Latest news with #WolfeTones
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Presidency bid, new Eurovision plans with twist and why I won't leave RTE… Dustin the Turkey spills all
FROM becoming Ireland's next President to taking over Joe Duffy's Liveline job, Dustin the Turkey is no chicken as he has revealed his ambitious plans for total domination. The beloved Irish puppet has been a TV legend for over three decades - and believes he deserves the top jobs "after all I've given Ireland". 5 Dustin the Turkey has revealed his plans to become President of Ireland Credit: Free for editorial use 5 The TV legend recently joined Chadwicks celebrations with Irish boxer Jack Marley Credit: PR handout 5 And he shared that he could take over Liveline and join Eurovision again while in Áras an Uachtaráin Despite being a puppet, Dustin has achieved a status only few in Irish entertainment can claim - becoming an iconic media personality known by generations. His career began in 1989 on the popular show The Den, and he went on to become, in his own words, the longest-serving turkey on RTE. The plucky personality told the Irish Sun: 'It's one of them where it's a pleasure to have entertained two generations, three generations growing up in Ireland - teaching them all of the building tricks that I have. 'It's all about giving a bit of humour and a bit of confidence, along with those two British lads who sold us out in Ireland - Zig and Zag but we won't mention them. 'They went off to Channel 4 and took the queen's shilling, leaving me on my own. 'But I stick to the people, I have more Wolfe Tone CDs than the Wolfe Tones - when they mention people like James Connolly and Padraig Pierce they'll mention Dustin Gertrude Hoffman Beethoven the third.' Being one of Ireland's most controversial satirical voices, Dustin has never been shy about taking the mick out of public figures like Bertie Ahern, And he said he makes sure to treat everyone fair in his remarks, as someone has to do it. Dustin, who is voiced by John Morrison, quipped: 'Now I won't mention Cat Deeley and I won't mention Patrick Kielty - but you have to be fair, I love all people. 'When you come on to The Den or if you come on to the radio with Dustin it's all just friendly fun. 'There's a couple of things we say like Ryan Tubridy who we call Mr Bean, or Alan Partridge or Pat Kenny who is like a plank of wood - but they're all true things.' 'POULTRY PARTY' And Dustin revealed there is still life in the old bird yet. The TV legend admitted that he might throw his wing into the ring again for the Irish During the 2010 Irish general election, he famously campaigned under the banner of the Poultry Party, advocating for policies like Bringing the Olympics to Termonfeckin. But this time, he said his presidential campaign promises would include learning the Irish language, bringing comedy to Áras an Uachtaráin and representing not just Ireland but also turkeys on a national level. Dustin said: 'I think it's a given; I know 'He does his Irish poems and I'm going to learn Irish for when I'm in Áras an Uachtaráin. "So when people come over from Azerbaijan and Columbia I'll be able to greet them as Gaelige. 'Áras an Uachtaráin is something I would certainly have my eyes on; I think I deserve it at this stage, after all I've given Ireland.' He also revealed ambitions to return to Eurovision, confident that he still has what it takes to entertain 'BEAUTIFUL VOICE' Dustin famously represented Ireland in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with the song Irelande Douze Pointe, an entry that remains both memorable and controversial. And he said it's only a matter of time before RTE ask him to compete for Ireland again. The top turkey said: 'Now Dana went for president and she did the Eurovision, but the difference is she can't sing and she's not the president. 'Now I've got a beautiful voice, I think I could be the president and a Eurovision star at the same time. 'But I wouldn't represent Ireland next time; I would represent Turkey. 'You don't have to win it, I don't think anyone in Ireland will be winning in for a long long time - unless we can dig up Johnny Logan and let him go again, I don't think we have a good chance at winning it.' 'VERY SIMPLE JOB' What's more, Dustin said he may even take over And although he said Joe did it well, Dustin thinks he could do it even better. He added: 'It would just be brilliant, it's only a matter of time again. It's a very simple job; I'd love it, 'Go ahead caller, go ahead caller'. 'I'd be president, represent Eurovision and Liveline - considering Joe ruled himself out for presidency it has left the door open for me. 'I've survived a lot of Christmases at this stage, there's a lot of turkeys at RTE that have survived them too - so I'll be sticking around and won't be going anywhere.' Dustin spoke his mind as he joined celebrations at the newly refurbished Chadwicks store in Sallynoggin, And he said with his past as a builder on RTE's The Den, there was no better man for this role too. Speaking to the Irish Sun, Dustin said: 'I'm a builder, I just want to get in and get out - but I'm telling you it's the dog's b***ocks. 'It's just absolutely amazing, I've had three cups of coffee so I'm buzzing - and for a turkey let me tell you that is very dangerous. 'I've also had two pasties that were absolutely delicious - I went in and bought a hammer, a saw and a gazebo and I don't even need to use any of them. 'Sallynoggin is a place that's in my heart; I love it more than even the Long Mile Road.' First opened in 1974, the Chadwick's branch now features a sleek doors & floors showroom, a revamped bathroom showroom, and a Paint Centre, along with a new smart home centre packed with the latest automation and security tech. Other new features include VELUX and Keylite rooflight displays, a full Brick and External Wall Insulation showcase and a Brick & Brew Co. coffee outlet. 5 Dustin revealed that he has his eyes on Áras an Uachtaráin next Credit: Alamy 5 And he wants Joe Duffy's job - there's no turkey bones about it Credit: Andres Poveda LTD
Irish Examiner
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'True rebels, true patriots': Thomond Park sees The Wolfe Tones play their final ever gig
The end of an era is the only way to describe the final ever live performance by The Wolfe Tones, and the trio at its core used their last concert to call for peace in Palestine, peace in Ireland, and also took a swipe at 'British propaganda' in the 1980s. After just over six decades together, the legendary Irish balladeers, who first announced their retirement at the end of 2023, said a final farewell to their fans as a summer heatwave broke in Thomond Park. Fans danced and sang in the rain, not allowing the weather to dampen the celebrations of a 60-year career. Limerick City was a sea of green on Sunday evening as 29,000 fans made the pilgrimage to the sold-out rugby stadium for the last time to see the rebel music band, the rainfall reflecting the tears of many of their devoted followers. Those in the crowd had accents from all corners of Ireland and beyond and sported 40 shades of green, Celtic ponchos, tricolour balaclavas a la Kneecap, and a spectrum of rain ponchos to the landmark event. Some of the fans enjoying the final farewell - Picture by: Kieran Ryan-Benson With support from Irish singer Dave Lofts and Scottish group Brógeal, the night in Thomond was a retirement do like no other. Taking to the stage at 8.15pm, Noel Nagle, Brian Warfield and Tommy Byrne were visibly emotional at the culmination of their musical career together, not least after some high-profile messages on the big screen. They came on stage after a recorded message from Mary Lou McDonald thanking them for being 'true rebels, true patriots' and singing the opening of Let the People Sing, before Kellie Harrington thanked them for teaching Irish people about their history. Kneecap also earned high-pitched cheers with their video tribute, which included the slogan 'tiocfaidh ár lá'. 'We are proud to have told the story of Ireland for 61 years,' Warfield told the crowd, reflecting on their gigs in the US and Australia during the Troubles before singing their opening song My Heart Is In Ireland. The band was not slow to call out international injustices during their swan song gig, and they called on Israel to return Palestine to the Palestinian people. Brian Warfield at Thomon Park - Picture by: Kieran Ryan-Benson 'The Wolfe Tones have always been concerned about people and peace in the world. I believe that Israel is going to cause the next world war,' Warfield said. 'They must give over the land to the Palestinian people. God knows we see the suffering of the children there.' As they sang Song of Liberty, several in the crowd held Palestinian flags aloft beside Irish tricolours. 'We have to fight for the people of Ireland,' Warfield said, citing hospital waiting lists as just one area he would like to see to. 'The Wolfe Tones are finishing up tonight but I will continue to fight for the Irish people.' The setlist included some of their most beloved and best-known tunes, including The Teddy Bear's Head, Come Out Ye Black And Tans, The Boys of the Old Brigade, God Save Ireland, and You'll Never Beat The Irish. Celtic Symphony was another tune that had the crowd on their feet, with its notorious verse of 'ooh ah, up the RA', echoing around the stadium before the group settled into a calmer pace with the ever-popular, The Streets of New York. A highlight reel from their decades-long career wouldn't be complete without 'the fastest-selling record in Ireland' at the time, 1973's hit The Helicopter Song. Unsurprising, Sean South went down well with the Limerick crowd, who were back on their feet to honour the Garryowen man. Wolf Tones Final Performance in Thomond Park, Limerick. It was in a high-paced mash-up with The Broad Black Brimmer, Big Strong Man, Rock on Rockall, Irish Eyes Are Smiling, and Some Say the Devil is Dead. They dedicated some time to the Easter Rising of 1916, paying tribute to James Connolly and Padraig Pease before telling 'the greatest love story in the world' with Grace, which ended with soloist Byrne bowing and thanking the crowd for their applause. His bandmate Warfield said he believes Byrne is 'one of the greatest ballad singers in the world.' Before singing The Ballad of Joe McDonnell, which received the loudest and longest applause, Warfield said the British government spread 'bullshit' about Irish people being terrorists at the time. Byrne said it is 'the best song that I have ever sung'. The Wolfe Tones ensured their fans were together On The One Road as their musical journey came to an end and hoarse fans left Thomond Park with a call for Irish unity and A Nation Once Again ringing in their ears along with the knowledge that they had been witness to a major part of Ireland's music history.
Sunday World
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
‘They don't like the Wolfe Tones' – Brian Warfield takes swipe at RTÉ during Thomond Park gig
Thomond Park is the last stop on the band's Final Farewell tour before they retire after more than 60 years performing together. Brian Warfield of The Wolfe Tones performing at the Electric Picnic in 2023. Photo: Kieran Frost/Redferns Brian Warfield of the Wolfe Tones has taken a parting swipe at RTÉ during one of the band's farewell shows. The long-running rebel music group played the first of two nights at Limerick's Thomond Park on Friday, with the second night scheduled for Sunday. Thomond Park is the last stop on the band's Final Farewell tour before they retire after more than 60 years performing together. During Friday night's performance, lead vocalist Warfield made a statement about the national broadcaster's treatment of the Wolfe Tones. 'They don't like the Wolfe Tones, do they? You don't hear them on RTÉ,' he told the audience. Read more Coalman convicted of Slane Castle killing had €322k cash hidden under false step in his house "They don't play our music on RTÉ. We have been blacklisted since Section 31, when Conor Cruise O'Brien brought in that awful, awful legislation to blacklist the Wolfe Tones all over the place.' Warfield was referring to Section 31 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, which was introduced during the Troubles to restrict those associated with paramilitary organisations from the airwaves. Warfield has long spoken about not having their music played on the radio going back to Section 31 being introduced in 1971. "We're retiring this year, we don't give a sh*t,' Warfield said.'Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, they can blacklist us all they like now, we don't care.' He said the band are very proud they 'put up a great fight against RTÉ'. "Their blacklisting of the Wolfe Tones, we're very proud of that. And that's a fight, and that was something not just for us, but for future generations coming along, and that's the important thing.' After Warfield's statement, the band headed into a rendition of their song The Streets of New York. Friday night's Wolfe Tones concert was added as an extra date after the Sunday night show sold out. A crowd of 29,000 concert-goers is expected for the second night.
Irish Independent
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘They don't like the Wolfe Tones' – Brian Warfield takes swipe at RTÉ during Thomond Park gig
The long-running rebel music group played the first of two nights at Limerick's Thomond Park on Friday, with the second night scheduled for Sunday. Thomond Park is the last stop on the band's Final Farewell tour before they retire after more than 60 years performing together. During Friday night's performance, lead vocalist Warfield made a statement about the national broadcaster's treatment of the Wolfe Tones. 'They don't like the Wolfe Tones, do they? You don't hear them on RTÉ,' he told the audience. "They don't play our music on RTÉ. We have been blacklisted since Section 31, when Conor Cruise O'Brien brought in that awful, awful legislation to blacklist the Wolfe Tones all over the place.' Warfield was referring to Section 31 of the Broadcasting Authority Act, which was introduced during the Troubles to restrict those associated with paramilitary organisations from the airwaves. Warfield has long spoken about not having their music played on the radio going back to Section 31 being introduced in 1971. "We're retiring this year, we don't give a sh*t,' Warfield said.'Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, they can blacklist us all they like now, we don't care.' He said the band are very proud they 'put up a great fight against RTÉ'. "Their blacklisting of the Wolfe Tones, we're very proud of that. And that's a fight, and that was something not just for us, but for future generations coming along, and that's the important thing.' After Warfield's statement, the band headed into a rendition of their song The Streets of New York. Friday night's Wolfe Tones concert was added as an extra date after the Sunday night show sold out. A crowd of 29,000 concert-goers is expected for the second night.
Irish Examiner
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Weekend's Thomond Park events set to give €15m boost to Mid-West
The Mid-West region's economy is set for a €15m boost as Limerick prepares to play host to 'high-profile' acts over the weekend. Thomond Park's stadium director, John Cantwell, said the figures are expected to surpass those brought by last year's summer gigs. The shows in 2024 by Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini, and Liam Gallagher brought a €13.5m boost to the local economy. The Wolfe Tones will be playing twice — Friday and Sunday —while The Script will be performing their only 2025 Irish date on the Saturday. Mr Cantwell said 29,000 concert-goers are expected to attend each day this weekend amid soaring temperatures. 'It'll be up on last year and what the results of the economic impact will be tremendous for the city, the county, and the Mid-West region," he said. A view of the crowd for the Wolfe Tones at Electric Picnic last year. 'Those three concerts from last year delivered in the region of €13.5m, which is phenomenal. "Around €8.8m of this was direct expenditure from visitors coming to Limerick, so that's all brand new for Limerick. "It's fantastic to be able to say that. These concerts can't be taken for granted." Mr Cantwell said it takes a 'lot of hard work' to get promoters on board. 'There are lots of venues, stadiums, green fields, and it takes hard work and a lot of co-operation for the promoters to take the risk. People need to attend if we want to keep going.' Thwarted by lack of accommodation Mr Cantwell said the main issue organisers face is the lack of accommodation in Limerick. 'That's one thing that does hit us straight in the face. Prices (for accommodation) are expensive, there are not enough bedrooms, there's not enough development in Limerick,' he said. He said if more people from Limerick and the surrounding regions attend, it would 'really get those numbers up' and convince the promoters that playing in Limerick is 'cost-effective'. 'The promoters, MCD, love Limerick, they love the people. The council are brilliant, all the local authorities are playing ball. It's just we need accommodation, and at the right price. Concerts are dear enough. 'We are trying to get people to come to big international acts locally and save them the expense of travelling to Dublin. We're doing our very best to put Limerick on the map in a cost-effective way.' As Liam Gallagher played in Limerick last year and following on from Oasis' comeback, one could wonder if Thomond Park may have been on the cards. 'Well, it's a pity, if we were bigger, we'd definitely be in the conversation,' he laughed. 'But we do our very best to bring acts, and we've been doing this since 2009. "We started with Elton John, Rod Stewart, and we're proud to be able to say we've had Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Pink, and Ed Sheeran. Who else is gonna bring these things to Limerick?'
