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RTÉ News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Triple Crown-chasing Diarmuid Healy can be Cork's lucky general
You have been down, But you'll be coming back, To wear your crown, So don't you be like that. Plenty Times – The Frank and Walters The Frank and Walters' album 'Beauty Becomes More Than Life' was released in the summer of 1999. It had been nine long years since Cork had won a hurling All-Ireland – an almost unprecedented famine in those days when Cork sat on the throne, top of the roll of honour, the real home of hurling. But oh what a beautiful summer that was for Cork hurling. The phoenix from the flame… after a decade of disappointment. The messianic figure of Jimmy Barry-Murphy rolled the dice and went with the kids… a talented group of unknowns who had won back-to-back Under-21 titles the previous two years. They would sweep all before them that summer, beating Kilkenny in the final in a rainstorm. Later they would win two more and become household names as well as starring figures in the soap opera that was Cork GAA over the next ten years. And then they were gone. There's a famous photograph of Barry-Murphy back in his playing days, at Cork training, wearing his 'Barr's jersey, deep in conversation with one of the Cork selectors – a man by the name of Christy Ring. All that was missing from the photo was the Holy Spirit. Neither man's record – on or off the field – could ever be questioned. But. Christy famously used to exhort Cork teams with the phrase – 'We are Cork!' A rallying cry of superiority – superior history, superior skill, superior pedigree, and superior success. Superior arrogance. Superior pride. What comes before a fall? Cork's fall has been superior too. That team of '99 that went on to win again in '04 and '05 only papered over the cracks. As other counties invested in development and structures 'We are Cork!' became a hollow echo of better days - amounting now to 'not good enough'. No senior title in 20 years. None at U21 in the 20 years from the turn of the century. From 2001, sixteen years without a minor win. Promising young crops arrived, played minor, played U20, and retired from senior without ever reaching the mountain top. Eventually, Cork GAA got around to developing the structures and systems at underage level needed to grow the players capable of competing in the modern, professionalised world of inter-county GAA. It took many years to bear fruit, there were many critics... but the tide turned first at U14 and U16, then minor and U20. This Sunday one young man embodies that change like no other. Completing the set. Don't even whisper it. Even in the most traditional hurling counties it is a big deal. The senior medal might even be the easiest part. You might only get one chance at minor. And maybe one chance at U20. Ask King Henry. The most successful player in history never won minor but didn't allow it hold him back. If you're good enough, and want it bad enough you might get seven, eight or even 17 or 18 years at senior. Ask TJ. Ask Hoggie. Neither of them has a minor medal. Hoggie has no All-Ireland medal at all despite 21 years playing for Cork through all the grades. Horgan first played minor for Cork in 2004. That was the same year that Diarmuid Healy was born into the village of Lisgoold. Where? No – G-O-O-L-D. Just a few miles out the road from Midleton the small junior club, in the heart of hurling country, has always been overshadowed by its larger neighbours. Overshadowed, even, by smaller clubs in the good years. There were shiny new medals rattling around down the road in Killeagh. Landers and Deane. St. Ita's had no medals but they've had Harnedy through all the years that Healy was learning his trade. There weren't many inter-county role models for a young hurler from Lisgoold. There were medals in the family… but a long long way back. Black and white photos aren't great inspiration for a young fella when there's colour TV. No vivid memories in the club either. Willie Moore was, and is, Lisgoold's only All-Ireland winning clubman. That was in the 1950's. In 2021, Healy was 17. Good enough, and lucky enough to play minor as the long process of rebuilding Cork's underage structures was bearing fruit. He was there when Cork claimed just their second minor title in almost 20 years. In 2023, Healy was 19. The U20s who had spent two decades in the wilderness couldn't stop winning for a few years at just the right time. Two years after his minor success he had another medal to go with it. It's 2025, and Healy is 21. It's almost his entire life since Cork last won a senior all-Ireland. Cork hurling history is strewn with the names of the next big thing – the underage superstar, the saviour to rise from these streets. Many were given the mantle. For many it didn't fit. A promising substitute appearance against Tipp in the league. Time to sink or swim. Healy's first start was against Kilkenny – a nice easy one - on an emotional night for Cork hurling. Pat Ryan's brother had died that week. Ray Ryan had hurled for Cork too. Life's short. Make the most of it while you can. Even at his young age Diarmuid Healy knows that all too well. Midway through the first half the ball broke from Pat Horgan…Healy was in the right place to collect and tap over for his second point. Or at least that's what he should have done - the sensible thing for a young fella on for his first start. Two points from play in a half against Kilkenny. That'd be fair enough no matter how the rest of the match went. Healy was having none of it. Already at an angle, moving away from goal with a forest of legs between him and maybe the best keeper in the country, Healy didn't hesitate. He rifled a sweet strike into the far corner. Cork won by three. Healy scored 1-05. From play. Wrapped back up in cotton wool – he didn't start again in the league. He came on as a sub in the final, nicked a couple of points, and Cork won their first league title since last century. The Munster Championship. Pat Ryan started him in the final – another easy one - against Limerick. We know what happened in the cauldron of the Gaelic Grounds when the 'Drive for Seven' was derailed. Three points from play and still on the field long into extra-time. A first Munster title for Cork since the year Healy played Féile. Another start in the semi-final against Dublin. A couple of cameos… a sweet pass in the build-up to the first Hayes goal, a lovely point in the second half. But when a team scores 47 points and a starting forward scores just one of them it can't be deemed a great day out. So here we are. Diarmuid Healy might not start on Sunday. That decision is Pat Ryan's to make. Whether he does or not, or even plays or not, the good timing and good luck that has travelled with him through all his hurling life will be wanted more than ever by Cork this Sunday. Napoleon famously wanted lucky generals more than he wanted good ones. Cork hurling could do with young Dudsie being both this weekend. Otherwise the long wait goes on for the Cork hurlers and the tens of thousands of fans that will travel with them this Sunday. We both had enough Just waiting
Irish Examiner
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Wedding of the Week: Infant of Prague 'pulled it out of the bag' for Cork couple
One household member overnighted under the stars before Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill were wed. The sacred statue turned out to be a class act for the Cork teachers. 'The Infant of Prague pulled it out of the bag. The weather was absolutely stunning,' says Alisha, from Ballyphehane. Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography As she and Brian, from Frankfield, Douglas, emerged from the Church of Christ The King as newlyweds to the tune of Leeside anthem After All by The Frank and Walters, Turners Cross could have been Torremolinos. They were married by Fr Noel O'Sullivan and held their reception in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Little Island. Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill with their wedding party. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography West Cork duo Orla and Niall performed in the church and Cathal Fitz entertained during the drinks reception. Alisha's mother Martina Heffernan and grandmother Helen Heffernan and Brian's parents Christine and Paul Cahill and his grandmother Shirley Cahill led the toasts. Alisha Heffernan with her mother Martina who walked her up the aisle. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography Alisha's sister Sarah Heffernan, her cousin Muireann McCarthy and friends Eva Wallace and Ally Treacy were her bridesmaids. Brian's brother Keith Cahill was the best man and his brother Aidan Cahill was groomsman, along with his friends Eoghan Linehan and Adam Barry. The father-of-the-bride, the late Liam Heffernan, was commemorated on Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill's wedding day. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography The bride's father, the late Liam Heffernan, was in their thoughts. 'It was a very emotional day as we missed my dad greatly. He passed away in 2017 and was commemorated on the day with a memorial table and bouquet charm,' says Alisha. 'My mother and sister gifted me with a beautiful bracelet engraved with 'Love you always, Dad x' in my dad's handwriting which was taken from an old birthday card,' she says. Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography Their pupils and colleagues also congratulated Alisha, a special class teacher in Carrigtwohill CNS, and Brian, a special class teacher in Blarney Street CBS. The couple met via the bride's grandmother and the groom's mother. 'Brian's mom, Christine, has been my nana's hairdresser for over 20 years so we had always heard about each other growing up, and we both attended Mary Immaculate College,' says Alisha. Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill and her mother Martina Heffernan and sister Sarah Heffernan. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography She and Brian went on their first date in July 2015. 'Pretty soon after my mom and Alisha's nana were chatting about who would be sitting at the top table!' says Brian. He proposed in August 2022. 'Our favourite TV show is 'Taskmaster' and Brian had created a series of tasks for me, from making a picnic to solving puzzles to going on a treasure hunt.' Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography The latter led to their favourite picnic spot, Tramore Valley Park. 'In an envelope was a message asking me to marry him — along with a beautiful ring from Designworks [Studio] in Cornmarket Street,' says Alisha. Alisha's dream gown awaited at Cork's Tuckey Street. 'Karl at Memories Bridal Boutique helped me select the dress that made me feel amazing, an Abigail from Willowby,' she says. Brian Cahill with Keith Cahill, Aidan Cahill, Eoghan Linehan and Adam Barry. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography Fusion Hair Design and Lizzy Desmond were the bridal hair and makeup team, and the groom and his party sourced their suits at Simply Suits. Florista created the décor, and Ray and Irene Terry ( and WedFilms were behind the cameras. Alisha Heffernan with Sarah Heffernan, Muireann McCarthy, Eva Wallace and Ally Treacy. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography "During the photos, I found a ladybird within a layer of my dress. We took it out only for it to reappear twice during the day! I like to think it was my dad's way of letting me know he was around,' she says. As the groom is a darts fan, the entrance to the ballroom was decorated to resemble a darts walk, with legendary darts commentator John McDonald providing an audio track. Alisha Heffernan and Brian Cahill with thier wedding party. Pictures: Ray Terry Photography Thanks to The Old Moderns and DJ Bertie the dance floor was 'never empty'. The Sallybrook-based newlyweds chose Bali for their honeymoon. If you would like your wedding featured in Weekend email
Irish Daily Mirror
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
New RTÉ series delves into Ireland's favourite love ballads
A new RTÉ series will delve into the fascinating stories behind some of Ireland's most adored love ballads. The four-part programme, Aistear an Amhráin, delves into the meaning of four tracks cemented in Irish history. This includes the heartbreaking Grace, Cork's favourite song After All by The Frank and Walters, Spandau Ballet's Through the Barricades and Irish-language stomper An Poc Ar Buile. Singers, songwriters and historians will appear in the series to give viewers an insight into the fascinating tales behind these hit tracks. Episode one will focus on one of Ireland's most loved and well-known songs - Grace. Written in 1985 by brothers Frank and Seán O'Meara, the song was inspired by the tragic love story of Grace Gifford, who married Joseph Mary Plunkett in the chapel at Kilmainham Gaol just hours before his execution in 1916. Appearing in the series, the O'Meara brothers say the song came about after they were asked to write a big hit by a music producer. As he was driving to Kilmainham in 1984, Sean says one of the most famous lines of the song came to him as he imagined the final words of Ireland's founding fathers. 'As we gather in the chapel here in Old Kilmainham jail, I think about these last few weeks, oh will they say we failed'. Grace was released by Jim McCann in 1986 and has since been covered by several artists including the Dubliners and Rod Stewart. The song was also made popular after boxer Kellie Harrington sang it following her Olympic gold medal win last year. While many are aware of the story as the Dubliners' version has become a pub classic, Aistear an Amhráin tells Grace's life story. Born in Dublin, she is one of the few women of the Easter Rising that is remembered. A talented illustrator, Grace converted to Catholicism to marry an Irish Republican. She joined in the struggle at the inception of the Irish state and ended up as a prisoner in Kilmainham jail during the Civil War, seven years after her husband's execution. In the episode, Fair City star Roxanna Nic Liam shows viewers some of the landmarks associated with Grace. This includes St Enda's Park in Rathfarnham, where she first met Joseph Plunkett, University Church in St Stephen's Green, where she converted to Catholicism, and Grafton Street, where she bought their wedding rings. Aoife Scott also discusses the haunting version of Grace she performed with Róisín O and Danny O'Reilly on the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising at Kilmainham Gaol. Domhnall Ó Bric, an acclaimed Kerry illustrator, explores Grace Gifford's work, much of which is housed in NIVAL, the National Irish Visual Arts Library at NCAD, Dublin. The series will also delve into Cork's favourite song, After All by The Frank and Walters. Formed in 1989, the band originally consisted of brothers Paul and Niall Linehan and Ashley Keating. However, Niall left the group as a guitarist in 2004, Cian Corbett joined as a keyboardist a year later, and Rory Murphy joined in 2010. The musicians created history when they became the first from the Rebel county to appear on the BBC's Top of the Pops with the hit. The upbeat tune, which featured on The Young Offenders, has been described by Paul as a 'celebration of life and value of relationships, even when they have their ups and downs'. Aistear an Amhráin will also tell the devastating tale behind English band Spandau Ballet's Through the Barricades. Released in 1986, it's the second single from their studio album of the same name. The song is inspired by the murder of a member of the band's road crew in Belfast during the troubles. It tells a Romeo and Juliet tale of the impossibility of a relationship with two people from divided communities. The final tune that the RTÉ show will delve into is the Irish language foot stomper An Poc Ar Buile. From an original poem by Dónal Ó Mulláin in the early 20th century, the song was made famous in the early 1960s when recorded by Seán Ó Sé. Translated into English as 'The Mad Puck Goat', it's a patriotic fighting song, and has become the anthem of the Puck Fair held in Killorgin, Co Kerry, every summer. Aistear an Amhráin returns for a second series on June 3 at 7pm on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.
