Latest news with #Cormac
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Hidden Wicklow nature sanctuary to host ‘Music in the Forest' festival
Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary is a little-known spot situated between Roundwood and Kilmacanogue. It blends magical, fantasy‑themed handcrafted elements—like elven domes, log bridges, shrines, and rustic stone structures—with pristine forest and wetland habitats. Forest warden Brendan Hyldbrand said: 'We have been operating for the past seven years at Dorlindon Nature Sanctuary, and continue to develop and rewild the site. We want it to be accessible but without comprising too much at the same time. It's about giving space to nature, and the compromise involved. Once humans are involved in nature, there has to be a compromise as well. 'I suppose you would call me the owner, but really we don't own anything as we won't be around forever. I rewilded the place and included a number of structures, which I crafted myself.' Music in the Forest will run over weekends in July and August, bringing together live performances of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music, performed in a mythical forest environment. Brendan added: 'This is our first time hosting a festival like this and it is something we are very excited about. We have hosted events such as weddings, yoga retreats and school treasure hunts before. The weddings we hosted were pretty low key and involved lovers of nature. 'The festival dates will have a maximum of 135 people permitted as we want to limit the potential impact on biodiversity. It's a rare opportunity to gather, listen, and reflect in a place where music, imagination, and tradition meet. A contribution from the proceeds will go to the Children's Health Foundation.' The festival will feature 3pm to 5pm daytime concerts in a natural forest amphitheatre. Things got underway on Saturday, July 19, with Catherine Rhatigan, Treasa Ni Mhaoilean and Eileen Carr. On Saturday, July 26, a selection of Renaissance sacred polyphony from Josquin Desprez sacred music, performed by the Renaissance music vocal ensemble based in Dublin. Join Traditional Arts Collective on Saturday, August 2, for an afternoon of traditional music, myth, dance and song. You will hear tales from Irish mythology and be introduced to ancient instruments including Irish bronze age horn, flute, harp, voice and bodhrán along with sean-nós dancing demonstrations. Kathleen Loughnane and Cormac Cannon will explore 17th- and 18th-century Irish and Scottish repertoire on Sunday, August 3, drawing from the manuscripts of early music collectors. With her harp arrangements and Cormac's deep dive into the piping traditions of past uilleann masters, their programme blends solo and collaborative pieces. Cormac joins on pipes, flute, and whistle for a selection of tunes that bring old sounds vividly to life. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more Paul Dooley and Kseniya Rusnak present an eclectic selection of traditional tunes from Ireland and Ukraine on Saturday, August 9,, including music from the old Irish harper composers and the medieval harp repertoire, songs and some contemporary pieces. On Sunday, August 17, Ravensdale will present compositions that include a variety of inspirations from the Early Medieval period and are sang in Old Norse, Slavic, English and Germanic, in reference to Slavic and Nordic lore. The vocal octet Dynamics Vocal Ensemble presents a selection of choral music ranging from the renaissance to contemporary, from Farmer, Palestrina, Monteverdi, Pärt, Alfven, Kodaly to Irish and German folk songs, on Saturday, August 23. Tickets for each concert can be purchased by visiting
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I went on First Dates and viewers would be taken aback by show secrets'
A contestant on the Channel 4 dating show has shared some behind-the-scenes secrets about what really goes on in the First Dates restaurant, and who pays for the meal A contestant on the new series of First Dates has given an insight into what really happens off-camera on the renowned TV dating show. Cormac Boylan, who features on tonight's episode of the Channel 4 programme, spilled some behind-the-scenes secrets to Reach Plc, revealing his preparations for his on-screen date and what happens during filming. Contrary to what some viewers might suppose, Cormac revealed that the meals aren't paid for by the show; instead, the daters pay for their own food. Cormac said: "The First Dates restaurant worked like a normal restaurant and my date split our bill so we both paid for it... I think it's also worth mentioning that it's not scripted at all." He also pointed out that there are chances for contestants to interact with each other and the production crew. He elaborated: "Whilst we were waiting to film, we were speaking to other contestants and producers on the show." In addition to discussing part of the production process, Cormac shared his experience of meeting one of the series' well-known figures, maître d'hôtel Fred Sirieix. He described Fred, 53, as "an absolute character, really nice, and very talkative and interesting to talk to". As the latest series of First Dates made its return to British television, the celebrated maître d' has offered some advice on the dos and don'ts of dating. Fred has also recently discussed how First Dates differs from other dating shows currently on the air. Speaking to the Telegraph, he explained: "It's about people and the lives people live. Life isn't just one straight line – it's about twists and turns. "People will talk about betrayal, or the death of a partner, or how they were treated as a child. It's a very entertaining show, and it can be quite funny, but also sad and emotional at times. "At the heart of it is the true quest for love. This is why, for me, it's the best and most authentic of all dating shows." In a previous discussion with RadioTimes in 2022, Fred dismissed any comparisons between First Dates and Love Island and how the former is very different to the latter. He explained: "First Dates isn't that kind of show. It's about two people who don't know each other, who live in different places and sometimes not very far from each other, and they want to meet somebody that they can make a connection with, so that they can spend their life with them. "It's about that conversation and about finding out whether they have a connection and whether there is chemistry. Chemistry - that's what it's about."
Metro
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Blind date takes a cheeky turn as woman, 58, announces plans to ‘snog' 24-year-o
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Things get heated on tonight's episodes of Channel 4's First Dates as 24-year-old Cormac and 58-year-old Lorraine find an immediate connection. The glamorous Lorraine is looking for love after a previous heartbreak, while classic car journalist Cormac likes to live life like it's the 80s. His striking fur coat catches Lorraine's attention, who then asks if Cormac is 'into older women'. He replies that he is, adding that his 'cut-off' age is 66. When Lorraine asks how old Cormac is, he cheekily replies: 'Old enough for you.' Things have clearly got off to a good start, and as they sit down for their meal, the conversation turns to classic cars. When Cormac shares he's owned a Rolls-Royce and a Bentley in the past, Lorraine jokes, 'Let's get married!' The pair bond further over Lorraine's previous ownership of an Aston Martin, at which point their waiter arrives with the food. As he sets down the dishes, Lorraine says: 'That's garlic, I can't eat that. I might be snogging someone later.' Her statement appears to shock waiter Kyle, who cocks his head and puts on a bemused smile. Cormac, meanwhile, is apparently delighted, smiling and saying: 'I wouldn't mind that. I'd like that.' Waiter Kyle is one of First Dates' new staff members, and is a 25-year-old Welshman who sings and dances his way around the restaurant. Joining him as a new member of the team is Gerald from New York, who brings a Broadway flair to the show. Maître d' and host Fred Sirieix has, of course, returned for the latest series, along with bartender Merlin Griffiths. As for whether Lorraine and Cormac go the distance, viewers will have to tune in tonight to find out. It's not the first time the show has seen a surprise pairing. Just last week, mum-of-three Sophie shocked her date, Emily, by revealing her husband was waiting at the bar. More Trending It turned out that Sophie and her husband Ricki wanted to explore polyamory, and were open to welcoming another person into their relationship. Fortunately, Emily wasn't deterred, and Ricki eventually joined the pair in what became the show's first 'throuple' date. Elsewhere on tonight's episode, 21-year-old Rebecca, a Boris Johnson fan, meets political researcher Bradley. Paris and Serena find common ground despite a mishap involving a spilled drink, and single mum Anna meets Luke, a military man turned surfer. View More » First Dates airs tonight at 10pm on Channel 4. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Netflix fans devastated that most 'feel-good' show is ending after 7 years MORE: 'The first crime scene I ever cleaned lives in my head a lot' MORE: All four episodes of 'awesome' survival thriller are free to stream now
Irish Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
'I thought I was just tired, it was cancer and I'd ignored the signs for months'
A Kildare dad-of-four never imaged he could get cancer, until months of tiredness and a foul smell from his penis turned out to be signs of a rare but serious disease. Cormac France, who describes himself as "very fit and active" shared his experience of penile cancer as part of a new HSE awareness campaign called 'Know the Signs', launched to coincide with Men's Health Week. "I'm a very fit and active person. I used to do a lot of training," cancer survivor Cormac explained. "Because I don't smoke, I didn't think I would be a candidate to get cancer, never mind penile cancer, which is rarer again." He initially dismissed the symptoms for months. Cormac said: "Looking back from when I was diagnosed, I did notice, the six months or so previous, that's when the changes really started with weight loss, chronic tiredness, and as time progressed, the smell from my penis was horrendous, and then the penis started to split. That was due to the tumours. Cancer can reach every part of your body, and people have to realise that. To get the news is devastating, but there are people there to help." Penile cancer, a rare but aggressive disease diagnosed in about 60 men in Ireland each year, mostly affects men over 50. Early detection significantly improves survival rates and can preserve function and appearance. The HSE is urging men to take early signs of penile cancer seriously and to seek medical help of they notice any changes. Consultant Urologist Mr Ivor Cullen, who leads the National Penile Cancer Service at Beaumont Hospital, emphasised the importance of awareness, saying: "These new resources are aimed at increasing knowledge of penile cancer among men. Although a rare disease, penile cancer is a very aggressive disease when it has spread. Penile cancer is, in large part, preventable, yet we're still seeing men present late because of stigma and lack of awareness. It's a sensitive subject, yes, but early detection makes all the difference, not just for survival, but for preserving function and quality of life." Men are advised to watch for these signs and symptoms: Alison Doran, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Penile and Bladder Cancer at Beaumont Hospital, added that risk factors include age over 50, HPV infection, smoking, poor hygiene and conditions like phimosis, which cause chronic inflammation. She said: "The main risk factors are men over 50 years of age, and infection with HPV, human papillomavirus, which is a significant risk factor. We would see over half of our cases linked to HPV. Smoking also increases the risk, and poor hygiene is another key factor. If a patient has a previous experience of phimosis, which is tightening of the foreskin, or if there's a build-up of smegma under the foreskin, that can create chronic inflammation and create cancer cells as well." Smegma is a build-up of thick, cheesy-looking secretions around your genitals that collects when you don't wash them regularly. It can be white or yellow and is a combination of oils from your sebaceous glands. The campaign is running across HSE social media channels and includes a new booklet, 'What I Need to Know About Penile Cancer', available for free download at This guide helps men, families and healthcare providers recognise symptoms early, understand risks and find support. Men across Ireland are urged not to ignore unusual symptoms and to seek medical advice immediately as early action could save lives.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Climate
- Scottish Sun
Spain swamped by floods as two-hour rain deluge leaves drivers trapped and streets underwater as emergency declared
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIS is the moment a major Spanish city was pummelled by a torrential downpour, causing floods that have brought the place to a near standstill. The heavy rain battered Valladolid on Tuesday, leading to jaw-dropping scenes as residents tried to battle the elements. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 A bridge became completely flooded as cars were brought to a halt Credit: @volcaholic1 / X 9 Some residents were forced to push their cars through the water Credit: @volcaholic1 / X 9 Passengers had to wade to get to the bus Credit: @volcaholic1 / X 9 Cars were partially submerged by the water Credit: @volcaholic1 / X Streets quickly flooded with water throughout the city, causing chaos among motorists. Within the space of just one hour between 7pm and 8pm, emergency services got more than 200 calls, local media has reported. The scale of the flooding has seen the city placed under a state of emergency by Spanish authorities. Cars were gridlocked as the rain came pouring down, cascading over the side of a bridge into a powerful looking waterfall. read more in world news BOMB PANIC Around 20,000 evacuated from historic city centre after three WW2 bombs found Tunnels became fully flooded, with one car even getting trapped inside, Castilla y León Emergency Services told local media. One viral clip shows the extreme lengths some motorists were forced to go to as the water made driving impossible. Some residents were seen nearly waist-deep in water trying to push their vehicles through the relentless downpour. Elsewhere, public transport passengers were no more insulated from the shocking weather. Residents were forced to uncomfortably wade through the flooded streets to board the bus. Shopkeepers throughout Valladolid were spotted hard at work to stop their stores from being overwhelmed by the floods. 9 A state of emergency has been issued in the city Credit: @volcaholic1 / X 9 No injuries have been reported as a result of the flooding Credit: @volcaholic1 / X 9 Two men were seen enjoying a beer on the road Credit: X / @ShayP_Cormac They can be seen rolling up their sleeves and grabbing buckets to try and stem the flooding at their shops. But other residents didn't let the poor weather stop them having a good time. One clip shows two men sat on reclining chairs in the middle of the road, enjoying a bottle of beer and seemingly oblivious to the elements. While no injuries have been reported as a result of the flooding, the freak weather has put emergency responders on high alert. As much as 16 square litres of rain per square metre has battered the Spanish city, local media has reported. It comes just weeks after another popular Spanish spot was pounded by the elements. Towns across the Valencia region were hit by a ghastly storm last month that made some areas look almost arctic. Footage shared across social media showed pounding hail and gushing rainwater surging through the region's towns. White hailstones coated themselves along the streets, rendering several towns almost empty outdoors. Cars left on the streets were covered in thick layers of hail. Spain was also hit by a massive blackout that affected most of the country - as well as neighbouring Portugal - on April 28. It saw airports and hospitals shut down and trains brought to a halt across the Iberian peninsula. Officials blamed a "rare atmospheric phenomenon" for the incident. 9 The streets were turned to rivers throughout the city Credit: X / @meteoclimaesp
