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The Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Tributes paid to Sinéad O'Connor on iconic singer's second anniversary
FANS OF LEGENDARY singer Sinéad O'Connor have been paying tribute to her online on the second anniversary of her death. Sinéad died unexpectedly at the age of 56 in London on 26 July 2023 . Her death shocked the world and led to an outpouring of love for one of Ireland's most internationally recognised and respected musicians. Leading tributes at the time, President Michael D Higgins said of Sinéad: 'To those of us who had the privilege of knowing her, one couldn't but always be struck by the depth of her fearless commitment to the important issues which she brought to public attention, no matter how uncomfortable those truths may have been.' Advertisement Sinéad, who also used the names Magda Davitt and Shuhada Sadaqat after converting to Islam, had four children. One of her children, Shane, died the year before her death . Speaking on RTÉ Radio One's Oliver Callan show last week , Sineád's father Seán reflected on her life and shared how he cried for two weeks after she passed away. The 87-year-old said: 'I still miss her. 'Of course it's a comfort (the outpouring of grief by the public), but Sinéad had two personas. 'One was in the public arena and the other was with her family and I saw her funeral as being lovely for her fans. Image from documentary Nothing Compares (2022) Alamy Alamy 'At a personal level, I've never had publicity in respect of Sinéad and it made it all the more hurtful for all of us when she died. Related Reads Quiz: How much do you know about Sinéad O'Connor? Pay tribute to Sinéad O'Connor - and Ireland's women - by watching this documentary Sinéad O'Connor: A life of faith and courage 'I visit her grave every week… and we have a conversation and I bring her up to date.' Meanwhile, singer Imelda May this week hailed Sinéad as 'the bravest woman' she knew as she paid tribute to her friend. Speaking on Ireland AM, an emotional May said: 'Sinead was absolutely brilliant, she spoke the truth and she was brave as anyone I ever knew, she was one of the bravest women. 'She took the grief that she got all the time and she was just full of love all the time and I really miss her, I'll miss her forever.' 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
The Journal
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Journal
Michael Flatley is seeking a nomination for president, High Court told
RIVERDANCE STAR MICHAEL Flatley is to seek a nomination to become Ireland's next president, the High Court has heard. The choreographer's barrister made the announcement during a High Court case he has taken in relation to works carried out at his mansion in Co Cork, the Castlehyde. Barrister Ronnie Hudson notified the court of a 'material change in circumstances' for Flatley, and said he is to move back to Ireland within the next 14 days and look to run in the presidential election this autumn. An affidavit, signed by Flatley's solicitor Maxwell Mooney, was submitted to the court stating that the Irish-American is 'to seek nominations to run for president of Ireland'. Advertisement Only earlier this month , Flatley had been coy about the possibility about standing for president but said he had not made a final decision. The Lord Of The Dance star, who is a duel American and Irish citizen, had told RTÉ Radio One's Brendan O'Connor that he had been approached by many people who asked about his intentions to run. At that point he had 'not made the decision' but said the idea of standing for president was something he 'takes seriously'. 'If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and maybe more importantly, if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people. Right now, I don't think they have a voice, not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language,' Flatley told the radio programme. Flatley said he hears concerns from the 'average person on the street' and they are not 'happy right now'. 'Somebody has to speak for the Irish people,' he said. 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
The Journal
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Michael Flatley coy about possible presidential run
LAST UPDATE | 56 mins ago THE FACE OF Riverdance has not ruled out a presidential run. Michael Flatley was coy about the possibility on RTÉ Radio One's Brendan O'Connor earlier today, saying that he has been approached by many people who have asked about his intentions to run. He said that this is something he 'takes seriously'. 'I've not made the decision, but I have a team of advisers that are advising me on this. I have a huge business to run,' Flatley said. 'I have an army of dancers counting on me to make a living. I have a whiskey company, a beautiful young wife and son that I want to spend time with. 'If I thought that I could be of benefit to the Irish people and maybe more importantly, if I thought I could be a voice of the Irish people. Right now, I don't think they have a voice, not a true proper deep voice that you know that speaks their language.' Flatley said that he regularly meets 'the average man' on the street. 'I meet them all, and I hear their concerns,' he told the show, 'and I'd be lying if I said they're happy right now, and somebody has to speak for the Irish people.' The 67-year-old said that he doesn't think it's necessary for another politician to take on the role of Uachtarain na hEireann. 'It's a statesman's role, but I spent the last 30 years of my life touring the world promoting Ireland and Irish culture.' Despite his reticence in outright declaring his intention to run for the role, Flatley went on to describe his own actions as a statesman. 'I've met them all. I've met the Bushes, the Obamas, Trump, Putin. I've met the Clintons. I've met the king and queen of England. I've met the king and queen of Sweden and of Spain. Advertisement 'I've met all those people on a more cultural front, more to promote the country. And I think maybe that's what the job of president is all about.' Asked if he had been approached by a political party, Flatley said that he hadn't, but has been 'approached by some very weighted individuals… people in the know.' He concluded on the assertion that he has not made a decision, 'but it does get frustrating when you see the hard-working Irish taxpayer working as hard out and having no say in things. 'Let it be said that I stand for Ireland and the Irish people, Sin é.' Independent TD Catherine Connolly is the only candidate to have formally launched her campaign. Mairead McGuinness has been confirmed as Fine Gael's candidate but has yet to be formally ratified. 'Excellent ambassador' Speaking on RTÉ's Saturday with Colm Ó Mongáin, Kerry TD and Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae ruled himself out of the presidential race. It's after broadcaster and former Fine Gael TD Ivan Yates claimed in an interview with that Healy-Rae could be a 'dark horse'. Healy-Rae said he has a 'very clear focus' on being a TD for Kerry. However, he added that Flatley is an 'excellent ambassador for our traditions of dance and music'. 'He's a person that I know personally, and he's a very, very nice gentleman,' said Healy-Rae. Related Reads Catherine Connolly, presidential hopeful, gave her first press conference today — here's what she said Question mark over Mary Lou McDonald's potential candidacy as support for Connolly builds 'I wish him every good luck in every endeavour that he would ever had, but you can be sure of one thing, whatever name is going to be on that piece of paper, it's not going to be me.' When asked if he would support Flatley's bid, Healy-Rae said: 'I wish Michael Flatley every good luck, as I would wish everybody else, but I am not going to be coming out and signing nomination papers for any person.' He also expressed hope that the presidential race will be a 'clean campaign' with no 'nasty and dirty campaigns'. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin TD Martin Kenny said his party is 'having a discussion' on whether to put forward a Sinn Féin candidate. 'Many people feel that as the largest opposition party, we should be running somebody,' said Kenny. 'Other people think we shouldn't and we should be backing somebody from a broad left-alliance. 'It's up in the air, we are considering it and we will take our time considering it. 'The election isn't going to be until November, so there's plenty of time to work out the details of all of this.' -With additional reporting from Diarmuid Pepper 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
Extra.ie
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Carl Mullan announces latest venture... and no, it's not Liveline
Carl Mullan has announced a new joint venture with his wife Aisling. The 2FM host, who some speculated was going to replace Joe Duffy on Liveline after he participated in a sketch where he became the host of the show, married his childhood sweetheart Aisling in 2022, with the couple sharing three children together. While they're married with children, they've decided to take their relationship to the next level: with Carl announcing on Instagram that he and Aisling are starting a podcast together. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carl Mullan (@carlmullan) The podcast, which is named How Are Ya Lovie? with Aisling and Carl, will debut on Monday, with Carl writing on his Instagram 'hello is that a new podcast? How are ya lovie how are ya getting on? Coming this Monday.' People were delighted at the couple's new podcast, with one person commenting 'hook it to my veins.' 'Amazing,' another wrote, while another commented 'this will be absolute gold!!!!' Carl Mullan and his wife Aisling have announced that they're starting a podcast together. Pic: Brian McEvoy Carl's new venture is not what some had in mind for him, however, as he had to set the record straight that he is not, in fact, the new host of Liveline — despite him 'auditioning' to replace Joe. Calling himself an award winning dancer and Irish media sex symbol, Carl said 'I would like to clear up some confusion that has been created today. So yesterday, there was a video released on the 2FM Instagram page where I was seen in the RTÉ Radio One studio, and people have been speculating as to whether it might mean I may take over from Joe Duffy. 'I would like to clear up the confusion and confirm that yes, I am absolutely definitely in the running to take over from Joe Duffy even though I've just started a brand new show on 2FM,' Carl joked. Carl recently had to dispel rumours that he would be going for Joe Duffy's job as host of Liveline. Pic: Instagram/RTE As for his podcast co-host, Carl and Aisling have an adorable love story which began when they were just teenagers.
Irish Independent
17-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Trump's 30pc tariffs could have ‘significant effect' on job creation in Ireland, says Paschal Donohoe
It comes as US president Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to impose a 30pc tariff on imports from the European Union, starting on August 1. However, Mr Donohoe added he is confident that Ireland 'will get its way through it' as the country's economic finances are in 'good condition'. Speaking on RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland, he said the economic forecast from a few weeks back, considering there were 10pc tariffs in place between the US and the EU, would mean a 'lower level of growth within our economy and up to 75,000 fewer jobs being kept or created within our country.' 'Regrettably, the scenario that we now face could involve an even more significant effect on growth, a further effect on the job creation, a number of jobs within Ireland, but that is why we continue to negotiate so hard through the EU to try to avoid that happening,' he said. 'And thankfully, we are approaching these moments of great challenge with our economic and public finances in good condition, and a record number of people that work in Ireland. 'We are facing challenges, but I'm confident that with the decisions we've made, the hard work of the people of Ireland, and further choices we can make, we will rise to this moment and get our way through it,' he added. The Government is currently working on the economic projections for Ireland if the 30pc tariffs on EU exports to the US were to be imposed, he said. "It's also important to be honest that the impact on job creation and levels of employment within our economy would be worse and would affect where we believe we are likely to be. "This is a big challenge. We need to have a moment of recognition of that, but we've faced challenges before, and we will get through this one too,' he said. Meanwhile, the minister said he is seeing large employers in Ireland and investors in the Irish economy 'pausing decisions they're making". ADVERTISEMENT 'That's not the same thing as saying the decisions won't be made or they can't go in our favour in the time ahead. "But understandably, with the level of economic uncertainty that is there, employers are taking care regarding decisions they make." It was announced last month that the Budget 2026 will not repeat the cost of living package with the one-off payments that were included in the previous budgets. Minister Donohoe said he accepts that the removal of one-off measures will 'have an effect on [the most vulnerable] within our society', adding the country has permanent measures in place to help them. '[There are] really big challenges that we could face in terms of jobs, growth, our public finances, and we need to make decisions now that can help, but that won't create further challenges or risks for us in the future. "We have rolled out measures to help carers, to help with the cost of going to school, the cost of going to college, the cost of childcare. They were permanent measures that were brought in in recent budgets.' When asked whether he accepts that there will be people who are going to be worse off after the upcoming Budget than they were last year, he said he doesn't accept that at the moment. "What we will seek to do is look at what permanent measures we can bring in that would help those who were the worst off on a more permanent basis. 'The Government is really aware that there will be many who will be affected by the removal of measures that were large in nature when inflation was high. 'But the reason why those measures are going to be changed, and we're not going to be in a position to repeat them, is that inflation will not be growing at the pace that it was in the past. 'What we will seek to do is bring in measures that will be more permanent in nature, that will mitigate the effects, insofar as possible, of the removal of those measures. "The key theme of this budget is going to be how we can create an economy that will keep those people in work and keep a record levels of employment within our economy. 'And in order to do that, regretably, because of the environment that we're in and the pressures that we're facing, we have to make choices,' he added.
