Latest news with #Aine
Irish Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Mirror
How boxty became a beloved Irish dish all over the world
There's a reason why the waft of a chipper or the scent of your granny's brown bread can transport you back to a moment in time. Smell is the only sense that connects directly to the brain's limbic system, which governs memory and emotion. So it's no surprise that certain foods are often steeped in nostalgia, particularly those from specific regions. We don't have too many of these in Ireland - think Dublin coddle or the Waterford blaa - but one that has gone from Leitrim to all over the world is boxty. Boxty, a traditional Irish potato pancake, is one food that often reminds people of days with their grandparents or breakfast with their cousins. Or evokes childhood memories if you're from the north-west, where it's a proud local dish. Donal Skehan's take on boxty It's steeped in tradition, especially in Cavan and Leitrim. Boxty is believed to have been created before the famine as a resourceful way to use both leftover mashed potatoes and grated potatoes. The name itself might stem from the phrase "arán bocht ti" as Gaeilge, which means "poor house bread". For Aine Faughnan, boxty is at the core of her childhood memories. She is the managing director for Dromod - one of the country's leading boxty makers. Her father Timmy founded the business 35 years ago after having great success baking and selling his mother's recipe in his local shop in Dromod, Co Leitrim. She said: "So my dad was making boxty in the morning very early, at like 5am, and bringing it up and selling it in our own shop. "So it would have been Granny's recipe he was using. And the bread men would come in and they'd ask him, 'Could you make some for us to bring on our routes to other stores as well?' So he started doing that and got really busy." Timmy then decided to turn the shop into a bakery and as it grew bigger and bigger, he decided to open up his own company, Dromod Boxty. Customers can now buy the beloved product online or from any of its many stockists across the country, including SuperValu. Aine said her favourite thing about Boxty is that it brings families together and is one of the truly traditional Irish foods that every tourist wants to try when they visit here. Typically made with a combination of mashed and grated raw potatoes, flour and milk, boxty can be eaten with almost anything. While some people like to go rogue and pop sugar on the potato cake, Aine likes to keep it savoury. It can be enjoyed with eggs, avocado, ham and cheese, or even used as a pizza base. For those who have never tried the dish before, she recommends keeping it simple with some gorgeous butter. She said: "I would advise putting it on the pan on a medium heat with some butter. "So melt the butter and then put it on the pan until it's nice and crispy on the outside, and then you'll have that chewy potato texture on the inside. "Some people microwave it or put it in the toaster. You can do that, but it just doesn't give you that real deliciousness that you get when you fry it." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
'Insane' anti-frizz spray keeps hair straight 'even in worst humidity'
The 'Supernatural' spray has been massively popular on social media for its 'silky smooth' and 'waterproof' results Amazon has slashed the price of a haircare sensation that's taken social media by storm for its 'silky smooth' and 'waterproof' effects, offering more than 40% off. During Amazon 's massive sale event, Prime members can snag their beloved beauty brands at a steal until Friday, July 11. A standout bargain with heaps of positive feedback is the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, which boasts "an invisible cloak with magical, moisture-resistant powers that lasts three days straight." It's touted as an "advanced anti-frizz formula leaves hair super glossy, glassy, ultra smooth." Originally priced at £27, the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray 200ml is now available to Prime members for 41% less, at just £16 during Amazon's latest Prime Day Sale Event. For those wanting to give it a test first, there's also a smaller 50ml bottle priced at £12.50. What does the Color Wow spray do? The haircare spray is sulphate-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free, making it a perfect pick for vegans and anyone keen on avoiding harsh chemicals, reports Glasgow Live. Shoppers have three different versions to choose from, tailored to their hair type. According to Amazon, the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is ideal for straight, wavy, or curly hair prone to frizz. The spray is crafted to deliver "glassy-sleek, straight, frizz-free styles that last 3-4 shampoos." What other Color Wow options are there? The Extra Strength Dream Coat is ideal for those with "extremely dry, dehydrated hair or extremely curly/coily hair", while Dream Coat for Curly Hair caters to those with wavy or curly locks. For those seeking an alternative, the Pantene 7-in-1 Weightless Hair Oil Mist with Biotin is available at Boots for £10. You can also find VO5's Heat Protect Spray with Heat-Activated Complex at Superdrug for just £4.99. Amazon is currently offering a 41% discount on the spray, one of the best deals out there. The same product is up for grabs at Sephora, JustMyLook, and LookFantastic for £20.25, a bit pricier at Very for £22, and full price at SpaceNK at £27. What do shoppers say about the Color Wow spray? The Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray has been lauded by many Amazon shoppers for tackling frizz effectively and imparting 'silky smooth with a noticeable healthy shine' that lasts up to three days. However, reviews are mixed regarding its effectiveness and worth, with some celebrating its performance and others questioning its value due to unsatisfactory results on their hair. Aine couldn't praise the product enough, commenting: "Could not love this product more. If you're hair is any way frizzy or even a curly haired person who wears it straight like me.. EPIC." Equally impressed, Lyndsay said: "I've repurchased this 3 times now, because the results are amazing." Louise raved: "Incredible product! Does exactly hat it says! Makes your hair waterproof so that you don't get flyaway bits when the weather is humid or wet! If you want a salon look at home, invest in this product! The fact that you only need to use it about once a week, means it will last a while too!" Jen said: "I searched for something that would block humidity in Florida. Wow did this work!!!!" Westbury was thrilled, saying: "I used this and blow dried using my brush on hot and it's FANTASTIC! my hair is silky smooth not frizzy the style lasts a couple of days." Yet, one customer complained: "Made my hair look like straw." Sally noted her dissatisfaction: "Made my hair frizzier! It had the opposite effect on my hair than I wanted." Annabelle encountered a problem with the packaging, saying: "Just got a brand new bottle of this and I can't use it because the pump doesn't work." Another put: "Hair does not stay frizz free or straight after use." Nevertheless, Lella commented: "Woke up this morning and my hair is soft, smooth, shiny and incredibly frizz free. No heaviness, greasiness or crunchiness. I brushed my hair once this morning and it hasn't needed anything else all day." Desi said: "Let me start with the cliche 'I never review products' because I NEVER do. But as soon as I was done using this, I ran to my phone to review it lol. This stuff is INSANE... So far this is the best product I have ever used. Get it, you won't regret it!!" And added: "Amazing! I have very thick, frizzy hair, usually once I style it, it goes frizzy within a couple of hours. With this, the style holds and my hair looks and feels sleek and smooth for 2-3 days which has never happened before!"
Dublin Live
29-05-2025
- Health
- Dublin Live
Student battling cancer donates hair to wig-making charity before chemotherapy
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A courageous 17-year-old student has donated 16 inches of her hair to a charity that creates wigs for children fighting cancer, despite undergoing chemotherapy herself. Aine Sheerin discovered a lump on her neck while getting ready for New Year's Eve and was later diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, on March 20. As part of her six-month treatment plan, Aine will undergo multiple chemotherapy sessions, resulting in hair loss. The LauraLynn Foundation arranged for Aine to receive a wig from the Little Princess Trust in the UK, which she will start wearing full-time once she shaves her head. In a remarkable act of kindness, Aine decided to donate her own hair to the charity before losing it, so it can be used to make wigs for others in similar situations. Aine's hair was 24 inches long before she had 16 inches cut off, and she told the Irish Mirror: "My wig that I'm getting is 100 per cent human hair. I was devastated when I was first diagnosed because my biggest prized possession was my hair. I've always loved my hair. "So I said 'no way, am I going to let it go to waste, I'll donate it back'. Because I know if somebody didn't donate the hair that is on my wig, I wouldn't have it. I would like to make another little girl happy the way mine made me happy." Aine's initial symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma included fatigue, which she initially attributed to her Leaving Cert studies. After discovering a lump on December 30, Aine consulted her physio in January to see if it was related to her back problems. However, the physio advised her that the two issues were unrelated and that she should consult her GP, ultimately leading to her diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. Fortunately, doctors have assured her that this type of cancer is highly treatable, and she is expected to make a full recovery. Despite this setback, Aine remains determined and plans to pursue a degree in Community and Youth Work at Maynooth University after completing her Leaving Cert. The teenager has adapted her study schedule to accommodate her chemotherapy sessions and will even undergo treatment during her exams. She said: "I'm feeling 100 per cent right now. It's been tough when I've been sick; it's been very, very hard to study and look over my notes. It's very overwhelming, and you think, 'Why do I bother?' Will I even be able to do the Leaving? "But now that I'm well, I've been studying non-stop because I have to get more chemo. Whenever I feel well, I try to study as much as possible." A Kildare teen, who is soon to celebrate her 18th birthday, has heaped praise on her family for their incredible support throughout her health battle. With special mentions for her mum Sinead, dad Frank, boyfriend Theo Hanlon, and the staff at Kildare Town Community School, she explained how they've been with her every step of the way. As a young woman involved in numerous initiatives like Meitheal, Green Schools and Foróige, as well as serving as Head Girl and chairperson of the student council, Aine is a true pillar of the community. She even gave an inspiring speech at her sixth-year graduation ceremony this month, and she's forthcoming about how these roles have aided her in coping with her diagnosis. Opening up about her experience, Aine said: "Those types of roles helped me get through my darkest days." In a remarkable display of altruism, Aine hasn't stopped at just managing her own struggles; she's actively fundraising for the LauraLynn Foundation, having raised an impressive sum of more than €9,000 so far. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Daily Mirror
29-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Student with cancer donates hair to wig-making charity for sick youngsters
A sixth-year student undergoing chemotherapy has donated 16 inches of her hair to a charity that specialises in making wigs for youngsters battling cancer. Aine Sheerin revealed she initially discovered a lump on her neck while putting on tan before New Year's Eve. Following a battery of tests, the 17-year-old was officially diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - on March 20. Medics devised a six-month treatment plan to tackle the cancer, which involves multiple chemotherapy sessions and will result in her losing her hair. The LauraLynn Foundation secured Aine a wig from the Little Princess Trust based in the UK. The Kildare teen will begin wearing it full-time in the next few weeks once she shaves her head when her own hair begins to fall out. But in an incredibly selfless gesture, the young woman decided to donate her own hair back to the charity before losing it so wigs could be made for others in a similar situation. Before getting her haircut, Aine's hair was 24 inches long and she had 16 inches removed. Speaking after her hair was chopped, Aine told the Irish Mirror: 'My wig that I'm getting is 100 per cent human hair. 'I was devastated when I was first diagnosed because my biggest prized possession was my hair. I've always loved my hair. 'So I said 'no way, am I going to let it go to waste, I'll donate it back'. Because I know if somebody didn't donate the hair that is on my wig, I wouldn't have it. 'I would like to make another little girl happy the way mine made me happy.' Aine recalls some early symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma included tiredness, which she just put down to studying for the Leaving Cert. After discovering the lump on December 30, Aine asked her physio in January if it had anything to do with her back problems. The physio informed her that they weren't related and that she needed to check in with her GP, which eventually led to her diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. Medics said this particular type is highly treatable and she is expected to make a full recovery. But getting the news hasn't knocked Aine's stride - she plans on studying Community and Youth Work at Maynooth University once the Leaving Cert is over. The teen also said she plans her study sessions around when she has chemotherapy and will have treatment in the middle of her exams. She explained: 'I'm feeling 100 per cent right now. It's been tough when I've been sick; it's been very, very hard to study and look over my notes. 'It's very overwhelming, and you think, 'Why do I bother?' Will I even be able to do the Leaving? But now that I'm well, I've been studying non-stop because I have to get more chemo. 'Whenever I feel well, I try to study as much as possible.' The teen, who will turn 18 in the coming weeks, praised her family, particularly her mum Sinead and her dad Frank, friends and staff at Kildare Town Community School along with her boyfriend Theo Hanlon for their support. She is also part of a range of different initiatives such as Meitheal, Green Schools and Foróige while also being the Head Girl and the chairperson of the student council. Aine also delivered a speech to her classmates and teachers at her sixth-year graduation ceremony earlier this month. She said all these extracurricular activities have helped her keep her mind off her diagnosis. Aine explained: 'Those types of roles helped me get through my darkest days.' In addition to donating her hair, Aine is also raising funds for the LauraLynn Foundation. To date, more than €9,000 has been raised; donations can be made here. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that begins in the lymphatic system - which is a vital part of the body's immune system.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to finish Broken Strings Quest in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon easily
(Image via Awaken Realms) Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon twisted tales often hide within the shadows of Avalon. The Broken Strings quest here is no exception. The haunting side mission puts the players against the spectral sisters, a vengeful knight, and time-locked paths while unraveling the tragedy steeped in the betrayal. While the challenges might seem daunting, the methodical approach can turn the emotional gauntlet into a manageable yet unforgettable journey. Here is how you can navigate through the quest without losing your way, key rewards, or your sanity. Cracking the Tomb Puzzle of Harpist in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon How to Complete Broken Strings Quest on Harpist's Tomb | Tainted Grail: Fall of Avalon Guide The quest begins with the Harpist's Tomb. It is nestled near Drowned Village. There, you will find 2 glowing archways awaiting you—the yellow path is on the left and the blue path is on the right. Both of these paths initially remain sealed. Their access is governed by time. On one hand where the yellow remains open between 4:00 AM and 10:00 PM, the blue path is open between 10:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Make sure to adjust the schedule during the campfires. Do not rush. Each of the routes demands careful exploration by players. Begin with the yellow path during the daylight hours. Inside is Aine, the ghostly harpist trapped in regret. Ensure to exhaust her dialogue to trigger the fight against 2 ethereal bosses, Pride and Greed. They are weak to the stamina-draining attacks. Once you get your victory, go to the chamber for the chest that contains Starborn Egg (essential for weapon damage) and the potions. Broken Strings – Tainted Grail: The Fall of Avalon Rest till nightfall and then access the Blue Path, where you will find Aideen, Aine's sister. Aideen's tale of guilt will culminate in battle, Wrath, and Envy. Be mobile to avoid the area-of-effect strikes. Once you win, collect the remains of the sisters and head northeast to the gnarled tree that's near Drowned Village. Near the tree, you will find Sir Vaelin. He will ambush you, all furious over the unresolved fate of the sisters. The knight will hit hard, but he telegraphs his swings—ensure to dodge laterally and then counter with the quick combos. To parry the heavy strikes of the knight will open him to critical hits. Once he is defeated, burn the remains beneath the tree and conclude the quest. Broken Strings Quest Rewards in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon While the 2300 XP reward is quite substantial, the true value of the quest lies in its narrative depth and loot. Starborn Egg is definitely a game-changer for weapon builds, while Origin Potion offers clutch healing during tougher fights. Most importantly, the stories of the sisters enrich the lore of Avalon and reveal how regret and ambition can corrode even the noblest souls. Broken Strings quest isn't like any other Tainted Grail side quests. It's a quest carrying some emotional weight in Tainted Grail The Fall of Avalon. Balancing combat strategy and emotional resonance rewards both curiosity and blade. Once you are done, venture forth—the shadows of Avalon hide many more tales, just waiting out there to be unraveled. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
