Latest news with #Sweetman
Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Money Talks: ‘When Dad left, there was no money' – Chupi Sweetman on the impact of her dad's affair with her mum's sister
A snapshot of the philosophy of Chupi Sweetman, founder of bespoke jewellery brand Chupi, who was keen to take her first steps in the business world at a young age. 'My brother and I ran a little food business when we were maybe like 12 or 13, just a little country market,' she says on the latest episode of the Money Talks podcast. 'I started my womenswear label, properly, [when] I was about 14 or 15. I sold my first piece in Temple Bar when I was 15 and then opened my first stall when I was 16 – paid my way through school and college on that market.' From there, Sweetman was scouted for a top design job, working across Dublin and London. Twenty years later, her namesake brand is her daily focus. 'You've got to be pragmatic and understand that you can't win every day,' she says, adding that entrepreneurship isn't a straight line. 'We've had some of the most incredible highs – we've also had some of the most incredible lows.' On this episode of Money Talks, Sweetman opens up about her childhood and her dad's affair with my mum's sister. 'When Dad left, there was no money. And I genuinely mean no money,' she tells host Katie Byrne. Yet her mother, writer Rosita Sweetman, never let her two children feel the financial strain she was under. 'I look back at the photographs really underestimating how poor we were, but we didn't feel it,' she says. 'How did she pay the mortgage? How did she put a roof over our heads? I really genuinely believe there was nothing I could have asked her for that she wouldn't have figured out a way to have gotten to.' Sweetman also reflects on her long journey to parenthood, and the cost of undergoing fertility treatment. "I just thought you did IVF and had a baby. I was so naive. I thought you'd go do a cycle and then you'd get your baby... But each cycle in theory is about €5,500. Realistically, it's more like 10 [cycles]. So we were, it was about €45,000 having our daughter. ' I would've paid it 10 times over... she is absolutely priceless,' she says of her daughter Aya, who is now five. 'But also, how unbelievable that there's a price on it.' Money Talks is available wherever you get your podcasts, with new episodes released on Wednesdays.
Irish Independent
10 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Money Talks: Chupi Sweetman – ‘My accountant sat me down and said 'you would be better off on the dole''
A snapshot of the philosophy of Chupi Sweetman, founder of bespoke jewellery brand Chupi, who was keen to take her first steps in the business world at a young age. 'My brother and I ran a little food business when we were maybe like 12 or 13, just a little country market,' she says on the latest episode of the Money Talks podcast. 'I started my womenswear label, properly, [when] I was about 14 or 15. I sold my first piece in Temple Bar when I was 15 and then opened my first stall when I was 16 – paid my way through school and college on that market.' From there, Sweetman was scouted for a top design job, working across Dublin and London. Twenty years later, her namesake brand is her daily focus. 'You've got to be pragmatic and understand that you can't win every day,' she says, adding that entrepreneurship isn't a straight line. 'We've had some of the most incredible highs – we've also had some of the most incredible lows.' On this episode of Money Talks, Sweetman opens up about her childhood and her dad's affair with my mum's sister. 'When Dad left, there was no money. And I genuinely mean no money,' she tells host Katie Byrne. Yet her mother, writer Rosita Sweetman, never let her two children feel the financial strain she was under. 'I look back at the photographs really underestimating how poor we were, but we didn't feel it,' she says. 'How did she pay the mortgage? How did she put a roof over our heads? I really genuinely believe there was nothing I could have asked her for that she wouldn't have figured out a way to have gotten to.' Sweetman also reflects on her long journey to parenthood, and the cost of undergoing fertility treatment. "I just thought you did IVF and had a baby. I was so naive. I thought you'd go do a cycle and then you'd get your baby... But each cycle in theory is about €5,500. Realistically, it's more like 10 [cycles]. So we were, it was about €45,000 having our daughter. ' I would've paid it 10 times over... she is absolutely priceless,' she says of her daughter Aya, who is now five. 'But also, how unbelievable that there's a price on it.' Money Talks is available wherever you get your podcasts, with new episodes released on Wednesdays. The content of this podcast is for information purposes and does not constitute investment advice or recommendation of any investment product.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Shock and sadness following sudden death of champion cyclist as tributes pour in
The Irish cycling community has been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of a champion road racer who was "loved by all in the cycling world." Craig Sweetman, 52, originally from Skerries in Co Dublin but late of Mornington in Co Meath, passed away suddenly at his home after taking ill on Sunday. A death notice shared on states that he will be "sadly missed by his loving wife Gill, sons Toby and Tyler, parents Tony and Mona, brothers Jeff and Dale, sister Kadie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, work colleagues and a large circle of friends especially those in the Irish Cycling Community." Mr Sweetman, who worked as an airport policeman, was a leading and influential figure in the Irish cycling community and had been a member of Stamullen Road Club in Meath since he was 14 years old. The father-of-two competed in cycling events in Ireland and abroad for over three decades and made more than 11 appearances in Rás Tailteann, an annual international cycling stage race held in Ireland. Mr Sweetman passed away on Sunday at the age of 52 Mr Sweetman was an extremely gifted cyclist who won a number of races at the height of his career, including the 2006 Leinster Road Race Championships, the Brendan Carroll Memorial and the Ballivor Grand Prix, while he also represented his country on many occasions. The 52-year-old was still racing at a highly competitive level and was recently crowned a national masters champion. Mr Sweetman's son Toby has followed in his father's footsteps and has developed into one of the leading lights in the Irish cycling scene, with the family celebrating just last week when the 18-year-old claimed a stunning stage win at the Junior Tour of Ireland while riding for the Irish Team. Mr Sweetman's sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Irish cycling community, with heart-breaking tributes pouring in for the hugely popular figure. In a message shared on social media, Lucan Cycling Road Club said: "We would like to send our deepest condolences to the Sweetman family. It was an absolute shock when we heard of Craig's passing. He was a gentleman and a fierce competitor on the bike. "Some of our members have been racing against Craig for 30 years and they can all confess, he has cycling DNA in his blood. From club leagues to Rás stages he did it all. Age didn't keep him back and he kept racing hard always chasing that win, and man, he knew how to win races. He was an inspiration to young and old in the cycling community. Life is all about moments & It's been great to see his son Toby following in his footsteps with his very recent success in the Irish jersey. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. "We will miss Craig. May he Rest in peace." Mr Sweetman represented Ireland on a number of occasions Bear Cycling Club also paid an emotional tribute to the champion road racer in a message which read: "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Sweetman family on the devastating loss of Craig. His passing has come as an absolute shock to us all, and we are profoundly saddened by this news. "Craig was more than just a cyclist; he was a true gentleman and a formidable competitor whose passion for the sport was undeniable. He had cycling DNA in his blood. From club leagues to Rás stages, he did it all. "Age was never a barrier for Craig; he continued to race with fierce determination, always chasing that win with an incredible drive and an innate understanding of how to cross the finish line first. He was, without a doubt, an inspiration to both young and seasoned cyclists within our community. "Life is indeed about moments, and it has been a true joy to witness his son, Toby, follow in his footsteps, recently achieving success in the Irish jersey. It's clear the apple didn't fall far from the tree, and Craig's legacy will undoubtedly live on through Toby's achievements. "We will dearly miss Craig—his presence, his competitive spirit, and his enduring love for cycling. May he rest in peace." Mr Sweetman had been a member of the Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service for over 25 years, with his colleagues paying an emotional tribute to the popular father-of-two in a heart-breaking statement shared online. "It's with deep sadness, we share the funeral details of our dear friend and colleague, Craig Sweetman," they said. "Since joining our force in September 1998, Craig was a shining example of professionalism, dedication, and kindness. His thoughtful nature and attention to detail set a high standard for everyone he worked alongside. "This dedication was also mirrored in his love for cycling over the years he worked with us both nationally and internationally. "Craig was more than a colleague—he was a devoted husband, a loving father and son, and a loyal friend. His absence is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. "Our hearts and thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time." Mourners have also left tributes to the champion cyclist, with a close pal saying: "Sad to hear of Craig passing. My sincere sympathy to Gill, the boys and the family. Worked with Craig for many years and he was a true professional and a true gent. I never saw him in bad form and he always had a kind word for anyone he met. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm." Another person added: "Sincere condolences to the Sweetman family on Craigs untimely passing. It was a privilege to work with him , he was not only a champion cyclist but a champion bloke too." While a third mourner said: "Shocked and saddened on the sudden passing of Craig, I have known Craig over 30 years through cycling and then working in DAA over the years, he was an absolute gentleman and his enthusiasm for cycling was unmatched. I was delighted to see Toby getting his stage win 2 weeks ago in the Junior Tour and I know how proud Craig was training with and following Tobys progress over the last few years." Mr Sweetman will lie in repose at his home on from 5pm until 8pm on Wednesday evening, with removal on Thursday morning to St. Patrick's Church in Skerries arriving for 10am Mass followed by funeral to Dardistown Crematorium. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
RTÉ News
03-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
US multinationals to increase employee numbers in Ireland over next year
60% of US multinationals that are members of the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland plan to increase employee numbers here over the next year. The findings of a new survey carried out by the American Chamber also show that a further 32.5% of US companies say they will maintain their current workforce levels. Ahead of an event in Dublin today to celebrate US Independence Day, AmCham surveyed its members current views on Ireland as a destination for growth and further investment. The companies included in the survey, which was carried out in the last week, represent around 52,000 of the employees within US multinationals across the country. 9 in 10 survey respondents say their corporate headquarters have a positive view of Ireland as an investment location, while 68% already have plans to invest in Ireland over the next 5 years. However, almost a third point to housing as the most important challenge to overcome for their company to invest and expand here. Just over a quarter, 26%, say cost competitiveness is the most important challenge, while 10.5% say skills shortage is the number one challenge. Other challenges include delays and complexity of the planning process, supply chain disruption, and the need to enhance R&D tax incentives. The CEO of the American Chamber says Ireland is "a strategic hub for innovation and global decision-makers in major American corporations". Paul Sweetman says almost 7.5% of Ireland's entire population is employed, directly or indirectly, by US multinationals. "On the flip side, Ireland is the 6th largest source of FDI into the US and Irish companies are employing almost as many people in the US as US companies are employing in Ireland." "It truly is a genuine two-way economic relationship," according to Mr Sweetman. He says while the geopolitical backdrop of trade, tariffs and uncertainty are "unquestionably causing challenges for our members," he says AmCham sees "a real and emerging optimism that the business community is ready to get moving through accelerating innovative projects and strategic investments". "The single biggest factor that will impact Ireland's long-term growth will be our own national competitiveness, a factor wholly within our control."
Agriland
25-04-2025
- General
- Agriland
Rosderra Farms granted planning for Tipperary pig fattening shed
An Bord Pleanála has granted planning permission to Rosderra Farms for a new pig fattening shed in Co. Tipperary. The proposed development involves the construction of the shed and effluent tank on a long-established pig farm at Barnlough, Bansha. The proposed building would have a floor area of 551m2 and a height of 5.35m. According to the planning documents, the development is 'intended to provide enhanced animal welfare (increased floor space per pig) to ensure maximum efficiency and to comply with animal welfare requirements'. Rosderra Farms The proposed development is located in the Glen of Aherlow which runs between the Galtee Mountains and Slievenamuck. The River Aherlow is around 750m to the south of the site, while the East Ballinlough stream is located on the western boundary of the farm. On December 20, 2024, Tipperary County Council, granted planning permission for the development subject to six conditions. This decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by Cork-based environmentalist Peter Sweetman. In his appeal, Sweetman claimed that the council had failed to carry out an Appropriate Assessment according to the law. He added that 'Tipperary County Council does not have legal jurisdiction to give permission if this standard is not met'. In response, CLW Environmental Planners on behalf of Rosderra Farms said that 'the application and further information documentation demonstrate a complete and through assessment of the proposed development and its potential impacts'. 'Tipperary County Council completed an appropriate and thorough examination of the application, as comprehensively outlined in the planner's report,' they said. Planning An Bord Pleanála inspector Ciara McGuinness assessed the proposed development and found that it was in accordance with the Tipperary County Development Plan. 'Based on the proposals submitted, I do not consider the proposal would not cause a deterioration of water quality within water bodies adjacent to the development, nor would the proposal result in a change to the existing 'good status',' she added. An Bord Pleanála agreed with the recommendation of its inspector and granted planning permission for the development, subject to six conditions. The board ruled that the proposed development 'would not seriously injure the visual or scenic amenity of the area and would be acceptable in terms of public health, traffic and environmental sustainability'. 'The proposed development would, therefore, be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area,' it added. The board noted that 'the grant of permission does not authorise an increase in stocking rates above that previously permitted for this facility'.
