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Family divided over unique baby name choice

<p dir="ltr">A woman has asked for advice after her choice of baby name sparked a family feud. </p> <p dir="ltr">The woman, a new mother, took to Reddit to explain that when she found out she was pregnant, she and her husband decided to use a traditional Irish moniker for their baby boy. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My husband is Irish and not in the Boston, my great great, great grandfather came over in the 1800s kind of way. But in the born in Galway kind of way,” the woman said.</p> <p dir="ltr">They decided on the name ‘Oisín’ for their son to honour the Irish heritage. </p> <p dir="ltr">Tensions soon arose when the woman’s brother and sister-in-law also announced they were expecting a baby, and quickly fell in love with the name Oisín and wanted it for their own son. </p> <p dir="ltr">“My brother and his wife have as much right to name their child whatever they want. I do not own the name. I have no right to dictate to my brother what he names his kid,” she explained.</p> <p dir="ltr">“However, neither my family nor my sister-in-law have any other connection to Ireland.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“She got pregnant right around when I did, and her son was born two months before ours. They named him ‘Oisín Miguel’,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I didn’t get upset or anything,” she added. “But she has flipped out that two cousins will have the same name. She is nuts because our family is Hispanic, and half of our cousins are named ‘Carlos’ or ‘Camilla’.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman’s sister-in-law is now “trying to insist that the couple call him by his middle name or change his name”, to which the woman said, “I told her to p*** off.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“My mum is staying neutral, but she was very surprised that my brother gave his son an Irish name which he knew I was planning on using. She expected him to name him after our late father.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman finished her post by saying that her “husband’s family thinks the whole thing is hilarious, my family thinks my sister-in-law is a ‘weirdo,’ and she thinks I’m an a**hole for copying her”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The woman’s post quickly went viral with thousands of people siding with the original poster. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Your husband’s family is right. So is your family. She doesn’t own the name,” said one.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Not the a**hole. You’re right, anyone can use a name,” added a second.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You’re not the a**hole, sounds like someone in the family likes to manufacture drama,” said a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Honestly, it sounds like your sister-in-law is overreacting. You had that name picked out long before she got pregnant, and it’s not like you’re trying to steal her son’s identity,” added another.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Experience the magic of Ireland down under: A Taste of Ireland 2024 Australian Tour

<p>Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich culture, captivating music and mesmerising dance of Ireland as <a href="https://www.atasteofirelandshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Taste of Ireland</em></a> returns to enchant audiences across Australia in 2024. </p> <p>Featuring World Champion dancers from <em>Lord of the Dance</em> and <em>Riverdance</em>, prepare to be transported to the rolling green hills and vibrant streets of the Emerald Isle, right in your hometown!  </p> <p><strong>What is <em>A Taste of Ireland</em>?</strong></p> <p><em>A Taste of Ireland</em> is not just a performance; it's an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Ireland. Combining traditional and contemporary Irish music and dance, this spectacular show showcases the incredible talent and passion of some of Ireland's finest performers.</p> <p><strong>What to expect</strong></p> <p>From the moment the first note is struck, and the first step is danced, you'll be captivated by the energy and artistry on stage. Feel the rhythm of the bodhrán drum reverberate through your bones, and let the fiddles whisk you away to a land of ancient myths and legends.</p> <p>Prepare to be dazzled by the lightning-fast footwork and intricate choreography of the dancers as they weave tales of love, loss and triumph through their movements. Each step tells a story, each leap a celebration of life itself.</p> <p><strong>Why attend?</strong></p> <p>Whether you're a die-hard fan of Irish culture or simply looking for a night of entertainment unlike any other, <em>A Taste of Ireland</em> offers something for everyone. It's an opportunity to witness the magic of Ireland's rich heritage brought to life before your very eyes.</p> <p>Forget your troubles for an evening and let the music and dance sweep you away on a journey you won't soon forget. Whether you're tapping your feet to the lively jigs and reels or wiping away tears during a poignant ballad, <em>A Taste of Ireland</em> is an experience that will touch your heart and soul.</p> <p><strong>Tour dates and locations</strong></p> <p>The 2024 Australian Tour of <em>A Taste of Ireland</em> will be making stops across Australia for 80 shows from March to July, bringing the magic of Ireland to a venue near you. <a href="https://www.atasteofirelandshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check the tour schedule</a> to find out when this unforgettable experience will be coming to your area.</p> <p><strong>Get your tickets now!</strong></p> <p>Don't miss your chance to experience the beauty and excitement of <em>A Taste of Ireland</em>. Tickets are selling fast, so book yours today and get ready for a night of music, dance, and memories that will last a lifetime. </p> <p>Witness the show that has received rave reviews across the globe. Don't rely on the luck of the Irish – <a href="https://www.atasteofirelandshow.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">book now</a>, because tickets are selling out fast!</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied.</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with Pace Live.</em></p>

Music

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Australia should follow Ireland’s lead and add stronger health warning labels to alcohol

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emmanuel-kuntsche-430354">Emmanuel Kuntsche</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paula-obrien-4221">Paula O'Brien</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robin-room-3770">Robin Room</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p>From <a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/industry/labelling/Documents/q-and-a-pwl-requirements-sep-2020.pdf">August 2023</a>, Australian beer, wine, spirits and pre-mixed drinks have to warn of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-some-of-the-highest-rates-of-drinking-during-pregnancy-its-time-to-make-labelling-mandatory-142645">harms of drinking alcohol while pregnant</a>. But they don’t have to mention the other harms of alcohol for the wider population.</p> <p>Ireland <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/22/ireland-to-introduce-world-first-alcohol-health-labelling-policy">recently signed legislation</a> to introduce tougher alcohol warning labels, to warn about the risks of liver disease and fatal cancers from drinking alcohol. These will be in place from 2026.</p> <p>Considering the ongoing efforts of the industry to undermine the introduction of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214109X21005702">effective alcohol labelling</a> worldwide, the Irish example is an important victory for public health.</p> <p>In Australia, it’s time to put consumer health and rights before commercial interests and warn people drinking and buying alcohol of the risks.</p> <h2>Educating consumers about the health risks</h2> <p>Alcohol causes <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/alcohol">more than 200 diseases, injuries and other health conditions</a>.</p> <p>There is strong evidence that from the first drink, the risk of various cancers (of the breast, liver, colon, rectum, oropharynx, larynx and oesophagus) <a href="https://adf.org.au/insights/alcohol-cancer-risk/">increases</a>. This is <a href="https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/preventing-cancer/limit-alcohol/how-alcohol-causes-cancer">because</a>:</p> <ul> <li> <p>ethanol (pure alcohol) and its toxic by-product acetaldehyde damages cells by binding with DNA, causing cells to replicate incorrectly</p> </li> <li> <p>alcohol influences hormone levels, which can modify how cells grow and divide</p> </li> <li> <p>direct tissue damage can occur, increasing the absorption of other cancer-causing substances.</p> </li> </ul> <p>Alcohol use kills <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/2021">more than four Australians</a> a day (the highest rate in the past decade) and results in <a href="https://ndri.curtin.edu.au/ndri/media/documents/publications/T302.pdf">A$182 million of avoidable costs</a> per day.</p> <p>Yet only half of Australians know drinking alcohol <a href="https://adf.org.au/insights/alcohol-breast-cancer/">can cause cancer</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.2020.81.249">Research shows</a> mandatory health labelling is an important way to increase awareness and should form part of a comprehensive <a href="https://fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/academic/pdf/openaccess/9780192844484.pdf">alcohol control strategy</a>.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/530732/original/file-20230607-17-hl3pvs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/530732/original/file-20230607-17-hl3pvs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530732/original/file-20230607-17-hl3pvs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530732/original/file-20230607-17-hl3pvs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530732/original/file-20230607-17-hl3pvs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530732/original/file-20230607-17-hl3pvs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530732/original/file-20230607-17-hl3pvs.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="Person pours wine into a glass at a lunch" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Many people are unaware of the link between alcohol and cancer.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/making-sure-glasses-stay-full-shot-2151108503">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Countering industry influence</h2> <p>The alcohol industry currently uses alcohol labels and packaging as a marketing and branding tool. Alcohol warning labels help counter these marketing messages.</p> <p>Alcohol industry interests have so far succeeded in exempting alcoholic drinks from the usual <a href="https://fdslive.oup.com/www.oup.com/academic/pdf/openaccess/9780192844484.pdf">consumer information requirements</a>. Under the <a href="https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/en/">international labelling guidelines</a>, all processed foods must have all ingredients listed on the label. But alcohol industry interests have so far succeeded in these rules <a href="https://movendi.ngo/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Hepworth-et-al-2020.pdf">not being applied to alcoholic beverages</a>.</p> <p>In Australia, the alcohol content and number of standard drinks must be <a href="https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/consumer/labelling/Pages/Labelling-of-alcoholic-beverages.aspx">listed on the product’s label</a>. However, there is no requirement, as for other foods and drinks, that ingredients (except for certain allergens such as milk or gluten) and nutritional information (energy, carbohydrates, and so on) be listed.</p> <p>Aside from warnings to pregnant women to abstain from alcohol, there is no provision for consumer information about the risks of alcohol consumption on alcohol packaging. Yet such warnings are required for other hazardous substances taken into the body, such as tobacco.</p> <h2>How Ireland is leading the charge</h2> <p>Ireland is leading the world with its alcohol labelling. From 2026, drinks containing alcohol will have to inform consumers about the specific risks of liver disease and fatal cancers.</p> <p>Labels will also have to notify buyers of the alcohol risks to pregnancy, the calorie content of the beverage, and the number of grams of alcohol it contains.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/530734/original/file-20230607-16366-8nixs9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/530734/original/file-20230607-16366-8nixs9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530734/original/file-20230607-16366-8nixs9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530734/original/file-20230607-16366-8nixs9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=400&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530734/original/file-20230607-16366-8nixs9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530734/original/file-20230607-16366-8nixs9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/530734/original/file-20230607-16366-8nixs9.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=503&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="People walk past a pub in Ireland" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Health warning labels will be mandatory in Ireland from 2026.</span> <span class="attribution"><a class="source" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/dublin-ireland-july-11-2021-outdoor-2007076256">Shutterstock</a></span></figcaption></figure> <p>The new labelling move <a href="https://www.cancer.ie/about-us/news/irish-cancer-society-statement-on-the-introduction-of-health-warning-labels-on-alcohol-products">demonstrates</a> the government has prioritised reducing alcohol-related disease and has widespread support. A recent <a href="https://academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/33/2/323/7067991">household survey</a> in Ireland found 81.9% of the more than 1,000 participants supported the introduction of health warning labels on alcohol.</p> <h2>Barriers to overcome in Australia</h2> <p>In 2020, in the face of intense pressure from industry groups, the Australian government decided on new labelling requirements for alcoholic beverages, but only to warn about the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-has-some-of-the-highest-rates-of-drinking-during-pregnancy-its-time-to-make-labelling-mandatory-142645">risks of drinking during pregnancy</a>. From a public health point of view, this was a mediocre compromise.</p> <p>Australia is currently considering introducing energy content (kilojoule) labelling on alcoholic beverages. This would be a positive step and but it is as far as Australia seems willing to go for now. There are no plans for Australia to follow Ireland’s lead.</p> <p>Some countries seem to be <a href="https://www.ibec.ie/drinksireland/news-insights-and-events/news/2023/05/16/strong-international-opposition-to-irelands-alcohol-labelling-proposals">gearing up</a> to use the World Trade Organization’s processes to oppose Ireland’s new labels.</p> <p>Australia <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22716074/">previously opposed</a> enhanced alcohol warning labels Thailand proposed, at the same time Australia was seeking international support for its tobacco plain packaging laws. This time, Australia should prioritise the public’s health over commercial interests and support Ireland’s alcohol warning messages in the World Trade Organization.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/206985/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emmanuel-kuntsche-430354">Emmanuel Kuntsche</a>, Director of the Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/paula-obrien-4221">Paula O'Brien</a>, Associate Professor in Faculty of Law, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a></em>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/robin-room-3770">Robin Room</a>, Professor, Centre for Alcohol Policy Research, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/la-trobe-university-842">La Trobe University</a></em></p> <p>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/australia-should-follow-irelands-lead-and-add-stronger-health-warning-labels-to-alcohol-206985">original article</a>.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Australian man among 10 killed in Ireland explosion

<p dir="ltr">An Australian man has been identified as one of ten victims who died following an explosion at a petrol station in Ireland.</p> <p dir="ltr">James O’Flaherty, a 48-year-old who hailed from Sydney, died in the blast which police say occurred shortly after 3pm local time on Friday, October 7 at a petrol station in the village of Creeslough.</p> <p dir="ltr">The blast levelled the service station building, damaged an adjacent apartment building and shattered windows in nearby cottages.</p> <p dir="ltr">An additional eight people were injured in the explosion and hospitalised, with one person flown to Dublin in critical condition.</p> <p dir="ltr">An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s police force, released the names and photos of the ten victims, ranging in age from 5 to 59 years old.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-10645834-7fff-dd8f-bd18-3654d533e181"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The victims included: James O’Flaherty, 48, Jessica Gallagher, 24, Martin McGill, 49, Catherine O’Donnell, 39, and her son James Monaghan, 13, Hugh Kelly, 59, Martina Martin, 49, Robert Garwe, 50, and his daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe, five, and Leona Harper, 14.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/ireland-victims1.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-fad55178-7fff-f6d1-5667-b03852cf0f28">James O’Flaherty, 48, Jessica Gallagher, 24, and Martin McGill, 49, were among the victims who died in the blast. Images: An Garda Síochána (Facebook)</span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/ireland-victims2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-8d2194f2-7fff-1716-1df2-6b57776acd84">Catherine O’Donnell, 39, and her son 13-year-old James Monaghan, Hugh Kelly, 59, and Martina Martin, 49, were among the victims who died in the blast. Images: An Garda Síochána (Facebook)</span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/ireland-victims3.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Robert Garwe, 50, his five-year-old daughter Shauna Flanagan Garwe, and 14-year-old Leona Harper were among the victims who died in the blast. Images: An Garda Síochána (Facebook)</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Mr O’Flaherty, who was living in Rinclevan, Dufanaghy, will be laid to rest on Wednesday.</p> <p dir="ltr">He is survived by his wife Tracey and son Hamish.</p> <p dir="ltr">As police investigate the cause of the blast, superintendent David Kelly said evidence “is pointing toward a tragic accident”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Irish police superintendent Liam Geraghty said the event has left locals traumatised.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was a very, very traumatic scene that people came across," he said. </p> <p dir="ltr">"It was a very, very confusing, as you can imagine. And there was a lot of debris." </p> <p dir="ltr">Siobhan Carr, an eyewitness, said the area was covered in ash and “a puff of smoke”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And just within seconds, people from the community had just come running up the roads," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Cars stopped, people getting out of cars running towards the building to see who could help."</p> <p dir="ltr">Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the incident has had a national impact and that the country is in mourning.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The entire nation is mourning and really shocked and deeply saddened," he said at the cordon surrounding the blast site.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The young child in the shop loses her life and two teenagers, along with men and women who are going about their lives as well." </p> <p dir="ltr">“It is a very close-knit community and our heart goes out to them.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Talking to those on the front line and everyone involved, they were very moved by the extraordinary support they got from the community here almost immediately.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Many volunteers rushed to the scene to try and do everything they could to help because it was a horrific scene they came upon and we must always remember our emergency services.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a8e64f6b-7fff-35a3-26d3-b1f2a4a63ae2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: An Garda Síochána (Facebook)</em></p>

News

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Grace under pressure: Princess Kate heckled in Ireland

<p dir="ltr">Princess Kate was the subject of a heckler in Northern Ireland, where she was greeting crowds after visiting a suicide prevention charity.</p> <p dir="ltr">Footage has emerged of the Princess of Wales shaking hands with the heckler, who filmed herself telling the royal that “Ireland belongs to the Irish”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Nice to meet you but it would be better if it was when you were in your own country,” the woman said.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-33624c49-7fff-e851-b17e-b59d386e2ae7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">The princess laughed off the comments before letting go of the woman’s hand and continuing to greet other members of the crowd.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This woman reefing the arm off Kate Middleton and telling her 'Ireland belongs to the Irish'.... <a href="https://t.co/KK2gAqZ0Kv">pic.twitter.com/KK2gAqZ0Kv</a></p> <p>— Caolán Mc Aree (@Caolanmcaree) <a href="https://twitter.com/Caolanmcaree/status/1578095529233641472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Northern Ireland has been a hotly contested region since 1922, when the southern part of the country become gained independence and became the Republic of Ireland while Northern Island remained in the United Kingdom.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the tense interaction, Princess Kate’s time in Belfast seemed quite successful, as she and her husband Prince William visited several cross-community support organisations.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a197fca1-7fff-6746-3b76-235f45d6e206"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier in the day, the royal was spotted making and enjoying a cheeky drink with her husband after the couple travelled to the city centre to view the new outdoor street food and retail market.</p> <p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/10/kate-belfast.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Kate Middleton was spotted trying her hand at cocktail making during her visit to Belfast, Northern Island. Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p dir="ltr">The market, which opened in July, was designed as a place for the community to come together to enjoy artisanal food and local products.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair also met with workers from PIPS, a suicide prevention charity, and spoke to them about their work helping people at risk of suicide and self-harm.</p> <p dir="ltr">During their visit, the charity arranged for William and Kate to take part in an art therapy session, which saw them paint pumpkins with children whom PIPS has supported.</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-dc55e41c-7fff-872e-4632-e3782f547000"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: The Sun, Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Sinead O’Connor shares emotional tributes after her son is found dead

<p>Sinead O'Connor's son has been found dead in Ireland just days after he was reported missing. </p> <p>Police said the missing case was closed after the body of 17-year-old Shane was found in the town of Bray, 20km south of Dublin. </p> <p>The singer shared a series of emotional tweets saying how her son "decided to end his earthly struggle" and urged others not to do the same. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“My beautiful son, Nevi’im Nesta Ali Shane O’Connor, the very light of my life, decided to end his earthly struggle today and is now with God,” she said.</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“May he rest in peace and may no one follow his example. My baby, I love you so much. Please be at peace.”</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">It is believed that Shane went missing after escaping from hospital while on suicide watch. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">In Sinead's series of tweets, she vowed to "never forgive" the authorities who were caring for Shane before his untimely death. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><span>She said, "I have now formally identified the remains of my son, Shane. May God forgive the Irish State for I never will."</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><span>"I’m going to take private time now to grieve my son. When I am ready I will be telling exactly how the Irish State in the ignorant, evil, self-serving, lying forms of Tusla and the HSE (Health Service Executive) enabled and facilitated his death."</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><span>Shane was under the care of child and family agency Tusla when he escaped, as Sinead claims the organisation has "too many kids dying on their </span>watch."</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">Shane was one of four of Sinead's children, and his father was Irish musician Donal Lunny. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">Finishing her tributes to her late son, Sinead dedicated the Bob Marley song <em>Ride Natty Ride</em> to Shane, adding "<span>This is for my Shaney. The light of my life. The lamp of my soul. My blue-eye baby. You will always be my light. We will always be together. No boundary can separate us."</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Twitter @OhSineady</em></p>

News

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Queen cancels trip on doctor's orders

<p><em>Image: Getty </em></p> <p>The Queen has “reluctantly” cancelled a trip to Northern Ireland on medical advice, though royal experts have assured the public the decision is no cause for concern.</p> <p>Her Majesty had planned to travel to Northern Ireland on Wednesday afternoon, but Buckingham Palace announced she would be unable to attend, following doctors advice to “rest”.</p> <p>“The Queen has reluctantly accepted medical advice to rest for the next few days,” the spokesperson said.</p> <p>“Her Majesty is in good spirits and is disappointed that she will no longer be able to visit Northern Ireland, where she had been due to undertake a series of engagements today and tomorrow."</p> <p>“The Queen sends her warmest good wishes to the people of Northern Ireland and looks forward to visiting in the future.”</p> <p>No further details were revealed about why the 95-year-old has been ordered to rest at home, sparking speculation among the public.</p> <p>However, royal sources confirmed to multiple outlets that the Queen’s decision to cancel the trip had nothing to do with the UK's spike in COVID-19 numbers.</p> <p>“We are told there is ‘no cause for alarm’ about the Queen’s health,” ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship tweeted in the wake of the announcement.</p> <p>Northern Irish leaders sent their well-wishes to the Queen with Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, tweeting that he trusts the Queen "will keep well and benefit from a period of rest".</p> <p>At 95 years of age, Queen Elizabeth is Britain's oldest monarch, but that hasn't stopped her from continuing to carry out public royal duties well into her 90s.</p> <p>It's understood that she will now retire to Windsor Castle for a few days' rest before returning to her planned royal duties next week.</p> <p>In the meantime, other senior royals including Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince William may step up to attend some of the engagements she will be forced to miss.</p>

Caring

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Kate Middleton shows she has nerves of steel

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A day after <a rel="noopener" href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/royals-hit-the-red-carpet-at-bond-world-premiere" target="_blank">gracing the red carpet</a> premiere of </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">No Time To Die</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Prince William and Kate Middleton have made a <a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/prince-william-kate-middleton-duchess-of-cambridge-northern-ireland/3073b11b-6622-49c2-b939-55f4829b6e40" target="_blank">series of appearances</a> in Northern Island.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During their first visit to Derry-Londonderry, the couple made a stop at the petting zoo on Ulster University’s Magee Campus, where Kate held a tarantula named Charlotte in the palm of her hand.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A surprise guest appearance from Charlotte the tarantula,” the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote on social media.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prince William appeared less enthused and seemed to keep his distance from the arachnid in photos.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He also joked that Kate’s bright purple suit prompted the spider to be unusually animated.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Maybe she’s not so keen on purple, or maybe she thinks you’re a flower,” he quipped.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead, the Duke of Cambridge was spotted holding a snake, admitting that his eldest son would have loved it.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“George is obsessed with snakes, he’s going to be so upset he missed this,” William said of the eight-year-old.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The royal couple then made a stop at the Student Union, which was hosting a “Culture Shock” event, and sampled some local treats, as well as whiskey and Guinness.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Duke and Duchess then played a game with the students that saw them attempt to pronounce Irish words.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m going to have another drink, I’m not doing very well at this,” William joked.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The pair also met with some nursing students they had spoken to earlier this year, then kicked a football around with City of Derry Rugby players, coaches, and volunteers involved in the Sport Uniting Communities initiative.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: Getty Images</span></em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Queen looks back on special tour with Prince Philip: “I treasure my many memories”

<p>Queen Elizabeth has opened up about her fond memories with Prince Philip from their trip to Ireland over a decade ago.</p> <p>The royal recalled the 2011 tour that they had set on to pay tribute to the 100-year anniversary of the creation of Northern Ireland.</p> <p>The monarch said the milestone was "a significant centenary for both the United Kingdom and Ireland".</p> <p>"This anniversary reminds us of our complex history," she said in a statement.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841072/philip-queen.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/656ed3331a824823a1057336ccf60d4c" /></p> <p>She added that it provided "an opportunity to reflect on our togetherness and our diversity".</p> <p>The monarch also mentioned how the trip to Northern Ireland was special for her husband and herself.</p> <p>"I look back with fondness on the visit Prince Philip and I paid to Ireland, ten years ago this month," she said.</p> <p>"I treasure my many memories, and the spirit of goodwill I saw at first hand."</p> <p>Northern Ireland was officially founded on May 3, 1921.</p> <p>The Queen's visit to Ireland in 2011 was the first by a British monarch since 1911.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841070/philip-queen-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/137ed183085446428eabe4bdb1f2862b" /></p> <p>The Queen said that political progress and processes of peace were "rightly credited to a generation of leaders who had the vision and courage to put reconciliation before division".</p> <p>"Above all, the continued peace is a credit to its people, upon whose shoulders the future rests," she added.</p> <p>"Across generations, the people of Northern Ireland are choosing to build an inclusive, prosperous, and hopeful society, strengthened by the gains of the peace process.</p> <p>"May this be our guiding thread in the coming years."</p>

Relationships

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Irish locals "protecting Matt Damon like a glorious gem"

<p>Matt Damon has been quarantining in a tiny Irish village with his wife and children, and it seems everyone including the locals are loving it.</p> <p>The Hollywood heavyweight has become one of the world’s “nicest” celebrities and while living in Ireland to wait out the coronavirus, the star says it has been a “fairy-tale”.</p> <p>The US-based actor has been renting out a home in Dalkey, Ireland, on the outskirts of Dublin, since early March when he arrived with his family to finish shooting <em>The Last Duel</em> with Ridley Scott.</p> <p>However, the star, his wife and his three younger daughters chose to stay put rather than rush home on a private jet when the world plunged into a pandemic.</p> <p>While his presence in the small town was a tightly-kept secret, he was pictured taking a swim with his towel in a supermarket bag.</p> <p>The sight was quickly reported to a local radio station.</p> <p>“I honestly feel like I’m about to throw up … this doesn’t seem real,” said Nathan, of the <em>Fully Charged with Graham and Nathan</em> show.</p> <p>“I don’t know if you are aware but the Dalkey people are protecting you like a glorious gem,” he said. </p> <p><span>Damon laughed at the news and said he had “no idea” but it made him “realise how great this place was.”</span></p> <p>“It’s incredible, this is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever been. Obviously what’s going on in the world is horrible but for my family it timed out.”</p> <p>The star explained that he moved there for what the family thought would be just eight weeks to shoot the movie.</p> <p>He and his wife also brought teachers for their three younger children as they would be out of school.</p> <p>“We’ve got what nobody else has which is actual live human beings teaching our kids. We feel guilty. We’ve got this kind of incredible set up in this place.”</p> <p>“It feels a little like a fairytale here.”</p> <p>The woman behind the photo of Damon explained excitedly what happened the day she bumped into him having a swim at a local beach.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAIKcAKnBIY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAIKcAKnBIY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Siobhan Berry (@mummycooks)</a> on May 13, 2020 at 5:10am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“We were out for a family swim and we bumped into Matt and his family. It was all very cool – no one else around … just his (and my family) enjoying the freezing cold water and having a laugh!” Siobhan Berry of Mummy Cooks wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“As we were all leaving, he very politely obliged for a photo, leaning in with his @supervalu_irl bag keeping the social distance!”</p> <p>“As he confirmed on the radio, he was holding a bag of swim gear and towels – not cans!!”</p> <p>She said the pair had initially agreed not to share the photo, but it leaked out via a family WhatsApp group.</p> <p>“We felt awful and really sorry about the whole situation; we wrote an apology letter to him but never got to deliver it. After hearing him on radio today, he obviously sees the funny side and the fact that the photo ultimately turned into one of the feel-good stories of the early summer.”</p>

International Travel

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No joking matter: Prince William's coronavirus quip on Ireland trip

<p>Prince William has joked about spreading coronavirus with his wife Kate as they make their way through Ireland.</p> <p>As he met emergency workers at a reception hosted by Britain’s Ambassador to Ireland Robin Barnett, he joked about the panic surrounding the disease.</p> <p>I bet everyone’s like ‘I’ve got coronavirus, I’m dying’, and you’re like ‘No, you’ve just got a cough’, he joked to Joe Mooney, an advance paramedic with the National Ambulance Service.</p> <p>“Does it seem quite dramatic about coronavirus at the moment? Is it being a little bit hyped up do you think in the media?”</p> <p>As the two continued talking, the Duke of Cambridge later grimaced with mock horror and explained his part in spreading the disease.</p> <p>“By the way, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are spreading coronavirus, sorry.</p> <p>“We’re keeping an eye on that, so do tell us if we need to stop.”</p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N58eu-qM1aA"></iframe></div> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"> <div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>A royal insider told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11094200/prince-william-jokes-coronavirus-ireland-trip/" target="_blank">The Sun</a><span> </span></em>that the couple are following guidelines from Public Health England and the Department of Health, which means “business as usual” for now.</p> <p>“This is a discussion we have been having and everything we are doing should continue as usual,” said the insider.</p> <p>During the event, Prince William also joked that he never thought he’d see his grandmother the Queen in a pub.</p> <p>"We are retracing the footsteps of my grandmother, who was shown how to pour the perfect pint here in 2011,” he told the crowd.</p> <p>"Ladies and Gentlemen let me tell you it is not often that I find myself following the Queen to a pub!”</p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are on their first official visit to Ireland, nine years after the Queen became the first British monarch to visit the country since its independence.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Body

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Duchess Kate stuns in shimmering $3000 gown

<p>After a day of playing sport and other activities, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out for a reception in Belfast during their surprise trip to Northern Ireland. Duchess Kate sparkled in a simply mesmerising mint green gown by Missoni with a V-neckline and sheer puff sleeves.</p> <p>The royal added to the look with a nude clutch and simple heels in a relaxed hair style.</p> <p>Shining in the AUD$2,962 dress for a reception at Belfast’s iconic Empire Music Hall on Wednesday night, it was the third outfit change of the day for the Duchess. The event aimed to celebrate young people making a difference in Northern Ireland.</p> <p>In a speech by Prince William, he praised Dame Mary Peters' work for the “common good” and said people could learn from her example.</p> <p>“Catherine and I are grateful to be amongst so many inspirational young leaders this evening. Over the course of the day, we've had the great privilege of meeting some of you personally and seeing first-hand the work that you are doing,” he said.</p> <p>“From using sport to encourage people to talk openly about mental health to delivering services to children and young people who are at risk of entering care or custody – the work you do transcends community divisions and is helping deliver a brighter future for everybody in Northern Ireland.</p> <p>“And as we celebrate those who are leading that change for the next generation, it is also fitting that we recognise somebody else in the room this evening – who helped inspire so many of you in the first place.</p> <p>“Mary Peters is not only one of the United Kingdom's sporting legends, she's also inspired generation after generation to come together in times of trouble and work for the common good – a lesson I hope many of us can learn from.”</p> <p>After the heartwarming speech, both the duke and duchess got behind the bar and tried their hand at pulling a pint.</p> <p>Earlier that day the royal Duchess kicked a ball around with her husband in a sportier look with a Navy Barnour jacket and trainers. The jam-packed day also saw the royal couple compete in a heated Canadian canoe race, and play their hand at archery. They both also practiced putting up a tent.</p> <p>This unexpected trip will not last long however, as the couple are due to leave today.</p> <p>This event is just days after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan, went to Morocco for three days before the birth of their first child.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Duchess Kate’s gorgeous shimmering $3000 gown and her sporty look from earlier that day. </p>

News

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Did Duchess Kate just drop a major hint about royal baby no.4?

<p>The Duchess of Cambridge has admitted to “feeling a little broody” after she met a royal fan’s baby during her and Prince William’s short two-day tour in Northern Ireland.</p> <p>The royal, in-between cooing and gushing over a five-month-old baby boy named James, joked her husband “would be a little worried” by a fourth child to the family.</p> <p>“He’s gorgeous. It makes me feel a little broody,” a smiling Duchess Kate told James’ dad, Alan.</p> <p>Cheekily he asked: “Baby number four?”</p> <p>The Duchess found the question funny as she laughingly responded: “I think William would be a little worried.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">🎥 Little James Barr was a huge hit with the Duchess of Cambridge here in Ballymena.<br /><br />Kate Middleton joked that he’s “making her feel broody”! 👶🏼 <a href="https://t.co/LRRVK137zD">pic.twitter.com/LRRVK137zD</a></p> — Damien Edgar (@damien_edgar7) <a href="https://twitter.com/damien_edgar7/status/1101101980691378177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>She also complimented a young girl’s coat jacket, saying, “I love your cool coat. Charlotte loves pink.”</p> <p>Hundreds of excited fans milled the streets of the Co Antrim town as Prince William and his wife walked down the street.</p> <p>Braving the cold weather outside the Braid Centre stood the Irish royal supporters waving their hands and flags to get the attention of the smiling couple.</p> <p>It is the first public engagement the couple have had on their two day visit to Northern Ireland, a trip that came quite unexpectedly to learn about a charity which uses film, TV and digital technologies to inspire young people.</p> <p>The royal couple were kept busy for their first day in Northern Ireland – playing football at Belfast’s Windsor Park, competing against each other in a tight canoe race, setting up tents and putting their archery skills to the test before pulling pints that evening at a reception supporting young leaders at the Empire Music Hall in Belfast.</p> <p>The royal sported a Cinderella blue Mulberry coat dress for her final day in Northern Ireland accessorised with a navy Jimmy Choo clutch and Rupert Sanderson pumps to add to the look.</p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Why Prince William and Duchess Kate go by different names in Scotland and Ireland

<p>Prince William and Kate Middleton are usually referred to as Wills and Kate in informal settings, but officially they are known as the the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.</p> <p>However, once the royal couple leave England to go to Ireland or Scotland, their titles are subject to change.</p> <p>The Duke and Duchess were bestowed their title "Cambridge" on their wedding day in April 2011. It’s also the name that has been passed down to their children – Prince George of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince Louis of Cambridge.</p> <p>However, William and Kate were also given another royal title at the time, one that the couple are known by in Scotland – Earl and Countess of Strathearn.</p> <p>In Northern Ireland they are considered the Baron and Lady Carrickfergus.</p> <p>Another mystery that has always surrounded Duchess Kate is whether her name preference is Catherine or Kate.</p> <p>Well, the internet thinks they’ve got this one figured out – a photo from their recent royal tour of Norway providing the stark answer.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">After their arrival to the palace, the King and Queen exchanged gifts with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoyalVisitNorway?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoyalVisitNorway</a> <a href="https://t.co/lSd2jeRH4n">pic.twitter.com/lSd2jeRH4n</a></p> — Scandinavian Royals. (@crownprincely) <a href="https://twitter.com/crownprincely/status/959098741872562176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>A Twitter user posted a photo of a card on a present given to a then-pregnant Duchess with the name "Kate", during an interaction with Queen Sonja and King Harald.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Curious thing one of the sweaters seems to say “To Kate” instead of Catherine. Maybe the end of this debate? <a href="https://t.co/KTMGyiyKGO">pic.twitter.com/KTMGyiyKGO</a></p> — Scandinavian Royals. (@crownprincely) <a href="https://twitter.com/crownprincely/status/959101537577512960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>"Curious thing one of the sweaters seems to say, 'To Kate' instead of Catherine. Maybe the end of this debate?" the Twitter user captioned with the image.</p> <p>Another user on Twitter also took to answering the question even further by saying: "Duchess Kate had been asked once by a kid during a public engagement what's her name, The Duchess simply answered to call her 'Kate'."</p> <p>Do you prefer Duchess Kate or Duchess Catherine? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

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The ridiculous amount a royal visit costs: "I cannot stand over this type of expenditure"

<p>The staggering price of a royal visit has been revealed after one councillor in Ireland shared a breakdown of the cost of a visit from Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla.</p> <p>In June, the heir to the throne and his wife visited Cork, Ireland, for an overnight stop in the university town.</p> <p>Despite their short stay, Cork City Council spent an excessive amount of money to prepare for the trip.</p> <p>And now, Thomas Gould, Sinn Féin Councillor for Cork North Central, has shared a breakdown of the cost on Twitter.</p> <p>He wrote: "Cork City Council’s spent €19,770 ($31,078) for a dinner for Charles &amp; Camilla along with 70 guests. In total €203,761 ($320,310).”</p> <p>"I have no issue with them visiting but I cannot stand over this type of expenditure when we have the high levels of homelessness, hospital waiting lists € much more."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Cork City Council’s spent €19,770 for a dinner for Charles &amp; Camilla along with 70 guests. In total €203,761. I have no issue with them visiting but I cannot stand over this type of expenditure when we have the high levels of homelessness, hospital waiting lists € much more. <a href="https://t.co/WmaUK4SI6o">pic.twitter.com/WmaUK4SI6o</a></p> — CLLRThomas Gould (@ThomasGouldsf) <a href="https://twitter.com/ThomasGouldsf/status/1072292561333686272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>The cost for the visit included $9331 spent on polishing door handles in Town Hall and $9780 on replacing a light in the foyer.</p> <p>However, the council has defended the costs in a statement to CCN, saying the expenditure included “specialist reconditioning, polishing and lacquering of over 260 individual brass items by a local specialist firm".</p> <p>The council also spent money on "reconditioning, polishing and lacquering door handles, escutcheons, push plates, finger plates, brass fittings and kick plates.</p> <p>"These items had not been refurbished since they were first put in place over 80 years ago and were due to be refinished but the project was brought forward due to (the) Royal visit," they said.</p> <p>During Charles and Camilla’s stay, they also visited the English Market which was decorated with $14,669 worth of banners to mark its 230th birthday.</p> <p>What are your thoughts on the cost of Prince Charles and Camilla's royal visit to Ireland? Let us know in the comments below. </p>

News

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8 magical reasons to visit Ireland

<p><strong>1. Blarney Castle</strong></p> <p>In County Cork, it is famous for the Blarney Stone – kiss it for the gift of eternal eloquence, legend says. Visitors literally bend over backwards to smooch this fabled rock set into the castle’s wall. The 15th-century castle also offers gardens, caves and battlement views.</p> <p><strong>2. The Guinness Storehouse</strong></p> <p>At the St James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin welcomes over a million visitors each year to the on-site stout-producing plant. The Guinness Storehouse gives a behind the scenes look into the brewing process – over three million pints are brewed here daily. At the end of the brewery tour, visitors can relax with a pint while taking in the stunning 360-degree views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar.</p> <p><strong>3. Brú na Bóinne in County Meath</strong></p> <p>Is a Neolithic site of henges, standing stones and burial chambers, built about 3200 BC. Immensely popular year-round, Brú na Bóinne gets extra attention during winter solstice when, for a few dawns in late December, a beam of sunlight pierces a mysterious opening in one passage tomb, Newgrange, illuminating its chamber for a few minutes. So great is the demand to see the winter solstice sunrise at Newgrange that an annual lottery is held for chamber access.</p> <p><strong>4. The Rock of Cashel</strong></p> <p>(Or St Patrick’s Rock) in County Tipperary dates to the 12th and 13th centuries. The formidable fortress boasts a round tower, cathedral and chapel with priceless Celtic art and medieval architecture. In the fifth century, legend has it that St Patrick converted Aengus, the King of Munster, to Christianity at this very spot.</p> <p><strong>5. Experience the Festivals</strong></p> <p>From St Patrick’s Day to Galway International Arts Festival, Ireland has hundreds of cultural celebrations every year. The most anticipated is St Patrick’s Festival (around St Patrick’s Day, March 17), when parades and a carnival atmosphere will leave you spellbound.</p> <p><strong>6. Visit Dublin</strong></p> <p>The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin buzzes with lively pubs, beautiful architecture and fine museums. A Dublin Pass will gain you entry to more than 30 top Dublin attractions, plus discounts for restaurants, shops, theatre, tours and transportation (and a free guidebook).</p> <p><strong>7. Revel in Irish Folklore</strong></p> <p>The World Heritage-listed Giant’s Causeway on the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland was, legend says, built by a giant, Fionn Mac Cumhail (Finn McCool), to keep his feet dry while walking to Scotland. Geologists suggest volcanic activity 60 million years ago created the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that amaze visitors today.</p> <p><strong>8. Dine on Irish Cuisine</strong></p> <p>Traditional dishes such as Irish stew, soda bread, farmhouse cheese, and colcannon (cabbage/kale and potatoes) are still on the menu, but the new wave of Irish cooking focuses on fresh local ingredients and the catch of the day. Seafood options include wild Atlantic salmon, oysters, scallops and lobster, Dublin Bay prawns, chargrilled swordfish and grilled sole. The Galway International Oyster &amp; Seafood Festival celebrates this bounty every September.</p> <p><em>Written by Jackie Middleton. This article first appeared in <span><a href="http://www.readersdigest.com.au/travel/destinations/8-Magical-Reasons-to-Visit-Ireland">Reader’s Digest</a></span>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <span><a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.com.au/c/readersdigestsubscribe?utm_source=readersdigest&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;utm_medium=display&amp;keycode=WRA85S">here’s our best subscription offer</a></span>.</em></p> <p><img style="width: 100px !important; height: 100px !important;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7820640/1.png" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f30947086c8e47b89cb076eb5bb9b3e2" /></p>

International Travel

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Prince Harry just said no to a big family – 5 kids is “too many”

<p>The good news is that Prince Harry and his new wife Meghan are planning a family. But don’t expect there to be lots of mini Harry’s and Meghan’s running around.</p> <p>During the royal couple’s first official overseas tour in Ireland this week, a woman joked to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that they should get started on a family soon, but the prince brushed off the suggestion the couple should follow in the well-wisher’s footsteps and have five children.</p> <p>Royal fan Elaine Adam-Stewart, 43, told Harry: “My husband also has red hair and he gave me five children – when are you and Meghan going to get going?” <em><a href="https://people.com/royals/prince-harry-no-to-big-family/">People</a></em> reported.</p> <p>Luckily the good-humoured prince saw the funny side, with Elaine telling <em>People</em>, “He laughed and said, ‘Five children? Too many.’”</p> <p>Earlier in the day, Harry and Meghan shared some lovely candid moments with a couple of <a href="https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-hair-toddler-ireland/">toddlers at Croke Park</a>, with one of the cheeky children unable to stop touching the duchess’s hair – 3-year-old Walter Kieran immediately went to grab Meghan’s beautiful wavy, long locks. Attentive husband Harry joined in on the fun by giving the mischievous toddler a mock scolding, wagging his finger at him.</p> <p> <img width="500" height="375" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819786/1-harry-and-meghan_500x375.jpg" alt="1 Harry And Meghan"/></p> <p><img width="500" height="359" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7819787/3-harry-meghan_500x359.jpg" alt="3 Harry Meghan"/></p> <p>Harry also had his own obsessed little fan to contend with, when 4-year-old Dylan Mahon tugged at the royals’ red beard (pictured top), with the prince playfully grimacing and Meghan attempting to stifle a laugh. The royal told the young boy, “You might have a beard soon – you never know!”</p> <p>When asked about baby plans during Harry and Meghan’s BBC interview in November, just after the pair announced their engagement, the prince exclaimed, “Of course. You know, one step at a time. Hopefully we’ll start a family in the near future.”</p> <p>During another interview last year, Prince Harry admitted he was looking forward to fatherhood, telling <em>The Telegrap</em>h, “I would love to have kids.” While in a 2016 interview with <em>Best Health</em> magazine, Meghan revealed her bucket list items and shared, “I want to travel more, and I can’t wait to start a family, but in due time.”</p>

Family & Pets

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Duchess Meghan reveals what she misses about her old life

<p>She’s taken to her new life as the Duchess of Sussex with gusto, but Meghan Markle has revealed she found leaving some parts of her old life behind difficult.</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2018/07/prince-harry-and-meghan-all-loved-up-in-first-tour-as-married-couple/">While visiting Ireland with her new husband</a></span></strong>, Prince Harry, Meghan stopped to talk to royal fans after visiting the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin.</p> <p>One Meghan fan told the former actress she misses Suits, the TV series the Californian native starred in before retiring from acting to become a member of the royal family.</p> <p>“I’m a fan of Suits and I said to her that I miss it and she said ‘so do I,’” Fiona Moore told the Daily Mail of her brief exchange with Meghan during her Ireland visit.</p> <p>Moore said Meghan appeared “very relaxed and was joking and laughing”.</p> <p>Meghan played paralegal-turned-lawyer Rachel Zane on the hit series for seven seasons.</p>

News

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Prince Harry and Meghan’s unlikely honeymoon destination

<p><span>While some were expecting Harry and Meghan to jet off to an exotic or tropical location after their May 19 nuptials, their chosen destination has come as a bit of a surprise.</span></p> <p><span>After the couple tie the knot, they will be heading to Ireland, according to the Irish Independent.</span></p> <p><span>There is plenty for the duo to do while they spend their time there, such as sightseeing the castles or washing down a hearty stew with a pint of Guinness.</span></p> <p><span>Like William and Kate, it is likely Harry and Meghan will be given the title of Duke and Duchess as a wedding gift from the Queen. </span></p> <p><span>Their honeymoon choice is particularly interesting as it has been suggested that the Dukedom of Connaught, in Northern Island, might be bestowed upon them.</span></p> <p><span>Another popular suggestion is the Dukedom of Sussex.</span></p> <p><span>In March, Harry and Meghan went to Belfast in Northern Ireland where they visited local pubs and history centres.</span></p> <p><span>Royal speculators have suggested that the pair might conclude their trip to Ireland, by travelling to a second location for their honeymoon.  </span></p>

International Travel

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CCTV catches “ghost" haunting Irish school

<p>An old high school in Cork, Ireland, is no stranger to spooky happenings, but the latest incident – which was captured on CCTV – has to be the scariest. Deerpark CBS has shared a video of its halls, recorded at 3 am on a Sunday, showing some seriously creepy goings-on.</p> <p>In the video, a door can be seen swinging in the corridor, a set of lockers starts shaking violently then ejects its contents, and a wet floor sign appears to be kicked over by an invisible force.</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIndependent.ie%2Fvideos%2F10155914204228470%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="314" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>As easy as it is to dismiss the events as an elaborate prank, apparently this isn’t an isolated incident. The school, founded in 1828, has a long history of paranormal activity.</p> <p>Deerpark Principal Aaron Wolfe told Unilad that the caretaker once reported hearing “the last call” played on the trumpet in the middle of the night when the school was empty. A pupil once heard crying in the bathroom – despite being alone.</p> <p>But that’s not all. “The female members of staff do complain that this particular part is extremely cold,” he said. “It’s also outside the Religion Room – which is weird.”</p> <p>The plot thickens! Tell us in the comments below, do you believe the school is haunted? Or is this just the product of cheeky students and some very suggestible staff members?</p>

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