Latest news with #TheTV
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘Been there, done that', says ex-RTE star revealing plans for All-Ireland & avid GAA fan hunts tickets for 66th final
GAA legend Michael Lyster believes the GAA All-Ireland Football Final holds its own alongside some of the world's greatest sporting occasions. Sports fans from around the globe are preparing for a battle of the green and gold, with 5 Michael Lyster hosted The Sunday Game for 34 years Credit: Ray McManus/Sportsfile 5 Fans of all ages are in celebratory mood ahead of the final Credit: Joe Dunne The epic Croker clash sees 38-time winners Kerry pitted against Donegal, who have lifted the Sam Maguire trophy just twice, most recently in 2012. The annual scramble for tickets is well under way, but one man who will be enjoying the action from the comfort of his couch is The TV veteran was the face of the station's flagship sports show, The Sunday Game, for 34 years before hanging up his boots in 2018. Sports-mad Michael will be a more-than-interested spectator in his living room, having put in a serious shift when it comes to READ MORE ON GAA He told The Irish Sun: 'I'm looking forward to watching it on the 'As the old saying goes, when it comes to All-Ireland Finals, 'been there, done that, got the t-shirt'. 'I was lucky enough to cover GAA for nearly 40 years with RTE, I think my first game in Croke Park was in 1967.' The Dungarvan man - who knows a thing or two about championships - believes the GAA showpiece is a big draw with the Irish diaspora. Most read in The Irish Sun He explained: 'I think it stands very well (as a spectacle) alongside the big occasions. It's a fantastic day. 'It's maybe not a global spectacle but it's something that is watched globally. There are so many Irish abroad and they all tune in. RTE GAA pundit embrace Tipperary captain Ronan Maher after his epic display toppled Cork in All-Ireland final 'In my day people would write in postcards and letters telling you where they were watching from abroad and you'd try to give them a shout out. I used to encourage that. 'We had a letter in once from a guy saying he was going to be watching from the Philippines. 'Of course, now you can go into a bar in Shanghai and watch a game, as I did myself - the owner of the bar was from Sligo.' 'HARDEST CHALLENGE EVER' It comes as an avid GAA supporter is hopeful for a ticket to his 66th All-Ireland men's senior football final on Sunday. Harry Smith has been to almost all the GAA finals since seeing Galway lift the Sam Maguire against Cork in 1956. And, if empty-handed on Sunday, he will make his way to the capital to see if he can get a last-minute gold pass to the Donegal and Kerry clash. The 82-year-old said getting a ticket for last year's final was 'the hardest challenge ever' in all his years obtaining a ticket. But the Meath native managed to secure one with the help of friends Brian Kelly and John Heverin. 'GAA MEMORY MAN' Brian said: 'We rang everyone last year. Eventually I got a number for someone who was brilliant once I explained how Harry was a huge fan of GAA football and has attended hundreds of matches nationwide of every county and club team possible over the years and we did the same this year. 'Harry is like a GAA memory man. Any match and he would nearly tell you the scoreline and all the players in any year.' And Harry, who now lives in Louth, isn't going to give up hope of a ticket until the very end. TICKET HOPES He said: 'I think last year was the hardest year ever I had to get a ticket. It was impossible. I think it was because Armagh were in the final and the whole county wanted a ticket. 'I'm hopeful I'll get a ticket to this match. I followed Meath all year and it was disappointing to see they lost by so much against Donegal but they are a young team and I think they are one to watch. They'll definitely be back next year. 'I'm also going to see Meath ladies play the final against Dublin in a few weeks because I've followed them as well. 'I haven't missed a Meath match all year — men or women. 'I've been to seven replays, 32 All-Ireland LGFA finals and 43 hurling ones. LAST-MINUTE LUCK 'Sure if I don't have a ticket that morning, I'll head up that way anyway. 'I've found a few tickets last minute in the past when people want to get rid of them a few minutes before throw-in. The most I've paid over the odds is €20 from a tout but I was even lucky then as I know quite a lot of people who have been scammed with fake tickets over the years so l keep well away from the touts now. 'About 20 years ago, we went up to a final and as we were looking for tickets, a garda took two tickets from a tout and gave them to us free of charge. 'As the old saying goes, when it comes to All-Ireland Finals, 'been there, done that, got the t-shirt'." Michael Lyster 'It's such a shame the price of tickets has increased so much, especially for senior citizens. 'I think the new rules are absolutely brilliant. It's an open game of football now. If Donegal can keep Clifford to a few points, I think Sam will go to the hills but it will be a tight game, especially if Kerry can keep Murphy quiet.' Harry has witnessed seven counties — Louth, Offaly, Down, Derry, Donegal, Tyrone and Armagh — win the Sam Maguire for the first time over the years. 'NOT A ONE-TRICK PONY' He said: 'I'm not a one-trick pony. I'm a real GAA man and I go to as many games, involving all counties, as I can. 'I'm originally from Slane, Co Meath where I won an intermediate championship medal with the GAA club there in 1968 so I follow Meath around the country but as I've been living in Louth for 55 years, I also follow the Wee County. 'My wife laughs because I go to so many matches that if I didn't turn up at one, it wouldn't be played. 'I watched my first final at the age of 14 when I saw Galway beat Cork in 1956. I've only missed the finals since in 1972, 1980 and, of course, in 2020 because of Covid-19.' Watch the match on RTE2 from 2.15pm Sunday and on BBC Two NI and BBC iPlayer from 3pm. Throw-in is at 3.30pm. 5 Alanna Russell and Saoirse Deasley on a break from working in Rosies Bar in Drumkeen, Donegal Credit: Joe Dunne 5 Harry Smith with an old All Ireland ticket stub, standing outside Donegan's Pub Credit: COLLECT 5 The Sam Maguire Cup pictured at Croke Park in Dublin Credit: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Maura Higgins cuts a stylish figure in a leather dress as she attends the British Grand Prix
MAURA Higgins wore a sexy leather mini dress as she attended the British Grand Prix this week. The reality star, 34, looked incredible in the pleated PVC one-piece with buckle detail. 5 Maura Higgins looked stunning in leather at the British Grand Prix Credit: Social Media Collect 5 The TV presenter showed off her sleek hairdo Credit: Social Media Collect 5 Maura was seen posing for a string of photos at Silverstone Racecourse Credit: Social Media Collect The Irish stunner wore a pair of knee-high leather boots to match her showstopping dress. TV presenter Maura was seen posing for a string of photos at the legendary home of the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Racecourse. The Love Island alumni flashed her tanned legs in the mini outfit and a pair of Prada sunglasses. READ MORE ON MAURA HIGGINS Maura's outing comes just a few weeks after she enjoyed a The TV personality has been Maura will appear alongside Real Housewives legends Also in the line-up are Travis Kelce's mum Donna Kelce, Big Brother stars Ian Terry and Tiffany Mitchell, and Survivor favourites Rob Cesternino and Yam Yam Arocho. Most read in News TV They'll be joined by The Amazing Race winner Natalie Anderson, The Bachelor's Colton Underwood, Dancing with the Stars pro Mark Ballas, RuPaul's Drag Race alum Monét X Change, figure skater Johnny Weir, and singer Eric Nam. A source told us last week: 'Maura is becoming a huge star across the pond and her slot on The Traitors is just part of that. The Traitor, Peacock 'The future is bright — and has stars and stripes.' Rumours swirled she had joined the US version of the TV mystery game — which always has a celeb cast — when she stepped aside from But in an announcement video this week, she told Maura has just become a She was joined by fellow Love Islander The star was previously said to be 'relieved' to have been offered work from L'Oreal, who have given her six-figures after impressing with her shoot for MAC cosmetics. 5 The Love Island alumni flashed her tanned legs in the mini outfit Credit: Social Media Collect 5 The TV personality will be starring on the upcoming series of The Traitors USA Credit: Social Media Collect
The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘I feel sick' – Ireland AM star Muireann O'Connell shares honest reality of moving home and offers renovation update
MUIREANN O'Connell has said she "feels sick" as she begins to move out of her old home. The Virgin Media star and her fiancé, who she got engaged to in 2021, were on the hunt to for four years. Advertisement 2 Muireann is currently moving into her new home 2 Muireann shared the honest reality of moving in a recent social media post However, the After blood, sweat and tears, the popular presenter The TV host took to her Instagram today to share with fans the honest reality of moving home. Standing in her new home, Muireann panned around the living room showing off the mountains of boxes that have piled up from her last place. Advertisement read more muireann o'connell While she looked at all of the work ahead of her, Muireann told her fans: "I don't know what I've done. I'm kind of afraid to show you..." The 41-year-old turned around to reveal more items scattered across her new home and added: "The kitchen is entirely full as well. And there's two other rooms upstairs. Is this the worst move-in? "Is this normal? It can't be normal, please tell me that other people have done this as well. I don't have anymore wardrobes. Like this is what move-ins are like." Sharing the brutal reality with fans, Muireann wrote: "I feel sick. How did this fit in a cottage smaller than my thumb. Advertisement Most read in News TV "IS THIS NORMAL? yeah, the fake tan, least of my fecking worries, and this is with the declutter done LADS." Friends and fans raced to the presenter's comment section to reassure her the move-in process is never simple. Muireann O'Connell leave fans divided with unique TV look Teresa said: "Totally normal AND some of this will stay in the boxes that's normal too!" Alfred joked: "Yep, in the words of a Storm Trooper, nothing to see here, fear not. Congratulations on your new home." Advertisement Another fan added: "Yeah, it's quite normal. Best of luck in the new house." Earlier this week, Muireann She told : "Look listen, it's a housing crisis and that is not lost on me, but for someone who has a good job I've been very bad at this house business and the disappointment of going sale agreed on a house and losing out has been real. "I think during that time, personally for me, the old adage, 'What's for you won't pass you by' was said a lot, and every time I heard it, I wanted to stick pins in my eyes." Advertisement Muireann then laughed as she added: "I was like, 'Surely lads, there has to be something for me out there'. Now it just feels like this is where I was meant to be. I'm delighted." However, after finding her dream home the TV star revealed it's a place she's "very happy in". She said: "It's making me calmer knowing I'm moving towards something that I've wanted and worked for, for a very long time. It's also a place I feel genuinely very happy in, it's lovely, it's chill."
The Irish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Blind Date reboot will return with HUGE twist inspired by another ITV game show
IT is one of the most nostalgic TV reboots of the year – but I can reveal the return of Blind Date will come with a very modern Love Island-style twist. Earlier this month I revealed the programme, made famous by host Advertisement 4 The Blind Date revival will be set on a tropical island — just like Love Island, hosted by Maya Jama But it will have a different flavour because much of the show will be spent on a tropical island — just like Love Island, hosted by A TV insider said: 'This sounds like a radical departure from the old Blind Date, one that definitely has hints of Love Island about it. "But fans will recall a lot of the dates took place in hot, sunny climes abroad, and producers want to recapture some of the steamy fun, and expand upon that. 'Even the wedding element has hints of the old show, because the dream was always that the dates on the programme would lead to couples tying the knot.' Advertisement read more on blind date The TV insider added: 'In the reboot, the creators are not entirely dispensing with all of the old characteristics either as there are still plans to incorporate the show's famous sliding wall and hire a top female host just like Cilla.' Disney+ is imminently expected to confirm it is reviving Blind Date, though all details have been kept firmly under wraps. Advertisement Most read in News TV No presenter has signed up as yet but the channel is targeting some big names in British TV, with the main criteria being that they have to be hugely famous women. Here's hoping whoever gets the role doesn't mind getting a bit of sand between their toes in the course of the job. 4 Cilla Black hosted Blind Date for 18 years Credit: Getty Images - Getty Blind Date most successful couple Alex and Sue Tatham talk about their time on the show KATH TAKES FLIGHT KATHERINE KELLY is back dishing out the drinks . . . 13 years after pulling pints in the Rovers Return. Advertisement On Corrie she played feisty barmaid Becky McDonald, while now she's cabin crew on new Channel 4 thriller In Flight. 4 Katherine Kelly stars in new Channel 4 thriller In Flight Credit: Channel 4 / Peter Marley 4 Katherin played feisty barmaid Becky McDonald on Coronation Street Credit: ITV Advertisement Through the airline she works for, she finds herself blackmailed into drug smuggling after her son is imprisoned in Bulgaria for a murder he claims he didn't commit. The six-parter, set in Bangkok, Bulgaria, Istanbul and London, wrapped filming this spirng and is set to air later this year. STEPHEN IN TECH LESSON STEPHEN FRY wants to make a futuristic TV drama series where e-mails, TikTok and SnapChat are 'uncool' and people return to basic communication in 'an unplugged life'. Advertisement The pupil asks the teacher how to submit his essay as he doesn't have a computer so can't email it. Stephen continues: 'All the other (pupils) think 'Who is this ridiculous child?' "But then he starts influencing everybody. They think this is quite a fun way to live. 'We've come to a tipping point now where the uncoolest thing in the world is Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok. Advertisement "We know they're harmful, but they are also vapid and shallow and silly. 'Imagine an unplugged life using all these fabulous old tools. You'd be the coolest people.' Bizbit THE BBC has un- veiled two new podcasts. Double Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams will host the LGBT Sport Podcast, which begins today. And 13 Minutes Presents: The Space Shuttle tells the stories of the people who helped change space exploration. It launches on July 14. SEX JOKE BIT MUCH FOR WILL BRIT actor He cringed as US actress Advertisement At this week's launch of the show, which drops on July 10, Lena said: 'One of Meg's favourite things to do is to ask you after a take: 'What face were you making during that?' "One time it was right after a sex scene and Meg was like: 'What face were you making during that?' 'And I heard Will's mic, like: 'Jesus f***ing Christ, Meg!'' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club. Advertisement
The Irish Sun
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Inside Emily Atack's son Barney's 1st birthday party with famous guest as Rivals star celebrates milestone
EMILY Atack threw a lavish party for her son Barney as he celebrated his 1st birthday. The bash included a very famous guest as the former I'm A Celebrity star celebrated the huge milestone. 6 Emily Atack celebrated a huge family milestone in style and with a special celeb guest Credit: Getty 6 She celebrated the first birthday of her son Barney whom she welcomed in june last year Credit: Instagram 6 The TV personality put on a lavish buffet and garden party for her nearest and dearest She recently starred in the hit Disney+ series The TV personality Now she is celebrating his first birthday with a lavish birthday party with her nearest and dearest. This included an appearance with her longtime friend and colleague Leigh Francis - who is also known by his TV alter-ego, Keith Lemon. Emily took to her Instagram story as she shared a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into the big day. The first image showed the comedian standing next to Emily's brother She humorously captioned the snap: "Twinnys." Most read in Celebrity Emily has a long history of working with the Virgin Radio presenter as she has appeared in a number of his shows. In 2012, she appeared in Lemon La Vida Loca, before featuring in Emily Atack returns to TV after giving birth as she opens up about motherhood and naked scenes in Disney's Rivals She also worked with Paddy McGuinness in both series of In 2020 she was made a team captain in the long-running ITV comedy panel show, Celebrity Juice alongside Laura Whitmore. Another snap showed a lavish grazing table filled with sweet treats such as strawberries, fairy cakes, mini donuts and small buckets of popcorn. The display also contained bespoke biscuits in the shape of the number one with pastel blue icing. Everything you need to know about Emily Atack Who has What happened between Who are Emily Atack's parents What is When did Who did Emily Atack Emily captioned the story: "Thank you @pinkgingercatering for making Barneys party absolutely perfect!" Other snaps show her family playing in plastic pens in the corner of her garden and a special painting corner for the children. The outdoor space was also decorated with bunting while guests tucked into the buffet. 6 Emily was joined by Paddy McGuinness as she joked how much he looked like her brother 6 She celebrated the first birthday of her son that she shares with partner Alistair Garner Credit: Instagram 6 The star took to social media as she shared a behind the scenes sneak peek of the big day
