
Around the Districts: Caim to Kilmuckridge
Eucharistic adoration is held on Mondays 11 30 to 1.30 p.m.
Caim Vintage Club
Caim Vintage Club outing to Moynalty will take place on Sunday, August 10, we are now taking names for the outing. For further information contact Paddy at 087 6341532.
Split-the-pot
Ciara Rackard won €75 in the split-the-pot last week.
Clonegal-Kildavin
Huntington Castle
Thomas Pakenham On Monday, July 28, join celebrated historian, tree enthusiast and author Thomas Pakenham for a special journey into the world of trees, inspired by his latest book the Tree Hunters: How the Cult of the Arboretum Transformed Our Landscape. Thomas Pakenham brings a unique blend of scholarship, wit and personal experience as a tree hunter himself. This promises to be an unforgettable event for gardeners, tree lovers and anyone curious about how botanical collections like those at Huntington have come to shape the story of Ireland's landscape. Signed copies of the Tree Hunters – How the Cult of the Arboretum Transformed Our Landscape will be available on the day, while stocks last. To avoid disappointment, you can reserve your copy in advance by emailing info@carlowgardentrail.com – we'll have it ready and waiting for you. This talk takes place indoors and includes admission to Huntington Castle and Gardens. Huntington Castle – Robin Lane Fox On Saturday, August 2, join renowned classicist, author, and celebrated garden writer Robin Lane Fox for a rare and engaging talk in the magnificent setting of Huntington Castle. Titled Artful Gardening: Styles, Tricks and Short Cuts, this talk is a lively exploration of how to make gardens not only beautiful but brilliantly effective with a touch of flair, a nod to tradition, and plenty of practical wisdom. Best known for his long-running gardening column in the Financial Times and his books including Better Gardening and Thoughtful Gardening, Robin brings a unique blend of erudition, humour and real-world advice.
This talk will take place indoors, with time to enjoy the spectacular grounds of Huntington Castle before or after the event. Early booking is advised. Tea rooms and Gift Shop Huntington Castle Tea rooms and gift shop is open daily , 11am to 5pm for the months of July, August and September. Enjoy a coffee and treat from local artisanal bakers in our 17th century tea room.
World Day for grandparents and the Elderly 2025
World Day for grandparents and the Elderly takes place on Sunday, July 27. Anointing of the sick at 2.30 p.m. followed by Mass at 3 p.m.
Weavers' Cottages Museum
Come and visit the Weavers' Cottages Museum which were once the home of local weavers dating back to the 17th century and now houses many artefacts of the cottage weaving industry. Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Friday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, please phone 053 9376749.
Baptisms
Baptisms take place in both parishes after the Masses on Sundays. To book the baptism of your child, contact Fr Pat.
Items for Parish Newsletter
Local organisations and groups are welcome to place items of interest for the community in our newsletter. All items for the newsletter should be emailed to pmjhughes@yahoo.ie or myshallparishnewsletter@hotmail.com on or before Wednesday afternoon.
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Clonegalkildavin.ie
Your Local Community Website Got an upcoming event, local story, or a community achievement to share? Planning a meeting, starting a new group, or launching a class? Whatever's happening locally, we want to hear about it. We're proud to celebrate and promote everything that makes Clonegal and Kildavin vibrant and connected. Simply send your news or event details to info@clonegalkildavin.ie. Let's keep our community connected.
Clonegal/Kildavin Community Notes
Do you have an upcoming event, wedding celebration, birthday wish, or any local news you'd like to share? We'd love to include it in the Clonegal/Kildavin Community Section. Simply email your details to: clonegalkildavinnotes@gmail.com.
Kilanerin-Ballyfad
MENS SHED
Kilanerin's Men's Shed meets every Thursday in Kilanerin Community Centre at 11 a.m, for chats, tea or coffee small projects. New Members are always welcome further information contact David Coates at 087 4191947 or Tony Doyle at 086 2702681.
BADMINTON
Badminton in Kilanerin Community centre adults on Wednesday 8.15 p.m. to 10 p.m. all welcome €5 per night.
WHIST
Whist every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. in Shamrock Hall Kilanerin.
KILANERIN CHURCH
Morning Mass this week Tuesday and Friday 9.30 a.m. Saturday 6.30 p.m. Sunday 11.30 a.m. anniversary Mass Jim Kavanagh Bolaney and Months mind Pat Noonan Adoration every Tuesday till 9 p.m.
BALLYFAD CHURCH.
Morning Mass this week Wednesday and Thursday 9.30 a.m. Adoration on Wednesday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday 7.30 p.m. Month's mind Mass Peter Bushe Mullawn
GET FIT
Get fit with me is now running two fitness classes back to back every Monday evening in Ballyfad Hall. Class one High intensity mixing cardio and strength training with body conditioning Low impact options given. Cost is €10 per class or four classes for €35 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Class two Chair aerobics mixing light cardio with weight training. Great for protecting our bones Cost is €8 per class or four classes €30 from 815 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Call Marilyn at 087 4425500.
Kiltealy-Ballindaggin
KILTEALY SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL
Following the successful application for Safe Routes to School Wexford County Council intends to hold public information evenings in both the Ballagh and Kiltealy between August 5 to August 15, dates to be confirmed. Venues will be arranged in suitable locations in each village. The specific venue, date and time will be communicated to you in advance. Please ensure as widespread circulation as possible of the proposed public information meetings to all school families and the community. Details will also be forwarded to church, community groups, elected members, social media and local media. Following these meetings a decision will be made to proceed with the Safe Routes to School plans or not to proceed with the plans. Wexford County Council would like to see all representatives of the village who have an interest in Safe Routes to Schools, including parents, residents and business owners attend these meetings.
FRIENDS OF ST.LUKE'S CANCER CARE
Two great nights of entertainment at Jordan's Pub, Ballindaggin on Saturday and Sunday, July 26, and 27th. A weekend of music, bingo, live bands and great craic. The event is being hosted by Betty Codd in aid of the friends of St Luke's Cancer Care. Admission each night €10. Raffle and door prizes. It all kicks off Saturday, July 26, at 8.30 p.m. with music bingo, please contact 087 7152143 for tickets at €10 each. On Sunday, July 27, it all starts again from 5 p.m., with a selection of live bands performing, pay on the door. Please support this worthy cause, and spread the word.
VAL BROOKS MEMORIAL SHOOT
The Val Brooks Memorial Shoot will take place on Saturday, August 16, at Hillview CPC, Kilmyshall. Y21T2DE Join us as we commemorate the life of Val Brooks with a special day of sport, community tribute to a much-loved member of the Wexford Shooting community. Start date August 16, entries from 11 a.m., 30 bird sporting. Entry €15/re-entry €10, last entries 4 p.m. Prizes first – Val Brooks Perpetual Trophy + €100. Second – €75. Third – €50. more prizes on the day. Val was a talented shooter with a deep connection to the Wexford Shooting community. He tragically passed away last year in a drowning accident while travelling in Bali. His loss was deeply felt by all who knew him. The Memorial Shoot will now be held annually in his honour. We are excited to see you on the range.
LATE KATHLEEN JORDAN
It was with a feeling of deep regret that news was learned of the passing of Kathleen Jordan ((née Murphy), The Shop, Ballindaggin, who died peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 17, Deepest sympathy is extended to her sons and daughters Michelle, Liam, Eilish and Thomas. Also to her sisters Angela, Una, Eileen and Josephine, son-in-law John, daughters-in-law Helen and Siobhán, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother-in-law Pat, sisters-in-law Pam and Breda, nephews, nieces and extended family and many friends. Kathleen was widow of the late Jim Jordan, who predeceased her by almost three years. She was a very well known and most popular resident of Ballindaggin having carried on a thriving business in the village with her late husband. Kathleen was a woman of deep faith and was pleasant and engaging to the many people she met through her daily work and will be fondly remembered by many as a true lady. She was laid to rest in Ballindaggin Cemetery on Saturday last following her funeral Mass in St Colman's Church. May she rest in peace.
DANCING
July dancing in Kiltealy Hall this Friday, July 25, music by Laurence Campion. Dancing from 9.30 to 11.30 p.m. Refreshments served.
SCRAP METAL COLLECTION
Duffry Rovers GAA and camogie club Strictly Come Dancing scrap metal collection fundraiser will take place in September, dates to be announced. Items can be dropped off or will be collected at your request. Accepted items include: Metal pipes and ventilation systems, copper cylinders and pipework, stainless steel and aluminium, lead batteries, bicycles (no tyres), scrap cars and car parts, tractor parts, metal offcuts and sheeting, exercise equipment, farm machinery, other general scrap metal,
DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Duffry Rovers GAA and camogie club family field day Sunday, August 24, in Coolree at 2 p.m.. Save the date. Full details later.
Kilmuckridge
Parish Lotto
The numbers drawn in the parish lotto draw on July 14 were 4, 10, 15 and 19. Match-three winners were Rosaleen Warren, Kathleen Sinnott and Sheila O'Sullivan. Draw was due to take place on July 21 in the Crosses with a jackpot total of €6,150.00.
Seán Óg's Bridge Club
There will be a change of venue on Mondays only for the Seán Óg's Kilmuckridge Bridge Club, for the following dates, July 14 to August 18 inclusive. On Mondays the club will play at the Pastoral Centre, St Michael's car park, Gorey Town Y25 EQA2 at the usual time of 1.50 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday morning's venue remains the same, Bridge will be held at the Upton Court 9.50 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Garden Competition
Kilmuckridge Tidy Town are happy to announce the winners of their annual garden competition. John Hammel (Kilmuckridge village) was the winner of the Large Garden Category and the winner of the Small Garden was Sinéad O'Leary. Many thanks to all those who entered and a big thanks to all who supported the recent Bucket Collection for Tidy Towns. These vital contributions help to keep the village and surroundings looking beautiful.
Sunflower Field
Everyone is so happy to see the return of the Sunflowers to the village again this year. This sight of summer is back in bloom and officially opens on Friday, July 25, at 7.30 p.m. This vibrant sea of yellow is more than just a beautiful photo opportunity, it is a community driven fundraiser raising much needed funds for Hope Cancer Support CLG in Enniscorthy. Last year, thousands visited from all over Ireland to walk among these beautiful flowers, to reflect and to support a worthy cause. The feel-good energy for the project last year was unforgettable and now the organisers are happy to announce its return. During your visit pick a Sunflower, make a donation and help this worthy cause, one bloom at a time. Located behind Hammel Centra and the Crosses Pub.
Sensory Room
St Joseph's AFC are delighted to announce the official opening of their Sensory Room which will take place in the clubhouse on Sunday, July 27, at 3 p.m. The committee would like to extend an invitation to community members with special needs to help with the opening of their new space. The club is very proud of this special space and would like to thank all the sponsors and anyone who helped in any way to make this vision a reality. All members of the community and club members are welcome to attend this Sunday the 27th at. 3pm for the official opening.
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Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Irish Independent
Around the Districts: Caim to Kilmuckridge
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Eucharistic adoration is held on Mondays 11 30 to 1.30 p.m. Caim Vintage Club Caim Vintage Club outing to Moynalty will take place on Sunday, August 10, we are now taking names for the outing. For further information contact Paddy at 087 6341532. Split-the-pot Ciara Rackard won €75 in the split-the-pot last week. Clonegal-Kildavin Huntington Castle Thomas Pakenham On Monday, July 28, join celebrated historian, tree enthusiast and author Thomas Pakenham for a special journey into the world of trees, inspired by his latest book the Tree Hunters: How the Cult of the Arboretum Transformed Our Landscape. Thomas Pakenham brings a unique blend of scholarship, wit and personal experience as a tree hunter himself. This promises to be an unforgettable event for gardeners, tree lovers and anyone curious about how botanical collections like those at Huntington have come to shape the story of Ireland's landscape. Signed copies of the Tree Hunters – How the Cult of the Arboretum Transformed Our Landscape will be available on the day, while stocks last. To avoid disappointment, you can reserve your copy in advance by emailing info@ – we'll have it ready and waiting for you. This talk takes place indoors and includes admission to Huntington Castle and Gardens. Huntington Castle – Robin Lane Fox On Saturday, August 2, join renowned classicist, author, and celebrated garden writer Robin Lane Fox for a rare and engaging talk in the magnificent setting of Huntington Castle. Titled Artful Gardening: Styles, Tricks and Short Cuts, this talk is a lively exploration of how to make gardens not only beautiful but brilliantly effective with a touch of flair, a nod to tradition, and plenty of practical wisdom. Best known for his long-running gardening column in the Financial Times and his books including Better Gardening and Thoughtful Gardening, Robin brings a unique blend of erudition, humour and real-world advice. This talk will take place indoors, with time to enjoy the spectacular grounds of Huntington Castle before or after the event. Early booking is advised. Tea rooms and Gift Shop Huntington Castle Tea rooms and gift shop is open daily , 11am to 5pm for the months of July, August and September. Enjoy a coffee and treat from local artisanal bakers in our 17th century tea room. World Day for grandparents and the Elderly 2025 World Day for grandparents and the Elderly takes place on Sunday, July 27. Anointing of the sick at 2.30 p.m. followed by Mass at 3 p.m. Weavers' Cottages Museum Come and visit the Weavers' Cottages Museum which were once the home of local weavers dating back to the 17th century and now houses many artefacts of the cottage weaving industry. Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Friday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, please phone 053 9376749. Baptisms Baptisms take place in both parishes after the Masses on Sundays. To book the baptism of your child, contact Fr Pat. Items for Parish Newsletter Local organisations and groups are welcome to place items of interest for the community in our newsletter. All items for the newsletter should be emailed to pmjhughes@ or myshallparishnewsletter@ on or before Wednesday afternoon. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Your Local Community Website Got an upcoming event, local story, or a community achievement to share? Planning a meeting, starting a new group, or launching a class? Whatever's happening locally, we want to hear about it. We're proud to celebrate and promote everything that makes Clonegal and Kildavin vibrant and connected. Simply send your news or event details to info@ Let's keep our community connected. Clonegal/Kildavin Community Notes Do you have an upcoming event, wedding celebration, birthday wish, or any local news you'd like to share? We'd love to include it in the Clonegal/Kildavin Community Section. Simply email your details to: clonegalkildavinnotes@ Kilanerin-Ballyfad MENS SHED Kilanerin's Men's Shed meets every Thursday in Kilanerin Community Centre at 11 a.m, for chats, tea or coffee small projects. New Members are always welcome further information contact David Coates at 087 4191947 or Tony Doyle at 086 2702681. BADMINTON Badminton in Kilanerin Community centre adults on Wednesday 8.15 p.m. to 10 p.m. all welcome €5 per night. WHIST Whist every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. in Shamrock Hall Kilanerin. KILANERIN CHURCH Morning Mass this week Tuesday and Friday 9.30 a.m. Saturday 6.30 p.m. Sunday 11.30 a.m. anniversary Mass Jim Kavanagh Bolaney and Months mind Pat Noonan Adoration every Tuesday till 9 p.m. BALLYFAD CHURCH. Morning Mass this week Wednesday and Thursday 9.30 a.m. Adoration on Wednesday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday 7.30 p.m. Month's mind Mass Peter Bushe Mullawn GET FIT Get fit with me is now running two fitness classes back to back every Monday evening in Ballyfad Hall. Class one High intensity mixing cardio and strength training with body conditioning Low impact options given. Cost is €10 per class or four classes for €35 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Class two Chair aerobics mixing light cardio with weight training. Great for protecting our bones Cost is €8 per class or four classes €30 from 815 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call Marilyn at 087 4425500. Kiltealy-Ballindaggin KILTEALY SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL Following the successful application for Safe Routes to School Wexford County Council intends to hold public information evenings in both the Ballagh and Kiltealy between August 5 to August 15, dates to be confirmed. Venues will be arranged in suitable locations in each village. The specific venue, date and time will be communicated to you in advance. Please ensure as widespread circulation as possible of the proposed public information meetings to all school families and the community. Details will also be forwarded to church, community groups, elected members, social media and local media. Following these meetings a decision will be made to proceed with the Safe Routes to School plans or not to proceed with the plans. Wexford County Council would like to see all representatives of the village who have an interest in Safe Routes to Schools, including parents, residents and business owners attend these meetings. FRIENDS OF CANCER CARE Two great nights of entertainment at Jordan's Pub, Ballindaggin on Saturday and Sunday, July 26, and 27th. A weekend of music, bingo, live bands and great craic. The event is being hosted by Betty Codd in aid of the friends of St Luke's Cancer Care. Admission each night €10. Raffle and door prizes. It all kicks off Saturday, July 26, at 8.30 p.m. with music bingo, please contact 087 7152143 for tickets at €10 each. On Sunday, July 27, it all starts again from 5 p.m., with a selection of live bands performing, pay on the door. Please support this worthy cause, and spread the word. VAL BROOKS MEMORIAL SHOOT The Val Brooks Memorial Shoot will take place on Saturday, August 16, at Hillview CPC, Kilmyshall. Y21T2DE Join us as we commemorate the life of Val Brooks with a special day of sport, community tribute to a much-loved member of the Wexford Shooting community. Start date August 16, entries from 11 a.m., 30 bird sporting. Entry €15/re-entry €10, last entries 4 p.m. Prizes first – Val Brooks Perpetual Trophy + €100. Second – €75. Third – €50. more prizes on the day. Val was a talented shooter with a deep connection to the Wexford Shooting community. He tragically passed away last year in a drowning accident while travelling in Bali. His loss was deeply felt by all who knew him. The Memorial Shoot will now be held annually in his honour. We are excited to see you on the range. LATE KATHLEEN JORDAN It was with a feeling of deep regret that news was learned of the passing of Kathleen Jordan ((née Murphy), The Shop, Ballindaggin, who died peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 17, Deepest sympathy is extended to her sons and daughters Michelle, Liam, Eilish and Thomas. Also to her sisters Angela, Una, Eileen and Josephine, son-in-law John, daughters-in-law Helen and Siobhán, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother-in-law Pat, sisters-in-law Pam and Breda, nephews, nieces and extended family and many friends. Kathleen was widow of the late Jim Jordan, who predeceased her by almost three years. She was a very well known and most popular resident of Ballindaggin having carried on a thriving business in the village with her late husband. Kathleen was a woman of deep faith and was pleasant and engaging to the many people she met through her daily work and will be fondly remembered by many as a true lady. She was laid to rest in Ballindaggin Cemetery on Saturday last following her funeral Mass in St Colman's Church. May she rest in peace. DANCING July dancing in Kiltealy Hall this Friday, July 25, music by Laurence Campion. Dancing from 9.30 to 11.30 p.m. Refreshments served. SCRAP METAL COLLECTION Duffry Rovers GAA and camogie club Strictly Come Dancing scrap metal collection fundraiser will take place in September, dates to be announced. Items can be dropped off or will be collected at your request. Accepted items include: Metal pipes and ventilation systems, copper cylinders and pipework, stainless steel and aluminium, lead batteries, bicycles (no tyres), scrap cars and car parts, tractor parts, metal offcuts and sheeting, exercise equipment, farm machinery, other general scrap metal, DATE FOR YOUR DIARY Duffry Rovers GAA and camogie club family field day Sunday, August 24, in Coolree at 2 p.m.. Save the date. Full details later. Kilmuckridge Parish Lotto The numbers drawn in the parish lotto draw on July 14 were 4, 10, 15 and 19. Match-three winners were Rosaleen Warren, Kathleen Sinnott and Sheila O'Sullivan. Draw was due to take place on July 21 in the Crosses with a jackpot total of €6,150.00. Seán Óg's Bridge Club There will be a change of venue on Mondays only for the Seán Óg's Kilmuckridge Bridge Club, for the following dates, July 14 to August 18 inclusive. On Mondays the club will play at the Pastoral Centre, St Michael's car park, Gorey Town Y25 EQA2 at the usual time of 1.50 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday morning's venue remains the same, Bridge will be held at the Upton Court 9.50 a.m. to 1 p.m. Garden Competition Kilmuckridge Tidy Town are happy to announce the winners of their annual garden competition. John Hammel (Kilmuckridge village) was the winner of the Large Garden Category and the winner of the Small Garden was Sinéad O'Leary. Many thanks to all those who entered and a big thanks to all who supported the recent Bucket Collection for Tidy Towns. These vital contributions help to keep the village and surroundings looking beautiful. Sunflower Field Everyone is so happy to see the return of the Sunflowers to the village again this year. This sight of summer is back in bloom and officially opens on Friday, July 25, at 7.30 p.m. This vibrant sea of yellow is more than just a beautiful photo opportunity, it is a community driven fundraiser raising much needed funds for Hope Cancer Support CLG in Enniscorthy. Last year, thousands visited from all over Ireland to walk among these beautiful flowers, to reflect and to support a worthy cause. The feel-good energy for the project last year was unforgettable and now the organisers are happy to announce its return. During your visit pick a Sunflower, make a donation and help this worthy cause, one bloom at a time. Located behind Hammel Centra and the Crosses Pub. Sensory Room St Joseph's AFC are delighted to announce the official opening of their Sensory Room which will take place in the clubhouse on Sunday, July 27, at 3 p.m. The committee would like to extend an invitation to community members with special needs to help with the opening of their new space. The club is very proud of this special space and would like to thank all the sponsors and anyone who helped in any way to make this vision a reality. All members of the community and club members are welcome to attend this Sunday the 27th at. 3pm for the official opening.


Irish Examiner
12-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Brown Bread: how a modern Irish emigration film is set to move the needle
Shaunagh Connaire is bringing it all back home. More specifically, all the way back to the kitchen of her childhood home. That family home in Longford was the starting point for a long and successful career during which Connaire, an Emmy-nominated documentary maker, has reported for the BBC, Channel 4, and the Financial Times, among others, before then going on to spend three years working for the Clooney Foundation for Justice, including a memorable trip to Africa with Amal Clooney and Michelle Obama. Yet it is the homeplace back in the Midlands that also forms the backdrop for a first foray into fictional drama. Her 14-minute short film Brown Bread received its world premiere at the Galway Film Fleadh this week, and arriving at this point was truly a family affair. 'That's my parent's kitchen in the home where I grew up,' Connaire says down a Zoom connection from her new home in Lisbon. 'Fitted by my uncle Jackie, husband of my late godmother.' And here's another connection. Brown Bread is a moving, poignant, and at times humorous look at the emigrant experience, and it was anchored in Connaire's own story. Just as the character of Aine, played by Katie McGrath, couldn't get home from her job in New York to attend her godmother's funeral, Connaire also missed out on her beloved godmother's funeral due to issues with her Green Card application. 'What you have to do is hand over your passport,' Connaire explains, 'and my immigration lawyers have said, now, you know, you're not going to be able to travel with this, and I was like, it should be fine, a couple of months or three months, whatever it was, maybe it was six months, I can't remember. And then my godmother, who I was very close to, also from Longford, passed away in that period, and genuinely, it just did one with my head. 'As an Irish person, the guilt, but it wasn't even just that. It was a very profound moment. All I wanted to do was be back in a very simple house in Longford drinking a very simple cup of tea with my family. It just made me question everything about why I had kind of chased this in New York, that felt very at odds with how I was brought up, simple enough beginnings, and my relationship with my aunt was very much based on [having] a cup of tea.' THE GUILT Fionnuala Flanagan in Brown Bread By any measure, Connaire's career has been a success. Never mind the two Emmy Award nominations, in 2021 she became the first woman to be awarded the freedom of Co Longford. Yet the passing of her cherished aunt sparked conflicting thoughts that no doubt occupy the hearts and minds of Irish people living the world over. 'It's like a modern Irish emigration story,' she says, adding of Brown Bread: 'I was trying very hard to steer away from anything that felt twee.' She says her own two children are 'very Irish', despite living in the US and now in Portugal, and she adds that being able to portray her home town with 'a sense of pride' was 'hugely important'. Elements of the film — some of the locations, and also some home video footage — further anchors the fictional story in the reality of Connaire's life. Moving to Lisbon, she says, has helped with that connection to home, and it is certainly a change from the starkness of one of her children having undergone a 'shooter' safety drill at their New York school. 'I kind of, in a joking way, pitched it as 'we're moving home!' and whispered, 'to Europe'.' Her sister lives in Australia and so proximity to Longford — and Donegal, her husband's home county — counts for a lot, but as she says: 'You have to chase your own life, you have to do what's good for your own family. And this is where we are now.' TAKING A TILT Shaunagh Connaire: 'It's been a creative itch I've had forever, to write a script and all with a view, I would say, to doing something bigger after this short. The short is a little test.' Photo: Ray Ryan And it has been quite a journey. For Channel 4's Unreported World, Connaire secretly filmed in China where clinics provide electro-shock therapy to 'cure' homosexuality. A particularly harrowing edition of Unreported World saw Connaire covering the efforts of medics with Médecins sans Frontières in combatting the Ebola virus in Sierra Leone. Yet despite all that time in front of the camera, Connaire credits her three years working for the Clooneys as the inspiration for her tilt at fictional drama, recently telling Variety: 'I think being in their presence and learning a little bit about the world of Hollywood, gave me the confidence to enter this world. 'I would say this about all kind of different experiences I've had being around amazing filmmakers in current affairs as well, like when you're in people's company, and you see what they're doing up close, and you're like, ok, pretty sure that feels like I can probably do that too, everything feels a bit more accessible,' she says. 'I would say, with my role at the [Clooney] Foundation, a big part of it was actually directing short films for George, and he was the executive producer, and I was the director, and we're working really closely and collaborating on that. And so, on first cuts, I was getting amazing feedback. So I was like, Okay, if George thinks my films are ok... it definitely gave me a little bit of confidence. 'It's been a creative itch I've had forever, to write a script and all with a view, I would say, to doing something bigger after this short. The short is a little test.' Connaire saw the Clooney Foundation as having the biggest platform to 'amplify voices' — a case in point being the gathering of evidence of indiscriminate attacks by Russian forces in Ukraine that killed civilians and destroyed civilian objects, as well as violations committed by Russian armed forces, which ultimately led to cases being lodged in court. Connaire has previously spoken about the strangeness of being interviewed by the Clooneys for the job, but after three years with the Foundation, topped off with a visit with Amal and Michelle Obama to Malawi and South Africa, she knew it was time to move on. 'It was such a high,' she says. 'I kind of knew in the back of my head that I was potentially going to leave so I was like, feck it, I might as well just leave on this high.' THE GRÁ She once received Batman balloons from George, a former celluloid Bruce Wayne, for her 40th birthday, but she doesn't ever see her former employer running for the White House, adding: 'I don't believe celebrities and politics should mix.' Given what's happening in America, maybe even Batman himself would struggle. Connaire also sees journalism as being 'under attack' around the world but particularly in America, which, she believes, does not have the buffer of adequate public service broadcasting. She also takes the point that in some ways, drama can engage people with real life issues in a way beyond that of reportage, adding: 'I would love to create something that actually moves the needle.' So she is working on a 'prestige drama', and it sounds like the next step after Brown Bread has circulated among the various festivals. Yet there is no escaping the grá for home. Back in 2018 she was invited to speak at her former school, Méan Scoil Mhuire, only to be told on the day that the school could not show a montage of her broadcast work for reasons which included upholding the school's Catholic ethos. That led to Connaire not being able to attend and instead issuing a statement for the students about her work, and she never did get to show that montage in the way it was initially envisaged. 'I always will stick to my values, and that was very much against what I believed in,' she says now. There is a small echo of this in Brown Bread and the subsequent granting of the Freedom of the County and all the assistance of local people in the making the short film shows that the county holds her dear as one of their own. There is a lot to be said for it – and the related home comforts. 'Just something simple like going to SuperValu and buying purple Snack bars and sausages — that's high on my priority list,' she says. Brown Bread will be showing at festivals internationally throughout 2025


The Irish Sun
19-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
Nepo-baby looks just like her 90s TV star mum as she cuddles a lion in Africa – but can you guess who she is?
TV star Donna Air's daughter Freya Aspinall looks just like her mum as she cuddles a huge lion in Africa. The 21-year-old conservationist is seen cuddling two lions in a recent video before releasing them into the wild with her dad Damien. 7 Donna Air's grown-up daughter Freya is a conservationist Credit: instagram/@freyaaspinall 7 Freya has grown up around lions and gorillas in kent Credit: instagram/@freyaaspinall 7 She works for her father's conservation charity The Aspinall Foundation Credit: instagram/@freyaaspinall 7 Freya's parents Donna Air and Damian Aspinall Credit: Getty Freya works with The Aspinall Foundation, a charity run by her father, Damian Aspinall, and founded by her grandfather, the late John Aspinall. Freya rests her head on a lion in one photo on Instagram, and penned: "My beautiful ZEMO on the day we released him in Africa. I can't wait to see him soon." Freya spent much of her childhood surrounded by animals at Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks in Kent. She now boasts 1.5m followers on Instagram, where she shares videos and pics of her life, and she says conservation is in her DNA. READ MORE ON DONNA AIR 'I grew up with animals and couldn't imagine my world without them,' she recently told the Financial Times. 'This is in my blood – I've always known what I wanted to do.' However, she has inherited Donna's striking features and is also very close to her TV star mum. It's been more than three decades since Donna shot to fame as a child star on Most read in Celebrity She later swapped acting for presenting, landing gigs on shows including MTV UK and The Big Breakfast. A string of cameo film roles followed before she participated in reality shows Splash!, Celebrity MasterChef and the tenth series of Dancing On Ice. Amazing moment millionaire conservationist Damian Aspinall's wife meets the tender gorillas he bred in Africa Donna, 45, is also known for having an on-off relationship for four years with Kate Middleton's brother Freya's parents, Donna and Damian, were introduced in 2000 at a dinner party by their friend Donna was 21, Damian 40, and their relationship and parenting style quickly made headlines. Shortly after Freya's birth, the couple famously said they planned to place their baby in a gorilla enclosure at Howletts, allowing her to be carried off by a female gorilla. The move was a tradition Damian carried out with his eldest daughters when they were babies. In another video Freya feeds a gorilla snacks from her pocket. She says: "Animals don't belong in a cage in zoos they belong in the wild. We hate zoos. "Kifu is at our sanctuary because his wife's who are a little bit older than him need medical attention 3 times a day and wouldn't survive the journey back to Africa. "Gorillas live in a family group, so it would be completely unnatural to send him alone and separate him from his family. "It's the same as humans if we were sent away never to see our family again we would all be so unhappy. "So for him we give him the best life possible sadly at our sanctuary but his 5 sons are happily free in the wild where they belong. "It's important to highlight any animal that can go back to the Wild should go back to the Wild and those that 100% can't should be given the best life possible, but this shouldn't be an excuse for zoos to keep all animals behind a bars for their business." 7 Donna and grown-up daughter Freya put on a glam display for a night out in London Credit: Getty 7 Donna shot to fame on Byker Grove, alongside Ant and Dec Credit: BBC 7 She was previously in an on/off relationship with James Middleton Credit: PA