Meet the Galway photographer with a passion for insect portraits – ‘Exotic, mad-looking yokes right in my garden'
Today at 13:00
A Galway-based insect photographer has explained the secret behind her unique passion ahead of the launch of her latest portrait book.
Clare-born photographer Lisa Clancy has been taking photos of insects since 2009, when she embarked on a master's degree in Biological Photography and Imaging at the University of Nottingham.
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The Irish Sun
20 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Love Island fans praise Megan as she calls out Harry for his actions in brutal speech
LOVE Island fans have praised Megan Forte-Clarke as she called out Harry Cooksley for his actions in an absolutely brutal speech. In the villa, Harry was in a couple with 8 Megan Forte-Clarke lambasted Harry for his treatment of both Helena and Shakira Credit: ITV2 8 Fans fumed when he was left smirking at the Grafties Credit: ITV2 8 A clip was shown where he flirted with Shakira, despite being exclusive with Helena Credit: ITV2 But after an additional few weeks, the footballer decided to pursue his partnership with Helena instead. In the last week, the duo became 'exclusive' as This was whilst Shakira got to know She admitted that she had 'suppressed emotions' when it came to her true feelings toward Harry, and READ MORE ON LOVE ISLAND The footballer then flirted with Shakira behind Helena's back, suggesting that it "would be a good idea" for the pair to hang out when they both leave the villa. Shakira also said that he was her "best sleeping buddy" for snuggles, which he described as being "so good, like perfect," despite his exclusivity. At the Grafties, Harry & Shakira were nominated for the surprise Critics Choice Award. A clip of Harry's recent flirtations with Shakira was shown to the group, which left the rest of the contestants either cringing or open mouthed with shock Most read in Love Island When it came to deciding who should get the award, She announced: "Basically, we picked these two people because I think everyone's faces spoke volumes when that clip was shown. Love Island star Shakira tells co-stars 'shut the f--- up' and makes honest confession about feelings for Harry "Especially how recent it was, and I think these two girls have suffered enough at the hands of this boy, from day one." She added: "I think we can all realise now that he is the problem, the common denominator in all this and I think these two girls deserve better." Droves of Love Island fans have since taken to social media to praise the star for her poise at that moment. Writing on X - formerly known as Twitter - one fan wrote: "Megan that speech was just what Harry needed to hear." Love Island 2025 full lineup : A 30-year-old footballer with charm to spare. : A 22-year-old Manchester-based model, ready to turn heads. : A payroll specialist from Southampton, looking for someone tall and stylish. : International business graduate with brains and ambition. : A gym enthusiast with a big heart. : A Londoner with celebrity connections, aiming to find someone funny or Northern. : A personal trainer and semi-pro footballer, following in his footballer father's footsteps. : A towering 6'5' personal trainer. : A 25-year-old Irish rugby pro. : Love Island's first bombshell revealed as sexy Las Vegas pool party waitress. : The 24-year-old bombshell hails from London and works as a commercial banking executive. : Pro footballer and model entering Love Island 2025 as a bombshell. Giorgio Russo : The 30-year-old will be spending his summer in the sun, potentially his sister Alessia's successful tournament at the Euros in Switzerland. : Professional DJ from Manchester who appeared on X Factor 2016 in girl group Four of Diamonds. : Miss Bikini Ireland 2019 winner who hails from Dublin and works as a nail technician and personal trainer. Emma Munro: Harry Cooksley's ex who entered as a bombshell and works as a hydrogeologist. Departures : : Axed after an arrest over a machete attack emerged. He was released with no further action taken and denies any wrongdoing. : A model and motivational speaker who has overcome adversity after suffering life-changing burns in an accident. : A boxer with striking model looks, seeking love in the villa. : A teaching assistant from Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, who entered Love Island 2025 as a bombshell . : Works as a scaffolder day-to-day and plays semi-pro football on the side. Poppy Harrison: The bombshell broke up with her boyfriend after finding out she would be in the villa Will Means : The fourth fittest farmer in the UK according to Farmers' Weekly in 2023 entered the villa as a bombshell : An Irish actress part of the OG line-up. : 23-year-old personal banker from Glasgow who fancies herself as a 'good flirt'. : 27-year-old gym hunk who entered the show as a bombshell . A second enthusiastically stated: "Megan stood on business by calling Harry out." As someone else commented: "Finally, someone telling Harry how it is. He thinks he can get away with everything." And a fourth added: "Go on Meg." 8 Megan said that Harry was 'the common denominator' as both girls deserved better Credit: ITV2 8 Helena could barely look at her partner during the dramatic award ceremony Credit: ITV2 8 She was left absolutely devastated by his actions behind her back Credit: ITV2 8 Most of the contestants cringed as they watched the clip Credit: ITV2 8 Angel was left open-mouthed as Harry's behaviour came to light Credit: ITV2 Love Island continues on ITV2 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Irish Post
4 hours ago
- Irish Post
Ten Minutes with... Lex Bucha
DUBLIN-based indie pop artist Lex Bucha has released his debut EP, Painless Mode. This week he took time out to talk to The Irish Post... What are you up to? Right now, I'm in Dublin and I am enjoying this beautiful whirlwind of writing, recording, and releasing music that feels like my most personal work yet. I just released my debut EP Painless Mode —it's mostly about moments of confronting emotions I have tried to bury, and it's been amazing seeing how people have connected with it. I've also been collaborating with other artists and producers across Europe, jumping between writing camps, and soaking up as much creative energy as I can. And yes… more music is on the way very soon! How would you describe your music? I'd say it's like a heart-to-heart conversation—emotional, a little vulnerable, but wrapped in melodies that make you want to sing along (or maybe cry on a dancefloor!). It's a blend of electro-pop, alt-pop, and singer-songwriter vibes. If you imagine Troye Sivan and The 1975 sitting down for coffee and writing songs together… it might sound something like that. Which piece of music always sends a shiver down your spine? Breathe Me by Sia. Every single time. It's like the soundtrack to every heartbreak and every healing moment I've ever had. There's something about how fragile and raw it is that never fails to hit me right in the chest. Tearjerker every time I listen. Which musician or singer has most influenced you? Robyn, without a doubt. She has this magical way of writing songs that are devastating and euphoric at the same time. I love how she's never afraid to be vulnerable, but she also makes you want to dance through your feelings - which honestly sums up how I try to approach my own music too. What's on your smartphone playlist at the minute? It's a bit chaotic—in the best way! I've been obsessed with RAYE's latest album (absolute masterpiece), Lana Del Rey for those late-night city walks, and Orla Gartland, who always nails that perfect mix of clever lyrics and catchy melodies. Oh, and I'm forever looping some classics like HURTS and Shakespeare's Sister. My playlists are basically an emotional rollercoaster. What are your favourite lyrics? Oh, this one's tough because I'm a total lyrics nerd! But I always go back to: 'I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here / 'Cause I remember it all too well' from Taylor Swift's All Too Well.' It's so simple but gut-wrenching. She somehow captured heartbreak in one line. What are your family roots in Ireland? My roots are split between Ireland, the UK and Malta, which basically means I have a deep love for storytelling, a strong cup of tea, and a pastizzi! In Ireland, my family are based around Antrim, but I have become a Dubliner over the past five years of living here - you've probably seen me hanging around Stoneybatter, especially if you've been in the Belfry recently. What is your favourite place in Ireland? Donegal - hands down. It feels like the edge of the world, in the most magical way. The scenery is breathtaking, and there's such a sense of calm there - it's like everything else just fades away. Plus, the music scene there is incredible. It's where I go to reconnect with myself and get inspired. Shout out to Dungloe. What has been your favourite venue? The Workman's Club (the cellar room) in Dublin will always be special to me. There's just something about the energy in that room - it's intimate, raw, and there's this beautiful connection between the artist and the audience. I love the lightening and decor there also. Have you a book that has been a major influence on you? The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron completely changed how I approach creativity. It taught me to let go of perfectionism and just make things - whether it's a messy lyric idea or a fully-formed song. It's like therapy in book form for artists. Which living person do you most admire? Sandra Bullock. She's funny, brutally honest, and completely herself, both on and off camera. I admire how she's built her career by staying true to her weird, wonderful self. Miss Congeniality is my favourite movie ever. Which trait in others do you most admire? Kindness. It's the quiet superpower that makes the world a better place. You can tell a lot about a person by how they treat others when no one's watching. I always try to be kind to everyone. What would be your motto? 'Feel it fully, then let it go.' It's how I try to approach life - and songwriting! I process things with my songwriting - but its important to close the door on the pain once you have got it out. What's the best advice you've ever been given? 'Don't wait for permission.' That one really stuck with me. In music, in life, in everything—you have to trust yourself and just go for it, even if it feels scary. In terms of inanimate objects, what is your most precious possession? My lyric notebook. It's full of messy scribbles, half-finished verses, and random thoughts. Honestly, it's probably the closest thing I have to a diary. If I ever lost it… I'd cry. Also my phone - guilty of needing it for everything in my life lately. What's best thing about where you live? The cafes - Stoneybatter is full of them. I love a good Italian bite from Mooz or baked good from The Green Door. Recommend also Sorrento for a good baked good if you can catch them open! . . . and the worst? Definitely the rain! It's Dublin - it's like a surprise guest that just never leaves. I love a cosy rainy day every now and then, but sometimes it feels like we're living inside a cloud. What's the greatest lesson life has taught you? That nothing stays the same forever—everything shifts, evolves, and moves forward. Learning to ride those waves instead of fighting them has been a huge lesson for me. What do you believe in? I believe in the power of music to heal and connect people. It's this magical language that brings us together, even when words fail. Who/what is the greatest love of your life? Music. It's been with me through every heartbreak, every celebration, every big moment. It's more than just something I do—it's a part of who I am. I feel lucky to be in a position to release music. See More: Dublin, Lex Bucha, New Release
Extra.ie
7 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Guinness in a handbag? US influencer's stunt has the internet foaming over
When American influencer Emma Topp landed in Ireland, she probably expected to cause a stir with her accent, not her accessories. But after posting a now-viral video of herself strutting through Galway's cobbled streets with a glass purse filled to the brim with Guinness, she's managed to split the internet faster than a rugby lad from D4 can split the G. In the clip, which has garnered a whopping 684K views online, Emma is seen treating the iconic stout less like a drink and more like a fashion statement, swinging her sudsy handbag past shopfronts, buskers, and baffled locals. When American influencer Emma Topp landed in Ireland, she probably expected to cause a stir with her accent, not her accessories. Pic: Instagram/Emma Topp 'It's like a pint, only 2.5x better,' she captioned the video, revealing bartenders had no issue pouring a pint into the untraditional vessel. 'Turns out pubs in Galway WILL fill a purse with Guinness (it's BYOP tho, oops) and you'll have the time of your life meeting new people,' she added, as staff in The Dáil Bar in Galway's Latin Quarter humoured the Boston-based creator. The purse held the equivalent of two and a half pints of the beloved beverage, with Emma quickly noting how heavy it had become. @efultimatebreak it's like a pint, but 2.5x better 🍻 turns out pubs in Galway WILL fill a purse with Guinness (it is BYOP tho, so come prepared) #galway #guinness #ireland #purse ♬ original sound – EF Ultimate Break It seems Emma's antics caused quite the stir online, with social media users deeply divided over her liquid-luggage endeavour. For some, it was peak comedy, but for others, the sight of Ireland's most beloved pint sloshing around inside a novelty handbag felt like an outright abomination. 'Lovely day for a gurse,' one user joked, while another added: 'LONG LIVE THE GURSE.' 'As an Irishman who likes his Guinness, I was a bit horrified watching this initially but this was actually class,' another added. So, was it harmless fun or a fashion faux pas worthy of exile from the pub? Let us know where you stand on the Great Guinness Purse Debate.
