Latest news with #Gráinne


RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
"Is pribhléid é a bheith ar taobhlíne" The Sunday Game Beo
Labhair muid le Gráinne Mc Elwain a bheidh ag cur The Sunday Game Beo i láthair ag Craobh Shinsir Iomána na hÉireann Dé Domhnaigh beag seo. An Domhach beag seo, 20 Iúil imreoidh Corcaigh agus Tiobráid Árann a chéile i gCraobh Shinsir Iomána na hÉireann don chéad uair riamh i stair an CLG. Cuirfidh RTÉ craoladh iomlán telefíse i nGaeilge, Sunday Game Beo ar fáil ón taobhlíne, mar aon le clúdach ar Raidió na Gaeltachta, ar an cluiche iománaíochta arís i mbliana. Is í an craoltóir spóirt aitheanta Gráinne McElwain a chuirfidh an clár teilifíse i láthair le tráchtaireacht ó Gharry Mac Donncha agus Pat Fleury. Is é Damien Ó Dónaill a bheas mar thuairisceoir ar an taobhlíne. Beidh Ciarán O'Hara i mbun léiriúcháin. Labhair muid le Gráinne agus í mbun taighde agus ullmhúchán don lá is mó i bhféilire iomána na hÉireann. Cé gur saineolaí spóirt agus CLG í Gráinne, deir sí go raibh a cuid obair bhaile á dhéanamh aici an tseachtain roimh an gcluiche mór ag cinntiú go raibh sí suas chun dáta ar an dá fhoireann. Pribhléid é a bheith ar an taobhlíne ar lá mór mar seo, a deir Mc Elwain. Ina teannta ar an lá, beidh Michael Rice as iarimreoir le Cill Chainnigh agus John Allen, iarimreoir agus iarchaptaen le Corcaigh. Cé nach raibh Gráinne sásta foireann amháin a roghnú thar fhoireann eile, luaigh sí Patrick Horgan, laoch mór iomána Chorcaí atá ag imirt d'fhoireann na rebeiliúnach le fada an lá ach nach bhfuil bonn Uile-Éireann aige (fós!). Beidh na daoine atá ag féachaint ar an gcluiche sa bhaile ag súil le scoth na hanailíse ar an lá. Chuige sin, tá Mc Elwain gnóthach ag féachaint siar ar chluichí, ag léamh thuairimí iriseoirí agus ag éisteacht le míreanna raidió agus podchraoltaí agus í ag iarraidh an pictiúr mór a thabhairt don lucht féachana chomh maith leis na sonraí beaga, tábhachtacha maidir leis an lá. Meabhraíonn Gráinne go bhfuil cur chun cinn na Gaeilge ar cheann de luachanna an CLG mar eagraíocht agus dár le Gráinne go bhfuil sé tábhachtach go mbeadh ár gcluichí ársa ar fáil i nGaeilge don lucht leanúna. Cé gur féidir le rudaí athrú go gasta i gcluiche iomána ar bith, chuir Gráinne béim ar mheon an dá fhoirne ar an lá. 'Níl sé cosúil le lá ar bith eile' a deir sí agus beidh brú ollmhór ar na himreoirí dá réir. Tosóidh an craoladh ag 2.55pm agus beidh sé le fáíl ar an RTE Player agus ar chainéal RTÉ News. Tá cainéal RTÉ News ar fáil ar Saorview - cainéal 21; Sky - cainéal 517; Virgin Media - cainéal 200. Tosóidh clúdach Spórt an Lae ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta ag 2.00pm le Tomás Ó hÁilín mar láithreoir. 'Siad Antoine Ó Conghaile agus Liam Mac an Mhaoir a bheidh i mbun tráchtaireachta.


Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Gráinne O'Hare's Thirst Trap is a quintessential millennial coming of age story - and magic to read'
Irish writer Gráinne O'Hare is the next big thing on the literary scene. The Mirror speaks to her about her new literary sensation Thirst Trap, nostalgia, and how to write grief while also remaining funny Irish fiction is having a 'boom'. Step into a bookshop anywhere in the world and you will find at least one Irish writer's book nestled in the bookshelves. Though they are much more likely to be in the front window, facing out to passers by in the street. Irish writers have become a global currency in the literary world, from Colm Toibin's Brooklyn that pulls on the diaspora's heartstrings with longing for the Emerald Isle to Sally Rooney 's works that catalogue love, austerity, and grief in modern Ireland. Now, with news of a recent US bookdeal , there's a new global sensation on the horizon: Belfast writer Gráinne O'Hare with her debut novel Thirst Trap. Ahead of the US deal news breaking, The Mirror spoke to Gráinne about nostalgia for Belfast night life, dark humour, and of course: death. Set in Gráinne's home city of Belfast, Thirst Trap is the story of three friends approaching their thirties, living in a student house they're struggling to admit they no longer love, all the while mourning the death of their friend, Lydia. This may sound all very down-beat, but it's anything but. This novel balances the heartbreak with humour in a way that is reminiscent of Caroline O'Donoghue's The Rachel Incident . Gráinne tells me that the impetus to sit down and write this story began as she moved away from Belfast to Newcastle-upon-Tyne to study for a PhD at Newcastle University. She said she was 'feeling quite homesick and wanting to reconnect with the places that I missed in Belfast, like all the pubs that I missed going out to.' She adds that part of the appeal of writing home was to 'live vicariously through telling stories about women out on the sesh.' A familiar feeling for the homesick - of both Ireland and youth alike. But Thirst Trap is much more than a story solely about necking pints in the pub with your mates; it's a meditation on the millennial condition, where there were high expectations of what life would be, but the reality is not what was promised nor imagined. There's a sense of longing in Thirst Trap for a life that didn't turn out the way it was planned. This feeling will undoubtedly speak to millennials and Gen Z alike, as many people now shell out over a third of their salary to live in rented accommodation, while others move back into their parent's houses. There's been a recent wave of posts on Tiktok where students post nostalgia-heavy posts about their university accommodation and friends, splicing videos of rooms filled with friends drinking and hugging with those of empty rooms, the posters gone, the people long since moved on to their new lives. I got this same nostalgic yearning feeling when I read Thirst Trap. Gráinne said: 'You almost don't realize until it's quite a lot later, that was the last time that I saw this friend who I used to see every day.' For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Of this nostalgic feeling, Gráinne adds that 'when you're living with your best friends and you think, 'this is going to go on this forever.' … Then things change and people move out or move away or people get into relationships or they have kids or all kinds of changes that happen in that sort of wave of weddings and babies and significant changes.' This would not be a piece about Thirst Trap nor Irish fiction if it didn't address Irish culture's preoccupation with death. If you have ever met an Irish person even in passing, you will have heard that the best craic happens at a wake, where people visit the deceased in their home ahead of the funeral mass. These events are a time for shared mourning and to celebrate the life of the person who has recently passed. In 2024, Sally Rooney's Intermezzo dropped to international acclaim and bookish hype. In Intermezzo, two brothers are rapt in grief following their father's death. Anne Enright's Booker Prize winning The Gathering , too, explores those living after death, as the title refers to the gathering at a wake. Both Enright's and Rooney's novels are heart-wrenching and vital illuminations on Ireland's living with the dead, long after their last breath. O'Hare brings new light to this heart wrenching topic, and couples it with a blistering wit. It's, in the best way possible, like a wake: all humour and heartbreak. It feels like a breath of fresh air to read about a serious topic - such as the death of a friend - without the piece descending into trauma porn. Gráinne tells me that 'dealing with incredibly bleak situations by making jokes' is something that comes naturally to her. She adds: 'It's just like life is horrible, but we're still having a bit of craic.' Thirst Trap is the quintessential millennial coming of age story: there is bad sex, terrible jobs, stunted opportunities. And the propulsive longing for another life, for something better, all the while pining for the past. It gave me an emotional kicking: the contradictions of wanting to evolve while wanting everything to stay the same. It's magic to read. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!


Irish Independent
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Donegal woman lives dream as she sings ‘Ironic' on stage with Alanis Morissette at Malahide Castle gig
Ballyshannon's Gráinne Gillespie had the experience of a lifetime as she was brought on stage to sing live with Alanis Morrisette at her recent Malahide Castle gig on Sunday night. Gráinne, who is a dentist working at O Connor Moore Dental Practice in Sligo, sang and danced to a verse and chorus of the classic song 'Ironic' in front of thousands. Gráinne explained she was chosen at random from the crowd to join the Canadian-American star on stage. She then went backstage and met the production crew who she said were very kind and asked if she knew the words to the song. 'During the gig, I was singing and dancing when someone tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I would like to join Alanis on stage to sing Ironic. 'I asked if it was real around 100 times. 'It was so surreal. So Bizarre. 'It was the best thing I have ever experienced,' said Gráinne. Despite the nerves and excitement, Grainne did not look out of place on stage as she sang and danced with Alanis. Gráinne said the production crew had advised her to just enjoy the moment and take it all in so she let herself fully embrace the moment. 'When I was younger I was very into musicals and music but the older I got, the more self-conscious I became and I haven't been able to sing in a karaoke bar in years. 'I have no idea where it came from. I don't know if it was the adrenaline or nerves. 'I looked green before I went on and the production crew told me that the biggest regret of people who have been brought on is that they did not take in the moment when they were on stage and they did not enjoy it so I think that helped me. 'Alanis asked if I was okay and she was very engaging. She was smiling at me and nodding her head. 'She was really trying to bring me out of myself and then it felt like I was up there with my friends. 'I really don't know where the confidence came from. 'I did not watch the video until Tuesday but all the comments have been so lovely and the people of Ballyshannon are so supportive. 'It was like living my childhood dream. I will be living off that moment for the rest of my life,' said Gráinne. Gráinne has been a massive fan of the singer since she was a teenager and she had attempted to see her live previously but had no luck. 'I got really into her music when I was around 15 or 16 so I have been listening to her for 13 plus years. 'It is every music fan dream to meet their favourites but to get the chance to sing along is just a pipedream. 'Never in a million years did I dream I would get to sing with her. 'I tried to go to the concert before in 2018 but I was out of the country. I had tickets in 2020 but it was cancelled because of Covid-19. 'She came back in 2022 but the gig was the day of my sister's wedding so I could not go. 'I was so happy to finally get a chance to see her live. I really struggled to get tickets this time so I was delighted to actually get them,' said Gráinne.


Irish Examiner
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Beginner's pluck: Belfast-born and Newcastle-based Gráinne O'Hare
Gráinne's mum got told off for teaching her daughter to read before she started school. 'I always adored reading and wanted to write. I started at 12 — writing historical fiction. 'Some of my stories were the length of novels. It was my main hobby.' She continued to write and has been shortlisted for several awards including the Francis MacManus Award, and the Benedict Kiely Short Story Competition. After completing her MA in Belfast, Gráinne temped in offices for a while. Then she moved to Newcastle. I felt homesick, and so far away from my friends in Belfast. 'I started Thirst Trap as a way to live in Belfast vicariously — and to reconnect with it that way. It took a few years.' Meanwhile, she has taken a PhD, finishing her viva a month ago. 'I took it part-time and worked full-time for the city council.' In 2022, Gráinne received a Northern Debut Award from New Writing North. 'I gained mentoring for a year from Naomi Booth. And my agent, Jenny Hewson got in touch.' Who is Gráinne O'Hare? Date/ place of birth: 1993/ Belfast. Education: Fort William Dominican College in Belfast; Queens University, Belfast, English and politics, and MA in English Literature; Newcastle University, PhD in English Literature — focusing on 18th Century Women's Life Writing. Home: Newcastle, for the past eight years. Family: Mother, father, and a younger sister. 'I live with my partner, Jack.' The day job: Administrative work for Newcastle University. In another life: 'When I was young, I wanted to be an astronomer.' Favourite writers: Jane Austen; Nina Stibbe; Caroline O'Donoghue; Naomi Booth; David Nicholls; Irvine Welsh. Second book: 'I'm writing the first draft.' Top tip: 'Don't overthink things, and don't try to perfect things while you're in the process.' Instagram: @spacedolphin_ The debut Thirst Trap Picador, €16.99 Harley, Maggie, Lydia, and Róise have shared a shambolic Belfast house throughout their messy 20s. Then Lydia dies, and nothing feels the same. The one-night stands and wild parties lose their gloss, as guilt and grief damages them all. Can they recover their equilibrium, retain their friendship, and learn to move on? The verdict: Highly-relatable. A brilliant portrayal of grief — and of growing up. Written with humour, hope, and warmth.


Press and Journal
16-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen author Nan Shepherd's former home on the market for £490,000
This beautiful house in Cults was once home to the late Aberdeen author Nan Shepherd. While living at Dunvegan, she penned her most celebrated work, The Living Mountain, alongside her various novels and poetry. For the last 24 years, it has been home to Gráinne Cullen, Dan Ryan, and their family. It still retains many period features today, including high ceilings, bay windows, traditional fireplaces, and moulded ceiling cornices in some rooms. The 'quirky charm and individual character' initially drew the couple to the five-bedroom house. But they soon realised the location on North Deeside Road suited them both. Gráinne grew up in a big city, while Dan's childhood was spent on a farm, and this house offered both a gateway to Royal Deeside while only being 20 minutes from the city centre. A wrought iron garden gate leads directly to the Old Deeside Railway Line and the 'great outdoors'. Meanwhile, on the other side of the house is a direct road and bus route to the city centre. The short walk to Cults primary and secondary schools was another plus when raising their three children. But now that their kids have 'flown the nest', the retired couple has decided it's time for them to downsize and they have put their home on the market. The Victorian house, which dates back to 1875, is striking to look at from the outside, bolstered by beautifully maintained gardens. While the many shrubs and trees provide a haven for wildlife, they also give the property some privacy. There is a fruit garden filled with redcurrants, raspberries, gooseberries, rhubarb and apple trees – perfect for anyone with green fingers to take on. 'We've so enjoyed our gardens, the stunning views and the double garage which has provided space for our various hobbies, and those of our children, over the years,' Gráinne added. The inside of the Victorian property is just as impressive. While the elegant lounge is cosy, thanks to the traditional fireplace and slate hearth, the large bay windows and ceiling cornices brighten up the space. And the well-appointed family/dining room is designed for entertaining guests or enjoying a family meal. 'The open plan living areas blend seamlessly with the Victorian character of the property,' says Gráinne. Meanwhile, the bright and airy dining kitchen is well equipped, with a gas hob and double oven which is perfect for whipping up family feasts. Gráinne and Dan added a kitchen and utility room extension in 2009, which they say has brought space and light into the back of the house. Other key features include a cloakroom with mosaic splashback tiling and a stained glass window plus a store that has part-glazed double doors leading through to a porch. But one of the more striking features is the conservatory, complete with French doors leading out to the front garden. Not only does this bright and colourful spot provide stunning views, but it is also home to a 94-year-old grape vine. Gráinne says they will miss their annual grape harvest when they move from their North Deeside Road home. 'Not only is the fruit delicious, but we have never grown tired of the spectacle of the vine laden with fruit,' she added. 'We've spent many memorable summer evenings with friends, sitting in our conservatory under the grapevine, sharing a meal and enjoying the magnificent views in the long twilight.' Ideal for growing families, this home has five generously sized bedrooms on the upper floor. The bedrooms either feature bespoke furniture or built-in wardrobes, meaning space and storage are no issue. And they all have beautiful views, with two rooms overlooking Lower Deeside. There's a family bathroom complete with a roll top corner bath with an overhead shower, as well as a separate shower room – perfect for a busy household. And there's even another room on the ground floor currently used as an office, but could be transformed into a sixth bedroom if required. 'It's a wonderful family home, suitable for anyone who would like to work from home,' Gráinne says. Dunvegan, 503 North Deeside Road, Aberdeen is on the market for offers over £490,000. To arrange a viewing contact Peterkins on 01224 428100 or check out the website And if you liked this story, you may also enjoy: Who was Nan Shepherd, the Aberdeenshire writer on our banknotes?