Latest news with #BlarneyStone
BBC News
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Blackpool hotel shut down 'to reopen with ITV Benidorm show theme'
The boss of a Blackpool hotel that was declared unsafe by a council has said it will be themed around TV comedy Benidorm when it reopens. The OYO Blarney Stone on Alexandra Road in South Shore, would be having a "fresh start", manager William Thomas said. The news came after Blackpool Council issued a prohibition notice on the hotel over a serious of concerns including electrical wiring and structural issues. Mr Thomas stressed the hotel had already closed before the order was made. The notice cites four areas of concern – electrical hazards, fire safety issues, structural collapse and food Thomas told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the Blarney Stone was not open at the time the order was made. 'Fresh start' An emergency prohibition order is a legal action taken by a local housing authority to immediately prohibit the use of a residential property (or part of it) when a category 1 hazard exists and poses an imminent risk of serious harm to the health or safety of the Thomas said no-one had been put at risk because the hotel had not been added he agreed with the council action and was working with it "to make sure everything is fine when we open in the next few weeks".Blackpool Council said: "The enforcement notices will not be revoked until the property is made safe. "Planning enforcement officers will also investigate the use of the property. "The 12-room hotel will reopen as the Benipool Solano Style Hotel. The ITV comedy, starring Tim Healy and Johnny Vegas, is about the lives of a group of ex-pats living in the Costa Blanca resort. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Arkansas city boasts world's shortest St. Patrick's Day parade at 98 feet
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Cities like New York and Chicago boast some of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades, attracting thousands of revelers and plenty of green beer. But a city in Arkansas has gained popularity over the years with its parade for an entirely different reason. The city of Hot Springs, a resort town known for its mineral-rich waters, promotes its 98-foot route as the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade. For more than two decades the city has held the parade on Bridge Street downtown, and it's become one of its biggest draws. It's even gained the attention of celebrities who have participated in the annual, short event, including actress Valerie Bertinelli and rap icon Flavor Flav. How the parade began Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs, said the idea began in 2003 when he and a group of friends were at a downtown restaurant 'drinking adult beverages' and the topic of St. Patrick's Day came up. 'We got to talking and said, well, why don't we have a parade?' Arrison said. The parade began the following year and drew about 1,500 people. More than 30,000 people watch the parade each year, organizers say. What's a 98-foot parade like? For the world's shortest, the parade packs in a lot. They'll have 40 different floats, and participants will include 100 members of a group of Elvis Presley impersonators known as the International Order of the Marching Irish Elvi. Another float will feature the local chapter of the International Society of Helen Ropers, with participants dressed up as the character from the 1970s sitcom, 'Three's Company'. The parade has also featured a celebrity grand marshal and parade starter, and over the years has included familiar names such as actor Kevin Bacon, 'Cheers' star George Wendt and country music star Justin Moore. This year, Bertinelli will be the grand marshal and Flav will be the official starter. The parade even created its own green version of the signature clock necklace Flav, a founding member of Public Enemy, is known for wearing. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders have also participated in the parade for the past several years. The parade includes other events, including a concert and a 'Blarney Stone kissing contest.' Before the parade begins Monday, there's an official measuring of the route. Other short parades Other parades have tried to lay claim to being the shortest in recent years, including two cities in New York that dueled over who had the shortest parade. Another 78-pace parade was planned in Bemidji, Minnesota on Monday. The Hot Springs parade's organizers also keep up a feud with another parade in Adamsville, Rhode Island that claims its 89-foot route is the shortest. But Arrison dismisses their claim, noting that city's parade is held on the day before St. Patrick's Day. Arrison also notes that the Hot Springs event has copyrighted the title 'World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade.'
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
50 new jobs for Cork as Irish premier seeks further US investment
A US tech company has announced plans for 50 new jobs at its Irish base as Ireland's premier visited its Texas headquarters. Tricentis, which offers artificial intelligence-led automated sofwtware testing tools, revealed plans to expand its footprint in Cork. Taoiseach Micheal Martin visited the company's main office in Austin on Monday as part of the Irish Government's annual drive to use St Patrick's Day to promote US investment in Ireland. Mr Martin, who will meet US President Donald Trump in the White House on Wednesday, has said he wants his US visit to 'sow a seed for future investments' in Ireland. The company said it plans to increase investment in Ireland and move into a new office space in Cork to accommodate the expanded workforce, with 50 new jobs to be to be created in the coming years. The Cork operation is one of Tricentis' 26 offices around the world and is focused on 'consolidating international finance' and building various functions such as payroll, legal, and data analytics. The new jobs will expand further across several key areas such as sales, engineering, finance, and customer growth. Mr Martin, who is from Cork, said: 'This investment highlights Ireland's appeal as a hub for innovation and technology, supported by the strategic efforts of IDA Ireland. 'During my meeting with the Tricentis team in Austin, Texas, I learned that the team in Ireland has led several initiatives to optimise Tricentis' international business operations. 'We look forward to the positive impact this project will have.' Tricentis' chief marketing officer Darren Beck, who recalled a three-week visit to Ireland which included the Blarney Stone in Co Cork, welcomed Mr Martin to the company's Texas headquarters. Mr Martin congratulated the firm on its 'success and progress to date' as he hailed the plans for further expansion. Noting that employees at the Cork office were watching remotely, he said: 'I want to thank the company also for your hospitality this morning on the way into the boardroom, what greeted me was three boxes of Barry's Tea and a lovely teapot and cup.' He added: 'I think it reflects the closeness, and of course, it reflects the growing strength of the economic relationship between Texas and Ireland more generally. 'There are 50 multinational companies from this state based in Ireland and we have 120 Irish companies working in the state at different levels and involved in different areas.' Mr Martin concluded by telling Tricentis' employees in Austin that they should follow Mr Beck's experience, adding: 'You should come to Cork and you should all individually kiss the Blarney Stone – and do do other things as well.'
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
75 St. Patrick's Day trivia questions to test your Irish IQ
Monday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day, a holiday that's been recognized around the world for centuries. Whether you're Irish or just pretend to be one day a year, there are plenty of facts about the annual holiday that you may or may not know. For example, what animal is St. Patrick said to have chased out of Ireland? Or, what is the oldest pub in Dublin? How about this one: Can you name the three original members of the Irish Tenors? If you can answer all these St. Patrick's Day trivia questions, then go directly to the Blarney Stone, because your Irish IQ is clearly next level. To prove just how deep your knowledge on all things St. Paddy's really goes, we've gathered a list of fascinating trivia questions that's guaranteed to challenge even those whose blood runs green instead of red. Display your top-notch skills by correctly answering questions on St. Patrick's Day traditions and other facts about Ireland, shamrocks, leprechauns, food, customs and more. And, if you don't mind us saying, we think all of them are worth their weight in gold. Forgive the St. Patrick's Day pun, we couldn't help but throw in a little humor in honor of March 17, a holiday well-suited to corny jokes about rainbows, magical elves and, of course, the Emerald Isle. Speaking of which, can you name the three colors of Ireland's flag? They're green, white and orange. That answer was a freebie. For the rest, you'll simply have to read on to find out. Whatever you choose to use these St. Patrick's Day trivia questions and answers for, we wish you, well, the very best of luck. Question: How many leaves does a typical clover plant have Answer: Three Question: Four-leaf clovers are considered what? Answer: Good luck Question: What Irish band had a Billboard Top 10 hit with the 1968 song "The Unicorn"? Answer: The Irish Rovers Question: What traditional Irish dish combines mashed potatoes and cabbage? Answer: Colcannon Question: What is the term for a young Irish woman or girl? Answer: Colleen Question: What popular theater show featured Michael Flatley and Jean Butler step-dancing to traditional Irish music? Answer: "Riverdance" Question: In Gaelic, what does the word "balach" mean? Answer: Boy Question: In an Irish wedding, a bride dressed in blue symbolizes what? Answer: Purity Question: Who are the three original members of the Irish Tenors? Answer: Ronan Tynan, Declan Kelly and Anthony Kearns Question: Who is the current president of Ireland? Answer: Michael D. Higgins Question: This Irish slang word is used to describe a good time, entertainment or lively conversation. Answer: Craic Question: Often referred to as a "Fisherman's sweater," this Irish sweater is typically off-white and water-resistant. Answer: Aran Question: On what instrument do you play piobaireachd music? Answer: The bagpipe Question: Which renowned Irish poet won a Nobel Peace Prize for Literature in 1995? Answer: Seamus Heaney Question: This new-age Celtic singer had a Top 10 hit in 2001 for the song "Only Time." Answer: Enya Question: Formed in 1962, this Grammy-winning Irish band is known for popularizing traditional Irish music. Answer: The Chieftains Question: What award-winning movie from 2022 stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two feuding Irish friends? Answer: "The Banshees of Inisherin" Question: What popular Irish sport is cross between soccer, rugby and hurling? Answer: Gaelic football Question: A traditional Irish potato pancake is also known as what? Answer: Boxty Question: What Irish slang term means to be broken or ruined? Answer: Banjaxed Question: Which renowned Irish track and field athlete won a silver medal in the Women's 5000m at the 2000 Olympic Games? Answer: Sonia O'Sullivan Question: Located in Coloma, California, what site is famous for its discovery of gold in 1848? Answer: Sutter's Mill Question: True or false. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland was Irish. Answer: False. St. Patrick was said to have been born in Britain. Question: What is the Gaelic word for a party or gathering in which there's singing, dancing and storytelling? Answer: Ceilidh Question: What Irish-Scottish band had a Top 10 Billboard hit with the song "Chasing Cars"? Answer: Snow Patrol Question: What's the tagline for the breakfast cereal Lucky Charms? Answer: "They're magically delicious." Question: What other name is St. Patrick's Day known as? Answer: The Feast of St. Patrick Question: What Irish phrase means "Ireland Forever?" Answer: Erin go bragh Question: According to legend, what animal did St. Patrick drive out of Ireland? Answer: Snakes Question: What are the three colors of the Irish flag? Answer: Green, white and orange. Question: What three pieces of equipment are necessary to play the Irish sport of hurling? Answer: A hurley (stick), sliotar (ball) and helmet. Question: What's the oldest pub in Ireland? Answer: Sean's Bar in Westmeath. Question: What's the symbol for gold on the Periodic Table of Elements? Answer: Au Question: What is the capital of Northern Ireland? Answer: Belfast Question: What 2015 Oscar-nominated movie starring Saoirse Ronan is about a young Irish immigrant who moves to New York City in the 1950s? Answer: "Brooklyn" Question: According to folklore, what's a leprechaun's occupation? Answer: Shoemaker Question: What 1959 children's movie helped shape the modern-day image of a leprechaun? Answer: 'Darby O'Gill and the Little People' Question: Which breakfast cereal has "Lucky the Leprechaun" as its mascot? Answer: Lucky Charms Question: Which best-selling Irish band features Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton, the Edge and Bono? Answer: U2 Question: Irish musician Gilbert O'Sullivan hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 with what song? Answer: "Alone Again (Naturally)" Question: Which Irish actor starred in the 1962 Oscar-winning movie "Lawrence of Arabia?" Answer: Peter O'Toole Question: Which song is known as the unofficial anthem of Dublin, Ireland? Answer: "Molly Malone" Question: What cheerful Irish greeting is often associated with St. Patrick's Day? Answer: "Top of the morning to you" Question: According to Irish folklore, what will you find at the end of a rainbow? Answer: A pot of gold Question: What do the three leaves of a shamrock represent according to Irish tradition? Answer: The Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) Question: According to Wallethub, how many pints of Guinness are consumed on St. Patrick's Day? Answer: More than 13 million worldwide Question: Historically, what color is disrespectful to wear on St. Patrick's Day? Answer: Orange Question: What's the average number of drinks consumed per person on St. Patrick's Day? Answer: 4.2 Question: According to the National Retail Federation, what percentage of people plan to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Answer: 62 percent Question: On average, how much money do consumers spend on St. Patrick's Day? Answer: $44.40 Question: Which St. Patrick's Day activity is more popular: attending a parade or making a special dinner? Answer: Making a special dinner True or false: The first known St. Patrick's Day parade occurred in Ireland. Answer: False. The first recorded parade took place in St. Augustine, Florida. Question: What year did the first known St. Patrick's Day celebration happen in the U.S.? Answer: 1600 Question: What ancient Celtic festival is thought to be the origin of Halloween? Answer: Samhain Question: What U.S. president was the first Irish Catholic to be elected to the office? Answer: John F. Kennedy Question: What water-loving dog breed is known for its curly coat and rat-like tail? Answer: Irish Water Spaniel Question: Ireland is the second largest European island. Which island is the largest? Answer: England Question: What is the capital of Ireland? Answer: Dublin Question: What's the official currency of Ireland? Answer: The euro Question: What common reptile is not naturally found in Ireland? Answer: Snake True or false: Patrick, Ireland's patron saint for which the holiday is named, is Irish. Answer: False. He was born in Roman Britain. Question: What meat and vegetable dish is a trademark St. Patrick's Day meal? Answer: Corned beef and cabbage Question: Which iconic New York skyscraper turns green in honor of St. Patrick's Day? Answer: The Empire State Building Question: Which "Fifty Shades of Grey" star hails from Northern Ireland? Answer: Jamie Dornan Question: Which U.S. city was the first to dye a river green in honor of St. Patrick's Day? Answer: In 1962, the city of Chicago dyed the Chicago River green. Question: What must a leprechaun divulge if captured? Answer: Where to find hidden treasure Question: What year did New York City officially host the first St. Patrick's Day parade? Answer: 1762 Question: Why is St. Patrick's Day celebrated on March 17? Answer: It marks the day St. Patrick died in 461 A.D. Question: Why do we wear green on St. Patrick's Day? Answer: It's most closely associated with Ireland's lush green landscape (Emerald Isle) and the country's desire to distinguish itself from the British in the 1700s. Question: True or False. St. Patrick was known to wear the color green. Answer: False. In renderings, the saint was often pictured in blue, otherwise known as "St. Patrick's blue." Question: Located in Northern Ireland, what popular TV show used a beech-tree lined walkway known as "The Dark Hedges" as the road to King's Landing? Answer: "Game of Thrones" Question: As of 2019, what percentage of U.S. residents claim to have Irish ancestry? Answer: 9.2 percent or 30.4 million Question: What North American waterway did the Irish immigrants help build? Answer: The Erie Canal Question: What's a "curragh?" Answer: A type of wooden Irish boat used for fishing and transport. Question: What hearty Irish meal consists of red meat, carrots, onions and potatoes? Answer: Irish stewThis article was originally published on
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
135 St. Patrick's Day captions to spread Irish luck far and wide in 2025
Monday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day. Whether you're a direct descendent of the Emerald Isle or just pretending for the day, St. Paddy's provides the perfect excuse to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of spring and, of course, Irish pride. From the Blarney Stone to Shamrock Shakes, there's so much to love about St Patrick's Day. The best part is that all it takes to participate in the many St. Patrick's Day traditions is to simply pick one and seize the moment. Whichever Irish-inspired activity you choose, make sure to take plenty of pictures of all your festivities, then post them using these clever St. Patrick's Day captions so the rest of the world can share in all the fun. In the collection below, you'll find a variety of sayings including Irish quotes and blessings, as well as funny captions and St. Paddy's puns on leprechauns, clovers, shenanigans, shamrocks and more. There are also captions for couples, kids and besties, including cute sayings like, "Friends are like four-leaf clovers: hard to find, but lucky to have" and "A pitcher is worth a thousand words." Whether you're setting out shoes at bedtime for the leprechauns to fill or you're joining your lads and lassies to play a few rounds of St. Paddy's Day trivia at the pub, make sure to wear green in honor of the holiday, then invite everyone to join in the fun using one of these inspired messages. Lucky for you we've got all the St. Patrick's Day captions you need right here and we're sure you'll agree, they're worth their weight in gold. Feeling lucky like a four-leaf clover. Shamrock shenanigans. Let the malarkey begin. Everyone's Irish today. Zero lucks given. Not your average leprechaun. What is for you will not pass you. May love and laughter light your days, and warm your heart and home. Kiss me, I'm Irish. These Irish eyes are smiling. Have your elf a merry little St. Paddy's. You've got fight for your right to paaaaaddy. A pitcher is worth a thousand words. Don't worry, beer happy! The jig is up! Stuck between a shamrock and hard place. St. Paddy's Day? I'm so clover it. May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live. I only drink Guinness on the days that end in "y." Life begins after lager. You can take the girl out of Ireland, but never the Irish from the girl. Call me Irish, maybe? May good luck be with you, wherever you go. Ale be seeing you, in all the old, familiar places. May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light. May good luck pursue you each morning and night. Commence shenanigans. As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point in the wrong direction. Here's to you. Here's to me. I hope forever friends we'll always be. Go green! Drink. Sing. Shamrock. Repeat. May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. I have known many, liked not a few, loved only one, I drink to you. Feel free to c'mon clover! May your home always be too small to hold all of your friends. Here's to the land of the shamrock, where Irish hearts are true. May our Irish hearts forever beat in unison. To all the days here and after: May they be filled with fond memories, happiness and laughter. A companion shortens the road. Eat, drink and be Irish. Life is like a cup of Irish coffee: It's all in how you make it. Painting the town green. Luck had nothing to do with it. Get lucky! Sassy lass. Blarney Stone kissin' permitted. Ale in a day's work. Just me and my brew. A pitcher is worth a thousand words. Officially booze-om buddies. It's not easy being green, but I'm working on it. I'm going brogue. You had me at "Dia duit." Kilt-y as charged. May your troubles be few and your friends Irish. Take it to the gimlet. Irish I was at the bar already. Leprechauns: worth their weight in gold. Born lucky. Friends are like four-leaf clovers: hard to find, but lucky to have. We've reached the pint of no return. Pinch me if you dare. Pint's the limit! Part Irish, all trouble. It ain't over until it's clover. Seamus on you! Irish tonight, hungover tomorrow. Time to get lucked up. Drink a pint on St. Paddy's — it'll cure what ales ya. I see drunk people. Galway Girl. Oh my Guinness! Lucky, blessed and all the rest. Irish you a very happy St. Patrick's Day. Shake your shamrocks. It's only funny until someone loses an aye. You can't pinch this. Not Irish, but I'm drinking anyway. Making a green start of it. Not lucky, just blessed. Let's get this paddy started. Get clover it! Take a pitcher, it'll last longer! It's St. Patrick's Day, hang on for beer life. This pint is near and beer to my heart. It's the beer necessities in life that matter. Who's your paddy? Leave no Blarney stone unturned. Keep calm and leprechaun. Eat, drink and be Irish. Irish I had more beer. Proud to be an eejit. It's feckin' St. Patrick's Day! You're my lucky charm. Look who I found at the end of the rainbow. Lucky in love. Love in my heart, beer in my belly. I'm one lucky girl. Beer, love and shamrocks. Come on clover. Irish you were beer. Lucky wishes and Irish kisses. You sham-rock! Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder. I found my lucky charm. Feeling lucky? You had me at top o' the morning. You're a leprechaun after me own heart. As luck would have it, I found you. Makin' mischief. I'm not Irish. Kiss me anyway. Mo grá thú. ("You are my love" in Irish) Just a lass, standing in front of a fella, asking ainm to love her. I found me pot o' gold. St. Patrick's Day is paw-some. Happy St. Pawtrick's Day! Where's the pawty? Somepawdy loves St. Paddy's Day. Have a furry happy St. Patrick's Day! Take a look at this fetching St. Patrick's Day outfit. I was going to bring him to the bar, but he can't hold his licker. Happy St. Cat-rick's Day! It's St. Patrick's Day and I'm feline fine. Breaking mews: It's St. Cat-rick's Day! 'Luck is believing you're lucky.' —Tennessee Williams, 'A Streetcar Named Desire' 'Luck be a lady tonight.' — Frank Sinatra, "Luck Be a Lady" 'It's not easy being green.' — Kermit the Frog, 'Bein' Green' 'You can take a man out of Ireland, but you can't take the Irishness out of the man.' — Tyson Fury 'Yeah, it's St. Paddy's Day. Everyone's Irish tonight.' — "The Boondock Saints" "An Irishman's heart is nothing but his imagination." — George Bernard Shaw, "John Bull's Other Island" "For the whole world is Irish on the seventeenth o' March!" — Thomas Augustine Daly "They say there are only two kinds of people on St. Patrick's Day: the Irish, and the people that drive them home." — Conan O'Brien This article was originally published on
