Latest from Extra.ie
Extra.ie
11 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
Calling someone a 'Karen' is 'borderline racist, sexist and ageist', tribunal suggests
A tribunal has suggested that calling someone a 'Karen' is 'borderline racist, sexist and ageist.' An employment tribunal judge this week said the slang term, typically targeted at middle-aged white women, is 'pejorative.' The statement follows claims of unfair dismissal, direct race and age discrimination and victimisation from 74-year-old Sylvia Constance at Watford Employment Tribunal. A tribunal has suggested that calling someone a 'Karen' is 'borderline racist, sexist and ageist.' Pic: Getty Ms Constance made the claims against Harpenden Mencap, a charity which provides support to adults with learning disabilities. Ms Constance, who is black British, said she was dismissed on June 13, 2023 and was targeted because of her race. She stated this was due to an 'irrevocable breakdown in the relationship' with Mencap. An employment tribunal judge this week said the slang term, typically targeted at middle-aged white women, is 'pejorative.' Pic: Getty Ms Constance had previously been suspended over claims of 'emotional/psychological abuse of a tenant in your care' and 'bullying and intimidation of colleagues', the tribunal heard. Christine Yates, who represented Ms Constance at the tribunal, said in a document: 'The respondents have acted like the stereotypical 'Karen' having weaponised their privilege and more powerful position against the complainant, making up and suspending the complainant for numerous fictitious infringements, and deflecting from their personal misconduct. 'As egregiously, they encouraged residents under their care to do same. There is also something very sordid about the way in which white, female management have facilitated racism by colluding with white, male residents to give a misogynistic, racist view of the black complainant.' The statement follows claims of unfair dismissal, direct race and age discrimination and victimisation from 74-year-old Sylvia Constance at Watford Employment Tribunal. Pic: Getty Employment judge George Alliott interjected, saying: 'We note Christine Yates uses the slang term 'Karen', which is a pejorative and borderline racist, sexist and ageist term.' The judge dismissed Ms Constance's claims, saying that the complaints against Ms Constance were 'legitimate' and 'did not constitute a targeted racist campaign against her.' Defined by Merriam Webster, a Karen is an 'insulting term for a privileged, indignant, or discriminatory woman.' 'Karen is a slang term used to disparage a stereotypically middle-class, middle-aged white woman who rebukes or reports others in angry, sometimes racist public displays. 'More generally, it is an insult for anyone, though still typically a woman, who shows entitled behavior, especially in the form of outspoken complaints or intrusive criticism. Depending on context, it may be considered sexist.'
Extra.ie
31 minutes ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
No response from Michael Lowry: TD says he was 'smeared' but has yet to rebut claims
Sinn Féin has said it is 'not surprised' Michael Lowry has made no comment on claims made by Pearse Doherty in the Dáil about his role in a deal involving Doncaster Rovers Football club over 150 days ago, at the beginning of the Dáil. Long-time TD for Tipperary Mr Lowry emerged as a key figure in Programme for Government discussions when he brought a number of Independent TDs together to back the Government. On January 23, when Micheál Martin finally became Taoiseach – more than 150 days ago – Pearse Doherty read into the Dáil record, under Dáil privilege, what he said was 'new information' about a deal Mr Lowry was involved in with Doncaster Rovers Football Club. Independent TD Michael Lowry. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire He said: 'I wonder if Deputy Lowry will use that speaking time to come clean to set the record straight about his involvement in the Doncaster deal, the purchase of Doncaster football club funded by Denis O'Brien, a deal that the deputy swore that he had no part in and was not to benefit from, which was completely and utterly false. Let me put some new information on the record of the House. 'Deputy Lowry had 57 meetings in relation to the Doncaster deal, including here in the Houses of the Oireachtas, with the organisers of the project and representatives of sport. He also had meetings in the boardroom of Doncaster football club itself. Will Deputy Lowry explain also, in September and October of 2001, why his accountant and his adviser paid the person putting the Doncaster deal together two bank drafts of £32,500 and £25,000 for his fee?' 'When he is doing that, maybe Deputy Lowry will explain why these payments came from an account in Gibraltar and where did they originate from? These payments were never disclosed to the [Moriarty] tribunal. Will Deputy Lowry use the Government's time to explain to this House and the public why he, on 15 March 2001, met with other key individuals in relation to this deal in Dublin?' Independent TD Michael Lowry. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire Mr Lowry said Mr Doherty's comments were a 'smear' against him and said he was requesting time from the Ceann Comhairle to make a statement to the Dáil to rebut the allegations. He said at the time: 'Pearse Doherty availed of Dáil privilege to make so-called new allegations in respect of my dealings with the Moriarty Tribunal. Within hours of it being brought to my attention, I delivered a letter to the Office of the Ceann Comhairle.' originally checked in with Mr Lowry and the Office of the Ceann Comhairle on March 21 to see if Mr Lowry had delivered the letter and would be getting speaking time to address the matter. Both Mr Lowry and a spokeswoman for the Ceann Comhairle said that he had delivered the letter. Pic: Colin Keegan/Collins Dublin Mr Lowry said at the time the Ceann Comhairle would 'inform' him 'in due course' about the matter. A spokeswoman for the Ceann Comhairle said: 'I can confirm that Deputy Lowry did request to make a personal explanation and the matter is with the Ceann Comhairle's office.' Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy also confirmed in the Dáil Chamber on February 26 that she had received the letter from Mr Lowry and had 'requested further information from him'. 'I have not received the information yet,' she said at the time. To date, Mr Lowry has not made any statement in the Dáil about the allegations made by Mr Doherty. Pearse Doherty said he was 'not surprised' Mr Lowry was 'refusing to make a statement on this', adding: 'So much for his huffing and puffing that he wanted to make a statement on the Dáil record.' contacted both Mr Lowry and the Office of the Ceann Comhairle again this week but received no reply from Mr Lowry. A spokeswoman for the Ceann Comhairle said: 'The matter rests with Deputy Lowry so best to check in with him.' As part of the deal to support the Government, Mr Lowry secured four junior ministries for Independent TDs, the role of the Ceann Comhairle for Verona Murphy and he has regular access to Cabinet ministers. The Sunday Times recently reported that the Independent TDs who back the Government, including Mr Lowry, get weekly briefings from Cabinet ministers. The Moriarty Tribunal found Michael Lowry to be 'profoundly corrupt' to a degree that was 'breathtaking'. Taoiseach Micheál Martin once described him as 'a rogue politician', and said he should resign his seat. Mr Lowry has always rejected the findings of the tribunal but has not brought a challenge to thefindings in the courts, an avenue that was open to him. He has topped the poll at successive general elections and emerged as the kingmaker of the current Government but has receded into the background since the Government was finally formed earlier this year.
Extra.ie
44 minutes ago
- Extra.ie
The Weekend Run with Liam Gaskin — The 'Oh my God' ride-out
This run wasn't even close in terms of distance to most of my other runs, but its dramatic scenery and narrow, winding roads made it a spectacular ride out. It's a short distance from Tralee to the foot of the Conor Pass on the Dingle Peninsula, and nothing about it would hint at what was to come. You very slowly begin the climb to the top of the pass, and as you get closer, you get an indication of how steep the road becomes. The road is so narrow in places that some sections are only wide enough for one-way traffic, making for an adventurous ride. If you're driving an RV or towing a caravan, turn back now; there's no chance you'll make it to the summit. You'll have a great view on one side of a number of corrie lakes Pic: Supplied From the summit, at 1,500ft, you'll have a great view on one side of a number of corrie lakes, formed by glacial movement thousands and thousands of years ago. On the other side, an incredible view of the Atlantic and Dingle in the distance. I imagine most people who take in the view from here exclaim, 'Oh my God' — I know I did. Check the weather before heading to the Conor Pass, as low cloud at the top can be disheartening, especially after the climb. I imagine most people who take in the view from here exclaim, 'Oh my God,' — I know I did. Pic: Supplied The descent from the summit is on a much wider road, but more challenging than the ride up. I spent most of the run down with the pointy bit of my nose pointing towards the ground. I have been on numerous steep downhill roads over the years, but none have been as long as this one. It felt like it went on forever. The road is covered in gravel, and the only way to navigate it safely is by utilising your gears and avoiding using the brakes as much as possible. Bikers will always want a challenge in their runs, and the climb up and down from Conor Pass has that in abundance. Bikers will always want a challenge in their runs, and the climb up and down from Conor Pass has that in abundance. Pic: Supplied Into Dingle we rode, to be met with hordes of tourists both international and domestic. And oops, more downhill roads to the harbour. Dingle was immortalised by Johnnie Cash in the song '40 Shades of Green'. He wrote the song in 1959 during his visit to Ireland. The people of Dingle owe the Man in Black a great debt of gratitude, as tourists have flocked to Dingle ever since. The one lonely fishing boat in Dingle Harbour when we arrived. Pic: Supplied Dingle is a lovely town renowned for its fishing fleet, which is probably the largest on the West Coast. However, as luck would have it, the fleet was off doing its own thing in the Atlantic when we arrived. As the adrenaline was still flowing from the run, we decided there was nothing for it but to adjourn to an award-winning, historic hostelry for the auld cup of tea. Dick Mack's founded in 1899. Notice how steep the road is. Pic: Supplied Dick Mack's has been serving beverages since 1899. A Pub with a shop in it. On one side of the bar, the usual selection of beers and stronger spirits, and on the other side, a leather shop. This pub has a sense that it has been unchanged since it opened over 125 years ago. In 2017, a brewery called the Brewhouse was opened, and today you can enjoy one of Dick Mack's very own ales and beers. If you have a couple of hours to spend, you might fancy the brewhouse tour. You could pick up a pair of shoes while enjoying a pint of Dick Mack's very own brew. Pic: Supplied This was probably the shortest run I have ever been on, but it was one of the most exhilarating. We were blessed with the weather, as though it was raining, which added to the challenge; there was no low cloud. As long as some road planner doesn't go mad by widening the road up to the Pass or flattening out the run to Dingle, this is and always will be a great ride-out. As always, click this link to the Detecht map for the route of this run. Remember, when you open the map, enlarge it to see the details. When I arrived at 2 Wheels in Ballymount, I was given a brief overview of the Rebel by Alan, a knowledgeable motorbike expert. My first surprise was that the Rebel was jet black and wouldn't have looked out of place on The Sons of Anarchy TV show. Next, surprise, it is an automatic gearbox. This was concerning as I had never driven an automatic bike before. With a bit of trepidation, I took this low rider out of the gate and onto the motorway. At 15 minutes in, it felt like I had ridden in this position my whole life. Pic: Honda For the first five minutes, I found the foot pedals a little awkward, as it had been years since I had ridden a bike with such a low seating position. However, at 15 minutes in, it felt like I had ridden in this position my whole life. The next thing I had to come to terms with was the automatic gearbox, but to my surprise and delight, it was brilliant. I felt the automatic gave me more freedom to signal oncoming traffic. After all, bikers are more polite on the road than car drivers, and there was no discomfort in my wrist from having to operate a clutch. The gearbox was so smooth and did the thinking for me. Whatever speed I was driving at, it chose the optimum gear. The engine noise to me resembled a low growl, indicating a bike that just wants to be driven. Pic: Honda This beauty is born to cruise. It screams 'drive me' as far as you like and then some. The engine noise to me resembled a low growl, indicating a bike that wants to be driven. It is not a commuter, but it can handle both city roads and country ones. I took it out on Dry Road mode, and it had lots of pick-up power, which made me wonder why I would ever need to ride it in Sport mode. My one Biking Bucket List ride is the Sea-to-Sky road from Vancouver to Whistler in Canada. It's the largest ski resort in North America and was the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. It starts at approximately 50 feet above sea level and rises to 2,215 feet. The road twists, bends and climbs its way to Whistler through towering trees and bear country, I kid you not. I drove it in a car with my daughter in 2023, and I promised her we would do it on a bike someday. She's my official motorbike videographer. Anyway, the Rebel is the bike I want to do it on. Its smooth gearbox, low centre of gravity, remarkably comfortable seat and easy handling make it the bike to tackle this incredibly beautiful road. Its smooth gearbox, low centre of gravity, remarkably comfortable seat and easy handling make it the bike to tackle this incredibly beautiful road. Pic: Supplied by Honda The CMX1100T Rebel comes standard with full LED lighting, cruise control, ABS, and three riding modes: Dry, Wet, and Fast (my definition). It also features side boxes for carrying gear on weekends away, which you will want to take. The ignition key also unlocks the seat, which conceals storage space and a USB Type-C socket. If you have a decent budget, you can add a few extras, such as a Wadding Seat (black or brown), Tank Pad (Side and centre), Headlight Cowl, Short Front Mudguard, Wheel Stripes, Support Passenger Backrest, Backrest Pad, and Rear Carrier. I love it the way it is. Here is a link to a YouTube video from the channel, which features the CMX1100T Rebel being ridden around Portugal and includes a lot of technical information. Gerry passed the Garda Advanced Motorcycle Course and the motorcycle Escort Course first time — no mean feat, I can assure you. He was heavily involved in the first 'BIKESAFE' course, which was initially held only in Dublin Castle before it went nationwide some years ago. I recently wrote about this excellent, free course. Check out a video about it here. Gerry has been a Honda man his whole life. Photographed here touring in Romania with his superb Honda Goldwing. Pic: Supplied Besides his Roads Policing duties, he was also involved in escorting many Heads of States and other dignitaries around the Country. Since retiring, Gerry has become a motorcycle tour guide, leading tours across and around England, Scotland, and Wales. Among his peers, Gerry is a legend of the Route 66 tours across America, raising much-needed funds for the Temple Street Children's Hospital. He has planned and led eight Route 66 fundraisers. A great friend of Gerry's described him to me as 'a legendary biker and absolute gentleman'. It's a privilege to have him answer my ten questions today. My Dad drove motorcycles all his life, and I was exposed to them at a very early age. Any chance I got I drove his bikes outside our house and loved the experience and have some great memories of those times with my Dad and his bikes. Times were different then, and it wasn't such a big deal then to let you kids mess around with your bike. I've been driving motorcycles for most of my life. I was 21 years old before I could afford to buy my first motorcycle. My first bike was a ST1100 Pan European Black in colour. Loved that bike! I had my car license to start, but have been trained and graduated to a full A-class bike license. Yes! I have been fortunate in my life to have experienced many memorable rides on motorcycles, but if I had to pick one, it would be one from a trip across Route 66 in America, fundraising for Temple Street Children's Hospital. At the end of the trip, our group, which consisted of approximately 60 bikes, received a police escort from the LAPD motorcycle unit into the city of Los Angeles to arrive at the Santa Monica Pier. At the front of the escort, they had taken all their old vintage police cars from their museum and used them to head our escort. We were honoured with a LAPD Helicopter flying overhead and had 16 of LAPD's finest police motorcycles escorting us the whole way—quite a spectacle to behold. Along the way, the local fire services' fire trucks flew giant American flags from their extended fire ladders across the road over us and stood to attention with a salute as we passed—quite an honour. Yes, I had a spill very early on in my biking career when a taxi made a sudden U-turn in front of me on the road. I T-boned the car and did a fair bit of damage to my beloved Pan European. Walked away from it with bruises and a shaken ego, but had all the best gear on and was back on the road after repairing the bike. She was nervous at the start, but since I was driving motorcycles professionally in my job, it eased things a bit. She had a strict rule that our children were never allowed to ride any of my bikes. In retrospect, they never got to enjoy any of the experiences I had enjoyed with my Dad and his bikes. To this day, neither of my children has ever ridden a motorcycle and shows no interest in doing so. After much persuasion, years later, my wife eventually got up on the back of the bike and now loves it; we have since taken various trips all over Europe. Short answer: Yes, but it took quite a few years, until after our kids had grown, before she eventually did. Motorcycling had become my life, and I suppose she looked on it as if she didn't jump on board, she would very rarely see me. So I started her off on small local trips, and it has gone from there. Now I wonder whether it was such a good idea, as I can't get her off the back of it now, and she loves it. She has been with me on many trips to Europe, and long may it continue. My main focus in biking is on touring. I usually do at least one major tour each year. Touring has become my main focus in life, and I have been fortunate to have had quite a few memorable bike tours. I am struggling to pick one to say was the most memorable. I have driven coast to coast across America on Route 66 a total of eight times on fundraising trips and am proud to say that I have raised quite a lot of much-needed funds for Temple Street Hospital. I have taken several tours across Europe and beyond. One trip alone covered seven different European countries, starting in the Scandinavian countries and working our way back through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, England, and home. I suppose one that ranks very high in my memories is a trip I took two years ago with my bike club, which was a trip across Europe to Romania, where we attended a bike rally. I was absolutely blown away by Romania and its people. Completely different to my expectations, and it has some of the best biking roads I have ever driven in my life. We drove across the entire country from west to east to the city of Constanta. It is a 3000km plus trip that will stay with me a long, long time. It is a Country that I will definitely return to someday on my bike again. Simple, really – training, training, and then more training. You are never too old or young to receive training, and I would say it is absolutely essential for all new riders. It helps new riders develop proper roadcraft and prevents them from developing any bad habits. Choose a suitable bike as your starter, such as a Honda Deauville or a similar model, and take the time to practice, practice, practice. Always use proper, high-quality riding gear that fits, a decent helmet (avoid second-hand ones), and gloves. It may save your life in a bad situation. Keeping your bike properly maintained is another key factor.
Extra.ie
2 hours ago
- Automotive
- Extra.ie
Alex Dunne left emotional after making his Formula 1 debut
Irish racer Alex Dunne was left increasingly emotional on Friday after making his Formula 1 debut at the Austrian Grand Prix. The 19-year-old branded the moment 'definitely the best day of my life' as he posted the fourth-fastest time in opening practice. The Offaly native stood in for McLaren's Lando Norris as part of McLaren's four mandatory sessions across the season where a rookie driver will take part in first practice. Irish racer Alex Dunne was left increasingly emotional on Friday after making his Formula 1 debut at the Austrian Grand Prix. Pic: James Sutton – Formula 1/Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images Dunne is a McLaren development driver and leads the Formula 2 standings currently. 'I want to say a massive thank you, you made a little boy's dream come true,' Dunne said on his team radio. 'This is definitely the best day of my life,' he added. @mclaren A day Alex will never forget 🧡 #McLaren #F1 ♬ scott street – ☆ 'Thank you everyone for letting me do this and thanks to Lando as well for trusting me with his car. It means a lot.' Alex has come leaps and bounds since his karting days, having made a name for himself early on in the European circuit. The Irish star debuted in car racing in 2021, and by 2022, he had already won the British F4 Championship, dominating leader boards at every opportunity. The 19-year-old branded the moment 'definitely the best day of my life' as he posted the fourth-fastest time in opening practice. Pic: Andrea Diodato/NurPhoto via Getty Images In 2022, Alex also competed in the Italian F4 Championship, finishing runner-up. In 2025, he was announced as a Formula 2 driver, an unsurprising move for the rising star. Could this be the start of a lengthy partnership with F1? We hope so! Congrats Alex!
Extra.ie
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
New Irish Music To Hear This Week
The latest track from SPRINTS starts off with a bang, its first line taking after Rachel Cusk as frontwoman Karla Chubb recites: Vanity is the curse of culture. And so the rollout begins for the bands highly-anticipated album All That Is Over. With its pummelling spoken-word vocals and electrifying riffage that pack a brutal punch, Descartes is a rallying cry of abstract profundities. Philosophy has rarely sounded as cool as it does on SPRINTS latest tune. Charisma and spunk? Check. Anarchy, existentialism and catharsis? Check, check and check. SPRINTS from left to right: Jack Callan / Sam McCann / Karla Chubb / Zac Stephenson Photo credit David Willis Throwing Shapes, Chosen Talk Irish sonic polymaths Mabh McKenna, Ross Chaney and Gareth Quinn Redmond have joined forces on their latest project Throwing Shapes. Pedalled by striking Irish wire-strung harp flourishes and an ethereal rhythm section, their debut single Chosen Talk synthesises a gossamer instrumental with vibrant electronics. With this seamless blend, the trio produce a distinctive soundscape that is both nostalgic in spirit, yet contemporary by design. Throwing Shapes Madra, Bought and Sold Belfast queer post-punk rockers Madra have unleashed their ferocious debut EP Metamorphosis. EP closer Bought and Sold is the ultimate focal point for the project, with its ambitious bent towards spectacle that elevates Metamorphosis into the realm of the unearthly and indelible. Within the tracks intriguing skeletal undercarriage, synths flicker quietly, guitars dig deep and bassist/vocalist Eabha Campbells baritone vocal refrains intertwine in a fever pitch of resistance. Madra. M'ADAM, Its you Cork singer-songwriter MADAM kicks into high gear on his vibrant new single, Its you. Showcasing MADAMs – aka Adam ODonovan – penchant for tackling heavy subject matter head on, the track is a stark exploration of end times, depicting a catastrophic apocalypse through the intimate lens of two people saying a final goodbye as an overwhelming storm approaches. ODonovans fearless exploration of finality merges wonderfully with the natural and raw textures of Kealan Kennys production. The result is a wondrous tune that serves up a two-course meal of sonic catharsis and woeful rumination. M'ADAM JUNE, Up JUNE introduces herself to the world with her scintillating debut single Up. This sanguine track mixes hues from a vibrant palette of contemporary pop and emotive nostalgia, following the ups and downs of a relationship with stark intimacy. The emerging Laois artist flourishes at the centre of it all, enveloped by swelling synths and a propulsive rhythm section. Up is a wonderful and promising debut. JUNE Dan Ryan, Lagan Love Tallaght polymath Dan Ryan offers an exceptionally innovative mix of EDM and folk on his rendition of the Irish trad air Lagan Love. Gifting the song a new lease on life, Ryans Lagan Love kicks off with a riveting solo vocal passage, narrating the first two verses before the song takes full flight its percussion swelling with energy, teasing highs and lows and shifting between folk, classical, EDM and pop stylings. I'm a big fan of all types of music. I love Irish traditional music and classical music and Ive always felt that strings can really give a track great emotion, Ryan says of the track. Being able to blend both of those elements with a thick breakbeat created something that I think feels unique and uplifting. Dan Ryan. EDEN, gggiiiiirrrrlllll Dublin artist EDEN has unveiled his latest EP gggiiiiirrrrlllll. The title track is a tender miniature that blends classic torch song longing with an endless electronic ascension. With this, the tune sees EDEN return to the palette thats worked for him so far: synths that flicker with technicolour richness and dizzy drum programming which frame the artists mellow flow exquisitely. EDEN. California Irish, Julie Ann With shimmering acoustic guitar, a propulsive rhythm section and emphatic vocals, the latest single from California Irish is a wonder of indie-rock resplendence. Julie Ann is exactly the kind of tune that seems best-fitted to soundtrack the end credits of a cathartic independent film. Taking cues from the jingle-jangle Rickenbacker rock bands of the 60s, this track is sure to make a welcome addition to your summer playlist. Speaking about the track, the band say: We wanted 'Julie Ann' to sound like The Byrds hence the jangly 12 string guitar and the thick four-part harmonies. Listen out for the psychedelic cow bell solo in the middle, and if youve been looking for your new soundtrack of the summer then congratulations to you! Peace agus love x. Jesse June, Countdown A cinematic, deliciously melodic hip-hop number, Jesse Junes new single Countdown is a transporting and incredibly catchy tune lined with elegant strings and bouncy rhythmic sections. Inspired by Gattaca and driven by the alienation of dream chasing, the song is said to be for anyone who's ever been underestimated. Jesse June Problem Patterns, Im Fine And Im Doing Great Belfast-based punk quartet Problem Patterns have shared the lead single for their upcoming EP Boring Songs For Boring People . Gritty and powerful, Im Fine And Im Doing Great addresses the question of burnout with a tongue-in-cheek yet heavy tone perfectly highlighted by cathartically noisy drums and shouted vocal lines. Commenting on the track, bassist Ciara King said: This song is an ode to every single burnout episode that any creative has ever had. The lyrics formed when we were touring flat out and playing UK festivals every weekend. As an Irish band, this requires a lot of travel back and forth. We were becoming extremely burnt out and losing joy for the thing we love. This song is addressing that feeling of the love/hate relationship involved in doing music full time and still working full time, she continued. This one goes out to all our burnt out pals. Keep going. Problem Patterns. Photo credit: Ellen Blair Arbutus, Let Me Know Rising Irish electronic-pop act Arbutus, the musical project of Meath-based producer and vocalist Dylan Kelly, releases the emotive new single Let Me Know in collaboration with Sean OMeara. Blending uplifting pop melodies with heartfelt lyrics, Let Me Know is a personal and powerful track inspired by loss and remembrance, Let Me Know is an uplifting track that was written about being there for people in tough times and is dedicated to two close friends who passed away too soon, says Kelly. Arbutus Nathan ORegan, Poetry In Motion Lifted from Nathan ORegans upcoming album Olive Branch , Poetry In Motion a summery, thoughtful and boisterous folk track written in the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, with celebrated US songwriters Brian Maher and Muscle Shoals staff writer James LeBlanc. The song was composed in the historic former office of the studio's late founder, Rick Hall, where the trio spent a day writing together. 'I went downstairs to put on a pot of coffee and when I returned James was playing around these chords, and he and Brian were already halfway through piecing together what became the chorus, explains Nathan. 'I remember as soon as I heard the guitar riff that James was playing, I thought it sounded like an old classic so we thought the best foot forward was to try and capture something that felt like a classic. It's one of those tunes that I can't believe I had a hand in writing. James and Brian are so good at what they do – it was a pleasure to be a part of it.' Nathan O'Regan. Photo credit – Jamie Neish Von Venn, You Can Talk To Me The first single from the upcoming latest Von Venn album Forgetting The Fall , 'You Can Talk to Me' revolves around a grinding guitar riff, backed by driving drums and bass, and tells the story of two lost souls engaging in a dance of misdirection and subtle seduction. Speaking of the track, Von Venns Gary Cox said: 'I have always been fascinated by what drives us as human beings, the complexity of our emotions, the multiple layers that we are capable of operating at, our ability to hide and even deceive ourselves as to our true intentions. I think these elements become even more interesting when taken in the context of sexual tension between a couple. They engage in a game of desire and denial. This becomes even more apparent when the relationship is considered conventionally frowned upon, e.g. an affair, or inappropriate work relationship.' Gary Cox / Von Venn Unique Freaks, Ur Friends No Friend Hailing from Unique Freaks (aka THEE U.F.O) upcoming album Enjoyment Planted , Ur Friends No Friend is a deliciously bouncy electro-pop track, lined with groovy riffs and infectious rhythmic sections and a masterfully layered production. Ur Friends No Friend – Its easy to pretend to not want to talk to a friend, Its hard to reach out and reconcile, Its even harder when your friend doesnt want to reconcile, Unique Freaks Darragh Hansard says. Safe to say were still not friends, I love em though! Unique Freaks. F3miii, TRUTH A summery and romantic RnB flavoured tune, F3miiis new track TRUTH is a hard hitting and catchy number, thanks to groove-lined productions and infectious rhythms, making for the perfect background to the musicians vibrant vocal performance. Once again proving his incredible melodic flair, F3miii offers a joyful track flavoured with slight melancholy. F3miii at Forbidden Fruit Festival. Copyright by Curtis DeSmith. Robbie Doherty, Back At Ya A bouncy and nostalgic electronic tune, Robbie Dohertys Back At Ya blends minimalistic production with evident melodic sensibilities, thanks to infectious and straight-to-the-point synth lines and catchy, somewhat somber rhythmic sections which offer the summer-club track a depth that will satisfy all of your year-around party needs. Silk, 'But Then, Yes' Rising shoegaze band Silk have released their brand new single 'But Then, Yes', with thick, fuzzy guitars, shimmering passages of dreamy vocals, and lyrics that dive deep into personal connections that turn from friendship into something more. The track is the latest solo project of Virgin's guitarist and songwriter, Michael Smyth, featuring vocals from AJ Das of Dublin dreamo band Picture Postcard. With its saturated sound, the buzzy tune seems like a warm embrace for a restless heart, as if someone were looking straight into your soul. Discussing the motivation behind 'But Then, Yes', Smyth said: 'I constantly feel like I am rushing towards the inevitable infinite oblivion. Further exacerbated by the marking of years spent circling the sun. To that end, its important that I fill the time remaining with joyous, creative acts. The sharing of ideas is an essential part of that, which brings us to Silk.' Chubby Cat, 'My Boy' Emerging alt-pop artist Chubby Cat has released her second country-pop single, 'My Boy', a goofy commentary on modern dating and the drama that comes along with it. The singer's bright and clear soprano fuses with upbeat guitars and catchy harmonies that act as backup vocals, reminiscent of Sabrina Carpenter or Chapel Roan. Chubby Cat shared the inspiration behind her playful new track: Im in a new relationship! I wanted to write about it. Life is unsteady and awkward, and so am I! Im just trying to figure it out; Im sure you are all just trying to figure it all out too, so I wrote a song about it. I wanted to have a fun song to capture that sentiment while not taking things too seriously. I love my new boy, and I love my new song. 'My Boy' single cover art by Chubby Cat. The Halez, 'Let Live' Athlone indie-rockers The Halez have just released their latest single, 'Let Live', a tune of unity and love in a divided world. Jangly guitars, soft, raw vocals and inspiring lyrics make for the perfect feel-good tune. The group consists of four friends: vocalist Kieran Murphy, guitarist Jerome Sheerin, bassist Cormac Sheerin, and Eamonn O'Toole on drums. Their latest single is part of the band's wider objective to 'bring back proper honest music': The main aim is to bring guitar music back. The world is crying out for it now, and who knows, maybe we will be the ones to bring it back or, at the very least, inspire the next generation to pick up instruments and to form bands and create some good old Rock 'n' Roll. The Halez. ARLENE, 'Racing Minds' Hailing from Roscommon, genre-blending artist ARLENE has shared her latest tune, 'Racing Minds'. Blending indie-pop and alt-rock, her new song explores the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of overthinking and questioning one's own existence. Rich synths, ARLENE's edgy vocals and a groovy bassline create an atmospheric bop, perfect for late-night reflection. With her vulnerable new track, the singer wants to invite listeners in: 'I wrote Racing Minds some time ago now, and somehow I still find myself relating to it every day. I kept it under wraps for as long as possible because I was anxious to let everyone into my little world of thoughts and feelings by releasing it. I just hope people can connect emotionally with it the way I do.' ARLENE. 3rd Degree, 'Feel It Coming' Irish alt-rock project 3rd Degree, featuring vocals by Waterford's Jason Burns, is poised to create waves with the release of their debut single, 'Feel It Coming'. Gritty guitar riffs mesh with punchy synths, snappy drums, and entrancing vocals, creating a flawless union of emotional indie rock and thumping dance electronica. ''Feel It Coming' is a confident, genre-blending statement of intent merging live instrumentation with electronic edge and setting the tone for whats to come on Connected,' said Burns. 3rd Degree. For Nina, 'Swallow' With their new single 'Swallow', Dublin's three-piece For Nina step into a new era, leaning into their unique sound. The slow-building, moody track combines sombre guitar licks, dreamy vocals and heavy-gaze-inspired twists, culminating in a lofty performance by singer Holly Owens. Speaking on the track, the band said, 'Holly wrote the guts of the song years ago, back when she was in secondary school, and it got completely lost in the drafts. We stumbled across it sitting at home one night and heard this crazy potential from the chorus, gave it a new format and first verse, and we were flying from there. We only started playing it a couple of months ago, but from the first time we played it in a live set, we knew it was sparkling in a different way from some of our other songs.' For Nina. Kneecap, The Recap feat. Mozey Originally released as a bootleg version via the Belfast trio's WhatsApp channel a few weeks ago, the track quickly became a fan favourite at recent Kneecap live shows, with crowds rapping every word. Now officially available on all major platforms, the track is on course to become a chart topper. An energetic anthem driven by industrial, punchy beats, the release showcases Mgla Bap and Mo Charas trademark slick, unapologetic bars. The song also takes a swipe at UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch with lines like, Give me Kemis money and give her my thanks , a nod to the court case the group won against the UK government last year. With Kneecap perennially in the headlines and their fanbase growing by the day, this track feels like an instant classic. Kneecap. Vaticanjail, MIEL Vaticanjails new single MIEL is a tight, vibey track that melds flamenco flair, reggaeton rhythm, and electronic nuance into an ambitious production. With funky maraca patterns, Middle Eastern-influenced harmonics, and melancholic Billie Eilish-esque vocals, the Chilean-born, Dublin-based artist crafts a dreamy bilingual narrative of identity, migration and memory. Drawing from Sean-ns storytelling and Latin traditions, 'MIEL' is both a love letter to Chile and a lyrical homage to Ireland. Talking about her latest release, Vaticanjail explained its 'a story of everything that happened in the course of finding my identity.' Vaticanjail. Matteo & Lillie-Apple, Take My Time Matteos latest single Take My Time, featuring Lillie-Apple, sees the emerging Dublin artist stepping further into his R&B-pop sound with relaxed confidence. The two artists complement each other well, their chemistry adding emotional weight to this gently unfolding track about the complexities of trust in relationships. It's a laid-back, soulful offering, never overdone, just effortlessly smooth and sure of itself. With every release, Matteo sounds more assured, more refined. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Matteo (@matteodal_) i n n e r l i z z a r d s, things On his second release as i n n e r l i z z a r d s, Limerick artist Rory Hall dives deep into ambient, lo-fi territory with things, a track that pairs melancholic lyrics with a pulsing electronic beat. The snare-led rhythm drives the piece forward while Halls vocals drift between vulnerability and detachment, especially on the repeated refrain of slipping away. Its a track that thrives on contrast, introspective sadness layered over hypnotic, trancey production. Halls voice feels newly explored here, adding intimacy to a sound thats both floating and anchored. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Proper Micro NV (@iamroryhall) Warren, Deja Vu Out today viaRobbins Entertainment, Dublin-born and London-based producer and songwriterKeith Warren(mononymously known as Warren ) returns withDeja Vu,a euphoric dance-pop anthem. Blendinghard-hitting house keys, a driving beat, and uplifting vocals, the track channels classic dancefloor energy with modern polish. Warrens velvetysoothing timbreandfeel-good lyricselevate it beyond typical club fare, landing somewhere betweenDisclosures grooveandThe Corrs melodic warmth. With past hits likeDream About Uand over6 million total Spotify streams, Warren proves he has a knack for hits, andDeja Vumight just be his sunniest yet. Warren. James Keegan, Wide Eyes 'Wide Eyes' is a hauntingly confident preview of the forthcoming EP by the Indie-folk artistfrom Cork James Keegan. A mesmerising blend of pulsing bass drums, airy synths, and looped vocal fragments that create an unsettling yet beautiful soundscape, Keegan's ghostly vocals pierce through the mix, pulling listeners into a hypnotic, kaleidoscopic journey. The track's minimalist production builds tension, balancing fragility with eerie power. Speaking on the EP, Keegan said: It was definitely different from my previous time in the studio, I felt more comfortable and willing to actually make things sound different to what Im used to. James Keegan. Photo by: Damien Quirke @Damosday CamrinWatsin, Cry Baby feat. Evalina Dance-producer phenom CamrinWatsin teams up with breakout vocalist Evalina on 'Cry Baby', a pulsing, club-ready anthem crafted as the official soundtrack for Bershkas 2025 global campaign. At just 21, the Irish DJ-producer, who can already boast 500 million streams and 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, delivers another hit, blending cool, silky beats with a relentless driving energy that demands movement. Fresh off sold-out EU tours and Ibiza residencies, the track has already ignited crowds, priming it for dominance atLongitude Festivalthis weekend and beyond. CamrinWatsin. Badscandal, at my knees yeah DublinsBadscandal, who is also the EDM artist Luke Power, unveils a vulnerable new direction with his latest track 'at my knees yeah', the centrepiece of his deeply personal 'friendly' EP. Stripping back his club roots, the track floats onchill, suave instrumentation, smooth guitars, muted beats, showcasing the artists impressive vocal rangeand raw lyricism. Speaking on the EP, Badscandal said 'This is the first time Ive made music thats truly personal to me. Lyrics that are extremely personal and honest, about my life, my head, my heart, and how Ive felt moving through the world up to now and what it was like for me growing up.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Badscandal (@badscandal) Listen to our playlist on Spotify:
