year-old with her granny Tess. Hughie all smiles in Lourdes 'I remember it was the most uncoolest thing ever. I didn't even want to tell people in school but I had such a nice time with her, but I was embarrassed with her at the time. The two of us went with her local parish, Mount Argus next to Harold's Cross,' she recalls. She explains her granny passed away recently and her granddad in now in a home with dementia, so it's been a tough time for her family. 'I would never pass a church without going in and lighting a candle,' she stresses. ' And like any trip id be on with my partner or even with mam or whatever and I'd see a nice church and light a candle. 'We wouldn't be really holy, in that sense, but I'd always go into a church and light a candle or say a prayer. I've a big thing for St Anthony, like my mammy was always saying 'if you lose something pray to St Anthony'. I had him in my purse going around. 'Our family would be religious, but not to the point of going to Mass every week. I would have a strong belief in it though, the likes of christenings, communions, weddings, my family would do.' She admits both friends and family were taken aback by her decision to go to Lourdes. 'They'd say in disbelieve, 'you're going to Lourdes?' and kind of a bit shocked by it,' she smiles. 'But I just feel like people don't really appreciate it and they kind of think there's something wrong with it.' She booked a package trip and flew over with Hughie on a Ryanair flight. 'We were over there we met a pilgrimage from Donegal, they actually asked us to carry their flag. There was a Malahide group there and there was young people there and I think they were with their mothers and grandmothers,' she explains. Shannen and Hughie's snaps from Lourdes . . The pair made themselves useful. 'We volunteered at the vigils to help. So that was lovely to be involved,' she said. ' We had to carry the flag, and also to go up on the alter at the end of it and look down at all the sick being blessed and say the prayers. 'We had our times for masses, times for vigils. We went to the holy baths and We went to different towns, Bernadette's house. We did get a bit of sun walking around and I did go to the pool a few times in the evenings. 'You see people in their wheelchairs and they're looking for hope and to be blessed. There's also a lot of sick kids. Wheeled 'On one of the nights we went four times, and there's a lot of sick children being wheeled in and laid out on hospital type beds, so it's kind of surreal when you're there.' She stresses that people worry about stupid things when there are others with serious illnesses and praying for a miracle. 'Like I've suffered from trolling and I didn't want to get out of bed over something someone said about me, but when you're over there and you see people who are basically crippled and they can't walk, some people don't have arms,' she reflects. She and Hughie, who is gay, shared a bed for five days. 'One of the nights we went out and went partying a bit' she adds. 'There are a lot of students out there volunteering. The town is busy. The sun is shining. 'We actually went to a karaoke bar and there were loads of people out there in their volunteer outfits. There were older women from Ireland out singing in the bars. It's nice to see, as you see them having a good time and they're making memories.' Hughie, (31) was in Lourdes twice before, in 2004 and 2005. He is a Traveller, a community known to have a deep connection with the Catholic faith. Shannen and Hughie's snaps from Lourdes . . 'When I was young me and my mam and dad and family went on a road trip in a campervan around France. We started in the north of France and drove all the way down to Lourdes. 'Then we made our way to various pilgrimage sites. We actually went to where St Bernadette's actual body is, where her grave is. Climbing 'We went to home of St Therese. We went to Paris and visited the big churches like Notre Dame. Of course as kids we went to Disneyland there too.' He's also been to Fatima, Medjugorje, Knock, and other religious sites in Poland, as well as climbing Croagh Patrick and going on retreat to Lough Derg. 'I have my own relationship with God. Every single night I pray. I have holy little shrines in my home, and holy water. I'd go to mass on special occasions. I wouldn't go every day or every Sunday,' he maintains. 'It is probably surprising as a gay man I'm like this, but I don't look at religious or God being anti-gay, I think it's just people and propaganda.' He admits he was surprised when Shannen suggested they go to Lourdes together. 'I was surprised, but at the same time we've had many conversations in the past about her going with her nanny and her having her beliefs,' he notes. 'A lot of people have prejudices about the church because of the Magdalene laundries. But I'm very religious and Shannen is too.' He says the couple got recognised a lot on the trip from Irish people who'd seen them on TV. 'We'd tell people we were just friends if people asked us. I'd never keep it secret me being gay,' he insists. Shannen and Hughie are all smiles in Lourdes Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 27th
Irish Times
16-07-2025
- General
- Irish Times
Girl (12) who died in Tipperary swimming accident ‘shone like a light', funeral hears
Mourners at the funeral of 12-year-old Freya Tobin have heard she 'shone like a light, even on the darkest of days'. Freya, from the village of Newcastle, Co Tipperary , died after getting into difficulty while swimming in the River Suir last Friday. At Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle on Wednesday, Claire Moloney, principal of Scoil Mhuire, Caisleán Nua, read a eulogy on behalf of Freya's mother Shannen. Mourners heard Freya was named after the goddess of love and 'by God did she honour that name'. She filled her family's life with 'so much love' and had a 'funny, happy and caring personality'. READ MORE The eulogy said: 'Freya was not only my daughter but my best friend and my rock. She shone like a light even on the darkest of days. I was so proud of how much love she brought to everyone no matter where she was. 'I'll never forget the way Freya would light up a room just by entering it. The brightness she brought will never fade.' Ms Moloney continued to relay Freya's mother's words. Mourners were told that a family's world came crashing down when 'our angel was taken from us so suddenly'. The school principal went on to thank all who helped the emergency services and who risked their lives, as well as Cork University Hospital, and the staff, pupils and management at the school Freya was a sixth-class pupil in. Ms Moloney also thanked neighbours, friends and Fr Michael Toomey, who presided over the funeral Mass. Freya's friend Sean paid tribute to her, saying she was a 'wonderful person inside and out'. 'Freya could make me laugh at any time and I mean belly laugh at the most random things. I have great memories, actually too many to count,' he said. [ Community 'numb' following death of 12-year-old girl in Co Tipperary swimming accident Opens in new window ] 'She was like my other half. I actually don't know what I am going to do without her. This is not something I thought I would be facing. There will be so much fun up there [in heaven]. Nothing will ever replace our friendship. Goodbye and I'll never forget you. From your dear friend Sean.' Fr Toomey said: 'There are times in life that we are left speechless . . . Nothing I can say to reverse that process. It all seems wrong. The reason you feel this way is because you love her.'
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘A laugh that was contagious' – Heartbroken mum & best friend of girl, 12, who died in swim tragedy pay funeral tribute
THE heartbroken mum of a 12-year-old who lost her life in a swim tragedy last week told her funeral mass how she "filled life with so much love". Freya Tobin, who was described as "funny, happy and caring" at the emotional mass today, 2 Freya passed away on Friday July 11 2 The young girl was laid to rest in her home town today Credit: RIP Collect Freya's mass was a sea of bright colours, upon the She is survived by her "heartbroken" mother Shannen, dad Eddie and his family, brothers Grayson and Eddie, sister Stephanie Lee. She will also be missed by her grandparents Nanna Triona & her partner Tom, Grandad OJ & his partner Colleen, her aunts, uncles and extended family. She will also be deeply missed by her best friends Sean, Emily and Charlotte. READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS Symbols of her life, including a packet of jellies, a teddy bear, makeup and her Ariana Grande perfume, were brought forward, while songs from Disney's Tangled movie and pop singer Dean Lewis filled the church. In an emotional tribute read at the beginning of the mass on behalf of Freya's mum Shannen, she asked her daughter to help keep her "strong". Shannen said: "I named her Freya after the goddess of love and beauty, and by God did she honour that name. She instantly filled my and my family's life with so much love. "Her funny, happy and caring personality only grew stronger as each year passed. She was not only my daughter, but my best friend and my rock. She shone a light even on the darkest of days. Most read in Irish News "I was so proud of how much love she brought to everyone, no matter where she was. And I'll never forget the way that Freya would light up a room just by entering it. "The brightness she brought would never fade. I loved her strong will, which allowed her to express how she felt. She was the best big sister to Grayson." She continued: "You'd always hear Freya before you'd see her. Always singing and dancing to Tupac and Eminem. "She had a laugh that was so contagious and you couldn't help but laugh with her and this was shown through her love for all of the children in this village. Anyone would have been so lucky to have known Freya and I will be forever grateful to God for my best friend." Sean, Freya's best friend "Last Friday, our world came crashing down when our angel was taken from us so suddenly. Though we will never make sense of a tragedy like this, we can honour Freya by carrying her spirit with us through our memories and our love for one another." Shannen thanked the And she issued a special thanks to the community who have rallied around them in their grief. Her tribute read: "You all took the pressure off of us at this unfavourable time and we will be forever grateful. This gave us great comfort and it also reflected the love the community had for Freya. "Freya, your wings were ready. Now I need you to keep me strong as I have always done for you." 'I'M GOING TO MISS YOU SO MUCH' Freya's brave pal Sean also addressed the funeral congregation as he paid tribute to his best friend. The young man said: "I have no idea why she was taken from us, but God must have made a decision and he couldn't have chosen anyone. "Freya could make me laugh at any time, and I mean belly laugh at most random things because that's just the kind of person that she was. "Anyone would have been so lucky to have known Freya and I will be forever grateful to God for my best friend. "I have so many great memories with Freya, actually way too many to count. "We were both always told by everyone that she would never see one of us without the other, and they were not wrong. She was like my other half. "All of our hearts are broken." Sean added: "Nothing will ever replace that friendship. You don't know how much I miss you already, Freya. "I want to say thanks to Freya's mum Shannen, and Freya's nanny and grandad and her family for always welcoming me and being so kind. "I'm going to miss you so much, Freya. Goodbye, and I'll never forget you. From your dear friend, Sean." 'THIS IS NOBODY'S FAULT' Parish priest Fr Michael Toomey addressed the church congregation asking them not to blame themselves for the tragedy, telling how the "what if" question is just a natural part of the grieving process. Fr Toomey said: "It's natural to experience regret and feelings of what if after a friend's death, especially if you feel you could have done something differently. "These feelings often stem from guilt and a desire to change the past. "So it's important for you to acknowledge that you did the best you could with the really challenging circumstances that you had to deal with at the time." He added: "This is nobody's fault. It is just what it is, a tragic accident. "But there is a natural human desire to undo or change negative events, particularly when it involves the death of a loved one. "But lads, this is impossible And dwelling on it can be detrimental to your own healing." "It's okay to feel regret and guilt, but it's also important to recognise that you did the best you could at the time. "Try to balance those regrets with positive aspects of your friendship. at the time you had regret." 'BRIGHT LIGHT HAS GONE OUT' Freya was laid to rest in the new cemetery in Mollough following the 12pm mass. She had reposed at her home in Newcastle on Tuesday evening before a private house this morning and her family requested any donations, if desired to be made to River Rescue. Tributes have poured in from across the country from both friends, family, neighbours and even complete strangers. One Tipperary mother wrote: "Shannen I'm devastated for you and your family, I know the bond between mother and daughter especially your first born. "Freya was loved by you more than words can describe, god gave her the best mammy to take care of her and you gave her a life full of love. "She will be with you every step of the way, may she give you the strength to get through this, you'll always be in my thoughts." And a Waterford mum said: "A bright light has gone out in Tipperary and indeed the whole of Ireland with the loss of this beautiful young girl. "That light is now shining in heaven. The tragic passing of Freya is devastating for all who knew and loved her."
BreakingNews.ie
16-07-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Girl (12) who died in Co Tipperary swimming tragedy was filled with 'love and beauty', funeral hears
Sixth class pupil Freya Tobin who died after getting into difficulty while swimming with a friend in Co Tipperary was filled with 'love and beauty' mourners at her Requiem Mass heard. The 12-year-old girl from the village Newcastle had been swimming in the river Suir last Friday when tragedy struck and despite efforts by locals, emergency services and Cork University medical staff Freya died. Advertisement At the start of her Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle Claire Moloney, Principal of Scoil Mhuire Caisleán Nun on behalf of Freya's mother Shannen spoke about the impact her young daughter had on her life. Ms Moloney detailed how 12 years ago a 'precious little angel was sent' to Shannen. 'A beautiful dark haired little baby with the most beautiful piercing blue eyes. I named her Freya after goddess of love and beauty and by God did she honour that name. She instantly filled mine and my family's life with so much love. Her funny, happy and caring personality only grew stronger as each year passed,' Ms Moloney told mourners. She continued: 'Freya was not only my daughter but my best friend and my rock. She shun like a light even on the darkest of days. I was so proud of how much love she brought to everyone no matter where she was. Advertisement "I'll never forget the way Freya would light up a room just by entering it. The brightness she brought will never fade. I loved her strong will which allowed her to express how she felt. "She was the best big sister to Grayson, always looking out for him even though they fought like cats and dogs.' Ms Moloney recounted how last Friday the world of Freya's family came crashing down when 'our angel was taken from us so suddenly. "Although we will never make sense of a tragedy like this, we can honor Freya by carrying her spirit with us through our memories and our love for one another.' Advertisement Freya's school principal went on to thank all who helped the unbearable emergency services, Air Ambulance Cork University Hospital and all who risked their lives. Her national school management, staff and pupils, and Fr Michael Toomey, neighbours and friends. Those gathered in the church were told how Freya had a side-kick called Sean and he paid tribute to his friend. 'Freya was a wonderful person inside and out. I have no idea why she was taken from us but God must have really needed her. Freya could make me laugh at any time and I mean belly laugh I mean at the most random things. I have great memories, actually too many to count,' he said. 'She was like my other half. I actually don't know what I am going to do without her. This is not something I thought I would be facing. Advertisement "There will be so much fun up there (heaven) Nothing will ever replace our friendship. Goodbye and I'll never forget you from your dear friend Sean.' Symbols of Freya's life including a packet of jellies, a teddy bear with candles belonging to her late great grandmother. make-up, music by Ariana Grande and a picture collage were presented to the congregation. Fr Michael Toomey, Parish Priest Administrator for the parish of Ardfinnan, Ballybacon, Fourmilewater, Grange and Newcastle added: 'There are times in life that we are left speechless. A journey of emotions in the days ahead. For some of us it has not yet hit us that Freya is gone. Why did Freya (had to die)?, I have no satisfactory answers to that. Nothing I can say to reverse that process. It all seems wrong. The reason you feel this way is because you love her.' Mourners heard that Freya was a bright, kind, spirited young person. 'She made a lasting impression on everyone she knew. It is ok to cry. Advertisement "This is nobody's fault, it was a tragic accident. Don't try to suppress feelings, dwelling what could have been will not help the healing. She thought the world of you all. 'We are all immensely proud of how you have handled this. To Shannen and Eddie, I can't offer you any answers. To lose a child is surely one of the most painful experiences anyone has to endure. Maybe she was just too good for this world,' Fr Toomey concluded. As her white coffin was carried from the church the Dean Lewis song, 'How Do I Say Goodbye' was played as she was brought to be laid to rest in the new cemetery, in Mollough, Co Tipperary.
The Advertiser
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
'Kind heart': Ian Ziering remembers Shannen Doherty
Ian Ziering has pair tribute to the "beautiful chaos" of Beverly Hills 90210 co-star Shannen Doherty on the anniversary of her death. The 61-year-old actor's Beverly Hills 90210 co-star died of cancer at the age of 53 on July 13, 2024, and to mark one year since her death, the Sharknado star acknowledged they had had their differences but he still missed her and her "kind heart". Sharing a photo of himself and Doherty hugging, Ian wrote on Instagram: I miss Shannen. We clashed now and then in the early years of 90210 - two strong personalities will do that - but we always had respect. I was the wisecracking comic relief; she was the beautiful chaos, the after-hours headline, the girl who could trash a hotel room and make the tabloids love her for it. (Stop laughing, Shan. You know it's true.). "So, my dear Shannen - I think of you often. Your grit. Your fire. Your kind heart that so few really got to see. I still carry all of it with me. Rest easy, Shan (Sic)" Ziering also noted in his post that he had faced criticism after the Charmed actor's deadth because he did not pay a public tribute, but he insisted he felt grief was a "personal" issue. Beverly Hills 90210 actor Tori Spelling also marked the anniversary of Doherty's death by reflecting on how she has been trying to live in the way her friend advised to, and speaking up for herself more in order to let her power "shine". Alongside a gallery of throwback photos, Tori wrote: "It's been a year. "Grief is weird. It presents itself in different ways and at different times but never fades. Just like your memory. In fact, it burns epically in my soul more and more as the days pass. "You and I already told the beginning of our story. "Now I'm living the after. "The part where I carry everything you taught me. "You always told me to stop apologising for myself. "To stop playing small. "To stop trying to be palatable when I was born to be powerful. "You taught me to turn my power on and let it shine." Ian Ziering has pair tribute to the "beautiful chaos" of Beverly Hills 90210 co-star Shannen Doherty on the anniversary of her death. The 61-year-old actor's Beverly Hills 90210 co-star died of cancer at the age of 53 on July 13, 2024, and to mark one year since her death, the Sharknado star acknowledged they had had their differences but he still missed her and her "kind heart". Sharing a photo of himself and Doherty hugging, Ian wrote on Instagram: I miss Shannen. We clashed now and then in the early years of 90210 - two strong personalities will do that - but we always had respect. I was the wisecracking comic relief; she was the beautiful chaos, the after-hours headline, the girl who could trash a hotel room and make the tabloids love her for it. (Stop laughing, Shan. You know it's true.). "So, my dear Shannen - I think of you often. Your grit. Your fire. Your kind heart that so few really got to see. I still carry all of it with me. Rest easy, Shan (Sic)" Ziering also noted in his post that he had faced criticism after the Charmed actor's deadth because he did not pay a public tribute, but he insisted he felt grief was a "personal" issue. Beverly Hills 90210 actor Tori Spelling also marked the anniversary of Doherty's death by reflecting on how she has been trying to live in the way her friend advised to, and speaking up for herself more in order to let her power "shine". Alongside a gallery of throwback photos, Tori wrote: "It's been a year. "Grief is weird. It presents itself in different ways and at different times but never fades. Just like your memory. In fact, it burns epically in my soul more and more as the days pass. "You and I already told the beginning of our story. "Now I'm living the after. "The part where I carry everything you taught me. "You always told me to stop apologising for myself. "To stop playing small. "To stop trying to be palatable when I was born to be powerful. "You taught me to turn my power on and let it shine." Ian Ziering has pair tribute to the "beautiful chaos" of Beverly Hills 90210 co-star Shannen Doherty on the anniversary of her death. The 61-year-old actor's Beverly Hills 90210 co-star died of cancer at the age of 53 on July 13, 2024, and to mark one year since her death, the Sharknado star acknowledged they had had their differences but he still missed her and her "kind heart". Sharing a photo of himself and Doherty hugging, Ian wrote on Instagram: I miss Shannen. We clashed now and then in the early years of 90210 - two strong personalities will do that - but we always had respect. I was the wisecracking comic relief; she was the beautiful chaos, the after-hours headline, the girl who could trash a hotel room and make the tabloids love her for it. (Stop laughing, Shan. You know it's true.). "So, my dear Shannen - I think of you often. Your grit. Your fire. Your kind heart that so few really got to see. I still carry all of it with me. Rest easy, Shan (Sic)" Ziering also noted in his post that he had faced criticism after the Charmed actor's deadth because he did not pay a public tribute, but he insisted he felt grief was a "personal" issue. Beverly Hills 90210 actor Tori Spelling also marked the anniversary of Doherty's death by reflecting on how she has been trying to live in the way her friend advised to, and speaking up for herself more in order to let her power "shine". Alongside a gallery of throwback photos, Tori wrote: "It's been a year. "Grief is weird. It presents itself in different ways and at different times but never fades. Just like your memory. In fact, it burns epically in my soul more and more as the days pass. "You and I already told the beginning of our story. "Now I'm living the after. "The part where I carry everything you taught me. "You always told me to stop apologising for myself. "To stop playing small. "To stop trying to be palatable when I was born to be powerful. "You taught me to turn my power on and let it shine." Ian Ziering has pair tribute to the "beautiful chaos" of Beverly Hills 90210 co-star Shannen Doherty on the anniversary of her death. The 61-year-old actor's Beverly Hills 90210 co-star died of cancer at the age of 53 on July 13, 2024, and to mark one year since her death, the Sharknado star acknowledged they had had their differences but he still missed her and her "kind heart". Sharing a photo of himself and Doherty hugging, Ian wrote on Instagram: I miss Shannen. We clashed now and then in the early years of 90210 - two strong personalities will do that - but we always had respect. I was the wisecracking comic relief; she was the beautiful chaos, the after-hours headline, the girl who could trash a hotel room and make the tabloids love her for it. (Stop laughing, Shan. You know it's true.). "So, my dear Shannen - I think of you often. Your grit. Your fire. Your kind heart that so few really got to see. I still carry all of it with me. Rest easy, Shan (Sic)" Ziering also noted in his post that he had faced criticism after the Charmed actor's deadth because he did not pay a public tribute, but he insisted he felt grief was a "personal" issue. Beverly Hills 90210 actor Tori Spelling also marked the anniversary of Doherty's death by reflecting on how she has been trying to live in the way her friend advised to, and speaking up for herself more in order to let her power "shine". Alongside a gallery of throwback photos, Tori wrote: "It's been a year. "Grief is weird. It presents itself in different ways and at different times but never fades. Just like your memory. In fact, it burns epically in my soul more and more as the days pass. "You and I already told the beginning of our story. "Now I'm living the after. "The part where I carry everything you taught me. "You always told me to stop apologising for myself. "To stop playing small. "To stop trying to be palatable when I was born to be powerful. "You taught me to turn my power on and let it shine."
