Latest news with #Anglo-Irish
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
British ambassador to leave diplomatic service after ‘falling in love with Dublin'
Mr Johnston was due to return to London in September after five years in Ireland during which he played a key role in rebuilding Anglo-Irish relations in the post-Brexit era. However, the Scottish native told invitees at his annual garden party tonight that he plans to leave the diplomatic service after falling in love with Ireland. The Irish Independent understands he will take up a role in the education sector later this year. Mr Johnston (57) moved to Dublin, along with his wife Nicola, in September 2020. He has regularly spoken about enjoying the posting despite arriving at a difficult time for political relations and in the midst of the Covid pandemic. Several hundred guests attended a party to mark King Charles's birthday at the ambassador's residence in Glencairn, south Dublin where he made the surprise announcement. Among the crowd were EU Commissioner Michael McGrath, Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, Green Party leader Roderic O'Gorman, former tánaistí Frances Fitzgerald and Mary Harney, RTÉ presenters Claire Byrne and Oliver Callan, and architect Dermot Bannon. Mr Johnson said he had 'a little bit of news' and explained that he had 'fallen in love' with Dublin. He added that 'people are the lights of every city'. 'That's very much what it's felt like for Nicola and me in Ireland. The people we've met have been the highlight of our time here. 'And it's primarily because of the people that we've met that we've taken quite a big decision.' The diplomat has worked with the UK public service for 35 years. He has served in Paris and New York and has also had a wide range of political and security roles in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London.
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Family of Lord Henry Mount Charles say to ‘party on in his memory'
The loved ones of Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles will 'party on in his memory', his funeral service has been told. His funeral was held at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane on Wednesday, following his death at the age of 74 last week after a long battle with cancer. During the service, Alex Conyngham said his father 'truly loved' Ireland despite initially struggling with his Anglo-Irish identity. Since 1981, Lord Henry, a rock fan, hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. The Slane estate, which acts as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His son, the ninth Marquess Conyngham, recalled a joke by Frank Kelly that described his father being 'born with a silver dagger in his back' with his unconventional but privileged position at Slane Castle. He said his father was 'immensely lucky' to have had a 'colourful string of people' working on the estate for which he was grateful as they 'rolled through the good times and the occasional dark days' including when the castle was significantly damaged by a fire in 1991. Alex Conyngham said: 'Dad initially struggled with his Anglo-Irish identity, and described it as feeling like he had a leg either side of the Irish Sea with each side treating him as something of an outsider. 'It was when he went to Harvard and immersed himself in the study of Irish history that that fog of uncertainty lifted.' He said it was there that he realised that, as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he belonged to one of the 'many streams' that fed Ireland and could make positive contributions towards the country. 'Politically, he was a passionate constitutional Republican, and he truly loved this country, its culture and people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman.' However, he noted that not everyone agreed with this perspective and the castle walls had previously been defaced with aggressive, negative graffiti. 'But this only emboldened dad to strive all the harder.' Alex Conyngham said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and it also came to him that he had to open up the castle gates while being 'driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together.' The first 'real breakthrough' came with a Thin Lizzy concert in 1981, with U2 and Hazel O'Connor also on the bill. At a time of financial difficulty, he said Slane Castle was 'saved by rock and roll'. Alex Conyngham also paid tribute to Lord Henry's interest in politics, saying his father 'loved to connect'. Although his political ambitions were unrealised, he found other ways to express his opinions – including the 'Lord Henry' column in the Irish Mirror. After saying Lord Henry was blessed to enjoy the love of two remarkable women – his first wife Eileen and his second wife Iona, he thanked his father for trusting him with his legacy. He added: 'Dad's thanks and mines to all of you in Slane and online who have gathered here to say 'slan' to Henry.' The service featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Conyngham, as well as U2 member Adam Clayton. Lord Henry's daughter Tamara read a tribute called 'lessons from my dad', which included: 'Never give up, ever.' She said: 'Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it.' Also recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed before the last of her guests, she added: 'He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory.' The final tribute during the service came from Lord Henry's friend Nick Koumarianos. Mr Koumarianos said he knew Lord Henry as a 'hell of a cool dude', adding: 'He was tall, he was handsome, he was titled and, by the way, he knew it.' However, he said there was 'no silver spoon' for the aristocrat, saying the castle needed serious attention. Amid stories about Henry's business abilities and 'sense of mischief', he said his friend had 'put Ireland on the map' for generations of pop music fans around the world. in a remark met with widespread laughter, he added: 'He had real commercial skills although on one occasion I do remember him saying: 'always do your accounts in pencil – and don't press too hard'.' Mr Koumarianos said Lord Henry was a glutton for punishment who seemed to be refreshed by adversity, including clashing egos at concerts, the fire at the castle and its reconstruction, success of Slane whiskey and then his final illness. He said Lord Henry was 'always relished the challenge, adding that he was a 'mighty man' who bore his illness with 'remarkable courage'. Following the service, his coffin was carried out of the church while Bad by U2 played.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Tearful scenes as Slane icon Lord Henry's kids follow coffin with ‘party on in memory' tribute & U2 star joins mourners
GRIEVING loved ones of Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles have vowed to 'party on in his memory', his funeral service heard. His funeral was held at St Patrick's Advertisement 6 Lord Henry believed music could unite people which inspired him to host concerts Credit: Getty - Pool 6 The funeral was held in St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Co Meath Credit: PA 6 Tearful tributes were given by the gig icon's children at the service Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved Some of the best known names in Irish society turned out to pay their respects, including former Taoiseach During the service, Alex Conyngham said his father 'truly loved' Ireland despite initially struggling with his Anglo-Irish identity. Since 1981, Lord Henry, a rock fan, hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co The Slane estate, which acts as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS The last Slane His son, the ninth Marquess Conyngham, recalled a joke by Frank Kelly that described his father being 'born with a silver dagger in his back' with his unconventional but privileged position at Slane Castle. He said his father was 'immensely lucky' to have had a 'colourful string of people' working on the estate for which he was grateful as they 'rolled through the good times and the occasional dark days' including when the castle was significantly damaged by a fire in 1991. Alex Conyngham said: 'Dad initially struggled with his Anglo-Irish identity, and described it as feeling like he had a leg either side of the Irish Sea with each side treating him as something of an outsider. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Latest 'It was when he went to Harvard and immersed himself in the study of Irish He said it was there that he realised that, as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he belonged to one of the 'many streams' that fed Ireland and could make positive contributions towards the country. Hundreds queue outside Slane Castle hours ahead of Harry Style's sold-out concert 'Politically, he was a passionate constitutional Republican, and he truly loved this country, its culture and people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman.' TOUCHING TRIBUTE However, he noted that not everyone agreed with this perspective and the castle walls had previously been defaced with aggressive, negative graffiti. Advertisement 'But this only emboldened dad to strive all the harder.' Alex Conyngham said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and it also came to him that he had to open up the castle gates while being 'driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together.' The first 'real breakthrough' came with a SAVE ROCK AND ROLL At a time of financial difficulty, he said Slane Castle was 'saved by rock and roll'. Advertisement Alex Conyngham also paid tribute to Lord Henry's interest in Although his political ambitions were unrealised, he found other ways to express his opinions – including the 'Lord Henry' column in the After saying Lord Henry was blessed to enjoy the love of two remarkable women – his first wife Eileen and his second wife Iona, he thanked his father for trusting him with his legacy. He added: 'Dad's thanks and mine to all of you in Slane and online who have gathered here to say 'slan' to Henry.' Advertisement WISE WORDS The service featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Conyngham, as well as U2 member Adam Clayton. Lord Henry's daughter Tamara read a tribute called 'lessons from my dad', which included: 'Never give up, ever.' She said: 'Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it.' Also recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed before the last of our guests, she added: 'He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory.' Advertisement Following the service, his coffin was carried out of the church while Bad by U2 played. 6 Rocker Adam Clayton of U2 made an appearance at the funeral Credit: PA 6 Family and friends followed the coffin Credit: PA 6 Lord Henry died aged 74 on June 18 following a 'valiant' battle with cancer Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin Advertisement
The Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Family of Lord Henry Mount Charles tell funeral service they will 'party on in his memory'
THE FAMILY OF Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles will 'party on in his memory', his funeral service has been told. His funeral was held at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane today, following his death at the age of 74 last week. He had been diagnosed with cancer more than ten years ago. During the service, Alex Conyngham said his father 'truly loved' Ireland despite initially struggling with his Anglo-Irish identity. Since 1981, Mount Charles, a rock fan, hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. The Slane estate, which acts as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His son recalled a joke by Frank Kelly that described his father being 'born with a silver dagger in his back' with his unconventional but privileged position at Slane Castle. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo He said his father was 'immensely lucky' to have had a 'colourful string of people' working on the estate for which he was grateful as they 'rolled through the good times and the occasional dark days' including when the castle was significantly damaged by a fire in 1991. Alex Conyngham said: 'Dad initially struggled with his Anglo-Irish identity, and described it as feeling like he had a leg either side of the Irish Sea with each side treating him as something of an outsider. 'It was when he went to Harvard and immersed himself in the study of Irish history that that fog of uncertainty lifted.' He said it was there that he realised that, as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he belonged to one of the 'many streams' that fed Ireland and could make positive contributions towards the country. 'Politically, he was a passionate constitutional Republican, and he truly loved this country, its culture and people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman.' However, he noted that not everyone agreed with this perspective and the castle walls had previously been defaced with aggressive, negative graffiti. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arriving at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 'But this only emboldened dad to strive all the harder.' Alex Conyngham said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and it also came to him that he had to open up the castle gates while being 'driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together.' Advertisement The first 'real breakthrough' came with a Thin Lizzy concert in 1981, with U2 and Hazel O'Connor also on the bill. At a time of financial difficulty, he said Slane Castle was 'saved by rock and roll'. Alex Conyngham also paid tribute to Mount Charles's interest in politics, saying his father 'loved to connect'. Although his political ambitions were unrealised, he found other ways to express his opinions – including the 'Lord Henry' column in the Irish Mirror. After saying Mount Charles was blessed to enjoy the love of two remarkable women – his first wife Eileen and his second wife Iona, he thanked his father for trusting him with his legacy. He added: 'Dad's thanks and mines to all of you in Slane and online who have gathered here to say 'slán' to Henry.' Adam Clayton (right) arriving at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The service featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Conyngham, as well as U2 member Adam Clayton. Mount Charles's daughter Tamara read a tribute called 'lessons from my dad', which included: 'Never give up, ever.' She said: 'Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it.' Also recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed before the last of our guests, she added: 'He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory.' The final tribute during the service came from Mount Charles's friend Nick Koumarianos. Koumarianos said he knew Mount Charles as a 'hell of a cool dude', adding: 'He was tall, he was handsome, he was titled and, by the way, he knew it.' However, he said there was 'no silver spoon' for the aristocrat, saying the castle needed serious attention. Amid stories about Mount Charles's business abilities and 'sense of mischief', he said his friend had 'put Ireland on the map' for generations of pop music fans around the world. In a remark met with widespread laughter, he added: 'He had real commercial skills although on one occasion I do remember him saying: 'always do your accounts in pencil – and don't press too hard'.' Koumarianos said Mount Charles was a glutton for punishment who seemed to be refreshed by adversity, including clashing egos at concerts, the fire at the castle and its reconstruction, success of Slane whiskey and then his final illness. He said Mount Charles was 'always relished the challenge, adding that he was a 'mighty man' who bore his illness with 'remarkable courage'. Following the service, his coffin was carried out of the church while Bad by U2 played.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'Spiritual experience' of Slane recalled at aristocrat's funeral
The bass guitarist with U2, Adam Clayton, was among those who paid tribute at the funeral of Lord Henry Mount Charles, who hosted world famous music acts at his Slane Castle home in County funeral on Wednesday, heard that U2 were a support act when Thin Lizzy headlined the inaugural concert at Slane Castle in the summer of a tribute, delivered by his son Alex, the ninth Marquess Conyngham, the congregation heard that Lord Mount Charles often described the Slane live music experience as "something of a spiritual one".He added that "for many it remains a rite of passage". 'Truly loved this country' Lord Mount Charles' son described his father as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat who was "a passionate constitutional republican".He said Lord Mount Charles "truly loved this country, its culture and its people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman".He said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and had opened up the castle gates while being "driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together".Lord Mount Charles who was the custodian of Slane Castle, died last week, after a "battle with cancer", his family said. He was introduced the small village of Slane to generations of music fans at home and abroad, when he decided to host some of the world's biggest stars in the grounds of the Rolling Stones, Madonna, Queen, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams, David Bowie, U2, Eminem, Bruce Springsteen, Kings Of Leon, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Oasis, REM and Metallica are just some of the world-renowned acts that headlined the venue. 'Never give up' Lord Mount Charles' daughter Tamara read a tribute called "lessons from my dad", which included the words: "Never give up, ever."She said: "Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it."Recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed "before the last of our guests", she added: "He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory."The final tribute during the service came from Lord Henry's friend Nick Koumarianos, who said Lord Mount Charles had "put Ireland on the map" for generations of pop music fans around the world. The funeral service was held in St Patrick's Church of Ireland in the village of Slane and was conducted by the Rev Canon John Clayton delivered the second reading. The service also featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) and the Tánaiste (Irish deputy prime minister) were represented by Commandant Joseph Glennon from the Irish Defence funeral was also attended by the former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Minister for Education Helen McEntee.
