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Irish Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Re-reading my teenage diaries: joy and pain radiates off the pages
I didn't realise it at the time, but I came of age at the very end of an era. As someone who was born in the 1970s, I turned out to be part of the very last generation of habitual letter writers. For centuries, people with the means and the education had left written traces of themselves behind. Some wrote diaries; almost all wrote letters. When I started college in 1993, letters were the only way of keeping in touch with faraway friends. But then, incredibly quickly, everything changed. During my college years I wrote dozens of letters – letters to friends on Erasmus or summers abroad, letters from my own summers in Berlin and Boston. Sometimes I abandoned a letter and left it unfinished, tucked inside a notebook or folder pad, because so much had happened since I started writing it, the letter was out of date. But in the summer of 1997, just after I graduated, I got my first email address. And letters vanished from my life completely. While I was writing those letters, I also kept a diary, documenting my life (or more accurately, my extremely dramatic feelings about my life) in a series of ring-bound notebooks. For decades those unfinished letters and diaries were hidden away in my wardrobe and in a box in my parents' house. Until last summer, when I unearthed them and found myself travelling back in time. My first novel for adults, Our Song, is the story of Tadhg and Laura, who were bandmates in college before their friendship ended acrimoniously when they were 21. Sixteen years later their lives are very different – Tadhg is a massively successful musician, while Laura's just been laid off from her advertising job. But then Tadhg contacts Laura and asks her to finish a song they started writing together in their college days. The novel's narrative moves between the older Tadhg and Laura as they rediscover their old musical and personal chemistry, and the story of their younger, messier selves. And that's where my diaries and letters came in. READ MORE It's a long time, to put it bluntly, since I was 21. If I wanted to accurately capture the feelings of the younger Laura, I needed to remind myself what it felt like to be young and messy and full of big emotions. I needed to remember what it felt like to make stupid romantic choices, to never be honest about my feelings, to have my heart broken. Luckily, I had the perfect means to do just that. [ Anna Carey: 'Today's teenagers are pleasingly similar to my generation' Opens in new window ] When I opened the large cloth-covered notebook that covered the period of my life from 1994 to summer 1997, I thought reading about my college years for the first time in decades might be funny. I knew it would be helpful for the book. I didn't, for one second, predict that it would be so emotionally intense. Back when I wrote my first young adult novels, I had looked at my diaries from my mid-teens and laughed at the melodrama of my little teenage self. That girl from the early 1990s felt like a kid. She felt like another person. But the writer of my college diaries didn't feel like another person. She felt like me. Younger, of course, and much messier and more dramatic, but to my own surprise I didn't feel a massive sense of distance between the person who wrote about her college heartbreaks and the fortysomething reading about them three decades later. And so when I read my way through that notebook and the one that followed, I was reliving the highs and lows of my mid-1990s life. I found myself feeling genuinely angry with people I hadn't thought of in decades, about incidents I had totally forgotten. I found myself emotionally experiencing all of it. My joy and my pain radiated off the page so strongly, it was almost overwhelming, decades later. Anna Carey at Two Pups Cafe in Fairview, Dublin After I told a friend about my weirdly emotional research project, she unearthed the letters I'd written to her back in the day. Then I found the letters she wrote to me, and for weeks we photographed and WhatsApped every page of our 1990s correspondence to each other, both of us weeping with laughter over long-ago misadventures. And it wasn't just letters. In college, to practise her typing, my friend went through a phase of transcribing our conversations on her family computer as we chatted in her house. Miraculously, she found printouts of these transcripts and suddenly there we were, our brilliant, hilarious, stupid young selves, with our in-jokes and personal dramas, talking about gigs and parties and people we forgot about decades ago. It made me laugh until I cried and then suddenly to my surprise I was crying not with laughter, but at the sheer intensity of this contact with my own youth. It's a strange thing, going back in time. And sometimes you realise the story you've told yourself about that period could have been a very different one. Reading my diaries and letters, I could clearly see the narrative I created for myself at the time, one that I internalised and that still affected how I saw my younger days. But decades later, I saw that I could have chosen to tell a very different story. My younger self made decisions that, at the time, I refused to see were decisions. I put up with situations that were making me angry and miserable when I could have just walked away. Early on in college a boy told me he wasn't in love with me any more. At the time it was the most blunt, hurtful thing anyone had ever said to me, one that hung over me for months. Unsurprisingly, I remembered that all too well. But I had no memory of the fact, documented in my diary almost as an aside, that he told me it was because he didn't think I had ever really been in love with him. And looking back, I realised he had been right (on that point, at least). But when I was young and hurting, I didn't see it that way, or I didn't care, because what mattered was that he had rejected me. After writing that detail in my diary I forgot about it. How would the next year of my life have been different if I hadn't forgotten the part I'd played in that relationship's end? If I'd framed the incident as one in which I wasn't totally passive? It made me wonder what stories I'm telling myself about my life now. That's a lot to get from a 31-year-old notebook from Miss Selfridge. [ How I turned my book The Making of Mollie into a play – with a little help from some young innovators Opens in new window ] The French writer Henry de Montherlant famously wrote that 'happiness writes in white ink on a white page' and so it's not surprising that most of my diary entries were full of angst. In summer 1997 I went to Boston and fell in love with an American man (Gen Z might disapprove of age-gap relationships but they have nothing on my generation; my friend unearthed a letter to a mutual pal in which she wrote that 'Anna has two jobs and a Texan lover who's 25 '. Bear in mind I turned 22 towards the end of that summer so this was hardly a problematic gap). I was very, very happy and in a healthy romantic relationship for the first time in my life, and I hardly wrote in my diary all summer, apart from a few breathless lines marvelling over my magical good luck. It was the American boy who set up my first email address for me, and when I tearfully returned to Dublin we corresponded not via letters but emails, all of which vanished into the digital ether long ago. I didn't know it, but that was the beginning of the end for me and letters. My diary writing continued, but it also petered out after I got together with my now-husband back in 2001. My diary thrived on drama, and a happy, settled relationship is not very dramatic. Anna Carey and her husband-to-be Patrick Freyne on stage with their band El Diablo circa 2000. But then, to my surprise, both diary writing and letters returned to my life. About 10 years ago I got a 'one line a day' five-year diary, a dated journal in which you write a single sentence about each day. It wasn't like my old diary, where I poured out my soul, but it was a written record of my day to day life – something I wished I'd done more back in the '90s, instead of spending my summer in Berlin writing very little about my magical experiences in an amazing city at an incredible time in its history but a lot about my stupid boy-related angst. Letters returned in an unexpected form. At the height of lockdown in 2020, the New Yorker magazine writer Rachel Syme started a pen pal exchange, and I signed up. I've been corresponding with my Brooklyn pen pal Erin for five years now; we hit it off from the first letter, and I love that there are now written records of our lives and thoughts and feelings on each side of the Atlantic. When I was writing my new book, I wrote to Erin about its progress, sharing the highs and the lows. It makes me happy knowing that somewhere in Brooklyn is a series of postcards and letters telling the story of how I wrote Our Song. For a book that couldn't have been written without handwritten journals and letters, it feels just right. I think my younger self would approve. Our Song is published by Hachette Ireland. Anna Carey will be talking to Sinéad Moriarty as part of the Dalkey Book Festival on June 14th.
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
From Saoirse to Aisling and Cillian to Liam, Irish names surge in popularity
Irish names are having a surge of popularity, with the likes of Caoimhe, Fiadh, Tadhg and Rian in the Top 20 every year. And some of our biggest celebrities have Irish names, such as Cillian Murphy and Saoirse Ronan. But often, Gaelic names and spellings are hard for those from elsewhere to get their tongue around. Now a new book gives the stories behind these names - and explains how to say them. Irish Baby Names: What They Mean And How To Pronounce Them, explains the provenance and pronunciation of girls names like Beibhinn, Blaithin and Croia; and ones for boys such as Turlach, Conall and Senan. Authors Feilim O'Connor, Morgan Buckley and Gavin Drea's compilation of more than 200 names is like a compendium for new parents, looking for something special. Chapters include Misprounounced Names and those from mythology and geography; as well as names from wilder times in Ireland and those that have been somewhat lost in time. Wild names include Cliodhna, which means Queen of the Banshees: "a dark, female ghost of the night in Ireland" while those from mythology include Brigid, after the goddess and member of the Tuatha De Danann. Eimear was the wife of Cu Chulainn, while Sadhbh, an ancient figure who was twice turned into a deer by a wicked druid for refusing his advances. She chose Fionn Mac Cumhaill instead, and her son Oisin's name means "little deer". Fiachra is the Irish word for raven, and one of the four children of Lir. Geographically-themed names include Gobnait, a saint who protected her abbey from a group of raiders when she unleashed bees on them. Her church can still be found on the island of Inis Oirr. Turlach refers to a lake that dries up in summer, while Iarlaith (Jarlath in English) comes from the old word "flaith" which means leader or lord. It's named after the priest who founded the monastic school of Tuam. Popular Irish names now include Alannah, which comes from the Irish word for child; Croia, which means heart; and Aisling - such as Aisling Bea - which means vision. Those of us who did Irish in school will never need a guide to pronunciation. But for those who do, the book makes it easy, with the likes of Tadhg explained as: "like Tiger, with out the R" and Caoimhin provided phonetically as "Kwee-veen". The book looks at popular Irish names today, the top names over the years and stories behind surnames. The book reads: "Irish names - they're older than the Pyramids, and they'll probably be mispronounced for another 5,000 years. "We're bringing you back before Christianity came to these shores, to rediscover Irish names from an ancient Ireland of mystery, magic and mythos. "It's the greatest gift you can give a child, whatever the future holds." The authors explain: "There are quite a few girls' names in Irish that translate to beauty and a lot of boys' names linked to bravery. "Digging a little deeper, you'll find references to the landscape, wild animals and ancient Irish sovereignty. "Throughout the annals, there are countless heroes who have kept these names alive." Lots of Irish celebrities have Irish names. Here are some, and their meanings: Aisling (Ash-ling) Means dream or vision. Cillian (Killy-in) Comes from the Irish word cillin, meaning little church. Saoirse (Seer-shuh) This has a lovely meaning behind it, standing for both liberty and craftsmanship. Liam (Lee-am) Liams are protectors. A shortened version of the old Germanic name Willhelm, which means helmet of will. From the Irish word seal (ron), Ronan translates into little seal or seal person. According to Irish legend, selkies transform into humans when they swim too close to the shore. Once human, they sometimes marry and have children, who are known as Ronans. Roisin (Roe-Sheen) This beautiful name means "little rose". In Irish mythology, the Roisin Dubh was the symbol on the robes of the Druids of Ireland, an ancient and high-ranking class who were considered godlike because of their knowledge of nature. Aidan (Ay-din) or Aodhan (Ay-dawn) Means little fire, coming from the old Irish word for fire, aodh. Aodhan Mac Gabhrain was a first-Century Celtic king. Sinead (Shin-ade) Means: "god is gracious". Colleen Part of the reason this is more popular outside Ireland than in Ireland itself is that this spelling is an Anglicisation of the word for girl - cailin. Popular with second and third generation Irish emigrants. Donnacha - or Donncha (Done-ah-kah). Means: "brown-haired warrior" and was the name of a famous High King. Irish Baby Names: What they mean and how to pronounce them by Feilim O'Connor, Morgan Buckley and Gavin Drea is published by Gill and is out now, priced €16.99. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Kerry footballers David Clifford and Gavin White launch schools blitz
Great rivalry is expected on the field as the school teams battle it out for Tadgh Ó Súilleabháin cup. His son Sean was in attendance at at the launch of the event last week as was the Kerry county board chairman Patrick O'Sullivan. The annual Garda blitz will take place at Fitzgerald Stadium on Monday, June 9. The cup is to honour Tadhg's commitment to the promotion of Gaelic football in primary schools. In 1954, Tadhg founded the first national schools' competition in East Kerry and the Killarney Garda National Schools Blitz carries on that tradition. The event was officially launched by Kerry captain Gavin White and player David Clifford and local gardaí who help organise the event also attended the launch as did representatives from the schools who are playing in the very popular blitz. The 23 schools signed up including Loreto NS Killarney, Gneeveguilla NS, Holy Family School Rathmore, St Oliver's Ballycasheen, The Monastery NS, Gaelscoil Faithleann, Lissivigeen and Tiernaboul NS, Killarney and Loughguittane NS. Also playing are Nagle Rice Milltown, Scoil Mhuire Killorglin, Glenbeigh NS, Cullina NS Beaufort, Fossa NS, Scoil Iognáid Ris Dingle,Faha NS and Knockaderry NS. Teams from St John's NS, Kenmare as well as Coolick, Kilcummin and Anabla National schools, Barraduff NS and from across the border in Boherbue in Cork are also playing. As well as the stiff competition for the cup there is also a two memorial trophies for the best male and female player in the tournament. The best male player will be presented with the Ó Cinnéide cup and the female player with the Paudie Twohig memorial cup. Organiser Garda Eddie Walsh said the event which marks its 20th year is a major event every year and is down to the huge support of sponsors, local gardaí, Fitzgerald stadium and volunteers including TY students from St Brendan's college and of course the participation of the schools.
Irish Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Leinster down three front-line Ireland nationals for Scarlets quarter-final
Tadhg Furlong and Robbie Henshaw have joined Caelan Doris on the Leinster's injured list and will miss the URC quarter-final against Scarlets at the Aviva on Saturday. Thomas Clarkson, Jordie Barrett and Jack Conan are down to start no3, no12 and no8 that tight-head Furlong is on the verge of missing the Lions tour are, however, way wide of the mark insists Leinster Forwards Coach Robin McBryde."Tadhg's okay, his calf just tightened up when he was on the bench as a replacement during the Glasgow game."I thought Thomas Clarkson was playing exceptionally well in that game so there was no need to risk Tadhg by sending him on. He's at a stage where we are just monitoring him to see how that develops." Henshaw (knee) was called ashore early against Glasgow the weekend before last and has been ruled out for the remainder of the Leinster's season. "You want to be able to pick from as many fit players because everyone is picking up knocks as you move towards this end of the season so the more people you can choose from the better. "Someone like Robbie is a quality player, high calibre, a big game player, so to lose someone like Robbie is not ideal. But it gives someone else an opportunity to step up. It is not just the playing but the training against quality opposition as well." Leinster will, nonetheless, have eight players on Central Contract available as they look to field as strong a team as possible, not least as they lost 35-22 last time out to Scarlets, a round 16 URC game, in Stradey McBryde: "There was a lot in that game but I am not going to take it away from the Scarlets. They had a good game plan and stuck to it. They proved good value for it."They are currently four out of five wins off the back of a successful South African trip."Their consistency in selection, they hardly make any changes, if any at all, to the starting 15, the starting pack in particular. "So they're cohesive, a tough nut to crack, they're comfortable with their game, they are well coached, good players, a tough nut the way they go about things."Scarlets have worked hard through the season to gain the last of the quarter-final slots."That analogy with the stonecutter is that it is not the 100th blow, it is the 99th that have gone previously is true for them."It is all the hard work that you put into a season. Sometimes things just happen off the back of hard work."In fairness to them they're a cohesive bunch, they're obviously tight as a unit, tight as a team. It's a test that we failed a couple of weeks ago, first against the Scarlets and against Northampton. So, it will be a good test for us on Saturday."Their coach Dwayne Peel, formerly of Ulster, has been impressive since taking the Scarlets Head Coach role in 2021."He hasn't had an easy job at the Scarlets. In fairness to Dwayne he was great as a player, very experienced as well now as a coach."You can see it in the way that the Scarlets go about playing. In fairness to Dwyane we always have a chat."It is great from a Welsh perspective to see a Welsh team making it through to the quarter-final. It's been a tough season for everybody in Wales. From their perspective it's great." The job now is to remodel Leinster and concentrate on winning this weekend - making sure the season does not come to an abrupt end. "It's got to be something of a reset because the last game against Glasgow, the rules were slightly different where you got points for scoring - five points or whatever or finishing within a certain amount but they're gone now."This is knockout rugby, the stakes are a little bit higher and if we're good enough to win this week we'll get an opportunity to play next week and if we're good enough the following week we'll get to play again."But it's one game at a time and for all those reasons I said earlier about the Scarlets being cohesive etc they'll be a tough nut and we're going to have to earn the right to be involved in the competition next week."It will be tough and if we want to go any further than we have been in the last four years then we need to win on Saturday in order to give us an opportunity but we need to get it right on Saturday first." Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
Irish Independent
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Construction worker who pivoted to comedy after 20 years: ‘I said to myself, I'm not waiting around any longer. I can definitely do this myself'
Deverey (40) from Ferbane, Co. Offaly, pivoted from over 20 years in construction to play a ten-venue comedy tour across Ireland. 'A Day in the Country' comedy tour features the comic playing a host of different characters inspired by rural Ireland. From a 'dodgy' construction worker to the farmer based on Deverey's own background in farming, he hopes for his comedy to strike at the heart of the Irish countryside. While working in Australia he attended the Sydney Drama School. When the Offaly man returned to Ireland in 2015 he took on comedy roles in short films, music videos and radio plays. He said: 'I always had an interest in acting, I was a big fan of Liam Neeson and wanted to get into those types of performances. Then I did a few auditions when I returned to Ireland and ended up being offered all of these comedy roles.' Then Covid hit and film projects he was set to be a part of were cancelled. 'I said to myself, I'm not waiting around any longer. I can definitely do this myself. So I ordered wigs from a party shop in Dublin and used my phone to edit videos for social media. The more I stayed at it the better I got.' Then a father and son sketch that he later posted online went viral. Soon thereafter Tadhg posted a similar sketch that also went viral. Things were beginning to take off. 'I was getting emails from people telling me how much my content was helping their mental health. There were so many different kinds of stories. I had one lady who was a carer for her mother with dementia email me. She told me how she would look forward to a new video of mine each week and that it got her through her day-to-day.' After requests for live performances from fans, Tadhg organised three performances for himself. His first performance was in Portlaoise, his first live show ever, to a sold-out audience of 280 people. 'I thought that's as much as I'll ever do. I never imagined that I would go on to tour the country. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the unbelievable audiences that have come to see me.' The comic is now halfway through his tour with dates coming up in Cork, Westmeath, Kilkenny, Galway and Tipperary. 'Every venue has been so different, the crowds have been great. Tullamore is probably one of my favourite performances so far. The TF Royal Theatre in Mayo was another good one. There was an energy in the room that was just insane. The audience had no problem getting up on stage for crowd work, they were up for the craic.'
