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Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Conor McGregor's pub on fire as emergency services battle to contain the blaze
Firefighters were battling to put out a blaze at Conor McGregor's pub in Dublin on Friday morning. The emergency services were called after flames and thick clouds of smoke were seen coming from the Black Forge Inn on the Drimnagh Road. Firefighters and a squad of police sped to the Dublin pub, which UFC star McGregor bought for close to €2 million in 2019. The Dublin boozer has previously been the target of a petrol bomb attack. In 2022, less than a year after McGregor reopened the pub after pumping millions into a renovation, Garda were called to investigate after two petrol bombs were thrown at the premises. The fire caused damage to the front panel of Conor McGregor's Black Forge Inn in Crumlin (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) McGregor subsequently offered a €50,000 reward for anyone who could identify the suspects, sharing CCTV footage of the incident on social media. Over the years, the pub has grown into a popular hangout for visiting celebrities in Dublin. A few weeks ago, American rapper 50 Cent partied with McGregor at the Dublin pub, which has also hosted the likes of comedian Kevin Hart and Arsenal legend Ian Wright. The fire at the Black Forge Inn comes after what has been a turbulent week for McGregor. The 37-year-old, who is engaged to his long-time partner Dee Devlin, has made headlines for being caught kissing a mystery woman on a Florida beach. Following on from that scandal, US rapper Azealia Banks alleged that the Crumlin man sent her a series of unwanted explicit images. Last year a High Court jury in Dublin ordered McGregor to pay damages of almost €250,000 to Nikki Hand, 35, after a much-publicised civil case in which the Dublin woman alleged that the former UFC world champion had raped her.
Extra.ie
7 days ago
- General
- Extra.ie
Ray D'Arcy pays tearful tribute to his beloved mum Mary
Ray D'Arcy has tearfully paid tribute to his mother, revealing she was 'made of strong stuff' as she raised nine children on a tight budget. The Kildare native bid farewell to his mother on Wednesday afternoon, after she passed away on Friday from a short but aggressive battle with cancer. Mary D'Arcy married her husband Ray at the age of 23 years old and 'soon after started a family.' Ray D'Arcy, his wife Jenny and mourners follow the hearse from the funeral to the church ahead of the funeral of his mother Mary D'Arcy. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin Speaking in his eulogy, Ray admitted raising nine children in 16 years 'could have broken her but our ma was made of strong stuff.' He said: 'Her ability to manage a household budget on a meager income would put many a minister of finance to shame. 'I really don't know how she did it, I'm actually in awe of how she did it.' Ray D'Arcy, his wife Jenny and mourners follow the hearse from the funeral to the church ahead of the funeral of his mother Mary D'Arcy. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin Ray added that one stage in his childhood his eldest brother Joe was doing his Leaving Certificate and his younger sister Joan was just a baby. As well as nine children, Mary was grandmother to 16 grandchildren and great-grandmother to two. 'Our mother, slight of stature but big of heart was a truly good person,' Ray lamented, 'She was kind, she was tolerant, she was forgiving, she was a great listener and she gave great sage advice. The remains arrive at the church for the funeral of Mary D'Arcy. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin 'She also had a great memory. She never forgot a birthday of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.' Elsewhere, Ray detailed how a trip to his mother's home would usually see her sat looking out at her garden or by her laptop or doing a crossword. 'As you would open the back door, she would look up at you and smile that smile,' he said, 'A smile that was full of mother's love.' Ray D'Arcy carries his mother Mary's remains into the church at her funeral. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin Concluding the emotional eulogy, Ray listed: 'She was vibrant, very much young at heart, she had a beautiful energy. She was a lady. She was intelligent and insightful. She was a wonderful mother and we were lucky to have her. 'We miss you ma.' Mary D'Arcy was predeceased by her husband Ray (Snr) and survived by her children Joe, Jackie, Ray, Hughie, Anne, Paul, Marianne, Claire and Joan. Speaking several years ago to the Independent, 2FM DJ Ray spoke of how his relationship with his mother had changed over the years. 'I didn't hug my mum until six or seven years ago,' he revealed. 'But I hug her all the time now and tell her that I love her. I'd never have done that years ago but as you get older, especially when you have your own children, you see the world differently.
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- General
- Irish Daily Mirror
'She was a lady' - Ray D'Arcy battles back tears at his beloved mum's funeral
Radio and TV host Ray D'Arcy has revealed his mother Mary was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer six weeks ago. Speaking at her Funeral Mass on Wednesday, an emotional Ray fought back tears as he told mourners at St Brigid's Parish Church in Kildare Town that his mother was given 'weeks to live'. Addressing mourners, the RTE star said: 'She had some trouble over the last 18 months with her health, nothing life threatening, we thought. 'And then about six weeks ago, we got the diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer. The doctor said, weeks then last Wednesday, they said it was going to be short days, and she didn't suffer much. 'It was funny, the staff in Naas had the measure of mammy. One of the ward nurses, Mary was her name too, actually, she said to me, 'your mother strikes me as someone who wouldn't complain.' 'She wouldn't be asking for pain relief, she said. And then Linda, another nurse, she was a palliative care nurse. She had the official name for our mother. She said, 'Your mother is an under reporter, an under reporter'. That was ma. A slight woman with a huge heart.' Ray described his mother as a 'lady' who would put every Minister for Finance to shame as she raised nine children in a house with 'very little money'. Ray D'Arcy and his wife Jenny pictured this morning at the funeral of his mother, Mary D'Arcy. (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) Mourners follow the hearse from the funeral home. (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) 'Nine children in 16 years, a lot of children, but not a lot of money. It could have broken her, you know, and probably nearly did at times, but our mother was made of strong, strong stuff. 'Her ability to manage a household budget on a meagre income would put many a Minister for Finance to shame. 'We never wanted for anything. Actually, I really don't know how she did it. I'm in awe of how she got through it. Imagine at one stage, nine of us in that little council cottage, Joan, a baby, Joe doing his Leaving Cert. 'I remember actually when mammy was pregnant with Joan, our father arrived home from the pub one night. When he went into the kitchen, mam was in tears over the sink, doing the washing up, and she complained to him that none of us were pulling our weight. 'So he returned to the sitting room. We were all in there, maybe watching The Old Grey Whistle Test or something, and he proceeded to read us the riot act. 'Your mother needs your help,' he said, 'It's not my fault your mother's pregnant,' he said. 'And if you didn't laugh, you'd cry. We all turned out reasonably okay.' Ray told how his mother was 'kind, tolerant and forgiving' who was a devout Catholic that was 'unsettled' when the church scandals emerged in recent years. 'Our mother flourished as we became independent of her…our mother was a calming presence everywhere she went. She was active all over the place. I don't know how she did it. Mary D'Arcy's remains arrive at the church. (Image: Ray D'Arcy and other family members carry his mother's remains. (Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin) 'She was a member of the Community Council. She was on school management boards. She was an integral part of the local history group. She led the choir here in St Brigid's church for years. 'She was a devout Catholic. The scandals really unsettled my mother, but she had a great relationship with her God. We joked, actually, over the last few days, that she's been fast tracked to heaven, the full VIP treatment, complimentary chocolates on arrival. 'Our mother, slight of stature, but big of heart was a truly good person. She was kind, she was tolerant, she was forgiving, she was a great listener, and she gave sage advice. 'She had a great memory. She never forgot a birthday of her nine children, 16 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. 'The arrival in the post of the package or card with her beautifully neat handwriting was a constant in all our lives, as was her beautiful, warm smile…a smile that was full of mother's love.' Ray also recalled the time his mother interviewed Pogues singer Shane MacGowan at her kitchen table live on the radio. 'The pioneer in conversation with the Pogues lead singer, very much not a pioneer, that shouldn't have worked at all. 'And for the first five minutes or so, it was awkward and stopped, starting. I'm sure the listeners probably felt uncomfortable. 'But then our mother, she was a huge fan of Shane McGowan. She appreciated his genius, and she'd read his biography, and then she said to him, after about five minutes, and of course, Shane, you were in the Nipple Erectors. Shane laughed that raspy laugh, and that was that they got on famously a mutual admiration society of sorts.' He said Mary 'travelled a lot in later life, she loved a good sitcom, always a good musical as well. She loved the movies, and up until a couple of years ago, she went up to Dublin every Wednesday to meet Angela or Alison to go to the cinema.' 'She was vibrant, very much young at heart. She had a beautiful energy. She was a lady. She was intelligent and insightful. She was a wonderful mother, and we were very lucky to have her. He added that just before she died last Friday morning, his sister Anne told her how much her family loved her. 'And I imagine if my mother could have talked on Friday morning, she would have said, I love you all too, equally and unconditionally. 'Our mother, Mary Darcy, was a truly amazing person, and we missed her terribly.' Symbols to the altar included hymnal 'representing mammy's devotion to and love of hymns in general', a copy of the Jesuit magazine 'The Messenger'. 'Our mother literally spread the word of God for 36 years, as she delivered The Messenger every month for 36 years.' A book of crosswords was also brought to the altar. Father Adrian Carbery told the congregation Mary was a 'lady'. He said: 'We have to say that Mary was a remarkable woman. She had a huge impact on the whole community. She lived a long life, and she lived it to the full. 'She really made a profound impact on Kildare through her involvement in so many activities around the place and her commitment to the Historical Society, her love for the drama, her weekly distributing newsletters from the parish, The Messenger magazine for years and years and years, which I think was a legacy from Sister Annunziata, she continued it on right to the very end. 'She had a great love for people,' he added. Mary was buried after her Funeral Mass in St. Conleth's Cemetery in Kildare Town. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Extra.ie
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Extra.ie
St Swithin's Day poem predicts 40 days of rain
While last week saw highs of up to 30C, this week has seen a change in the weather with thundery downpours forecast for Tuesday — a potential indication of what is to come, if the old saying can be trusted. St Swithin's Day takes place annually on July 15, with a traditional rhyme for the day forecasting that the weather on the day will continue for the next 40 days and 40 nights. Swithin was the Bishop of Winchester, and according to legend there was a huge storm following his death, and it rained for a number of weeks after. While last week saw highs of up to 30C, this week has seen a change in the weather with thundery downpours forecast for Tuesday — a potential indication of what is to come, if the old saying can be trusted. Pic: Shutterstock The old legend says that if it rains on St Swithins Day it will rain for the 40 days after; if it is dry on the day it will be dry for the 40 days following. The St Swithin's Day poem is: 'St Swithin's Day, if it does rain The old legend says that if it rains on St Swithins Day it will rain for the 40 days after; if it is dry on the day it will be dry for the 40 days following. Pic: Granger/Shutterstock 'Full forty days, it will remain 'St Swithin's Day, if it be fair 'For forty days, t'will rain no more.' While the saying predicts the same weather for 40 days, it has never materialised with RTÉ reporting that the closest to 40 days of rain that has ever happened was in 1924 when 30 of the 40 days after St Swithin's day were wet. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin While the saying predicts the same weather for 40 days, it has never materialised with RTÉ reporting that the closest to 40 days of rain that has ever happened was in 1924 when 30 of the 40 days after St Swithin's day were wet. That said, there was almost 14 hours of sunshine on the day itself. Indeed, rain is on the cards for Tuesday and so many will be wondering if its a terrible sign of what's to come. Met Éireann have issued the weekly forecast, with plenty of rain and clouds throughout the week. They've only shared the forecast for the next five days Looking towards the Extended Weather Forecast, the forecaster has said there is a 'fair amount of uncertainty' surrounding next week but has forecast rainfall amounts to be down compared to this week.
Extra.ie
07-07-2025
- Climate
- Extra.ie
Wave goodbye to the rain -- there's a heatwave coming to Ireland
Stop looking out the window at those leaden skies and wondering where summer went – there's a heatwave on the way. A prolonged period of blistering sunshine and blue skies is on the cards for this week, Met Éireann predicts. The forecaster is predicting temperatures will reach a sweltering 26C. Met Éireann defines a heatwave as 'five consecutive days of temperatures above 25C' – and it looks like we could hit that mark, or surpass it, this week, according to the latest weather charts. Current forecasts, which are subject to change, indicate a gradual rise from the low 20s at the start of this week to much hotter temperatures. Today, we will see spells of sunshine, though it will be cloudier in north Connacht and Ulster with isolated showers. Stop looking out the window at those leaden skies and wondering where summer went – there's a heatwave on the way. Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin Highest temperatures of 14C in the northwest, rising to 23C in the southeast in moderate winds, are expected. However, there will be a small blip tomorrow as it will be largely cloudy, with patches of light rain and drizzle spreading over the western half of the country while remaining dry further east. On a happier note, the highest temperatures will vary between 17 and 22C in light to moderate west-northwest winds. Wednesday will start cloudy but brighten up through the day with spells of sunshine developing and temperatures rising to 23C, warmest in the south, in a light to moderate westerly breeze. It will be another dry day on Thursday with sunny spells, though scattered showers will develop through the day. It will be 'very warm' with the highest temperatures of 20 to 25C in a light southwest or variable breeze. Stop looking out the window at those leaden skies and wondering where summer went – there's a heatwave on the way. Pic: Shutterstock Although remaining dry at first on Friday, the weather will become more unsettled over the weekend with outbreaks of rain spreading from the Atlantic, and possibly blustery conditions at times. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be the hottest days, potentially rising to 27C. Met Éireann said this week 'is showing a slight signal for high-pressure building', which indicates more settled weather. It added: 'Temperatures are indicating to be above average for this time of year. Precipitation is likely to be below average, especially in parts of the southwest and west.' Meanwhile, scorching temperatures on mainland Europe are not deterring Irish tourists from travelling, travel agents have found. Temperatures have surged past 44C in parts of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. Europe is currently experiencing an extreme heatwave known as a 'heat dome', resulting in unbearable temperatures. Pic: LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images) Portugal and Spain recorded their hottest June ever. Scientists said the extreme temperatures in the region were related to a 'heat dome' over continental Europe. This is an area of high pressure that becomes stuck in place over a region because the atmospheric dynamics around it block it from moving. Mary Denton, chief executive of Sunway Travel, said they 'haven't received queries from customers asking to re-arrange their holiday dates or cancel due to the temperatures at their destination'. Ms Denton added: 'We have a lot of people due to travel this weekend [and] most of our customers will be going to Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Morocco. 'People are paying attention to what's going on around the world, but it isn't dampening enthusiasm for summer holidays. 'Holiday resorts and hotels are well prepared, and once customers are sensible and follow local advice, they will enjoy their time away.'
