Latest news with #PublicChoiceAward
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Science
- Irish Independent
Wicklow astro-photographer continues to reach for the stars
The competition aims to find the best astro-photographs taken in Ireland over the past year. Edna Kelly from Wicklow town has a longstanding history in the competition and has been shortlisted this year in the Out of This World planetary category for his entry titled Moon Opposition Season from October to April. Each frame in this composite captures Mars on a different night, revealing how its apparent size, brightness, and surface detail evolved over time. The central image shows Mars at opposition in January 2025, when it was at its most striking. Arranged chronologically, the sequence also hints at the subtle arc of retrograde motion—a visual illusion caused by Earth overtaking Mars in its orbit, making the red planet appear to reverse direction in the sky before resuming its path. In 2023, Enda was awarded the runner-up prize in the Out of This World category for his image When the planets align. Lunar occultation of Mars, which depicted the full moon as it concealed Mars from view by passing in front of it, and captured Mars just before it disappeared behind the moon from our perspective on earth. Enda also had two of his images selected last year as part of the competition to feature in an outdoor exhibition organised by the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies. While a high-profile judging panel will select the overall winning entries, an online vote is open for members of the public to view the images and vote for their favourite in the Public Choice Award. Enda will be looking for plenty of Wicklow support and you can visit in order to cast your vote. Voting is open until 5pm on Thursday, July 24, and is restricted to one vote per person. Alongside the Public Choice Award, the overall winners will be chosen by the judging panel which includes Professor Peter Gallagher, Head of Astrophysics at DIAS; Michael McCreary, president of the Irish Astronomical Society; Dr Lisa McNamee co-founder Space Medicine Ireland and Alan Betson, Irish Times photographer and multiple winner of the Press Photographer of the Year award. The winning images selected by the judging panel and the Public Choice Award will be announced in August with an accompanying outdoor exhibition being held at DIAS HQ on Dublin's Burlington Road, for a limited time.
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Meet Jaydn Elle: the quadruple threat shaking up South Africa's music scene with fearless flair
Jaydn Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. Image: Supplied At just 18 years old, Jaydn Elle is carving her own path in the entertainment world with an energy that's both bold and independent. Known as a quadruple threat, this dynamic young talent from Johannesburg is not merely accumulating accolades - she is redefining the landscape of singing, acting, dancing and modelling. Elle's lifelong passion for music began at the tender age of five or six, ignited by a childhood viewing of Beauty and the Beast that sparked her profound love for the performing arts. 'Theatre is my first love,' she reflected. Her impressive music career began in 2018 when she secured the lead role in 'Annie JR" at Johannesburg's People's Theatre. This pivotal moment sparked a passion for singing that has only intensified over the years. The year 2020 saw her rise to prominence in modelling when she was awarded the Public Choice Award and made it to the finals of the International Junior Miss South Africa pageant. However, her artistic pursuits didn't stop there. In 2021, she released her debut single 'Nasty', a touching reflection on bullying during the pandemic. Following that, her collaboration on 'Superwoman' with songwriter Warrick Wallace and MPJ became a viral sensation, amassing over 4.7 million streams. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Jaydn Elle's 'Dancin Wit U' demonstrates her evolution as an artist. Image: Supplied Her latest single, 'Dancin Wit U', further demonstrates her evolution as an artist. This upbeat track is a vibrant fusion of '70s disco and contemporary pop, designed to get listeners on their feet and hearts racing. Inspired by her daydreams of an idyllic first date, Elle described it as a song rooted in nostalgia and joy. 'At the time, I hadn't been on a real first date,' she recalled. 'But I would watch enough rom-coms, like 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' and 'The Kissing Booth', to know the kind of butterflies I wanted to feel.' Her infectious energy and style shine through as she expressed the warmth of human connection. Originally recorded in 2021, the song found new life through her partnership with Virgin Music, allowing Elle to refine and elevate it for her ever-evolving artistry. 'Songs don't have expiration dates,' she asserted. 'This one needed to come out now - and I'm so glad I waited.' 'I've never been a one-genre artist,' she explained. 'This song sets the tone for where I'm headed - playful, emotional and full of surprises.' Jaydn Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. Image: Supplied The artist credits Rihanna's 'Only Girl (In The World)' as the catalyst for her musical aspirations. 'The song made me feel special, and I was obsessed with the music video,' Elle reminisced, pointing to the powerful imagery and emotion that inspired her young heart. Despite growing up in a family entrenched in sports, where music was often relegated to background noise on car rides, Elle forged her own path, allowing her creativity to flourish within a rich tapestry of South African musical influences. 'In South Africa, you can't avoid rhythm,' she said, referencing the diverse sounds that have shaped her music - from vibrant street beats to church choirs and festive family gatherings. Elle described her sound as a mix of disco-pop infused with soul: 'Think sparkly synths, funky bass and vocals that tell stories about love, freedom and self-expression. It's the kind of music you can dance to in your bedroom mirror.' Creating her music is an organic process for Elle, often sparked by melodies that materialise when she least expects them, like during study sessions. 'I'll sit down with my phone's voice notes to start building chords,' she revealed. While she sometimes collaborates with local producers, much of her work is a solo journey of experimentation and self-discovery. Drawing heavily from personal experience, Elle's songwriting encapsulates the essence of her feelings and dreams. One of the most transformative moments in her burgeoning career was filming the first season of 'Reyka', a landmark opportunity that propelled her further into the spotlight. However, the journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Elle acknowledged that self-doubt sometimes creeps in, wondering if anyone will connect with her music. Yet, she finds reassurance in conversations with friends and the knowledge that her story matters. If she could rewind time and offer herself advice at the start of her journey, it would be simple: 'Stop overthinking. Trust your instincts more.' For Elle, the key to success lies in the act of creation without waiting for the perfect moment to unveil oneself to the world. With aspirations of working alongside like-minded artists, Elle lists British singer Jorja Smith as her dream collaborator. 'Her music is so good, and I love her unique sound,' she said. As she looks to the future, Elle is brimming with ideas for her next major project - a secret concept album rooted in a coming-of-age story meant to resonate with queer youth growing up in Johannesburg. 'I want to create a musical movie soundtrack that tells their stories,' she divulges, hinting at her desire to impact lives through her art. Ultimately, Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. 'I want people to feel seen and celebrated, especially girls of colour and anyone who feels like they don't fit into society's boxes,' she stated. Her music is designed to remind listeners that their joy, love and dreams are all worthy of pursuit - a message that echoes through each note she sings. 'Even if it's just a fantasy, even if it's just for a moment - that spark of joy is worth holding onto,' she concluded.
The Journal
18-06-2025
- General
- The Journal
This Galway monastery has been voted Ireland's favourite new building of 2025
THE BENEDICTINE MONASTERY at Kylemore Abbey in Co Galway has won the 'Public Choice' award at the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) Architecture Awards. The institute said 14,000 votes were cast in total, with the monastery emerging as the winner. The Kylemore building was designed by Axo Architects for The Kylemore Trust. It is located on the edge of Pollacappul Lough, beneath the Duchruach Mountain and near the historic Kylemore Abbey. There were 14,000 votes cast by the public for the award. RIAI RIAI RIAI president Seán Mahon said the winning entry 'demonstrates a deep understanding of heritage, landscape, and community, creating a space that feels both grounded in tradition and relevant to the present'. Advertisement 'We are thrilled to see the public recognise and celebrate architecture that enriches lives and contributes meaningfully to a much loved natural landscape and environment,' he said. The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Wicklow came in second place. It was designed by Clancy Moore Architects in collaboration with Ayesa Engineers The Arklow Wastewater Treatment Plant in Co Wicklow came in second place. RIAI RIAI The 12-classrooom building at Scoil Naomh Bríd Culleens, designed by SJK Architects finished in third, while the redevelopment of the Dún Laoghaire Baths in Dublin by dlr architects and A2 Architects came in fourth place. There were 124 entries for the RIAI Irish Architecture Awards this year, with 48 projects shortlisted for the Public Choice Award. The full list of winners across all categories will be announced at the awards tomorrow, which are taking place at the Merrion Cricket Pavilion. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
18-06-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Winner of RIAI Public Choice Award for Architecture announced
Sean Mahon, President of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland, reveals the winner of its prestigious Public Choice Award for 2025. Photo by Peter Molloy.
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- General
- Irish Examiner
Cast your vote for Ireland's favourite buildings and spaces
We all fancy ourselves as having an eye for design these days — from tiny tots snapping super-selfies at holiday hotspots to retirees in rambling clubs scaling castle ramparts to nab that award-winning uber-shot. You'd think the professionals would be apoplectic. Not so fast. Sean Mahon, the president of the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI), puts it best. 'Architecture isn't just about buildings, it's about the experiences they create, the communities they support, and the future they help shape,' he tells Irish Examiner Home. Teach Sprúis, Eden Architects. Picture: Andrew Campion That's the spirit behind the RIAI Public Choice Award 2025, now in its 36th year. There are just days left to deadline as we're all called on to have our say before the online poll closes on Monday, June 16, at 5pm. 'The Public Choice Award gives everyone a voice in recognising the places that matter most. We're encouraging people to vote and be part of celebrating the positive impact architecture has on everyday life,' adds Mr Mahon. Church Square Monaghan, Henry J Lyons; Harcourt Terrace Educate Together NS, tún architecture + design; Beechville Gate Lodge, A2 Architects. From housing, schools, and libraries to greenways and civic infrastructure, this year's shortlist highlights the impact of great architecture on communities across Ireland and abroad. The Public Choice prize is the only Irish architectural award decided by public vote and celebrates the buildings and spaces that shape our everyday lives. Brick Built House, Courtney McDonnell Architects. Picture: Peter Molloy The RIAI received 124 project entries this year. Of these, 48 have been shortlisted for the Public Choice Award — including 21 in Dublin, 20 from across other counties, and 6 international projects by Irish architects. The scope of all entries is a beguiling blend of ideas and inspiration. Sundial, Donaghy + Dimond Architects. Picture: Fionn McCann Who wouldn't be dizzy with joy when asked to take a virtual spin around a living space called Sundial? Sadler's Wells East, O'Donnell + Tuomey. Picture: Nick Kane Or what's not to adore about being invited to slip into a front-row pew at that cathedral of dance to bear witness to the architects' play of light at London's Sadler's Wells? 'This award is a reminder of how well-designed buildings, from public infrastructure to community hubs, can make a real difference to people's lives,' says the RIAI president. Leeson Park Avenue, desiun architects; 55 Lad Lane, O'Donoghue & Associates Architects; Bailieborough Bridewell, Cooney Architects. Because all facets of life and community are here — spanning bridges to demolition projects, and heaven-on-earth homes to a coroner's court. 'We're encouraging everyone to have their say and vote for the projects they believe deserve recognition,' adds Mr Mahon. Victorian Return, Gró Works; Brady's Court, OBFA Architects; Tulach House, Ryan W Kennihan Architects. Visit to cast your vote and learn more about the shortlisted projects Read More How Waterford plundered its rich past for a more prosperous future
