Pat McCabe returns with ultra violence, arch irony, vicious satire and outlandish characters
The Monaghan man's breakthrough novel, 1992's The Butcher Boy, introduced the world to his particular form of genius: an innate ability to impart the intricacies and ecstasies of a mind on the brink of falling apart through a stream-of-consciousness prose-poetry that was at once beautiful, comical and terrifying to behold. The intervening years have seen McCabe lose none of his talent nor his eccentricity, and once again, our narrator proves anything but reliable.
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The Irish Sun
6 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘A feeling of guilt' – RTE star opens up on ‘beautiful' wife's support as he cares for mum after devastating diagnosis
RTE Fair City star Johnny Ward has opened up on how his wife is his rock while he cares for his sick mother. The actor's mum Kathy was diagnosed with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as broken heart syndrome, after the death of her husband and Johnny's father, in 2019. 2 Johnny's wife Brenda is his rock while he cares for his mum Credit: Instagram 2 Johnny's mum was diagnosed with cancer i Credit: Instagram Kathy has since struggled with her health battle as she later suffered a heart attack and a stroke. After the now-73-year-old's stroke, In March 2021 his sister Maureen moved back in with their mum while he was busy working on a project, which is when he met his wife Brenda. Johnny's mum was diagnosed with cancer earlier last year and has "been in and out of the hospital" ever since. read more fair city And as her condition progresses, Johnny now spends a lot of time caring for his mum. He told The "Even if you do get away to that weekend wedding and someone else, like your neighbour or your auntie, helps out your mum, there's an emotional attachment and that's very difficult to get rid of. "It's a feeling of guilt, where you're thinking, 'God, what if something happens; I shouldn't be here, I should go home' and that's very difficult." MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN However, with his wife Brenda by his side and acting like his rock, Johnny finds it easier to manage his inconsistent schedule and caring for his mum. A look at tonight's episode of Fair City He continued: "Another high was realising what a beautiful human my wife is. "She's the same with her own parents, she prioritises them, and I loved watching the bond between my wife and my mother grow. "My next door neighbour is like an angel, and I've rung her so many times, when I can't get through to my mother and am fearing the worst. "She's in and out all of the time; she has a key to the house and she's checking on my mum constantly. 'UP AND DOWN' "My family from Galway have been up and down and up and down, and they're always very supportive." He "It's pretty much where they take out part of the pancreas, the gallbladder and a large part of her bowel and pretty much stitch it all back together. "It's a very serious procedure and recovery is very slow. As of now, she has been transferred over to convalescent care, so that's one step closer to getting her home from there." The Walkinstown native shared how grateful he is to have a good support system that can also help out. He said: "I've found myself extremely lucky, number one because of where I live. Tallaght Hospital is down the road, James's Hospital is down the road."
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wexford Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann sets sights on another Guinness World Record
During the massive event, a new entry was made to the Guinness Book of World Records under the largest group of people simultaneously playing tin whistles. A total of 2,516 musicians filled the seats at Wexford Park playing The Dawning of the Day and The Boys of Wexford for five minutes until it was officially deemed a record by the book's independent adjudicator. Hungry for more, the organisers of this year's Fleadh are keen to ensure another record goes to Wexford. This year, they are hoping to break the record for world's largest céilí band. The current record was set live on The Late Late Show on RTÉ on March 15, 2024 and saw 384 musicians form one huge céilí band at Croke Park. So, on Thursday, August 7, the organisers of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will be hoping to fill Wexford Park with at least 385 musicians performing in harmony as one, huge céilí band. "Let's come together and celebrate our shared love of trad with this unforgettable gathering,' they said. You can register your interest in taking part at
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Unassuming tower block was seen by millions on beloved noughties sitcom – but do YOU recognise it now?
THIS seemingly plain tower block appeared in a hit noughties sitcom - but could you recognise it now? The flats featured in a much-loved British TV show, although it might look a little different to how you remember it. 8 Do you recognise this unassuming tower block? Credit: Deadline 8 Zodiac House has been renovated and now boasts 73 modern flats Credit: © Infinite 3D and shedkm Zodiac House, located in London, They have been taken on by the local authority and are set to be used as temporary accommodation for those facing homelessness. But one of the flats was once home to Mark and Jeremy, in The duo, played by Read More New tenants could retrace Jez and Mark's steps through the two-bedroom home and share conversations in the living room while overlooking "majestic views". One flat hit the market last year, and it boasted an integrated, modern kitchen - a step up from the iconic dingy blue one the Peep Show roommates burnt toast in. The family bathroom was similarly been renovated and a long way from the bathtub Jeremy found himself sleeping in many times. The listing, posted by estate agents Black + Blanc, Bromley on Rightmove read: "This an excellent opportunity to purchase a recently fully refurbished and renovated two-bedroom apartment in the iconic Zodiac Court. Most read in The Sun "The property is an ideal purchase for an individual looking to get onto the property ladder as a first time buyer or a buy to let investor looking to obtain an attractive rental yield." "The owners have been able to refurbish and polish the original parquet flooring, which adds to the character of the property. "The décor is light and airy and will allow a buyer to use their imagination to put their stamp on it." Measuring 792 square feet, the property has two generously sized bedrooms with ample storage in the master and integrated storage in the second. "The apartment is installed with central gas heating, and each room has large gas central heating radiators. "The apartment is integrated with double-glazed windows," the listing added. It was on offer for £300,000 and properties in Croydon had an overall average price of £438,561 over the last year according to Rightmove. 8 It was once home to Mark and Jeremy in Peep Show Credit: Handout 8 The beloved sitcom was filmed inside one of the flats Credit: handout 8 They are now going to be used as temporary accommodation by Croydon Council Credit: Deadline Now, the council have since snapped up Zodiac House as part of their initiative to combat homelessness. The flats will provide a safe space for those waiting for long-term housing. It will also see Croydon Council hit its targets for Homelessness Duty under the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017. There's a mix of two and three-bedroom flats, like the one described above, available. They will all come furnished with the essentials, and there's a 24-hour concierge. Funds are being sourced from the Right to Buy scheme, Local Authority Housing Grants, and borrowing. Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon, said: 'This is another step in addressing the significant homelessness challenges we face. "The increased demand for services and shortage of accommodation means we have to look at doing things differently, and the purchase of Zodiac House is a good example of this. 'The scheme will give us 73 residential units to support residents facing homelessness. "This will improve the Council's supply of accommodation and reduce spending on expensive temporary arrangements, as well as providing safe and secure homes for our residents.' This comes As a clue, the main character's catchphrase was 'I don't believe it.' The property seen in the classic British comedy The exterior of the terraced property in Christchurch, Dorset, featured heavily in the 1990s show. Meanwhile, Rightmove has revealed the most viewed homes so far in 2025 - including a £59 million townhouse, and an 'historic gem'. The popular property site has something for everyone, whether you're looking for your next home, or simply want to have a bit of a snoop. 8 One of the flats previously hit the market for £300,000 Credit: Deadline 8 There's a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments available 8 They will all come furnished with the essentials, and there's a 24-hour concierge Credit: Peep Show/YouTube
