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Sunday World
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Brian Dowling hits out at 'cowards' on gossip site Tattle Life
The TV presenter previously said users of the forum tried to ruin his life and destroy his reputation. Brian Dowling has hit out at 'cowards' on the gossip website Tattle Life. The television presenter said that he and his husband, Arthur Gourounlian, have suffered at the hands of people who post on the forum. Taking to Instagram, he shared that he never planned to open up 'so much' about his experience, and thanked followers for contacting him about his story. 'Thank you so so much, your KINDNESS & SUPPORT will ALWAYS win over anything else. 'Plus, we aren't alone in this, as many, many other people have had their lives turned absolutely upside down. 'We all need to remember these people are weak, they are cowards and clearly are so unhappy with their own lives that they want to inflict hate on others,' he continued. Brian Dowling 'I'm happy to say the tide is turning!!! Have a gorgeous Thursday, everyone.' The father-of-two opened up about his personal experience with the website last week after the owner was unmasked as Sebastian Henry Bond following a high-profile court case. 'Also on Friday, my birthday, I got messages saying that the person that runs the website Tattle has been exposed and his true identity is now out there.' 'I am absolutely delighted,' he said. 'This is something, a battle, Arthur and I have been having with this website for a long time now. 'They have tried to destroy our reputation, ruin our lives in fact with the vile-ness they have been saying. 'We have all the messages, we've spoken to the guards, we have screenshots, we have usernames, we have everything,' he added. 'My hope is, now this man has been exposed for who he is. 'That, as part of his deal, he will now release the email addresses of all those people online with all their names. 'And I get to find out who they are. I can't wait.' Brian Dowling with husband Arthur Gourounlian at last year's VIP Style Awards. News in 90 Seconds - June 19th It comes after Irish couple Neil and Donna Sands were awarded £300,000 payout by a Belfast judge last December after they were anonymously trolled on the forum. The identity of the website's owner remained a secret until it was revealed following a court battle to lift reporting restrictions.
Sunday World
04-06-2025
- Health
- Sunday World
Lorraine Keane goes all in on pre-loved fashion with booming charity initiative
BIG HIT | 'I blew my first pay packet on Prada boots and my mom had to lend me my bus fare' The television star is among the 66,182 families across the country gearing up for the Leaving Cert exams this week. But her youngest daughter with musician husband Peter Devlin, Romy, is aiming high as she sets her sights on studying law at third level. 'She's working her ass off, God love her,' continues Lorraine. 'She's a great little actress, and she's an amazing singer, and she always said that she wanted to do music as a career, but she decided that she was going to follow the academic route first.' Lorraine with her daughters Emilia and Romy at the VIP Style Awards The former Xposé presenter now has a passion project of her own after setting up charity initiative Fashion Relief, which has raised a staggering €400,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland in just 18 months . And it all began when she decided to 'KonMari' her envious walk-in wardrobe at home in Monkstown, south Dublin, she tells Magazine+ , as she sifts through the latest haul of pre-loved gems destined for the Frascati Centre clothing store in nearby Blackrock. 'I'd come back from my 11th trip to the developing world, to Bangladesh, to see the garment workers who don't get paid a living wage. All these amazing, beautiful women who don't even get to see their children because they're living in slums and working in factories,' says Lorraine. Lorraine Keane with the TV3 Xpose presenters 'Seeing how fast fashion was destroying our planet and destroying lives. 'So I came back and decided to do a wardrobe clearout, and mentioned it to a couple of people in the business, and they were all like, 'Jesus, I'll give you some stuff' … anyway, it ended up turning into a massive event in the RDS.' Fast forward seven years, and the annual fashion spectacular, which went online during lockdown, has grown into the permanent boutique, which Lorraine says resells 'everything from Zara to Prada', with the stylish star having to resist the urge to buy more than she donates. 'Myself and [fellow managers] Michelle and Marie are probably the best customers, because we do get incredible pieces in,' she jokes. 'Everything's above board. I don't want people to think that I'm pricing it and then buying it — we have professional pricers that do that for us! 'For me, I've always loved finding a bargain, and boasting about it. I always shopped second-hand, as we used to call it back then. Lorraine and Peter Devlin married in 2003 'For me, it's even more special because it's unique. If it's a designer piece that you're getting at a bargain price, the fabric, the cut, everything is more superior, so you're getting a piece that has longevity; it's already been around for whatever amount of time, and it'll last.' Although relatively ruthless when it comes to clearing out, Lorraine, who also has her own gradual tanning cream called Decadence made by Irish brand Beauti Edit, admits there are some investment items she could never bear to part with. 'I have a lovely Jean Paul Gaultier two-piece that I bought for my first appearance on The Late Late Show with the gorgeous Gay Byrne, [and] I still get wear out of it. 'I've a pair of Prada boots that I bought for myself with my first wages in AA Roadwatch, we didn't earn that much, [but] I spent my entire month's salary on them… my mom had to lend me my bus fare. Lorraine Keane's Fashion Relief pre-loved clothing boutique . . 'I didn't have any money to go out, so I stayed in and wore them, and watched The Late Late Show three Friday nights in a row — I got out on the fourth,' she laughs. 'Imagine, I still have them — they're still absolutely perfect.' The boots have stood the test of time, and so too, has her association with tailbacks, Lorraine reveals, as she's still recognised as the voice of traffic updates in the pre-Google map era. 'Oh, my goodness, I was so lucky,' she reflects on the radio presenting gig that helped turn her into a household name. 'To be on national radio, and repeating my name time and time again. Lorraine at the shop in the Frascati Centre News in 90 Seconds - 3rd June 2025 'It opened up so many doors and opportunities for me, so it's [an association] I'll never get sick of, and I'm always proud of. 'In fact, it's the one thing I still [am known for],' adds Lorraine, who started out on TV subbing for Thelma Mansfield on Live at 3 alongside the late Derek Davis. 'I get into a taxi, and I'll be chatting away, and then nine times out of ten, the taximan will look in the wing mirror, and he'll go, 'Are you Lorraine Keane, AA Roadwatch?' So it won't be that they'll recognise my face, it's the voice — it's so funny.' In recent years, she's lent that instantly recognisable voice to the cause of women's health. Long before Davina McCall in the UK or Drew Barrymore in the US, the Dubliner was the first to normalise speaking openly about perimenopause and menopause in the public eye, and she recalls thinking long and hard about becoming Ireland's poster girl for 'the change'. Lorraine Keane's Fashion Relief pre-loved clothing boutique . . 'Oh my God, I was so nervous about it,' says the 53-year-old. 'Back then, it was seen as your last stage of life — you were old and decrepit and past it when you were in menopause. 'And that's why women were embarrassed and ashamed to talk about it, it was their dirty little secret: 'Sweep it under the carpet, just get on with it, put up and shut up'. 'I was 38 when I went into perimenopause, but because I had suffered in silence for so long, not knowing that that's what it was, and that it was something that I could actually manage, then I just thought, 'OK, this is ridiculous'. 'Why are we made to feel like this when there's nothing we can do about it? From feckin' PMS to periods, periods to pregnancy, pregnancy to postnatal depression to endometriosis… why? Because we were given the reproductive organs to do all this. 'There's no way God is a woman,' continues Lorraine, 'because if she was a woman, she would have spread it out more evenly. Read more 'Because then we go into perimenopause, or menopause, we're supposed to be embarrassed about it? No chance. We should be worshipped, we should be adored and minded, and cared for — it should be the opposite. That's why I was like, 'Screw this, I'm going to talk about this'. I just decided, 'Put your money where your mouth is, you're always saying you're a woman's woman, and we should support women more', and it's been the best thing I've ever done.' Far from 'past it', the mum-of-two was the picture of glamour when she attended the VIP Style Awards with her two daughters, Emelia (21), who has just earned a drama degree, and Romy last month, and she says it's down to weight lifting that the three, three decades apart, can share frocks. 'I love the fact that my daughters say, 'It's not about being skinnier, mom, it's about being stronger',' tells Lorraine, who does three 30 minute workouts per week. 'When we were growing up, we were told, 'Eat less carbs, pound the pavements', whereas now we realise that's actually wrong; we need to be eating more protein and we need to do more weight resistance training. 'It was lovely to have the opportunity to get dressed up, and to see the event through their eyes, because I've been going for a long time now, 22 years. 'The stage they're at, 18 and 21, it's great now that they can actually share my wardrobe with me. I wouldn't say now that I'd share much of theirs — but they can definitely dip into mine!'
Sunday World
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Celebs line up to congratulate Holly Carpenter as she gets married in Dublin
Taking to Instagram, Holly posted a series of snaps from her big day, describing it as a 'moment I have dreamed of with my dad' Fellow celebrities have congratulated former Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter as she got hitched in the restaurant where she and her fiancé had their very first date. Taking to Instagram, Holly posted a series of snaps from her big day, describing it as a 'moment I have dreamed of with my dad'. She also thanked photographer Evan Doherty, 'for capturing this special moment that I'll never forget'. The comments section was flooded with messages from well-wishers, including DJ Nikki Hayes who offered 'congratulations, stunning as always', while writer Vicki Notaro posted a series of red heart emojis. Podcaster Louise McSherry also added some hearts, as did Glenda Gilson while model Sarah McGovern wrote: 'Aww, wow Holly! You look sensational, congratulations to you both.' Holly and Corkman hubby Jamie Hunt had their registry ceremony at the Charlotte Quay Restaurant in Dublin, before their marriage abroad this summer. The 'intimate' gathering of 12 guests included family members and photographer Evan Doherty, who has been friends with the couple for years, as well as Max, their beloved pooch. Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday at the VIP Style Awards on Friday night, Holly said she was 'really looking forward' to the day. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content While their legal ceremony was this week, later this year the couple will have a bigger wedding in France, 'in a little town called Auch, 'where it's always sunny'. Last week, Holly explained how the official registry ceremony was taking place in Charlotte Quay, 'the restaurant where we had our first date'. "Evan Doherty is doing our wedding photos,' she told 'He's obviously been friends for years, and then it's just 12 of us, so it's just our closest family, and it's going to be really intimate and chilled. Holly's father, Karl, who was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome in February 2020, walked her down the aisle. Holly and Jamie pictured together on holiday News in 90 Seconds - May 29th She had previously offered an insight into her dad's battle with cancer after he was admitted to hospital for six weeks when he picked up an infection. Writing alongside a Facebook post in February, Holly shared 'an update on Karl's journey so far'. 'This is just a small insight into the uncertainty he has faced and how quick things can change,' she wrote. 'Like so many, Karl is extremely grateful to @mariekeatingfoundation and everyone who is supporting @paddys_day_dip. 'We are stronger together.' Since her dad's cancer diagnosis Holly and Jamie have been throwing their support behind the Marie Keating Foundation's cancer support services, which are provided free of charge to anyone who needs them. Last year, they raised over €20,000 for the charity and hope to raise even more this year. Jamie's father Keith was diagnosed with terminal cancer and sadly passed away in September 2024. Holly said: 'Jamie's dad Keith was still around with us at the time. He was a big fan of sea swimming right up until he was 89, up until the end. 'When they talk about how good sea swimming is for you, he was a living testament at the time. 'We're encouraging people to take part all around the country. It's something we'd love to keep growing and growing.' Last year Holly also opened up about her decision to become sober after a night of heavy drinking, telling followers that it has been one of her best decisions. The former Miss Ireland told followers that the previous September she woke up 'extremely hungover' and levels of anxiety that felt 'through the roof'. "I had drank so much the night before that I blacked out. I remember I woke up with the all too familiar feelings of self-hatred and shame and severe, severe anxiety,' she said, adding that even a few drinks would impact her mental health. She said her life is 'so much better' since she made the decision to give up alcohol and even though she did not drink daily or even weekly, the aftermath was 'so bad' for her when she did drink that she grew tired of it.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
‘A moment I have dreamed of' – Holly Carpenter marries long-term boyfriend in ‘intimate' Dublin wedding
Taking to Instagram, Holly posted a series of snaps from her big day, describing it as a 'moment I have dreamed of with my dad'. She also thanked photographer Evan Doherty, 'for capturing this special moment that I'll never forget'. The comments section was flooded with messages from well-wishers, including DJ Nikki Hayes who offered 'congratulations, stunning as always', while writer Vicki Notaro posted a series of red heart emojis. Podcaster Louise McSherry also added some hearts, as did Glenda Gilson while model Sarah McGovern wrote: 'Aww, wow Holly! You look sensational, congratulations to you both.' Holly and Corkman Jamie Hunt had their registry ceremony at the Charlotte Quay Restaurant in Dublin, before their marriage abroad this summer. The 'intimate' gathering of 12 guests included family members and photographer Evan Doherty, who has been friends with the couple for years, as well as Max, their beloved pooch. Speaking to the Irish Mail on Sunday at the VIP Style Awards on Friday night, Holly said she was 'really looking forward' to the day. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content While their legal ceremony was this week, later this year the couple will have a bigger wedding in France, 'in a little town called Auch, 'where it's always sunny'. Last week, Holly explained how the official registry ceremony was taking place in Charlotte Quay, 'the restaurant where we had our first date'. "Evan Doherty is doing our wedding photos,' she told 'He's obviously been friends for years, and then it's just 12 of us, so it's just our closest family, and it's going to be really intimate and chilled. Holly's father, Karl, who was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome in February 2020, walked her down the aisle. She had previously offered an insight into her dad's battle with cancer after he was admitted to hospital for six weeks when he picked up an infection. Writing alongside a Facebook post in February, Holly shared 'an update on Karl's journey so far'. 'This is just a small insight into the uncertainty he has faced and how quick things can change,' she wrote. 'Like so many, Karl is extremely grateful to @mariekeatingfoundation and everyone who is supporting @paddys_day_dip. 'We are stronger together.' Since her dad's cancer diagnosis Holly and Jamie have been throwing their support behind the Marie Keating Foundation's cancer support services, which are provided free of charge to anyone who needs them. Last year, they raised over €20,000 for the charity and hope to raise even more this year. Jamie's father Keith was diagnosed with terminal cancer and passed away in September 2024. Holly said: 'Jamie's dad Keith was still around with us at the time. He was a big fan of sea swimming right up until he was 89, up until the end. 'When they talk about how good sea swimming is for you, he was a living testament at the time. 'We're encouraging people to take part all around the country. It's something we'd love to keep growing and growing.' Last year, Holly also opened up about her decision to become sober after a night of heavy drinking, telling followers that it has been one of her best decisions. The former Miss Ireland told followers that the previous September she woke up 'extremely hungover' and levels of anxiety that felt 'through the roof'. "I had drank so much the night before that I blacked out. I remember I woke up with the all too familiar feelings of self-hatred and shame and severe, severe anxiety,' she said, adding that even a few drinks would impact her mental health. She said her life is 'so much better' since she made the decision to give up alcohol and even though she did not drink daily or even weekly, the aftermath was 'so bad' for her when she did drink that she grew tired of it.
Extra.ie
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Hilarious moment Alan Hughes confesses to taking item from VIP Style Awards
Alan Hughes admitted that he 'liberated' an item from his table at the VIP Style Awards. The Ireland AM crew were discussing instances where items would go 'missing' from events and locations, and mysteriously re-appear in your home (the most famous instance being the cupboard in most Irish homes that are chock full of pint glasses that were yoinked from the pub!) While Muireann told viewers that stealing was bad, the presenters asked if any items were 'liberated,' especially while on holiday — and while everyone's nicked the mini soaps from the hotel bathroom, some viewers admitted to taking some impressive items; ranging from a silver tray that the Godfather of Soul James Brown ate off of (and signed), as well as glasses from the 1980 Rose of Tralee. Alan Hughes admitted that he 'liberated' an item from his table at the VIP Style Awards. Pic: Virgin Media Television Alan even admitted to having sticky fingers of his own, most recently at the VIP Style Awards earlier this month. 'I took the flower centrepiece from the VIP Style Awards home,' Alan told a shocked Muireann and Tommy. 'They told me we could take them because they were all going to be thrown out!' while Tommy added 'this is why they love [stealing].' Alan said that he nabbed the white roses on the centrepieces, but admitted that he didn't actually take them home from the awards ceremony (imagine having to explain that to the taxi driver) — but rather got his husband Karl Broderick to do his dirty work for him. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ireland AM (@irelandamvmtv) 'They said that they were going to [throw them out] — beautiful white roses in a bowl,' Alan said. 'I sent Karl down to get it!' Alan headed to the VIP Style Awards with husband Karl in tow, with Karl paying a special nod to the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum, which saw Ireland become the first country in the world to pass same-sex marriage via a popular vote. '@ style awards red carpet look,' Alan wrote on his Instagram. 'Great night as always and a huge thanks to @guyclothing for dressing both of us. Alan and his husband Karl stunned at the VIP Style Awards, with Karl paying a special tribute to the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum. Pic: Brian McEvoy 'Love Karl's little nod to 10 years of marriage equality with his rainbow pocket sq.'
