Latest news with #FittestFamily
Extra.ie
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
RTÉ star Anna Geary shares big family news
RTÉ star Anna Geary has announced she's expecting her second child with husband Kevin Sexton. The Cork native, best known as a fan-favourite coach on Ireland's Fittest Family, became a mum for the first time in 2023 when she and Kevin welcomed their son Ronan on August 1. Taking to Instagram, the former camogie player shared the joyful news with fans, posting a series of heartwarming snaps of her walking hand-in-hand with her young son through a scenic wooded path. The Cork native is best known as a fan-favourite coach on Ireland's Fittest Family. Pic: RTE In the sweet photos, Anna is all smiles in a forest green dress and sunglasses, while little Ronan wears a white jumper embroidered with the word 'brother' – a subtle nod to the family's exciting news. Sharing the update, Anna wrote: 'Things are going to get a whole lot busier. #bigbrotherpromotion @kev_sexton xxx.' Friends and followers flooded the comments to celebrate the announcement. RTÉ presenter Laura Fox commented: 'Ahhhhh congratulations.' Miriam O'Callaghan added: 'Comhghairdeas Anna to you and Kev – wonderful news. Ronan will be the bestest brother.' Anna and Kevin previously said they were 'bursting with pride' after welcoming Ronan in 2023 – and now, their growing family is preparing for another exciting chapter.
Irish Examiner
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Derry Fleming: 'Losing three friends to cancer made me realise you have to live while you can'
Comedy duo and proud Irish men, Tadhg and Derry Fleming, have a family holiday to New York booked, and will be waving the tri colour, supporting Katie Taylor in her upcoming fight next month. If their last trips to Vegas, Nashville and Japan are anything to go by, we'll be in for a treat on social media. Tadhg will be delivering another best man speech in August for his cousin, with whom he won Ireland's Fittest Family. Derry's wardrobe is overflowing and the dogs have Tadhg's daughter Rae all set for her new role as big sister. The pair are known on TikTok since their hilarious 'Catch him, Derry' bat video went viral. Though Derry winces at being called an influencer, claiming to 'barely know how to use TikTok'. Tadhg insists, 'Don't mind him he loves it. He has more dresses than Broadway at this stage, and loves coming up with new ideas.' Tadhg jokes that his father was fired from his day job, but Derry assumes a more serious tone for a moment, telling how he retired from the job he loved at the credit union. The loss of 'three comrades' to cancer, he says, shifted everything. Their passing was a wake-up-call, a painful reminder that life is very fragile. 'It made me realise, you have to live while you can, day to day.' Each of his former colleagues, whom he so affectionately calls his 'comrades', sadly lost their battle with cancer aged only 57, 47 and 41. The sobering tone is not what we're used to from Derry. 'Losing three friends, who were far too young, really made me think. Especially the 41-year-old. 'I'm at retiring age anyway but after that it was definitely time to go.' Tadhg then lightens the tone, telling me they love what they do, and are just 'winging it'. He describes their comedy as 'pure Irish. It's like sitting in someone's front room, chatting about the mad stuff that happens in everyday life. It's familiar, it's real, like the clip of the aul lad giving out to his son about the driving test. People like the honesty.' And these two are definitely that. Life is now remarkably different for both Kerrymen, and it changed almost overnight. 'It was mad, we never could have expected it,' says Tadhg. Before things went bat crazy and their lives completely derailed, he had 'taken the scenic route' through college. Then spent ten years working in social media for businesses. It had been a solid career, though a far cry from what they are involved in now. Derry admits he is still in awe of the phenomenal response they've received. Now with millions of views and a loyal following, he describes the whole thing as mind blowing. While life may have changed overnight, Tadhg had actually been 'plugging away at material on Facebook and Vine for about ten years previous.' Tadhg Fleming and Alannah Bradley with their dogs Otis and Boo. Pictures: Black Diamond Photography It's definitely been a whirlwind - and it's about to get even busier, with baby number two on the way for Tadhg. Still, taking it in his stride, he's confident Rae, the apple of his eye, will adjust just fine to becoming a big sister. 'She's already used to the dogs,' he laughs. He's gushing, though, when he adds 'it'll be chaos but I wouldn't change it for the world.' Fatherhood is something he clearly cherishes. Rae, who turned one in May, makes occasional appearances on his Instagram, usually to document a milestone or share a heartwarming moment. His video of Rae, perched proudly on his wife Alannah's childhood horse, having her first riding lesson, was adorable. There are snapshots of her flashing a gummy smile when her first tooth came through, and a video that melted hearts: her very first steps, wobbly but determined, as she made a beeline for him. His captions strike the perfect balance of doting dad and playful banter. He's dubbed her 'troublemaker' and 'Mischief Queen' in his hashtags. Small glimpses into his life away from the camera has resonated with their audience just as much as their comedy. They're just a normal family. Hannah O' Riordan and Olaf Sorenson from Ballinora Scouts Group, joined by TikTok sensations Tadhg and Derry Fleming, as they celebrate being awarded €2,000 from Re-turn. Last week, the lads took to the road to visit all ten finalists of the Re-turn Scheme: Small Town, Big Difference, 'and no better buachaills'. They brought their trademark energy and humour along the way. The banter was flowing in the car as they documented their journey on social media stories, much to the delight of their fans. Indeed, Tadhg's easy rapport with children was on full display during a football session with Buncrana Hearts Football Club. Derry joked after: 'they really put this fella through his paces. It was like he'd been sitting in a sauna. There was sweat dripping off him.' Tadhg however insists he fully intends to lace up his boots again in a few years, when he thanked the Meath Camogie Senior Ladies for 'Rae's first hurl.' As I interviewed the lads on the phone while they travelled, their genuine enthusiasm was clear. They were thrilled to be using their platform to shine a light on community-led initiatives across Ireland. They often share GoFundMe pages and other worthy causes on their social media. Derry was especially moved when they stopped by Carrigaline Special School in Cork, for young people with autism. 'There were kids aged 4-18, watching the interaction and how they learn life skills and claim independence was uplifting. Great bunch of kids!' 'Irish people are storytellers,' Derry says. 'Getting out and meeting people is what it's all about. It's an education for us, learning about these great projects. Seeing communities come together benefits us all. That spirit of community, the social interaction, is what I love about my shop' he tells me. 'Derry's Purties' is a knickknack haven in county Kerry. When I told them I'd love a root around the shop myself, Tadhg jumped in with: 'It's Aladdin's cave, if you go in, you won't get out!' Derry quipped back at him, 'you're barred!' Even over the phone, their signature wit shines through. As our conversation wrapped up, Tadhg couldn't resist one last shout: 'Kerry for the All Ireland!' (Though, as I speak with them from a coffee shop in Mayo, I quickly lower my phone volume.) After visiting Ballinora Scouts Group last week, they'll be well able to pitch a tent if they run into bother with accommodation in New York. Aoife O' Riordan, Ryan McDonnell, Luca Busst and Penny Sorenson from Ballinora Scouts Group, joined by TikTok sensations Tadhg and Derry Fleming, as they celebrate being awarded €2,000 from Re-turn. The Re-turn Scheme: Small Town, Big Difference is a campaign to highlight initiatives across Ireland that are using the Deposit Return Scheme to fundraise for their local community initiatives. People were asked to share their stories. An overwhelming 340 entries were received, from which were selected the ten finalists Tadhg and Derry visited.
The Irish Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
GAA ace Davy Fitzgerald breaks silence on son's rehab for ‘out-of-control gambling addiction' after €35k bank thefts
CLARE hurling legend Davy Fitzgerald has said he is 'proud' of his son for facing up to his gambling addiction and seeking treatment. Colm Fitzgerald recently 3 Davy Fitzgerald with his son Colm in 2013 Credit: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE 3 Colm avoided jail after stealing €35,000 from his employer Credit: Brendan Gleeson Speaking for the first time about his son's case, In an interview with 'I don't want to go into it too much but so far, so good. He's trying very hard. Read more on Davy Fitzgerald 'There was a lot of stuff he had to go through but I'm proud of him. He would get a lot of stick and sometimes you have to take that. Sometimes you do things you shouldn't do, you accept them and you move on.' Last month a The The Games are an outdoor pursuits-style competition for corporates and business to raise funds for the charity's life-saving work. Most read in The Irish Sun Davy said: 'The Samaritans do such a great job. 'I've spoken openly before about my own mental health struggles in the past and I truly believe in what the Samaritans do, giving people the time and a safe space to work through their problems. Fans condemn ugly scenes as Davy Fitzgerald and Waterford rage over late decision that sees Clare edge victory 'Speaking through your thoughts and having someone to listen, in confidence, is often what someone needs to see a way out.' The GAA man admits he feels under pressure himself, being recognised on the street, but tells himself to ignore the negatives. 'YOU'LL SNAP AT THEM' He said: 'I get both sides of it. 'You don't mind nice people coming up to you who want to stop and chat. But you'll meet the opposite as well. Someone who has a go and you'll snap at them and regret it afterwards. "That happened to me recently. Something was said. I didn't like it and I thought there was no call for it. 'I reacted and I shouldn't have. No matter what was said to me. I should have let it go.' ACTION NEEDED But the hurling manager and former player believes people have to face worse from online trolls. Davy said: 'I've no problem with people's opinion but not when it gets personal. Stuff on social media can affect your family. 'I can't believe there isn't legislation there to stop it. 'It's something I call on the Government to deal with. Freedom of speech is one thing but having a go at people just isn't right. It's tough when people online just want to attack you.' CHARITY EFFORTS Davy repeatedly stressed the importance of being able to talk to someone about a problem. He has teamed up with adventurer Dane Galligan, his TV co-star from The challenges include balance beams, monkey bars, and the ultimate test — the 'Final Climb for Samaritans' — a 12ft ramp featured on Ireland's Fittest Family. GET INVOLVED SAMARITANS Away Day Games will be held on Friday, September 26 at Wanderers Stadium, Dublin 4. For more info and to register visit: Samaritans is a suicide prevention charity which encourages people to reach out for support before an issue becomes so overwhelming you see no way out. Its volunteers answer more than half a million calls and emails every year to its freephone number 116 123 and email jo@ supporting people with a range of concerns including mental health issues, loneliness and isolation, family and relationship problems, as well as from people who are feeling suicidal. 3 Davy Fitzgerald has been manning an impressive charity campaign Credit: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Irish Independent
13-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Leitrim GAA star juggles sporting career and medicine degree: ‘I want to pursue a career in helping others'
Dearbhaile Beirne from Mohill, Co Leitrim joined over 700 students being conferred this week as part of the University's June ceremonies, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree from UL's Faculty of Education and Health Sciences. The young athlete is well known for her performances on the pitch having represented the Republic of Ireland's Women's National Football team at youth and senior level. Follow Independent Leitrim on Facebook Dearbhaile is signed with Peamount United in Dublin for the current season, with whom she has won three Women's National League titles and has played in the Champions League qualifiers three times. She is also still playing Gaelic football with the Leitrim Ladies senior team, while she might be a familiar face through her appearance on Ireland's Fittest Family TV show in 2017, which she won with her dad and two brothers. Despite her success in sport, a career in medicine was always something Dearbhaile wanted to pursue, having been inspired by her mother's career as a nurse. "My mum's career as a nurse introduced me to the medical world from a young age, and I always knew I wanted to pursue a career working in healthcare and helping others.' Dearbhaile will be starting her medical internship in Dublin in July. She said she unsure yet what branch of medicine she will specialise in, but is confident that sport will continue to play an important part in her life no matter what she does. Following an undergraduate degree in Biomedical, Health and Life Sciences at UCD, Dearbhaile chose to continue her education at UL through the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery Graduate Entry Medical Programme. Dearbhaile was awarded a UL Sports Scholarship, a programme designed to support top athletes in excelling in their sport while also pursuing their studies. Having played high-level sports all her life, planning ahead and making timetables was the secret to balancing her involvement in sport and academic studies. 'The first-class facilities for both study and sport, and knowing that I could study and train alongside like-minded people, drew me to UL. 'The structure of the course really appealed to me in that the pre-clinical years are completed through problem-based learning. "This allows you to take control of your own learning and gives you independence as a graduate entry student. "The scholarship provided me with a solid support circle of both staff and fellow athletes. "It also provided financial support, which was much appreciated, along with access to the gym, pool and recovery rooms which were very important. "It included on-campus accommodation during my pre-clinical years, which reduced travel time for me, and allowed me to focus on my studies and training,' said Dearbhaile. One of Dearbhaile's most memorable experiences during her time in UL was winning the O'Connor Cup, a Ladies' Football intervarsity competition, in 2022. 'It is something that had eluded me for the four years of my undergraduate degree in UCD, so to win it was special. "I got to play alongside some of the top players in the country.' On juggling being a dual-code player as well as being a medical student, Dearbhaile said she would not have been able to go back to college and study for another four years without having such a supportive family and group of friends. 'I'm motivated by the drive to always better myself and improve no matter what I'm doing. "Whether it's a match or an exam, I always look towards the next one and try to identify areas where I can improve in my performance,' said Dearbhaile. Reflecting on her time at UL, she told any students considering undertaking graduate studies in medicine to 'go for it.' 'Four years seems like a long time to commit to studying when you have already completed a degree, but it absolutely flew by for me. "I think an important part of that was because I was studying in UL and I enjoyed it and the environment so much,' said Dearbhaile.
Irish Independent
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘The highest village in Ireland now has a Cork Rose' – Nancy Lehane to represent Rebels at 2025 Rose of Tralee
Ms Lehane is a proud native of the Duhallow-based village, the highest in Ireland, and the talented musician is about to live out her childhood dream of being the Cork Rose. Some 25 hopefuls took to the stage with an array of musical talents, eloquent poems and mesmerising dance moves in the hopes to woo the judging panel which consisted of the 2012 International Rose of Tralee Nicola Dunne; 2001 Cork Rose Olivia Walsh Murphy and Sales and Marketing Manager at the Rochestown Park Hotel Steve Cox. Ollie Turner was the host on the night and the Galway Bay FM sports presenter – and Fine Gael councillor – has played a part in Rose of Tralee selection nights for almost two decades, as well as being a judge over the past two renditions of the festival. When Mr Turner opened the envelope which revealed Ms Lehane's name he said: 'The highest village in Ireland now has a Cork Rose,' which was met with a huge roar of approval by the crowd. Ms Lehane recently completed her degree in Primary Education in Limerick and currently works at Bob's Restaurant in Kanturk. The Rose of Tralee will not be her first appearance on television as she competed in Ireland's Fittest Family in 2021. The 21-year-old has a keen interest in volunteering at local events, as well as embarking on a life-changing trip to Uganda to work with children. CEO of The Rose of Tralee Anthony O'Gara complimented Cork for celebrations that is 'very difficult' to replicate anywhere else. 'We have Roses from many counties here tonight, but I think they would agree that out of all the events we had this year, this is the biggest and the grandest, and it says so much about the spirit of Cork city and Cork county,' he said. Mr O'Gara went on to say that the Rose of Tralee is about 'celebrating women'. 'The Rose of Tralee is about celebrating women with their families, their communities and their friends because women are being celebrated more – thankfully. 'The Rose of Tralee has led from the front for many years and making sure that women are recognised for being the leaders of our communities,' he said. He added that the 25 women competing for the sash were 'strong enough to come up here and be themselves'. '25 of them will leave the room tonight and none of them will be the lesser and they will all be the better for having got to know the friends they got to know here. 'They will all leave here as proud as they arrived,' he concluded. A total of €3,550 was raised for the chosen charity partner on the night, the Children's Health Foundation. The charity supports sick children and their families in Children's HeaIth Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres in a number of ways, from funding vital life-saving equipment to supporting ground-breaking research. Ms Lehane will represent Cork at the Rose of Tralee International Festival from August 15 to 19.
