Latest news with #Síomha
RTÉ News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Síomha's trip to the Otherworld - using folklore to explore grief
In the heart of Donegal, Síomha's ready for their biggest protest yet. No one's building a hotel. Especially over Aunty Deirdre's fairy fort. This will end in agóid not tragóid... Theatremaker Em Ó Ceallaigh introduces their new play Síomha and the Otherworld, a new Immersive work for young audiences, touring venues this June. How do we remember people who have died? How do we accept and keep living with grief? How do we fight for what matters? And what do fairy forts, racing maggots and millipedes, and Sinéad O'Connor have anything to do with this? Síomha and the Otherworld is an immersive, new play for audiences aged 9+ years by Sian Ní Mhuirí and me. Meet 11-year-old Síomha, who - a thiarcais! - is shocked to see us. Síomha's staging a protest to save a beloved fairy fort that holds memories with their late auntie Deirdre. No way is Mr Big Smoke building a hotel on top of it! We wanted to explore the complicated emotions that come with grief. Sian and I are drawn to work with humour and heart that takes young people's curiosity and intelligence seriously. Artists often draw on fairy tales to create work, but Irish fairies are not your bog-standard cutesy fairies. They're mischievous, bold, not to be crossed - qualities that Síomha admires. Síomha is a love song to people who love us fiercely. People who understand solidarity. People who see justice and joy as the best dance partners. Donegal's rich folklore lives in the bones of our story. There are different theories about who fairies are. Maybe the old gods, the Tuatha Dé Dannan, who, having lost their adoration and power, live in the otherworld, passing through fairy forts. Another theory is that fairies are fallen angels. Not good enough to be saved, not evil enough to be banished to hell. This show isn't an attempt to just retell fairy stories. It's a modern story full of magic about a young person navigating a big conflict with a best friend, and their first major loss. The show explores finding magic in the world during hardship, and embracing the magic of being different. Of being a little weirdo. My own nana died this year. She was someone who, like aunties, mentors, friends, loved me uncomplicatedly as a young (and older!) person when I was scared, or felt too weird for this world. Síomha is a love song to people who love us fiercely. People who understand solidarity. People who see justice and joy as the best dance partners. The show is set in the Donegal Gaeltacht and is peppered with Gaeilge Uladh. It has cultural references that Síomha shares fondly with their auntie (shout out to late greats, Sinéad O'Connor and Nell McCafferty). Audience members will sit inside the fairy fort. You meet Síomha, played by the tender and hilarious Aoife Sweeney O'Connor. Our second character is the fort, who speaks through light, sound, and video, brought alive by a talented creative team. Through song, storytelling and the occupation of a fairy fort, audiences are in for a tender, sensory, one-of-a-kind experience. It'll be wild craic altogether, aye.
Extra.ie
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Síomha Ní Ruairc thanks for 'support, love and acknowledgement' after sister's passing
Virgin Media presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc has thanked her followers for the outpouring of love following the sudden death of her sister last month. The gaeilgeoir is one of the weekend presenters on Ireland AM and has also fronted Irish dating show Grá ar an Trá. Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the podcaster shared her gratitude for the overwhelming show of support after she announced the tragic news. Virgin Media presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc has thanked her followers for the outpouring of love following the sudden death of her sister last month. Pic: Siomha Ni Ruairc/ Instagram 'Just wanted to thank everyone who has reached out to me, my parents and my sister Aedín to share condolences, stories and messages in the past few weeks. She added: 'I had no idea prior to this just how much the support, love and acknowledgement of your loss from others really gets you through. 'Táim ar ais ar obair an tseachtain seo and will be returning to regular posting but just wanted to acknowledge all of the comments – I can't respond to them all but I have read every single one. Buíochas ó chroí libh ar fad.' The gaeilgeoir is one of the weekend presenters on Ireland AM and has also fronted Irish dating show Grá ar an Trá. Pic: Siomha Ni Ruairc/ Instagram Síomha confirmed the news via social media last week, sharing a series of photos alongside her sister through the years. The presenter wrote: 'My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died and I'm heartbroken. Ní chredim é fós [I still don't believe it]. 'Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed each other — as sisters do. As adults, we accepted each other for exactly who we are and I'm so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life.' Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the podcaster shared her gratitude for the overwhelming show of support after she announced the tragic news. Pic: Siomha Ni Ruairc/ Instagram Síomha went on to extend thanks for the support her family has received over the previous difficult two weeks. 'The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands. We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family,' she said, 'Go raibh míle maith agaibh [thank you very much]. 'We've been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain.' The Dubliner added that they now faced a 'new normal' with Úna. 'But she'll be with me — like a handprint on my heart,' she added, 'It'll never not be; Úna agus Síomha.'
Irish Independent
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘She'll be with me, like a handprint on my heart' – Virgin Media presenter pays tribute to sister following her death
The gaeilgeoir, who presents popular podcast 'How To Gael' is also one of the weekend presenters on Ireland AM. Taking to Instagram, she shared the tragic news of her sister Úna's unexpected death. 'My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died, and I'm heartbroken,' she captioned a carousel of pictures shared to Instagram. 'Ní chreidim é fós. Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed each other – as sisters do. 'As adults, we accepted each other for exactly who we are and I'm so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life. 'My family and I can't thank everyone enough for the support we've received since. The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands. 'We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family. 'Go raibh míle maith agaibh. We've been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. 'It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain. 'Now, we face a new normal without her. But she'll be with me – like a handprint on my heart. It'll never not be; Úna agus Síomha.' ADVERTISEMENT Úna passed away unexpectedly at her home in London on April 20. 'A beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha, Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal,' her death notice reads. 'Úna's passing is a huge loss to the family. Deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland.' Her funeral was held at St Patrick's Church, in Esker, Lucan on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Esker Lawn Cemetery, Lucan. Tributes poured in, remembering her as bright, clever and funny. RTÉ 2FM presenter Roz Purcell said: 'Thinking of you and your family.' Doireann Garrihy added: 'So incredibly sorry for your loss Síomha. Sending you all the love.' 'What a beautiful tribute to Úna, one of the most intelligent and talented people I have ever been fortunate enough to know,' one school friend shared. 'When I remember her, I remember us singing songs from Wicked and Hairspray in the hallways of Coláiste Cois Life. She was never without a song. My utmost sympathies to her family and love from Germany.' Another mourner added: 'Deepest condolences to you Damhnait, Dermot, Síomha, Aedín & Cathal on the sudden and heart-breaking loss of Úna. The funeral mass was beautiful and you did her proud. 'Thinking of you all at this saddest of times and sending strength your way. Always remember to never forget all the countless happy times & memories and let them carry you through.' Another shared: 'Deepest sympathies on the passing of beautiful Una. I was so saddened to hear the news, and I am thinking of you all during this incredibly sad time. 'I have very happy memories of Una during our time studying physics and maths at Maynooth University. One of the smartest and brightest people I have ever met. She will be really missed.'
Sunday World
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Virgin Media TV star pays tribute to beloved sister following her sudden death
Síomha Ní Ruairc shared the tragic news of her sister Úna's unexpected death on Instagram. Virgin Media star Síomha Ní Ruairc has paid tribute to her beloved sister following her sudden death. The gaeilgeoir, who presents popular podcast 'How To Gael' is also one of the weekend presenters on Ireland AM. Taking to Instagram, she shared the tragic news of her sister Úna's unexpected death. 'My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died, and I'm heartbroken,' she captioned a carousel of pictures shared to Instagram. 'Ní chreidim é fós. Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed eachother – as sisters do. 'As adults, we accepted eachother for exactly who we are and I'm so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life." 'My family and I can't thank everyone enough for the support we've received since. The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands,' she continued. 'We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family. 'Go raibh míle maith agaibh. We've been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. 'It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain,' she added. 'Now, we face a new normal without her. But she'll be with me – like a handprint on my heart. It'll never not be; Úna agus Síomha.' Úna passed away unexpectedly at her home in London on April 20th. News in 90 Seconds - May 9th 'A beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha, Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal,' her death notice reads. 'Úna's passing is a huge loss to the family. Deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland.' Her funeral was held at St. Patrick's Church, in Esker, Lucan on Tuesday morning, followed by burial in Esker Lawn Cemetery, Lucan. Tributes poured in, remembering her as bright, clever and funny. 'What a beautiful tribute to Úna, one of the most intelligent and talented people I have ever been fortunate enough to know,' one school friend shared. 'When I remember her, I remember us singing songs from Wicked and Hairspray in the hallways of Coláiste Cois Life. She was never without a song. My utmost sympathies to her family and love from Germany.' Another mourner added: 'Deepest condolences to you Damhnait, Dermot, Síomha, Aedín & Cathal on the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Úna. The funeral mass was beautiful and you did her proud. 'Thinking of you all at this saddest of times and sending strength your way. Always remember to never forget all the countless happy times & memories and let them carry you through.' Another shared: 'Deepest sympathies on the passing of beautiful Una. I was so saddened to hear the news, and I am thinking of you all during this incredibly sad time. 'I have very happy memories of Una during our time studying physics and maths at Maynooth University. One of the smartest and brightest people I have ever met. She will be really missed.'
Extra.ie
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Ireland AM presenter 'heartbroken' following sudden death of sister
Virgin Media presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc has said she is 'heartbroken' following the death of her sister Úna two weeks ago. The gaeilgeoir is one of the weekend presenters on Ireland AM and has also fronted Irish dating show Grá ar an Trá. Síomha confirmed the news via social media on Thursday evening, sharing a series of photos alongside her sister through the years. Virgin Media presenter Síomha Ní Ruairc has said she is 'heartbroken' following the death of her sister Úna two weeks ago. Pic: Siomha Ni Ruairc/ Instagram The presenter wrote: 'My sister Úna passed away two weeks ago. My beautiful, wildly intelligent and annoyingly driven sister died and I'm heartbroken. Ní chredim é fós [I still don't believe it]. 'Growing up, we were never without each other. In our teenage years, we absolutely killed each other — as sisters do. As adults, we accepted each other for exactly who we are and I'm so proud of everything she achieved in her too-short life.' Síomha went on to extend thanks for the support her family has received over the previous difficult two weeks. 'The sandwiches, lasagnas, cakes. The chats, hugs, stories, touches of hands. We have the most amazing network of friends, neighbours, colleagues and of course family,' she said, 'Go raibh míle maith agaibh [thank you very much]. 'We've been blown away and so sincerely touched by the kindness of people. It reminds me of white blood cells, rushing to fight off infection. Community, rushing to help ease the pain.' The Dubliner added that they now faced a 'new normal' with Úna. Síomha went on to extend thanks for the support her family has received over the previous difficult two weeks. Pic: Siomha Ni Ruairc/ Instagram 'But she'll be with me — like a handprint on my heart,' she added, 'It'll never not be; Úna agus Síomha.' Messages of well wishes and condolences poured in via the comments section of Síomha's post with Roz Purcell writing: 'Thinking of you and your family.' Fellow Ireland AM presenter Brooke Scullion commented: 'Síomha I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers x.' Pic: Siomha Ni Ruairc/ Instagram 2FM's Laura Fox added: 'Síomha, I'm so sorry for you and your family's loss. Sending you all the loss in the world.' Úna's death notice reads that she died on April 20 at her home in London. 'Beloved daughter of Damhnait and Dermot and dear sister to Síomha and Aedín and her brother-in-law Cathal,' it added, 'Úna's passing is a huge loss to the family. 'Deeply regretted by her wider family; aunts, uncles, cousins and her good friends in both the UK and Ireland.'
