Go Rail: LYRA

SAM

UNDER INVESTIGATION

NIAMH ALGAR

MY FAVOURITE TRAIN

JOURNEY

MEGHANN SCULLY

ART OF THE MATTER

NICOLE FLATTERY

LYRA

AN IRISH STAR IS BORN

SUMMER FASHION • INHALER • LATEST FOODIE NEWS • COMPETITION

SMITH ON HIS IRISH LOVE AFFAIR

Do things the Barrow Way, and discover a meandering green world of wonder.

Feel the worries of the world float away as you explore the captivating landscapes of one of Ireland’s longest rivers, spanning the entire length of County Carlow.

Gorgeous and unspoilt, the Barrow gives you the chance to discover scenic and picturesque natural beauty, and captivating views. Canoe or paddleboard down it, cycle, or hike alongside it.

However you wish to explore, there’s something wonderful waiting for you in Carlow, when you wander o the track.

LYRA // PAGE 18

6 / GO FOR IT

A rundown of what’s hot and happening around the country.

14 / TRAIN NEWS

Up-to-date train news from Iarnrod Eireann.

18 / LYRA

The Cork star discusses a busy summer of gigging and the dancefloor hijinks that inspired her latest single, ‘You’.

22 / NIAMH ALGAR

The Westmeath actress chats

CONTENTS

about her starring role in the new medical thriller, Malpractice.

24 / INHALER

The Dublin indie-pop heroes on Stateside adventures, Alex Turner’s cool factor, and supporting Harry Styles at Slane.

28 / SAM SMITH

The pop superstar on their latest album Gloria, Ed Sheeran, and warm Irish memories.

36 / NICOLE FLATTERY

The award-winning author on

Nothing Special, which explores the fascinating world of Andy Warhol’s Factory.

32 / CELEBRITY TABLE

Go Rail meets Louise Duffy at Dublin’s Hellfire restaurant to chat about her new RTE music show.

40 / GOAL STANDARD

John Walshe looks ahead to Ireland’s Euro 2024 summer qualifiers.

48 / TRAVEL GUIDE

Evelyn Gonzalez on why Mexico’s gorgeous scenery and stunning historical sites make it a mustvisit destination.

50 / GO FASHION

Your guide to the essential style trends this summer.

54 / REVIEWS

We run the rule over the best new movies, books and music.

Photo: Ruth Medjber

MANAGING EDITOR

Máirin Sheehy

COMMISSIONING EDITOR

Jess Murray

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Paul Nolan

CONTRIBUTORS

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Stuart Clark

Pat Carty

Evelyn Gonzalez

Jackie Hayden

Roe McDermott

Paul Nolan

Lucy O’Toole

Aoife Stuart Madge

Will Russell

John Walsh

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LETTERS

The Editor, Go Rail Magazine, 100 Capel Street

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While every effort has been made to ensure the information in this magazine is correct, the publishers cannot accept any responsibilities for errors. The views contained in this magazine are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Iarnród Éireann.

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IT’S

A BEAUTIFUL DAY

● Dursey Island, Co Cork

Far too often we are dragged down by the 24/7 awareness of the manifold problems that are besetting the world. Well, as this issue of Go Rail went to press, the shift to summer time, and the fresh sense of abundance brought a different kind of feeling to the fore...

We are in an optimistic mood today. It isn’t just that the sun is shining, though that certainly helps.

Rather, it comes from a sense that this is the time for optimism. The cold of winter has receded. The evenings are getting longer. All around us there is the beginning of abundance. And it doesn’t matter if you have been through all of that twenty times before, or forty or even sixty: a surge of positive energy is surely in order as new life floods across the landscape.

Not everyone feels it, of course. But, here at Go Rail, we did this morning. Look around at the gorgeous shades of green on the foliage and the trees. Observe the first colourful wave of flowers that are coming into bloom. Take a moment to drink it up. Start planning the longer walks in the countryside or across the nearest mountain. Imagine the feeling of slipping into the sea, in a warm spot if possible, and stretching out the limbs, at once electrifyingly alive and immersed in it all. There is no point in harbouring illusions. We carry within ourselves the awareness that this thing we call life can only last for a finite period. Our direction of travel is towards age. And in the final analysis, we – that means any and all of us – are only so long for this world. That’s our inescapable fate and in our hearts we know it (unless you happen to be Elon Musk and think you can defy the natural cycle!)

All the more reason, then, to embrace the joy of living, in whatever immediate ways we can. And to participate in the great adventure of connecting in

the most positive and constructive style possible with our family, friends, neighbours, communities – and, also, those who find themselves new to these shores. They can also contribute to making Ireland a better place, as part of our wider collective ambition to – in whatever small way we can –make the world a nicer, kinder, more friendly and more equal environment for all.

The fascinating thing is that optimism is good for you. And it is good for everyone around you too, rippling as it does – like a smile or laughter –as a positive energy among the people you are in contact with.

For all the problems we are facing, there are reasons to look on the bright side. More than anything else, that feeling is driven by an awareness of just how many people are fundamentally good, kind-hearted, open and generous.

That this is the best possible starting position on any given day seems self-evident. But the old story about the timeless wisdom of a good Irish citizen, asked for directions when standing at a crossroads springs to mind: “Well, if I was going there I wouldn’t start from here.”

You can only start from where you are. But you can make a conscious effort to decide exactly where that is, psychologically and emotionally. So, as you embark on another train journey into the future, get ready to accentuate the positive. Take a deep breath. Drink it all in. This is you. This is now.

Optimism is the way forward. No matter what the weather, it’s a beautiful day. Don’t let it get away...

MÁIRÍN SHEEHY

RAPPER'S DELIGHT

GO For It

LONGITUDE

In recent years, Longitude has tapped into the zeitgeist of Irish youth culture like no other festival, by crafting line-ups that rival major events in any other corner of the globe. The festival returns to Marlay Park in Dublin from July 1 & 2, with some of the hottest established and emerging sounds in hip-hop and dance music. Among the international heavy-hitters are Calvin Harris, Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert, Metro Boomin, Anne-Marie, MK, Ice Spice, FLO, blk., Joey Bada$$, Lil Tjay and Raye, to name a few. You’ll find an impressive selection of homegrown talent at Longitude too, with performances across the weekend from chart-toppers Belters Only, Jazzy, TraviS and Elzzz, Multunes, Fionn Curran and Chantel Kavanagh.

NEED TO KNOW

WHEN: JULY 1 & 2

WHERE: DUBLIN MARLAY PARK

For best value fares on all intercity services check out irishrail.ie

TAYLOR MADE

In what’s shaping up to be the biggest Irish sports event of the year, Katie Taylor is finally coming home – taking on England’s Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena, Dublin on May 20, in a bid to become a two-weight undisputed world champion. The Bray boxer was initially expected to face Amanda Serrano in a highly anticipated rematch, following their soldout Madison Square Garden fight last April – the first women’s boxing match to headline the famous venue in its 140-year history – but plans were interrupted when the Puerto Rican fighter suffered an injury. After Serrano pulled out, “this was the natural fight to make,” Taylor says of the upcoming bout, which will be her first ever professional fight on these shores. “It’s two undefeated, reigning undisputed world champions going up against each other and I believe that’s the first time that’s ever happened in the modern era of the sport.”

GO FOR IT

WILD THING

A thrilling blend of music, performing arts and adventure awaits in the magical Hazelwood Forest, Co. Sligo, as boutique festival Wild Roots makes its triumphant return from June 2–4 After making a fantastic impression in 2022 with its inaugural edition, the festival has got another seriously exciting line-up on the way this year – featuring Rudimental, Sasha & John Digweed, Jenny Greene, The Zutons, Pillow Queens, David Keenan, Ailbhe Reddy, Mauro Picotto, Inspiral Carpets and more. Wild Roots also provides plenty of opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone, with activities like stand-up paddling, kayak tours, trapeze, sailing and more. If you’re looking for something a little more chill, check out their sauna, massages, and hot tubs –or try out some cold therapy, with the Wim Hof Method.

TURN THE PAGE

Returning to its Literary Village home in Merrion Square Park, Dublin from May 19–28, the International Literature Festival Dublin will host over 180 events, featuring a dazzlingly diverse mix of authors, speakers, creatives and performers from over 28 countries. This year’s edition will include appearances from actor and food lover Stanley Tucci, discussing his book Taste; and Schitt’s Creek screenwriter Monica Heisey, who’ll be chatting about

her debut novel Really Good, Actually. The programme also features Douglas Stuart, Catherine Ryan Howard, Samantha Shannon, Joseph O’Connor, Paul Charles (Adventures In Wonderland), Mary Gaitskill, Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse, Jonathan Stroud, Jenny Erpenbeck, Strange Boy and more.

NEED TO KNOW

WHEN: MAY 19–28

WHERE: MERRION SQUARE

GO WITH THE SLOW

Embracing the central motto of ‘wellness’, the Burren Slow Food Festival is coming to Lisdoonvarna on May 20 & 21 –with attendees invited to immerse themselves completely in the world of mental and physical wellness, cooking and showstopping food. Slow Food is a global grassroots movement that champions the importance of good, clean and fair food. The festival will feature locally handcrafted produce and products from Clare and beyond, with an Artisan Producers, Crafts and Farmers’ Market taking place on the Saturday and Sunday, where visitors can enjoy freshly prepared food on the spot.

FLO STATE

Cork’s Musgrave Stadium is gearing up for a busy summer of gigs – with the spectacular Florence + The Machine among the many highlights. Having played two sold-out shows at the 3Arena in Dublin already this year, it’s clear fans still can’t get enough of the English star and her acclaimed band – whose upcoming Irish visit will also include massive shows at Malahide Castle in Dublin (June 26) and Belsonic in Belfast (June 28). The gigs come just over a year after the release of Florence + The Machine’s lauded fifth album, Dance Fever. They recently returned with the powerful new single ‘Mermaids’.

There’s even more acts heading to the Cork stadium over the course of the summer – including major names like George Ezra (June 11), The 1975 (13), Paolo Nutini (14), The Chemical Brothers (21), Kodaline (23) and The Prodigy (28).

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Originally streamed live from the stage of the 3Olympia Theatre for one performance only in 2021, Landmark Productions’ Happy Days, starring Derry Girls star Siobhán McSweeney, is gearing up for its live and in-person return. First up, Samuel Beckket’s masterpiece –directed by Caitríona McLaughlin – will be heading to Cork, running at the Cork Opera House from June 14–17, as part of Cork Midsummer Festival. From there, the production will once again grace Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre stage, with performances taking place from June 28 to July 1. The livestream was met with rave reviews upon release, with McSweeney hailed for her role as the iconic heroine Winnie.

FINAL COUNTDOWN

In a major event for rugby fans, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium will play host to the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday, May 20, as part of the eagerly anticipated Finals Weekend – which also includes the EPCR Challenge Cup Final on May 19. The 28th playing of the Heineken Champions Cup final kicks off at 4.45pm, and marks its long awaited return to Dublin after ten years, when RC Toulon triumphed over ASM Clermont Auvergne at the stadium.

ARTS ATTACK

One of the major highlights of summer entertainment in Ireland, Galway International Arts Festival is running from July 17–30, with a treasure trove of music, theatre, comedy, art and more. The festival’s Big Top will play host to an expertly curated selection of big-name international and Irish acts, including The Saw Doctors, Bell X1, Kaiser Chiefs, Pavement, KETTAMA and Fat Freddy’s Drop. The 2023 edition will also feature the world premiere of Druid Theatre’s Druid O’Casey – weaving Sean O’Casey’s Dublin Trilogy into an epic and highly ambitious theatre event.

PATRICK REDMOND

KINGS OF THE CASTLE

Already set to be an unmissable event on this year’s gig calendar, Kraftwerk are gearing up for a headline show at King John’s Castle, Limerick on June 28. Bringing together music and performance art, the German electronic pioneers –who originally formed in 1970 – have built up an international reputation for their extraordinary live shows, with promoter Mick Dolan expecting it to be “one of our best shows ever.” Situated in the heart of Limerick’s medieval quarter, King John’s Castle is one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Europe, and has previously hosted lauded gigs from Denise Chaila, Gavin James, Van Morrisson and more. Kraftwerk will also play Trinity College Dublin on June 29.

THE ROSE TATTOO

NASC FORCE

Showcasing the best of local and national folk and traditional music talent, Féile Nasc is set to kick off the summer in style. Taking place at Marlay Park in Dublin on May 21 the family-friendly event will feature music from Jiggy, Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly, The Len Collective, and Dave Munnelly & Shane McGowan. Kicking off at 1pm, Nasc will also have a focus on outdoor children’s activities, including a forest camp, yoga, drumming workshops and face painting – all as Gaeilge. For something a little more raucous, be sure to check out the festival’s Mayhem event on May 20.

NEED TO KNOW

WHEN: MAY 20 -21

WHERE: MARLAY PARK, DUBLIN

YOUNG AT HEART

Forever Young, the fastest-growing festival in Ireland, is back with a bang this summer. Music lovers are invited to embrace the nostalgia and step back in time at Co. Kildare’s Palmerstown House Estate from July 14-16, for a dazzling celebration of the sounds of the ‘80s. Across the weekend, you can expect performances from some of the era’s most iconic artists, including Erasure’s Andy Bell, Bananarama, Billy Ocean, Tony Hadley, ABC, Soul II Soul, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Midge Ure, and many more. The festival also boasts on-site camping and luxury glamping, as well as campervan and caravan pitches.

COSÌ FAN TUTTE

Irish National Opera are set to bring Mozart’s comic take on gender politics with the opera Così fan tutte, to theatres and venues across the country this year – with performances at the National Opera House, Wexford (May 19); University Concert Hall, Limerick (May 21); the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin (May 23-27); Leisureland, Galway (May 29); and Cork Opera House (May 31 & June 2) This production of the opera, which revolves around sisters Fiordiligi and Dorabella and their respective lovers Guglielmo and Ferrando, is directed by Polly Graham, and conducted by Olivier Award-winner Peter Whelan. There are two exceptional casts set to perform throughout the run of shows, including Anna Devin, Sharon Carty, Gianluca Margheri, Dean Power, Majella Cullagh and John Molloy and more. irishnationalopera.ie

UP TO 90

Get ready to relive your youth and embrace nostalgia, with the immersive Biggest 90s-00s Disco experience, coming to the Gleneagle INEC Arena in Killarney, Co. Kerry on May 27. Following a series of hugely popular events across the country,

MARQUEE TO THE CITY

After a string of lauded sold-out dates, Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally are set to bring their hilarious My Therapist Ghosted Me podcast to Cork, with three Live At The Marquee shows on May 27-29. Fans of the podcast can look forward to experiencing My Therapist Ghosted Me live and in-person, with Vogue and Joanne sharing their tales about the ups and downs of life, love and family on-stage. There’s even more Live At The Marquee action in store later The Frames, Tommy Tiernan, Olly Murs, Bell X1, Mimi Webb, Christy Moore, Rod Stewart, Jenny Greene & and more.

Train News

Take a sneak peek at the next generation of DART travel!

Here’s a preview of the future of DART travel, as a life-size sample prototype of a new DART+ fleet carriage has been delivered to Inchicore Works for customer and driver focus groups! In total, 185 of the new carriages have been ordered to date, with delivery commencing in 2024 and entering service from 2025.

Funded under the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030 by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, the order for the DART+ Fleet is part of the DART+ Programme, an investment which will more than double the commuter capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area rail network. DART+ will facilitate sustainable mobility and development to enhance quality of life in our capital and its surrounding counties, through a series of fleet and infrastructure projects. The number of people

living within 1km of a DART station will increase hugely from about 250,000 at present to 600,000 in future.

Up to 750 carriages will be ordered over the next decade under a framework contract with leading manufacturer Alstom. They are being constructed at the company’s factory near Katowice in Poland.

Key features of the new fleet include:

• Prioritisation of independent access, with low height doorway thresholds on all carriages equipped with an automatic retractable step and offering the potential for unassisted level access from suitable platforms, aligned with platform enhancements. In addition, improved dedicated wheelchair spaces will be provided.

• Improved facilities for families and for cyclists, with dedicated family areas, and bike areas.

• Enhanced customer information, with large, highresolution onboard displays having the ability to provide

real-time updates, including information from other public transport systems in the Transport for Ireland network, and other features designed for the needs of sensory impaired customers. The displays include features such as indicators for customers on busier areas of the train, and advance notice of which side to exit the train.

• Charging facilities throughout for connected customers on the move.

• An advanced CCTV system with cameras throughout every carriage, to enhance safety and security for customers and employees.

• Comfortable individual seating, reflecting longer distances which the DART+ fleet will operate, designed following customer focus group testing.

• An ergonomic design for drivers, with driver focus groups also being a key part of the design process.

Check out Iarnród Éireann on YouTube to get a guided tour of the train that awaits you... soon.

DART+ Fleet

New Waterford Station to be delivered as part of North Quays project

With works on the Waterford North Quays development having been launched by An Taoiseach in February, major improvements for rail and public transport customers travelling to and from the city are in sight.

The public infrastructure works funded by the Government in the North Quays will see a relocated Plunkett Station at the heart of an integrated transport hub, and the construction of a sustainable transport bridge. The sustainable transport bridge will link the new train station to new walking and cycling infrastructure.

These works will reduce the reliance on private car, and facilitate alternative modes of transport for those accessing the area, through the delivery of enhanced and integrated sustainable and active travel infrastructure.

The project comes following last

November’s Government approval of €170.6m of investment in the North Quays Project, consisting of €100.6m of Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) funding, and a further €70m from the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority (NTA), which will open up access to the Strategic Development Zone (SDZ).

The main contract for these infrastructure works was awarded to BAM in November 2022, and the ground breaking ceremony signals the commencement of substantial construction works which are expected to be completed in 2025.

The new station, coupled with flood defence works as part of the development, will also resolve the flooding issues which have occurred in recent years at the current Plunkett Station, at times when very high tides and extreme weather coincide.

ON-BOARD CATERING RETURNING TO CORK SERVICES

From April 2023, the catering trolley will be back on Cork to Dublin route services!

Building quickly to all services on the Cork to Dublin route, this means customers travelling to and from Kerry (changing at Mallow) and Limerick (changing at Limerick Junction) will also be able to enjoy hot drinks and snacks again. The service will be provided by Carriage Food Services, an Irish owned sister company of CCSL (NI), who who currently also provide catering services on board the Dublin to Belfast Enterprise service under a separate contract.

In tandem, Iarnród Éireann will:

• proceed with a full procurement process for catering services across the Intercity network •progress a pilot for catering vending machines onselected trains. If successful and progressed further, vending machines would be intended to be complementary to onboard trolley services

• work to identify further opportunities to enhance station retail and catering facilities

With catering already in operation on the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise service, the return on Cork trains - along with Kerry and Limerick customers - means 50% of Intercity customers will have on-board catering available.

New Plunkett Station CGI

DART customers sharing journey with wildlife of Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere

There are some new commuters on Dublin’s DART service, as seals, goats, newts and more appear beside rail customers on their journeys.

Iarnród Éireann has joined with the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere partnership to raise awareness of the Biosphere which tens of thousands of rail customers travel through on DART journeys daily.

A series of 12 specially designed window illustrations will promote the biodiversity which exists just outside the windows of the DART, as the various wildlife “hold on” to the windows on their journey, across 32 of the carriages on the iconic green fleet.

The illustrations, on display throughout 2023, give a glimpse of the character of the animal and marine life, and displays some of the flora that thrives within the Biosphere also.

Dean Eaton, Biosphere Coordinator for the Dublin Bay Biosphere Partnership said: “The Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere is committed to supporting sustainability development activities within Dublin Bay and we’re delighted to partner with Iarnród Éireann, an organisation which offers sustainable travel to Dublin commuters and visitors alike. This project will bring our wonderful wildlife a little closer to DART passengers, and we hope these caricatures will pique people’s interest to discover more about our internationally important wildlife and the biosphere they call home.“

Jim Meade, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann said: “DART customers and Iarnród Éireann staff alike are privileged to travel to, through and work in a UNESCO-designated Biosphere such as we have in Dublin Bay.

We are excited to work with the Dublin Bay UNESCO Biosphere partnership to bring the biodiversity of the Biosphere to life for our customers with these fun illustrations. Kids and adults alike will love them, and we hope it encourages our customers to explore the biodiversity on their doorstep, and travel sustainably while doing so.”

Cork commuter capacity to be transformed as contract awarded

Iarnród Éireann has awarded construction partner John Cradock Ltd the contract for the construction of the new Kent Station through platform. It is the first of a series of separate but interrelated projects being progressed under the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme to reach construction phase.

The project will see an extension to the existing platform 5 at Kent Station, which will deliver an extra platform to allow more trains to travel through the station without terminating.

Along with the completion of the Glounthaune to Midleton twin tracking, signalling and communications upgrades, and the delivery of a new fleet, the through platform will facilitate:

•a potential trebling of service frequency on the Cork network

•an opportunity to increase passenger capacity

•improved passenger experience by

providing direct services through Kent Station from Mallow and onto Midleton or Cobh

•a more reliable service for commuters and other rail users to and from Cork city

Funded under the EU’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) 2021, mobilisation and physical works are set to commence in Summer 2023.

Works being undertaken by John Cradock Ltd as part of the €8 million contract for this project include:

•A 220m long, 6m wide, double sided extension to Platform 5. This will provide for the proposed new Platform 6 and allow ease of integration and connectivity to the existing station.

•A new retaining wall between the new track six and the depot area on the south side.

•Track reconfiguration to support future through running services and proposed service increases

•Reinstatement of the eastern access to the existing station subway from Platform 5

Kent Station, Cork

Foynes rail linefreight set for return I

t’s not just passenger services which are growing and expanding on Ireland’s rail network.

Iarnród Éireann has awarded leading Irish builder and contractor John Sisk and Son the contract for the first phase of works to reinstate the Limerick to Foynes rail line for freight services.

The project for phase 1 of the works has been funded by the Department of Transport, and will focus on track and track bed works, vegetation clearance, fencing and works at bridges, level crossings and public road crossings.

The 42km railway line between Limerick and Foynes originally opened in 1858 but closed to passenger traffic in 1963. Freight services continued until 2001. The line’s reinstatement is a key element of Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy to dramatically increase the levels of freight on Ireland’s rail network.

Works being undertaken by John Sisk and Son as part of the €65 million contract for phase one of this project include:

•Vegetation clearance and removal of existing track.

•Replacement of track formation and installation of a new ballast bed to current Iarnród Éireann standards.

•Rehabilitation and / or renewal of bridges and

culverts.

•Installation of new rail and concrete sleepers along the entire route.

•Renewal of road infrastructure at public road level crossings.

•Renewal of accommodation level crossings.

•Renewal of lineside fencing.

•Installation of infrastructure to accommodate the next phase of the project.

With vegetation clearance already underway, the major physical works are beginning and will be complete by late 2024.

Phase two of the project will include provision of a signalling system for the route, CCTV level crossings, train communications system and track connections and upgrades at Limerick and in Foynes Yard. Subject to funding allocation for phase 2, it is anticipated that the route will open for freight services in 2025.

"The line’s reinstatement is a key element of Iarnród Éireann’s Rail Freight 2040 Strategy to dramatically increase the levels of freight on Ireland’s rail network."

THE LYRA OF THE LAND

Having recently wrapped up a colossal tour with Westlife, LYRA is facing into a busy summer of headline shows and major festival slots. As she hits the road once again, the Co. Cork star discusses exposing her vulnerabilities, her upcoming Rock Against Homelessness gig, and the dancefloor hijinks that inspired her latest single, ‘YOU’.

Interview: Lucy O’Toole

Photography: Ruth Medjber

Armed with one of the most impossibly expressive voices in Irish pop, LYRA continues to carve out a remarkable and wholly authentic musical pa th of her own –clocking up millions of streams, collaborating with big-name stars, and making her mark on some of the most iconic stages on these shores and beyond.

While it was her ability to pack her songs with raw emotion that first marked her as a special force, in recent years, the Bandon artist’s voice has also struck a chord with nightclub revellers, particularly after she teamed up with dance hitmaker John Gibbons for a reimagining of Steve Nicks’ ‘Edge Of Seventeen’ in 2022.

Her latest single, ‘YOU’, released earlier this year, is equally at home on the dancefloor – and, she reveals, was directly inspired by one of her own nights out on the town, “prosecco-ed to the gills…”

signed, sealed and delivered here!’ It made me feel like the spark’s back – because I didn’t think I’d find it for anybody else.”

Following that night out, the self-described “disco-dancy” ‘YOU’ came to life in the studio.

“I went in like, ‘You know what? I’m sick to death of writing about being heartbroken, or being screwed over, or trying to win guys over,’” she recalls. “I just wanted to write about this fantastic night – something happy. It was a very fun night, and I wanted that to be represented in the production. I wanted it to feel like you could be out, and you could hear this – and what happened to me could happen to you. And this would be the soundtrack to it!”

Like her previous singles, including last year’s ‘29 Box’ – which reflected on the dark side of social media and its associated pressures – LYRA’s finest songwriting continues to come from an inherently autobiographical place.

“That’s always been the way with me, simply because I like to at least start a lot of my ideas at home, on the couch with my iPad, coming up with concepts, lyrics and melodies,” she explains. “So it always is a very personal start to my songwriting, and it’s always been important to write from my own experience.

“Sometimes it’s a bit scary to put it out in the world,” she acknowledges. “‘29 Box’ was the scariest one, because it was so raw. It was like I was naked to the public for the first time. But as an artist, I feel I just have to do that. I thought it was time for people to see that side of me as well.” She feels a responsibility to expose these vulnerabilities to her fans, she tells me.

“I want young girls or young guys who look up to me – or anybody finding inspiration from my music – to know that I’m normal,” she says. “I know that when I’m on stage, I can go into this persona that looks powerful. But I’m also extremely vulnerable. You don’t have to always be that strong force of nature. Sometimes we think that’s a weakness – but it’s as powerful as being confident.

“I’m not the smallest, most toned pop star,” she adds. “People think to be a pop star you have to have this perfect body-shape and the perfect hair –the perfect this and the perfect that. I want people to know that you can be whatever shape or form you want to be. As long as you have the goods behind you – the music – that should be enough.”

LYRA’s own position at the forefront of Irish music was reaffirmed this year, when she was selected to curate and headline the 2023 edition

“It was just after quite a bad break-up – which I think everybody and their dogs, cats and mothers know about these days, because I’ve written so many break-up songs about it!” LYRA laughs. “But it was still like, ‘Was he the one who got away?’ I say that, even though he was the one who broke up with me – but anyway! It was that ‘Will I find love again?’ kind of vibe.

“So I went out with my friends, for a great night – and I saw this guy,” she continues. “I was like, ‘Him! He is hot to trot. That’s it, girls, I’m

“It made me feel like the spark’s back – because I didn’t think I’d find it for anybody else”

of the annual Rock Against Homelessness gig – an honour that’s previously gone to Fontaines D.C. and Kojaque Set to take place on May 26 at the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin, the gig, in aid of homelessness charity Focus Ireland, will be hosted by Laura Whitmore, and will feature performances from emerging artists handpicked by LYRA.

As homelessness in Ireland continues to hit record levels, it’s a cause that the star is particularly passionate about.

“Let’s be honest – we live in Ireland, and our weather is absolutely shocking,” she reflects. “And you walk down the street, and there’s people sleeping in wet sleeping bags in the rain. I don’t feel like this is something that should be happening in 2023. I don’t feel like we, as humans, should be allowing another human to be homeless. It should be a basic human right, not a privilege, to have a roof over our heads. The stats for people dying because they’re homeless is catastrophic.

“I’ve heard people being like, ‘Oh I’m not giving that person money, they just need to get a job,’” she continues. “That’s not the attitude that we need to have. It’s not people’s choice to be on the streets. It’s not a mother’s choice to have no home for her and her child.”

The night also provides the opportunity to give up-andcoming artists an important platform. In some respects, she feels she’s passing on the support she received from Westlife, who she joined on tour in late 2022.

“Even seeing the size of the arenas that they’re playing was boggling,” she remarks. “It’s such a big production. When I was watching Westlife from behind the stage, there were men that were individually in charge of the spotlight for each band member – following them with the spotlight for the whole show. You don’t even think of things like that. It was really inspiring for me, like: ‘You have to get there. You have to have that guy following you with the spotlight. That’s your goal!’

“They took me on tour with them, and opened me up to all their fans,” she continues. “They gave me that platform, and I want to pass that on.”

LYRA recently embarked on her first ever headline tour of the UK – the thought of which was slightly “nervewracking”, she admits.

“It’s testing new waters,” she resumes. “People don’t know me as well over in the UK as they do here in Ireland. There’s nothing like singing to a home crowd – you know that they always have your back, no matter what happens on that stage. But I’m excited too, because I think it’s time for me to go over there and expand my fanbase – and show them the Irish goods!”

• ‘YOU’ is out now. See Lyra’s upcoming live dates at lyra.ie

“I know that when I’m on stage, I can go into this persona that looks powerful. But I’m also extremely vulnerable”

LYRA AT ELECTRIC PICNIC 2022 (PHOTO: MIGUEL RUIZ)

THE RESUSCITATION GAME

Interview Kate Brayden

As we know all too well, there’s something wholly unique about the experiences that take place within the walls of hospitals. BAFTA-nominated, IFTA-winning actress Niamh Algar is more than accustomed to portraying nail-biting tension on screen, but Malpractice takes things to another level. The five-part medical drama is directed by none other than Philip Barantini, the man behind edge-of-your-seat phenomenon Boiling Point, while the script was penned by Grace Ofori-Attah.

Former A&E doctor Ofori-Attah’s credits include In The Long Run and Urban Myths – previously, she studied medicine at Cambridge and Oxford, and also worked as a consultant psychiatrist. There’s no shortage of brains working on the upcoming ITV show.

The series follows Dr Lucinda Edwards, played by Algar, on a nightmare shift that ends in the death of an opioid overdose victim, Edith Owusu. Despite the support of her medical supervisor, Dr Leo Harris, played

by Sex Education and Pennyworthy star James Purefoy, Edith’s grieving father Sir Anthony Owusu (Brian Bovell) demands an inquiry into her actions.

“This was actually based upon events that took place when Grace Ofori-Attah was working in the NHS,” explains Niamh. “I shadowed a consultant in the A&E at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in London, so I got the opportunity to see firsthand the strains these medical staff are under. It was an invaluable education in their world. I also asked friends and colleagues about their experiences of working in the emergency department as part of the research.”

Known for winning a Best Actress IFTA for her breathtaking performance in The Virtues (2019), Algar has been securing complex roles in the likes of Pure, Wrath Of Man, Censor, The Wonder and more since first rising to prominence for her part in 2017 indie film Without Name For her role in Calm With Horses, she was nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role three years ago.

Now based in London, Algar presumably had knowledge of the UK health system before landing the lead role in Malpractice.

“Both Irish and UK health services are struggling at the moment, post pandemic,” she notes. “This medical thriller is more poignant now than it was when we made it. I hope the show will lead to more empathy for medical staff. You witness how this can affect them mentally, because for staff, it feels like going to war every night.

“A&E is the first line of defence before you’re admitted into a hospital. You’re seeing a vast amount of people with different conditions that could be anything from minor to major. The amount of pain and distress in patients is an

Westmeath star Niamh Algar discusses her lead role in hotly anticipated new medical thriller Malpractice.

uncomfortable situation for everyone. This is an insight into how these things can go incredibly wrong whenever you don’t have enough time or decent working conditions. Dr Edwards’ shift is particularly nightmarish, but the reality of the situation is a horrifying concept in itself.”

What was the extent of Niamh’s medical training for the shoot?

“There was a medical team on-site every day who showed us a lot of the medical procedures,” she replies. “Phil Barantini, our director, is all about making it as natural as possible. He didn’t want audiences to feel like we’re trying to make them comfortable. Malpractice comes from the makers of Line Of Duty , so you’re getting intense drama. The incredible art department also created lifelike parts of the body and got them to function the same way as organs. It feels incredibly real and uneasy!

“I’ve learned to do central lines and an emergency thoracotomy – I’m just fascinated with the human body. It was like working out a puzzle. I went on Ebay to buy suturing

kits, because there are scenes where Lucinda has to do stitches. My sister is a vet, so she sat me down and showed me the roles. Over the summer, I was practising on orange skins around the house.”

Interestingly, the show’s producers asked the actor to maintain her Irish accent.

“That’s an amazing privilege, and it’s always a huge compliment,” she smiles. “It means I get to bring Irish characters globally and it’s not specifically to do with charm. It means that your accent is spread across the world and it doesn’t feel like it’s foreign. I didn’t have anyone growing up who wanted their accent, so it’s an honour to keep mine for a project – especially a series about a doctor. I shot The Wonder last year with Florence Pugh in Wicklow, partially because I love Irish crews. It will always be home for me. I’ll come back for any reason!”

World Productions (Vigil, Line Of Duty) have built a deserved reputation for portraying pressure cooker moments on TV.

“Phil told me not to worry about the thriller aspect,” says Niamh, “because the narrative is going to be selling that on its own. The audience begins to understand Lucinda as the series develops. They know she’s holding a secret, and once the audience figures it out, you’re terrified for her. That is the key. When I read the script for the first time, I was scared. It is the type of show that I have been dying to see on TV, because my sister-in-law is an A&E nurse. I’ve heard so many stories about the night shifts, and the fear is because it’s real. Life is scary enough, it’s just how we showcase it.”

Often, dark humour is used within the medical world as a coping tool.

“As a human, you naturally try to avoid the dark spaces,” Niamh continues. “We don’t want to sit in that, because it feeds your anxiety – especially in a situation where you’re trying to avoid people’s lives being lost. The stakes are always incredibly high within A&E and the margin for error is so small. I cannot imagine a person being able to live in that headspace for a long amount of time.

“Lucinda is wiped out before even starting. From my research, I can understand how such a young doctor can already be burnt out at the start of their career. I was only observing and I was exhausted. What I did notice is that there was an incredible community and family dynamic within the A&E. That structure keeps them together.”

Leading the medical investigation are Dr Norma Callahan (Helen Behan), and Lucinda’s former colleague, Dr George Adjei, played by Jordan Kouame.

“I worked with Helen Behan before on The Virtues , where I started my career, so it’s nice to come full circle,” reflects Algar. “Hannah Walters, who plays the head nurse, is absolutely incredible in this series. One of my favourite scenes in the entire show is her on her own, and it’s heartbreaking to watch. Seeing the way she treats people on set is just hugely inspiring.

“Herself and her husband, Steven Graham, are this amazing acting power couple. This is the loveliest cast I’ve had the joy of working with. I watched A Knight’s Tale before filming with my partner, who plays my husband on the show, just to fangirl over James Purefoy!

“As an actor, you always hope to produce good work, but it’s about quality. I’m incredibly proud of this series. Everyone involved worked so hard and Grace is an unbelievable writer. When I got pitched Malpractice, I went into the meeting and told Phil Barantini straight away that I was doing it.”

• Malpractice premieres on ITV and Virgin Media One this spring.

“I learned to do central lines and an emergency thoracotomy for Malpractice –I’m fascinated with the human body. It was like working out a puzzle.”

THE BITTEREST PILL: (clockwise) Niamh Algar stars in Malpractice ; with Florence Pugh at the the Irish premiere of The Wonder ; and a scene from The Vir tues .

EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE

Having unleashed their latest No.1 record Cuts & Bruises in February this year, Dublin indie-pop heroes Inhaler talk Stateside adventures, Alex Turner’s cool factor, supporting Harry Styles at Slane and plenty more.

Interview: Kate Brayden

Photography: Miguel Ruiz

Speaking to laidback quartet Inhaler, you’d hardly know about this week’s particularly jampacked schedule. The following day, the affable band will perform the first of two nights at Dublin’s beloved 3Olympia – which I’m told saw the crowd belt out choruses loud enough to shake the walls – and a stint at St James’s Church in Dingle. Not bad for their final gigs of 2022. Inhaler’s double date at 3Olympia arrived prior to their 2023 tour across the US and UK, as well as further support slots for Arctic Monkeys in North America (they were invited back, which is some compliment); Sam Fender at St James’s Park; and Harry Styles at Slane Castle this summer. They’ve come a long way since I saw them on the bill before The Academic and Whenyoung back at Vicar Street in December 2018.

“I wouldn’t have gone to see us four years ago,” Rob quips, shaking his head.

AMERICAN GREATS

Latest single ‘If You’re Gonna Break My Heart’ was inspired by travelling the highways of America, listening to the country’s songwriting greats – Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and The Band, among others.

“It’s the permanence of the songs,” Eli says of their influence. “Bob Dylan will be remembered like The Beatles because of his lyrics. They’re great songs, and our band always try to keep that as our North Star.” Inhaler are asked a lot about the jaw-dropping acts they’ve supported.

“Alex Turner is actually way cooler in real life,” notes Eli. “He’s like the exact same person on stage as he is offstage. It’s amazing. He’s method acting if that’s put on!”

“We’re big fans of Fontaines D.C.,” Eli emphasises. “We’ve gone to see their shows whenever we can. They’re a really unique, special band. We can relate to Skinty Fia a lot, because we did the same thing in terms of leaving Dublin. I haven’t heard an album that captures modern Irish self-identity like theirs.”

Is there a band they couldn’t collaborate with in the studio due to sheer mayhem?

“DMAs,” says Eli, referencing the Aussie rock trio. “We went to their gig in The Academy, and went backstage to meet them after, and just played trad with them for two hours. They were like, ‘Let’s get in the studio’ and we said, ‘That sounds like a great idea, but it would probably be a mess!’ They’re fantastic, though.”

THE SLANE EVENT

The lads are keeping expectations of interacting with Harry Styles at Slane realistic.

“My parents went to that gig and didn’t think anything of it,” Ryan jokes. “The last Irish gig we did before 3Olympia was Fairview Park last June, and that was the first real show we did here in two years. We played more in the US than Ireland recently, which is mad. They give you a lot more interesting gifts in the States. There’s Irish ancestry dating back to the 1860s, so there’s a kinship in New York and Chicago.”

“It’s like they’re coming to support a football team,” Eli grins. “We had an extensive collection of cowboy hats last time we toured America. For some reason, it was the thing to do. By the end of the tour, we had this massive pile of them at the back of the bus. We gave them to our driver because they couldn’t come on the plane!”

“We had a song called ‘Who’s Your Money On?’ and in the first chorus, these people started shooting fake money with our faces onto it into the air,” Ryan laughs. “It was only after the gig that our tour manager showed us the Inhaler dollar bills.”

“Yeah, he was running around picking it all up, because he thought the cash was real,” Eli adds. “He was going, ‘Lads! Lads! We’re rich!’ in his Scouse accent.”

“Fun and travel don’t tend to go well with us,” Rob informs me. “We lost all our bags.”

“And an appendix,” Josh grins.

“We struggle to process that we get to do all of these things,” reflects Ryan. “The only time we get to grapple with it is when you get offstage and you think, ‘Wow, did we just do that?’ We’re only supporting Harry for that one show and we don’t expect to meet him. He presumably doesn’t want to speak too much in case he damages his voice, so we’re cool with that. We’re just delighted to have some of our family and friends come and share the moment with us. That’s the most important thing.”

Inhaler’s July 2021 debut album It Won’t Always Be Like This climbed to the top spot in both the UK and Ireland. February 17th marked the release of their second long-player, Cuts & Bruises, which they started work on almost instantly after completing their first record with producer Anthony Genn.

Album opener ‘Just To Keep You Satisfied’ dates back to 2020, while ‘Dublin In Ecstasy’ is a track forged while the band were in their teens.

“That took the longest to get right for the album,” says Ryan. “Eli immediately went away and started working on new stuff. There were loads of discussions about how that song should sound. It became a bit of a ‘Cheer Up, Baby’ situation, where we ended up recording it as similar as possible to the original. It kept proving itself to be the best.

“We wrote something like 40 different pieces of music, so there was a lot of trial and error. We’re behind every song that made the final cut. You’re curious about what the public think, but once it’s out there, it’s no longer your song. We enjoyed making it, so we try not to let critics taint our view. It’s special to us and the fans.”

“WE STRUGGLE TO PROCESS THAT WE GET TO DO THIS FOR A LIVING. YOU ONLY GRAPPLE WITH IT ONCE YOU GET OFFSTAGE.’”

The last time the band chatted to Hot Press, Eli described producer Anthony Genn as the “most charismatic man I’ve ever met”.

“He’s hard on us out of love, do you know what I mean?” says Eli. “We needed to hear harsh criticism at that time. He was just as onboard as we were. We actually really needed him for this record, because we were under so much time pressure. He dedicates his life and soul to whatever he does.”

FLAWS AND FANBASES

Is the perception fans have of you as individuals accurate?

“No,” they all respond, without missing a beat.

“It’s the same with every musician, but people don’t realise how normal we are,” Rob tells me. “Who wants to be normal?” Eli grins. “People probably expect us to act a certain way.”

“It works in our favour,” suggests Ryan. “People see that we’re chill lads and they’re able to have a conversation with us. We’re not trying to fake anything.”

“It does get hard sometimes, always having to be ‘on’ when we meet fans,” adds Josh. “But the only really tough time is when you’re getting off a bus the morning before a show. You’re stinky, you’re crusty and trying to get in for a shower.”

“Your smile doesn’t work yet,” says Eli. “The torment of it. You want them to have a great time and remember it, but at the same time, it’s like, ‘Please don’t get closer than a metre to us or you’ll die’...” That gets a laugh out of his bandmates.

“If people are respectful, even in our foul state, we’re happy to see them,” says Ryan.

LIVE SHOWS

Given the current age of their fanbase, there’s an undeniable vulnerability at gigs. Is it fair to put the onus on a band to make their shows safe?

“Even just to help the people around you,” says Eli. “Obviously it’s our show, so some people would definitely say it’s our responsibility, but we can only see above people’s shoulders. When an artist goes on stage, they’re in one mode, and I don’t think you can always expect them to be looking out for that kind of stuff.

“But we recently have made more of an effort to ask for advice from Safe Gigs for Women. Bands should always make sure that you do as much as you can, but you can’t keep an eye on everyone. That’s the tragedy of it.”

“We want our gigs to be a safe haven,” Ryan affirms. “Everyone’s welcome to come to our shows, unless they’re going to ruin it for others. These days it feels like music, especially live music, is the only place for escapism. Like you said, it’s an intense pressure.”

Given the injection of anthemic pop to Inhaler’s trademark indie-rock, do they feel their second record can reach the same chart heights as the first? Does it matter?

“You’d be a little disappointed if it didn’t, but Cuts & Bruises is something we’re very proud of collectively as a band,” Eli replies. “Our love for it will help stick whatever landing the album gets. It’s better than making something you didn’t connect with. That’s the main thing Inhaler care about. We want listeners to feel our joy from it.”

With a huge year kicking off, they’ll have to make sure their heads don’t inflate by 2024.

Rob shrugs it off: “We’re from Ireland - it’s impossible to have an ego.”

• Cuts & Bruises is out now. Inhaler support Harry Styles at Slane Castle on June 10.

“THAT’S THE MAIN THING INHALER CARE ABOUT. WE WANT LISTENERS TO FEEL OUR JOY FROM IT.”

HARRY STYLES

DMA’S

PAUL CHARLES ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

Available in hardback and original paperback.

To pre-order, and secure a copy personally signed by the author, with all the add-ons, go now to hotpress.com/shop

“A must-read for every music fan.” Mark Billingham, Author Of

The Tom Thorne Novels

THE POWER & THE GLORIA

Pop superstar Sam Smith discusses their liberating fourth record Gloria, friendship with Ed Sheeran and warm Irish memories.

Interview: Kate Brayden

Photography: Michael Bailey- Gates

An unprecedented amount has changed since Sam Smith’s heavenly vocals pierced through the electronic beat on Disclosure’s 2012 breakout hit, ‘Latch’. For one, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award in their trophy cabinet for penning Bond theme ‘Writing On The Wall’ in 2015; but a decade of metamorphosis is about more than just accolades for the London-raised star.

Having been thrown in the deep end as a 20-year-old, the days of Smith performing in a jazz band and national youth choir evaporated, after Sam secured a nomination for the Brit Critics’ Choice Award and the BBC’s Sound of 2014 poll, taking home the crown in both.

Sam’s voice had featured on Naughty Boy’s ‘La La La’, which became a number one single in May 2013, before Smith’s debut studio album, In The Lonely Hour, arrived 12 months later on Capitol Records UK.

Down-tempo belter ‘Lay Me Down’ and falsetto bop ‘Money On My Mind’ – their second UK number one single – were unveiled before ‘Stay With Me’, the hit that cemented their international status. The balladeer nabbed another number one in the UK and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, before ‘I’m Not The Only One’ and ‘Like I Can’ further asserted chart dominance in their homeland, the former winning a plethora of Grammys.

was, but it was the first time something had been passed? I’ll have to figure it out. It was such an exciting day. Everyone was drinking and smoking. It was wild! Honestly, it was one of the best gigs of the whole tour. I’ll never forget it!”

Was it potentially the first time alcohol was legal to buy in Ireland on Good Friday? Mind you, it could have just been a regular Tuesday in Dublin.

“That was probably it!” laughs Smith. “The energy was out of control. I’ve always loved the culture in Ireland. It’s absolutely incredible. I went there when I was young, and did a national musical theatre camp for a few weeks. It was one of the first times that I was ever away from my family. It was beautiful; I love the food and the people. I walk to the venue down the river Liffey every time, it’s gorgeous. I had good nerves about the Gloria tour – I’m bringing people a show that’s even more me than ever. My love of theatre and pop collide, so it’s pleasantly surprising.”

FRIENDS IN THE RIGHT PLACES

There are some surprising but welcome twists and turns on Gloria, in comparison to Love Goes, which many critics claimed stuck to the tried and tested formula of sadnesssoaked romantic connections. Aside from collaborating purposefully with women – including Demi Lovato, Jessie Reyez, Mary J. Blige and Renée Zellweger – Sam is embracing the divine femininity in their work with a self-assurance that comes with time. There are more forays into disco, R&B and pop, as opposed to the regret-soaked ballads of yore.

Take ‘I’m Not Here To Make Friends’, for example. Previously, Smith has been known more as a vulnerable, diaristic songwriter, producing tracks people wanted played at their wedding – or possibly their funeral. This track, though, showcases Smith as a defiant person seeking lust.

In the space of 24 months, the soulful musician’s life was turned upside down as a result of heartbreak hits. The vulnerability of their loneliness paired with powerhouse vocals ensured Sam Smith became a household name.

Two more albums followed, 2017’s The Thrill Of It All and 2020’s Love Goes. Now, Smith has shifted styles again on January’s fourth record, Gloria

One mightn’t expect Sam to have any relationship to Ireland at all, but research tells us otherwise. Aside from the numerous times performing all over the country, Smith has also recorded in Donegal with Tommy McLaughlin and Jimmy Napes at Attica Studios back in 2017. Smith’s European tour stopped at Dublin’s 3Arena on April 14 and 15.

“I remember being in that arena the last time I toured in Dublin,” says Sam. “I can’t recall what the national holiday

“I did so much dating, it was crazy,” Sam laughs, when I poke them about the song’s origins. “It was exhausting. A lot of the guys just wanted to be friends. They had no intention of anything romantic! Sometimes they wanted to just meet me, which was pleasant, but I went into the studio in LA after a really frustrating date and was so annoyed. I was with Jessie Reyez and I literally said, ‘I am not on a date to make friends’. I wrote a song out of that frustration and we had a great time. I have fabulous mates, and I know ultimately that the person you’re dating should become your friend, but on the first meeting? I’m not here for friendship.”

Jessie Reyez’s vocals appear on Smith’s latest single, ‘Gimme’, which also features Jamaican reggae act Koffee. Sam’s love for Jessie’s work and character goes back a number of years.

“She’s incredible,” says Sam. “The first time I met her was

“I’ve always loved the culture in Ireland. It’s absolutely incredible.”

Jessie Reyez

the day we wrote ‘Promises’ with Calvin Harris. I’d heard of her writing and artistry. We went into the studio and met each other, and it was such a beautiful day. She really taught me about the fun that can be had in the studio and not taking yourself too seriously. She can lift any mood in that space, and it allows amazing music to come out. Jessie is sensational. I’m so excited about her new album, too.”

There’s also a saccharine Ed Sheeran collaboration at the end of the GLORIA , titled ‘Who We Love’. The duo dazzled fans by performing ‘Stay With Me’ together at Wembley a few years ago.

ED ALERT

“Ed and I have been friends for a while now and we’ve always wanted to work together,” Sam offers, admiringly. “It was just about waiting for the right song. Then Ed sent me the beginnings of ‘Who We Love’, and I was bowled over at how beautiful it was. The timing was ideal. I wanted it to be on the end of the record, because I really feel like it showcases how much I studied pop. What better way to end it than with one of the greatest songwriters and pop artists in the world?”

Smith is unyielding since turning 30 in regards to shunning the opinions of others.

“My mum always said to me, and she always seems to be right, ‘As you get older, you care less and less about what people think’. That’s

what happened. With the transitional period I went through with my last album, Love Goes, and everything that came with that, I felt like I cared so much about pleasing people who didn’t have my best interests at heart. It was about sharing who I was, but I had to wait until I was confident enough to do that. In my private moments and when I’m partying with my friends, I’ve always been this person.

“Sharing that onstage in front of 20,000 people at age 21, it’s something I didn’t feel safe doing when I was younger. I do not blame myself for that at all. If anything, I think I did the right thing by handling myself the way I did, because it wasn’t safe. It still isn’t. In these moments when the negative noise can be so loud, it’s important to focus on the beautiful community around us who are so loving. As much as the comments can be tough, there are incredible, gorgeous comments. You just have to focus on positivity, and that can be hard, but age is helping me.”

INDUSTRY ADVICE & BIRTHDAY GOALS

Considering the wealth of artists in Sam’s contacts’ list, as collaborators, friends or otherwise, has any musician in particular had the best advice for the industry?

“Ed,” replies Smith. “I have felt low in my career at certain moments, and he’s been an incredibly supportive voice. He just tells me to keep going, that I’m brilliant, and reminds me this is about the music and the art. Patti Smith once said that nothing affects art as much as fame, success and money. It does change how you write in the studio at first. People like Ed have inspired me to carry on focusing on the music, on what we do as writers and artists. I’m really thankful to him.”

Can the singer recall a time when they felt most at peace?

“My 30th birthday last May,” Sam replies instantly. “I basically threw myself a wedding. I got all my friends and family to wear white, and we all sat around this big table and ate food together and drank wine. It was sensational. I felt so lucky. I do feel loved every day of my life, no matter how sad and anxious I’ve been in the past. This is why we have to love our children so much, and each other as a society. In those tough moments when things are dark and difficult, you go back to that love you experienced. In my worst moments, there’s always been a glowing light of love around that has given me hope. That’s what Gloria is, that light in a dark room.

“I want to have my 40th party in India. That would be my dream. I definitely want children in my thirties. I hope to have more albums under my belt, and I hope my eyelids don’t sag!”

Gloria is out now via Universal/Capitol Records UK.

•

“I have felt low in my career at certain moments, and Ed Sheeran has been an incredibly supportive voice”

Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran Photo: Dan Martensen

MY FAVOURITE JOURNEY

A MOMENTOUS DAY

The Limerick Leader multimedia journalist, author and T V presenter

Meghann Scully recounts a moving story of travelling on the ‘breakfast train’ f rom Galway to Dublin with her late father.

By K ate Brayden

Meghann Scully is fast becoming a nationally recognisable name, gaining deserved recognition for her excellent writing on grief, mental health, culture, sport and a whole lot more. With life experience well beyond her years, the journalist, podcaster, author and presenter recalls a fond but poignant memory of travelling on Irish Rail as a teenager.

“I come from a small village called Ardrahan in South Galway, but I live in Limerick for work,” she explains. “When I go up to Dublin, I love when we pass through Kildare, because my family come from a farming background – mainly working with horses. That was the big connection between my Dad and I.”

Scully’s favourite train journey takes us back to 2006. When her father was undergoing treatment in Dublin, Meghann would travel with him on the morning train. It remains an indelible memory for her – as lovely train journeys often do.

“I remember, when my father was quite sick, we took the train from Galway to Dublin so he could go to a hospital appointment,” she reflects. “We got our little fry-up on the way. It was probably our last journey together before he died.”

For her father, there was en element of nostalgia in taking the train.

“Dad said he remembered doing that train journey with his own father,” she recalls, “which was why he wanted to do it with me. Coming from the countryside, we’d always be in cars. He had a free travel pass because of his health condition, but he wanted to take the train with a sense of purpose. We knew his time was coming to an end, which was why I cherished the day. We were really well minded by the train staff.”

Indeed, Scully further compliments the Irish Rail workers’ care and professionalism.

“On the journey back, they could clearly see that he wasn’t very well,” she continues. “The staff brought us into a waiting room I’d never seen before. When it was time to get the train, they got us a golf buggy and drove us down the platform.

At the last minute, dad asked me to run and get him a newspaper, which of course I did. Another time he got out for a cigarette, so it was really stressful for a 16-year-old trying to make sure we weren’t separated! But the train staff were great.”

It’s clear just how much that journey continues to mean to Meghann.

“They had just opened the Jervis Street Shopping Centre, and Dad wanted to buy me something,” she says. “It happened that Jervis Street Hospital was where he got his kidney transplant at the age of 21. It was quite a sad journey, but a really momentous one.

“He had bandages on his head, and wore his hat all the time so you couldn’t really see them. It blew off his head at one point and a woman ran down the platform to get it back for us. Everyone we came across was just really kind to me and Dad that day, and really eased the burden. Their compassion made the special journey that little more special.”

Often, the train seems to bring out people’s better instincts.

“He had such a fun streak in him,” Meghann adds. “I was a very young girl and a lot of passengers on the train were really helpful. They kept an eye on Dad because he looked unsteady on his feet. It was great that I was so well looked after.”

• Meghann Scully is a multimedia journalist for the Limerick Leader. Her podcast, The Break Up Dress, and novels Broken Love and Little Pocket Of Love, are out now.

JOURNEY: GALWAY TO DUBLIN

“WHEN I GO UP TO DUBLIN, I LOVE WHEN WE PASS THROUGH KILDARE, BECAUSE MY FAMILY COME FROM A FARMING BACKGROUND.”

BROADCAST VIEWS

Over a show-stopping tasting menu at the recently opened Hellfire restaurant in Dublin, RTÉ Radio 1 presenter Louise Duffy opens up about her acclaimed new music programme…

Interview: Lucy O’Toole

PHOTOGRAPHY: MIGUEL RUIZ

Hellfire

7 Westmoreland St, Temple Bar, Dublin (01) 484 5015 / hello@hellfire.ie

“Louise Duffy is playing the band Television on RTÉ Radio 1 straight after the Angelus!” musician and actor Steve Wall wrote on Twitter recently – going on to excitedly hail the arrival of a new “quiet revolution” in Irish daytime radio, and attracting hundreds of likes.

That’s just one of many enthusiastic responses that the Dublin-based, Mayo-born broadcaster has inspired since taking over the lunchtime music show on the station, following Ronan Collins’ departure after nearly 40 years on air. She’s the first woman to present the hugely popular slot in Radio 1’s history – landing the position thanks to her extensive experience at Today FM, and her genre-spanning musical knowledge.

Embracing exciting new chapters appears to be the theme of the afternoon, as, fresh from the studio, Louise meets me in Hellfire on Westmoreland Street in Dublin – a unique new restaurant that opened its doors in January, on the very same week that she launched The Louise Duffy Show.

Helmed by highly charismatic head chef Roberto Rapisardi and his special style of flamefired cooking, the thrillingly original dining venue has rapidly captured the imaginations of food lovers in Dublin, with its irresistible selection of steaks, seafood dishes, pizzas, pastas and focaccias.

Sitting under a dramatic indoor tree, in a room looking out onto the bustling corner of Fleet Street, we start at the beginning – of both Louise’s story, and a generous tasting menu. First up is smoked Italian Salsiccia sausage, served with sweet and spicy honey mustard, crispy fried onion and fresh mint.

“I’ve a very musical family,” she tells me as we dig in. “There was music in every corner of the

house. There’s always been bands in our family, through my dad, brother, cousins and uncles. If you were at a wedding in Mayo in the last four decades, I’m sure there was someone related to me on stage performing!

“We all played as we grew up, and music was definitely a big interest for me – but I’d be more of an onlooker than a performer!” she adds. “I had a family party this weekend, and the sing-songs go long into the night, but I know that’s probably not where my best talents lie!”

Thankfully – given that Louise is married to Kerry football legend-turned-fashion designer Paul Galvin – the famed MayoKerry GAA rivalry has little bearing on family life.

“Lucky for my husband, we’re not a big sports family, so he has at least some peace when he visits!” she laughs. “Music was definitely the big thing in our house – but you can’t be in Mayo and not be brought along with the annual enthusiasm and disappointment which we experience every year.”

Her passion for music was paired with a long-standing interest in broadcasting. Although she also hosts The Ballycotton Sessions – a music series on RTÉ2 filmed in the East Cork village’s Sea Church venue, which recently returned for its second series – radio remains her primary love.

“It was always radio for me,” she nods. “It’s funny, that’s just where I was drawn. I studied Media Arts, and that confirmed it for me. TV is a lovely complement, but radio would always be the place I’m most comfortable.

“There’s such joy in music, particularly in the show I do now,” she continues. “That’s the very purpose of it. It’s this little pocket of joy in the middle of a schedule which covers the highs and lows of everyday life. It’s a precious little corner that I think the listeners need.”

As the waiter brings out our next stunningly presented dish of Spicy Wild Irish Mussels & Clams – flame-grilled with ‘nduja, white wine, garlic, black pepper and organic extra virgin olive oil – Louise tells me that she was “very mindful” of the responsibility attached to her new role on Radio 1.

“I’m working my way towards certain sounds, because you couldn’t just go in there and play what you feel like,” she says. “I’m mindful of the loyal listener really committed to that time of the day, and the show that came before me. I was very conscious of making sure they still felt comfortable. That was probably one of my biggest concerns starting out. I didn’t want to go in there and rattle the cage.

“But I also want to start to introduce different sounds, and different voices,” she adds. “And hopefully welcome new listeners, along with the ones that are already there.”

Given that she’s presenting on the country’s most-listened-to station, Louise is also conscious of the range of listeners.

“But I truly think it’s reductive to think that a 20-year-old only wants to listen to Billie Eilish, and a 70-year-old only wants to listen to Johnny Cash,” she remarks. “There’s little gems in every genre and every era that we can all enjoy. No one wants to stay in one genre. Sweet music is sweet music, no matter where it comes from. Everyday I walk that tightrope, of trying to make sure there’s something for everyone in there.”

Irish music, and emerging homegrown artists, are also featured prominently on The Louise Duffy Show.

“I’m quite drawn to all of those artists that are bringing in the traditional roots of Irish music,” she tells me. “We’ve played Séamus and Caoimhe Uí Fhlatharta, who are outstanding. Síomha, MOM + THE REBELS, and Lisa Canny as well. Moncrieff was the last gig I was at in the Olympia. He’s a showman, and a phenomenal performer.

“It’s in a really healthy space at the moment,” she says of the Irish scene. “There’s a lot of talent, and there’s so much variety.”

What about ensuring gender parity on air?

“Initially I would’ve been conscious of that,” she states. “But on a day-to-day basis I’m not – and I still think if I was to audit my playlists I’d come out pretty balanced. That’s just because of what sounds good. If I was to play a show of fully male voices, there would be something missing there!”

She’s also able to draw from her years of experience on Today FM.

“My trajectory started with very early mornings, with AA Roadwatch, into early mornings on Today FM – and then moving to lunchtime, to afternoon, to evening, to out the door!” she remarks, with

DISHING IT UP: (clockwise) Spicy Wild Irish Mussels & Clams, NY Buffalo Chicken Wings and Head Chef Roberto Rapisardi preparing steak.

”NO ONE WANTS TO STAY IN ONE GENRE. SWEET MUSIC IS SWEET MUSIC, NO MATTER WHERE IT COMES FROM”

a wry smile. “It was in the evening that I could demonstrate a love of music. I did that for about three years, and the first two were non-playlisted, so it was a joy.

“Then it became playlisted, and I suppose I didn’t really know who I was then, because I wasn’t selecting,” she continues. “It would’ve been quite confusing for our listeners as well, because the sound changed so quickly. It definitely allowed me to realise that, if I was to continue in radio and music broadcasting, it would have to be somewhere where you have autonomy, or a collaboration between you and a team.”

The three-and-a-half year gap between her Today FM exit and her arrival on Radio 1 required some “hustle”, she admits.

“We’re reluctant to use that word, or see it as a good thing – but you’ve got to be able to knock on doors,” she reasons, as we delve into our mouth-watering main courses: Delmonico Surf ‘n’ Turf, and Gutrei Galician Blond Picanha steak. “It’s about hard work and tenacity.

“I also had some babies!” the mother-of-two laughs. “But I think I needed that time, to reassess, and gather myself, and ask, ‘Where do I go now?’ I had probably boxed myself into a corner a little bit. So I worked with The Communications Clinic during that time, coaching people and working on their communications skills, and doing podcasts for that.

That really helped me figure myself out.”

With two children under the age of five, her new midday weekday slot has also been handy in terms of family life.

“I had a little baby, and I was coming home at 9pm every evening,” she tells me. “That’s tricky, because you’re missing bedtime. Indeed, having two kids and being a freelance broadcaster was tricky too. The stability and the civilised hours that this presents is really intoxicating.

“But you can’t take it for granted either,” she points out. “Everything can change, and you still go contract to contract.”

At the time of our conversation, there’s yet to be any official announcement about Ryan Tubridy’s successor on RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show. But, as Louise notes, “heavy is the head that wears the crown…”

“It’s a very big job,” she resumes. “It’s so important that whoever gets it is treated with kindness, and given time and respect. It’s so different now to when Ryan started – in that it’s become a very popular activity to sit down, put on The Late Late Show, and go on Twitter. That’s really difficult.”

She considers herself lucky to have, for the most part, avoided that kind of mindless online abuse herself.

“It’s been a nice welcome into this part of my career, and trolls are few and far between, thankfully,” she says. “But at this stage in the game, I’m big and bold enough to take it with a pinch of salt when it comes.

“But I do think there can be constructive criticism,” she adds. “With the new show, there was an element of guidance in the text messages for the first few weeks. It was like, ‘Maybe if you play this… We’re used to hearing this .’ And I actually love that dialogue! I’m not led by it, because I know my role –but I welcome it, and I’m open to it.”

As we both tackle our brilliantly theatrical dessert – a medley entitled La Divina Commedia, featuring a lemon meringue tartlet, Bailey’s cheese cream, and Hellfire’s signature Liqueur de Cacao, topped off with a tree made of candy floss – Louise looks to the future. Like her husband, fashion is a major interest. But she claims she won’t be following Paul – who released his well-received book about clothes and Irishmen, Threads, late last year – into the literary world.

“He’s an incredible writer, I have to say,” she smiles. “It’s nothing to him. But you couldn’t ask me to sit down with a pen and paper and write about something. I’m a talker, and he’s a writer – opposites attract!

“I do think you go through stages in your career,” she muses. “Right now I’m so hyper-focused on this show, but it’s always important to have a plan B, and have other things in motion as well – because there’s nothing stable about broadcasting. Down the line there’ll be other things that arise, but right now I have a wonderful job. I want to work hard on that, and make sure the show gets everything it needs.”

• Listen to The Louise Duffy Show on RTÉ Radio

1, Monday to Friday, noon-1pm. The Ballycotton Sessions airs on Thursdays at 11pm on RTÉ2.

Smoked Salsiccia - 10.50

Spicy Wild Irish Mussels and Clams - 12.00

Delmonico Surf n turf - 52

Picanha - 44.00

La Divina Commedia - 24.00

PLATE EXPECTATIONS: Head Chef Roberto Rapisardi serving a dish from the tasting menu, La Divina Commedia dessert and Louise Duffy with Lucy O’Toole under the tree at Hell Fire.

”BUT YOU CAN’T TAKE IT FOR GRANTED EITHER, EVERYTHING CAN CHANGE, AND YOU STILL GO CONTRACT TO CONTRACT.”

IT’S THE G.O.A.T Stuart Clark Brings You The Latest Foodie News

THE TRUCK OF THE IRISH

One of our food truck favourites, Órale, has taken up permanent Thursday-Sunday residence at the Pawn $hop, a posh dive bar – no, it’s not an oxymoron! –that’s just opened its doors on Dame Street.

The Dublin 2 nosheratti will be some of the city’s finest south of the border fare including a 12” Masa Fried Chicken with Almond & Chile de Arbol Salsa quesadilla that’s guaranteed to make you go “arriba, abbiba, ándale, ándale!” – and such like things! facebook.com/ oralestreetfood.

Also making its D2 bow at 6 Montague Street is La Gordita, the new bodega-style offering from Le Tapas de Lola, which continues to wow on Wexford Street.

The pick of their excellent small plates is Codorniz con Lentejas Escabechadas, AKA Quail with Pickled Pui Lentils. lagordita.ie

PUSHING THE GOAT OUT

A recent trip to Galway reacquainted us with An Cnoc

Dubh, the goats’ cheese that other goats’ cheeses call the Guv’nor. Handmade in small batches by Larry and Anne Maguire in Dunmore near Tuam – we’re surprised The Saw Doctors haven’t written a song about it! – these ash-rinded cheese pyramids are light and fluffy with a lemony hint that gets more pronounced as it ages.

Similar to France’s Loire Valley Valençay – but better! – you can pick yours up from McCambridge’s on Shop Street or one of the other stockists

NAVAN A LOVELY TIME

Go Rail renewed acquaintances with an old friend when we journeyed recently to Navan for the launch of Preston’s, the destination restaurant at Bellinter House Hotel & Spa.

Presided over by head chef Stephen Moreau, the emphasis is firmly on locally sourced and fresh produce with the musttries including Listoke Gin Cured Salmon, with Horseradish Mousseline, Watercress &

Radish; Andarl Farm Free Range

Pork Belly, with Smoked Irish Black Pudding Mash, Celeriac Puree & Pickled Orchard Apples; and Fillet of Clogherhead Cod, with Roast Baby Potatoes, Asparagus & Sauce Vierge. Yum! We also took a serious shine to the Vanilla Crème Brûlée, with Hazel & Chocolate Nut Cookies. Yum! bellinterhouse.com/ dining.

READY, AIM, WOODFIRE

The highlight of Go Rail’s recent sojourn in the Real Capital was sinking our gnashers into the Slow Woodfire Cooked Crisp Pork Belly with Sourdough Bread, Grilled Baby Potatoes, Chargrilled Onions & Chimichurri Sauce dished up by Marina Market residents, Nua Asador. nuasador.ie.

We also had a very pleasant scoff in Cork’s relatively new Black Market where the Pie Guy’s Beef & Beamish combo with Creamy Buttermilk & Dill Coleslaw and A Taste Of Home’s Lithuanian Potato Pie both gladdened our hearts. theblackmarketcork.ie.

listed on galway.ie.

LA GORDITA

NUA ASADOR

AN CNOC DUBH

PIE GUY’S

Award-winning Irish author Nicole Flattery discusses her debut novel Nothing Special, which brilliantly explores the fascinating world of the Factory, the bohemian enclave created by iconic artist Andy Warhol.

Interview Paul Nolan

Portrait: Miguel Ruiz

THE ART OF THE MATTER

With Mullingar author Nicole Flattery having earned rave critical notices for her debut story collection Show Them A Good Time, expectations are at fever pitch for her first novel Nothing Special. It tells the story of Mae, a disaffected high school dropout who becomes immersed in the world of Andy Warhol’s Factory, and thus gets to observe first hand the rarefied world of ’60s New York bohemia.

Mae and another girl, Shelley, are hired to transcribe Warhol’s interviews with actor Robert Olivo, aka Ondine, which the artist eventually turned into the literary work a, A Novel Together, Mae and Shelley get to experience both the glamour of the Factory scene and its darker aspects, making for a compelling portrait of a period that has enduring pop cultural appeal. Was it an era that always held an attraction for Flattery?

“I didn’t actually,” she replies, sitting in Dublin’s Brooks Hotel. “One of the fine things

about this book is I got to do so much research. I like a lot of films from the ’60s, and Warhol is sometimes referenced as an influential film guy. Also, I’ve seen exhibitions, and I knew about Edie Sedgwick and listened to The Velvet Underground. But I wasn’t super into it, I hadn’t read any of the books. I felt lucky, because I chose a subject I could be more interested in.

“I was writing it for four years and I kept discovering new things. Warhol himself is such a layered, complex figure that every book was giving me a new vantage point. It is a very captivating time, and in comparison to how we live now, creatively it was free. I can see why people are consistently fascinated – it doesn’t get less fascinating when you look into it.”

With Nothing Special told from Mae’s perspective, Nicole says one of the main challenges was capturing an authentic adolescent voice.

“You’re trying to get back to what it feels like to be 16 or 17,” she reflects. “It’s a time when you’re very unsure of yourself and you have no idea who you are. I was thinking, ‘Obviously it’s the Factory and you have to write party scenes.’ Those parties can be so glamorous, and I was

going, ‘But the girls aren’t going to be glamorous. They’re going to be there observing these things, not really participating.’

“At the same time, they would want to be in the middle of it, in an almost needy way. I thought that was interesting approach, and I know teenage girls did work in the Factory –the two characters are sort of based on a picture I found. The ’60s were supposed to be a liberating time for teenagers, it was when youth really came into play. Particularly as a woman, I wondered how it felt to be a part of that.

“You were constantly being told you’ve never had so many opportunities or so much freedom – it must have been stifling as well as interesting. Those were things I wanted to explore, as well as getting the voice right. It was that teenage voice that’s quite brash, but also unsure and constantly correcting itself.”

Mae’s authorial voice actually recalls the works of Joan Didion – stylish but with a neutral, cool take on what’s unfolding around her. Alternating between her reflections on her Factory adventures and her current existence in humdrum middle age, the narrative also has the sweep of classic 19th century authors like Flaubert and Balzac.

Indeed, those novelists can be really be considered the rock stars of the form, given that they were the first to fully capture the ups and downs, the excitement and chronic disillusionments of life.

“I really wanted to do that, actually,” nods Nicole. “That was my main intention. I was giving this talk yesterday to creative writing students, and I was saying that my main advice when you’re writing a novel, is that you have to write one that you want to read. Otherwise, you’ll lose interest in it after two years.

“I just love books that show you a whole life, and I knew that I wanted to see her as an older person after being in the Factory. I’d imagine it was a very discombobulating experience, because to some extent, your experience was overridden by history. So to stand back and say, ‘That’s not what it was like for me’ –I find that disparity so interesting.”

Complicating it, of course, was Warhol’s crafting of his own mythology.

“He was so intensely aware of his own image,” says Flattery. “He created it completely from scratch. Even the photos that you think seem unguarded, they’re all controlled – he was a control freak. That’s what makes it so hard to break down the whole Factory scene, particularly when so many other people have their takes as well. If it was bad, or not good, it’s almost like breaking down a cult or something.

“In order to understand that it wasn’t good for you, or someone else, you have to go back and readjust your whole memory. People don’t want to do that, they want to remember it as a happy time. In the Velvet Underground documentary, the film critic Amy Taubin has one line where she says, ‘The Factory wasn’t a great place to be a woman.’ I was like, ‘That is absolutely true.’

“It was intensely competitive, and you were constantly being judged on your appearance, or what you could bring to a party, or what outrageous behaviour you were capable of. I had actually finished the book by the time I saw the film, and I was like, ‘Thank god she didn’t come out and say it was a fantastic place to be a woman!’”

In writing Nothing Special, Flattery could clearly see the complexity of individuals like Warhol.

“I think Warhol was probably a genius,” she considers. “And also probably a very selfish narcissist. But are they crimes? I don’t know. So I ended up seeing a very human side of him. I think that’s the only way you can write a book.”

When it comes to the current cultural landscape, meanwhile, Nicole feels a certain sense of fatigue.

“Every so often, I announce to my boyfriend that I want a complete cultural change,” she notes. “I feel so worn out by phones and algorithms. Also, I find a lot of it really dull. I rarely go on there now and find something interesting, whereas maybe five years ago I did. The conversation has deadened so many things. Like, I recently saw Tar and really enjoyed it.

“If I didn’t have my phone, I would have just left the cinema and thought ‘What a great film’, and maybe thought about it on my own. Instead, I got hundreds of articles with people debating every single aspect of it. I’m really quite weary of it now. It’s very repetitive and boring, so I kind of want something completely different, but I don’t know what that is.”

It was a subject Nicole actually touched upon in a recent article.

“I was writing something about Warhol and the brief was celebrity culture,” she says. “There’s room now for a bit more mystery, every celebrity and actor is super overexposed. You go on Twitter and see a hundred tweets about Paul Mescal or whatever, and it’s so hard then to go to cinema and watch that person be another person. I sort of miss not knowing about people, and having to guess.”

• Nothing Special is out now.

“My main advice when you’re writing a novel, is that you have to write one that you want to read.”

NEW YORK MINUTES: (from top) Joan Didion by Kathleen Ballard and Andy Warhol in The Factory by Nat Finkelstein.

Beacon Of Hope

As cutting-edge fertility clinic

Beacon CARE Fertility opens a new satellite clinic in Limerick, AOIFE STUART MADGE caught up with Dublin-based fertility expert Dr Bart Kuczera to discuss the important and sometimes difficult issues involved

As a specialist in fertility, Dr Bart Kuczera from Beacon CARE Fertility works at the cutting-edge of fertility treatments and technology. With clinics in Dublin, Drogheda, and a newly-opened satellite clinic in Limerick, Beacon CARE Fertility have been pioneering groundbreaking fertility treatment and embryo viability screening since 1997.

Since then, Dr Kuczera has witnessed a rapid advancement in IVF science, particularly in recent years.

“IVF treatment has progressed significantly,” he notes. “We are proud that our scientists have pioneered many of these discoveries and advancements. Fertility advancements include our pioneering embryo viability screening - a whole embryo selection system which has been designed to maximise the chances of success in IVF.

“Embryo screening allows us to identify and select embryos with a complete set of chromosomes - in other words, those best suited for a live birth. The biggest cause of miscarriage and pregnancy failure is due to chromosomal issues with the embryo. This is true for both natural cycles and IVF. For example, if a woman is in her late 30s, approximately only 1 in 4 of her embryos will be viable for a successful pregnancy.

“The test allows us to identify the embryos with a complete set of chromosomes and select one of those for transfer, thus avoiding unnecessary embryo transfers and their complications.”

He adds: “We also offer a test that identifies one of the causes of recurrent miscarriage and other placental problems. This is

DR BART KUCZERA

a saliva swab test that can identify a key gene mutation that can cause miscarriage in early pregnancy. Some couples may be carriers of this mutation. It can be simply identified with the saliva swab test and treated with medication.”

FERTILITY TIKTOK

As well as scientific advancements, Dr Kuczera has witnessed a cultural shift in recent years.

“There is definitely less stigma around infertility,” he says. “It’s talked about much more openly in the public arena than it ever was in previous generations, when it was something of a taboo subject, particularly in Ireland.”

While this societal change has made the world a much less lonely place for the estimated 48.5 million couples struggling to conceive around the globe, it has also given rise to a new generation of TikTok fertility ‘experts’ – many of whom don’t necessarily have the medical nous to back up their claims. Some of the current claims circulating on the social media platform include the advice to drink caffeine before sex if you want to conceive a boy; raising your legs after intercourse to increase your chance of conceiving; and the claim that IVF guarantees a baby.

Dr Kuczera has a word of caution for anyone following someone else’s #TTC (Trying to Conceive) journey online.

“Make sure you are getting your medical advice from a trusted source who knows your medical history,” he says. “Every couple trying to conceive is different, so there is no one-size fits all solution. What works for one couple might not work for others. There is no magic bullet.”

FERTILITY TOURISM

The fertility grapevine is also ripe with stories of couples who have travelled abroad – most commonly to Spain - for the latest fertility treatments. But if rumours of miracle births on the continent seem too good to be true, it is probably because they are.

“We deliver the latest international techniques, science and expertise to fertility patients in Ireland, without the need to travel abroad,” says Dr Kuczera. “Spanish people are much more open about infertility, so are likely to seek treatment earlier.”

This is something he urges Irish couples to do, too.

“We recommend seeking fertility advice after one year of trying to conceive without success,” he says. “However, if the woman is over 35 years old, we suggest seeking advice after six months of trying.”

Cutting-edge treatment is now even closer to home with the recent news that Beacon CARE Fertility has opened a new satellite clinic on Barrington Street in Limerick. Patients attending the clinic will have the same access to Beacon CARE Fertility’s treatments and technology as clients in Dublin and Drogheda.

HOLLYWOOD MUMS

Dr Kuczera does acknowledge that one of the reasons couples delay seeking fertility treatment is tabloid stories of ageing Hollywood mums - which can often offer false hope to 30-somethings struggling with fertility. Actress Brigitte Nielsen had her fifth baby at 54; Janet Jackson became pregnant for the first time at the age of 49; Rachel Weisz was 48 when she and husband Daniel Craig announced they were expecting their first child together… the list goes on.

“The Hollywood mum who has twins in her 50s is the exception, not the norm,” says Dr Kuczera. “The reality is that fertility declines at a faster pace over the age of 35 due to the quality of a woman’s eggs. For example, when a woman is 35, about 50% of her eggs will be viable for a healthy pregnancy. However, at 40, only about 20% of her eggs will be viable. The rest will either not implant, or they’ll end up in a miscarriage, due to chromosomal abnormalities. That’s why older women

usually take longer to achieve a pregnancy.

“Fertility issues increase as the maternal age of the woman increases. For example, approximately 25% of couples will experience fertility issues if the woman is in her late thirties. By contrast, 10% of couples will experience fertility issues if the woman is in her early to mid-thirties.”

The good news is there are interventions that can help, such as egg freezing.

“The best time to freeze your eggs is in your late 20’s or early 30’s. It’s not ideal to freeze your eggs once you’re over 37. The reason is that the egg quality declines faster and one needs more eggs per baby, and the optimal number of eggs may be above realistic expectations.”

Dr Kuczera notes that a number of his female patients have frozen their eggs as a precaution when single, and have ended up not using the harvested eggs after subsequently meeting a partner and conceiving.

NON-INVASIVE TESTING

Dr Kuczera and his team offer a number of fertility tests for both male and female patients, and further diagnostic testing may be advised.

“We look at some of these key issues, hopefully at an early stage when any problems found can be investigated in detail and acted on,” he says. “Male infertility is often underdiagnosed. An issue with the sperm is a sole or contributing factor in up to 50% of all cases. A semen analysis test is a simple, non-invasive test to help determine if there is a male factor involved.”

The most challenging cases are when the cause of a couple’s infertility is unexplained. “This can be extremely frustrating,” says Dr Bart.

The good days are when he is able to help a couple start or add to their family.

“Being able to offer hope to couples at what is undoubtedly one of the most challenging times in a family’s life is very rewarding.”

beaconfertility.ie

“Every couple trying to conceive is different, so there is no one-size fits all solution. There is no magic bullet.”

Beacon CARE Fertility; (below) Embryology Room

GOAL STANDARD

When the draw was made for the Euro Qualifiers in October 2022, Ireland were handed the toughest of groups, paired with then World Cup holders and subsequent runners-up, France, alongside the Netherlands, arguably the best of the second seeds in the pot. The other two teams are Greece, probably the strongest fourth seeds, along with minnows Gibraltar, albeit supposed whipping boys who the Mick McCarthymanaged Ireland barely crawled past 1-0 in a wind-ravaged Victoria Stadium in March 2019.

Given the stop-start nature of our progress under Stephen Kenny since he took over from McCarthy in April 2020, most supporters were extremely nervous at the thoughts of the fixtures ahead. Almost every positive performance has been followed by a harrowing low, such as the bravery shown in a 3-2 defeat to Serbia in Belgrade in March 2021, with the nadir of a 1-0 home defeat

to Luxembourg three days later. Then there was the heart-breaking double-strike by Cristiano Ronaldo which saw us go down 2-1 away to Portugal in September of that year, having played so well, followed by an embarrassing draw with Azerbaijan in Dublin just 72 hours afterwards.

2022 was another mixed bag, results-wise, highlights being a creditable 2-2 draw in a

Our first game of 2023 started in a similar fashion, Ireland taking a two-goal lead in a friendly against Latvia (ranked 133rd by FIFA), before allowing the visitors back to 2-2 on the stroke of half-time. Chiedozie Ogbene came off the bench to win the game with a tap-in, following a cracking run and shot from fellow sub and debutant Mikey Johnston, the Celtic winger currently plying his trade on loan in Portugal with Vitoria Guimaraes. The signs were ominous, given the impending visit of France in the opening qualifier.

friendly with Belgium and a 3-0 home victory over the Scots in the Nations League, only to be beaten 2-1 by a late Ryan Christie penalty in Hampden Park in the return fixture. Our last game of 2022 saw Kenny’s side allow an Armenian 11, currently ranked 95th in the world, to level the scoring after going 2-0 up, eventually getting out of jail courtesy of a late Robbie Brady penalty after a handball in the box.

When this high-flying French side hammered the Dutch 4-0 in their opener (albeit a Netherlands side missing eight players through sickness), fears were high that Kenny’s cubs could be in for a mauling from a world class 11, including superstar Killian Mbappé, record goalscorer Olivier Giroud and pink-haired Antoine Griezmann, who reinvented himself overnight from a number 10 into one of Europe’s most exciting creative midfielders, effortlessly transforming from Teddy Sheringham to Pirlo.

However, the subsequent 1-0 loss ended with Ireland hugely unlucky not to take a

John Walshe looks back at Ireland’s opening qualifier for Euro 24 and assesses our chances of qualifying for the finals in Germany next June.

“ALMOST EVERY POSITIVE PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN FOLLOWED BY A HARROWING LOW.”

THE IRISH TEAM BEFORE THE UEFA QUALIFIER AGAINST FRANCE IN THE AVIVA STADIUM

PHOTO CREDITS: STEPHEN MCCARTHY/ SPORTSFILE; MICHAEL P RYAN/SPORTSFILE; RAMSEY CARDY/SPORTSFILE

point away from the Aviva. The home side finished the game the better team, with Jayson Molumby, James McClean, Alan Browne and Nathan Collins going close, before French and AC Milan stopper Mike Maignan pulled off a genuinely world class save in the 90th minute, clawing Collins’ bullet header away from his top corner, leaving the stranger beside me in the West Stand to bemoan, “Lloris wouldn’t have got near that”.

While the age of noble defeats should be long gone, this felt different. We hadn’t been clinging on. In fact, Gavin Bazunu was probably the least busy of the two ‘keepers. We had largely nullified the formidable attacking threat of one of the best teams in world football and created some chances ourselves, not by pumping it long into the channels but by crisp, incisive passing. In short, there was enough quality, passion, discipline and heart in that performance to suggest that better days could be ahead for this young side.

The positives include a raft of super stoppers (with Caoimhín Kelleher and Mark Travers as well as Bazunu); the continued growth of Josh Cullen (despite the misplaced pass that led to France’s goal), described by his Burnley manager Vincent Kompany as “the ultimate midfielder”; and the quality in both penalty boxes of Collins (inexplicably dropped by Wolves in recent weeks). Other encouraging signs include the jinking runs of Johnston –reminiscent of a young Ray Houghton or Damien Duff –and the return to fitness of Adam Idah, who single-handedly gave Pepé nightmares, not something the Portuguese veteran has been used to in a decades-long career. Perhaps most excitingly of all, however, is the emergence of an 18-year-old forward called Evan Ferguson, who Stephen Kenny described as “fearless”. Not to heap too

IRELAND’S REMAINING EURO 2024 QUALIFYING FIXTURES

June 16

Greece v Republic of Ireland

June 19

much pressure on his teenage shoulders, but ever since the retirement of Robbie Keane (and long before his emergence in 1998 for those of us old enough to remember), Ireland have struggled to unearth a striker who can regularly find the net.

On the evidence so far, particularly in the Premier League at Brighton, Ferguson has all the necessary attributes to be a top class player, with comparisons to Harry Kane not unfair: he has a similar ability to drop deep, hold up play, pass and score, without being blessed with blistering pace.

The key to competing for a place at Euro 2024 (the top two in the group qualify automatically) will be maintaining the level of the French performance into the forthcoming games, with a seriously tricky away day in the blistering heat of Athens next on the agenda in mid-June. The manager and players know that if we’re to have any hope of challenging for a place at the finals, we need to show a level of consistency that has so far evaded us under Kenny.

As captain Seamus Coleman told RTÉ after the French game, “This is the marker that we’ve set in terms of performance, going forward. We need to make sure we come back in the summer with the same attitude, the same hunger, not just because it’s France at home under the lights. We have to make sure we give it all, because this group are capable of getting something. We believe that and we have to make the fans believe that too.”

There’s a long road ahead, but there are signs that this squad is starting to evolve into a compact, committed and talented outfit that can challenge the Dutch and the Greeks for a place at next year’s tournament in Germany.

Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar

September 7

France v Republic of Ireland

September 10

Republic of Ireland v Netherlands

October 13

Republic of Ireland v Greece

October 16

Gibraltar v Republic of Ireland

November 18

Netherlands v Republic of Ireland

CHIEDOZIE OGBENE IN EURO QUALIFIER ACTION AGAINST THEO HERNÁNDEZ OF FRANCE

THE SOUTH EAST AWAITS

Brimming with brilliant cultural attractions, historic sites, great food and gorgeous scenery, the Irish South-East is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

By Jackie Hayden

Taking a trip to the South-East of Ireland is akin to venturing into two equally fascinating worlds. On the one hand, this increasingly popular tourist area abounds in Irish history, not least because the dastardly Normans invaded Ireland via the South-East centuries ago.

But there’s also an abundance of stimulating modern-day attractions throughout, both indoors and outdoors, for people of all ages and interests. That major towns and cities of the South-East counties of Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford and Waterford are conveniently accessible by rail is an added bonus.

An increased desire by an eager public to identify and preserve places of historic and environmental interest, has resulted in a network of walking and cycling options that have become as attractive to locals as they are to visitors to the Sunny South-East. They

include such diverse options as a cycling trail around Kilkenny city; an annual walking festival in Carlow; the Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle in Waterford city; and the Norman Way from Rosslare Harbour, via Kilmore Quay, to New Ross.

These tracks and paths not only enable people to engage with the travails and triumphs of Irish history, but also entice them out and about along trails that are replete with information and lore. Along the way, visitors can also interact with the natural environment, and enjoy various entertainments, fine dining and having the craic, as well as the many diverting attractions for the kids too.

Sports enthusiasts are especially well-catered for, with numerous high-class golf courses set in picturesque locations; horse-racing in Gowran Park, Wexford Racecourse and Tramore; greyhound tracks in Enniscorthy, Kilkenny and Waterford; and GAA stadia in almost every parish.

So, all aboard for the South-East!

● KILKENNY CASTLE

● IRISH NATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE, WEXFORD

● VIKING TRIANGE

● BLACKSTAIRS MOUNTAINS

● WATERFORD CRYSTAL

KILKENNY

Kilkenny city was mentioned in historic documents as far back as 1085, and the city has been a popular visitor destination for a considerable time. In fact, the it has so many attractions, it’s hard to know where to start.

Rothe House and Garden in Parliament Street should now be on every visitor’s “must-see” list. Having stood in the Marble City since 1594, Kilkenny Archaeological Society purchased it in 1962 and painstakingly restored it to its former glory. It now attracts visitors from home and abroad keen on exploring its history, heritage, genealogy, garden space and courtyard area. It’s been described as one of Kilkenny’s hidden gems, but won’t remain hidden for much longer –especially with 20% off the full price of admission when you mention Go Rail!

Music at the Secret Garden at Rothe House during Kilkenny Arts Festival is a major highlight of the festival year, appealing to both music and garden enthusiasts, who can enjoy an abundance of special moments in the fine 17th century garden. Rothe House and Garden opens at 10am every day throughout the summer.

Ireland’s only dedicated reptile zoo

is the National Reptile Zoo in Hebron Business Park, also in Kilkenny. It’s a hands-on interactive experience that should appeal to people of all ages, not least through the zoo’s hourly Animal Encounters. The zoo houses over a hundred different creatures, and more than 50 species are on display, so you can expect to meet giant pythons, lizards, turtles, tortoise, toads, alligators, tarantulas and more.

The worldwide threat to the earth’s animal population has focused our attention on appreciating and preserving

what we have, and a trip to the National Reptile Zoo takes visitors up close to many reptiles we are unlikely to view with such ease anywhere else in Ireland.

There’s also the appeal of Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny Design Centre, St Canice’s Cathedral and numerous other places around the city and county equally worthy of your attention. In addition, the June Bank Holiday Weekend has become synonymous with the Kilkenny Cat Laughs festival.

Recent years have seen an explosion of wonderful eating places around Ireland, and the South-East can easily compete with the best, with Kilkenny City boasting an abundance of fine pubs and restaurants. You can take your pick from Langtons Hotel, where they regularly feature first-class concerts, as well as serving the finest food, not to mention Truffles on William St; Rive Gauche on The Parade; and Zuni in Patrick St.

Top pubs include Ryans Bar (Friary St); The Field Bar (High St); the historic Kytelers Inn in St Kierans St; and the Dylan Whiskey Bar on John St. Yes, there’s so much to choose from on the Kilkenny visitors’ menu at kilkennytourism.ie

ROTHE HOUSE & GARDEN KILKENNY

✤✤

Built between 1594 and 1610, Rothe House was once home to one of Kilkenny’s wealthiest merchant families. After careful restoration, today you can visit the three houses connected by cobbled courtyards and the magnificent restored walled garden which is an oasis of calm away from the busy streets.

SHOP OUR RANGE OF QUALITY IRISH GIFTS AND CRAFTS IN THE MERCHANT SHOP.

Guided Tours I Genealogy I Costumes & Collections I Shopping I Events

OPENING HOURS

April-October Monday to Sunday 10.00-18.00 (last admission 17.00)

November-March Tuesday to Sunday 10.00-17.00 (last admission 16.00) 16 Parliament Street, Kilkenny, Ireland R95 P89C ¬rothehouse.com +353 (0)56 772 2893 reception@rothehouse.com

● ROTHE HOUSE AND GARDENS

IRELAND’S ONLY DEDICATED REPTILE ZOO - COME AND MEET SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST AMAZING ANIMALS!

● RIVE GAUCHE

CARLOW

Historic Carlow town was founded by the Normans in 1207, and the county is one of the oldest in Ireland. There are certainly plenty of fantastic historical attractions to explore. First up, Carlow County Museum is located in the town’s Cultural Quarter. It includes the original gallows trapdoor from Carlow jail, as well as the smoking pipe of Captain Myles Keogh, killed at the infamous Battle of Little Big Horn in the USA, the death mask of Kevin Barry, and lots more.

While many towns have almost turned their backs on the potential of their rivers, Carlow has adopted a positive approach, embracing its River Barrow for many activities, including canoeing, kayaking, walking and cycling, all adaptable to suit your mood. You can opt for a three-day canoeing-cum-camping adventure, or take a simple day-trip along the gently flowing Barrow.

Indeed, if you want to ease yourself into the walking habit, you could start with the trail along part of the Barrow Way from St Mullins in Carlow to Graiguenamanagh in Co Kilkenny. Chances are you’ll be hooked for life.

The success of the Carlow Walking Festival (September 30 - October 2), and the accessibility of the Blackstairs Mountains, with its panoramic views and walks, have

made Carlow the veritable walking capital of Ireland.

Activities of a more cerebral kind are on offer at the world-renowned Borris Festival of Literature and Ideas (June 16-18), which has attracted writers such as Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, John Banville, Roddy Doyle and Claire Keegan.

Nor is Carlow short of places for a chat and a drink.

Teach Dolmen bar and restaurant, Tullow St, is a major draw, as are the Talbot Hotel

on Portlaoise Road; the Dinn Ri on Tullow St; Tullys (popular with students), also on Tullow Street; and The Barracks (guess where?), which is a former police station. The Mimosa Bar de Tapas is in the Graigue cultural quarter, and watch out also for the Irishman’s Bar on the Dublin Road, plus Reddys, Brooks and Scraggs Alley, the legendary music bar.

There’s lots more to check out on carlowtourism.com

WATERFORD

Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city. Founded by the Vikings in the 4th century, and visited by Henry II, it has become an appealing and prosperous destination, with its own Viking Triangle in the centre and, close by, the wide, majestic River Suir. The site of the Granville Hotel in the city played a key role in Irish history, as the birthplace of Thomas Francis Meagher, who was born there in 1823.

After moving across the Atlantic, he was appointed Governor of Montana, was a Pall Bearer at President Abraham Lincoln’s funeral and the creator of the Irish Tricolour flag, first flown in Waterford in 1848. The Granville today has a fine bar named in his honour.

Visitors should check out the Epic Tour of the Viking Triangle and the Tour of Waterford Crystal, one of Ireland’s most popular export brands. There’s also the Waterford Festival of Food (April), the long-running Spraoi Festival

in August, and Winterval in November/ December.

The county also includes Gaeltacht na Déise in Ring, currently being invaded by more Irish language enthusiasts than ever before, keen to hear Irish spoken by those who grew up as native speakers.

For a classy pint in Waterford City, you could opt for Phil Grimes pub or the Grattan Bar, Bridge St. Then there’s the Seantí Bar, where they also host folk acts of the calibre of Daoiri Farrell and Mick Hanly. For Asian food, head for Café Goa on The Quay; Sheehans (for seafood) on Merchants Quay; and the long-established Bodega on John St.

For further information go to visitwaterford.com

● VIKING TRIANGLE

● WALKING AT MILFORD

“OPT FOR A THREE-DAY CANOEING-CUM-CAMPING ADVENTURE, OR TAKE A SIMPLE DAY-TRIP ALONG THE GENTLY FLOWING BARROW.”

“VISITORS SHOULD CHECK OUT THE TOUR OF WATERFORD CRYSTAL, ONE OF IRELAND’S MOST POPULAR EXPORT BRANDS."

● DINN RI

● CAFÉ GOA

● BODEGA

WEXFORD

Wexford town was founded in the early 900s, by the Vikings. Indeed, all of it is little more than a short walk from the railway station through streets steeped in history. Its attractions include the tower of the Westgate Heritage Centre, built around 1300 on instructions of King Henry.

Elsewhere, Selskar Abbey, Cornmarket, The Bullring, The Pikeman statue (sculpted in bronze) and the twin churches in Rowe Street and Bride Street, dating back to Famine times, are all worth checking out.

One of the key landmarks in the town is the 4-star Talbot Hotel, the perfect location for exploring the Sunny South East and Ireland’s Ancient East. The hotel overlooks the River Slaney and is a mere two minutes’ walk from the town centre. It boasts 107 luxurious bedrooms, a vibrant bar, a newly refurbished restaurant, and fully equipped Leisure Centre and Swimming Pool. Car parking and wi-fi are included for all guests, plus live music three nights per week.

The Talbot Hotel is also popular with families keen on taking in Wexford’s stunning sandy beaches, or exploring some of the county’s top family attractions. It’s an ideal base for golfers, the Wexford Opera Festival or a weekend of shopping. A popular venue for special occasions, the Talbot has hosted many a dream occasion, from birthday parties to wedding receptions.

On the cultural scene, Wexford Town has

made its mark with its Opera Festival, which attracts performers and visitors from all over the world every autumn.

Meanwhile, September 20 to 24 finds the 17th New Ross Piano Festival honouring the 150th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest pianists and composers of all time, Sergei Rachmaninov. The festival will present several of his piano works, and pianist Lucy Parham and an actor will portray Rachmaninov’s life and career, with extracts from his diaries and letters.

The Wexford Arts Centre in Wexford town presents an impressive range of arts events all year round, while the Spiegeltent Autumn Festival and the Write By The Sea Literary Festival in Kilmore Quay are also key Wexford events (the latter taking place from September 22-24).

THE MUSICAL SOUTH-EAST... EVEN ABBA CAN’T RESIST!

The South-East has such a history of great songs and tunes that even those mighty super-troopers ABBA recently got in on the act. As local singer and performer Liam Merriman explained exclusively to GoRail: “The Swedish superstars’ comeback album, Voyage from 2021, feature’s a song they wrote called ‘When You Danced With Me’. It has an accordion and tells the story of a jilted lover. The supergroup sing the line, ‘I can remember when you left me in Kilkenny and you told me I’ll return next year’. It’s rare for the legendary band to mention places in their songs, so that’s a real coup for the South-East!”

Merriman was born in Wexford and his musical sidekick, guitar maestro Bill Stuart, is from Ringville, Co. Kilkenny. They regularly play in venues all over the South-East, such as last year’s All Together Now Festival (this year taking place from August 4 to 6 on Curraghmore Estate, Co Waterford with Iggy

The social scene in Wexford Town will have you spoiled for choice too. Highlights include the Vine Thai restaurant; the Red Kettle café opposite the Library; D’Lush in the Arts Centre; and Greenacres, itself worth visiting for its splendid array of wines alone. Rosslare Strand (the next stop on the train after Wexford town) has Kelly’s Hotel, which has three fine restaurants, and The Coast Hotel, which offers superior bar food and friendly staff.

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Vinegar Hill, the most famous site of the 1798 Rebellion, are accessible from the railway station in Enniscorthy, while Gorey has its annual Busking Competition every August, run by the Loch Garman Hotel. So much to see and so little time! For more information go to visitwexford.com

Pop, Lankum and Villagers already confirmed).

Liam is also one of the growing band of musicians who have become increasingly conscious of our environment, and his current single ‘Have You Ever Seen’ extols the wonders of the local landscape, as does the video made to accompany it.

Liam is extremely knowledgeable about songs from the South-East and points up another reference to Kilkenny in the ballad ‘Carrickfergus’, while there’s also ‘The Rose Of Mooncoin’.

Karan Casey’s ‘Sliabh Geal cGua Na Feile’ was written by Pádraig Ó Mileadha of West Waterford, and the hugely popular ‘Boolavogue ’ commemorates the Irish Rebellion of 1798. ‘Dancing At The Crossroads’ by The Wild Swans is the Wexford hurling anthem. Indie favourites Corner Boy, meanwhile, show how the South-East landscape is not only for sunny weather with their dynamic album track ‘Blackstairs Mountain Snow’. Indeed, as Liam emphasises, the list is virtually endless.

“You’d also have to include ‘Follow Me Up To Carlow’ by Planxty, ‘The Boys Of Wexford’ by virtually everybody, and ‘Daisy Lady’ by Carlow native Leo O’Kelly of Tír na nÓg,” he says. “'Where Would We Be Without Tea?’, meanwhile, is Gilbert O’Sullivan’s song about a neighbour on the Cork Road in Waterford."

● NEW ROSS PIANO FESTIVAL

● ABBA

ACTIVE RETIREMENT: A NEW WORLD AWAITS

“Count your age by friends, not years,” as a famous Beatle once said. It’s never too late to connect to new people, widen your circle, broaden your horizon and prioritise health in your later years. It’s a more exciting time than ever before to grow older – here’s how to cherish every moment.

No more waiting for your annual holiday with bated breath before dragging yourself back to work, craving another week off. Retirement has finally arrived — and with it, a world of possibilities opens up.

Rest, relaxation and a host of activities allow your days to feel truly balanced, rather than chasing a list of tasks that pile up by the minute. Retirement age is a pivotal era to de-stress, discover what truly matters in life and find the best ways to embrace joy.

Be it travelling, meeting new people, trying challenging hobbies or reigniting beloved passions that fell by the wayside – exiting your job for a fresh start leads to an abundance of choices. The lives of older people in Ireland are far better now than they were 100 or 50 years ago. Most people are living longer lives and can look forward to years of active older age.

There are one million people aged 60 or older in Ireland, which means one million stories of growing older on the island. Not everyone has the same opportunity to age in comfort and security, but most of our population are empowered to participate and engage in society after retirement. Some of the best ways of keeping busy begin with maintaining a sharp mind.

There’s no reason why life after 50

can’t be as vibrant as your twenties, but organisations like Active Retirement I reland (ARI) are perfect for helping you achieve maximum potential. To make sure that loneliness is kept at bay, you should consider joining your local branch. The charity completes vital work supporting older people at a crucial stage in life, with the membership-led organisation having more than 25,000 members operating out of 500+ Active Retirement Associations . ARI arranges activities such as holidays, day trips, social outings and sports. They also give members a chance to take creative

or learning programmes or get involved in community work in their local area. If you want to learn how to use a laptop, mobile phone or iPad, have a look at the courses offered by Age Action. You could also consider volunteering for local or national charities and investigate options in your local community such as amateur theatre groups, dance classes or education programmes. Environmental organisations like Stop Climate Chaos, Friends of the Earth and Irish Wildlife Trust work to protect biodiversity, but they’re also a brilliant way of meeting people who care about the future of Ireland’s landscapes.

Staying socially connected with others is important for our mental and emotional well-being, and staying physically active is important for our health. Older people who take fewer than 2,000 steps a day are three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, compared with those who take 4,500 steps a day, new research suggests.

The study of people aged 70 or older also indicates that walking an additional 500 steps per day, or an additional quarter mile of walking, was associated with a 14% lower risk of heart disease, stroke or heart failure. Walking is the cheapest and easiest way to exercise, but lifestyle changes like lowering cholesterol, quitting smoking and cutting down on salt and sugar in our diet also have immense health benefits.

Granted, you may not be as young as you once were, but there are also plenty of sports or physical activities you can consid-

Talbot Hotel Wexford

“Retirement age is a pivotal era to de -stress and discover what truly matters in life.”

er. Many local sports clubs have initiatives geared towards older people of varying levels of fitness. Go for Life is the national programme for sport and physical activity for older people (aged over 50 years). The programme aims to encourage older people in all aspects of sport and physical activity. It is run by Age & Opportunity in partnership with the Health Promotion and Improvement Offices of the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Local Sports Partnerships.

Active Retirement Ireland recommends looking after your brain health by encouraging physical activity; social engagement; mental stimulation; managing stress; and adapting your lifestyle. Laughter is crucial for wellbeing – why not try a comedy gig, or invest time in the Irish music, film, theatre and television industries? The Irish Film Institute in Temple Bar has plenty of membership offers that pay off in rich cultural experiences.

If you’re planning to get out and about around the country, make sure to explore some of the brilliant offers available when booking accomodation. The award-winning Castleknock Hotel, for example, is currently offering packages for two in a special deal, as well as numerous occasion bundles. Enjoy your fine dining experience at 22 Bar & Restaurant, and embrace the calm overnight Spa Escape. For winding down in peace or just a quick getaway, Castleknock Hotel has everything required and desired all under one roof, all within reach of Dublin’s amenities. castleknockhotel.com

Meanwhile, the Talbot Hotel in Wexford

is another gem on the sunny south-east coast. Overlooking Wexford harbour, the four-star hotel is a stunning location for exploring a gorgeous part of Ireland’s coastline. Part of the Talbot Collection, the venue overlooks the River Slaney in the heart of Wexford town, two minutes’ walk from the centre.

Boasting a fully equipped leisure centre, spa and swimming pool, the Talbot Hotel Wexford features live music three nights a week. It currently offers a Double Delight deal of 2 nights B&B, with a delicious 3-course evening meal in the Oysterlane Restaurant each evening. talbotwexford.ie

The Tipperary House Dublin guesthouse is located by River Liffey, a two-minute walk from Heuston Railway Station, near the Old Jameson Distillery and Phoenix Park. The B&B is the perfect facility for luggage storage, with the left luggage service open from 8am to 8pm. You can also book an eclectic range of tours at the guest house to the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher, Newgrange, Glendalough, the Giant’s Causeway and more. tipperaryhousedublin.com

Elsewhere, Sligo’s Diamond Coast Hotel and West Cork’s Clonakilty Park Hotel offer wonderful experiences and package deals for those seeking mini-breaks.

Years of exploration and adventure await those approaching or experiencing retirement. Ireland is a rich place to spend this period of your life, and you’ve earned the right to enjoy it the full. Take your time, refresh your needs and dive in when you’re ready. activeirl.ie

Castleknock Hotel

Tipperary House Dublin

LATIN AMERICAN SPLENDOUR

By Evelyn Gonzalez

For those heading to Mexico, Sayulita, Tepoztlán, Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas are mustvisit cities, with each offering a diverse set of activities and adventures, as well as wonderful scenery. Collectively, they embody the very best of a fantastic country, with sublime food, great weather and a brilliant atmosphere. We here look in more detail at each destination…

Sayulita

An ideal place to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage, Sayulita teems with mariachi bands and other live acts. From its origins as a centre of fishing and agriculture, these days Sayulita is a booming bohemian hotspot. It boasts loads of fun activities, with surfing and sundry other water sports top of the list. The best-known shops in town are rental stores Quiverito’s and Los Rudos, which specialise in waterrelated equipment, including kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling gear and more.

Located about an hour from Puerto Vallarta, in the Riviera Nayarit – a region known for its surf – Sayulita caters to both beginner and experienced surfers. Also worth checking out is the hippie market, Mercado del Pueblo, located the town’s centre. With more than 80 different stalls and vendors, the nonprofit market runs from November through May, selling natural and organic goods, ranging from beauty and health products to fresh local

food.

Sayulita is also full of great dining options, including street vendors, taco bars, bakeries, beachside restaurants, cafés and more. Top the must-visit list is Don Pedros, a beautiful spot on the beach. Its delicious menu boasts Mexican classics like fish tacos and burritos, as well as Italian options.

The nearest airport to Sayulita is Puerto Vallarta, with flights from Dublin costing around €800.

Tepoztlán

Away from coastal Sayulita, tucked in copper-toned mountain cliffs in central Mexico, is one of the most tranquil and mystical cities on Earth.

Tepoztlán is about 5,380 feet above sea level, giving the town its agreeable temperatures all-year round.

An essential spot to visit is the Ex-Convento Dominico de la Natividad in the centre of town. The church’s Spanish influence is evident from its gorgeously designed features, including long-arched pillars and fortress-style walls. The interior is

Boasting gorgeous scenery, stunning historical sites and vibrant cultural attractions, Mexico is a must-visit destination.

An ideal way to unwind is sampling some pulque, a tequila-like local drink fermented from sap of the Maguey plant.

equally beautiful, with design elements recalling both mosques and Roman churches. Of particular note are the two front pillars, similar in look to San Diego’s Balboa Park.

Elsewhere, the Museo Carlos Pellicer houses a collection of pre-Hispanic art, as well as archeological remains from various Mesoamerican culture, including Maya, Olmec, Zapotec and Totonac. Also worth stopping by is the Weekend Artisan and Foods Market, which offers delicacies courtesy of the region’s artisans.

There are several excellent hiking trails in the city, including Arqueologica Youalinchan, Mirador and or Ruta Miradores. Notably, Mirador takes you back in time with its Aztec pyramid, reminiscent of Chicinitza pyramid in Cancun. For those feeling particularly adventurous, Ruta Mirador is the most challenging trail, with its 5.3km route taking around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete.

Afterwards, an ideal way to unwind is sampling some pulque, a tequila-like local drink fermented from sap of the Maguey (Agave) plant. Flights from Dublin to the region start at around €700.

Ensenada

The westernmost municipality in Mexico and Latin America, Ensenada boasts a lively mix of people, including tourists from around the world, Californians in town for surfing and domestic visitors from the mainland. The first stop for most is the Avenida Lopez Mateos, the main thoroughfare filled with bustling shops and top-notch seafood restaurants.

The Museo de Historia, meanwhile, is a wonderful place to learn more about the region, from preHispanic times and the Spanish Colonial period up to the present. The Water Show at Parque de la

Bandera, located near the malecon (sea-wall) along the water’s edge, offers an enchanting show daily at 8pm, with children in particular likely to love it.

Along similar lines is the spectacular La Bufadora – one of the largest blowholes in North America, and one of the largest marine geysers in the world, the phenomenon is caused by the ocean’s force as it collides with the rocks. Legend has it that a whale was once lodged between the rocks, trapped and unable to escape. With time, the whale turned to stone and has been lodged there ever since – or so the myth goes!

Hike El Salto Canyon

At 7.8 km, the Hike El Salto Canyon is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re looking to get active and enjoy exploring spectacular terrain, this is the place for you. For those with the necessary stamina, there are rich rewards, including breathtaking views of the route’s waterfall.

Offering a mixture of ocean views, hiking trails and wildlife, the beauty of the Explore Cañón de Doña Petra Ecological Park cannot be emphasised enough. With wildflowers, cacti and stunning mountain terrain as the backdrop, the park ranks amongst North America’s most magnificent landscapes. The best way to get to Ensenada is to fly to San Diego, then rent a car. Round-trip tickets start at €600, with weekly car rental costing between €200-€275.

Cabo San Lucas

A resort city on the southern tip of Baja Californian peninsula, among the premier attractions in Cabo San Lucas are the Arch of Cabo San Lucas and Lovers Beach. With turquoise waters that fade to a deep blue, the latter is a perfect spot to lay out and soak up some sun.

You can book a sunset cruise with snacks for as little as €84, with getyourguide. com providing further information on activities and accommodation in Cabo. There’s certainly plenty to explore, with zip-lining, snorkelling, whale-watching and a whole lot more on offer. And for those still craving more seaside action, Chilena, Medano, Santa Maria and Playa del Amor are all beach spots worth a visit.

On the culinary front, Loca Casona is a five-star steakhouse offering cocktails, an award-winning wine list, and both indoor and outdoor terrace seating. The seafood and Mexican fare on the menu at Don Manuel’s is also worth sampling, with meals at both it and Loca Casona ranging from €37 – €58. Another excellent eaterie, meanwhile, is the Thompson Hotel’s The Rooftop at The Cape. Gaze at the fiery Mexican sunsets with a plate of taquitos and a refreshing drink – it’s bliss.

For less expensive eats, try 1 & Only Taco’s (located just a couple streets off the shore), Sancho’s Sports Bar and Café de Ciudad Hotels in the area range from €75200 per night. For single travellers, check out Mayan Monkey – a hostel offering luxury bedrooms and an outdoor pool. Flights from Dublin to San José del Cabo start at around €800.

From top: Chicén Itzá pyramid, Cancun; Don Manuel’s in Cabo San Lucas; Mercado del Pueblo, Sayulita.

THE RIGHT CORSET OF ACTION

Roe McDermott looks at the essential fashion trends this, with the timeless corset now firmly back in style.

CORSETRY

Time to breathe in – the corset is back! This timeless garment has made a dazzling comeback and is redefining modern femininity. With its figure-enhancing silhouette and undeniable allure, corsetry is empowering women to embrace their bodies and make a bold fashion statement, as amped-up corsetry, lacy ensembles and sheer evening dresses make a return.

The catwalks this season featured some old school lingerie vibes, with Nensi Dojaka and Versace embracing sheer tulle and lace dresses, while JW Anderson brought some off-beat charm with slip dresses. But it was the corset that was making the biggest comeback.

Corsets are not just for the Victorian era – they’ve evolved into a versatile and chic fashion staple for the modern woman. Corset tops, with their structured bodices and laced-up details, instantly create a stunning hourglass shape, enhancing your curves and accentuating your waist. They can be worn on their own with high-waisted jeans for a daring and alluring look, or layered over a blouse or dress for a sophisticated and trendy ensemble.

Corset detail dresses also add a touch of sophisticated, seductive glamour to evening wear with draped detailing and exposed boning highlighting the shape of the body – and this trend works on all body types. Corsets come in various sizes, styles, and materials, catering to every woman’s unique shape and style preference.

Whether you’re petite or plussize, you can find a corset that fits you perfectly and enhances your curves in all the right places. The corsetry trend is all about embracing your feminine

power and feeling confident in your own skin.

Not only is this trend gorgeous on all figures, it’s also versatile. Wear a corset over a flowy blouse or a simple tee to instantly elevate your look and create a striking hourglass shape.

Pair a corset-inspired top with high-waisted jeans or a skirt for a chic and fashionable ensemble that transitions seamlessly from day to night. Or cinch a corset belt around a dress, blazer, or coat to add a touch of sophistication and glamour to any outfit. The possibilities are endless, and the results are undeniably stunning.

1. Brown Quilted Woven Cup Detail Bandeau Corset €22.80, Brown Quilted Mini Skirt, €28, PLT

2. Khaki Utility Belted Dress €27,

3. Cream Two Tone Knit Lace Up Corset Dress €25.20, PLT

4. Taupe Satin Corset Mesh Detail One Sleeve Bodycon Dress €31.20

5. Black Bandage V Bar Corset Midaxi Dress €48, PLT

DENIM

Deep breaths, and we’ll get through this together: Y2K fashion is well and truly back, and this time, we’re revisiting denim. Yes, it’s full on low-slung, bedazzled, metallic, Britney and Justin vibes and there’s nothing we can do to stop it, so we may as well embrace the nostalgia.

The Spring/Summer catwalks were covered in denim. Marine Serre featured dresses made of studded denim dresses complete with denim boots; Masha Popova went for denim maxi skirts worn dangerously low on the hips with barely-there denim

bralettes; while Givenchy featured acid-wash doubledenim. Wide-legged jeans are also back courtesy of Isabel Marant, while Alexander McQueen went for a touch of saloon with asymmetric hem denim dresses.

One of the best things about the Y2K denim revival trend is its versatility. From casual daytime looks to bold and daring night-out ensembles, Y2K denim can be effortlessly incorporated into your wardrobe for any occasion. Pair your low-rise jeans with a cropped top or a baby tee for a playful and flirty daytime look, or dress them up with a statement belt and a chic blouse for a night out on the town.

Throw on a bedazzled denim jacket over a dress or a graphic tee for an instant dose of nostalgia and streetstyle edge. The options are endless, and the results are undeniably cool. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different denim washes, colours, and cuts to create a look that’s uniquely yours. From classic blue denim to bold and vibrant hues like pink, yellow, or even metallics, Y2K denim is all about pushing fashion boundaries and expressing your individuality. Mix and match different denim pieces, layer with other trendy items, and play with accessories to create a look that’s true to your personal style.

1. Two Tone Denim Bralet €22, PLT

2. Mid Blue Wash Extreme Distressed Lace Up Back Denim Top €21

3. Blue Metallic flared Jeans €28.40, PLT

4. Raw Indigo Wash Split Front Denim Midi Skirt €35

GO Review

REVIEW

Reddy, Set, Go!

PAGE 55 / GO LISTEN

A selection of mustlisten new albums, including offerings from U2 and Ailbhe Reddy

PAGE 56 / GO WATCH

The best new streaming shows, including Agent King and Unstable.

PAGE 57 / GO READ

New books from John Banville, Margot Douaihy, Michael Magee and more

SWEET SURRENDER

A round-up of the best new music releases, including U2’s Surrender and Arlo Parks’ Soft Machine.

island records

Tying in with Bono’s memoir, these 40 re-imagined songs cover U2’s entire career. For the most part, these are more intimate, often acoustic readings of the classic texts, although some veer in a vastly different direction to the originals. The band have also tampered with the lyrics on a few songs that Bono admitted were “never quite written.”  Stripping these songs back to their core gives both band and listener a chance to reconnect with them, to hear them with fresh ears. It also serves to remind us just how magnificent they were in the first place.

John Walshe

Known for her witty lyricism and incandescent alt-folk vocals, Ailbhe Reddy has been steadily on the rise since the release of her 2016 debut EP. However, the singer’s latest offering – filled with beguiling melodies and stunning vocals – is unambiguously her most impressive work to date. It’s a wonderfully eclectic collection, with the Dublin singer-songwriter’s charisma and star quality very much to the fore. Endless Affair confirms that Ailbhe Reddy has what it takes to become an international sensation. Molly

Cantwell

If 2019’s Choice Music Prize-winning The Livelong Day was a doubling down on their formidable drones and heavily textured atmospheres, Lankum’s new album pushes their sound even further into the abyss. Often as urgent as air-raid sirens, and at other times taking the form of an immersive meditation, False Lankum is a sprawling cinematic journey, featuring some of the most fearlessly forward-thinking music that’s been produced on these shores in decades. It’s a groundbreaking reintroduction to the Dublin folk four-piece.

Lucy O’Toole

THREE ALBUMS TO LOOK FORWARD TO...

transgressive records

Having won the Mercury Prize for her 2021 debut, Collapsed in Sunbeams, the London singer-songwriter’s follow-up project is set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of 2023. Lead single ‘Weightless’ offered a taste of what to expect from the “deeply personal body of work” – which is also set to feature a collaboration with Phoebe Bridgers. Catch the album in action when Arlo plays Dublin’s 3Olympia on September 5. OUT MAY 26

capitol records

Ahead of his appearance at Electric Picnic 2023, the Mullingar star will be unveiling a brand new album this summer – his first since 2020’s Heartbreak Weather. As one of a select few Irish artists to have scored a No .1 album in the US, a new release from Horan will always be a cause for celebration. “This album is a piece of work I’m so proud of,” he says of The Show, “and now it’s time to pass it over to you to go and make it your own ” OUT JUNE 9

QUEENS

Fresh from the release of last year’s Redcar les adorables étoiles (prologue), the French artist is set to return in star-studded fashion, with Madonna, 070 Shake and hip-hop production legend Mike Dean all featuring on his upcoming album. One of the highlights of Electric Picnic 2019, Chris (who now uses he/him pronouns), says that his new album is “a key towards heart-opening transformation, a prayer towards the self…”

OUT JUNE 9

NIALL HORAN THE SHOW

U2 SONGS OF SURRENDER

ARLO PARKS MY SOFT MACHINE

LANKUM

rough trade records.

CHRISTINE AND THE

PARANOÏA, ANGELS, TRUE LOVE because music

AILBHE REDDY ENDLESS AFFAIR mrnk uk

SIX OF THE BEST

From bonkers Elvis Presley space romps to seriously addictive newsroom dramas, STUART CLARK isn’t budging from his sofa this spring!

BONO & THE EDGE: A SORT OF HOMECOMING WITH DAVID LETTERMAN

Disney+

The former King of Late Night American TV visits Dublin for the first time with the U2 duo acting as his eager beaver tour guides. With lots of live music, archive footage and Dave risking frostbite by going for a midwinter dip in the Irish Sea, this is a 10 out of 10 documentary.

AGENT KING

Netflix

Elvis swaps his jumpsuit for a jetpack in this frankly bonkers animated series, which finds Matthew McConaughey voicing The King as he enrols in a top secret government programme. Co-created by Priscilla Presley, it’s seriously good fun.

THE DRY RTÉ Player

Róisín Gallagher and the Oscar-nominated Ciáran Hinds co-star in this touching dramedy about thirtysomething Shiv who decides to ditch her party lifestyle when she moves back to Dublin from London. Needless to say, those good intentions are severely tested.

UNSTABLE

Netflix

The King of Hollywood Bouncebackability, Rob Lowe, and his son Owen star in this comedy about an unravelling genius who needs familial support to save his biotech business. Drawing on Lowe Jr’s real life social media trolling of his dad, the dialogue is razor-sharp throughout.

MALPRACTICE

Virgin Media

Go Rail favourite Niamh Algar returns to the small-ish screen in this medical malpractice drama, which revolves around the death of an opioid overdose victim. With Boiling Point director Philip Barantini at the helm, the action unfurls at a furious pace with plot twists galore.

ALASKA DAILY

Disney+

Twenty-four years after shooting to fame as Brandon Teena in Boys Don’t Cry, Hillary Swank returns in this backwoods newspaper drama, which is inspired by the real life disappearances and murders of Indigenous women. We binged it in the one go and suspect you will too!

Photos Courtesy Of Netflix And Paramount

BROUGHT TO BOOK

We look at the best new book releases, including Close To Home, the hugely acclaimed debut by Northern Irish author Michael Magee.

I HAVE TO TELL YOU

Fiction editor of The Tangerine and Creative Writing PhD graduate of Queen’s University, Michael Magee, has crafted a stellar first novel in Close To Home. It tells the story of 22-year-old Sean, a working class Belfast man who can’t find a job due to the recession, despite having an English Literature degree. It’s 2013 and Sean’s family, friends and community are haunted by what happened during The Troubles, as well as struggling with the fallout from the economic crash. Sean does his utmost to fight against hopelessnessbut it’s an uphill battle.

In her debut novel, journalist Michelle McDonagh tells a mystery story that begins on Glenbeg Farm. When the bodies of wealthy matriarch Ursula Kennedy and her farmer husband Jimmy are pulled from the slurry pit, shock ricochets throughout the community. Rumours spread about their son Rob, once destined for a high-flying legal career, his wife Kate, and the victims’ fragile daughter Christina. As memories rush back of another tragic death on the farm 16 years ago, a toxic secret comes to the surface.

The narrator of Blue Hour - a biracial artist coping with multiple historical and present-day traumas - grapples with her issues in painfully human ways. In the fragmentary narrative, the protagonist’s student, a boy named Noah, is victimised by police brutality. As the artist visits him in the hospital, she learns she’s pregnant again. Unmoored by the grief of a recent miscarriage and Noah’s fight for his life, she worries that she may no longer want to bring a Black body into the world.

The Sunday Times bestselling author of Snow and A pril In Spain returns with a deeply troubling case. Set in 1950s Dublin, the body of a young woman is discovered in a lock-up garage, though her death is ruled as a suicide. Nonetheless, pathologist Dr Quirke and Detective Inspector Strafford suspect foul play, while the victim’s journalist sister returns to Dublin from London, to help the duo uncover the truth behind the ever-deepening mystery.

From the author of 2019’s When All Is Said comes a tale of an inconsolable mother. One afternoon, Rosie watched from her bedroom window as her daughter Saoirse came up the drive, expecting to hear the slam of the door follow. But the slam never came, and it has been years since Saoirse’s disappearance. Unable to cope, Rosie moves back to Roaring Bay Island to captain the ferry with her father. She faces an impossible dilemma: should she let go of hope that Saoirse might be alive, when evidence points to the contrary?

The debut novel has finally arrived from American author Margot Douaihy, which also doubles as the first offering from Gillian Flynn Books, the titular imprint of the bestselling Gone Girl author. Sister Holiday, a chainsmoking, heavily tattooed, queer nun, puts her amateur sleuthing skills to the test in this compelling crime story. When Saint Sebastian’s School becomes the target of an arson spree, the headstrong protagonist becomes determined to unveil the mysterious attacker herself.

MICHAEL MAGEE CLOSE TO HOME penguin

JOHN BANVILLE THE LOCK-UP faber

MICHELLE M c DONAGH THERE’S SOMETHING

hachette

ANNE GRIFFIN THE ISLAND OF LONGING sceptre

TIFFANY CLARKE HARRISON BLUE HOUR penguin

MARGOT DOUAIHY SCORCHED GRACE pushkin vertigo

GO RAIL COMPETITION

Win a €200 MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre gift card, lunch for two at The Pantry and an Ultimate Bowling Bundle at KBOWL Kilkenny.

Kilkenny’s MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre is a retail hub in the heart of the city, featuring more than 30 leading Irish and international brands - including Dunnes Stores, H&M, River Island, Next and TK Maxx. Conveniently located beside Kilkenny train station with direct access to the centre itself from the platform, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre is a must when visiting the beautiful southeast county. During your stop, delve into Kilkenny’s rich past by taking the Kilkenny Famine Experience; a free audio-visual, self-led tour that offers insight into the poignant human history of the Kilkenny Union Workhouse. Find out more at macdonaghjunction.com

THE PRIZE:

The winner of the Go Rail competition will be treated to a €200 MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre gift card , a delicious lunch for 2 at The Pantry plus an Ultimate Bowling Bundle including one hour bowling plus sweets and treats at KBOWL Kilkenny. To enter, simply email your answer to gorail@hotpress. ie. Please include your contact details, and let us know on which train route or station you picked up a copy of Go Rail.

THE QUESTION:

Where is Go Rail cover star LYRA from in Ireland?

A. Kilkenny

B. Cork

C. Kerry

Terms & Conditions: The prizes are subject to availability. No cash alternatives will be offered. Entrants must be aged 18+.

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